Karly tilted her head up in the dark of night, staring at the pale, full moon. She was sitting on a boulder, right outside a vine-covered motel-like building, which was located at the edge of the forest.
Karly stared ahead into the dark trees and unknown paths. She had dark wavy hair and silver eyes and wore a silver shirt over black pants. She had a thin circlet around her head with a tiny opal stone over the center of her forehead. She discarded the circlet from her head and held the cool metal in her heads, staring at its gleaming band. “I don’t deserve this,” she said. She stood and held the circlet up to the sky. The opal gleamed down at her and seemed to catch the moon’s light in it. Karly looked at the opal one last time, then braced her arm and lunged the circlet into the unknown depths of the forest, watching the gleam wink out of sight. All of a sudden, thin forks of lightning flashed dangerously in the sky, and Karly cowered under the menacing streaks for a moment. She wrapped her arms around herself and moved closer to the dwelling. After the lightning fizzled out, she stared up into the clear night sky and stars. “It’s not over,” she whispered, mostly to herself. “The void is still out there.” A crunch sounded right behind her just then. Slash? Karly was startled, and before she knew what she was doing, she had struck and pinned the helpless soul to the ground, with her arm directly over his neck. Her eyes widened when she saw that she had attacked Blaze, her boyfriend. “Are you okay, Karly?” he asked, looking frightened. Karly quickly let go of him and helped him up. “I’m just kind of jittery.” “Are you thinking of Slash?” Blaze asked. “You don’t need to worry about him anymore. Thunderly says he’s probably moved on. He’s powerless. He was the weakest of their group anyway. The Forces are no more. It would take a lot to recreate it.” “I’m not so sure about that,” Karly said. She thought about the void she had opened in the past. If someone else learned how to open the void, then becoming powerful and evil would be way too simple. Blaze slid his arms around her. “You’re trembling,” he said. “It’s chilly out here. I’ll warm you up with my fire.” “Thanks,” said Karly. She leaned into him and let his warmth envelop her. She stared, mesmerized, at Blaze’s hair, which was alight in flames. It never ceased to amaze her. His hair was fire and it glowed brightly in the darkness. “What happened to the jewel you always wear around your forehead?” Blaze asked. “I lost it,” Karly said. She glanced into the forest and saw nothing. Karly knew one other thing that she would never confess to Blaze. The cold hadn’t been the reason for her shivering. “It’s 2 am. Did you have trouble sleeping again?” Blaze asked. Karly nodded. Lately she had been having recurring nightmares about the abyss. “Let’s go inside,” said Karly and they walked back into the Headquarters. They stopped when they reached her room. “You don’t have to be afraid,” Blaze said. “The void is over with.” Karly didn’t have the heart to tell him that he was completely wrong. Especially since that opal on her circlet contained the power to reopen the void of darkness. She gave Blaze a brief kiss and went into her room to try and sleep. * “How are we doing on finding new recruits?” Thunderly, leader of the Heroes, asked them the next day. The Heroes were all seated around a large oval table, having one of their regular meetings. Thunderly had golden lightning-shaped hair and wore a red uniform with a thunderbolt streaking across the front. “I have a lead on someone,” said Mira. “His name is Luke and he attends Thunder High.” “Have you talked to him yet?” asked Dawn. “No, I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him privately,” Mira sighed. “Whenever I tried to get close, a crowd of people always swept him away.” “Any others?” asked Thunderly, looking around the table. “I found a girl who seems to have some power having to do with light,” said Blaze. “Haven’t talked to her yet.” “That’s cool,” said Thunderly. “And I have a cousin who will be joining us pretty soon.” “What kind of power does your cousin have?” asked Blaze. “Lightning. Like me,” smiled Thunderly. Suddenly there was a loud knock on the door. “I’ll get that,” said Mira. She dissolved into shadow matter and slid along the walls, swiftly arriving at the front door. She materialized into view and opened the door. A bright girl stood there. She looked a little nervous judging by her stiff form, but she smiled when she saw Mira. “Hi there,” said the mystery girl. “My name is Lumen. I would like to join your team if your group would have me. I have superpowers too.” “Come on in,” grinned Mira. “We were just discussing you.” “You were?” Lumen blinked back in surprise. Mira led Lumen to the conference room and everyone looked up when Mira entered with the newcomer. “This is Lumen,” said Mira. “That’s her!” said Blaze, jumping up. “She’s the one I was telling you about!” “Come. Please have a seat,” Thunderly motioned the newcomer to go sit by her. Lumen sat down nervously. She had light orange hair and emerald eyes. “We were discussing our search for new recruits,” said Thunderly. “If you have what it takes, you can join our team. Tell us about your power.” “Why doesn’t she show us her power?” Karly intervened. “Good idea,” said Thunderly. “Who would like to spar with Lumen?” “I will,” said Ravine. They all filed outside to the grassy area and Ravine and Lumen got into position. “Are you ready for this?” Thunderly asked the new girl. “Yes,” Lumen nodded, her eyes sparkling. Ravine started off by leaping forward and aiming a kick at Lumen’s middle. Lumen quickly jumped out of the way and raised her hand. A bolt of light shot out and hit Ravine in the stomach. She winced and stumbled back but quickly regained her footing. The two girls circled each other slowly at first, then struck again at lightning speed. Ravine shot forward and roughly tackled Lumen to the ground. The two girls fought against each other, and Lumen started to glow. Ravine immediately let go of her and prepared to punch. As she closed in, Lumen struck out with a flash of light, blinding Ravine for a second. Lumen grabbed Ravine’s arm and held it firmly behind her back. She had won. “Great job!” Thunderly said. Ravine, out of breath, got up and shook Lumen’s hand. “She’s strong,” said Ravine. “I vote to have her join our team.” “Anyone against?” asked Thunderly. No one said a word. “Then you’re in!” said Thunderly, smiling. “Congratulations!” She clapped her on the shoulder. The others murmured their congratulations. * That night, Karly was tossing and turning violently in her sleep. She saw Slash standing over her, vines out and ready to strike. Then she touched the opal and the void opened beneath her. Karly fell through and descended into darkness. Slash was laughing at her and striking her with those whip-like vines of his. The fear grew stronger and stronger. She couldn’t move anymore. The darkness had wound itself tightly around her, and she could hear someone screaming. It was her. She snapped awake and jolted up in bed. She looked around in the darkness and saw nothing. Glancing over at the window, she sighed in relief. Karly put a hand to her pounding heart and waited until her heart rate returned to normal. There was a knock at the door. She went over to open it and saw Blaze. “Are you all right, Karly?” he asked. “I heard you scream. Was it the nightmares again?” “I’m fine now,” said Karly, nodding. “You have nothing to fear,” said Blaze. “How can I convince you of that?” He sat down by her on the bed and wrapped his arms around her. “We don’t know for sure that he’s gone,” Karly said. “I fear that something bad will happen soon.” “I don’t know what else to say,” said Blaze. The golden retriever, Flame, came in right then and started licking Karly’s face. She smiled. “I’ll try to relax,” said Karly. “Would you keep me company until I fall asleep?” “Sure,” said Blaze. Karly got into bed and Blaze placed the covers over her. He sat in a chair beside her and waited until she was asleep.
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“How did you know I was coming?” asked Aileen.
“It’s in the Prophecy,” answered Spangler. “The prophecy was declared anciently and is now unfolding before our eyes.” “We have all been awaiting the day you would come,” Tebazile told Aileen. “At last we have hope. You are the destined one.” Aileen smiled, embarrassed at all the praise. “How strong is your power?” Spangler fixed his gaze on her. Aileen stared back at him blankly. “What power?” she asked. Tebazile and Spangler looked at each other in confusion. “You mean you don’t have any power?” Tebazile stood up fast. “But the Prophecy says that only you can defeat Myke Lyon.” “Who’s Myke Lyon?” Aileen asked tentatively. “And more importantly, where am I? This isn’t Earth, I gather.” “This planet is called Dymin. Dymin is home to the Fairy Kingdom and the Elf Kingdom,” explained Spangler. “Lyon is my brother. And he’s become the most powerful evil wizard in the universe. His evil acts must be stopped. Lyon has been using his powers to conquer and is slowly taking over the kingdoms. He uses threats and dark magic to make things go his way. And we fear that once he’s conquered Dymin, he’ll go to other planets next. He wants to enslave the worlds. In fact, he’s already enslaved some of the elves. Tebazile was the queen of the fairies, until she stepped down from her throne to form the TC, which was created to help the kingdoms and stop Lyon. He’s the most powerful wizard in the universe.” “And you expect me to take him on?” Aileen was shocked. “We will train you, of course,” Tebazile intervened. Aileen thought about this new information. There was a power she was supposed to have, which she had no knowledge of. What were they talking about? And Spangler’s brother, Lyon, was the most evil and powerful wizard in the universe? Aileen sighed. So she was supposed to be the hero? Aileen was certain that destiny was wrong. “You have the wrong person,” Aileen told them. “I have no power. Nothing. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” “But you have great potential,” Spangler added. Potential? “But I don’t have the potential to defeat a powerful and evil wizard,” Aileen insisted. “I’m just an ordinary person.” Chapter 1 “That’s strange,” I frowned. I was in the middle of a clearing, surrounded by forest. It was the night of the the full moon. I had just finished sending the day’s departed souls into the Afterlife, but something was off. I drew the scythe closer to me and peered into the diamond on top. A dark shadow shimmered inside. As Guardian of Souls, it was my job to release the departed souls into the Afterlife each night. But today, one tiny soul was still waiting inside the scythe’s diamond. This had never happened before, and I wasn’t sure what had caused it. Could there be something wrong with the scythe? If so, there wasn’t anyone I could bring it too, since this job wasn’t something I shared with others. They wouldn’t have believed me, anyway. The only person I could contact about this was my uncle, the previous Guardian, but he was dead and I didn’t want to disturb him. Sometimes he spoke to me in dreams, but lately those meetings had become less frequent. As the scythe powered down, the soul popped out of the diamond and became life-size once more. I stared after it, wondering what to do. It seemed to regard me for a few moments, and I noted that it was shivering with what seemed to be fear. It turned to leave. The wind picked up just then, and I pushed the strands of hair out of my face. “Wait!” I called out, but the soul vanished away into the forest, along with the wind. * I lived alone in the small house my uncle had gifted me. I’d been considering getting a roommate or two, but I liked my solitude. And I didn’t want anyone to find out about my side job as Guardian. That’s just not something you can tell your friends. Imagine if I directly told them: “By the way, I’m the grim reaper! They do exist!” They’d think I were crazy and would very likely recommend a psychologist. Only one person knew my secret, and that was Ruben. We used to be pretty close a few months ago, but after we both started college, we just sort of drifted apart. We were pursuing different fields and so we didn’t have any classes together. I was studying to be a doctor, to follow in my uncle’s footsteps. I hadn’t decided yet what kind of doctor I wanted to be, but psychiatry seemed like a good possibility. Ruben was majoring in criminal justice and hoped to become a secret agent, of course. When I had first met him, he’d been spying on my uncle in the woods, trying to figure out where he went each night. * After arriving home, I removed my dark red cloak and hung it by the door. I made a quick motion with my hands and suddenly the lights turned on. This was a trick I had learned soon after becoming Guardian. After grabbing a snack to eat, I went to my room and flipped through my uncle’s journal. Maybe I could find something that explained what I had seen that night. I kept flipping the pages, but could find nothing about what I had just seen. Another page caught my eye. “If a soul doesn’t enter the afterlife, they will be wandering around in a disembodied state until the magnetic force of the diamond beckons them towards the portal.” “So this soul is probably wandering about, not sure where to go,” I thought. “But what if it goes back inside its body? What if it knew how to do that?” I turned the pages and read, “To enter or exit a body, a spirit needs the right passcode. The passcode is unique for each body.” In the next few days, the same soul kept doing the same thing: resisting the Afterworld. I tried talking to it nicely, anything I could do to encourage it to go to the next phase of its life. But the stubborn soul resisted. I could tell it was afraid. “Look, it’s easy,” I said. “Let me demonstrate.” I said my passcode and slipped out of my body. I had never done this before, but I’d read enough about it that I was confident I’d be able to successfully accomplish it. It felt weird to be disembodied, since I’d never tried it before. It was a bit like being inside a dream. The soul stared at me and seemed to shake its head, then it flew away. My display had not convinced it. I used the passcode and drifted back into my body. And so I began to follow the departing soul. Perhaps if I found out who it belonged to, I could better know how to convince them. I followed the soul out of the clearing and stop before a familiar house near the forest. When I looked up, and saw the soul fly in through the window, I gasped. I was standing in front of Ruben’s home. It had been over a couple months since I’d been to Ruben’s home. We used to hang out a lot, but the coursework in college kept us busy and apart. I recalled the last time I’d seen him. We had run into each other in the hall- which rarely happened- and had stopped right in front of each other. Ruben had been carrying a ton of books, and so had I. “Hi Ruben, looks like you’re carrying your entire backpack with you,” I smiled. “And you have your whole locker with you as well,” Ruben laughed back. We had moved to an empty bench nearby where we’d deposited our heavy textbooks. Then we’d sat down on the carpeted floor (since our books had taken up the entire bench!). “Would you like to come over and study?” Ruben asked. “I will make banana bread- with chocolate chips! It’s my grandmother’s recipe.” He knew just how to get to me. He knew I loved anything with chocolate chips! “I’m sorry,” I said. “I have some lab projects coming up, and I have to focus. We’re doing a study on rats to see if we can train them. If I come over to study, we won’t get any studying done.” “Oh,” said Ruben. “Well, maybe we can hang out this weekend. I’ll make my grandma’s famous mushroom and spinach lasagna. I know you don’t like vegetables, but this dish is very tasty, I promise!” “I wish I could come, but I have a huge essay about abnormal psychology I have to finish that weekend,” I said sadly. “I see,” said Ruben. “That’s all right. You can just come on over whenever you have the time. I hope to see you soon.” “Me too,” I had nodded. Then we had gone to class and two months had gone by. I regretted not accepting his invitation to hang out. Chapter 2Suddenly, I heard rustling in the bushes. I held my scythe tightly and tried to see. There was enough light from the moon so that I could make out a human form deep in the grass, hidden behind a shrub.
I sneaked up on him, deciding to have a little fun. I could be very silent and sneaky when I wanted to. “Ruben,” I whispered in my scariest voice. “What are you doing in that bush?” He jumped out as if struck by lightning. “Ow,” he said, rubbing his arm. “That bush had thorns in it.” “Oh, I’m really sorry,” I said. Now I felt bad for frightening him. “You caught me,” he laughed, brushing the leaves off his jacket. “I wasn’t sure it was you at first. My cameras had spied someone approaching the house so I’d come out to investigate.” “You have more on your back,” I said. I took his shoulders and turned him around, then began brushing the leaves from his jacket. Ruben was short (one or two inches shorter than me) and slim, with black hair and bright green eyes. “Thanks,” he said. He turned back around, blushing a little. “Would you like to come in?” Ruben said shyly. “We haven’t seen much of each other these past few months. Not ever since you became Guardian.” “That’s true,” I said. Part of me felt ashamed for drifting apart from him. “I’m still trying to figure out this whole guardian thing.” “Maybe I can help,” Ruben said. “But first, come inside and I’ll make some hot chocolate.” We entered the living room and I sat down on the couch. Ruben went to the kitchen to make hot chocolate. I stored the scythe into a pocket of space, so that it was invisible. This had been another cool guardian trick I had learned over the past few months. “Here you go,” Ruben set two mugs on the coffee table and sat down next to me. “I’m sorry for being so distant lately,” I said. “I think I’ve gotten the hang of being a guardian, mostly.” “You should come to my lab. Maybe one of my gadgets could be of use to you,” he said. “Thanks,” I smiled. “I’m curious, though,” Ruben grinned. “Why were you right outside my house just now? Were you missing me?” I smiled sheepishly. “Actually, I was following a spirit,” I said. I explained to him what had been occurring with this spirit. Normally a Guardian doesn’t share this information with others, but I trusted Ruben completely. “I probably have some gadgets that could detect this spirit,” Ruben said. “Gosh, I hope my house isn’t haunted!” He looked around as if expecting a ghost to pop out at any moment. “I have a theory,” I said. “I think this spirit is a death dodger. I need to find them and find out what’s going on.” “This sounds exciting! Can I join?” Ruben asked. He sipped from his mug. “I want to do some more investigating first,” I said. I picked up my mug and drank. As I reached to return it to the table, Ruben gently took my other hand. “Scarlet, I miss spending time with you,” he said. My heart beat faster as I stared into his eyes. I hardly noticed as the hand holding the mug slowly lowered until- “The floor!” Ruben suddenly yelled. I gasped. While I’d been engrossed in Ruben’s eyes, I had accidentally spilled hot chocolate on the floor. “I’m so sorry!” I blushed red. “I’ll clean it up.” “Don’t worry about it,” Ruben started laughing as he went to get a mop. After mopping, he sat next to me once more. “I should have known you couldn’t take your eyes off me,” he grinned, then gave me a playful nudge on the shoulder. I don’t know what came over me right then. I started laughing uncontrollably. “Um...that wasn’t that funny...was it?” Ruben asked, then began to crack up too. We sat there just laughing for several minutes, and then we wrapped our arms around each other. I used my power to turn off the light and was just about to bring my lips to Ruben’s, when suddenly the lights immediately flicked back on. “What is going on in here?!!” an old woman shouted at us, her hand on the light switch. Ruben and I immediately broke apart. “Grandma, I thought you were asleep,” Ruben said. “How can anyone sleep with all this laughing and lovey dovey stuff going on in here?!” she hollered. I suspected she was hard of hearing. “Haha, we were just talking,” Ruben stammered. “Looked more like kissing to me,” his grandma said. “We do not allow kissing in this house. You have to get married before you can kiss. You shouldn’t bring your girlfriend over after hours.” “Grandma, she just happened to be passing by,” he said. “At this time of night?” his grandma barked. “I’m sorry, Grandma,” he said. “Let me just walk Scarlet home.” His grandma huffed and went back to her room, slamming the door a bit. “Actually it is pretty late,” Ruben glanced at his watch. “You’re welcome to sleep over. Otherwise I’ll walk you home.” “Um...okay, I’ll stay,” I yawned. “I am pretty tired now that you mention it.” “Okay, come with me.” Ruben took my hand and we went upstairs to his bedroom. “You can take the bed,” Ruben motioned to it. He went over to the closet and began rummaging through it. “I know I’ve got my sleeping bag in here somewhere.” “I don’t mind using a sleeping bag,” I said. “Don’t argue with me, Scarlet,” Ruben said playfully, tossing me an extra pillow. “Hand me my pillow, will you?” “Here you go,” I threw it high above his head and he laughed and caught it. “Are you making fun of me just because I’m an inch shorter than you?” Ruben grinned. “Well, I wanted to make sure you kept your spy skills sharp,” I grinned. Ruben grabbed his pillow and let it fly, aiming for my shoulder. I whacked it away with the pillow I was holding. Pretty soon we were having a pillow fight and were laughing hysterically. After a few minutes of this, a loud thumping sounded from the floor below. It startled me and I tripped and fell directly on top of Ruben. For a moment we stared into each other’s eyes, our faces just an inch away. “That’s probably my grandma thumping the ceiling with the broom,” Ruben said, breathless. “Sorry,” I said, quickly getting off him. “It’s okay. My lungs will survive,” he joked, sitting up. “Anyway, I’ve missed all the fun times like this that we used to have,” Ruben smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He stood and gave me a quick hug, then spread his sleeping bag next to the bed. I was still recovering from the warm hug that had caused sparks to spread through me. “Here’s an extra pair of pajamas,” Ruben handed them to me and I went to the bathroom to change. It felt weird wearing his pajamas and sleeping in his bed, but I was happy to be close to him. I thought about the crazy day. First I had spilled cocoa on his living room floor, then his grandma had caught me almost kissing him, and then I had engaged in a pillow fight and fallen on him. But he didn’t seem to mind. He was just happy to spend time with me again. I closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep. Image by FelixMittermeier from Pixabay That evening, I was very careful as I made my way down the darkened hall in Hamond’s castle. I noticed a few guards, but Hamond’s “faithful” guards were totally drunk, and I easily slipped past them.
I crept down the hall to find Hamond’s office. I needed to find proof, anything that would allow me to have him arrested. Maybe there was a treasury somewhere. I crept along quietly in the darkened hall. When I reached the stairs, I heard a soft sound from below. I inched my way down the steps and listened intently. At last, I heard light footsteps, so light I could have easily missed them if I hadn’t been completely alert. I could see that someone had lit a lamp downstairs in the cellar. I hid in the shadows behind a pillar and waited. Soon, a slender figure crept quietly past me, dressed in dark colors. The bandit was holding a sack filled with jewels and other precious items. After the bandit passed me and the footsteps died away, I began to follow. The woman heard me, then stopped and turned around to look at me. “Who are you?” I asked. There was silence as we regarded each other. Then the bandit held up a hand towards me and seemed about to speak. “Luzena,” she whispered. Suddenly I heard the sound of breaking glass and loud voices getting closer. The drunk guards were coming back! The bandit took a step back and then suddenly shot forward, through the open window. I jumped out as well, soon losing sight of the mysterious woman who knew my name. * When I returned to the room I shared with Jazer, I saw that he had waited up for me. He was sitting at his desk, staring out the window. He leaped up as I came in from the balcony. “You’re finally back!” he said, relieved. “I was so worried.” He wrapped his arms around me. “I met a woman who knows my name,” I said. “She too was spying around Hamond’s castle, mostly in the cellar.” “I wonder who she is,” Jazer wondered. “Anyway, it’s late and you must be tired.” I yawned. “Yeah, if I find that woman, maybe she and I could work together and find out what Hamond is up to.” * The next night, I visited Haunild. “Luzena, thank you for meeting me,” she said. I had told her repeatedly she was welcome to call me “Luzena” and she had finally done it. “I have the strangest news to tell you. Hamond came by today and returned all the money he’d taken from the villagers. He even acted friendly. It was very strange.” “Interesting,” I said, surprised. “So he finally listened to us?” “I’m not completely sure he’s sincere,” Haunild said. “There’s something suspicious about him. I think he’s doing all this for some specific purpose, perhaps power or fame. But I have no proof.” “I will investigate further,” I said. I needed a better plan, and maybe others to come with me. I could see if Sabina wanted to come along, but I also didn’t want to put her in any danger. But then again, she was more than capable of dealing with tough situations and escaping unharmed. And most of all, I wanted to find that mystery woman. Annora rushed into the conference room while we were in the middle of a meeting with the general.
The general looked cross but didn’t say anything. I’m sure he didn’t want to face Annora’s whining. “Your Majesties,” Annora interrupted like she always did. Whatever she wanted to tell us was certainly more important than our meeting with the general. “Are we under attack? Quick! Get my sword!” Sabina stood up and pretended to look around in urgency, then smiled at Annora’s impatient expression. “Lord Hamond, the most influential overseer in this area, has graciously sent an invitation to the grand ball. It’s in two days’ time. I would like all of you to come to the drawing room for a fitting. I’m going to order new gowns for the queens and a new fur cloak for the king.” Jazer groaned and put his head in his hands. “Excuse me, Annora,” Sabina said. “I actually don’t require a gown. I have many other wonderful gowns that you’ve previously bought for me. I’ll wear one of those. There’s no need to spend any more money.” “Same here,” I said. “I already have a few gowns.” “But this is for a grand ball!” Annora wailed. “You must wear something new and in fashion in order to show that we are well off and ahead of the fashions.” “Annora,” I said. “Let me tell you that I don’t care about fashion. If you get new clothes for us, then I’m going to wear my tunic and trousers to the ball.” It was as if everything had gone silent for a few seconds. Then the cannon exploded. “No! Please, you mustn’t! What will everyone think?!” Annora was aghast. “I’ll make you a deal,” I said. “If you don’t buy us new gowns, then I promise to wear the violet gown that you got me after my coronation. I still haven’t had a chance to wear it.” Annora seemed disappointed. “Oh, all right then,” she said. “But are you sure you don’t want new gowns?” “Yes,” Sabina and I said in unison. Annora made a note on her checklist and left us in peace. “We should get a lock for that door,” the general shook his head, clearly irritated. “Are we really going to go to Hamond’s ball?” Jazer asked. “I would highly recommend it,” said the general. “I fear that Hamond is becoming too powerful. We need to keep a close eye on him. I want the man watched at all times.” “You’re right,” I said. “We’ll keep our eyes open.” * “What are you snickering about?” Jazer asked. We had arrived at the grand ball and were entering the main hall at Hamond’s castle. I glanced at Jazer’s neck and stifled another laugh. Jazer looked down at his fur collar. “Oh, this thing?” he asked. “Yes, unfortunately Annora insisted I wear it. She says it shows prestige and that we are well-off.” “It makes you look cute,” I grinned at him. “You mean I’m not already cute?” he smirked. “Cuter,” I grinned. “Annora thinks I’ll meet my future husband here,” Sabina groaned, coming over. “She said it’s the perfect opportunity to practice what I’ve been learning in my flirting class.” We had arrived at the ball. I was wearing the violet gown I’d chosen and had even managed to hide a dagger under the skirt. Sabina looked radiant in a scarlet gown, and I’d made sure to tell the servants not to tie the laces too tight this time. “Make sure to snag one that’s worth a lot of money,” Jazer laughed. “Then we can take all his diamonds and jewels and auction them off.” “I’m looking for a husband, not a treasure trove,” Sabina said. She scanned the large ballroom, which was filled with hundreds of people. “But I’m disappointed. I don’t think I’ll find what I’m looking for here.” She drifted off, presumably to find the food table. I looked around until I spotted Hamond. He was talking to some nobles. “Would you like to dance, Luzena?” Jazer asked, holding out a hand. “Sure,” I said. We walked to the dance floor and began to dance. As we twirled around, I tried to keep my eye on Hamond. I watched him leave the nobles and head over to a woman in a red gown. Sabina! “He’s dancing with her!” I hissed to Jazer. “What?!” he asked, then saw where I was looking. “Let’s get closer,” I said, and we danced our way towards where Sabina was, at the other end of the room, until we were within earshot. “You are dazzling,” Hamond was saying. “Perhaps we could have dinner at my castle sometime.” “I am sorry, Lord Hamond, but I shall have to refuse,” Sabina said, her voice stiff. “That’s too bad,” said Hamond, “but let me know if you change your mind.” The music ended and they bowed to each other. “Queen Luzena,” Hamond seemed startled when he recognized me. “Wait, you are the-.” “Yes, I’m the one who came to you about the poor,” I said. “Wow, I almost didn’t recognize you! You look gorgeous!” he stared at me. “Would you dance with me?” “All right,” I said. After all, I had something important I wanted to discuss with him. We joined hands as the music started. “I’m so surprised that you became queen and gave up your mercenary ways completely,” Hamond said. “What makes you think I’ve given up being a mercenary?” I said icily. I wanted to scare him a little. “Oh, well, I thought since you have a nice castle to live in and a people to rule over, then you don’t have time for mercenary business.” “I’m not here to rule over the people, but to protect them,” I said. “And if that involves my mercenary skills, then so be it!” “You misunderstand me. I’m not at all questioning your competency or intentions,” he said. “But have you thought about how to expand the kingdom?” “What do you mean?” I was suspicious now. “Well, the kingdom needs to acquire more lands and resources. Land is power,” Hamond said. “If you need an extra advisor, I’d be happy to offer my services.” “I have plenty of advisors,” I groaned, thinking of Annora. “Maybe you don’t have the right ones,” Hamond said. “I’m sure you’re very busy with your overseer job and don’t need the burden of being an advisor,” I said. “On the contrary, I would very much like to help the kingdom. You could even try me as an advisor temporarily.” “I don’t think I’d want an advisor who cares so little about the people,” I turned a stony glare on him. “By the way, have you thought about my request?” “I have, and I don’t think it’s what’s best for the people. I think people should keep their word, don’t you?” he asked. “But why have you been increasing the interest rates and turning the villagers into indentured servants?” I squeezed his hand in a steel grip and he winced. “It’s their own fault,” he said. “They keep making more and more demands. I need to protect my possessions. Otherwise I’d go broke.” “I doubt that,” I said, disgusted. “Anyway, this dance is over.” Weekly, the three of us gathered at the audience chamber where we would respond to the requests of the people. Each of us sat on a throne-like chair at the front of the room, while the people formed three lines. We had discovered that having three monarchs was much easier, since we were able to split the work among the three of us. This way we were able to talk to more people and the people felt heard. Many of the requests were easy to grant and most of the people were poor and asked for favors. But a few requests were difficult and required much thought.
An old woman with graying hair approached. She had intense-looking eyes and seemed to be a leader of the people. “Your Majesty,” she said. Her voice was clear and powerful. “Many of my neighbors and villagers have come to me with cries for help. I am here to speak on their behalf. Several of my people have taken out loans from the rich overseer. They have worked hard to pay him back in time, but he keeps increasing the interest, and the people are becoming indentured servants with no way out. Since they cannot pay, this man has been taking away everything they have, especially the few jewels they possess. He’s stripping their valuables and keeping them for himself and his household. This is happening to more and more people. We need a plan to stop this overseer.” “Who is this man?” I asked. “It’s Lord Hamond,” the woman answered. “This is a most serious matter that needs immediate investigation,” I said. “I would like to meet with you and your village and devise a solution.” We spoke for a few minutes more, deciding on when to meet in the next few days. “Thank you, my queen,” the woman said, retreating into the crowd. I thought hard about this. Hamond. Why did the name sound familiar? * “Lord Hamond?” asked Sabina. “Yes, I know him. He’s the most ruthless overseer in the area. In fact, your sister used to work in his household.” “What?!” I asked, my eyes wide in shock. “Yes, Shalena died while she was a servant there. She caught a sickness and passed away. His servant told me himself when I stopped by to ask for her.” “I need to go speak with him,” I said. “But not as queen. If I go as queen, he will only tell me lies. I must go as myself.” Days later I met with the old woman, whose name was Haunild, and we both went to meet with Lord Hamond, having decided to try a diplomatic approach. We stopped outside his castle and the guards let us in. I was dressed as a mercenary and had my dagger with me. “Lord Hamond, I ask you to let the people keep their lands and possessions,” Haunild said firmly. “Give them more time to pay back their loans, so that they may continue to make a living. Times are hard and we all need to work together and help one another.” Lord Hamond came out of the shadows and I gasped. It was the same man I’d seen a few months ago, back when I’d been a mercenary. He had been about to give a girl a beating for stealing a few coins from him! I had almost received that beating when I’d asked to take the girl’s place, but Jazer had come right then and saved me from harm. “You look familiar, somehow,” Lord Hamond eyed me. “Have we met before?” “Yes, I was the woman who asked to take the beating for the girl who stole from your pockets.” “Yes, I remember you,” he said. Lord Hamond was the same height as me, had arrogant eyes, and seemed to be in his thirties. He was wearing the most pompous clothes I’d ever seen, shining like a flamboyant jewel. “You didn’t answer her request about ceasing to steal from the poor,” I said. “Oh yes,” Lord Hamond said. “I am not stealing from the poor. You see, they are stealing from me. Many of them have debts to me, and when they don’t pay by the deadline, I simply take back what’s mine.” “But the people are dying while you have every comfort,” Haunild reasoned. “Please have some compassion. Show some mercy, Lord Hamond.” “I can’t let people walk all over me,” Lord Hamond said. “I deserve respect. Many people borrow money from me or ask for favors. Am I supposed to give everything freely?” “Not everything,” I said. “But perhaps you can share a small part of your wealth. I’m sure that would help a lot of people.” “Don’t we all look out for ourselves?” Hamond asked. “That’s exactly what I’m doing. You have to be firm to survive in this age. I can’t become soft now or people will take advantage of me.” “Lord Hamond, I ask you to help my people,” Haunild changed tactic, deciding to appeal to his ego. “If you help them, they will be very grateful to you and will see you as a hero.” “Heroes? That’s just imagination,” Hamond said. He looked at me and a slow grin came onto his face. “You are very nice to look at. Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?” “No, thanks. I’m married,” I said, starting to feel irritated. “How unfortunate,” Hamond said. Then his eyes lit up. “Your husband doesn’t have to know,” he said, taking a step closer. “We could meet in secret. I’ll make it very worth your while.” He reached out and took my hand. “I’m going to decline,” I said, my gaze taking on a hard edge. I pulled my hand out of his grasp as if a snake had bitten me. I turned to the wise woman. “Come, let’s go, Haunild,” I took her arm and we left the hateful place. That man made me sick and I wished I had my sword with me so I could scare him really bad. I wouldn’t hurt him, of course, but the temptation was there. “This is going to take longer than we’d thought,” Haunild sighed. “Yes,” I nodded, handing her a satchel. “Meanwhile, take this to help the people. I’ve included some coins and jewels that may help the people for a little while.” “Thank you, my queen,” Haunild said. “Please, just call me Luzena,” I said. * Days later, Sabina and I were in the combat arena outside, practicing swordfighting. Several others were in the arena training as well, mostly soldiers and commoners. “That was dangerous what you did, going to Lord Hamond’s place without any guards,” Sabina said as she struck. I parried her attack. “A monarch has to take risks,” I said. “And besides, I can’t just go and arrest Hamond. Technically he’s following the law. I must find a way to fix this problem, though. Otherwise, the people may revolt.” “I can’t believe he flirted with you,” Sabina said. “He doesn’t know I’m the queen,” I told her. “He’ll be shocked once he finds out. That is, when I decide to reveal myself.” “Those poor people,” Sabina said. “I’m going to sell some of my dresses that Annora has gotten for me and give the money to the people.” “Annora will be so pleased, I’m sure,” I laughed. “Who cares what Annora thinks?” Sabina grinned. We took a break and looked around the arena. “Are you looking around for a husband already?” I joked. “No!” Sabina’s cheeks turned pink. “Just seeing if I can spar with someone else. It’s good to swordfight with different opponents.” “How about that guy?” I asked. I pointed to a guy who was dressed as a commoner and was sitting on the fence, watching people spar. “I don’t think he has a sword, though,” Sabina said. “Take mine,” I said. “I need to get back to needlepoint before Annora finds out.” “Good luck with that!” Sabina grinned and headed towards the commoner. I returned to needlepoint quickly, and set about working. Annora entered minutes later. “Oh, I see you are here,” she said. She glanced at my attire. “I need to educate you about our traditions, I see,” she said. “First, you should always wear a royal dress at every function. Second, you should always be accompanied by servants. And third, your manners need some work.” “Annora, do you ever have fun?” I grinned at her. “What kind of a question is that?” she frowned at me. “Of course I do! I live to help the kingdom. This is my work and I enjoy it.” “But, Annora,” I said, getting up and placing my hands on her shoulders. “Wouldn’t you like a day off? Or maybe a nice vacation to a tropical land? I think you would really enjoy it.” “You’re just trying to get rid of me,” she said. “Why can’t you just follow my instructions?” “Because there’s too many regulations and most of them are unnecessary,” I said. “It’s the law and the tradition,” she said. “It’s always been done this way and we will continue it.” I groaned in annoyance after she left. A few days later, as soon as I was out of Annora’s sight, I left the needlepoint class and quickly made my way to the stables. I removed the sparkly dress I was wearing and hid it in a bag. I hurriedly pulled on the mercenary clothes- my black shirt and pants, then started to take my horse out for a ride.
“Let me come with you!” a voice hissed and I saw someone hiding behind the horse feed. I grinned. “Are you hiding from Annora too?” I asked. “Of course! Help me up,” Sabina was walking on all fours as she came out from behind the sacks. Her pretty dress was completely dirty. I reached down and helped her to her feet. “I was just about to change when I heard someone coming. I hid, thinking that Annora was onto me,” Sabina said. “I’m so glad it’s just you!” “Well, we’re free now. Let’s go!” I said. Sabina had her riding clothes underneath her dress and she pulled the dress off over her head. We got our horses and went riding. “This is wonderful,” I said after a while. “I don’t like being cooped up in the castle doing needlework.” “Is that what you were doing? I had a worse thing lined up. Annora had signed me up for courtship classes. Can you believe that? Courtship classes!” “I thought it was the man’s job to court,” I said. “Apparently not,” Sabina said. “The class is designed to teach me how to flirt, how to give clues and signs that I’m single and available. But I find the whole thing super boring and annoying. It makes me feel like I’m supposed to be some kind of useless peacock dancing around to attract a mate.” “Is she trying to irritate us to death?” I asked. “No, she’s trying to improve our image in the eyes of our people,” Sabina said in a mocking tone. We slowed our horses and looked out at the valley below. “What’s wrong with our image?” I asked. “I would think that monarchs should be themselves and serve the people, not wear dresses filled with jewels and do endless needlepoint exercises.” “You’re right. We should do something,” Sabina said. We gazed at nature for a few moments. “This place is peaceful,” I sighed. “Any place without Annora is peaceful,” Sabina added. * “You weren’t at your lessons!” Annora wailed. “I do all this work to improve your lives and nobody appreciates me!” “We do appreciate you,” I said gently. “But we would like you to let us be ourselves. You keep changing everything we’re trying to do.” “Because I’m your advisor,” she continued. “I’m only trying to help you.” I sighed, not knowing how to make her understand. “Look at this dress,” Annora pointed to Sabina’s ruined clothes. “I went to the trouble to order it for you and you treat it like it means so little to you.” “Annora, I never asked for this dress,” Sabina pointed out. “I just want you to let me be myself. If you would let me fix my own schedule, this never would have happened.” “You can’t be yourself. You’re monarchs! You have to be what the people want you to be! Tradition is key!” Annora wailed, then left the room in an angry huff. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay warrioAt dinner that evening, I wore the glamorous dress with the jewels all over it. Annora insisted I wear fancy gowns to dinner, and I agreed to try it out just to get her off my back. The dress made it harder to eat. I had to be very careful to not get any crumbs on it, and I felt I looked ridiculous.
After dinner, Annora came in with a scroll. “I’ve had your names added to the royal history,” she said. “I’ve arranged a meeting to discuss the future of the kingdom.” “Yes, thank you,” Lord Jordan said. “I’ll take it from here. You are dismissed.” “But I can’t be dismissed,” Annora said, looking hurt. “I’ve prepared the agenda for this discussion.” “Fine,” Lord Jordan sighed in defeat. “You may stay.” “As you all know, the royal line only continues when there are heirs to the throne,” Annora said, looking around the room. She had seated herself right next to Lord Jordan. “I’d like to bestow an obligation on each of you to further the kingdom’s welfare. For King Jazer and Queen Luzena, your next step is to produce an heir as quickly as possible.” I snorted with laughter. “I don’t see what is so funny,” Annora huffed. “I thought you said you wanted us to produce air,” I laughed mercilessly. Jazer started to join in the laughter, but a stern look from his uncle stopped him dead in his tracks. “We’re talking about the future,” said Lord Jordan. “A new prince or princess that will carry your legacy. You do want that, don’t you?” Jazer and I looked at each other, our faces reddening. “But we’ve only been married for three months,” I said slowly. “There’s no need to rush.” “Of course there is! This is the kingdom we’re talking about. Normally monarchs produce an heir before their first wedding anniversary,” Annora huffed. “But sooner would be better. We need to treat this like an urgent matter. I’m sure you understand.” My cheeks burned red and I looked down at the table. I didn’t like this matter being discussed in front of everyone. If you asked me, Annora should have talked to us privately before embarrassing us like this. Or better yet, she should have sent a letter or kept her mouth shut. I thought back to the coronation. When Jazer and I had been crowned, the priest had mentioned something about blessing us to have an heir very soon. I had blushed a bit at that, but I’d been much more focused on the coronation itself. On becoming queen. I was still learning how to administer the kingdom’s business and felt like I was drowning in a multitude of unnecessary regulations. “Um…we’re not ready yet,” Jazer said. “A child is a huge responsibility.” “But, Jazer, this is the whole reason why we have royal weddings in the first place,” Lord Jordan shook his head in disbelief. “It’s a royal duty!” I stood up fast and glared at the older man. “I’m a warrior who became queen, and I’m not going to be relegated to producing an heir just to ease your mind about the future!” “Fine, then, don’t listen to me,” Lord Jordan eyed me angrily. “But remember that this request is not from me, it’s from our subjects. It’s for the good of the kingdom and its people.” He stood up and left the room in a huff. I tried not to show my discomfort. Jazer reached out under the table and squeezed my hand. I sighed and tried to think of other things than this unnecessary dilemma they were trying to throw on us. “Okay, let’s move on to the next item on our list,” Annora said, as if nothing had happened. “Queen Sabina, your next step is to get married. I’ll arrange for you to attend all the dances and events the nobles are hosting. You need to meet as many eligible suitors as possible. And then we can carefully choose one, send a proposal, and ease into an arranged marriage.” Sabina looked up. “I’m only twenty,” she said. “Do I have to get married now?” “Of course!” Annora looked aghast. “Within a few months if possible. We’ll find the perfect man for the kingdom.” I glanced at Jazer and rolled my eyes. Things were starting to get amusing with Annora’s crazy ideas. “How do I know if he’s in it for the title or if he’s a good person?” Sabina asked. “Well, if you’d prefer a man that’s not stuck-up, I’d be happy to find one for you,” I grinned at her. “I’ll put my mercenary skills to good use for matchmaking.” Sabina laughed. “Okay, just find me an attractive one. That’s all I need, really. Like yours.” She burst into laughter. “Is that all I am, just a pretty face?” Jazer laughed. “I would think that the future king should be more than just decoration.” “You young monarchs are impossible! You never take anything seriously!” Annora glared at us, then got up and left with a huff. “At least we got rid of her,” I grinned. “Time to celebrate!” Photo by Shirly Niv Marton on Unsplash Luzena has been queen for three months now, but her new advisor is proving to be very annoying. This is the sequel to Luzena the Mercenary. To read Luzena the Mercenary, go to Short Stories for the ebook version, or find it on this blog page. “See? This is what happens when you marry a mercenary,” one of the advisors looked pointedly at Jazer, then fixed an angry stare on me. I rolled my eyes.
Three months had passed since I’d married Jazer and become queen. The coronation had not only bestowed the crown on us, but also a host of advisors to guide us. The most ardent of our advisors was a fifty-something woman named Annora. But if you asked me, Annoying would have been a more suitable name for her. “What is wrong with what I’m wearing?” I asked her. Jazer, Sabina, and I were seated on a settee, posing for a painting. I had come wearing my usual mercenary clothes: dark tunic and black trousers, and my trusted dagger. “It’s not regal,” the advisor said. “You’re a queen now, not a mercenary.” I sighed. “Shouldn’t the painting show us as we really are?” I asked. “I spent a good part of my life as a mercenary. Why do I have to hide who I am?” “Because that’s the tradition,” Annora said. A servant came in and handed her a shimmering dress that sparkled with jewels. “Now go change into this.” “Fine,” I said, reluctantly taking the dress. I wasn’t the only one who looked stifled. I looked at Jazer and saw that ridiculous fur collar he was forced to wear for the painting. He looked stiff and I saw perspiration along his neck and throat. Sabina was sitting wearing a dress that looked too tight and I noticed her hands were white from being clenched. “Sabina? Are you all right?” I asked. She didn’t answer but slowly closed her eyes and fainted. Jazer quickly caught her, setting her down gently on the carpeted floor. “She’s not breathing!” he looked around in alarm. “Sabina!” I hurried over to her and flipped her over onto her stomach. I started untying the laces on the back of her bodice. “The laces are too tight! She can barely breathe,” I said. I turned her back over and waited. At last, Sabina began to breathe normally. She gradually opened her eyes. “What happened?” she asked. “Queen Luzena was undressing you in front of everyone!” Annora seemed mortified. I glared at her, then turned back to Sabina. “Let’s go,” I said. I scooped her up into my arms and carried her to her chambers. * “How is she?” Jazer asked. I was in the combat room, practicing my swordsmanship. I always headed to the combat room when I needed some air. Annora had given me quite the mouthful after that last episode. “She’s fine,” I said, putting the sword away. “I didn’t know a dress could be that dangerous,” Jazer said. “Annora was displeased when you started untying Sabina’s clothes.” I laughed. “Yeah, Annora cares more about dangerous fashion rather than comfort and well-being.” “Well, you’ve got to admit that the whole thing was hilarious,” Jazer smiled. “We should do more things to get on Annora’s nerves.” “Yeah,” I grinned. “She’s the most-“ A knock came just then. “Enter,” Jazer called. The door opened and Annora came in. “Your Majesties, there you are,” she said. “I’ve rescheduled the time for the royal painting and have made daily schedules for both of you. Here you go.” She handed us each a piece of parchment and then left. I studied the schedule. “But I had horse-back riding set aside during that time,” I said. “I told her that, but she replaced it with needlework. What will I ever need needlework for?” I gave a frustrated sigh. “Oh no, she cut down my office time and replaced it with royal etiquette training,” Jazer said. “I don’t know which is worse, etiquette or needlework?” “Definitely etiquette,” I smiled. “Maybe she doesn’t think you’re polite enough.” “Then I’ll be extra polite at the dinner table next time,” Jazer grinned. “Let’s see if I can kill her with exaggerated politeness.” “If that even exists,” I said. “Oh, I’m sure it can be done,” Jazer grinned. Image by [email protected] from Pixabay The four-hour drive home was deathly quiet. I ignored my dad and he ignored me, which suited me just fine. After two hours on the road, we stopped to get fuel.
“Stay in the car, Scar,” my dad barked at me, slamming the door as he exited. He hastily put gas in the car and we were off again. After arriving home, I went to see my mom. “Oh, you’re finally back, Scar,” she said. “Good! You can start on the dishes and then clean the rest of the house.” “Okay,” I said, sullen. This was the welcome I got from her? I don’t know why I’d expected more. I went into the kitchen and found a sink filled to the brim with dirty dishes and a few flies buzzing around. I sighed and picked up a sponge. Both my parents ignored me for the rest of the day, which was a relief. As long as I stayed on their good side, they would leave me alone. That evening, I went into my room, which was in the basement, and heard my mother lock the door. I was surprised they didn’t realize I knew how to pick locks by now. I shook my head silently and got in bed, then tried to fall asleep. I thought about my uncle, the scythe, and the responsibility of Guardian. Now that my dad had brought me back, I couldn’t be Guardian anymore. I had to wait a year until I turned 18. Then I’d be able to leave my parents’ house and become Guardian. I didn’t know what to do, and I wished there was a way to contact my uncle. * At night I dreamed of a glistening scythe. It was dark in the forest, and the moonlight reflected on the scythe’s blade. The staff felt cool and powerful in my hands. I was wearing a long red cloak, and I looked out into the foggy blackness. Then a shadowy figure came my way, wearing a dark cloak. I strained my eyes to see, but couldn’t make out the face. The person looked familiar. Finally, the figure halted in front of me. I raised the scythe, in case I had to defend myself. “Uncle?” I asked, “is that you?” “It’s me,” he said. “I think some of the scythe’s power brushed off on you. I could sense that you were trying to contact me. One of the gifts of being Guardian is that I can enter the dreamworld to some extent. So I was surprised when I saw that you had entered it too. I wanted to say how sorry I am that things didn’t work out. That I wasn’t able to protect you. I guess we’ll have to wait until you turn 18, but I must protect the scythe until then.” “I understand,” I said. “I’m very tempted to just give him what he wants. To give him the scythe,” Uncle said. “Then he’ll leave you alone.” “No,” I said. “Then he’d be able to open the portal at will. Who knows what chaos he would cause?” “You can’t become Guardian anymore,” Uncle said sadly. “Your father would come after you nonstop.” “No, I’ve decided,” I said. “I’ve thought about it, and I accept. I will be the next Guardian.” “But it’s too dangerous,” Uncle said. “I’ve already made my decision,” I said firmly. He needed to see that I meant what I said. Uncle showed me a vision of where the scythe was hidden. There was a secret compartment under the stairwell. It was concealed so well that nobody would ever find it unless they knew where to look. “There is a power that comes with the scythe,” Uncle said. “Some people, such as your father, can’t handle power. They abuse it and it makes them go mad. But, you, Scarlet, you are a responsible individual who cares for other people. I know you will use it in the right ways.” “Thanks, Uncle,” I said. I woke up and the dream faded away. * Days later, my father ordered me to get in the car. “Where are we going?” I was immediately suspicious. “Get in, Scar! Do as I say!” he snapped. “We’re going to Griswold’s place where I’m going to trade you for the scythe.” “What?!” “Lucky for me, he cares more about you than the scythe,” he said. I was upset. I could not let him get his hands on that scythe! After we arrived, I was left at Griswold’s house, while my father and uncle went into the forest. I called up Ruben. “I’m back,” I said, “and my uncle is going to give my father the scythe. We have to go stop him!” Ruben hurried over with his spy gear and we set off. He’d brought some camouflage suits, so we quickly put them on. * “Let’s find a place to hide,” I said. We hid near some bushes and hoped my dad wouldn’t see us. “Let’s hear what they’re saying,” Ruben set up his listening headphones and gave me one of them to put in my ear. The voices of my uncle and dad became as clear as day. The two men were standing in the middle of the clearing, Griswold holding the scythe, and my dad standing a few feet away from him. “Open the portal,” my father demanded. “I want to make sure it’s the real one.” Griswold used the scythe to slash the air and open the entrance to the other world. My dad’s eyes lit up and he reached for the scythe. “You’ll never have it!” Griswold said. “Scarlet will be the next Guardian. Not you! You would only misuse it!” “I’d be immortal!” my dad said. “I must have it!” He made a lunge for it. Griswold stepped out of the way, raised the scythe, and slashed in his direction. A dark mist swirled from the scythe and began to circle around my dad, finally engulfing him in darkness. “What are you doing to me?!” he shouted, flailing his arms. “Scarlet will be rid of you once and for all!” Griswold exclaimed. “You want to be immortal? Fine! Let’s go!” “What?” my dad asked, horrified. “I’m coming with you so that you don’t cause trouble there as well!” Griswold announced. He put his hand over the diamond and the jewel seemed to absorb his essence. Ruben and I watched, mesmerized and not knowing what to do. Finally, Griswold’s body collapsed to the ground, and I saw his soul come out of his body. My dad, on the other hand, was completely surrounded by darkness, as if in a cocoon, and the blackness dragged him into the other world. “Let’s help my uncle!” I called to Ruben. We ran over and I picked up the scythe. A spirit floated in the air in front of me. He looked like my uncle, but he was transparent. “Uncle?” I asked. “Are you dead?” “Yes, I’m freed from this world,” he said. “Now that your dad’s gone, you’re free to live your life, and I am leaving you the house. You are now the new Guardian. I pass it on to you.” “I accept the responsibility of Guardian,” I said. “I, Scarlet Darkness, am now the new Guardian of Souls.” “The power is safe with you,” said Griswold. “I am going now, but we will meet again one day. Farewell!” I waved back and watched his spirit drift into the portal. Then I swung the staff and sealed the entrance. “What just happened?” Ruben whispered. He was staring at me with eyes open wide. “It’s all right, Ruben,” I said. “I’ll tell you all about it soon. Let me look after my uncle’s body first.” I went over to Griswold’s body. How strange that I had just spoken to his spirit, and here I was staring at his dead body. * “Are you all right?” I asked Ruben, who was sitting next to me in the hospital waiting room, looking terrified. He was just staring off into space, barely moving. After Griswold had died, I had called the paramedics and they’d arrived and taken his body to the hospital. The doctor had told us that Griswold had died of old age. “Ruben?” I asked again. He snapped out of it and looked at me. “Sorry, Scarlet. I’m still in a daze. It was shocking seeing your uncle’s spirit come out of his body, and then his body just lay there useless. I guess that must be what death is like.” “I hope you’re not scared of me,” I said. “I won’t use my power to kill people. I will guard their souls until it’s time to send them to the Afterlife.” “This has been the best Halloween ever!” Ruben said, and I saw the hint of a smile. I reached out and took his hand and was glad to see that he didn’t pull away. |
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