The Guardian King

Chapter Twenty-five

~ Phoenix

*

I awoke in a tangled mass of black sheets to find I’d slept through dinner. Having taken Phyneas’ advice for once, I managed to obtain over twelve hours of deep, uninterrupted slumber. As a result my endurance had been fully restored for the first time in weeks.

*

A check of my phone revealed an update from Gemma in the form of an email. Unsurprisingly, her trip to Middlebrook hadn’t been very fruitful. My publicist wrote of her plans to meet with Master Belaby. Apparently my former endurance trainer had at one time been a mentor to Ember’s father. I wondered if Gemma knew meeting with him would involve a trip to Eden, as he’d been retired for the past three years. I didn’t have time, nor patience, to waste on a slim chance Belaby held any useful information. I needed to meet with Soren as soon as possible.

*

I instructed Gemma to go ahead and make the arrangements to portal to Eden. In the meantime, I intended to pay Soren a visit. After I placed a call to the kitchens requesting dinner be delivered to my room, I showered and trimmed my beard. Feeling refreshed and somewhat normal again, I picked up my phone to check in with Phyneas.

~ TEXT:

Me: What is the status on Ember?

Phyn: Started out the day pissed at me … as I predicted.

Me: Did you explain you healed her at my request?

Phyn: I did. Now she is pissed at you.

Me: I’d rather her be angry than injured. Anything else I should know?

Phyn: I think speaking to Beth really affected her. She was withdrawn all afternoon and went to bed early.

Me: She’ll be alright. She’s strong.

Phyn: You should talk to her. I have a feeling your attention is what she needs right now.

Me: Not yet.

Phyn: When???

Me: When I have answers.

*

I put my phone down when someone knocked on my door, delivering a tray of food. After a hot meal, I pulled on my boots, fastened my leather jacket, and made for the garage.

***

On my motorcycle, I sped through the night covered city as I contemplated my plan of action. Though I wasn’t concerned with offending Soren, I needed to avoid putting him on guard. There was still a small chance he had no knowledge of what happened to Jonas Ellison or his missing file. Unlikely, but possible.

*

Miles outside the city, deep in the woods surrounding Ilia, I arrived at Soren Lamond’s lavish estate. When I pulled up to the security gate, I lifted the visor on my helmet and removed the leather glove from my right hand, revealing the same ring Soren previously bore. The king’s ring was recognized by every guardian. Soren’s shield gave a bow of his head and said, “Your Majesty, good evening. Go right in.” With a nod of acknowledgment, I closed my visor and resumed down the long winding driveway bordered by towering trees.

*

The front door of Soren’s mansion opened as I dismounted my bike. “Welcome, King Phoenix.” The steward greeted when I passed the threshold. He took my helmet and aided me in the removal of my leather jacket and gloves as he said, “The master of the house will be honored by your presence.”

“As I am honored by his previous service to our people,” I replied out of respect. It was no secret I executed the role of king much differently than my predecessor. But I made an effort to remain on good terms with Soren… publicly at least.

*

Soren’s elderly steward guided me through the first floor of the mansion. We stepped into a dimly lit parlor, the atmosphere of which was stifling due to the unnecessary fire beyond the hearth. In possession of a fire ability, I was hot blooded by nature, and therefore, grossly uncomfortable before ever engaging in conversation with the insufferable man that was Soren Lamond.

*

After the steward announced my arrival, I took initiative by being the first to offer greetings. “King Soren,” I made a calculated move in always addressing him by his previous title, though it was untraditional. He may have long suspected my dislike of him, but I wouldn’t without cause give him the satisfaction of knowing.

*

I moved further into the room as I continued, “Forgive the intrusion.” The portly man stood from the sofa as he replied, “Who am I to refuse a request of the guardian king?” There was an irritated edge to his voice. Soren reluctantly bowed to me, clearly annoyed at being out-ranked within his own home.

*

The previous king wore his faded red hair in a ponytail at the base of his chunky neck. The top of his head stopped inches short of my chin. Having experienced the intensity of The King Trials for myself, I’d often questioned how a guardian of his portly build, with no strength or endurance ability, somehow bested over a hundred physically superior competitors. However, what he lacked in stature he made up for in intelligence and cunning. He may appeared a pleasant sort of fellow, but he was not one to be crossed.

*

When I arrived, Soren had been in the company of another man I’d seen once or twice before in passing. It wasn’t until Soren introduced his guest I placed how I knew him. “King Phoenix, you remember Lord Kierkan, I’m sure.” The man, wearing an overly embellished green tunic, stepped out of the shadows and issued a minuscule bow. His long narrow face, even narrower nose, and cool-grey eyes far too close together, gave him an animal-like appearance I found extremely off-putting.

*

“Of course,” I responded with a polite grin. “Who could forget the last of the Artemis line?” With a smirk and a voice smooth as honey, he replied, “It’s good of you to recognize my heritage, Your Majesty. Very few people do.”

“Kierkan, if you wouldn’t mind cutting our visit short,” Soren said, “the king and I have private matters to discuss.”

“Certainly.” He issued me another pitiful bow as he said, “Your Majesty, enjoy your evening.”

*

In Kierkan’s absence, I turned my attention to the former king. “Have a seat,” he suggested. The two of us made ourselves comfortable in the antique furniture positioned within the stuffy room. He leaned forward toward the coffee table between us and proceeded to pour himself a healthy serving of solani. He gestured to the decanter, offering me a share of the guardian alcohol, to which I declined.

*

Soren sipped from his glass and leaned back against the sofa as he started off the conversation, “I was beginning to think you weren’t getting my messages. I’ve sought a face-to-face with you since the companion’s ball.”

“Respectfully,” I said as I relaxed into my seat, balancing one leg across the opposite knee. “I’ve been… preoccupied.”

“Evidently. I’m sure training your new pet is no small fete. Many believe you to be overambitious in your efforts to make a decent guardian out of her. She may as well be human.” I bit the inside of my cheek in an effort to hold back my outrage over the dismissive way in which he spoke of my angel.

*

“Unfortunately,” I replied when I had a handle on my composure, “I’ve had to delegate her training to trusted members of my court, one of which being your lovely niece.”

“I am relieved to know you still rely on Sadie. She is not without fault, as we all know, but she is immensely loyal to the crown.”

“Just not the man beneath the crown,” I couldn’t help but point out, causing his nostrils to flare. I quickly course-corrected in adding, “Water under the bridge though. Sadie is a tremendous asset.” Soren held the belief anyone who shared his own blood was leaps and bounds superior to all others. I’d needed to appeal to that belief if I had a hope in him being accommodating with information. He nodded with satisfaction, before taking another drink of solani.

*

“Although I have great faith in Sadie,” I went on, “and the others I’ve assigned to Ember’s training, I would prefer to handle it personally. However, royal duties have lately taken precedence.”

“Of course. I comprehend better than anyone the weight of that ring. A weight your companion cannot begin to understand.”

“Is this why you desired my ear?” I asked. “To make your disapproval of my companion known?” Soren caught me off guard when he burst into a hearty laugh. As his amusement faded, he said, “It’d be rather hypocritical of me, don’t you think? Seeing as I took full advantage of the role of companion in the beginning of my reign.” He took another drink. Redness began to creep into his cheeks as the effects of the solani hit him.

*

“Then why did you seek an audience with me?” I inquired.

“To offer you valuable advice. Advice which took me years to learn on my own.”

“Such as?”

“I have no business telling you who to invite into your bed. You are young and viral, by all means sow your oats. Just remember your responsibilities when it comes to which companion you choose to make a vow to. My Misty for example, she was more than merely the companion I fell in love with. I made her my wife because of the esteem she brought to the role.”

“What exactly is your point?”

“My point is, as king you have a need for a companion who truly understands our ways. One who can assist you in carrying the heavy burden of power.” I’d never looked at being king as having power. This was one of many differences between myself and my predecessor. I saw the role of king as an opportunity to serve my people, rather than be served. I’d been called to lead, not dictate.

*

I selected my words carefully when I replied, “I thank you for your sage advice and assure you I’ll give it thorough consideration.”

“That is all I can ask,” he claimed, though it wasn’t the least bit true. When the time came to reveal my intent for Ember to rule alongside me, he would assuredly be my biggest detractor.

*

I cleared my throat and said, “As it stands, Ember and I are only friends. I felt it my duty to make an example by welcoming her into our community and teaching her what it means to be a guardian.”

“That is reassuring,” he replied with a smug smile. “I suspected your appointment of this unknown was purely from a sense of obligation. While I applaud your desire to aid this girl, you must see her handicap goes too deep. She’s too old to fully comprehend our way of life and too human to truly grasp our sacred purpose.”

*

Soren drained his glass and reached for the decanter as he went on, “When her time as your companion inevitably comes to an end, you’d be wise to consider reinstating the superb partnership you had with my great-niece. She has most certainly seen the error of her ways, which makes her all the more trustworthy. A Lamond never repeats a mistake.”

“You may have a point,” I replied uninterested.

“I’m glad you agree.” I definitely did not agree.

*

As Soren leaned back again, enjoying his second serving of solani, I steered the conversation toward the sole purpose I subjected myself to his presence. “It’s the obligation to assist my companion that brings me here this evening.”

“Do go on,” he said.

“Seeing as the press has taken a keen interest in Ember from the day she entered Ilia, I’m sure you’re already aware of the connection between her and Jonas Ellison.” Soren feigned a look of mild surprise and swirled the contents of his glass, calculating a response.

*

“Ellison is such a common surname amongst guardians,” the previous king eventually stated. Soren was no fool. He was quite adept at speaking without lying nor giving away too much. What he said was true, Ellison was a common surname. But his statement implied he had no knowledge of her connection to the man who died while under his employ. A fact I knew he was aware. Despite not possessing the ability of truth, I had a knack for spotting liars.

*

“My companion has recently expressed her desire to know more about her father,” I informed the former monarch.

“Is that so?” he replied with an obvious lack of interest.

“It is. Naturally I sought information from the royal archives.”

“Naturally,” he replied as he continued swirling the contents of his glass, admiring the way the light of the fire made the amber liquid gleam. “Imagine my surprise,” I continued, “when I discovered the file on Jonas Ellison had been erased.” His gaze snapped in my direction.

*

“Erased?” Soren repeated.

“Yes, erased,” I confirmed.

“Information removed from the royal archives is a thing unheard of.”

“I agree, the situation is disconcerting.”

“Unless…”

“Unless?” I urged.

“Unless he was deemed a traitor. Those who commit acts of treason are removed from the system.”

“I’m unaware of such protocol.”

“Well, it is immensely uncommon,” he claimed. That was not the reason. I’d been king for almost a decade. If such a practice existed, uncommon or no, I would have known about it.

*

“Do you remember any such incidents that could have labeled Jonas a traitor?” I asked.

“Not off the top of my head. He did not work directly alongside me. Not to mention, his passing occurred nearly a quarter century ago. And a king’s reign is exceptionally long, as you will learn… if you are fortunate.” Soren’s words held an edge of warning, making his implication unmistakable.

*

If Soren had his way I would cast Ember aside, forget about the curious circumstances surrounding her father’s death, and carry on with my reign, making Sadie my royal companion and eventual wife. Much disappointment lay in Soren’s future. And now that I knew exactly where he stood, he’d become an obvious threat to my future with Ember.

*

My conscience had a tendency to sound a lot like Phyneas. If he could’ve communicated with me in that moment, he would’ve surely advised in throwing Soren off the scent by making him believe I held no real interest in Jonas and only asked to appease my companion. Unfortunately, I didn’t heed Phyneas’ advice near as often as I should.

*

I stood to my full height, projecting my dominant presence as I said, “From the current king to the past king, I know you will share with me any information that should come to mind. Because I won’t rest until the details of Jonas Ellison’s life… and death… are known. For better or worse.” Soren’s swampy green eyes flashed with anger as I made myself abundantly clear.

***

I departed the former king’s residence in haste. The stench of his vile and dubious nature clung to me. In desperate need of feeling the wind on my face, I opted not to wear my helmet on the return journey. Though I had no further information on Jonas, at least one thing came of my trip to Soren’s; I’d eliminated all doubt he not only knew of the missing file, he’d been responsible.

*

As I rode down the long deserted road leading into the city, I attempted to remember everything my grandfather ever mentioned about Soren. As a powerful profit, Leon had been among the former king’s inner circle. My grandfather never held great affection for his ruler, but I couldn’t remember why. A conversation with Ambrosia jumped to the top of my to-do list. I squeezed the throttle harder in an effort to return to the castle before my grandmother retired for the night.

*

Distracted by my racing mind, I hadn’t noticed the car speeding up alongside me until it was too late. The black sedan cut me off and braked hard, leaving me no choice but to veer off the road in order to avoid the collision. The motorcycle flew at an uncontrollable speed into the forest. Before I could bring the bike to a stop, the front tire hit a moss-covered boulder concealed by the darkness. The momentum threw me from the seat, sending me through the air until I collided with an ancient elm tree.

*

Though I hadn’t lost consciousness, my brains had been properly scrambled and I saw stars as I struggled to support myself on my hands and knees. The threatening presence of malicious forces became apparent by the raised hair on the back of my neck. Whoever they were, they’d relied on lowering my defenses with a crash, prior to attacking me directly, which proved they knew exactly who I was. No one easily brought the guardian king to his knees.

*

The only sound carried through the trees came as the foreboding crunch of approaching footsteps. My adrenaline spiked as I willed myself to get a grip on my senses. I focused my efforts in locating the nearest set of boots. With a wave of my arm in that direction, I attempted to telekinetically throw off one of my attackers. A thud followed by a grunt reached my ears, signaling success. But I couldn’t call victory yet. Two more figures advanced on me in the dark.

*

Still unable to stand, I peered over my shoulder. Clad in all black, without a sliver of flesh exposed, they were difficult to spot amidst the shadows of the trees. I didn’t have time to ponder who they were, where they came from, or whether they were human, guardian, or depraved. I sent another wave of telekinetic energy towards the closest threat. He dodged and came at me with a speed that ruled him out as human. He grabbed me by the throat lifting my torso upright. I cursed the blasted gloves I couldn’t remove before he had me in his clutches. The leather barrier on my hands blocked my paralytic ability.

*

On my knees, I summoned my strength and peeled the man’s hand off my throat. When he realized the losing battle, he retaliated by sending a swift yet powerful blow with his free hand straight to my rib cage, knocking the breath out of me in a whoosh. My assailant wasted no time in following up with a swift kick directly to my gut.

*

I doubled over in pain, but refused to lose focus. As he savored the advantage he thought he had over the guardian king, I brought a hand to my face. “Is the great and powerful king going to hurl from only a couple hits?” he mocked. I bit down on the tip of my middle finger, using my teeth to yank off the glove. Quick as a flash, I reached for his leg, wrenched his pant leg up, and wrapped my bare hand around his flesh, paralyzing him instantly. Two down, one to go.

*

Through sheer force of will, I urged my legs to support my weight as I got to my feet, taking in as much oxygen as possible. The third and final threat silently withdrew a long hunting knife from the scabbard attached to his leg. I drew back my arm with the intention of sending him soaring into the trees along with the first, but he moved in the blink of an eye, bringing the blade across my side. My leather covering was no match against the sharpened steel. The knife sliced clean through my jacket and into my flesh.

*

The sting of pain only fueled my adrenaline. I knocked the knife from his hand and telekinetically sent it flying through the tress out of his reach. We wrestled with brute strength, each landing several blows to the other, before he managed to knock me to the ground. He sent a powerful kick directly into my open wound. He savored my growl of pain and greedily prepared for another kick, when I grabbed his other foot, wrenching his leg out from underneath him. He landed with a thud on his back. I scrambled atop his body, holding him down as I held out my hand and telekinetically called for the knife laying yards away. The moment my fingers closed around the handle, I drove the blade hilt-deep into my attacker’s chest.

*

I took no pleasure in ending guardian life. But when it came down to my survival or his, the choice was simple. I breathed shallow breaths due to the excruciating pain in my side. After I managed to get to my feet, I reached into my jacket pocket for my phone only to discover it had been crushed in the altercation. I wanted to stay and search for clues amongst my attackers, but every minute I lingered resulted in more blood lost.

*

Swiftly as I could manage, I returned to the scene of my crash, disappointed to find my bike totaled. What a loss. It offered me no use in it’s current state, but I hoped it would remain unbothered until it could be retrieved by my people. While holding constant pressure to my wound, I emerged from the trees, searching but failing to find the car that ran me off the road. I let out a long sigh and began to follow the road towards the city on foot.

*

My ambush occurred amidst the Colorado wilderness. The road that led to Soren’s secluded estate was miles away from civilization. As blood seeped from my side, my concern grew, but faith urged me to keep walking. As the outskirts of Ilia drew closer, I breathed in relief from the sight of a deserted cottage with a ‘for sale’ sign in the yard. Clearly my favor with God was still plentiful.

*

I limped across the yard and let myself inside the house, immediately in search of a mirror large enough to portal back to the castle. I found what I sought in an upstairs bedroom. From under my shirt, I withdrew the guardian royal crest pendant Phyneas had given me the day of my coronation. Never did I go anywhere without that necklace.

*

A rare few of our kind could wield the ability to preserve a piece of another guardian’s active ability into an object. In this case, Phyneas had a charm made imbued with just enough of his energy signature which would allow me to create a single portal. The practice was not commonly done as it was no small thing to sacrifice even an ounce if your own guardian energy. I’d accepted the priceless gift reluctantly, but gratefully.

*

With one hand still firmly against my wound, I removed the chain from around my neck. Pendant in hand, I tapped the reflection, filling my mind with images of my bedroom. More relief surged through me as the surface of the mirror began to ripple. I practically threw myself into the portal, appreciating the chilly sensation for once as it represented the journey home.

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

Author’s Note:

Surprise! Keep reading to enjoy a double chapter update!

Let me know what you’re thinking about the story so far. I really rely on your feedback. :)

~ E. K.