Searching For A Guardian

Chad was greeted by Headmistress Avforin as he walked into the music room. He half hoped that she would not be able to make it due to an appointment or something. No such luck for him. Chad nodded and went straight to the piano. The Headmistress still sat at the tutor's desk. She was reading a letter, but Chad could not make out what it said or who it was from. Apart from the initial hello, Avforin did not acknowledge the young mage at all. Chad played a note on the piano; still the Headmistress did not look up at him again.

Chad sighed and sat silently, This feels like detention, he thought dryly.

"Right then, shall we make a start?" Avforin said suddenly making Chad jump, "I'm sorry, Chad. I just assumed that because you were three minutes late, you were in no rush to get started."

"Sorry I'm late. Here now though ain't I?" Said Chad sarcastically, "What's that you're reading?" He asked.

Avforin stood up and walked away from the desk, "This is of no real concern to you," she said pocketing the letter, "Now then, play me a song. Let's see your progression."

Chad placed his hands on the keys and began playing 'City on the water,' another sea song. It sometimes disturbed him that he liked so much to do with the ocean. Music, sea serpents; he could probably think of a few more.

Once he had finished the Headmistress applauded him, "Well done, Mr Wizardman. I'm glad you still find an interest in music," she sat next to him at the piano. He played the same song again, after a short while she joined in. They played together until the song came to an end.

"How do you feel, Chad?" Asked Avforin.

"I feel fine, my day has been ok," replied Chad.

"You do not feel any tension then?"

"No, I don't."

The Headmistress played again. Chad was unsure if he should have joined in or not. He was just about to then she spoke again, "I feel tense. I received some disturbing news today."

Chad looked at her, unsure if he wanted to hear what she was about to say, "How so?" He asked unwillingly.

Avforin watched him, unsure whether she should talk to him about it. She stopped playing the piano, "One of our own units have been lost inside enemy territory. I fear it may be too late for them."

Chad wanted to sympathise but he could not. That was part of war, and there was nothing he could do about it while playing a piano.

"Do you remember an Elite called Veeko?"

One of Greg's idols, thought Chad, "Yes," he mumbled.

"He was leading the squad. He was a close friend of mine and the school," Headmistress Avforin almost felt a tear come to her eye.

Chad did not know what to say. He always knew the Headmistress as a strong woman, one hard to crack. But he did remember Veeko coming to the school on regular occasions. He came to promote his work and tell tales of his adventures. Chad could still remember when Greg first signed up for initial training for the ESS over two years ago. It was Veeko who signed Greg's acceptance letter and then asked Chad if he wanted to join.

Greg will be devastated when he finds out, thought Chad. He was unaware that the Headmistress was still talking.

"...My point is Chad. Do not get emotionally involved when you take your first steps into battle. It is a complicated thing. You must always be strong. It is you I think, that will take Veeko's place in destroying Lucrece."

"Me? But I'm not even an Elite!" Replied Chad shockingly.

"You do not have to be an Elite to be a leader. Chad I know you have little faith in the prophecy, I do as well. You will hear these words often before your time is done; there are no coincidences, only fate sets our paths."

"How do you mean?"

"I think you know what I mean, Chad Wizardman, the fire wizard," said Avforin matter-of-factly.

Chad was lost for words. He could not tell if she had just named him as part of the prophecy or not, "What are you trying to say?" He asked.

"There is a reason why I spend more time with you than anybody else, and it's not because I like you."

"Ok, thanks I guess," he replied.

"The balance between good and evil is shaking. Either side can tip the balance in their favour and bring the war to an end. You are a unique sorcerer, Chad. You could earn the title of magus in no time I believe. Exceptions like your fire skills do not happen by chance. I want you to think about that always. When you're happy, when you're angry and when you're sleeping. Always, Chad."

"Ok I will," replied Chad and he played another note.

"Leave that for now. You may go home," Avforin said.

Chad stood up out of the chair and began to walk away, "See you later then," he said and walked towards the door.

"Just one more thing, Chad," the Headmistress stopped him, "Your friend came close to understanding the Garlos pillars. I must remember to congratulate him. The challenge is for students alone, sadly I did not understand until after. Tell him to stick to his efforts and he will get what he deserves."

Chad nodded and left the room. There was meaning behind that aimed at him as well as Greg, but he could not work it out.

* * *

A portrait of Lady Crucillo sat on the wall to the right of the Mayor's desk. Crucillo stared at the painting for a long while, hoping to find some kind of answer. His wife, Petrul, passed away over six years ago after being infected with poison from the original swarm of goblenites. Up until then, going outside of the walls was deemed as fairly safe. The goblenites were not issued as a threat until it was too late.

Mayor Crucillo was still distraught over hearing the news of the lost squadron led by Veeko. He considered the Elite to be the strongest of all leaders. He was very good at motivating people and lifting their spirits especially women, he always had a way with the ladies. Veeko's strength would be missed throughout Souvanence for a very long time.

A quiet bang, like a small wooden object dropping to the wooden floor, startled him.

"Kelsic?" He asked. The Mayor sat up straight in his chair. There was no one else in the room with him, except for Quebiron's statue. Crucillo read the letter he held again and again. He had printed it a few times over to allow others to read as well. News like this had to be shared out to the public.

The Mayor was waiting for Captain Fishrual to escort him to the stranger. He had not found time to speak to Bolgama, but intended to find something out about him today. He wondered where Kelsic was. She had not been around all morning, Probably with her contacts, he thought dryly.

Another letter the Mayor received that morning caught his eye. He read it again, although he clearly knew what it said. It was smeared with orc blood, but he did not think much of it, considering where it was written. The letter itself read:

'We are coming home, everything will be just...'

Mayor Crucillo was not sure what the letter meant. He assumed one of their units were returning home and had encountered an orc war band before getting the letter sent out. He wished he knew which unit it was. The absent seal of Veeko meant it was not the missing army, Everything will be just, he thought, "Just what?" He said loudly.

A knock at the door made the Mayor jump, "Come in!" He called.

Captain Fishrual entered the room and stood smartly to attention in front of him, "Sorry if I am late, sir. I was delayed."

"Stand easy, Captain. It does not matter," said Crucillo as he stood up, "Could our guest still not be convinced to come to the city hall?"

"I'm afraid not, Mayor. He insisted on staying at the inn, he seems to have become close friends with the innkeeper, Erich."

"That I do not doubt. Erich is a good man, one who finds few enemies," Mayor Crucillo stood next to the Captain waiting.

"Is Kelsic not coming?" Asked Fishrual. He half expected the old magus to jump out at any moment.

"No, Captain. It appears she has more important matters to attend to. Shall we go?"

The Captain nodded relief, and marched out of the room. The Mayor followed closely behind.

* * *

Erich grew used to having Bolgama sat at his bar all day. He busily went about his duties as the stranger happily drank glass after glass of his wine. They openly had conversations with each other from time to time. Even Erich's other patrons plucked up the courage to talk with the man.

Erich noticed that Bolgama's glass was empty and gladly walked over to the bar to offer him a refill, "Think you should go easy on these for a bit. The Mayor will be on his way over very soon," he said as he reached for another bottle.

"You're probably right. One more won't hurt, then I'll go on the soft stuff," laughed Bolgama, "What's on your meat menu today, good sir?"

"We have lamb or pork," replied Erich.

"Any possibility you can spit a good roasted pork chop before his Lordship arrives?" Asked Bolgama hungrily.

"My cooks are already on it," smiled Erich.

"Tell me more about this fire mage you have got locked away in the school," asked Bolgama suddenly. He was unaware that he had already met him.

Erich was not sure what his sudden interest was in the boy, "There's not much to tell really. He's one of many preparing for a part in the war. He leaves school in just a few more months. He's a rare one; a lot of people fear him, although I can't see why. Seems a nice enough chap to me."

"Interesting," replied Bolgama, "I'm sure a lot of people do fear his powers, if not the boy himself. Being a keen traveller, I have seen many rare feats in Jerova, but a mage with the gift of fire, the one magic banished because of its dark taint. That is rare, very rare."

Erich watched him closely, "Yes, I am sure it is, sir. If you'll excuse me, I'll go and check on those pork chops. They are very popular today," Erich left the stranger in peace and went into the kitchen. He was glad to get away from that subject. Now was not the time to talk about the fireboy.

The innkeeper came out a few minutes later with a large plate. It had three large beautifully cooked pork chops, mash, roasted potatoes and carrots all smothered in gravy. Bolgama licked his lips as the plate came near.

"It's a feast," complemented Bolgama as Erich placed the meal in front of him.

"I've been told that the Mayor is on his way now. You'll have to eat that quickly," said Erich regrettably.

"We've got no problems there," said Bolgama and he began wolfing down the food in big mouthfuls.

Erich poured himself a drink. He was surprised at how fast Bolgama really was getting through his meal, downing it with wine as he went.

When Bolgama had finished he pushed the plate away and licked his lips, "That was a meal. A silver coin for the chef," he said happily and he dug into his pocket to pull out a silver coin, which he passed to Erich.

"Thank you, sir. Raloth will be pleased you enjoyed his cooking," Erich took the coin and pocketed it for the time being.

Bolgama finished his wine and looked towards the door. A second passed and then it opened. Captain Fishrual led Mayor Crucillo into the bar area.

"A soft drink please, Erich," said Bolgama quietly. Erich nodded and took the empty plate and glass into the kitchen.

Crucillo studied the stranger before speaking, "Mr Jerusulcra, sir. Might you join me in the lounge?" The Mayor turned and left the bar area. Fishrual glanced at Bolgama and followed his superior.

"What's with everyone calling me by my surname?" Bolgama asked himself, "One for the chief," he said to Erich when he saw the innkeeper come back to pour him his drink. Bolgama left the bar and walked to meet the Mayor in the lounge area, "Hello, sir," he greeted respectfully. They were both already seated.

"Nice to meet you," greeted Mayor Crucillo.

"Care for a drink?" Asked Bolgama as if it was his inn. Erich brought three drinks over to their table.

The Mayor and Fishrual both accepted the drinks gratefully, "Thank you, Erich."

"What are we going to do, Bolgama?" Asked the Mayor.

Bolgama studied him, "What are your options?" He asked.

"Well we can't really keep you here like this, under guard. Please tell me, what is it you seek in the school?"

There was a long silent pause before Bolgama answered, "A key, and a prophecy."

"The one with the Guardian?" Asked Fishrual.

"Yes," replied Bolgama, "Everybody here should know that by now."

"What key?" Asked the Mayor.

"The key is a small item, many know it as the Lumis. I am not sure if it really is in the school. All I know is that the key will locate the Guardian."

"I understand. I am aware of the Lumis in those prophecies," replied Crucillo, "However, you told my Captain here that you were after a young sorceress in the school."

"Rumour has it that a girl in that school is, let's say, unique. She carries great power, that holds the potential of the Guardian. I believe finding the key will draw her power out and reveal her as the chosen one we're all looking for."

"Where did you hear of this?" Asked Fishrual with a raised voice.

Bolgama did not like his attitude, "I'm a traveller. I listen to a lot of stories and rumours. And trust me, Tidel is full of rumours of this city."

"And you believe them?"

"Yes I do, some of them at least."

"Who is this girl?" Asked the Mayor before the Captain could say anything else.

Bolgama turned his attention back to Crucillo, "I have no idea. I have a feeling I will be able to sense her power if I was close enough."

"I see," replied the Mayor.

"How does a lone traveller make it across Jerova in search of a prophecy?" Asked Fishrual curiously.

"The road was difficult, I admit. But determination and curiosity kept me going. My own powers were enough to keep foul creatures at bay when it became necessary," replied Bolgama.

"Indeed," replied the Mayor, "What do you intend to do with the Lumis and the Guardian if they are found?"

"Follow them. Write stories in their honour and be known throughout Jerova as Scenrio's official biographer," replied Bolgama. He was starting to get bored now. There was a long pause, "Anything else, sir?" He asked politely.

"No thank you, Bolgama. I think that will do for now. I will need to speak to you again very soon," the Mayor and Fishrual stood up to leave.

"Until next time," said Bolgama, he raised his glass and drank.

"Yes, of course," replied Crucillo.

"Good day, sirs," finished Bolgama and he returned to his drink.

Fishrual followed the Mayor stiffly out of the room. When they were out of earshot he spoke angrily, "You don't believe this nonsense do you?" The prophecy is a myth! It will not help our fight."

"No, Captain, I do not believe in the prophecy, but that fellow in there does. We are not a nation to stop travellers from following their stories and beliefs."

"Are you going to let him go? We don't even know exactly where he's from," asked Fishrual.

"He will still be watched. We do however, have more important uses for the guards. Please dismiss them from their posts. Let Bolgama find this Lumis of his, any access to the school will be strictly limited and under watch by one of the Elites. He is not to be left alone with any young mage. Is that ok with you, Captain?" Mayor Crucillo waited for a response.

The Captain let out a deep sigh, "Fine, Mayor. As you wish."

"Good. Come with me please. We must start planning our escort to the south," Mayor Crucillo and Captain Fishrual left the Summer's River inn and made their way back to the city hall.

Inside the inn, Bolgama smiled broadly to himself. He was glad to give the leaders of Souvanence a small taste of the great power to come. The search for the Guardian begins.

* * *