Searching For A Guardian

Rogue knew she was dreaming this time. She was standing in the same field again. Her clothes were unchanged from what she wore that day. Rogue really hoped the ivory rose robes would return. She waited for the cloaked man to appear again. She hoped he would, she wanted to ask him questions that she prayed he would answer. Wondering if she would see her friends again in this dream, she thought about them, Kirsten, Greg... Chad. The wind picked up all around her; it began pulling at her arms, trying to guide her feet. Rogue decided to let it carry her and followed the pull to her left.

Rogue passed tree after tree. The grass, the surrounding few trees and hedgerows did not seem to change. Many far off in front did not get any closer either as she walked. The wind warmed up in temperature; Rogue thought it was strange, but it was a dream after all.

The dream world looked peaceful. The scenery did not change much but Rogue felt safe there in the lonely field, like all the dangers of the real world had just simply disappeared. The wind around her became hotter. The temperature raised with each step she took.

"Rogue, there you are," said a voice. Chad's voice.

Rogue turned, Chad faced her wearing a pure black robe. Fire exploded in front of her face. She ducked for cover. A second passed and she looked up again. No one was there. Chad had disappeared, the fire gone completely, the wind became mild again.

Rogue stood and turned frantically in every direction trying to find her friend, "What happened there?" She asked herself puzzled, "Did he have black hair?"

Rogue took a deep breath. She tried to feel the wind but it had gone. She wondered if she should turn around and go back the other way. The field seemed empty in the direction she faced. Although, by the landscape, she could not tell which way she had been walking.

"Hello!" Called Rogue desperately. She was beginning to think that no one was going to show again this time, Why do the others keep appearing here? She thought. None of it was making any sense now.

Rogue turned around, any direction was as good as any other in this place, she started to walk. Directly ahead of her stood a tall tree, its leaves were brighter than any other tree around and she could not remember seeing it before.

A flicker of movement made her heart skip a beat. Rogue felt for the wind, it came lightly, like a cool summer breeze. She realised then that it had always been summer in her dreams despite it being late winter in the real world.

Rogue felt the wind dance around her, she held onto it. She was disappointed to see that the dress did not come back, not yet anyway. She jogged to the tree; once she reached it, the wind picked up force and danced merrily through her clothes and skin. No one was at the tree. Rogue sighed, she spun round and jumped back in horror.

The man in the black cloak was standing only five paces in front of her.

"H-hello," said Rogue nervously. She summoned the wind to her palms, ready to defend herself although knew it was unnecessary.

"You have one week, Rogue," said the cloaked figure, "They are coming and they will destroy."

"Who? Who is coming? You've got to tell me!" Cried Rogue desperately, "Who are you?"

"The darkness threatens the Guardian, you must protect the Guardian."

"Who is the Guardian?" Asked Rogue.

"They are bringing the darkness with them. Its shadow is all that stands in the way of the Guardian's power."

"Who are they?"

The cloaked figure did not answer.

"Will you tell me who you are?"

"I do not have a true name or form," the cloaked figure turned to face Rogue.

Rogue gasped as she saw herself in the black robes.

"Warn the others, Rogue. Find the Lumis and defend the Guardian's power," said the cloaked Rogue in her voice.

"What are you?" Asked Rogue.

"Follow the light of the Lumis and we will meet again," said the cloaked Rogue, she pointed towards the real Rogue and an image of the woods filled her mind. She disappeared into nothing.

"The light of the Lumis?" Rogue asked herself, "She or it, surely does not mean the light in the woods, does she? I don't believe in the Lumis!" She shouted into the air.

Rogue looked down at her clothes, she was annoyed that the ivory dress did not appear once. It was her dream after all, why could she not wear it?

She awoke in her room, the cloaked form of herself was imprinted on her mind, I wonder what danger I am being warned from? She thought as she climbed out of bed, I have to go to the woods and find that Lumis, she paused; it surprised her that she knew the person in the dream was somehow real, someone out there was trying to guide her through the difficult times ahead. Rogue could feel herself being pulled into the hunt. She did not like the idea but it was something she found herself wanting to do... Willingly. All that remained now was to figure out how to get there.

* * *

Chad laughed proudly to himself as he flicked a bronze coin in the air with his fingers and caught it again. He had found it among others lying on the ground where third years stood right before he scared them into a mass panic with his fire skills. One dropped the coins as they ran. Chad was not sure which one it was, but he would thank them if he did.

"Chad!"

Chad turned around and saw Mark Brason running towards him.

"What do you want?" Asked Chad impatiently. Neither had forgotten an argument they had only two days before over the tournament.

"I don't," replied Brason, "It's Greg. He wants us all to meet at the courtyard again this weekend."

"This weekend? What for?"

"Beats me. He's your friend, you go ask him," said Brason, he strolled away casually wanting to avoid any direct conversation.

Chad thought about stopping him but decided not to. Instead he decided to find Greg and ask him directly about it. He still had some time before the next study, although he was sure Greg and Malk were going out into the field early today. He remembered Greg annoying him with some story about Malk's big plan for him that involved goblenites, I should be out there fighting, he thought.

The entrance to the main hall was not far away; Chad decided to check there first. If Greg was in the school, he was probably attacking the Garlos pillars. So many students had tried and failed to break the pillars. Greg was determined to be the next one to do so and spent all of his spare time in the hall. There were students gathered around one of the pillars, who took a step back as Chad approached, News spreads pretty quick, he thought. Chad walked up to the empty pillar and punched it, igniting his hand as he did so. He punched it again, he became bored easily and left the pillar. He left the hall and walked along the corridor again. His next lesson with Mrs Claudio was becoming increasingly closer. After last week's study on love and bonding, Chad was not particularly looking forward to this one. He wondered where Greg was again and decided to look for Kirsten instead.

* * *

Greg Thornton sat high up in the branches of a lonely tree. The empty fields around stretched for miles. He could still see the tops of Souvanence behind him and steep hills in front, but to either side was just plain open grass.

Malk stood at the foot of the tree, both his and Greg's swords leant against the trunk, "Can you see anything or not?" Asked Malk impatiently.

"No, nothing!" Called Greg.

"Climb down then. Let's keep going," replied Malk picking up his own sword and walking away before Greg had a chance to climb out of the tree.

In recent months, Malk had been given permission to take his trainee, Greg, out of the city and clear up any goblenites making camp nearby. It was good training for Greg and gave Sergeant Stephran more time to sort out the bigger problems.

Goblenites were small, unpleasant creatures. They were hard to handle in big numbers, but smaller camps could be cleared up easily before they became a problem.

Today was unusual; they had travelled far from the city, but did not see a sign of the miniature orcs anywhere.

"Maybe they don't travel in small groups anymore," said Greg catching up to Malk.

"Of course they do, their whole colony would not move together, It's not how they work," replied Malk, "Come on, let's keep searching."

"They just might not be around here now. It has been a while since the last known attack," said Greg.

"They're here, and they have new friends. You remember the orc bones we found don't you?"

"How can I forget? Orcs so close to Souvanence. That's not something I want to think about right now,"

"Let's just try down this hill. If there are no tracks we will turn back."

Greg followed Malk up a small bank, it was a lot steeper going downwards on the other side. Greg noticed faint smoke instantly as he followed the grass down. Something had been there that morning cooking meat. The stench hit his nostrils, as he got closer.

"A camp fire. Quite recent too," said Malk.

"Goblenites," confirmed Greg.

They reached the remains of the camp quickly. A large pot was sitting on top of a dowsed fire. Scraps of an animal were scattered around the pot, too mutilated to recognise.

"What does this mean?" Asked Greg.

"They're moving," replied Malk. He examined the trodden grass, "Back and forth."

"What do you mean?"

"There are old and new tracks here. The goblenites are moving about. Not stopping in one place for too long, and not for any particular destination either."

"What are they planning?"

"I don't know. Whatever they're doing, they don't want us finding out," Malk picked up a piece of burnt meat and smelt it, "Could be deer, horse, sheep or even lamann. Hard to tell," Malk put the meat down and turned. He saw a movement in the distance. Greg saw it too, a lone goblenite stood on top of another hill to the west of the abandoned camp. Its features were distorted. It looked about the average size for a goblenite, standing at four feet tall. It wore torn animal skin for clothes over pale green skin. Greg could not see its eyes, but he could picture that yellow gaze they all had. Its old rusty sword was out, although it had no intention of using it. It turned and ran, Greg and Malk immediately chased it. Goblenites were fast runners, they could adapt to the terrain around them very quickly.

The goblenite disappeared over the hill. Greg reached the top first, he froze when he saw what lay waiting for them on the other side. At least fifty or more goblenites stood, arms ready, in a tight formation before him. Greg unsheathed his sword, ready.

"Greg!" Shouted Malk.

Greg turned his head slightly. Malk was twenty paces behind, sword also unsheathed. He had his back to Greg, he was facing another large group of goblenites. They were circling the two sorcerers, ready to kill.

"What's the plan?" Asked Greg backing up to Malk.

"Take out the main core and head back to the city," replied Malk as casually as possible. At least fifty goblenites blocked every angle now. Giving no easy exit.

Greg looked towards the north east, he could make out the distant city. He calculated their chances. They would have to kill in the hundreds to clear a good enough path to run through. More if they wanted an easy run back to the city. Greg stood to the right of Malk. The goblenites stood still also. A few shrieked and chanted a war cry, the rest were silent waiting for the command.

Greg heard a cry, he could not see where their commander stood. They all started moving slowly towards them.

"Brace yourself, Greg," said Malk slowly.

Greg raised his sword, ready to charge, "It's just like before, only bigger," said Greg slowly to himself.

The goblenites picked up speed, their pace echoed through the hills.

"Charge!" Screamed Malk as the horde moved in closer. He ran at them with his sword in one hand. Lightning burst from the finger tips of the other. Goblenites fell in front of him before he could swing his sword.

Greg effortlessly pierced the light armour with his sword. He was surrounded quickly and could not find time to conjure up a spell to clear space, We better clear a path soon before the ones behind us catch up, he thought desperately. He swung his sword harder, grasping the hilt with both hands. Greg went into a full offensive attack; he pushed forward, chopping down the foul creatures as he moved. He realised he was leaving his defences open but he wanted to push further. Greg found an opening and raised his hand, goblenites around him were suddenly wrapped in black cocoons, being crushed from the pressure as it shrunk and enclosed them.

An axe hurled inches past Malk's right ear. It struck a small creature that he himself was about to kill. Malk smiled, No compassion in the dark, he thought. He spun and threw a knife back at the weaponless goblenite, catching it perfectly in the chest.

The opening was getting near, Malk could almost see a clear path to begin their escape. Greg was getting further away with each step they took. A black cloud formed over the young mage's head in the sky, Hang in there, Greg, thought Malk. He hacked at the creatures, desperately trying to make a path. The cloud was growing. Malk knew he was making a thundercloud for him to charge. He forced himself closer to Greg. The goblenites still swarmed in great numbers, the swarms at the rear were almost upon them.

Greg fended off the small creatures. He realised quickly that most of them were very inexperienced. It made concentrating on the cloud a little bit easier. Greg could feel the magic pulsing through his blood, black particles of matter floated sweetly in his chest against the gem. It did not feel like he was struggling anymore, just dancing with the sword effortlessly through the crowded parade. The cloud was almost complete.

Greg continued to dance around the goblenites. A small cut on his arm brought him back to his senses. It was becoming overcrowded now. He caught Malk's eye trying to give him some sort of signal. It was time to expand that space to make their getaway.

Malk cleared a few more goblenites until there was enough space to wave his arm. He pointed up to the cloud and a single lightning bolt shot from his finger. Immediately a hundred more rained down from the cloud, striking every goblenite around them. Malk and Greg started running before having a chance to see how many had fallen. The remaining goblenites were paralyzed with shock at witnessing the destruction of their warband. The two sorcerers were already over the hill before the chase began. Greg was beginning to worry if now would be the time the goblenites brought their bows out to use.

Bows were a mages biggest weakness, after more powerful mages. No matter how skilled you were, if you were not ready, an arrow could make you fall. Greg feared arrows when running from an enemy more than anything else he had faced while training with Malk. Luckily none had come so far as he ran, it did not look like any were going to come at all. The goblenites were not as prepared as they should have been in this planned ambush. Unfortunately, since the goblenites were much faster runners, it was going to make the next move very tricky. The city was still far away when Greg decided to look back. Some were closing the gap with lightning speed. He noticed that others were not trying to chase them; they were still motionless, unsure what to do next.

"Wait until they get closer!" Called Malk. He was ahead by ten paces also looking back.

We could take them easily while they are broken up like this, thought Greg. There were still hundreds more at the rear slowly advancing, regrouping for the chase.

Malk turned again and saw his student had stopped, "What are you doing you fool!" The first goblenite was almost on top of Greg. He ran back to him just as the young mage sliced it across the ribs. Malk grabbed him around the chest and pulled him back, "Run you idiot!" he shouted as he pulled harder.

Three more came near Greg, he stabbed the closest one in the chest as it raised its sword. Malk finished off the other two with his lightning power. The rest were coming closer. All were now set in the chase. Greg did not need to be told a second time to run. He sprinted as fast as he could behind Malk. The goblenites were closing in.

"We need to signal the city!" Called Malk, "Got to get closer."

Greg held out his hand in front of him. He was producing small black orbs that he threw back behind himself. They worked like bombs, exploding on impact. Many hit nothing but dust, however he could hear screeches coming from nearby, some were hitting home.

Malk tried desperately to send a signal to the walls of Souvanence. Although he knew that his bright sparks were still not close enough.

"Malk," a voice whispered. Malk searched frantically for the source. It came from the direction of the city. He sprinted harder, hoping for some kind of miracle. He was beginning to struggle for breath, he knew Greg was the same. Malk decided it would have to come down to one last stand, there was a very good chance that they would both make it out alive.

Greg already had five around him when Malk stopped and had more approaching. He swung his sword and cut the throat of the first one. Single swipes, quick deaths were the best options now. Greg blocked an attack from the second creature before ploughing his sword into its chest.

A few ran past Greg only to be met by the tip of Malk's sword. Malk pierced the flesh of his first victim. He pointed towards the sky with his free hand and lightning bolts thundered down on the nearest goblenites. They were coming in bigger groups now. The bulk of the army was advancing on them quickly. Malk hacked through three more before he was finally next to Greg. They were now almost surrounded once more. At least thirty stood in front of them from where the main horde was approaching. Others broke off from the group to walk around the two sorcerers.

"Easy, Greg, we can do this," said Malk as coolly as possible. Greg slashed the air, daring any to come near. He thought he must have looked like a cornered beast, ready to defend itself with everything it had. He certainly felt like one.

A white beam shot past their heads striking one of the foul creatures in the chest. Screeches behind them made them turn their heads. The few that had circled them were writhing in pain before eventually lying still.

"Kelsic," whispered Malk. Greg barely heard him. Both were panting heavily. Only the will to live kept Greg from falling over.

A small army was approaching. Malk could not see what regiment they were from. Greg was just pleased to see someone finally come to their aid.

"The Lord's Arms!" Shouted Malk with delight as the army came closer. The goblenites behind them began to feel uneasy with the approaching army and were unsure whether to attack the two vulnerable sorcerers or not.

The Lord's Arms moved with grace towards them. They were carefully chosen soldiers by the wise elder, Kelsic, commanded by Sergeant Stephran, although neither was among them. The soldiers had their swords out ready. Some held bows that began to fire at the rear of the goblenite horde. The goblenites retaliated by charging into the soldiers who were now only a hundred paces away. Most ignored Greg and Malk and advanced to kill the soldiers. Malk counted about forty of the Lord's Arms led by Lieutenant Crete. The symbol of an eagle stretched across their white robes. Kelsic's symbol that had helped Malk in Dekra many times.

Greg had almost forgotten where he was until a sword swung inches past his head, he turned to see an arrow sticking out of the goblenite that had almost killed him.

There must be hundreds still, thought Greg as he followed Malk, running towards safety. They were running amongst the goblenites and hacked at their limbs as they ran. The goblenites fought desperately to take down the two sorcerers while charging towards the bigger enemy.

The Lord's Arms stood in a tight formation, squeezed together leaving no gaps for entry. Their spears were aimed ready for the blow.

The Lieutenant watched as Malk and Greg sped past the left wing. The pursuing goblenites were cut down with ease, "Go straight to the city!" Crete Called. The two sorcerers barely nodded. Malk had no intention of staying, he knew they would be of little use now.

Greg listened to the clatter of swords as the goblenite horde came down on the defences of the Lord's Arms. The city never looked as inviting as it did now. He could see the large gates clearly, still open wide for their return. Kelsic's figure appeared in the gateway as they came closer.

"Get inside quickly," she called. Malk and Greg gave one last burst of speed and ran as hard as they could through the gates. They collapsed on the floor as soon as they made it through.

"Go home and rest, young Greg," said Kelsic, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Greg felt like he had some energy restored. He stood up, thanked her and took one last look at Malk and nodded wearily before walking away past the guards.

Malk was still trying to catch his breath when Kelsic approached him, "Can't run like I used to," he said as Kelsic pulled him to his feet, "I've never seen anything like that back there. Not since our time in Dekra."

"Walk with me, Malk, we need to talk," said Kelsic sternly.

"Is it about before?"

"In a way, yes," they walked past a stool with a single jar on it. Kelsic picked it up and handed it to Malk, "Drink this, it'll make you feel better."

He drank without question and felt the tiredness drain instantly.

"Those goblenites ambushed you purely in desperation."

"How do you mean?" Asked Malk sceptically.

"I am not sure. I will consult someone who may have answers."

"Answers to what?"

"That I do not know. I do know that there is a danger so close that it even threatens the goblenites into abandoning their camps and hunting this far north."

"A bigger army?" Asked Malk.

"That's a possibility. Go home a

nd rest, we will talk again later," Kelsic left Malk standing, still holding the jar. She had evaporated into smoke the way she always did. Malk was beginning to think she did it to stop a new conversation from starting up.

* * *