The Guardian King

Chapter Four

~ Ember

Ilia, the guardian’s shining city, wonderfully hidden within the Rocky Mountains, was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen in person or in pictures. The platform where we stood, offered a high vantage point, ideal for admiring the city’s design. Varying elevations of civilization were woven through the rocky earth as though it’d been a part of it for generations. Lucious trees of summer-green created a stunning contrast from the cool blue rooftops and pristine white facades. A stone clock tower made a charming focal point as it stood high above most buildings. The sparkle of sunlight caught my eye as it danced across moving water. Mist billowed at the base of the high waterfall on the city’s edge. The city’s crown jewel was the majestic castle, nestled into the stone of the mountain. The ancient air of The King’s Realm sparked something magical within me.

*

As I gazed upon the view of Ilia, I basked in the feeling of belonging. The sheer enormity the guardian city stretched as far as my eyes could see. “This is incredible,” I uttered to Gemma standing beside me, her hand still clenched in mine.

“I’ve been all over the world,” she responded with a smile, “and I’ve never seen another place even comparable. It’s very exciting for me to welcome you to your true home.”

“It’s crazy to think I could have grown up here… if things had been different.” Gemma squeezed my hand reassuringly and said, “Don’t dwell on a past you can’t change. Just be optimistic about your future. I meant what I said before; you won’t have to go through this alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Thanks, I need all the help I can get. I’m in way over my head.”

“You are stronger than you know.”

“You don’t know me,” I reminded her.

“Ember, you don’t know you.”

“That’s a fair point actually,” I muttered in response.

“My empathy ability gives me refined instincts about people. Trust me when I say, you were made for this life.”

“Okay, what have I got to lose?”

“That’s the spirit, cousin!” She gave me a wide, warm smile, as she pulled me by our linked hands and said, “Come on. We have a long day ahead of us.”

*

I took one last look over my shoulder at the expansive view of Ilia, before I let Gemma lead me to the staircase. We descended into another garage, but the contrast to the one on the other side of the entrance was vast. I never would’ve believed underground parking could be immaculate if I didn’t see it for my own eyes. The only sound as we made our way through the structure were Gemma’s high-heeled boots clicking against the glossy floor. We passed stone pillars, each with a mounted glowing geode, casting the garage in an almost mystical light.

*

Far across the room, I spotted people going in and out of a pair of wooden doors. The sign above read: Department of Portal Transport. “Portal transport?” I asked, pointing out the doors. “What is that?”

“The preferred method of travel for guardians.”

“So, what… it’s like a ride share service or something?” She spared me a sideways glance and replied, “No, Ember. It’s literally portal travel.” She laughed at the way my jaw dropped and explained, “The majority of guardians who leave Ilia, do so by portal. Not many come through The King’s Gate the way we did.”

“So, why didn’t we come by portal?” I matched Gemma’s pace as we moved swiftly through the garage. “Because you do not have access to your abilities yet. Those under sixteen can’t use portal travel either.”

“I can’t wait to try it,” I said with glee.

“It IS a much more efficient way to travel.”

“Then why do guardians drive through the city?” I asked, remembering the streets I viewed from the platform above.

“Aside from the fact not all guardians have the ability to create portals, it’s also highly regulated. Only members of the high court are permitted to portal within the borders of Ilia.”

“Such as yourself?” I surmised.

“That’s right,” she confirmed, with a proud smirk, “and I only do so when necessary.”

“Can you create portals?”

“No, but I have a close friend on the court who can. Phyneas and I work closely together, as our job descriptions often overlap. You’ll meet him today.”

*

Outside the entrance to the garage, Gemma headed straight for another luxurious car, black this time. She opened the rear door and gestured for me to enter first. After the door closed, she addressed the driver, “The ATF please.” In the rearview mirror I saw him nod and the car eased forward merging onto the road.

*

“What’s the ATF?” I asked.

“Abilities testing facility,” she clarified. “It’s time you discovered what abilities you’ve been blessed with.”

“What are some abilities I could have?” I eagerly wanted to know.

“Oh, there’s too many possibilities to even speculate. We don’t even know yet how many you will have. According to our records, your mother was class three and your father was class four.”

“You have records on my parents?” I asked with sudden interest.

“Of course.”

“Can I see them?”

“Since you’re not a member of the court, you’d have to file a formal request. But seeing as you are their daughter, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be granted. It’s more of a formality than anything. I can help you with that if you like.”

“Very much. I know hardly anything about my mom’s past and even less about my dad. Maybe learning about them will help me make sense of this new life.”

“Then I’ll do whatever I can to speed up the process. And as I said before, the king has taken an interest in you. I’m sure he’ll also be willing to help with whatever you need.” There was something unsettling about the way in which she spoke of the king’s eagerness to know me.

*

“What can you tell me about the king?” I asked Gemma as we rode through the city. She flipped her long black ponytail over her shoulder, turned to face me better, and replied, “What can’t I tell you? He’s one of my best friends.”

“Really?”

“Mhmm. I met him my first day of strength training when I was sixteen. He was a few years ahead of me. I was the only girl in the entire class and all the guys looked at me like there must’ve been a mistake with my test results. Strength is a rare ability for female guardians. But Phoenix wasn’t like the others. I’ll never forget the first thing he said to me, ‘make them eat their words.’ Which I did of course.”

*

“Phoenix,” I muttered under my breath. Then name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t pinpoint why. “We’ve been friends ever since,” Gemma continued. “He always claimed his destiny was to become king. The same idiots who doubted me, also doubted him. So, I gave him the same advice he gave me; make them eat their words. We’ve had each other’s backs from the very beginning. And when he succeeded in claiming the throne, I became one of the first appointments to his court.”

*

Gemma spoke of the king with such deep admiration I couldn’t hold back the question, “Have you and he ever been more than friends?” She instantly snorted as though the mere idea was laughable. “Lord no! He’s like my brother. My annoying brother.”

“Sorry. You just spoke so fondly of him.”

“Don’t be sorry. Your instincts are good. I do love him, just not the least bit romantically, and I’m sure he feels the same.” I couldn’t fathom why, but her words came as a relief. With my questions answered for the time being, we fell into a comfortable silence.

***

With my nose practically pressed against the car window, I admired the quaintness of Ilia. Beautifully charming didn’t seem strong enough to describe The King’s Realm. It seemed so surreal finding myself within such a fantastical place.

*

I caught Gemma smiling at me. “What?” I asked, smiling in return.

“You’re adorable. I’m happy to see you so captivated by our home.”

“How could I not be? It’s wonderful. I’ve never seen another place like it.”

“And you never will. Except maybe Eden, if you ever get the chance to go there.”

“Eden?”

“The most sacred place to guardians. It can only be reached by portal.”

“Wait a minute, by Eden, do you mean…”

“The garden of? Yes. The very one Adam and Eve were banished from. It’s been entrusted to guardians ever since. It’s where our most esteemed elders live out the remainder of their lives. It’s almost like a guardian retirement village, but so much more. It’s also where the royal court celebrates Adlegatio.”

“What is that?”

*

Gemma stared blankly at me, as though I spoke gibberish. When she recovered from shock, she said, “I keep forgetting how little you know about your own culture.” Her words didn’t come off as an insult, but still served as a blunt reminder of my status as an outsider. “Adlegatio,” Gemma explained, “is the celebration of our mission on earth and the very reason we were created. It’s a time when we give thanks to The Creator for our purpose and abilities.”

“I can’t wait to experience my first guardian holiday,” I said. Gemma matched my excitement as she replied, “Me too.”

***

The car came to a stop in front of a white brick building with glass front doors. Gemma promptly exited the car and waited for me to follow. “Are you ready?” she asked once I stood beside her.

“I have absolutely no idea,” I answered as I nervously adjusted my ratty sweater and attempted to smooth my flyaway hairs.

“Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s just a simple blood draw.”

“Blood draw?” I repeated, feeling lightheaded at the mere mention of blood.

“Yes, that’s how the test is done.”

“Oh.. I see.” I gulped audibly.

“What’s the matter? Are you afraid of needles or something?”

“No, but I’m not a fan of blood.”

“It’ll be over quick. Trust me.” Though I’d known her less than an hour, I replied automatically, “I do.”

*

Inside the building a handful of people waited in the lobby, but Gemma passed the reception desk as if it bore no importance to our mission. Down a bright-white hallway and around the corner, we finally came to a stop in a smaller waiting room. The only occupant instantly stood upon seeing us.

*

“You took your time, Gem,” the man greeted in jest. My cousin smirked at him and calmly replied, “Some things cannot be rushed.” She put her hand on my arm and added, “Phyneas Merrick, meet my long-lost cousin, Ember Ellison.” He stood a good four or five inches above my head, giving me no choice but to look up if I wanted a view of his face. With his sparkling hazel eyes, shaggy reddish-brown hair, and matching five o’clock shadow he emanated an auspicious charm.

*

Phyneas offered me his hand. His forearm bore an interesting tattoo consisting of the words, ‘we’re all mad here.’ His voice held nothing but genuine kindness when he said, “Pleasure to meet you, Ember.” I relaxed a little and timidly replied, “Thanks, you too.” He gave me a dazzling grin that went all the way to his warm eyes. “Phyneas is advisor to the crown,” Gemma explained. Upon the realization that his presence likely came at the request of a higher power, I said, “I guess you weren’t exaggerating when you said the king had taken an interest in me.”

“That would be the understatement of the century,” Phyneas said with a soft laugh.

“What do you mean?” I questioned. His eyes held a well of information, but he merely replied, “Just that… you are very interesting.”

*

Gemma’s phone rang from within her pocket. She withdrew it and as she looked at the screen informed Phyneas, “It’s Phoenix.”

“Answer him,” Phyneas replied. “I’ll take care of Ember.” Gemma looked to me for reassurance to which I answered, “Go ahead. I’m okay,” She gave my arm a soft squeeze, as though she were my big sister dropping me off at my first day of school, then retreated down the hall to answer the king’s call.

*

Phyneas gave off a friendly aura and his warm presence inspired trustworthiness. “Are you?” he caught me off guard by asking.

“Am I what?”

“Are you okay? I can only imagine the kind of day you’ve had already and it’s just getting started.”

“It’s weird, but… yeah. So far at least, I’m dealing with everything okay.”

“Let me know if that changes. To us, everything you see and hear is completely normal. We may forget from time to time that you grew up in the human world. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed, feel free to talk to me.”

“To what do I owe your kindness?” He placed a hand on my shoulder and replied, “You’re one of us, Ember.”

*

I gulped back the onslaught of emotions and cleared my throat to say, “Before today, no one’s ever said those words to me. It’s nice. To be a part of something, I mean. I never knew that’s what I’d been missing.”

“Belonging is a powerful feeling, one many of us take for granted. The deeply rooted sense of comradery is one of the greatest aspects of being a guardian. We are set apart by our abilities, both in number and in strength, but we are united by our blood.”

“That’s a beautiful sentiment,” I commented. Phyneas chuckled and replied, “I would love to take credit, but I stole those words from one of Phoenix’s speeches. He’s right though.”

“He sounds like a wise king.”

“That he is.”

*

Phyneas and I were just about to sit down when the door beside us opened, revealing a stunning blonde woman, in a form-fitted green dress. I guessed her age at just under thirty. The nude high heels she wore accentuated her perfect figure. Her loosely curled hair stopped at her shoulders and her makeup appeared effortless, though I suspected it was anything but.

*

The illustrious beauty rudely eyed me from head to toe, with an apathetic expression. After silently judging every inch of me, she spoke as though I weren’t in the room. “I’m ready for her, Phyneas.” She then looked around the room and asked irritatedly, “Where is Gemma?”

“On the phone,” Phyneas answered.

“She demanded this last-minute appointment. Why is my time less valuable than hers?”

“Chill, blondie. She’s on the phone with Phoenix.”

*

The woman’s expression briefly shifted at the mention of the king’s name. There was something personal between them. But in a flash her complacency returned as she looked back to me. “So this is the unknown?” She said unimpressed. In the two seconds she observed me, I hadn’t measured up to expectations. “This is Ember Ellison,” Phyneas clarified with force, promptly coming to my defense. “She isn’t unknown anymore.” The woman merely rolled her eyes and haughtily replied, “Until she is tested and cataloged in my system, an unknown she remains.”

*

The blonde beauty peered down the hallway looking for Gemma. When she didn’t see her, she turned to Phyneas and said, “We don’t need Gemma to get started. Let’s go.”

“Gemma is Ember’s escort. You’ll have to ask Ember if she is alright proceeding without Gemma.”

“Oh, very well.” She looked at me and asked, “Can we get started?”

“Wow,” Phyneas said flatly. “You have the people skills of a crocodile, Lamond. Has anyone ever told you that?”

*

Before she could respond, Phyneas addressed me, “Would you like to wait for Gemma?”

“Um… I don’t exactly know how this process works.”

“She didn’t explain?”

“No.”

“Figures,” the woman muttered.

“Allow me,” Phyneas said. “This is Sadie Lamond. She runs the abilities testing facility here in Ilia. She’ll give you a special tonic to drink, which will activate the guardian gene and unlock your abilities. After that, it’s just a simple blood draw.”

“Oversimplification,” Sadie said under her breath.

“Sounds easy enough,” I replied, but was unable to disguise the nerves in my voice.

“Would you like me to accompany you?” Phyneas offered kindly.

“Would you mind?”

“Not at all,” he answered with a smile.

“Fabulous,” Sadie sarcastically proclaimed, before leading the way.

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

Author’s Note:

Thanks for reading!

If you would like to get a more in-depth feel of the story and better visualize the world, culture and characters, check out the Pinterest board I’ve created for The Guardian King. (Beware, there may be a few teasers of what’s to come, though I’ve tried to avoid too many spoilers.)

Simply search for my name: E. K. Michaels.

My profile pic is the same as it is here. :)

Hope you enjoy this added element and it helps to immerse yourself in the story!

~ E. K.

P.S. Feel free to comment if you have any questions. I try to read and respond to every single one.

You can also find my author page on F@ce*b00k. (It’s new so there’s not many likes yet.)