Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key (5 page)

The ride was more
comfortable than she expected. She began to loosen her grip. Harrison grabbed
her hands before she separated them, startling her. “You’re not going to want
to do that just yet!” He yelled, over the thunderous gallop of the horses.

Reece clasped her
hands tightly again around his waist. She leaned a little sideways to look
ahead, and felt her heart nearly stop. In front of them, the land ended in a
gray mist. Saracen gained even more speed; then she could feel him gathering
himself. With a surge of muscle, he leaped into nothingness.

She looked down and
saw nothing underneath them but thick, gray mist. She looked back, and saw a
trail of fiery red leaves slowly falling into the nothingness below.

The horses landed
gracefully. Their front hooves beckoned the ground as they drew closer to the
other edge of the great divide of emptiness. As they reached it, anxious front
legs grabbed the ground as if they were pulling it beneath them, and grateful
back legs followed. The horses then resumed their thundering gallop, faster
than before.

The sound of hooves
seemed muted now; Reece looked down. They were riding on firm, black sand;
although, they were moving too fast for her to be sure. She decided to bring
her attention to the change of scenery before her eyes. The forest of trees
with the vibrant red leaves had been replaced by bright green meadows.

Reece gasped at the
beauty of the open areas surrounding them. There were flowers with colors so
unique and vibrant that they reflected the light of the sun, just as gemstones
would.
The sun…do they have a sun here?
She looked up at the brilliant
blue sky in search of it.

 She saw that the
sun was a round object, similar to Earth’s; except it had a unique brightness
and light about it, and strangely, it did not hurt her eyes to stare at it.
Brilliance, fire, and ice would accurately describe the round image that
illuminated the skies of this interesting world.

  Snowcapped
mountains lined the horizon. The terrain they were traveling through was
becoming less flat, and the flowers in the meadows were being replaced with
tall trees and thicker vegetation. The trees became plentiful as they headed
into a dark forest. She watched in amazement as this forest became denser, and
the plant life began to mysteriously glow; as the foliage in the forest of
red-leaved trees had. So it appeared to be that whenever this unique
environment saw a hint of darkness, it glowed.

The weather cooled
as the last of the sun’s light was blocked by the forest they were riding
through. Everything was glowing now. Greens, blues, and yellows illuminated the
grounds all around them. She saw pink and white twinkling lights fluttering
above the ground,
fireflies?
She looked out around Harrison, to see what
was in front of them, and where they were going. As they crossed a stone
bridge, she gazed in awe at the site of a sparkling, silver-colored river
beneath them.

They steadily made
their way over the smooth surface of the arched bridge. Once safely across it,
they began a gradual ascent up a hill. She held tighter to Harrison as the
horse lunged up the hill abruptly. Once at the top of the hill, they were
quickly out of the darkened forest and entering a valley, surrounded by rolling
hills.

She glanced around
to check for signs of buildings, but there was nothing. Where were they taking
her? They couldn’t have ridden for more than thirty minutes or so, yet she was
ready to get off the horse. She sighed with relief when the horses came around
a hill, and a small village came into view.

The village sat in
the valley they were riding through, and was surrounded by more wooded hills.
Up the hills and above the village there was a clearing, and what appeared to
be another city.
Finally!
She thought as she they quickly approached the
small town.

The horses slowed
as they entered the bustling streets. Reece looked around, wondering where they
would stop.

The houses were
made of stone and covered with dark green ivy. Some people stood on the street,
waving and cheering as the horses walked past.

What she saw
reminded her of the places she loved reading about in historical novels. From
the cottage-like buildings, to the long gowns she noticed the ladies wearing.
Some women wore aprons with their hair tied up in tight buns, while others wore
long dresses with capped sleeves and ribbons tied around their waists. There
was too much to take in. Horse-drawn wagons filled with produce, different
people wearing clothes from another time period scurrying around, carrying
fresh baked breads, and crates filled with various types of food.
Is this
real?
Did they time travel somehow? People didn’t dress like this anymore.

These thoughts were
soon interrupted when Harrison shifted in his saddle and turned his head to the
side, “You doing okay back there?”

“Um, yeah, I
guess…Is this where you’re taking me?” Reece answered.

She felt Harrison
laugh before answering, “No, our destination is up the hill from this village,”
He pointed toward a magnificent structure that was sitting impressively on top
of a bright green hill, overlooking the village they were in. “That is where
are journey ends. It will not be much longer now.”

  Once they were
through the small village, the horses picked up their pace, heading up a steep
road and bringing the magnificent structure into better view. Reece studied it
while the horses followed the cobblestone road, which was winding around and
upward.
Is that a castle?

  As they slowly
rode up and around the hill, she saw different views of the enormous, gray,
stone structure. Countless windows took advantage of the view from the hill. It
was a palace, not a castle—castles don’t have
that
many windows.
Countless steps led down from the front doors to the perfectly manicured lawns.
Gardens of flowering bushes and topiaries surrounded the Palace on all sides.

Once at the top,
the horses rode over a stone bridge. Reece glanced down at the crystal clear
water, seeing easily to the bottom. The river wound its way through the Palace’s
landscaped yard, disappearing into the thick forest of trees to their left. She
looked around and found that the enormous palace appeared to be the size of a
whole town.
Maybe it’s a city, and not just a palace? Who knows what to
think anymore?
Reece thought as she was at a loss for words. Whatever this
place was, it was situated perfectly, with a forest of trees with pastures
rolling into hills behind it, and an excellent view of the valleys below.

Harrison rode to
the side of the Palace. Levi had already dismounted, and was talking with the
man who had come for their horses. Harrison threw the reins over the horse’s
head. “Here you go, Javian. I think he deserves a snack. Areion was showing
off, for our new visitor, I think.” He turned back and lent his arm to help
Reece down off of the horse before dismounting himself. Her legs were a little
weak, but not as bad as she thought they’d be after riding a horse for the
first time in her life.

Levi stood at the
bottom of the steps that led up to the front entrance. He grinned at Reece,
searching her expressions, and then he laughed softly. “Thank you for all of
your patience with us. We have finally reached the place for explanations. Let
me be the first to properly welcome you to Pasidian Palace.” He held out his
arm.

Chapter
4

R
eece reached out and took Levi’s arm. As he led her up the marble
steps, she could not help but look up at him and marvel at how old-fashioned
he, and each experience she’d has thus far in this land, was. It was as if she
had stepped back in time; riding on horseback, small villages, and being
escorted by a perfect gentleman were not things she ever encountered.

As they approached
the entrance to the Palace, two servants opened the two massive, ornately
carved doors, which led into a large hall. Reece gasped at the grandeur of it.
The hall was well lit by enormous windows, which displayed the gardens in front
and back. Pairs of white marble columns flanked each side of the windows. The
walls were a matching alabaster, and extended up into a barrel-curved
shimmering, emerald-colored ceiling. Reece stared up at the ceiling with
amazement.

She looked over at
Levi, who looked amused, as if he had been watching her reaction.

Harrison laughed
light-heartedly, startling Reece. She’d forgotten he was behind them. “Are you
still doing okay up there, Reece?”

“Um, yeah, I
guess.” She had no other words.

They turned left,
and Levi opened a large door into a long hallway, which was lined with numerous
doors and passageways that had staircases leading off into unknown places.
Candles, now their only source of illumination, lit up the walls from their
sconces. These candles were intriguing to gaze upon. A soft white glow,
replaced the natural effect of a candle flame. After closer inspection, she
confirmed there was no dancing flame, only the iridescent glow.
What is it
with the glowing colors everywhere in this land?
She thought to herself.

  Queen Anne-style
chairs, with brass cabriole legs, and tables ornately carved out of rich wood,
were arranged throughout the elegant hallway. Each doorway they walked past was
closed, leaving Reece to ponder where they led and what they held. As they
approached an open door, she absently squeezed Levi’s arm and slowed their
pace. She glanced into the room. It was elaborately furnished throughout, and
had arched windows of impressive proportions, which displayed the entire front
lawns of the house. She had never seen such a magnificent place.

“Wow,” she
whispered. “So, this is your king’s palace?”

By now, she could
not help but to ask such a question. She was feeling utterly under dressed and
ridiculous.

  Levi politely
answered. “Yes. My father, Navarre, is the Emperor, and he rules the entirety
of Pemdas. This palace is our home; it is located centrally within the land,
and has many villages around it. My father, whom we are taking you to meet, is
a very knowledgeable man; he is highly respected by all who depend on him,
especially all of the Pemdai. Never before, in all the dimensions we’ve
visited, have I seen anyone generate such respect from their people.” He smiled
down at her bewildered expression.

Reece began to
understand why Levi held himself so imperially. The man was definitely a
significant individual. It should probably intimidate her to know she was on
the arm of such a man; however, it did not affect Reece’s opinion of him. She
was more concerned with what he had just proclaimed. And that was, that they
have visited other worlds besides Earth.
Not possible.
She thought.

  “All of the
dimensions…you’ve visited?” She questioned with doubt.

Harrison laughed.
“Indeed, all of the dimensions! However, I must clarify. We have not only
visited them, but we have served to protect them, too.”

Reece
nodded her head. She was convinced these two were, in their own way, making fun
of her. She decided to remain quiet, until they reached the man who would give
her the answers and explanations she required.

They passed a few
more closed doors, and then Levi stopped before leading Reece out of the
hallways and into an atrium.

He turned to face
her, “Reece, before going any farther, I wanted to give you an opportunity to
freshen up a little.” He motioned toward a closed door, “Take your time, I know
this has been a long day for you. Harrison and I will be just across the way,”
He pointed to a closed door across the hall, “in that small sitting room when
you are finished.”

Reece faintly
smiled with appreciation, and politely thanked him.

Upon entering, the
room promptly lit up without having to turn on a switch. She glanced around the
magnificent bathroom.
Thank goodness, indoor plumbing!

The idea of
traveling into this land on horseback had her believing this world might be
lacking other forms of modern technology as well. So, she was surprised to see
that their restroom functioned like the advanced ones on Earth. Everything was
motion activated, the lights, the lavatory, and the sink. She could have easily
stood in awe at the elaborate marble sink, the impressive mirror, and golden
fixtures; but now was not the time to marvel at a bathroom.
It’s a palace
bathroom, Reece. Just because you don’t see one everyday – or have ever seen
one before – doesn’t mean you should be surprised.

She tried to ignore
the distraction, wanting to make her visit quick. But having been alone for the
first time since agreeing to leave with these men, she became dreadfully
overwhelmed. She was weak in the knees and almost trembling.

She splashed cool
water on her face to help remove her from this state she was in. Fortunately,
as quickly as this feeling had come upon her, it left. She was back in reality,
and now the answers she wanted were the only things consuming her thoughts.

 She grabbed a soft
cloth, patted her face, and shook her head at image of herself in the mirror.
The usually bright-blue eyes that were staring back at her were tired and worn.
Her face was pale, replacing the healthy glow it normally had. The ponytail she
tied for her morning run was in disarray. She could not help but to laugh at
her appearance, it was pathetic.
Very classy, Reece!
She figured she
would just pull the tie out of her hair and allow it to fall loosely down her
back.
Ha! THAT was a bad idea.
It was a tangled mess from being whipped
around during her horseback ride. Her lips twisted up on one side, defeated in
every way. She studied her sorry appearance in the mirror, trying to conjure up
with a way to make herself look presentable.
Well, what are you gonna do?
She
arched her brow and then quickly brought her hair up into a knot on the top of
her head. She chuckled.
Sadly, that actually looks better.
She inwardly
concluded.