by Luke DeSalvo
Clairvona Aya, Sleet
Scion of Systralas
Jason Ildarachi and Aurora Bendix arrived at Entos, the capitol city of Thyne at dawn. They were exhausted and hungry yet promises of glory flowed where the mere thoughts had their heads turning, where they were looking forward to calling the technological advanced city their new home. The skyscrapers were of the like they had never seen before and they caught themselves staring off in the distance to the cream-colored skies that they watched. They walked in wonder, but when they reached the heart of the vast city their eyes were in dismay for the Golden Hearts mansion was in ruins.
Stained glass windows were shot out with shattered pieces all over the stone cobbled ground. The iron worked gates were blasted through with some heavy device and the stone pillars around them were in crumbles. This created an all-out panic crime scene investigation spot, where units the full spectrum of shimmering lights of ambulance cars were brightening the streets. The medics all with handheld tablets monitoring the signs of life to the many wounded and dead. The policemen were all scrambling into procedure. A multitude of individuals arose from the scene, a mob amid the ashes of the building, ranging from the distress public and reporters, that were interviewing a duo of strange dressed attire. In the foreground there was the local militia in arms and scouting the ruins.
Aurora and her beloved Jason gave exchanged worried looks as they made way through the crowd without hesitation. First slithering into the mob and stopped at a halt, until it turned into sheer panic into pushing their way through to the center of the ruins. They made good time surprisingly and could hear the first of reporters interviewing what they thought were actual survivors from the wreckage.
“Sir Codiac,” A female reporter with a microphone in hand persuaded the young knight captain for his attention. “Who were the infiltrators that got away with this…” She paused, staring nervously into the microphone. “Tragic act?” She handed the mic to Codiac, who appeared worn and tired, his face hidden with his wide brimmed hat.
He cleared his throat then frowned. “The culprits were none other than Danielle Avilya brigand,” He replied in remorse, eyes still shadowed.
“Amethyst Divine, herself?” The reporter asked, surrendering the microphone back over to the young man.
“The world police!? What are they doing here!?” A member of the crowd shouted.
“Amethyst Divine is a cruel guild the acted in treason to our alliance,” Codiac responded, gracefully handed the mic back to the skittish reporter who looked way, appearing too inexperienced to handle such a news front.
Codiac glanced back into the desperate audience of the mob and then smiled when his eyes reached the pair of individuals he was looking for. Aurora Bendix and Jason Ildarachi.
“You two!” He shouted over the crowd, pointing at the duo.
“Come with me!”
The mob parted for the pair as the entered center stage of the crime squad and reporters. Already questions followed their wakes and answers dismissed casually.
“Don't answer them!” Codiac hissed at the two as he withdrew from the crowd into the once mighty guildhall now in shambles and smoke.
Kaeltrys who was silent and beside Codiac appeared fatigued but nodded gently and motioned for the two to follow.
“But, Sir Codiac, wait!” A reporter sounded.
“No more questions!” He shouted as he led the trio to an intact building.
They walked to an adjacent apartment away from the guild hall that was still sound. Only a minor window had been blown out, possibly for sniping position only. When they reached indoors away from the public eyes and ears, Codiac went before them and whispered orders.
“We'll meet with the Emperor tonight,” Codiac said softly. “We have our heading now, and you're invited, and I think it's your only ticket to your health, sir Jason Ildarachi.”
“What happened?!” Aurora retorted back at him. “We were supposed to find our freedom here and now, and now, look at this!” She cried. “Nothing but death and anguish.”
It was Kaeltrys turn to counter, with a hand gently placed on her shoulder, she shrugged it off quickly with venom in her eyes.
“All your answers will be met, my dear,” The archmagician hesitating only a little before turning to the apartment. The building was in mint condition, new furniture with a living space that was organized with a couch surrounded by movies, weights, and a widescreen tv. In the back was a glowing white kitchen, and upstairs was left as living quarters.
“We're all that survived, we were attacked on all fronts. Betrayed by what we called allies, and the guild will know better to cross us. A counter assault is in the works.”
“We didn't come here for revenge game,” Aurora snarled.
”What is this mission really for?” Ildarachi asked sternly.
“Your antidote,” Codiac's turn to respond. “Come now, sit.” He motioned for a pale wooly leather coach.
“Kaeltrys, grab the two some mineral water!” He ordered. The mage swept into the kitchen opened the refrigerator to reveal to water bottles and tossed them across the rooms to Codiac. The knight captain then, placed them into the hands of Aurora and Ildarachi who said nothing, but sighed, drinking all the contains down in one gulp.
“Our meetings in an hour, we’ll be leaving soon.” Codiac said.
“Tell me Ildarachi, you prefer being called that, don’t you?”
“What?” Ildarachi sounded, placing the empty bottle on the marble table, with Aurora following suit. “What caused Malifer to come in to you?”
Ildarachi hunched over and looked to the ground. For a while he said nothing but smoothed out his hair.
“When we were attracting Ikaika...” He began before being interrupted.
“Ikaika?”
“Yes, the wyvern king.” He said sitting back this time. “We didn’t keep track of the moon’s positioning. I didn’t know the legends were true. Malifer is not supposed to be summoned on a lunar eclipse, but with one dragon already awoken…”
“Xyl’thos,” Codiac murmured.
“We couldn’t let him escape,” Ildarachi said, ignoring the comment.
“I think Ikaika planned it this way. The full moon, in eclipse. Something’s greater at works here. Malifer…” He paused to lick his lips. “Even whispers to me sometimes,” His eyes grew wide with anguish.
“Whispers what?” Codiac inquired, leaning closer.
“That this gift, was no accident.”
Ildarachi glared back to the ground, he said nothing, but the loving embrace of Aurora came quickly as she wrapped her arms around her beloved.
“It’s been a tough journey.” She said, patting Jason’s back. “You do understand that much at least?”
“I do,” Codiac breathed. “You came just in time. The fate of Systralas is in our hands now.”
Codiac stared at Aurora and Ildarachi long and hard, with a stunned Kaeltrys regarding in the same manner. The pair sat uncomfortable until Aurora stood up, fed up with the masquerade.
“What are you looking at!?” She barked.
Codiac looked at the ground, surprised at his own greedy eyes.
“It’s nothing,” He said quietly. “You both just look like someone very dear to me. I was just wondering if you knew what was shimmering behind those eyes.”
Aurora’s turn to stare and she did this thoughtfully, in concern. She did not know what to say for a change and was left biting her lip.
“Shouldn’t we get going?” She asked ignoring the last remark.
“Yes,” Kaeltrys chimed in. “There’s a car awaiting us outside. We should hurry.”
Codiac took the water bottles from the table and disposed of them in the nearest recycling container located just outside the white kitchen and smiled.
“Just know we’re only here to help,” Codiac stated at last. “We the Golden, serve you now.”
With that he made his way to the exit and held the door open for the trio who made
their quick escape.
“Thank you,” Aurora mouthed, leaving Codiac to smile and wonder. He truly thought that these two powerful summoners were also part of the seven that would bring forth the seventh season. If this were the case, then this upcoming task would be a large one. Large enough to change mother Systralas for good.
Chapter 10
“I remember that my heart was beating twice the normal rate. A dying prayer of gratitude for the gifts I have been given. The treasure vaults were tarnished with pain but were unleashed in great vengeance of longevity and servitude.”
Suzette Monroe
Guardian of Thyne
The newly appointed Guardian Suzette left the extravagant silver rooms of the Guardian Halls, however, in anguish she noted as her plated footwear clanked on the marble tiles of the castle. With Golden Hearts, one of Systralas’ finest destroyed, there seemed little hope for the capitol with not only the ogres, but now the kingdom of the elves launching full scale assault in their territory.
Frist the ogres, and now the elves, she pondered to herself. This was dangerous and the bad news that pertained to her new mission.
She had only been revived a short morning ago from her surgery and now felt different, calmer, yet colder, as if the news brought a beast out of its cage, almost too strong to control where even her rage might seem over the top, and deadly. Her feet were stronger now and she had difficulty finding her new balance, but there was still time.
Still hope.
The Guardian rumors stated quite bluntly that there were two survivors of Golden Hearts and they guarded her new assignment greedily. With limited information for the time being, it was her duty and honor to serve the Emperor. She knew she had been hand-picked from all the guardians by him nonetheless as being new to the order, Suzette was issued out as the perfect fit for such a discreet role, but there was an ache in her belly that told her something more was a stake here and this might be destiny. First assignments were always held with delicacy, but this seemed unlike any other.
Suzette made her way through the gardens at the outskirts of the castle towards the throne room that was edging closer with mission at hand. Solid platforms greeted her, etched with lotus painted designs. The hallway was of royalty, with beautiful ever flowing moats that lay at her side, covered in mist with lush tress on tiny islands in the stream, along with soft grass among the countless lilies. The indigo rug was inviting and stretched through the entirety of the path, that was now surrounded by guards in the golden attire that all saluted the young guardian as she made her way.
“Good luck,” one of them whispered, they too seemed on edge.
She nodded graciously and continued her trek until next there was only the throne room and a highly structured wooden doorway covered in shimmering gold runes greeted her.
“Open!” She commanded.
A blue light shined then faded on Suzette's face. With a resounding click sound, and a nudge, the doors then opened. Suzette sighed and then leapt into attention entering the throne room with majestic grace.
Taladori Nai’sen was the first to be seen. He looked too old to be sitting straight, but nevertheless he did, booming in his high scaled seat over the round stone table where alone on top of the table, sat a gigantic crystal weighing a ton. At the table sat, a man with five o clock shadow, black greasy hair. Next to him there was a pretty woman with lush eye brows that seemed more of a celebrity than commoner. Then there were two oddly dressed fellows, one with blond hair, the other a wide brimmed hat.
This must be them.
Suzette then turned her gaze on the aging emperor himself. He must be close to five hundred, yet he still had a powerful upper body and a keen sparkle lit up a kindle of fire in his eye.
Suzette ignored this and took a knee, bowing towards him.
“Your highness,” She coolly stated.
“Ah, Suzette,” The Emperor bellowed across the hall. “It's good to see you again and so soon,” He added. “I trust that you are feeling well?” He asked sternly.
“I am, sire,” She managed a response.
“Join us.”
Dismissing the usual formalities, the guardian obeyed and sat next to the man with the hat and strange mismatched attire. He looked young, after glancing past the shadow from the ridiculous hat, handsome too, she felt as if she had known him before. Many lifetimes. He kept staring at her like deep down he thought the same.
With the long silence of Suzette's arrival, it was he that spoke up.
“A Guardian?” Codiac said pondering the word more than the statement.
Suzette blushed but no one said a word, all entranced with their own thoughts.
“Kaeltrys, bring Suzette up to date on this unfortunate creed,” The emperor commanded softly.
The arch magician in blue stood from his seat and turned towards the guardian. “It started out as a joint operation, Miss,” Kaeltrys stated out loud. “We, the Golden, allied ourselves with the treacherous Amethyst Divine to track down the dragon Xyl’thos where they double crossed us.”
“In my theory we were too naive to trust such a low some guild, no matter how high they ranked as lead. But, we trusted them against the dragon, Xyl’thos. Unknown to use that it would devour us whole while the damned guild took shots from the back. A small proportion of their guild marched here, hiding among the people before launching their assault on our headquarters.”
“We were wiped from the pages of existence just like that,” His eyes furrowed. “We are all that's left.”
Codiac quietly nodded as Kaeltrys regained his seat.
“That's not likely true at all!” Aurora said standing up herself. “We were never initiated to your guild, come on, Il, let us go back to our homeland. We don’t need to be a part of any foreign affairs.”
“Yet the reports from the scion say it is you, Aurora and Ildarachi that are sought after by Amethyst. We can't let you escape, but we will help you.” The emperor called from above.
“The scion, sir?” Suzette asked. There was a long pause as murmuring entered the room among the visitors. The two beside her, the ones called Codiac and Kaeltrys, kept eyeing each other in acknowledgment that only the best of companions could provide.
“Yes, she is where your task resides,” Taladori stated. “You were called by her. You were called by Systralas.” His voice grew feint as he spoke but cleared his throat and continued.
“The seventh season unfolds, you must put a stop to all the madness of Amethyst Divine before they destroy this world. Danielle Avilya must finally fall.”
“So be it,” Codiac breathed.
Suzette's mind was in a puzzle, how many forces were at work here? An unlikely alliance for a killing mission that seemed like a damn near impossibility even with her own strength. Amethyst Divine was tough, they were the top guild in all Systralas and their might so legendary that even they boasted that they could take on any army. It would be her hardest mission yet.
“The scion and I agree that Avilya must be defeated, but at the cost of no war,” The emperor looked down to the floor and seemed to have aged a decade in a second.
“And what does the magnificent Sleet going to do about this?” Codiac called in question.
“Save the world,” The emperor said tilting his head up again. “The way is difficult and very dangerous. There’s no time for any delays, every minute counts. You must go through the darkness of the Vael, to the land of Kasal to meet with the scion.”
Codiac stood up in anger.
“You can't mean this!?” He cried. “You put us at death's path right out the gate!”
The emperor frowned at him and gave no sudden move then a menacing glare, then finally he cleared his throat.
“Aquaron is a warzone. The people there in cold civil war. The mafia is destroying the place.” He said lightly.
“I do not think my influence has any power there.”
“Forgive me, sire,” Codiac returned to his seat.
“He does
have a point, by the way, the specter from ancient pasts claim all lives that enter. I've heard that even entire legions from ages ago were completely and utterly decimated,” Kaeltrys called.
“We will make it,” Suzette blurted. “Because we have to make,” She finished.
Aurora and Ildarachi said nothing about the encounter. They both figured if anyone could help them with their current dilemma it would be the scion. Besides, Avilya had the antidote.
“Find the Scion,” The emperor called. “For now, we make preparations for your departure tomorrow morning.”
Everyone sighed an took deep breathes before turning to each other in simple regards, they were all exhausted from their experiences, war, miles, surgical implants, on top of that they were hungry and filthy. However, there was a solemn oath between them now. A quest to go on that aligned with each of their hearts.
“Dismissed.”
Chapter 11
“I called the beings from the other world. Now the other world calls me.”
Jason Ildarachi
High Summoner of Silver Aura
Kaeltrys sat comfortable on a brown leather bucket chair and smiled at his delight on the news channel professing itself out of a magical television set. He loved times like this. Lost in his personal studies with leather bound books reaching the ceiling that was hundreds of stories up.
He was in the akashic realm, and built a home there residing in universal knowledge that he escaped to often in his dreams.
The television depicted the war of the elves gruesomely. However, he noted that not every elf held the same sentiment and that this aspect of life was more of a terrorist attack. The balance was off of course, but the universe was fine as a totality. The only question was Systralas going to be in bliss or eternal ruin.
Kaeltrys could not decide. So much hinged on his death that he was unwilling to face it now. Or was he? Kaeltrys quickly manifested a remote controller from thin air and turned off the television set. It’s time, he decided.
Floating several stories to the forbidden section of his library was sealed books of his own personal life story. There were legends of him from ogre territory, haunted kingdoms, aquatic jungles, scorching desert ruins, harsh tundra, all his guild work and personal stories were on this upper deck. He did not read them often, or enjoy his work, he would rather live it than read it in his dreams. He did however notice that most of the books in this selection had become memories. He was dying.