Guardians of Rhea (5 page)

“Easy now,” Richard said.

“Hey, Rich!” Jacob began, “Remember last year
when we were escorting that convoy to Genoa, and we got jumped by
three Vesuvians?”

“How could I forget? Charles almost lost his
arm in that mess.”

“What ‘mess’? We all made it out alive and
bagged two Vesuvians.”

“I would hope that four Guardians and six
soldiers are a match for three Vesuvians.”

William nudged Jacob. “You should have been
there when me and Rich ran into a Fenrir.”

“I heard about it,” Jacob said.

“Yeah? Well did I ever tell you I had
nightmares for almost a week because of that?” For a brief moment,
William stared at the floor. “All that hair, claws and teeth. It
was like a dog.”

Richard shook his head. “More like a wolf,
with the way it howled.”

Juli took hold of William's hand. “How'd you
kill it?”

William took a quick swig of his drink. “As
fast as we could.”

“Sara, do you really have a skull?” Marian
asked.

“Marian,” Sara said in disbelief.

The sun had completely set, and the full moon
was out.

Several miles from the city and into the
forest, cliffs soared hundreds of feet. From here, Leon could see
the lights of New Haven as a soft amber glow in the distance.
Sitting in a crouched position, he scanned his surroundings before
casually standing up and diving feet-first to the ground. A fall
from that height would kill just about anything, but for a
Vesuvian, it might as well have been a hop.

Upon landing, he took off in a burst of
phenomenal speed leaping, bouncing and jumping from one tree to the
next.

Within perhaps a minute, Leon found himself
at the edge of the tree line, looking at the gates of New Haven. He
stood motionless, watching the patrolling soldiers.

With the light from the moon, the soldiers
could see several dozen yards out toward the forest. One was
startled when he spotted Leon approaching the gates. “Halt!” he
ordered, getting the attention of several others.

Leon did as told.

“It looks like a Vesuvian,” a soldier said.
“Besides, we're not expecting anyone until tomorrow.”

“What should we do?” Another asked.

“Alert the Guardians,” said Thomas, passing
by. “I'll deal with the Vesuvian.”

Leon waited as the gate opened and Thomas
passed through, approaching him at a brisk pace.

Several soldiers gathered along the wall and
began to whisper among themselves. “He’s crazy.”

“He's an Elite. He can handle it.”

Thomas pulled his halo from its holster as he
closed in.

Leon didn't even get a chance to speak before
having to dodge a swipe from the halo that could have split his
head in two.

Minutes later, back at the Guardian's ball, a
soldier burst through the doors, bringing the party to an abrupt
stop. “There's a Vesuvian outside the gate!”

Immediately, everyone scrambled to the
nearest armory.

“What's going on?” Marian shouted.

“Wait here,” Sara said, running off with the
rest of the Guardians.

Leon grabbed his staff and began using it to
block many of Thomas' strikes.

Thomas was stronger and much more imposing
than Sara, but slower. He found it difficult to land any hits even
when he feinted.

There were a few times here and there where
Leon had to eat a punch or a kick just to avoid the halo’s razor
edges.

Sara arrived at the wall with several
Guardians. She recognized Leon almost immediately. “It's him,” she
whispered to herself.

Thomas was becoming more exhausted and
frustrated by the second. As he swung wide, Leon ducked under and
grabbed him by the arm, flinging Thomas several yards through the
air. He landed with a thud.

A few of the people along the wall gasped in
horror.

Leon reached into small knapsack around his
waist and pulled out a small roll of paper, then tossed it in front
of Thomas.

CHAPTER EIGHT

In the Great Hall, all of the Guardians who'd
gathered the day had returned.

“What does it say?” Philip asked.

“Alliance,” Henry responded.

The room was silent, though the air was
filled with a sense of confusion.

“Alliance?” Philip repeated.

“Some kind of trick?” Thomas suggested.

“Could be,” Arthur said. “But if that's the
case, the question isn't why, but why now?”

Some in the room seemed even more
baffled.

“Arthur, can you elaborate?” Henry asked.

“This can't be a trick,” Arthur began. “At
least I don't think so. If it is, it sure took the Vesuvians a long
time to think of. None of the Rheans have ever tried to trick us
before, not like this, and they're not stupid. This is completely
unprecedented. Think of it. Open talk, trade, exchange of
information.”

Philip asked. “Where's the Vesuvian who
delivered this message?”

Thomas spoke. “Ten minutes ago, he was still
outside the gate.”

Henry looked to Arthur. “What could have
possibly happened for the Vesuvians to be so desperate all of a
sudden?”

“Who knows,” Arthur said. “But the important
thing to remember is that they're requesting an alliance, not
peace.”

“Good point,” Philip said. “An alliance
usually means to join forces against another.”

“Forget it!” Thomas laughed. “We’ve pursued
peace with them countless times and they’ve never cooperated. Let
them sweat it out this time.”

Arthur was quick to counter. “According to
Sara, our Guardian who fought the Vesuvians two nights ago, it
appeared as though the Vesuvians were not cooperating, perhaps even
fighting each other. Now I don't know what that means-”

“I'll tell you what it means.” Thomas
snapped. “It's all part of some plan to trick us into this
‘alliance.’”

“Enough!” Philip said. “Both of you have
valid arguments, but there is simply no way to be sure at this
time.”

After a moment of silence, Arthur spoke.
“There may be a way.”

Philip looked to him. “How?”

“Let’s talk to the Vesuvian before jumping to
conclusions.”

“Doesn't mean he won't lie,” Thomas said.

Arthur became visibly agitated.

“Thomas!” Philip said. “You're a fine
Guardian, perhaps one of the best. But Arthur has seen and done
more than most in this room, so I will say this only once. Shut
up!”

Embarrassed, Thomas' head dropped.

“Shall I bring the Vesuvian?” Arthur
asked.

“Not without an escort,” Philip said.

Thomas was quick to volunteer. “I'll go.”

Philip waved him off. “After what you just
pulled? No! You're lucky you didn't kill the Vesuvian! Arthur, find
Sara. The two of you will escort the Vesuvian here. I want her
involved with this from now on.”

Arthur immediately stood and was on his way.
As he walked through the Citadel, he ran into Richard. “Have you
seen Sara?”

“I just spoke with her,” Richard answered.
“She and several others are watching the Vesuvian outside.”

“I should have guessed. Thanks.”

Leon was sitting on a boulder near the main
gate, not minding the dozens of eyes watching him like a freak
show.

“He must be crazy to come here alone,”
William said, as he and Jacob stood guard along the wall.

Jacob stared at Leon. “How do you know he's
alone? Some of these guys can turn invisible.”

Arthur continued his search and found Sara.
He stood by her, watching Leon.

“It's him,” Sara said. “That’s the one that
got away.”

Arthur looked. “The Consular wants us to
escort your friend here.”

“Yeah right.”

“I’m not kidding.”

“Why?” Sara asked.

“You'll see.” Arthur said. “The Consular
himself wants you in on this.”

Sara never took her eyes off Leon once she
and Arthur passed the gate. When they came to within just a few
feet, Leon stood and pulled his hood back.

All things considered, Sara found Leon to be
an average-looking man with short hair and a clean-cut face.

Leon offered a handshake to Sara.
“Hello.”

“Hi,” Sara said, accepting Leon’s hand. “I’m
Sara. This is Arthur.”

“My name is Leon. Have you come with an
answer for me?”

“No,” Arthur said. “Follow us. We need to
speak with you.”

Dozens of soldiers frantically worked to
clear the streets, pushing people aside and diverting
carriages.

Arthur walked side-by-side with Leon.

Sara was several yards ahead, working with
the soldiers. They eventually arrived at their destination. The air
in the room was tense as Leon entered.

“All of you please have a seat,” Philip
said.

As Leon sat, he spoke. “The Vesuvian Council
is expecting me to return soon. I'll try to answer any questions as
best as I can, but time is of the essence.”

“Why is that?” Philip asked.

Leon looked at several of the Guardians
before turning to Philip. “Can I ask you something first?”

“Very well.”

“Where do you go when you die?”

Philip was sure the others were just as
dumbfounded by the question as he. “Um...well...we...”

“What do you mean?” Sara asked.

Leon looked to Sara. “What is your afterlife
like?”

Puzzled, Sara answered. “It depends on what
you believe.”

Leon's eyes went wide. “You don't know?”

“Why? Do you?”

“Of course,” Leon said. “When Rheans die,
they pass on to a place called the Netherworld, and a few days ago
we found out that it's been invaded. In order to stop it, we need
your help.”

Philip paused for a moment, unsure of what to
say. “This world is filled with many strange wonders, but it's hard
to imagine how you intend on stopping this invasion.”

Sara found it amusing. “I hope we don't have
to die!”

“Who or what has invaded your Netherworld?”
Arthur asked.

“Pelasgians,” Leon replied. “They're
a...collective of sorts. They come from a place we call the Shadow
Realm. As for dying, don't worry, we have a gateway to travel
between lands.”

All eyes were on Philip. “Leon, I understand
you are short on time, but we must discuss this further. I've
arranged a room for you in the Citadel. We will have an answer for
you by morning.”

CHAPTER NINE

The next morning in the Great Hall, Philip
was slumped in his chair, rubbing his tired eyes.

Everyone from the night before, except for
Leon, walked in and took their seats. Sara and Arthur sat beside
Philip.

“Opinions?” Philip asked.

“Hard to believe,” Sara said.

Arthur spoke. “Considering the fact that
we're dealing with the afterlife, I'm forced to agree. However, I
think it's safe to say anything is possible.”

“Assuming he’s telling the truth,” Thomas
said. “How in the world can we organize any kind of attack? We were
created to support the regular army, which isn't equipped or even
trained to deal with the Rheans, much less any of their problems.
If we decide to help, there clearly aren't enough Guardians to wage
any kind of war.”

Philip sighed. “We've been put in a difficult
spot. Even I must admit that I find Leon's story hard to
believe.”

Sara crossed her arms. “The only way we can
know for sure is if someone goes and sees the Netherworld for
themselves, and it might not hurt to get a look at this Shadow
Realm.”

Everyone looked at Sara as if she were
crazy.

“Any idea who's going?” Arthur asked.

“I will,” Sara said.

Philip cleared his throat. “The Vesuvian is
expecting an answer.”

Sara shrugged her shoulders. “It's our necks
on the line. The way I see it, unless Leon can prove everything
he's said, we don't have to answer anything.”

Philip smirked. “I had a feeling your insight
would be useful. Sometimes it takes a younger, more adventurous
line of thought to see what needs to be done.”

Arthur leaned to Sara. “You sure about
this?”

“It's the only way,” Sara answered.

“Yes.” Philip said. “It's been decided. Sara,
go with Thomas and bring Leon...and Thomas, try not to kill him
this time.”

Walking through the corridor with Sara,
Thomas moped to himself. “...try not to kill him...”

“If I may ask--” Sara began.

“--no, you may not! I've never met a Vesuvian
that wasn't trying to drain me of my blood, and I am not about to
trust this one.”

As they came to Leon's room, guarded by two
Elites, Thomas motioned with his head for Sara to approach the
door.

However, Leon opened it just before Sara
could knock.

Slightly startled, Sara said, “Follow
me.”

Walking back to the Great Hall, no one said a
word.

Philip respectfully stood when they entered.
“Leon, welcome. Please have a seat.”

Leon sat, seemingly oblivious to the
skeptical stares he was getting.

Arthur spoke. “Before we begin, Leon, I'd
like to ask if you know anything about what happened two nights
ago. Two Vesuvians-”

“Yes,” Leon answered, then looking at Sara.
“I was one of them. I regret you had to get involved.”

“What were you doing?” Sara asked.

“Bekal was in violation of Vesuvian law. It's
illegal to enter human-held territory. The Council wishes to avoid
any conflict with you, for now.”

Philip then asked. “Leon, is there any way
you can prove that the Netherworld or Shadow Realm exists?”

“Not until I take you there.”

“Then you understand how difficult it is for
us to come to any kind of decision. If possible, we would like you
to take a Guardian to see the Netherworld and the Shadow Realm to
confirm everything. For the time being, I'd like to offer a formal
truce.”

After a moment, Leon said. “I guess that will
have to do, but shouldn't your Governor be here for this kind of
decision?”