The Last of the Guardians: Insurrection

by J Silverado

  It was so. Galaniel accepted the invitation and the fishmonger, on the same day, was gone with him at the fishmonger. Moahn taught how to care for newly purchased fish, which the Guardian has learned with ease. – With the thin sharp knife, open the belly of the fish, the height of the gills to the end of the soft part, feel with your fingers. Pass the rounded spatula inside the cut to remove the viscera. Make it on top of the bucket itself, not to soil the place or get stinking – the fishmonger taught to the new apprentice. – When the bucket fill go to the dock at the port number two, with another empty bucket. Pull the dip nets and remove the crabs there, putting them in the empty bucket. Place the viscera in netting and down them again. When you return with new crabs, grab the buckets with the old and put some new underneath, so there will be movement and all will be 'cool' again. – He terminated the explanation with a wink and a smirk. – Calm, fishmonger, I learn fast, but things have their time to mature. I'll try to do what you said and I will certainly take more care when a fishmonger buys something – the guardian said, with another smile.

  Thus, the new fishmonger apprentice was returning to the form, and the wound healed left hurting.

  He was fond that family, even if borrowed. For many weeks, the only Galaniel’s company was Melina because Corinta was very busy among food, house cleaning and laundry. Realizing that she could not read, the guardian began to teach her a little every day. He spoke with Moahn to buy a small and large letters in the book market and, during those months, Melina had already begun to scratch the reading of the book. – Mm- mix fa-gui-nha – Babbles the girl, trying to read the book, which was cooking - Fa-ri-nha, laughs and not gui. Do it again since the beginning of the sentence – taught Galaniel. One of the main tasks of Melina was feeding the animals, which were restricted to two chickens, a pig and a goat, which were practically together in that little yard. The Guardian liked to help in this task, because this remembered himself short when he was in charge of caring for the animals, although the work was much longer. – Come on, grass and hay for the goat, corn for the chickens and food waste for pig – Galaniel speaks with the girl. – Yes, we will. First Biloca, after the arduous owners and Carijosa, and finally Remoso. Then we can milk the goat, collect the eggs and see Remoso wallow having fun in the mud – Melina replied with a grin.

  After the invitation of Moahn, Galaniel now spent much of the day in the fish shop and living with Melina had decreased enough. He realized that she was sad for not being more her helper and lost that friend who spent his whole days.

  To try to cheer her up, one day Galaniel saw a starfish still alive, along with the new batch of fish. Quickly picked up a bucket of salt water and pasted the star within that, with the water it began to stir.

  When he arrived home, he called her and said: – Today was an amazing thing in the fish market! – Melina anxiously asked: – is it? What? Account. Account? – I heard a loud noise on the roof and when I look, a star in the sky had fallen! – Yyyy for, that is not true. You are deceiving me. Mommy, Mommy, Uncle Galaniel is deceiving me. – After helps with the house and with Melina, the guardian won an honorary uncle. Corinta and Moahn watched the hilarious scene. – Calm down, my daughter, see if they have any proof of what you say – encouraged her mother. Melina looked Galaniel with a mixture of suspicion and hope, and not speaking, the guardian showed that the bucket, until then, had hidden in the back.

  When she looked inside, she saw the star move, cried out in amazement and ran to the kitchen. – You can return – Galaniel said – it will not hurt you. – Melina still looking the kitchen door, with only the visible head. He put the bucket on the floor and walked two steps back.

  Gradually, she was approaching the bucket and amazed, watched the star moving. – It's beautiful! What she eats? It lasts much? What's her name? – Melina asked effusive. - Easy, easy, she eats these small algae that brought in another bucket. I do not know how much it lasts, replace the water it every two days. The name you choose – Galaniel responds. – She came... even from the sky? – Milena continued.

  The guardian just smiles enigmatic. – Ahh does not matter, what matters is that I now have a star just for me, thank you, uncle. – She hugged Galaniel, kissing her face and ran carrying the bucket with the star and the other with algae.

  - Thank you – Corinta says. – It was a pleasure – the guardian answered. – Moahn that, until then, just watched it all, finishes: – Well, now let's eat, I'm hungry!

  Dined put parts of dogfish in vinegar sauce with parsley and chives, thrashed bread and grape juice. Melina barely ate only a piece of bread and returned to his star.

  After dinner, Galaniel sat down a little in the yard, as he always did and look at the stars. Corinta can no longer hold the curiosity and, approaching, question – which both look up there? – They say that each of us is guided by a star. My mother told me that when I was born, the star that shone more in the sky was the Rigel – and pointing to the sky, a region close to the known 'Three Marias': – there it is, just below the 'three' and that is just above Bellatrix, the star of my wife. – A glimpse of sadness goes through the eyes of the guardian, observed by Corinta. – She has crossed over? – he questions gently. Galaniel observed the long and replies – yes... and no... I lost to that damn war. – Sadness is stamped on Corinta face that livid, says: – God have mercy. So far the village, many were taken. Thank Heaven we do not have a recall for more than five springs.

  Listening to her about the call, Galaniel’s blood boils, it recalls the ritual in which men, women and children, selected a macabre draw, are left at the top of carmine tower, which is on the west corner of the Citadel to be taken by Balkatar of demons and thereby ensure peace and tranquility in the city for some time.

  - We should not have had any, at any time. They cannot make pacts with demons. Those are treacherous and Machiavellian creatures. How can we accept that our loved ones pay with blood so that we are not plagued by those damn? How do we live with that? – Galaniel vents, feeling the thirst for wine growing steadily.

  Corinta, seeing how much it disturbs Galaniel, responds only: – certain things are the way they are, we cannot change them, just accept... – Gathering up into the house he says: – so why cannot I? – the guardian whispers, already alone in the yard, turning to look at the stars.

  The woman, ling with her husband, tells of a conversation he had in the yard. - Poor man –Moahn says. – I do not know what I would do in his place. I do not know how it would be without you... – Do not talk so, Moahn, which can attract the chance, go to sleep than tomorrow has more work and it looks like it would rain.

  Galator

  After the war, there were more guardian men, only the children of a few families of the caste expected at that time. The rest just amalgamate with other castes, after all, they needed to continue their lives.

  Over time the caste was weakening and being considered impure, weak, true outcasts of society. Adding to this the fact that the guardians always played a protective role, ended up with less emphasis on the achievements of society and with the absence of at least one representative of his caste in the high council, today, be a guardian was laughing stock and had no respect.

  Of pregnant guardians, only two were able to complete the pregnancy, a girl and a boy. The other abortions, in what became known as the invisible evil, assigned to spell Balkatar. The couple of survivors was raised in a strict discipline and an understanding between the families, to keep the caste only with guardian blood.

  The man's name was Galator, and the woman’s, Eushaniel. They married and lived happily for many years, as far as possible before a war, doing his best to generate a man and keep the caste. But, over twelve years and five pregnancies, five women were born: Eloe , Atiléa, Ylana, Syura and Inara. The youngest had taken five years apart, because Eushaniel fallen ill after Syura and had been very weak. Galator, nearly forty years, had lost hope and sought to conform that failed in his mission.

  During this peri
od, Balkatar had increased his horde, with regular attacks at five cities. All warriors, who fell on the spectra, disappeared and rising of the slot, as new spectra and, after all these years, the number of infernal came three times the beginning.

  Galator, then general of the guard Kolpor, was about to take the place of his caste in the high council, leaving few months to complete his term, serving to the front. Due to constant attacks on the city of Telkan, he was assigned to lead a brigade and ensure peace to the citizens of that place. They would leave early in the morning, then, with the light, the demons were weakened and reduced the attacks and thus arrive more easily to the city. That night was the first birthday party of Inara, his youngest.

  The party was lively. Several neighbors had been invited, as well as a couple of friends and war comrades. As the couple thought it was the last daughter, they decided to celebrate in style; cooks were hired and the banquet was served five main dishes, in addition to inputs and various appetizers. It had baked pheasant with black pepper and lentils, mashed potatoes and quail garlic, wild boar in butter and cod to wine were among the dishes. Red and white wines, sweet and dry, sprinkled the guests, and musicians from Saupor glad the environment with their vibrant and upbeat songs.

  A myriad of types of candies were served as a dessert, each made of one type of fruit found in the five cities. In short, a party to remember. – The Citadel is treating you well, my dear – general Etuifon said, already with several strong red mugs on the head. - No more than you, noble Etuifon – Galator answers, pointing to sm ile for the huge belly of a drunkard general.

  All cackle when General puts his hand over the navel and pull the breath to shrink the stomach. – Best breathe or you'll die! – Another guest kids. Then the loose general air, like the belly was even greater than before. Four members of the high council had attended and distracted talking politics with other low board guests, which was composed of lower castes.

  The party started early, just after the sun goes down, because the next day, Galator and most guests would leave for Telkan. When hourglasses scored four hours of partying, Galator took the makeshift podium in front of the musicians, who stopped playing, saying: – dear friends and guests, thank you all for having us toasted with your presence. I know most of you, one from childhood, others sharing the hardships of the battlefields. We all are very dear and graced this as our special night to celebrate a year of our little youngest Inara. I wish to express our thanks.

  Everyone applauded, talked together as the party was well served and fun. The speech of the host indicated that the party was at the end and sent as good manners, the guests began to leave after half an hour, until the end of the full hour, the servants were already packing up. – So, my love, are you happy? – the guardian questions to his wife. – Yes, very happy, although it has not been able to give you the man who so desired – Eushaniel responds. – Today is not the day for sad thoughts, my dear. We cannot know God's plan, we value the gifts and not the misfortunes – he answered, kissing her tenderly.

  Later that night in his office, Galator was thoughtful, concerned with the task entrusted to him. Eushaniel already called him a few times to lie down, for the day not overdue to dawn. The long stare at the hearth fire, closed the night and, while playing the rest of wine, sipped it, on fire, a flash was made and the time seemed to have stopped. Startled, she drew his dagger and stood in a defensive position, putting his back against a corner of the room. The initial flash, just an intense focus continued to shine, hurting the eyes of Galator and gradually was taking humanoid form, however, some projections arose in what appeared to be the back.

  - Who are you!? What are you? If you came to attack me or my family, you’ll find destruction by my hands! Let's talk!

  - Calm down, Guardian! – He spoke imposing the entity. – I will not hurt you or your family. I come in peace at the behest of the Lord our Father.

  Not quite believing in the being of light, the guardian replied: – you will not be another demon from the depths of hell that came to afflict us? How can I be sure?

  As the moments passed, the being was more visible, only the bosses were still shining. Responding to Galator, the creature spoke: – search your heart, feel if I am a threat, use your years of combat experience and, above all, your immortal soul. If, after all, you still feel doubt, what demon would look like me?

  Immediately thereafter, the projections, as with defined shapes, opened in immense wings of light, like a bird trying to take flight and with a magnificent face, being looked into guardian of eyes that now felt that his soul was being watched and said: – I call Ethanael, the bastion of light and I'm an angel of the Lord.

  To feel the impact of those words and peer into his heart, Galator knew that he be would not hurt him and that his words were true. He put the dagger and tried to calm down as conditions allowed.

  - I bring two news for you, one that you will consider sad and one that will bring you encouragement.

  With deference, Galator said: – so tell me, Ethanael, what the news are.

  - Your next mission will bring the end of your life.

  The guardian, to hear the angel, sat appalled, saying: – but how... war... the high council... my caste... I... I really failed...

  - Do not despair, Guardian, you have not heard the second news. Caste shall not perish with you. Now, at night, go have with your wife, say goodbye to her and she will give you a man.

  A single tear runs down the face of Galator. Although my life comes to an end, I have not failed, my line will continue. – A son, he thought. So many years wanted a child and only now, in the autumn of my life, I will have one... And yet, I will not know him.

  - The paths of our Father are mysterious, but not saddened I was instructed to give you a little glimpse. – Speaking this, he played with the right hand in Galator forehead, then his eyes saw a green clearing, making limit with a large lake, which contributed with their sounds and freshness, painting a picture of peace and tranquility. The guardian recognized the place: there was the cemetery of Kolpor.

  They were near an oak tree in front of a grave, seeing the writing on the headstone, found that it was his. Than the angel points toward the road and Galator sees a man walking in that direction.

  When looking at the man, he recognized him as their traits and Eushaniel, and understood that it was his son, had grown up, dressed as a warrior, a guardian, who was coming to visit him. He saw that he was strong and fearless and he had done justice to its predecessors and their caste. His son, then looked toward him, his eyes met at length and the scene fell apart.

  With this view, Galator calmed his spirit, reflected for a moment and realized that everything has its time and place, which each have their role to play and that, while it was at the end, his son would take his place and thus life would continue. At peace with himself – he said to the angel, – now, I understand and accept my fate. I will carry it out as best I can.

  - Be at peace – said the angel. – That the Father enlighten you and hug you when your time comes. – Speaking this, a new flash ensued and a glass breaking sound brought him back to reality. It was his glass of wine that had fallen on the floor. Eushaniel came to meet him, see what had happened. Seeing her Galator hugged her with all the love that was in his heart and said: – it was not, my love, just an oversight. Tomorrow, one of our daughters takes care of that, we go to sleep the day is already lurking. Walking with her, they were heading to the fourth.

  The next morning, Galator wakes early and on the way out, he says to the wife he wants a breakfast with the whole family before leaving, still sleepy, just agree nodding.

  When the first rays of sun are with the side of the stars, Galator already in the family grave, where his father was buried, and the father of him and so on until the early settlers. After contemplating, quiet, morning, even the cool breeze, the distant chirping of a cricket already agreed, the guardian, after silence for a few minutes conversation with his father, who died with him
still young, barely into their training. – Father... I'm afraid. Certainly, a man know he is dying and yet run its course, like a sheep bleating into the slaughter? You know I 'm no coward, but given the finiteness of my existence, I will be able to fulfill my destiny?

  Only a cricket responds tireless. Moments pass, until the guardian rises: – It's time to return. – Galator looks at the tombstone, runs his hand as if caressing the stone and starts the return, however, after a few steps, returns saying: – since I will not be with my son, at least I can leave some comfort to him. – So, looking for a good place to carve a sentence in oak, until it encounters another: – “The divine inspiration speaks in our hearts. Do not expect other advice that also seek." Galtanion. – With teary eyes, smiles saying: – I am well my father's son. Message received. – He remove his campaign dagger strapped to his right thigh and notch just below his father's phrase: – “Just do what you know what to do." Galator.

  He guards the dagger and part home, still smiling. After a hearty breakfast with the whole family, something not very common, due to the rush of day-to-day, Galator bids farewell to his daughters, one by one, recommending a judgment, patience other, talking to all until that, finally, will bid farewell to Eushaniel, that, knowing her husband as anyone knows who has something strange in his behavior. – What happened? Why are you acting like this? – Galator replies: – is nothing, my love, just do not know how long I'll be out and hurt gather the family to kill the longing? – Not very convinced, Eushaniel decides to leave it for another time, and after saying goodbye with a long kiss, followed by a hug, notes, with the rest of the family, her husband go moving away, to get ahead of the brigade of warriors, under his command and leave without looking back.