Sacred Bloodlines (The Guardians)

by Wendy Owens

  He made his way to the wardrobe, greeted again by those same storybook carvings he had seen on the bed. Gabe ran his fingers over the images. These were much more graphic.

  The images told the story of a great battle. The bones of demonic figures were strewn about the battle field with armor clad warriors crushing them beneath their boots. Above them, the clouds were parted and delicate lines indicated a light was shining down. Gabe wondered if the carvings represented anything important or a fantastical scene from an artist’s imagination.

  He opened the wardrobe and peered in, imagining some drab dated peasant outfit based on what he had found himself in when he had awakened. The inside of the wardrobe was dark. It was hard to see the treasures it hid inside.

  Noticing a nearby window, Gabe walked over and threw back the velvet lined curtains. Dust flew into the air as bright sunlight came flooding in. The dust finally settled. Gabe looked out the leaded window panes at a gorgeous courtyard below. He saw dozens of kids his age hanging around.

  Gabe watched the teens. Each appeared focused and busy with their own thing. Two sat on a bench deeply engrossed in their books. There were three others nearby practicing what looked like some form of Tai Chi. Gabe wished he knew how to do something that looked as awesome as what they were doing.

  While watching them, he heard the clang of metal and his eyes darted over to a handful of boys gathered on the other side of the courtyard. He marveled as he watched the boys sparring with swords. Gabe wondered what sort of world he had fallen into.

  Walking back over to the now well-lit wardrobe, Gabe began his search. The doors still open. Much to his pleasant surprise, Gabe found it filled with clothing similar to what he would find in his own closet. He picked out a well-worn looking pair of jeans, light fabric heather gray t-shirt and a simple black hoodie. Pleased with the clothing options he had found, Gabe looked around for his trusty converse sneakers. He found them next to the fire, warm and toasty, ready to be slid onto his currently slipper clad feet. As he laced up his last shoe, there was a knock at the door.

  “Come in,” Gabe said, hoping Sophie had perhaps forgotten something. Uri opened the massive door, sticking his head inside with a smile.

  “Decent?” Uri asked. Gabe motioned for Uri to come join him as he finished tying his shoe.

  “I suppose you’re pleased with the wardrobe selection?” Uri asked as he crossed the room. He plopped down into the chair Sophie had sat in earlier.

  “Somehow I am not surprised someone here knew my size and style.” Gabe replied, placing his foot onto the floor and looking over at Uri. “Although, the night dressing could use some work.” Gabe chuckled to himself.

  “Hey now, I know once I tried a night shirt I never went back. The freedom and comfort is invigorating!” Uri defended his choice.

  “Yeah, more like night dress.” Gabe chimed in. “Alright, I’ll admit it was comfortable until I realized Sophie saw me in it, humiliating!”

  Uri burst out laughing at Gabe’s school boy discomfort.

  Uri shifted into a serious posture and looked at Gabe. Smiling he told him how Sophie had not left his side since she herself had awakened.

  “Yeah, about that.” Gabe said. “She has some crazy idea that I saved her life and she said you told her that.”

  “Well, it’s the truth.” Uri responded.

  Gabe gave him a look of disbelief and rolled his eyes.

  “I’m serious. I don’t know how to explain it. You shouldn’t have been able to do what you did that night. Sure enough, I turned around and there you were…”

  “Do what?” Gabe asked frustrated. “I didn’t do anything.”

  “When I looked back you were laying healing hands on her. I saw the glow. I have seen it cast by Michael and a few of the elders before...” Uri thought for a moment. “I admit, I’ve never seen anyone so young be able to cast it besides actual healers let alone without reciting the incantation, but I know what I saw Gabe.” Seeing that Gabe still was shaking his head in disbelief Uri leaned closer to him. “I think it’s time you meet him.”

  Gabe was surprised that now that the time was actually here to meet Michael, he was incredibly nervous. He wondered why he should be the one that was nervous considering he was owed all the answers. Seeing Gabe’s apprehension Uri grabbed his arm as they stood.

  “He’s been looking forward to this for a long time, I promise, there’s nothing to be nervous about.”

  Gabe nodded and followed Uri out of the room. He was still awe struck by the calm Uri could bring over him.

  They turned right and headed down a large, burgundy carpeted, corridor; the walls were covered with old oil paintings. Gabe admired the golden intricate antique frames around them. He studied a number of the paintings as they walked by. Angelic figures. Children playing. So much joy and happiness filled them. They reminded him nothing of the carvings or tapestries he had seen in the room where he had slept.

  Two young girls passed them in the hall. Uri greeted them as they walked by. Gabe blushed when the girls looked back at them giggling. Turning back around and trying to focus his thoughts on what he would say to Michael, Gabe felt his stomach begin to twist again.

  Uri had described him as one of the elders, wise and powerful. The thought of the term elders made Gabe smile. All this seemed so surreal. ‘I mean, who speaks like this?’ Gabe thought. Of course the way they spoke was the least of what concerned Gabe.

  Gabe thought about the night before. He wondered if perhaps they had drugged him at some point and the beasts had just been a hallucination. Though if he was drugged, Gabe wondered how it could have possibly felt so real. He could remember the smells, the sounds, poor Sophie lying in his lap.

  Gabe may have only been sixteen, but he always considered himself to be a logical person. He kept thinking there was some sort of explanation to the things he had seen transpire in the last twenty-four hours. Perhaps Michael was the key to providing an explanation.

  At last, Uri and Gabe came to stand before two large oversized double doors which arched up to a high point in the middle. The old wood had been stained with a deep red. The original wood grains had begun to show through. There was iron detailing on the edges of the doors. The frame was made of stone in which cherubs were carved.

  Uri stopped and looked at Gabe, “Are you ready?”

  Gabe took a deep breath and nodded.

  Uri approached the over-sized doors. Using a knocking device mounted halfway up the door, he announced their presence. Gabe heard footsteps on the other side as well as muffled voices. Moments later the door cracked and the light streamed out, blinding Gabe for a second.

  An old, haggard man with a full bushy salt and pepper beard emerged from the opening. He stopped and looked directly into Gabe’s eyes. It was a cold and unwelcoming stare, the first such greeting Gabe had received in this place. Gabe worried about what he had gotten himself into. This man did not seem to be the welcoming and loving man Uri had described.

  “Come in, gentlemen, come in.” A kind voice called from inside the room. “Peter was just leaving.”

  Gabe sighed in relief, pleased the man who had just glared at him was, in fact, not Michael.

  Gabe followed Uri into the large and open chamber. He noticed it smelled like old books and wood chips with a faint hint of tobacco. Gabe was surprised by the shape of the room; he was impressed by its circular design. He had never seen anything so grand. The ceiling came up into a great dome. Gabe couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful mural of the sky with tiny angels dancing about that was painted on it.

  There was a huge old antique desk on the far side of the room. Inlayed in the floor, just in front of the desk, was the symbol Gabe had seen on Uri’s ring. He wondered at the significance of it. He would remember to ask when the time for questions arrived.

  Behind the desk was a huge window that stretched from floor to ceiling. A figure stood before the window. The light poured in around him. Gabe thought how the strea
ms of light almost looked like wings.

  A moment later, the man turned and walked towards them. As he came closer, Gabe saw the man had black wavy hair. There wasn’t even a hint of gray. His jaw line was tight. He had a slight five o’clock shadow.

  The man neared them and held out his hand, flashing a broad smile.

  “So this is Gabe?” He asked, grabbing hold of Gabe’s hand with both of his and shaking it vigorously. Gabe noticed his eyes had amazing glowing flecks of blue in them as he tilted his head. “Nice to meet you, I’m Michael.”

  Gabe did not expect Michael to be so young and couldn’t help but stare. After hearing Uri describe him as a wise and powerful elder, he imagined an old man with a long gray beard and robes. Gabe was sure he had been watching too many movies. He was pleased, however, with how kind and welcoming he was. “So nice to meet you, sir,” he said as Michael continued passed them.

  “Please come, sit.” Michael motioned to the plush velvet couch that was placed directly in front of a grand fireplace. Uri and Gabe followed and took a seat.

  Gabe noticed the worn arms of the couch and wondered what stories the old beast could share. To each side of the couch were side tables covered with picture frames. Gabe noticed they were all filled with young people, close to his age. They stood with Michael with an arm about each other’s shoulders, huge smiles plastered across their faces. It was clear he was a very popular man.

  Gabe simply doubted Michael could help with his particular situation in life.

  Michael walked over to the fireplace and stoked the embers, losing his gaze in them. “You guys had a very eventful evening.” Michael said in a soft tone.

  The boys were silent, neither sure what to say in response. The silence dragged on for what seemed like hours. Without warning, Michael turned and walked to the leather chair that was next to the couch, taking a seat.

  “I suppose I owe you my gratitude, we all do.”

  “For what?” Gabe questioned, puzzled.

  “Well, for Sophie of course.” Michael replied matter-of-factly. “Uri told me what an amazing hero you were last night.”

  “Sir,” Gabe replied, a little embarrassed at having to explain that Uri was mistaken about the type of person he was. “I am sure Uri meant nothing by it. I didn’t do anything last night.”

  “On the contrary,” Michael continued with a slight smile. “I would never call healing something that is nothing. Sophie is very important to us all and we owe you a debt of gratitude.”

  “Really, Sir,” Gabe insisted, becoming annoyed with the fact nobody in this place seemed to listen. “I didn’t do anything. I wouldn’t even begin to know how to heal.”

  Michael simply enlarged his smile as he nodded and continued, “Uri told me he saved all the fun details of whom we are and why we brought you here for me to explain. We have a lot to talk about. Wouldn’t you say?”

  “Yes sir.” Gabe replied, giddy at the thought of light being shed on what had been happening to him over the last day.

  “Please, ask any questions you may have as I explain.” Michael continued.

  Gabe was nervous and eager to begin. Part of him was hoping what he heard would lead to the answers about why he was different, why his life had been so tragic. But a bigger part of him feared this was just one more door that led to complete and utter devastation.

  “Uri,” Michael deviated, realizing the needs of his new guest. “Gabe must be famished. Can you have cook whip up a breakfast fit to welcome the hero we have in our presence today?”

  With that statement, it became clear to Gabe that Michael was not willing to budge on the idea that he had saved Sophie. Tired of the argument, Gabe decided not to rebut.

  “Happy to,” Uri replied hopping up and skipping to the door. Within seconds he was gone. Gabe sat there awkwardly on the couch. He was alone with Michael and unsure what to say.

  “So Gabe, I’m sure you must have a million questions for me.” Michael said shifting back into his seat. “Is there anywhere in particular you want me to start? Or perhaps just a brief history of who we are and why we are here?”

  Gabe sat there, staring at the fire, contemplating his response. He had been taken off guard by Michael’s youth. Now this extremely likable guy was so forthcoming, Gabe wasn’t sure how to react. He’d had dozens of questions running through his mind the night before. All of a sudden, he couldn’t think of a single one. It was all so overwhelming.

  Michael saw Gabe struggling with formulating his words. He attempted to ease his discomfort.

  “How about I tell you a little about our history and you jump in along the way with any questions you might have?” Gabe nodded, thrilled Michael had given him an out.

  Michael flipped open a wooden case on the table near him. Gabe noticed it had the insignia engraved on it that he had seen over and over the previous day and remembered one of his questions. He decided to save the question for later, hoping that Michael was about to delve into even more important details.

  Michael pulled a plain simple pipe out of the box and began packing it with the tobacco that he had also pulled from the case. Gabe thought he could not remember actually witnessing a man smoking a pipe in person. The elegance of the device was not lost on Gabe, but when the smoke curled around Gabe’s nostrils and they began to ache, he remembered why he had never tried smoking himself.

  “Well,” Michael continued, “I guess the best place to start is who we are. Have you ever heard of a guardian angel?” Michael asked.

  Gabe nodded, wondering again if he had slipped into a mad man’s world.

  “We are called many things but within The Order we are called The Guardians. I know, I know.” Michael said with a smirk. “A bit of a grand title, but I think you’ll find it’s a fitting one. Trust me, I mean that with as much modesty as I can muster.”

  Michael gave Gabe a wink.

  “What’s The Order?” Gabe was pleased with himself as the question left his lips; he was thrilled that he was finally going to get answers to his questions.

  “Good question,” Michael congratulated Gabe. “The Order is an organization that dates back longer than history books have been recording events. They were designed in an effort to fight the evil that roams this earth.”

  “So you’re like some kind of knights fighting the bad guys?” Gabe asked trying his best not to sound sarcastic.

  “It’s impossible to go into all of our history in a short amount of time, but I will try my best. Uri and I are, well I guess what someone could call, a little more specialized.”

  “Specialized?” Gabe asked curious.

  “Around two thousand years ago, the need arose for The Order of the One Son to create The Guardians. I know, that seems like an insanely long time ago but I assure you it’s the truth.” Michael continued to explain.

  “This is all very hard to believe; The Order of the One Son and thousands of years? I’m sorry. I hope you can understand my skepticism.” Gabe stated, fearful he might insult this kind man.

  “Of course,” Michael replied. “But the truth remains that two thousand years ago the world changed forever. Mankind needed us more than they would ever know. Any clue what may have happened around that time?”

  Michael looked at Gabe for an answer, but he had nothing. His lack of response, however, did not change the fact that he was hanging on every word Michael said.

  “Someone you may have heard of before, Jesus Christ,” as Michael said his name he searched Gabe for some sort of recognition before continuing. “Around this time he was crucified. What was so important about this event that it caused the need for us? When Christ was hung on that cross, God turned his back on his son and all of mankind.”

  Gabe furrowed his brow as he listened to Michael. He wondered why he was getting a Bible lesson from this guy rather than the answers he had been promised. Michael continued.

  “That means during that time, while God was not protecting the realm of earth, the demons of the underworl
d were also not being kept at bay. They were wreaking havoc on the people of earth. When Christ drew his last breath--”

  “What happened?” Gabe did not believe Michael’s fairytale, none the less he found it extremely fascinating and entertaining.

  “With a great and powerful push, the demons fractured the barrier between earth and the underworld.” Michael explained before he paused and reached in to pull out an old, silver lighter from the pipe box.

  As Michael puffed on the pipe, Gabe thought about the creatures he had seen the night before. The contorted face of the monster flashed through his mind and he gasped slightly. Just a couple days ago he knew he would have written Michael off as crazy, but something in him wanted to hear more. He felt the need to search for a truth that some inner sense told him may be possible.

  “For three days these creatures were allowed to destroy and terrorize the world with no interference. One of God’s most favored angels, Lucifer, had been cast out from heaven years before for trying to take God’s throne by force. When Christ died, Lucifer thought he had, at last, won the long fought battle between heaven and hell. Then, in one instant, God took back control through the resurrection. Though hell’s forces were pushed back, the fractures were not something that could be repaired. That’s when The Guardians were introduced.”

  Michael stood and walked to a nearby bookshelf, searching them with a finger. At last he landed on a large, blue, leather bound book. He set his pipe in a tray on the fireplace and carried the book over to Gabe, taking a seat next to him on the couch.

  Gabe watched as Michael flipped through the old pages, finally landing somewhere in the middle.

  “Here,” he continued, placing part of the book on Gabe’s leg. He pointed to a passage. Gabe listened to Michael as he read about the dissension of the original Guardians. Gabe studied the old ink drawing on the opposite page. The illustration was a picture of strong and muscular men with grand wings spread out behind them and people bowing all around.

  “You’re angels?” Gabe asked, feeling a bit silly as the words left his lips.