Searching For A Guardian

On the borderline of Uprin sat vast miles of desert. It had the hottest climate in all of Jerova. Volcanic magma was at its highest point and even cracked through Earthelle's crust in some parts. The land here was crumbling; many people believed it was because of the heavy weight of sorcery and war. The people of Uprin blamed both sources and were against all forms of magic.

A small squad of soldiers took refuge in a barn house outside one small village. They were returning home to Souvanence away from the war behind them. Captain Xuri led Major Britton, Sergeant Mori, Corporals' Turner and Radcliffe, and five privates', Riley, Brown, Murray, Claudio and Maldon. They were remnants of a larger unit, ambushed over a week ago, a day before they were due leave.

It had taken a lot to convince a farmer of wasteland to lend his barn to ten beaten soldiers for one night. The farmer would not give his name to the 'children of war,' as they were known in Uprin, for fear they might brag about his hospitality. In exchange for one night on hard wooden beams, the farmer set them all chores to do.

The soldiers were set to dig up potatoes and other dry vegetables from the rocky cracked dirt, and clean the unhealthy, retired animals and their pens. All without the aid of magic. It had been this way since leaving Dekra. Farm after farm of sorcery loathing occupants taking advantage of their physical strength.

"Do not worry about it troops. Another week and we'll be sipping wine at the Summer's River inn and relaxing in a nice hot bath, surrounded by beauty," said Xuri as he sat on his split wooden support beam scrapping mud from his boots.

"For you guys maybe," laughed Mori, she was one of just only three women left in the squad.

The ten warriors all wore the standard iron armour under dirt-covered robes. The robes were dark green, the colour of the Hunters. A name given to them by the Elites when they were the ones setting the ambush. Golden stripes across the chest marked them out in order of rank.

Captain Xuri bore greasy curly blond hair in desperate need of a strong wash, "I'm sure Turner and Claudio would not disagree, right ladies?"

Turner and Claudio both looked up and nodded.

"I'm still looking for my well groomed man to walk into any place where I may be sitting," said Claudio. Her hair was short, straight and blonde; she had little resemblance to her short aunty teaching at the Souvanence school. Her eyes were pale blue and she wore a battle scar down her right cheek.

"Me and Darren will look at many beautiful things together, won't we honey?" Replied Turner.

"Yes, of course," replied Britton slowly.

"I can't wait to meet the family," said Turner brushing her long red hair. She watched Major Britton close with deep blue eyes. Darren Britton was studying a small container of black liquid. He resembled his younger sister, Kirsten, in every way. His eyes were a very dark brown and his short hair was equally as dark. He had the same shaped small nose and mouth.

"What's wrong, Major?" Asked the Captain, "You look down."

"I'm fine, sir, just the thought of being so close to home I guess."

"What's in your hand?" Asked Mori.

"What, this?" Replied Britton holding up the vile, "This is a deadly potion I found on those orcs we saw three days ago. I'm bringing it back as a present for my sis."

"You're giving her a deadly potion?" Asked Radcliffe.

"She loves that stuff," Xuri answered for Britton, "Right, Major?"

"Right, I think she would like to study it," replied Britton.

"What are you going to do when you get back home, Brown?" Asked Xuri.

"I'm going to tell my wife I love her and take her out for dinner."

"That's sweet," remarked Claudio, "I just can't wait to get back to a normal society."

"You call your mother and her bossy sister a normal society?" Laughed Murray.

"Ok listen up. Tomorrow morning, I want you, Major and Corporal Turner to head into the village with Privates' Claudio and Maldon to pick up enough supplies to last the day. Private Riley and Murray, you will be our scouts again. You had better get some sleep because I'll be waking you early. Which leaves Private Brown to help me, Sergeant Mori, and Corporal Radcliffe to secure the barn before setting out," ordered Captain Xuri.

"Basically sit around and do nothing," Britton whispered to Turner. She laughed in return.

"Can't wait till we stop sleeping in these damn barns," moaned Maldon, "Wouldn't be so bad if these barns round here had hay to sleep on."

"Make do with what you got," said Mori with authority.

"Yes, ma'am," replied Maldon feebly.

Britton held Turner tightly and they fell to sleep together. The rest took off their armour and hugged their own robes as tightly as possible.

"A nice warm meal wouldn't go amiss," said Murray softly.

No one answered, they were starting to feel the chill of the night despite the flowing lava only a few miles to the East.

The morning came quickly; Britton had woken his team early to go to the village, before it became overly occupied by its own residents. The village seemed empty when they entered from the main road. The sun was still rising over the hills and the local stalls had barely been open when they approached.

"Only buy what we need ok, I intend to travel light and far today," said Britton. The four soldiers approached a lonely girl tending to a fruit store. She looked scared as they approached. She recognised the robes of Souvanence straight away, "Your kind aren't welcome here," she said shaking.

"Don't worry, ma'am, we've just come to get supplies. We'll be out of your way soon enough," said Britton calmly.

"Take what you want and go. Leave me alone."

"I think someone should teach that girl some manners," winked Maldon.

"Calm down, ma'am, no need to raise an alarm. Maldon will you just shut up and go stand over there!" Ordered Turner. Maldon sulked off and leant against a stonewall.

The three remaining soldiers took what they needed and Britton handed the terrified girl some silver coins.

"Ok, it's clear we ain't going to get a warm welcome once this place picks up so let's double our speed and get going," said Britton once they reached Maldon.

"We need bread, eggs and a few medicines if we can find them," said Turner putting apples and pears into a sack.

They received the same reception from the old baker who gladly gave them the bread just to see them go. Medicine was harder to find. They had to take a few turnings before finding a herb store. The prices were not cheap either. The old lady who owned it was not keen on letting her herbs go with strangers for a reasonable price. It took a lot of silver to prize her merchandise.

"Ok let's get out of here," said Britton, "We'll ask the farmer about eggs when we get back. The villagers are starting to stir."

The soldiers ventured back through the streets. Villagers came out of houses intent on their daily lives. However, most retreated back into doorways after seeing the unwanted guests walking through their narrow footpaths.

A scream shook them as they came to the edge of the village.

"A fire! A fire!" Shouted a scrawny countryman. He was pointing to the distant farm where the squad was taking refuge.

"Someone has burned the farm!" Shouted the man again.

"Oh no, what's happened?" Asked Turner.

Britton and the two soldiers had already started running towards the burning blaze before anyone could answer. Turner followed as soon as she realised the others were running. The barn had already burnt down to a cinder by the time they reached it. Many of the villagers followed them to the smouldering remains.

"Captain!" Shouted Britton, "Captain! Where are you?" Black smoke filled his lungs and he started to cough. He raised his hands and a beam of white light shot from his palms, it cleared some of the smoke in front of him. Britton ran to the other side of the barn and saw Brown huddled up on the floor, he held the dead Captain in his arms.

"What happened, Private?" Asked Britton as he ran over.

Brown did not answer.

"What happened?" Asked Britton again.

"It all happened so fast," said Brown, he was crying and in complete shock.

"Look at this," said Turner grabbing Britton.

Britton looked up. Orc bodies lay motionless not far from them.

"They were ambushed," said Turner, "The orcs must have followed us here."

"No way," replied Britton. "Orcs wouldn't be this far from Dekra. It's not possible," Britton held onto the Captain now, tears filled his eyes, "How is this possible? They couldn't have..."

"Private Brown, where are the others?" Asked Turner, she realised the Major was not going to.

"Dead, ma'am. Radcliffe, the Captain and... And..."

"And what? Where's Sergeant Mori?" Asked Britton.

"...They've taken the S-Sergeant," said Brown shakily.

"Taken the Sergeant," repeated Turner stunned, "Why would they do that?"

Maldon approached slowly, keeping near the barn. He heard the wooden beams collapsing under the flames. He turned to look and was met by a blow to the chest. The soldier stumbled backwards before catching his balance. An orc stood a few feet in front of him, ready to strike again. He was weaponless, but held his fists up proudly. Maldon braced himself and prepared to fight back. The orc jumped at him and they fell to the floor scuffling. Their noise alerted the others who quickly ran over to see what was happening. Britton grabbed the orc while Turner pulled Maldon away.

The orc fought his way out of Britton's grip and spat at Turner and Maldon, "You will not save your Sergeant. She will die before you reach her," he shrieked.

Turner and Maldon both shot beams of red light, hitting the orc and piercing his chest, killing him instantly.

"Fools, we could've got information out of him!" Said Britton angrily.

"Sorry," the two replied feebly.

Before Britton could reply, an angry villager carrying a pitchfork approached them, "You've brought your war to our peaceful village. Get out of here now!" The man was crying, "Go on leave, we don't want your kind here, or theirs!" He pointed to the orcs with his pitchfork.

"We're leaving," said Britton as calmly as possible, "Come, Corporal, Privates, let's move. We've caused enough trouble here. I want Private Brown interviewed as soon as he's able to talk properly."

The remaining squad picked up Brown and guided him away.

"What about the bodies?" Asked Turner.

"We'll bury them, but it must be quick. We must set out to find Sergeant Mori and Privates Riley and Murray. I just hope it's not too late for them," said Britton doubtfully.

"Yes, sir," they said together.

"I am sorry for the loss," said Britton to the villagers, "We will leave as soon as the bodies are buried."

"Good," said the villager with the pitchfork. He turned and walked away, most of the other villagers followed. Some stayed to help burn the orc remains and bury the two soldiers, those who did help only stayed to speed up the process.

* * *

The Summer's River inn became increasingly busy since the news of the Lumis. There were many people who wanted to ask Bolgama about the Guardian and the mystical powers of the Lumis. Many of these were disappointed to find out he had no idea who or what either was.

It's only been a day, thought Bolgama, They'll stop bothering you soon, he had just spoke to what he hoped would be the last clueless sorcerer of the day when the door opened again and two young mages stepped into the bar area that caught his eye.

"Damn kids," said Erich, "Always coming in here now, I'll escort them out."

"Wait Erich, take them into the lounge, I wish to speak to them," said Bolgama coolly.

"What on earth for, sir?" Asked Erich wonderingly.

"That one with the dark hair. She looks familiar," lied Bolgama.

"As you wish, I don't think this is acceptable. Not at this time," Erich left and escorted the girls into the lounge area.

There's something strange about that one, thought Bolgama as he finished his wine and walked into the lounge after them. He wanted to find out what strange significance she had that attracted his attention.

Bolgama sensed their powers as he entered the lounge. He guessed his verdict straight away, "Good evening, young mages," he said as he sat down, "You've come to ask about the Lumis? Tell me, what are your names?"

The dark haired one spoke first, "My name is Tina, Tina Blackmore."

Bolgama watched her interestingly.

"I'm Lisa Drake," replied the blonde.

"Bolgama," he replied formally.

"What can you tell us about the Lumis?" Asked Lisa. Like most, she cared little for chitchat. Her eyes were purely on the silver in question.

"I can't tell you much. But I might be able to tell you how to find it."

"How's that?" Asked Tina. They both glanced at him, hoping for a direction.

"You," Bolgama pointed to Tina.

"Me? What about me?"

"There is a hidden power deep inside of you dying to get out."

"Yeah right," said Tina and Lisa together.

"You don't have to believe me. I'm only telling you what I know. I can sense your abilities."

"Do you expect us to believe Tina has got some strong power that she is hiding from us? No wonder you act dumb sometimes," laughed Lisa.

"Oi, shut up!" Shouted Tina, "I don't act dumb."

"Yes you do," replied Lisa.

"Do you want to hear me or not?" Said Bolgama rolling his eyes, "I would very much like to get back to my wine if you do not."

"Ok, sir, tell us. How do you know about Tina's magic and how do we find this Lumis thing to collect our reward?" Asked Lisa.

Bolgama shook his head, "The reward will be arranged once I have the Lumis. Tina here has the ability to sense and locate the Lumis and possibly find the Guardian."

"If I've got such a great hidden power, isn't it possible I may be as close to this Guardian of yours as anyone?" Asked Tina curiously.

"I'm afraid not, sweet, I would think the Guardian's power could be sensed by anyone, not just me," smiled Bolgama.

"So I'm not the Guardian then?"

"No, but you may be linked to him or her."

"How so?" Asked Lisa.

"This hidden power. I think there's enough energy around you to pick up a trace of the Lumis."

"I'm not buying this. Not Tina," replied Lisa.

"That is your choice. There are many things I find difficult believing. But in a world where secrets and powers are discovered all the time, is anything really so impossible to believe?"

"How do I let this power out then?" Asked Tina.

"I don't know, all things have a way of coming around in the end. It'll happen when it's ready to come to light."

"I've had enough. Come on, Tina let's go," said Lisa standing up.

Tina copied and they both walked towards the door together.

"The Lumis will be found. You may be the one to start the prophecy," said Bolgama watching them leave.

Tina stopped and glanced back. She was not sure if he was a maniac or if she really was being dumb for believing him.

* * *

The sun had set and the stars were hidden behind the dark winter clouds. Rogue walked with Greg through the street back to her house. She had promised to help him study and train, and hopefully find out what was bothering him the day before when she told him about her dream.

"Good day today hey, Greg," said Rogue trying to start a conversation. They had been walking in silence for some time.

"It was eventful," replied Greg, "Malk is really trying hard to catch me off guard now," he laughed.

That was the first time Rogue had seen him laugh all week, "What did he do this time?" She asked curiously.

"The usual. He tried to get me to enter an abandoned goblenite cave again. Those things are littered with traps still."

"Oh dear, that's not good."

"No it's not. They aren't abandoned for long once those things realise there is trapped food inside, and that doesn't take long," Greg paused, "I think I might teach him a lesson or two tomorrow."

"That'll be something to see," smiled Rogue, "Almost home now."

Her house came into view. They took the winding steps up onto a green garden full of plants and strange looking ornaments. Greg could not name many of the carved mythical beast stones but they did look weird. He thought the plants looked like they had recently survived a hurricane of some sort.

"Are your parents still up? It looks dark in there," asked Greg.

"No, no. They're early birds, morning and night," replied Rogue softly.

They entered the house. It seemed more peaceful here to Greg than his own house. No sisters to bother you as soon as the door clicks shut.

"Go straight upstairs," said Rogue, she herself walked into the kitchen and pulled out a pitcher of watered fruit from a refrigerated cupboard.

Upstairs Greg was reading a file listing Rogue's greatest academic achievements when she entered the room.

"Wow, you didn't miss much these past six years did you?" He mocked flicking through pages and pages of high grades.

"Yours aren't far behind. I've seen the commendation letters from Malk," smiled Rogue.

Greg blushed, "The guy wants great things from me," he said.

Rogue walked to the window. She had a good view of most of the city and the woods from there. A light breeze picked up through the smaller opened window above the main one.

"What shall we do first then, Boss?" Asked Greg sarcastically.

Rogue did not answer.

Greg waited then spoke again, "What do you want to do first, Rogue?"

"Hold on a sec," replied Rogue finally.

"What's wrong?" Asked Greg. He walked up behind her facing the window, "Are you ok?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Something doesn't feel right," replied Rogue.

"What? Is it me?" Asked Greg worriedly.

"No, it's not you. I felt a strange pull from the wind. The breeze kind of danced around my arms as if trying to guide me somewhere."

"Is it a warning? Like your dreams?"

"No, I think it's something else."

"Like what?" Greg turned to find a seat. He was beginning to believe Rogue really was receiving signs to Malk's theory.

"There look at that!" Replied Rogue suddenly. She pointed to the woods.

"What? What is it?" Asked Greg jumping up.

"There was a light in the trees. I swear on Scenrio I just saw a bright flash."

"How? That can't be. No one goes in those woods from the city."

"I saw what I saw. I'm not going crazy. Someone has gone into the woods," said Rogue expecting to see the bright light again.

It did flash again; it looked like it sparkled the second time, flashing constantly for a second. Greg missed it again. The flash happened as he stood behind Rogue.

"I didn't see it," he said doubtfully.

"Just wait, it'll happen again," said Rogue. The wind was pulling at her arms again. Rogue was accustomed to the wind bending at her will when she least expected it to.

They both waited for the light to appear again. It never did, after a while Rogue gave up and left the window, the wind let go as she walked away. Greg waited a while longer before following.

"I saw it, Greg, you do believe me, don't you?" She asked innocently.

"Yes I do, it's likely someone may be in there," he answered truthfully, "Although I can't see why anyone would want to enter the woods in daylight at the best of times."

"I would like to investigate that," said Rogue picking up a book and passing it to Greg, "Read this when you get time. It will help progress your new sword powers."

"Thanks," replied Greg accepting the book.

They read through papers together and Greg left earlier than expected. Rogue went to bed thinking of the stranger in the woods. She had no real belief in the Lumis; she thought Greg was wasting his time looking for the damn thing. However, something played over in her mind. She did not believe in the prophecy, but that did not mean it was not real. She had her own beliefs that others found farfetched, Maybe it was Bolgama searching for the Lumis, was her last thought before drifting off into a deep sleep.

* * *