by S. L. Morgan
Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited
By S. L. Morgan
Copyright © 2014 SL MORGAN
All rights reserved.
The characters, places and events portrayed in this book are fictional and are used as such. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the Author.
Pasidian Press 2014
ISBN-13: 9780615946634 (pbk)
(Pasidian Press)
CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Epilogue
Darkness was still on the lands of Pasidian Palace when Levi, Harrison, and a group of Guardians finished their combat drills in the training unit. After all of the chaos of dealing with the Council of Worlds, and preparing Reece to take up permanent residence in Pemdas, Levi was relieved to be in his normal routine again.
“How is it that you were able to counter my last attack so efficiently?” Harrison asked as he swallowed a gulp of water.
“Why would you believe that I would be incapable?” Levi questioned. “You completely gave yourself away with your conceited smirk, as you always do before you attack.”
Harrison shook his head. “It was obvious your mind was somewhere else! I knew I had you.”
Levi reached for his water, “I have told you time and time again, your arrogance will always give your opponent the upper hand.”
“Arrogance!” Harrison huffed, “I prefer to think it is merely extreme confidence.”
“My point has been made.” Levi said as he took a sip of the water. “And even though my thoughts were indeed otherwise engaged, I still was able to counter your stealthy attack.”
“Regardless, I figured I’d have you on that particular attack—especially now that you are betrothed.”
“Betrothed?” Levi scoffed. “I will never understand your way of thinking, nor will I try to. How could Reece accepting my hand in marriage serve as a distraction in combat training?”
“Love is weakness, my good friend.” Harrison clapped him on the shoulder before turning to clean up their equipment.
Levi followed him, picking up sparring weapons, “And that is where you will always be wrong,” he glanced at Harrison with a knowing smile, “as it was that particular emotion that served to enhance my fighting skills this morning.”
Harrison sighed, “Nevertheless, I am exceedingly happy for you and Reece. Have you determined whether or not you will go through a Pemdai ceremony, or will you choose something from Earth’s cultures?”
“I think that answer was obvious when I reported to our training.” Levi said with a laugh. “Reece would have woken up in my arms today, had I chosen the Pemdai ceremony.”
“If you ask me—” Harrison said as he smiled wryly at Levi.
“I’m not asking you,” Levi interrupted, “or seeking your relationship advice.” There was no point in taking part of a discussion like this with his cousin. Harrison’s views about relationships differed immensely from Levi’s, and any topic of conversation over the matter would be pointless. “I will honor the traditions that Reece is most familiar with. She is sacrificing a lot by being forced to live here and adjust to our customs. The least I can do for her is to give her a ceremony that she is more accustomed to.”
“Forced?” Harrison said with a laugh. “I saw the look in her eyes when your father ordered that she should live in Pemdas for her safety, and she hardly seemed upset about it.”
Levi studied Harrison for a moment. “Well, the least I can do for her is to give her a ceremony that she is accustomed to.”
“A true romantic!” Harrison teased as they left the building. “Well, get ready. I am quite confident that the palace will turn into a whirlwind of chaos as frantic, female emotions commence preparations for such an event.”
“I’ll find my way out of that!” Levi grinned. “I am merely the groom.”
“Yeah, right!” Harrison said mockingly. “We have witnessed firsthand how women on Earth deal with such events, and we’ve greatly pitied those grooms as well! You will be lucky if you are able to return to your duties, as Reece will need your opinions on—”
“Fortunately,” Levi smoothly interrupted him, “having paid close attention to her throughout the years, I know perfectly well that she is not one to over react over such things.”
Harrison said nothing as they entered the palace, but the expression on his face told Levi that he was about to discover a whole different side to the woman he loved. Levi smiled in return. Harrison’s opinions about women and social affairs were always ridiculous; and no matter what Levi said to defend any of it, Harrison would never listen.
They walked into the command center to retrieve their assignments from Samuel. There was a larger group of Guardians reporting than usual, and Levi was concerned as to why.
“Gentlemen,” Samuel said as the men took their seats, filling the large conference area. “It appears as though Emperor Navarre and I were correct to assume that guarding Earth would consist of us needing more men. The Emperor’s final demands to the Council of Worlds have led a few domains to challenge our obligation to protect Earth.”
Harrison sat back in his seat and crossed his arms, “Do they not understand we revel in a good challenge?”
A tiny grin drew up in the corner of Samuel’s mouth, “Apparently not. Either way, they are taking their humiliation out on us by trying to harm and terrorize the humans, and it is up to us to prevent their contact. We are dispatching more men to Earth than usual until it quiets down some.”
Vincent, Samuel’s chief advisor, stepped forward, “The military leaders from Earth have permitted the use of our aircrafts, so long as they remain invisible to the human eye. If any of these species try to frighten those of Earth by making their presence known through their space crafts, it is your duty to transport their crafts back to their realm and permanently disable them.” He looked over at Harrison and Levi, “You men will head up this operation until we have familiarized more Guardians with the process of removing the unidentified crafts from airspace.” Vincent addressed the rest of the Guardians, “If these realms seek to argue with the disabling of their crafts, you will take action against the beings as your training commands you.”
Levi exhaled in frustration. The last thing he wanted to do was to leave Reece the morning after he asked for her hand in marriage. He nodded in agreement, but resolved to speak to Samuel about it after the meeting. Harrison, of course, was beaming with excitement that they had the opportunity to use the Pemdai aircrafts on Earth.
“We are not in a state of emergency,” Samuel said, “but they are definitely making us work for our cause.”
A few other men interjected their thoughts, but all-in-all the meeting went smoothly and was concluded quickly. When the meeting was adjourned, Levi followed Samuel into his office. “Commander.”
“Ah! Levi.” Samuel said as he approached hi
m. He held out his hand and shook it, “Congratulations are an order for you and Reece.” He walked back over to his desk and sat down, “I must say, your father and I just discussed your seeing the map to stone…extremely intriguing.” He stated confidently, “And helpful as well, although, I am quite confident we will never have use for its powers.”
“I agree, sir; however, aside from that, I am here to request leave for at least one or two days.”
Samuel smiled, “Granted! I’ll have Vincent assign another instructor in your place; however, I am sure Harrison will give you a hard time about this.”
“He’ll get over it.”
“Enjoy your leave, and extend my well wishes to the future Mrs. Oxley as well.” Samuel said as Levi turned to leave.
On his way out of the command center, Harrison left the group of men he was speaking to and followed Levi. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Levi never stopped, but continued to walk back toward his room with purpose. “Daylight will be in an hour, and I have plans for Reece and myself.”
“And so it begins,” Harrison taunted.
“What begins?”
“Your backing out of your duties to be with a lovely lady.” Harrison stated with a knowing smile.
Levi glanced over at him. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”
“Indeed, I will,” Harrison boasted. “But I am still perplexed as to why you would back out on a rare opportunity to use our aircrafts.”
“Perplexed?” Levi said with a laugh. He stopped and faced his cousin, “Harrison, Reece and I haven’t had any time together, period.” Levi answered and then continued walking toward his rooms, “Besides,” he added, “Her Excellency has been summoned to the palace; my father wishes to learn more about how I was able to unlock the map within Reece’s mind.”
“Well,” Harrison started while continuing to walk at Levi’s side. “I’ll give you that, I’m curious myself.” He nudged Levi with his elbow, “So,” he said mischievously, “Where’s the stone?”
Levi looked over at Harrison, “Do you remember where the Ciatron set up their domain on Earth before the great battle?”
Harrison seemed intrigued, “Atlantis?” He questioned in disbelief, “It’s hidden there? Don’t you think that would be an obvious place to hide the stone?”
“Yes.”
“Well then, we must relocate it to a place that Reece’s ancestor may have not been able to get to because he was human; but, with our talents, we can find a place that is more inaccessible.”
Levi smiled impishly, “There is no need for that.”
“What? Why?”
Levi glance at his cousin’s puzzled expression amusingly. “Because the stone is not hidden there.” He said haughtily.
Harrison gazed at Levi darkly, “So you will hold to your word. Do you not even trust your closest friend?”
“It is not that I don’t trust you, but there is a reason Reece’s mind only opened to mine. Until we learn more, I believe it is safest for all of us if I am the only one who knows the location.”
“Well, is it vulnerable in any way?”
“Harrison, quit prying; I am not saying a word.” He went to turn up the stairs to his rooms, “Let’s just say, I am quite surprised that Paul Xylander, with his human limitations, was able to hide it in this location.” Levi laughed at Harrison’s expression of confusion, “Have fun on Earth, I’ll see you in a few days.”
With that, Levi turned and hopped up the steps, excited to make arrangements for his and Reece’s day together.
Reece ran at a rapid pace through the forest, out and away from the palace grounds. The exhilarating feeling of running freely through this majestic land so early in the morning was particularly therapeutic.
She slowed into an easy jog as she entered a clearing. As she slowed, she grasped her hips and began to catch her breath. An early morning run was definitely what she needed to help calm her nerves of excitement. She laughed quietly, wondering if she would lose sleep every night over the idea of becoming Levi’s wife. She had tossed and turned all night, her mind endlessly replaying the images of him proposing to her the previous evening. Reece knew that she was remarkably fortunate not only to have such a man in her life, but also to live in this magnificent and intriguing world with him.
She walked over to a billowy mound of grass and sat down, overwhelmed with happiness and contentment. She tilted her head up and admired the iridescent purple sky glistening above her. The temperature was surprisingly warmer since before their return to Earth, leaving only small traces of snow on the ground. She gazed out at the illuminating foliage that surrounded her. The glowing, multi-colored blooms, along with the iridescent, fluttering insects that danced throughout them, were absolute serenity. Reece couldn’t have asked for a better start to this new day in Pemdas.
She inhaled deeply of the crisp air as she thought dreamily about how significantly her life had changed since the first day she was brought into this dimension for her protection. It had been close to two months since she was escorted into Pasidian Palace on Levi’s arm, clearly overwhelmed by the reality that other worlds existed outside of Earth. And now, here she was, permanently living in a new dimension, and engaged to be married to the only man who had ever stolen her heart.
Reece was happier and more settled in her life than she had ever been. Before she met Levi, she thought she had a clear vision of where she was going in life. She planned to finish medical school, and after that, live out her career as a pediatrician. It was funny how things had changed so unexpectedly. Falling in love was the last item on her to-do list for the future. In fact, before Levi, she never allowed herself to be distracted by such emotions towards any man. Somehow, everything within her changed when she met him. Perhaps it was the simpler way of life that the Pemdai embraced that allowed her to slow down, and appreciate the value of living. She’d only ever known a fast-paced life in which she strove to be the best and the brightest; little did she know that her life truly hadn’t begun until she came into Pemdas.
As her thoughts became consumed by images of Levi, her heart began racing again. The sun started to rise, turning the sky a rainbow of glimmering colors. Captivated by its beauty, yet unable to sit any longer, Reece stood up and proceeded to head back to the palace. It was a new day, a new life, and Reece could hardly contain her joy. She jogged along the bank of a stream, and followed a trail back to the palace grounds. As soon as the magnificent structure came into sight, she beamed. The groundskeepers were already out tending to the palace’s gardens, while servants were bustling here and there. Reece stopped and admired the view of her current home. She bit her bottom lip, somewhat overwhelmed, but also rejuvenated, as adrenaline started coursing through her body. She knew it wouldn’t be long until she was back in Levi’s arms.
Once in her room, she found her maiden, Jasmeen, preparing Reece’s clothes for the day. The maiden was nothing if not passionate about ensuring that Reece was styled impeccably on a daily basis. After a hot shower, Reece took her tea into the vanity room so Jasmeen could begin styling her make-up and hair.
“Master Levi is awaiting you in the sitting room,” Jasmeen said while placing the curling rod on the counter.
Reece’s heart fluttered with excitement. “He’s already here?”
Jasmeen walked back to Reece. “Indeed, he is,” she said as she positioned Reece’s hair to cascade over one shoulder. “There, now let’s get you dressed,” she said with a warm smile.
After Jasmeen finished helping Reece slip into an exquisite gown, she dismissed herself and went about the rest of her duties for the day. Reece walked into the sitting room while she clasped the arrow bracelet that Levi had purchased for her. Adrenaline surged through her when she glanced up and saw Levi stand up from the sofa to greet her. I certainly won’t have a problem seeing this face first thing every morning, she thought as she inhaled, besotted by his image.
Levi had an air about him that commanded any room h
e was in effortlessly. He was the perfect definition of nobility and absolute sophistication. His tall, masculine frame was always impeccably dressed. His dark hair brought out the brilliance of his jewel-like, sapphire blue eyes, while his strong jawline gave an impressive definition to his handsome face. Reece’s lips curved up into a proud, adoring grin. Her emotions were shameless, but she didn’t care. Reece couldn’t be more grateful that this man was hers.
Levi’s eyes brightened as a beaming smile lit his face. He approached where Reece stood silently admiring him. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. His eyes never left hers as he tenderly kissed the back of her hand. “You, my love, look utterly ravishing this morning.” His thumb absently brushed over the brilliant center stone of the ring he had given her, bringing his attention to it. He twisted the ring as he examined it. “This appears to be somewhat big on your finger. We’ll have it fitted more properly when we visit the city today.”
Reece glanced down at the ring that Levi was studying. How many times had she stared into the exquisite aquamarine stone since Levi had placed the ring on her finger the night before? The circular ring displayed the brilliance of the round cut, deep blue gemstone that was surrounded by tiny black diamonds encased with outer layer of tiny, sparkling white diamonds. On each side of the platinum band ran two rows of more tiny white diamonds, with a ribbon of blue stones in the center. The ring she wore was incomparable to anything she had ever seen, and she was absolutely entranced by the design of it.
He smiled as his eyes returned to hers, “Would you be up for a journey to Casititor today?”
Reece recalled their private lunch together before she knew about his feelings for her, “Tomato basil soup sounds wonderful!” she replied with a vibrant smile.
Levi brought her hand to rest in the curve of his arm as he led her from the room. “I have arranged to have our breakfast taken alone on the balcony this morning.”
As they strolled leisurely through the upstairs corridor, Levi brought a hand up and lovingly covered Reece’s. “I haven’t had an opportunity to inform you about the history of your ring,” he said, as he glanced down at her with an affectionate smile. “My grandfather, Alexander Oxley, acquired this ring for my grandmother while serving as Guardian on Earth. When it was given to me as an heirloom, I had never considered the idea of presenting it to my future wife as a wedding ring.” He softly squeezed her hand. “However, being that my intended wife is from Earth, I could think of no other ring that would suit you better.”
