Forgotten Guardians
Chapter 24

At first Josan saw nothing but huge trees the size of townhouses, with the wind rustling through their branches. As they came closer, structures began to emerge from the trees themselves. The buildings seemed to grow straight out of the huge trees. There were no signs over the buildings and or any decorative carvings or paintings anywhere to make them stand out. Bridges and walkways stretched across the exspanse from tree to tree, but seemed to be part of the forest and not man made. There were no roads or walk ways, only dirt paths which curved around in a natural fashion. The buildings seemed to stretch as far the tree tops. As they entered the city many of the elven people only stared at the odd group, but no one tried to stop them. There seemed to be no guards around, or at least none could be seen. People quickly parted from their path as the group made their way to the largest of the tree building. A ancient oak tree which nearly touched the sky with a trunk a hundred men holding hands could not encircle.

“Hah, they call this a city. A good gust of wind could blow this place away. Now a dwarven mine, there’s something that will hold,” Baile laughed as he and Mom carried the injured elf on the stretcher.

Just before they reached the large oak Aielia curved left to another large tree. A sapling compared to the large oak, but still larger than anything the group had ever seen. There was a long walk way which led up to two large wood carved doors. As they approached, two young elf boys came running out of the door way followed by two elf maidens in snowy white robes. The boys slowed as they came closer looking like startled deer ready to bolt. The boys wearily eyed the unusual visitors as they took the stretcher from the dwarves and quickly made for the doors. The two elf maidens made their way down the path as the boys hurried back insidet. One was slight with deep violet eyes and raven black hair .The other’s eyes where the same as Aielia’s, blue with a sparkle of gold and she had golden silvery hair. This elf and Aielia looked so much a like they could have been twins, though this new elf seemed to carry the weight of maturity that Aielia did not.

“It is good to see you again sister. We feared the worst when you did not return,” the golden haired elf said in a concerned, but relieved voice.

“We have them to thank,” Aielia said as she moved her hand along in a arc towards the six companions.

“I thank you strangers. My same is Melen and I’m in your debt. My sister has a knack for replaceing trouble,” Melen said in a somber tone.

“Is any one else injured?” the dark haired elf asked. “No? Then Mistress Melen will you accuse me? I must see to Serlan,” Melen gave a slight nod and the dark haired elf headed for the door.

“Now sister, where are your manners? Are you going to introduce me to the people who saved your life?” Melen said.

“Oh yes, excuse me. This is my eldest sister, Melen. The Head Mistress of our hospice. This is Miranda,” Aielia said as she pointed, “the big one is Grimmly,” she said as Grimmly gave a formal bow, “The short one is Frathe,” she said, Frathe stood and crossed his arms, “That is Wolf, and the little one holding Miranda’s hand is Uuger. The cloaked one is Josan,” Josan nodded to them.

“It is very nice to meet you all. Please feel welcome in our home,” Melen said with a bow. She rose and turned her attention to the two dwarves, “It is good to see you again, Bail and Morn. Are you well?” Melen asked in a cheerful tone.

“Ah. It will take a more than orcs to beat us,” Baile bellowed.

“I believe the Creator himself would have a hard time handling you two,” Melen said with a smile. The dwarves puffed out their chests in agreement.

“It is an honor as always. Raven,” Melen said with a formal bow.

“As to me, Mistress Melen,” Raven said.

“Now, what is this talk of orcs?” Melen asked.

“It’s as we feared, a large encampment of orcs, goblins and ogres have entered the forest. I must speak to Mother right away,” Aielia said.

“Yes, I will send someone ahead and tell her of your coming. Carlon,” she said at the doors. A few seconds later another young elf boy came running out of the doors to join them. Melen quickly spoke in elvish to the boy and urgd him on his way. The young elf bowed then sped off towards the direction of the large oak.

“I will join you when I can,” Melen said as she embraced Aielia.

Aielia lead the way as they approached the large oak tree. At first glance, there only seemed to be two guards standing around the base of a tree, but as they came closer the wood seemed to shift to show a large opening in the trunk. As Aielia reached the guards, each one bowed in turn and gracefully stepped aside to let her pass. Josan could not help but feel the guard’s eyes weighing him as he passed. Aielia led the group down a brightly lit corridor which curved the trees natural formation. There were no torches along the hall only blue-ish spheres which floated along the wall which illuminated the tunnel. There was no decoration or carvings anywhere. The tunnel just seemed to be part of the tree’s design. After a few staircases and comers they stood before a pair of large wooden doors, which were adorned with a simple carving of vines and leaves. Two guards stood on either side of the doorway.

“Lady Maylen has been expecting you,” one of the guards said with a formal bow as the other guard pushed open the doors. Aielia gave a short curtsy and continued through the doorway.

As the group passed through their breath escaped them. They entered a large domed room which seemed as bright as the outside world. Upon the room’s floor ran a large stone path which lead to a paved circle of small benches. Everywhere flower gardens lined the walk way, samll terraces excluded from the wall where more flowers bloomed. Every flower known in the world was there in bloom. It was one of the most beautiful scenes the six had ever seen.

A elven woman was sitting in one of the flower beds, pruning a small tree with white blossoms. She wore a white silvery robe which matched the blossoms of the tree she was pruning. Her hair was long and silvery blonde. It was pulled back in a thick braid that reached the small of her back. As most elves, she had the ageless look about her. Her eyes were the same color as Aielia’s but had the knowledge of ages swirling in them.

As Aielia led me group to the circle of benches, a loving motherly smile spread across the elven woman’s face.

“Oh Aielia, it is good to see you home,” the woman said almost at the brink of tears. She rushed over and wrapped her arms round Aielia. “Are you alright child? Are you hurt anywhere?” she said as she fussed over Aielia like any mother would.

“I’m fine, mother,” Aielia said in a soft voice.

“When you did not return we feared the worst,” the woman said as she hugged Aielia again.

“It almost was the worst, Mother. I would like to introduce you to my rescuers” Aielia said as she stepped aside for the six companions. The elven woman stood straighter as if she had not noticed them before now.

“This is my mother, Lady Maylen. The head of the Council of Nine,” Aielia said as she then went down the line and introduced her new friends. After the introductions Aielia told her mother about what had happened. As Aielia told the story Lady Maylen studied the group as if she was seeing something no one else could see. As if she studied their souls.

“I thank you all for what you have done. If there is anything you need, you have but to ask,” Lady Maylen said with a nod of her head. “Please sit and we shall talk,” she said as she gracefully sat down on one of the benches.

“Oh, Baile, Mom, I almost forgot. Word has come from the mounlain. The Lord of Speaker has a message for you from your home,” Lady Maylen said. The dwarves looked at each other and bowed to her, then quickly made for the door.

“My Lady Maylen, with your permission I would like to question these people before you hold conference with them,” Raven glared at the group.

“I believe that will not be necessary. Raven,” Lady Maylen said coolly.

“My Lady, I fear for your safety,” Raven pleaded.

“The Lady Maylen is in good hands,” a voice came from the gardens. A moment later another elf walked around the corner. Josan was quite impressed, not even he detected the elfs presence. The elf silently walked up behind the queen and locked eyes with Raven. The elf had long white hair and blue-ish purplish eyes which were as hard as rock. A mere glimpse into his eyes could tell anyone they had seen many battles. Wrinkles spread out from his eyes like battle scares and he skin did not have the ageless look of most elves. This elf had lead a hard life and seen countless battles. The elf carried only two curved short swords which crisscrossed across his lower back. He stood like a cat of prey ready to pounce.

“Raimon,” Raven said with a quick gasp, before gaining his composure. “Raimon, it is an honor,” Raven said with a military bow. “You of anyone, know the dangers to the Lady Maylen,”

“I know them quite well,” Ramon said with authority, “You are excused,” Raimon left no room for argument. Raven spun on his heels and stiffly walked out.

“Please forgive him,” Lady Maylen said after Raven left. “This is Raimon, my personal guard.” Raimon gave a short bow to the company, but remained behind Lady Maylen. “I must say you are a most unusual group of travelers,” Lady Maylen said.

“We get that a lot,” Miranda said with a smile, “We have come to ask you about a horde encampment in your forest and an army called the ’Army of the Light.”

“Yes, we know about the army and I fear it gets worse,” Lady Maylen said somberly. “Our long range scouts have reported a larger horde is moving in this direction. What is most disturbing is an army of men are following them with the emblem of the ‘Army of the Light.’ I fear the horde and the army of men are as one,” Lady Maylen said as she lowered her head.

“Who leads this army?” Josan asked with concern.

“I do not know. All I know is he is a man and many of the fishing villages stand behind him,” she answered.

“They only support him out of fear,” Miranda declared.

“So it may be, but never the less, we cannot fight an army of its size. We are but a few hundred and the dwarves the same,” Lady Maylen explained.

“What of the Arlon Kingdom? You share borders and have always lived in peace,” Grimmly asked.

“We seldom associate with the human kingdom. The peace has been made because of our elusiveness. I do not believe they would help against this,” Lady explained.

“It wouldn’t hurt to ask. What happens to you will surely happen to them. If you combine your forces you might have a chance,” Miranda said.

“I shall consult with the council on these matters,” Lady Maylen said with a hint of doubt echoing in her voice. “Let us talk of more pleasant things. Please, tell me of yourselves,” Lady Maylen said with a lighter tone. “It is not every day that I encounter individuals with such powerful auras all intertwined with one another’s so strongly.”

“No offence, My Lady, but what in the bloody hells are you talking about?” Frathe said carefully keeping one eye on the Lady Maylen and the other on Raimon.

Raimon raised an eye brow in a semi threatening way, but Lady Maylen merely smiled, “From you six I see great things will come. All of you are connected by a power that is very ancient. I cannot tell the source of the power only that it means you all have a density which lies together.”

“Lady Maylen, we encountered something which mentioned ’Six Guardians,” Miranda spoke up. Miranda started to recite the prophecy until Lady Maylen raised her hand.

“I know the prophecy quite well. My family was connected to it a long time ago,” Lady Maylen said calmly. Aielia’s eyes widened with this unexpected news.

“Mother, what do you mean, ‘connected’?” Aielia asked shocked.

“You heard this prophecy in a shrine, did you not?” she waited as Miranda nodded her head. “You saw six statues, one being a elf maiden with a bow?” Miranda nodded again, “She was my great aunt.” Maylen finished calmly. The rest of the group stirred with the news, especially Aielia. “Nearly a millennia ago when those six stood in this very room standing before my great grandmother, now six more stand before me.” Lady Maylen said in a calm manner.

“Now wait one moment, you cannot mean what you saying, I ain’t no hero from some forgotten story. You and that crazy blind wizard are in on this,” Frathe declared. Grimmly gave him a level look from across the way for bad mouthing Master Veil.

“Opposite sides of the same coin,” Lady Maylen answered. “I know nothing of this wizard, but what he told you is true.” A smile spread across Grimmly’s broad face in triumph.

“But we just stumbled upon the temple, we are no ancient warriors,” Miranda pleaded.

“You can deny who you are but you cannot run from it,” Lady Maylen said as she stared straight at Josan. “What is and what will be will be. Do you think it is chance that six unusual people as you have met? A noble giant, a ranger goblin, and....” Lady Maylen’s eyes landed on Josan. “There is no need to cover your face Master Josan, for I already know what lies beneath your hood.”

Josan sat up straight in shock. He didn’t know how she knew but from the look in her eyes told him that she did. He slowly pulled back his hood to reveal his silver eyes. Neither Lady Maylen nor Raimon blanched. Aielia gasped in shock, but quickly calmed herself. Lady Maylen sat for moment and looked into his eyes as if searching for something, then quickly jerked up as if awakening from a daydream.

“The Fates have chosen you six as the new Guardians. You cannot run from who you are,” Lady Maylen said with a sigh.

“If we are what you’re saying, I’m not saying I agree with you, then what is it we are supposed to do?” Frathe asked with a confused look upon his face.

“The Guardians are the protectors of this realm from the Shadow,” Lady Maylen said.

“My pardon, my Lady, but that is kind of vague,” Grimmly said politely.

“That is all I know. I’m sorry that I cannot tell you more. This is a great burden which has been placed upon your shoulders, but you are the only ones who can bear it,” Lady Maylen explained.

A few days had passed since their meeting with Lady Maylen. At her insistence they stayed in the large oak. The rooms were small but cozy. There were no fireplaces, but there was no need for them, the air always seemed warm at all times. Miranda spent most of her time with Aielia and Uuger stayed right along with her. Grimmly mingled with elf wizards and scholars. Frathe spent most of his time at the target range, gambling with the archers, and Josan and Wolf stayed in their room.

One the third day Josan sat on his balcony looking out over the city as Wolf slept in the sun. Even though Lady Maylen knew about him he still kept his hood up. Suddenly his door swung open and Raimon walked in like a cat who had found a mouse to play with.

“Josan, come with me please,” Raimon asked though it wasn’t a request.

“What is this about?” Josan asked as he walked back into the room.

“Just follow me,” Raimon said he turned and headed for die door.

Silence echoed through the tree-like hall as they walked. Raimon would not answer any Josan’s questions, he merely told Josan he needed to follow him. They walked down a few flights of stairs and zigzagged through corridors until they came upon a old wooden door. Without losing pace Raimon swung the door open and walked inside. The room was a large dome about twenty paces across and it was completely empty. There were no decorations or tapestries. Josan wondered why Raimon had brought him here. Ramon walked to the center of the room and spun around.

“You carry those two swords as if you know how to use them. Let us see how far your knowledge goes,” he said as pulled his two short curved blades from his back. The swords moved in circles as if they were an extension of his own body. “You may leave the coat; no one will see you here.”

Josan shrugged off his long coat, revealing his two magnificent blades strapped to his back with the hilts at his waist. He drew them in a flash, but that was all the time he had before Raimon came at him. The curved blades spun in a blur, almost as if they were coming in at every direction at once. Josan swiped each attack only to replace another one coming. Ramon danced around trying to replace a weak point in Josan’s form. Sweat beaded on both of their faces as metal clashed with metal. Josan held his attacks, even when the elf gave him a opening. Josan knew that someone this good would not themselves give many openings. Ramon jumped back and sheathed his blades.

“Bellfast has taught you well. You’re not too eager to go for the first opening you see,” Ramon said with a smile.

Josan stood stunned for a moment before speaking, “You...you know Bellfast?”

“Of course I know him,” Ramon said as if Josan should know.

“But how?” Josan asked, still not sure what to think.

“We are brothers” Ramon answered as if it was nothing. Seeing Josan still not understanding explained. “We are both ‘Brothers of the Blade.’ Did Bellfast never mention this?” Josan shook his head no, still to confused to speak. “An order of people who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the sword and discovering the secret of the blade. We are not held by boundaries or race, for we are all brotheres on the same journey. Bellfast belonged to this order as well.” Raimon approached and lifted one of his blades to the light. Runes were ecthed down the length of his blade. “Yes they are the same. It is the creed in which we live by. By Bellfast giving you those blades he inducted you into the order as well, even if he never told you of it. It is was his duty as your teacher to complete your training.”

Josan lowered his head and studied the floor, “Bellfast died about four years ago,” Josan said as if he was one who had run the sword through.

“I heard. I mourned his death. He was good man and swordsman. The world will miss him,” Ramon said in a somber tone. A brief moment of silence passed before Raimon spoke again. “I see he has taught you well, but you still have much to learn, and since my brother has died before completing your training then it fall to me.”

“How did you know he had trained me?” Josan asked.

A smirk spread across Raimon’s face, “You have the same walk. I could swear it was him when I first saw you.”

“My walk? What do you mean my walk?” Josan asked as if he was being accused of some wrong doing.

“When you get to be as old as I am, you learn to recognize such things,” Raimon said with a small smile.

“That does not make sense,” Josan said still confused.

“Enough talk.” Raimon said as he pulled his blades free and rushed toward Josan.

Raimon and Josan spent the rest of the day in the training room. Raimon pointed out flaws in his form and explained the philosophy of the Order of the Blade.

Miranda walked along the tree-like corridors, she was not really going anywhere, just sorting out her thoughts. When Master Veil had told them that they were the Guardians from the prophecy, she couldn’t believe it, or wouldn’t let herself believe it. She was just some peasant girl from a small kingdom. She wasn’t anything special. Her own people had treated her as an outcast, due to her visions. There was no way that she could be some hero like in the stories. As she walked around the corner she was met by Lady Maylen’s knowledgeable eyes.

“Excuse me, child, did I startle you?” Lady Maylen said with a motherly tone.

“Oh, no, forgive me,” Miranda said with a small blush of embarrassment.

“You seemed troubled, is something wrong?” Lady Maylen asked.

“Oh, I was just thinking,” Miranda said still embarrassed.

“Maybe I can help. Please, let us walk together.” Lady Maylen said.

The two strolled down the corridor and through the flower gardens as Miranda poured her heart out, telling Lady Maylen about how she didn’t think she was a Guardian and how a peasant girl couldn’t be a hero, Josan and the others fit the hero-type but not her.

“You know, there is more to being a hero than just fighting,” Lady Maylen said with a smile. “I have watched all of you the last few days and have seen many things. You are the heart of the group; you are the one that keeps them together. Do you think that they would have come this far together if not for you? You mean something to each of them; a mother to Uuger, a little sister to Grimmly, a friend to Frathe, a cub to Wolf, and a she-stopped and smiled at Miranda with a smile a mother gives when she knows what her daughter is thinking.

Miranda turned beat red and tried to hide her face. “No...no, it’s not like that all, we are only friends.”

“I may be an elf, but I’m a woman first and see how you look at him and the way that he looks at you,” Lady Maylen said with a smile, but then her face became stem, “There are many prophecies about that one,” she grabbed Miranda’s shoulders. “That is why you are so important. He will decide me outcome of which side will win. You are the key to which side he will choose, child. He maybe the instrument, but you are the key,” Lady Maylen released Miranda and the sternness melted away. “I’m sorry to burden you with more, but there is no other way,” she said softly. “Let us not talk of what might be and what might happen.”

They continued their walk as Lady Maylen talked about roles of each elf. Miranda barely listened, she was to busy trying to sort through all she had just been told.