Hello! I wanted to let you enjoy chapter 5 on this wonderful Friday evening. This will be the final chapter posting I will do on my blog. Sad? Don't be because....
August is PUBLISHING MONTH! That's right. I've been working my tail off tweaking, editing, formatting, designing...everything to get Rise of a Guardian, AND book 2, Trinity Rises ready to publish together.
I hope you have enjoyed these chapters on the blog, there are 12 more in Rise of a Guardian, so I hope you will snag a copy when it is available. I plan to offer the book free of charge (if Amazon will listen to me:) But it will be available in several different formats for every device (nook, kobo, iPad, PDF). So don't be sad the chapters are ending, because you can get the entire book soon, as well as book 2 because what's worse than waiting for a sequel?
Thank you for reading...and now here is Chapter 5:
Chapter 5
Realm School
Lavender
sunlight filtered through the thin cream colored shades and warmed Killian's
face. Stretching, he couldn't remember the last time he had slept so sound. He
sauntered into the bathroom and soaked for much too long in the multi faucet
shower. He peered at his tattered clothing from the day before. There were
still deep, burgundy stains from where
the wolves mauled him and the smell was rank. Sighing, although he knew the
drawers were empty, he pulled one open.
To his surprise, there were several fresh gray
T-shirts, with matching gray sweat pants. Opening the enormous closet door, he found an array of tan, gray and white
shirts in various lengths with similar pants. There were even three different
pairs of shoes: tall, thin black boots that reminded him of riding boots, thin black sneaker looking shoes that looked so
light he wondered how they would protect his feet, and a pair of comfortable
looking black sandals. Jumping into the slip-on sandals,
he dressed, inspecting his faded scars from the day before. He was amazed; it
was almost as if mucous coated fangs had never torn his skin.
Killian looked
at the large stone clock on his wall. It was late morning and he needed to
speak with Nathaniel and Miller about his decision. Just as he was about to
step out his door, a pounding knock
caused him to jump back.
Timidly, Killian
opened the door. A large young man, about his age, stood in front of him. He
was dressed in similar gray clothing, but everything else on him was eccentric
and colorful, just like Fia had dressed. He had bright red hair with blue tips,
gold earrings in both ears, and a blue jeweled ring in his brow. But his eyes
were what stopped Killian, for just as Fia, he had deep brown eyes with bright,
jubilant orange flames behind the color.
"Killian Thomas?"
he asked in a deep voice, hinted with a strange accent, much like Fia from the
day before. The burly young man crossed his fist along his chest. It appeared
to be a greeting. Killian would rather have the odd salute compared to the soft
kisses Fia gave.
"Uh...yes."
"Please
come with me." The young visitor turned on his heel and began to walk
away.
"Where? I'm
not sure I should go with someone apart from Connor or the Director. Who are
you and then maybe I'll come with you."
"My name is
Dax. And I don't appreciate your tone,
Thomas. Ponderi recruits show respect, and you seem to have little of
that." The man's tan face literally appeared to let off steam.
"Excuse me?
I don't know who you are and why you want me to follow you. Maybe it's just me
being new here, but most people give others a little more information to go
on."
The tan young
man huffed and tensed his shoulders, causing the muscles in his neck to bulge.
"That's what I'm here to do; I was given orders to escort you to the upper
floor. I follow my orders and I expect
you to follow yours."
Killian felt
angry. He could feel his face scrunching up in annoyance. "What orders? I
just woke up buddy, so don't come here all soldier-like telling me what to
do." Dax's expression changed slightly, he seemed to believe Killian truly didn't know who he was. After a small
awkward pause, a cheery ding sounded from
Killian's room. Dax darted into the room with Killian shuffling behind. On the
bedside table, the wooden top had lit up
into a blue screen. Dax gulped and tapped the screen revealing a message.
Stepping back sheepishly, Dax nodded for Killian to read the odd tabletop
message.
Killian,
One of our head recruits, Dax, will be coming to escort
you to my office so you can inform us of your decision. Please follow him to
the upper floors. Hope you slept well.
Nathaniel
Killian turned
around smugly. "So, want to try asking me to come with you again...Dax was
it?"
Dax pursed his
lips before turning on his heel and marching out of the room. Killian chuckled,
pleased he'd brought the haughty recruit down a little bit.
The ride to the
upper floor with Dax was awkward, they didn't speak. The only words Dax said to
him was a reminder of which door was the office before he whizzed away in the
hidden elevator.
Killian knocked
hard on the thick door and was quickly
met by Miller, who ushered him into the
room.
“Good morning,
my boy," Nathaniel bellowed in a cheerful voice. "Would you care for
a hot drink? There is tea, coffee, even hot cocoa over near the window
there," he said pointing to a small coffee cart. It was covered in small
baskets that held various assortments of garnishes for the drinks. Killian
waved a hand in refusal and sat in the same chair he had used the night before.
He shifted
nervously in his seat as Nathaniel peered at him over his drink.
"I trust
you slept well?" Killian nodded as the two older men sipped from their
mugs.
"Are there
any questions you have for us after our
conversation last night?" Miller asked with a kind smile.
He wanted to ask
him about the possibility of his parents being alive, but he didn't want to let on Connor had told him. Suddenly he
remembered another person. "Mercedes...have you heard anything else about
her. I...just want to make sure she's okay."
"Mercedes
Forino is safe at home and one of our scientists has seen to it that she
believes the events of yesterday were all a dream."
"What? She
won't remember it was real? How?” Killian didn’t know if this was a bad thing
or good thing.
“Another serum.
It was given to her as she left yesterday. It’s better this way. Imagine how
Miss Forino would live her life, knowing there
are horrific creatures roaming the Hemisphere. She will go to her summer
classes on Terrene this morning, thinking she had a horrible nightmare. Of
course, as a precaution, we have two recruits keeping watch over her at a
distance. It’s standard precaution since
the Malumians picked up her scent as well during the attack. We are certain they won’t bother her again, however,
since it seemed they were programmed to attack you.” Killian nodded, but still
felt a twinge of sadness in his heart. He was grateful she was being protected,
but Mercedes had touched him somehow. She had saved him from the wolf. She was
the first person in a long while he felt could be trusted. Now he would simply
be a memory from a nightmare to her.
Killian breathed
out loudly, allowing his body to relax into the metal chair.
"Well, I
suppose we should cut to the chase. Are you going to stay with us here in the
Praetorium?" Nathaniel gazed over his silver mug at him.
Killian
processed Connor's advice once more; he wouldn't be safe at home, there is a
small chance his parents were alive, and he had to learn if Merlin's Talisman
had affected him in some way by the odd power Connor's instructor had
mentioned.
"I have
decided to stay."
Nathaniel
clapped his hands together and Miller beamed. He couldn't tell who was more
pleased with his decision. "Marvelous, I cannot begin to tell you what a
relief this is. You will be most valuable in the search for the Talisman, and
possibly other relics." Nathaniel exclaimed.
"I don't
know about that, but I'll try."
"No you
don't understand Killian, you are connected with the Talisman. It will be far
easier for you to find it than one of us."
"Okay, I'll
go with that for now. What do I need to do?"
"I want to enroll you in Recruit
training."
"What does
that mean?"
"Oh, my,
you will be trained on everything. You'll learn weaponry, hand to hand combat,
proper realm etiquette, oh, and of course survival skills. The different realms each house their own dangers. I want you
to head down to the fifth floor, it's the training center floor. You need to go
through realm school first."
"What's
realm school?"
"It's just
a small class covering each realm. It
will explain what makes individual realms special—it’s
only a few days, but beneficial. Remember how we mentioned our young members
become Potentials?" Killian nodded. "You are going straight to realm
school and skipping the potential period altogether. In order to find your
relic you will need to be trained as
a recruit."
Nathaniel sat
back in his chair, noticeably tired. He held a small roll of papers in his hand
that he'd pulled from his drawer. "I wish I could give you the opportunity
to visit all the different departments, but you will need skills as a recruit
to find your relic. So, my boy, take these orders down to the fifth floor.
Forgive the paper, some things I still
like to do 'old-school'. A least that's what the young people say.” Nathaniel
chuckled. “I will send them your file; the information of your background. When
you arrive, don't head into the recruit
training door, go to the classroom next to it. Your instructors will meet you
there. They will direct you on what to do after you complete the class."
Nathaniel powered up his computer built into the fine marble top of his desk. The older man moved in such haste
Killian knew the conversation was over, but he wanted to make them aware of one
thing more.
"Sir?"
Nathaniel looked up from his desk. "I...uh...well sometimes odd things
happen with me. I'm wondering if it could be affects
from wearing such a powerful relic for so long?" As he spoke, he had also caught Miller's undivided
attention.
"What kinds
of things Killian?" Miller asked.
He shifted his
eyes between the two older men. "Well, sometimes I feel too much. I know it sounds strange, but it's like at times I
can feel what everyone else around me is feeling...it can be overwhelming and
make me feel physically sick." The two men stole a quick glance to one
another. Nathaniel appeared calm, but Miller looked worried. "And...and I
also have had a lot of strange dreams before. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but it's been
almost like I physically go somewhere, like it's not just a dream. From what
you've described of me being separated from my grandmother as a kid, I'm pretty
sure I've dreamed of her and witnessed the moment I was taken." He didn't
expound that he believed he had also seen her the day he was attacked.
"Does she have red hair?" Miller's eyes widened and nodded slowly.
"It's been
years, but yes Rhetta had cinnamon colored hair."
Nathaniel
cleared his throat, almost appearing reluctant to speak further about a strange
ability. "Killian, I'd like you to monitor and inform me if you experience
anything strange from here on out, but don't think too much on it. These things are most likely
coincidences and effects from emotional stress in your life. But I assure you
if anything continues, we will follow through with neurological testing and
mental simulations. Now don't worry, and please enjoy your time today with the
instructors. We are so glad to have you with us, my boy."
He bristled at
the rushed conversation, but nodded and stood, making his way out the brilliant
doors to catch the elevator to the fifth floor.
The training
floor was much colder, with none of the charm from
the upper floors. The walls and floor were made of shining steel similar to the
exterior of the building. Small, square windows high on the walls were the only
source of light along the cool hallway.
Walking on the smooth steel, Killian saw an unmanned desk nestled against the
back wall in front of a large double door. Approaching the two doors, Killian
could make out the black, bold lettering "Recruit Training" directly
over the doorframe. Off to the side he noted the classroom. Opening the door, he saw the room filled with three people
huddled in a circle speaking to one another. When the door creaked open, they all turned to face him.
One woman had
long black hair and glowing silver eyes. She smiled at Killian revealing faint
lines in the corners of her lips. She must smile a lot. Another woman with
bluish-purple hair tipped red gazed at him. Her eyebrows were completely made
up of gold piercings, along with both nostrils. All the eccentric piercings were shadowed by her flame-red lipstick that accentuated
her lips. The third was a pink-cheeked man. He wore a blue bandana on his head
that held his long white hair out of his face. It was easy to figure he had one
instructor from each of the main realms. Although each instructor was dressed
in bland, gray or brown uniforms, each
one had added something to differentiate themselves from the others. The
Cimmerian woman had a dark ebony necklace
filled with sparkling stones around her neck. The Ignisian woman had a colorful,
yet attractive, scarf tied fashionably around her neck, and, of course, the Glacien had a similar sash around his waist
just as ancient Cornelis had worn.
"Hello, Killian. Nathaniel said you would be
attending realm school this afternoon. We're so pleased to have you join
us," the Cimmerian said. Her voice was whimsical and enchanting, like a
whispered song.
"You guys
get messages quick here," Killian chuckled.
The woman
nodded. "My name is Sasha, as you can see, I am from Cimmerian. This is
Serefina, she is from Ignisia.” The bright haired woman smiled excitedly at him
and waved as she took a few short steps toward him, planting a soft kiss on his
cheek. "And finally, this gentleman is Janus. He comes to us from
Glaciem." The kind faced man smiled at Killian and bent low at the waist.
The customs of the Ponderi were strange, though perhaps each realm had their
own cultural greetings.
"Please
have a seat," Sasha said, ushering him with her hand. Killian followed her
direction and found a soft chair in the center of the room.
"I suppose
I will begin the lesson. This class is to simply
give you an idea of each distinguishing factor in the three main realms. It will help you if you are a
Custodis to understand what is important and special
about each culture, does that make sense?"
Killian shook
his head. “What’s a Custodis?”
The teachers
glanced at one another before Sasha spoke. “Nathaniel didn’t tell you what a
Custodis was?” Killian shook his head. “Strange. Your father was a Custodis.
Killian we assume you were told our society is full of different talents and
jobs right?”
“Yes, Nathaniel
briefly mentioned something about young kids being Potentials in different
departments.”
“True,” Janus
said taking over dialogue. His voice was soft and calm, yet carried a brash
Scandinavian accent. “Ve have many areas of employment. To name a few ve have
engineers, medical staff, chefs, analysts and scientists, Bestians, recruits
and finally Custodis recruits. I’m sure you can figure out vat most of zose
departments control, but since you’ll be joining the recruits ve’ll discuss zat
department.”
“The recruits
are in charge of realm defense, and defense of the Praetorium. If there were
ever an unlikely combat situation our recruits would lead us. They are skilled
in many different areas,” Serefina explained.
“Nathaniel told
me about weapons and combat training. It seems like a soldier.”
“In a way they
are. But Custodis recruits, those are the realm jumpers.”
Killian
scrunched his face and got lost in Serefina’s gold facial jewelry.
Sasha cleared
her throat. “Custodis are the only recruits that travel through the track
systems to other realms. In your forms here,” she said looking at the rolled
paper, “it seems Nathaniel suspects you may be a Custodis too.”
“They want me to
travel to the other realms?” Killian was flabbergasted.
“If you are
able, not everyone can be a Custodis. Only certain blood types can link with
the track system. If everyone could jump the tracks would eventually use too
much energy and collapse.” Janus said simply. “Does our explanation answer your
question?” Killian nodded slowly, unsure if he understood anything that had
happened in the last twenty-four hours.
"Alright,
let's begin." Sasha opened a case and pulled out what looked like a
fluorescent light tube. She pressed a small silver button and immediately the
walls in the room burst into enormous holographic screens. It was as if the
room had formed a bubble around him and every direction was allowing him to
experience a new realm. Killian gawked in awe as he saw two magnificent moons
above him as the ceiling transformed into a brilliant night sky. One burst in ghostly pink light, while the second, smaller moon was a peaceful blue. An earthy
smell filled his nose, the smell of twilight mixed with a fresh breeze.
"Cimmerian—or the magic realm—is the last
Monarchy," Sasha began, waving her arms around the impressive screens.
"The Queen's name is Maurelle, and she leads the Cimmerian people today.
She comes from a grand line of wonderful
leaders." Killian saw a stunning woman walk the surrounding, black stone
streets. He could hear the bustle of the busy shops and the queen's steps. She
had flowing ebony hair and floated amongst her people with a regal grace. Every
sparkling diamond sewn into her impressive purple gown glimmered in the
moonlight and reflecting off her pale, flawless skin. She seemed so real, as if she were in the room with him.
Killian locked onto her silver eyes that swirled like brilliant stars. She was
truly one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen.
"Of course
it's not necessary for you to know her lineage, only that her father was
Claec."
Killian tore his
gaze away from the beautiful queen. "Wait, Claec? The ancient ruler...he
lived like hundreds of years ago, how can his daughter still be alive?"
Sasha smiled.
"Killian not every realm ages the same. Cimmerian's have the longest
lifespan, and we count our years in seasons, three seasons make up one of your
years. We can live for thousands of seasons. Queen Maurelle has been alive for
nearly seven centuries according to Terrenian time." Killian didn't know
how to react; he didn't know if this was even possible. The Queen looked close
to his age, but she was seven-hundred- years-old! Sasha didn't wait for him to
process the astronomical age difference,
she continued with her lesson. "Each realm has their own language, but
since the Ponderi's birth most have learned James Thomas's common
language."
"English?"
Killian verified, understanding why everyone had unique accents. Sasha nodded,
smiling.
"You were
told Claec lost his position as Grand Master and the Ponderi was formed under
his rule, correct?" Killian nodded. Sasha smiled and continued.
"Cimmerian's are a proud people and treasure their magic. I admit
personally it's been hard for me not to summon my abilities. It is ingrained
within us, but it's for the better good we don't. There is danger with magic.
Remember these terms—Summoning, Binding, Extracting."
The images
surrounding him altered to nothing more than the beautiful Cimmerian sky, glittered with pink, purple,
blue, and white stars.
"These are the three spells Cimmerian's
are experts at. Let me first explain summoning. A Cimmerian has the ability to
summon unprotected artifacts or objects. It is very helpful if you need to find
something and of course, it can make a
person rather lazy." Sasha chuckled as if she were referring to herself.
Killian smiled along with the other instructors.
“What do you
mean unprotected?” He asked.
“Well, if
something is hidden by a spell or highly guarded in multiple ways, summoning
would not be able to access the object,” Sasha explained. Killian thought of the relics. It would make
it much easier if a Cimmerian could simply
summon one of the artifacts, but he was certain
they all were heavily guarded. "Now for this class I've been given
permission to provide an example. I may be a little rusty, so bear with
me."
Sasha focused
hard at one of the desks in the back of the room, with a loud crack the desk
evaporated and reappeared in front of the room on its side. Sasha's lips turned
down into a frown.
"Wow!"
Killian was astounded. "That was amazing.
Miller and Nathaniel said there was magic, but I...I never could imagine
something like that." Sasha waved a hand in front of her, blushing at his
praise.
"If I was practicing
regularly, the spell would be silent, I could summon from a different
room, and it wouldn't land in an
atrocious way—you get the idea,
though." She quickly corrected the desk and continued her lesson. "Do
you have any questions so far about Cimmerian?" Killian shook his head.
"Right. The other two charms are more dangerous and can unintentionally
cause harm, so I won't be demonstrating.
Binding," An image of a Cimmerian appeared in front of him. The person
crouched over another laying on a black tabletop, "is connecting another
ability with your own. This is often
used to keep unique traits within families. For example, as a family member
begins to pass away, the living relative may bind the dying's power with their
own. It adds upon one another. The Royal family is one of the longest in our
history, so Maurelle, in theory, would be the most powerful person in the Hemisphere if she had bound powers to herself
from her family. Binding is not public knowledge, we can only speculate whether
she has bound her loved one's powers to
her or not. A person may also bind their
energy and power to someone who is ill, or requires healing. It can greatly
help someone in a dire state of health. This form of binding takes great skill,
and I would wager Maurelle may be one of the few skilled enough to successfully
do it. Our queen is powerful. We are
blessed to have her—she generously uses her abilities to better Cimmerian and
other realms." The other two instructors nodded their agreement.
"She is
generous," Janus said quietly.
"The last
spell is Extracting," Sasha said as two more Cimmerians seemed to appear
in the room. "This is tricky and
caused a lot of problems during the Terrene Venture. The basic principle is: a
Cimmerian may forcibly extract another's powers, memories, illnesses, or even
their life. It can be performed on any race. During the Terrene Venture this power is what others experimented
with creating harmful, fatal mutations." Killian saw one of the projected
Cimmerians place their hand upon the
chest of the other. A brilliant, white light pierced the screen until the
second collapsed at the feet of the extractor. As the images faded, he imagined
the silver-eyed warriors stepping onto the battlefield. While the opponent
raised their sword, the Cimmerian simply
sucked their life away.
"But of
course," Sasha continued, interrupting his thoughts, "many of these
spells were corrupted during the venture. They are rarely used now." Sasha
seemed sad her beloved abilities had to
be so closely guarded. Killian felt sad for her. She seemed like she would be someone who would
use them for the benefit of others.
"A few last
Cimmerian points I'll explain. To most, Cimmerian is also named the dark realm.
You see my gorgeous eyes," she teased. Killian smiled, "they are
accustomed to see in dim lighting.
Anything brighter than this room I would have to wear protective glasses. It
would feel as if my eyes were being burned."
"Why is it
so dark?" Killian asked.
"Cimmerian
doesn't have a sun. We have two moons
instead, as you see above you." Sasha beckoned to the ceiling as the unique moons
appeared again on the invisible screen. "We grow many plants that would
shrivel under sunlight. Emerald Fruit is our most valued crop. It has healing
properties. In fact, Connor's salve he put on your cuts when you arrived has
Emerald Fruit extract," she said
proudly. "Our largest moon is nicknamed the Pink Giant, or as Cimmerian's
call it, the sharing moon. As I said, Cimmerian is divided into three seasons: light season, harvest, and the dark season. In
Terrene measurements, I've been told you would say each season was four
moths."
"Do you
mean months?" Killian chuckled.
"Oh, I
always miss that word." Sasha grimaced. "Anyway, during the dark
season the Pink Giant disappears from the Cimmerian
sky and naturally offers more light to the other two main realms. This happens
to fall during their growing seasons.
The extra light from our moon creates healthy crops for Glaciem and Ignisia.
Everything is balanced." She finished.
"If it's so
balanced why did the ancient leaders want to create the Earth...I mean
Terrene?" The three instructors shifted slightly, thinking of how to
answer. Janus spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.
"There is an ancient balance of the realms. However, there were many difficulties negotiating with the realm people.
Many needs were left unaddressed simply because of the distance of the realms.
So the idea was to create a place where everyone could live. That is why the
Ponderi, in today’s world, have provided an added balance. They have provided
the solution to ancient problems without
joining Terrene. It is almost like a train system you would have on Terrene.
The Praetorium is the station. Anything that needs addressing is brought to the Praetorium, and sent to the needy realm
by way of the ‘track’, or portals Custodis pass through.” He said making
quotations with his fingers.
“I guess that
makes sense,” Killian concluded.
“Well, I suppose I may begin the Glaciem lesson,
of course unless you have further questions for Sasha?” Janus said motioning to
the Cimmerian. Killian shook his head. “Perfect. Killian, you may liken Glaciem’s
environment to your territory of Alaska, I’m told it is called, but in some
parts it may feel like the territory of
your arctic circle.” The holographic room shifted in a cold blast of
air. The earthy smell was replaced with the fresh, salty smell of an ocean.
Killian’s skin prickled against the breeze and he noticed how Serefina closed
her eyes, obviously uncomfortable in the cold.
“The glaciers,”
Janus continued, “bring forth fierce winds that are violent and well below
freezing temperatures. If a Terrenian were to step into our coldest canyons
wearing their thickest protective gear, they would freeze to death in moments.”
“How could
anyone survive living there if it gets so cold?” Killian asked staring at Janus’s
wind burned cheeks.
“Our bodies have
adapted over time. Our greatest evolutionary aspect is our hot-blood.”
“You mean
warm-blood?”
Janus shook his
head slowly. “No, Glaciens are hot-blooded. It helps us maintain regular body
temperatures that other races cannot tolerate.” Killian's eyebrows scrunched
together in disbelief. Janus gave a soft laugh at his expression. “I understand
it is strange to you, but it's true. Even Terrenians have some remnant of
hot-blood. That is why some people on Terrene prefer the colder climates.”
Now, Glaciens
can adapt to any other realm too, except Ignisia,” He said giving Serefina a
quick nod. “Ignisia’s sun is too much for us. We could survive in Cimmerian though we would be blind as bats in
their dark areas, and Terrene, we would find comfortable.” Janus pressed the
button on the tube changing the holograph to an image of a beautiful glacier
dotted forest; Killian could feel the drip of freezing water rolling from the
trees. It was amazing, and so real—but so
impossible all at once. There were bright icy mountains, but they were littered
with tall pines. Below Killian recognized the green sea he’d seen in the
painting in the upper hallway.
“I will describe
two points about Glacien culture. We have certain abilities that make us
beneficial during unrest.” As he spoke,
Killian felt himself slouching in his chair. His muscles seemed to relax—this chair is so comfortable, he thought
to himself.
His mind drifted
away from Janus’s soothing voice. Instinctively, he wanted to think about what
made him happy—what brought him peace. The green Glaciem sea filled his mind. It
was calm and the sound of small waves made him feel such serenity. A pair of
emerald eyes were next to him—Mercedes.
In his mind, she sat next to him,
laughing and throwing small shells into the peaceful water.
"Killian—Mr.
Thomas," Janus's voice broke through his daydream. "How do you feel
at this moment?"
Killian sat up
straight, he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. He was mortified to have
dozed off, dreaming about Mercedes, whom he would most likely never see again.
"I am so
sorry, sir. I don't know why I dozed so quickly, I—"
Janus
interrupted Killian with a surprisingly loud laugh. The man's face was red when
he finally caught his breath. "Forgive me,
Mr. Thomas, I haven't put someone into such a relaxed state in such a long
while. I wasn't sure if the demonstration would work. It appears I still have
my touch."
"Demonstration?
What are you talking about?" Killian asked feeling more embarrassed.
"Glaciens,
Mr. Thomas, are experts in meditation, relaxation and focus. In stressful
moments, we can actually place people in a relaxed state of mind. Of course, it
takes particular skills to reach that level of mental control. Glaciens who
choose this route, choose it as a profession. They must attend rigorous
training to reach their mastered calm state of mind. Not every personality is
suited for it. I went through the
training as a young adult—it filled five rotations, or years as you call them,
of my life. So that is the equivalent of fifteen years on Terrene."
Killian's mouth dropped at the length of study the man had accomplished.
"You're
like a Zen Master," he said.
"I'm afraid
I'm not familiar with that term, but if it means peace and focus, then Zen
Master it is." Janus smiled as the room shifted to the salty waters of the
green sea. Killian felt the spray of waves on his face, each restful swell added to his yearning to travel
to this realm as soon as possible. Janus's voice broke through his relaxation
once more.
"Now, the
other point I'd like to focus on is the Glaciem contribution. Glaciem has the
purest resources available in the Hemisphere. We provide healthy nutrition for
all varieties of plants; we work with all manner of animal life as well. In
simple terms, Glaciens provide the seeds for all realms. Even Emerald Fruit
seedlings are washed and tended in Glaciem before being transported to
Cimmerian. Our blue pebbles are sent to each realm
to place into their bodies of water. The pebbles
provide a cleansing reaction ensuring all water is fresh and pure for other
races to drink." Janus scooped his hand into the green water and scooped
up several holographic translucent blue stones. Though Killian knew they
weren’t really in his hand, they
glimmered like sapphires against the water.
"But how
can your realm be compatible with the other realms?" Killian asked. Janus
appeared confused by the question. "I mean, wouldn't Emerald Fruit only
grow in Cimmerian? Wouldn't your pebble things melt in Ignisia if it's so
hot?"
"We don't
grow the plants, we prepare the
seedlings. Glaciens have a way with plants, we focus the seedlings on their
purpose so they provide suitable crops. We cleanse and protect the new seeds
from infection or poisons in the soils.
And yes, actually our blue pebbles do melt in Ignisia. But when they dissolve
they release the minerals needed to cleanse the dust and sand from the water.
It also gives Ignisia's water the most stunning blue color you've ever
seen." Janus finished proudly. "Any other questions before I turn the
time over to Serefina? Main take away points: Glaciem is the soul behind life in the realms, and we are Zen Creatures." Killian
laughed as Janus finished.
"Zen
Masters." Janus shrugged and chuckled before moving aside for Serefina to
step forward.
“Killian
Thomas!” she shouted excitedly, “I am thrilled to teach you about my
realm!" The cold was instantly replaced by a dry, dessert heat. Killian
began feeling uncomfortable as each minute passed.
"I gather
that," Killian said as Serefina brought her nose to almost touching his.
She beamed at him.
"Ignisia is
a powerful, proud realm. We have provided
light and heat since the Hemisphere’s beginning. Though Ignisian’s can’t calm
or practice magic, we are skilled fighters." The walls filled with lines
of eccentric, colorful people shooting metal bows, clashing swords, and
throwing spears. "Our strength has made us masters of battle for millennia.” Serefina pulled out two
shimmering gold daggers from a thin leather belt around her waist. Killian
hadn’t even noticed the weapons during the entire class. Serefina suddenly spun
in a furious circle, spinning several times, before releasing the brilliant
weapons with a ferocious cry. The daggers sliced through the air at an amazing
speed, before slamming with such force into two leather squares tacked on the
wall, Killian heard the ding of the gold hitting the steel behind the patches. He
let out a long whistle at the impressive marksmanship.
“As I said,
Ignisians are a proud people Killian,” she continued. “We pride ourselves on
our ancient tribal bonds. We have one tribal leader for the entire realm. Young
Ignisians are schooled on battle strategies and fighting techniques before they
utter their first word.” Serefina smiled at Killian’s stunned expression.
“Yes, Killian
it’s true. We are fierce warriors. Neighboring
realms avoid conflict with Ignisians at
all cost.”
“Ignisians are
also very humble if you can’t tell,” Sasha teased. Serefina laughed.
“Ah, Sasha you
only tease because I have conquered you on the training field for ninety
seasons—three decades in Terrenian time Killian.” Serefina smiled while Sasha
scoffed in the corner.
“One main point
to remember about Ignisia is: the realm becomes uncomfortably warm to most
other races." The images shifted on the holographic walls to a beautiful
dessert dotted with brilliant blue ponds as Janus had promised. Killian could
smell fabulous scents from dessert flowers and watched
as a small blue lizard -like creature with two heads and large black eyes,
padded near his face on the wall.
"The realm is made from fine ruby sands
with beautiful oasis’, but it is a vast desert. Ignisian’s have adapted and
live quite comfortably. We are masters of heat and are responsible for the development of each realm’s sun, or moons
in Cimmerian’s case. We’ve helped shape the light so their realms flourish. If there is ever a problem
with their fires, suns or any light or
heat source, Ignisians can tolerate the extreme temperatures to repair the
issues."
Light is our
life, Killian. We dress brightly to honor our source of existence— fire, light
and heat are beautiful and sacred to Ignisians. Without our expertise and
services the other realms would fall into cold and darkness—the hemisphere would ultimately die.”
Serefina finished with such fervor Killian pulled back from her intense flaming
eyes.
“Well, I suppose
that’s a good reason to have some pride,” Killian teased.
“I
wholeheartedly agree,” Serefina said. Her bright smile caused all her piercings
to glimmer in the overhead lighting—the gold jewelry cast a gilded hue over her
tan skin. Killian stared at each instructor. They were all so different, yet he
could see how they each made such valuable contributions. The more he observed
the different races, the more he saw traces of evidence on Earth that each
realm had once been a part of its creation. It felt like, for the first time, things
were beginning to make sense.
"So just so
I'm on the same page," he began, "Cimmerian is magic, dark, shares
their moon, and grows healing plants?" Sasha smiled and nodded.
"Glaciem is full of peace and Zen, and they purify all the plant and water
sources so things can grow and people have fresh water?"
"Correct,"
Janus answered.
"Ignisia is
a dessert, that has an awesome control
over light and heat. You guys build suns
and are unbeatable fighters." Serfina bobbed her head up and down, causing
her jewelry to clang together. Her excitement was bubbling over making Killian
chuckle.
“Killian, the
purpose of this course is to teach that each realm is crucial to the balance of
the Hemisphere. We contribute in our own unique ways and for centuries, with
the Ponderi’s help, have found peace with our roles,” Sasha said, repackaging
the light bar and the walls instantly faded from the beautiful dessert to the boring steel walls.
“What about the
issue with Earth…I mean Terrene? What
will happen to the realms if Terrene is destroyed by the relics?” Killian asked
softly.
The instructors
glanced at each other for a moment before Janus spoke. “It is a real
problem—that is true. Since Terrene is still a part of the Hemisphere, if the
worst should happen, we don't know how it would affect the rest of us. You will
learn more in training, but our Custodis recruits, realm jumpers, are valuable
in assisting us to resolve that issue. Killian, if you are anything like your
relatives I believe you will be a valuable recruit.” Sasha and Serefina nodded
in agreement with Janus.
“I wish I could learn more about my
relatives,” he said sarcastically.
“All in good
time Killian. You will have many of your questions answered here in the
Praetorium.”
“That’s what
they keep telling me.”
Serefina stepped
to the steel door leading out of the classroom. “Killian, it’s time for our
midday meal.” She informed him as she
headed toward the door. "If you are hungry take the elevator to the third floor.
The entire floor is the dining area, we’re sure you’ll find something you enjoy
eating.” She smiled.
Killian nodded,
suddenly focusing on his wrenching stomach. He couldn’t remember the last time
he’d eaten. Because of oversleeping that morning, he’d missed breakfast, and
last night after he’d arrived he hadn’t even thought to eat. He thanked each
instructor. He was surprised to find how fascinated he was during each brief
lesson. The realms were mysterious and, in his opinion, each one was magical in
their own way. After the first realm school lesson
he admitted traveling to the realms
sounded thrilling. He mentally stored a reminder to ask the instructors how you
learned if you were one of the Custodis recruits; the realm jumpers. He left
the cool classroom with the strange hope that soon he’d be visiting each
one of the mystic realms.
“Killian! Finally, I found you!” A familiar voice shook
him from his thoughts. Blake was running
toward him waving. His dirty blond hair was shorter, revealing the two-moon
tattoo even more on his neck. Killian’s eyes widened. Blake was wearing two
gold rings in each ear. He’d never seen earrings on him before. Forgetting
about the added accessories he smiled widely at his friend.
“Blake! Man, I
feel like I haven’t seen you in forever, where have you been? You bring me to
this crazy place then disappear,” Killian teased, but also had a hint of
seriousness.
“Sorry. I was
told to leave you to Miller and Nathaniel for a few days. I wanted to be there
the whole time, thinking that seeing a familiar face would help, but they said
they needed to help orient you.”
“Well you were right,
it would’ve been nice.”
“I know, I'm sorry. I've been dying to see how you've been
adjusting, but your here now. I'm starving and I'm ready to hear everything
you've been told. So, I’m heading up for the midday meal, let’s go. You’re
going to freak when you see the dining hall. No more prison food for you my friend.”
Blake pressed
his hand against the steel wall to signal the elevator. He was obviously
brimming with excitement at what Killian was going to experience.
