[ - ]
Table of Contents [Report This]
Printer Chapter or Story Microsoft Word Chapter or Story
- Text Size +
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.