“I’ll let you two be.”
Xavier began to walk away, but before he left, he gave Alexander one last look and something silently passed between them. Emily didn’t notice because she couldn’t see their faces. She pressed her cheek against Alexander’s chest and held him tightly.
Once Xavier was gone, Alexander spoke up. “I’m so sorry I walked out on you. I don’t know what came over me. I just had to get away.”
The regret was evident in his voice.
She pulled away from him, wanting to see his kind green eyes. Her last memory of his face was not one she liked.
“There’s no need to apologize. I’m not angry. I understand why you walked out,” Emily said gently.
He huffed and began pacing again. “I don’t understand why the Governing Five would keep such vital information a secret. Do you know how many Guardians struggle because they do not know our exact origins? How many are hurt by not knowing the truth? How I have hurt over it?” The frustration in his voice grew with each sentence.
Emily watched him for a moment.
“They said it was in an effort to keep the history preserved and undefiled. I guess when it comes from a thousand different mouths it’s bound to have a thousand different add-ons or embellishments. They said it was sacred knowledge,” she shrugged, not sure if what she just said would offer comfort or only fuel the fire burning in his heart.
He shook his head. “History is preserved by the telling of it. It cannot be conserved by hiding it like some dirty secret.” He looked directly into Emily’s eyes. “If I knew what the Governing Five had planned for you I would never have brought you. Regardless of how I feel for you I am obligated to protect you, and letting you stab yourself…”
Though Alexander had not intended it to be an insult, Emily’s heart sank. Was that what this was about, him doing his job? No, Emily knew better. This was not what he meant. He was just having a hard time expressing his feelings, an unusual occurrence for him.
She pushed the unintentional emotional slap from her mind.
“This is not about you doing your job. This is about something bigger than us both,” she grabbed his hand and drew it to her chest.
Her sudden touch calmed him.
“This is about trust. Trusting that there is a divine design in everything, trusting that everything happens for a reason.” Emily recognized the words flowing from her lips. They were ideas her father had reiterated to her over and over. An unseen strength came from the words she spoke and buoyed her up. It was like having her father near and she felt as though she was comforting herself just as much as she was comforting Alexander.
He looked up, his eyes filled with the same sadness she’d seen in the Great Hall.
“You once asked me if I believed in you. I am now asking you the same question. Do you believe in me? Do you believe I have something important to accomplish here? Alexander…” she paused, hoping he would accept her words, “I know without a doubt I’m supposed to be here. This is my purpose. If this is the way the Governing Five say it has to be then I’m willing to trust them, and I’m asking you to do the same. Aldara said I didn’t have to die. My blood can be given a little bit at a time. And even though it doesn’t sound like the most pleasant experience, it will be worth it. This is what Aldara needs to create more Guardians. Isn’t that what we both want?”
He moved in to close the remaining space between them.
“I just want to be with you,” he whispered.
Emily’s heart began to melt, his words creating warmth starting deep within her chest. This was a side of Alexander she never expected to see. It was a very vulnerable, slightly selfish side. And she wouldn’t have changed anything about his admission. It was real and heartfelt.
“We are going to be with one another. But part of loving someone is supporting them. So I need for you to support me in this. Please,” she pled.
“If this is what you know you’re supposed to do here, then I won’t stop you. I’ll support you simply because I love you. But, I’m not going to pretend that I like it, Emily.”
They both stayed silent as they pondered the implications of her decision and his partial acceptance.
Just when she was about to announce she thought they should start heading back, Alexander pulled her to him tightly and pressed his lips to hers.
The passion of his kiss was stronger than she’d ever felt before. His hands slowly rolled over her back, drawing her in so there was no space between them.
The physical pleasure of being held so closely tempted her. It made her want to relinquish all self-control, but she couldn’t. She fought the urge to succumb to her body’s desires. It wasn’t just because Emily did not want to compromise herself and a standard she’d set.
No, there was something else.
An alarm was going off in her head, telling her this was not the Alexander she knew. Something was different.
Chapter 8
The dust in the air was distracting. It swirled around, invaded her nostrils and tickled her throat. The dryness in her mouth worsened with each breath she took. Sweat rolled down her face and neck as the sun beat down on her back.
She peeked over to the Arena’s shaded area where Alexander sat, leaning forward with his forearms on his knees. He watched her intently, like a guard dog ready to pounce at the first sign of trouble. She longed to be in the shade, relaxing in his embrace.
“Concentrate, Emily. What do you hear? What do you smell? Open your senses,” Damarus commanded.
His remarks snapped Emily’s attention back to the Arena’s center where she now stood. Damarus circled her continually. He was kicking up the dust irritating her lungs.
“It’s no different, I still feel the same. I smell dirt and I hear you, nothing more,” she responded, dissatisfied.
It had been eight days since Emily met with the Governing Five in the Great Hall. Eight days since Alexander’s unusual outburst.
After she’d found him in the meadow, Emily decided the remaining part of the day would be better spent with him. They both knew the days ahead were going to limit their time together, so she’d delayed the training set to begin that afternoon and rescheduled.
Early the next morning there had been no escaping that it was time to begin with Damarus. Olivia had her up with the rising sun and off to the Arena before she even felt fully awake.
The first day had been spent talking. Damarus elaborated on what he had only hinted toward when they met in the Great Hall. When he had mentioned how humans in the beginning were much more in tune with their powers and abilities, it had sparked her interest.
On that first day at the Arena Damarus explained to Emily how every human being was born with what Guardians referred to as a ‘core’. Guardians also have this core and are trained from creation to recognize it and access it. Humans, over time, lost sight of this divine power within. Slowly but surely, those who knew how to utilize their abilities died without passing on their crucial knowledge.
It was a startling revelation to Emily. If she understood correctly, all humans had supernatural power to varying degrees. They just didn’t know their full potential.
Damarus said some humans through the years had found little loopholes here and there to access their core, even though they didn’t know this was what they were doing. When humans did astounding things, like lift the weight of a car to rescue someone, the experience was usually written off as pure adrenaline. In reality, those humans were connecting with the divine powers typically dormant within. He also referenced psychic and magical abilities, as other gifts which were a manifestation of the powers lying tucked away deep down in the human core.
“Imagine your core as an orb of light in the pit of the stomach. It is in hibernation, its glow is dim and continually fading with each year which passes in your existence. The more you ignore it the more it retreats within you, deeper and deeper. But, if you were to access it, awaken this orb of energy from its slumber, you would find i
t would supply you with many of the supernatural capabilities you witness Alexander or other Guardians using.”
Damarus’ words had excited Emily at the time. But, it had been a week now since he had explained these things, and she was still no closer to being superhuman than she was to being an apple or banana.
She still felt like her same old self, lacking any extraordinary power.
Damarus had begun his training with teaching her how to meditate. And though it seemed like a beneficial foundation, the only thing which had come from it was an overall relaxation leaving her feeling like she was ready for bed.
And now, with the sun beating down on her in the open Arena, the only thing she was feeling was hot, tired and quite disheartened, as well.
Everything Emily had experienced so far was outrageously mind-boggling. Mystical lands, fantasy, and paranormal beings—all had become the reality she’d learned to accept. But, the idea of every human having special abilities locked away deep within them just didn’t seem plausible, especially for her.
Sure, Emily was like most children who at one time or another dreamed of becoming some sort of superhero like those she read about in the comic books. Reality eventually set in for her at a young age. Eighteen years of what she thought were realistic views of life were forced on her and it was difficult for her to fight the limitations she’d so firmly set in her mind, let alone completely discard them.
“Emily you are tired, I know this. I only push you because it is usually at the point where one feels they cannot go any further, they break barriers,” Damarus said gently.
She’d let her mind wander, which was the complete opposite of what he was asking her to do. His hand rested softly on her shoulder, and it reminded her of how much she missed her father.
“I’m sorry, Damarus. I am trying, honestly, but I’m having a hard time focusing.”
“It’s because she could use a break,” Alexander strode forward, sounding irritated.
“I’m fine,” she directed her response back at him wishing he would relax a little more.
“Damarus, you’ve had her out here for five hours straight. She hasn’t even had a moment to take water or food. You may not need these things but Emily does,” he said boldly.
“Alexander, I’m fine, really…”
“No, he’s right.” Damarus interrupted before she could argue with his statement. “It would be wise to take a rest. I do forget you are not as my Guardians, you still have human needs. You’ve done beautifully so far. Eat and rest. One must be able to fully focus when dealing with the mind’s powers and your body’s core.” He seemed completely ignorant of the resentment emanating from Alexander and turned to escort Emily from the arena.
Alexander’s eyes were hard and lacked any suppleness as he watched Damarus lead her through the stone arch and out to a nearby tree. Since Damarus had revealed the truth about the Guardian’s creation, Alexander had not looked at him or any of the Governing Five with the same reverence or respect he once had.
Olivia waited by the tree patiently with a food basket. The water spilling over the wooden jug’s lip summoned Emily closer. Her body thirsted and water was all she could think of. She drank deeply from the pitcher Olivia handed her, letting the water leak out over her mouth and down her neck. The liquid coolness was welcomed as it saturated her cotton tunic, the wetness pasting the material to her upper chest.
Alexander took a deep breath. He averted his eyes to save face in front of his Elder and began to un-wrap food from the basket. They sat down on a heavy leather cloth spread beneath the tree.
The temperature outside was not overwhelmingly hot but being in the direct sunlight for as long as Emily had certainly drained her. The shade was instantly revitalizing.
The four sat in silence for quite a while as Emily ate the delicious morsels from the basket. She could feel her energy returning with each bite. When she was finished she stretched back to lie down, her head falling directly beside Alexander. He was sitting with his legs extended in front of him and leaning back on his hands. He shifted his weight to free one hand and began to stroke Emily’s hair.
“Are you feeling better now?”
She let a satisfied hum escape her lips. “Yes. It isn’t too warm out but the shade feels so good.”
“It’s because Damarus had you out there long enough to bake,” Alexander said, roughly.
Olivia looked at him with a puzzled expression. The tone in his voice dripped with accusation. The sharp statement made everyone slightly uncomfortable.
Damarus stood up, brushing the grass from his tunic and straitening his sash. “I believe we have worked you hard enough for the day. I know Aldara still requires your presence today, so we will conclude this session. I will see you tomorrow,” Damarus turned to leave before anyone could bid him goodbye. This abrupt exit indicated he had taken offense to Alexander’s remark. And yet, his countenance remained unfazed.
Emily sat up quickly and turned to Alexander.
“Do you really need to speak to Damarus so cruelly? He’s only trying to help. These little snide remarks just aren’t you.” She tried to speak softly so her voice wouldn’t carry too far.
Alexander watched Damarus leave, his lips curled up as if he might say something rude again, but then his features softened. His face reverted to the gentle and compassionate one Emily knew, the one she’d grown accustomed to over the past months.
“I didn’t mean for my comment to be an attack,” there was sincerity in his voice.
She was happy to hear it.
“I know you’re still upset about what was discussed in the Great Hall the other day but I need you to try and move past that. For me, please try.”
“I am trying but obviously it’s not quite enough.” Alexander shook his head. “I’ll try harder, but that’s all I can promise.”
Alexander grabbed her hand and squeezed it, gently offering a physical seal to his promise.
His soft touch warmed her heart and she felt the instant and addictive relaxation overcome her.
A tiny, intangible wedge had weaseled its way between them. If only they could forget the controversial things going and put a stop to it before the wedge was driven even deeper. But she couldn’t turn her back on the very beings caught in the fight between good and evil and she was certain Alexander would eventually accept the fact she was willing to spill her blood for his kind. It was the right thing to do.
“Well,” Emily breathed out, “I suppose we should go and see Aldara. I told her today would be the day I would go with her to the…” she hesitated a moment, “…uuummm the sacred pool.”
She finished her sentence quieter than she began, glancing nervously at Olivia.
“Yes, we should get going. I believe Aldara was expecting you quite a bit later but I will go ahead to let her know you are ready.”
Olivia quickly packed up the items she’d brought and excused herself.
Emily looked at Alexander, uncertain of the expression on his face. Today would be the first day to begin her role in replenishing human blood to the sacred pool. The two had not discussed the matter since they had come to a partial resolution in the meadow. It was definitely the ‘elephant in the room.’
To her joyful surprise he did not look upset or displeased, as she’d anticipated. He had just promised he would try harder and the fresh vow was undoubtedly influencing his current disposition.
“I guess we should get you to Aldara then.” He stood and offered both hands to help pull her up.
They walked to the Gathering Stone hand in hand. Alexander joked lightly about some of the features they passed as they strolled by. It was refreshing to hear him speak so playfully. She’d missed it the past few days.
When they reached the meeting spot, Aldara stood there waiting with Olivia by her side. The Elder’s utter beauty seemed to dwarf Olivia, making her somewhat transparent to the naked eye. By no means was Olivia lacking in physical loveliness, but Aldara seemed to radiate a glo
w from within, as if her very heart manifested itself in her physical countenance.
She greeted them both with a hug. Emily welcomed the feeling but then stepped back to observe Alexander’s reaction to the gesture. He allowed her embrace but gave a half-hearted squeeze back. It was obvious he hadn’t completely forgiven his leaders and still, in fact, harbored some angst.
“If you are ready, I will take you now. Olivia you will need to remain here. Alexander, however, is welcome to come. If you wish,” Aldara turned her gaze in his direction.
He gave a silent nod and the three began walking down the eastern path she indicated.
They walked in silence for a time, no one was quite sure how to start a conversation or even if a conversation would be appropriate. It was Alexander who finally spoke up.
“Where exactly are you taking her?”
Aldara glanced over her shoulder to acknowledge she’d heard him, but she continued to walk forward. “I am taking her through the eastern forest and the Woods of Creo to the Pool of Tibess.”
“The Woods of Creo? We’re really going back?” Alexander’s asked in disbelief.
“Yes, you are truly going back, my son.”
“Emily, it would be good for you to know that Guardians are not permitted past the eastern forest. Once they emerge from these woods for the first time with me they are never allowed to return. This is so we might keep the Woods of Creo sacred and undefiled as well as keep the Pool of Tibess hidden.”
Emily glanced around her as the path continued through giant trees that thickly covered the area. Tall and strong magnolia trees intermingled, creating a green canopy above them.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Emily paused to give Aldara a chance to shoot her down before she even released her question, “why are Guardians not permitted back to these woods? Why have you kept them in the dark about their creation and this pool?”
Emily asked more for Alexander’s benefit than her own.
“It wasn’t always like this. In the very beginning we spoke openly of our creation and allowed access to these woods and the sacred pool. But, it soon proved to be detrimental to our kind. Some Guardians began to tamper with the creation ceremony. They experimented with what they knew to see if they, too, might bring about others of our kind. They were taking it upon themselves and the responsibility was not theirs.”
Daughter of Earth (Tales of the Guardian) Page 7