Prophecy Of The Guardian (Guardian Series Book 1)
Page 26
Nayland released a breath and continued, “One mid-summer’s eve, I found myself aboard a ship surrounded by dead pirates. I gathered that I must have killed them because they had axe wounds among their bodily members, and there I stood, holding my bloodstained axe. Now ‘captain’ I sailed across the ocean, venturing to a place my father once told me about, Shajin Island. At the time, I had no recollection of his words. Instead, my subconscious mind instinctually guided me. Shajin Island reawakened my spirit not to who I was but what I was, and in that place of mystic and madness, I trained myself and perfected my skills.” Nayland gained a faraway look in his eyes, as he seemed to remember his wandering life.
Mirabel and Darshun remained silent with the telling.
Nayland shook his head. “Emerging victoriously, I made my way back across the waters and roamed the woodlands another year before venturing to your Loreladia. Being amongst the people at the Spring Festival my forgotten memories were slowly resurrecting, piece-by-piece until finally—I reawakened completely when two names were spoken aloud, Darshun Luthais and Mirabel Luthais.” He stood up and sheathed his axe.
“Nayland, you must know I had no intentions for the death of your family or the Loreladian people.”
“Save your apology. I don’t want it. But there is something you must know. I almost let go of my anger upon meeting both of you. I wasn’t deceiving when I vowed aid to the Wizard. I’ve seen the signs of the Second Great War, and as hard as it is to admit, the signs of the chosen Guardian in Darshun…he on the other hand cannot see. He denies his destiny and in exchange, indulges himself into physical pleasure with a woman he hardly knows. It’s only a matter of time before the Dark sweeps away this world and all it holds sacred. So, I decided to satisfy my vengeance and kill him. Now his death is prolonged but the time is coming. I will see you again, Mirabel.” He glanced despairingly at Darshun. “And you also.” Slowly, he walked down the ash covered hillside, stumbling a bit, then disappeared within the trees.
Darshun finally managed to stand and slowly ventured over to Mirabel.
Mirabel didn’t seem to notice him. He appeared to be in a trance, gazing off into nothing.
“Father, is Nayland right? Should you have even bothered rescuing me?”
Mirabel turned and faced him, his hair and eyes changing back to normal. “I’ve done many things in life I regret. Rescuing you is not one of them.”
“But all of those people and the torture they endured, and the children. All because of me?”
“No. You must never think that. You caused no evil upon them. Sad the story is yes, but what happened to Nayland is not your fault. He said they were ‘searching to take back what was theirs.’ However, you were most definitely not theirs!”
The wind picked up, whistling through the trees; then Darshun asked the question which really disturbed him the most. “Am I a weak minded fool—am I failure, as Nayland claims?”
“Absolutely not. How could you even think such a thing? According to our sacred writings and traditions there’s never been a Nasharin who reached such a high level of power at such young an age as you have. You’re different.”
“Nayland is no older than me and I was no match for him.”
“First, I will say there’s more to fighting than mere brute force. You understand that well and you’re also the most humble light-hearted Nasharin I’ve ever known. That speaks a lot about your character. It is not a weakness. Second, I admit the strength of Nayland is unique, but he also trained at Shajin Island. As he claimed.”
“I remember. What is that place?”
“A magical island the ancient Wizards created for the purpose of advancing their skills. And we, having wizard within us, are also able to train there. It lies in the middle of the sea and everything there is different than in this world. Time, matter and energy seem to exist without limits. But it’s also a dangerous place to go. Many enter and never return, but those who do…Return with great wisdom and power. I have trained at Shajin myself.”
“That’s where you ascended isn’t it?”
He raised an eyebrow. “That is correct. And you understand Ascension?”
“I remember you briefly speaking to me about it when I was little. You advance your element to a higher level. You said it required strict practice, deep meditation—continuously, and takes years to accomplish. Though, few have ever reached it.”
“You remember well.”
Darshun clenched a fist. “Father—I want to go to Shajin Island.”
“But you’re still so very young.”
“Nayland did it and survived, so why can’t I? And what better time to go than now as the Dark approaches?”
“You must understand something, once you enter that place you cannot leave until your time is done—”
“That’s right! What am I thinking? We’re in the middle of a war. I’d never be able to do this now.”
“Before you interrupted, son…I was going to tell you that twelve hours out here, which to the timetable of the Wizards is one day, equals seven years in there. And once you enter you must fulfill your time. There’s no coming out until you do so, trained or not.”
“How strange. The ‘time’ difference as if it were another realm.”
“Indeed, numbers are very symbolic for the Light. The number one symbolizes a ‘fullness of time,’ and seven is ‘perfection.’ ”
“Incredible! Seven years of training and I’d return tomorrow morning for the battle. It’s almost—too good to be true—oh, how will I ever get there?”
Mirabel studied his eyes and saw a fire within, like when he was a young boy training for the first time. “So be it.” He faced the tree lines. “Master Seth, you may come out now!” he shouted.
Surprised, Darshun turned his head. “Uncle Seth?”
Out of the brush, walked Seth, wearing his usual dark green cloak with Asiel resting on his shoulder. “Greetings, Brother Darshun.”
“How long have you been here?”
“As long as your father. Though, until we knew what we were dealing with, he commanded me to stay cloaked. That ‘Shadow Fire’ was something else.”
“How did you find me?”
“Brother Asiel. He’d been searching for you this morning. Passed over as you slept. We came as soon as we could. Blessed be Abidan for your safety.”
It was nice to hear his uncle’s soft-spoken voice again, and to be called ‘brother,’ as Seth always called him—and all of creation. Comforting to know that no matter what mistakes Darshun made, he still had a father and uncle who loved him. For Darshun felt weary by the ill comments of Nayland. Now, that Mirabel and Seth gave him reassurance, the burden was beginning to lift. In fact, he’d already forgotten Nayland’s words and the only thing on his mind was Shajin Island.
“Now,” Seth ventured, “about the Island.” He stroked Asiel’s head. “All right friend, you know what to do.” The silver eagle nodded and took to the sky, flying west. “He’ll probably return in a couple of hours. It is best if we venture back to the camp. I told him to meet us there.”
“Whom is he coming back with?” Darshun asked.
“One of those I’m unable to communicate with, and who’ll have no problem transporting you to the island. One of the great eagles of the sky.”
Darshun felt overjoyed. He knew of these eagles, these beautiful, enormous, wondrous birds. He could hardly contain himself and leapt into the air like a child. “I’m going to do it! I’m really going to do it! I am going to Shajin Island! All right! Woo-hoo!” The sudden movement sent a jolt of pain through his body—wounds from Nayland yet to lose their sting.
A hilarious moment while Mirabel and Seth chuckled. Adorning his happy-go-lucky attitude, he’d lost once discovering he was the chosen Guardian and it seemed nice to see him like that again.
“Son, as you go you might as well bring along your lady friend Aurora and drop her off at Zithel.”
Darshun halted his enthusiasm fading, as he lo
wered his head. “Father, please forgive me for my behavior last night. I didn’t mean the things I said. I don’t know what came over me. I wasn’t myself.”
“Of course I forgive you.” Mirabel’s brown eyes became a bit teary. “What is a father if he cannot forgive his son, even if he’s not of his own blood? Now let us go.”
They ventured back to the camp. Darshun rejoiced to see Aurora again, who was just finishing up breakfast. He picked her up, kissed her cheeks and spun her around in circles.
“Darshun, Darshun!” She laughed. “At least let me swallow my food before you fling me around like a puppet.”
Smiling, he set her down and hugged her tight.
“What is it?” she asked. But before letting him answer, she raised another question, “And where have you been this morning?” Her tone quickly changing over to one of a frantic mother, “I thought you weren’t even going to see me off.”
“Aww, I am sorry my lady.” He nudged her head with his brow. “Just strolled out for an early walk.”
“Why so excited?”
“Isn't it obvious? I'm happy to see you!” While partially true, he wanted to share with her the total truth about his excitement. He wanted to tell her everything about his morning, beginning from the battle with Nayland right up until the fact of his journey to a mystic island for heavy intense training. Mirabel, however, strictly advised him to keep it secret—again with the secrets.
Aurora seemed to study him, something she now did whenever Darshun acted up in a way she wasn't used to, or perhaps what she expected a Nasharin to be like. “Well, stay and have some breakfast with me.”
“Sounds great. I'm starving!”
After eating, they sat back and conversed over a cup of hot black tea spiced with vanilla and nutmeg. The talk seemed to vary, about the blessings of having a family and the honesty of a loyal friendship. But it didn't matter what the subject or even that the person speaking was his beloved Aurora. The words went into one of Darshun's ears and swiftly drifted out the other. He couldn’t seem to take his mind off the ultimate challenge that lay ahead, Shajin Island. What will it be like? How will it feel? One thing was certain, it wasn’t place for peace and relaxation. After all, Mirabel said that not everyone who entered…returned. Admittedly, this fateful knowledge sent a chill down Darshun's spine, a chill of fear—but also excitement. He vowed that no matter how difficult it might be, he would emerge like his father…ascended.
Finally, Asiel returned and a great eagle with him.
Darshun recognized the bird at once, as the same golden eagle which glided past when he’d climbed down Merlin, the great tree of Azarius.
After explaining to Aurora about how she would go to Zithel by flight…A fact which seemed to take her completely by surprise…He helped her onto the eagle then climbed on himself. Its big gold-brown feathers shining in the sun were lusciously soft and smelled like the air of a mid-summer.
He bid farewell to Mirabel, Seth, and all else who might be watching, though he felt a little sad knowing he wouldn’t see them again for seven long hard years—and yet for them? It would tomorrow morning!
They took to the sky and with the eagle's great speed reached Zithel in less than an hour, passing over the square stonewall and gliding down before the tower.
King Adeleric and some of his men, recognizing Darshun, gathered around as they landed.
“Brothers of Zithel,” Darshun shouted, “please give this lady the finest care. She is an ally and has suffered much.”
“Of course Darshun.” King Adeleric bowed his head.
“Well, this is your stop my lady.”
“Darshun, this is all happening too fast.” Aurora looked worried. “Please tell me where you’re going?”
“I cannot.”
“Why the secrecy?”
“I know it is silly but trust me. You’ll understand upon my return. I’m not only doing this for the earth, but also for you and I—so, we can be together when this war is over.”
Looking hard into his eyes she spoke in almost a whimper, “I so long for that Darshun. Please, whatever you are doing, wherever you are going—please be careful.”
“I will.” He kissed her long and deep while stroking the back of her head, enjoying the soft touch and smell of her strawberry-blonde hair.
Then, she climbed down and turned toward the king.
The thin, pale-faced King of Zithel stared at her curiously, with his cobalt blue eyes. There ran a bit of caution in his look, possibly even fear.
“Hello,” she greeted in a most sweet and humble voice, giving a respectful bow.
“Young lady, have we met before?” he asked, tilting his head.
Smiling, or one might call it a grin, she answered, “No, we haven’t.”
“Farewell Aurora, until we meet again,” Darshun called out.
The eagle then spread its wings and again, took flight.
Aurora waved as he disappeared into the clouds.
Higher and higher the golden eagle flew, soaring across the sky with immaculate speed. Darshun gazed down at the land. The abundant rivers, lakes trees and meadows dotted with flowers so beautiful, bursting with such vibrant color. For a moment, he wished he were born with the gift of flight instead of fire.
At one point, he saw another large creature flying in the distance while heading south. He tried making out its shape but the sun shined in his eyes, blinding him for a moment. When his sight returned the creature was gone. “Strange, it seemed awfully large to be an eagle, but what else could it have been? Perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me.” He thought nothing more of it, even though in the back of his head he could’ve sworn the creature’s shape was that of a Dragon.
Soon, they were over the sea and the dark blue water seemed to go on forever. Having never explored the sea, Darshun promised himself to one day build a ship and set sail across the never-ending waters. Who knows what kind things he might find? Perhaps there were other lands filled with mysterious creatures. Maybe even some of his own people who long ago ventured away, escaping the Great Plague of Death.
First, though, he must survive this war if anything is to remain—another reason he couldn’t wait to begin training. Then, when he finished, and if given the chance, he would crush this Demon Lord Abaddon in his own lair—so Darshun gathered.
A few hours passed and having the constant wind in his face, watching nothing but endless sea, he felt tired. There seemed to be a thick fog ahead and prior to entering the gray cloud, the eagle gradually slowed his pace, descending to the water, the force of his wings causing great waves. Hovering about ten feet over the water, the eagle screeched.
“I guess this is my stop,” Darshun surmised. “So, the island lies beyond that fog?”
The eagle nodded.
“All right. Thank you my friend.” He pulled a leg over the creature’s back to meet his other, brushing against the smooth feathers, and fell into the sea. “Don’t forget me now!” he yelled, spiting out a mouthful of salt water, working his legs to keep afloat. “Ha! I shall see you in seven years, but for you it will be in the morning.”
The eagle screeched once more and returned to the air, stirring up waves once again.
Darshun watched as he flew out of sight, his golden body gradually disappearing into the clear blue sky. Now, he’d be truly alone and in the middle of nowhere. The waters were cold, the currents jumpy. “Well, no sense wasting energy treading water.” He took a deep breath, then swam into the misty fog, eagerly awaiting the challenges on the other side.
NEXT, READ BOOK TWO
BOOK TWO
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J.W.Baccaro is the author of the Guardian Series. In his free time he enjoys literature—fiction and non-fiction, playing electric guitar in the heavy metal band Rigor Hill, Consciousness and NDE studies, and thinking how to intertwine his thoughts about the world’s myths, legends and distinct truths into his next novel. He lives in upstate NY with his wife Melissa, his son A
lexander, his two German Shepherds and his three cats.
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THE GUARDIAN BOOKS
THE ENTIRE SERIES
BOOK TWO
BOOK THREE
BOOK FOUR
BOOK FIVE