The Guardian Crusade

                               Volume I

                                                 Prologue

 

 

            An Elvaan man with long thick blonde hair ran down the root covered hallways.  His name was Avit, he was General to the Winnol Army as he had been for ten years now.  He headed towards the crowd of maids and servants as they gathered around the door.  They all talked amongst themselves as the commotion in the bedroom echoed in the hallway.  He looked around at everyone as they led him to the door. Most of the servants were Elvaan, a few were human, and they all lightly bowed to him as a sign of respect.  Slowly he opened the door and slid into the room as he kept the door as closed as possible so no one could see in.

 

            “General Avit.” said a woman to him as he closed the door to the room.  He turned around and saw the Queen’s maiden standing in front of him. Looking up he saw his King, King Marsa kneeling beside the bed.  His eyes drifted to the bed and he saw his Queen lying there, in pain, breathless, barely awake. 

 

King Marsa looked up as he heard one of the servants speak. He saw Avit standing at the door; he looked to his wife and then stood up.  Walking over to Avit he took the General by the arm.

 

“Hello my friend.” Marsa said with a light smile.

 

“How is she?” Avit asked his face fallen with concern.

 

“Not well but this is not an ordinary birth.” Marsa said sadly, Avit saw the pain in his eyes.

 

“I am sorry to disturb you but I thought you should know.” The General said as Marsa looked to his wife. “Queen Mela of Tokia, Queen Halian and Queen Evia have also gone into birth.”

 

Marsa took a deep breath. “I see.” He sighed. “Then it is as we thought.”

 

“Yes.” Avit nodded as he looked to Queen Tas. 

 

“Then send word to the others, when all four children are born, we meet.” Marsa said looking back to his General.

 

“Yes sir.” Avit nodded as he straightened up a little. He watched as Marsa lightly smiled again and turned to walk back over to his wife.  Turning around he reached for the door and opened it, hearing the birthing maiden telling Marsa it was time, as he closed the door behind him.

 

 

Avit stood against the wall as the four men talked or argued around the soft wooden table.  It was mid afternoon the next day.  He had not slept at all yet and he had to assume no one else in the room had either.  King Marsa sat at the head table his head resting on his slim Elvaan fingers.  His eyes heavy with fatigue Avit frowned as the other Kings bickered.

 

“She is our first child; I will not send her away.” King Adop said with anger.

 

“Yes same with Nalia, she is our first and after what her mother went through, I will not do this.” King Colim said agreeing with Adop.

 

“Aye I see, so we are expendable because we have already.” King Rossi snapped back as Marsa sighed.

 

“So you say you are going against the Pixca.” Marsa said looking up at everyone.

 

“If it means keeping my only child so be it.” Adop said as he sat back.

 

“I wish I could be so selfish.” Rossi said as he leaned onto the table. 

 

“Tell me I did not just hear a Dwarf calling a Human selfish?” Adop said with a laugh. Avit sighed to himself when he saw the trouble brewing by friends who were tired and exhausted

 

“Aye Adop you be starting something?” Rossi said as he got out of his seat.

 

“Enough!” Marsa shouted as he slammed his fist down onto the table. “It has been a very long night, and the decision we all must make is hard.”

 

“There is no reason to send them away, we all have been at peace for years.” Colim said as Rossi climbed back up in his chair.

 

“Aye, I agree with you Colim but still the Pixca have said…” Rossi was interrupted.

 

“The Pixca? We are to send our children away because of lore?” Adop said looking to Rossi.

 

“It is not lore it is the word, the word of Pixcadia.” Marsa said looking to his friend.

 

“Bah!” Adop grunted as he sent back. “Some word, making a woman say goodbye to her only child, her only daughter.”

 

“I can not Marsa I am sorry.” Colim said as he looked to the tall slender Elvaan man. “I just can not do this to Evia...” Colim said. “..Or do it to myself.”

 

“Then may Pixca have mercy for you.” Rossi said with a growl as he got out of his chair with frustration.

 

“Rossi..” Marsa sighed as he stood up.

 

“I will not be apart of this, I will do what I must, and Mela will do what she must for Pixca. I will not suffer for the selfishness of these two.” With that Rossi left the room followed quickly by his Chief.

 

“You know what this will mean.” Marsa said as he looked to the others. “Pixca has said all four must be sent, to save them, to protect them, you really want to risk their lives?”

 

“I would rather have her memories with death, then to never know her at all.” Colim said. Marsa closed his eyes and sighed.

 

“Then you will send yours as well?” Adop asked.

 

“It is what Pixca wants.” Marsa said with a nod.

 

“Then it has been stated, and so it shall be written.” Guardian Rem said as he stepped forward. Avit did not like him much and he was usually a good judge on a person. There was something about Rem that just did not sit well with him. “The girls will stay, the boys will be sent to Earth where they will be protected.”

The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 1

27 Years Later; Earth 2005



He sat at the small table skimming over the cards in front of him. The sounds all around him taking his mind away from the game he was playing. Looking up he saw the major sound distracting him, Kevin and Nick fighting.



“Why can’t you just listen to me when I’m talking to you, just stop with the damn video game.” Kevin said angerly as he stood over Nick who was still staring at the television screen.



“I am, just because I ain’t lookin at you.” Nick said back without even moving his eyes.



“It’s a sign of respect.” Kevin said in a tone Aj knew got under Nick’s skin. He smiled a little it was the same fight they always had, just Eleven years later.



“Whatever, I’m almost done.” Aj heard Nick huff as he looked away. He frowned a little as he lowered his head to look out the window at the clouds that had covered over head. It looked like there was a storm coming in.



“What the hell man!” Aj heard Nick shout as he looked away from the window quickly.



“Just stop for one second!” Kevin shouted back as he held the plug to the video game consol in his hand. Aj rolled his eyes, this fight was over the fact they were stopping to eat. He looked back down too his game of solitaire.



“Hey.” A voice said from beside him, he looked up and saw Brian squeezing into the booth across from him. “Any luck?” he nodded to the game.



“Nope” he said shaking his head with a sigh.



“So, how are you doing?” Brian asked as Aj skimmed over the cards one last time before he called it.



“Fine.” Aj said as he began to gather up the cards. He knew where Brian was going with this. Was he tired, was he ok, was he going to drink again. He knew the answer but he could tell the people around him weren’t so sure.



“Are you tired or anything?” Brian asked as Aj started to shuffle the cards.



“A little.” He shrugged as he heard a rumble of thunder over him. Aj began to lay the cards out in a row again as the door to the back of the bus slammed shut. He looked up and saw Kevin storming down the small hallway by the bunks.



“I swear that kid.” Kevin was cut off by a loud cracking sound that turned into a large bang. Then the bus began to swerve and the three guys grabbed onto what ever they could as the momentum sent them falling. Aj heard a yell and a loud crash just before his head smacked against something and everything went black.



He felt his eyes flutter open and every time the light would peek through his head would throb in pain. With heavy footsteps around him, loud mumbling ringing in his ears, Aj tried to force himself awake. He moaned as he raised his arm blocking the sun from his eyes.



“Over here! This one is waking up.” He heard someone shout. With a shade safe over his eyes Aj opened them and looked around.



“Stay there.” A man said as Aj got a sword pointed in his face.



“uh, sure.” Aj mumbled his head pounding with every word. He lowered his head hoping that would ease the pain. When it didn’t he grabbed his head and closed his eyes again.



“Wait a minute..” Aj thought. “was he wearing metal armor?” Aj slowly looked up again and his eyebrows frowned in confusion as he saw the man, in the metal armor still standing over him. Looking to his left he saw more men in metal as he looked closer he saw that they were attending to the other guys.



“Where’s the bus?” Aj asked sitting up, the guards around him stiffing up.



“The what?” The man who seemed to in charged asked.



“Our bus, where’s our bus?” Aj asked still looking around.



“These men talk funny sir.” Aj heard what he thought was a solider of some kind say.



“Yes.” The solider, which seemed to be in charge said. “How do they fare?” he shouted down to a man on his left. Aj looked and saw a man in a long white heavy silk robe, standing by Kevin and Nick who were still out cold, he hoped out cold anyways.



“Are my friends ok?” Aj asked. The man turned his head and looked down to Aj and he lightly raised an eyebrow.



“The priests got to them in time; they should be fine with a little rest.” The solider said as a priest walked up to him. Aj watched as the two men talked quietly and then the solider looked at him again. “Can you stand?” he asked.



“I’m not sure my head is pounding.” Aj said as he pulled his hand away and saw the blood from the cut on his forehead.



“Please sir, let me clean it.” A man said from beside him. Aj looked up very confused but his head hurt to much, and he wasn’t sure what was wrong with the guys, to ask where the hell he was, where his bus was, and what’s with the clothes. His thoughts were broken when two men walking beside him holding a stretcher with Howie on it went passed him.



“Where’re you taking him?” Aj asked not worrying about his head to stand.



“Calm down sir.” The solider said as he put a hand against his chest. “He is going to Winnol Healing Springs.”



“Where?” Aj asked really confused.



“Winnol Healing Springs it is where we take our injured and dying.” The solider said.



“Dying?” Aj asked shocked as he turned to look for Howie and saw the priest putting him into a horse carriage.



“Your friend is not dying, as I said he will be fine.” He said as Aj looked at the horse carriage.



“Where am I, where the hells are we?” Aj asked turning around to look at the solider.



“You are in Pixcadia.” The solider said. “My name is Bussa I am the Colonel of Kalica.” Aj starred at the man, his jaw open a little, his eyes still, not even a blink.



“Umm ok.” Aj said as he blinked a little and stood up. “Huh.” He said as he turned around. “The bus…” Aj said thinking to himself. “The storm!” He said loudly as the people around him looked at him strange.



“Pardon me?” Bussa said confused.



“It was storming outside, and we were on our bus heading to New York.”



“New York? Oh yes your homeland.” The man said as Aj spun around.



“You know where I come from?” Aj asked confused.



“Yes.” The man nodded. “It is a long story, and I am not allowed to explain it too you myself.” He said as he looked at the last of the guys to be carried away.



“How is Nickolas?” Bussa asked one of the priests as he noticed they were loading him into a carriage.



“He just needs rest.” The priest said with a light smile. Colonel Bussa nodded and let the priest go. “You will travel with me; we are not to far from Winnol.”



“Yeah.” Aj said as the Colonel lightly took him by the arm and walked him to the last carriage that was there. Aj climbed in and saw it looked on the inside like what he had thought it would. There were two wooden bench seats on each end and a window on the wall beside him. He sat down as Colonel Bussa shut the wooden door and knocked on the wall behind him. The carriage jerked and Aj grabbed his seat.



“You seem rather calm for someone who has been through what you just went through.” Bussa said as Aj looked at him.



“I’m dreaming.” Aj said looking away from him. “The bus crashed, I hit my head and I’m trippin.” Aj said with a nod as he looked out the window. He looked up and saw the tall lush trees; they looked like the giant trees in British Columbia.



“So what is this Winnol?” Aj asked as he looked to Colim. “I might as well play along until I wake up.” He shrugged.



“Pardon?” Bussa asked a little confused.



“Never mind.” Aj sighed. “Where is Winnol?” Aj asked still not sure if that was the right name.



“Oh, it is in the country Winnol, that is where we are.” Bussa said.



“Cool.” Aj nodded slowly. “So what is Pixcadia?”



“Pixcadia is the world we live in, the word we live by.” Bussa replied.



“Neato.” Aj said with another nod as he looked out the window. “Damn I hit my head good.” Aj said with a light laugh. “Hope I wake up.”



“Sir if you need to lie down?” Bussa asked.



“Naw I’m good.” Aj said shaking his head lightly. “Ow.” He gasped as he grabbed his head. “Note to self head still hurts.”



“Maybe you should lie down?” Bussa asked as he lightly pointed to the empty part of the seat.

“Naw, I’m ok just a headache, use to get them all the time.” Aj said remembering to what felt like to him, years and years ago. He watched as Bussa sat back looking at him with a puzzled look. He lightly smiled and looked back out the window. This time he looked down to the grass and watched as the greenery and flowers passed him by.



“So if this is a dream, why does my head actually hurt?” Aj thought to himself. He looked up when he heard a voice from outside and watched as they went through a gate. The carriage began to slow as they entered what Aj figured was Winnol the city. When the carriage stopped he looked as a man walked by, he had long dark straight hair and his ears pointed out from his hair. “Pointed?!” Aj thought as he quickly sat forward.



“What was that?” Aj asked as he leaned forward.



“What was what sir?” Bussa asked as he leaned over a little.



“That, that person had pointed ears.” Aj said as turned and looked at Bussa.



“All Elvaans do sir.” Bussa said as Aj noticed a smile pull back the corner of his mouth.



“Elvaans…” Aj said a little breathless. “Oh yeah, I’m dreamin, or in a coma.” Aj nodded as he sat back.



Aj decided to stop looking out the window since his head was still pounding and all these names, places, and Elvaans were making him a little light headed. Carefully laying his head back against the back wall of the carriage he closed his eyes and tried to relax. He opened an eye when he felt the carriage stop and he opened the other one when he saw Colonel Bussa reaching for the door.



“So when can I see my friends.” Aj asked as he stepped out.



“You will meet with the Kings and then someone will take you too see them.” Bussa said as he closed the door and turned around.



“Kings?” Aj said his eyes went a little wide. “Of course, Kings.” He sighed. As he began to follow Bussa he looked around at the people. They were all Elvaan, some with dark black hair, some with brown and some with blonde hair. Everyone looked at him and stopped whatever it was they were doing. He began to feel a little weird, even in his dream people acted like they knew who he was. Looking to the front of him again Aj saw Bussa stop and he stopped behind him as he looked up.



“Whoa.” He said breathless as he saw the castle that looked like a tree, a really large and tall tree. Giant trunks twisted together tightly to create a giant wall, only splitting apart for windows.



“Amazing is it not?” He heard Bussa asked and Aj looked back down.



“Yeah.” Aj nodded; a little proud of himself he imagined something so cool.



“It was a gift from Pixca.” Bussa said. “It was a gift to the Elvaans.”



Aj looked back up the tall castle; it went well into the sky, the top of it hidden by the giant lush green leaves that fell from the top. It opened his eyes a little and he slowly looked down as he turned around and took an actual look at the city around him. All the buildings had been made by the earth. He noticed they looked like the mud house he learned about in grade school history. The windows of the buildings were made from stain glass, dominate with the colours of green, pinks and blues. The houses were decorated with flowers, and the business buildings which looked much like the houses, were decorated crawling vines.





“Sir?” Bussa said breaking Aj’s look-a-around. He turned around and looked at the Colonel. “I shall take you into the castle the Kings are waiting.” He noticed the guards that were with him had moved closer to him guarding him.



“Oh ok.” Aj said with a nod as he walked over to Bussa. “So since you know where I come from, do you know my name?” Aj asked as they walked into the castle, his attention taken for a moment by the giant doors opening up in front of him. They had a symbol etched in them, a tree with some kind of bird flying in front of it.



“Yes you are Alexander.” Bussa said with a light nod.



“And you know who my friends are?” Aj asked.



“Yes sir.” The Colonel said with another nod. Aj lightly shook his head as they stopped in a large hallway.



In front of him were two Giant doors again the symbol etched in them but this one was larger, the symbol split down the middle of the doors and he watched as it broke in half as the doors opened for them. The guards around them parted and stayed outside as Bussa and Aj walked into a room with marble walls. The same thick trunks slithered their way up the walls.



“Alexander.” A man said as Aj looked from the ceiling down to the voice. Aj’s head tilted a little as he looked at the old Elvaan standing up. “Welcome.” He said as he reached his arm out for Aj to sit down. Looking around the table he saw two other men sitting there. One looked like him, well Human, the other was short, stubby, like a Dwarf. “Alexander this is King Adop and King Rossi.” The old Elvaan said as he sat back down when Aj sat in a chair.



“Hi.” Aj said with a quick wave and a light smile. The two men looked at each other and Aj wasn’t sure if it was because of him or what.



“I had hoped Queen Evia would be here but she has not arrived from Hevi yet.” He said with a small sigh. “I am King Marsa. I rule over these people and lands.” He spoke as Aj looked at the other people standing in the room. They all wore metal armor, except for the Elvaan. His hair was blonde and his clothes were a light material, his chest protected by a green leather vest, with the symbol Aj saw on the doors.



“Alexander?” He heard someone say and he turned around.



“Or sorry, just checking the place out pretty cool.” He nodded.



“How hard did he hit his head Bussa?” Marsa asked looking to the Colonel.



“He hit it pretty hard sir.” Bussa said as he took a step forward. Aj looked to the two men a little confused, not sure why they thought he wasn’t thinking straight. “I think he believes he is dreaming sir.”



“I see.” Marsa said with a light sigh. Aj looked to Marsa and saw the look on his face, it didn’t make him feel good and for the first time since he woke up here he felt himself wanting to wake up.



“Can I see my friends?” Aj asked as Marsa looked up at him.



“Yes.” Marsa said with a light sigh. He turned around a little in his chair. “Avit, please take Alexander to the Healing Springs, I will come down after I am done here.”



“Yes Lord.” Avit said with a nod as he stepped forward.



Aj stood up and took one last look at everyone in the room, noticing as they watched him intently. He followed the blonde Elvaan out the door and back out of the castle. His eyes shifted around as he looked at the people staring at him again, looking at him as if they knew him, and had not seen him in years. This time more aware as he walked through the city he noticed a few of the people were whispering as he walked by.



It wasn’t long before they were there; Aj figured they must have only walked a couple of blocks. It wasn’t a building but looked like a small park, with caves outlining the edge. He heard water falling but could not see a waterfall. Vines and lush leaves covered over top of them and ran down the dirt walls of the caves.



“Is this the Healing Springs?” Aj asked as he looked at the Avit.



“Yes.” He nodded as he waved for another man to come over. Aj watched as the Elvaan man in a long green silk robe walked over to them. “We are here to see Nickolas and the others.”



“Yes General Avit, please wait here.” The man said with a nod and then turned around heading into on the caves. As Aj’s head slowly turned as he started looking around again, his eyes following down to the grass below his feet. He noticed the baby breath flowers scattered through out the grass around the place, he also noticed there were no paths at all.



“This way please.” The man said loudly as he waved them over to the cave. Aj and Avit stepped forward and walked over to the Elvaan in the green robe. “They are in here, they are all awake now.”



“Thank god.” Aj sighed as he headed into the room, oblivious to the shock and concern on the Elvaans face. Avit raised his hand, his eyes asking for patience. The Elvaan nodded and left.



“Holy crap man there you are.” Kevin said as he sat in the stone tub. Aj stopped in the room and looked around and saw his friend all sitting in stone tubs.



“Where are we?” Howie asked as they began reaching for towels and climbed out.



“They told me Pixcadia.” Aj said with a shrug. “I say I’m dreaming, so lets go check this place out.”



“Alex dude, I don’t think we’re dreaming.” Nick said as he walked over to his clothes.



“What?” Aj said with a laugh. “Elvaans, Dwarfs, really big ass tree houses.” Aj said raising an eyebrow. “Nope pretty sure I’m dreamin.” Kevin walked over to him and smacked him up side the head.



“Did that hurt?” Kevin asked as Aj grabbed his head in pain.



“What the fuck do you think?” Aj said as he winced in pain.



“Then we are not dreaming.” Kevin said as he looked out the door and then looked to Aj.



“You could have just asked.” Aj moaned as he sat down on a chair by them.



“What do you remember?” Kevin asked looking at him.



“I was Playing cards, talking to Rok, then there was a really big bang and then I remember falling.” Aj said remembering. Then his head shot up. “We’re dead aren’t we, the bus crashed, we died, this is heaven.”



“With Elvaans?” Nick asked looking at him with a raised eyebrow.



“And why are we in pain?” Brian asked as he walked up to Aj and Kevin.



“You alright there D?” Kevin asked as he saw Howie holding his shoulder.



“Yeah, shoulder hurts.” Howie said lightly grabbing his shoulder.



“Where were you when we crashed?” Aj asked remembering he wasn’t in the back with Nick or on the living space with him, Brian and Kevin.



“Sleeping in my bunk.” Howie said with a frown as he remembered being sent flying out, slamming into the wall across the way.



Aj and everyone looked up to the door way when they heard voices and saw King Marsa and Avit walking into the room. AJ looked to his friends and notice this was the first time they had seen the Elvaan. Their jaws were opened slightly and their eyes wide.



“My name is King Marsa, I rule these lands, and I along with King Rossi of Tokia, King Adop of Sarila and Queen Evia of Kalica, have asked you all here.”



“Asked us, here? Why?” Kevin asked confused. Aj was defiantly now getting the feeling like something wasn’t right. He was in pain so he couldn’t have been dreaming or even dead, so what was going on.



“It is a long story, one that would take sometime to explain.” Marsa said as the guys looked on intently listening. “And I am not sure you would believe it if I told you.”



“I’ve seen Dwarves, Elvaans and a Tree castle, try me.” Aj said raising his eyebrows. “Are we dead? Are we dreaming?”



“You know this reminds me of one time in Star Trek when the Holideck crashed and Data..” Nick was interrupted.



“Nick.” Kevin said looking at him. Kevin then looked back to Marsa. “Where are we?”



“You are in Pixcadia, in the land of Winnol.” Marsa said as he motioned for the guys to follow him. He started walking and the guys looked at each other, they shrugged and then headed out of the cave.



“Why are we here, I mean, we’re alive, can we go back to earth?” Howie asked they stopped outside of the caves, still in the Healing Springs.



“You are here because we need your help, yes you are very much alive, and yes you can go back to earth.”



“You need our help, how?” Brian asked confused as the guys nodded with him. Aj found himself looking around again, at the caves, the trees, and the people.



“Our land is in a terrible time, we are at war.” Marsa said as Kevin’s head shot up.



“War?” Kevin asked confused. “You need us to help you with a war?”



“I will explain.” Marsa said as Aj looked back to him and the guys. “This may be a little hard for you to take but twenty seven years ago there were four children born at the same time.” Marsa said as the guys looked quickly at each other and then back to the King. “It is the word of Pixcadia that these four children, two boys and two girls, be sent away.”



“They were sent away, away from what?” Howie asked looking around.



“At the time nothing.” Marsa said remembering. “unfortunately because of the fact two of the children were kept here, and two were sent away, we are suffering for that stupidity.”



“So what does this have to do with any of us?” Nick asked as he pointed to himself and the guys.



“There is a Mage leading an army, he has already started war with Kalica, invading the city of Pomic. King Colim, King of Kalica was there that day preparing his army to go in and take care of the army that was gathering outside of the city, in the mountain caves.” Marsa said as he explained a little bit about the history. “The Mage took over the city, and has been there for a year.”



“A year?” Aj asked confused. “Now I’m not much into politics but uh, isn’t letting him sit there for a year not the best thing to do?” Aj noticed Marsa smile and then he nodded.



“We tried to remove him, but he had taken Kalica by surprise. The King and Army there did not expect the Mage’s men to be so many. Kalica went through many lives trying to reclaim the city, but then Queen Evia, pulled her men back, set up guard around the capital city, and around the other city of Muli.”



“Still doesn’t explain why we’re here.” Nick said and Aj thought he was going to get a look from Kevin, but Kevin just nodded.



“The Mage, has only shown interest in Kalica, and we hear rumors that Sarila is next on the list.” Marsa explained. “We believe this war, this Mage, is because of what did not happen twenty seven years ago. The son of Tokia, and the son of Winnol were sent away to be protected as Pixca asked.” Marsa said with a nod. “but the daughter of Sarila and the daughter of Kalica were kept here, and thus, the word with Pixca was not kept.”



“So again I ask what does any of this have to do with us? We’re just five guys that sing.” Nick said as Aj nodded with the rest of the guys.



“That is what you remember, that is what you know.” Marsa said and it confused Aj.



“What?” Kevin said and Aj noticed Kev looked more confused than he did.



“We hope that bringing the two boys back, it will have some effect on what is going on.” Marsa said as Aj crossed his arms.



“So where are they and why are we here?” Aj asked as Marsa looked at him.



“They are right here.” Marsa said with a small smile.



“Huh?” Kevin and Nick said at the same time as they looked around but it was just them and King Marsa.



“The boys that were sent from here, they were sent to earth, they were given families, they were given safety, they were not suppose to come back at all.” Marsa said. “But we do not know what else to do.”



“Wait a minute.” Kevin said as he turned his head a little. “Are you saying two of us are these boys?”



“Whoa what?” Brian said as his eyes shot open and he looked from Kevin to Marsa.



“Who?” Kevin asked when he saw Marsa’s face. Aj looked up to Kevin, and saw Kevin’s eyes divert to him, he then looked up to Marsa who was looking right at him.



“Me?!” Aj said pointing to his chest. “What me? Hold up, what? No.” Aj said shaking his head.



“You are Alexander, I named you myself.” Marsa said remembering. Aj looked at the man as his eyes fell in confusion.



“So your saying he’s..” Kevin said looking to Aj. Aj looked up at Kevin still stunned.



“My son, yes.” Marsa nodded lightly.



“I need to sit down.” Aj said as he looked around for a chair, there was none so he just sat down right on the spot he was standing.



“Well wait who’s the other one then?” Howie asked.



“Who cares?” Nick said looking at him. “This is crazy.” He said to the other guys expect Aj who still sat on the ground.



“The other boy is the son of Rossi, his name is Nickolas.” Marsa said. The guys stopped arguing with themselves and stared at Nick.



“King Rossi?” Nick asked confused.



“The Dwarf?” Aj asked looking up to Marsa. Aj watched as the King nodded, and Aj looked at Nick. Then out of no where and to everyone’s surprise he started laughing,



“Dude?” Nick asked looking at Aj confused. Nick then looked to the other guys as they looked at each other confused.



“uh, Alex?” Kevin said as he knelt down in front of him, as Aj grabbed his sides, still laughing. Aj tried to get the words out but he was still laughing too much, he could only point to Nick and then to Brian. Kevin looked back at the two confused with a light shrug. He then looked back to Aj as Aj caught his breath.



“Sorry.” Aj sighed. “I just remembered all the short jokes Nick cracked at Rok and well now..” Aj said as he looked up at Nick and started laughing again.



“Do I look like a Dwarf?” Nick asked confused, shocked and a little scared.



“Hey yeah!” Brian said looking to Marsa. “He doesn’t look like a Dwarf.” He said as he pointed to Nick. “And he doesn’t look like an Elf.” Said Brian as he pointed to Aj.



“It is apart of the magic that protected them, they look like their Earth human forms.” Marsa said. “We hope that it will be enough to confuse the Mage, if he gets word the boys are back, he will be looking for a Dwarf and Elvaan.”



Aj was about to speak again when someone came into the spring. Aj turned around still on the ground, as the others turned to look as well. Aj recognized the man named Bussa as he came running into the Healing Springs.



“You’re Majesty.” Bussa said a little shocked as he stopped realizing the King was there.



“What is..” Marsa stopped when he saw two stretchers coming in. “What happened?” The Elvaan asked quickly as he walked over to them and Aj stood up quickly. He looked at the one stretcher as it went by and there was a girl with brown hair on it. Her face was cut and bruised, her dress which Aj thought looked a lot like a dress the women wore in old England, was covered in blood, rips and dirt. Aj looked up as another stretcher was brought in.



“Oh Queen Evia.” Aj heard Marsa say as he watched the woman get carried passed him on a stretcher, she looked far worse than the other. “What happened?” Marsa demanded as he looked to Bussa.



“Johon attacked Hevi Sir.” Bussa said sadly. “My Commander says Princess Nalia, and Queen Evia were on their way here, when they got word, they turned around, headed back but it was too late, he had taken most of the capital by then.”



Aj watched Marsa as he went into one of the caves with Bussa and he looked at the other guys, who looked just as confused and even a little worried as he did. Aj looked back to the Healing Spring doors when he felt someone walk over to him.



“I am sure all of you would like to change, perhaps something to eat?” Avit asked as he stopped in front of Aj.



“Are they going to be ok?” Aj asked Avit as the guys huddled around them.



“I do not know.” Avit said with honesty to him.



“Who were they?” Nick asked as Aj looked at him.



“The girl was Princess Nalia; the other woman was her mother Queen Evia.” Avit said with a little sadness in his voice.



“Is that one of the girls?” Kevin asked pointing to the cave she went into.



“Yes.” Avit nodded. “There is nothing we can do here, shall I escort you back to the castle?” he asked again.



Aj nodded as the others agreed and they followed the General out of the Springs, giving the people their room to work. Aj stayed quiet as the others talked to Avit asked him questions about this place, about the war. He quickly looked to his right when he felt an arm on his shoulder.



“Are you alright?” Kevin asked as the two walked behind the others.



“I dunno.” Aj said with a shrug. “I still think I’m dreaming, pain or not.” Aj said looking at him.



“I don’t think you are dude, I don’t think we are. It’s all just a little too real.” Kevin said as he looked around.



“I’m not this Alexander from Pixcadia.” Aj said angerly. “I have a mom, a mom who raised me since I was baby, I have a father, although be it not the greatest but I still have one, I have memories, I am Alexander James Mclean.” Aj said as he stopped walking and Kevin turned to look at him.



“I know man, but I mean..” Aj cut him off.



“No.” Aj shouted. He then looked to Avit. “I want to go home now.”



“Well Sir we really need..” Aj cut him off too.



“I don’t care what you need, this is not my home, this is not where I belong, now send me home!” shouted as the people started staring even more now.



“Alex.” Kevin said putting his hand back on his band brothers’ shoulder. Aj pulled it away quickly and looked at everyone. He growled and took off down an ally. “I’ll go, you guys go eat and stuff.” Everyone nodded to Kevin and started walking back towards the castle as Kevin went down the ally.



Aj walked down the side streets, he could hear Kevin shouting for him a ways back but he didn’t care. At first he was ok, he was dreaming, hell he would have been ok if he was dead but being in some strange place, with Elvaan’s and Dwarves. Being told he was not who he thought he was, his mom wasn’t his mom, his dad wasn’t his dad. He growled as he turned the corner and slammed into someone, he fell back against the wall.



“Will you watch where you are walking?” Said a woman as Aj looked up. He saw a girl standing in front of him, a human girl, in a dark blue dress, a dress that looked like it belonged in old England, she had books in her hands, and she looked pissed.



“Sorry.” Aj said as he looked away and started walking again.



“Excuse me.” She said as she reached for him almost dropping the books in her hands. Aj stopped when he felt her hand grab his shirt. He looked at her as she looked him up and down.



“You are dressed funny.” She said looking at him.



“That’s what you stopped me for?” Aj asked his tone a little peeved. “Good to see public impression is the same here.” Aj said as he turned and walked away from her. He didn’t see the woman staring at him puzzled and shocked he had treated a Princess that way.



Aj made his way back to the castle he wasn’t sure how long he had been walking around for. His thoughts of the day were still racing around in his still throbbing head. It wasn’t that hard to find the castle, you could see it anywhere in the city, didn’t matter where you were. As he walked up to the doors, the guards nodded to him and opened one. He walked in and his eyes adjusted to the dark lobby.



“Sir Alexander.” Avit said a little relieved to see him. “Thank Pixca you are all right.”



“I’m fine I can take care of myself.” Aj said as he started walking down the lobby. “Where are my friends?” Aj asked as he stopped walking and Avit stopped along with him.



“They are in their rooms, shall I take you too them?” Avit asked. Aj was about to reply no, he didn’t want anyone around him, especially someone from here but he wanted to at least see the guys, maybe they figured out a way to get home.



“Sure.” Aj said with a sigh as he nodded for Avit to lead the way.



“Sir Marsa will be relieved you have returned.” Avit said as they walked up a long staircase.



“Well wouldn’t want to piss dad off and get grounded.” Aj mumbled as they reached the top of the stairs.



“Pardon?” Avit said as he stopped and looked at Aj.



“Nothin.” Aj said shaking his head. “Where are my friends?” he asked as he scratched the back of his ear, he notice his headache was going away.



“They are this way sir.” Avit said as he pointed down the left hallway. Aj nodded and they both started walking down the corridor. They walked passed about three doors and then stopped. “Your friends are in that room across the hall.” Avit said as Aj looked to the door that was across the hallway. “This is your room.”



“My room?” Aj asked. “Oh right because this is where I was born, of course I’d have my own room, tell maw and paw thanks.” Aj said with a slight roll of his eyes as he pushed on the door and opened it. Aj heard Avit sigh as he closed the door but he didn’t care. He locked the door from inside and turned around.



“Whoa.” Aj said as his eyes went a little wide. He looked around the room, a large fireplace sat against the right wall. “Yeah cause that’s not a fired hazard.” Aj said as he looked confused at the stone and mud fireplace. The room was quiet large, a couch sat in front of the fireplace, a desk sat to the front of the room, behind the desk was a giant stain glass window. As Aj sat down in the chair at the desk he looked to the bed which was now on the right side of him. It had four wooden posts almost touching the top of the ceiling. Curtains tightly wrapped around the post, and Aj knew at night you could pull them down.



“This is your room.” He heard Avit said in his head.



“My room.” He huffed as he dropped his hand onto the desk. A knock at the door made him look up quickly. Aj stared at it not sure what he should do, then he realized it could be the guys and the door was locked, so he stood up and walked over to it. Unlocking it, then turning the knob he pulled the some what heavy door open and saw Nick standing on the other side.



“Hey can I come in?” Nick asked.



“Sure.” Aj said as he stepped back and let him in. Nick walked over behind the couch and looked around.



“Damn, wonder if my room in Tokia looks like this?” Nick said as he saw the fire place. “Well that can’t be good.” Nick said pointing to it.



“I ain’t touchin it.” Aj said shaking his head lightly putting his hands up in defense.



“So you ok?” Nick asked as he leaned back on the top of the couch.



“I have no clue, I can’t grasp what is going on.” Aj sighed as he sat on the edge of the bed.



“I got to talk to the King of Tokia, where the.” He stopped. “The Dwarves are.” Aj couldn’t help but smile. “Do you believe them?”



“No.” Aj said shocked Nick would ask. “I’m dreaming.”



“Then what about me?” Nick asked.



“I don’t know, just some part I made up so I wouldn’t be the only one?” Aj asked. “My head hurts.” He sighed as he sat down not wanting to think about it.



“Everyone in the other room is freaking out. They want to go home too.” Nick said as he looked at the stain glass window. Aj noticed his tone, and the look on his face.



“You do to.” Aj said to him. “Don’t you?”



“Yeah.” Nick said nodding. “Of course.”



“Oh ok.” He said relaxing.



“But I dunno, don’t you want to stay and find out more about this place?” Nick asked.



“Maybe we’re both in a comma and we’re picking up on each others brainwaves, so we’re like dreaming this together.” Aj said looking up at him.



“Dude..” Nick said as his head dropped a little.



“Well it’s a lot more believable than were on some planet with Elves, Dwarves and Mages.” Aj said with a laugh.



“Yeah, a Mage, does that mean there’s Magic here?” Nick asked.



“Hell if I know.” Aj said shaking his head.



“That would be cool.” Nick said nodding.



“You’re awfully chipper over this.” Aj said looking up at Nick.



“I’m not chipper, I’m just not spazzing like you.” Nick said looking at him.



“I’m not spazzing.” Aj said defensively.



“Oh no, sorry my mistake it was someone else yelling in the middle of town today.” Nick said looking away, his eyes pulling away from Aj at the last minute. Aj shot Nick a look and looked away himself.



“Well this place ain’t that different from back home.” Aj sighed as he looked back to his friend.



“What do you mean?” Nick asked a little confused.



“When I was walking around town, this chick slams into me, or I slammed into her not sure, but I said sorry, and she stops me, looks me up and down and says ‘You’re dressed funny.”



“Well yeah, you are.” Nick said with a laugh.



“Dude.” Aj said it was his turn to shoot Nick a look.



“I mean to her, you’re wearing jeans and a T-shirt, do the people here look like the casual type?” Nick asked. Aj’s eyebrows frowned as he thought about it.



“Oh.” Aj said realizing maybe she didn’t mean it as an insult. “What are the fella’s doing now?”



“Trying to figure out how to leave, and convince these people we aren’t who they say we are.” Nick said. “Oh, plus changing into these snazzy outfits.” He said as he popped the collar on his dark green robe. Aj sighed a little in frustration as he realized he needed to change out of his some what bloodied clothes. “Kevin’s worried about the war, after those girls came in; he said one was a Queen.” Nick said as he watched Aj go behind the giant screen by the bed.



“Yeah.” Aj said remembering what Marsa said.



“Yeah well, he’s worried we’re going to get caught up in it.” Nick sighed.



“Did they say why they brought us here?” Aj asked. Nick stopped and thought about it.



“They said they brought us back, hoping it would help.” Nick said thinking.



“Help with what the war? How the hell can we help the war?” Aj asked as he walked out in a green robe like Nick’s but the material was thicker but still surprisingly light.



“Sing?” Nick asked with a shrug. “All we are saying is give peace a chance.” Nick sang as he swayed side to side. Aj gave him a quick shot in the stomach for being a smart ass as he walked back. “Ow.” Nick moaned as he bowled over. “Still a little tender.” He whined.



“Stop being a smart ass over this Nick.” Aj said turning around. “This is serious.”



“You sound like Kevin.” Nick said as he turned around. Aj started to walk over too him making a fist. “I’m being serious.” Nick said quickly back. “I mean it; I thought you would love a place like this.”



“Well you thought wrong, I want to go home, and just forget all of this.” Aj said as he stopped. Just then there was a knock at the door and Aj turned around.



“Come in!” Nick shouted.



“Dude.” Aj said spinning back around.



“What if it is the guys?” Nick said looking back at him defensively.



“Hello.” Said a man’s voice as Aj turned around. He saw King Adop standing at the door.



“Hi.” Aj said as his face fell in puzzlement wondering why he was here.



“I would like to introduce you to my daughter.” King Adop said with a light bow.



“uh.” Aj said as he watched the man turn to the door.



“Nice dude.” Nick whispered as he stepped up beside him. “Hope I get hooked up.”



“I hope it’s a Dwarf.” Aj whispered back and he watched as Nick’s face fall in horror. Aj laughed to himself as he turned back to the door and saw the King walking back in. His eyes drifted to the door as he saw a girl walk in. She was wearing a dark blue dress, much like the dress the girl was wearing in the town.



“The girl in town.” Aj thought to himself as she saw her walk in.



“Hi.” Aj said as she looked up at him, and he saw the shock on her face too.



“Oh, hello.” She said a little stunned.



“Alexander this is my daughter Rayne.” Adop said as Aj looked to him. “And this is Nickolas.” The guys smiled and nodded to her saying hello.



“May I know go see Nalia.” Rayne said turning to her father.



“Rayne, please.” Adop said and Aj could tell he was a little annoyed.



“But they would not let me see her at the Springs.” Rayne said looking at him.



Another knock on the door made Aj sigh as he walked passed King Adop and Princess Rayne. He grabbed the knob and opened the door. A man with bright heavy armor stood on the other side.



“I wish to speak to King Adop.” The man said sternly to Aj.



“Yes Rem what is it?” Adop asked as Aj turned and saw the King walking over. “Excuse me.” He said with a nod to Aj as he stepped into the hallway.



“Sure.” Aj said as he turned and walked away from the door. He looked up and saw Nick staring at the ceiling and Rayne staring at Nick.



“So you’re a Princess.” Aj said as he walked up too her.



“Yes.” She said turning her stare from Nick to him. “And now I know why you are dressed funny.” She replied. Aj looked at her for a minute not sure if she was insulting him, or being funny.



“You’re the one that said he was dressed funny?” Nick said looking at her. She looked at him very shocked as she saw his finger pointed out right at her. “What?” Nick asked as he saw her expression.



“You do not point at royalty.” Rayne said a little dumb founded.



“Oh, I’m sorry.” Nick said as he slowly pulled his finger in.



“Well I’m sorry I slammed into you the way I did, I wasn’t paying attention.” Aj said with a light smile.



“I guess neither was I.” she said with a sigh.



“What were you doing with all those books anyways?” Aj asked as Nick watched the two talk.



“They were spell books.” Rayne said.



“Spell books?” Aj and Nick said at the same time. “I knew it dude, I knew it!” Nick said excitedly. “You guys use magic don’t you?”



“Um, yes we do.” Rayne said a little puzzled.



“Nice.” Nick said with a nod. Aj looked at him and Nick shrugged not sure why Aj was shooting him a look.



“Is Nalia your friend?” Aj asked as he looked back too her.



“Yes.” Rayne nodded. “We’ve known each other since we were little ones.” Rayne said with a light smile. “We were even born on the same day.”



“Really?” Aj said a little surprised.



“Rayne?” said a man’s voice from the door. Nick and Aj looked as Rayne turned around and they saw Rem standing there. “Your father says you may go see Nalia now.”



“Thank you Rem.” Rayne said with a smile. The man nodded and then left.



“Dude I wanna learn magic.” Nick said slapping him on the arm.



“Can we use magic?” Aj asked looking to Rayne.



“I do not know, did they tell you your talent?” she asked.



“Talent?” Nick and Aj asked at the same time.



“That would be a no.” she sighed. “How about after dinner, we will go to the magic yards and I will show you what I can.” She said as Aj heard Nick giggle.



“Nice.” Nick said with a nod.



“Cool.” Aj said as he actually seemed interested.



“Now if you will excuse me, it was nice meeting you.” She said with a smile and nod.



“Yeah see ya later.” Nick said with a smile.



“Bye.” Aj said with a light wave. They watched as she turned around and walked out the door.



“She’s cute, put her in jeans and a tank top bet she’d be hot.” Nick said as he turned around and sat on the bed.



“You.” Aj said turning and looking at Nick. “Better not get beheaded for copin’ a feel from a Princess.” Nick’s face fell again as the realization came across his face.



“Keep forgetting this place is different.” Nick said with a light smile. “Kind of like England.”



“Kind of like middle earth.” Aj shrugged. “So real or are we dreaming?” Aj asked looking to Nick.



“Hell if I know dude, but she said we can blow stuff up with our hands and I wanna stick around until we do so.” Nick said with a smile.



“Carter.” Aj sighed.



“Maybe I can freeze stuff, be all like Arnold in Batman.” Nick said holding out his hand. “Chill.” He said in a horrible Austrian accent. “Chill.”



“Dork.” Aj said as he walked passed him and gave him a little shove. “How old are you?”



“Twenty Seven, but I feel like a kid.” Nick said with sarcasm.



“I hope I can freeze you, then I can get some adult time.” Aj said as he sat down in his chair. Nick laughed sarcastically as the door to Aj’s room opened.



“Hey.” Kevin said as the other guys walked in.



“Finally people my age.” Aj sighed as Nick rolled his eyes.



“So, what’s going on?” Kevin asked as he looked around.



“This is my room.” Aj said with a sarcastic smile.



“What’s with the..” Howie said pointing to the fire place.



“Don’t ask, don’t touch. I ain’t being responsible for this whole castle goin up.” Aj said as Kevin lightly laughed.



“Anyone know when we can eat I’m getting hungry.” Nick said as he sat on the bed.



“Dude I have a couch.” Aj said looking at him. Nick rolled his eyes and shook his head as he looked back to the guys.



“Find out anything new?” He asked.



“Nope.” Brian said sitting beside Kevin.



“They use Magic.” Aj said raising his eyebrows.



“They do?” Howie asked.



“Yeah.” Nick nodded as he stood up again. “This Princess came in.”



“Rayne.” Aj interrupted him. Nick looked at him funny. “Her name was Princess Rayne.”



“Right, well whatever.” Nick said shaking it off. Aj and Kevin shook their heads as he continued. “She said they used Magic’s and she was going to show us how after dinner.”



“Try too, she said she didn’t know if we could.” Aj said looking at him.



“Well if they use magics then they can just poof our asses back.” Kevin said standing up. “We should go to Marsa.”



“What now?” Nick said looking at him. “But Magic’s, pew pew.” Nick said poking his fingers out. Brian started laughing and so did Howie. It was contagious and soon they all were laughing.



“Fine.” Kevin said as they calmed down. “We’ll let the kid take a ride then we leave.”



Aj sat there looking at his friends, it was nice seeing them laugh and smile as they joked about where they were. He wondered if they were covering for the fact they were just as scared as he was and wanted to go home just as much as he did. He looked down at his fingers and wondered what it would be like to toss out a spell or two. He took a deep breath, and looked up again. His mind drifted to when Rayne had walked into the room. He didn’t see before how curly her hair was, pulled back around the sides. She was a small girl, thin, and couldn’t have been much taller than his mom. Her eyes were blue, as dark as her dress was. He laughed a little to himself not realizing he had paid so much attention to her to remember.



“Alex?” Kevin said as it broke him from his thought. He looked up and saw all the guys standing around staring at him.



“Yeah?” he asked not sure what they wanted.



“Servant said its dinner time.” Kevin said pointing to the door. Aj looked over and saw the Elvaan man standing in the doorway.



“Sweet I’m starving.” Aj said as he stood up and walked around his desk. Kevin looked to Brian with a raised eyebrow and Brian just shrugged.



“I hope the food is good.” Nick said as they followed the servant down the hall. “What if it’s like in Indy, and we have to eat monkey brains out of monkey heads.” Nick asked. Then he felt a slap up side the head. “Ow, Damn it Kevin.” He sighed without even looking.



“Do you ever think before you open that thing?” Kevin asked as Nick looked back to him.



“Do you ever close yours?” Nick shot back as he turned around.



“You better behave or Kevin will take away your magic fun.” Aj said as they stepped down the stairs.



“Yeah dude, nothing stopping us from leaving now.” Kevin said as they walked down the dinning room hallway.

The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 2



Aj stopped in front of the large wooden doors as the two guards that stood beside them pulled them open. When the servant in front of them walked into the dinning room Aj and his friends behind him followed. The room they walked into was large with windows lining the wall in front of them. A large dark wooden table sat in the middle of the room. There were already people standing at the table and they turned to look at the guys.



Aj saw Rossi, Adop and Rayne standing on the right side of the table. The servant walked them over to the empty seats across from the royalty. Just as the servant left, the doors on the opposite end of the room opened and King Marsa came into the room.



“Good evening everyone.” He said with a nod of his head. Everyone said hello except the guys not really sure what they should do. When the boys saw the others take their seats, they followed suit. “What is the final word Adop?” Marsa asked as Aj watched the servants serve the food.



“The land of Kalica is at a lost.” Adop said sadly as Aj looked at him.



“All of it?” Marsa said shocked.



“We barely got her highness and her daughter out.” Bussa said as everyone looked at him.



“What about Muli?” Rossi asked.



“Gone, it was hit at the same time.” Adop reported.



“How can his army be so large?” Rossi asked a little amazed. Aj looked to the other guys, and they were already looking at each other, a look of concern on all their faces.



“I do not know.” Adop sighed.



As the three Kings began talking Aj looked across the table. He saw Rayne look at the servant as she placed a plate of food in front of her. He watched as she stared at it and her expression made him frown a little.



“When can we go home?” Kevin asked and Aj looked up as everyone stopped talking.



“Go home?” Marsa asked a little confused.



“Yeah.” Kevin said with a nod. “If you haven’t noticed we don’t want to be here, so you can use your magic and send us home.”



“Alexander and Nickolas is that what you two want?” Marsa asked as he looked to each of the guys.



“Yes it’s what they want; they want to go home to their families, their friends.” Kevin said getting angry. Everyone at the table started arguing except Aj. He sat there staring at the untouched meal in front of him. Hearing the angry voices of the people around him, the thought of being here, the thought of home, it was too much for him and he got up from his chair. He walked out of the room no one noticing, or so he thought.



“Alexander?” a voice said from behind him and he turned around. He was shocked to see Rayne standing there by the dinning room door, the people still arguing inside. “Are you alright?” she asked as she folded her hands in front of her.



“I just needed to get away from all the fighting.” Aj said standing in the hallway looking over her shoulder at the dinning room doors.



“You do not want to be here?” she asked.



“No, this ain’t my home.” Aj said shaking his head. “I’m not this Alexander guy; I don’t know why they thought I was.”



“Father said that the spell might make you feel like things aren’t right.” She said as he looked at her. “He said in a couple of days, everything will start to feel familiar again.”



“But I’m not going to be here for a couple of days, we’re going home tonight.” Aj said with a light shake of his head.



“But the war..” Rayne said unsure.



“I’m sorry that you guys are going through a war, we have them where I’m from too, but I’m not this Alexander guy, I’m not Elvaan, and I’m not from here.” Aj said as he turned around and started walking.



A growl made him look up and he saw a wolf standing at the other end of the hall. Its coat was shinny, the white and grey fur looked like it was well kept for a wild animal. Aj stepped forward and the wolf dropped down a little and growled. He stopped dead as his heart began to race a little.



“What the hell.” Aj said as he slowly looked back to Rayne. “There’s a wolf, right there.” Aj said pointing to the animal.



“Yes.” Rayne nodded. “Her name is Paq.”



“She’s your pet?” Aj asked looking at her, his eyebrows raised a little in shock.



“Sort of, she is a spell, I can call her when I need her.” Rayne said as the dog began to walk towards them and it made Aj back up a little. “She will not hurt you, not unless I want her too.” He looked at her and a light smile came across his face.



“So then what’s with the wolf?” Aj asked.



“Making sure you did not leave before I was finished.” Rayne said and Aj titled his head a little. “I know how you feel, I only found out about who I am, who we are yesterday before father brought me here from Sarila.” Rayne told him. “I have a chance now to save my home, and my people. I know this is not your home, your people but what if it is, what if they are, can you leave knowing you could have helped us.” She stopped. Aj looked at her and then looked down as the wolf sat beside her.



“I don’t think. I’m not this Alexander.” Aj said to her again, and he kind of started feeling bad.



“Is there any way I can convince you and your friends to stay just a couple of days, to find out for sure, if your not I will personally make sure they send you all back to your home.” Rayne said as she stood in front of Aj. He looked at her, her blue eyes caught him and he saw desperation in her them.



“Uh.” Aj said not sure what to say. Just then the dinning room doors opened and Aj spun around quickly. He saw Kevin and the guys coming out, talking to each other. Spinning back around, Aj looked down to the wolf and she was gone.



“Alex man lets go.” Kevin said as Aj looked back to him, he looked pretty mad.



“What did they say?” Rayne asked him as Kevin approached them.



“They said they need to discuss it privately, so I’m giving them a couple of hours and that’s it.” He said as he started walking down the hall. Rayne turned around and looked back at Aj as Brian walked up to him and gently took him by the shoulder. He looked back at Rayne as they walked by her, he lightly smiled, and she lightly frowned. Aj tried to look back to see where she was going but he got turned around by Brian.



“So where did you go?” Brian asked as Aj turned back around.



“I had to get out of the room, everyone yelling.” Aj sighed as they crossed the front hallway.



“So what are we going to do for the next two hours since Magic is out.” Nick pouted as they walked up the stairs.



“oh!” Aj exclaimed as he snapped his fingers. “I saw some magic.”



“What?” The other four guys said as they stopped at the top of the stairs.



“Yeah.” Aj nodded. “When I was talking to Rayne I tried to leave and she stopped me.”



“How?” Kevin asked a little concern.



“She summoned a wolf, just popped up outta no where, like poof, I was all like what the fu.” Howie brought a hand up to his mouth and muffled the last word.



“Not here dude.” Howie said shaking his head lightly.



“A wolf?” Kevin asked confused.



“Yep, Ranye said her was Paq, I think.” Aj said with a shrug.



“Man, this sucks.” Nick said pouting again as he headed down the hallway to their room.



“So, where did you wanna meet?” Kevin asked as he rolled his eyes at Nick, looking back to the other guys.



“Let’s just go to your room, Nick’s gone for his nap there anyways.” Aj said as Howie, Brian, Kevin and himself headed down the hallway.



The guys laughed as they joked about Nick and his attitude. They reached the door and Kevin pulled it open. The guys walked into the room and saw Nick lying on the bed. He was on his back, his leg crossed his arms under his head.



“Are you going to be ok?” Brian asked as he stopped at the end of Nick’s bed.



“Maybe.” Nick said looking back at Brian.



“So what all did they say?” Aj asked as he shook his head a Nick.



“They want us to stay to help, they want to teach us how to use our talents.” Kevin stopped when Aj interrupted him.



“Talents?” He asked confused.



“Yeah it’s like your job, your magic job.” Nick said as he sat up quickly.



“Anyways.” Kevin said looking to Aj from Nick. “He said they want to teach us how to use our magic’s, so we can go to war, so we can fight this evil mage and save the world.” Kevin said waving his arms around a little.



“Wow they’re not asking much.” Aj huffed as he sat down on a bed.



“All I know is we’re not getting caught up in a war we have nothing to do with.” Kevin said as he sat down on the couch in the room.



“How do you know?” Nick said looking to Kevin and Aj looked at Nick.



“What?” Kevin said confused.



“Well you don’t know, what if they are right, what if we are who they say we are.” Nick said as he slid forward on his bed. “This place does use magic so you can’t sit there and say it’s impossible they did what hey did.”



“Seriously?” Kevin screeched shocked.



“I’m just saying, why don’t we do what Marsa said wait a couple of days, let them teach us, maybe it’ll prove to us they’re right.” Nick said to Kevin.



“Prove they’re right, I can’t believe you’re saying this.” Kevin said looking at him, his voice getting higher.



“I can’t believe you of all people want to walk away from a world, ours or not, that’s at war, when there’s something you can do to stop it.” Nick said as he stood up from the bed.



The room went quiet and Aj looked from Nick to Kevin, his mind racing. Nick had a point, and it was the same point Rayne made to him earlier. He saw the look on her face, the look in her eyes and he sighed as he remembered what she asked him.



“Maybe.” Aj said as he looked up at the others. “Maybe Nick has a point.”



“Alex.” Kevin said looking at him.



“Hey, I don’t like the idea of me being from here either. I’m not from here but if there’s a chance we can help then we should at least stick around long enough to find out.” Aj said as Kevin sat back in his chair.



“Yeah.” Nick nodded to Kevin in agreement. “Let’s just give them a couple of days.”



Kevin looked from Aj to Nick and then to the rest of the guys. Kevin turned a little in his chair as his eyebrows frowned in thought. Aj took a deep breath; he wasn’t sure what he was doing. He wanted to go home; he didn’t want to be from here but he couldn’t just walk away if there was something he could do.



“This is asinine.” Kevin sighed as he shook his head. Just then there was a knock at the door and Howie answered it. Aj felt himself sit up when he saw Rayne standing at the door as Howie stepped to the side.



“Hello.” She said with a light smile and a nod.



“Hey.” The other guys said in a somber tone, except Nick he was very happy to see her.



“I was wondering if you were still interested in going to the magic fields?” she asked as she looked around the room, stopping at Aj.



“Yes.” Nick said quickly before anyone else could answer. “Cause we’re staying for a bit, right guys?” He asked as he looked around the room. Aj saw a relief look come over her face as she looked from Nick to him. Aj turned to Kevin and looked at him. The oldest member took a deep breath.



“We’ll stay a couple of days, find out if we can really help, I don’t even know what we will do if we can, but if we can’t we are out of here.” Kevin said looking at her.



“I will see to it personally.” She replied with a nod.



“Nice, let’s go to these magic fields.” Nick said clapping his hands together.



Aj looked to Kevin and he was smiling at Nick as he stood up. Aj fixed his robe as he stepped down from the bed and over to the door. The guys filed out of the room and he was the last one out, closing the door behind him.



“So what kind of magic will we be learning?” Nick asked as they followed Rayne down the hall.



“I have asked a Mage from the Council to join us.” Rayne said.



“What’s the Council?” Howie asked.



“It is where Mage’s go to learn their spells and about their talent.” Rayne replied.



“Like a school.” Nick said happy he understood. “but why a Mage?”



“They see magical energies and can read the talents of people.” Rayne explained. “Once we find out your talents we can show you some spells.”



“We?” Kevin asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.



“Does this mean you will stay?” Marsa asked as the guys saw him, Rossi and Adop standing near the castle doors.



“Only for a couple of days, find out if we can help, but we are going home.” Kevin said as everyone stood in the hallway.



“Then follow me.” Marsa said as they walked towards the castle doors.



Aj looked around as they walked through the city, going to a part he had hadn’t seen yet. There seemed to be larger buildings, with many floors, and court yards. They walked passed a fountain in the middle of the court yard when he felt someone beside him; he looked to his left and saw Rayne there.



“Thank you.” She said to him with a light smile.



“For?” he asked unsure.



“For convincing your friends to stay.” She said with a light smile.



“Oh, well that wasn’t all me, Nick helped.” Aj said as Nick looked back over his shoulder at him with his eyebrow raised. “So,” Aj said changing the topic quickly. “What Talent are you?”



“Oh, I am a Druid.” She said as Nick stopped walking to let them catch up.



“What’s a Druid?” Nick asked.



“We are mages of Nature. We use her energies to fight and protect.” Rayne explained as they followed everyone.



“So the wolf.” Aj said looking at her.



“I learned that in my tenth year at the Council, it took me a couple of days to meet the spirit.” She said remembering.



“A spirit?” Nick asked.



“As a Druid we respect Nature, and are grateful to the gifts she provides for us, it was a trial, to prove to her that I was worthy of her trust.” Rayne said as Aj looked up and they walked into an open field.



“I bet Kevin’s a Druid.” Nick said looking at Aj and he couldn’t help but laugh.



“Is this it?” Aj asked when he noticed the group had stopped.



Yes.” Rayne nodded.



“It doesn’t look very magical.” Nick said looking around.



“Nothing magically about it, it is a place to practice.” Rayne said as Marsa turned around.



“Ah, here comes the Mage.” Marsa said as looked down the right field. There were stacks of hay, targets on tall stands of hay, fake people made of hay. When the young Mage had greeted them Marsa stood in front of everyone.



“So who goes first?” Nick asked as he looked around.



“How are the energies?” Marsa asked as he looked to the man beside him.



“They are strong.” The man replied.



“In all”? Marsa asked.



“Yes sir.” The man nodded. “Especially those two.” The man said pointing to Aj and Nick.



“Good.” Marsa said with a nod as the guys looked to Aj. He shrugged lightly and they looked back to Marsa. “So what do you see?” the Elvaan asked as the man began to walk around the guys.



“I see light in this one.” The Mage said as he looked at Brian.



“Light that’s good right?” Brian asked looking to Marsa. “That’s good right?” he asked looking to the Mage.



“His light pure, he is a Priest.” The Mage said looking to Marsa.



“Wonderful.” Marsa said with a smile.



“A Priest?” Brian said with a little frown. “Well that’s not very original.”



“What does a Priest do?” Kevin asked.



“He is a healer the only talent purely concentrated on healing, the well being of others, even above his own.” Marsa replied. “You can cure people’s wounds, you can cure their diseases and poisons, and sometimes, if there is enough, you can bring back a fallen ally.”



“Like bring someone back to life?” Brian asked shocked.



“Yes, but it doesn’t always work.” Marsa said. “We can not take life for granted.” Aj looked over to Rayne when he heard a sigh and he saw a frown on her face.



“This one is a Ranger.” The Mage said as he stood in front of Howie.



“Ranger?” Howie asked looking to Marsa unsure.



“Ranger Howie.” Nick said thinking.



“A Ranger is like a scout, you can see far, and hear very well, you can see better than others at night, you are well equipped with a bow and arrow, or a crossbow.” Rayne said as they looked to her.



“Sweet.” Howie said with a nod. “But how come I didn’t notice before, or even now.” Howie said looking around.



“You must train your eyes and ears, you will see.” Marsa said with a smile.



“Ok so I’m imtregued what am I?” Kevin asked as he turned to the Mage. The young man walked over too him and scanned him. Aj watched as the Mage walked around him in a circle. “I see light.” The man said thinking.



“A Priest?” Nick said confused, even Aj looked at Kevin a little confused.



“No, his light is different, it is not pure.” The Mage said.



“I knew it!” Nick said pointing to Kevin.



“Dude.” Kevin said as he shot a look to Nick.



“Then he is a Paladin?” Marsa asked the Mage. The Mage nodded. “A fighter of good, you have the spells of a Priest but the strength of a Warrior.”



“Cool.” Kevin said nodding.



“So that leaves us.” Nick said looking at the Mage. The Mage turned around and looked at Nick and Aj.



“Well this is interesting.” The Mage said as he stopped at Nick and then looked to Aj. He turned to Marsa. “They are the two most strongest Talents.”



“Really?” Marsa said with a light smile.



“So what are they?” Brian asked as he looked at the guys nervously.



“This one.” The Mage said pointing to Nick “is a Warlock.”



“A Lock.” Rayne said with shock.



“What’s that?” Nick asked her.



“They use dark magic’s and they can summon Orcs and Goblins.” Rayne said as a huge smile crawled across Nicks face.



“Oh yeah.” Nick nodded. “That’s sic.” Nick said looking to Aj.



“And Alexander?” Rayne asked as Aj looked at her.



“He is a Mage.” The young man said with a smile. Aj looked back to Rayne and she lightly smiled at him.



“So what does he do?” Kevin asked.



“He can use the elemental energies around him, he can cast Fire, Ice, Water, and Lightening Magic, also depending on how strong he is, he may be able to teleport,” Rayne explained.



“Teleport?” Aj asked unsure. “You mean like one sec I’m here the next second I’m way over there.” He pointed to the other side of the field.



“Or in Sarila, or Tokia, where ever you wish, but the further you go, the more strength and energy the spell takes from you.” Rayne warn him.



“Sweet.” Aj said with a nod.



“Well I be a Paladin, so come with me boy, and I will teach ye the basics.” Rossi said as he walked over to Kevin.



“ and I am a Warlock.” King Adop said as he looked to Nick.



“Cool can I summon a goblin?” Nick asked as he walked over to him.



“I will go get a Priest and a Ranger and then return.” The Mage said to Marsa. The King nodded and the Mage left as he headed towards a building.



A loud cackle, from their right, made everyone turn and look as they saw Nick in the right field laughing. Aj looked to Howie and Brian confused, and they just shrugged back at him. Nick looked over and waved.



“Check this out!” He shouted and turned to face the tall stack of hay. He lifted his arm and held out his hand, the guys watched a waited then out of no where a purple stream shot from his fingers and consumed the hay stack.



“Whoa.” Howie, Brian, and Aj said as their eyebrows shot up.



“What was that?” Aj asked looking to Rayne quickly.



“It’s a Shadow Flame.” Rayne said as they looked back to Nick as he let another one fly and another cackle wail.



“Glad he’s having fun.” Aj said as he looked over to Kevin. He lightly smiled at the sight of Kevin practicing his sword attacks. Turning his head to the left he saw the Mage coming with two other people behind him, a male and female. “Looks like we’re up.” Aj said turning to Howie and Brian. The guys turned around and saw the people walking towards them. Aj watched as Howie went with the female Ranger and Brian went with the Priest.



“If you will follow me.” The Mage said as he pointed towards the field by Nick.



“You wanna come watch?” Aj asked as he turned to Rayne.



“Actually I need to be heading back to the Castle; I need to check on Nalia.” Rayne said with a light smile. “I will see you at breakfast tomorrow.”



“Ok.” Aj said as a feeling of him not wanting her to go came over him. She lightly smiled again and the Mage bowed to her as she said goodbye to him. He watched as she walked down the path and headed towards the castle.



“Shall we?” the Mage asked. Aj lightly smiled and nodded as he let the Mage guide him over to a stack of hay like Nick’s.



Aj stood there as the Mage explained to him how to perform a Flame spell. When he was done explaining he told Aj how to clear his mind so he could perform a spell and how to tap into the energies around you. For some reason Aj was taking it all in, like it was second nature. He wasn’t confused or lost, he understood perfectly.



“Nice dude!” Nick shouted as Aj set the hay on fire. Aj couldn’t help but smile as he turned back around and looked at the burnt hay. After a few more Flame spells, the Mage taught Aj the Water, Ice, and Lightening spell.



“Practice those for the next couple of days and then I will teach you more.” The Mage said as they walked back to the other guys who had gathered in the middle of the field.



“More, there’s more?” Aj asked.



“Yes.” The young man nodded. “There is the Teleportation spell, although that you will not be able to do right away.” He said looking at him as they stopped at the guys. “There are the Ancient magic’s you must know and understand, although you won’t be able to perform those, no one can anymore, and your Ice trap spell which I can teach you tomorrow if you like.”



“Ice Trap?” Aj asked the Mage.



“Yes, it is a spell for defense it freezes anything within a certain area of you, you can then flee if you must or finish them off.” He replied.



“Cool.” Aj said nodding.



“I need sleep.” Kevin said looking to the guys.



“Yeah this has been one long and weird day.” Brian said as everyone started heading to the castle.



Aj and the guys followed the Kings to the castle, although Aj was pretty sure he was getting the lay of the place. He watched as the castle doors opened and then followed everyone in. When they reached the lobby Marsa turned around.



“This is where we part, I am sure you know the way to your rooms?” he asked



“Yeah we’re good.” Nick said with a nod. Marsa smiled and Aj could tell he was a little puzzled about what Nick had said.



“I don’t know it was so weird.” Howie said as Aj tuned back into the conversation that was going on as they walked up the stairs. “One minute everything was normal, but as I actually concentrated on looking or listening, I could hear and see everything.”



“I know same here.” Kevin said as they stepped onto the second floor. “At first I couldn’t get it, I was confused, but as I concentrated more it came to me.”



“I didn’t have any troubles.” Aj said as the stopped by their rooms.



“Really?” Howie asked looking at him.



“Yeah.” Aj shrugged.



“Well you were popping off spells like there was no tomorrow.” Nick said turning to him.



“Just basic spells.” Aj shrugged. “At least that’s what the Mage said.”



“I didn’t see any goblins coming from you.” Kevin said as he opened the door.



“No they said I will learn it later, when I’m stronger.” Nick pouted as they walked into the room.



“Are you coming in?” Kevin asked as he looked at Aj.



“Naw, I think I just want to chill by myself for a little.” Aj said as he shook his head. “Knock on the door in the morning when you get up.”



“Alright.” Kevin said with a nod as Aj lightly smiled and headed down to his door.



Aj took a deep breath as he walked up to the door and put his hand on the knob, as he turned it, he heard someone call out to him. He pushed the door open and turned to see Rayne walking down the hall.



“Hey.” Aj said as she stopped in front of him.



“Hello.” She replied. “I was hoping to catch you before you retired for the night.”



“Oh?” Aj said a little confused.



“Just wanted to see how your spell training went.” She asked as he walked into his room and held out her arm for her to come in. “Thank you.” She said with a light nod as she walked in.



“It was alright, a little weird I guess, not everyday I shoot Ice from my fingers.” Aj said as he sat down against is desk.



“You did not have magic where you came from?” she asked.



“Nope.” Aj said shaking his head lightly. “I mean there was lore about it, people believe we use to but forgot how, I dunno.” He said with a light shrug.



“Then I guess this really is quite over whelming for you then.” Rayne said as she sat down on the couch.



“Yep.” Aj said as he stood up from the desk. “What about you, didn’t you say you just found out too?” Aj asked as he joined her on the couch.



“Yes.” She nodded. “Father told me before we came that I was one of four Guardians.” Rayne said as she looked at him. “I had grown up learning the word in Council, but I never thought it would have been me.” Aj turned and looked at her. He noticed she had a look on her face much like he felt.



“So if it’s Nick, you, and I then who’s the other one?” Aj asked.



“Nalia, my friend.” Rayne replied.



“The one they brought into the springs?” Aj asked.



“Yes.” Rayne nodded.



“Is she ok?” Aj asked.



“Oh yes.” Rayne nodded. “She has been in her room resting.”



“And that lady was her mom?” Aj asked.



“Yes.” Rayne replied. “She is alright as well.”



The two of them sat in silence for a minute, the sound from outside quiet, with the odd chirp from a bird. He looked to the window and then looked back to Rayne. She was frowning as she played with a small part of her dress.



“Everything ok?” Aj asked when he saw her face.



“Pardon?” she said looking up at him. “Oh, yes I am fine.” She said with a light smile.



“Doesn’t look like it.” Aj said as he positioned himself on the couch to face her.



“I was just thinking.” She said quietly as she let go of her dress.



“About?” He asked after she didn’t say anything. She turned her head and looked at him.



“If you and Nickolas go home, what will happen to us?” Rayne said as she looked at him.



“I’m sure you guys will be fine, there’s still you and Nalia.” Aj replied.



“Yes, but if we are going by the word of Pixca, we need all of us here.” Rayne said as she looked away.



“You know everyone has told me that I’m this Alexander guy, but no one has told me exactly what this word is we’re supposed to follow.” Aj said too her. “Like who is Pixca why do you guys follow what they say.”



“Pixca is our creator; she gave us our world, land, lives and magic.” Rayne said as he looked at her.



“So why doesn’t she help then?” Aj asked.



“Do you have a creator where you are from?” She asked.



“Yeah we do.” Aj said with a light smile. “Ok so I get that.” She lightly smiled as she looked to the fire place.



“It is only a matter of time, before Johon will attack Sarila.” Rayne sighed as she looked back to Aj. “I heard Father talking to Rossi earlier tonight. They still are not sure how his army is growing so fast.”



“Could it be magic?” Aj asked.



“You mean he is creating his army with Magic?” she asked and he nodded. “That is a possibility but I have never heard of such a spell, and I do not think Father and the others have as well, or Father would have said something.”



“Where’s your mom?” Aj asked out of the blue.



“My mother?” she asked a little confused where the question came from.



“Yeah.” Aj nodded.



“She died.” Rayne said sadly. “A year ago.”



“Oh, I’m sorry.” Aj said as he looked away a little embarrassed.



“It is alright.” Rayne said as he looked back and she lightly smiled. “She was visiting Pomic when it was attacked.”



“Attacked, you mean by that Mage guy?” Aj asked.



“Yes.” Rayne nodded. “She was there with Queen Tas, Princess Nati, and Prince Dyn.” She looked at Aj and noticed he looked confused. “Queen Tas was the wife of Marsa, Nati was their daughter and Dyn was their son. They also died that day.”



“So, that means they were, I mean if this word is true, then they were..” Aj stopped it was a little weird to say.



“They were your mother, brother and sister.” Rayne replied, not sure if she was supposed too.



“Right.” Aj said quietly looking away. “You all seem like you have lost a lot because of this Johon.”



“We have, and now that Kalica is completely gone.” Rayne said sadly. “I know Sarila will be next.”



“How do you know that?” Aj asked.



“Because it was Father and King Colim who ignored the word, and now they are the ones suffering because of it.” Rayne replied sadly.



“And if he does what will you do?” Aj asked as he watched her stand up.



“Defend it till my last breath.” Rayne said as she looked back at him. “This is my home, and I will do what I must to protect it. Guardian or not.”



Aj stood up and walked with her over to the door, when they reached it she stopped and looked at him. He hadn’t notice how curly her hair was, long ring locks fell down her shoulder, her bangs pulled back, a small diamond crown hitting near the tip of her head.



“If you do want to go home, I ask you leave soon.” She said as he looked at her a little shocked. “The longer you stay the more hope the people, my Father, the other Kings.” She stopped for a moment. “and even myself will get, and then just to turn around and have you leave, would be devastating.” She looked at him and saw the long face. “Oh, I am sorry, I did not mean it like that.”



“I know.” Aj said with a light smile. “You know you’re the only one who hasn’t actually pushed me to accept this.” Aj said as she looked at him a little confused. “Everyone is all like, your Alexander so accept it and do what you’re suppose too.”



“Well I do understand what it is like to all of a sudden have the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Rayne said with a light smile. Aj smiled back as he opened the door for her. “I will see you at breakfast”



“You bet.” Aj nodded as she walked out of the room.



“Then till tomorrow.” Rayne said with a soft smile.



“Bye.” Aj said with a light smile as she turned around and walked down the hall. He watched her for a moment and then closed the door as he walked into his room. Her words floating in his head, he sighed as he sat down on the edge of the bed.



“What if.” He said out loud as he looked around the room. “What if this really is my home.” He growled as he crawled onto the bed over to his pillows. “Bah Mclean, get some sleep.”





Rayne walked down the hall towards her room. She had just left Alexander’s room, and she couldn’t help but smile. Reaching for the door knob she stopped when she heard someone approach. Turning around she was a little startled to see her Father standing there.



“Hello.” She said as she looked up at him. “I was just retiring to my room.”



“You were with Alexander.” Adop said to her stopping her from going into her room.



“Only briefly.” Rayne said looking at him a little confused. “I wanted to see how his training went.”



“In his bed chambers at night?” the man asked.



“Father.” Rayne said a shocked.



“You are my only child, a child that I turned my back on Pixca for.” Adop said looking at her sternly. “I only want what is best for you.”



“I know.” She said quietly.



“Alexander feels he doesn’t belong, and it is only a matter of time before he goes home, he will leave us here, and he will leave you here.” Adop said and Rayne looked at him about to protest at the insinuation of her and Alexander. “Nickolas will follow, and it will be up to you and Nalia to save us.”



“Yes Father.” Rayne said with a small frowned.



“Now, why do you not go get some sleep?” Adop said as he took her by the arms and lightly kissed her forehead. She smiled at him and turned around, opening her door as she walked in.



Adop stood there after the door had closed, staring at it in thought. He didn’t move when he heard the man approach him from his left side. Slowly Adop turned around and saw his Guardian standing there.



“I hope I did not see what I thought I saw.” Rem said as Adop looked up at him.



“Which would be?” Adop asked as he walked into his room Rem closing the door behind him.



“Which would be, Rayne and Alexander alone in his room.” Rem replied.



“I have already talked to her.” Adop said as he walked passed his Guardian.



“They must not be together, nor Nalia and Nickolas.” Rem said as he quickly walked in front of Adop, showing authority. Something a Guardian or General or Commander would never do. “You saw what happened to Kalica, to her people, to Colim, your wife, Marsa’s family.” Rem smiled at Adop, a smile that made the King feel uncomfortable. “You do not want that for your daughter, this world, almost took her away from you, for what?”



“I know Rem.” Adop said looking at him. “What is Johon’s next move.”



“He wants Drisel.” Rem replied.



“What do you mean; the deal was he would take Tokia and Winnol, along with Kalica.” Adop said looking at Rem confused. “I was to keep Sarila.”



“But things have changed, Alexander and Nickolas are here.” Rem said to him a little angry. “No, the plans have changed, Johon will attack Drisel tomorrow, you will stepped down from the thrown, and give him Sarila but before you do.” Rem said as he turned around and looked at Adop. “You will perform on last duty as King.”



“And what is that?” Adop asked with a light scoff, this was not part of his deal, he had made with Johon.



“You will give Johon your daughters hand in marriage.” Rem said with a small smile.



“You want me to what?” Adop said stunned.



“You will give Rayne to Johon, and for this your life shall be spared.” Rem said looking at him. “Make sure Rayne is ready in the morning, we must be in Drisel before night fall, and we leave before breakfast.” Rem said as he walked over to the door. He stopped his hand before it reached the knob. “Her and Alexander must not be together.”



Adop stood in the middle of the room staring at the door as it closed shut. His face had fallen and he knew he was well over his head now. All he wanted was a safe place for her too live in, a safe place where he could watch her live, and now, well now he had just thrown her into the lion’s mouth.

The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 3



Rayne was rushed down the back castle stairs her father in front of her. She wasn’t sure what was going on. A servant had come into her room in the morning and told her that her Father wanted her up and dressed for they were leaving for Sarila.



“Father please I do not understand what is going on.” Rayne said as they walked out to the harbor.



“Rayne I told you we shall discuss this when we set sail, right now we must hurry.” Adop said as Rayne looked up and saw Sarila’s commanding ship.



It was made of wood as all ships were. The Lexcar as it was named had been the commanding ship for her kingdom for a while now. The mussels and slime that clung to the wood from years of sitting in water, made the ship look weaker than she actually was. It stood tall out of the water and as she looked up she saw the cannon holes were empty and she could see the sailors running around inside getting the ship in sailing order. The massive dark blue sails flapped in the wind, wearing the country’s symbol proudly.



“We are ready to set sail your Majesty.” Rayne heard the captain say to her Father.



Adop!” she heard someone shout and she turned to the voice as her Father did.



“Marsa I am sorry but I need to go.” Adop said raising his hand. “With Kalica gone, I need to be with my people, I need to be there.”



“But does Rayne, are you sure you want to put her in that kind of danger?” Marsa asked as the old Elvaan stopped in front of them.



“I can protect her better if she is with me.” Adop said as he motioned for Rayne to go onto the ship.



“I can stay here Father; I can help Alexander and Nickolas.” She was cut off by her Fathers loud stern tone.



“No!” He said turning to her. She looked at him shocked and confused. “Just ease an old mans heart and go onto the boat.” He told her. With one last look to Marsa and to her Father, she picked up her dress a little and walked up the plank. When she reached the ship she stopped and stood by the railing.



“Adop what is going on?” Marsa asked as Adop turned and looked at him. “We have been friends for years, so I do know when you are hiding something.”



“I am not.” Adop said defensive. “You are a King, Marsa you know where my loyalties lie, and I can not sit here and wait for those boys to make up their minds, minds that are already made up.”



“They have just arrived if you give them.” Marsa was cut off.



“Your Majesty we are ready.” Rem said.



Rayne looked to her left and saw her Fathers Guardian standing beside her. He always made her feel uneasy, the way he looked at her, and the way he presented himself.



“Very well Rem.” Adop said as he turned and headed up the plank.



“Adop I beg you reconsider, leave her here with the others.” Marsa yelled over the noise of the crew preparing the ship.



Rayne looked at her Father as he ignored Marsa and walked with Rem across the ship. When she felt the ship jerk she looked back to Marsa and saw them pulling away from the dock. The Elvaan was looking at her with great concern, something was telling her she shouldn’t go and his look made it even stronger but her Father wanted her at home.





Marsa watched as the ship pulled out of his harbor, the sails grabbing the wind and pushing the ship faster out to the vast water outside of the cave. He frowned, not sure what his friend was up to but he knew it wasn’t good.



“Avit?” Marsa said to his General.



“Yes your Majesty?” Avit asked.



“Send out a Gryphon Flyer, tell them to follow the ship at a safe distance, report to me if anything happens.” Marsa said as he looked to Avit.



“Yes sir.” Avit nodded as he turned around and headed down the docks.







Aj walked down the hall towards the dinning room. The servant had come up to is room and told him breakfast was served. He went to get the guys but they weren’t in their rooms, so he figured they already went down. As the doors opened he saw he was correct when he saw the other guys standing by the table chairs.



“Hey.” Aj nodded to them as he walked passed them. “What’s going on?”



“Just waiting for the Royalty to get here.” Kevin said with a light smile.



“One of the servants said Princess Nalia and Queen Evia will be joining us.” Nick said as he looked to Aj beside him.



“Cool.” Aj said with a nod. Just then the back doors opened and they saw the girl and woman they had seen in the Healing Springs, although they were in much better condition now.



“Hello.” The woman said with a curtsy. “I am Queen Evia, it is a great honor to meet you.” The guys bowed back, something they were told to do to Royalty, although they kind of already knew that. “And this is my daughter Princess Nalia.” The girl curtsied as well and the guys returned with a bow.



Aj looked at Nalia, she looked much different than Rayne. Her hair was a dark chocolate brown, her eyes the same colour as her hair. She was much taller than Rayne and she seemed to carry herself more like a Princess than Rayne did.



“Where are Rayne and her Father?” Aj asked as the servants started to serve them breakfast.



“Her Father has taken her home.” Evia said and as Aj looked up at her, he saw the distressed look on her face.



“How come, isn’t their land on the brink of war?” Kevin asked as Aj looked over to him.



“Yes they are, and Adop feels he can protect her better from there.” Evia said as she looked back down at her plate. Aj was about to say something when the side doors opened and Marsa walked in.



“So very sorry I am late.” He said with a light bow before sitting down.



“Quiet alright Marsa.” Evia said with a smile. “Any word?”



“No.” Marsa replied a little breathless as he picked up his plate.



“I thought the whole point was to keep us together?” Nick asked as the table looked at him. Aj watched as Nick looked around at all the faces staring back at him. “Well, if we are who you all say we are, and we’re supposed to be together, why did he take her away?”



There was a long quiet pause and Aj wondered what was going on. He looked to Evia, Nalia, and Marsa. They all looked sad and unsure. Aj noticed the room got a very heavy feeling and he knew something was wrong.



“Alright what’s going on?” Aj asked as he set down his fork.



“Pardon?” Marsa said as he quickly looked up.



“First it was very important for the four of us to stay together, hence why Nick and I are here. Where is Rayne and why did her dad take her?” Aj said an even he notice the demand in his voice.



“I am not sure why Adop has taken her.” Marsa said with a sigh. “But I feel it is not for her safety.”



“So what are you doing about it?” Aj asked as Kevin took his arm.



“Dude.” Kevin said looking at him a little shocked and unsure.



Marsa was about to answer Aj when the doors to the front hallway swung open and a tall Elvaan, with long black hair, sharp blue eyes and decked out in full leather armor walked in. Aj noticed the symbol on the front of his chest piece, it had the tree he had seen everywhere, but a weird bird in the middle of the vest.



“Sir Soula, you have something to report?” Marsa asked and Aj didn’t need to look at him to know he was worried.



“Yes Sir.” The man nodded. Aj saw the man look around the room at him and his friends.



“It is alright Soula they have much of a right as I do.” Marsa told the Elvaan. The man nodded and began to speak.



“I was flying high above them, nothing but a gryphon in the sky. I was about to pull back and swoop around in front of them looking like a fly over, when..” The man stopped and everyone’s eyes were stuck on him. “I saw a ship that looked like a ship from Kalica but it was sailing the colours of Johon.”



“What happened?” Marsa asked with worry.



“Did they attack?” Evia asked as Aj looked from Marsa to the Elvaan man.



“No, they did not.” The Elvaan shook his head. “The ship pulled up along side The Lexcar, they pulled out a plank, and Johon boarded.”



“With no resistance?” Marsa asked a little confused.



“None Sir.” The man said.



“Then this means..” Evia said looking to Marsa as she stood up.



“It can not be, Adop is King..he..” Marsa said and Aj watched as he slowly stood up.



“He has betrayed us Marsa.” Evia said as the Elvaan King, Aj and everyone looked up at her. “And it all makes sense now, how Johon had such big army’s, how he took Kalica so easily, how he..” Evia stopped and she clenched her fist. “How Johon knew about the meeting Colim was having in Pomic.”



“Mother..” Nalia said looking up to her mom.



“We must do something Marsa.” Evia said as she looked to Marsa. Aj looked down at his plate. He started feeling a little weird, like something was wrong but what could be wrong.



“Soula?” Marsa said looking up breaking Aj from his thoughts. “Prepare the flyers, if we fly hard and fast you can catch the ships. We’ll bring her back, we have too.”



“Yes your majesty.” Soula said with a nod. Aj watched as the Elvaan nodded and the feeling he was getting got stronger, he felt himself starting to panic. He hadn’t felt like this in a long time, but why here, why now? He heard the doors open and looked over seeing Soula leaving the room. His feeling got worse, almost taking his breath away. It started to sink in why he was feeling this way.



“Wait.” Aj said quickly as he stood up. “I’m going.”



“What?!” Kevin, Brian, Nick, and Howie said as they looked up at him. “Ah, baby no, you can stay right here.” Kevin said pulling him down to the chair.



“No I have to go.” Aj said standing back up.



“What do you mean you have to go?” Brian asked confused.



“I don’t know, it’s a feeling, I guess, I just know I need to go.” Aj said as he stepped away from the chair.



“Alexander are you sure?” Marsa asked.



“Yes.” Aj said with a nod.



“I don’t believe this.” Kevin sighed throwing his hands in the air. “Well you’re not going alone.” Kevin said as he stood up.



“Well if you’re going, then I’m going.” Nick said standing up too.



“I’m not flying.” Brian said shaking his head. “What is a Gryphon anyways?”



“It’s a type of bird we have here in Pixcadia.” Marsa said.



“A bird?” Brian said as his jaw dropped. “Yeah, so not flying, you all have fun.” Aj smiled a little when Brian smacked Nick who was laughing at Brian’s comment.



“Well I’ll stay here with Brian then.” Howie said with a shrug. Then Aj felt something grab his arm.



“Dude what are you doing?” Kevin asked as Aj turned around and saw it was him, who had grabbed his arm.



“What do you mean?” Aj asked.



“Duh, dude, what’s with the Prince Charming crap?” Kevin asked. Then his face dropped a little. “Oh you better not be getting feelings, we’re leaving remember.”



“No.” Aj scoffed at Kevin. “I told you, just this feeling I got, something telling me to go, and the way this place is, maybe I shouldn’t ignore it.”



“We should get going.” Marsa said as he approached the two guys, and Aj was glad. He was pretty sure Kevin was ready to unleash on him. Aj pulled out of Kevin’s grip and headed towards the dinning room doors.



“Hey.” Brian said from behind them and Kevin, Nick and Aj turned to look at him. “Be careful, we still need to get home.” Everyone lightly smiled at him and then left the room.



“So Johon just stayed on the Sarila’s ship?” Marsa asked as the men walked down the hallway.



“Yes sir and then his ship took lead.” The Flyer said as they approached a large wooden door.



“Took lead?” Marsa said stunned as he stopped dead, Nick almost slamming into him from behind.



“Yes your Majesty.” Soula said.



“I take it that’s not good?” Kevin asked.



“It means the ship has surrendered doesn’t it?” Nick said as Marsa turned and looked at him.



“Yes.” Marsa said and Aj heard the stunned tone in his voice. “You know this?”



“Well, I sail back home, well not in a while but I use too and yeah just figured.” Nick said with a shrug. Aj looked back to Marsa quickly when the King laughed lightly. The Elvaan said nothing and turned back around leading the guys towards the door again. Aj looked over to Nick and his friend just shrugged, just as confused as he was.



“Then it is far worse than I feared.” Marsa sighed as Soula opened the doors for him.



“What will we do when we get to the ships?” Kevin asked as they walked outside.



“We will get back Princess Rayne.” Marsa said a little shocked Kevin asked.



“How?” Kevin asked as he stopped.



“We fight, use magic, I am certain that Adop’s mean will give little resistance. You’ll just need to worry about Johon’s men, I will worry about Johon.” Marsa said turning back around. Everyone stayed quiet as they walked over to a large building. Aj looked up quickly when he heard loud squawking noises above him. The sun was cutting over the trees and blocking his sight from seeing anything above him.



“What was that?” Nick asked as Aj looked down and realized the other guys were looking up too.



“It was the Gryphon’s.” Marsa said as Soula opened the door.



“Oh.” Nick said. “Are these like Gryphon, Gryphon’s?”



“What?” Kevin said looking back at Nick with an annoyed look on his face.



“You know Gryphon’s from the movies, or middle earth, half bird, half beast.” Nick said looking back at Marsa.



“They are half bird yes, and they are half dragon.” Marsa said as they walked up a spiral staircase. The building was made of stone, there was hay everywhere, wooden boxes stacked neatly along walls, barrels shelved in big wine racks.



“Dragon?” Nick said with a squeal. Marsa nodded and Nick giggled. “Dude, so cool.” Nick said smiling a little as he looked at Kevin. Aj had to admit, it was pretty cool sounding.



The voices of everyone else talking started to disappear, his mind thinking about this place. He wasn’t as freaked when he woke up this morning and he wasn’t sure if it was because he was becoming use to this place, or because he was nicking less for a smoke.



“Whoa..” Nick grasp as Aj looked up his thoughts broken by the tone in Nick’s voice.



“Damn.” Kevin said as Aj’s eyes went wide. They walked out of the door to a large open area at the top of the tower they had just climbed. There were tree branches hanging over the edges of the platform, and as Aj’s ears caught the familiar sounds from down below he looked deeper into the trees and saw nests, and giant hawks sitting in them. A whistle made him look to his right and he saw Soula standing there blowing into a small tube. The man then looked to the trees and Aj followed his stare. His jaw dropped when he saw one of the Hawks get up from the nest, the birds body nothing like its head, which were covered in white and grey feathers. The Gryphon’s body was covered in dark scales, his feet were giant bird like claws, with large talon nails. Its tail shot around to the side as it landed in front of them, and Aj was surprised to see the scales turned into feathers as the tail came to an end. The feathers were white and grey the same colour as the feather on the birds head.



“Yeah, there’s no way we’re getting Brian on one of these.” Kevin said looking to the others. Aj started to laugh and Nick too as he nodded in agreement.



“We must hurry.” Marsa said as he walked back over to the guys.



Everyone was escorted to their Gryphon’s, the guys riding behind a rider, Aj was riding with Soula and Marsa was on his own Gryphon. The door opened and Avit came out. Aj noticed he didn’t look to happy as he headed right to Marsa. Aj watched as the two men began to talk quietly with each other, and then he noticed they were arguing a little. Avit left quickly and Aj watched as the Elvaan headed back downstairs. When he felt the Gryphon he was ridding moved a little he looked back over and saw Marsa approaching him and Soula.



“Is everything alright your majesty?” Soula asked.



“Avit, he does not want me to travel without him.” Marsa said with a light smile as he stopped his Gryphon next to theirs. “But I need him here in the city.” Aj watched as Marsa looked around making sure everyone was ready. “Let’s fly with most haste.” Marsa said as he nodded to Soula. Aj looked up as Soula turned a little in his harness.



“Hold on tight sir, the take off is bumpy.” He said as Aj took a deep breath and wondered what the hell he was doing. He felt the Gryphon jerk as it bent down a little and took off into the air. Slowly he glanced around him, no more trees, some mountains off in the distance, and sky. Slowly he relaxed himself and peaked down a little, the ground below was just green, with wisps of clouds over top. He looked to his left and saw Nick, he was looking around excitedly. Aj laughed to himself as he looked away and over to Kevin. His smile got a little brighter when he saw the smile of Kevin’s face. Kevin looked up at him and Aj pointed at him.



“Haha busted, you’re having fun!” Aj shouted across to him.



“Ok, now this, this is fun!” Kevin shouted back with a laugh.



The novelty soon wore off and Aj was back too thinking about the land that now moved below him. He thought it was a little strange waking up this morning, not really freaked, more relaxed, and now here he was chasing after Rayne. If it wasn’t for that feeling he had at Breakfast he wouldn’t even be up here right now.







Rayne sat on her bed in her chambers on the ship. Johon had locked her in here and placed guards outside her door. She had been crying, now she sat confused as the words of Johon played over in her head.



“You will marry me, for the sake of your land and your Father.” She heard his voice say and she honestly felt herself getting sick at the thought. When the clicking of her door opening broke her from the thought she looked up and her stomach turned even more when she saw Johon letting himself in.



“Hello my sweet.” He said with a smile as she looked away. “Aww do not be sad my love, today is a joyous day.”



“Hardly.” Rayne scoffed as she shot a look at him.



“My dear it is your wedding day, you should be delighted.”



“My what?” Rayne asked as she looked at him. “Today?” she asked shocked.



“I saw no need in waiting; your people will be most pleased to see this war come to an end.” Johon said as he walked over to the bed. “We will arrive in the harbor at sunset, the ceremony will be held before we dock.”



“And what shall I wear?” Rayne said sarcastically.



“No worries my dear, I have a dress already for you.” Johon said and her sarcastic smile turned to a frown. He sat down on the bed next to her and she quickly got up.



“Stay away from me.” She said sternly as she walked away from the bed.



“You will marry me..” Johon said, shocked when Rayne interrupted him.



“Not willingly, and you will never have permission to touch me.” Rayne yelled at him.



“I am King of Kalica, and now I am King of Sarila.” He said with an evil hiss as he got up from the bed and walked over to her. “I do not.” He shouted as he grabbed her arms, his voice falling to a whisper “Need your permission.” His grip was tight and it was starting to hurt her, she whimpered a little and he let go with a growl. She watched as he stormed over to the door and reached for the knob. “The maids will be here to dress you in an hour.” He said as he turned and looked at her. As the door slammed she fell to the floor crying, scared and confused.



Rayne stayed on the floor until the maids had come to get her dressed. Slowly she walked over to her door and opened it, letting the maids in. They sat her down in a chair in front of a long mirror that stood against the wall of the ship. She stared at herself in the mirror, lost as the maids fiddled with her hair. Only breaking her stare as the maids stood her up and walked her over to a stepping stool, one of the maids had set down. She stood up and they brought the white wedding dress over to her. They held it out for her to see, but she looked away, staring at the wall in front of her.



Soon she was alone again, standing in front of the mirror looking back at herself. The long satin dress flowed down around her. The dress obviously made in Kalica, she hated the high collars the woman always wore there. She looked at the crown that sat on her head, she frowned. When there was a knock at the door, she felt her stomach turn again and she looked over to it, staring at it, hoping they would go away. She closed her eyes when another knock broke through her room, and she slowly walked over to the door.



“It is time.” A servant said with a light nod. She felt herself wanting to cry again but she couldn’t not in front of her people. They knew the sacrifice she was making, they will know the sacrifice she made for them, for peace, and she will show them how strong she was to do it. She picked up her dress and stepped out of the room and headed up the stairs. Two guards blocked her view of the ship deck, and she looked back at the servant.



“Just wait here for your Father.” The lady said and Rayne sighed. Her Father, she couldn’t believe what he had done, done to his country, his friends, to her. What would her mother think of him?



“Rayne?” She heard him say behind her and she turned around. She didn’t hide the pain in her eyes as she looked at him. “I am sorry for this.”



“Sorry for marrying your daughter to a man like this, or sorry for the betrayal of your country, your people, your friends, me and mother.” Adop looked up at her. “For the first time in a year I am at peace with her being gone, because she is not here to see this.”



“Rayne.” Adop said sadly. She turned around and said nothing; the sound of music playing took her mind off her Father and to Johon again. The soldier’s moved and she walked up the last couple of steps as her Father stepped beside her. She looked to the front of the ship and saw the Mage Johon standing there with a Cleric from Kalica.



The small band began to play the ceremonial wedding music and she felt herself slowly moving towards Johon and the Cleric. She bit her lip forcing herself to go on, pushing her body forward and not back the way it wanted to go. Then they stopped, right in front of Johon, and she pulled her hand away from his when he went to take it. He looked at her angerly and grabbed her hand back quickly, holding it tightly.



“Johon.” Adop said as the Mage turned to look at him. He nodded for his guards to take her Father back away from them. They grabbed the man by the arms and pulled him away as he struggled a little.



“Please Cleric, you may begin.” Johon said as the Cleric nodded.



“Ladies and Gentleman please share your energies and prayers with me as I ask Pixca for her blessing in joining these two souls in eternal binding.” The Cleric spoke loudly as everyone watched.



“What is that!?” Someone shouted and everyone began to look around, when they looked up they saw what the commotion was about, a flock of Gryphon’s were flying towards them.



“Calm down everyone, it is just a flock of those birds from Winnol.” Johon said as he turned to the crowd.



“No it is not.” Adop said and Rayne looked at her Father and she saw a small smile on his face. Quickly she looked back again, she looked more carefully and when she saw the formation the birds were flying in she knew it was the Winnol Riders, it was Marsa. Did this mean they knew, did they come to save her and her Father? She looked back to her Father, but was pushed to the ground by Johon.



“You!” Johon shouted at the King. “You tipped him off!” The man shouted.



“No, I swear to you Johon, I did no such thing.” Her Father pleaded as the guards held him still.



“Traitor!” Johon shouted. “And you know what the punishment is for treason Adop, do you not?” Johon said as he reached for one of his guardsmen’s swords.



“Johon, no!” Rayne shouted standing up quickly but he paid her no attention as he pulled back on the sword and pushed it through Adop’s stomach. “No!!” Rayne screamed as she ran at Johon. She jumped on his back as he pulled the sword out and her Father fell to the floor. Screaming she pounded on Johon with one arm.



“Get this wretched witch off of me!” Johon shouted and he spun around sending Rayne hard to the deck floor. He pulled away quickly as she looked up at her Father lying in front of her, his eyes half closed.



“No.” she whispered as she looked at his lifeless body. Suddenly she was jerked up and Johon stood in front of her.



“Thank Pixca we had his blessing before he betrayed his country.” Johon said as he pulled her over to the Cleric. The Pixca Priest stood there stunned at what had just happened in front of him. “Please.” Johon said to the Priest. “Continue.”



The Priest opened his book, lifted his finger and opened his mouth to speak but the sound of an arrow whizzing pass them stopped him and he stood there stiff. Soldier’s and shipmen began yelling behind her.



“What now?!” Johon shouted angerly as he looked to the sky.



“It is Winnol.” Rayne said with a light smile. Johon spun around and looked at her. “The Gryphon’s in the sky, it is Winnol, you dim wit.” Johon’s face grew with anger and he grabbed her by the arm and walked her over to a guard.



“Watch her.” He said as he violently handed her off to him, Rayne crying out a little in pain.



“Yes sir.” The man said with a nod. Rayne looked back to the sky as Johon yelled for his spellcasters. The Gryphon’s were all flying over them now, and she noticed some of them had multiple riders. As an Ice bolt flew down onto the deck hitting one of Johon’s men in the leg, she searched the birds more intently. Then she saw him as he flew pass with the Flyers leader, it was Alexander and she realized the Shadow Flames were coming from Nick, and the bright lights of the Holy spells were coming from Kevin. She lightly smiled at the thought of him and his friends coming to save her. Looking around she searched to see where Johon had gone too. She saw him on the upper part of the deck, reserved only for her father and the captain. He was sending out bolts of fire at the birds as they whizzed past the ship.



Rayne looked around, there had to be something she could do, there had to be a way she could get away so the birds could get to her. But there was nothing but water around her. Suddenly it hit her, she looked to where the birds were, most of them still gathered around the front as their riders fired arrows at the men below. As she looked away she caught Alex and his rider coming back to the front. Hoping with everything she had, they would see her, she shoved the guard and he fell back tripping over the boxes beside them. His grasp slipped from her and picked up her dress as she made a dash for the opposite side of the ship. Quickly she climbed up onto the railing and looked down into the water. She heard Johon shout and she knew she had to jump now. With a push she dove into the water and away from the ship.











“There!” Aj heard Marsa shout and he peaked over Soula’s shoulder. He saw the two ships sailing in a distance, they were blurs but you could tell they were ships. “They’re almost at Sera.” Marsa shouted with worry.



“We will catch them.” Soula shouted back and he waved his arm in the air. His men began to dive with their birds, and soon Aj and Soula joined them. They began to pick up speed as they headed down closer to the ships.



“We’ve been spotted!” One of the flyers shouted as Aj felt him and Soula fly sideways a little. He looked around the Flyer again, down to the ship and he saw Rayne jumping onto someone’s back.



“What’s going on?” Aj shouted to Marsa, but the Elvaan just stared down at the ship. Aj looked back down and he saw Rayne laying on the deck floor, then the man laying beside her caught his eye. He looked back up to Marsa, and down again, then realized it was Rayne’s Father lying on the deck. “Marsa!” Aj shouted and the King turned and looked at him. Marsa didn’t need to say anything; he could see the anger on Aj’s face.



“Attack now!” Marsa shouted and the Elvaan riders pulled back on their bows. Aj heard the whizzing and pings of the bows and arrows as they released into the sky, piercing through the air as they fell towards their targets.



“Can we get to her?” Aj asked Soula as the Rider brought his Gryphon down, circling the ship.



“The deck is covered with men.” Soula said. Aj looked back down and saw Rayne looking around at the birds flying over her. Aj saw a man running towards her, and he sent an ice bolt flying down to the deck, striking the man in the leg. Soula brought his bird back around towards the others gathered in the front. Aj quickly turned to make sure Rayne was alright, when he saw her running free across the deck. He looked at the guard that was holding her and he was lying on some boxes. Looking back he saw her standing on the railing on the side of the ship. “She’s going to jump.” Soula shouted back at him.



“Jump?” Aj asked a little shocked, and as the words left his mouth, he watched as she dove into the water.



“Hold on!” Soula shouted as he grabbed his Gryphon and it jerked forward sending them quickly down towards the Ocean below.



Aj sent out a bunch of Ice bolts hoping to distract the men trying to hit them as they got closer to Rayne in the water. He watched as she swam towards them, not once did she look back. Then he heard the Gryphon squeal, so loud it hurt his ears. Then he felt the bird rock and before he knew it, he was in the water too. A little disoriented he began to swim to the top of the water. When his head broke through he gasped for air and quickly looked around. He didn’t see the Gryphon or Soula anywhere. When he heard someone shout his name he looked behind him, and saw Rayne swimming towards him.



“Are you alright?” She shouted a little as she got closer to him.



“I think so.” Aj said, still not sure what had happened. Just then an Ice bolt came crashing into the water between them and both turned from the water splashing around them. “We need to get away from the ship.” Aj said as he grabbed her hand, they were both looking back at the ship, as Johon frantically yelled at his men.



“Aj!” He heard someone shout from above and he looked up to see Kevin and his rider above them. “Are you ok man?”



“Yeah I’m fine but be careful!” Aj shouted looking back at the ship. He turned around when he heard another bird above him. He looked down to Rayne and caught something over her shoulder. “Soula.” Aj said as he swam passed Rayne. Quickly he swam over to the Elvaan.



“Soula you ok?” Aj said as he swam up to him.



“My leg was caught in the harness, might be broken.” Soula said in pain.



“Is he alright?” Rayne asked as she swam up to them.



“He thinks his leg is broken” Aj said to her and she frowned. A Rider came down and hovered over them. As the Elvaan reached down and grabbed Soula in a strong grip, he pulled his leader onto the bird. Soula shouted in pain as he adjusted his leg. When Soula’s rescuer left another came in. “Your turn.” Aj said turning to Rayne. She lightly smiled as she reached up for the Rider. He saw her dress, it was soaked in water, her hair, which Aj was sure looked very nice before, was now straggled and ruin, soaking wet, and he wondered why she was all dressed up. As her Gryphon took off into the air, one swooped in and grabbed onto Aj. Soon he too was in the air and in a safety zone. He looked in front of him and saw Rayne she was looking back, but not looking at him. Slowly he turned around and saw the ships slowly disappearing into the distance. He remembered her dad on the floor, and he frowned, wondering what she was thinking.



“Hey!” He heard Nick shout from beside him. Aj slowly looked over. “You ok, dude? That was crazy.”



“Yeah man I’m fine, what happened?” Aj asked.



“That Johon dude hit your bird with a fire spell.” Nick shouted to him. “Bird didn’t make it.” Nick frowned and Aj found himself frowning too.



The flight back to Winnol was long and quiet. Aj spent most of the trip worrying about Rayne, what she would do now. Her mother died a year ago, and now her Father. He didn’t get a chance to talk to her as she was whisked away to change and clean up when they landed back in the Elvaan city.



“Alexander, why do you not go change as well?” Marsa said as the King walked over to him.



“Yeah good idea.” Aj nodded.



“Meet us in my meeting chambers when you are done.” Marsa said with a nod as he walked towards the tower doors.



“Damn these things are heavy when they’re wet.” Aj said as he tugged at his robe.



“That was close man.” Kevin said as the three guys walked down the stairs.



“Yeah.” Aj nodded with a light laugh.



“Not funny Aj.” Kevin said stopping on the stairs.



“Come on dude, I’m wet.” Aj whined.



“That, what happened back there, was the exact thing I was talking about, we should be worrying about getting home.” Kevin said to him. “Not chasing after Princess.”



“I wasn’t chasing.” Aj said back.



“Oh please.” Kevin scoffed rolling his eyes turning back around. “Wait! I’m going too.” Kevin said mocking Aj. “I have to go it’s a feeling.” Nick started laughing and Aj looked behind him. Nick stopped laughing and just shrugged.



“Hey, what happened?” Howie asked as the three guys walked out of the stairway into the hallway and saw Brian and Howie standing there.



“Superman here almost drowned himself trying to save Rayne.” Kevin sighed.



“What!?” Brian and Howie shouted at the same time.



“I didn’t drown myself, the Gryphon I was on got hit with a fire spell and I fell in the water.” Aj said rolling his eyes.



“Oh that makes it better.” Brian said sarcastically.



“I need to change.” Aj sighed as he walked passed the guys.



“Aren’t we going to talk about this?” Brian asked.



“Talk about what Rok?” Aj asked turning around. “Close call, I’m fine, let’s move on, how about worrying about how to get home.” Aj said as he shrugged and turned around. He left the guys speechless as he walked down the hallway.



When Aj arrived at his room he was relieved to see the servants had already laid out a new robe for him. He walked into the bathroom and again was relieved to see a hot bath already drawn for him.



“You know a fella could get use to this.” Aj said to himself as he stepped into the tub. As he sunk into the water, his mind raced back to the crazy event that had happened. How angry and sad he felt for Rayne when he realized it was her Father lying on the deck. “Don’t get involved Alex.” He said to himself. “You just want to help, that’s all.” He took a deep breath and pulled himself out of the water. Wrapping a towel around his waist he walked out of the bathroom and grabbed his new robe. He grabbed a new pair of underwear and looked at them for a moment. He shrugged at them, they didn’t look that much different from the ones he wore at home, and they looked like boxers actually. Aj slid the robe around him, button it closed and tied the belt around him. He walked over to his door and opened it.



Aj walked down the hallway towards the large staircase that lead to the lobby below. He skipped down the steps and around the side. Walking behind the stairs he walked up to the doors of Marsa’s meeting chambers and walked in. He saw the guys, Rayne and Marsa all sitting in the room waiting for him.



“Ah, Alexander you’re here, good.” Marsa said with a nod. Aj lightly smiled as he walked over to a chair and sat down. He looked over to Rayne and saw the sad look on her face. “I have already talked to Rayne about what had happened.” Marsa told them about the deal Adop had made with Johon, marrying her to save Sarila. He told them they weren’t sure how long, but they realized that Adop was probably working for Johon like Evia said.



“So the reason you were all dressed up?” Aj asked as he looked at her.



“He wanted to marry on the ship, he was persistent on it.” Rayne said quietly.



“Well good thing we got there when we did.” Nick said from the other side of the room. Aj watched as Rayne lightly smiled but she didn’t look at Nick.



“So what happens now?” Kevin asked as he sat up.



“Johon is most likely in Sera right now, he most likely has control of Sera now, and it will not be long until he takes the rest of Sarila.” Marsa said sadly. “He will meet little resistance with the King dead, and Princess Rayne here in Winnol.”



“So he now has control over half of this place?” Kevin asked.



“Yes.” Marsa said sadly. “This is very grave for Pixcadia.” Everyone fell into silence but it was broken as Rayne stood up and stormed out of the room. They all looked around stunned not sure what had just taken place. Aj stood up heading to the doors; he opened them and walked out behind the stairs. As he came to the bottom of the stairs he looked up and saw her.



“Rayne?” Aj shouted as he looked up. She stopped and he grabbed the railing and ran up to her. “Are you alright?”



“What do you care?” she asked sharply.



“Um.” Was all he could say, as he looked at her stunned.



“Do not worry about me, I am fine, you should go back with your friends and figure out how you’re getting home.” She said as she lifted her dress and walked the rest of the way up the stairs.



“Wait!” Aj yelled as he chased after her. “What do you mean I don’t care, would I have gone with the Gryphon riders if I didn’t care?”



“Today yes, but what of tomorrow?” Rayne asked her tone loud. “And the day after that, and after that, this place will still be at war, but you will be home and safe by then.”



“If we find a way.” Aj said.



“Find a way? You do not need to find a way, just ask Marsa, he can send you home.” Rayne said. “Remember the deal, there’s no reason for you to stay.” She spoke as she turned and headed down the hall. Aj stood there not sure what to say, but he felt like he should say something.



“No.” Aj said as he stopped her. “The deal was if we found out whether Nick and I were these two Princes everyone keeps talking about..”



“But you are, and you do not see it because you do not want it.” Rayne said as she took his hand and pulled it from her arm. “So please, return home with your friends, before something far worse than today happens to you or one of them.” He watched as she turned away and walked down the hall. He didn’t move until she disappeared around the corner. Sighing with a light shake of his head, Aj headed back down the stairs and made his way back to Marsa’s meeting chambers.



“Did you find her?” Marsa asked.



“Yeah.” Aj said quietly with a light nod.



“Is she alright?” Nick asked, Aj looked up at his friends.



“Yeah I guess.” Aj said with a light shrug. Everyone went back to their conversations before Aj walked in. He sat there staring at his fingers, her words playing over and over in his head. “But you are, and you do not see it because you do not want it.”



“Aj?” Kevin’s voice said breaking him from his thoughts. “What’s up man?”



“Nothing.” Aj said as he put his hand down.



“Are you sure, maybe you hit your head or something?” Howie asked. “Are you feeling ok?”



“I said I’m fine, fuck guys back off.” Aj shouted.



“Dude.” Kevin said as the guys looked at him shocked.



“You guys are all over me about going home, but what if they’re right, what if I am this Alexander and Nick is who they say he is.” Aj said with frustration.



“Alex come on.” Brian said.



“No you come on!” Aj shouted. “If I can do something to help them..”



“To help Rayne.” Kevin said with a fighting tone.



“To help Rayne.” Aj shot back at him slowly. “I can do something to help this war to help them fight back.”



“Maybe.” Kevin said quickly.



“No, Kevin.” Aj said frustrated. “Not maybe, I am, so now what?” Aj looked around at his friends. “It doesn’t mean I’m staying.” He then turned to Marsa. “It doesn’t mean I’m staying.” Marsa nodded with a slight bow, understanding him completely but not hiding his happiness Aj was staying to help. “But I can’t go home knowing I could of done something to help them.” He said as he looked back at the guys.



“Argh!” Kevin growled as he rolled his head back in frustration and anger.



“He’s kind of right man.” Brian said as he looked to his cousin. Kevin’s head snapped back up, his distinguished eyebrows rose up as well. “I don’t like the thought of getting barbequed either, or frozen, or blown away, and I’m small, I fly like a kite when someone sneezes.” Aj couldn’t help but laugh and he looked up at Kevin who was smiling too. “Man, if we can help how can we leave?”



“We can ride the Gryphon’s some more.” Aj said as everyone looked at Kevin.



“Dude.” Kevin said looking at him.



“Well if we’re staying I wanna go down to the pub and try their beer, you have beer right?” Howie asked Marsa.



“Beer?” Marsa asked a little confused.



“Ale?” Howie asked raising his eyebrow just a little.



“Oh yes Ale, we have Ale, although the Ale in Tokia is best.” Marsa said with a nod, nodding as he understood.



“I can’t believe I’m hearing this.” Kevin said baffled by everyone. “Fine, we’ll help, but when it’s done then we leave.”



“Unless we lose.” Nick said as he crossed his arms. Everyone looked at him a little pissed. “What?” He said sinking into his seat. “Just being realistic.” Aj shook his head with a light laugh to himself as he turned around. He took a deep breath, not sure where all that had come from, it happened so quickly.



“This is good.” Marsa said with a nod. “There is still hope, and with hope there’s still a reason to fight.”

The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 4



When Aj woke up the next morning, he was surprised to see just him, the guys and Marsa at Breakfast. They were told that Evia and Nalia were in a meeting with Cornel Bussa over the state of Kalica and Rayne had decided to eat breakfast in her room.



“Is she ok?” Brian asked.



“Yes, she is in mourning, we must respect her privacy.” Marsa said with a nod.



“So what happens now?” Kevin asked as he sat back in his chair.



“We begin to prepare for War.” Marsa said with a heavy sigh. “I will be traveling to Tokia, and will be going over a plan with King Rossi.”



“Can we trust him?” Howie asked.



“Yes, Dwarves maybe mischief and like the Ale, but they are not dishonest people.” Marsa said and the guys looked at him. “I’m afraid that’s a human quality.”



“Hardly a quality.” Kevin said looking down to his plate.



“Would you Nickolas, like to join me?” Marsa asked as Nick looked up, spoon in his mouth.



“Timmph..” He cupped his hand to his mouth as Kevin rolled his eyes. When he swallowed he started again. “To Tokia?” he asked.



“Yes.” Marsa nodded. Aj watched as Nick looked around the room at the guys and at him.

“Sure.” Nick said with a shrug.



“Good, I’ll let Avit know to prepare more room on the ship; will you be joining us as well?” Marsa asked looking around.



“Where is Tokia?” Howie asked.



“It is the northern land of Pixcadia.” Marsa said.



“North?” Nick asked as his eyebrows frowned a little. “Is there snow?”



“Yes, and large, tall mountains that cut through the sky.” Marsa said with a light smile.



“So it’s cold?” Nick said as Marsa looked back at him.



“Yes, but do not worry. You will be well clothed.” Marsa replied. Aj smiled lightly to himself as Nick huffed looking back down at his plate.



“Spoiled Floridians can’t take a little cold.” Brian scoffed at Nick. Nick shot a dirty look back to Brian, but Brian just laughed at him.



“Just tell Avit if any of you choose to go with us, he will make the proper preparations.” Marsa said as he sat back in his chair.



Everyone had just finished eating and the servants had come into the room to clear the dishes. The doors to the hallway opened up and Aj looked up. He saw Avit come in and he didn’t like the look on his face.



“What is it Avit?” Marsa asked and as Aj looked at the King he saw the worry on his face. Avit looked at the people sitting at the table and then leaned down to Marsa’s ear. Aj watched as Marsa’s General whispered something in his ear. The old Elvaan’s face fell as Avit pulled away.



“I see, I will be there in a moment.” Marsa said sadly.



“What’s going on?” Aj asked as he looked to Marsa. The Elvaan King took a deep breath and then exhaled.



“I sent a search team out, in case Johon had decided to leave King Adop behind, before docking in Sera.” Marsa said as he stood up. “And it appears he has done so.” Aj looked down quickly, his thoughts going to Rayne.



“Alexander, you should come, it is custom for you to be there.” Marsa said as he walked over to the door.



“It is?” All the guys said at the same time.



“Here, in Pixcadia he is Prince Alexander, and everything that applies to the title of Prince of Winnol. It is a sign of respect.” He said with a light bow.



“Oh.” Kevin said nodding.



Aj stood up and looked around. This was defiantly weird, his first thing he had to do as a Prince. He could feel the guys staring at him, and as he heard a couple of snickers, one he knew was Nick, he slowly reached his hand behind him, flipped up his middle finger and flipped them off quickly. The eruption of laughter made Marsa spin around and Aj jumped a little. He was glad to see Marsa brushed it off as nothing more than laughter from a conversation.



They walked out into the hallway and towards the large lobby. This time however they did not go up the stairs, or down any hallways, Marsa turned to the doors to the city. Aj was a little confused but followed; he watched the giant doors swing open. They walked out into the city and down the stone covered roads.



“So.” Aj said as he looked up at Marsa. He was pretty tall, taller than Nick and Kevin. “Is there anything I need to do, or shouldn’t.”



“You will not need to say anything.” Marsa said and Aj relaxed a little. The two walked in silence a little bit, then as they approached a building near the back of the city, away from most things living.



“Alexander.” Marsa said turning to him. Aj looked up, waiting for him to talk. “Never mind, it is not of importance.” Marsa said with a light shrug, and Aj just kind of shrugged it off.



The guards at the door saluted and bowed to Marsa and Aj. They then opened the doors and Aj followed Marsa into the building made of thick branches, and the building was cold, and it made him feel weird.



“You might feel something in here; there are magical barriers to protect the dead.” Marsa said as he turned to him. “You’re a mage so you can pick up on the magic.”



“Oh.” Aj said now wondering if that’s what he felt. Marsa lightly smiled at him and then continued down the hall.



“Shall I stay outside sir?” Avit asked and it made Aj jump, he had almost forgotten Avit was behind them.



“Yes Avit, that is fine.” Marsa said with a nod, he then looked down at Aj. “Come.” He said lightly as he placed his hand on his shoulder. A guard opened the door and the two walked into the room. Aj looked around the room; branches everywhere even on the ceiling, only a few leaves poked through. He looked down at the stone table where Adop laid; he frowned when he saw Rayne kneeling beside it, holding her Fathers hand.



“Princess Rayne?” Marsa said as Aj heard the door close behind them. She looked up, her eyes soaked with tears, her face fallen and sad.



“Yes Marsa?” She asked standing up.



“It is not our custom, but under the circumstances, I do not think Pixca will mind if you were to bury your Father here, I can prepare a place for him.” Marsa said and Aj wondered what he meant.



“Thank you Marsa, that is very kind of you.” Rayne said with a light nod. “If he could not be returned home, I know he would want to be here.”



“You both will be able to return home one day.” Marsa said to her as he took a step forward.



“Yes, I hope so.” Rayne said and he noticed the tone in her voice, almost doubtful. The door opened and all three of them looked to see who it was.



“What is it Avit?” Marsa asked when he saw his General there.



“Soula’s First Command has return with his report.” Avit said as he stood straight and tall.



“Oh.” Marsa said as he turned to Rayne and Aj. “Excuse me one moment, will you?”



“Of course.” Rayne said with a nod. “I should return to the castle.” Aj turned to follow Marsa out of the room when he felt a hand on his arm and he looked back to Rayne.



“I wanted to apologize for last night.” Rayne said with a light frown.



“It’s ok, you were up set because, because of everything that had happened so.” Aj said his voice going quiet as he quickly glanced at her Father.



“Marsa told me you will be staying, to help.” She said as she started to head out of the room.



“Yeah, I mean if we can help then we should.” Aj said as he followed.



“And the others were ok with this?” she asked.



“Well Nick agreed to it too, right away, and Brian did too which was really shocking.” He said as he nodded a little. “Everyone else came around.”



“Princess Rayne.” Marsa said as he approached the two. “My scouts still say there is no sign of Guardian Rem, I do not feel safe with you traveling alone.” Marsa said with concern. “Would you allow General Avit as an aid?”



“Thank you Marsa that is most kind and under the circumstances, I think it would be wise.” She said with a light smile. Marsa smiled back with a nod in agreement.



“Shall I escort you back to the Castle?” Avit asked her.



“Yes please.” Rayne replied.



Aj smiled and lightly waved as she waved goodbye to him and Marsa. He turned and looked at Marsa who was talking to a guard. A funny feeling came over him and he felt like someone was watching him. He looked over his shoulder on his left and saw a tall Elvaan woman standing by a small building. Aj began walking over to the woman, not sure why but that feeling he got the other day was coming back. Looking back he quickly peeked to see if Marsa was still talking, and he was. So Aj turned back to the woman but she was gone.



He walked over to the small building where she was standing and headed around the side. He saw a large iron gate that was opened and he wondered if that’s where she went. Aj followed the small grass covered path that lead into a patch of trees. When he came out the other end he saw a field of baby blue flowers scattered across the ground. Rows of marble stone tablets streamed across the field. He walked up to the larger stone at the top of the rows. He knelt down and read the name.



“Tas Breezewalker Queen of Winnol; your people, your friends, your family, your country mourns your loss everyday.” Aj spoke as he read.



“You must be Alexander.” A voice said from behind him and he spun around.



“Huh?” Aj said a little stunned.



“You are Alexander are you not?” she asked.



“Uh. Oh yeah that’s me.” Aj said. It was weird, when they called him Alexander it was a name he was use to, but when they said it here, it had a different meaning.



“You do not sound sure.” The woman said.



“Oh no I am Alexander, just..” Aj stopped hoping she would drop it.



“Just what?” She asked. He looked at her. She had long dark brown hair, her eyes looked very familiar.



“Well, it’s just that they sent me away, and now they bring me back, expecting me to believe I am who they say I am.” Aj said as the flood gates began to open. “Show me I am who they say I am, give me some proof.”



“Would you stay?” The woman asked, and Aj looked at her wondering where that came from.



“My friends and I already said we would.” Aj said to her. “After that we go home.”



“But what if this is your home?” She asked. Aj went to answer her but he stopped. He had never really thought about that before, even when he was yelling at Kevin. What if he was, what if he was from here.



“Wouldn’t I know if I was from here?” Aj asked her.



“You do not feel it?” The Elvaan woman asked. “Something you see, something you hear, anything that gives you a feeling that you belong?” Aj started to think, remembering how he felt when he was at the table having breakfast the morning Rayne left with her Father. How he felt after she had yelled at him, how he felt listening to everyone bicker.



“Alexander?” he heard Marsa say and he looked up. The woman was gone, and Marsa was standing at the pathway opening. “Is everything alright?”



“ah..” Aj said looking around, wondering where the woman had gone too. “Yeah, just looking around. What is this place?”



“It is our Mourning Grounds.” Marsa said as he walked up to Aj.



“Oh.” Aj said as he looked back at the stone. “So this is..”



“My Tas.” Marsa said with a light smile. “And this is Nati and this is Dyn.” Marsa said as he light touched the stones beside the bigger stone.



“How long ago was it?” Aj asked.



“About a year ago.” Marsa said as they turned and headed towards the city again.



“I’m sorry.” Aj said quietly.



“Not as sorry as I am, she would have loved to have seen you again.” Marsa said and then he quickly looked down to Aj. “I’m sorry; I know how uncomfortable that makes you.”



“I just wish I knew if I really was, I mean I know you, and everyone here says it, but I just can’t picture it.” Aj said as he walked through the thicket of trees. “Why me, why Nick, why did the guys come, it’s just all really confusing.”



“I do not know why it was you, or Nickolas, for the same reason if you were to ask that question on earth. Do your friends know why they were born to the parents they have?” Marsa asked.



“No.” Aj said as he thought. “Yeah, I see your point.” He said with a light sigh.



“As too why your friends came, that I do not know either, we tried to find the answer, we were just as shocked as you were.” Marsa said remembering. “Maybe it was to help the two of you adjust, only Pixca knows the truth.” Aj knew what that meant, probably the same as if someone would say only ‘god knows why’ back home.



The two walked silently through the town, following the same path they took on the way to see Rayne’s Father. People would stop what they were doing and bow, at first Aj thought they were bowing to Marsa but he soon realized they were bowing to him too.



“May I ask you something?” Marsa said as they approached the castle doors.



“Sure.” Aj said with a light shrug.



“Why did you go with Soula to try and save Princess Rayne?” Marsa asked. Aj slowed his walking and then stopped.



“I got this feeling.” Aj said as Marsa turned to him.



“A feeling?” Marsa asked a little intrigued.



“Yeah, like something was telling me to go, really telling me to go.” Aj said remembering how strong it was.



“Is this the only time you have felt this way?” Marsa asked.



“No.” Aj said quietly. “Later that night, after I talked to Rayne about why she left, something she said set it off again.”



“So that’s why you said what you said to your friend.” Marsa said.



“Yeah.” Aj said as he took a deep breath. “Do you think I’m feeling this way because I’m suppose too?” Aj asked.



“What do you mean?” Marsa asked.



“Well, if I am this Alexander, maybe I was suppose to go help Rayne, since she is a Guardian, and maybe I’m suppose to help with this war.” Aj said as Marsa raised an eyebrow. “It’s just.” Aj said with a deep exhale.



“Yes?” Marsa said waiting for him to continue.



“What if I end up liking it here?” Aj said. “It’s already different than Earth; the people are cool, despite being threaten with a war. What if by the time the war is over, I want to stay.” Aj said. “You think Kevin was mad when we came.” He said raising his eyebrows. He saw Marsa smile and it made him smile and laugh a little.



“It seems you have many around you that care about you, I am thankful for that.” Marsa said with a light bow.



“Yeah, me too.” Aj said as he looked away a little, hoping Marsa didn’t ask why.



“Hey there you are!” Nick shouted as he walked out from the doors. “Man these things are huge, what do the kids do at Halloween?” Nick asked as he walked up to Marsa.



“Halloween?” Marsa asked confused.



“What did you want?” Aj asked with a light laugh.



“Nalia and I are going for some target practice.” Nick said as he shot his hand out playfully. “Wanted to know if you felt up to it?”



“Where are the guys?” Aj asked.



“Sleeping.” Nick said a little relieved. “Let’s go have some fun.” Just then the laughter of girls made Aj’s gaze go to the doors and he saw Nalia and Rayne come out. Glad to see her smiling and laughing again.



“Ah, I see you found him.” Nalia said as the two girls approached them. “King Marsa.” Nalia said with a bow and he returned it.



“So.” Nick said turning to Aj. “You coming?”



“Um.” Aj said looking to Marsa.



“Please, go, I need to speak with Avit anyways.” The Elvaan said as he lightly bowed and walked away.



“So when will we get to learn the other spells?” Nick asked as the four walked down the streets of Winnol. Nalia and Rayne were in the front, Aj and Nick behind them. Like before Aj noticed people would stop and bow to them, he also noticed people whispered more seeing all four of them together.



“That is up to your teacher.” Nalia said as she quickly looked back.



“I just want to summon an Orc.” Nick said as his eyes got big.



“An Orc?” Aj said a little confused. “Like Orc, grrrr Orc?” he said as he put up his hands and made a face



“I dunno, I just read a list of spells a Warlock has, and I read Summon Goblin and Summon Orc.” His voice filled with excitement. “Let’s see Kevin ride my ass when he’s got an Orc ridding his.” Nick laughed. Aj shook his head with a chuckle as the four of them turned into the Magic Fields.



They walked out onto the field and Nick headed towards the targets. Aj looked around; he noticed the sky had become darker than it was earlier. The field was wide open; the only thing blocking them from the forest around them was the stone wall along the back of the field.



“What is that?” Nick shouted and Aj looked over to him quickly. He then followed Nick’s gaze and saw the wolf that had cornered him in the hallway the night they first got here.



“That was the wolf I was telling you about, it’s Rayne’s.” Aj said as he looked at her. She knelt down at the wolf as it came closer to her, and even though he knew it was a spell, he was still surprised to see it walk up to her, and let her pet it.



“That’s cool.” Nick said with a nod. “Does it have a name?” Nick asked as Rayne and Nalia walked over.



“Paq.” Rayne said.



“Well I’m going to go target practice.” Nick said as he started to walk away.



“Me too.” Nalia said as she pulled out a large sword from the Sword stack. Aj raised his eyebrow in curiosity.



“What talent is she?” Aj asked Rayne as he watched Nalia walk over towards Nick.



“Warrior.” Rayne replied. “Warriors are masters of battle and weapons.” Rayne explained.



“Do they use magic?” Aj asked.



“Sort of.” Rayne said as she looked at him. “They use energies like you do, but they apply them to their allies, to help them in battle. She can make you strong, or more accurate, or quicker.”



“Cool.” Aj said with a nod. “So are you going to practice?” Aj asked.



“Not today, pretty tired already.” Rayne said as she looked down to Paq. “I am sure Nalia wanted me to come to keep my mind off Father.”



“Not working?” Aj asked.



“No.” Rayne replied. He walked, along side of her as she looked up and a smile came across her face. “Looks like your friend found something else to do.” Aj looked over to where Rayne was looking and saw Nick staring at Nalia as she swung the sword around, effortlessly like a baton. She would bring the sword across her and spin, sending it piercing into a stack of hay, as she pulled out she would spin around again, bringing the sword around and down onto the stack of hay.



“Looks like it.” Aj said with a light laugh, shaking his head.



“I never did get a chance to thank you.” Rayne said after a moment of silence.



“Thank me?” Aj said confused. Rayne nodded.



“For yesterday, coming with the Riders.” Rayne told him. “I know I said last night you did not care, but I hope you understand.”



“I already told you its ok, you were upset, I get that way too.” Aj said and she smiled lightly.



“Hey!” Nick shouted and they both looked at him. “Are you two going to stand there and chit chat, or are you going to blow stuff up?”



“Ugh Carter.” Aj sighed as he rolled his eyes a little. He looked over when he heard Rayne laughing, and he started laughing too.



“Princess Rayne!” Someone from behind them shouted and everyone stopped and looked.



“Yes Harls?” Rayne said as she saw Marsa’s second in command run up too her.



“King Marsa wishes to see you, all of you.” He said looking to Aj and the others. “Right away.”



“Alright.” Rayne said with a nod. Aj watched Rayne dismiss Paq and the wolf took off running into the woods as Nalia and Nick came up to them. When they were all together they followed Harls to the castle and straight to Marsa’s meeting room.



“Hey man.” Kevin nodded when Aj walked in.



“What is it Marsa?” Nalia asked as they walked up to him.



“There is trouble on the island.” Marsa said as he turned to look at him. “My scouts have reported seeing Johon’s men there with Guardian Rem.”



“Are they holding him captive?” Rayne asked.



“No.” Marsa said as he looked at her, his face showing no emotion.



“I see.” Rayne said as she looked away.



“I am sending men out there, early reports say..” Marsa was interrupted.



“I am going.” Rayne said quickly.



“What?!” Everyone in the room said shocked as they looked at her.



“I want answers and Rem can give them too me.” Rayne said looking at Marsa.



“And you will get those answers, when my men bring him back.” Marsa told her.



“I need to make sure he comes back.” Rayne said and Aj heard her voice shake a little.



“I understand Princess Rayne, I want him to pay for his treachery as well, but I can not put you in that kind of danger.”



“Danger, I am a Guardian.” Rayne said angerly. “If we’re such great fighters, why is everyone trying to protect us?” Aj looked at her, and then at Marsa.



“I’ll go with her.” Aj spoke up.



“What?” Rayne said looking at him.



“Yeah..” Kevin said as he slowly sat up. “What?” he said staring at Aj.



“Dude.” Aj said looking at him. He then looked back to Marsa. “I’ll go with her, two of us should be able to handle it.”



“Try Three.” Nalia said



“Four.” Nick said raising his hand as he stood up from his chair.



“What’s going on?” Howie asked looking around, then over to Brian.



“No clue.” Brian said shaking his head as he looked over to Howie.



“So the four of you are just going to run after this Rem guy, and do what?” Kevin asked.



“Kick his ass?” Nick asked.



“Works for me.” Aj nodded.



“I think I’ve heard that in a movie somewhere.” Nick said looking to Aj.



“You know I think you’re right.” Aj said thinking.



“Hey, Abbott and Costello!” Kevin shouted and both guys stopped talking and looked at him. “Do you hear yourselves?” Aj looked at Kevin confused. “You’re talking about going off and fighting, you two should stay here and let Marsa handle this.”



“And what did I tell you yesterday?” Aj said staring at Kevin. “We’re going home after we help with this, all of this, and Rem knows something.” Aj watched as Kevin shook his head and sat down with a sigh.



“Doesn’t mean you can get yourselves killed before then.” He said quickly.



“I assure you they will not be killed.” Rayne replied.



“Really.” Kevin said looking at her. “You’re that good are you?”



“Do not speak to her like that.” Nalia said angerly.



Everyone began shouting and bickering around Aj and his head was pounding harder with every word. He was confused on a lot of things right now, and all this fighting wasn’t helping. Sighing he looked around and saw everyone still yelling at each other. With a light growl to himself he turned around and headed to the doors. Opening them he walked out of the room and around the staircase. He decided to go for a walk around the Castle, clear his head, get his thoughts straight. Heading down the hallway, he passed the door to the dinning room and continued down the hall. As his thoughts raced around his mind, who was he? Was he supposed to be here? He stopped and looked up. Every thought in his mind fled, every worry gone as he stared at the picture in front of him.



A woman sat on a green velvet throne, her hair a dark brown, braided at the back and fell down her shoulder, two ringlets’ fell at the side of her face. Her eyes, he had seen those eyes before, he had seen her before, at the graveyard. He replayed the conversation he had with her. The questions she asked, the tone in her voice.



“Alexander?” a voice said from behind him and he turned around too see Marsa, Rayne, Nalia, Nick, and the guys all looking at him.



“Everything ok man?” Kevin asked walking up to him.



“Uh, yeah.” Aj said looking from the group back to the picture. “Who is this?” Aj asked Marsa.



“That is Queen Tas.” Marsa said with a nod. Aj knew it, he just needed Marsa to say it. So this woman that he had saw at the Mourning Ground, the woman that talked to him, he was maybe, possibly his mom.



“Are you ok dude?” Nick asked as he stood beside Aj. Aj just nodded as he looked at the picture.



“Yeah, I’m fine.” Aj said turning away.



“We’re going for a ride on the Gryphon’s did you want to come?” Kevin asked.



“You’re going on a Gryphon?” Aj asked Brian.



“Ppfft, heck no.” Brian said with a scoff. “I’m just going to watch.”



“Naw, I think I’m just going to head to my room till lunch.” Aj said as he started to walk pass the guys.



“Are you sure you’re ok?” Howie asked as Aj walked passed him.



“I’m fine.” Aj said to them, but didn’t look at them as he gave them a slight wave.



Aj could tell they were staring at him as he made his way down the hall but that wasn’t important right now. He was still trying to figure out if he was seeing things, or did he really see this Queen Tas, this woman who’s suppose to be his mother.



“Just wish I knew who I am” Aj said to himself as he started to walk up the stairs.



“You’re a man that’s about to die.” Said a voice from the top of the stairs and Aj quickly looked up. He saw someone standing on the top of the stairs, a long black and silver robe hung around the person that stood in front of him. Aj couldn’t see the person’s face, a hood covered it, shadowed the face so he couldn’t see.



“How did you get in here, who are you?” Aj asked as he watched the robed person in front of him bring up their arm. Aj’s eyes went a little wide and he started backing down the stairs. They brought their arm up and his eyes got wider when he saw their fingers begin to glow with a spell.



“Alex!” Someone shouted from behind him and as he saw the glow of a fire spell coming at him, he felt something grab him and pulled him down to the grown. He let out a moan as he hit the ground hard.



“Stop him!” He heard Marsa shout as he tried to pick himself up off the floor.



“Aj?” Kevin said as Aj looked up at him. “You ok?”



“Ranye?” Nalia said as she ran beside Aj, and he quickly looked beside him and saw Rayne lying on the ground.



“Is she ok?” Aj asked shocked it was her that pulled him down.



“Marsa we need a Priest.” Nalia said as she looked up. Aj looked down at Rayne; her dress was scorched by the flame spell.



“Can I help?” Brian asked as he knelt down.



“Just heal her.” Nalia said. Brian nodded and placed his hands over her. He did what the Priest had shown him, concentrate on the place around you, and concentrate on her. A minute later, as everyone watched intently Rayne began to move.



“Let’s get her to her bed chambers.” Marsa said as two servants came over and picked Rayne up.



Aj was still a little stunned as he stood up with the help of Kevin. He looked back up the stairs but the Mage was gone. He looked around the room seeing everyone there, now guards and spell casters ran around them.



“We have no sign of the Mage sir.” A guard said to Marsa.



“I do not care if we search this place all night, find this mage, or make sure he is truly gone.” Marsa said to his soldiers. They saluted him and then took off up the stairs, scattering as they began to look.



“Who was that?” Aj asked Marsa as they both watched Nalia and the servants take Rayne up to her room.



“I am not sure, but I have no doubt that Johon is responsible.” Marsa said with a sigh.



“How did they get into the castle?” Nick asked as the rest of the guys gathered around Aj, Nick and Marsa.



“There are mages that are powerful enough to teleport.” Marsa explained. “They are far and few between.”



“So I guess Gryphon riding is out.” Kevin said with a sigh.



“Yes, I am afraid it is until we make sure the skies are safe.” Marsa said with a nod and Aj noticed Kevin frown a little.



“Well what did you want to do now?” Nick asked looking at his band mates.



“Why not go to the Tree Falls.” Marsa said to them.



“The what?” Howie asked



“The Tree Falls, it is where we go swimming.” Marsa said with a light smile.



“Sounds great but I left my swim trunks on the bus.” Kevin said sarcastically.



“Dude, like they wouldn’t have that stuff here.” Nick said rolling his eyes.



“Yeah Kevin, geez.” Brian said rolling his eyes too.



“You two shut it.” Kevin said as Nick and Brian began to giggle. “Are you coming?” Aj looked up when no one answered and he saw everyone staring at him.



“Naw, think I’m still going to go to my room.” Aj said as he shook his head lightly. “I’ll see you guys at lunch.”



“Ok man.” Aj heard Kevin say as he began to climb the stairs again. This place was defiantly starting to get to him. He fought so hard back on Earth to find out who he was, and now he was being told he was someone else.



“Alexander?” He heard a voice say.



“What?” he snapped as he turned around. He saw Nalia standing in the doorway. She had a look of shock on her face. “I’m, I’m sorry, just been a long day already, and it’s not even noon yet.” Nalia lightly smiled, and Aj started feeling bad. “What did you need?”



“Rayne would like to speak with you.” Nalia said



“Oh, she’s awake?” Aj asked a little surprised. “Is she ok?” he asked as Nalia nodded.



“Yes, she’s fine.” Nalia said with a light smile. Aj smiled back as he walked into the room. He looked around and saw the room was much like his. Even the fire place was there. His eyes scanned over the window and to the bed, he saw Rayne laying under the covers, as a couple of maids tended to her. When she looked over his eyes caught hers and he froze.



“Are you alright?” She asked.



“Thanks to you.” Aj said as he walked over to her bedside.



“Where is everyone else?” Rayne asked as she looked around the room.



“They went swimming.” Aj said with a shrug.



“At the Tree Falls?” Nalia asked. Aj looked at her and nodded. “Aw.” She frowned.



“Go.” Rayne said a light laugh.



“Are you sure, I do not want you to be alone.” Nalia said.



“If I need anything I can ask Marsa.” Rayne lightly smiled.



“Then I will see you at lunch.” Nalia said quickly as she headed to the door.



“I take it these Tree Falls as something special.” Aj said with a laugh.



“Have you not seen them?” Rayne asked.



“Nope.” Aj said shaking his head. “I”ve been in the castle, or out in the city. Haven’t seen any falls.”



“Open my window.” Rayne said with a nod. Aj looked at her confused for a moment but got up and walked over to the window. He lifted the latch and pushed on the doors, as the windows opened the rushing sound of water broke through his ears. He looked out and saw a giant water fall, falling from the tree branches about fifty yards away.



“Whoa.” Aj said as he followed the water down to the large pond below. The sound of laughter made him look to his right and he saw the guys walking out of a door. He smiled when he saw them all wearing green shorts.



“Oh man check that out!” He heard Nick shout. He looked to where Nick was pointing and saw ropes hanging from the tree branches.



“There’s more than one!” he heard Brian shout and looked down to see Kevin and Nick fighting with each other to get to the ropes.



“How come you did not go?” Rayne asked and Aj looked back at her still standing at the window.



“Didn’t really feel like it.” Aj said with a light shrug. “I was on my way to my room when Nalia stopped me.” He said as he turned from the window and sat down again.



“You’re still not happy about being here.” Rayne said and Aj looked up at her.



“It’s not that I don’t like this place, it is pretty cool and all, but, it’s just kind of hard to explain.” Aj said as he looked down at his nails. He noticed he had picked off all his nail polish, and that meant there was only one thing left to do.



“You know it is not proper for a Prince to bite his nails.” Rayne said and Aj looked at her, and then looked at his hand.



“Habit.” He said with a light shrug. “I don’t like it when things are up in the air, like I don’t know what’s going on.” Aj said as he started talking. “Not getting into a very long story but it took me a long time to find out who I was, and now I’m being told I’m not that person.”



“Well your still Alexander, just you do not look Elvaan that is all.” Rayne said as he looked at her. “You think they changed who you are on the inside?”



“Well, maybe, I mean, I don’t know.” Aj said a little confused.



“You can not change how someone is on the inside.” Rayne said to him. “You can try, and maybe it will work for a while, but it will not last. Not like changing yourself physically does.” Rayne spoke. “How do you know, when you had to find out who you were, it was you finding Alexander.”



“But what about my mom, how she raised me, doesn’t that count for something, she’s real to me, she might have been made up but she’s still real to me.”



“And I am sure you are to her as well. She remembers everything and she always will.” Marsa said and both Aj and Rayne jumped at his voice. “I am sorry this has caused you so much confusion Alexander.”



“No, it’s alright, I mean it’s not really your fault, it’s just.” Aj took a deep breath. “It’s been a long day, I didn’t sleep much, haven’t really slept at all since I’ve been here and now I’m seeing things because of it.”



“Seeing things?” Marsa asked. Aj looked up to Marsa and then to Rayne, they were both looking at him intently.



“Like I said haven’t slept much.” Aj said looking down at his robe.



“Who are you seeing?” Marsa asked.



“Huh?” Aj looked up a little shocked he said who, like Marsa knew he was seeing a person.



“In Pixcadia, sometimes we can see the ones we lost, when we are lost.” Marsa said. “If you know the person you are seeing, then maybe it can help you find your way.” Aj looked at Marsa not sure what to say. He didn’t want to tell him, if it wasn’t her he was seeing. He didn’t want to upset him.



“I’m not sure, I don’t know anyone here.” Aj said hoping Marsa would let it go at that.



“Yes, I suppose you are right.” Marsa said as he stood up.



“I will tell Avit to prepare for tonight, Princess Rayne after this morning I strongly suggest that you.” Marsa was interrupted.



“I am still going.” Rayne said sternly. Aj could tell Marsa wanted to say something but he stopped himself.



“As you wish.” Marsa said with a light bow. “I will inform Avit.” Aj watched as the Elvaan man left the room and he looked to Rayne.



“Well.” Aj said standing up. “I should go too let you get some rest, if you’re going tonight.” He said as he started to walk pass the bed.



“Wait.” Rayne said and he stopped and looked at her. Slowly she got up out of the bed, her blue bed robe wrapped around her, her long curly hair tied up. She walked over to a dresser and opened a drawer. Aj waited and watched as she searched for something. A moment later she closed the drawer and walked over to him.



“What’s this?” Aj asked as Rayne handed him a book.



“It was my Mothers.” Rayne told him. “It is the Book of the Magi, the book of Mages, tells you everything you need to know about the talent, spells, lore, it might help.”



“I can’t take this it’s your mom’s.” Aj said as he tried to hand the book back.



“I’ve read it many times, and I am a Druid, she would want someone to have it that could learn from it.” Rayne said her voice quiet.



“Cool.” Aj said with a light smile. “Thanks.” Rayne lightly smiled as she walked back over to her bed. “I’ll see you later at lunch.” He said as he gave a light wave, she nodded and lightly waved back. Aj tucked the book in his hand and headed out of the room. Turning right he headed towards his room. Opening the door he walked in and over to the couch by his desk. He sat down and opened the book. Flipping through the pages Aj skimmed over the words.



“Chapter One: The Elements.” Aj read to himself. “All elements have an opposite. Ice is weak to fire, fire is weak to water, water is weak to lightening, lightening is weak to earth, and earth is weak to wind.” He read. “Remember this when fighting a Mage or an opponent, sometimes the caster has a preference.”



Page by page Aj began to read about the Mage Talent. How it is said to have started, how it can end if one Mage is not careful. He read about the spells he could learn, teleporting, trap spells, which can sit and wait, then when your enemy steps on them, the spell is released and freezes or sets them on fire. He read about the Ancient Magic, old Magic used long ago, but not now, no Mage has been strong enough to cast these spells. Something in the book really interested him though, the lore of the Elemental. The book said that there was a Mage so powerful that he called upon the element of Water and turned it into a fighting beast, with arms, eyes, and a mouth.



“Haha Nick, let’s see your Orc beat that.” Aj laughed to himself as he turned the page. He stopped when he saw the heading of the next Chapter. “Chapter Three: The Guardian Mage.”



“It is with great honor that one of the Guardians of Pixcadia will always be a Mage.” Aj read the first line. “Druid, Warrior and Warlock are the other talents. They are the strongest talents and they are the basic talents. Mages represent the energies that are around us, Druids represent the Nature that is around us, Warlock’s represent the Dark that is around us, and Warrior’s represent the Strength that is around us.” Aj took a deep breath it was a lot to take in but oddly enough he was following it fine. He realized as he finished the chapter that this book wasn’t going to tell him more about the Guardians’.



There was a knock at his door and he looked up from the book. Setting it down on the table in front of him as he stood up, Aj walked over to the door and opened it. He was a little surprised to see a maid standing on the other side.



“I am to call you to lunch sir.” The small Elvaan lady said with a bow.



“Oh, ok thanks.” Aj said shocked the time had passed so fast while he was reading. He closed the door behind him and followed the servant down the hall.



“Aj!” Someone shouted from behind him and he turned around, knowing the voice belonged to Nick. “Dude you gotta come with us next time those falls are so sweet, and you can go behind them.” He said with a wiggle of his eyebrows,



“Nice.” Aj said with a laugh. “Where are the others?”



“They’re coming.” Nick said looking behind him, still not seeing Kevin, Brian, or Howie. “So are you feeling better?” Nick asked.



“I dunno.” Aj shrugged. “Aren’t you freaked out just a little?”



“What about the whole Guardian thing?” Nick asked.



“Yeah, all of it, this place, that, them telling us we’re not who we are.” Aj said.



“They never said we aren’t who we are, they just said we were born here, and then put on Earth for protection.” Nick said with a shrug.



“And that doesn’t bother you?” Aj asked.



“Nope.” Nick said shaking his head. “I’m actually a little glad, I mean, look at my parents. That’s not who I am.” Nick said as Aj listened. “And now, you’re not your dad either.” Aj watched as Nick headed down the stairs, his words playing over in his head.



“Man I’m so hungry.” Kevin said as the sound of his friend walking down the hall broke him from his thoughts. “Hey man, doing better now?” Kevin asked as he put his hand on Aj’s shoulder. Aj looked at the stairs, where Nick was, and then back to Kevin.



“Yeah.” He said with a nod. “I am.” Kevin smiled as the two, along with Brian and Howie headed down to the dinning room for lunch.



Even though he told Kevin he was doing better, he sat pretty quiet through out lunch. His mind a race with Nick’s words, Marsa’s words, Rayne’s words. Even the lady that he thinks is Tsa, even her words ran through his head. He hated being this confused, he hated not being able to think clear and the only time that was, was whenever he needed to help Rayne. When he thought about that, slowly, things started slipping into place. Finally he took a step back at let the “what if” happened. What if he was born here, what if his mom will be ok because this is how it was suppose to be, what if he was this Guardian, what if this is where he was from, and that’s why he didn’t feel like he belonged back on Earth.

The Guardian Crusade
Volume I

Chapter 5

Alex sat at a large wooden table, books scattered in front of him. He was in the Council House. The place where Rayne told him Mages went to study their talent, and since he wasn’t raised here, and didn’t go to school here, he figured he had some catching up to do. Most importantly he was hoping they had books on the Elemental, and more on the Guardians. Which to his satisfaction, there were. One book he found was called the Myth of Adamai. He learned that there was a Mage named Adamai who had called upon a large beast created from water. He read that the Mage out of pure hate and anger touched a pool of water and fed his hate and anger into it. The hate filled energy formed into a funneling beast of water, and crushed all of Adamai’s enemies. No one knows what happened to him, the survivor’s who came back to tell the tale said he left into the forest and never came out, some say the beast took him back into the water with him.

Aj closed the book and rubbed his eyes. He had been reading for a while, and looked over to the other book he had yet to touch and he felt tired just thinking about reading it. One of the teachers here said that this book was the book about the Guardians; everything that Pixca had known about the guardians was in that book. The sound of the door to the room opening made him look up and he was surprised to see Nick standing there.

“What’s up?” Aj asked as he closed the book.

“We’re getting ready to go.” Nick said as he sat in a chair across from Aj.

“Ok.” Aj said as he gathered the books up. “I just need to give these back to the Mage Teacher.” Aj said as he piled them up.

“What are they?” Nick asked as he picked one up. “The Ancients?” He read as he looked at Aj.
“It’s about the Ancient Magic, kind of cool.” Aj said as he looked at it. “Like there’s one called Tohil, and well that’s what it does creates like a hurricane. There’s one called Volco it’s suppose to be this big huge flame tower that shoots up and burns the enemy”

“Nice.” Nick said with a nod as he helped Aj with the books. “You seem to be getting more and more into this.”

“Well, I’m starting to think that maybe what they’re saying is true, maybe, I dunno.” Aj said as they walked out of the room. He set the books down on the table and the teacher he had talked to came over to them.

“Can I keep these two; I’ll bring them back when I’m done?” Aj asked.

“Of course sir.” The teacher said with a smile and a nod. Aj smiled back and headed out of the building with Nick.

“So I’m thinking about asking Nalia out to dinner tomorrow.” Nick said as they walked down the street.

“Oh?” Aj said a little stunned.

“I mean I know we’ll be leaving and stuff, but who knows when, right?” Nick said as he looked at him.

“Sure.” Aj nodded.

“And she’s really cute, and nice, and not so..” Nick stopped as he thought about the words.

“Hollywood?” Aj asked looking back at him.

“Yeah.” Nick nodded. “Figures, I meet one, and it’s in another dimension.” Nick sighed as Aj giggled a little. “Are we in another dimension?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t want to think about that, this place hurts my head enough.” Aj said with a sigh.

“Yeah that’s for sure.” Nick said with a nod.

“This place gives you a headache?” Aj asked as he stopped walking and Nick stopped too. “You sure hide it well.”

“Hey just because I’m not all boohoo doesn’t mean I’m not freaking out about this.” Nick said as Aj rolled his eyes. “I’ve never been one to bitch you know that.”

“I’m not bitching.” Aj said quickly. “And Kevin would say otherwise.”

“Not saying you are dude, but seriously is it really that bad?” Nick asked ignoring the Kevin comment. “Being here, finding out we’re Princes and we can use magic, magic.” Nick said with a smile. “Don’t you feel it?”

“Feel what?” Aj asked nervously.

“When something happens, when people talk about us.” Nick said to him. “I get this feeling like something pushing me. Kevin talks about going home and I feel like I don’t want to go yet.”

“Really.” Aj said a little shocked.

“Would it be so bad?” Nick asked.

“Dude.” Aj said a little breathless. “What about your family, the group.”

“Sure they’d miss the meal ticket, and the well you guys can go on with four.” Nick said with a shrug. “I’m just saying anyways, not like I’ll actually stay, damn calm down.”

“You know what? I really don’t want to hear this right now.” Aj said as he started to walk away.

“What about Rayne?” Nick asked as Aj stopped.

“What about her?” Aj asked turning around.

“Well first you save her, then she saves you, you seem to be talking to her a lot more than you talk to us about things here and this morning you jumping right to her aid when she wanted to go to the island and find Rem.” Nick said as he walked up to Aj.

“You followed as soon as Nalia chimed in.” Aj said quickly to him.

“And this isn’t about me, besides, hello, I said I was going to ask her to dinner.” Nick said raising his eyebrows. “Look I’m not forcing you to do something you don’t want to, but seriously Alex you should try just dropping it all and going with the ‘what if’ cause it’s hella fun.” Nick said and Aj watched as Nick started walking down the street. Taking a deep breath he let out his frustration and followed his friend.

“So where are we meeting everyone?” Aj asked as he finally caught up too Nick.

“In Marsa’s meeting room.” Nick said as he glanced at Aj from the corner of his eye. “He’s going to show us what his Riders mapped out.”

“Mapped out?” Aj asked confused.

“Yeah like where they saw Johon’s men camped and stuff.” Nick said as the guards opened the castle door for them.

“Oh.” Aj said nodding.

“Hey did you know that the Dwarves are rulers of the sea?” Nick asked.

“Rulers of the sea?” Aj asked confused.

“Yeah Marsa was telling me that they are known for sailing the sea’s of Pixcadia.” Nick said. “Sailing is in their blood.”

“Well that’s interesting.” Aj said with a nod, knowing how much Nick loved sailing.

“You know what else he told me?” Nick said as they walked behind the stairs.

“What?” Aj asked almost sarcastically.

“Elvaan’s are entertainers.” Nick said with a light smile. “Many of them have traveled around Pixca performing, singing, acting.” Aj looked at Nick as he walked into Marsa’s meeting room. It was another thing to send his mind spinning.

“Ah, Alexander good you’re here.” Marsa said with a smile. “We can begin.”

“Where are the guys?” Aj asked.

“Marsa thought we could get more done if Kevin wasn’t here.” Nick said and Aj saw the small smile on his face.

Aj walked over to Marsa’s desk, where there was a large map. As his eyes skimmed across the map he read the names of the country’s and city’s. Kalica, Pomia, Sarila, Sera, and as he read the names and saw the vast amount of land each of the country’s own, he saw with his own eyes exactly how big and bad this war had gotten.

“This is Darlawind.” Marsa said pointing to the map. “It’s a small town, the only town on the island. The Riders have seen Rem and Johon’s men here.” Marsa said as he pointed to a spot a little ways from the town. “They are about three miles from the town, and are holding there, I have been able to get reinforcements to Darlawind last night.”

“Does Johon plan to attack Darlawind, take it as a holding point?” Nalia asked.

“I believe so, but we do not know for sure.” Marsa said with a sigh.

“Then we will find out.” Rayne said as Aj looked at her.

“When do we leave?” Aj asked.

“You will leave now; it will take an hour to fly there. Avit will be with you, when you arrive you’ll then discuss the best course of action.” Marsa told them. “Please all four of you be careful and do not put any of yourselves in danger.” Everyone nodded and agreed, although Aj saw how reluctant Rayne was.

Marsa rolled up the map and everyone headed out of his meeting room. They left the castle and headed to the Gryphon tower. Aj was a little surprise to find himself not that nervous, if anything he was anxious. He was anxious to get there, to find Rem, find out what happened, and find a way to end this war.

“Hey.” Aj said when he looked up and saw the other guys standing by the Gryphon Tower.

“So you’re still going.” Kevin said in a tone Aj knew meant he wasn’t happy.

“Yep.” Aj said with a nod.

“I think it’s stupid and we should be home by now.” Kevin said.

“Stupid?” Aj said as he felt all the anxiety and all the frustration come to a head. Aj walked over to Marsa and took the Map from him. He unrolled it and held it up to Kevin’s face. “See all the red lines sketched across the countries.” Aj said angerly. “That is everything Johon has taken from them, and I’m sorry Kevin, but if I can do something to get all this back for them, too keep them from loosing more, then I’m going to damn it!” Aj shouted. He pulled the map down and rolled it up, he walked over to Marsa and handed it back to him, then walked over to Avit and a Gryphon. Everyone stood there quiet for a moment.

“Just be careful.” Brian said as him and Howie walked up to Nick.

Aj looked up at the giant bird as he stroked his fingers along the soft feathers. He was a little surprised the birds were so gentle with how they looked and everything. When he felt someone standing beside him he looked over and saw Rayne putting down her bag near the Gryphon beside his.

“Are you alright?” She asked as she turned to him.

“Yeah I’m fine; it’s just sometimes he can be so thick headed.” Aj sighed.

“I’ve noticed that.” Rayne said with a light smile. “Did you really mean what you said, about getting it back for us?”

“If I can, then yeah.” Aj said with a nod.

“We are ready.” Avit said to the two and then walked over to Marsa. Aj and Rayne followed and walked up to Nick and Nalia.

“May Pixca watch over the four of you, her soldiers” Marsa said and then lightly bowed to them.

“You two come back safe.” Howie said as he looked to Aj and Nick.

“All four of you.” Brian said with a nod. Aj looked over to Kevin and he angerly rolled his eyes and looked away. Aj sighed and looked at Brian and Howie.

“We will don’t worry about us.” Aj said with a smile. The two guys hugged their band mates and then loaded up their Gryphon’s.

Aj sat behind Avit and looked down to his friends. He knew this was it, the crossroads. This was him making his choice, and he wasn’t going to mope over it anymore. They said he was this Prince Alexander, so he was going to play the part and what ever came from it, came from it. With one last look at Kevin, he felt the bird jerk down and then jump up. He waved to Brian and Howie as they waved to them and soon they were high above the land, heading towards the island.


It didn’t really take long for them to reach the island, not as long as it took to reach Rayne and her Father on the ships. Aj looked around when he felt the bird starting to descend, and he saw that much of the island looked like Winnol.

“There.” Avit shouted as he raised his arm. “In the distance, do you see it?”

Aj looked out to his right and saw in the distance, he saw a couple of large tree’s standing up from the clouds. As they slowly fell below the clouds he saw more tree’s, but as the clouds disappeared he saw that there were lights coming from the tree’s.

“What is that?” Aj asked.

“It is Darlawind.” Avit shouted back. “That means Johon’s camp is somewhere over there.” Avit said pointing. Aj looked down a little and around the other side of the bird.

“We should land here then.” Aj shouted as he pointed down.

“Yes, I agree.” Avit nodded. He then singled to Soula’s Second in Command or SC for short. All the birds descended down into the trees carefully gliding there way to the ground below.

“Set up a parameter.” Avit said to a soldier as he jumped down from the Gryphon. “Johon’s camp is that way.” Avit pointed.

“Man that’s fun.” Nick said smiling as he walked over to Aj. Aj smiled as he jumped down and grabbed his bag. “So what do we do now?”

“Set up camp.” Aj said at the same time Rayne did. Nick lightly smiled and gave Aj the eye.

Everyone helped out setting up shelters in thick areas where it was harder to see them. Making sure they were hidden incase Johon had patrol’s out; although they were sure he wouldn’t send them this far, if he didn’t know they were there. Aj was tucking his bag into the small shelter he had made, when the sound of bickering distracted him. He looked behind him and saw Avit and Rayne arguing.

“I do not understand why we can not go now.” Rayne said angerly.

“Please, Princess Rayne, if you want to go tonight and look at our situation that is fine, but at least wait until dark.” Avit said with a little plea.

“And what of Johon and Rem, should I just sit here while they lay claim to another of Pixcadia’s lands?” she said. Aj stood up and wondered if he should say something.

“The camp is still quiet small, we are not sure they are ready for that kind of attack, which is why we are here.” Avit said.

“We are here to get Rem, and find out what he knows!” Rayne shouted, and everyone at the camp stopped and looked at her.

“You would risk your life, the Guardians, everything just to get Rem this one time?” Avit asked her, she looked back to him. Aj sighed when he saw her turn away from Avit and angerly walked away from him. Avit looked up at Aj and then headed towards his men as they stood around a table mapping out a plan. He walked in the direction that Rayne had walked and headed into the forest. It was getting dark and harder for him to see. He stopped and looked around he heard a light whisper and looked to his left. Sitting on a rock under a tree was Rayne; slowly he made his way over and as he got closer he saw Paq lying down by her feet.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone.” Aj said as he stopped a couple of feet away from her.

“I can take care of myself.” She said

“Never said you couldn’t.” Aj said as he saw her wipe her face with her sleeve lightly. “I haven’t been here very long and even I know Avit is right.” She turned and looked at him; her eyes were red and puffy. “And I know you want to find the answers to your questions, but if you go and get caught, what then?”

“I just need to know.” She said as she looked away. “Why Father did what he did, why Rem did what he did, how could they think Johon would be good for Pixcadia?”

“I don’t know.” Aj said as he walked over to her. He sat down on the ground beside her, crossing his legs under him. “Since I got here, one thing I’ve notice was how much your Father wanted to protect you, I mean he went against what he believed in because he wanted you close.”

“And now he has left me alone.” Rayne said as she sniffed. “With Kalica gone, Sarila gone, and now Winnol on the edge of war.” She stopped and took a deep breath.

“You’re scared.” Aj said as he looked up at her. She looked down at him, at first he saw shock in her face, then denial, and then she looked away.

“I will only admit this to you.” She said quietly. “But yes I am.” He frowned a little when he saw a tear fall from cheek down to her robe. Slowly he reached his hand over and placed it on hers; she looked up a little stunned.

“Me too.” Aj said as he closed his hand over hers. Slowly a small smile crept across her face. The growl and movement of Paq perking up made them both jump and look at the wolf. She was now on all fours and slowly moving forward.

“What’s going on?” Aj asked both staying still.

“She senses something, not a friend.” Rayne said as she looked to Aj.

“That’s what I figured.” He said with a light sigh. “We should get back to camp.”

“We must see what it is.” Rayne said back too him as she stopped him from walking.

“Now’s not the time, we should get Avit.” Aj said too her. She looked back to where Paq was guarding and then looked to Aj. “Alright.” She said reluctantly. He took her by the hand and they headed back to the camp, keeping an eye on what was going on behind them. Then both of them stopped dead as the sound of ice crackling was heard around them.

“Oh no.” Aj heard Rayne whisper and he looked down, his feet were stuck in Ice.

“Ice trap?” Aj asked as he stared at his feet incased in an ice block.

“Yes.” Rayne said and he heard the panic in her voice. He quickly looked up and around into the trees. “Where’s Paq?” Rayne asked quickly.

“I don’t know.” Aj said, and then the sound of people shouting in front of them took their attention.

“It is coming from the camp.” Rayne said her voice even more panicked. Aj pulled his legs up but they wouldn’t move, then with one final pull the spell released, and he fell forward. “They take some time to get use too.” Rayne said as she took his arm and helped him up. He lightly smiled at her and then they took off running towards the camp.

When they arrived they saw what they had feared. Johon’s men had found the camp, and an all out fight had broken out. Aj scanned around the camp for Nick but he couldn’t see him, he then looked for Avit and saw him fighting off two soldiers and one coming up behind him with a sword. Aj threw out his arm and a glow of blue sparked from his fingers, and then an ice bolt flew from his hand and smashed into the soldier running at Avit. As Avit flung his sword into the last guard he was fighting, he spun around and saw the man that would have killed him. He looked to Aj and Aj saw relief in his eyes.

“Where’s Nick!?” Aj shouted to Avit

“Rem and his men, he took Nalia, Nick chased after him.” Avit said.

“Which way did they go?” Rayne asked looking at Avit.

“They went that way towards where Johon’s camp would be.” Avit said pointing to an eastern direction. “Wait Princess!” Avit shouted and Aj spun around and saw Rayne taking off towards the forest. Aj looked back from Rayne too Avit, Avit looked at him and then looked around. “Go with her Alexander, I think we have this under control.” Avit said. Aj took one last look around and then ran after Rayne.

He dodged around the trees; he kept low and made sure he stopped to look around, seeing if anyone was fallowing him. He would whisper as loud as he could for Rayne, Nick, or Nalia, but no one answered. When he saw a dim light through the trees, he stopped, then he heard the whispers of people talking, the light off in the distance clanging of metal. Aj had the feeling he had come up onto the camp, or a camp. He crouched down lower, behind some bushes. His eyes scanned the camp, what he could see of it. He stopped when his eyes caught Nick. Two soldiers held him by the small fire.

“Where is she!?” A man shouted as he walked in front of Nick.

“Who?” Nick said. Aj watched as the man nodded and the two soldiers slammed Nick down to his knees, and he shouted in pain. Aj felt the anger rush through him.

“Where is she?” The man asked again.

“She? Do you know who you’re talking to? I see a lot of she’s, your going to have to be more specific.” Nick said again.

“What are you doing dumbass.” Aj whispered as one of the soldiers grabbed Nick’s hair and pulled his head back, and he moaned in pain.

“I do not have time for this.” The man said impatiently, and as he turned, the fire lit up his face and Aj saw it was Sarila’s Guardian Rem. Rem pulled out his sword and raised it into the air. Aj’s breath left his lungs and he stood up ready to attack.

“Don’t!!” Someone shouted and Aj stopped all movement. “I am here.” Said the woman’s voice and Aj saw Nalia come out from behind the two soldiers, from her hiding spot in the trees.

“Ah, Princess Nalia, so nice of you to finally join us.” Rem said as Aj knelt back down behind the bushes. Aj’s heart began to race faster; he didn’t know what to do. There were about ten to fifteen men, plus Rem. There was no way he could take them all, and he had no clue where Rayne was. He looked around trying to find a sign of her or a sign of Paq. The sound of Nick yelling made Aj look back to the camp, and he saw another guard grabbing Nalia.

“Careful with that one, she is a Warrior and quick with her hands.” Rem said as he pointed to Nalia. Aj shuffled his feet a little; they were getting sore but as he put his foot down, the sound of a branch cracking made his heart skip a beat. Slowly he looked up and saw everyone staring in his direction. He wasn’t sure if they saw him or not, but they were defiantly looking his way.

“Oh shit.” Aj whispered as he quickly looked behind him. When he turned around he saw Rem heading right for him.

“It’s the Mage!!” Rem shouted as Aj stood up and took off.

“Aj run!” Nick yelled when he saw Aj pop up. He was silenced by the back hand of a guard.

Quickly Aj spun around and headed back through the trees. He could hear the men shouting, then a blast of fire exploded by his head, and he fell to his hands and knees. Aj hurried to his feet again and when he had his balance he looked back, the men, and Rem still on him. He was too busy looking at what was going on behind him; he didn’t see the root of a tree sticking up from the ground. His foot caught the root and tripped him up; he fell hard to the ground. Aj grunted in pain as his body trapped his arm between the hard ground and the momentum of his body falling. Spinning on to his back as quick as he could, he looked up and saw a guard coming at him. He pulled himself back as quick as he could; his arm shot pain all through him.

He tried to think of a spell, tried to think of something, but the thought of this guard in front of him with his sword raised at him, made everything in his mind go blank. Suddenly something jumped on the man from Aj’s right. As the man screamed in pain, the wolf growling as it stood on top of him, Aj caught his breath, his thoughts returning, and as they did he realized it was Paq. Looking up he checked back towards the camp, no one else had followed, at least not yet. Then he started looking around for Rayne but he couldn’t see her any where. He looked back down to the wolf, double checking it was hers. As the animal stepped down off the guard’s body, she turned her head and looked at him. She walked over to him and began to sniff him. He still was a little nervous, this wolf in front of him. Her blue eyes gazed back at him, and he held his breath for a moment. Then her tongue lashed out and she began licking him.

“Um, Hi.” Aj said with a little laugh. She then stopped and whined a little as she took a couple of steps back towards the camp. “Where’s Rayne?” He said, and then he stopped himself realizing he was talking to a wolf. Paq whined again and took another couple of steps towards the small camp of Johon’s men. Slowly he took a step forward and started following her back to the camp. Quietly they walked through the trees, Aj made sure he didn’t step on any branches. He felt a little safer knowing Paq was with him, she could hear anything coming up on him, but yet it made him worry, why wasn’t she with Rayne.


When the two came up onto the camp again, Aj crouched down. He looked around and saw they were a few feet from where he was last time but a little further back. Scanning back along the camp, he didn’t see anyone, but a couple of guards. No Nick, no Nalia, not even Rem.

“Psst.” He heard from behind him and it made him freeze. Slowly he turned around. He didn’t see anything. “Look up fawker.” He heard the whisper, and he smiled a little, recognizing the voice. Aj looked up and saw Nick and Nalia hiding on some tree branches. Quietly he crept over to the tree.

“What are you two doing, and how did you get away?” Aj whispered confused.

“That little distraction you caused, they all went after you.” Nick said nodding to the camp. “We took out what was left.”

“So why are you up in a tree?” Aj asked quietly.

“We were running away, when we heard fighting. We came upon Rayne fighting Rem, but they over came her before we could get to her.” Nalia whispered and Aj quickly turned to the camp.
“What’s with the pet?” Nick asked from behind Aj. He turned around and saw that they had climbed down from the tree. Aj then looked down to Paq.

“I don’t know. I was running from them, I fell, she jumped the dude and saved me, kind of led me back here.” Aj said as he looked to the camp. “We can take them.” Aj said as he started walking towards the camp. Someone grabbing his arm stopped him from going any further and he turned around.

“She’s not there.” Nick said as Aj looked at Nick’s hand on his arm. “Rem and most of the guards left for the main camp, just before you showed up. They took off like a bat out of hell.”

“Why didn’t you stop them?” Aj asked.

“Dude, there was no way we could.” Nick said as Aj pulled his arm away.

“So what do we do now?” Aj asked frustrated.

“There are about five soldiers in the camp, Rem told them to pack up and be at the main camp tomorrow, keep an eye out for us.” Nalia said. “We take them; see if we can find anything that can help us.” She explained. She then looked at Aj. “Then we go back to Avit, and figure something out.”

“No, we can’t just leave her we have to go.” Aj said in an angry whisper.

“The three of us can not go into Rem’s camp alone, we need Avit and we need his men.” Nalia said to him.

“Dude, she’s right.” Nick said as Aj looked at him. “We’ll get her; we just got to be smart about it.” Nick said. “Even Rambo had back up, sometimes.” Aj snickered and shook his head.

“Alright.” Aj sighed. “So, how do we take this camp?”

Rayne sat on the ground, in a large tent. Her hands were tied behind her back around one of the tent poles. Her legs were tied around her knees, and her ankles were tied together as well. Rem had also gagged her mouth after she got too lippy with him. It’s also why she now had a black eye.

She was watching Nalia and Nick at the camp; she had followed the sounds of the soldiers as they took Nick back to their camp. Rayne was only going to watch for a moment, make sure he was ok; she wasn’t sure how they got him. Then Nalia popped up out of no where, then Alex popped up, and then they took off after Alex. When Nick and Nalia started fighting what was left at the camp, she and Paq took off after Alex and Rem. She was able to catch up to most of them, but she saw one still following and that’s when Rayne sent Paq after him.

“Protect him as you would me.” She remembered telling her loyal friend. She looked up at the tent ceiling as she hoped Paq got to him in time. The sound of someone walking into the tent made her look down and she saw Rem entering.

“Princess.” He said with a light bow. “Or should I say Queen?” She looked at him angerly. “With your Father dead and all, Sarila is yours.” He then turned to her. “Oh no wait, Johon has Sarila too.” He smiled. “Well I guess I do not have to call you Princess either.”

She growled through the cloth in her mouth and looked away. It was hard for her to believe he was acting this way towards her. She had known him all her life, she was her Fathers best friend, and now he was part of the reason he was gone.

“Your Father was once a wise, strong man.” Rem said as he slowly walked over to her. “But then your mother died, and well.” He said as he knelt down in front of him. “He wasn’t about battle any more, he wanted peace, so much so, he was willing to sell off his only child for it.” He leaned in close to her, a little two close to her liking, and she sent her head forward and head butted him. She shouted in pain as her head began to throb. When she opened her eyes she saw Rem on the ground holding his head, moaning in pain. Then quickly he sat up and reached for her throat.

“You wretched harlot give me one reason why I should not squeeze the life out of you right now.” Rem growled angerly at her and she began to choke.

“Because then Johon would have your head.” A voice said from the tent flaps and Johon jumped up quickly letting go of Rayne. She gasped for air and coughed but it was hard with the cloth over her mouth. Then slowly the cloth slipped from her mouth, and when her lips were free she gasped again. “What do you think Johon would say if I returned to Sarila and told him what I just saw?” Said the voice as Rayne looked up. Her eyes went wide when she saw the Mage that had attacked Winnol earlier.

“She was being a pain as she always was.” Rem said as he looked at her. Rayne glared at him as her breathing calmed.

“I would not push it Rem, I heard from the men, you had two Guardians, but gave them up for one?” The Mage said and Rayne heard a familiarity about the voice, and she was a little shock to realize the voice was female.

“It was the Elvaan Mage.” Rem said in defense. “Besides, it led us to Rayne.”

“Yes.” The Mage said as they turned to Rayne. “It did.” Rayne looked up, still not being able to see the face of this mysterious Mage. “Well no matter, Johon is on his way now.”

“He is?” Rem said a little shocked. “But you said he was in Sarila? We are not ready to attack Winnol yet.”

“Well then you better get ready Rem, he will not be happy when he arrives.” The Mage said to him as she turned a little. Rayne watched as Rem’s face fell and he quickly left the tent. Then the Mage turned and looked at her.

“So.” The Mage said. “This is the great Princess Rayne of Sarila, daughter to King Adop and Queen Halian.” Rayne said nothing as she looked down to the ropes around her knees.

“Johon can not possibly think he can take on Winnol with the men he has out there.” Rayne said as she looked up.

“Do not be silly child.” The Mage laughed. “We have twenty ships on the way, and in those twenty ships..” she stopped and looked at Rayne. “Well know how many men Sarila’s fleet can carry.” She walked over to the tent opening and turned around. “No my dear Princess, Winnol will fall, and the Guardians with it.” Rayne watched as the Mage left the tent and she looked down. There had to be a way she could get out. She moaned and she laid her head back, it hit the wooden pole a little hard.

“Ouch.” She groaned as she looked back a little. When she did she saw the cloth of the tent was wiggling a little. She looked around, to the top, there was no wind. With a little force she leaned back again, the pole wiggled. Thinking about the plan, if she could wiggle the pole loose, the tent would fall, she could slid her hands out and then, then find her way out of the tent, and then fight against fifty of Johon’s men. She sighed as the plan fell through.

The sound of shouting took her thoughts of her plans away and she looked to the tent flaps. They were closed and she couldn’t see anything. Then the sounds of more men shouting, and spells going off, made her even more curious. Was Avit attacking? Suddenly the tent doors flew open and Rem came running in.

“Change of plans Princess.” He said as he ran behind her and untied her. She tried to fight him, but let him lead her out of the tent, easier to run away with open forest around her. They broke through the flaps and she looked around at the chaos. Winnol’s soldier’s fighting Johon’s men and she turned to Rem pulling harder to free herself. She cleared her mind and focused as the sound of roots entangling themselves in front of her; she slammed into Rem and fell to the ground.

Quickly she looked up and saw Rem stuck in her Root Binding spell. Again she cleared her mind and a crash of light fell onto Rem, the noise rumbled like thunder through the camp. Rem fell over in pain, his feet still stuck in the spell. As another beam of light fell onto him the roots let go, but it didn’t matter, the man laid motionless on the ground.





Aj stood by the fire of the camp looking around at the mess they had created. They had easily taken over the soldier’s that were left and now were searching the camp for any clues, or anything that could help.

“Rem seemed to have left in a hurry, so there must be something.” Nalia said as she stopped and looked around.

“I haven’t found anything, just some orders about ships coming in tonight.” Nick said with a shrug.

“Does it say from where?” Nalia asked. Aj watched as Nick looked at the paper.

“It says our army from Sarila, Ah Sarila.” Nick said nodding.

“He’s planning an attack on Winnol.” Nalia said looking to Aj.

“Whoa, it says there’s like twenty ships coming.” Nick said looking at them.

“How many men fit on a ship?” Aj asked.

“For war, you do not want to know.” Nalia said as her face fell. Aj sighed in frustration. Just then the sounds of men walking through the forest took their attention and they looked behind them.

“There you are.” Avit said relieved. “Where is Princess Rayne?” He asked.

“Rem has her.” Aj said as the rest of the soldier’s caught up to Avit. “He took her to the main camp, we took care of what ever was left here, but we only found that.” Aj said pointing to Nick. Nick walked over to the Elvaan and handed him the paper. Aj watched as Avit read it and his face fell with worry and even fear.

“Send this to King Marsa, right away.” Avit said to a solider as he handed him the paper.

“Yes Sir.” The man said with a salute and then took off running.

“How many were here?” Avit asked as he walked up to Nalia, Nick and Aj.

“I think about ten.” Aj said. “Thought there might have been more, most of them left with Rem, after they took Rayne, there were only about five left when Rem took off.”

“What happened?” Avit asked as he singled for his men to clear the camp.

Aj, Nalia and Nick explained to him what had happened. What they all saw and what they did afterwards. Avit told the three of them to rest, they would see if they could find anything, then whether they found something or not would head to the main camp and find Rayne. Aj sat down on a log by the fire and put his head in his hands as his elbows rested on his knees. Taking a deep breath in, he exhaled out with a sigh. Suddenly he felt something poking his arm and he lifted his head from his hands. He looked over and saw Paq beside him, when he sat back a little she put her head on his lap. Lightly he smiled as he placed his hand on her head and began to pet her.

“Marsa will be pleased to know that Paq is with you.” Avit said startling Aj. He looked up a little confused. “I suppose you would not know.” Avit said with a light smile. “One of the first trails of a Druid is to summon a wolf spirit. It proves there is a link between Nature and the Druid.” Avit explained. “When the wolf can be away from the Druid, that is a great step for the Druid, it means she is linked to others, and she has matured as a Druid.”

“Great.” Aj said as he looked back down to Paq. There was no enthusiasm in his voice at all. “I’m going to take a look around.” Aj said as he stood up and headed towards the south side of the camp. The wolf walked beside him as they crisscrossed through the trees around the camp. He wasn’t really looking around; he just wanted to get away. After he had calmed down a little he made his way back to the camp and saw everyone packing up.

“What’s going on?” Aj asked as Nick walked over.

“We’re heading to the main camp now.” Nick said as he nodded to the soldier’s gathering together.

“Finally.” Aj said as he walked passed Nick and headed to Avit.

“Aj’s got a crush.” Nick sang as he did a little dance.

“What?” Aj said spinning around.

“Dude, look at you, running off after her, all protective, and now you got her dog.” Nick said smiling

“It’s a wolf.” Aj said correcting him.

“Whatever.” Nick said. “You still got a crush.” He whispered as Avit came over. Aj was about to say something when Avit approached them.

“I have sent my scouts ahead, we will leave now.” Avit told them. Aj looked at Nick and rolled his eyes as he walked away. He could hear Nick giggling as he followed Avit.

“How far do you think it is?” Aj asked as Avit stopped.

“I am thinking a twenty minute walk, maybe longer.” Avit said. Aj sighed and he didn’t realize anyone had heard him.

“You are worried about her.” Avit said as they began walking into the forest. Aj looked up at him ready to snap, who cares if he was, he didn’t need to hear it. But he stopped himself, Avit wouldn’t have gone there with him, Avit wasn’t the guys, he wasn’t Kevin.

“Yeah I am.” Aj said as he looked away.

Why do you try and hide it?” Avit asked.

“My friends.” Aj said as he looked behind him and saw Nick talking to Nalia. “Well not so much that one.” Aj said looking back. He looked up and saw Avit smiling. “The others though, would just harp on me about it, you know the fact that I would be going home and that it would just lead to a big bad mess.”

“I see.” Avit said with a nod. “I assure you we will get her back.” Aj just lightly smiled at him. They would stop a couple of times to check over the map and look around. Aj looked to the cliffs on his left as Avit talked to one of his guards. The sound of Paq growling made him look down.

“Avit.” Aj said as he tapped the General on his arm. Avit heard the wolf now and raised his hand for everyone too stop.

“My scouts said it was around this area.” Avit said as he began to scan. Aj knew Avit’s eye sight was much better than his. He looked down when he felt Paq’s cold nose on his hand, she was nudging him to go forward. Aj looked to Avit and he nodded. He looked back to Nick and Nalia and motioned for them to come.

As Aj, Nick and Nalia headed towards the camp, Avit sent his men spreading out as best they could, to attack the camp on all sides. When they got close enough everyone surveyed the area, seeing how many soldiers were there and where Rem was.

“Should we attack?” Nick asked.

“I do not see Rayne.” Nalia whispered back.

“Avit?” Aj asked looking at him.

“We should attack, everyone knows to look for her, if we cause some chaos maybe it will help.”

“I’m good at that.” Nick said nodding. Aj smirked and he looked back to the camp.

“Look.” Aj said pointing and everyone looked back to the camp.

“Is that?” Nick asked as he tried to get a better look.

“It is that Mage that attacked the castle.” Nalia said as Aj looked to Avit.

“We attack.” Avit said to him with a nod. Avit turned and motioned his men to attack, with an Elvaan war cry the men began to charge, and then followed by the others.

When Aj broke from the tree’s he saw men running around, screaming and flinging weapons. He began to look around as he sent spell after spell flying at Johon’s men. Slowly he made his way through the camp, with Paq at his side biting and pulling at Johon’s men. They would attack and Aj would fight them off.

“Alexander!” He heard Avit shout and he looked over ready to attack, but nothing or no one was coming at him. Avit was pointing ahead of him; Aj followed in the direction and saw Rayne being dragged out from a tent by Rem. Another soldier came at Aj and he sent out an ice bolt knocking the man to the ground. A loud rumble made him look up and he saw a bright beam of light come down. He pushed the man out of the way and headed towards Rayne. When his line of sight was clear he saw Rayne on the ground as another beam of light came down onto Rem who was tangled up in some vines. He watched as Rem fell to the ground and stayed there. Aj took a step towards Rayne, as one of the guards tackled him to the ground, a loud screaming voice made Winnol’s men, Johon’s men, and everyone stop fighting and look.

Aj froze when he saw the Mage standing in front of Rayne, he watched as they picked Rayne up off the ground, by the back of her robe, she struggled to get away, a spell about to leave her lips; the Mage silenced her with a spell and looked to Aj.

“Is this what you came for Elvaan?” The Mage said to Aj and for the first time Rayne realized he was there.

“Let her go!” Aj shouted as the soldiers went to their respective sides, as Nick, Nalia and Avit, walked up beside Aj.

“Or you will what, save her?” The Mage said with a laugh. “You are no match for me; you do not understand or can even comprehend the power I have.” Aj took a step forward but the Mage pulled Rayne up higher. “Do not even think about it Elvaan.” The Mage shouted. “You know you are new to your talent, maybe I should give you a small lesson.”


The Mage picked Rayne up by the throat and held her off the ground. Aj looked down when he heard Paq growl. The Mage looked at Rayne and then looked to Alex. The hood covered her face even Rayne still couldn’t see what she looked like.

“You see Alexander, when you become more accustomed to your talent you’ll learn that not only can you suck the energy from Pixcadia, but you can also suck the energy from.” She stopped as she looked to Aj. “everything.” She spoke, then without taking her eyes off of him, her face turned in anger, and as AJ heard a loud gasp, Nalia yell, and Avit’s men jump forward he looked at Rayne. The Mage’s hand was glowing around her neck, and Rayne started to whimper in pain as the Mage began to drain her energy.

The anger started to rise in Aj and as the anger over came him it started to reach out, reaching out for the energy around him. A light breeze blew past him as he stared at Rayne, her grip on the Mages hand, slowly slipping. Slowly the Mage set Rayne’s feet on the ground and let go of her. She collapsed to the ground with a thud.

“Class dismissed.” The Mage said as she closed her hands over each other in front of her. But too her surprise the wind started to pick up and the mage looked up to the sky. Aj was now pulling in a lot of energy, and the wind blew so hard everyone was grabbing on to something to hold themselves down.




“What’s going on?” Nick asked Nalia as they looked to Aj.

“I think..” Nalia was a little shocked. “He could not be, could he?”

“Nalia?” Nick said tapping her on the shoulder. “Could he what?” Nick asked looking to him then back to her. “What is he doing?”

“It’s a Wind Storm.” Nalia shouted as the whistling got louder and it got harder to hold on, the wind getting stronger. “It is a spell, one of the Ancients and he is casting it.” Nick looked around; the trees were bending against the strength of the wind blowing. He looked over to the Mage and she was barely able to stand up. Carefully he made his way over to Aj.

“Aj!?” He shouted as he approached him. He lived in Florida, he went through a hurricane or two, and it wasn’t that bad right now, but remembering the conversation he had with Aj earlier in the Council, he realized it could. His friend was standing completely still despite everyone else having to hold on to something. Nick noticed there were small wisps of wind circling around his fingers, and he looked at him, his eyes were glowing. “Alex..” he said breathless and stunned. “Aj!?” He shouted again and reached for him but stopped, not sure if he should touch him.

“Get her out of here.” Aj said but he was still staring at the Mage.

“What?” Nick asked.

“Get Rayne, and get out of the spell.” Aj said again calmly but sternly. Nick hesitated as he looked at his friend, the wind flapping his robe around. He then looked to Rayne who was lying on the ground. “Go Nick now.” Aj said. Nick looked back and then headed to Rayne. He picked up and struggled to get across the camp. Avit came up on his right, with Nalia and helped him carry her out of the spell range. As soon as they crossed the wind stopped and they almost fell onto the ground, from the momentum.

“Lay her down here.” Nalia said as Nick walked over with Rayne in his arms. He laid her down on a clear spot under a tree and then looked back. He couldn’t see anything, the wind was picking up so much debris and swirling it around it blocked his view. Nick stood up and headed towards the spell again, to get Aj, when a loud thundering crash was heard and the wind tunneled away through the trees, sucking everything in its path with it.

“Are you alright?” Nalia asked, and Nick turned around and saw Rayne sitting up.

“I think so.” Rayne said as she put her hand on her forehead. “What happened?”

“It is a very long story.” Nalia said as she helped her sit up.

“Where is Alex?” Rayne asked as she looked around at the people around her.

“Aj.” Nick said as he spun around. The spell was gone, so was the camp and anything that wasn’t tied down.

“Where is he?” Rayne asked again as she walked up to Nick, much to the displeasure of Avit and Nalia.

“He was there, he was casting the spell, and he told me to get you and get out.” Nick said as his eyes searched frantically.

“What spell?” Rayne asked confused. Nick looked at her then to Nalia.

“It was a Wind Spell, I think, it was a very strong Wind Spell, I think he..” Nalia stopped. Nick saw the worry in Rayne’s eyes when she realized what spell he had cast.

“A Tohil spell?” Rayne said breathless. Nick watched as Nalia could only nod. “Where was he standing?” Rayne asked. Nick looked to where the camp was and started walking. Avit walked beside him as he ordered his mean to spread out and search.

“It was a terrible wind Rayne; I could barely hold on, I can not think what else it could have been.” Nalia told her, as they followed Nick. He was pretending to search but still listened.

“No one has conjured those spells in hundreds of years Nalia.” Rayne said with worry. “Not even past Guardians.”

“I know.” Nalia said quietly.

“I think.” Nick said as he stopped. “He was here.” He looked around, but there were no tents, not tables, nothing to mark any specific point. Nick started looking behind him, when a howl in the distance made the three look at each other.

“Was that?” Nalia asked looking at Rayne.

“Yes it was.” Rayne said quickly as she started running pass Nick.

“Avit!” Nick shouted to the General and motioned in the direction they were running. Nick could hear the guards behind them as they dodge around the trees. Asking what was going on with all the confusion. He stopped at Rayne she was standing still looking around, and he bent over a little catching his breath.

“Where is she?” Nalia asked a little out of breath too.

“I am looking.” Rayne said as she scanned the woods. Just then shuffling sounds made them all look to the right and they saw Aj leaning up against a tree.

“Aj.” Nick said as they started walking towards him, and he started walking towards them.

Nick ran at Aj when he saw him start to fall to his knees and got to him just in time. He looked really tired, and barely aware of what was going on. Nick helped him sit on the ground as everyone gathered around them.

“Are you alright?” Nick asked with worry.

“I think.” Aj said a little breathless. “I’m just really tired.” He said with an exhausted laugh. “And my head hurts.”

“What the hell was that?” Nick asked him as he looked to his band mate.

“That..” Aj said taking a deep breath in. “That was hella fun.” He said with a crooked smile. Nick stopped wondering where he had heard that before.

“Dude, I didn’t mean like that.” Nick sighed, and it made Aj laugh hard, and then he winced in pain a little.

“Alex?” Nick heard Rayne say and he looked up.

“Oh.” Aj said as he looked up at her. “You’re ok?” he asked a little relieved.

“Yes.” She said with a light nod as she knelt down.

“Good.” Aj said with another exhausted smile.

“We need to get him back to Winnol; Johon’s men will be here around sunrise.” Avit said as he stood up. “He will not be happy when he glances upon his camp gone.”

“You know about the attack?” Rayne said to Avit as she stood up.

“Yes, Princess Nalia, Nickolas and Alexander found a letter in the other camp.” Avit said with a nod. “I have already sent word back to King Marsa.”

“Good.” Rayne said with relief.

“We will go back to Winnol; we will send more soldiers in Darlawind and double patrols through the island and mainland.” He said as he turned to Rayne. “You, Alexander, Nickolas and Princess Nalia will remain in the city.” Avit said to her. “I am telling you this as your Guardian Princess Rayne.”

“Yes Avit, I understand.” Rayne said with a nod. Nick looked back down to Aj and Nalia.

“So where did they all go?” He asked.

“Who?” Nalia said a little confused.

“Everyone that was here, Rem, the Mage, and Johon’s soldiers?” Nick asked.

“I do not know.” Nalia said with a light shrug. “They could be anywhere, scattered along the island that way, if any of them are still alive.” She said as she looked out to the forest.





Johon sat in his chambers on his newly acquired ship. Sarila had the best fleet next too Tokia and the Dwarves. Elvaans weren’t much for sailing; they preferred the land or air. He went over the last orders he had received from his camp on Winnol Island. Things were defiantly going his way. Kalica had been his for over a year, Sarila was now his, Adop dead, and Princess Rayne well, she would be his soon enough. The same went for Winnol, and Tokia, although he wasn’t sure if he was even going to bother with that cold barren land. Maybe he would just round them all up, use them as slaves and never think of the place again.

“Sir.” A man said from his door and he looked up.

“Knocking would be greatly appreciated.” Johon said annoyed.

“I did sssir, three times.” The man said with a stutter.

“What is it?” Johon asked, even more annoyed.

“We are near the shore of Winnol sir, but there is..” The man stopped.

“There is what?” Johon asked and he saw the nervousness in the man before him, even more so than usual. He stood up and walked around his desk. “What is going on Locsi?” Johon said to his Captain.

“There is debris everywhere sir and your men as well.” The Captain said quickly.

“What do you mean my men as well?” Johon asked a little confused. He then headed to his door and left his chambers. He stormed out onto the deck and looked around. His crew were yelling, hanging over the edges, and one by one he started seeing his dead soldiers being pulled onto the ship. He quickly walked over to the front of the ship, stepped up onto some boxes and looked around, down over the ocean shore in front of him.

Johon’s eyes went wide at what he saw, tents, wood, men; broken boxes littered the shore line. He looked out to the forest and saw the trees broken, crumbled, he saw the forest debris in amongst the debris of his stuff, in the water and along the shore.

“There she is!” Someone shouted and Johon spun around. He saw his men pointing out to the eastern side of the ship. Quickly he jumped down and ran over, he looked out across the water and in a short distance saw a black and silver robe floating in the water.

“Well do not just stand there get her, now!” Johon shouted and the men so panic over his anger jumped into the water and started swimming out to the Mage. Johon watched as the men pulled her and carefully pulled her up with the rescue hooks. As they laid her down on the deck floor, Johon knelt down beside her and pulled off her hood.

“Hali?” He said quietly as the ships Priest came up the stairs. “Halian can you hear me?” Johon said again as the Priest began healing her. Slowly her eyes opened and she lightly smiled. “Who did this Halian, what happened?” Johon asked.

“The Elvaan Mage.” She whispered with anger. “Tohil.” Was all she could get out before she passed back out.

“She needs rest, but I believe she will be ok.” The Priest said with a nod.

“Put her in my Chambers,” Johon said as he stood up.

“Sir?” His captain said as Johon looked out to the shore line again.

“What?” He said.

“Did I hear her right?” Locsi asked. “Tttt-that the Mage, tt-the one they say is Elvaan, did he really cast a Tohil spell?” Johon took a deep breath and looked at the man angerly. Slowly he turned his head and looked back to the shore line.

“It appears so.” Johon said with great annoyance.

The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 6



Aj laid down on the cloth stretcher as they helped him down from the Gryphon. By the time they started flying it wasn’t his head that was just hurting, it was every piece of him. He winced in pain a little as they picked him up and carried him down the tower. His eyes would flutter close as he felt himself wanting to sleep more and more. He heard some shouting and some commotion and his eyes slowly opened again.



“Alex are you ok man?” Kevin asked as Aj looked up and saw him, Brian, and Howie gathering around him.



“I’m fine just tired.” Aj said waving his hand a little.



“What the hell happened?” Kevin asked as he turned to Nick.



“Seriously Kevin I’m fine.” Aj said trying to calm him.



“You don’t look it.” Kevin said pointing to the stretcher.



“Well I am ok, so chill the fuck out!” Aj shouted back, and then he laid his head back and moaned as it throbbed.



“Dude, seriously, just let him rest, he’s fine.” Aj heard Nick say as they began to carry him again.



“Alexander.” Marsa said and Aj looked up, he saw the worry on the Elvaan’s face.



“I’m fine really, just tired.” Aj said with a sigh.



“What happened?” Marsa asked Avit as they followed.



Avit explained to them what had happened, the attack on the camp after they had arrived, Rem taking Nalia, and Nick going after her. This got some not so friendly looks from Kevin. Avit explained about what Aj, Nick and Nalia found at the camp, him sending the Rider back to relay the message. He told them about attacking the camp when they saw the Mage, and Rem pulling Rayne from the tent. Avit then told them what happened next, Rayne attacking Rem with her Nature spell. Then what the Mage did to her.



“What happened?” Marsa asked as he looked back to Nalia and Rayne as they came through the Healing Springs entrance.



“Alexander.” Avit said and Marsa looked at him, so did Kevin and the other guys. “Next thing I know, my men and I are holding on to anything we could so we did not become victims to his spell.”



“What spell?” Marsa asked looking around.



“Tohil.” Avit said as Marsa’s eyes went wide in shock.



“The Ancient wind spell, Avit are you sure?” Marsa said in disbelief.



“Very sir, like I told you, we could barely hold on.” Avit said to him. “When Nickolas rescued Rayne we left the spell area, then everything got sucked out of the forest with the spell.”



“What’s going on, I thought that’s what Mages did, cast spells, like weather spells and stuff like that.” Howie said looking around confused.



“Tohil is an Ancient word for Hurricane.” Kevin said looking to the guys.



“Dude?” Nick said looking at him confused.



“What, you’re the only one that can have useless information?’ Kevin scoffed at him sarcastically.



“Well I can tell you, that spell was pretty damn close to a Hurricane.” Nick said with a nod.



“So what’s the big deal about Aj casting it?” Brian asked still confused.



“Tohil is one of the Ancient mage spells; no one casts them anymore, because no one can, they are to strong, take up to much energy.” Marsa said as the guys looked around at each other.



“So you’re saying that Aj, our Aj cast a spell that no one has been able to do in like what?” Kevin said looking to Marsa shocked and a little confused.



“Hundreds of years, there is no record that I know of, of anyone using them in that span of time.” Marsa said. “The only reason we know about it, is because the Mages are well, very good at book keeping.”



“But how?” Kevin asked confused.



“He is one of the four Guardians; it is no surprise the power they can set forth.” Marsa said. “They are a mystery to us, all we know is they are here to protect us on behalf of Pixca, we follow only her word when it comes to them, and her word does not say the magnitude of their power.”



“But he’s just Aj.” Kevin said looking at Marsa.



“On Earth yes he is. But here in Pixcadia, he is a Guardian.” Marsa said as he placed his hand on Kevin’s shoulder.















Aj laid in the stone tub, the water was warm and soothing. The smell of the flowers and oils they put in the water made him feel calmer and it helped his headache a lot. The guys had come in to see him after the Elvaan Priest had settled him in. They didn’t really talk about what happened, and Kevin was unusually quiet. He figured they were saving the yelling at him until he was out of the Springs, and feeling better. Closing his eyes he inhaled deeply, letting the aroma of the oils and peddles sooth his aching head and body. He started to remember what it felt like, all that energy rushing through his body. It didn’t feel like the rush he got when he did drugs, and drank, it was a different rush, although the hang over from this was a lot worse.



He opened an eye and peered at the doorway as voices from outside his room broke him from his thoughts. He strained a little to hear what they were saying, and he pouted a little when he couldn’t hear them. They were close enough that he could hear them talking, but not what they were saying. As he sat up he looked at his hand, his fingers were getting wrinkly and he wondered how much longer he was going to have to be in here.



“Fuck it.” He said to himself as he pulled himself out of the stone tub, and walked over to the dry, fresh robe that hung on the wall beside him. He pulled it over him and tied it up. Looking it over as he pulled it tightly around him, he looked at his new clothing style. He didn’t mind the robes so much, many of them looked very nice, beautiful colours and fabrics, but he was always worried about it coming open.



“Alex is everything alright?” he heard Marsa’s voice behind him. Aj turned around and saw the Elvaan standing in the door way with Avit.



“Yeah I’m fine, was starting to shrivel up.” He lightly smiled as he lifted his hand a little.



“I see.” Marsa replied with a light smile. “Avit and I were just coming to see if you were ready to head back to your room.”



“Yeah.” Aj said with a nod as he walked over to the two at the doorway. “I’m getting hungry too.”



“I’ll tell the cook to prepare you something, and will have it brought up to your room.” Marsa said with a light smile.



“Cool.” Aj said with a nod as Marsa held out his arm for Aj to exit the room.







Nick walked down the hallways of the Tree Castle. He looked around at the ceiling, the walls, the pictures on the walls, the drapes on the walls; everything was very regal and bold. As he reached the end of the hall he looked at the large wooden door in front of him, with a light shrug he pushed on the door and opened it. Slowly the door opened and it revealed the room inside.



It was made of all stone, not like the rest of the castle where tree branches layered the walls. In the middle of the room a glass globe sat on a pedestal and it lightly glowed filling the room with a soft glow of white. Carefully he walked over to the globe and lifted his hand to it.



“I would not touch that if I were you.” A voice said from the door and Nick spun around in shock. He was startled to see Nalia standing there.



“Oh?” he said looking at the globe then back to her. “What? Will it turn me into a hideous monster?”



“No.” Nalia said with a light smile and laugh. “It will send you too Tokia.”



“Tokia? Where the Dwarves live?” Nick asked and Nalia nodded. “Oh.” He said looking back at the globe again as he realized what would have happened. “So what is this thing?”



“It’s a Travel globe.” Nalia said as she walked over to him. “There are four of them in each of the main cities. “One globe for Tokia, one globe for Sarila, one for Kalica, and one for Winnol.”



“What about Johon?” Nick asked.



“Pardon?” Nalia asked confused as she looked from the globe to him.



“Well if Johon has Kalica, and Sarila, why doesn’t he use the globes and just invade here or in Tokia.” Nick asked.



“Oh, well they can be shut down, and Marsa and Rossi shut down the globes to Kalica a year ago, and the globes to Sarila were shut down before you even left to find Rayne on the ship.”



“Well that’s good then.” Nick said with a nod.



“Did you want to go?” Nalia asked.



“Go?” Nick replied a little confused.



“Yes. To Tokia.” Nalia said with a nod to the globe, “It is still early, I am sure Rossi would love to see you.”



“Ah.” Nick said thinking. He wanted to go, he wanted to see more of this place, and it’s why he was out walking around while the others were moping about Aj. “Sure.”



“Alright, then let me tell Bussa and then we can leave.” Nalia said with a nod.



“Ok.” Nick said as he walked out of the room with her.



“I will be right back.” Nalia said with a nod. Nick nodded back at her and watched as she walked down the hallway. Nick started looking around again, something to do to pass the time.



“Hey, what are you up too?” He heard Aj say; he turned around and saw his friend walking down the hall with Marsa and Avit.



“Waiting for Nalia, she’s going to take me to Tokia for a little bit.” Nick said as he walked up too them.



“She is?” Marsa said a little confused.



“Yeah, I was looking around and found that room.” Nick said pointing to the globe room. “She found me, told me what the globe did, asked if I wanted to go.”



“Globe?” Aj asked confused.



“It is a form of transportation for us, a very quick one.” Marsa explained to Aj.



“Oh.” Aj said with a nod. “Do the guys know your going?”



“Nope, they’re all in their room, moping.” Nick said with a shrug. “How are you doing?”



“Me? I’m ok.” Aj said with a shrug as he watched Marsa and Avit move away and start talking. “Head still hurts a little but I’m use to it.” He lightly smiled.



“I tell ya dude that was some pretty messed up stuff you did back there.” Nick said looking at him. “What made you go all Gandalf on that Mages ass?” Nick watched as Aj’s face fell a little. “Lord of the Rings dude, Lord of the Rings.” Nick said as Aj looked up.



“I know that dumb ass.” Aj said rolling his eyes. “I don’t really know why.” Aj said as Nick looked at him. After everything they had been through with him, Nick knew when Aj was lying or at least hiding something. Nick was about to ask him again but Marsa came over and interrupted them.



“There has been a small change in plans.” Marsa told them. “I will need to speak with Rossi about what happened today and what to do about Johon and his army, so I will be going with you Nickolas.”



“Ok.” Nick said with a nod.



“Alexander if you need anything please ask Avit.” Marsa said as he turned to Aj. Marsa then turned to Nick. “I will be in the globe room when Nalia arrives.” Nick smiled to Marsa as the Elvaan man walked to the globe room with Avit.



“Old man cramping your style?” Aj asked as he tapped Nick on the arm. Nick looked back at him and lightly laughed.



“Please, I’m Nick Carter, going to take more than an Old Elvaan man to cramp my style.” Nick said with a sarcastic smile. Aj and Nick started laughing as Nalia walked down the hall with Bussa by her side.



“Marsa is in the globe room, he’s coming with us.” Nick said to Nalia as she walked up to them.



“Oh?” Nalia replied.



“Yeah, he said he needed to talk to Rossi about what happened and what to do next.” Nick said with a shrug.



“Of course.” Nalia said with a light nod understanding. “Than shall we go?” she asked.



“Sure.” Nick said with a nod, he then took her by the arm. “Later man.” Nick said with a wave to Aj.



“Later dude.” Aj said with a light smile.







Aj watched as Nick, Nalia and Bussa walked into the globe room and the door closed behind them. He then turned and headed down to the next set of doors and entered his room. The bed had been drawn and the curtains were closed as well. He made his way over to the bed and slowly crawled on top of it. His hands slid under the pillow as his head laid on top of it. The pain in his head was slowing going away. Aj’s eyes slowly started to flutter close but a knock on his door, popped them back open.



Sluggishly he crawled out of his bed and walked over to the door, tiredly he opened it, wondering who was behind it. As the door pulled back, Aj peered around it and saw Rayne standing on the other side. She had changed into a dress; it was dark blue, with sliver thread, and silver ribbon lacing through it. The top part of the dress was a bustier, the bottom of the dress ballooned out like an elegant gown.



“Hi.” Aj said as he realized he was staring.



“Hello.” She said with a smile and a light nod. “How are you doing?” she asked.



“I’m ok.” Aj said as he stepped back from the door and motioned for her to come in. She lightly smiled and entered his room. “But how are you?” he asked as he closed the door.



“Me?” Rayne said a little confused. “I am fine.” She paused. “Thanks too you.”



“Well your welcome.” Aj said as walked over to her. “I’ve seemed to have freaked a lot of people out.”



“Freaked?” Rayne said not understanding the meaning of the word.



“Oh, like, um, scared, acting weird.” Aj said as he tried to explain to her.



“Oh, I see because of the spell you conjured?” She said.



“Yeah.” Aj said with a nod. “And to be truthful it’s freaking me out too.” He said as he sat down on the couch in his room.



“I imagine it would.” Rayne said as she joined him. “You don’t believe you are from here, you’ve never opened yourself up to magic before, especially that kind of magic.” She said as he looked at the fireplace across from them. “You do know what kind of magic you conjured..”



“Yeah..” Aj said looking back at her. “One of the Ancient spells.”



“Where did you learn it?” She asked. He looked at her for a moment and then stood up.



Aj walked over to his desk and took two books that were sitting on top. He then walked back over to the couch and sat down as he handed them too her. She looked at him and took the books.



“That one is your mom’s, she had written a bunch of books that covered more on the mage job and stuff.” Aj said with a light shrug. “So I went to the Council and asked them if they had them.”



“I see.” Rayne said as she put down her mothers book and looked at the other one. “The Ancients.” She read the heading of the book.



“It didn’t tell me how to cast them, or anything like that, just what they did, the destruction they could cause, and the energy it would take.” Aj said.



“It seems to have baffled many of the people here, even the ones in the Council.” Rayne said as she set the books down. “How did you do it?” Aj looked at her for a moment. He’s pretty sure what it was that set him off, but should he tell her.



“I’m not really sure.” Aj said as he looked down to his fingers. “Everything just happened so fast.”



“That is understandable.” Rayne said with a nod. Aj looked at her and lightly smiled. “Maybe there’s something in the book you missed.” She said too him as she reached for the book on the Ancient Magic.



“Missed?” Aj asked a little confused.



“Yes, maybe it says something in here about how to conjure them you just did not recognize it, but now that you have been through it, maybe you will see it.”



“I don’t think it’s in there.” Aj said as she looked up from the book.

“You seem certain.” She said as she set the book down on her lap. He picked at his fingers as he felt her eyes on him. “Alex?”



“I just..” He stopped, wondering if he should say anything at all but that feeling was coming back, pushing him to say it, pushing him to tell her. “I just got so mad and scared.”



“Because of Johon and his men.” Rayne asked.



“No.” Aj said quietly.



“Then there is something else?” Rayne asked as Aj looked up at her. He stared at her for a moment, the words on the edge of his lips.



“Because of what happened to you.” Aj said as he looked back down to his nails.



“Me?” Rayne said stunned.



“I didn’t know what had happened, she was holding you up in the air, and you were screaming in pain, and I just freaked out.” Aj said as stood up. “I know it’s stupid, I don’t even know why.”



“It is not stupid.” He heard Rayne say and he turned around and looked at her. He watched as she set the book down on the couch and stood up. “It is not stupid to feel the way you do.”



“I don’t know how I feel, well I do but there’s so much going on and I can’t figure out what’s real and what’s not.” Aj said with a sigh of frustration. “How much of what I feel is because of me, or how much is because of who I am supposed to be.”



“But Alex you are both.” Rayne said to him. “You were born here as an Elvaan but everything you know is what you experienced on Earth; those two things make you who you are today. You just need to give yourself some more time, to get to know the Elvaan part.”



Aj was about to reply when there was a knock at his door; he looked at her and then made his way over to the door. When he opened it, he saw a maid standing in the hall with a cart of food.



“Dinner sir.” The maid said with a light bow.



“Oh thanks.” Aj said as he stepped away and let her enter.



“I will go and let you eat.” Rayne said as he turned to her.



“You don’t have too.” Aj said as he lightly grabbed her arm to stop her. “I always hated eating alone anyways.” He said to her with a light smile. She lightly smiled back with a nod.











Nick waved the cloud of smoke floating around his face, shockingly it didn’t make him cough, or choke him at all. When most of the clouds were gone he looked around and saw that they were standing in a room similar to the room that was in Winnol, except, when Nick looked up he realized this room was much, much smaller. He looked over to Marsa and the Old Elvaan man was hunched over. Nick realized if Marsa stood up he’d whack his head off the ceiling.



“What’s with this place?” Nick whispered to Nalia as they headed out of the room.



“What do you mean?” Nalia asked a little confused.



“Everything’s so small.” Nick said as they walked out to the hallway, ducking his head, as to not hit it off the beam.



“Well this is Tokia, home of the Dwarves.” Nalia said with a light smile. “You do not think such short people would have big buildings?”



“Oh.” Nick said understanding. “Yeah, guess your right.”



“Do not worry; there is a district for us.” Nalia said with a light laugh and smile. “Buildings the Dwarves built to accommodate us and the Elvaans.”



“AYE!!” They heard someone shout. “There they be.” Nick recognized the short, red headed, bearded dwarf as Rossi the King of this land.



“Hello Rossi.” Marsa said with a light smile.



“Come my friend, let’s get you up right.” Rossi said with a laugh to Marsa as he headed down the hall. Nick and Nalia looked at each other and lightly laughed as they followed the two outside.



Nick watched as two dwarf guards pulled on two giant wooden doors, carved designs of waves, ships and men, etched into them. To Nick the doors looked like something he would see in a Viking Castle. When the doors opened a rush of cold air blasted at them.



“Oh crap!” Nick shouted out as he wrapped his arms around him.



“What’s be the matter Nickolas?” Rossi asked as everyone looked at him shocked and confused.



“N-n-not use to t-this c-cold.” Nick said as he frowned looking outside.



“Aye, they told me tis warm where you come from.” Rossi said. The tone in his voice was a little loathsome. As they all headed out Nick tightly wrapped his arms around him. The wind was blowing and by the looks of the place he was glad it wasn’t snowing at this time.



The four of them walked down the road that lead out from the castle, and Nick got a full view of the city. The castle sat atop a large mountain, and as he looked back, he realized the castle actually sat in the mountain. Below them the City of Augem, it reminded Nick a lot of Sweden, accept on a smaller scale. The buildings were smaller, the lights were smaller, even the streets were smaller. Except for the houses in the back, they stood tall over the city.



“What’s with those?” Nick asked Nalia as he nodded to the buildings in the back.



“That’s the Guest district, those are the buildings built for us.” Nalia said. “The rooms are our size, the beds are our size, and everything is fitted for us to be more comfortable.”



“Cool.” Nick said with a nod.



“So how things be in Winnol my friend?” Rossi asked.



“Not good I am afraid.” Marsa said sadly. “Johon has moved his men to the island, we sent out an observation team, and well what they found is most disturbing.”



“And what be that?” Rossi asked as he stopped walking.



“Johon is on his way to the island, and is getting ready to set War with Winnol.” Marsa said sadly.



“Blasted.” Rossi said in anger. “If Adop were alive right now…” Rossi stopped when Marsa put his hand on his shoulder. “Bloody humans.”



“Now, now” Marsa said “They did what they did for their children, it is in the past and has been done.”



“I will send men back with you, and I will have my army ship out tomorrow morning.” Rossi said. “Johon wants a war; bloody hell the Dwarves will give him one.” Rossi said with excitement and anger as he raised his axe.



“I know you will my friend.” Marsa said with a light smile. “And the Elvaans will be right beside you.”



“And the humans will be as well.” Nick heard Nalia say.



“Aye M’lady Nalia I never ment..” Rossi was interrupted.



“I know Rossi.” Nalia said but Nick saw no expression on her face.



“Come my friend, poor Nickolas looks like a Feggor Stick.” Marsa said and Rossi started laughing along with Nalia.



“A what?” Nick asked as everyone started walking. “Hey..” Nick said as no one answered. “Hey..” He said again as he ran to catch up to the group still laughing. “Whats a Freggor Stick?” Nick asked Nalia. She looked up at him still laughing a little.



“I’m not sure how to explain it to you.” Nalia said as she calmed herself. “A Freggor stick is a dessert from Freggor, another city here in Tokia.”



“Oh.” Nick said thinking.



“It is a very sweet dessert on a stick, very delicious.”



“Like a popsicle.” Nick said understanding. “Oh like a popsicle, I get it now.” Nick laughed when Nalia started laughing again. “And yes..” Nick said as everyone looked at him. “I’m turning into a Freggo stick, so can we go somewhere warm?” Nick asked.



“Bloody hell.” He heard Rossi sigh under his breath. “Follow me.” Rossi said with a wave.



“What did I say?” Nick asked as little confused.



“The Dwarfs love the cold.” Nalia said as they started walking. “They take pride in it; it is a little hard for them to swallow your dislike for it.”



“Oh.” Nick said understanding. “Well I just need to get use to it, I guess.”



“Do not worry, Rossi will get over it.” Nalia said with a smile. “Dwarves are happy people by nature; they do not really hold grudges.”



“Unless you’re Johon.” Nick said.



“Yes.” Nalia nodded. “Unless you’re Johon.”



Rossi lead them to the Guest District and guided them to a tall building made from wooden logs, stones of many sizes, and the roofs were covered in snow, as icicles hung down from the edges. The buildings looked normal, the lights looked normal. They all walked up the large staircase and headed into the building.



“Aww.” Nick said in sigh as he felt his body warming up. He saw Rossi shake his head and decided to ignore it.



“Nickolas will be staying here; I am having a place built for him in the castle, where he can stay when he visits.” Rossi said.



“You are?” Nick asked a little shocked.



“You are my son, and you do have the right to stay in the castle.” Rossi said as he headed down the hallway.



Nick stood there a moment. “His son.” Repeating in his head. It wasn’t the first time he had said it, it wasn’t the first time Nick had heard it, but it was the first time, it was sinking in. This was his home, this is where he was born. Rossi was his father and Mela was his mother.



“Nick?” He heard Nalia say and it broke him from his thoughts.



“Huh?” Nick said a little confused.



“Everything all right?” she asked.



“Yeah, just thinking.” He said with a shrug.



“Care to share?” She asked.



“It’s just what Rossi said, I mean I know I’ve heard it before but him saying it just now was a little..” Nick stopped to think of a word.



“You mean when he said he was your Father?” Nalia asked.



“Yeah.” Nick nodded. “My Parents weren’t perfect, far from it, and sometimes I did wish I had different ones.”



“What child does not?” Nalia asked with a light smile.



“True.” Nick said with a small smile back. “But I didn’t wish I had different ones because they grounded me, or wouldn’t let me stay out late. I wanted new ones because they used me, it seemed like, my mom more than my dad, but he still let it happen.”



“Used you?” Nalia said a little shocked.



“Yeah.” Nick said quietly. He realized she didn’t know, most or all of his fans did, even people who weren’t fans knew how his parents were if they watched the news at all. “See where I come from, you can make a lot of money entertaining people, and if you’re a kid doing that, your parents control what you do, what you make, and well, sometimes..” Nick stopped.



“I understand.” Nalia said with a light nod.



“You do?” Nick asked.



“A long time ago, parents here married their children to benefit the family, even if you were a Princess or a Prince, if it was beneficial for the family, then that is what happened. It is not like that now, but we are reminded about it, is it like that?”



“Yeah it’s something like that.” Nick said with a nod.



“So now that you are here, it is like a second chance?”



“Yeah. But how long will it last, how long will I be here.”



“I do not know.” Nalia said as Nick sighed. “But it is certain you are needed until we beat Johon.”



“Yeah.” Nick said. Just then Rossi shouted for them to join him down the hall and they headed towards him.



“This will be your room until the time the one in the castle is complete.” Rossi said as he opened the large solid wooden doors. Nick walked into the room, walls made of stone, the wooden floor creeked a little under his feet. The large bed at the front of the room ended where a large bear skin type rug laid at the foot of it. A large fire place that was already lit and crackling sat in the wall to the left of him. A round table stood to the left of him four chairs circling around it.



“Well at least I don’t have to worry about it burning down.” Nick said as he walked over to the fire place.



“Pardon?” the other three said confused.



“The fireplaces in the Tree Castle, wood, fire, bad combo, Aj won’t even light his.” Nick said with a light smile.



“You can shoot shadow bolts from your fingers, but yet you still think a fireplace in a tree castle would burn down?” Nalia asked him with a sarcastic smile.



“This place confuses me, I dunno.” Nick said shrugging as Nalia started laughing. “Are you laughing at me?”



“Yes.” Nalia said with a nod still laughing.



“Well at least you’re honest.” Nick said with a smirk and a light laugh.



A commotion down the hall stopped their laughter and Rossi, Marsa, Nalia and Nick looked around at each other wondering what could be going on. Slowly they made their way over to the door, but before they got there a guard arrived and ran into the room.



“Your Majesty, the globe to Winnol has been closed.” The man said breathless.



“What?!” Rossi said shocked.



“Aye, the guard said he saw the light go out, he opened the door and it was off, they shut it off from Winnol.” He said catching his breath.



“Why would they shut it down?” Nick asked.



“Johon.” Marsa said with great worry.



“The guys.” Nick said looking at them.



“Mother.” Nalia whispered. “We have to go back.” Nalia said quickly.



“It would take a day for Arylian to reach Winnol, and we can not ship an army by Gryphon.”



“No and you do not have that many here as it is.” Marsa said as he tried to think.



“Why don’t they have many Gryphon’s’ here?” Nick whispered to Nalia as Marsa and Rossi talked.



“The cold, they do not like the cold weather.” Nalia said. Nick nodded understanding and it made Nalia smile.



“Nickolas.” Marsa said and he looked up to the Elvaan. “You, Nalia and I will head back by Gryphon. Rossi will gather is army and set out, it is the only thing we can do.” Marsa said. Nick nodded in agreement and they headed to the doors.



“How long will it take to fly there?” Nick said to Nalia as they left the room.



“It will take about four hours.” Nalia said as they walked down the hall.



“I hope everyone’s ok, and we get there in time.” Nick said with worry.











Aj ran down the stair case behind Avit, behind Aj was a herd of soldiers. He had just finished his dinner while talking to Rayne when they heard a commotion outside of his window. Curious he walked over and opened it, only to see the city below under attack by Johon’s Army. Both of them immediately rushed to Avit, which is where they were separated. Rayne went to find Queen Evia. Aj and Avit went to gather up the soldiers in the Castle.



“Get the citizen’s into the castle now!” Avit shouted to the two guards at the doors as they ran into the large entrance way. The two guards pulled on the doors and as the Army ran out, the people of Winnol began running in. “Alex, we have gathering rooms down that hall, get all of them into their.” Avit told him.



“Alright.” Aj said with a nod. He was becoming a little scared. Was this it, the war everyone was talking about? Aj looked around as the people began flowing in. “Everyone follow me!” Aj shouted as he waved his arm down the hall. The people began to follow him and he searched for the right one.



Pushing on a giant wooden door it creaked as it opened and he walked into a large room with seating all around. Couches, chairs, benches, and lounge benches. He walked the people into the room and saw that the wall on the right opened up.



“What does that wall open up for?” Aj asked one of the guards.



“For room sir, we can open it if you like?” The man replied.



“Please.” Aj said with a nod as he looked to the door way and still saw people coming in. Slowly he made his way through the crowd, back towards the door.



“Prince Alexander what is going on?’ One woman asked as he walked past.



“Uh.” Aj said looking at her. “We’re not sure, that’s why everyone is coming here, make sure everyone is safe.” Aj said hoping that would calm her. The Elvaan woman smiled as she continued into the room. Aj got out into the hallway and looked down towards the entrance of the castle. As he neared the end of the hallway he saw Avit talking too Queen Evia.



“The people are going into the room and I had the guards open the other room.” Aj said as he approached the two. He stopped when they saw the worried look on their faces. “What’s going on, its Johon isn’t it?” Aj said with a small frown.



“Yes.” Avit said with a nod. “But that is not the only thing.” Aj looked at him confused. Then he realized Rayne wasn’t there.



“Where is she?” he asked as he looked to Evia.



“The people were talking when they were coming in; they said they saw a Mage, in black and silver at the magic grounds heading towards the middle of town.” Evia said to him.



“I tried to go after her but she took off and had that blasted wolf of hers cut me off.” Avit sighed.



“I’ll go find her.” Aj said as he turned around.



“Not alone.” Avit said grabbing his arm.



“Then come, or send guards with me, but I’m going now.” Aj said and then he turned around and headed towards the door.



“Lamsec.” Avit said quickly. One of Avit’s commanders came up to him.



“Yes sir.” He said with a quick salute.



“Your platoon is on Castle guard. The Falcon Platoon and the Drake Platoon are pushing back Johon’s men, make sure the citizen’s get everything they need and no one comes into this castle.”



“Yes Sir!” The man shouted with a salute. Avit then turned to Queen Evia.



“Please M’lady you should go with the people.” He said as she looked at him.







Aj ran down towards the middle of town, where the fountain was. There were people fighting everywhere, Johon’s men, Winnol’s men. A couple of houses were on fire and he stopped to help the guards put them out. Glad Avit or his men didn’t follow, he searched for her on his own. He ran down an ally way that cut behind a bunch of homes and lead straight too the center of town. As he got closer he could hear fighting and shouting. He stopped as he reached the end of the ally and slowly poked his head out, trying not to be seen. Looking around he saw men, nothing but men fighting. Making sure the Winnol soldiers were holding up ok first, Aj turned around and started towards the Magic Fields but stopped dead when something moved in front of him. His body froze and he stared for a moment.



“Paq.” He sighed in relief when he realized it wasn’t one of Johon’s men. “Let’s go.” Aj said to the wolf, knowing she would take him right to Rayne. To his surprise she didn’t take him to the Magic Fields but she led him to a large open area. There were tall trees, flowers and the grass was a very lush green. He looked across the field and saw a large stage area and two people standing in the structure. Slowly he walked up hiding behind tree’s making sure not to be seen. He knelt down as he approached the stage and began to hear the two.



“I will die before I let you take me back to him.” Rayne said as she took a couple of steps back.



“That can be arranged.” The mage said with a little laugh.



“I do not think Johon would approve.” Rayne said back to her.



“Who cares what Johon thinks?” The Mage quickly replied, and Aj shot an eyebrow up as he heard the Mage speak. “No my dear, I do not care what that sad little man has to say. I hide in the shadows, where do you think his army came from?” she asked.



“My Father, he..” Rayne was interrupted.



“Your Father was a weak, pathetic man who could not even part with his child to save his kingdom, his people, his world.” The Mage said as she stood in front of Rayne.



“How dare you, you do not know him, my Father was a great man.” Rayne shouted.



“No he was not, and your mother knew this!” The Mage shouted at Rayne.



“You do not know how my Mother felt.” Rayne said in a calm rage, her teeth gritted together.



“I do my dear.” The Mage said. “I know this because.” The Mage stopped talking and lifted her hands up to her hood and slowly pulled it back. “I use to be her.”



“No.” Rayne whispered quietly.



“Yes.” The Mage replied with an evil smile. “You know how the story goes do you not?” she asked looking at her daughter. “The evil will come back, the evil will find someone to play its chaotic game, and the Guardians will come and vanquish the evil.” Halian said as Aj watched, ready to attack, still going unnoticed by the women. “But there’s a twist, I got bored with the first one and when I came across your mother in Pomic, well I could not ignore the energy coming from her, even though she was seconds from death anyways, so really you should thank me, because I saved her.” Aj could feel the anger rise up in him, but before he could do anything a scream made him look to his right at Rayne as she ran at the woman.



The Mage grabbed Rayne by her cloak and threw her into the stage fence at the side. It broke into pieces as she crashed into it. Aj jumped up onto the stage and sent a bolt of Ice flying at the Mage. It sent her to the ground but she quickly got back up as Aj stepped in front of Rayne.



“So, her hero comes again.” The Mage said as she looked at Aj.



“Leave, or I’ll do more than toss you out to the ocean.” Aj said to her.



“You got lucky.” She replied as she stepped forward.



“Wanna test that theory?” Aj asked as little wisps of wind fluttered around his fingers. The leaves from the trees started blowing around, their robes flapped in the wind.



“I do not need to hurt her.” The Mage said as she began to back off. “You will do it for me.” She smiled as she slowly pulled her gaze away and turned into a strobe of light, disappearing completely. Aj stared at the spot where the Mage was not really sure what she meant by that. When he heard the sound of wood clanging he turned around and saw Rayne slowing getting up.



“Rayne are you ok?” He asked as she ran over to her.



“Do not touch me!” she yelled as she pulled away from him.



“Relax it’s me.” Aj said but she stepped away from him. He stood there a little stunned as he watched her walk down from the stage. “Wait Rayne.” He pleaded as he went after her. When he caught up to her, he went to take her by the arm but she spun around and let a spell out. Roots came up around Aj’s feet and tangled them up, sending him tripping to the ground. He fell with a thud and a moan as he hit the grass and solid dirt. Quickly he looked up and saw Rayne running out of the park. He looked back to his feet as the spell let go and the roots went back into the ground. Slowly he sat up and brushed himself off, with a mumble and a sigh. Standing back up he headed towards the direction Rayne went.



He began to cover as many of the roads as he could, he noticed most of the fighting was done, and decided to head back to the castle to see how things were there. He continued to look for her as he made his way back but he had no luck finding her.



Aj walked into the front doors of the castle and saw there were still lots of chaos in the castle, but things were settling down. He looked around for Avit or Queen Evia and saw Avit at the top of the staircase. Making his way over, he walked up the stairs to Avit.



“Alexander did you find her?” He asked.



“She’s not here?” Aj asked.



“No.” Avit said as his face fell.



“I saw her at the park; I think it was a park.” Aj said as he saw Evia make her way over. “She was there with the Mage, and I was going to step in but then I heard them talking, and they were talking about Johon, the war and her dad.” Aj said to them. “That evil that we’re suppose to fight, it’s not an actually person?” he asked.



“We’re not sure, the word of Pixca does not say a lot about the evil, mostly about the Guardians.” Evia told him.



“Why?” Avit asked.



“Well the Mage told Rayne that at first it was in Johon, but then it went to a more powerful person.” Aj said as they two looked at him puzzled.



“Who?” Evia asked.



“Rayne’s mother.” Aj said quietly.



“Queen Halian?” Avit gasped in shock.



“Rayne’s mom is the Mage, but the Mage is the one who is the evil we need to fight not Johon, he’s like her puppet or something.” Aj told them. “At least she is now.”



“Where is Rayne now?” Avit asked him as he took Aj by the arm and walked him down the stairs.



“I don’t know, she took off, tangled me up in that spell of hers.” Aj said as he followed beside Avit.



“I will send some guards with you, most of Johon’s men have retreated out of the Castle and City grounds, go find her.” Avit said as Aj nodded and stopped by the Castle doors. A minute later Aj was joined by four guards and they made their way out to the city grounds. They made their way through Winnol searching in shops, and homes, looking for Rayne and looking for any stranglers hiding. They searched all over the city, the Magic Fields, the School Yards, in the Schools, by the Fountain and they even went back to the Park but no sign of Rayne, not even a sign of Paq.



“Any luck?” Avit asked as Aj and the men returned to the Castle.



“No.” Aj said as he shook his head. Avit frowned as he told his men to take a break, and he will send another group out to search for her.



Aj walked up the stairs and headed down the hall to his room. The events in the park flashing in his head, the words of the Mage echoing in his mind and he wondered what Rayne was thinking right now, how she was feeling right now. Opening the door to his room he walked in and flopped down onto his couch. He closed his eyes with a sigh and tried to relax but a knock at the door made him jump up.



“Hey.” Aj said as he looked away from Kevin as he stood in the door way.



“Pretty crazy huh.” Kevin said as he walked in.



“Yeah, you guys ok?” he asked as Kevin sat down beside him.



“Yeah we’re good.” Kevin said with a nod. “Are you ok?” Kevin asked looking at him.



“I don’t want to fight with you right now Kevin.” Aj said as he stood up and walked away from the couch.



“Who’s fighting?” He asked. “I’m not fighting, I just asked a question.”



“No, ok.” Aj shot at him. “I’m not ok, Rayne is god knows where right now, and after what happened in the Park I’m really worried about her, and I don’t want to here from you about how I’m getting involved to much and all that bullshit.”



“Dude, I never said anything.” Kevin said looking at him. “What happened at the Park, how come you can’t find Rayne?” Aj looked at him, and when he didn’t see the fight in Kevin’s eyes that he usually saw, he sighed, and started telling him what happened at the Park.



“Wow.” Kevin said in shock. “Ok, well do you need help looking for her, I’ll get Howie and Brian and we’ll go look with you.” Kevin said as Aj walked over to the window.



“I don’t know, I already went out with a bunch of guards and we looked everywhere.” Aj said with worry as he pushed on his windows and the opened. He looked out over the city wondering where she was. He remembered when he was in her room, and everyone had gone swimming, the view from her room was amazing. “Wait..” Aj said as he remembered the view from her room. “Of course.” He said as he turned around and ran out of his room.



“Huh, dude.” Kevin said getting up and chasing him.



Aj ran down the hallway and flew down the stairs. Avit watched in confusion as Aj flew passed him and headed down the back hallway. He headed right towards the doors they lead out to the Tree Falls. When he reached the open area he looked around.



“Sir what is going on?” Avit asked as he caught up to him.



“Is there an entrance to this place from the city?” Aj asked.



“Yes, over there, in the back.” Avit said pointing to the cave opening.



“I don’t see her.” Kevin said as Aj looked at him, for the first time realizing he had followed him.



“I dunno it was just a thought.” Aj said as he looked up to the falls, and then back, seeing the windows climbing the tree’s.



“Let’s go get the guys, we’ll go look again.” Kevin said as Aj looked at him.



“Yeah.” Aj sighed. He was sure he was going to find her there. Then he had another idea and he stopped walking. “Um, actually I’m just gonna chill here for a few, it’s kind of nice.”



“Are you sure?” Avit asked.



“Yeah, she still might come here, so I’ll just hang out for a few.” Aj said with a nod.



“Alright.” Avit nodded and headed towards the doors.



“Dude?” Kevin said looking at him.



“I’m fine really.” Aj said. “We’ve been everywhere, she can take care of herself, and she doesn’t want to be found right now.”



“Ok.” Kevin said as he looked at him for a moment. Then he left too and Aj turned around. Looking across the swimming pond to the rushing falling water, he walked over to the water, and slowly walked in, it surprised him; the water was warm. As the water began to get deeper he started swimming towards the falls. When he came within a couple of feet of the falls, the sound of the water was loud, almost thunderous. With a deep breath he dove down and swam under the falls, pushing himself hard against the currant as he swam directly under them. When he felt the pressure release, he slowly swam up and came up above the water inside a cave. He scanned the cave.



“Bingo.” He thought in relief as he saw her sitting on some rocks at the back of the cave. Her hair was wet and now much longer and straighter, almost touching the rock she sat on. Slowly and quietly, not trying to startle her, he swam over to the back of the cave.



“Rayne?” He said as he swam up to the rocks. She was sitting with her legs against her chest, her head resting against her knees.



“What do you want?” She asked not moving her head.



“Making sure you’re ok.” Aj said as he pulled himself up onto the rock.



“I am and I wish to be alone.” She said sternly.



“Really?” Aj said as he looked at her. “Cause I know if I found out what you did, the last thing I would want to do is be alone.”



“Well you are not me.” She replied as she looked up at him.



“True.” Aj said with a nod. “And you’re not me.”



“What do you mean by that?” She asked.



“You have no idea how stubborn I can be.” He said and he flashed a smile at her. She looked away from him and they sat there in the echoes of the falls outside, and the splashing over the water from the entrance to the cave.



“How long were you there?” She asked as she broke the silence.



“At the Park?” Aj asked. “Long enough.” He said as he looked at her. She was looking down at the water, her stringy wet hair in her face. “Was it really her?” Rayne said nothing but just nodded quickly. Aj frowned and his heart sank. “Why don’t you come back to the Castle, I promise you won’t have to answer questions, you can go right to your room.”



“Oh, the castle, the city is it still?”



“Under attack? No.” Aj said as he shook his head. “They seemed to have left when she did.”



“Good.” Rayne said with a light nod.



“We got the citizen’s into the Castle; they’re in the lounge rooms.” Aj said. “I should be getting back anyways, I’m sure they need help cleaning up.” Aj slid back into the water and pushed himself off the rock a little; he stopped and started to tread water. “I don’t think you should be alone right now or at least alone in this cave.” She looked up at him. “Let me take you back to the Castle, ok?” She looked away for a moment, and then she stretched out her legs, and turned around, dipping her legs into the water, she slowly slipped in. He waited for her to swim up to him and then they swam beside each other back towards the falls.



When they hit the shore Aj headed towards the door that lead to the back hallway of the Castle. As he came to the door he turned back to Rayne but she wasn’t behind him, he looked back to the shore line and saw her standing there. He waited for a moment and then walked back towards her. Stopping when he approached her side, he waited and said nothing.



“I feel lost.” She said quietly as she looked out to the lake.



“Been there.” Aj said with a nod.



“Here?” She asked.



“Here, and on Earth.” He replied.



“What did you do?” She asked as she looked at him.



“Did a lot of stupid things, hurt a lot of people, hurt my family, the guys, even myself almost died a couple of times. I don’t suggest going that route.” Aj said with a crooked smile as he looked at her.



“Really.” Rayne said a little stunned.



“Yep.” Aj said taking a deep breath. “I don’t think it’s her Rayne, I think it’s that evil that everyone keeps talking about, I think that’s what she meant when she said she found your mom.” He watched as her face fell.



“I know it is not, it is just her body.” Rayne said quietly. “It seems since I found out I was a Guardian, I have lost my Father, my home, and now I find out because of it I have lost my mother.” She said as a tear fell down her cheek.



“I promise you, we’ll get one of them back.” Aj said as she turned and looked at him. As she wiped her eyes, she lightly smiled.









The Mage walked into Johon’s tent and saw him sitting on a chair. When she walked in he stood up and immediately waved his soldiers to leave. She watched them walk out of the tent and then turned back to him.



“Tell me Halian, why you thought it necessary, to take half of my men, run off to Winnol, loose most of them and come back with nothing!!” He shouted in anger at her.



“I went after Rayne, but the Elvaan showed up.” She said too him.



“Well of course he did, he will protect her with his life.” He snapped at her.



“And why is that exactly?” The Mage asked.



“Because..” He said and then he stopped. “Because.” He stopped again.



“Because she is nature, a druid, and he is the elements, fire, water, earth, and wind, everything nature needs to survive.” Halian said at him as she walked towards him.



“I do not know this why?” He asked confused.



“Because I have left Johon, I left you a year ago; I only filled your mind with false thoughts, and false whispers.” She said as she approached him. “But now, I have no use for you.”



“What?” Johon said shocked. “You’re lying you witch, your tricking me!” he shouted.



“Am I?” she asked. “Then tell me how Nickolas and Nalia are connected.



“He protects her, because..”



“Wrong!” She shouted interrupting him. “She protects him.”



“What?” Johon said shocked.



“You do not think a woman could?” Halian asked. “A Warlock uses dark energy, no one Lock is immune to the darkness, and he will need a strong Warrior to fight for him, to keep him from falling into the dark forever.” She explained. “Do you not see Johon, they need each other, separate them and all falls apart.”



“But the tale says.”



“Have you forgotten that already as well Johon?” She asked. “I changed the tale, three hundred years ago I found the tale before the Guardians from that time found me, I changed it with a spell, simple really, and because they only follow the word of the tale, they soon forgot.”



“Because they do not hand the tale down any other way.” Johon said shocked.



“Correct.” Halian said with a proud smile. “A slow way of doing things, but I have always been patient.”



“How come you remember and they do not?” Johon asked.



“Oh, clever Johon.” The Mage said to him. “But I can not tell you that.” She said. “For I do not even know, I guess there is something on my side after all.” She shrugged.



“So what do we do now?” He asked.



“We?” She said looking at him. “I told you I had no more use for you.” She said and with one flick of her wrist an explosion of fire fell around Johon and he fell to the ground, screaming in pain. The guards came rushing in and stopped dead when they saw what was in front of them.



“Change of plans.” Halian said. “We leave for Sarila, they know we are here, we are wounded, we will go back and re-supply and reorganized.” She saw the shocked look on the men’s faces. “Oh yes, and I am now in charge.”



“Y-y-yes mame.” The soldier’s said as they quickly left the tent.

The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 7



“Thank Pixca you found her.” Marsa said in relief as Aj and Rayne walked out from the back hallway. Everyone was there, Marsa, Nick, Nalia, Kevin, Brian, and Howie.



“Are you alright?” Nalia asked as she ran up to Rayne.



“Yes.” Rayne said quietly. “How did you get here?”



“We rode on the Gryphon’s.” Nalia said. “Rossi is on his way with his army by ship.”



“How fares our army Avit?” Marsa asked.



“We fought well, many casualties, but it could have been much worse.” Avit said.



“Can we counter attack?” Marsa asked.



“No, I do not think that would be a good idea sir, we hit Johon’s army hard, they will need time as well.” Avit said with confidence.



“Alright then.” Marsa said with a nod.



Aj looked beside him at Rayne; her hair was drying and curling again. She just stood there staring at the floor a few feet in front of her. It was weird, they had both been lost for different reasons, but he knew how she felt and he hated that she was feeling that way, angry at everyone responsible of making her this way.



“Let’s get you upstairs.” Aj said to her and she slowly looked up at him. Nodding she took him by the arm and they headed up the stairs. He walked her down the hall to her room and stopped outside her door. “I’m going to go change too, and do some reading. If you need anything I’ll be in my room.”



“Alright.” She said quietly as she lightly nodded. Rayne turned around and opened the door to her bedroom and walked in, closing the door behind her. Aj stood there for a moment staring at the closed door. He sighed as he turned around and headed back down the hallway towards his room.



“Hey where did you go?” Kevin asked, as Nick, Howie, and Brian came up the stairs.



“I took Rayne to her room so she could change and get some rest.” Aj said.



“Where was she?” Kevin asked as they followed him to his room.



“In the cave behind the falls.” Aj said as he opened his door.



“Kevin told me what happened, that’s pretty messed up.” Nick said.



“Yeah and it’s messing her up.” Aj said as he walked over to his tall standing dresser.



“She didn’t seem all there, down in the entrance at the stairs.” Brian said.



“Would you be?” Howie said. Aj pushed the guys talking out of his head as his thoughts went back to Rayne. He opened the doors to the dresser and searched the robes. Everyday he found something new he liked and he decided to start from the left this time.



“Aj?” Kevin said as he spun around.



“Huh?” Aj said confused and lost.



“We’re going to go down to the local restaurant want to come?” Kevin asked with a raised eyebrow.



“Oh, Uh, Naw, I’m good, just gonna chill out and read, long day.” He said as he went back to his robes. He didn’t even hear everyone leave or the door close behind them. He pulled out a dark red robe, the colour fading into black along the bottom. Nodding in agreement to himself he put the robe on and walked over to the couch. He pulled out the book on the Ancient Magic and started reading but it didn’t take long for his eyes to get tired and slowly fall close.



A light tapping sound softly echoed in his ear and he sheepishly opened his eyes. Tiredly he yawned and half listened for the noise that woke him. As he became more aware he realized he was on the couch. He looked down and saw the book on his chest and realized he had fallen asleep. Looking at his window he saw that it had become really dark outside. Then again the tapping that had woken him, echoed in his room and he realized it was someone knocking on his door. Standing up he set the book down and headed over to the door. As quietly as he could he turned the knob and pulled the door open.



“Come in.” Aj whispered when he saw Rayne on the other side. “Everything ok?” he asked as he closed the door.



“I can not sleep.” Rayne said quietly. “I keep dreaming about what happened, seeing the Mage there in front of me, pulling the hood off and seeing her there.” She said as Aj walked over to her. “I hope I did not wake you.”



“Naw, I was reading.” Aj said pointing to the book and lying. Rayne lightly smiled as she crossed her arms around her self pulling her robe against her. “What time is it anyways?” he asked.



“Around one in the morning I think.” Rayne said. Aj walked her over to the couch and they sat down.



“How are you feeling?” Aj asked.



“Alone.” Rayne said as she looked at the unlit fire place across from her. “When this war is over, when this evil is gone, and I get my home back. What will I go home too?” she asked as Aj watched her bottom lip quiver and a tear drip down from her eyelid.



“But your not alone, you have Nalia and her Mother, you have Marsa.” Aj told her.



“I have known them all my life, and I love them dearly but it is..” she stopped and sighed as she wiped her eyes.



“I know.” Aj said with a frown.



“And even you.” She said quietly.



“Me?” Aj said confused.



“You have done so much for me, you have saved my life how many times now?” she said as she looked at him. “And it is hard not to feel anything, but I can not, because when this is over you will go home, back to Earth, to your mother.” She said as she looked back to the fireplace.



“Yeah.” Aj said and as she said the words he remembered what the Mage had said to him before she disappeared.



“I do not have to hurt her; you will do it for me.”



Aj started biting on his nail as he thought about what happened in the park. It hadn’t hit him at the time, what she meant by those words but now it did. Who’s to say the Mage is right anyways. Yeah he feels something for her but she’s been the only one to understand how he felt, and not push him to do something about it. He looked at her, still lightly chewing on his nail, she was still looking at the fire place, the look in her eyes distant.



“I should return to my room.” Rayne said as she slowly stood up.



“Oh, ok.” Aj said as he dropped his hand to his side and quickly stood up. He followed her over to the door and opened it for her. “I’ll see you at Breakfast.”



“Of course.” She said with a light nod and smile.



“Ok.” Aj smiled back as she walked out. As she started walking down the hall he closed the door and leaned against it as it clicked close. Taking a deep breath he exhaled and closed his eyes as he lightly tapped the back of his head against the door. Who was he kidding he had strong feelings for her, but everything got in the way, going home was the major one, Kevin was another. If it had been just Nick and him to come here, then the decision would be easier, but with Kevin around, having to tell him.”



“Bah Mclean what the hell are you thinking.” He sighed as he headed over to his bed. “You’re going home, to your mom, your family, to..” he stopped as he looked at his bed. “to an empty bed, an empty home, to a place where she isn’t.” Sighing with frustration he sat down on the edge of his bed and put his head in his hands.



A knock at the door made him look up and he stared at the door for a moment, wondering if it was her. When there was another tap at the door, he made his way over. Grabbing the knob he turned it and pulled the door open, shocked to see Kevin on the other side.



“Hey?” Aj said looking at him not sure why he was there.



“You’re up.” Kevin said a little shocked.



“Yeah, I was reading and then Rayne came by.” Aj said as he let him in.



“Is she ok?” Kevin asked as he walked in.



“Yeah, she just couldn’t sleep, I guess.” He said as he closed the door. “So what do you want?”



“Couldn’t sleep either, so I went for a walk, saw your lamp was on decided to see what was up.” Kevin said as he sat down on the couch.



“Well like I said I was reading, and then Rayne came by.” Aj said with a shrug.



“I don’t think I’ve seen you read this much, ever. I don’t think I’ve seen you read.” Kevin said looking at him. Aj rolled his eyes and looked down at the books.

“Just making sure I don’t get killed while I’m here.” Aj said quietly.



“Smell that?” Kevin said looking around.



“Huh?” Aj said confused as he started sniffing the air.



“I smell shit, bullshit.” Kevin said as he turned and looked at Aj.



“Dude.” Aj said staring at him, not wanting to fight with him.



“I’m not here to fight, I’m here to talk, cause this is obviously bothering you.” Kevin said raising his hands in defense.



“How come you’re not harping on Nick’s ass over this?” Aj asked.



“I am, it’s just your either with, Rayne, Marsa or here reading.” Kevin replied. “You want to stay too don’t you?”



“What?!” Aj said with shock. “No.” Aj said as he shook his head. “Nick wants to stay?” Aj replied quickly when he realized that Kevin said “too”.



“He hasn’t said it in so many words.” Kevin said. “But I’m more worried about you.”



“Me why?” Aj asked.



“Because I was there dude, remember, my shoulder still hurts from time to time.” Kevin said looking at him, and Aj knew what he was talking about. “Nick thinks that maybe you went through all of that because what they are saying here is true, and it’s why you had such a hard time accepting who you were on Earth, trying to figure out who you were.”



“When did Nick become a shrink?” Aj asked with a soft laugh.



“Dunno.” Kevin said with a shrug. “But I think he might right.”



“Huh?” Aj said looking at him in shock, and it took him a moment to pick his jaw back up.



“You say your coming home, you act like your coming home, but the more and more we’re here, the farther and farther you get from us.” Kevin told him. “Your out flying on Gryphon’s, falling into oceans, saving Princesses and using Magic, Magic that not even these people use anymore.” Aj looked at him and then looked down to his robe. “I don’t want to even think what it would be like not having you two around, but I’d rather deal with that, then drag your ass back to Earth, when it’s not where you are suppose to be.”



“So now you’re telling me stay.” Aj said getting angry.



“No, I’m just telling you to do what you feel is right, if that means your going to stay here and be the Prince of Elvaan’s then fine, if you go home back to Earth, then great, but do what you want, not what others want.” Kevin told him.



“Ugh,” Aj grunted as he stood up. “I’m so fucking confused.”



“I bet.” Kevin said with a nod.



“And you with this do what you want shit, are not helping.” Aj said as he looked down at him.



“Well come on dude..” Kevin said looking back at him. “You are a lot like these Elvaan’s, your caring, understanding, patient, I mean the way I’ve seen Marsa attend to the his people, it’s like watching you with the fans.” Kevin told him.



“Nick did say the Elvaan’s like to Entertain.” Aj said remembering. Aj walked around the couch and headed over to his window. He sat on the bench under the large glass, and looked at Kevin sitting on the couch.



“I think they need you dude.” Kevin told him. “Maybe that’s why it pissed me off so much before, because I could tell they did, and I knew what it meant.” Kevin then stood up and fixed his pants. “It’s up to you dude, but just know as long as your happy, where ever you end up is good with me.”



Aj lightly smiled as Kevin smiled back and then headed to the bedroom door. Kevin let himself out after saying goodnight as Aj sat on the bench under the window. Still completely blown away by the conversation he had with Kevin.



“Man.” Aj said as he started laughing. “Are you freaking kidding me?” He said still laughing as he slid his hands through his hair. He stood up and walked over to the bed; he pulled the drapes apart and crawled onto the bed. He rolled onto his back and stared at the cloth awning above him. As his mind raced with Kevin’s words, his eyes fought his brain for sleep. Soon his thoughts had turn to dreams as his eyes won the battle.









The next morning Aj was awoken by one of the servants at his door informing him breakfast was being served in half an hour. He walked into the bathroom and started the water pump that brought water up from below for a bath. Letting the water warm a bit he slipped into the tub and laid back relaxing. When he was finished he walked out of the room, with a cloth towel around his waist and made his way over to his dresser. Finding a robe he liked he slipped it on and then headed down for breakfast.



“Morning.” He said when he closed his door and saw his friend leaving theirs.



“Morning man.” Kevin said with a smile as the others said good morning to him too.



“Where’s Carter?” Aj asked looking around.



“Dunno.” Brian said shrugging.



“Well we know, but ya know.” Howie said with a wink.



“Seriously?” Aj asked shocked.



“I just hope he didn’t get his ass beheaded.” Kevin said with a sigh.



“Why?” Brian said laughing as they stepped down the large staircase.



“Well, if Royalty is anything like it is back home, spending the night in a Princess’s room is a major no, no.” Kevin said.



“Well that’s Nicky always thinking with his..” Aj sang but was interrupted.



“Don’t even..” Kevin said looking at Aj with a stone cold look. The others knew what he was going to say and they started laughing.



They entered the dinning room and saw Marsa, Rossi, Evia and Rayne sitting at the table. They greeted the men as they sat down and everyone waited for Nick and Nalia. A few minutes later the two walked into the room laughing.



“Good Morning.” Nick said with a smile as he pulled out Nalia’s chair.



“Morning.” Everyone replied as they looked at Nick as he sat down beside her.



“Good to see you made it Rossi.” Nick said with a smile.



“Aye but we miss the battle.” The Dwarf frowned. Aj smiled at Rossi’s disappointment in not being able to fight.



“Do not worry my friend; there will be more fighting to come.” Marsa said with a smile.



“Aye and the dwarfs will be on the front line.” Rossi said with a nod. The table lightly laughed and Aj looked over to Rayne. She wasn’t laughing; she was just staring at her plate, at her food.



“Any word on Johon’s camp on the island?” Aj asked as he slowly looked away from Rayne.



“I am awaiting word, my Riders were sent out early this morning.” Marsa said as he began eating.



“Do you know what we do next?” Aj asked.



“We wait for word, If Johon and his men are still there we will plan an attack, if they have moved, we will find out where, and prepare from there.” Marsa said.



“What about Darawind?” Evia asked.



“I am not sure; I do not know why Johon made the Mage attack Winnol without getting a base in Darawind. Things are still very unclear.” Marsa replied.



The rest of the breakfast was pretty quiet, Rossi discussed things with Marsa. Nick and Nalia were enjoying their own conversation. Kevin and the guys were talking to each other, and Aj ate as he watched Rayne just sit there. Slowly he slid his foot across from him as far as he could and gave a little tap to the leg across from him. Quickly Rayne looked up at him from across the table. He raised his eyebrows and nodded to her plate. She looked down and then looked away. Again he tapped her leg, and slowly she looked at him. Again he raised his eyebrows and nodded at her plate. She looked at him for a moment, and he slowly stuck his bottom lip out, and to his surprise it made her smile a little, he thought maybe even laugh a little. He watched as she picked up her fork and started eating her breakfast, she looked up at him with a ‘are you happy’ look, and he flashed a smile at her as he went back to eating his. Soon everyone was finished, even Rayne and they all headed out of the room. They all walked into the entrance of the castle, starting to split up and go on their way for the day.



“King Marsa?” A man said from behind everyone and they all turned.



“Ah Marda what word do you bring?” Marsa asked and Aj recognized the uniform as a Rider.



“The camp is gone sir, we only found some tents and dull weapons and broken armor.” The man replied. “And..” he stopped.



“Yes?” Marsa asked.



“We think we found Johon.” The man said.



“You think?” Marsa asked confused.



“He was badly burnt; we only recognized the body from the necklace he wore.” The man said and Aj looked to the guys, they all had grossed out looks on their faces.



“Where is he?” Marsa asked.



“I had some men take him to the Preparation building.” The Rider said.



“Very good, I will be there in a moment, please report to Avit.” Marsa told him.



“Yes sir.” The man said saluting him and then leaving out the front doors.



“She killed him?” Rayne said as Marsa turned around. Marsa didn’t say anything as he looked at her.



“If they’re not at the camp where did they go?” Brian asked.



“Most likely back to Sarila.” Marsa said. “She will need to regroup her army and plan a new attack.”









Halian walked down the hall of her palace. She lightly smiled; glad to be home again, being away for a year was far too long. She opened the door her bedchambers and walked in as she looked around. Frowning at the way it was left by Johon she noted to herself to get a servant in here to redecorate. Pulling her battle robe off she tossed it to the side and opened the doors to her robe closet. She sighed when she saw Johon’s robes in it and slammed the doors closed.



“Sir may I..” A tall thin Elvaan man walked in and stopped dead when he saw the Mage standing in the room. “M’lady.” The Elvaan said. “What are you doing in his room?” he asked. She turned around and smiled at the tall dark haired Elvaan. He looked so much like his Father, and wondered if he looked like his brother.



“It is alright Dyn, he is not here.” She said to him.



“Oh?” The Elvaan said as he raised an eyebrow and closed the door.



“The plan has started.” Halian said with a sly smile.



“Wonderful.” Dyn said with a smile. “Then it is time?” Dyn said with excitement.



“Almost.” Halian said. “Because of Johon we lost half our army, we need to regroup, it will take a few days.”



“Damn humans.” He then stopped. “No offense M’lady.” He said to her.



“I am hardly human.” She said to him a little irritated. “Apparently he went to retrieve Rayne but your brother showed up.”



“He is not my brother!” The Elvaan said to her angerly. “He is an imposter, he is not Elvaan, and the fact my Father loved him..” Dyn stopped.



“Are you sure you will be able to get rid of Marsa?” She asked as she sat down on the couch.



“Very.” Dyn said still angry. “There are people in Winnol who feel the same as I and do not want an imposter, a man who would rather be human than Elvaan sit on our throne.”



“Even if it means the death of the great Marsa, your father?” She asked.



“He knew of the risk, I saw the Rider reports it is why I went with them, he was willing to send them to Pomica even though he knew Johon could attack.” Dyn said angerly. “Do not worry M’lady, I have dreamt of my father’s death for a year now, and it will come true.”



“Tell your men in Winnol to get themselves ready. When I have final word on when the army can regroup, I will inform you.” She said with a nod.



“Then I will watch my Father die.” Dyn smiled. “And take the throne of Winnol.”



“Dyn, King of the Elvaan’s.” She said with a smile and a nod.



“How is your daughter?” Dyn asked as he sat down on the couch.



“She looks well, although, when I found out Johon had gone after her, I rushed out there, and well while battling him when I found them, my hood came off and she saw me.” Halian said lying as the Elvaan frowned.



“Then she knows?” He said sadly.



“Yes.” Halian said faking her sadness. “I tired to explain to her, but that’s when your bro..I mean he showed up and threatened me and after last time..” she said looking away.



“Last time?” He said as he took her hand.



“Oh Dyn is was horrible, Johon’s men had taken her and they had shown up, I went to see her and then they started attacking, I tried to take her to safety and then he stopped me.” She lied as she made herself shake a little in fear. “He conjured a Tohil spell Dyn, he is very dangerous.”



“Tohil, are you sure?” He asked.



“Very.” She said nodding. “Next thing I know Johon and his crew are pulling me out of the water, our men were scattered everywhere, he sent us clear out to the shore of the island.”



“He will pay for this Halian.” Dyn said.



“I worry for her safety.” Halian said.



“We will get her back and protect her. This world may be safe from the evil of Johon now but this imposter will break the line of the Breezewalker Royals and I will not allow that.” He said angerly.



“And I will not have my daughter marry that imposter.” Halian said hiding her satisfaction with her plan.



“And neither will I.” He said with jealous anger.











Aj walked down the street as he headed towards the Preparation Building. Marsa had sent word he wanted to see him. The guys were going to meet him at the Magic Fields and practice. Then something slamming into him sent him back a couple of steps, almost falling back but he was able to catch himself. He looked down and was shocked to see Rayne pulling away.



“Rayne?” He said a little confused. She looked up at him, he eyes red and wet. She frowned as she moved to the side and started walking again. “Rayne?” Aj said again as he watched her walk down the street, she didn’t say anything and disappeared into the distance. He sighed as he started walking again, when he turned down the small street that led to the back of the city he saw Marsa and Avit walking towards him.



“Was Rayne here?” Aj asked as the three met up.



“Yes.” Marsa nodded. “She came with Evia and Nalia to finalize her Fathers burial for tomorrow.”



“Oh, that’s going to be tomorrow?” Aj said and Marsa just nodded in response. He knew now why she took off. “So what did you need me for?” Aj asked.



“I wanted to talk to you about what happened at Johon’s camp, the spell you cast.” Marsa said as the three began walking.



“Oh.” Aj said as he looked up at the Elvaan.



“Do you know how you were able to conjure so much power?” Marsa asked.



“Um.” Aj said as he thought about what to say. “I was upset because of what the Mage was doing too Rayne.”



“I see.” Marsa said with a nod. “Has she talked to you at all about what has happened to her?” he asked.



“A little.” Aj said with a shrug. “But I think she’s trying to stay away from me right now.”



“For what reason?” Marsa asked confused.



“I don’t think she wants to get hurt again.” Aj said as he looked away from Marsa. “And I don’t want to be the one to do it.”



“Because when this is over you’ll be going home.” Marsa said.



“Yeah.” Aj said with a light nod.



“I see.” Marsa said understanding. “I wish there was another way but the spell is very picky and can not be toyed with too often.”



“It’s alright Marsa.” Aj said with a light smile.



“She has been through so much in the last couple of days.” The Elvaan spoke sadly.



“I know, I worry about her too.” Aj said as they entered the school court yard. “I wish, I wish I could do more.”



“You could stay sir.” Avit said. Aj looked at him and then to Marsa.



“I can’t.” He said shaking his head. “I have family there, the guys are there, the group, my fans, and I just can’t walk away from that.”



“Yes, we understand Alexander.” Marsa said looking at Avit.



They fell silent as they walked out of the school court yard and into the Magic Fields. Aj looked around and saw Nick working with a man. He had a weird glow around him, it was a bluish purple colour, slowly swirling around him, and Aj turned to Marsa.



“What is he doing?” Aj asked. Marsa looked over to Nick and nodded almost in approval.



“He is learning how to summon, most likely a goblin, it is the easier of the two spells.” Marsa said as he looked back at him.



“Nice.” Aj said with a smile as he looked back to Nick. As the glow started to engulf Nick a weird scream was heard and out popped a small goblin no higher than Nick’s knees, jumping around. He had long pointed ears and many earrings hanging from them. His arms were long and skinny, his fingers slender and long. Aj smiled and made his way over to Nick and his new friend.



“What do you think, should I name him Brian?” Nick said smiling.



“I heard that, you ass!” Brian shouted as he walked up to him.



“That was very well done Prince Nickolas.” The man said with joy.



“Yes Nickolas very well done.” Marsa said.



“Thanks.” Nick said with a nod. “I wish Nalia was here to see it.” He said looking down at the little wart covered, little gremlin.



“Where is she anyways?” Kevin asked.



“She said she had to help Rayne with some stuff.” Nick said shrugging. Everyone except Marsa and Avit looked at Aj.



“Stuff with her dad.” Aj said quietly.



“Oh.” Kevin said nodding. “Shouldn’t you be with her?”



“No.” Aj said looking at him, even he couldn’t hold back the anger that question gave him. He wanted to be, but she was right, her mother was right; he can’t get close and risk hurting her. “She doesn’t want me around right now.” Aj said hoping someone would change the subject.



“Oh hey check this out.” Nick said as he walked over to where his target line was. Nick said something to the goblin and the thing started dancing around as his hands started glowing red, then with a cackle the hay target went up in flames.



“Whoa.” Howie said raising his eyebrows.



“Sweet, I know.” Nick said smiling.



“You two make a lovely couple.” Kevin said patting Nick on the back.



“Whatever Richardson, you’re so jealous right now.” Nick said looking at him.



“You’re right I am.” Kevin said back.



“You two want a time out?” Brian asked looking him.



“He started it.” Kevin said pointing to Nick.



“You insulted my Goblin.” Nick said.



“Aww.” Kevin said sarcastically as he jokingly pouted.



“Guys.” Howie said rolling his eyes.



“You know you can be just as immature as him sometimes, you know that?” Brian said to Kevin as Nick walked over to the hay with Aj. Kevin laughed at Brian who took offense to it at first, then started laughing too.



“What’s so funny?” Aj asked as he walked up to the two cousins.



“Just laughing at Carter.” Kevin said shrugging. AJ smiled at them as he turned to look at Nick who was running around getting his goblin to light things on fire.



“It’s like when he got his Game Boy.” Aj said remembering. Brian and Kevin started laughing again and it made Aj feel better seeing them laughing.



“So what’s up with you and Rayne how come she doesn’t want to see you?” Kevin asked. Aj looked at him and then he shook his head, looking away.



“Last night when she came to my room because she couldn’t sleep, she told me she felt alone, her life’s become pretty shitty since she found out she was a Guardian, losing her dad, people she trusted betraying her. When we win this war, she’ll become Queen but she’ll have no one, ya know?” He stopped as Kevin and Brian nodded.



“So what does that have to do with you?” Brian asked confused a little.



“She can’t risk getting hurt again.” Aj said looking at him



“She said that too you?” Kevin asked.



“Yep.” Aj nodded. “And I agree with her.”



“Alex.” Kevin said as he tilted his head a little.



“I know what you said, and I appreciate it, but I have to go back, I can’t stay.” Aj said shaking his head.



“Wish you would talk to Nick.” Brian said as he looked at Nick in the field.



“It’s up to him.” Aj said with a shrug.



“But the group, and his brother, his sisters..” Brian said.



Aj didn’t know what to say, he just shrugged again and lightly shook his head. He really didn’t know what to say, he kind of got why Nick was so appealed to this place. He hated the way a lot of things were back in Hollywood, how people acted, with each other, with themselves, and this place was defiantly not that.



“Alexander?” Marsa said as Aj looked up. “Would you like to try to teleport?”



“Seriously?” Aj asked as his eyebrows shot up.



“If you can conjure a Tohil spell, you can teleport.” Marsa said with a laugh.



“Sweeeet.” Aj lightly shouted.



“This I have to see.” Kevin said looking at Brian as Aj and Marsa walked pass them.



Aj walked over with Marsa to the Mage Trainer and they discussed the important things to concentrate on with the spell. The trainer told Aj to picture where he wanted to go, and use the energy of the wind to take him there.



“Dude you think you could pop up by Nick?” Kevin asked as he nodded to Nick about ten yards from them.



“I can try.” Aj said with a shrug.



“Do it.” Kevin said with an evil grin. Aj smiled as he heard Brian laugh and he looked at where Nick was standing. He picture himself popping up in front of him and then as he let the energy’s in, he felt the wind take him forward and in a flash he was standing in front of Nick. But no sooner had Aj popped up in front of him Nick jumped back, tripping over his feet and falling to the ground.



“Ahhhhh!!” Nick shouted with a squeal of fright as he fell. The sound of Kevin and Brian cracking up laughing made him look behind him as he laid on the ground. He then looked back to Aj. “What the hell man!?” Nick squealed as he jumped up.



“What?” Aj said with a shrug. “Came to see what you were doing?” He said as nonchalantly as he could.



“Next time, walk.” Nick said as he brushed himself off.



“You ok man?” Kevin asked still laughing a little as him, Brian and Howie walked up to them.



“You know he’ll do that to you too eventually.” Nick said staring at them.



“Oh I’m going to have fun with this.” Aj nodded, with an evil smile.



“Well done Alexander.” Marsa said with a smile.



“Thanks.” Aj said laughing.



“How do you feel?” Marsa asked.



“Fine.” Aj said nodding. “You were right, that was pretty easy.”



“Good.” Marsa said with a nod. “Are you ready to try some other things? He asked.



“Other things?” Aj asked as he looked at Marsa a little confused. The old Elvaan waved for him to follow, he looked at the others quickly and then shrugged as he followed him. He didn’t know what Marsa had in store, but he was willing to learn anything he could. Anything to help her get her home back.

The Guardian Crusade

Volume I



Chapter 8



Aj always hated funerals, everyone was sad and crying, and he hated the way it made him feel. He looked around at all the different faces, Elvaan, Human, and Dwarves. All of them had tear soaked eyes, sad faces, and broken hearts as they said their final goodbye to a friend. He looked at Rayne as she stood beside the Priest at the head of the casket and he wondered how much she was really paying attention. Her gaze locked on the Elvaan carved casket in front of her. The expression on her face was emotionless and he looked away.



When the service was over, everyone walked out of the Burial Grounds. Aj followed behind Marsa and the guys but when he got to the path that leads into the trees, he stopped and turned around. He saw Evia and Nalia walking up to him, and when they approached him they stopped.



“She will not say anything and I can not get her to come back, perhaps you could.” Evia said with worry. Aj took a deep breath and looked over at Rayne and then looked at Evia and Nalia.



“I’ll try.” He said with a light nod.



“Thank you.” Evia said returning the nod. Queen Evia and Nalia headed into the pathway and Aj slowly walked over to Rayne. As he got closer he saw that she was still crying. He wasn’t sure what to say to her or what to do.



“Rayne?” Aj said quietly as he stopped beside her. She didn’t say anything as she continued to look at the casket. He took another step and placed his hand on her arm. “Rayne?” he said again. Quickly her head turned as she looked at the hand on her arm; slowly she followed the arm up and saw who was standing beside her. Aj was about to ask her if she was ok but as soon as her eyes connected with his, she started crying and she wrapped her arms around him, and pulled herself against him.



He was taken back at first as she stood there crying. Then slowly he wrapped his arms around her and held her as she cried. He pulled her hair to the side and rested his hand on her shoulder. His other arm was wrapped around her lower back and for the first time he realized he had her in his arms. Aj wasn’t sure how long they stood there, how long she cried against his chest but he didn’t care; all he wanted was for her pain to go away. Then slowly she started to pull away and he looked down at her.



“Are you ok now?” Aj asked. His hand that was on her shoulder slowly slid down her back, his arms still wrapped around her lower back.



“Yes.” She replied quietly. Turning her head a little she looked at her Father’s coffin and then looked back to Aj. “I wonder if he knew.” A strand of hair had fallen over her eye, and he reached for it, and gently tucked it behind her ear.



“Knew what?” Aj asked a little confused.



“That the Mage was mother.” Rayne said quietly.



“I don’t know.” Aj told her. “Do you think he would have told you, if he had known?”



“No.” Rayne said with a light shake of her head. “Especially with how she is now, who she is, he would not have.” She slid her hands from his back and sighed.



“You want to go back to the Castle now?” Aj asked.



“Yes.” She said with a light nod.



“Ok.” Aj lightly smiled as he took her hand. Together they left the Burial Ground and headed into the city. Rayne walked close to him, she didn’t look at the people as they looked at her, and at him. Each person they walked by stopped what they were doing when they saw the two together. Every once in a while Aj would look behind him, and he would see a couple of people here and there whispering to each other as they watched the two walk down the street. The guards bowed to both of them as they walked into the Castle. Aj turned to her when they reached the bottom of the stairs.



“Are you hungry at all?” he asked.



“No.” She said shaking her head.



“Ok, what did you want to do?” he asked.



“I just want to go to my room.” She said as she stepped onto the stairs. Aj frowned but followed her up the stairs. When they approached her bedroom door Aj turned to her.



“Do you need anything before I go?” He asked.



“No thank you.” She said as she put her hand on the knob. He looked at her a moment, from the time they walked into the Castle to the time they got here, she had gone stone cold on him again. “And thank you for walking me back.” She said with a nod. The tone in her voice made him feel like a servant and as her door clicked close, Aj stood there stunned.



His eyebrows frowned in confusion as he stared at the door. Shaking his head he turned around and headed down to his room. He was completely blown away by the change in attitude in Rayne. Grabbing onto the door knob to his room he angerly pushed on it and then slammed it behind him.







Rayne stopped at her dresser when she heard a loud banging noise. She sighed wondering if it was Alex as she pulled a robe from her dresser. Angry at herself for hugging him when he walked up to her at the Burial Grounds, angry at herself for treating him like she did at the door and now she was going to take off and head back to Sarila. She was going to confront her mother, find out for sure if it was really her or if it was nothing more than the Evil.



Putting on the new robe, she walked over to her other dresser and pulled it out carefully. She reached behind it and pulled out a bag. It was black cotton like material; the strap was long enough so she could put it over her head and shoulder. The strap wrapped diagonally across her as she opened it to make sure she had everything. Last night and this morning she was able to sneak away and get some supplies, some food, and some potions just in case.



Pulling her hair back she tied it up and pulled her hood over her head. She walked over to her door and quietly opened it. Listening at first to see if there were any noise in the hallway, she stood against the wall, with the door opened a crack. When she was satisfied there was no one there she slipped out of the door, closed it carefully and then headed down the hallway. As Rayne quickly walked down the hall she heard the sound of a door opening, a little frantic she looked for a place to hide, and saw a small space behind a decretive pillar. Quickly she slipped behind it, and held her breath hoping they didn’t see her. Pushing up against the wall she watched as Alex’s friends walked passed her laughing. She waited a moment and then peered around the wall, and watched as they walked down the stairs. Exhaling she fixed her bag and left her hiding spacing. She turned to head down the hall but something stopped her dead in her tracks. Quickly she looked up as her body froze and she saw Alex standing there in front of her.



“Well now this is a sight.” Alex said to her as he crossed his arms. “And where are we going?”



“I am going for a walk.” She said as she pulled herself straight and her chin up a little.



“Really.” Alex said and she watched as he tilted his head a little. “Where?”



“Some where.” She said as she tried to think of something. “I..I was thinking of walking the road around the city.”



“I see.” Alex said. “Well how about if I join you.”



“No.” She said quickly.



“No?” Aj asked as he raised an eyebrow.



“I wish to be alone Alex, please respect that.” She said her tone getting stern.



“Fine.” Aj said with a shrug. “Have a good walk.” He said too her as he walked passed her. She looked at him stunned as he headed towards the staircase, where his friends were talking just moments ago. A little shocked she stood there for a moment, and then shook it away. She headed towards the staircase at the end of the hall and opened the door. Walking up a floor Rayne opened another door and then headed down another hallway. She walked all the way to the end and then reached into her pocket and pulled out a key. It was a key that was given to her from the Elvaan’s who had prepared her father for burial. Opening the door she held the key in her hand, turning around she quickly looked to make sure no one was following her, and then she closed the door locking it. Rayne turned around but she could see nothing, the room was covered in darkness. In a second a small firefly appeared in the room, then another and then another, Rayne lightly smiled at the light spell she had conjured, one she hadn’t used since she was a kid. The room lit up in a green yellow glow, and she looked to the middle of the room, where she saw a globe sitting on the pedestal.



This wasn’t the globe to Tokia, this was the globe to Sarila and the key she held in her hand was her Fathers key to turn the globe back on. Looking down at the key she thought about her Father one more time, with a deep breath she lifted the key to the globe, inserted it, and watched as the globe lit up. When the globe was glowing bright Rayne lifted her hand to the globe but a hand on her wrist stopped her and she looked up quickly.



“Turn it off.” Alex said as he held her wrist.



“How did you?” She asked looking back to the closed lock door.



“Turn the globe off Rayne.” Alex said to her sternly. Still a little stunned on how he got into the room she reached for the key and pulled it out. The globe hummed as the light dimmed and it shut off.



“There.” She said as the anger started to over shadow her shock. “Now let go of me.” She said pulling her wrist out of his grip.



“What were you doing?” He asked as she walked away from him. “I thought you were going for a walk?” She didn’t say anything to him as she walked through the fireflies and sat down on the edge of the pedestal. A minute later she felt him sit down beside her. “Where does this globe go Rayne?” Without looking at him she answered.



“Sarila.” She said quietly.



“Sarila?” Aj said shocked. “So what you were going to just walk into the Palace and be like Hi mom I’m home.” He said with a sarcastic wave. Rayne looked at him quickly, angry at the way he mocked her.



“No.” She snapped at him.



“Well then why did you think you could just walk in there?” Aj asked. “That would be like a death trap Rayne.”



“I wanted to stop it.” Rayne said quietly, she didn’t want to look at him.



“Stop what?” Aj asked, and she looked down when she felt his hand slid over hers. Quickly she pulled it away and stood up.



“I wanted to stop what ever it is controlling my mother; I want to stop it, so she can be in peace, with Father.” Rayne said a she walked back over to the globe.



“Even if it means getting yourself killed, and then leaving Pixcadia to whatever.” Alex said as she looked up at him.



“The Evil that is in my Mother would be dead, Pixcadia will be free so what does it matter.” She said with a shrug.



“You would be dead Rayne.” Alex said stunned. “That’s what matters.”



“What do you care, the war will be over, you will be able to go home.” She said as she tucked the key into her robe pocket. “You will not even be here.”



“So that’s what this is about.” Alex said as he walked over to her. She looked up and tried to walk away but he stopped her. “I care Rayne, I care a lot, and we’re supposed to be in this together all four of us. What if you run off and something bad happens and you don’t kill what ever it is that is controlling your mom, then what?” Aj asked her and she didn’t know how to reply. When she felt him sitting her down, she looked up at him. He sat them down on the edge of the pedestal. “I know you have been through a lot these past couple of days, but too me it looks like you’re slipping away.” She looked away as he continued to talk. “You haven’t talked to anyone, you sit in your room all day, before this morning when was the last time you ate?”



She took a deep breath and sighed still not looking at him. If only she had been quicker, if she had left sooner, if the guys hadn’t of walked out of the room she would have made it. But she still wondered how he got through the door.



“Rayne?” Alex said and she looked at him. “I can’t stay.”



“Stop it!” She shouted as she pulled away and stood up. “I know alright, I know you can not stay, stop telling me that.” She really was tired of hearing it, Kevin telling everyone, Alex telling everyone and she just didn’t want to hear it anymore. “Every time someone says you are leaving, when all this is over, it just reminds me of how alone I will be when you do.” She didn’t want to cry, she was tired of crying, over him, over her father, her mother, and she tried to fight it but then as she felt his arms wrap around her, when she felt the calm of being in his arms, it was too much for her, and she started crying. His chin rested on her shoulder, his arms wrapped across her, holding her as she cried and she didn’t dare move.



“I don’t want to hurt you Rayne; I still have to go home.” Aj quietly said as she started to calm herself.



“I know.” She whispered. “I thought it would be easier to stay away, but the more I do, the more I think about when you leave and how I wasted all this time because I did not want to get hurt.”



“Time we could of spent together?” Alex asked and she closed her eyes as she nodded. Slowly he turned her around and she felt his finger slip under her chin. She looked up at him, into his dark eyes and at that moment she didn’t care anymore. She didn’t care he would leave; she didn’t care about how much it would hurt when he did. All she cared about was how all the pain, all the sadness, and all the loneliness went away when she looked into them. Then everything went blank as his lips pressed against hers. It was shocking at first but as his arms wrapped behind her, she fell into the kiss and wrapped her arms around him.



“Promise me something?” Alex said quietly as they pulled away. Rayne looked at him, still holding each other in their arms. “Don’t ever try to take off like that again, at least come get me first.” She lightly smiled and nodded.



“I promise.” She said to him.



“Good.” Alex said with a smile.



“How did you get in here anyways?” she asked. “I locked the door.”



“You did.” Alex said with a nod. “So I just teleported.”



“Oh, I see.” She said with a light smile. “And when did you learn this?” she asked.



“Yesterday.” Alex said with a light smile as he looked down at her. She smiled back as she laid her head against his chest. “Are you still up for that walk?” He asked.



“Yes.” She said as she pulled away from him. She watched as he smiled taking her by the hand and they left the room, together.











Halian sat at the desk in her room. Most of it had been changed already from the mess Johon had left her bedroom in. As she scanned over a report from Rem in Sera, there was a knock at her door, and she looked up.



“Enter.” She shouted as she waited to see who it was. The door opened and in walked one of her soldiers. “Yes, what is it?”



“I am here to report that the Globe from Winnol turned on.” He said to her.



“It did.” She said getting up quickly.



“Yes, M’lady.” He said with a nod. Halian stood up quickly and went to leave her room but the soldier spoke up. “It is not on anymore your majesty.” He said quickly.



“What?” She asked confused as she spun around.



“It was only on for a brief moment.” He explained.



“Hmm.” She said thinking. “How goes the Army?” She asked.



“We are almost ready my Majesty.” He replied.



“Excellent, please inform Dyn I wish to see him.” She told him. The soldier saluted and then headed out of the room. She walked over to her window and opened it. Looking out to her city she wondered what was with the globe coming on, and then turning off.



“What are they up too?” She said too herself as she looked in the direction of Winnol. She sat on the windowsill and remembered to when things were much different. She had never gotten the upper hand on the Guardians like this before. Sure she got to the tale all those years ago but they caught up with her, killed her before any real damage could be done. The only real good that came out of it was the guardians forgetting their Ancient magic. They still had the power to stop her but the longer they went without their Ancient magic the weaker they got, and like she said, she was very patient.



Except now, all of a sudden out of no where, this new one, one of the ones that were sent away to Earth, conjures a Tohil spell. She was not going to let this Alexander mess up her plans, plans she had worked long and hard on. When she left Johon and took over Halian’s body, she found Dyn in hysterics at his mother and sisters’ bodies. It wasn’t hard to feed him the hatred towards his Father, most of it was already there. The same with the jealousy and bitterness he had towards his brother, Alexander.



You see she found out a few months later that Dyn had strong feelings for Rayne, and Marsa knew of these feelings. But Rayne was a Guardian and even though she didn’t know it at the time, she was not to be involved with anyone, until the time of her calling. Now who’s to say she would fall for one or the other but when he heard about Alexander saving Rayne on the ship, he went ballistic and Johon had to put him in solitary for a few days. The brother he loathed was now taking the woman he loved. She smiled, perfect.



“You wanted to see me Queen Halian.” Dyn said.



“Yes Dyn. I have received word that the Army will soon be ready, so what ever plans you have for Marsa you best put them into action.” She told him as she closed her window.



“Thank you.” He said with a nod and a bow.



“How long will this take?” She asked as she walked over to her desk.



“I will send word now, Marsa will be dead a day from now.” He said as a small smile came across his face.



“Then I wish you well Dyn, when you have news please report to me, so I may ready my Army on the ships.” She told him.



“Yes M’lady.” He said with a bow. When he turned to leave she remembered about the globe.



“Oh one more thing Dyn.” She said as he stopped and turned around. “The guard at the Winnol Globe reported it came on and then shut off a minute or so later.” Halian told him.



“Really, what do you make of that?” he asked.



“I am not sure, but I thought I should inform you. If I hear anything on that I will tell you.” She said.



“Of course.” He said as he bowed again, and then left the room.











Aj sat on top of a Gryphon all by himself, the bird standing still beside another Gryphon, Rayne’s Gryphon. They watched as Nick and Kevin learned how to take off. Aj had already gone through a run and did pretty good. It wasn’t that hard he found out, the bird does most of the work; you just have to learn how to stay on. He watched as Kevin started his Gryphon running, then the bird started to flap his wings and soon he was up in the air. Aj brought his fingers to his lips and whistled as Kevin flew over head.



“Yay!” He yelled as he watched Kevin fly pass. The Gryphon swooped around and then glided down to a running stop.



“That was so awesome!” Kevin said as his bird walked up to him and Rayne.



“I know dude its killer.” Aj said smiling.



“Brian does not want to ride?” Rayne asked as she looked to Aj.



“He’s afraid of heights, hates flying, there’s no way we’re getting him on one of these.” Aj said with a light laugh. Rayne started laughing as she looked to Nick who was getting ready to take off. The bird started running and then jumped into the air. Aj looked up as the bird flew over and Nick gave a happy holler. As Nick flew back over them Aj looked down and looked to Rayne. She was smiling and laughing and it made him feel good to see her that way. Much better than how she was this morning at the funeral and after. Of course he knows he had a lot to do with it and what happen in the globe room.



“Well I think I will go and see if Brian will ride with me.” She said looking at him with a smile.



“Good luck.” Aj said with a laugh as she started to walk her Gryphon over to Brian. He smiled as he watched her.



“Hey Miracle Man, what’s up.” Nick said as he walked over with his Gryphon.



“Miracle Man?” Aj asked confused.



“Yeah, you and your mojo sure did a number on Rayne.” Nick said with sly smile. “Is that where you took off to this morning?” Nick giggled.



“Dude.” Aj said looking at him.



“Oh come on Aj don’t deny this, she’s done like a one eighty since this morning. You put a spell on her with your magic wand didn’t you?” Nick smiled as he wiggled his eyebrows.



“I swear if I could reach you I’d hit you.” Aj said with anger.



“Ok, ok, calm down.” Nick said still laughing a little. “But seriously something must have happened.” Aj looked at him, still a little pissed from his comment before.



“Nothing like that happened.” Aj said as he looked away.



“Ok.” Nick said realizing he really did hit a nerve with Aj.



“I caught her trying to sneak to Sarila.” Aj told him.



“By herself?” Nick asked.



“Yep.” Aj nodded.



“What the hell was she thinking?” Nick asked.



“She was messed up from everything over the last couple of days; she wanted to go after her mom.” Aj said with a light shrug.



“But you stopped her.” Nick said.



“Yeah.” Aj said.



“Good.” Nick replied.



“Kevin thinks your staying.” Aj said as he looked over at him.



“He does?” Nick said shocked.



“Yeah and get this..” Aj said. “He said if I wanted to stay that’s ok.”



“Say what now?” Nick said shocked. “Did the Elvaan give him some kind of herb?”



“Dunno.” Aj said laughing.



“Are you?” Nick asked.



“I asked you first.” Aj shot back quickly.



“I don’t know.” Nick said with a shrug. “This place is pretty cool, and it is a lot different than back there.”



“Tell me about it.” Aj nodded. “What about Nalia?”



“She would be part of the reason, but not all of it.” Nick told him as he looked at him.



“Sounds like you are thinking about it.” Aj said.



“That I am.” Nick said with a sigh. “I really am.”



“Wow dude.” Aj said a little shocked.



“You’re not?” Nick asked. Aj took a deep breath and looked at Nick.



“Up until this morning there was nothing stopping me from going back home when this was done.” Aj said “But I’ve spent the last couple of hours wondering if mom would be ok if I didn’t.”



“It’s weird isn’t it?” Nick said as he looked at his friends.



“What?” Aj asked.



“This place..” Nick said with a light laugh. “It’s starting to feel like home.”



“I don’t freakin’ believe it!” Kevin shouted and as Aj and Nick turned to look a Gryphon swooped over them. As it turned, they saw Brian sitting in front of Rayne as they flew in the sky.



“No way.” Nick said in awe. “How the hell did she pull that off?”



“I have no idea.” Aj said as he watched the bird fly above them. Soon the bird swooped back over them as it came to a running stop. Aj and Nick watched as one of the Riders helped Brian down and as soon as his feet touched the ground he dropped to his knees and kissed the dirt below him. The two busted out laughing along with Howie and Kevin.



“How did you do that?” Nick asked Rayne as she approached them.



“I can not say.” She said with a smile. Aj jumped down from his Gryphon as a Rider came up and walked the giant bird over to the others. “But it was a one time agreement.”



“Should I be worried?” Aj asked as he walked up to her.



“No.” She said with an embarrass smile.



“Good.” He smiled back at her. “I was thinking maybe you and I could have a private dinner tonight?”



“Really?” Rayne said. “My room or yours?” she asked.



“You pick.” Aj said as they followed the others out of the Ridding Fields.



“How about your room.” She suggested.



“Ok.” Aj said with a nod. He looked down at her and she smiled back at him, it made him smile. Then she wrapped her arm through his and they walked arm and arm back to the Castle.









Aj walked out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist after his bath. He was busy getting ready for his dinner tonight with Rayne. After the servants left when they had finished getting the table ready for him, he hopped into the tub. Opening the doors to his dresser, he made a clicking sound with his mouth as he looked for a robe to wear. One by one he pushed the robes to the side as he quickly scanned to see what they looked like. When he came to a black robe with red thread embedded into it, he pulled it out. It was simple but the red made it pop and he liked it. He pulled it around him and tied it up around his waist. As he headed over to the only mirror in his room there was a knock at the door. Changing his direction he walked over to his bedroom door and opened it.



“What’s up?” Aj asked as he saw Kevin standing in front of him.



“We’re heading down to dinner now.” Kevin said nodding back to the others in the hallway. “Nick says you’re eating here?”



“Yeah, having dinner with Rayne.” Aj said wondering what he would say to that. Because honestly, he didn’t know, he was still blown away by the last conversation he had with him.



“Cool.” Kevin nodded. “Alright then, we’ll see ya later man.” Kevin said as he waved at Aj.



“Alright.” Aj said as he waved back. He closed the door as the chatter of the guys disappeared down the hall and walked back over to the mirror. Aj looked himself over as he straightened the front of the robe. With a deep breath he turned around and then shouted in fear as he saw a woman standing in front of him.



“I did not mean to scare you.” She said as Aj grabbed onto the mirror to stop himself from falling.



“Well you did.” Aj said as he tried to catch his breath. After a moment he looked at her and saw that it was the woman that had visited him at the cemetery, the woman that was in the picture. “Did you want something?”



“I came to warn you Alexander.” She said and Aj caught the sadness and worry in her tone.



“Warn me?” Aj asked confused.



“The last string has been broken; the last thread of peace has unraveled.” She told him. “I hope you are ready for what lies ahead of you, for you and Rayne.” She stepped towards him and looked into his eyes. “Your mind has settled since we last talked.”



“Umm.” Aj said wondering what she meant.



“You know now that you are from here, you feel at home?” she asked.



“I guess, yeah.” He said nodding.



“Good, you will need that.” She said with a nod.



“I will?” Aj said still confused.



“You will be tested; the people will want to know if you are worthy enough to be their king.” She told him.



“King?” Aj said stunned. There was a knock at the door and he quickly looked back. “Why would I be..” He stopped talking when he saw no one there.



“Mclean, your trippin again.” Aj said as he rubbed his eyes and shook his head. As another knock on the door echoed through the room, Aj grabbed the knob and opened the door.



“Hello.” Rayne said with a smile. He smiled back when he saw her. She was wearing a midnight blue dress, black ribbon crisscrossed down the front of the bustier. Her hair was up with only a couple of ringlet’s hanging down around her neck.



“Hi.” Aj said a little taken back by how she looked. “Come in.” He said as he stepped away from the door. She walked in and looked around the room, as Aj closed the door.



“I thought I heard you talking to someone?” she asked.



“Huh?” He asked confused, then remembered the lady that was here. “Oh, uh don’t think so.” He said as he walked over to her. “So.” He said as he approached her and took her hand. “How are you doing?” He asked.



“I am doing better.” She told him as his hand wrapped around hers.



“You’re sure?” He asked. “No more wanting to pay a visit to mom?”



“No.” She said with a light laugh. “I am sorry for the way I was towards you.” She said



“It’s ok.” He said as he took her other hand. “Trust me I get it.” He said with a light smile, as he looked down at her hands. His thumbs gently brushed across the back of them, they were small hands, and her fingers were slim. He started thinking about what the lady, what Tas was talking about. What did she mean he would be tested by the people?



“Alex?” Rayne said and he looked up at her. “Everything alright?” she asked.



“Yeah, yeah fine.” He said with a smile. He was relieved to hear a knock at the door, knowing it was a servant with dinner. Letting go of her hands he walked over to the door and opened it.



“Dinner Sir.” The servant said as he bowed.



“Sweet, come on in.” Aj said as he stepped back. The servant walked in and set the tray down onto the table.



“M’Lady.” The servant said with a bow.



“Hello.” Rayne smiled with a light bow back. Aj walked the servant out the door and then closed it behind her. He turned around and headed over to Rayne. He reached for a chair and pulled it out for her.



“Thank you.” She said with a light smile.



“You’re welcome.” He said with a smile as he helped her slid up to the table and then walked around and seated himself. “So are you going to tell me how you got Brian up on a Gryphon?” he asked as they started to dish out the food.



“Why is it so important?” Rayne said with a laugh.



“Are you kidding? The dude is terrified of heights, he hates flying in a plane and on a plane we’re inside, no worrying about falling.” Aj said with a light laugh.



“Really?” Rayne said fascinated. “How do you fly inside of a bird?” she asked as her face fell in puzzlement. Aj looked at her for a moment, a little dumb founded, then he remembered she really didn’t have a clue, and it made him laugh. “What is so funny?” She asked.



“I’m sorry.” Aj said trying to stop. “Planes aren’t birds, we build them, from metals, we build the engines that make the planes fly and then put them together.” Aj said trying to explain it to her.



“Oh.” Rayne said still not really understanding. “I guess that made me sound rather dumb.” She said joining in on the laugh.



“Naw it’s alright you didn’t know.” Aj said as he calmed himself. “Now stop changing the subject.” She looked at him a little shocked, and then smiled.



“I told him I would turn Nick into a pig.” She said with a smile.



“Can you do that?” Aj asked as he started laughing.



“No.” She replied as Aj started laughing harder.



“That was very sneaky.” Aj said as he wagged his finger at her.



“I got him on the Gryphon did I not?” She asked laughing.



“True, wait till Kevin finds out.” Aj said still laughing.



The two sat at the table enjoying their meal as they talked. Aj told her more about what he did on Earth, traveling all around the place singing to people. He told her about how the guys met, things they had done together, good and bad. He even told her a little bit about his troubles a few years ago, how he got through it and how he’s doing now. He also hoped it would help her open up about her mom, and about her dad about what had happened to them. A few minutes later when Rayne started telling him about when she was younger, he couldn’t help but smile to himself a little.



“He use to read to me, stories about the Guardians when I was younger, I thought it was just lore, until my Coronation.” She said.



“Coronation?” Aj asked.



“When a Princess turns eighteen, there is a special ceremony.” Rayne told him.



“I get it.” Aj said nodding.



“Well after my coronation I found out from King Marsa, King Rossi, King Colim and my Father, that the tale of the Guardians was true, and we must prepare for the time when they come.” She explained.



“So they didn’t tell you then you were a Guardian.” Aj asked.



“No.” She said shaking her head. “I found out a couple of days before you arrived, Father was leaving for Winnol and asked me to come along for safety reasons, while on the ship he told me who I was.” Rayne said.



“How did you feel when you found out?” He asked.



“Shocked at first.” She said as she thought about it. “I kept thinking about the story my Father told me, now I was the druid from that story, and Pixcadia’s survival was dependent on me.”



“I guess it would be hard growing up with the story and then you actually become the story.” Aj said as a commotion started down the hall.



“Yes, but not as hard as being told you are suppose to protect a world you have never known.” Rayne said as she looked at him. Aj lightly smiled and was about to reply when someone knock on his door.



“Wonder who that is?” Aj said as he got up and headed over to the door. When he opened it he saw a guard standing at his door.



“Sir, Avit wishes to see you in his Majesty’s room.” The man said with a quick bow. “It is very important.”



“Ok.” Aj said not sure what was going on. He turned to Rayne but she was already walking up behind him.



“Is everything alright?” She asked.



“I can not say. Prince Alexander must come immediately.” He told them. Aj looked back to Rayne confused; she lightly shrugged and then motioned for him to go. He took her hand and they left the room, making sure they door closed behind them. They followed the guard down the hall and around the corner. When the turned they saw all the people standing around Marsa’s room, including the guys. Aj looked over to Kevin as they walked passed them, and he had a dismal look on his face. One of the guards standing at Marsa’s door opened it and they followed the guard into the room.



When Aj walked in his fears were proven true, Marsa laid on the bed and he looked sick, very sick. He looked on the other side of the bed and saw Avit walking around towards him. His heart started to race a little, he didn’t know what was going on.



“I am sorry to interrupt your dinner Sir.” Avit said to him with a light bow.



“What’s wrong with him, is he ok?” Aj asked concerned.



“Things do not look good.” Avit said.



“When did he become ill?” Rayne asked as Aj looked at Marsa.



“At lunch he said he did not feel well..” Avit was interrupted.



“Sir Avit.” A Priest said and the three of them turned to look. “He wishes to speak with Prince Alexander.” The servant said.



Aj looked at everyone for a moment and then looked at Marsa. He took a deep breath and walked over to his bed side. The Elvaan was breathing heavily, he was pale, paler than usual, and his eyes were closed. Aj wasn’t sure if he was sleeping, what to do or what to say.



“Your highness Alexander is here.” Avit said as he walked up behind Aj. Marsa opened his eyes and slowly turned his head.



“I do not die a natural death.” He said and it got Aj’s attention. “I know you do not believe you are my son, and that is alright, I knew it would be a price to pay for your safety.” Marsa started coughing and Avit nodded to the Priest. “No.” Marsa gasped out waving the Priest away. He looked back at Aj again, his breathing quick and short. “You are the only one left Alexander, the only Breezewalker to carry on but if you do not wish to stay, then I would like Avit to take my place. He may not have been one of us, but he did marry one.” Marsa said with a light smile.



“Sir.” Avit said shocked, but Aj was a little confused.



“If he does stay Avit, please, protect him as you did me for all these years.” Marsa said quietly.



“Of course sir.” Avit said with a somber nod as Marsa looked to Aj again.



“You are a caring, generous man, who wears his heart proudly, and I could ask nothing more out of a son.” Marsa said. “I am forever in your mother’s debt.”



“Marsa I..” Aj tried to say something but he couldn’t.



“It is alright Alexander, you do what your heart wishes, and I would expect nothing else.” He said with a light smile. Marsa looked away again as he started coughing, much worse than before. Aj and Avit backed away from the bed to let the Priest in. When he felt something touch his arm, he looked down and saw Rayne standing beside him. He looked at Marsa and then at Avit.



“What happened?” Aj asked him.



“After lunch he retired to his room for a while, said he was tired. When he came down for dinner he did not look well at all, but insisted he would eat.” Avit told him. “Half way through he passed out and we brought him up here, when the Priest told me how bad it was I sent for you.”



“What did he mean by ‘I do not die a natural death?’” Aj asked him, but he already knew, he just needed to hear it.



“It looks like some type of Poison.” Avit said sadly, “I have my men searching the grounds, the kitchen, or reports of anything suspicious from the citizens.” Avit said.



“Could the rest of us be poisoned?” Rayne asked concerned.



“I do not think so M’lady, we all would be sick as well.” Avit told her.



“We should leave him alone, let him rest.” The Priest said as she walked up the three of them.



“Of course.” Avit said with a nod. Aj looked at Marsa, his eyes were closed again, and even in his sleep he looked restless. He turned around and followed Avit outside. He was surprised to see the guards had cleared all of the people; the only ones in the hall were Nalia, Queen Evia, and the guys.



“What is going on is Marsa alright?” Evia asked concerned. Aj looked at Avit, even he had to double check.



“I am afraid he is quiet ill.” Avit said sadly.



“He’ll be ok though right?” Nick asked.



“I do not know Prince Nickolas.” Avit replied.



“Avit?” Evia said sadly. “How, he was fine earlier.”



“We believe it was poisoned.” Avit said quietly.



“You mean someone..” Evia said shocked.



“Johon.” Nalia said.



“Most likely, but it worries me that some of my men follow him.” Avit said with some anger. “I need to go check with my men, see if there is any word on anything.” Avit said with a bow. Aj watched Avit walk down the hall, he was kind of stunned. This was all happening pretty fast.



“Alex did you want to stay here?” Rayne asked.



“Yeah.” Aj said with a light nod.



“Dude you look like you need to sit down.” Nick said.



“Yeah man.” Kevin said standing up. “Take my seat, sit down.” Aj walked over to the chair and sat down. “You ok?” Kevin asked as Aj looked up at him.



“I’m just a little.” Aj stopped his words lost in his thoughts of what Marsa’s death would mean.



“We should give him a moment.” Rayne said as Aj looked up. He watch as his friends stepped back and gave him some space.



“I am going to go check with Avit.” Evia said and then left everyone and headed down the hall.



They all waited in the hall, time slowly slipped pass, a couple of hours later Avit joined them. A couple of hours after that Nalia, Nick, Kevin, Brian, and Howie went to bed. Aj took a deep breath trying to wake himself up as he opened his eyes. He looked around and saw Avit leaning by Marsa’s door. Looking beside him he saw Rayne curled up in a chair sleeping. He lightly smiled as he sat up. Marsa’s door opening took his attention from her. A Priest walked out as Avit stood up straight.



“The King has passed.” The Priest said quietly as he bowed his head. Avit bowed his head back and the Priest returned to the room. Aj stood up as the door closed and he looked at Avit.



“He’s gone?” Aj asked.



“Yes.” Avit said with a quick nod.



“What happens now?” Aj asked him.



“There is nothing we can do tonight; tomorrow you must announce his passing.” Avit told him. “I do not mean to push you Alexander but you will need to decide tonight on the fate of the Crown.” Avit told him. “The people need to know who their leader is, especially now.”



“Ok.” Aj said quietly. Avit tried to force a smile to him, and then headed down the hall. “Hey Avit?” Aj said and the General stopped walking.



“Yes sir?’ He said as he turned around.



“What did Marsa mean when we saw him earlier, about you being married to a Breezewalker.” Aj asked him.



“Perhaps another time Sir?” Avit asked and Aj saw the pain on Avit’s face.



“Yeah sure, of course, I’m sorry.” Aj said



“It is alright Sir.” Avit said. Aj lightly smiled and then Avit left down the hall. Aj turned around and saw Rayne still sleeping on the chair. He smiled as he watched her sleep. Quietly he walked over to her and gently slid his arms under neither her. She mumbled a little as her head rested on his shoulder, her forehead just touching the side of his neck. Carefully he walked down the hall as he carried towards her room. He turned the corner and walked passed his room to the other end of the hallway. Slowly he reached for the door knob and turned it and lightly smiled in celebration as the door clicked opened. Using her legs he gently pushed the door back and walked into her room. The servants had already closed the curtains to her bed along with the curtains to her windows. He carried her over to the side where the servants had left one side open to crawl into at night. Carefully he laid her down on the bed, sliding her blankets out from under her and pulling them over her as she moved a little, unconsciously getting into her sleeping place. Gently he sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at her. Her mother, her father, her mother again, and now Marsa all gone from her life. If it hadn’t been for her, he would have never given Marsa a chance, a chance to get to know him. He brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed the back of her hand. Aj sighed as he put her hand back down and stood up. Closing her curtain before he left, he walked out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him. He walked down the hall but didn’t go to his room. There was a long night a head of him, he had a lot of thinking too do, and he decided someplace quiet was the place to be.