by J Silverado
Codaino goes out at the opening and, shortly after, Pelokir enters. – Say, Gala, what do you need? – Do you know this language? – Hum, it looks a bit like the dialect of the colonization period, before the collapse of the clans. – And... Can you translate it? – I need some time, as long ago no longer see it. – You have an hour, then we need to go. – Right, but someone must do my chores. – You can let me handle this – Galaniel speaks out by the passage.
- Well, zum means evil, wei mak released, Dhum blood... fuor Qal only. Melk har, if I remember correctly, sacrifice and tarr close. The problem is the rest mainly fuor it, which has several interpretations – speaks the bionte to him, having spent thirty minutes. – Thor could mean adding, oj passes into the future, then you can. Okay, now just missing the fuor it to end... How I wish I had my study material with me. Same... Same type... The same... the same origin... Hell, time is running out. – So talking, Galaniel enter the passage. – Unfortunately, there is no time, the hourglass is over. – I'm having trouble in one sentence, because one of the terms has several meanings. – Well, pick one then we need to go. – Okay, so, here goes:
"When evil is released,
Only the same blood,
In his final sacrifice,
Can with evil, terminate.
The hope of the last is on the first. "
After Pelokir read the scriptures, both are silent until the guardian speaks: – I now know why that square hole seemed so familiar... We all know the story. – Will we find the Parchment cave? – Have you still questions? We are close to Kulkaram. This cave is full of inscriptions and the altar wall looks a lot like the drawings that we saw in training. – Yes, it is true and, by the way, the collapse is prior to that time, because I never heard of that writing. And you? – I do not. – Now we need to discover what it means... – write both in a papyrus for us to take. We will have a good time to think, let's go. – Galaniel pats on the back of Pelokir and they both goes out att the passage.
While they end to lift the camp and depart, they talk with others about their findings. – So, is there a way to send the itchy to hell for good? – Hrothgar asks. – As far the monolith, yes – Codaino answes. – The question is how... – Rion complements, practically recovered from injury.
The issue lingers for a long time until, without reaching a conclusion, a new subject takes place. – We should be coming, this section is not mapped. – Codaino talks with the group still looking at the map. – So it is good that we are aware and lessen the conversation – Rion talks Rion, looking sideways and into the sky.
Though it is still in the middle of the day, the sky is still crimson and now it is not possible to seen any living being in the landscape. Even reptiles and insects were gone. Black puddles, exhaling green smoke were everywhere and the smell of sulfur burned violently nostrils. The fastest group rides the day before, making the horses to puff and to neigh, complaining about the effort. Then, overcoming a set of rocks, left on the road, the group is met by a small rise, ending the way where they were. – It looks like we got to the end of the road – Pelokir speaks. – Hrothgar and Relfer, check what is behind this small hill – Galaniel says to the two warriors who immediately descend from the horses and begin to climb the hill.
Just before they reached the top, both humbled, finishing the route crawling. When they reach the summit, they have a good view of the area. – Look Out! The slot! – Hrothgar points to the location. A large crack in the floor, shining a beam of green light and vapors, which are lost in the sky. Around, many demons are watching round each side of the slot: Legions, Shedims, Ahuras, even Mazzikims, seen only before the armistice.
The brothers return and report what they saw. – Did you identify the best entry point? – We saw a small part of the slot where two demons are watching and barely enough to pass one person at a time – Hrothgar responds. – So, it is there where we will entry. We will go camping near the rocks that we spent back there. Make a cover to hide the horses and other groceries. We will not fire or a lot of talk, because we are very close and there is no reason to be seen.
The group works in silence and before darkness covers the sky with its robe, the camping, hidden by rocks, is mounted. Only dry food that night. Sourdough bread, goat cheese, some nuts and olives make up the entire meal. Since there is no conversation around the campfire, the group soon sleeps, leaving only Galaniel and Relfer in the first watch.
Barrack
The winners of Molodok got a pass to stay with family for a few days, celebrate the achievement and say goodbye, because after a training period, they would go direct to the front line.
Galaniel and Inara were greeted with house party, at least two family members had managed to pass the Molodok and this was highly regarded in society. Boldar was very happy, congratulating whenever he saw Inara and smiling to Galaniel, but in his intimate, the now guardian felt that the stepfather seemed to show more satisfaction with his sister, and with him, although nothing spoken, there was a certain sense of disappointment.
Galaniel liked Boldar because, as his father died before he was born, he has always been in the Forward a father figure. That saddened him, he tried to stay a little distant and his countenance changed, even trying to ascertain that all was well. Eushaniel, who knew her children as anyone realized what was going and approached with his son, sitting beside her in the small low wall that surrounded the balcony. – What is it, son? – Nothing, Mom, it's okay. – If it was, the corners of your eyes were not so fallen, do not think I don’t know you? – It's nothing, Mom, it is that now I thought that only I will see you in a long time – it is also saddens me, but I think the reason is not that... – Yes, yes, mother, it's okay. – Come with me – Eushaniel concludes, giving no chance that Galaniel could contest.
They entered the house and went up to the second floor then to the attic. – What do we do here, mom? You hardly come here and in that time I went up, you fought with me. – I come here often, but not you know it, because I do not want to bore Boldar.
Then she takes a key, hidden it in the waistband of her skirt and opens a door, which access gave to a small room where Galaniel never entered. – I think it's time you knew a few things, son.
When he opens the door, Galaniel sees a big flag of light blue color with a double border in black, lying on the back wall, imposing, with the symbol of the Guardians stamped in gold in the center. On the left, a metal frame held a full armor as if a person were dressed in.
On the left, a metal frame held a full dressed in armor as if was dressing a person.
On the right, a beautiful chest of campaign finely worked with heraldic symbols tacked on its edges and the variety of the Guardians recorded in low relief in the center of its lid. – This belonged to your father. – Galaniel, still speechless, looked at everything in disbelief – and now it is yours. – Why do you never show it to me? Why is this hidden? – I loved very much your father, my son, and still love, although, over time, I have also learned to love Boldar. I always come here to talk to him, remember him when the longing tightens, but I come in secret, because I know that although not say anything, your stepfather can be sad. I brought you here to talk about something more important: you were always meant to be a Guardian. Actually... You are the last of the Guardians! – Those words hit Galaniel like a punch in the stomach. – Boldar always had the vain hope that you could follow him and be a forward, but he does not know all our history.
Then Eushaniel account of the War of Vicennium, the curse that befell the Guardians. – Yes, mother, it is counted in school. – What you do not know is that the guardians who were pregnant, were two forwards and two children were born... Galator and I.
With the eyes wide open, Galaniel can not say anything and his mother continues: – our families created us with the customs and traditions of our caste and, when we arrived at adulthood, we married. Since then, we try to conceive a child, so that our caste not over, mingling with the others. – Why am I only found o
ut about this now? – It was a request for Boldar, so he could approach you, and I think also a wish that in some way, you follow his caste... – Some things, however, are written and can not be changed. This is your legacy, my son. Do not feel shame or sorrow, feel proud to be from our caste. We are honored warriors, we defend those who can not protect themselves. We are the last line of defense, we attract opponents to our direction, so that others are able to slaughter them. – I never thought that way. – Yes I know. The other castes offend us and do little if our function, but the truth is that without guardians, even those of mixed heritage, our armies would be decimated.
Eushaniel is silent for a few moments for the child can absorb everything. – You never told me right how Dad died. – Now you are old enough to know. Your father died fighting a Legion, a soldier protecting the gates of the city Telkan, enduring one of the last major attacks at five cities, achieving the necessary time that our army could repel the other attackers. He passed away the beast, but he died from injuries resulting from the battle. – And the soldier survived? – Yes, and you know him well. It was Gilard, the son of Boldar.
Galaniel inspires, amazed at the revelation. – And I will be eternally grateful for that. – Boldar’s voice is heard in enclosure door. – Honey, our guests are asking for you. And for our new Guardian. – Eushaniel remades from surprise answered. – I'll be right, dear. – I would like to exchange a few words with Galaniel, if I may – Boldar speaks to his wife who just nods, embraces Galaniel, after looking into his eyes, says, - pride, but only here – pointing to the heart of her child. – Do not talk to anyone about what I told you. Inside the chest, you will know about many things.
Then she kisses the forehead of Galaniel and goes out of the attic. Boldar approaches Galator’s armor, running a hand through his helmet, speaks: – his father was the best warrior I have ever met. I understand that today was the one who managed to kill alone one of those monsters. – How? – I do not know many details, but I know that he really hurt it, plunged his sword to the hilt in the monster's chest, which broke up in smoke – he speaks to unsheathe the sword with the cable adorned with sapphires. – It was erected a statue in his honor, just outside the main gate of the city. He received the title of savior of Telkan. When you can, go to see it. – Too much to absorb – Galaniel speaks, half absorbed. – I'll leave you alone to see things calmly of your father, but rather I would like you to know that I am very proud of you. In my foolishness, I just wish you had been my caste, but now I see that was a nonsense. You are the son of a good friend of mine, whom I love very much. Like your mother told you: be proud because you do not owe anything to anyone and I am absolutely sure you will be a great warrior – he ends sheathing the sword again, teary eyes and walks to the door.
- Boldar! The forward looks to Galaniel, who approaches and hugs – No one could have better mentor. - And tears are shed. When they parted, Boldar wipes his eyes with a hand saying – It has a lot of dust here, it irritates the eyes. – It is true, I'll open the window – Galaniel responds with a knowing smile as dry eyes himself. Boldar nods for his stepson and goes out, closing the door behind him.
- God! How much I did not know! How much should I not know yet? – He passes a hand in armor, then he picks up the tip of the flag, feeling its tissue, then he looks at the chest campaign. He kneels in front of it and, with a deep breath, he lifts the cover.
Although there were several items which were well packed and in excellent condition. In the center was a book with a leather cover and a similar closure to a belt, which had a buckle adorned with the symbol of the Guardians, and his big riffle nailed to a clip.
Galaniel removes the book from the chest, and when he releases the latch and opens the book, a paper, carefully folded, falls to the ground. He picks it up and sees a familiar seal, marking the wax, and he opens it. It was the letter that Galator had left to Eushaniel before he died.
As he reads it, Galaniel cries because the father who he never knew, for the pain of his mother must have felt and loaded for all these years and the feeling of revenge that now fills her soul. Then he places the letter, again, back in the book, which had shown to be a war diary, filled almost halfway. He closes the book, putting it back in the trunk, gets up and stopped, looking at the flag, and thinks to: – first, I need to deserve this. – Then, he closes the bag and out of the small room, he locks it, and goes down to meet the guests.
When Eushaniel and Boldar see him in the room, he smiles to both who repay that smile. Then someone knocks on his back. – Congratulations, little brother! Now tell me in detail how you were in the ring. – It was Gilard.
The days pass quickly and it was time to Inara and Galaniel return. The farewell, like all, was watered with tears, recommendations and concerns. The mentale and the guardian went to the Citadel to start the last step before leaving for the war.
When they reached the gates of the Citadel, they knelt and recited the oath. Then they came in, heading toward the place where they stay previously. – Hey, you two! - Someone calls them, causing them to turn back. – Where are you going? – It was Tregor. – For accommodation, sir – answers Inara. – That place is for trainees, you are now recruits. Now, you go to the barracks – he says, pointing to the opposite side, near the northwest tower and leads them to the site.
Quite different from the previous housing, the barracks were much larger, with bunk beds lined up on one side and the other, with more than half filled with men and women. The smell was a mixture of sweat, foot odor, wet dog and some indecipherable type of cleaning supplies trying to cover it all. – Welcome to your new "home" – Tregor says goodbye, leaving to return to his duties. – IRC – Inara complained wrinkling her nose. – Then came two more newcomers? – A rough voice sounds behind them. – I'm Niwag, the head of the barracks, who are you? – Galaniel and Inara, sir – the guardian replied. – I want to know your caste, recruit, your names do not matter to me. – I'm Mentale and he is Guardian – answers Inara, annoyed with the rudeness. – A Guardian?! Okay, this bedroom is yours, girl. Come with me, boy. - The brothers embrace quickly. – How beautiful! Hurry up, I do not have the whole day!
Galaniel goes with Niwag to the last room of the place. – Here's your bedroom, boy. Have a good time. – The room was much smaller than his sister’s, few bunk beds and, thus he could observe its occupants, in most cases, did not seem to be great warriors.
Galaniel goes to the first empty bunk and puts up his things in a small closet next the door. – Hello there! – One of the four guardians who held the dorm approached. – Were you also out of luck in the choice, do you? I call Temar – he speeches, reaching out in greeting. – Nice, I call Galaniel. It is not always get what we want. – Yes, I'm a GB – GB? – Oh, I forgot you got now. Here we split into GA, GB and GM, which means Guardian Avant, Bionte Guardian and Guardian Mentale. Thus, we know where it comes from each and every one prefers to specialize: attack, cure or magic. – And does not the Guardian... Guardian? – You think you have someone who is guardian and wants to marry another? This is crazy. It is enough that one of the varieties is bad in the family, who will want two? - Galaniel is silent – And what you? – Remembering what his mother had told him about keeping secret, he used the caste Boldar. – I'm GA. – Great. Now we can train more attacks, we have few GAs in total are twelve, thirteen with you. Five GBs five GMs and three GAs. I'll let you finish to fix. I usually talk much, sometimes... – Nodding departs. – Incredible, the very guardians are devalued... they prefer to define subclasses to be what they are – he thinks as he ends to keep his things.
Galaniel were the last recruit of the Guardians coming. Once finished to establish, he entered in the housing, a very strong man, over forty years, judging by the white hair on the temples. Scars adorned his skin, even in the face. He was wearing an incomplete armor: breastplate, clamps, greaves, full mail and a gray robe with the symbol of the Guardians in navy blue to the center.
His weapons were a hand an
d a half sword, also known as a bastard, usually chosen by caste, because it can be used with shell or without it, using both hands. His shield was beautiful, round and big, with a large sun at its center, adorned with red and yellow sapphires, imitating the rays of the sun.
Immediately, the recruits were placed on standby next to the central end to their bunks and silence reigned in the housing. The man was walking slowly to the end of the room, looking in detail for each recruit, who dared not move an inch more than his nervous breath allowed.
In the end, still without a word, he returned the same way until the housing room. – I see we have two new recruits. Names? – Temar, sir, I am of the province of... – I asked only the name. – Temar stopped – Galaniel, sir – I'm Feltam, coach of the Guardians of the Citadel. Recruits, I want everyone, at noon, fed and ready on the "G" hall. Beginners, I want you an hour before in my room – he concludes, turns and leaves the room.
When the northwest tower bell concludes its eleven bells, Temar and Galaniel are outside the Feltam room, sitting on a stone bench, leaded to the left wall, long, allowing them to sit still three more people.
The door opens and the coach's voice sounds: – Temar, enter and close the door. – Time seems to crawl for Galaniel, while the other recruits are there. – What the hell, they both talk so much? What does this coach want to know so? – WheheIt is almost dozing, he is agreed by the door opening and Temar comes out there as a little scared and yellow. – What happened? – When Temar answers him: – Galaniel come in and close the door. – Both are silent, Temar follows to the housing and Galaniel enters the room, closing the door behind him. Upon entering, he stands up, at attention, beside the chair that sits across the table from Feltam. – Sit down. – Yes, sir.
Galaniel sees an open folder on the table. – I see here that you were from the blue group. – Yes, sir. – They won the combat leader medal. – Galaniel nods. – Congratulations. And... what the focus of interest in their training: attack, cure or magic? – he questions, slowly, to Galaniel, sitting sideways on his chair, with his left arm flexed out, with his hand on the side back of the chair, and the right resting on the table with his hand holding his chin and the index finger, rubbing his goatee mustache thicker than cultivated. Galaniel thought to Temar of explanation, the request of his mother, but something of that man, inspired him confidence. – None of the three, sir. – Feltam, taken by surprise, now frowns. – And what you want? – Defense, sir. I want to know all about defense. – The coach near closes the eyes, closing the face. - Who is your father? – Boldar, sir – he responds cautious. – And your mother? – Eushaniel. – Feltam makes a long silence – Who is... your father? – the coach asks again, with flashing eyes.