Sanctuary for the Unknown

Quite a distance away from John and Mundi at the river’s mouth, Celeste and Roman landed just on the outskirts of Empyrea, where all Empyrean Wizards were born, and most still dwelled. There was no better place for a sanctuary anywhere in the realm. It was where the land in the clouds met the earth. Nestled high in the mountains, hidden by a cluster of lush trees and mist drifting in from Empyrea, it was nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.

Roman pushed through dense tree branches to a rusty bell hanging over a curtain of leafy vines. A handwritten sign hung precariously under the bell.

“Ring for assistance… three times, please and thank you.

Sincerely,

Shep”

Roman closed one eye and gave the bells three good tugs.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The clang of the bell startled both wizards, snapping them back from their exhausted state.

" I should be used to that,” Celeste uttered, wide-eyed and alert.

Roman smirked. “We are both awake now.”

A pair of shuffling feet accompanied by muffled mumbling approached the gate from the other side. “Hello? “Who’s there?”

“It’s, It’s Roman and Celeste!” Celeste yelled softly.

“Who…? What’s that? Speak up, child. I’m old and worn!” A shrill voice shook the leaves on the vines.

“We are from the Guardians Guild,” Roman added. “We have another unknown.”

“You don’t say… another one?” The lock rattled back and forth. “That’s gotta be the umpteenth one in as many days.”

The vines cleared, exposing a clunky iron gate and a round man of short stature. A few remaining silver hairs tussled with each other to stay intact on his head. In contrast, a bushel of hair flowed from each ear. It’s a small miracle he could hear anything at all.

A broad smile lit up his face, exposing the scattered and worn teeth inside his mouth. “Well now, if it isn’t my two favorite fledglings.” His face radiated warmth. Deep lines outlined his eyes and mouth from years of joyous laughter. Celeste and Roman could not help but smile when they saw him.

“It’s good to see you, Shep,” replied Celeste with a bright smile.

“My, my…! We are approaching the hour of shadows. They always bring cold chills.” He nudged the two inside the sanctuary. “Come in, come, come! You will catch a draft standing out here.”

As they entered, every squeak, chirp, grunt, and growl echoed off the stone walls. The sanctuary was carved into the mountain. Melted snow and mist from the clouds ran down the walls, creating an ample water source for the unknown. Cracks in the walls allowed sunlight and flowers to grow within the walls.

“So, what do you two have for me this time?” asked Shep.

“It’s a flying creature, some kind of bird… we think,” said Roman.

“It seems so helpless and scared. It has an aggressive side, so we have to be careful.” Celeste added.

“Ahh, yes, yes. I know exactly where it shall go, poor thing.” Shep rubbed his hands together and shuffled down a long hallway. It was not long before all the moans and growls dissipated to chirps and whistles. “Here we are, the flying oasis.” He used his entire body to shove the door open just enough for them to slide in.

They entered a large cavern with a waterfall that spilled from a crack in the wall into a lagoon. Shep planted trees everywhere the rays of the sun beamed in. Winged creatures of every shape and size flew about the area.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The sanctuary bell clanged through the halls.

“Another visitor? Twice in one day? How can this be?” Shep grumbled and shuffled off.

“I love this place,” Celeste sighed. “I could spend all day here.” She pulled a handful of crumbs from her cloak. As he held her hand out, tiny birds with feathers fluffed out landed on her hands and pecked at the crumbs.

“Well, you are part bird,” Roman chuckled. He cleared his throat, “They also know a tender heart when they see one.” He put his hand on her shoulder and gazed into her eyes.

“Roman, you know how I feel.” Celeste shifted her eyes to her feet.

“Yes, and you know how I feel,” Roman replied, holding his gaze.

“I know.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “We should really free this creature.”

“Oh yes, yes of course,” Roman stammered.

She pulled the stone from her cloak and placed it on a ledge “Inverte incantationem lebera eam.” She whispered and closed her eyes. Red beams of light swirled around her cloak, then shot to the stone, causing it to burst open. When the lights dissipated, the blue feathered creature stood unscathed on the ledge. After one brisk ruffle of its feathers, it glanced at the two wizards and flew off into the sanctuary. Celeste and Roman both took a collective sigh of relief.

The door squeaked open to a sliver, just enough for a pair of lips to slip through. “Someone is here to see you two. Come quickly!” Shep snapped urgently.

“See us? That’s strange. Are you expecting anyone?” Roman asked suspiciously.

“No, no one comes to mind.” Celeste shook her head with a confused frown.

“Okay, let’s be ready for anything.” Roman slowly pulled the door open, ready to react to whatever was on the other side.

“It’s okay, fledgling. It’s just me.” A hearty voice muttered softly from the other side.

Roman smiled, placing his hand over his chest. “You gave us a scare. After everything we’ve been through as of late.” He waved Celeste over. “It’s Julien, we’re safe.”

Celeste beamed and burst through the door. “Julien! I’m so glad you’re here!” She leaped into the old wizard’s arms.

“Princess…” He huffed as she knocked the wind out of his middle. “Up to your usual guardian business, I see.” He raised his bushy brown brow.

“You have no idea,” Roman muttered. “If I told you everything we’ve seen during our last outing, you likely would not believe me.

“Oh? Try me…” Julien offered a wink.

“Come, let’s grab something warm, yes?” Shep interrupted. “Before we get into important business. My old bones could use a rest.”

“Ahh, splendid. Just so happens I brought some stew, simmered all day, vegetables straight from my garden.”

“Perfect, Julien… can always count on you, old friend. I will have the tea steeped in no time.” Shep added a skip to his step.

Julien strolled behind, occupying every gap of space in the walkway. He had a custom-made brown tweed cloak, sewn from extra fabric due to his immense size.

“Here, here we are. Julien, extra-large seat for you, right here, just in front of the cozy fire.” Shep stood proudly behind a reinforced wood chair large enough for Julien to sit comfortably without breaking under his weight.

“So thoughtful,” Julien obliged, cautiously lowering his backside to the seat. Both he and Shep held their breath. The chair let out a squeak as he sat all the way down. Julien let out a sigh of relief.

“Wonderful! You see? Skilled craftsmanship! Shep cheered.

“Yes, yes, well done, Shep.” Julien smiled through his unruly beard. The warmth of the fire bursting from the stone hearth instantly added color to his cheeks.

Shep smiled, holding his hands out to grab some of the heat. “Huh? Oh no, no, t’wasn’t me… the elves made it as a gift. I took in an unknown for them, quite a nuisance for them if memory serves.”

“The elves are skilled carpenters.” Julien shifted about in the chair. “This is a wonderful gift. I shall have to visit more often.” He grinned.

“I could have told you, elves work,” Roman boasted, rubbing his hands along the tip of the chair. “They send me gifts often after our fight together in the abyss.”

“You did destroy the shadow beast. I suspect you will receive gifts for the rest of your days,” Julien declared.

“Ahh yes, yes indeed,” added Shep.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

“Again with the bells! Never have I received so many visitors in as many minutes! What is going on in Azra’s Pith?” Shep stumbled and shuffled off to the gate.

“I’m coming!” Celeste followed; her curious nature would not let her sit still.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

“Three times, I say! Three times!” Shep shook his chubby fist in the air.

Celeste skipped past him to the gate and shoved it open with her shoulder.

“Use haste, child!” Shep snapped.

“There’s no one here…” Celeste glanced around. “Nothing but mist and shrubs.”

The mist faded at her feet just enough to see a box wrapped in velvet. “She sees it.” The bushes rattled near the gate.

“Yes, yes, she does. Go ahead, girl… open the box.” Mischievous whispers giggled and carried on back and forth.

“Who’s there?” Celeste shouted, clenching her fists.

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Tribe at the Mouth

“Ahhh, yes, one of my favorite happenings in the realm, when the forest flows into the river valley. It is truly a handshake of beauty. The thick greenery of the forest meets the soft grass fields of the valley.” Ferdinand raised his gangly limbs as high as they would go. He filled his lungs with the fresh, open air of the valley.

“The mouth of the river, that’s my tribe,” said Mundi, pointing at a curve in the river, which was met by grand weeping willows. Their leaves swept the ground in the breeze coming off the water, making a peaceful swooshing sound. Quaint thatched buildings lined the bank of the river.

As they approached more buildings, the rhythmic harmony of water flowing through a mill sparked John’s senses. “What a nice place to live,” he grinned at Mundi. “Explains why you’re always in a jolly mood.”

A toothy smile stretched across Mundi’s chiseled face. “It’s not half bad, my friend. I only wish I could stick around more.”

“Your family has so many shops and to-dos… and what-fors in every town up and down the river. Now you have your guardian tasks. It’s no wonder you have time shut your eyes for a moment of sleep,” declared Ferdinand in his usual matter-of-fact tone.

“My plate is full; that’s how we live here. We do many things,” replied Mundi, proudly gripping the straps of his backpack.

“Luvenis!” A sturdy older man stood at the base of a willow tree. “I’ve been expecting you!”

Mundi hastened his pace, backpack clanging with every step. “Avus!”

The two gripped each other’s shoulders and touched noses. The man was broad and muscular, like Mundi. The man had defined ears that grew out to a point. Silky white hair flowed past his rugged shoulders. His face was draped with a long white beard and eyebrows that outlined his intense gaze.

“You have not met my human friend from the passageway,” Mundi stumbled.

John offered a hesitant wave. “Um, hello.”

Avus turned to John and smiled, softening his weathered, stern face.

“What do you have cooking in there?” Ferdinand grumbled, rubbing the pudge around his middle. “I’m positively ravenous.”

“Well, that’s no surprise,” Avus smirked. “Hoppers certainly do eat a lot for their small stature.

“Can’t be helped; we hoppers have an unusually high metabolism,” Ferdinand replied, in a matter-of-fact manner.

“Indeed, too much jovial goings on after the sun sets, I gather.” Avus raised his brow. “When you return to the hopper colony, tell Cornelius that the constant celebrating keeps us awake well after a decent hour over here. All the splashing, hooting, hollering, and carrying on…. quite unseemly.”

“We hoppers do know how to have a good time,” Ferdinand grinned sheepishly. “You should come by some time. It would not be the end of you to have a little fun every now and then. Cornelius has been waiting for a visit from you.”

“Thank you for the invitation. I will consider it.” Avus shifted his attention to Mundi. “Come, come… There is much to talk about.” He led them through narrow pathways between weeping willow branches. They passed porch after porch overflowing with flowers and pottery. Each front door had unique carvings.

“The doors represent their bloodline trait. We all have a skill passed through generations. You see?” Mundi pointed at a door with a carving of the sun. Its rays stretched from top to bottom. At the bottom of the door was a pair of hands cupped together to catch the rays. “Light catchers…”

“It’s wonderful. You would never know any of this is here behind the willows.” John gasped.

“That is intended, my friend.” He pointed to another door with carved trails and footprints going in every direction. “My family… we are trackers.”

Avus turned into the walkway leading to the trackers’ door. “My hopper friend, you will find a nice meal inside.” He pushed the door open and cordially guided them in. On the other side of the door was darkness interrupted by the warm glow of candlelight.

“I smell it already. Something delicious is bubbling over. Ever so thoughtful, Avus,” said Ferdinand, letting his nose lead the way.

“Aviam always has a meal going. She never allows a stomach to rumble in this part of the river’s mouth.” Avus stepped around an open room, lighting more candles. He clutched one of the candles and ignited a flame on a pile of logs settled in a grand stone hearth. “Rest here.” The candlelight revealed several dense cushions huddled around a wooden table cut from the trunk of a willow.

The aroma of candles and herbs seasoning his next meal filled the air. John felt a sense of calm rush over him. He plopped down on one of the cushions and eased his bag off his shoulders.

Mundi entered the room with a simmering pot and enough bowls to serve everyone. “Soup’s on! This is a good batch, too…. snapping gullies right out of the mouth of the river. They are mean if you’re in the water, but they sure do make a tasty meal. I absolutely, positively, can not remember the last time I was this hungry.”

“Nor can I,” Ferdinand muttered, hopping onto a cushion.

Mundi slid a bowl in front of the group and scooped a hearty serving of herb-seasoned vegetables and fish into each bowl. “These were caught today, just before sunset,” he declared. “No better catch than the fish right here at the mouth of the river.”

Each bite was like velvet in John’s mouth. The flavors danced around on his tongue. He ate, and ate, one bowl after another, until his stomach could not hold another drop. “Thank you, this was exactly what I needed,” he huffed, lying back against the cushion

Ferdinand moaned and rubbed his throbbing belly. “I don’t know if I’ll ever eat again, but it was worth it.”

“Ahh, nonsense, old wise one,” said Mundi. “All you have to do is loosen your belt.” As he released the slack on his belt buckle, his middle spilled over his pants. “That’s more like it.”

A croaking belch roared from Avus’s mouth. “A meal is never complete until the body gives its stamp of approval.” He wiped the bits from his beard with a satisfied grin. “Now, Luvenis, we have many things to discuss.”

Mundi gave an acknowledging nod. “John is here now. We can get to the matter of those things.”

John swallowed the lump in his throat. “Things? What sort of things?”

Avus held up a candle and lit it. “Rest easy, young man. This will guide us.” As the flames danced about, footprints appeared along the outside of the candle. They trailed all the way up to the flame. The elder tribesman slid a pipe across his lips, using the candle’s flames to light it. He slid his eyes shut.

“What is it? What do you see, Avus?” Mundi asked anxiously.

He unraveled a blank scroll across the table, then poured melted wax over the surface. The footprints spilled onto the scroll, making a trail. Trees, rivers, towns, and other parts of the realm began to pop up on the scroll.

“It’s a map,” whispered John. “Outstanding.” Everyone looked on astonished as details filled up the scroll.

“I see doors… three doors,” Avus muttered. “They lead to other realms.”

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Man of Mystery

“Got her!” the goblin danced and cheered, proudly clutching his bow.

Everyone looked on in shock and horror as she spiraled out of control. Roman, enraged, darted as a ball of fire toward the group erupting at their feet. One of the bow-carrying goblins burst into flames. He squealed and rolled on the ground until the flames dissipated. What remained was a lethargic lump of goo with smoke drifting out of his ears.

“Enough!” The man with the tall hat bellowed. He pointed his cane toward Celeste. A dark cloud of smoke shot out of the tip of his cane and created a protective dome around her body, shielding her just before she hit the ground. Roman changed course and flew into the smoke dome.

. “They are not to be harmed. Take them to my chamber,” the man commanded.

Fully cloaked and hooded, Roman rose from the smoke, gripping the arrow that still dripped with Celeste’s blood. “You…” he growled, piercing the goblin with his stare.

The goblin whimpered and cowered behind the others. “I, I, I… deepest apologies, kind sir. Please don’t hurt me.” He begged.

“Unacceptable! You will be punished for this!” the man declared. He stepped dramatically in front of Roman with his chest nobly puffed out and shoulders held high. A collective gasp came from the gathering of goblins. The man cleared his throat and pointed his cane toward the goblin, whirling it around in a circular motion. “You will now rot in the depths of the dungeon to think about your actions.” Heavy iron bars broke through the dirt and rose from the ground, enclosing the goblin in a tiny cell.

“No! Please! I - I didn’t mean to! Please!” the goblin wailed and stretched his stubby arms through the bars. The other goblins scattered in fear. Before another whimper escaped, the goblin disappeared into the ground from which the bars appeared.

“Let this be a warning to all of you.” The man scowled at the crowd. “This is a place of learning and sharing ideas. Such barbaric behavior will not be tolerated.” His face softened, “Now… let’s get back to it. Opening day is fast approaching!”

Everyone scuttled off, resuming their pre-commotion activities. The man turned to Roman, tilting his hat with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. “Now, let’s have a look at your friend.”

Roman’s rage was now mixed with bewilderment. “Please help her. I, I pulled the arrow from her wing.” He uttered quietly, pushing his emotions back inside.

The dark smoke cleared; Celeste was nowhere to be found.

“Come, she is inside.” The man waved Roman toward a small blue door, simply labeled Professor Chambers on the front.

“Is this a place of study?” Roman scratched his head.

“That would be the shortsighted view,” the man pushed the door open, shooting off a wink as Roman passed. “Did you hear that? Not so much as a squeak from this door. Every detail is meticulous… done to perfection.”

The two climbed a flight of stairs made from marble and landed in a grand room illuminated by soft candlelight. Three large, detailed oil paintings adorned the walls. The first painting was a desert with shimmering sand, towering monuments that touched a sky spilling over with stars that reflected off of the sand. Roman had never seen so many stars. This painting could not possibly be of a real place. The second painting was a lush jungle with butterflies and rare flowers crowding every leaf. Stone sculptures and buildings stood high in the background. The third painting was a crystal blue river with razor-straight cliffs on each side stretching to the sky.

There was another wall with a space for a painting. It was bare, as if a space was being saved. The paintings were squeezed by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves overflowing with dusty old books. Regal couches anchored by carved wooden tables stacked high with more books straddled the center of the room. An extra-long table sat off to the side, lined with several armed chairs. A serving of biscuits and tea, unfinished, remained at the end of the table.

“Where is she? He asked. “If this is some nonsensical scheme—I will make everyone here pay.” He glared at the man. There was a quiet rage inside of Roman, always stirring. If not contained, it leads to absolute destruction.

The man stopped in his tracks. “There is something special about you and your companion. As for you, I have a feeling you have much to offer… untapped abilities.” He studied Roman with narrowed eyes and a half grin. “It’s my gift, you know. I’m intuitive. I’m rarely wrong about these things.”

Roman stared back, cold and unfazed by his words. “Where is she?”

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Captured

In a town hugging the riverbank, not too far from John, Mundi, and Ferdinand, a pair of young guardians were deeply embedded in an important operation… creature catching.

“Do you see anything?” Celeste whispered. Her untamed, red curls blew over the edge of the wall. Her hair was almost as wild and unburdened as her spirit.

“Not yet, I think we have a shifty beast on our hands,” Roman replied. He yanked the hood of his cloak back, exposing his midnight black hair and dark grey smoldering eyes. He was quite proud of his hair, it perfectly framed his intense disposition. He spent more time brooding than smiling. There are a tiny handful of souls capable of pulling a lighter side out of him; Celeste was one. “Another challenge?” He asked with a raised brow, allowing his face to soften temporarily.

The two wizards have been doing these challenges since the day they met as fledgling Empyrean Wizards. Celeste was not more than seven years old, Roman only a year older, and weary of everyone in his life except for Celeste. He reminds her daily that she saved him from an existence of absolute misery. She remained his constant light, often reassuring him that life and most things in it are generally good; he needed to look for the light instead of the murk more often.

“What is it this time?” Celeste asked, intrigued. “Make it worthy,” she grinned.

“The wizard who finds the little beast first decides our next guardian mission,” Roman replied with his chin up and a confident smile.

“You’re on.” Celeste folded her arms across her chest. Her competitive nature never turned down a challenge, a trait that got her into trouble on more than one occasion. Roman knew this about her, mostly because he was by her side when the trouble occurred and willingly took the punishment with her.

Screech!

A flash of blue, accompanied by the abrupt clicking of tiny paws lightly brushing the dirt at superspeed, wrestled up a cloud of dust. “Lost it again!” Roman garbled and gagged over a mouthful of chalky dust cloud. “Let’s split up. I will explore the north end,” Roman huffed. “Sneaky and quick,” he grumbled.

Celeste waved the haze from her eyes and followed the tiny tracks. They resembled a stick with three smaller sticks on the end, inches apart. It moved in flashes. “Where are you from, little guy?” She softened her tone. “I’m not going to hurt you if you don’t hurt me.”

Sweet and nonthreatening as it seemed, it was terrorizing the villagers. This was becoming a common occurrence, finding creatures unfamiliar to this part of the realm. No one knows where they came from or how they got here.

Soft cooing sounded off from the other side of the Village Inn. Celeste paused.

“Over there!”A patron of the Inn hissed through an open window, pointing firmly to the edge of the building.

She slinked along the clattered brick wall of the Inn, laser-focused with eyes squinting toward the source of noise. The cooing ceased. Celeste stopped in her tracks, keeping her body motionless to keep the creature at ease. The pause in sound felt like an eternity. Finally, a muffled growl cut through the silence. Celeste swallowed the lump throat. This creature may not be so cute and cuddly after all.

“Don’t be afraid,” she whispered gently and slid a smooth, red stone from her cloak.

The growling turned to snarling. Then… whoosh! The lid of a garbage pail whizzed across the alleyway, hitting the building on the other side. The impact was enough to chip some of the stone out of the surface.

Celeste leaped to the building’s edge. “In somnos!” she blurted. The stone in her hands illuminated with an intense red glow. A beam of light shot out of the stone, striking the creature directly in the chest.

Vibrant blue feathers flew about. Its pointed beak opened, and a deep moan spilled out, followed by a sorrowful chirp as the creature’s angry disposition was breaking down and reverting back to cute and cuddly.

“Come on…” Celeste pleaded.

With a few flaps of its wings, it flopped down into a slumber.

“Finally!” she knelt in the dirt next to the creature and gently rubbed her fingers along its soft feathers. “You’re not so bad, are you…” She gazed tenderly, “I can only imagine how scared and alone you must feel.”

“Okay, okay, I concede. You win this time.” Roman trotted over. His eyes softened. “That little guy was causing all the commotion? He looks so helpless.”

“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Celeste smirked. “It must be terrified.”

“Can’t say I blame him. It’s no fun being in a strange place where everyone seems out to get you.” Roman frowned. “I think I can relate.”

“We don’t know anything yet; we need to get to the bottom of it before someone… or something gets hurt.” Celeste gave Roman a loving nudge to shake him out of his thoughts. More often than not, all it took was a warm smile and a twinkle of her eyes.

Roman smiled and locked into her gaze until the butterflies stirring inside were too much to take. “Come on, let’s get to the sanctuary before nightfall,” he uttered, easing the tension.

Celeste pulled another small stone out of her cloak. This one was brown and rough. She gently placed it on top of the creature. “Tutum spatium creo,” she whispered with eyes shut tight. Tiny specks of light flowed out of the rock, forming a perfectly sized wooden cage with brass bars matching the specks’ shine. Once fully formed with the creature nestled inside, both cage and creature dissolved into the same specks of light and then poured into Celeste’s cupped hands. They danced about in her hands, then clumped together to form the brown stone. Celeste slid it into her cloak without hesitation.

“Are we flying or walking?” asked Roman.

“Flying, of course,” Celeste asserted.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Roman cracked a grin. As he stretched his arms, black feathers sprouted from his cloak, followed by his hair. His feet, once held by sturdy black boots of canvas, were now talons with claws planted into the dirt. The black cloak draping his body gave way to a pair of feathered wings ready for flight. Nose and eyes… morphed to a chiseled beak and black, beady dots carrying the same intensity and purpose. Now, a raven with fetching black feathers, Roman gripped his talons into the earth and launched his body into the air in a powerful burst.

“Race you there!” Celeste shouted to the treetops just as Roman was clearing the tallest branch. She pressed the palms of her hands together. As she closed her eyes, rays of blinding red light beamed from her cloak. When the light dissipated, what remained was a pint-sized ball of vibrant feathers that fluffed and danced in the breeze. The vision of red curls and grace was replaced by a small but mighty red bird with familiar emerald green eyes that often melted even the hardest spirit with a single gaze. It took a few flutters, then up she went, allowing a bold gust of wind to boost her into the sky.

It was a glorious afternoon, perfect for flying. From the sky, problems were invisible. Celeste could think of almost no better pastime. Soaring high above the realm, observing the green magnificence of Copious Forest and the thin crystal blue line of the river threading its trees gave her a sense of joy rarely matched by anything else.

Just as Celeste was relishing the sun in her face and wind under her wings, Roman dipped down, making his way to the trees below. She knew he had a keen eye and could spot objects hidden from view… even from afar. She followed his tail feathers into a canyon tucked away in the forest.

“Aren’t we in a rush to get to the sanctuary?” Celeste asked facetiously, shaking the sky from her cloak.

“There’s something going on down there…” Roman whispered and crawled to the edge of the cliff.

The faint clatter of busy work echoed off the cliff sides, piquing Celeste’s curiosity. She plopped down on her belly next to Roman and peered over the cliff. “What is this place?” she gasped. In the canyon below, there was a town carved into the side of the cliff. Intricate carvings marked the entry to each building.

“I’ve read about it. The town used to belong to a wizard cult… the Order of Multa Regna. I don’t remember all of the details, but they were masters of powerful magic and very protective of what was inside the town until it was abandoned hundreds of years ago.” Roman squinted. “Are my eyes playing tricks on me?”

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Running with Monsters

“Ten seconds!” Uncle Andrew’s bellow bounced off every tree in Fern forest. He was nearly a mile in the distance, but the quiet of the early morning made him seem mere feet away.

John inhaled, filling his lungs with the crisp mist hovering above the ferns. Bracing his feet into the dirt, he felt the presence of each second tick by in slow motion. The flesh of his fingertips brushed the soft fuzz of the foliage around him. A breeze whispered a gentle melody past his ears.

“Five… four… three…”

He pushed his reddish brown curls to the side and narrowed his eyes. The specks of light blue sparkled with intensity. The path through the trees opened up before him all the way to the end point. He visualized his uncle standing with a stopwatch, counting down.

“Two…”

A ball of energy swirled in his chest. He clenched his fists. His knees were bent with the tension of a coiled spring.

“Go!” His uncle roared.

John’s surroundings fell away, leaving only a hyper-clear route to his uncle, without obstructions.

He shot like a rocket through a hole in the dense foliage. Not a single branch or pine needle touched him. Every branch swaying in the breeze, every subtle song from the birds… the slightest shift in the forest was absorbed by John’s senses. A red glow beamed from his eyes. A flame swirled in his belly. His body moved so fast it almost hovered over the ground. Leaves around him flew up in a flurry. A low, vicious snarl escaped his mouth, catching him off guard. He stumbled through an opening in the foliage, landing at his Uncle Andrew’s feet.

“Extraordinary!” Uncle Andrew gasped. “Did you even touch the ground?” Uncle Andrew extended his arm.

“I still managed to trip over my own tangled legs,” John huffed, catching his breath. He grabbed his uncle’s hand and eased himself to his feet. “Still, something feels different. How do I say this… I feel like I have a beast inside of me; not sure why… It’s very familiar.” He shrugged. “I, I don’t know. It’s hard to explain, but I see everything so clearly. Sometimes I feel stronger. My senses are heightened; I can smell and hear everything.”

His uncle held John’s arm and examined the details with a quizzical brow. “The mark of the guardian has filled in nicely, I see.” He lined his arm up with John’s to compare. “Much less battered than mine.”

“I’m sure mine will see the same scars soon enough,” John smiled.

They both shared the mark of the guardian: a pair of indistinct wings marked on their forearm. The mark signified a heavy responsibility, and only a few have ever worn it throughout time.

Uncle Andrew’s voice softened. “Don’t worry about the beast inside you. It is a burden and a gift; a guardian’s trait. You are carrying all of the monsters you’ve challenged and defeated in the realm. They stay with you.” He smiled. “You will get used to it; learn to use their traits when you need to… though it seems you already have; no human runs as fast as you just did.” There was a sad quiver in his sigh. “I do miss it… the magic, how beautiful Copious Forest was. Especially right near the river. I’ve never known of a place to provide as much solace as the bank of the river… right at dusk.” He paused and gazed through the trees. “After years of fighting, I’m tired, and so are the beasts.”

“You can always return, you know,” John raised his brow. “Why don’t you come with me this time? One last trip to that river?”

“You always ask, and my answer will always be the same… no.” Uncle Andrew lovingly placed his hand on John’s Shoulder. “Sam and I will continue to grow old together right here in Fern Forest.” He gripped the handle of his wood cane with his trembling hand and let out a hearty whistle.

A distant, acknowledging bark echoed off the trees.

“Saaaammmm!” Uncle Andrew bellowed, pressing his cane into the dirt as he stepped forward.

The foliage around them rustled. Swoosh! A ball of fluff burst through a thicket of shrubs.

“There you are, Sam!” John dropped to his knees with open arms, allowing Sam’s slobbery tongue to douse his face.

“Good boy, Sam,” Uncle Andrew laughed and pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket. “Sam’s affection can get rather… sticky.”

“I don’t mind.” John ruffled the fluff of Sam’s fur and wiped the remaining drips from his cheeks. “I will miss you, old boy.” His eyes welled. He filled his lungs with air, clearing out the weight of heartache.

“I almost forgot, I have something for you.” Uncle Andrew pulled a pouch out of his coat pocket. “Guardians need all the protection they can get.” He tapped the pouch against the palm of his hand. A translucent stone tumbled out.

John gasped with excitement. “Is it like the locator stone?”

“The locator stone guides you. Tells you where to go… what to do next. That is, if you are wise enough to listen.” Uncle Andrew smiled and gave one of his familiar winks. “This stone… well, it’s even more powerful. Do you see?” he shifted it about in his hands. The center of the stone clouded into a murky grey. A dim, shimming light surrounded him. “It is absorbing the bad.” He placed the stone in John’s hand. “The stone has many colors, and with each color is a form of protection. It just depends on what you need… what you ask of it when the time is right.”

John closed his eyes and opened his palm. The stone turned a deep aqua blue. A wave of blue beams flowed through his body. John felt a sense of peace and euphoria rush through his body.

“I see it is already working for you. Your father would be so proud of the man you’ve become.”

“I’m afraid he is lost forever. Good and evil have lost their meaning. He is preoccupied with serving Imperious. If you saw what I saw, Uncle. I barely escaped with my life. My own father’s hands nearly choked me to death,” he stammered, rubbing his hands along the fragile bones of his neck. He still shot out of bed, breathless, covered in sweat, neck red and tender, reliving the moment he encountered Imperious and his father in the lost city of Copia. The grip around his neck, strong enough to lift him off the ground with ease, haunted him.

“There was a time when virtue mattered to Christopher, above all else. Virtue is a stubborn companion to have. He won’t lose it that easily. Don’t worry, he will come around.”

“For a flash... just seconds, I saw him… as I knew him... not some crazed, evil sorcerer… it was my pop, tired and worn; but still a flicker. That was the only reason my life was spared.” ...

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