The Coming Of The Light (Guardian Series)

by JW Baccaro

  “Who is your master?” Mirabel asked.

  “Someone you already know. It speaks no more. Come, we leave right away.”

  “What of Favonius?” Darshun asked, since the Centaur was one of the chosen to go to Syngothra.

  “I cannot ride on a Dragon’s back,” he said. “I will go with Kaylis for now.”

  “Well, I am following Windtros,” Minevara said demandingly.

  Growing impatient, Uriel puffed smoked out his nostrils. “No more talk!”

  They climbed onto the Dragon's back, seating themselves in the spaces between the large plated spikes, about a foot and a half until the next—making their ‘seats’ a little crammed, but at least they had something to hold onto. Then with a mighty force of his wings Uriel flew off heading east, the rest of the Elves below, as well as Kaylis and Favonius, undoubtedly suspected something terrible was at hand.

  With great speed, Uriel passed over landscapes of heavy woodland, green fields and rocky mountains, then soared across the great blue ocean. Continuously flying for what must have been an hour, with no talk, the sound of the wind constantly in their faces. Uriel suddenly began to elevate higher and higher—so high, so fast it took their breath away.

  They came just below a thick white cloud that stretched for about a mile and flew up into it until reaching the top. They were in awe. Before them, sat a foundation of smooth flat rock resting upon the cloud; the rock as long as the cloud itself. At each of the four corners sat a pillar of stone about thirty feet high with a dragon statue on it. Each dragon a different color; the north blue, the east green, the south red, and the west gray. In the middle of this strange place stood a white pillar with a stone arch doorway at its bottom. This is where Uriel landed.

  Darshun and the others climbed off and gazed around. “This place—is amazing!” Darshun exclaimed, jumping up and down on the foundation, rubbing his fingers across the smooth surface. “How is it possible a solid mass of rock can sit on top of a cloud? Doesn't make sense. Is illogical.”

  “Secrets that can only be known by the Holy Wizards,” came a familiar voice beyond the doorway.

  “Can it be?” Mirabel said, stepping closer.

  White light shone through the passage, the door opening, and as if in a dream one from long ago, he stepped out. He had long straight white hair, wearing a white robe and cowl. A golden belt fashioned with a seven-pointed star buckle was strapped around his waist. With now powerful golden-white eyes and carrying a crystallized citrine staff, the man’s face—unmistakable.

  “Olchemy!” Darshun, Mirabel and Nayland shouted in unison.

  They knelt before him, including Minevara and Caelestias.

  “But how?” Darshun asked, returning to his feet, wanting to touch the Wizard to make sure it wasn’t a dream. “Levieth said he killed you?”

  "I thought so too.” Olchemy nodded, bringing his thoughts back to that dreadful moment. "You know, there are sometimes reasons for why our little ones disobey orders."

  Two small hands crept along the stone edges of the archway, then slowly, came a set of large hazel eyes peeking out at them, and soon enough the figure herself, Avis. Barefoot, wearing a sapphire linen long-sleeved tunic and an amethyst skirt embellished with tiny gemstones of all colors. Afraid, or possibly shy, the little Gnome walked out face down, stopping beside her master.

  Olchemy patted her head.

  Admiring her outfit, especially the perfectly styled and fitted pigtails Minevara giggled. "She is so adorable!"

  If she only knew, Darshun thought, remembering all too well his first encounter with Avis.

  "After overhearing my battle against Levieth,” Olchemy continued, “Avis transported atop Mt. Flame and crept down into the mountain, waiting for the proper moment to intercept, and avoid being seen by Levieth. As I fell, or rather, when Levieth knocked me over the ledge, three seconds before plunging into the lava she appeared, grabbed a hold of my arm, then transported us out of there. Only, the poor girl had not the calm, focused mind to return us atop, fear of the High Wizard and the scorching heat distracted her and by accident the transportation brought us into a cavern on the other side of the mountain. It could have been worse…we might have appeared intertwined within the rock. Though I knew not our location, and it was dark, as black as a moonless night. Then, a warm breath brushed against our necks, accompanied by a pair of ruby-red gleaming eyes. I quickly jumped back, getting Avis behind me and lit my staff with what little energy I possessed, for I could barely stand. We’d awoken, the Dragon Uriel…” Olchemy paused as he stared off while remembering.

  Darshun and the rest stood captivated by the story.

  The High Wizard shook his head. “…A beast which had been cast into a state of deep sleep for nearly two-thousand years. He’d been the former Dragon of the High Wizard Milandrith, cursed to forever sleep within his place of birth, Mt. Flame. Unknowingly, I redeemed the sins of the elder from attempting the spell of Self-Sacrifice and awakened his Dragon. Uriel carried the two of us out of that place, ascending through an opening to the south, and then journeyed here. Both he and Avis aided me back to health. I witnessed the carnage which took place at Zithel, but I knew Darshun was still alive. Even so, because of my defeat against the High Wizard, and foreseeing another encounter, I ventured to Shajin Island to prepare myself, conquering the elements, the four Magics, and deepening myself into spiritualities. The only thing I needed to do then, was wait to cross paths with you, my friends.”

  "Thank Abidan!" Darshun grinned. "We thought our Wizard was gone forever."

  “Wizard? Yes. I was once known as Olchemy the Fire Wizard, but now, I am Olchemy the High Wizard and by the grace of Abidan I have returned to you, to help finish this quest, once and for all—in victory or defeat.”

  They rejoiced happily, and couldn’t believe the changes their friend had been through. From body to spirit his being seemed different, evolved. And now perhaps with all these new allies, Favonius, Caelestias, Uriel, Minevara and Olchemy, maybe, just maybe—they really did have a chance in wining this war.

  Avis left Olchemy's side, staring Darshun down with those adorable large eyes, then glanced to his sword.

  He stepped back. "Oh no you don’t, little one—I mean Avis."

  She gave him a harsh look from his first choice of words, but quickly lightened up when he addressed her properly. Still, she pointed at his sword. "Shinny…" She sounded like a child, desperately wanting to play with a toy—Darshun's toy.

  "Yes, it is shiny, but it’s mine!"

  Having an expression which could melt the hardest stone she lowered her head.

  "Oh Windtros, how rude," Minevara scolded.

  "You don’t know her."

  "Please, what harm could she possibly cause?"

  "Olchemy, should you warn my sister?"

  "Warn me of what? It is just a child."

  "She is no child," Olchemy scoffed.

  Minevara rolled her eyes. “What is all the fuss about? You’re acting as if the little innocent Avis is some kind of trickster.”

  Realizing the positive attention Minevara was giving her, Avis stepped closer. "You have shinny too," She pointed to the handle of her sword, sticking out of the sheathe.

  "Of course dearest Avis," Minevara smiled, wishing to pick the little Gnome up and squeeze her playfully like a child. "Would you like to see it—?"

  "No!" Darshun blurted out.

  "For Heaven's sake Windtros, she’s only curious. You act as if she were up to deceit."

  "But she—"

  "Enough, all right? I mean seriously. Let her have a look."

  A big impish smile shone on Avis' face.

  Yeah, let her have a look Minevara, Darshun thought. Just a 'look.'

  Unsheathing the blade she set it along her palms, it glistened brilliantly in the sunlight. "You like it?"

  Avis nodded, almost in ecstasy.

  "See Windtros, you should really learn how to relax."

  Avis moved in
closer, grazing her hand along the silvery steel.

  All right, here it comes. Darshun tried his hardest not to chuckle.

  "Oooh, shiny—MINE!" She snatched it by the handle and ran off.

  "Hey!" Minevara shouted. "You little—"

  "Darshun tried to warn you." Nayland gave her an incredibly stupid grin.

  "Oh, shut up," she sneered, eyes flashing, then ran after Avis, who already seemed a quarter of a mile away, her little Gnome legs moving as fast as they could carry her, like a life or death situation, and tempting the wrath of the feisty Nasharin / Elf female, it just might have been.

  "GET BACK HERE NOW!!!" Minevara shouted. "You thief!"

  Avis finally made it to the blue Northern Dragon and climbed atop, raising the sword as if she was the Queen of the statue, smiling victoriously.

  Like lightning, Minevara climbed up and nearly snatched Avis by her hair.

  The little Gnome transported to the western Dragon and the chase began all over again.

  Watching the chase for a few minutes Mirabel turned to Olchemy. "I have to ask, you rather enjoy this do you not?"

  His only answer was a smile.

  Avis then instantly appeared beside him.

  Meanwhile, Minevara was leaping off the eastern Dragon in the far distance, her face a burning red. "Wherever you are hiding, I will find you!" she yelled. "And I’m going to transform. If you know anything about Nasharins you best return my sword immediately."

  "Avis…give it back," Olchemy commanded.

  "Ohhh, already?" she sighed, gazing up at him.

  He nodded.

  "But it is so much fun having her chase me. Me loves her!"

  "Your fun has passed."

  "…Fine, fine, fine."

  * * *

  At the moment, Minevara was searching for the little Gnome over by the southern Dragon.

  In a flash, Avis transported in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. "Apologies miss." She heartbrokenly tossed the sword to the ground, loving the sound the steel made when striking rock.

  "You—you little thief!" She stepped hard forward like she might hit her.

  Avis kept her ground only sank to her knees, staring at Minevara with those big rounded hazel eyes, now teary from giving up yet another beautiful item.

  Minevara eased her anger. How could she stay mad at such a childish creature? Still, running around like a crazed woman made her sink with embarrassment. She knew Nayland, of all people, would never let her live this down. Probably bring it up every time she became angry. She picked up the sword and sheathed it.

  Avis held out a hand. "I return you to friends?"

  She stepped back. "What is this, another trick?"

  "No no. Me brings you to friends. Take the hand."

  "I would rather walk." She intended to step around the little Gnome.

  Avis grabbed a hold of her arm shouting, "Me brings you!" Then a moment later, they appeared next to Olchemy and the others.

  This was it, the last straw. "I am going to spank your bottom blue!" she hissed, thrusting a hand through the pink cloud of smoke.

  Avis quickly transported out of there and it seemed doubtful she would return, at least not for a while.

  All of the others, especially Nayland, desperately held back laughter.

  Even Darshun himself had to admit, watching this take place from the sidelines seemed rather funny.

  Minevara glared at the High Wizard. "If your little thief comes near me again, I will turn her into ice."

  "You will do no such thing," Caelestias interrupted. "Next time, listen to the words of your brother. He spoke wisdom which you ignored."

  She clenched her teeth, wanting to scream at the elvish lord and his obsession with Truth. Yeah, she should have listened, but, she didn’t. Whatever!

  To lighten her mood, Darshun gently set his arm around her. "The same thing happened to me when I first met Avis, dear sister. Never trust a Gnome, heh-heh."

  "Forgive Avis, sister of the Guardian. At heart she really is sweet. But, onto other matters." Olchemy's expression changed over to the most serious look. "I didn’t bring you all here for a mere reunion or Gnome chasing. The hour grows darker than you know. Come with me and I will show you.” He led them into the white pillar.

  * * *

  To be honest, the inside felt kind of lonely; for the only items were a fancy silver-white throne and a strange pool similar to the one Darshun saw at Abaddon’s lair in Asgoth, where he’d witnessed visions, except this pool felt sacred and mystical, consisting of white water, instead of transparent. Or perhaps it wasn’t water at all. “What is this place?”

  “It is the final creation of the Holy Ancient Wizards, the station between earth and the stars of heaven. The place for the Guardian—yours Darshun if you are successful against the Dark.”

  Darshun felt overwhelmed. “And what of the four dragons on the pillars?”

  “They are monuments of stone representing the dragons belonging to the former Wizard Guardians of earth. Each Guardian would stand in front of his elemental Dragon, on the edge to this plain; focusing body and mind his gaze reached his corner of the world, or could look back through time, see what his masters' had seen. But the one Guardian, if he surpasses his goals, shall be able to view all corners from within this white elixir, anywhere he desires, except sacred ground. Even now, you have the power to see certain dangers, as I have already, having created this pool specifically for you.”

  “Un—believable! What can I see, huh? Show me. It sounds interesting.”

  "Darshun, calm now, gaze into the pool and focus your mind, feel out energies you’re familiar with. The trees, different species of animals and most importantly, soldiers of the Dark. Feel out the imbalance."

  He obeyed, staring into the ‘water’ rarely blinking, keeping his breathing steady and in a sense, listening for those energies Olchemy spoke of, energies he was well familiar with by now. Suddenly, the white liquid changed to transparent, revealing the land of Asgoth. Tens of thousands of Cullach and Draconians were marching across the land further east, already at war slaying tribes of Humans, burning down forests chasing all creatures out. But only Darshun witnessed this. What is going on?!” He stared over at Olchemy.

  “The Dark King Tanarokai has set out to destroy the entire eastern region. They are burning the trees, desecrating sacred ground of tribal people, killing every creature of the Light in their path, down to the last man, woman, child, even the animals. Soon, they will discover Loreladia, decimate it then move on to Ashhaven.”

  “But—why?”

  “A few foes escaped the siege of Valnar’s Tower and spread the news to Tanarokai. He fears the Elves are planning on invading Asgoth, perhaps to enter Syngothra and disrupt Abaddon’s eve of Saruinkai. Therefore, he’s attacking relentlessly, determined to find every elvish warrior, every creature of Light and won’t stop until the whole eastern region is a mound of ashes. He’s also killed the slaves bound to Castle Volborg, having forced them into the Arena, and let loose packs of starved mad beasts. The blood shed was indescribable. ”

  A cluster of knots filled Darshun's stomach. "Why the slaves?"

  "Saruinkai is approaching, there was no further need for them."

  "Then—why have you waited this long to tell me these things?" Darshun snapped.

  "You needed to see for yourself, to get a taste what your guardianship shall be like, most of all, to inspire courage, entering Syngothra."

  "Syngothra? No!" he snarled. "I will ride out to meet Tanarokai."

  “Darshun, please understand, the time is right to enter Syngothra now that Tanarokai’s castle is little occupied, for the path lies close to Castle Volborg. With the help of Uriel, you can enter Asgoth from the highest elevations north of the land to stay clear of the marching army. Once there, Caelestias shall guide all of you and I will go to Loreladia, Ashhaven, even Eldeno and gather their forces to meet with the Dark King’s army while there is still time to save the east.�
�

  “I cannot abandon all of you.”

  “You must. It is the only way.”

  “If you gather the three armies will it be enough to defeat Asgoth?”

  Olchemy stood silent.

  “Tell me the truth, please.”

  “There is always a chance.”

  “That is not what I asked.”

  Olchemy sighed. “Every hour, more of his creatures come. The original Loreladia, now the Dark King’s second domain and stronghold, is flooded with many foes and they’ve already been called out. Soldiers come with weapons and armor forged from the strongest metal on earth, Milandrith Metal.”

  “Milandrith Metal?” Nayland interjected. “How did they get their hands on that?”

  “It was found within the rocks under Tanarokai’s castle, and your brother Kaylis was forced to make weapons and armor out of it. While there is little chance for victory, there is also no guarantee of defeat. We may win, or we may all die. But no matter the outcome, this gives all of you the opportunity to slip into Syngothra unnoticed.”

  “I agree with Windtros. If these visions are true, it is unwise for us to abandon the east. They’re going to need our help. Were we to leave, for goodness sakes! Our home city will be destroyed, not to mention, as you say, the folk of Loreladia, something my conscious could not live with.”

  “It may have to,” Caelestias countered. “At this moment we very easily could creep onto that wretched path, with the Eye being destroyed, and Asgoth little occupied, as the High Wizard says. The decision is difficult I understand, but my father and I assume all creatures of the east would rather die if it meant saving the earth. Time heals wounds, creates new life; the world would go on—”

  “No,” Darshun interrupted. “I know your thoughts always dwell on Truth Caelestias, but sometimes there is more Truth than a solitary means.”

  "I do not think you understand the odds we are facing Darshun," Olchemy countered. "The earth has never witnessed a colossal force such as this in thousands of years. The numbers dwarf the Loreladian / Barbarian war, the Eldeno / Ashhaven Civil War, or any war left recorded and passed down in history since the first age. Asgoth, in all her fury, has been unleashed. If you were to die in that battle, who would take over the task? Not a single solitary soul, for only you have been bound to the Golden Crystal, and only you can ignite its majestic power to destroy Abaddon. Think about it."