The Complete 8-Book Guardians Adventure Saga

by Summer Lee

  “Show off,” Sam mused.

  The box vibrated slightly.

  They looked at each other. “What was that?”

  “It reacted to something you said,” Sam said. “Try again.”

  “Elijah!” Nothing. “Gideon!” Nothing. “Saul!” The box vibrated slightly. Sam got a pen and some scratch paper from a drawer under the kitchen counter. He wrote down the name, Saul.

  Achava glared at the box. “Ark!” Nothing. “Covenant!” Nothing.

  Sam was excited that they were getting closer. “It has something to do with Saul. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind, when you think of Saul?”

  Achava shrugged. “That is an easy question to answer. David.”

  The lid slid half open.

  Sam tried to push and pull it the rest of the way, but he couldn’t He saw something wrapped in cloth on the inside, but he couldn’t get that out either. “Excellent job, Achava! So this thing is voice activated. Considering how old it is, that is incredible!”

  “That is God,” Achava added, with a smile. “Only God can do that. I think He may be trying to give us a message.”

  Sam smiled back at her. “I’m definitely a believer. So Saul and David are keywords. What else?”

  “Solomon was David’s and Bathsheba’s son,” Achava replied. “There’s Solomon’s Temple.” She shuddered. “I actually have bad memories of the temple. Anyway, what else? I am trying to think about all of the things associated with David. The Bible covers a lot of material about David.”

  “I don’t think there’s a time limit in David’s time,” Sam said, as he looked around. “As far as Kieleg goes, we made record time, with time to spare.”

  Sam had more to say. “Although, Kieleg or anyone else could come looking for those Shekels. They might even come for the Staff of Moses! I can’t tell you how concerned I’ve been about that. Every time I go into the secret room, I see it just lying against the wall, like a regular walking stick. And now I have the clay tablets of Enoch. It’s a tremendously huge responsibility for me to keep them here. I’m not so worried about the piece of Noah’s Ark, because unless someone knew exactly what it was, they wouldn’t know it was from the ark.”

  Achava became concerned about Sam’s rant. “Are you okay to continue this mission, Sam?”

  He nodded. “Yes. It overwhelms me sometimes, when I really stop and think about it, Achava. I’m probably the only mortal or human that I’ve encountered since we started doing missions together. Heck, even you have become more human, which is actually kind of cool, but it’s still also kind of strange.”

  Achava went up to Sam and looked him in the eyes. “Do you think I have adjusted to what has happened to me during all of this? I have golden eyes, Sam. Do you know how much I stick out in a crowd now? Everywhere I go, I’m stared at or worshiped. Ever since I started, I have had to keep everything that happened to me, to myself, because I couldn’t find anyone to talk to about it. We share these things. Me, being of the heritage I am from, doesn’t make me any less susceptible to fears and doubts. I now have a partner and a companion that I can trust to talk with about my inner pain and the tormenting demons. I hope that you feel the same way, as well.”

  “Of course, I do,” he responded, with a compassionate tone. “I cherish the fact that I have you with me, to ease my internal conflict. Without you here, I would be crazy with a capital C. It’s just that every time, I think that we have gone as far as we’re going to go on a mission, something else comes along, like Kieleg turning into some sort of elemental, the Challenge of the Elements, or the Wailing Wall, where we just put in the Judas Coins, to reveal this box to us. This box will then lead us to another box or crazy situation. Then what? Are we going to be able to protect each other always? I have to tell you that I have been having some strong nightmares about the entire experience in Noah’s time. I’m still not sure that I was really supposed to be a part of all that expedition. Even Khassima, or Salome. She was having just as hard a time of it, as I was. Even though she’s actually part of the Bible, she was freaking out when we were on top of Noah’s Ark, watching the flood waters rise and a 20 foot Anthea battling other 20 foot people, who are also in the Bible.”

  “I know you do not think so, Sam, but I do understand.” Her voice was calm and low. “When I first started my missions, I was caught up in the size of the adventures I was having. Even to this day, I am caught off guard, thinking that I will be ready for anything that could possibly be thrown at me. I was by myself through most of it and had to deal with a crazed sister and people that were similar to villains which you probably have seen in movies.”

  He thought about what she was trying to tell him and he realized that they weren’t as different as he thought they were, after all. “I remember when I first met you. You were extremely cold. You kept telling us that you wouldn’t be responsible if anything happened to us. I swear, I thought you were going to have us sign a contract or something! Ha ha! I understand now, that you didn’t feel that you could be close with anyone that you went on missions with. I’m sure you lost a lot more people, than what you’ve told me. I would never ask, because I’m sure that it’s painful for you to keep reliving those memories.”

  One lone tear, ran down her cheek. “It is not just those people, Sam. Now that I have come to love you, I don’t want to lose you. You have lasted the longest, of all of the people I have gone on expeditions with. I can’t afford to lose you. Ever.”

  He embraced her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “You’re never going to lose me, Achava. Ever. Now that you realize I am a strong member of this team, I think you believe that even more.”

  “I do, Sam!” Her tears flowed. “I always want us to be together. I know that our age difference, may come into play, but we can work around that.”

  Sam laughed. “Yeah. There isn’t anything we can’t overcome, as long as we’re together and we keep God first. Wow. I never thought I would say that. It feels good though.” He looked at her with nothing but love. “Why don’t we get married right after we open this box? I know it’s going to lead to something else, but for crying out loud, I want you as my wife, now!”

  Achava was in shock. Never had she been put in that position before and never was she so willing to move forward with their love. “Yes! Let’s get married!”

  The two locked in a passionate kiss.

  Then, they both were crying.

  Sam wiped away his tears, as he glanced at the half open box. “As long as we don’t go underground, or have to fight the Nephilim again, I’m good.”

  The box vibrated again, as the lid slid all the way open.

  They looked at each other with surprise.

  “Nephilim?” Sam queried.

  Achava nodded. “See what is inside, Sam.”

  Reluctantly, he pulled the lid off of the remainder of the box, as easily as it should have been to begin with. His heart raced, as he grabbed the cloth bundle inside and pulled it out. He unwrapped it to reveal an ancient weapon. It had a leather strap connected to rope, which was then connected to what appeared to be another piece of leather, that resembled the rubber part of a slingshot.

  It was a sling.

  “Is this what I think it is?” Sam asked, as he turned pale. He handed it to Achava.

  She tried to take it, but received a small shock. She couldn’t touch it. “I’m afraid it is yours now, Sam.”

  His eyes widened. “What? No! That means that I’m going to have to use it!”

  “Don’t worry,” she said, trying to remain calm. “There are no giants around here.”

  He looked at her, as if he knew differently.

  She saw his look and realized that there was one giant in their time.

  Sam knew that he would have to face him, before too long.

  For now, they could celebrate their engagement. “Let’s go to a jewelry store and pick out your rings.”

  “Good idea. That box is tired of being empty.”
/>
  The End

  To be continued in:

  The Sling of David

  Return to the Table of Contents

  THE SLING OF DAVID

  by

  SUMMER LEE

  A Guardians Adventure #7

  The Sling of David

  Published by Summer Lee

  Copyright © 2015 by Summer Lee

  All rights reserved.

  Ebook Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Dedication

  To my daughter, Valerie, and all she does for me.

  The Sling of David

  Previously

  The box vibrated, as the lid slid all the way open.

  They looked at each other with surprise.

  “Nephilim?” Sam queried.

  Achava nodded. “See what is inside, Sam.”

  Reluctantly, he pulled the lid off of the remainder of the box, as easily as it should have been to begin with. His heart raced, as he grabbed the cloth bundle inside and pulled it out. He unwrapped it to reveal an ancient weapon. It had a leather strap connected to rope, which was then connected to what appeared to be another piece of leather that resembled the rubber part of a slingshot.

  It was a sling.

  ...For now, they could celebrate their engagement. “Let’s go to a jewelry store and pick out your rings.”

  “Good idea. That box is tired of being empty.”

  Chapter the First

  ACHAVA STOOD BEFORE THE MIRROR in shock. She never dreamed she would see herself dressed as she was that day.

  She laughed to herself. I look ridiculous.

  “You look beautiful!” came a familiar voice from behind her.

  She turned to see her sister, Anthea. She never thought she would see the day that Anthea would stand in awe of her.

  “I’d say anything but,” Achava replied, as she stepped away from her reflection. “I feel... silly.”

  “Don’t let your honey hear you say that,” Anthea replied, with a grin. “You never did think that you had any of Mom’s looks. You’re wrong. Nice job on the contractions too! Ha ha! Sam told me to give you a hard time about that.”

  Achava laughed nervously. “I know this is the right thing to do, because I feel it in my heart and soul. I have prayed so many times to find out if this is my path or not. I am now sure.”

  Anthea looked puzzled. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself? You don’t have to verbalize your revelation about this. I know it’s right too. I may not feel it as deeply as you do, but then I don’t have to.”

  Achava’s smile faded, as she stared at her sister with compassion. “To have you here means more to me than anything. I never thought that we would be talking, let alone getting along.”

  “Like best friends, right?” Anthea replied. “This is just the beginning.”

  “I couldn’t check to see who was out there,” Achava said, nervously. “Is she...?”

  Anthea sadly shook her head.

  Achava’s heart felt heavy, as one tear rolled down her cheek. “I assume then that she won’t show at all.”

  “I’m sorry, Achava. Not even a card.” Anthea embraced her sister. “We will get through this without her. As we always have.”

  Achava loved her mother, Aviela, so much. She was a woman who walked in supernatural power. Her biggest flaw was putting her work before family. She could have at least taken time off to come to my wedding, considering we are having it in the ancient Jewish temple in Israel.

  Aviela repeated, “We can get through this together. You and me.”

  “It still makes me sad.” Achava teared up.

  “Did you meet his parents yet?”

  “Yes,” Achava responded, with trepidation. She had met Meredith and Craig. She said, “Meredith is trying not to judge me. Bless her for that. Craig hasn’t said much of anything at all. It worries me.”

  Anthea placed one hand on Achava’s shoulder. “He just wants to make sure that this gorgeous woman isn’t going to hurt his little nerd. Ha ha!”

  “Anthea!” Achava playfully hit her in the arm. “When we did talk, Sam’s mother told me that Sam was a devout Christian when he was younger. I was a little surprised at that. I mean, he has shown some signs of having faith, but he’s always been withdrawn about it. He has always given me the impression that he didn’t care much for talking about God. Perhaps I should have talked with him more.”

  “Why the regrets, dear?” Anthea asked as she admired herself in the mirror. “You have your entire life ahead of you to regret. Enjoy the moment and take the compliment. You deserve to be happy. You can go save the world soon enough. Now is the time to enjoy your man. Go out and have some fun!”

  Achava laughed and her golden eyes sparkled.

  Anthea acted like she was being blinded by the glow. “Did his parents say anything about your golden eyes?”

  Achava shook her head. “No. Thankfully. I wouldn’t know how to respond. They just said that it must be a trend with today’s youth.”

  “Waitaminute!” Anthea said, while glaring at her. “They don’t know? They have no idea who you really are, do they?”

  Achava shook her head. “I couldn’t deal with that now! Not yet. In time, I will. I promise.”

  “Have you and Sam talked about it?” Anthea interrogated.

  “To some degree and in depth,” she replied. “Well, in depth to the degree that we’ve talked about it. You know what I mean. Don’t you?”

  Anthea put her hand over her mouth, as if she couldn’t help but laugh. “I never thought I’d see you felled by parents! You have bested giants, self-proclaimed gods, and even me! You have to make them feel comfortable. The more you subconsciously push them away, the harder it will be for you and Sam. Put aside your fears and push forward. Now I’m giving you advice! Hah!”

  “This is all new to me, Anthea,” Achava said, with a terrified look.

  “Think about all of the situations that have terrified you in the past, Achava.” Anthea kissed her cheek. “Don’t kill anyone, but summon that warrior spirit. If anyone says anything when they ask that question about people not wanting it to go through, I’ll handle it. Got me?”

  “Got you,” Achava replied, with tears in her eyes.

  Khassima opened the door and leaned in. “It’s time ladies. You would like to do this today. Yes?”

  “Yes!” Achava exclaimed. She gave Khassima a hug. “Thanks for doing us the honors.”

  ***

  The door opened to the room that Anthea and Achava were occupying. Khassima had already run to the pulpit. After all, she was performing the ceremony.

  Every eye was on Achava. She was dressed in a white chiffon wedding dress, with lace sleeves and lace trim. She didn’t wear a veil, but a jeweled headdress. Anthea spread the tail of the dress around allowing it to drag beautifully. This was not the time to be practical. She wore no makeup as usual, but she never needed it. Her lips and cheeks were naturally rosy.

  Her hair was up, except for two strands lying to the left and right of her face. She wore white Isotoner gloves. She did so, because the first time she met Sam, she wore black ones. She hoped he remembered.

  The music began to play. As maid of honor, Anthea walked into the auditorium first. The bridal chorus, Here Comes the Bride, echoed throughout the atmosphere. Achava entered slowly.

  She could tell that several people on Sam’s side of the room, talked in whispers about her golden eyes. She knew that the friends that were there for her understood. They knew who she was.

  As she walked slowly down the aisle, she looked around the ancient Israeli temple. People only held ceremonies for the most revered citizens in it. Achava was just that—respected and revered.

  Walking forward, she glanced from side to side, smiling. She could not help but eye the crowd and nodded in thanks to everyone who came out. She w
as most excited about the ones on her side of the room.

  She saw people from her past. Saeem’s family sat there smiling at her. She was told that the children missed their father, but they were thankful that he was able to help Achava, before he ascended to heaven.

  Achava saw several representatives from the Sentinels of the Lord. They lowered their heads in respect to her.

  A few of the Antiquarians were present. They remained quiet with silly smiles on their faces and their hands folded over their laps.

  There were also several high priests from Israel. The priest stood poker-faced, attempting to look holy.

  Achava looked up into the eyes of Sam. Gleaming, he waited for her, standing next to the pulpit. He was dressed in a baby blue tuxedo with a black bow tie and matching shoes. His smile shone brighter than she had ever seen. He was exceptional in her eyes more than anyone else.

  She acknowledged his mother, who was seated on the front row. Achava arrived at the altar. Anthea stepped up next to her, as her maid of honor. She was dressed in a baby blue dress, with light blue lace on the sleeves and the collar. She held a bouquet of blue and white flowers.

  Achava smiled at Sam’s father, as he stood at his son’s side. She was happy that Sam had chosen him as the best man.

  She sighed deeply, happy that she had made it to the front without tripping. That was her biggest fear, other than the act of getting married itself. She could feel her heart racing, as her hands shook. She felt somewhat nauseated, but wouldn’t let it show. No one could know.

  Khassima looked like a minister, holding an open Bible. Achava bit her lower lip, as Khassima looked at both of them. She nodded to Achava, then Sam. They both nodded in return.