Guardians of Lakaya: The Catalyst

by Richmond Camero

  One of the Perennian townsfolk saw them as they passed through. “Is that Guier?”

  One by one, the people around them looked up. They walked closer to Guier and his unit to have a better glimpse of them. After a few moments, Guier’s squad found themselves surrounded by Perennia’s people, shaking their hands, giving them impressed nods, laughing with them.

  “They have returned!”

  “Call your sisters! They have to see this!”

  “I can’t believe that I’m this close to the heroes of Perennia!”

  “Papa!”

  Guier turned his head to the small voice that spoke. At the same time, Dror steered his horse forward. He got off from the horse but his right foot got stuck from the stirrup. He shook it off and ran toward the child that called him.

  “Helga!” Dror embraced her, then carried her in his arms. “How is my little lad?”

  Helga laughed and embraced her father. Then she scratched her face and pulled the tip of Dror’s beard. Dror feigned pain and pinched her daughter’s chin. He put down Helga and when he straightened, a lady ran to him and wound her arms around his neck.

  “Oh, how I missed you, my love.” The woman said.

  Dror let go of his wife and held her face. “I missed you too, Lili. I am here now.”

  “I know. I’m just worried every time you are away.” Lili said. “Will you be staying for long?”

  “I think so,” Dror said. Lili looked at her with steely eyes and Dror laughed. “Of course, I will.” He held her wife’s face again. “It’s good to be back.”

  “Welcome home, love.”

  Behind Lili was a teenage boy, whose face was a younger version of Dror’s.

  Dror crouched to level with the boy’s eyes. “You taking care of your mom and sister, eh Spencer?”

  “Yes, I am,” Spencer replied, fumbling with his fingers.

  Dror smiled and said, “Come here.”

  Spencer went to his father and embraced him. “We missed you, papa,” he said.

  “I missed you too, son,” Dror replied.

  Guier dismissed the other soldiers that were with them. He then guided his horse near Dror’s family and greeted Helga with a nod. Dror saw him and gave him a wide smile. He walked to his wife, whispered a few words, and returned to his horse. Dror looked at Guier to signal that they could go. Lili and her children waved goodbye as Guier and Dror made their way to the heart of Perennia.

  The Sanctuary.

  “Can’t wait to get back home and have supper with them,” Dror said.

  “You could have stayed,” Guier said.

  “Duty calls,” Dror said. “And besides, I’ve been wanting to see the Perennian Lords myself.”

  The pair rode in silence, smiling at the familiar sights of home. They passed through the Perennian houses, observing the progress that Perennia had made. It too has found its way out of the destruction caused by the Oblivian Rebellion. As they went deeper into the center of Perennia, the stone houses lessened, replaced by trees of various kinds and sizes. The Yggdrasil grew larger above them. It was because of the Tree of Life that the Perennians were prohibited to build houses near it. Its roots had reached a great distance from its base, nurturing the ground and giving birth to smaller trees. They rode through the forest and the path widened leading them to the Sanctuary.

  The Sanctuary is a citadel where the Perennian Lords reside. In its center stood the Yggdrasil. Vines from the tree adorn the walls of the citadel, giving the impression that it had a life of its own.

  Guier and Dror approached the Sanctuary and saw a man standing on the grounds. His hair was dark gray and his face lined. The man was tall for an Anarrian. He stood nearly ten feet tall, his bulky features evident beneath his steel armor. He looked like a man in his late years but in reality, he already existed long before humans took over Terra, the world from the other dimension.

  The man waited for Guier and Dror to dismount and said, “Welcome home.”

  “Lord Gaea,” Guier said. “How did you know that we were coming?” He stood in front of Gaea, looking small.

  “A little bird told me,” Gaea replied, smiling. After a few moments, a great horned owl flew from the sky and perched on top of Gaea’s shoulder.

  “Of course,” Guier said. “Saab, it’s good to see you.”

  The owl bowed his head. “Good to see you too, Master Guier. Did you have a great ride home?”

  “I would not really call it great,” Dror said. “Tiring, but otherwise it was fine.”

  “Nothing of great interest?” Gaea asked.

  “None, my Lord,” Dror said.

  “There were no signs of Oblivia on our way back,” Guier added.

  “Good then,” Gaea said, smiling wide. “Come, let us convene with Serem and Kosmos.” Gaea let Saab fly and walked towards the Sanctuary.

  Dror retrieved the Aban’s sword from his mount and followed after Guier and Gaea. They went through the Sanctuary’s entrance, a twenty-foot wooden door with a vine pattern embossed in its surface. In the main hallway, banners of Perennia’s insignia, a golden image of the Yggdrasil on a dark blue shield, lined the walls. They passed through several corridors and as they neared the heart of the castle, the vines crawling in the walls grew thicker. Finally, they reached the Sanctuary’s throne room.

  The three of them entered and saw two figures standing in the base of the Yggdrasil. Guier saw that the concrete floor gave way to a pool of clear water.

  “Is there a boat? Or do we need to swim?” Dror asked.

  Guier realized that it was Dror's first time to be in the throne room. “You need to learn how to walk on water,” Guier said.

  Gaea laughed, his deep baritone voice echoing in the walls of the room. “After you, Dror,” he said.

  Dror placed the first Aban’s sword on his back and walked forward hesitantly. He raised his right foot on top of the pool and a stone step rose from the water under Dror’s foot. Dror continued walking, the stone steps rising with the rhythm of his feet. Gaea and Guier walked beside him, creating their own path of rising and falling stones.

  Dror was the first to step on the island in the middle of the pool. “Lord Kosmos, Lady Serem,” Dror greeted them with a bow.

  Serem responded with a nod, while Kosmos walked toward him. Almost as big as Gaea, he easily picked Dror up with both of his hands. “Good to see you my friend!” Kosmos said with a wide smile. He put Dror down and turned to Guier. He did the same, lifting Guier up with a hearty laugh.

  Gaea stood in between Serem and Kosmos. “Now, now, Kosmos, let’s not get too excited,” Gaea said.

  “Forgive me, Gaea,” Kosmos responded with a grin. He then assumed his position at the base of the Yggdrasil.

  Gaea glanced at Dror and Guier for a moment and said, “I suppose Akisha is now back on its feet.”

  “Indeed,” Guier replied. “Aban Yulik expresses his gratitude.” Guier gestured to Dror and he got the sword from his back. He walked forward and held the sword with his arms. Kosmos accepted Akisha’s token of gratitude. He drew the sword a few inches from its sheath and inspected the blade. The blade, like its sheath, was gold too. Kosmos smiled with satisfaction.

  “The Aban is too kind,” Serem said.

  “Yes,” Gaea said, nodding. “And we will continue to aid them if the need arises. Well done, Gatekeeper. We have found a new ally.”

  Guier’s brows creased and he looked at each of the Perennian Lords. “Aban Yulik told me something.”

  Gaea leaned forward and tilted his head on the side. “What is it?”

  “A premonition. There may be danger coming to Perennia again.”

  Gaea held his forehead. Kosmos and Serem exchanged looks.

  “And the rest of Anarri?” Kosmos asked.

  Guier shook his head. “Aban Yulik was not able to see what exactly will come, just that Perennia will be a part of it.”

  Gaea let out a deep breath. “This is bad news.”

  “Not even when
or how?” Kosmos asked, folding his arms together.

  “That is all he said.”

  The Perennian Lords were silent for a moment. Guier waited for them to speak.

  “No incidents have been reported from the other villages so far,” Kosmos said.

  “None yet,” Gaea replied. “It is best we assess the current situation of our surroundings.” He then looked up and said, “Saab.”

  A moment later, Saab flew down through the opening made for the Yggdrasil and hovered in front of the Perennian Lords.

  “My Lords,” Saab said.

  “Tell your flock to scout nearby villages,” Gaea said. “If there are signs of danger or unusual activity, tell them to report to Perennia immediately.”

  “At once,” Saab said and flew back into the sky.

  “Do you need us to cover the ground?” Guier asked.

  “Not yet,” Gaea said. “It is best that you rest and regain your strength. We might need it soon. For now, Saab and his flock will suffice.”

  Guier bowed and made his way to the throne room’s exit. Dror followed him and they walked through the stone steps. Halfway through, they felt the ground shake and they stopped. Guier looked back at the Perennian Lords. Suddenly, the ground shook more violently. Guier knelt down and raised his hand, summoning a dome of Lifeblood to protect them should the ceiling collapse.

  “Get down!” Gaea shouted. He raised his hands and welcomed the earthquake.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The earthquake lasted for more than a minute.

  Guier was on the ground with Dror, protected by the dome of Lifeblood he conjured. “Are you alright?” he asked Dror.

  “Yes,” Dror replied.

  Guier looked around and saw that the Sanctuary was intact. He did not see any trace of debris, so he released his Lifeblood and the dome disappeared. He looked back at the Perennian Lords and realized why the Sanctuary was still standing.

  Gaea was holding it up.

  Gaea’s arms were raised, his knees bent, as if he was carrying something big above him. He held this position for another minute, bracing for an aftershock. Nothing came. When he was sure that they were safe, he relaxed his arms and leaned against the Yggdrasil. Gaea was panting and beads of sweat appeared in his forehead.

  “Easy, my friend,” Kosmos said. He walked beside Gaea and used his arms to support him.

  “Thank you,” Gaea said.

  Serem gasped. “Perennia—”

  “Should be alright,” Gaea finished. “I held the ground under us.”

  “You foolish old man,” Kosmos said with a smile.

  Guier and Dror went back to the Perennian Lords. “What was that?” Dror asked.

  “I’m not sure, but…” Gaea looked up at the space between the branches of the Tree of Life. Rays were passing through it. But something was wrong. The light was diminishing, making the room darker by the second.

  Footsteps came from the entrance of the throne room and a Perennian soldier entered. “Forgive me my Lords, but you have to see this,” the man said.

  The Perennian Lords exchanged looks. Together with Dror and Guier, they went out of the throne room. Serem led, while Kosmos was still supporting Gaea. They reached the front of the sanctuary and looked around.

  “Look,” Serem said, pointing above them.

  All of them looked up and saw the sky turning dark. The clouds were swirling, creating a vortex. They were moving faster and the sky was getting darker. Suddenly, an array of lightning forked from them, followed by a roar of thunder. The sky continued to swirl and the center of the vortex glowed. A few seconds later, the light exploded and a bright pillar came down from it, hitting the ground. From where they were standing, they could not see where the light hit or whether it caused damage.

  Gaea looked to the skies and called for Saab. The owl came swooping down and hovered in front of Gaea. “I have sent owls and ravens to scout, my Lord,” Saab said. “But it seems they would return sooner than expected.”

  “What else did you see up there?” Gaea asked.

  “There are… pillars of light everywhere.”

  “In all of Anarri?” Gaea asked.

  “I cannot tell yet,” Saab said. “But as far as my eyes could see. Also…”

  Gaea and the others waited for Saab to speak.

  “Somewhere in the northeast, there is a pillar larger than the others,” Saab explained. “It is brighter and bigger.”

  Gaea thought for a moment and said, “I see. Is there anything else?”

  “That would be all for now,” Saab replied.

  Gaea nodded and he said, “Send a message to General Xyrus. Tell him to prepare his troops and wait for the next instructions.”

  Saab flew away from them and went towards the direction of the Perennian gate.

  “What’s happening around us?” Kosmos said.

  “I don’t know. That is why our first task is to find out what we can,” Gaea said. “Guier, go to where the biggest pillar is. It might give us some clues. Kosmos will go with you.”

  Guier nodded in reply.

  “I’ll go too,” Dror said. “I can cover the skies.”

  “That might be a good idea,” Gaea said.

  “Ready your mounts then,” Kosmos said. “Let us rendezvous at the central gate in an hour.”

  * * *

  It took thirty minutes for Guier to get ready. Apart from some provisions, he only needed his staff. He rode in the direction of the Perennian gate and met Dror along the way, walking on foot. Guier tilted his head to the back of his horse. Dror nodded in response and hopped on Guier’s mount. Moments later, they reached the gate and saw Kosmos already waiting for them.

  “Are you ready?” Kosmos asked.

  Dror jumped down and said, “Yes. I can change from here.”

  “We follow the largest beacon,” Kosmos said. “Dror, make sure we’re headed on the right path. Keep an eye out for any suspicious movements, too.” He reined his horse and took the lead, with Guier following him. Dror sprung up from his knees and turned into a giant hawk, flying above Guier and Kosmos.

  They rode for several hours following the beacon, with Dror acting as a compass above them. Along the way, they saw several pillars of light. Guier thought of stopping to inspect them but Kosmos explained that they only needed to investigate one of them. Once they find out what the largest pillar of light can do, they would understand the smaller ones. Besides, Kosmos explained, if the pillars were dangerous, they would have to contain the biggest one first since it may produce the largest amount of damage.

  The pillar led them to the edge of a cliff. A few hundred feet before them, the pillar of light blew strong winds into their faces. Up close, the beacon seemed to be bigger than the Yggdarsil. Guier and Kosmos unmounted, stroking their horses to calm them down. Dror landed beside them and turned into his normal form.

  “The gods be damned,” Dror asked. “What is this?”

  “I do not know,” Guier said.

  They looked at Kosmos, but the answer didn’t come. After a few moments, Kosmos said, “It is hard to believe but I have never seen anything like this before.”

  “What now?” Dror asked again.

  “We test the waters,” Kosmos said. He jumped from the cliff onto the ground below. Guier and Dror followed him. They walked slowly toward the beacon and every few paces, they would stop and observe their surroundings to see if something has changed.

  Halfway through, they felt the wind getting stronger and the Lifeblood from the beacon becoming more powerful.

  “Halt,” Kosmos said, raising his fist.

  “What is it?” Guier asked.

  Kosmos didn't reply. He looked at the beacon, shielding his eyes from its brightness. He placed his hand in front of his chest and a translucent red energy bloomed from it. It grew bigger until it became a dome covering the three of them. It looked hard and made of glass, but it was made out of Lifeblood. When Kosmos was sure that they were covered by his shield,
he beckoned for Guier and Dror to follow him.

  They continued to the beacon. Once in a while, the beacon would give off winds that were strong enough to nudge Kosmos’ shield. But the shield remained intact, so they went on.

  Fifteen meters away and Guier was still expecting that the beacon would discharge its energy.

  Ten meters. Dror was gripping his dagger. Guier readied his staff on his right hand.

  Five. Guier could feel the strong gust on his face despite of the shield. He felt a warm energy coming from the beacon, like the heat of a campfire in a cold night.

  Slowly, Kosmos expanded the shield until its edge touched the edge of the beacon. The shield glowed and Kosmos pulled it back. The three of them stood silent for a moment.

  “What do you think?” Guier asked.

  “I think it's just… Lifeblood,” Kosmos said. He gazed up and down the pillar of light and said, “I’m going to bring our shield down.”

  Guier and Dror nodded. Kosmos let go of his shield, but his hand was still outlined with red Lifeblood. They stood still. Nothing came from the pillar.

  “Dror, could you check how high this goes?” Kosmos said. “See if you can find anything unusual up there too.”

  Dror nodded and in an instant, changed into his hawk form and flew into the sky. Meanwhile, Guier and Kosmos examined the pillar. Guier held the Yggdrasil staff a few inches away from the pillar.

  “You said this is Lifeblood,” Guier said.

  “As far as I can tell,” Kosmos answered.

  “May I?” Guier held his hand toward the pillar.

  “With caution.”

  Guier spun his staff and allowed one of the tips to brush against the pillar. The tip of the staff lit up as it made contact with the Lifeblood. The Lifeblood then rushed to the rest of the staff. Guier withdrew the staff immediately but the Lifeblood from the pillar remained, illuminating the staff.

  “Step back,” Guier told Kosmos. He raised the staff towards the sky and released the Lifeblood. A bluish beam exploded from the staff, creating strong winds around them. When all of the energy in the staff was released, Guier checked the staff. It was still emanating a faint glow. But slowly, it returned to its natural black color. Dror appeared beside them.