War of Dark Ages: A Unicorn's Journey
Chapter 13

Commander Kail is completely grateful to the Guardians for showing up when they did and tries to take a deep breath. He glances to the side spotting Ragnar walking past him.

Ragnar walks up to Raden and kneels placing a hand on his shoulder.

Raden freezes and glances up with Latoyia in his arms. He swallows hard.

​“It’s alright, They are gone,” Ragnar confirms in a calm voice. ​Raden gives a small nod as Latoyia clutches him, shaking her head. Ragnar looks around at a few people behind Raden, “Let’s take you to an establishment. I’ll make sure to have a few guards around while we clean up this mess, and ensure everyone is ok.”

​“The Guardians came to fight him, and they healed us. I will be forever grateful to them,” Raden brushes his lips across Latoyia’s hair and breathes a sigh of relief.

Ragnar smiles, “Indeed, it was pretty amazing they showed up when they did. Let’s get you inside your homes.” He stands up and reaches down to pick up Tira, the Enchantment Shop owner’s hand. He gives a little tug that brings her upwards in his arms. Others start to rise and follow them away from the scene down the path towards the tavern.

Commander Kail sighs in relief. He also spots Lieutenant Knox taking care of Mr. Durdley’s men with Madam Fortun. On the south side is Gringel clutching his hammer and kneeling on the ground. He rushes over and spots Madam Cartwing and her students with a stricken look on their faces.

“Come on Aira, I’ll help take you and your students back to the Academy.” Granger reaches down and gently picks up Madam Cartwing in his arms.

Madam Cartwing squeezes her eyes shut and presses her face into his shoulder unsure of the scene they just witnessed.

Commander Kail steps around Gringel, “I’ll help the students get back to the Academy.”

“I’ll help,” Brooks replies while the academy children look up with a stricken look on their faces.

Commander Kail gently places his hand on top of the young woman before him, “It will be alright. Take my hand and we will all go with Granger and Brooks to the Academy for a bit.” The young woman hesitantly takes his hand and grips it hard. He reaches out to the other student beside her and takes his hand. Both clinging to him, they walk towards the east with a gentle smile letting them know it will be ok.

Brooks smiles as he takes a couple of students with him in the same direction.

Gringel spots the last student crouched over in fear. He walks over to her with his hammer and gently places it on the ground. Reaching down he picks up the young girl with one arm. The young girl clutches at him trembling with fear. “Don’t you be afraid little one, Old Gringel here will protect ya,” Gringel says with pride in his voice and picks up the hammer and walks east towards the academy. He steps inside.

Commander Kail says, “I’m going to leave a few guards here till the clean-up is finished and we can get you home, okay?”

“I’ll stay here with them for a bit,” Granger confirms.

​“Thanks,” Commander Kail replies.

Setting his hammer down, Gringel looks towards his son. “Brooks, why don’t you help the guards out as well? I imagine the rest of the townsfolk are probably just as scared.”

Brooks follows Commander Kail outside. They walk towards the Center Square when a person lands in front as fast as the wind. He stiffens.

Commander Kail remarks with relief in his voice, “I’m really glad you appeared now of all times Boah.”

Brooks relaxes.

Boah stands up seven feet five inches tall with dark green hair in locks extending down to his waist. The scales on his face were very prominent stretching down to his stomach. “Looks like I arrived in time, Is Riley alright?”

“Riley is fine, I need you to do us a favor as we are in short manpower supply. I need you to take the instant teleportation at the stables and replace the Duke and The Count and bring their men back here as quickly as you can. We will need their help in calming everyone down and distilling their fears as those trees get destroyed tomorrow.” Boah raises his eyebrow with a questioning look as Commander Kail shakes his head, “I’ll fill you in on the details when you come back, but I need you to do this now.”

​Boah smiles and bows instantly disappearing.

​“Who is he?” Brooks asks as they start walking to the Center Square.

Commander Kail smiles, “Riley’s partner in crime. That was Boah Tiringer. He is just as good as Riley although both of them at times argue about which one is better. I’m grateful Boah showed up when he did.” Upon approaching the Center Square he stops smiling. There are still a lot of people to help as they are panic-stricken with fear.

“I’ll see if I can help on the North side, we have quite a few people over there.” Brooks waves his hand and walks towards the North Wall.

Commander Kail walks towards the south side and spots Trise, Winfred with her children, Baker, and a few others. He also notices a few guards trying to help Elzien and her group of children who can’t move because they are frozen in fear. He kneels in front of Trise who is crouched beside Winfred. “Trise,” His voice is quiet and calm.

Trise’s head slightly jerks at him with fear in his eyes. He starts to breathe and shakes his head. “I’m alright now, I just needed a moment.” He reaches out beside him and lays his hand on Winfred’s arm. Winfred glances at Trise and looks behind her at her children. “I’m sure Commander Kail has a place for us to go till everything is cleared up.”

Winfred reaches out to her three sons behind her and grabs them in her arms holding them close. She gives a shaky nod of her head.

“I need to move everyone away from here for a bit. Does anyone have an establishment that is a bit large for everyone to stay at?”

Winfred shakes her head. A few parents and their children don’t say anything.

Trise looks down as a voice behind him remarks, “Why don’t we gather them at the Mansion in the back? They can stay there till we calm all this down.”

Commander Kail looks behind him catching a glimpse of the Duke. “Sure.”

Uri steps forward with a few of his men and starts helping them around the scene in front of them.

“I’m grateful.”

​“Leave this to us, we will help as much as we can,” The Count replies.

Commander Kail watches as their men help put groups of people together and position guards all around.

The Duke looks towards the west side and spots Madam Fortun being taken away in Bindings. “You leave them to me; I’ll help out there.” He steps forward and issues a few more soldiers to help round up a few people taking them to the Barracks. ​

“What the hell happened here, Kail?” Boah asks behind him.

“A nightmare, but it’s strange when I thought all hope seemed impossible. Two Guardians showed up and made Fallshmere and his men run away. I need to clean up the Center Square of all this blood. Do you think you can help?”

“Need you ask? I’m always ready to be of service.” Boah smirks.

The Count glances at the commander, “Who is Fallshmere?”

“General Lokdanan, one of the people who Rivals The First. It seems when it pertains to him, they are taking no chances. But they still can’t intervene when it comes to mortal affairs.”

“Ah, that makes sense. We can discuss more on this matter after we have calmed everyone down.” The Count walks to the center issuing an order to a few of his men. They start to cast spells on the ground, cleaning up the blood.

Two hours pass and everyone is in their homes safe and secure. Guards are constantly patrolling the town as the Duke, Commander Kail, Boah, The Count and Uri are in Commander’s Kail office at the Barracks.

The Duke and the Count sit across from Commander Kail.

Boah is standing at the window with his legs crossed as he leans on the window gazing out.

Uri stands behind the Duke with his hands behind his back.

A knock resounds on the door, “Come in.” Commander Kail spots Lieutenant Knox entering.

Lieutenant Knox gives a salute, “We have all the people involved except for the Durdley brothers and their gang locked in the Jail Cells. Shall we question Madam Fortun?”

“Not at the moment. Make sure you and your men rest. We have a long day tomorrow. That’s an order Lieutenant, not a request.”

Lieutenant Knox gives a bow, returns to the Barracks and issues orders of rest.

Commander Kail sighs and walks over to the counter. “Would any of you like a drink?”

“I’ll take a shot of Tonic. Uri, you might need one as well.” The Duke casts a glance at Uri.

“I’ll pass, Sir,” Uri replies.

“I’ll take a cup of tea, if you don’t mind,” The Count responds.

Commander Kail glances at Boah, “Riley is fine. I’ll make you a cup of Trins since you like it.” After handing out the drinks he sits back down with his glass of tonic. “Where do I even begin?”

“Perhaps you should fill Boah up on all that has happened these past few days. It will be a lot to take in.” The Count takes a sip of tea.

The tale unfolds and Boah stares unbelievingly at them. An hour passes with the story finishing. “If I didn’t know you any better, I’d call you a liar. But I know you’re not. Hellfire, that is a lot to take in.” He gazes at the floor.

Uri walks over to the counter, grabs a container, and refills the commander’s and the Duke’s glass. He steps behind the Duke standing in the same position.

“Thanks.” Commander Kail takes a sip of tonic.

“Skye learned he is an Ancient Dragon from the old era, and Madam Fortun was the person behind the scenes working for The Dark Ones. Next, Fallshmere shows up with his crew. Then two Guardians show up and chase him away back to where he is hiding.” The Duke stares at his glass. “Why show up now?”

“I’m not sure, something about being found out. But other than that, I don’t know. A lot of what he said doesn’t make sense to me, but I think if we talk to San. It might become clearer; I just don’t want to pressure her at the moment as she is terrified of Fallshmere.” Commander Kail glances at the Duke. ​

“Is San alright?” Uri asks with concern in his voice. ​

Commander Kail gives a look of astonishment at Uri as both eyebrows rise high.

Uri looks away for a moment, slightly embarrassed as color floods his cheeks, “I just got curious, is all.”

The Count laughs and gazes at Uri. “He is worried about her, it seems San has grown on him.” He laughs again when Uri scowls at him.

Uri gives a mmhp sound and turns away leaning against the wall and crosses both arms.

​Commander Kail smiles, “I’m sure she is. Riley is with her, and they are at the tavern.”

​“What do we do now? I mean with Madam Fortun and her crew?” Boah asks. ​

Commander Kail ponders and glances at Boah.

​“Why not let us Deal with that at the Capital? Rysen and Durdley are ready for transport, and they can come with us. Something tells me Uri will not be kind even if Madam Fortun is of the higher society.” The Duke takes a sip of his tonic.

​“Perhaps we can use this to replace out who else is involved with The Dark Ones,” Uri remarks as anger resonates in his voice.

​“A good idea,” The Count replies. “Still have to set a meeting for the town since there isn’t a lord or anyone managing this town. Until things can be worked out since it has come to this.”

​“Well, we have a lot of work to do. Shall we get started?” Commander Kail rises from his chair. They leave the office to finish the work ahead. He hopes things will run smoothly and yet feels things will not be simple.

Inside the tavern, Riley escorts San to the bench by the window. “Are you alright?”

Her eyes rise up to him with a mixture of fear and relief. Without answering, lowers her eyes and stares down at her hands.

Torin and Skye walk inside. Skye walks to the nearest table and sits down resting his head in his hands.

Natasha casts a worried glance at her father.

Torin smiles at his daughter and approaches her behind the counter hugging her. “Everything is fine.”

​In the tavern, the Bresbain sisters, Flona, Fiona, and Fura are sitting at a table near the counter. While Granger’s children, Trish, Bently, and Bartley sit on the other side near the fireplace. ​

Riley glances around, all of them have perplexed expressions on their faces. The Bresbain sisters start to rise, “I think for the moment everyone will stay here until things calm down. I realize you want to go home but for now, you will stay here.” ​

Flona frowns at him, “You can’t keep us here!” ​

Riley places his hands on his hips, “Under Commander Kail’s orders with a few guards outside, Yes I can.” ​

“It’s as he says, Commander Kail and Sergeant Riley order for everyone to stay inside at the moment,” Torin replies.

​“Is everything alright Papa?” ​

“In time. I’m sure I’ll be ok.” Torin smiles at his daughter. ​

“What happened?” Fiona asks and they sit back down at the table and glance at Riley in contempt.

Trish and her two brothers glance over listening intently. ​

Riley crosses his arms with a sour look spread across his face. He wonders how he is going to explain this without causing them nightmares. ​

“I think you should tell them as is. No point in trying to protect them from it since it happened out in the open. They will need to face it as well since it will be a part of their life,” San replies with a sad note in her voice. ​

“True, and as much as I want to protect everyone from it. Hiding it won’t help them face it when it finally descends as it’s happening all over again. Except this time the fight will be a lot different.” Torin looks at his hands. “Let me tell the tale?”

​“Sure.” Riley sits beside Skye. ​

Everyone listens while Torin starts the tale from last night when Madam Fortun intervened. No one interrupts as the story is told. A little more than an hour passes as Torin finishes the story.

The Bresbain sisters look at the table as if they can’t believe what they are hearing.

Trish lowers her head on the table.

​“Why don’t I give you a nice cup of bea? I think that will help you calm those nerves.” Torin makes eight cups of bea with one glass of tonic. ​

Natasha puts four cups of Bea along with a glass of tonic on her tray. She carries it over to the Bresbain sisters placing a cup in front of each one. Turning around, she places the tonic in front of Riley and another cup in front of Skye. ​

“Thanks,” Riley replies. ​

Torin places three cups of Bea before Trish and her two brothers. In a whisper, “Granger is alright. I know him and he said he was coming back here for you guys.”

​Trish looks up at Torin and gives a small nod, not daring to speak.

​Riley glances over at San as the glass reaches his lips. Taking a small sip, he notices she didn’t react at all during the story. He stands up and walks to sit beside her. Not getting a response as she is staring down at her hands, Riley asks in a calm voice, “San?”

​San looks at Riley startled as if her thoughts consumed her. She looks back down at her hands. ​“What’s wrong? Something is bothering you.” ​

“Are you.. .. .. mad at me?” Her voice is barely a whisper. ​Riley stares at her in astonishment.

“Why should I be?” ​

“Because...I knew he existed since yesterday when I fought that person.” San closes her eyes.

​He places one hand on her head and brushes her hair back. “Why would I be angry over that? Even if you did know, were you aware they would do something like this?”

San shakes her head, still refusing to look up. “San, you have to remember things are different. Yes, he is from your time, but remember what you said before?”

She glances up at him.

“It’s the main reason he can’t do what he did this time, this world is so different. Each of us will have to learn to face this darkness and we are not alone, okay?”

​San nods and looks down. ​

Skye speaks up, “You know, I have faced a lot of foes. None more terrifying than him even when I learned of my identity as an Ancient Dragon. I think all of us will need to face our fears and desires as they will be put to the test time and again. But I can say this,” He turns in his chair facing San directly as she meets his eyes. “I am truly grateful that the Guardian Carbuncle and the Death Guardian appeared. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if they hadn’t shown up when they did.”

San looks out the window.

​“How many Guardians are there?” Funa asks.

​“Be nice,” Flona hisses at her sister.

​“I’m just curious, I mean I’ve never heard of a Guardian till that day when the carbuncle showed up,” Funa complains. ​

“From my time there were at least thirty different Guardians. Each Guardian protects the balance of the element they are in charge of.” San replies. ​

“Wait a minute! Death is an element?” Flona gives a look of astonishment as everyone else looks at her in bewilderment. ​

San glances at Riley. “I guess my world is very different from yours.”

​“Indeed. How can death be an element? I always think of it as someone dying.” Riley asks. ​

San ponders for a moment, “That might be difficult for me to explain at the moment.”

​“Don’t worry, I’m sure it will be alright.” Riley taps his fingers behind her on the windowpane. “Let me ask you this question. If I were to ask what death meant to you, what would you reply?”

​“I would tell you that Death exists in all things. Death makes it possible for the Rebirth Element to flow again into this realm. From the Rebirth Element spreads the Life Element connecting it to all surrounding environments including the death terrain.” San gives a questioning glance to Riley, “Does this make sense?” ​

“Sort of. I mean, we have necromancers and they help the dead stay dead by sometimes drawing on the powers of the dead.” Riley glances at the Bresbain sisters and Granger’s children. “It’s a lot to take in.” ​

“Yes, it is.” ​

Granger steps through the door with another man standing behind him. ​

“Father!” Flona says as the three of them stand up and rush past Granger embracing him. Their father scoops them up in his arms.

“I’m glad you’re safe, let’s go home.” Durman looks at the guards standing behind them and takes his three daughters home.

Granger walks around the tables to where Bently, Bartley, and Trish are standing. He reaches out with his hand towards Trish expecting him to be pushed away when she throws herself at him, clinging to his shirt. He pauses before wrapping his arms around her. Bently and Bartley walk forward as Granger reaches out, placing his hand on Bently’s cheek. He grabs Bartley’s hand and tugs them both in for a group hug. “Why don’t we go home as well.”

San watches all of them leave the tavern.

“Well, look who we have coming over with your new outfit.” Riley stands up pulling San to her feet. He gives a light push on her back causing her to stumble forward.

Latoyia and Raden step through the tavern. She smiles. “Let’s get you dressed in a new outfit I think you will love.” Laytoyia takes San by the hand and leads her upstairs.

Riley walks to Raden, “Both of you have great timing.”

Raden looks at Riley. “Well, it was finished last night before the episode in the town center started. And it’s making Latoyia happy.”

“Come sit with us, I’ll get some drinks.” Riley walks to the counter grabbing two tonic drinks. He sits down at the table passing a glass of tonic to Raden. Taking a sip, he glances at him. “You, ok?”

“Yes, just still a bit overwhelmed is all. I’m grateful they showed up when they did, and healed everyone.” Raden takes a sip of his tonic.

“Indeed.”

An hour passes, Skye glances up at the ceiling and looks at Raden, “How much time does it take for a woman to dress?”

Both Raden and Riley look at Skye in astonishment. Raden replies, “Don’t ever ask a woman that question. You might be getting more than you bargained for.”

Skye raises his eyebrows.

Riley snickers.

A few minutes later, San and Latoyia enter the tavern again. Her outfit is similar to her previous one except there are star patterns across her wrist guards, boots, and vest.

“Feel better now?” Riley admires the new outfit.

Stopping a few feet from him, gives a brief nod of her head.

“Thank you, both of you,” Riley smirks at Raden.

“Don’t mention it. Well, we will be off as there is a lot to do tomorrow. Take Care.” They wave and depart.

“That outfit does suit you.” Skye’s eyes lightly go over her outfit.

“Indeed, that looks very becoming on you.” Commander Kail replies startling everyone from behind.

Boah starts to snicker behind him and crouches against the wall.

Riley swears. “I swear, I’m supposed to be the sneak and you can scare the crap out of me! Boah it isn’t that funny!”

Boah starts laughing harder.

Riley moves past Commander Kail pouncing on him. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry but it’s so funny!”

They both start wrestling with each other.

Commander Kail shakes his head, “Alright both of you settle down. Honestly, I feel like I have two hooligans instead of two sergeants.”

“He started it!” Riley points to Boah and glares at him.

Boah laughs and stands up. Throwing his hands up, “Alright, fine I started it. But Commander Kail here was the one that scared you.”

A deep voice from behind standing very tall with his arms crossed interrupts behind them causing them to stand very still. “Perhaps I should interrupt this conversation?”

Both of them turn slightly to see The Duke standing very impressively and Itching slightly backward pointing to each other, “We just um was . . .. acting!”

The Duke takes a step forward, “Well then why don’t I join in?” He grabs both of them before they can move and gives them a big squeeze before he lets them go.

Commander Kail snickers.

The Duke comments, “Those hugs are nice right boys?”

Both of them laugh and they stumble towards the table.

The Count remarks, “Let’s get the table set up here so we can talk if you don’t mind Torin letting us use your tavern?”

“None at all.”

San watches them together as Uri steps in to help Boah and Riley move the table closer to one another. They move the chairs out of the way and press something underneath it. The tables connect making a longer table with two round endings on each side.

Commander Kail glances at San, noticing her curiosity about the object, “You will be invited to the meeting here as well as this concerns you.”

All of them sit at the large table with the Duke at the end closest to the tavern door, Riley, Boah, and Torin sitting to the right of the Duke. To the left is Commander Kail, San, and Uri with The Count sitting at the other end. Skye stands leaning against the window behind Riley. Natasha closes the tavern door with the sign closed outside.

“Shall we begin?” The Duke looks to Commander Kail.

Commander Kail looks at San, “There is a reason I wanted you here at this table. To try and teach some things you will need to know. I realize there will be a lot you may not understand, please be sure to ask for clarification on certain subjects as others might be able to explain it better.”

San nods her head at him.

“Now then, we talked about the destruction of the trees. And we all agree that it should be destroyed tonight. The reason for this is it will give time for people to settle down with the recent events as we are also in the process of two other events.” He pauses, “San is that alright with you?”

“Yes.”

“Next topic is the transportation of criminals. Duke of Bringenton if you would, since you’re going to be in charge.”

The Duke sits forward placing his elbows on the table as his fingers are pressed together in front. “Has Commander Kail told you anything about the process of transporting criminals?” He glances at her.

San shakes her head.

“As such usually the Commander, which is Kail, the Sergeants, Captain of the Royal Guards or People from the Court of the King are the only ones allowed to transport criminals. The reason this is done is to ensure that if anything happens, they already know who is transporting them.”

San tilts her head. “To keep anyone from hurling accusations?”

The Duke nods. “Correct. Uri, Captain of the Royal Guards, and myself will be transporting them to the capital to await their punishment. With the exception of Madam Fortun because we want to see if can snare a bigger catch, someone higher ranking that she reports to. Does this make sense?”

“Yes.”

“Which is why we will be leaving tomorrow morning. The Count will stay with Commander Kail and his crew for the next task.” The Duke sits back in his chair crossing his leg resting his arm across it.

“The third part will be the hardest to explain as you have no idea how a town operates do you?” Command Kail asks.

San shakes her head.

“Mind if I interrupt?” Torin questions as he raises one finger. Torin glancing around the table perceives he has everyone’s attention, “As good as your intentions are in protecting her, perhaps she will need to learn this the hard way. I realize that you want to shield her as the Carbuncle did, however, there will be times when you can’t be there for her on her journey. This is a good place to let her taste just how bad it can get, if not worse than this.”

“I would agree with Torin, sometimes things need to be learned the hard way. It’s the only way she can understand your people.” Skye remarks.

The Duke sighs, “Very well then, I take it the meeting shall commence tomorrow afternoon. I shall not be there. I wish you luck in this, San.”

The Duke and Uri stand up and walk out of the tavern.

Torin puts the tables back in their original places.

Skye walks outside with Boah and Riley.

Casting a glance back at Commander Kail, San walks to the window staring outside. She hears him behind her and he turns and walks out of the tavern.

“San?” Torin asks.

San casts a glance at him, not responding.

Natasha sets down a glass hard on the counter.

Torin glares at his daughter disapprovingly. He glances at San with a worried expression because a look of dismay resting in her eyes even though she is trying to hide it.

San continues to gaze out the window, not even realizing time passing. The sun starts to set in the west. A couple of people come into the tavern and say something rude as they sit down. Unsure, she walks out of the tavern passing the forge. Someone calls her name but doesn’t respond and continues walking.

San stops and realizes the south gate is just ahead. Behind her is the place where the Temple of Dierie used to be. Thinking back, doesn’t even regret her actions. She walks past it, and someone calls out her name again falling on deaf ears, and turns down the lane toward the center square. Her footsteps stop at once seeing only Fallshmere and the incredibly evil dark aura that surrounded him. She sits down with her knees pulled up to her chin and keeps thinking about it.

Fallshmere was defying The First even before they caught her. She wishes she could remember, and closes her eyes with memories of the past flooding her mind. The barrier near a certain place was broken by him, and Guardians were tossed right and left while slaying a few of her kin remembering their screams. She puts her hands over her ears to drown out the noise.

“San?” A deep and worried voice from behind her startles her from her thoughts. San stands up and turns around to see not Commander Kail but Skye the Ancient Dragon.

Skye reaches out his hand to her.

She shakes her head and clutches her sides taking a couple of steps back.

Skye grabs her and pulls her into his embrace, enfolding her in his wings as they surround her.

“I’m fine.” San lies with her face hidden in his chest.

Placing one hand on her head and another on her back, “You’re not fine, you’re terrified of him. Does he frighten you more than The First?” Skye rests his chin on top of her head.

“Yes. I don’t know why but he frightens me more than him. I can’t help it. I can’t stand being near him. You can’t see it, can you? That dark and evil aura about him? Something isn’t right about him, I can’t explain it, but he frightens me!” San whispers in his chest and doesn’t know why she is confiding in him. But for some reason with his wings around her, Skye is calming her down.

He brushes his hand down her back. “I’ll stay, like you did for me. I’ll stay till you feel better.”

San doesn’t say a word and slightly trembles against him. She reaches up grabbing his shirt trying to control her fear and rage for how helpless she felt.

Skye looks up and spots Riley, slightly shaking his head, and mouths to him, “She isn’t ready.”

Riley gives him a nod and leaves for the Barracks. Time passes as the sun moves closer to the west.

“You don’t have to bear this burden all alone. You have so much thrust upon you in such a short time. It’s ok to say I need time.” Skye strokes her hair.

“I won’t be given time. Fallshmere will do everything in his power to ensure he wins.” San whispers with dread in her voice.

“Then why in 20,000 has he not been able to do much except for in the towns with the creatures like them? He hasn’t been able to touch any Guardian domains since his arrival and they didn’t know he was here. And from what the Death Guardian said, there is something he is looking for and can’t even obtain.”

San stiffens in his embrace and looks up with bewilderment. She remembers that part, but her fear overtook her.

“Feel better?” Skye says with a smile looking down.

San gives him a nod and Skye releases her from his embrace as his wings disappear like feathers floating around them. “Thank you.”

“Simply, returning the favor you gave me. Do you think you might need more time?”

San, about to answer, notices Skye raising his eyebrow at her. She frowns and shakes her head.

“One more day then. That will be alright?”

San gives a nod not daring to speak yet.

“Come on, you’re going to rest for the night. I can stay with you if you like.” Skye grabs her hand pulling her towards the tavern as she blindly follows him. He steps inside and pulls her past him towards the door upstairs.

San looks back at him and he gives her a nod. She walks upstairs to the room.

“I’m going to stay with her tonight, I told her I would.” Skye looks at Torin.

“Alright,” Torin replies.

Skye looks outside.

Commander Kail stops at the doorway.

“San needs one more day and isn’t ready yet to face the crowd. It seems Fallshmere scared her more than she wanted to admit.” Skye gazes at him.

“I’ll take care of everything tomorrow. San can just worry about the trees tomorrow; you tell her I said that.” Commander Kail replies with worry in his voice.

“I will.” Skye extends his arm out to him. Commander Kail responds by gripping it with his other hand at his elbow.

“I’ll stay with her tonight, so she won’t be alone.”

Commander Kail nods with a smile and leaves the tavern, a worried look still on his face.

Skye turns and proceeds upstairs walking down the hall to the last room. He knocks.

“Come in.”

He opens the door, and San stands in a small nightgown ready to rest. “They made you a nightgown.”

She is in a pale blue nightgown stretching down to her ankles as it has no sleeves.

“Get into bed, I’ll stay up here by the window while you rest for the night.” San gets into bed lying on her side with her hair falling over.

Skye grabs a chair and places it at the window by her bed. Facing her he sits down as he pulls the covers over her. Gazing out the window he watches as night falls listening to her breathing steading itself as she rests for the night.

Morning dawns and Skye gazes gently down at her resting. Out the window, several citizens leave their homes including Torin and Natasha as they are guided to the Villa below the Town Center for the town meeting. Skye hopes everything goes alright.

A few minutes pass and spots carriages being pulled up beside the Barracks. Several guards take the criminals inside the carriages. Both Uri and the Duke are on horseback as they lead off taking the criminals with them.

An hour passes and the Count steps inside the tavern. Skye rises and looks down at San resting peacefully since Fallshmere showed up. He brushes back a strand of her hair that fell over her face. “San.” He whispers slightly above her.

She opens her eyes and turns her face towards him.

He slowly stands up, “It’s time, are you ready now?”

San sits up in bed and ponders that question again. She gives him a nod.

“I’ll be downstairs with the Count waiting for you.” Skye steps outside, shutting the door behind him.

San listens to his footsteps proceed down the hallway. Stepping out of bed, she changes her clothes and exits the room heading towards the staircase to the tavern below. Both the Count and Skye are waiting for her.

The Count asks, “Ready?”

San gives him a nod as they leave the tavern heading for the alley just before the forge.

“We will be on the rooftops watching from above. Be careful, alright?” The Count walks to the building with Skye. They teleport instantly to the top.

As San faces the alley, a lot more dust accumulates on the floor while more cracks appear in the wall. It is time for this place to be destroyed. Taking a deep breath, She walks inside to the middle of the alley. Facing the trees above she raises both hands above her, closes her eyes, and focuses on casting this spell directly on the area.

A Barrier appears surrounding the trees and a bit outside the wall standing a hundred feet high. Small dark circles appear in the field of trees before her and as time passes the dark circles appear to blanket the field in a cover of darkness. The sky above them turns dark red as the clouds disappear.

San frowns trying to make sure to reach deep within the domain to ensure everything gets destroyed. The spell activates causing a large pillar of dark light to rise incredibly high and it stretches to the very stars. No wind is felt as this dark spell is cast. Once the spell is over, she collapses to the ground in front of the debris and rubble left in her wake.

Skye and the Count jump down from the building. As they reach her side they stop as tiny particles of white light appear floating upwards. They look around as the life trapped inside the trees and the domain is set free to cycle around again causing the red sky to disappear.

Just ahead is the Death Guardian ahead of her giving a bow. Nastrond walks over to her, placing a hand on her head. “I wish I could undo the damage and return you to your true form. Alas, I cannot. My gift will be the gift to consume death in a different manner than what you were forced to.” A symbol appears beneath her and her body is granted the gift.

Nastrond walks back to the middle while green grass grows on the ground San destroyed. It spreads to the four corners as flowers rise around four trees standing almost as tall as the houses. Their branches stretch wide emitting different colors on each tree. The first tree to the left has light blue leaves with their branches spread far. Another tree has green petals with white endings, with the one behind it emitting yellow petals trimmed in white on their branches. The last tree grows red leaves in a bright color leaving them to glow like a gem. A pool of water forms ahead of her and looks forward again to the Death Guardian.

Two more Guardians appear beside him, The Nature Guardian to his left and the Water Guardian to his right. The Nature Guardian moves forward standing seven feet four inches tall with remarkable grace as the leaves surrounding her body glow a mystical bright green color. She kneels in front of San caressing her cheek. In a soft voice, “My Gift shall be the gift to feel things around you. Your sense of smell, taste, and feel shall be different from what you have felt up to now.” A symbol appears underneath her giving her this gift. As the wind blows San stiffens and feels the wind caress her cheek.

Meanwhile, The Nature Guardian walks back.

Blood tears threaten to fall from her eyes while the morning sun rays glisten over her.

At the same time, the Water Guardian moves forward while the water caresses the surrounding area with her body. Bending down she offers a small smile, “I too wish I could remove this nasty curse from your body and change you back into your true form. But the only gift I can give is to allow water to move freely in your body.”

A symbol appears beneath San as her blood tear flows from her eye, changing into a stream of water splashing on the ground before her. In complete shock, she reaches up to touch her face and feels the water on her cheek.

“And the final gift of water is the ability to rest, little one. Since you have not slept in such a long time. Like the water that rests for the night, you too shall be able to sleep.”

More tears threaten to fall as San is unsure of what is happening and stands up.

At the same time, the Water Guardian rises, giving another smile.

San collapses to the ground.

Skye rushes forward catching her before she falls to the ground.

The Count looks at her wondering if she is alright.

“She is sleeping.” Skye gazes down at her for a moment and looks up at the lake. The Guardians disappear leaving the three gifts from water, nature, and death. He picks her up in his arms as the wind blows.

“I’m not sure what happened. But I think something will be different for her.” The Count walks forward touching the blue petals. “My Word, these petals are cold like ice. These are elemental trees.”

Both look around as they view the beautiful surrounding area.

The Count walks back to them looking down at San sleeping peacefully for the first time in a very long time. He reaches over and brushes back a strand of her hair. “Why don’t we stay here for an hour at least before we head back to the tavern.”

“I think that is a terrific idea.” Skye moves forward under the green leaf tree lying San on the ground. Both he and the Count sit beside her admiring the view and thinking over the gifts she obtained from the Guardians.