by S. L. Morgan
Harrison laughed. “Are you thinking about rekindling the relationship you just blew to hell back there?”
Levi rolled his eyes, and shook his head. “I’ve got eight more hours to figure out how will explain my actions to my mother.”
“Levi, you are ridiculous! So when are you going to let me in on this epiphany that you had?”
Levi stared darkly at his cousin. “I’m really not in the mood.”
Harrison sighed dramatically. “Give me the details; I need to be able to defend you when the gossip begins. I would rather hear it from you, instead of my sister—or worse than that—Simone.”
Levi grinned. “I envy you.”
“Ha! How’s that? Please enlighten me.”
“Tell me; how is it that you can walk in and walk out of any relationship you choose, at any time? You leave the girl broken-hearted, and your family is okay with it? More than that, you’re okay with it? Why can it not be that way for me?”
“Well, first of all, you’re nothing like me. Secondly, I don’t feel obligated to impress anyone.” He laughed and then went on. “And thirdly, I’d hardly call them relationships.”
Levi rolled his eyes. “Harrison, I have witnessed more than one woman slap you across your smug face in almost every kingdom we visit together; and soon thereafter, another is in your arms.” He looked over at Harrison. “How do you manage that?”
Harrison shrugged and shifted his weight in his saddle. “Well, I look at it this way; all of the times I have been slapped pale in comparison to the marvelous time I had with the woman who slapped me.”
“That makes no sense.”
“It makes perfect sense to me. You will not find me locked down in a relationship with any one woman. I will not let any woman claim me as her possession.” He laughed. “That’s what they do, you know.”
“Oh? How’s that?” Levi said, deciding to humor him.
“Well, for example, let’s say I am courting Isabelle. She immediately assumes we are intended to be married, and then she waits impatiently for me to ask for her hand in marriage. Then, let’s say we attend a ball. At this ball, my eyes are innocently drawn to other beautiful women in the room; and as a result, she slaps me across the face for no reason.”
Levi laughed. “I think you are being a little dramatic.”
“Absolutely not! Levi, women are possessive creatures. I am only saying; I will enjoy their company and their lovely lips, so long as they understand I am not theirs to possess.”
“Perhaps you are right, Harrison; however, I believe you will retract these words one day.”
Harrison shook his head. “Nope. There is no woman who will ever steal my heart in such a way. I guard it well.”
They reached the palace with plenty of daylight left. After a fresh change of clothes and something to eat, Levi made his way to the stables in order to go to a more private setting.
He stopped abruptly when he noticed his father waiting with his horse in the stable yard.
“Father, I will return after a while. I am in no mood to be lectured,” he said, as he walked to where Areion waited.
Navarre mounted his horse and grinned. “Regardless of your mood, son, you are coming with me.”
As badly as Levi wanted to ignore his father’s command, he didn’t want to face the consequence of doing so. Navarre led them to an area that Levi had never been before. The steep and demanding climb up the mountain made Levi curious as to what his father had planned. After they made it to the top, Levi was awestruck by the magnificent sight before him. The panoramic scene swept from Pasidian Palace, all the way to the ocean.
“Why have you not ever told me of this place?” Levi asked as they dismounted.
Navarre smiled and clapped Levi on his shoulder. “I am surprised that with all of your exploring, you have never discovered it for yourself.”
Levi laughed. “I am, too.”
“Son, my father brought me here when I was a bit younger than you are now to speak with me about what my intended duties as emperor would be when the day came.”
Levi’s lips tightened. Here it comes.
Navarre walked over toward the edge of the mountainside that overlooked the valleys below. “Son, whether you want to accept this or not, it is in your blood. You will stand as emperor over all of Pemdas. Everyone will answer to each and every command you give them. Kings will seek your advice, and they will be at your mercy. Other dimensions will depend on your Guardians and your knowledge. Earth, of course, will always rely upon your best judgment when decisions need to be made on their behalf. You must prepare yourself for this.”
Levi rubbed his forehead, agitated about the subject his father wanted to discuss with him.
Navarre regarded Levi with a stern gaze. “Levi, it is my responsibility to help you come to a better understanding of what being the emperor of Pemdas entails, and to be of support as you cope with the great duty of it.”
Levi felt his jaw muscle spasm, not realizing how tightly he was clenching his teeth together. “Father, if this is about Isabelle, please, you do not need to explain to me about being the emperor—”
“Of course this is not about Isabelle.” He laughed. “Well, not in the manner you believe. I am aware that you are trying to please your mother and me, but marrying a woman because of her royal lineage is not what we expect of you. On the other hand, it would come in handy for your wife to be as such. I want you to understand that we are not upset over you ending that relationship.”
“What?” Levi stared at his father, confused.
“Son, please, these kinds of talks are not in my expertise. Your mother can find a better way to inform you about love and those sorts of things. Just know that we expect you to find a woman who will make you happy,” he grinned sympathetically, “as you will greatly need that, when the day should come that you will stand as emperor.”
Levi’s lips tightened as his eyebrows knit together. “Father, regardless, I don’t want this life.”
“Levi, you are still young. You need not have any concern. I am not asking you to rule all of Pemdas tomorrow.” Navarre laughed.
Levi sighed in relief. He loved his father more than anything, and couldn’t imagine the day he would have to say goodbye to him indefinitely. Navarre was wise beyond his years, and Levi understood there was much to learn from him.
“Well, Father, I will allow you to educate me on how I should approach being emperor one day, as long as you promise me one thing.”
Navarre nodded.
“Don’t die anytime soon—give me some time to live a normal life first.” Levi grinned.
Unexpectedly, Navarre smiled, and brought Levi into a tight embrace. “Son, I plan to be around for a long time, and to hold my grandchildren in my arms.” He stepped back and laughed.
Levi arched an eyebrow sharply and exhaled in laughter. He stood tall next to Navarre. “So, Father, what is it you wish to advise me on?”
Navarre put his arm around Levi’s shoulders, and together they stared out at the ocean. “You see, Levi, I like to compare the responsibility of emperor to that of an ocean—”
“Levi?” Harrison called out.
Levi turned, startled. How long had he been standing and staring out of his office window.
“Yes, Harrison. Is my mother ready?”
Harrison nodded somberly. “She is with Reece, Lizzy, and my parents. We are waiting on you.”
“Give me a moment,” Levi replied.
“Very well,” Harrison responded, and turned to leave.
Levi brought his attention back to the view outside of his window. He needed to pull himself together. His duty commanded him to guide the grieving residents of Pemdas past the death of their fallen emperor.
He would perform his father’s final farewell this night, and he would use every ounce of energy he had to repress his emotions.
With superior command, Levi spun on his heel and turned to leave the room to go honor his father and all who de
pended on him…just as his duty commanded him.
Sneak Peak into
Ancient Guardians: Book III
Voices, like musical instruments, spoke in unison and perfect harmony. It was the oddest, yet soothing sound. “He will become conscious again,” the voices said in unison, “and they will come.” The female voices finished.
The room became silent.
Unexpectedly, Navarre opened his eyes. He tried to move, but a strong force restrained him to the hard surface he was lying on. He tried to speak, but no words came out. Where am I? He thought, confused.
“His eyes have opened,” The voices said in astonishment, “Our plans have methodically worked! Let us give him some time to recover his strength, and then we will proceed to question the emperor.”
Navarre struggled to comprehend what was going on, and who was speaking. What happened? How did I get here? As quick as a memory flashed into his mind, it vanished; until finally, his mind started to become clearer. He remembered staring into his wife’s confident eyes as he said his farewells before his departure for Armedias, knowing he may never see her again.
Then he remembered addressing his warriors, preparing them for a battle in which they were greatly outnumbered. His command to the men echoed in his mind. Brave men of Pemdas, it is a great honor for me to fight alongside each one of you. Now, let us fulfill our duties as Guardians, and recover the Key!”
Everything started to come into focus, as if it had just taken place. He led the charge, and their plans were being executed flawlessly. When the Armedite army invaded with horses, and broke their line, the battle became a more of a challenge. As soon as the line broke, Navarre kept close to Levi, knowing he was separated from Areion. His son fought fiercely, but he was overtaken.
“Levi!” Navarre’s voice boomed, his voice echoing loudly in the room he was restrained in.
He exhaled when he recalled the last and final memory he had. His lungs weren’t taking in air, and he knew his life was ending. He stared up into the intense eyes of his son. Levi remained stern, gazing down at him, and then he was on Areion.
Directly after, everything faded to black. He remembered nothing else until he woke up in this eerie room, paralyzed and staring up at nothing. The atmosphere of the room was filled with absolute void and desolation.
I’ve got to get out of here. he thought as he tried to move unsuccessfully.
The harmonized voices laughed, startling him. “Emperor, you will leave, but now is not the time.”
Being in such a vulnerable state was highly agitating. He was stunned when he tried to sit up again, his body responded. He tried to swing his legs off of the table, but they were still restrained by the strange energy force. He looked straight ahead and noticed four transparent women. They each had long, flowing, golden hair, and wore long, pale robes. All four women were identical in their appearance, and looked exactly like the priestess that was held captive in Pemdas. He recalled Levi ended that Priestess’s life, and therein, all of her sisters. Why are they still alive? How am I still alive?
“You are Lucas’s Priestesses—where am I? Why am I here? I should be dead!” He demanded.
The four smiled in unison. “You were, for a brief moment; that was the only way we could capture you, and transport you into our galaxy.”
“Galaxy? What are you talking about? You reside in Armedias—you are from Armedias.” Navarre answered, still struggling to gather his memories.
Their eyes became fierce, and changed from a turquoise color, to a bright crimson.
“We are NOT from Armedias!” They collectively shouted. “We are not from the galaxy that the planet Earth is a part of either. We only used Armedias to set out to find what we were instructed to find—and that is the stone that controls all of the existing realms of Earth.”
Navarre’s brow furrowed, “That is impossible. No one can travel out of their own galaxy, never has such a thing been attempted.”
Wicked smiles pulled up on all of their faces, “Oh, but we can. We can generate ourselves in a particular way to do so. Nevertheless, you are correct, Emperor; no one can travel through different galaxies. Unless, of course, a particular stone was fashioned, by a particular man, and the powers within it could be used. This stone does not only to protect the planet Earth, but it will also open portals to new galaxies.”
Navarre was disillusioned by what he was hearing. “You used the stone’s powers to open a portal to bring me here? What do I have that you need?”
They laughed, “You see, that is why you are here. We don’t have the stone’s powers. We have played numerous games with those in your galaxy, trying to locate the one who carries the map to the stone. It was when Movac uncovered the identity of the one who carries the map in her mind that we took over Armedias their ruler, Lucas.”
He recalled Galleta informing him about the length of time the Priestesses where with Lucas. His lips tightened in frustration, “Impossible, all of you took up residence in Armedias years ago.”
The women laughed in unison, “I see our sister was successful in manipulating your advisors, Emperor. She is supreme with her skill.”
“What!” Navarre’s voice boomed in agitation.
“Yes, we have only resided since the Key, as you call her, was revealed to the Council of Worlds.” Their eyes narrowed, “We needed a weak leader, one whose mind could be manipulated for our cause. Lucas was perfect, and therefore we used him and his people to give us what we needed. Imagine our utter amazement when we learned that your son was able to see the location. Unfortunately, his mind will not reveal the stone’s location, nor will that human child’s. After learning this, we needed a new way of opening the portal for our master. The only way to do this was to get the one person who is able to find and use the stone’s power to open the portal for us. This, emperor, is why you are here. Your brave warriors will come for you.”
“They believe me to be dead!” Navarre shouted angrily.
“Indeed, one last enjoyable torment for your people. You were replaced with a clone the moment we used the energy of the vortex to capture you.” The voices laughed, “Our plans were executed so flawlessly that your talented horse could not detect the transfer.”
“A clone?” Navarre thought aloud.
“Yes, an exact replica of what you were when you were dead, passing through the vortex. We used our powers to take your body, and at the same time, the clone was transferred onto the horse.”
“None of this makes sense.” he said as he tried to comprehend what these women where telling him.
“It doesn’t have too. All that matters now is that we will have finally achieved what we need,” They smiled down at him, “the portal to Earth’s galaxy to be opened.”
Navarre gazed sternly at the women, “My son will never attempt such a thing. The Council of World’s would never—”
They collectively smiled, “Oh, but your son will. He will come for you, and he will bring the stone with him. That, bold emperor, is when our kind will rule over all galaxies.”
“There is no way—”
“YES!” Their eyes glowed red, “Yes, Emperor, there is a way!” Their eyes returned to turquoise again and they smiled, “Once your son realizes you are alive, and that there is a way he can open up the portal to a new galaxy, then, Emperor, he will come for you, and we will have our power.”
Navarre shook his head, “Your plans will never come to fruition. If what you are saying is true about Levi finding a way to open a portal for inter-galactic travel, he would never attempt it. The Council of Worlds will never allow it!”
They smiled, “See for yourself, Emperor, we will have him soon enough.”
At that moment, the dreary walls all around them displayed a snowy mountain range. The air in the room became bitterly cold, as if he were inside the images he was staring at.
His sudden chill was instantly replaced with fear and dread. Aggressively fighting their way through the harsh terrain was a line of f
ierce Guardian horses with Pemdai warriors upon their backs. There had to of been at least a hundred of them. They wore their guardian regalia and rode their horses in two’s. The long trail of horses followed one bold horse and its rider. Navarre studied the rider intently; something was different about the Guardian on this horse.
No! It can’t be…he thought in disbelief. Navarre inhaled deeply and swallowed hard, “Reece?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
S.L. Morgan was born and raised in California. After 29 years of living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains there, she and her husband began their journeys of moving throughout the United States. She currently lives in Texas, where she and her husband are raising their three children.
In October of 2011, S.L. Morgan became inspired to write her new novel series, “Ancient Guardians.” With her passion and love for Jane Austen and other classic romance novels, she was motivated to write a novel series of her own.
S.L. Morgan is currently anticipating five books in the Ancient Guardians series, and is very excited to bring her readers on more adventures and journeys with Levi, Reece and Harrison.
You can also find S.L. Morgan here:
Official Website: www.slmorganauthor.com
WordPress Blog: http://ancientguardiansnovel.wordpress.com
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Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key (Book 1)Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AncientGuardiansLegacyOfTheKey?ref=hl
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