The Guardian King

Chapter Eighteen

~ Ember

Broken glass crunched beneath my steps. The nauseating scent of stale beer, sweat, and urine wafted through the night air. Dread filled my chest. I couldn’t break free of reliving my worst nightmare. I was a prisoner within my own mind, forced to watch my most terrifying memory on replay. Multiple pairs of heavy booted footsteps charged toward me and I picked up speed though I knew there was no escape. My car came into sight just as I was jerked back by my hair. A scream caught in my throat as I suddenly felt my consciousness surfacing. Thank you, Lord. For one night at least I’d been spared the worst of the terror.

*

“My lady,” a soft voice broke through the silence and a small hand touched my arm. My eyes flew open at the realization I wasn’t alone in my new bedroom. As the room came into focus, I found not one, but two young women standing at my bedside. “Are you alright, my lady? His Majesty told us to wait in the other room for you to awake, but you sounded in distress. Did you have a bad dream?”

“You could say that,” I answered as I sat myself up.

*

I observed the two people in my private space and asked, “I don’t mean to be rude, but who are you?” The girl closest to me, who’d pulled me from my nightmare, answered first. “My name is Winifred, but you can call me Winnie. This is Freya.”

“Forgive us,” the one called Freya said, “I told Winnie not to enter your bedroom, but she wouldn’t listen.”

“No, it’s perfectly alright,” I responded. “I’m grateful you woke me when you did. But I still don’t understand who you are or why you’re here.”

“We are your new lady’s maids,” Freya claimed.

“Lady’s maids?”

“That’s right. All women of the court employ a lady’s maid.”

“You’re lucky. King Phoenix appointed you the both of us!”

“Winnie, you shouldn’t speak so openly,” Freya chastised her colleague.

“Um,” I rubbed the sleep from my face as I searched for words. “It’s nice to meet you, but why does the king feel I need lady’s maids?”

“Why does anyone need a lady’s maid? To make your life easier.”

*

I didn’t know what to make of the idea Phoenix saw me as a pampered princess. But before I could make up my mind to talk to him about his employment of the two girls, it occurred to me if I protested they could get fired. Though I didn’t need them, I didn’t want them to lose their jobs either.

*

“I’m grateful for your services, Winnie and Freya. I don’t think I really need lady’s maids, but I could certainly benefit from having a few more friends.” Winnie looked delighted. Freya, however, looked confused. “Ladies of the court don’t normally befriend their maids, do they?” I guessed. Freya shook her head and replied, “No ma’am. My previous employer thought no better of me than a smudge on her favorite shoes.”

“That’s a shame, because you seem altogether lovely.” She couldn’t hold back a meek smile.

*

“We brought you breakfast,” Winnie declared. “It’s in the other room when you’re ready. But you shouldn’t delay too long, my lady. The king’s grandmother is expecting you in the solarium promptly at eight o’clock.” I nodded in confirmation and they left me to myself.

*

I stared out the windows near my bed, admiring the view of the city cast in the light of sunrise. After climbing out of the comfortable bed, I wrapped myself in the robe draped over the footboard and opened the narrow exterior door, stepping out onto the small balcony. The castle stood much higher in elevation from the rest of Ilia. I breathed in the crisp Colorado air, enjoying the cooler mornings from what I was used to.

*

What was I in for with this new position? What were Phoenix’s expectations of me? I’d wanted to talk to him about the logistics surrounding my role and my training when we met for dinner the previous evening, but he never showed. Ambrosia appeared in his place, making excuses for him. I conversed easily with the king’s grandmother, which came as a pleasant distraction at the time, but as I stood on the balcony that morning, I wondered what could’ve been so important as to call the king away.

*

With a clear view of the charming clock tower from my balcony, I realized I didn’t have time to savor the peace and quiet. It was time to begin the purpose of my presence in the castle. I couldn’t keep Ambrosia waiting, and I didn’t miss breakfast for anything in the world.

*

Back in my living room, I looked at my new lady’s maids with fresh eyes. Freya stood taller than tiny Winnie, but not as tall as me. Freya had a curvy frame whereas Winnie couldn’t be called anything but dainty. Freya’s short black curly hair, dark skin, and gorgeous brown eyes were a beautiful contrast to Winnie’s light-brown locks, emerald eyes, and complexion nearly as pale as my own.

*

I spotted the breakfast tray they’d brought and noticed the same tea Aunt Beth had been brewing for me since I came into my abilities. Before I reached for the cup I attempted to get a read on my two new friends. Winnie seemed to be a ball of excitement. Clearly her new position brought her happiness. Freya on the other hand was wary of me.

*

I sat on the soft suede sofa and asked, “Would you two care to join me?” I reached for the tea as they shared a look with one another.

“Ye-” Winnie stared to say, but Freya cut her off, saying, “No. That is very kind of you, my lady, but it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“It wouldn’t?”

“That is a matter of opinion,” Winnie muttered.

“It’s against the rules,” Freya told her under her breath.

“Whose rules?” I asked.

“Just… the rules.”

“You said you were here to make my life easier,” I pointed out.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, I don’t like eating alone.”

“But-”

“If you answer to me, then it’s my rules that should matter. And I insist the two of you sit and enjoy this food with me. Even for me, there’s a ton of food here. Please, take whatever you wish. Except the chocolate scone, that’s mine,” I added as I grabbed the pastry and placed it on my plate with a friendly smile.

*

Winnie wasted no time in sitting across from me and reaching for some fruit. Freya hesitantly sat in the chair beside her, but refrained from taking any food. “So, Winnie and Freya, please, tell me about yourselves. Have you lived in Ilia your entire lives?” Winnie needed no more prompting than that to divulge into her life story.

*

Freya remained completely quiet as I learned about Winnifred. She’d never stepped foot outside of Ilia, not even ventured into Middlebrook. She had four older brothers and four younger sisters. She was only eighteen years old, but began working at sixteen when her abilities test revealed her to be a class two guardian. She happily boasted that her two abilities, speed and memory, contributed to the advancement of her career. Apparently not only was she an excellent multitasker, she could have me ready for a ball in a half hour. Winnie talked so much, I didn’t have the time to coax Freya out of her shell, before I had to get dressed to meet Ambrosia.

*

While I hastily showered, Freya laid out my clothes and Winnie awaited me at the vanity where she had various products spread across the surface. “Not too heavy on the makeup,” I requested when I sat on the stool.

“Natural is my speciality,” she replied as she got to work.

“Allow me to style your hair, my lady.” Freya suggested.

“No, thanks. I like to do my own hair.”

“Alright, but you’re running out of time. Lady Ambrosia does not like to be kept waiting.”

“I’m grateful to you both for all your assistance… but no one touches my hair.”

“Understood, my lady.”

*

Winnie finished my makeup significantly faster than I could have myself. After I threw on the guardian clothes Freya selected, I combed through my damp hair, threw it in a quick braid and pinned it to back of my head. Ready with moments to spare, I asked the girls, “Could you guide me to where I need to go. This massive place gets me turned around.”

“Winnie can take you,” Freya answered. “I’ll clean up the breakfast tray.” Before I left my room, I took her hand and said, “Thank you, Freya. I’m really grateful for your help.” She gave me her first genuine smile as she nodded in acknowledgment, and I followed Winnie out of the room.

***

From beyond the castle walls the clock tower chimed eight times the moment I entered the solarium. At the center of the circular room Ambrosia waited for me while she sipped her tea at the wrought iron table. Knox stood behind her, hands clasped in front of him as usual, always at the ready.

*

“Ah, good morning, dear Ember,” Ambrosia said when she spotted me.

“Good morning, Ambrosia.”

“It’s Rosie, please.”

“Well, aren’t you special,” came Phyneas’ voice. I hadn’t noticed him leaning against a window. “She only lets Nic call her that. And believe me, I’ve tried.”

“When you become my grandson’s companion we can discuss what you call me.” She said with a wink in my direction and I had to stifle a giggle. Sadie too I realized was there as she walked out of the foliage. She said nothing in the way of greeting and I was content in ignoring her as she seemed to be in ignoring me.

*

Gemma came hurrying into the room behind me. “Sorry I’m late,” she said, slightly out of breath.

“You are forgiven,” Ambrosia said with a slight annoyance to her voice. “Now that we are all here, let us begin. Ember, say hello to your trainers.”

“Really?”

“I tried to get out of it,” Sadie stated.

“True, but your ego wouldn’t let you,” Phyneas replied.

“Phyneas, I’ll not have you antagonizing Lady Lamond,” Ambrosia scolded, “You all have been chosen because you are each masters of an ability which Ember possesses.” She looked back to me and clarified, “Gemma will train you on empathy, Phyneas on healing, and Sadie on truth. Phoenix’s stepmother, Audrey, has agreed to teach you cloaking, however, she could not be here today. Knox here will be your main trainer in self-defense, but they will all rotate sparring with you.”

*

I could hardly contain my excitement at being trained by people I already knew and liked. Well… mostly. Working with Sadie was no doubt the price I had to pay. But I would do my best to tolerate her.

*

“I am grateful to you all,” I said with a smile.

“We’ve got you covered, Emmie,” Phyneas replied.

“How will I learn to control my telekinesis?” I asked Ambrosia.

“Phoenix will train you on that ability… when he has the time. Unfortunately, he had to leave Ilia on urgent business early this morning. With any luck, he will be back in a day or two. In the meantime, we all have plenty to keep you busy.”

“I can’t wait to get started.”

*

“Your day today will merely be an introduction,” Ambrosia told me. “You will spend an hour with each of your instructors, in which time they will teach you the theory behind your abilities as well as their expectations of you. Today will be easy so enjoy it. Tomorrow is when things get challenging. Guardians begin learning history, culture, and self-defense from an early age and have already completed that part of their education before being trained on their individual abilities. You do not have that luxury. You will learn everything at once.”

“I’m ready,” I stated.

“Let’s hope you can still say that in a week,” Sadie muttered.

“Especially after a week with you, Tick-tock.” Phyneas pointed out.

“You are such a child.”

“That’s enough out of you two,” Ambrosia chided. “Let us remember, we are all here because our king wishes us to cooperate and teach his companion everything there is to know about becoming a guardian.”

*

“Ember, you will begin each day with me, then your trainers will take over after mid-morning. After lunch they will take you to the castle’s training arena.”

“This place has an arena?”

“This place has everything,” Gemma said with a smile.

“Except a decent movie theatre,” mumbled Phyneas.

“Let’s begin,” Ambrosia said. “Everyone who does not wish to partake in a history lesson, please leave the solarium.

*

Knox, Sadie, and Gemma left the room. Before she reached the exit, Gemma called back, “Phyn, are you coming?”

“Are you kidding? I love history.”

“Since when?”

“Since always.”

“You don’t have to stay just for me,” I told him. Ambrosia held up a her index finger in a warning fashion as she said, “I will not tolerate distractions, Lord Merrick.”

“And I have no intention of being one, Lady Ambrosia.” He pulled out a chair for me at the iron table. I spared him a smile and said, “Thanks, Pup.” He let out a soft laugh and took the seat beside me.

*

We both looked at Ambrosia expectantly. She stood from the table and snapped her fingers. The tea tray vanished. She snapped her fingers again summoning a large white board, while a notepad and pen appeared right in front of me. A muffled sound beside me caught my attention and I looked over to see Phyneas peel tape off his mouth. “Very funny, Rosie.” She held up a finger again in warning, but I saw the sly smile on her face.

*

“You have a conjuring ability,” I stated in observation.

“Conjuring and vanishing. I also posses a paralytic touch like Phoenix and an air ability.”

“What kind of air ability?”

“I can remove a person’s breath.” My eyes grew wide in surprise as she said, “No more talk of abilities. We will get to that eventually, but not today. Today I wish to tell stories.”

“Stories?”

“Any great historian should be an adept storyteller. That is how history is passed on to each new generation.”

“Are you going to begin with once upon a time?”

“No. Why would I?”

“Remember, Emmie,” Phyneas said, leaning toward me, “very few guardians are familiar with human culture.”

“Right, I forgot.”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

*

Ambrosia snapped her fingers, summoning a thick leather bound book. “The Bible?” I asked curiously.

“Look again.” I read the embossing on the front cover and said, “The guardian Bible. Guardian’s have a separate Bible?”

“For the most part it’s the same as the human’s,” Phyneas explained. “But ours incudes the full story. The one involving our own creation.”

“Your task in your own time is to read as much of this as you can,” Ambrosia instructed.

“Five minutes into class and I already have homework. Even college wasn’t this bad.”

“This isn’t your typical higher education, Ember. This is everything. This is life.”

*

The weight of what Ambrosia told me rang true by the intense feeling in my heart. Ambrosia tossed her braid over her shoulder and said, “I suppose the words you used are an appropriate way to begin. Once upon a very long time ago…” Phyneas and I smiled at one another before I focused on my teacher’s every word.

*

I remained perfectly quiet as Phoenix’s grandmother relayed the story of earth’s first days, as well as the creation of Adam and Eve. When she paused to take a breath I said, “I am grateful for the story, Rosie, but I already know this part.”

“That’s good, but I am just getting to the important bit. After Satin’s banishment from the Garden of Eden, his jealousy towards God’s beloved children grew to gross proportions. He poured his malice into creations of his own. Creations he made with the sole purpose of corrupting God’s precious humans.”

“The depraved?”

“That is correct. They are neither demons nor humans, but a hybrid of sorts. They are not immortal. And their sole drive and purpose on earth is to entice humans into becoming so sinful they turn their backs on God and cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. The depraved amplifies the deadliest of sins; sloth, greed, gluttony, envy, lust, anger, and pride.”

*

“To protect His children,” Ambrosia continued. “The Creator formed a new species of his own. With a single drop of blood from one of His most faithful angels, He created a race of guardians and entrusted them, entrusted us, with great power as well as the sacred task of keeping humans safe from the corruption of the depraved.”

“God used angel blood to create guardians?” I inquired. “Does that mean we are half angels?”

“No, my dear, we are our own race. Neither as holy as angels nor as mortal as man. Unique in our creation as well as our purpose.”

*

Through the open window, a clock chimed in the distance. “That is it for our time today. Lady Lamond is awaiting your presence in the library.” I groaned and said, “I don’t understand why she even agreed to train me. She wants to spend time with me about as much as I want to spend time with her.”

“She’s indebted to Phoenix,” Phyneas explained.

“I see.”

*

In gentlemanly fashion, Phyneas carried my notebook for me as we left the solarium and made our way through the castle to the library. “How are you doing, honestly?” he asked me.

“Like I fell down the rabbit hole,” I answered with a sigh.

“It’ll get better.”

“It’s weird though, despite my world being upended, I kinda like not knowing what’s coming next. Before I learned the truth, I had every aspect of my life mapped out. I thought that made me happy, but I’ve recently learned how far from happiness I truly was.”

“Are you saying you’re happy here?”

“I’m saying I don’t know and that makes me happy.”

“Most people fear the unknown. You seem to embrace it.”

“I see potential in the unknown. I’ve lived my life thinking I knew what my future held and that didn’t thrill me in the least. Since discovering I’m a guardian, I’m thrilled to throw myself into the unknown.”

“Well, now is your chance,” he said as we reached the entrance to the library. “With Sadie as your truth instructor, there’s no telling what to expect.”

“Will you be joining me?” With a mischievous grin he replied, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author’s Note:

Publishing this chapter a little early because I already had it ready to go.

Progress on this story unfortunately came to a screeching halt this week due to the loss of my dog. Though I am deeply saddened by his passing, he was over 14 years old, so I am thankful for the time I had with him. I’m just having a difficult time immersing myself in my imagination at the moment.

Chapter 19 will be published next Friday, March 3rd

Chapter 20 will be published Wednesday, March 8th, after which my normal Wednesday/Sunday schedule will resume.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

~ E. K.