Searching For A Guardian

Jerova is the third largest country in Earthelle. It is one of just two countries left with a stable control over magic. With war however, winning in favour of the Demon Lord, that stability was breaking fast.

Once, when Lords' Scenrio and Yatzili walked the planet among humankind, the balance between good and evil was pure. The light shone brightly while darkness was kept at bay.

Scenrio and Yatzili were among only a few gods capable of touching Earthelle's surface. They held the utmost responsibility of guiding the people of Jerova through good times and bad. Yatzili however, eventually became greedy with power, he had a lust for evil. The Dark Lord turned on his friend; his influence commanded an army of millions to attack and destroy Souvanence, the key to all magic.

Lizac Scenrio's forces were hugely outnumbered and overrun, but his gift of fire and the sorcerers' skills in using the fiery magic were enough to defend the innocent and finish the dark power for good, but it was also that which destroyed and planted fear into the lives of everyone alive that day when the war ended.

Punishment for the Dark Lord's actions were not pleasant. He was sent into the bowels of Merusulcra, never to return. Only the blood of Scenrio could release the Lord of the dark, and the blood was lost. Lord Scenrio returned to the heavens, vowing he would not return until the day a new unborn Scenrio is called upon and was in need of his guidance. A protector of the people and a new Guardian of Sorcery. That day fire magic was banished; no one was ever to learn it again, and those who did know were drained of the power. Fire had a taint of evil, thoughts alone were enough for punishment, until one day it became a mere tale to scare children.

* * *

Sat in his office, the current Mayor of Souvanence, had already dismissed the lecture his daughter had just given him on the scare the fireboy had given her earlier that day. No matter how many people were uncomfortable with the idea, it was not in his power to suspend the fireboy from the school.

Mayor Crucillo rubbed a finger along one of his big white bushy eyebrows. He was finding the contents of a letter he held hard to digest, How could a whole army suddenly retreat and just disappear, he thought disturbingly. He put the letter down on the mahogany lacquered desk and relaxed his arms on his soft blue robes. Scenrio's symbol of two chains inter-locking was gold embroidered on the chest, and the cross-shaped emblem of Souvanence sat neatly on the arms and sides.

A cloud of smoke rose in one corner of the room next to a life size statue of Quebiron, the Mayor who had saved thousands since the days of Lizac Scenrio. Crucillo took no notice until the smoke became a figure; the Mayor was all too familiar with Kelsic not using doors, or even windows. She was old and looked frail, she had long skinny arms and long fingernails. Her skin was wrinkled and her long white hair had lived for many years since its last stray of colour. Kelsic was Crucillo's advisor, and in a way, his mentor.

"What news disturbs you, Sed?" Asked Kelsic softly.

The Mayor sighed heavily, "When a group of our Elites made into battle one of their hordes retreated," Crucillo was always straight with Kelsic; it was easier to draw blood from a stone than hide something from the old magus.

"I know, I have read the letter," she said.

Mayor Crucillo did not doubt that, even though he was the one who just broke the seal on the envelope, "I just don't understand it. They did not go back to Dekra or any other known orc keep. They did not even go north. They just ran and disappeared," Crucillo did not like the outcome of the war, no one did, "I'm going to have to travel to Tidel and speak with the Commanding General. I need full details on what's happening, especially to my people."

"That is a brave decision, Sed. The road outside Souvanence is very dangerous now. Goblenites control most of the plains."

"Don't remind me of that please, Kelsic. Seems we're stuck in these walls for now," Crucillo dropped his head down. He was thinking of how everything had collapsed since he was in power. Twenty-five years ago he was given the title of Mayor and nothing had gone according to plan. The country was overrun with foul creatures, it needed an army to escort someone from city to city and most of his army was fighting in the war to the South. The city itself was the last safe haven for the sorcerers now that most places blame magic for the war terrifying the lands.

"I have had words with my contacts, Sed. The horde that abandoned the battle is under the command of Revlic."

"Warmaster Revlic?" Asked the Mayor nervously.

"Yes, the most savage, merciless, terrifying of Lucrece's seven Warlords," replied Kelsic smoothly as if describing tomorrow's weather.

"Why would he retreat? He's the most brutal orc they've got."

"I don't know, maybe the war is dying down. Maybe we are slowly winning," she lied, trying to make the Mayor cheerful.

"We must make contact with the General. Revlic's army must be found," said Crucillo with authority, "Kelsic can you use these contacts of yours to pass a message onto the General?"

"We can try," she replied.

The Mayor did not ask many questions about who or what Kelsic's contacts were. She never gave much detail about them. From what he could make out, the contacts were people, or things, that sent messages outside the designated zones used for travel. They seemed to know a lot about the war and other key events with hardly any involvement in them at all. Crucillo was determined to meet one before his retirement. Kelsic was the only sorcerer that Crucillo had very little power over. She was a strong wise leader, and the Mayor was more than grateful for having her around, even though she did tend to twist the law of magic around a bit too much.

"Can you send Captain Fishrual and Sergeant Stephran in please, Kelsic," said Crucillo glumly. His mood was not very good at all on this day.

"Certainly, do you require my presence? I have errands to do today," asked Kelsic sweetly.

"If you could stay please, I'd be grateful. Those two would send the whole city down south if it was in their power," replied the Mayor. Kelsic nodded then evaporated into smoke.

Maybe I should have a word with her about that, thought Crucillo turning his attention back to the letter.

A few minutes later Kelsic reappeared in the same corner again, "They are here now, Sed," said Kelsic, "Come in!" She called, as there was a knock at the door.

The two men entered the room. Captain Fishrual was first; he was tall with broad shoulders, probably the tallest man in Souvanence. His skin was dark and his hair was short. Captain Fishrual took charge of the remaining army and commanded the ESS.

Sergeant Stephran was a hand shorter than Fishrual, he had long flowing reddish brown hair and a short beard. Sergeant Stephran was a great strategist and was in command of the growing battles against the swarming goblenites.

"Captain, Sarge," greeted the Mayor.

"Mayor," they both replied formally.

"Captain, I've had word that you have arrested some fellow near the school."

The Captain stiffened, "We have, Mayor, but I'm afraid his identity is still unknown."

"What is his crime, Captain?" Asked the Mayor curiously.

"He was trying to break through the main gate using minor magic. Mayor, he was trying to get to a young mage."

"What mage?" Kelsic jumped in.

Fishrual let out a deep sigh and turned towards Kelsic, "He wouldn't give her name, or his own," he paused, "He said he would only talk to the leader of Souvanence or the young sorceress locked in the school."

"Locked?" Repeated Mayor Crucillo stunned.

"They were his words," said Fishrual calmly.

"I must speak with him then. Do not cause him any harm while he is kept here, please, Captain."

"As you wish, Mayor," replied the Captain.

"I'm afraid I've got some more important business for you to attend first. I need to assemble a squad to secure a safe passage to Tidel."

"But, Mayor, if any more soldiers leave the city our own defences will struggle immensely under an attack. We cannot afford to send any more south right now," The Captain protested.

"I'm aware of that, Captain. But we need more than a few short letters to understand the situation. One of their hordes has disappeared and must be located immediately. What forces do we have?"

"Mayor, you are endangering lives, which is clearly unnecessary. But if you insist on sticking to your decision we may have enough soldiers to escort, maybe enough to stay. The remaining ESS won't go; even with my authority. Which leaves a few school leavers who are not ready."

"I'm sorry, Captain, I wish this wasn't necessary either, but it must be done. Revlic's army could be absolutely anywhere. We must make sacrifices to prepare for the worst," replied Crucillo.

It went quiet for a moment then Sergeant Stephran stepped in, "I agree with the Captain. If you can't move the whole city, then there is no point in taking the stronger warriors, the rest won't last long."

"Thank you, Sergeant, I will bear that in mind," Mayor Crucillo drank from a cup that Kelsic passed to him. The other two did not notice her move.

"Perhaps we should have time to think this over, Mayor," said the frail old magus.

"Indeed, Kelsic. We shall talk this over again later Captain after you have questioned our guest."

The two men stood to attention, nodded then walked stiffly out of the room.

"They are not at all impressed now, are they?" Asked the Mayor to the last standing person.

Kelsic smiled before answering, "It's a war out there, Sed. Each decision we make will have consequences. The battle will come to Souvanence sooner or later. Your presence in the South may prevent that, I'm not sure. There is one thing that's certain though. War is imminent, our decisions must be acted quickly."

"Thank you, Kelsic," whispered Mayor Crucillo as he laid back in his chair going into a deep thought. Kelsic turned into smoke and was gone.

* * *

The fire roared as wind blew it up then down towards a shocked opponent. Chad could not believe his luck, or his eyes as his magic swept towards the sky then rained down on Mark Brason. Standing with his arms stretched in front, the fire twisted and knotted in the air. Rogue controlled the flames with ease using her skills with the wind, which was now circling Brason, getting closer and closer. The sweat on Brason's forehead dripped, soaking his shirt that dried instantly in the heat. The fire became a wall with no escape draining his last bit of strength.

Brason felt a cool liquid drip on his head. He felt it with his hands and saw an ice blue thick liquid stick to his fingers, he began to cool rapidly and out of nowhere a tall black figure stood before him. Greg raised his sword and struck at the wall, creating a large enough gap to see through. Chad and Rogue smiled at him from the other side.

Kirsten joined Greg's side holding the bottle containing more ice blue liquid. Brason stood up clutching his own sword. Kirsten threw the half empty bottle at the fire and it froze instantly. Greg and Brason raised their swords, three more students joined Chad and Rogue. They struck the ice as hard as they could and it shattered completely, the shards disappeared as they fell. An arrow from Avun Steprac hit Brason in the chest and he fell. Kirsten was wrapped in chains and went down. Rogue used her strongest wind spell to take the sword from Greg; before anyone else could respond Greg swung his black sword, a clean cut across the neck brought Chad down.

"Excellent!" Beamed Mr Petra, "Absolutely outstanding!"

Chad stood up rubbing the side of his neck. The magic disappeared and the room appeared around them.

"Nice finishing move, Mr Thornton," congratulated the master tactician, "Chad, you are a very powerful mage, but you must not leave your defences open like that."

Brason stood behind Chad rubbing his chest where the arrow had just evaporated. Chad wore a look of disappointment, gob smacked at losing to Greg's new black sword power.

"Very impressive at disarming your opponent, Miss Lee, but it appears Greg has a new skill in weaponry," continued Mr Petra.

Rogue smiled in return but threw an evil glare Greg's way.

"Nice work with the thunder, Pilch and Grayson."

Two boys stood behind Rogue sniggered, mainly to themselves.

"Now, if the two captains could join me please, the rest of you are dismissed. Don't forget we start the essays on strategists next week."

The classroom emptied quickly, Kirsten was surrounded by cheers and pats on the back. Even if the teacher did not comment, the class at least thought her ice potion was very good. Chad and Greg stood alone with the tall skinny man. Like Greg, Mr Petra had a jet-black appearance. He however, resembled the look of all tactician masters. Tight robes that expanded at the shoulders due to hidden armour and a cape that barely reached his elbow. Long thin black hair and pale skin; tacticians had a frightening appearance compared to most soldiers or officers. Yellow eyes and sharp teeth marked them away from being ordinary humans. They were very intelligent and they could be very hungry for battle. Dural Petra was one of few tacticians who worked for the sorcerers, most had joined the power of the Demon Lord in search for victory. Chad was always surprised that someone of Petra's looks and reputation could be so happy and appreciative of students all the time.

"Now then gentlemen. That was one heck of a show. You two have become exceptionally powerful, and I say that with great warning."

Chad and Greg both looked confused.

"Chad your fire magic, as we all know, is unique, very unique; I feel it growing stronger and stronger as each day passes. It can be very deadly unless controlled. So I would advise you to wear your gem in future," Mr Petra gave Chad a stern look as he blushed pulling out the gem from his pocket, "You two could be great leaders one day, most certainly with the war heading in the direction it's going."

"Th-thank you," they both replied numbly.

"I must talk to you about more important matters now though," the tactician sat in a chair that was not there before, "We have had a guest arrive earlier today... From the South. I don't know him very well although I have met him once before," Mr Petra waited for their blank looks, "His name is Bolgama Jerusulcra."

"What a mouthful," retorted Chad.

"Bolgam, what?" Replied Greg quickly.

The tactician looked at Chad unpleasantly, "Bolgama Jerusulcra, he claims to have come face to face with the Demon Lord himself. I could feel a powerful presence around him when we met. Still, it is ludicrous. To think a traveller could come close to the Demon Lord and live to tell of it."

"What's this got to do with us, sir?" Asked Greg calmly. He could sense Mr Petra was prepared to complain about the traveller's stories for the rest of the afternoon.

"I have seen great potential in both of you, you and your friends, Rogue and Kirsten. I believe one day you four will be everything short of invincible."

"Thank you," replied Greg, "But I still don't see what this Bolgama character has to do with us. I haven't completed my ESS training yet, and we are just students."

"Just students?" Said Mr Petra taken aback, "I've seen you train Greg Thornton, has your tutor Malk ever praised you? Even said you are stronger than himself?"

"Well yeah, sometimes he has hinted about it. But..."

"...And your little illegal tournaments as well," smiled Mr Petra.

"What do you know about those?" Anger filled Chad's voice.

Mr Petra smiled even more, amused by the reaction he got out of Chad, "I know I would have turned in those responsible if it weren't for you two running the operation. Do not worry yourselves; there are few that know, including your tutor, Malk. Those who do won't tell either, you can be sure."

"They had better not," threatened Chad.

"Enough of that!" Shouted Greg, "Please, Mr Petra tell us about Bolgama, what has he got to do with us?"

"If rumour is true, he is here in search of a student. Someone at the school who he claims to be the Guardian of Sorcery."

"Ok, but that Guardian thing is a myth, no more than a forgotten prophecy," said Greg.

"Is it forgotten? We all know very well of the story of Lord Scenrio leaving Earthelle forever claiming that a new Guardian of Sorcery will be born when the planet is in danger again."

"What are you getting at?" Asked Chad impatiently.

"You two are well known among the students. Your tournaments attract new members every time."

"Are you asking us to find this Guardian for you or him? If it even exists," asked Greg sceptical of it all, "You believe he or she is walking among the students as we speak?"

"Exactly!" Beamed Mr Petra, "All the signs are there; Jerova is falling, unbelievable power among the new generation of students, not forgetting to mention Chad's fire abilities, and now strangers from the south coming to the city in search of the Guardian."

"Sounds like unwanted responsibility," sniffed Chad.

"What are we to do if we find this Guardian?" Asked Greg.

"Guide them, help them train for the last battle. The way you train your group in the tournaments."

Greg watched the tactician closely, maybe keeping a close eye out for the descendent of Scenrio wouldn't be so bad, "Ok, we'll keep an eye out for this Guardian for you. Any clues as to who he or she is?" Greg was still unsure with the idea, but if it was something to help with the last battle, then it shall be attempted.

"All I can tell you is the obvious. The Guardian should be in the house of Scenrio. But that is a guess as good as anyone can give you."

"Fine, we'll look. We can not make it our top priority," said Greg.

"Yes, of course," agreed the tactician, "In the mean time, I'll make sure your next tournament goes undisturbed once more."

Greg swallowed uneasily, he felt uncomfortable now knowing that others knew about his illegal games. He nodded to Mr Petra and left the room, Chad storming behind.

Mr Petra sat back in his chair smiling to himself. He knew that Greg would agree, that soon all four of them would make it their number one objective to find the Guardian. He neglected to mention the prophecy became an addiction to anyone hunting it. Like a curse, it fed on the minds of all in pursuit. A reason why many abandoned the search. He laughed at the thought that it came down to only one tutor, to live up to the prophecy and start the hunt. The last battle will come and Jerova shall have its Guardian again.

* * *