The Coming Of The Light (Guardian Series)

by JW Baccaro

  “Of course it is but—how do you know of it? In fact, how is it we are standing here? I’m not even born yet!”

  “Tonight your seed will begin in this very field, in the belly of Meyanna. But as I told you among our last meeting Darshun, I have the gift of Timesight and can return to any point in time. Those around us cannot see us nor is it presently happening, it’s a past event, a representation of that one moment in time.”

  “You mean you can go anywhere in time and witness the past?”

  “Of course. As well as any possible future, a future that holds two or three different truths, depending on the choices one makes in the present.”

  “That’s mind boggling! You must have witnessed many accounts.”

  “No, seldom do I look back into the past. It’s not meant for one’s own pleasure, but specific reasons only.”

  “Like what you have shown me, granting my heartfelt wish?”

  "I think you know that answer."

  What amazing abilities this—Goddess has, Darshun thought. I wonder who she really is, why she’s so secretive of her identity?

  As if reading his thoughts she came closer to him, so close he could have kissed her, her warm breath soothing. Her ever-striking and dominant gaze made him bow his head. She had power, not physical strength, rather, a sacredness in truth, love and compassion. And it made him tremble.

  She put a finger under his chin and lifted to see his face. “Do not fear me, I mean you no harm, child of Abidan.”

  “Lady of Light, please tell me—who are you?”

  Curving her lips into a smile that melted his heart she answered, "Someone who loves you dearly."

  Darshun opened his eyes, returning to consciousness. He’d dreamed of seeing his father and mother dancing in a field while he stood back on a hillside and watched. How he knew they were his parents he couldn't understand—he just knew. It’d been lovely. They were lovely…so in love with one another and he shed a tear remembering the scene, wondering if there was any truth in it. Another part of him recalled a mystic lady in white, holding his hand standing beside him, but the memory seemed vague and as he became fully awake, she vanished from his mind completely.

  Even though it remained the middle of the night, he felt restless and decided to take a walk outside. Though many Elves patrolled and kept watch over Ashhaven, the city seemed quiet…and strikingly beautiful! Every tree among Ashhaven, each with its own bright colors, some of them very unique—both bark and leaf—shone in the darkness. A dim shine, nevertheless it looked alive, like a forest having fallen off the edge of Heaven.

  Admiring the city for a bit, without knowing why he ventured off into the woods, proceeding down the road he and the others had come in the morning before, then overheard a familiar voice just—drifting within the air. He stopped and listened. The voice was singing too faint to be heard in the city, but just right from where he stood and it was magical! The melodic notes flowed through the trees and seemed to be everywhere. Using his ears, he tried his best to locate the source, stepping off the roadway, passing through thick heavy brush with few clearings for nearly half an hour. Finally, did he come to a pond sparkling like crystals from the light of the full moon and stars. While all around it were strange flowers glowing red, pink, white, purple and blue, along with a host of sparkling fireflies caressing through the air as if putting on a show.

  Of course, the lady who’d been singing was sitting on the ground, her back to him, resting her feet in the water.

  It’s—Kelarin. I knew it. He listened as she continued to sing, her voice going in many different tones and pitches, ranging from high to low to mid-range and then back to high—all so very melodic and heartwarming. Oh, I could die just listening to her sing!

  “Good evening Darshun,” Kelarin spoke immediately after finishing the song.

  “Oh—uh, how did you know I was here?”

  “The animals of this forest are always looking out for me.”

  At that moment Briana, Katrina and the rest of the rats who dwelled with her while captive at Castle Volborg came out of hiding, running onto her lap.

  “Oh wow! They followed you here from Asgoth?”

  "Of course," she giggled. "They can’t be without me. Though it wasn’t only the rodents who saw you but a dear friend of mine, Lady Astra."

  “Lady Astra?”

  “You can come out,” Kelarin stated loudly, looking toward the undergrowth. "Darshun won't hurt you."

  He kept his gaze focused, expecting to see a woman of some sort step out from the coverage of trees.

  Instead, it was a beautiful white unicorn. She pranced on over to Kelarin, stopping beside her.

  “Please come, sit Darshun.”

  Obeying her call, he came forward and the unicorn set her dark eyes on him, daring not to turn away. She seemed to be protecting Kelarin from any foe, good or evil.

  Darshun felt perhaps at any moment, she would strike him down with her spear-like horn. “It is okay girl…” He slowly reached out to pet her but Lady Astra stepped back, grunting and glaring while twitching her tail to and fro.

  “Do not fear him Astra. He’s the one I've told you about, who we’ve all been waiting for.”

  The unicorn slowly eased her tension and allowed Darshun's hand to make contact, letting him stroke down her smooth head, but only once, then turned aside and trotted back into the woods.

  “She likes you,” Kelarin said.

  “She—likes me? Her gaze was enough to shatter my spirit!”

  “Aww, do not be concerned. She's protective of me is all. I am the only one who knows of her existence. She’s the last of her kind and prefers to stay in the shadows in these last days of darkness. The fact she revealed herself and allowed for you to pet her is an indication she likes you.”

  "Or was only trying to please you."

  Kelarin smiled and reached for his hand. "Please, sit."

  "Where did you meet Lady Astra?" he asked taking his seat beside her.

  “When I first came to this place. She was drinking and invited me to join.”

  "Wasn't too scared, huh?"

  "Not of me. Animals are usually not."

  "What is this place?"

  “Oh, I call it the Enchanted Pond. It always glistens when the moon is full.”

  “It is so beautiful and peaceful.” He took his sandals off and rested his feet in the cool water. Then he noticed Kelarin wore one of the pretty pink flowers in her hair. Its mild glow made her already to-die-for gray blue eyes sparkle all the more. “What’s this?” He gently touched it. “I see they’re everywhere around this pond.”

  “It’s a full-moon peonies. Except unlike regular peonies these magically bloom all year long and open up during the light of moon, especially a full moon like tonight. That is when their beauty dominates as you can see.” She took it out of her hair and held it in front of his face. “Smell.”

  Darshun sniffed and his eyes lit up. "Your scent! It is this!"

  "I know. Ironic, isn't it?" She giggled.

  "Since the first time meeting you, waking up in your lap to your healing touch I’d always wondered about that scent you carried, ascending off your skin like the aroma of a finely baked pie."

  She raised an eyebrow. "A pie? So, you think of me as food? Good heavens I’ve seen you eat!"

  “Don’t worry my Lady Kelarin,” He Grinned. “I’ll refrain from devouring you into my belly.”

  “Ha ha, very funny. But you’re the one who smells like a pie, even a cookie.” She grabbed a clump of his honey brown hair and stuffed her face into it. “Omitting the scent of cinnamon.”

  “Ahhh, my favorite spice, blend it together with some sugar add a little ‘Kelarin’ and I’d say we’d make the finest cuisine on earth, don’t you?”

  She laughed aloud and they rubbed heads together like two friendly felines might.

  “Kelarin,” Darshun said, his voice taking on a more stern tone.

  “Yes?”

 
“In all seriousness, never have I inhaled such a captive fragrance. You’re like a flower that fell off the boundaries of Heaven and drifted down to this realm.”

  With a smile too intoxicated to hide, and a blush dominating her face, she kept her gaze directly on his, becoming like a statue. He leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead, the feel of his lips warm and moist.

  “Here you go,” Darshun said, setting the pink peonies onto her open palm.

  “…Eldenith is said to have planted them ages ago,” she muttered as if trying to focus on something other than his beautiful eyes.

  “The peonies?”

  “Yes.” She placed it back into her hair and secured the stem, so the flower remained still. “It is my favorite of all flowers, preferably the pink one.”

  Darshun smiled.

  “So, why are you up at this hour?” she asked. “You have a long journey ahead of you tomorrow.”

  “I had a dream about my blood parents.”

  “Oh?”

  “I don’t quite grasp how I know it was them; I just know. They were together within a field, wondrously dancing, deeply in love with one another. It seemed almost—like a true vision from the past.”

  “Perhaps it was.”

  Looking at her, listening to her soft and gentle tone, drowning within her aura of peace, there was something about Kelarin that seemed oddly familiar yet distant. As if he knew his Angel from a distant past, or in his dreams. But he made no mention of it. “That isn’t the only reason why I’m awake. My mind is flooded with thoughts.”

  “What kind of thoughts?”

  “The battles that are to come, the creatures I am to face and the quest in general.”

  “I see.”

  “There was a time when I was afraid to be alone, to be without my father and friends. Now I am afraid to be with them. I fear for their lives and wish I could go on this journey alone.”

  “You are not chosen to walk this path alone. All of us have a part to play, and together we shall stand. Please, let not your heart be troubled.” She placed her hand on top of his and they were silent for the next few minutes.

  Darshun couldn’t get over his awe of this spot in the forest. The shining flowers, clusters of fireflies, the sparkling pond water and wondrous tall maples of the surrounding, accompanied by a gentle warm wind—altogether it proved magnificent.

  The rats were having a fine time as well. They were chasing one another running back and forth, up and over Kelarin’s shoulders, then onto Darshun’s and back down…only to dash in the water for a crisp drink. Playful little creatures they were.

  “I could get lost in meditation here for hours.” Darshun sighed. “It’s so wonderful.”

  “I found this place when I was a child and have never told anyone about it. Though, I’m sure others have been here before, like Eldenith. For his story of planting the peonies had to come from somewhere. But no one ever mentions this particular pond, so I keep it quiet. It has always served as a resting place of solitude.”

  “Apologies for discovering it.”

  “Oh no, Darshun, I’m glad you are here. Perhaps I was singing in hopes you’d find me? Never, have I let my singing notes drift so far among the forest, so others may overhear and come. I did that only for you, hoping to be with you one last time before the departure.”

  “So, you knew I was awake?”

  “Not entirely, just hoped. And if so, I preferred to spend that time with you here. Look at the sky, the stars and the full moon! Listen to the creatures of the night. Is it not spectacular?”

  “It is. I have always enjoyed the beauty of life. That’s why when my quest first began I was secretly terrified. I do not want the glories of the earth to pass away because of me. I do not want to fail. It would've been easier to accept had I cared very little about life."

  “Were that true, you would have never come to accept. Your love for life is what makes your heart strong, not the opposite. For most of your life your noble father, dear uncle and friends have looked after you. Yet, all of that was to prepare for this one quest, this one journey and truth. I know you will accomplish your goal and do many courageous things during the thousand year guardianship.”

  “How can I live to be a thousand years?” he asked with a chuckle, almost to doubt at least that part of the prophecy.

  “You will become something entirely different than how you know yourself now.”

  “I won’t be me?”

  “You’ll be you, except in a more glorified state.”

  "But I seek no glory."

  "It's not like that."

  "Then—what?"

  "Darshun I cannot explain everything to you. Some things you have to discover for yourself."

  "Again with the mysteries. Everyone has mysteries."

  "I'm sorry but in truth I don't really know the answer. I was going by the Prophecy."

  "Yeah, the Prophecy." He sighed.

  "What's wrong?"

  "…I never thought this would be my life, especially a thousand years of it. I know this may be a little selfish but I’ve always pictured myself living for excitement, evolving deeper into the Nasharin arts. Maybe even starting a tournament where all fighters could compete. It would be held once a year, similar to what my ancestors did. They called it ‘The Martial Arts Tournament,’ simple and down to the point, any style. That’s where my father first met Uncle Seth…They competed against each other in the finals."

  “You really do love fighting don’t you?”

  "Yes yes, I'm Nasharin, it is in my blood. Not to cruelly hurt, just to compete. You know, for sport. When I am in Transformation or Ascension, feeling that energy flow through my members, advancing every sense of my body, my—entity well, it is a high unlike anything I have ever felt.”

  "I really don't like you fighting," she said, sounding like a worried mother.

  Darshun laughed. "I know, it was written all over your face the day you watched me battle in the arena."

  "I just do not enjoy seeing creatures hurt, especially you. I'm not telling you to stop, of course not. And I understand it is only meant for sport, and that it runs in your blood. But I can't help my feelings against it."

  "I understand, it is all right."

  "I don't know why you quibble about such things Darshun. As Guardian, you will still be able to evolve deeper into your skills. Preparation for evil is always a wise choice. You know?"

  "True, but it's just not the same, not for me. And there is something else, something perhaps of more importance. See, I often thought that one day I would have a wife, children and a family of my own."

  "You do not anymore?" she asked, looking to him quickly, her little ears wiggling.

  "Why of course not. After I decided what I must do, to answer and follow my calling, I left those feelings behind, forever. If am destined to be the Guardian then my mind must stay solemnly focused; so be it.”

  Kelarin turned away, resting her eyes onto the water as a sadness swept her soul.

  “Kelarin, what’s wrong?”

  “Oh—nothing.” She squeezed his hand. “Just glad to be here with you.”

  “May I ask a question?”

  “Anything you desire.”

  “How be it you and your brother differ greatly in speech and attitude?” Darshun felt embarrassed, fearing the question might have been a little too personal or even insulting. "Wait, I'm sorry. You don't have to answer that. How rude of me."

  Kelarin laughed. “It’s okay, I understand why you ask. Caelestias isn’t the easiest person to be around. He takes after my father from his youth.”

  “Your father?"

  "Aye."

  "Um, Athanasius is one of the kindest beings I have met. I would not call your brother ‘unkind,’ but Caelestias—well—”

  “Not the easiest individual to converse with.”

  Darshun gulped, again feeling embarrassed. “Yeah. That's it.”

  “The gift of Truth dwells among his spirit, for
now.”

  “You speak as though ‘truth’ is something you’re born with.”

  “That is precisely what I mean, Darshun. Please realize that the Elves, some of them—us are born with beatitudes and sometimes attributes of Abidan. When my father was young, before the calling of priest, he seemed no different than Caelestias. If one spoke a lie, an unwise comment or even foolish ‘wisdom’ he would call you out on it, often times rather hard, condescending. But that doesn’t mean he holds ill feelings for you. My brother is the same. He would give his life for you, me, or any of us without a moment’s thought. Always has he put others before himself. Though I gather, he can be unpleasant company. Try ignoring the negativity springing forth from his mouth—whenever it does. Understand he means no harm, and cannot truly grasp how he comes off to others until additional beatitudes engulf him. As his spirit ages, they will. Unless he is always called to be what he is now, a leader, warrior and bearer of Truth. Often, the strongest and most ill-tempered keep the pack alive in the wild, letting no enemy take hold.”

  Pondering her words, especially the adding on of beatitudes he said, “I gather your father was later gifted with Kindness—”

  “Forgiveness, Darshun.”

  “Ah, I see. Hmm, your gift is easy to guess,” he said, acting as though this were a game. “By all means, it is love!”

  “…Yes, which often hurts. To love so many causes so much pain; caring about everything is a wonderful grace, but tears open your heart when—certain people you love befall tragedy.” She lowered her face.

  Darshun lifted it back up after placing both hands onto her cheeks, their eyes locked tight. “Love, I believe, is the strongest of all. Stronger than even Truth. It is what shines brightest among the Light—what causes us to fight for what we cherish; it’s pushed me to the level I have reached, to save all which might become lost. These gifts you speak of, I think all of us are born with them, but we ignore the graces and they fade away over time, sadly. But I am grateful and forever in your debt for the encouragement and Love you have bestowed upon me many times over, my dearest Angel.” Darshun noticed her ears wiggling again, dancing to and fro. "Your ears, why do they do that?"