Ethereal Ascendant

by Luke DeSalvo

  “What!?” Toston cried in surprise. He went to the woods edge and found six survivors from the ruins of the fortress, the building still burning.

  “It's the captain!” Gilthus cried.

  Toston's heart skipped a beat and without and delay he left his companions and ran down the path to meet Codiac and his allies. He ran quick with other members following closely behind.

  To his surprise, Toston found a wounded Cringe, who had been in close contact with the guild even with his absence. The mission itself was his plan, but it was at the sight of Codiac that really tugged at his heart.

  When the big man reached his companions, he stopped shortly to Codiac and embraced him.

  “I've struck gold,” Toston said with a bright grin.

  “Aye” Codiac replied. “I have too.” His attention turned to Suzette who he was leaning on desperately.

  “Has Avilya met her doom?” Toston asked sternly.

  “Mission accomplished, commander,” Codiac said with a weak hearted salute.

  “My first mission as a Guardian, was a complete success,” Suzette said with a smile, turning to Codiac.

  The rest of Golden Hearts began pouring out of the woods to meet the companions who had felled the kingdom of Amethyst Divine.

  When Frosty reached Codiac he put his hands on his shoulders and looked concerned.

  “Where's Kaeltrys?” He asked suddenly.

  The party looked grim all eyes on the floor. There was an unbearable silence until Codiac cleared his throat, looking saddened.

  “Kaeltrys didn't make it,” He said with a sigh. “But he will live forever in Golden legend.”

  Golden Hearts cheered with the last remark, their voices echoing in the forest. They all shouted with delight, even with their losses the guild had triumphed over this war.

  Aurora turned to Sleet and touched her bare arm.

  “Do you think the seventh season will come soon?” She asked sheepishly.

  “There will come a time where we will all realize that we are one with it all. You are key now. Live,” She said passionately. “I hear the wind, she cries in agony, our fate is not sound yet, for Ildarachi did not take Dalamoris. But you my dear, have a star within you. All is not lost, Aurora, smile for an evil threat has been thwarted.” Sleet said. “Eventually it will happen. I see it,” She added with a smile.

  “Ildarachi...” Codiac mused looking to the sky. “I wonder how your ascent went?”

  “Are these new guildmates?” Gilthus, a squad mate of Codiac’s asked.

  “Not quite.” He said, breaking from the spell of doubt and reprieve.

  “You see, this is the Scion of Systralas. Don't you recognize her!? And her twin brother Xerrast, Aurora, a recruit, and this little hot mess-”

  “Hey!” Suzette barked before biting her lip.

  The pair kissed suddenly, leaving the whole guild laughing and cheering from the sight to see their captain in such an embrace. When the two parted, Codiac turned to his beloved Golden Hearts.

  Suddenly a flask was handed to the knight captain from Toston. He smiled and looked down at the object as if it were foreign then turned to his guild.

  “Victory!” He shouted with a toast.

  “Victory!” Everyone returned the shout.

  Flasks of hard whiskey was issued out to six where they thrived in their very most precious accomplishment. They celebrated their victory at the camp with no remorse. This was the tale of legends to them.

  Chapter 43

  “The mission was an utter failure, disguised as success. Only a test for me and what lies ahead.”

  Suzette Monroe

  Guardian of Thyne

  Taladori Nai’sen, Emperor of Thyne sat at his study in his palace at the capital of Entos. He was taken aback at the news of his kingdom. After his five hundred years of reigning he had just lost another city to the ogres in the south, Finel. Gomugaltha was awake and in an all-out assault. The war was trouble. There were simply too many of the beast to maneuver a victory. Perhaps it was time for him to step down and let Adama take control. The thought brought the emperor to the general’s daughter’s name, the Guardian. He had yet to hear from his new operative, Suzette Monroe, who had left the kingdom months ago.

  So far, no new news since the last details of their mission were leaked and broadcasted over the Systralas six weeks ago. The emperor was old and wondered what Sleet was up to. The broadcast called it the Scion’s proclamation. Little help that went with the endeavors of the high elves, they simply remained silent on the regards of the guild attack from Amethyst Divine. All negotiations were off the table as his requests and pleas for a hearing were unmet. The elves were hiding something, and the emperor knew it. They always were.

  It was raining now, so unlike Entos this time of year. Just when the summer festival had gathered, a heavy downpour where the voice could be heard even from his seat.

  A desk had been neatly placed before him with all the essentials to run a kingdom including the new placed republic that he was so fond of. In addition, covert op strategies were in suggestion for the war of the south lay scattered in many booklets, none looked too promising.

  If only he had Suzette back. She seemed the most promising with her one hundred percent DNA testing for such a project. She would rule this land one day, and he knew it too, but, where was she?

  Lightning struck and from the dark halls two shadowy forms entered the hall.

  The emperor startled, moved back in his seats several inches, surprised but not awestruck.

  “Who goes there?” He questioned as calm as he could.

  Silence rang as the two intruders approached. The pair said nothing, and the Emperors heart began to thud.

  Finally, after prowling in the dark they entered the light of his candles, to reveal his special agents, the young man from Golden Hearts, Codiac Dalin, and to his resounding glee, Suzette Monroe.

  “Excuse the intrusion, sire,” Codiac stopped feet away from the emperor's desk. “But this cannot wait.”

  The Emperor was staggering for a response, but then Codiac pulled out a pack and reached for its contents. With moments of delay, the young man pulled out a head, stained with blood, with red hair to match and placed it on the corner of his table.

  Danielle Avilya, the emperor mused with surprised.

  “How?” Taladori half asked, half demanded.

  “Defeated by our hands, sir.” Suzette replied.

  The mission was a success, and even with the sharp intrusion that was highly disrespectful, the emperor stood and Suzette and Codiac bowed.

  Taladori cleared his troubled throat to congratulate them, but Codiac raised up straight and lifted his hand.

  “No speech necessary,” He stated. “I have a favor to ask.”

  “What is that, young hero?” The emperor questioned with an uncertain ponder.

  “Reinstate Golden Hearts,” Codiac demanded before turning to Suzette and holding her hand before addressing the Emperor again.

  “Build us a stronger and even better guild hall than before. One that will bring hope to the coming age. Systralas will need us.”

  To be continued