The Last of the Guardians: Insurrection

by J Silverado

  As the place, where they were, was narrow and was already crowded, they went to the square of arms, where they could fight. The crowd kept away from the distance, fearing suffer some blow. The distanced opponents three meters from each other. The guard, holding the spear with both hands in attack position, facing the tip forward, slightly diagonally upwards, targeting the head of the goalkeeper who, in turn, took the classic position of defensive struggle: the shield left and front, covering the body of the head and sword to the right side, ready to strike.

  Opponents studied each other and begin to circle the space between them. The guard, as has the longest range weapon, begins to make small movements of thrust, defended by the guardian of the shell, making a clang. The sun is directly overhead and the light does not help opponents, causing the light to reflect on the plaza level. Both are cooking under their armor and fight the effort only contributes to further hampering clash.

  Galaniel invests against Toram, moving rapidly forward and strikes with the face of his shell, pushing the guard three meters ahead, falling sprawling. General laughter echo in the audience makes Toram frothing hatred while trying to compose by him. How is farthest from your opponent, the guard takes advantage of the reach of his spear and strikes a blow below the guardian of the shell, slipping on his left thigh and opening a small red thread and then pulls his spear and strikes another attack, now against the right Galaniel’s shoulder, that just did not pierce his flesh due to the defense of the guardian keeper with his sword, making the spearhead climb away from his body.

  Toram reorganizes its position, looking for the best time, until, seeing a new loophole, attacks raising the right arm back, above the head and the left in front of his face, invests against the right side of Galaniel, which diverts tip boom, tapping the right side of the shell, makes it go further in that direction. With the imbalance of the opponent, the guardian turns counterclockwise on its axis, moving closer and strikes a blow with his sword cross in the wood of the spear, that part almost in half, leaving only a pointed stick.

  Taking advantage of the surprise of the guard, Galaniel secures the remains of the spear with his hand shell and slopes the tip of his sword to the neck guard, bringing down a small trickle of blood, asking: – surrenders?

  The guard, visibly scared, looks at the guardian, stuttering to respond: – yy-yes, I ss-surrender – and then he hands him a silver coin under the laughter of the crowd, who felt vindicated of all humiliations that the guard had made him pass.

  The guardian turns his back to the opponent, to go give the money to the leather, when the guard, taken by hatred of the collective scorn suffered, draws a dagger from his waist and part against the back of the guardian keeper. The leather sees the guard approaching and only have time to scream: – beware! – Galaniel turns quickly to the right, holding the arm of his opponent with his right hand, pulling it forward, upsetting the aggressor and, immediately, striking with the side shell, almost horizontally, strikes the face guard at the time of his mouth.

  Blood splashes along with several pieces of Toram’s teeth, which falls unconscious to the right with the force of the blow. At that time, the captain of the guard approaches the guardian, salutes the horizontally beating in his chest with his right arm outstretched hand, and says: – Courage and Honor. – Then, he kneels with the left knee and continues: – please, sir, do not judge our guard by that filthy animal that attacked him treacherously. Let me put an end to this miserable existence – he speaks unsheathing his sword and placing it in Toram’s neck.

  - Do Not! I gave my word that no punishment would be given to this unhappy, even if he has the honor of a mangy dog. Send him to the infirmary and treat it.

  - Yes, sir, right away. – Waves to other guards who promptly suspend the man passed out and start walking toward the infirmary.

  Galaniel raises the leather that had fallen with the confusion and observes the dagger, which was used in the cowardly attack, thrust into the ground. He grabs the gun and says: – wait a minute. I want a souvenir of this occasion. Captain, give me this dagger sheath – to which was promptly removed from Toram’s waist, still unconscious and delivered to the guardian. It was a rich part made in amalgam, finely crafted with ancient symbols and a small agate inlaid in the center of what looked like an eye.

  Galaniel delivers the coins to leather and says: – although not their fault, my advice is to look for another city to practice their craft. – Yes, sir, I understand. I am forever grateful to you for your help. I will never forget it.

  Later, Galaniel learned that the sergeant was demoted to recruit and dispatched to a border post near the wetlands south of the city.

  When Toram saw Galaniel within the fishmonger, with apron and eviscerating a fish that had just arrived he could not believe his eyes.

  - So that's the sad demise of mister knight guardian Galaniel, a fishmonger's helper – he says and laughs loudly.

  The other guards, who were with him, do choir and prick with other malicious jokes:

  - How will your lordship fishwife.

  - Now struggles with swordfish?

  - Your armor rusted with salt water?

  - It had to be a guardian even this race no good.

  Resuming, Toram continues: – then, Galaniel, as will this life fishmonger? Use your shield as basin to load the fish or the edge of this piece of tin to open them? – He questions with a broad smile of debauchery.

  Galaniel, who was still clean the fish for the client, turns to the guard and answers: – no, my shield serves to silence bucks. To open this lungfish* here, you just get the river Anoan, I use this dagger – showing the weapon that one day was Toram’s. – I always keep with me, it brings me good memories.

  Caught by surprise, anger takes custody of the account, which loses control and tries to enter the fishmonger to fight Galaniel. – I'll show you who is buck – to what is held by other guards, looking calm to him. – Easy, sir, not worth it. This breed does not deserve the effort. – Looking to calm down, Toram replies: – is true, it does neither for us dirty the boot.

  So Galaniel replies: – so be careful, Toram, because the last time your boot 'dirtied', you just fainting and agreed only with pieces in the mouth. – He gave a sneer to the guard.

  Immediately, the guard again felt the blood rushing his cheeks, making mention of from up the guardian, but gave up and walked away with the other.

  Moahn, who watched it all somewhat frightened, said: – what happened? Why the fuss?

  Galaniel talk up, just saying: – is nothing Moahn, just water under the bridge... just water under the bridge...

  The Guardian felt, however, that things would change, that today would bring repercussions events...

  Eushaniel

  The news arrives. Happy for the people that heard that the sister city was saved and rejected demons, but devastating for that family, who, like many others, paid the highest price.

  Gilard returned to personally inform Eushaniel and bring the belongings of Galator. – Her husband was the bravest warrior I have ever had the opportunity to fight on the side. He saved many lives during the defense Telkan, including mine. – Yes, Galator was a remarkable man, not only as a warrior, but a loving and devoted family man – the widow answered, almost in a whisper, avoiding falling into tears. – The city erected a monument in his honor. A statue, with the shield on high, protecting a fallen soldier – he speaks, his voice cracking, the colonel, thinking he is a soldier that the general saved by sacrificing himself. – He would be happy. There is no greater honor for a guardian, to give his life to protect those in need. – New tears spring in the guardian’s red eyes. – Calm down, Mom. Come, let us sit – Atilea help, leading the mother to the sofa and offering the armchair to colonel sit.

  From the kitchen comes Ylana with a tray with small mugs, chamomile tea and flour biscuits. – Here, Mom, drink this tea, it will be quieter – Atilea says, handing while Ylana serves Gilard: – here, colonel, must be hungry and thirs
ty travel. – Do not bother, Miss. – Do not make ceremonies, Sir – the girl replied with a tone that does not accept refusals. Colonel ate some cookies and drank tea while Eushaniel calmed down. – The city... How are you? – Atilea seeks to change a little the subject. – Not bad, we had many external damage, but the enemy could not enter the gates, so our main concern are the wounded. – Thank God – Ylana exclaims. – Yes, and to our great guardian. Without him, the city would have fallen. If he had not attempted a part of the troops, we would not have the time. – Tears run down the widow and daughters’ face, listening proudly talk about their father.

  Gilard realize that more time he would stay there, greater would be the sorrow. So he ends the tea, puts the mug over the coffee table and stands up, making a respectful measures. – Lady, on behalf of the High Council and all the inhabitants of the five cities is that we provide you the most sincere condolences. What you need, just ask us to be met. – With the help of Atilea, Eushaniel gets up and, with the extremely sad countenance, she answered: – I thank you, colonel. My husband, of course, is happy to have fulfilled his duty to our people.

  Gilard again bends and after taken three steps back, stands up and walks toward the exit. Once the warrior out of the house, the other three daughters come out of the rooms, washed faces of tears, come running to hug their mother who, again, sitting on the couch, are comforted by the two older. – Mom, Dad died! Mom and now what do we do? My God, Dad died! How did this happen? Dad... It's not fair. How come? How come? O God, why...? – There is no answer to such questions, nor remedy for the pain that plagues only mutual consolation until the crying exhaust itself and the sad realization that there is no return make silence spreads and right there they fall asleep together.

  A few hours later, Eushaniel awake and gently calls the older girls to take the lowest to the beds. Finally, Atilea will sleep with their mother for not stay alone. Long after her older sleep, Eushaniel remains awake and scenes of turmoil goes on in her mind and only much later, she can sleep at last.

  Two weeks pass before Eushaniel create courage to move the things of Galator. Taking advantage of the daughters went to buy groceries, she goes up to the room and lock up. Carefully unwind of fine white linen wrapping, lacy with a navy blue ribbon. At the top right, a design with stylized shield of guardian caste adorns the package. She removes each item as if it were so delicate that broke to the touch, looking in each detail. Sleeve, bullet club, scarf, dagger, shield. When she raises her shirt and takes it to her face, she sees the name of that aroma he loved whom. Tears come and she compresses the shirt to her face, and then she hears a faint sound of the kneading paper. She examines the inside of the shirt and finds in the small inner pocket a letter. She removes it, and notes that it is sealed with the seal of her husband. She quickly break the seal and open the letter:

  "My dear, I know you're sad and as you read these words, but from the bottom of my soul, I do not want to be like that. I am writing to tell everything that happened before I left to Telkan.” – Galator describes about the previous night off for the mission, the appearance of an angel, the notice of his death and the son of the promise they both wanted. – "...And that's why, my love, I ask you to not be sad for my departure, but comforted that our son will be with you and that this was the will of our Father I want to find a good warrior who teach him to be a man and that will help you to raise our children. I will always be watching over you. Be at peace and be sure my love for you, always. Galator."

  When Eushaniel finish reading the letter, new tears spring from her eyes, not of sorrow but of joy and longing. She looks at the own belly, raising her hands to it and begins to caress it. – Be at peace my love, now I know more you left a little piece of you with me. I'll take care of it, as we did with all the others, he will learn our customs, our values and will be our strength. – Door Sounds opening bring back Eushaniel to the present and she ends to undo the package and to keep Galator’s things in his trunk campaign, which was just below the double bedroom window. When she closes the chest, she runs her hand lovingly over the cap, taking one last look with a slight smile and then leaves the room.

  From that day, Eushaniel changed her behavior, though in mourning, looking motivate their daughters and worked in house chores, secretly preparing for the new child. After spending nearly two months, the belly starts to stress and novelty is passed to daughters who are happy to have a brother and know that their mother is more comforted. During this period, Boldar, a great friend of Galator, Gilard’s father and widower during many years, started to attend Eushaniel home, initially to reveal the guardian that Galator had sacrificed to save his son, who, at the time, had said nothing for shame and sorrow.

  Then to take the pay board and help with heavy tasks and to be more precise, until, with conviviality, he ended up creating affinity with family and although Eushaniel made it clear she was in mourning and would remain so indefinitely after six months, the general proposed to unify families, so when the child was born, crown the new union.

  - Since he knows his origins – Eushaniel responds to Boldar – Certainly. I do not intend to take the place of Galator only help you create him. It will be an honor. Your husband has always been like a brother to me and I want to repay, at least in part what he did for my son. – The Forward caste, Boldar, was a renowned general who lost his wife many years ago, to the white fever, an outbreak that devastated much of the weaker constitution of population had fifteen years. Since then, Boldar lived to transform his only son in a renowned warrior, since they already had retired from public life. Out successful, as Gilard had achieved so young the colonel patent and after the salvation of Telkan, he was tipped to raise an office and perhaps even participate in the high council. Strong constitution and good health, did not look his forty-eight, although the platinum had already colored his hair well. He was a handsome man, black eyes, beard, but well-made and trimmed, wide chin and small apples that sat with short hair and disguising the marked entries.

  He kept his body care and doing exercises and crafts at home, repaired himself what was needed. Since Gilard gained prominence in the war, it was a little empty life and seeing the difficulty of Eushaniel, felt compelled to help his friend's family in time of need and eventually cultivating love for those people.

  They married early next year, in a simple ceremony, to which only close friends were invited. Gilard led Eushaniel to the altar that almost in time to give birth, walked more slowly and Syura led alliances behind while the others threw flower petals along the way to the altar. The votes were exchanged and at the end of the ceremony , Boldar kissed the hands of Eushaniel saying: – love flow free when the time comes.

  The guardian was happy with Boldar’s attitude that captivated with his gallant and polite way, without ever imposing. Early in the second month of marriage, Eushaniel went into labor at home.

  Sicor, the midwife of the family who brought to life all guardians of Kolpor, at that time, was there to do the job. – A strength woman, still without passage – Sicor encourages, while Eushaniel breath panting, sweating and in pain – breathe slowly, deeply, with each contraction. – They already were in that situation a few hours ago and the guardian was very tired. – Do not be discouraged, my daughter, now missing little, a few inches – Eloe and Atilea helped the mother, putting cold compresses on his forehead and through the body to cool – Let's see now – Sicor examines. – Now, let's make an effort, my daughter. With each contraction, press. You already know, come on. – Saying nothing, Eushaniel begins to press, forcing each contraction. The pain is excruciating, making the guardian howl, but without giving up, until finally, they hear the cry of a new life. Practice, as experience determines, Sicor quickly cuts the umbilical cord and clean the baby with pieces of linen soaked in water and lotions, then deliver it to the mother. Eushaniel was exhausted, but when he received Galaniel in her lap, nothing else mattered, time seemed to stop as she looked at her son, face, feet, hands, a light fuzz on his head, almost
as the red color of a tomato.

  - This is heavy, huh, my daughter, certainly more than four pounds! – The midwife spoke from the high of her late fifties. – Yes, he will be a great warrior! – Eushaniel responds. – Every mother speaks it. – Sicor answers, with a broad smile. – Now that he is clean and curled, we will take care of you. – The midwife gestures to one of Eushaniel’s daughters let Boldar come in, and smiling at him, hands him Galaniel saying – congratulations, it's a boy! – Accompanied by her mother's eyes. Boldar looking Galaniel passes the index finger in his little chin, looking mess with the baby, who seems to smile to touch the Forward. Boldar looks smiling at Eushaniel, who corresponds to smile, then he turns around and out of the room into the living room, where several family friends eagerly await. On entering the room, immediately, silence is heard. So Boldar safes Galaniel with both hands and, raising his arms up high for all to see, proclaims: – this is Galaniel the son of my great friend Galator and, from today on, also my son. – Howls and saved are heard, while all congratulate the new father and women come to see Eushaniel.

  Politics

  They had just sold the last fish of the day, a light rain was falling throughout the Citadel, thickening every moment. In the sky, the weather was just closed, transformed into a storm that, long ago, did not occur in those regions.

  – Galaniel, help me here with these ice blocks, otherwise we lose them for the rain! – Moahn exclaimed, with the veins of the neck and skipped the face in agony due to the force that was doing to raise one of several blocks that were used to preserve the stock.

  – It's getting old, fishmonger – the Guardian responds smiling, while picking up a block of ice with each hand holding the upper side.

  – Humph, each with his own qualities. I want to see if you can get a bream-of-teeth noisy the way you are. Oh, that I wanted to see. – Moahn grumbles trying to save a bit of dignity.