The Awakening, page 1
Ancient Guardians: The Awakening
By S. L. Morgan
Copyright © 2015 S.L. MORGAN
All rights reserved.
The characters, places and events portrayed in this book are fictional and are used as such. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental and not intended by the Author.
Pasidian Press 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0578159195
ISBN-10: 0578159198
(Pasidian Press)
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Epilogue
Introduction
Harrison leaned an elbow on the windowsill of the carriage and rested his chin on his fist. He closed his eyes and struggled to fight back the grief he was feeling. Looking at his father, who was also overwhelmed with sorrow, was another daunting reminder of the great loss Pemdas had endured. This should have never happened! he thought in frustration. If my men and I had only arrived moments earlier, none of this would have ever taken place. Harrison was suffering from guilt over the loss of the emperor and the many warriors who had lost their lives; however, he maintained his composure because he knew the constant risks that the Guardians were up against while they protected Reece, The Key.
Hundreds of carriages followed Navarre’s riderless stallion as it led the procession to the personal burial grounds of the Oxley family. Six Guardian horses, including Areion, were harnessed to the shiny black carriage that followed directly behind Navarre’s stallion. Levi, Allestaine, Elizabeth, and Reece were in that carriage, while Harrison and his family followed closely behind.
Harrison said nothing in the carriage as the processional followed the riderless stallion to the final resting place of Emperor Navarre. Harrison’s heart wrenched for Levi, his aunt, and his cousin. Until now, everyone appeared to be holding themselves together very well, but the hillside that overlooked the graves of many loved ones began to make the situation feel unbearably real again.
Navarre’s stallion sprang into a ceremonial trot as he approached the flower-covered burial site of the emperor. Six Guardian warriors and imperial guards stood in proper formation around the immaculately decorated grave. The carriages encircled the area as Navarre’s stallion halted and lowered himself onto one knee in front of the grave of his master. Harrison cleared his throat as he stepped out of the carriage and turned to assist his sister.
After King Nathaniel, Queen Madeline, and Lillian descended from the carriage, Harrison left both his mother and sister in his father’s care in order to be of assistance to Reece. Harrison promptly strode to where Levi stood, assisting the ladies out of the carriage. Reece’s eyes were filled with tears as Levi kindly handed his intended wife’s hand to his cousin.
After all of the families took their places around Navarre’s grave, Levi began the ceremony with the final parting words for his father, the emperor. Harrison felt Reece grip the bend of his arm tightly while she blotted her eyes with her delicate handkerchief. Harrison instinctively brought his hand up to cover Reece’s as he felt his own tears surfacing. Harrison glanced over at his aunt, who was now in care of his father, King Nathaniel, and her expression remained solemn.
Once Levi took the emperor’s shield from Navarre’s stallion and placed it over the flowers on the grave, the Guardian warriors approached where Lady Allestaine stood and bowed before her. They offered her Navarre’s sword, which was placed on his neatly folded cloak. A tear slipped down Lady Allestaine’s cheek as she took the articles from the men. She ran her fingers over the engraved handle of her husband’s sword and clutched his cloak close to her heart.
After all of the ceremonial protocols had concluded, Harrison and Reece followed Levi, Lady Allestaine, and Elizabeth to their carriage. Reece remained quiet but leaned into Harrison affectionately, showing him her appreciation for his care of her.
“Thank you, Harrison,” Levi said somberly as Harrison escorted Reece to his side.
Harrison nodded, “It is my honor.”
Harrison climbed into the carriage behind theirs, expecting this to be as silent of a ride back to the palace as it was when they traveled to Navarre’s grave site. Unfortunately, his sister felt it was time she vocalized her opinions about the events that surrounded the death of the emperor.
“It is such a misfortune that we have lost our dear uncle,” she started. “I may never understand why he died in such a manner,” Lillian said as she blotted her eyes.
Harrison refrained from commenting, but he did not hesitate to show his disapproval by turning his back to where she sat at his side.
“It is a tragic loss, Lillian,” King Nathaniel answered, “and you may, in fact, never understand it. However, it will serve you well to learn about the honorable reasons for the loss of not only your uncle, but also the loss of Samuel and the many other brave Pemdai warriors.”
She sniffed, “How does understanding the reasons why our men were slain in a thoughtless battle bring them any honor?”
Harrison began to feel the blood boiling beneath his skin. “You would be wise to vocalize your senselessness elsewhere,” he answered curtly.
“Harrison, I mean no disrespect by my words.”
Harrison looked at her with disgust. “Are you so mindless that you cannot understand why we battled Armedias? You dishonor all of Pemdas and each of the Guardians with your ignorance. It is a disgrace to hear such words come from the mouth of a daughter of a Pemdai king!”
“Harrison, enough!” his mother ordered. “We have just laid our beloved emperor to rest. I will hear none of this quarreling from either of my children.”
Lillian sighed, “So once Levi and Reece are married, she will stand in my aunt’s place?”
I swear, if she doesn’t shut up we shall be attending her funeral, Harrison thought as he bit down hard on his bottom lip, refraining himself from lashing out at his sister.
“Rightfully so, Lillian,” King Nathaniel answered.
Lillian exhaled loudly enough for Harrison to glare back at her.
“Are you against the emperor’s choice of wife as well?” he asked sternly.
Lillian’s eyes narrowed at Harrison’s expression. “I believe I am. She is not a natural resident of Pemdas, and she is the reason we have lost our emperor.”
“You will join your friend Simone in the Isle Dungeons should you or anyone else plan to conspire against her or Levi’s wishes,” Harrison retorted.
“There is no need for threats, son.”
Harrison ignored his father. “Lillian, you are a foolish, spiteful woman, and I am ashamed to be known as your brother. You blame Reece for the emperor’s death, but you are wrong to do so. The reason our warriors and the emperor are dead is because of people who have held the same opinions you so freely vocalize. You would be wise to keep your treasonous thoughts to yourself and not disgrace our family with them.”
Lillian went into hysterics, forcing Harrison to close his eyes in frustration. Fortunately, they were arriving at the palace and Harrison wouldn’t have to speak another word to his sister. He was the first one out of the carriage, and he could not get away from his family fast enough. His father gently grasped his arm, forcing Harrison to stop.
“Father, I am in no mood to listen to you defend Lillian at this time.”
“I am not here to defend her words,” King Nathaniel said. “Your mother has already decided it is best that she return to our estate with Lillian. The Oxleys should not be subjected to any such nonsense after what has happened.”
“Very well,” Harrison answered. “I believe that Levi will be detained for most of the evening, and I must report to the command center.”
King Nathaniel stretched his arm out in the direction of a secluded entrance to the palace. “Let us have a drink first. I think it would be wise to unwind our nerves before returning to our duties.”
Harrison nodded. “I will gladly join you.”
Chapter 1
Levi had been in constant meetings with the kings of Pemdas since performing his father’s burial ceremony, and this meeting seemed to be the most exhausting of them all. It had become pressing that the leaders of Pemdas meet with the Council of Worlds in regard to the war they had engaged in with Armedias. Levi planned to have Harrison accompany him to the council meeting, as Harrison had assumed the position of Commander of the Guardians after Samuel was killed in battle.
A number of the kings of Pemdas had expressed their concern about Levi and Harrison representing the Guardians on their own. Many felt that since both men were new in their respective positions that it might be prudent to bring additional counsel
Without warning, Levi stood and interrupted the kings as they bickered about arranging for a more mature king to join the men at the Council of Worlds.
“I appreciate each and every one of your concerns; however, my decision has been made. When I arranged this meeting, I did not do so in order for you to debate my competence amongst yourselves. I do not seek your permission or approval, nor do I require it,” Levi announced in an authoritative tone that resonated in the room.
Harrison remained silent, sitting to Levi’s right. Levi glanced at him before adding his final thoughts on the matter at hand.
“My commander and I will handle the Council of Worlds, and we will report back to all of you when we return. Whether or not they agree with how the Pemdai handled the recovery of The Key or how we have avenged our emperor’s death, I will be the one to answer for those actions, as I am the one who commanded the land to be laid to waste.” Levi nodded. “Gentlemen, this meeting is adjourned,” he said dismissively.
King Hamilton and King Nathaniel approached Harrison where he stood next to Levi as the other kings left the room with concerned, yet humbled expressions.
King Nathaniel gripped Levi’s shoulder. “They mean no insult to you, nephew. You must understand that. Each king understands how the majority of the Council of Worlds feels about our people and the protection of The Key.”
Levi gazed somberly at his uncle. “If I should show weakness as their new emperor, I will never gain their respect. I will deal with the Council of Worlds. Harrison and I will represent Pemdas and our cause, as my father and Samuel have done so many times in the past. I have no fear of the Council, and I am prepared for their ignorant words.”
King Hamilton unexpectedly let out a soft laugh. “You do remind me of your father; I only wish I could be in attendance to watch you and Harrison deal with those simpleminded leaders.”
Harrison crossed his arms and grinned subtly. “Rest assured, Your Majesty, you won’t be disappointed with our report.”
King Nathaniel grinned. “I expect that you will not taunt our greatest enemy; you know Movac is anticipating this event like none other.”
“Taunt?” Harrison asked with an arch of his brow. “I would never consider such a thing.”
“Gentlemen, I believe it is nearing the hour, and I know that the rest of the kings are eagerly awaiting your return and your report,” King Nathaniel said as he turned with the men to exit the room.
“We will arrange for a meeting as soon as we return,” Levi announced as the men walked out of the command center.
“Make it quick!” King Hamilton said with a laugh. “My tolerance with the rest of these kings only goes so far.”
With that, Levi and Harrison went their separate ways to change into their Guardian regalia. Once they were ready, Levi met Harrison in the courtyard.
“Forgive me, but I believe I have not had the opportunity to thank you for all you have done in my place while I have been attending to my duties,” Levi said as he descended the steps.
Harrison nodded. “Think nothing of it. I only wish I could do more to give you additional time with Reece, your mother, and Lizzy. These kings are starting to get on my last nerve. Their relentless requests for meetings have me utterly exhausted. We need to move forward, and they need to leave.”
Levi’s lips tightened. “In time, I believe everything will settle down in the palace. I am confident they all will leave soon for their respective kingdoms, especially after we return from this meeting with our report.” Levi sighed. “That is my hope, anyway. I would appreciate some solitude with Reece and my family.”
Harrison swallowed hard as he looked at Levi. “I do not wish to intrude, but I worry over you. I am well aware that we all grieve differently; however, I am unsure if you have had any time to deal with your great loss and the profound responsibility placed on you overnight as emperor. I believe it would serve you well to spend more time with your mother, Lizzy, and Reece, instead of remaining in constant meetings.”
Levi faintly smiled at his cousin’s sympathy. “My father and I have had many discussions about what would be required of me should this day come. Do not worry over me.”
Harrison shrugged. “I simply want to ensure that you are not taking on too much at once. It might have been best to have King Hamilton join us today.”
Levi gazed sternly at Harrison. “Do you not trust that I can deal with the Council?” he questioned curtly.
“It is not that I do not trust you. I do, however, feel that you have overextended yourself already. After all, it is your father who was lost, and no one has given you a moment’s reprieve from the drastic changes that our world has suffered.”
Levi tilted his head to the side. “Unfortunately, it is my responsibility to ensure Pemdas recovers from that. Taking personal time for my own selfish emotions is not a privilege I am afforded.” Levi pulled Areion’s reins over the horse’s head. “Now, let us get this meeting over with,” he said as he hoisted himself onto Areion.
The men raced their horses to where the black Pemdai car awaited their arrival. Once the men were seated in the car, Harrison wasted no time bringing the vehicle up to top speed toward the vortex that led into the dimension of Faylein.
As the car traveled through the vortex, the vehicle audibly alerted that it had transitioned into flight mode. The car gained speed as it flew through the dark green sky of the dimension. “I must admit,” Harrison said, “it will be difficult for me to listen to anything negative said about our warriors today. I am in no mood to tolerate the usual ignorance from these council leaders.”
Levi glanced out his side window, studying the ominous sky the car was soaring through. “I will handle that. I understand how you are feeling, as I am in no mood to deal with accusations at this time either.” Levi turned to Harrison. “However, do not forget that Jie Seintra was close to my father. I believe that is the reason he has arranged for the meeting to take place in his realm. I am confident he will keep things in order.”
Harrison guided the car toward an illuminated road that led into a dark structure. They followed a small spacecraft through the structure’s entrance. Movac, Levi thought in annoyance as the circular ship hovered over to a corner and disappeared before their eyes, cloaking itself.
“Of all the beings we have the privilege to encounter first,” Harrison grumbled while he parked the Pemdai vehicle purposefully in front of Movac’s ship, blocking it in its place.
“Why is it that you choose to provoke him already?” Levi asked in humor.
Harrison swung his door open. “How is it that you believe I am provoking him? This is the only place to park our vehicle,” Harrison replied flippantly.
Yeah, right! Levi thought. As he got out of the car and joined his cousin, Movac’s ship let down its platform. The tall, gangly creature walked out of the ship, along with six Ciatron guards. Levi stood tall and unyielding as Movac and his guards approached where he and Harrison stood.
“Guardians,” Movac acknowledged both men in a grave tone.
Levi nodded. “Movac.”
Movac stopped and stood, towering over Levi and Harrison. “Is there a problem?” Levi inquired authoritatively.
Movac narrowed his black, almond eyes. “Once again, the Guardians have proven they are not to be trusted. It is a shame that Emperor Navarre has met his demise due to your persistent cause of protecting The Key. He sacrificed his life by taking such power into his own possession. Foolish emperor, your father was.”
Levi swallowed hard as he gazed into Movac’s eyes threateningly. He started to answer the Ciatron leader, but Harrison stepped forward abruptly. “You are right about one thing, Movac,” Harrison said with an edge to his voice. “Our kind is not to be trusted, especially where your kind is concerned!”
Movac stepped back, while his guards stepped forward. “However,” Levi interrupted his cousin, “we will let the Council of Worlds make that determination, not you.”
Movac stretched out a long arm. “After you, Guardians,” he returned mockingly.
Levi restrained himself from rolling his eyes as he and Harrison walked toward the entrance of the steel building.
