Searching For A Guardian

For Rogue, Tuesdays always seemed to go faster than other days. The historic lesson she shared with Chad and Kirsten was almost over. It only seemed like twenty minutes ago when she was back at home brushing her teeth. Rogue listened intently to their tutor, Mr Collinson, while watching Chad desperately trying to keep his eyes open.

"...That is why Federitch couldn't sign the peace treaty all those years ago," said Mr Collinson. His voice was dull, which made lessons very boring to Chad. Mr Collinson was short for a sorcerer. He had short light brown hair, a pointy nose and pale skin. He wore old grey robes and brown-rimmed glasses. His popularity with the young mages did not reach further than the intelligent ones trying to do well.

"Does anyone else have anymore questions before I continue?" Asked Mr Collinson looking round the dimly lit room. No one volunteered to speak, "Right then, 'The conflict continues...' I want to see everyone's finished essay on the Scenrio-Yatzili conflict two weeks today please. No delay."

The classroom emptied quickly before the tutor had even given them permission. "Remember, two weeks please," he said as he watched them walk out of the door.

The majority still in the room replied, "Yes, sir," before trying to get out as quickly as possible.

Outside of the classroom Chad walked alongside Rogue and Kirsten.

"What you guys up to now then?" He asked.

"I've got to go meet Greg for a private chat," replied Rogue, "I will see you two later," she walked ahead of them waving goodbye.

"That leaves you, Kirst, what are your plans?"

"I'm free until my potions class later," replied Kirsten, almost too eagerly.

"That's good news. Come on, let's go wind up some third years or something," smiled Chad putting an arm around her.

"Ok, I suppose," she replied. They walked together down the corridor, the way Rogue left them for.

* * *

Greg was waiting in the courtyard for Rogue. It did not look much different from the weekend's tournament; it was still full of students walking in various directions. He saw Rogue come out of the main door and immediately ushered her back inside following her quickly, "Let's talk somewhere more privately," said Greg leading her through a crowd of students by the arm. Rogue nodded and followed. They went out another door that led to a small patch of grass and a bench almost hidden by trees.

"There's no one here," said Rogue as she stepped onto the grass behind Greg.

"Good," replied Greg, "We can sit down."

"Something is disturbing you also, Greg," said Rogue as they sat on the hidden bench. She had noticed that he did not look at her once since he first spotted her in the courtyard, "You didn't look too good yesterday either."

"I have received what could be devastating news. I'm sorry but I do not wish to talk about it right now," he replied sadly.

"That's ok, Greg. I understand."

"So anyway, what did you want to talk about, Rogue?"

Rogue put a reassuring hand on his knee. She hoped his news would not be that bad when he was ready to tell, "I've been having a re-occurring dream."

"What sort of dream?" Asked Greg curiously.

"A man in a cloak. I cannot see his face but I think he is trying to warn me of something," she closed her eyes trying to picture her dream.

"Warn you about what?" Greg watched her now.

"He tells me to warn the others. They are coming..." Rogue paused.

Greg turned pale, he took his eyes away from her, It can't be the same thing, it's just a coincidence, he thought, "Wh-whose coming?" He asked unsteadily.

"I don't know, but each time I was stripped of my gem and own power and given a new immense power. Power that really only could be summoned in a dream."

"Maybe it was just a dream then," said Greg hopefully.

"That's what I thought, but twice? Repetitive dreams are very rare. It's unnatural, what shall we do? What if it is a warning?"

Greg thought for a while, "My advice would be to leave it for now. See if it happens again. It might not be wise to cause a panic over nothing."

Rogue looked at Greg and gave an awkward smile.

"What?" Asked Greg nervously.

"That's Malk talking. You are with him way too much," her smile broadened.

Greg laughed in return, "After my training is complete I think I will have a very long break," he said happily, Probably gonna need it, he thought worryingly, "Come on, let's get back inside. Those clouds don't look too good," Greg pulled himself up then helped Rogue to her feet.

"If anything bad happens Greg. I want us four to stick together... Always," said Rogue suddenly.

"Sorry?" Asked Greg. He was not sure he understood properly.

"I can feel it Greg. There is something unsettling waiting for us in the near future. I want to be with you, Kirsten and Chad when it happens, and forever afterwards."

Greg felt awkward; it seemed unreal that he was receiving all these signs and warnings all at once. Should he tell Malk that Rogue could back him up and prove his claim? Did that mean a terrible army did have its eyes set to destroy Souvanence?

"I'll make a promise, Rogue. We will be together as a team, always. In this life and the next. Nothing is going to happen to us behind these walls. We are very safe," he kissed her on the cheek and led the way back into the corridor.

They did not get very far before being stopped; Mark Brason grabbed Greg's arm from a group of students and pulled him closer.

"Hey you two, take a look at this," said Brason excitedly.

"What is it?" Asked Rogue curiously.

"It's a poster about some old prophecy," answered Lee Brown.

"Prophecy?" Asked Greg snatching the poster. He read it out loud.

"The descendent of Scenrio is born. The mystical powers of the Lumis are waiting to be found. Locate the Guardian and be rewarded with peace. A hundred silver coins for the Lumis."

"The Lumis?" Asked Rogue, "I've seen that name somewhere before. Isn't it Scenrio's weapon?"

"No idea," replied Brason, "Must be valuable."

"Someone's looking for the Guardian," said Greg, he turned to Brason, "Where did you get this?" He held up the poster.

"Some second year said he was paid in silver to hand out tons of these things. Wouldn't give a name, no matter how hard we held him down," replied Brason.

"A hundred silver coins is more than valuable," said Rogue, "Not many people have that kind of currency to just hand out."

Greg thought a moment, "Bolgama," he said suddenly.

"Excuse me?" Asked Rogue.

"The stranger?" Asked Lee and Brason together.

"...We'll find that Lumis before anyone else will," said Darcy Lewis. She was talking to her friends as she walked passed.

"The whole school must know," said Rogue, "Some kids had these before school. I did not think much of it then."

"Is this for real?" Asked Brason.

Greg saw their puzzled faces, "I don't know. It could be. Bolgama is trying to trigger the prophecy."

"Why would he want to post it around the school? Does he want her to go to him?" Asked Rogue.

"Her?" Asked Brason quickly, "What makes you think it's a her? Do you know who this guy is looking for?"

"Wait a minute," Lee jumped in, "You two, of all people, already know about the Guardian? If he or she exists."

"Well... I... Err..." stumbled Greg.

"Who is it?" Asked Phillip Minoghue, standing behind Brason.

Derick Langston approached them, "Greg knows the Guardian? Very unlikely."

"Does Chad know?" Asked Brason hoping he would not.

"We don't know who the Guardian is, if there is one," said Rogue, "We heard a rumour that a girl is walking around the school, who may be the one. That's all, just a rumour," Rogue was getting tired of the prophecy nonsense. It was starting to get way too much for them. Brason watched them with interrogating eyes.

"Most rumours tend to be true you know," said Lee.

"Let's break up this conversation please. You are blocking the corridor, and creating a hazard," Mrs Claudio had come from nowhere and forced them all to go different ways, "Ignore those posters. It's just someone pulling a silly prank, and I assure you I will catch the culprit whoever he may be," Greg and Rogue could not help but notice she was staring at them for the last bit.

Does she think it's Chad? Thought Greg as he left the disruption with Rogue.

They followed the corridor down and turned off down another corridor at the end. They were now in the corridor that led out to the courtyard. Chad and Kirsten were there reading a copy of the poster.

"Have you seen this rubbish?" Asked Chad as they came nearer.

"Yes we have," replied Rogue, only half interested.

"Looks like you're not the only one looking for the Guardian," said Chad as he handed the poster to Kirsten.

"Not so loud," hushed Greg, "I'm Keeping the search a secret."

"A bit late for that. The whole city will be looking with that reward on offer," said Chad.

"The city?" Asked Rogue less than curiously, "This isn't just the school then?"

"Apparently posters and letters have been sent around the whole city looking for that Lumis thing," answered Kirsten.

"Who do you think it is?" Asked Chad.

"I don't know, but I'm willing to bet it's that Bolgama," replied Greg.

"For goodness sake Greg! Stop letting it go to your head! Come on, we've got classes to get to!" Said Rogue raising her voice. She stopped and glanced at Greg who was clearly stunned. She did not realise she snapped at him. "I'm sorry, Greg. It's just getting too much, we've still got some studying to do. I just think it's the wrong time for you to be worrying about what Bolgama is doing, you should be concentrating on your training," Rogue turned and walked away before anyone could reply.

"What's up with her?" Asked Chad.

"Nothing," replied Greg.

"She's just emotional," said Kirsten softly to Chad.

"Ah right, Ok. Well I've still got free time left, what about you guys?"

"I'm gonna go get a head start on my potions," said Kirsten and chased after Rogue.

"I've got to go train with Malk," said Greg, "I'll see you after school," Greg also headed in the direction of Rogue. He realised he had been over obsessive with the Guardian. It seemed to him that the prophecy had a greater hold over him more than what Malk had told him about the potential threat of orcs.

"Ok, see you later," said Chad. He clicked his fingers in boredom and they ignited, a few younger students around him gasped and started walking away, fast. He smiled and followed, thinking of a way to scare them out of their skins.

* * *

Bolgama and Erich sat at one of the tables in the lounge. Bolgama was flicking through the last batch of posters ready to be stuck around the city.

"Are you sure about this, sir?" Asked Erich. He was glad that most of the posters were printed and hauled out quickly.

"I'm quite sure yes, why? As far as I'm aware there is no law against advertising in this community yet."

"No, sir, there isn't. I mean no disrespect, but is it necessary to get the whole city involved in this prophecy of yours? Not all of us are believers," said Erich.

"Erich, you are a good man, one who knows the difference between right and wrong. If you thought I was doing wrong you would have said. Not everybody will get involved. But there are those who will want to find anyway possible to end that dreadful war in the South. I'm simply giving those people an opportunity to play their part now," replied Bolgama.

"Are you sure this isn't going to break up the school? Kids these days can be very feisty and competitive about this sort of thing," said Erich pouring a glass of water.

"I understand the risks, Erich. I am certain that it will all end quickly if anything. If, for your part, the descendent does not exist, then it will all blow over and die quickly. Children will find a new craze to follow. If there is a Guardian however, then I am sure their powers will not go unnoticed much longer."

"You are sure of this?" Asked Erich sceptically.

"One hundred percent," agreed Bolgama, "So begins the hunt for peace," he raised his glass and laughed.

* * *

Mayor Crucillo sat in his office with Kelsic, Captain Fishrual and Sergeant Stephran. He had a few of Bolgama's posters scattered across his desk.

"Who does he think he is?" Said the Mayor angrily, "He can't drag the whole city into this bloody prophecy. We have got enough trouble of our own as it is."

"Would you like us to dispose of this, Mayor?" Asked the Sergeant.

"You did give him the freedom to do this Mayor," said Fishrual, "He isn't exactly breaking any laws."

"I'm aware of that Captain," replied Crucillo, "He's playing us for fools."

"Perhaps what Bolgama is doing is not such a bad thing," Kelsic stepped in, "If he is kept busy chasing after prophecies, then it leaves us to sort out the real problem. What harm can he cause?"

"What about the people who he is reaching out to? I never agreed to allow him to start a mass following," Asked the Mayor.

"Is it a crime for one to muse themselves with history in their own time?" Responded Kelsic.

Mayor Crucillo could not find a leg to stand on. Arguing with Kelsic was pointless. She was much more smarter and stronger than any of the three men in the room.

"It is possible to keep a tight order on citizens, Mayor. Allowing them to search until realisation kicks in and they continue life as normal," said the Sergeant.

"Go on," replied Crucillo.

"Like a temporary curfew. Restrict people from the hunt during working and school hours."

"How is that possible?" Asked Kelsic.

"Mind control," replied Stephran, "A spell that affects the brain when the prophecy is on ones mind."

"You're talking about a curse," responded Fishrual who did not like the idea.

"It's not a bad curse. You happen to forget me and my men know many of these curses very well. This will only be a temporary one until the stories die down. No harm will come to anyone," said Stephran eagerly.

"That is very true. But I'm afraid it will have to be thought over and discussed more thoroughly before any action can take place," said Crucillo, "You understand don't you, Sergeant?"

"Certainly, Mayor. As you wish," replied the Sergeant.

"Mayor, I would like to discuss the manner of your escort," said Fishrual.

"Yes, Captain. Sergeant, I will like to speak to you later about your plan," said Crucillo.

Stephran nodded, "Yes, Mayor," he walked stiffly out of the room.

"Captain, what's the news?"

"I can have enough soldiers ready in three days. It may leave Souvanence's defences unstable but there will be plenty of soldiers left to protect the city."

The Mayor thought for a moment, Three days, that should leave enough time to arrange everything here, the Mayor smiled, "Excellent, Captain. Three days it is."

"Are you still sure about this, Mayor?" Asked Kelsic trying to sound doubtful.

"I am sure, Kelsic. It must be done. Captain would you excuse us please?"

"Yes, Mayor, if that is your choice. I will go and get started on your escort," replied Fishrual, he marched out of the room formally.

"Do you have doubts about me leaving, Kelsic?" Asked the Mayor after the Captain had left.

"I have my doubts about the soldiers going in my stead," replied Kelsic.

"Your position is here, you will be in charge once I am out of the city."

"I think my experience shows that I should be going with you, not keeping your chair warm for your return."

"You underestimate yourself old friend. There is plenty to be done, most you will be able to do better than I ever could," said Crucillo.

Kelsic turned to leave, "I think there are some dangers worth considering before you jump to a challenge."

"Kelsic, I know in my heart what is the right thing to do. At least consider that for me."

"Certainly, Sed, as you wish," Kelsic evaporated from the room before the Mayor could say anything else. She reappeared in the hallway next to Fishrual, "You may go in, I'm sure you have more to say," she said walking away, Three days may not be enough time, thought Kelsic. She was now certain that the city may be within an attack any day now. Her contacts were sending all sorts of mixed messages. And still the missing army was nowhere on the map.

* * *