“Oh, we heard! We just didn’t think it was you!” Juli said.
Richard wrapped an arm around Sara. “Who else could have done it? Even among us Guardians, Sara is already a legend. Earlier this morning, I overheard two Guardians saying that she had the skull of a Fenrir hanging on her wall.”
“Everyone in the city has been talking about it,” Juli said. “You actually killed a Vesuvian?”
“Just like they showed me!” Sara answered, grabbing a drink from a passing waiter and taking a chug. Her face soured at the strength of the alcohol. “Someone tipped the bar good!”
“Easy now,” Richard said.
“Hey, Rich!” Jacob began, “Remember last year when we were escorting that convoy to Genoa, and we got jumped by three Vesuvians?”
“How could I forget? Charles almost lost his arm in that mess.”
“What ‘mess’? We all made it out alive and bagged two Vesuvians.”
“I would hope that four Guardians and six soldiers are a match for three Vesuvians.”
William nudged Jacob. “You should have been there when me and Rich ran into a Fenrir.”
“I heard about it,” Jacob said.
“Yeah? Well did I ever tell you I had nightmares for almost a week because of that?” For a brief moment, William stared at the floor. “All that hair, claws and teeth. It was like a dog.”
Richard shook his head. “More like a wolf, with the way it howled.”
Juli took hold of William's hand. “How'd you kill it?”
William took a quick swig of his drink. “As fast as we could.”
“Sara, do you really have a skull?” Marian asked.
“Marian,” Sara said in disbelief.
The sun had completely set, and the full moon was out.
Several miles from the city and into the forest, cliffs soared hundreds of feet. From here, Leon could see the lights of New Haven as a soft amber glow in the distance. Sitting in a crouched position, he scanned his surroundings before casually standing up and diving feet-first to the ground. A fall from that height would kill just about anything, but for a Vesuvian, it might as well have been a hop.
Upon landing, he took off in a burst of phenomenal speed leaping, bouncing and jumping from one tree to the next.
Within perhaps a minute, Leon found himself at the edge of the tree line, looking at the gates of New Haven. He stood motionless, watching the patrolling soldiers.
With the light from the moon, the soldiers could see several dozen yards out toward the forest. One was startled when he spotted Leon approaching the gates. “Halt!” he ordered, getting the attention of several others.
Leon did as told.
“It looks like a Vesuvian,” a soldier said. “Besides, we're not expecting anyone until tomorrow.”
“What should we do?” Another asked.
“Alert the Guardians,” said Thomas, passing by. “I'll deal with the Vesuvian.”
Leon waited as the gate opened and Thomas passed through, approaching him at a brisk pace.
Several soldiers gathered along the wall and began to whisper among themselves. “He’s crazy.”
“He's an Elite. He can handle it.”
Thomas pulled his halo from its holster as he closed in.
Leon didn't even get a chance to speak before having to dodge a swipe from the halo that could have split his head in two.
Minutes later, back at the Guardian's ball, a soldier burst through the doors, bringing the party to an abrupt stop. “There's a Vesuvian outside the gate!”
Immediately, everyone scrambled to the nearest armory.
“What's going on?” Marian shouted.
“Wait here,” Sara said, running off with the rest of the Guardians.
Leon grabbed his staff and began using it to block many of Thomas' strikes.
Thomas was stronger and much more imposing than Sara, but slower. He found it difficult to land any hits even when he feinted.
There were a few times here and there where Leon had to eat a punch or a kick just to avoid the halo’s razor edges.
Sara arrived at the wall with several Guardians. She recognized Leon almost immediately. “It's him,” she whispered to herself.
Thomas was becoming more exhausted and frustrated by the second. As he swung wide, Leon ducked under and grabbed him by the arm, flinging Thomas several yards through the air. He landed with a thud.
A few of the people along the wall gasped in horror.
Leon reached into small knapsack around his waist and pulled out a small roll of paper, then tossed it in front of Thomas.
CHAPTER EIGHT
In the Great Hall, all of the Guardians who'd gathered the day had returned.
“What does it say?” Philip asked.
“Alliance,” Henry responded.
The room was silent, though the air was filled with a sense of confusion.
“Alliance?” Philip repeated.
“Some kind of trick?” Thomas suggested.
“Could be,” Arthur said. “But if that's the case, the question isn't why, but why now?”
Some in the room seemed even more baffled.
“Arthur, can you elaborate?” Henry asked.
“This can't be a trick,” Arthur began. “At least I don't think so. If it is, it sure took the Vesuvians a long time to think of. None of the Rheans have ever tried to trick us before, not like this, and they're not stupid. This is completely unprecedented. Think of it. Open talk, trade, exchange of information.”
Philip asked. “Where's the Vesuvian who delivered this message?”
Thomas spoke. “Ten minutes ago, he was still outside the gate.”
Henry looked to Arthur. “What could have possibly happened for the Vesuvians to be so desperate all of a sudden?”
“Who knows,” Arthur said. “But the important thing to remember is that they're requesting an alliance, not peace.”
“Good point,” Philip said. “An alliance usually means to join forces against another.”
“Forget it!” Thomas laughed. “We’ve pursued peace with them countless times and they’ve never cooperated. Let them sweat it out this time.”
Arthur was quick to counter. “According to Sara, our Guardian who fought the Vesuvians two nights ago, it appeared as though the Vesuvians were not cooperating, perhaps even fighting each other. Now I don't know what that means-”
“I'll tell you what it means.” Thomas snapped. “It's all part of some plan to trick us into this ‘alliance.’”
“Enough!” Philip said. “Both of you have valid arguments, but there is simply no way to be sure at this time.”
After a moment of silence, Arthur spoke. “There may be a way.”
Philip looked to him. “How?”
“Let’s talk to the Vesuvian before jumping to conclusions.”
“Doesn't mean he won't lie,” Thomas said.
Arthur became visibly agitated.
“Thomas!” Philip said. “You're a fine Guardian, perhaps one of the best. But Arthur has seen and done more than most in this room, so I will say this only once. Shut up!”
Embarrassed, Thomas' head dropped.
“Shall I bring the Vesuvian?” Arthur asked.
“Not without an escort,” Philip said.
Thomas was quick to volunteer. “I'll go.”
Philip waved him off. “After what you just pulled? No! You're lucky you didn't kill the Vesuvian! Arthur, find Sara. The two of you will escort the Vesuvian here. I want her involved with this from now on.”
Arthur immediately stood and was on his way. As he walked through the Citadel, he ran into Richard. “Have you seen Sara?”
“I just spoke with her,” Richard answered. “She and several others are watching the Vesuvian outside.”
“I should have guessed. Thanks.”
Leon was sitting on a boulder near the main gate, not minding the dozens of eyes watching him like a freak show.
“He must be crazy to come her
e alone,” William said, as he and Jacob stood guard along the wall.
Jacob stared at Leon. “How do you know he's alone? Some of these guys can turn invisible.”
Arthur continued his search and found Sara. He stood by her, watching Leon.
“It's him,” Sara said. “That’s the one that got away.”
Arthur looked. “The Consular wants us to escort your friend here.”
“Yeah right.”
“I’m not kidding.”
“Why?” Sara asked.
“You'll see.” Arthur said. “The Consular himself wants you in on this.”
Sara never took her eyes off Leon once she and Arthur passed the gate. When they came to within just a few feet, Leon stood and pulled his hood back.
All things considered, Sara found Leon to be an average-looking man with short hair and a clean-cut face.
Leon offered a handshake to Sara. “Hello.”
“Hi,” Sara said, accepting Leon’s hand. “I’m Sara. This is Arthur.”
“My name is Leon. Have you come with an answer for me?”
“No,” Arthur said. “Follow us. We need to speak with you.”
Dozens of soldiers frantically worked to clear the streets, pushing people aside and diverting carriages.
Arthur walked side-by-side with Leon.
Sara was several yards ahead, working with the soldiers. They eventually arrived at their destination. The air in the room was tense as Leon entered.
“All of you please have a seat,” Philip said.
As Leon sat, he spoke. “The Vesuvian Council is expecting me to return soon. I'll try to answer any questions as best as I can, but time is of the essence.”
“Why is that?” Philip asked.
Leon looked at several of the Guardians before turning to Philip. “Can I ask you something first?”
“Very well.”
“Where do you go when you die?”
Philip was sure the others were just as dumbfounded by the question as he. “Um...well...we...”
“What do you mean?” Sara asked.
Leon looked to Sara. “What is your afterlife like?”
Puzzled, Sara answered. “It depends on what you believe.”
Leon's eyes went wide. “You don't know?”
“Why? Do you?”
“Of course,” Leon said. “When Rheans die, they pass on to a place called the Netherworld, and a few days ago we found out that it's been invaded. In order to stop it, we need your help.”
Philip paused for a moment, unsure of what to say. “This world is filled with many strange wonders, but it's hard to imagine how you intend on stopping this invasion.”
Sara found it amusing. “I hope we don't have to die!”
“Who or what has invaded your Netherworld?” Arthur asked.
“Pelasgians,” Leon replied. “They're a...collective of sorts. They come from a place we call the Shadow Realm. As for dying, don't worry, we have a gateway to travel between lands.”
All eyes were on Philip. “Leon, I understand you are short on time, but we must discuss this further. I've arranged a room for you in the Citadel. We will have an answer for you by morning.”
CHAPTER NINE
The next morning in the Great Hall, Philip was slumped in his chair, rubbing his tired eyes.
Everyone from the night before, except for Leon, walked in and took their seats. Sara and Arthur sat beside Philip.
“Opinions?” Philip asked.
“Hard to believe,” Sara said.
Arthur spoke. “Considering the fact that we're dealing with the afterlife, I'm forced to agree. However, I think it's safe to say anything is possible.”
“Assuming he’s telling the truth,” Thomas said. “How in the world can we organize any kind of attack? We were created to support the regular army, which isn't equipped or even trained to deal with the Rheans, much less any of their problems. If we decide to help, there clearly aren't enough Guardians to wage any kind of war.”
Philip sighed. “We've been put in a difficult spot. Even I must admit that I find Leon's story hard to believe.”
Sara crossed her arms. “The only way we can know for sure is if someone goes and sees the Netherworld for themselves, and it might not hurt to get a look at this Shadow Realm.”
Everyone looked at Sara as if she were crazy.
“Any idea who's going?” Arthur asked.
“I will,” Sara said.
Philip cleared his throat. “The Vesuvian is expecting an answer.”
Sara shrugged her shoulders. “It's our necks on the line. The way I see it, unless Leon can prove everything he's said, we don't have to answer anything.”
Philip smirked. “I had a feeling your insight would be useful. Sometimes it takes a younger, more adventurous line of thought to see what needs to be done.”
Arthur leaned to Sara. “You sure about this?”
“It's the only way,” Sara answered.
“Yes.” Philip said. “It's been decided. Sara, go with Thomas and bring Leon...and Thomas, try not to kill him this time.”
Walking through the corridor with Sara, Thomas moped to himself. “...try not to kill him...”
“If I may ask--” Sara began.
“--no, you may not! I've never met a Vesuvian that wasn't trying to drain me of my blood, and I am not about to trust this one.”
As they came to Leon's room, guarded by two Elites, Thomas motioned with his head for Sara to approach the door.
However, Leon opened it just before Sara could knock.
Slightly startled, Sara said, “Follow me.”
Walking back to the Great Hall, no one said a word.
Philip respectfully stood when they entered. “Leon, welcome. Please have a seat.”
Leon sat, seemingly oblivious to the skeptical stares he was getting.
Arthur spoke. “Before we begin, Leon, I'd like to ask if you know anything about what happened two nights ago. Two Vesuvians-”
“Yes,” Leon answered, then looking at Sara. “I was one of them. I regret you had to get involved.”
“What were you doing?” Sara asked.
“Bekal was in violation of Vesuvian law. It's illegal to enter human-held territory. The Council wishes to avoid any conflict with you, for now.”
Philip then asked. “Leon, is there any way you can prove that the Netherworld or Shadow Realm exists?”
“Not until I take you there.”
“Then you understand how difficult it is for us to come to any kind of decision. If possible, we would like you to take a Guardian to see the Netherworld and the Shadow Realm to confirm everything. For the time being, I'd like to offer a formal truce.”
After a moment, Leon said. “I guess that will have to do, but shouldn't your Governor be here for this kind of decision?”
Philip answered. “The Governor represents our people to our Senate back home. In some situations, especially military ones, the Guardians are given full autonomy.”
“How do you know about our political structure?” Henry asked.
“I've done my research,” Leon said.
Some Guardians in the room exchanged concerned glances.
“No matter,” Philip said. “Sara, make any preparations you need for the journey. You are to leave as soon as possible.”
Within the hour, Sara was in the armory placing some flint in her backpack.
Arthur stood by. “Did you remember to pack your weather gear?”
“Of course,” Sara replied, putting the backpack on. She equipped a talon on each wrist and tested them to make sure the blades extended.
“Here,” Arthur said, handing Sara a halo. He grabbed a bow, collapsed it, and attached to Sara’s pack.
“Thanks,” Sara said, then putting on a small hip quiver with arrows. She put one foot against a table and buckled a holster with small throwing daggers around her thigh.
“Ready?” Arthur asked.
Sara quickly checked to make sure sh
e had her equinox. “Ready as I'll ever be.”
Leon waited with several Guardians by the main gate as Sara and Arthur approached.
“You know,” Arthur began. “Even though you're new, I can't think of anyone better to send than you.”
Sara thought Arthur was trying to comfort her. “I'm not that nervous.”
“I mean it! You've got the attitude, the training, and...well, not much experience, but a little is better than...”
“Hey, look at Leon,” Sara said.
“What about him?”
“Sun is out, and his hood is down.”
As he came up to Leon, Arthur said. “Vesuvians don't like sunlight. Let me guess, a birth defect?”
“You could call it that,” Leon answered.
“Are you sure?” Sara said, sarcastically. “Most Vesuvians would die in an instant.”
“I assure you,” Leon said. “I'm a Vesuvian.”
Arthur signaled the guards to open the gate. “Leon, this had better not be some kind of trick.” He turned to Sara. “See you soon.”
“Thanks,” Sara said. “Okay, Leon, lead the way.”
Arthur watched as Sara and Leon went on their way past the gate. “Wait!”
Sara and Leon turned.
“Here,” Arthur said, holding out his custom equinox.
Sara was surprised. “Arthur, I can't.”
“I'm not giving it to you. I want it back when you return.”
Sara hesitated, but took the equinox and holstered it. “Thanks, Arthur.”
With a final nod, Arthur returned to the gate and had it closed.
CHAPTER TEN
“Isn't there a road or path we can take?” Sara asked, making her way through the brush as she followed Leon.
“No,” Leon answered. “We have no need for them, and they would only show you humans where to find us.”
“Then where are we going?”
“By nightfall we should reach an outpost. We can stay there until tomorrow.”
“And then where?” Sara asked. “The Netherworld?”
“No. We have to go to Vesuvia and see the Council. They need to know what's going on, and they’re likely upset that I haven’t returned yet.”
“Vesuvia? We're actually going to Vesuvia? That's your capital, isn't it?”
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