Mage- The Guardian's Oath

by S A Edwards

  Sil shifted back. “Take them inside. I would like to talk to Clara.”

  Orator bent and picked Lallana up.

  I knelt still and watched him take her. Charlie followed close behind, his expression vacant. Water seeped through my trousers. My heart pounded against my chest, empty, broken.

  “I couldn’t heal her,” I murmured. “Why didn’t it work?”

  “Because you let fear get in the way,” Sil said. “You have to focus on the emotion. Our emotion. Anything else, and you might as well be trying to get to the Shadow Realm.”

  I gaped at Sil, shocked at his hard tone.

  He tugged me to my feet. “What were you thinking, going to the Council alone?”

  “It was a mistake.”

  “That’s one way to put it. I told you they wouldn’t give you a pardon.”

  “I didn’t know they were Mage. I thought –”

  “They were Mortal.” He rubbed his hand through his dark hair, eyes closed. “They are Elders, far more powerful than that of normal Mage. And this Council are no different to those in their place last time. They’re deadly, and you,” – his eyes snapped open – “you don’t remember anything. You must have the wisdom to listen to those that do. Had Orator not been available to assist, we may have lost you. And with the coming war, there’s nothing to suggest he will be there again.”

  “I’m sorry. I just thought if they called off –”

  “Clara, this goes deeper than that. You haven’t lived over eighteen centuries to stop the hunt on yourself or the Beasts.”

  “We don’t deserve what we have.”

  “You all chose it. The Beasts are the Guardians of the Guardian. They gave up their lives, their peace, to protect you.”

  “I don’t want to be the Guardian! I don’t even know what I’m supposed to guard!”

  “Then, regain your memories,” he said. “Learn to control yourself. And be wise. Never in any of your pasts have I witnessed you do something so foolish.”

  And because of me, Lallana was dead. Tears welled, and I turned away. If I’d just listened, if I’d stayed and learned like I should have, none of this would have happened.

  Sil touched my shoulder, and his tone grew soft. “Don’t sorrow. What’s done is done. The main thing is you’re safe.”

  “Lallana isn’t.”

  “No, but she will soon dwell with her parents. Orator tells me the other side is a beautiful place. She will be happy.”

  *

  Hundreds of Lallanas bobbed on the ocean surface, their pure petals extending like diamonds. Lallana lay in a little boat at the edge of the dock, dressed in white. Petals rested on her body and the light green blanket under her.

  Charlie stood beside me, hands clasped in front. His bottom lip trembled.

  “Charlie?” I balled my fists, afraid to touch him in case he shoved me away. “I’m so sorry –”

  “Don’t.” He whirled to me. “It is not your fault. We chose to follow you. We knew the danger. This,” – he shifted back to the boat – “this was the Council.” His expression hardened.

  Vitora stepped up beside me, so close I could see the flecks in her red eyes.

  “Vitora? What are you doing here?” I asked.

  “I am here to honour Lallana.”

  “But,” – I cast a glance at Sil – “I thought only a Healer could come here.” With Orator, Vitora and Charlie, it hardly seemed like a Healer Capital anymore.

  Sil moved to the dock’s edge. “Only in exceptional circumstances may others enter. Vitora and Orator are my siblings.”

  They stood beside him, facing the sea. Their crystals glimmered in red, blue and purple: three of the comets’ colours.

  I gazed at Orator’s arm, remembering the moment he had taken me to Vitora. My flames had seared him, leaving rich burns across his skin. Now it was untouched, as perfect as though nothing had occurred.

  Sil’s cloak fluttered lightly. His eyes focused on the horizon. “For right. For sacrifice. For honour.” He raised his hands.

  Tingles coursed through my body.

  The boat slipped silently through the water. The flowers parted into a narrow path for Lallana’s departure, rocking gently on the ripples.

  Charlie slid his shaking hand into mine, and I squeezed it.

  Lallana’s white dress glistened under the sunlight, matched only by the perfect flowers and her blonde hair flickering in the breeze.

  I longed for her move, to call out, but all remained still.

  Vitora stretched out her fingers, and flames leapt to life around Lallana, blue and bright. They extended up, rearing out like a beast, the nose reaching toward the sky.

  In memory of Matriarch?

  Water caressed the boat’s sides, slipping up the wood and flames. It spread out like a ball, immersing Lallana and the surrounding waves in shimmering ripples and foam. It glittered brighter than jewels, twinkled more stunningly than the stars, and extinguished the flames. Then, it sank to the sea’s surface, leaving no sign of my beloved sister or the vessel that carried her.

  Orator steered me away, leaving the others to converse in low voices. His purple eyes searched my face. “What happened was a tragedy, but you must not blame yourself.”

  I swallowed the lump in my throat.

  “She will be waiting,” he added, “in the Shadow Realm.”

  “She will?”

  “Of course. She can’t move on without us. And since you were so close, I’ll leave her for you.”

  He approached Sil without another word, leaving me in stunned silence. I could see her again. My Lallana. A smile tugged at my lips. But her death wouldn’t have happened if not for me. My smile faded. The thought of seeing her again after what I’d done made me shiver. And if I sent her on, she would be gone. For good.

  Charlie stood at the water’s edge, a Lallana in his palm. His face was pale and his breathing heavy. Tears streaked his pink cheeks.

  Sil beckoned me over under Vitora’s watchful gaze. His sapphire eyes contrasted perfectly with her red ones.

  “I have to go for a time,” Sil said. “Another village has been attacked, and they require my assistance. I trust you will remain until I return?”

  I nodded. After the disaster I caused, how could I not?

  Behind him, Charlie dropped the flower back into the water with shaking hands. His forehead glistened with sweat.

  Orator touched Sil’s forearm and reached for Vitora’s hand. “Until the next time.” Smoke plumed around them, and they melted out of sight.

  “Clara?” Charlie stood at the dock’s edge, his eyes barely focused on me. “I don’t feel so good.”

  He swayed.

  Heart lurching, I leapt forward and caught him just before he hit the floor.

  25

  Charlie’s head lolled back, eyes closed.

  I lowered him to the floor. “Charlie?” I shook him. “Can you hear me?”

  He didn’t move.

  My heart thudded and sweat coated my brow. “Please. Not now. Not after everything that … I don’t understand what’s happening. Sil!”

  Charlie’s breathing staggered, and fear tore through me. “Come on.” I shook him again. “You must wake up. I can’t …”

  My focus drifted to the sea. The waves shifted past the dock. Pulling on the element, I hauled water in threads, building a writhing ball between us.

  His body shook, and the ball flopped to the ground. “No!” My voice hitched. “Sil! Orator!” I scanned the empty dock. “Someone …”

  His shaking stopped, and Charlie lay still.

  Pain tore through me. “Breathe! Please, Charlie.” Tears slid down my cheeks. “You can’t leave me. I need you … I love you.” My fingers grasped his cold hand, willing him to move, but no breath escaped his lips.

  I stared at him. How had this happened? He was fine just moments before. No blood touched the air, no wound could be seen. And yet he was gone.

  My head dropped to his chest, and
I gave in to the sobs. I should have been the one to die. Not him. “Charlie. Please. Come back to me.”

  Light grew from the water coating the ground, drawing my gaze. The liquid rose, curling above me, twisting in the familiar pattern in the walls and floors of the Capital. It separated, stretched, and surrounded us like a shield, a flawless fountain, glimmering with energy of its own.

  I could sense every particle, every bit of dirt, and dragged the damaging substance from it.

  It lowered to Charlie’s mouth and slipped inside.

  The poison in him stabbed at my mind. It burned stronger than the flames that had seared at my skin in the desert.

  I smothered the poison, drowned it, and extinguished its life force.

  The pain faded, and the water within him became dormant.

  The water shield around us remained, not a crack in its seamless walls. My reflection shimmered in the sides like a mirror.

  The skin below my crystal tingled, and the pendant changed, glowing sapphire blue.

  So did my eyes.

  A gasp slipped from my lips at the sudden change. Then, they faded back to their original colour, along with the crystal.

  Charlie sucked in a deep breath, and his eyes shot open.

  “Charlie!” I tugged him to me, tears pouring down my cheeks, and the shield disintegrated. Drops splattered against the floor, soaking both of us.

  “What happened?” he rasped.

  “Poison,” I sobbed.

  “But how?”

  Sil knelt beside me, startling me from my shock. “My guess would be a lotus bug. I began to sense your distress after you picked the Lallana up.”

  “And you didn’t help him?” Anger boiled inside me. “Why would you risk his life?”

  “I watched from nearby, ready to step in at the final moment if need required it. But you needed the chance to master your gift.” He took Charlie’s hand and rose to his feet.

  I stood on shaking legs, surprised at my sudden weakness.

  Sil held out a hand to steady me. “To heal is trying on your body, and you used far more power than a Healer usually would. The shield was unnecessary, albeit impressive. Rest will recover you.”

  He led us into the courtyard, and I sank down on the ledge around the fountain. Charlie perched beside me, colour painting his cheeks.

  “The Preserver Capital is your next destination,” Sil said. “Glacies is prepared to receive you and will have someone ready to meet you at the bottom of the mountain.”

  “What about the Seeker?” I asked. “Won’t he be waiting at the shore?”

  “Not just one,” he said. “Five.”

  “What?” Fear clenched my throat. We’d never get there alive with five of them after us. We barely escaped one.

  “Orator informed me that after you confirmed your return to the Council, they assigned three more to join those already hunting you. You may remain here another day to recover, and then a boat will take you another way, round the land, to a hidden cove only Healers have access to. It will put the Seekers three days behind you. From there, head east. The Preserver mountain is four days by foot. Your guide will meet you at the village.”

  My gaze flickered to Charlie. “Can he stay here?”

  Charlie’s head snapped to me.

  “It’s too dangerous,” I added. “Lallana already –”

  “I’m not staying.” He crossed his arms.

  “Charlie –”

  “No. I have to go with you.”

  “Well that settles it,” Sil said. “Rest now. You will need it.”

  “No. How could you agree with him? The land is no place for him right now. Not with the Seekers. He’s just a child.”

  Charlie stood. “I’m fifteen years old.”

  “Exactly. This is not up for negotiation. You’re staying, and that’s the end of it.”

  *

  The boat bobbed lightly on the water, and the waves lapped gently against its wooden side. Sil led me along the dock at the opposite end of the Capital. His dark hair framed his sapphire eyes, and his navy cloak billowed behind him in the ocean breeze.

  My gaze searched the area for Charlie. “I haven’t seen him since Lallana’s ceremony.” So close to leaving, a lump grew in my throat. Wasn’t he going to say goodbye?

  “I wouldn’t worry,” Sil said. “He took an interest in the Thirilium and has spent the past day studying there.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s the strongest location in this world for the gifts. He thought he might find something useful.”

  “I doubt there’s much that can help me now, to be honest.”

  “Just focus on mastering your gifts. Then, learn about the Alignment. Your visions are a warning. It is very likely it’s in danger, and someone wishes to harness its power.”

  “Wait.” Memories of the Council chamber stabbed at my mind. “You said there was another name for it?”

  “The Darkening.”

  “That’s it. The Council Seeker said The Darkening would always be under their control.”

  Sil’s eyes darkened. “Are you quite sure?”

  I nodded. “Could that be the same thing?”

  “There is only one Darkening.”

  “Then, that must be what the visions are about. The Council plan to take the magic for themselves.”

  “If that is true, then the situation is more serious than we realised.”

  “Do they have enough power to harness the magic, then?”

  “Combined? Yes.”

  My pulse increased. In a way, this was perfect. They killed Lallana, and now I could take something that mattered to them. People like that shouldn’t be allowed more power to destroy innocent lives. “We have to stop them.”

  “You cannot do anything unless you complete your training,” he said.

  I gritted my teeth.

  Another Healer with long red hair leaned over the boat, securing a navy tarpaulin over one half. She stood when we reached her. “There’s enough food and water under there for the journey.”

  “Thank you, Imbrem.” Sil took my hand and guided me into the boat. “It will take a day and a half to get to land. I have ordered the elements to continue, so you will make progress even through the night. Remember, from the cove, go east.”

  I peered over his shoulder, desperate to see Charlie, but aside from Imbrem strolling into the Capital, the dock was empty.

  “Worry not about him,” Sil said. “Go now. The day is waning fast.”

  I perched on the edge of the seat, my stomach numb. The boat rocked slightly with my movement, and then Sil raised his hand. Water gathered at the rear, and I slipped away from the dock.

  “Good luck,” he said, before turning on his heel and striding back into the Capital.

  26

  The first hour passed slowly in silence, and my heart yearned for Charlie’s enthusiastic grin and Lallana’s bright eyes. Her death still hadn’t sunk in, and the empty numbness within me cut through reality, clouding my mind like a dream. The sun beat down, bouncing its rays off the surface of the sea. Thoughts of not seeing Charlie before I left brought a lump to my throat, and for a while, I silently sobbed.

  The boat kept a steady speed, gliding parallel to the land on the horizon. Foliage dotted the tip of sheer cliffs. The Seekers would be on the move, drawn to me even from this distance, but the lack of crushing fear confirmed they weren’t close yet.

  My stomach rumbled, so I staggered forward to the tarpaulin and unfastened the rope.

  Hunched between two small wooden crates, Charlie blinked in the bright light.

  I stared at him, and the lump in my throat vanished. “You can’t be serious.”

  He flashed his dimples. “Surprise!”

  I sank on to the bench. “What are you doing here?”

  “I told you I wasn’t staying behind.”

  “This is far too –”

  “Dangerous. I know, I know.” He stood and stretched, and then perched
beside me. “You’re happy to see me. I can tell.”

  “I … that’s not the point, Charlie.” I longed grab and hug him, but then he’d never listen to me. “You need to go back.”

  “What do you want me to do, swim? I’m not leaving you. And that’s the end of it.”

  A smile invaded my frown.

  He shifted to face me. “Look, you can’t travel alone. You need me. Your loved ones give you strength. They remind you why you’re fighting and give you a reason to keep going.”

  “How unusually wise of you.”

  “I heard Sil say it.”

  “All the same, Charlie, you must realise the risk you’ve taken by coming here.”

  “Course. But you’re my only family. I can’t watch you go and never know if I’ll see you again. Especially after Lallana.”

  I bit my lip. That I could understand.

  *

  The hidden cove appeared in front of us with no warning, concealed within a thick bunch of bushes. My heart rate increased the closer the boat slid to land. My eyes roamed the thick forest edge, wary of watching Seekers, despite Sil’s assurance that they were days behind us.

  The crates were empty. The fruit and bread lasted just long enough to get us here, and now our packs rested on our shoulders, with a spare navy cloak for me, brown for Charlie, rolls of food and water, and money for when we reached the village snug inside.

  The presence of the second pack angered me. If Sil hadn’t known about Charlie’s plan to follow me, it wouldn’t have been added to the boat. Still, I couldn’t help the rising relief that accompanied his presence.

  The small, sandy shore greeted us soundlessly. Charlie leapt out, hefting his pack over his shoulder. I clambered out after him and peered around.

  “East is this way.” He pointed through the trees.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for this? It’s a long walk.”

  “Course. I have my map.” He grinned and patted his pocket.

  Steadying my nerves, I trudged after him. The threat loomed on my mind, but Charlie’s company was comforting. My heart yearned for Lallana, and I tugged him back by his pack, determined to keep him close.

  *

  Four days in, my feet ached, yet Charlie showed no signs of tiring. If anything, he was more energised than before, and with each passing day, he seemed to grow taller. His head reached my shoulder – a huge difference from when the arch had opened. He peered back at me with a grin, his pack slumped on his back, nearly empty.