Daughter of Earth (Tales of the Guardian)

by Brianna Merrill

  “And so it is with mortal life. We cannot change the very course of the web because that would weaken it and therefore lead to its destruction. However, you can change what thread you will follow. In the end, they are all intertwined and you will find that one thread is not without a connection to another. If it were not by Sandros’ hand, Rob would have met his death in another way. Death is inevitable for all living creatures, Emily, even Guardians.”

  They walked in silence as Emily tried to understand all Aldara had said. The elder had a way of making her feel comfortable and relaxed, in a manner only a mother could do for a child. Although Aldara was not her mother, she reminded Emily of her, and there was significance in that.

  “Does Alexander know about everything, I mean have you spoken with him?” Now that she was back in Eden her mind easily reverted to thinking of him.

  She’d missed her best friend, her confidant, and was anxious to see if they couldn’t begin fixing their relationship. Before Rob’s murder, she had a good conversation with her father. She’d decided to make things work with Alexander, no matter what it took.

  The first step was she needed to stop holding him to an unattainable standard. She would help him resolve his inner demons. The largest challenge she faced was figuring out what those inner demons were.

  “I do not know if Alexander is aware of what is going on with Rob’s death and your return. I am afraid I have only seen him once. I followed him shortly after his confrontation with Damarus. He refused to see me.” Aldara glanced down at her hands, she was hurt and it was obvious. “Humans are not the only ones who have trouble figuring out their children. Unfortunately, I do not know everything, and right now I am uncertain of the reasons behind Alexander’s actions.”

  “He just hasn’t seemed like himself at all lately. At first it was just tiny little flares of unpredictability. Now, it seems like his spurts have become his norm and what used to be his normal self is only seen in brief glimpses,” Emily thought aloud. “I want to help him figure things out. Getting him to open up is the problem.”

  “Yes, Alexander has always been one to hold tightly to things. His grip on his emotions is ironclad. He can be stubborn,” Aldara chuckled with some memory that flashed in her mind. “But he is good. I have no doubt of that. His spirit is pure, true and unique. I always knew deep down he would be the Guardian to fulfill the prophecy. Call it mother’s instinct, but I knew.”

  Aldara was right, Alexander was good, and though his most recent actions did not attest to the wonderful person Emily had fallen in love with, she was certain all was not lost with him.

  Real, whole love, couldn’t be given up on so easily. Emily readied herself for what was bound to come.

  Chapter 18

  It had been five days since Emily had returned to Eden. She spent the first two looking for Alexander. She didn’t understand why he had not come to at least see her. It had been a horrible and difficult two days. She was still dealing with the sorrow of Rob’s death, and Alexander’s absence made her worry even more.

  It was as though he’d disappeared.

  She finally came to a point where she knew her emotions were getting the best of her. The best remedy she was aware of to cure runaway emotions was to keep busy. It had always worked well for her to distract her mind and body. The harder the work, the better the diversion.

  She had no control over Alexander; she needed to concentrate on the things she could control. So, she decided to pick up where she’d left off with Damarus and begin her training again.

  Sitting in her chambers or being idle only allowed her thoughts to become negative about both Rob and Alexander. Remaining busy made it easier to stay positive and hopeful.

  The Arena seemed unusually muggy and Emily wondered if it was due to the many extra bodies within its walls. Typically her training sessions consisted of her and Damarus with Olivia popping her head in and out at times, as well as Alexander nearby.

  Today was quite different. Numerous Guardians were seated on the stone benches that climbed the sides of the Arena in the traditional stadium seating.

  Their presence made Emily very nervous. This would be her first day with weapons and it was intimidating enough without an audience. But, it was the very fact she would be using weapons which had piqued so many Guardians’ interest.

  It was like children who are told never to play with matches. The second someone strikes a match they want to witness for themselves the beauty of the forbidden flame. To find out for themselves the enticing and strange danger that comes from something they are not authorized to touch.

  Olivia finished buckling the side strap of the leather breastplate around Emily’s torso.

  “Phew, that is tight. I think I might pass out from oxygen deprivation before my nerves get a chance at me,” Emily slapped the stiff leather that covered her chest.

  “Oh!” Olivia gasped. “Did I do it too tight? I’m sorry, let me adjust it.” She reached her hands forward to unlock the buckle she’d just fastened.

  “No, its fine, really, it’s just unusual. I’m not accustomed to wearing something like this.”

  “It does look a bit awkward,” Olivia tilted her head to the side, allowing another view of the armor. “I’m not sure you are going to be able to fully raise your arms, it looks like that cap at the shoulder will get in the way.”

  Emily rotated her arm in different directions, trying to get a feel for the limitations which might arise from her armor. Surprisingly the leather was flexible in some spots, such as around her shoulders. But, the leather hardened and became tougher around her stomach and heart, obviously to protect her vital organs. A person could survive a strike to the arms but it would be harder to recover from a wound to her internal organs.

  The thought sent chills through her body. It reminded her of the fatal blow to Rob’s lung. She pushed the thought from her mind. This was why she was sparring, why she was training, to keep those memories at bay, not to induce them.

  She glanced around at the weapons displayed a few feet from her. There was a lump growing in the pit of her stomach and she wasn’t certain if it was due to fear or exhilaration. Danger could be an enticing drug and became very addictive for some thrill seekers.

  Emily undoubtedly did not fit into that category, but she had to admit, there was a level of excitement in learning how to spar with real weapons.

  Damarus stood a few yards away, speaking quietly with the other four elders. Even they had not been able to resist seeing something which had never happened before.

  Great effort had gone into gathering the weapons housed for preservation in the Library. Finding ones which were light and easily used took most of the time, especially when the Guardians sent to gather them had not been permitted to try them.

  Their labors had resulted in an abundant supply of small daggers, swords, axes and other items that, for the most part, seemed petite and a good fit for a small female to use.

  Lexington, who was set to be her sparring partner, twirled his sword, first with his right hand and then with his left. His motions were smooth and swift like he was doing a dance with the blade.

  “I thought you said Lexington has never held a sword before,” Emily whispered in Olivia’s ear as they both watched his hypnotizing movements.

  “He hasn’t! At least I’m pretty sure he hasn’t,” Olivia was beginning to second guess herself.

  Lexington handled his weapon like an expert swordsman, as if he had been training with a blade for years. It made Emily feel all the more discomforted. Here she thought she was going to be on fairly even terms with a Guardian because they did not use weapons.

  Both of them being unfamiliar with such things had led her to believe he might be just as clumsy with his sword as she was bound to be. It was now evident her preliminary assumption was wrong.

  Damarus broke free from the group and the other Governing Five parted to the ground level seats only twenty feet away. The elder raised his hands above his he
ad to indicate he wanted silence. The excited whispers abruptly stopped and everyone’s attention was on him.

  “Brothers and sisters, I can see you are all just as anxious to see this training exercise as me. But I want to remind you the law regarding our employment of weapons is the same. Emily is human, and therefore not bound by our guidelines. Teaching her to use a weapon will give her an advantage when it comes to war and defending herself.

  “Lexington is only here as a sparring partner and under no other circumstances is permitted to handle a weapon.”

  Damarus turned to gaze at Lexington. His look was firm and indicated how serious he was about the matter. Lexington would not dare defy Damarus, no Guardian would. It was not out of fear but respect the Guardians found their will to obey.

  Damarus turned back to the crowd, a small smirk spread across his face.

  “However, if Emily proves to be as agile and talented with a weapon as I believe she will be, then we may need replacements for Lexington, so some of you may still get your chance to handle one of these.” He motioned to the long wooden table and leather chests holding the shiny objects.

  The crowd chuckled at the jest. It was as if they were all watching some sporting event. Their eyes were alert and danced with eagerness. Considering their culture and background though, Emily could understand why this would be a source of entertainment for them, something exciting and new.

  She wasn’t offended they all came to watch her get pummeled. She was simply certain now she was going to humiliate herself in front of a much larger crowd than originally estimated.

  Damarus finished addressing the crowd. He walked directly to Lexington and spoke in a hushed tone with him for a minute and then moved to speak with Emily.

  “I have explained to Lexington things are to be done at a slow pace at first and he is not to speed his actions unless I so indicate. It is important for both of you to grow accustomed to the feel of your weapons.”

  “He looks pretty accustomed to his sword already,” she pointed out with a high pitch and nervous tone.

  Damarus chuckled. “I assure you this is his first time with a sword, but you must remember he’s handled a stave for centuries now and a sword is not too far off the mark in terms of manipulation and skill.”

  “Right.” Emily filled her lungs and then let out an exasperated sigh. “Well then, where’s my sword?” she glanced down at his hands and then directly around them.

  “Ah…,” Damarus motioned over to the table and chests, “that is the exciting part. You will choose your weapon for yourself.”

  They both walked the few steps to stand in front of the table.

  “There are many weapons here but be mindful there is one that will call to you and you will feel comfortable with. Over time you will become one with the weapon.”

  “So which one is that?” she questioned.

  “That is up to you. I cannot profess to know which instrument will easily mold and conform to you. However, I can tell you that if you listen, not with your ears but listen from inside, you will know which one will be the correct fit.”

  She took a cleansing breath and began to pace back and forth, appraising each and every object. Most of them could be considered the same weapon, yet each had some individual touch or characteristic.

  There was a smaller sword, with a blade that seemed to be only 15 or so inches long. The handle appeared to be made of wood and it looked relatively light. But, Emily felt like she’d already seen such a sword. It resembled the one she thought she’d seen with Lexington. Peeking over her shoulder at the Guardian and the sword that hung loosely at his side, she realized the two weapons were extremely similar.

  The thought crossed her mind that maybe choosing this sword would make them more of an even match. If Lexington chose it then there was probably some advantage to it. After all, he was more knowledgeable when it came to matters of war, regardless of the fact that he had not actually used a weapon before. He had at least been around them and that was more than Emily could say.

  She’d only seen things like this in movies. She’d never even touched a real sword or dagger.

  Moving down the table to her left she caught sight of an interesting set of what she assumed to be daggers. Upon closer examination, she realized the tips on the daggers were blunter than seen on a traditional one like the dagger she used at the Pool of Tibess. There were also two smaller prongs that branched upward on either side of the main blade. Emily felt as though she knew what these twin blades were but the name was escaping her memory.

  She reached out and grabbed both objects by their handle. She squeezed tightly and the leather binding beneath her grasp gave a slight squeak. The main blade ran roughly 12 inches in length with the two smaller prongs projecting from the handle only being 4 inches.

  The metal was dark, resembling aged iron which was why Emily was surprised at their light weight when she held them up. She flipped them over, examining every inch of them. The tips, though not extremely sharp, could still puncture someone if used with enough force, but still the weapons seemed less offensive and more defensive tools. The handle grips seemed to fit perfectly in her hands. She felt comfortable with them, as though she’d held a sai before.

  “That’s what they are, sais. I remember now, ninja like.”

  She turned to face Damarus, the blades still in her grasp. “These are called sais, right?” Emily wanted to confirm her thinking was accurate.

  “That is correct.” A large smile spread over Damarus’ lips.

  Emily glanced back down at the weapons she held in both hands. It just felt right and she could not argue with it. “This is my weapon then. I want these.”

  “Excellent.” Damarus stepped a few paces back and then motioned with his fingers for Lexington to close the space between him and his opponent as she walked to where she’d previously been suiting up.

  “Now, Lexington, I want you to do several slow downward strokes with your sword.” He motioned with his arms as though truly holding the blade himself. “And Emily, you will block his blow by holding your sai out in this manner accompanied by a swift thrust upward.” Once again he mimicked the motion as if he held her sai himself.

  Emily’s heart began to pound. This may have seemed like taking it easy to all of them but she’d never even held these before now and she had no time to twirl or spin her weapons like Lexington. She wasn’t sure she could have done any sort of trick like he had without dropping her instruments and looking like a fool.

  Maybe just jumping into all of this was best after all.

  Damarus backed up a few paces and then looked to both of them for an approving nod. Emily was reluctant to indicate she was ready because she wasn’t, but wondered if she ever would be. At this point backing down was impossible without looking like a total coward.

  “Okay, Lexington, begin,” Damarus instructed with a nod of his own head.

  The Guardian slowly raised his blade and Emily tried to imitate what Damarus had just shown her by meeting her partner’s downward stroke with her sai. The speed seemed turtle like until she held her weapon in the correct position, then Lexington finished his motion with harder force and a quicker thrust.

  The metal clanged together and the contact of his blade sent a vibration through Emily’s arm, clear up to her shoulder. There was a sharp pain as the protective metal prongs above her hand slammed down on the sides of her fingers and knuckles.

  She dropped the blade, retracting her hand like a child who just got their finger pinched in a door.

  “Ah,” she yelped as the sai hit the ground and created a small plume of dust.

  There it was, her first official embarrassing moment of the day.

  “That didn’t take long at all,” she thought.

  She bent over to pick up the sai she’d dropped as Lexington waited patiently and silently.

  “Emily, hold your weapon a little further down, choking it in your grip an inch or so away from the bottom bar of the prong
s,” Damarus directed.

  She glanced down to properly readjust her grip on the sai’s as her trainer had instructed. They immediately felt more comfortable with the new hold and Emily gave the nod to indicate she was once again ready.

  Lexington began the same motion with his sword and this time when Emily met his stroke she was able to hold firmly to her weapon.

  “Good, now the other hand,” Damarus chimed in.

  Emily was nervous about using her left hand. She was like most people with a dominant right hand, which meant her entire left arm did not carry the same amount of strength as her right.

  Their motions began to look like swimming strokes. Lexington did a forward crawl and Emily reacted with deflective up and back movements. They then began using different tactics, and continued for roughly twenty minutes.

  Her forearms ached even though the metal was much lighter than she expected it to be.

  Damarus raised his hand to signal for Lexington to stop as he approached the pair.

  “Emily you are thinking too much about your movements. You are allowing them to be mechanical. You need to feel them, let your movements come from your core. When you tap into your inner strength your motions will flow more naturally.”

  “I guess I’m just nervous still.”

  He gave her a reassuring smile. “I know you are, but I assure you if you use your core to drive you, the things I ask you to do will feel more natural. Let me show you.”

  Damarus moved to her back and reached around to both of her wrists. “Now close your eyes. I do not want you visualizing what Lexington is doing, I want you to concentrate on the motion coming from your own body.”

  Emily closed her eyes as instructed and allowed her arms to be manipulated by her trainer’s firm and powerful grip.

  He swiftly raised her arm and then felt the bang of metal on metal contact, he then did the same with her other hand in a much quicker fashion than she’d been practicing.