The Guardian's Bane

A lantern that cast a soft glow around a simple room flared more to life as a woman added some glowing crystals to those already in the glass inner casing. She set a bag on the bed and began tossing extra garments and other essentials needed for a long journey away from home. She moved to a chest of drawers and opened a secret bottom; she withdrew a small bundle wrapped up in a silk cloth from there. Turning, she set it on the bed. She stared at it for a long moment before slowly unwrapping what lay within. Once more the room flared with light as the source glimmered brightly. The woman smiled thinly at the treasure that she guarded zealously, a simple-looking crystal shard to the unknowing eye that was attached to a handheld device with buttons on it. After a few minutes, she wrapped it back up and carefully eased it into a leather pouch that had unique runes sewn into the material inside and out. A soft knock on the door distracted her momentarily, she jerked sharply as she grabbed the pouch and shoved it into a saddle bag. She swiftly crossed the floor to open the door and smiled lightly at another woman who stood there looking at her curiously.

“Something wrong Alixa?” she asked.

“I saw the light on, it’s not even dawn yet. What’s going on Katarna?” came the response.

“Time to leave.”Came the simple response. Katarna smiled slightly at her young cousin as she turned back to the packing.“Things are not what they seem, and I need to leave this city before it’s too late.”

Alixa never liked it when her friend spoke so ominously, it usually meant trouble was a foot and not to be taken lightly. She stood to one side as the elder Guardian strapped in place her sword and draped around her shoulders a heavy hooded cloak. The uniform of the Guardian was immaculate, all black and carefully woven for both comfort and warmth and to enable one to wear their armor without too much difficulty. Katarna was dressed for travel which meant light armor, over her breeches, jacket, and boots. She stirred from her thoughts as the woman had slung a duffle bag over a shoulder, picked up her saddlebags and was heading for the front door. Alixia quickly fell in step behind, drawing the door closed behind her, and followed towards the stables.

Once at the stables, Katarna walked past numerous stalls until she reached a specific one, she opened it up and smiled lightly at the large horned beast that stood within as she dumped her bags on the wooden floor. The mount of a Guardian was a beast known as a Destrider. These were large creatures; similar in form and grace as that of a horse but with some differences such as size, the twin horns protruding from their head near the ears, the cloven hooves that allowed for easy travel through deserts, climbing mountain ranges, and maneuvering through swamp lands. They could cross distances faster than any standard horse, were strong and fierce, and highly intelligent. Their intelligence enabled them to be able to speak with those they chose as their rider. The Destrider let out a snort before stretching its neck as he leaned towards the Guardian, nipping at her shoulder. She laughed lightly and swatted his nose softly before producing a sugar cub from a pocket.

“Here you go, my friend.”She watched as the little treat was eagerly eaten which allowed her time to start saddling up the great steed. Not only was a bridle and saddle placed upon him but leather and chain mail, a clear indication that he was no ordinary steed but a war mount.“It’s time to leave, a bit of traveling we shall be doing, I hope you don’t mind.”

“You know me.”The beast turned his head and nipped at Katarna’s elbow, his voice deep and raspy.“I am always eager for journeys.”

She let out a light laugh, swatting at his nose again before making sure the girth strap was tight. She took the saddlebags and put them on behind the saddle then added the duffle bag before moving to take the bridle and lead her large four-legged friend out of the stall. She glanced towards Alixia who had been watching silently all this time and gave her a light smile before speaking softly.

“I’ll be fine, if anyone asks just tell them I’m heading to Sapphire Mountain, it should put most of the naysayers at ease.”She reached out and rested a hand lightly on Alixia’s shoulder.“I’ll be in touch.”She added softly before swinging up into the saddle, a moment later beast and Guardian rode for the nearby main road that led out of the city and to one of the great gates that took a traveler into the lands beyond.

***

Feeling a little lost Alixia made her way through the still dark streets. In an hour the lanterns would all start to be lit to herald the arrival of a new day. She passed by the training arena, the Academy of the Sword, and reached the Library of Aquinos. With soft light steps, she took the stairs and entered via twin large black wood doors. Once inside she paused to look around herself at the floor-to-wall shelves full of books. The library of Aquinos boasted the largest collection of books from around the world. Alixia loved to come here and immerse herself in books of languages, history, legends, poetry, and knowledge. She also loved pouring over the various maps that were kept here. She moved down through the aisles of shelves until she saw a familiar face at a large table. With quick steps, she made her way over and smiled at the blond-haired woman.

“Greetings Lady Nika, how are you this morning?”

The studious-looking woman glanced up from an ancient text she was perusing and gave a light full-lipped smile before motioning for the young guardian to join her.“I am as well as can be expected. You are up earlier than usual.” she noted.

“Ah yes, was seeing Guardian Katarna off.”Alixia leaned on the back of a chair and eyed off the stacks of books scattered around the table, then returned her gaze to the woman before her. After a moment she drew the chair back and sat down at the table, reaching for a nearby book to drag it over and flick through the thick well-read pages.“What of you?”

“I am investigating the roots and history of the Guardians of the Black Watch. How this all started.”Nika leaned back in her seat and folded her hands neatly before her with a light smile on her lips.

Now Alixia was curious, looking up from the book she had been flicking through, she stared at the woman across the table from her.“What have you found?”

There was a shrug of shoulders as Nika wrinkled her nose slightly.“Not a lot yet, either the books are locked away or I’m looking in the wrong place. I keep finding books with hints and vague clues but nothing that speaks about how the Guardianship was formed and came to be.”She frowned as she shut the book before her and reached for another with a look of frustration.

“Perhaps you need some assistance from someone who knows.”A male voice interrupted their conversation. A tall guardian approached the table and regarded the two women with bright green eyes. He was dressed smartly as always in guardian uniform, his silvery white hair shorn short, and his beard neatly groomed to frame his weathered face.

“Guardian Mycol!”Nika quickly rose to her feet and bowed showing respect to the veteran elder then straightened up.“I did not mean offense with what I said.”She apologized.

The Elder offered a little smile and nodded his head slightly, he waved a hand of dismissal.“I am not offended; it would be good if all wanted to know and remember our history and heritage. If we forget, we will lose who we are.”He turned after a moment. “I will be right back.”And vanished down an aisle of books.

Alixia blinked a moment before grinning slightly as she looked back towards Nika.“Maybe we shall get some schooling today, proper schooling.”She let out a little laugh when she saw the look on the peacekeeper’s face.“Oh, hush, you know they’ve stopped teaching about our history, how it all started. They are more focused on the here and now, how we can grow, expand, and how prepared we need to be, in regards to the Warlords of the north.”She stuck out her bottom lip a little.“I don’t understand why we need to know that kind of rubbish when the warlords have been quiet for so long and the very people we use to help and police crime for, no longer want much to do with us.”

Nika scoffed and shook her head.“Hush, we are not the ones who were pushed away, they didn’t like the new blue corps that the council created. They were corrupted, arrogant, and liked to tarnish the name of the Guardians of the Black Watch whenever possible.”She sighed a little bit.“They refused to have the same contract that the guardians held with the Shan-gri-lia; saying they weren’t there to babysit a bunch of healers and diplomates.”

“You learn what you need for our young generation of Guardians to progress.”Stated Mycol as he returned with a book tucked under an arm, he smiled at both women then quietly sat down on a seat and proceeded to open a very old-looking book before him.“Now then ladies, as promised; this book holds the tale of the First Guardian.” He settled down in a chair at the table and opened the book before clearing his voice.“This book has not been read in some years it seems. I am glad you are both eager to hear this tale, it means we have not lost all of the young generation yet.”

Such words made Nika and Alixa glance at each other, not fully comprehending what the Elder was commenting over, however eager to hear the tale, they settled themselves also ready for him to begin.

***

Hundreds of years ago Hymbrolin was embroiled in a terrible war, led by the warlords of the north who wanted to claim this land as their own. The original inhabitants were forced to find a way to survive and stumbled upon a hidden underground city. This city revealed a whole underground realm that was strangely empty and silent, thus the Nainyans claimed it as their own and withdrew from the surface realm while the warlords continued to rage against the other tribes that had remained, leaving the earth scorched and crops ruined. The tribes of Hymbrolin began to suffer and starve beneath the warlord’s cruelty.

From the west, a lone traveler trudged along what had once been a remarkably well-built highway which had been reduced to nothing but rubble and ruin. He stumbled upon a village and noticed the thinness of the inhabitants who fled into their thatched huts at the very sight of him.

A man approached him, however, looking gaunt with haunted eyes. “Who are you?! What you want here?”

“I am a traveler from across the western sea, I seek the Nainyans who were known for their weapon and armor smithing.”He looked around himself, this village looked like it was bare of food, and the inhabitants seemed to have just enough to clothe themselves.

“What Nainyan’s? Them’s left a long time ago, got driven off by the warlords. Left us to fend for ourselves.”The old man spat on the ground before looking back at the newcomer.“We hate ’em for leaving us like this.”

The traveler raised a brow slightly but nodded his head.“I’ll pass along your sentiment if I find them.”He swept his gaze around the area once more before asking.“Are you needing any help here before I journey on?”

“What kinda help you could offer?” the old man snapped then laughed harshly. “Not like yous can just make food appear, protect what livestock we have or make crops grow.”He shrugged his thin shoulder.

The traveler had to admit, the old man was right. There was nothing he could do to give them instant security, food in their bellies, or respite from their suffering. He did have something he could give and pulled from his belt a pouch which he handed to the old man; it was full of gold coins.“Here, while it won’t fix everything it will help in a small moderate way.”He smiled slightly and watched the way the old man’s eyes lit up when he tore at the laces and stared into the pouch then clutched it to his chest as if it was a prized possession.“I’ll be seeing you around.”He stated before he began walking, not waiting for a comment of any sort.

The traveler continued along his way, pausing to speak to different people he found along the rundown highway, gathering clues as he went, about where the Nainyan’s might be found or last seen. He learned very quickly not to travel by night as that was when the land was overrun by monsters and beasts that attacked anything attempting to move from place to place away from the safety of the village fires that burned high to ward off predators. In one such village, he met a young woman who seemed more willing to talk about the lost people he sought. She showed him a tattered map that revealed the layout of the land and a strange-looking circle near a mountain. This was to be his goal; it was several days walk but he was certain he could make it and thanked her. The next day he set out, but the little girl insisted on coming with him. She claimed to be an orphan and wanted to see the lost people as much as he did. Together they traversed the harsh terrain, trying to cover as much ground while the sun ruled the sky and slept by a campfire at night.

On the seventh day, he noted the mountain landscape rising in the distance, dark and brooding. The closer they got, the colder the weather seemed to grow, to the point they started to walk through the snow. On the ninth day, a terrible storm erupted that was blinding and made it difficult to push on. It was easy to lose sense of direction with the snow swirling around so thickly. Just when he thought he couldn’t take another step figures appeared out of nowhere and carried the two into a shelter he hadn’t known was nearby.

He felt the warmth of flames thaw out his numb body, his clothing started to dry, and he felt the pain of the freezing temperatures ease from his limbs. He found a bowl of warm broth pressed into his hands and ate without question. Slowly his senses seemed to return, and he was now able to take notice of those gathered around the campfire burning in the center of what looked like a room built out of stone. He wasn’t sure where they were. The people that sat with him were all pale in skin color, dressed in gray and black heavy thick woven material, with decorated black hair in various styles. Finally, after his broth was finished, he spoke, addressing his rescuers.

“I wish to thank you for coming to our aid. I wasn’t sure how much longer we would last.”

“What foolishness led you to journey through a blizzard?”The man to his right spoke, he had silvery gray hair that was long and drawn back in a long plait down his back. His features were sharply chiseled and weathered. His eyes gleamed emerald green as he regarded the traveler with a frown.“You must be a stranger to these lands to not know such things.”

The traveler nodded his head and offered an apologetic smile.“I apologize but you are correct. I am new to these lands; I travel in search of the lost people known as the Nainyans.I have been told that they might be found in these mountains.”

“I see.”Came the response, for a moment there was silence then the man spoke once more.“You have found us. We rarely come out these days, as it is usually best, that we remain hidden from the searching gaze of the warlords.”He picked up a nearby piece of wood and put it on the fire.“What do you want stranger, that you would come so far to find us?”

There was a soft low chuckle, as the traveler shook his head slightly.“Straight to the point, aren’t you?”He then looked around and reached for his backpack and proceeded to dig through it for something. After a few moments, he pulled out a black leather-bound book and flicked through the pages before looking over towards his host.“I travel to far and distant lands studying various races and cultures.I heard the legends of the Hymbrolin, and its lost people who were driven underground by warlords from the north.” He paused as he looked up from the book over towards the silver-haired man.“So, I came looking for you, to learn about you and what drove you underground. I have spoken with people in the villages of the different tribes, and they all seem to think that you left them when they needed you and yours the most.”

There were low soft murmurings from those gathered around the campfire before the green-eyed man smirked and looked over towards the traveler.“We have our reasons; the main one is for some reason the warlords of the north want to wipe us out. They killed our king and all of the royal family. They slaughtered many of our people, but never once told us why.”He shrugged his shoulders slightly.“The decision was to take what was left of our people and hide or become extinct.”He sighed slightly, “So we took the option most viable to us, that which has allowed us to survive.”

The traveler nodded his head, making some notes in his book before he spoke. “What if I had the means to help you make sure that never happens? You would not have to hide and could take the fight back to these warlords.”He made a few extra scribbles in his book before glancing over to note the man was staring at him hard. He gave a crooked little smile.“It is an offer that is not lightly given, I don’t usually involve myself in other races' issues. However, I will not stand idly by while you and yours are threatened in such a manner. Your people are destined for greatness and it is highly possible that is why the warlords want you gone. Perhaps you are a threat to them.”He frowned for a moment and noted that down in his notebook quickly.

“You have the means to help us?” There was laughter from all those gathered in the room before the little voice of the girl broke through and caused silence.

“Yes, why not? He is smart. He has seen a lot; he knows a lot.”The young girl crossed her arms over her chest and wrinkled her little nose.“You left us alone to fight the warlords. We are running out of people just like you were. He wasn’t just after you, he not like any of the tribes, anyone willing to stand against them. Them warlords wanna crush us all, take away our happiness, and make us all sad.”

The adults all looked at one another, the little girl effectively silencing the mockery and causing the green-eyed man to get a little serious and then speak. “Very well then, what could you do to make the warlords lose ground and retreat from whence they came?”

The Traveler gave a rueful little smile and flicked through the pages of his book before pausing and handing the book over to the man a moment as he spoke.“I can train your warriors to be invaluable on the battlefield, and show you secrets in weaponsmith and armor making. I can help you militarize and cause the warlords to doubt themselves about you, the tribes, and this land. Only if you fully trust me. We want Hymbrolin to no longer be seen as an easy target but as a formidable foe.”

There was a heavy sigh before the man nodded his head and then held out a gloved hand and stated firmly.“I am Mycol Wolfbane, I command the scouts.If you are serious with your intentions, then so shall it be.”He gave a small smile while gazing at the little girl who was openly staring at him.“We cannot ignore an offer of help even from a stranger who has traveled such a long distance to find us. We will take you to the council.”

A nod was given as the handshake was returned.“I am Duncan Steelehart, one could say I’m an Anthropologist if you want to get technical. I just prefer the term observer. I am from the land of Asterix.”He flashed a smile and shifted to rest a hand on the young girl’s head who sat beside him.“This is Namiko, she is of the Lemito tribe. She guided me here to the mountains. I hope you don’t mind if she continues traveling with us. It will give her quite a story to tell her people when she returns to them.”

Mycol gave a nod of his head with a little smile.“Agreed, in the meantime, we should all rest, tomorrow we will trek into the mountains, and you will find out where we have called home for the last few years.”He sounded almost bitter, but the feeling faded as they prepared to settle in for the night.

***

Morning came far too soon, but the blizzard had by then passed. The group packed up and put out the fire before trudging out into a high bank of fresh snow. Walking through the snow was hard going, especially when it got thigh-high, but the motley group pressed onwards until they reached what looked like an impregnatable wall of stone. If one looked up, the rock face spread out on either side into black mountains. Mycol reached out a gloved hand to draw a sigil onto the stone. A moment later there was a low rumble before a part of the rock slid to the side revealing an opening into a tunnel. The group walked in and down a long hallowed rock tunnel that seemed carved out. Duncan looked around himself thoughtfully as he took it all in. At the end of the tunnel, a massive chamber opened revealing a large city that seemed carved out of the mountain rock. It was a marvel to his eyes, even the little wild girl walking at his side was in awe. He looked over towards Mycol who led the way and addressed him.

“Did your people make this?”

“No, we found this and others like it, scattered throughout the mountains along the northern range. We believe another race carved them out, but we are unsure what happened to them. The cities were completely deserted and yet still fully livable. We believe the mountain rock is of such a hardy make that it will not fall to ruin for centuries to come.”He glanced over at the traveler with a little quirk of a smile on his lips.“Thus, we claimed these hidden cities as ours. We will leave the surface lands to the tribes to stop the infighting amongst us.”

“That is very noble of you.”Duncan nodded his head.“However don’t leave Hymbroli all to them, they will need help defending against the warlords. You can’t just leave them standing alone.”He glanced towards the wild girl walking beside him and softly patted her on the head. “You all call this land home, thus make it so and drive those dark ones out.”

Mycol chuckled quietly before murmuring softly.“Easier said than done but perhaps you are right.”He slowed to a halt at the gates of the city where they could now see there were men, women, and children moving about in the streets; going about their daily lives. He made a motion to the other Nainyans with him.“Go on to the garrison, I will take our guests to the council.”He then looked at Duncan and Namiko.“Follow me.”

With sure steps, Mycol led the way down a wide paved street that had tall buildings on either side. He halted in the heart of the city where a great white tower stood, it rose higher than all the other buildings around it. He smiled at his two guests and led the way through the doors. There were benches and some bookshelves on the bottom floor, then a stairway that wound its way up to the next floor. He motioned for them to follow. On the second floor, it seemed more homely with a hearth, and some comfortable chairs. A table laden with a feast and benches around the table. Mycol motioned towards the table as he moved to pour himself a glass of wine.

“Please sit and eat. The council will arrive shortly.”He sat down in a chair and put some food onto a plate for himself before eyeing Duncan a little longer.“You are a strange man to go from place to place learning about other lands and cultures.”

Duncan grinned a little as he got comfortable himself.“What can I say, the people of my land are curious and have a hunger for knowledge. We don’t want to conquer neighboring countries. We want to understand and learn about their cultures. How else do you build good strong alliances?” he shrugged his shoulders slightly.

Mycol nodded his head in understanding.“You have a point. Very well then, we shall see what the Council thinks about your offer.”He smiled as he watched his guests eat well, Namiko curled up on the furs before the hearth and drifted to sleep. Duncan on the other hand sat down in a chair, he brought out a pipe that he packed with tobacco and began to smoke.

Time passed before there were footsteps on the stairs announcing the arrival of the council members. Four men dressed in black with gray cloaks strode into the room, each greeting Mycol with a murmured word and a bow. He smiled as he returned the greeting then showed the men over to the feasting table which had recently been cleared. When they arrived, Duncan put out his pipe and moved to sit at the table as well.

Duncan found out that these five men all had distant ties to the now-slain Nainyan royal family. They had striven to pick up the pieces and save their nation after the terrible slaughter. He leaned elbows on the table while the men talked of successful crop harvests, more cities discovered, and people being settled. Even though these people had been dealt such a harsh hand, they were focusing on how to rebuild themselves. He smiled as he glanced over to Namiko was fast asleep by the hearth. A group of men talking about politics, taxes, crops, and population numbers was bound to be boring for a little girl.

Finally, Mycol brought to his fellow council members what Duncan had offered. The other men were of course surprised that a stranger from another land wanted to assist and help Hymbroli, especially the Nainyans who had been driven underground. Duncan gave them all a smile as he sat up a bit straighter at the table.

“As I have told Mycol, I am from a land far from here. I am a scholar and have been traveling the various lands mapping and learning about the various other cultures I come across. In my travels, I heard of the plight of Hymbroli both the tribes and the lost people driven underground. I have come to map the land, learn about you, and help if I can.”He rested both hands on the table and sighed a little.“I do not believe you should be left to your demise, nor do I believe that the warlords should be allowed to get away with these atrocities.I humbly ask that you consider what I have to offer.”

The men nodded and talked amongst themselves. Duncan rose to his feet and moved to the table against the wall where a jug had been placed with goblets and poured himself some wine. He would let them discuss things as it wasn’t his place to try and force them to accept his offer. With goblet in hand, he moved to the hearth and sat down in a comfortable chair. The continued murmuring was almost enough to put him to sleep and oddly enough he found he was tired enough to close his eyes.

“Duncan?”A voice pierced through slumber causing him to jerk awake and find Mycol standing before him. The Nainyian was watching him curiously but smiled once he was more fully awake.“Ah good, we do apologize we took so long in our discussions. There was much to talk about.”He turned slightly glancing towards the now empty table.“I am pleased to announce that my fellow councilors have decided to take you up on your offer. We know how to fight but even they admit we don’t know our strengths or weaknesses. We do need an outside opinion to assess our military and what we are capable of.”He sat down in the other chair looking rather pleased with himself.“Hence, they wish you to begin tomorrow with this city’s garrison. Start with them and if all goes well, go from there.”

Duncan nodded his head in agreement.“Sounds like a good plan.”He smiled holding up his goblet.“To the Nainyan’s.” he toasted, Mycol gave a nod holding up a goblet as well.

With such words spoken the next few months were filled with Duncan learning all about them. The Nainyans had evolved into a military-governed culture with religion at the core. Their children were educated and then trained at the academy in the art of war. This training grew to include several fighting styles that Duncan knew of, he had the young students run through various tests to find out Nainyan’s strengths and weaknesses. He then took what they had learned and reinvented their hand-to-hand combat. The academy began new training classes which improved their skills. He also taught them how to train and ride Destriders. These great beasts were found roaming the plains in herds, they were intelligent creatures that were happy to serve as war mounts as long as the Nainyans treated them with respect. With this alliance a calvary was born, allowing the Nainyans to cross distance swiftly from city to city via the underground highway that ran through the depths of the mountain ranges.

Five years after his initial arrival Duncan could not have predicted the outcome of his offering to the Nainyan council. He stood in his room dressing for another day, he had been adopted by Mycol’s family and almost felt like he was one of them.Clad in black leather and chain mail, he strode out into the street and walked towards the central tower, there he was joined by Mycol. Today was to be the first of firsts, they were going to take a patrol up to the surface and investigate the news that scouts had been bringing back. It seemed that the warlords had increased their attacks on the tribes. The tribes were being massacred and if the attacks weren’t stopped then the tribes would become extinct.

“Do you think we are ready?”Mycol folded arms over his chest while looking down at his boots.

“There is only one way to find out.”Was Duncan’s response as he led the way to the stables that stood next to the tower. Six other Nainyan’s in armor stood beside their mounts waiting for the two men. Duncan gave a rueful little smile before swinging up into the saddle and called out.“Head out!”

Hooves echoed on stone as the eight road through the streets towards the mountain gates that would let them outside into the mountains. The sun was bright in the sky and the snow glowed softly. The Destriders made a path with their large cloven hooves down the mountainside to the plains below. With the snow thinning out, the riders spread out and picked up speed, galloping towards the nearest villages to investigate the state of the tribesmen living in that area of Hymbroli.

Smoke rose on the horizon, giving an ominous warning that the nearby villages were under attack. Duncan drew his steed to a halt and held a fist up, signaling the others to follow suit. He looked over to Mycol who was beside him then motioned with a hand.

“Split up, you take some with you and check the perimeter of the village, I’ll ride in directly to see if the villages are still alive and if the attackers remain.”

Mycol gave a nod of his head and turned to ride off with four guardians behind him. Duncan glanced at the others that remained with him and smirked slightly as he loosened his blade in its scabbard.“Prepare yourselves, we might meet up with a warlord this day, and be assured. Just as we have spent our time away training, I am sure they have strengthened themselves as well in preparation for our return.”

Duncan entered the village; he looked around himself with a furrowed brow as he noted the burning buildings and bodies scattered about the streets. He dismounted and rested a hand on the neck of his Destrider and friend. This did not look well to him, he stepped away from the beast and knelt by a burned body, carefully touching a charred hand when running footsteps caught his attention. He lifted his head to see a familiar young woman running towards him amidst the smoke that drifted across the street. Namiko had grown up over the last five years. She had returned home after he had agreed to stay with the Nainyans.This would be the first time he had seen her during that time.“Namiko?”He rose slowly to his feet as he watched her draw closer.

Long golden hair streamed behind her as she ran, she was clad in leather and fur and armed with a bow and set of twin bone daggers that were sheathed at her hips. She skidded to a halt once she was close, her eyes wide as she stared first at Duncan and then the other two riders that had come with him into the village center. There was clear shock in the expression on her face, before pointing at Duncan and mouthing his name. A moment later she slammed into him for a tight hug that nearly knocked him clear off his feet. A sure greeting, if any was to be given. He let out a soft low chuckle and hugged her gently back, then patted her on the top of the head.“Hello to you too my wild friend. It has been a long time.” He lifted his head to look around himself with a bit of a frown once more.“Who did this?”

Namiko sniffled against his armored chest for a moment before finally letting go and drawing a step back as she rubbed a forearm over her face.“Big Warlord, Kain the Black Wolf.”She frowned as she curled her fingers into fists.“They came and slaughtered many, only few escaped and ran south.”She shook her head.“Too strong for us, them take us for slaves and blood.”She bowed her head as a little tremor laced through her body.“I get revenge…” she whispered.

“Same.”Was the simple response as Duncan rested a hand on the young woman’s shoulder in a supportive grip. He turned slightly at the sound of hooves approaching and noted it was Mycol now arriving with the rest of their men.“Namiko here told me that it was Warlord Kain, the black wolf that attacked the village.”

Mycol narrowed his eyes slightly as he drew his Destrider to a halt.“Kain….”He looked around himself for a long moment.“I doubt he’ll come back, this village is razed to the ground and there is nothing left to scavenge.”He sighed heavily before looking towards Duncan.“We should move on.”

“We should follow the survivors, Namiko said they fled south. They will be in danger while out in the open.”Duncan responded as he moved to swing back up into the saddle. “It’s going to be a long night of riding me thinks.”He sighed heavily.“I fear the Warlords have grown quite strong since we last were here.” He held out a gloved hand towards Namiko. “Come, we shall make sure your people get to safety.”

A nod was given as Namiko took the offered hand and was helped up behind the Warrior. Duncan then urged his beast into a canter as the patrol moved out, kicking up dust as they rode through the night beneath a clear crystalline moon. The landscape was dark and bathed in gray light and shadows.

Ahead another village could be seen with a large bonfire burning. Its light rose high into the air, casting an orange glow into the night sky. Duncan made his way into the village center where the survivors had gathered and were speaking with the leader of that particular village. He dismounted and approached the chief, bowing to him before he spoke.“I am Duncan; Commander of the First Watch.”He straightened up and glanced around himself.“We came as soon as we could, Namiko is with us.”He motioned to the wild girl as she stepped out from behind him.

The young Chief eyed him off a long moment before finally speaking.“I is Chief Grai, this is third wave of refugees we take in.We at point where we not be able to feed everyone.”He sighed heavily as he shook his head slightly.

“It is alright. We can help as much as we can.”Duncan turned to Mycol as he walked up.“We’ll need to set up a defensive perimeter around the village outskirts.”He looked then towards the Chief and some of the tribal warriors near him.“We’ll need to send out hunters to fetch food and scout the lands around us.”Duncan returned his gaze towards Chief Grai.“We’ll remain with you to help defend the village in case the warlord shows his hand a….”

“Riders!” came a shout as a warrior ran up, looking wide-eyed and terrified.“It’s Black Wolf! He’s come to finish us!”He staggered to a halt, bent over and gasping for air.

Mycol stepped up barking out orders.“Get to the village gates, prepare the defenses.”He looked to Chief Grai.“Leave the warlord to us, it’s been a while and it’s time they realized we still exist.”He smirked slightly as he swung up into the saddle of his Destrider. He looked towards Duncan who nodded his head in agreement. The rest of the riders climbed into their saddles and followed suit, cantering for the village gates. There they lined up and prepared for the arrival of the oncoming Warlord and his army.

***

A large line of torches could be seen winding its way through the night towards the village. At the head was the warlord known as Kain the Black Wolf. He rode upon a black wolf the size of a horse; he was clad in armor and had a wolf pelt draped about his shoulders. A loud horn could be heard echoing through the sky. The Warlord and his troops came to a halt not far from the village. Kain rode forward with two other’s either side flanking him. He regarded Duncan and Mycol who had closed distance on their Destriders to meet him.

“Step aside so I might purge these worthless slugs from the landscape.”He dismissively motioned a gauntlet hand.“You are not like these wild savages, so I will give you time to remove yourselves from their village.”

“I think not.”Mycol quirked a slight smile on his lips, he turned in the saddle to glance behind him a moment at the thatched roofs of the various buildings that made up this simple village.“These people are under our protection.”He faced forward again and regarded the warlord calmly.“I don’t believe we have met.I am Sir Mycol Wolfbane.A Guardian of the Black Watch.”

“Your name means nothing to me. Where are you from that you’d dare to stand in my way like this.”Came the growl from the warlord’s wolf visored helm.

Mycol and Duncan exchanged glances, Duncan gave a slight nod of his head before Mycol faced forward again and flashed a rather dashing smile.“Nainyain’s.” he stated dramatically, motioning with his hands at the other riders in similar uniform and armor as he.“We have returned from the underground where you and yours drove us into hiding and we have returned to help our tribal brethren.”

There was sudden silence all around, even from the villagers who had gathered behind them to see what was going on. Kain turned his head sharply to the right and snapped at his lieutenant.“Retreat.”He looked forward again, eyeing Mycol for the moment then stated quietly. “You win tonight but mark my words, from here on in we will hunt down every single one of your kin and eradicate you.”

Mycol lifted a gloved hand, giving a slight salute as his smile turned into a bit of a smirk.“We look forward to further conflicts with you.”

Kain delivered another glare before signaling for his troops to move off and proceeded to move out in another direction.

“Well, now you’ve done it.”Duncan drawled but chuckled a little bit.“That guy is going to be gunning for you.”

Mycol smirked slightly as he watched the dark army ride off into the distance.“Good, instead of picking on the wild ones, he’ll be up against well-trained warriors. We won’t be so easily defeated this time.”

“I would say you are more than evenly matched now.” Was Duncan’s response.

***

“Sir Mycol.”A voice echoed through the library as a young novice guardian made his way through the aisles until he found the table where the three sat. He bowed to the lady in white and the two guardians.“My apologies…” he stated before looking towards the gray-haired Mycol.“You are wanted by the council; a guest has arrived. I believe he is to be sworn in as a new member of the council.”

With a soft thud, Mycol closed the book he had been reading out of. Not before putting in a bookmark for later. He glanced towards Nika and Alixa who were staring at him in disbelief. He let out a soft little chuckle. “Yes yes, I’m reading from a book that I wrote about how the Guardians began.”He paused as their features were dumbfounded.“I was there in the beginning in a sense.”He winked with a chuckle before motioning towards the young man.“Show the way, we shouldn’t keep our guests waiting.”He then proceeded to take his leave.

Alixa dived for the book, dragging it over to herself, and started madly flicking through the pages.“Did you….did you get that? He was there! He knows our history better than any of us! How old is that man!” she cried in excitement.

Nika watched her young friend for a few moments before offering a slight little smile of amusement.“Calm down Alixa, we knew he had knowledge of the old ways and how the Guardians came to be. We just did not realize that he was there when it all began. Now we know.”She reached for a different book as she continued.“Now that we know this, we need to keep a watchful eye on him. We can’t lose a man such as that in this new age.”

Alixia frowned a little bit as she paused in the flicking of pages.“What do you mean?”

Nika shook her head slightly as she picked up a book and softly trailed a finger over the elaborate border.“Things are changing, I do not know if it is for ill or for good. We shall see.”She rose to her feet then and smiled lightly. “In the meantime, I should return to my quarters for some rest.I hope that we shall meet often Guardian Graystar.”

Alixia nodded her head, hugging the book that had been read to her by its very own author to her chest.“Oh, we shall, I can assure you!”She beamed brightly before she walked lightly towards the front and left the library after borrowing the book that Mycol had read from. This book was precious to her, she was going to look forward to reading more of it. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn’t see the man until she ran into him. With a gasp, she was jolted back to earth, just as she landed on her rump. Looking up she stared at the tall man clad in black robes staring down at her. He had a surprised look on his face that mirrored her own before he stooped to pick up the book and offered his hand to her, to help her back onto her feet.

“I am sorry…” he started to say.

“Oh no…please…” she shook her head and smiled sheepishly.“I wasn’t paying any attention to where I was going.”She pointed to the book that he held in his hand.“I was just excited about reading that.”

He looked at the book, then held it out to her so she could take it.“I never expected a city built underground to be so busy.”He commented as he looked around himself and then back to her.“Name’s Mordrid, I was sent by the spellcaster academy.”He smiled slightly.“I came with my brother Morgan who’s being sworn into the council today.”

Alixia tilted her head a moment then blinked. “Oh you both aren’t from around here?” she sounded very surprised.“Usually, only a Guardian is sworn into the council, how did your brother manage that?”

Mordrid shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. “I have no clue; all I know is we have heard of you. Your Guardians of the Black Watch are becoming quite well known to lands in the east across the sea. You are a bit of a legend, so you can imagine our surprise when we arrived and found this city large and thriving.”

Alixa laughed a bit. “What did you expect? A dark mysterious city that was covered in cobwebs and almost devoid of life?” she wriggled her fingers slightly. “Sorry! I can assure you that the Guardians are far from dying out. We’ve just been doing a lot of building and remodeling of our cities. Expanding and keeping an eye on the north.”

Mordrid nodded his head. “I see, well I am glad to see that you are more than stories.”He peered at her uniform. “Are you a Guardian?”

“Not yet, I mean I am in their ranks but I am a novice in training. We have several rankings and various specializations.”She noted proudly.“I am hoping to get admitted into the Raven Squad, they are the advanced scouts who travel deep into the north to gather intelligence on the warlords’ movements.”Alixa held the book to her chest as she smiled up at the young man.“It’ll take a bit to get there but I like a good challenge.”

He chuckled. “I see, however in the meantime, I believe it is night even though one never sees the moon or sun down here.”He cleared his throat.“May I walk you to your room?”

Alixa gnawed on her bottom lip for a moment then gave a little nod. “Sure, I won’t mind that in the slightest.”She motioned her hand, to direct him down a nearby street as they now walked side by side.“So, did this spellcaster academy send you? Or did you just want to come along and see where your brother was going to be working for a while?”

Her companion chuckled softly.“A little of both. We have heard of the Shan-gri-lia.The Peacekeepers wear white robes and wield healing magic with more skill than anyone we know. I was hoping to get some training and perhaps some manuals that I could take back with me to the academy for those who want to learn the magical arts of healing.”

Alixia nodded her head slightly.“That makes sense. Lady Nika might be able to point you in the right direction. Most of the Shan-Gri-Lia are to be found at the city’s Infirmary. Every city has one with a certain number of Peacekeepers serving in it. We protect them when they send out Ambassador’s and diplomats to various lands, in return they supply us with healers.”She smiled over to him as she came to a halt before a tall two-story narrow building.“Here we are, this is where I live. Thank you for walking me home Mordrid.”She held out her hand towards him.

“Thank you for talking to me and explaining some things to me.”The man smiled back as he shook her hand and watched her go up the stairs and into the building.Once he was alone once more, Mordrid retraced his steps through the streets then headed for the white Tower where the council would be gathering; to rejoin his brother.