Ali Noel Vyain's Blog, page 67

Chapter 20 Expanding

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Maegin walked into the clinic. “Hey, Bernard, are you busy?”

“No.” Bernard was sitting at his desk.

“Well, I’ve come up with something that may help Jazmin.”

“Oh, what?”

“Here just look.” She had him her tablet computer with her notes and diagrams.

Bernard studied it a few minutes. “Ah, yes, I see it. Either Jazmin or Darius gets the surgery and they won’t have any more children.”

Maegin nodded. “Boe and I were coming up with ideas last night and finally this morning we both got it.”

“Jazmin isn’t ready to give birth yet, so it’s doubtful she will want to have any kind of surgery. However, I bet Darius will be willing to get this kind of surgery.” He grabbed his portable communicator. “Darius, Maegin and Boe have come up with solution that will prevent you and Jazmin from having more children.”

“Really? What no more sex?”

Bernard smiled. “No, I will to perform an operation on one of you.”

“Oh? I don’t think that would be good for her to do. But if it will work, I’m game.”

“Good. That was pretty much what I thought. If you can stop by the clinic now, Maegin and I can show you what needs to be done.”

“I’ll be there in five minutes.”

Bernard turned off the communicator and looked up at Maegin. She looked to the door when Darius walked in.

“Okay, so what do you need to do to me to help me keep Jazmin happy?”

Maegin handed him her tablet. He studied the pictures and the notes.

“Well, I think it should be okay with Bernard performing the surgery.”

“When do you want to do it?”

“I could do it now. I don’t have guard duty tonight.”

“Then Hugo and I will need a few minutes to prepare. Did you tell Jazmin?”

“Well, no, not yet. I was going to surprise her.”

Bernard smiled. “She will be surprised.”

Maegin’s communicator beeped. “Maegin here.”

“Lady Maegin, we have elves and fairies who want to start up another Guardian hold out here. Is it possible?”

“Of course it’s possible. They’re talking to you?”

Faedin nodded. “Yes, they have been respectful. They have heard some of the stories and they are following the same code you do.”

“Okay, we’ll have to have a meeting and make arrangements. We can start right now. I’ll call you back in a few minutes.” Maegin walked out of the clinic.

Darius watched Hugo and Bernard get ready. “I’d hate to miss that.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be missing it, too. Would you like to be knocked out or just numb the area we will be working on?”

“How about you just knock me out. I think I’d rather wake up later and not have to worry about what you actually did.”

Bernard smiled. “Okay, no problem.” He gave Darius a shot. Darius went right to sleep.

********************

Maegin soon had some of the Guardians assembled in the great hall around the table. The globe was in the center of the room. She called Faedin back.

The centaur answered immediately. “I have the elves and fairies right here with us.” She showed the elves and fairies sitting or floating nearby.

Lady Penelopi smiled. “So you want your own hold, but still be a part of us?”

“Yes. We think there should be Guardians in this part of the world. Many of us have had similar problems to you in the main hold.”

“In that case, we can have Greg and his crew set you up with the equipment.”

Greg nodded. “It will take us some time, but if you already have your hold, we can install the communicators and provide you with any of the rest of the technology you may need.”

“How will you get it to us? Will the dragons have to come?”

“They don’t have to. We have a flying ship.”

“Wow! Can we have one of those?”

“Certainly, but it will take us time to build another one.”

**********************

Darius opened his eyes and found Jazmin sitting next to his bed. She looked a little pale and her eyes were closed.

“Milady, I didn’t expect to see you here after my operation.”

She opened her eyes. “When I didn’t see you at the meeting, I knew something was up. Of course, Bernard and Hugo weren’t present, but Lady Merlaen was. I asked her and she said you had an operation to help keep me happy.”

Darius smiled. “She didn’t tell you what kind of surgery it was?”

“No, she wasn’t sure what Bernard and Hugo were doing this time.”

“Oh, I’m fixed.”

“What?”

“I’ll be shooting blanks from now on.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“Milady, we don’t need birth control and you shouldn’t get pregnant ever again.”

“Oh!”

“Yes.” He sat up. “Where is Bernard? I have some questions for him.”

Bernard walked out of his room into the clinic. “I’m right here, old friend. What are you questions?”

“Can I go back to work?”

Bernard grabbed his scanner from his desk and walked over to Darius. Bernard scanned Darius. “You’re healing up. Although you might have a little trouble walking for a while. I’d recommend light duty and hope we don’t get any raiders or orcs until after you’ve healed up completely.”

“Oh, it’s like that, huh?” Darius stood up and walked around the clinic.

Jazmin laughed.

Darius smiled at her. “At least you’re amused. This is a bit uncomfortable and I will do light duty for now.”

Bernard smiled. “I hope I don’t need to mention that sex is not a good idea until after you heal up.”

“Well… okay, I’m sure Jazmin will be okay until after I heal up.”

Jazmin covered her mouth and tried to stifle her laughter.

Bernard laughed. “You can leave. There’s no need for you stay in the clinic. See you later, you two.”

Darius took Jazmin’s hand and they left the clinic.

Chapter 19 Exploring

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Maegin, Boe, and Greg were busy loading the flying ship. Many of the other Guardians were standing by and watching them. People held their breathe once the trio was ready to take off.

The ship lifted off vertically from the launch pad. Slowly, it rose into the sky. On board, the trio was calculating their approach. Greg was piloting the ship.

Maegin called Forni to let him know they were on their way. Forni nodded and made sure they could locate him. He also kept an eye on Melodi.

It would be a matter of hours before the ship arrived. In the meantime, Maegin and Boe took lots of notes. They were working with the ship’s computer and the satellites. They were able to look out the windows and see what the readings meant.

They were excited, even though their route would keep them away from any settlements. The two laughed as they worked.

Greg was quiet and focused on flying. He had to maintain a balance between not being too high in the sky and not being too low to hit any trees or mountains.

It wasn’t easy, but the ship was doing well as he was. He heard Maegin and Boe, but remained quiet. They reminded him of how he and Hugo were when they were together. Greg wondered when they would get around to getting married.

**********************

Forni sighed. He wasn’t sure what had happened to him, but the world was different. It seemed to have something to do with Melodi. She was still sad, but she had made a friend with a centaur.

It looked as if she would be at home with the other Guardians. But when would she smile again? Forni shook his head. He wanted to talk to Merlaen as soon as he was back home. If anyone would know what was wrong, it would be her.

Until then, he was busy looking after Melodi and waiting for the flying ship. He wasn’t sure what to expect for the ship, but it was probably another good invention from Greg.

Forni had grown up with lots of new inventions from Greg, who was now a legend among the Guardians. No one could guess what he would design next. But whatever it was, it would always be something good.

Forni smiled. He didn’t remember his parents, but he did remember Jazmin saving him that night long ago. He was scared and there were other orphans. She was quite a sight even when he was still just a child.

Perhaps she was the reason he became a guard and a scout. In some ways, he was glad the bandits did come that night. Not only was he able to grow up and became what he wanted to be, but she and the others were also free to choose their own paths.

Many Guardians were happier than the villagers were. Some joined because they were simply too unhappy where they once were. Still it wasn’t a perfect system, but no system is perfect for everyone.

Forni was lost in thought when he finally heard the flying machine. The centaurs warned him and Melodi as it was landing. Greg landed the ship just outside of the forest.

Maegin and Boe walked off the ship and greeted Forni. Forni greeted them back. Melodi stared at the flying ship.

It was unlike anything she had ever seen in her life.

“It’s time for us to leave, Melodi.”

“In that thing?”

“Yes, in that machine. It should be fine. It was already tested before they came here.”

“Oh.”

“It’s okay. Guardians have a lot of technology that most people would never ever dream of. It can take some time to get used to it.”

“You centaurs don’t seem to have much technology.” Melodi noted.

Faedin smiled. “We do use some. Most centaurs prefer to live in the forests and take care of the animals and plants that are here.”

“Oh, you do have those portable communicators. What else would you have?”

“Other than portable scanners, that’s about it for us. We don’t care for the other things. We are pretty simple for most Guardians.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“You can reach me on channel 5.”

“What?”

“You’ll get your own communicator once you get to the main hold.”

“Oh. Then I’ll be able to talk to you after I’m there?”

“Yes.”

They hugged and Melodi followed Forni onto the ship. She looked around. Maegin took over the ship controls. Greg moved to the co-pilot position. Boe went back to his seat. Melodi and Forni sat in the back.

Soon they were taking off. Melodi gasped.

Forni looked to her. “This is my first time in this flying ship.”

Melodi tried to smiled.

Maegin smiled. “It will be a few hours before we get back. It will probably be dark. We’ll probably miss dinner, but don’t worry, we’ll still be able to get something to eat.”

“How is that possible?” asked Melodi.

“Some of the domestic staff works overnight and everyone knows we’re out. It shouldn’t be a big deal.”

“I heard that I would be able to sew and embroider again.”

“Yes, of course you can. We need people on the domestic staff to do that sort of work.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

“I’m a scientist.”

“Really? I thought only men could do that.”

“We Guardians believe we shouldn’t waste our talents by using a rigid division of labor based on sex. Some members of the domestic staff are men.”

“Oh, that’s different. You sound happy as a scientist.”

“I always was happy with this sort of work.”

“Are some of the guards women?”

“Yep and they’re quite talented as guards.”

“It sounds like you Guardians wouldn’t necessary fit in well in a regular village.”

Maegin laughed. “I left my village because my parents wanted to marry me off once I reached puberty. I had heard the rumors about what had happened to my friend, Boe and I decided it was time to leave. I am glad I did leave. I’ve been much happier since then.”

“So not everyone leaves the hold? Some prefer to just stay there.”

“Yes, they do. That’s fine too. Many members of the domestic staff are quite happy to stay put. Without them, we would be lost. They grow and cook our food. They make our clothes and they clean. Many are happy to do so and we appreciate them for it.”

Melodi thought. “Then I guess I’ll be alright with your people. I wasn’t sure at first, but if it’s the way you say it is, then I’ll be happy to live there.”

“I bet you will be happy.”

**********************

It was dark once they landed. All five got out and were greeted by Lady Penelopi. She made sure they all had food. Lady Penelopi served them and sat down with them.

Melodi was tired and hungry. “Lady Penelopi, I am told you head the domestic staff and I want to join it.”

Lady Penelopi smiled. “Oh? What skills do you have?”

“I can sew and I was the best at embroidery in my village.”

“I take it you’re talking about all hand sewing?”

“Yes.”

“Are you willing to learn how to use a sewing machine?”

“You have sewing machines?”

“Oh, yes. I’d be happy to teach you how to use one.”

“I’m willing. Is it hard to learn?”

“No. It works in a similar way to hand sewing.”

“I can start tomorrow morning.”

“Wonderful. We can start after breakfast.”

*************************

The next morning, Lady Penelopi sought out Melodi. Melodi was feeling a bit nauseous and dizzy, but didn’t say anything as she followed Lady Penelopi to the sewing room.

It had been a while since Melodi had done any sewing, but she was still able to do all her stitches. The machine wasn’t so hard to learn. She was doing well for sometime.

Then she collapsed. When she came to, several people were watching her.

Lady Penelopi was holding her hand. “My dear, what happened? Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”

Melodi looked up at Lady Penelopi. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. I feel nauseous and couldn’t eat much at breakfast this morning.”

“Can you stand? We need to get you to the clinic. Our healers can help you.”

“You have healers?”

“Yes, my dear. There are enough of us here who can carry you, if need be.”

Melodi tried to sit up. She put her hand to her head. “I still feel dizzy.”

“Okay, let’s just carry her to the clinic.” Lady Penelopi made some motions and several people picked up Melodi.

They were gentle as they carried Melodi to the clinic. They set her down on an empty bed. Bernard was sitting at his desk. He stood up and walked over with his portable scanner.

Lady Penelopi said, “Bernard, we’re not sure what’s wrong. Lady Melodi says she dizzy and nauseous. She passed out when she was trying to work.”

Bernard nodded. He held the scanner over Melodi. “Ah, Lady Melodi is pregnant and is experiencing morning sickness.”

Melodi’s eyes widened. “No! I don’t want to be pregnant.”

“I can help you with that, if that is what you really want.”

Several people gasped.

“Really? You know how to stop a pregnancy?”

“Yes, I’ve done it before. I will have to stick instruments inside you, right between your legs.”

Melodi nodded.

“No, Bernard, you shouldn’t give her an abortion.”

“It’s her decision and hers alone.”

“Wait, what if it’s Forni’s child?”

Melodi shook her head. “No, it’s not Forni’s. It’s the Knight Pol’s, whom Forni killed in a duel. I don’t want to have Pol’s child. He was awful.”

“My dear are you sure?”

Melodi nodded at Lady Penelopi. “Forni didn’t do anything to me. He never touched me like Pol did. Forni didn’t even try to kiss me. I think he’s still a child.”

Bernard smiled. “Actually, he’s an adolescent and probably has no idea what he was supposed to do with you.”

Melodi dropped her jaw. “You mean, he’s just innocent?”

Bernard nodded. “Yes. I know he flirted with Lady Merlaen and she was flattered by it, but he hasn’t done anything else. He never asks for birth control.”

“You have birth control here?”

“Yes, we have it for both men and women.”

“You Guardians have a lot of things.”

Merlaen walked in. “I heard all the noise. Am I to understand you will be performing an abortion, Bernard?”

“Yes, Lady Merlaen, unless Lady Melodi has changed her mind.”

“No, I still want to end this pregnancy.”

“Okay, Lady Merlaen, please prepare the patient by examining her. I’d hate to start only to have to be careful of any injury.”

Merlaen nodded and approached Melodi. Melodi sat up and went with the older woman to the bathroom.

“Okay, everyone else, except for Hugo, please leave. The patient needs some privacy.”

The domestic staff nodded and went back to work.

Hugo walked over to Bernard and looked down. “What do you need me to do?”

“Just stand by in case of complications. We need to sterilize the instruments.” Bernard and Hugo prepared the instruments and scrubbed up.

Merlaen and Melodi came out. Merlaen helped the young woman lay down and get comfortable.

“She fine now. You shouldn’t have problems.” Merlaen held Melodi’s hand.

“Alright. This Nurse Hugo. He’s married to Greg, who you met yesterday.”

“Oh, yeah, the fairy.”

Hugo smiled.

“Let’s begin. After this is over, you will probably bleed more than you usually do.”

“I don’t have anything to deal with that.”

“Don’t worry, Melodi, I just ordered some supplies from the domestic staff. They should be here by the time the operation is over.” Merlaen smiled at the young woman.

“Thanks. Okay, guys, do what you need to do.” Melodi had tears in her eyes. She squeezed Merlaen’s hand. It was uncomfortable. She stared at the ceiling.

**********************

Melodi recovered without a problem. She was relieved even though she learned she could have taken care of the child and no one would have looked at her in disgust. She was also working again. People loved her work. She was smiling and eventually she sang while she worked. Forni would pause and sigh whenever he heard her when he was practicing.

He couldn’t take it anymore and went to talk to Merlaen. “Milady, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, of course, Forni.”

“I’m not sure what’s wrong with me.”

She smiled at him. “You’re not flirting with me anymore?”

“Oh, I can kiss your hand, if you like.”

“It’s Melodi, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Merlaen grasped his hand. “My dear, things are different for you. I am happy for you. She has had a hard time, but given time, she is doing better now.”

“It’s hard to concentrate when she sings. She is happier now. For that, I am glad.”

Merlaen laughed. “Forni, you’ve fallen in love with her. I see you are also growing out of your clothes again. I bet your special occasion outfit doesn’t fit anymore. You should go ask for a new one to have in time for Maegin and Boe’s wedding.”

“Oh, yes, that would be a good idea. But what do I do about Melodi?”

“Be patient. You should go and ask for the outfit now before you get back to work.”

“Okay, I will. Thanks for listening, milady.”

“Anytime.” She let go of his hand.

Forni went straight to the sewing room and approached Lady Penelopi. “Milady, I need a new special occasion outfit.”

“You look like you need a new work outfit as well.”

“Well, yeah, that too.”

“Let me take your measurements.” Lady Penelopi took all the measurements and wrote them down. “Your special outfit will be ready in time for the wedding. Your other clothes may not be ready quite that fast, but it doesn’t look like you care about that.”

Forni smiled. “Yeah, I’m a little distracted. I better get back to work. I have guard duty tonight.” He nodded to her and left.

Lady Penelopi smiled.

Melodi walked over to Lady Penelopi. “Milady, I’d like to make his outfits.”

Lady Penelopi turned to Melodi. “Oh, okay. Here are his measurements.” She smiled at the younger woman.

Melodi looked at the paper and looked back at Lady Penelopi. Melodi smiled. “I’ll get started right now.”

*********************

The day of the wedding arrived. Forni rushed to the sewing room. Lady Penelopi was there as was Melodi.

“Milady, is the outfit ready?”

Lady Penelopi smiled at him. “It’s right here, Forni.”

“Ah! Wow, I didn’t expect such details. It’s beautiful.”

Lady Penelopi whispered to him, “Melodi made it. She’s making the rest of your outfits.”

“Oh! That means… Lady Penelopi I need to make sure she and I have a home together.”

“Do you need a small house by yourselves?”

“Yes, I think that would be best.”

“That can be arranged. I’ll let Greg and his crew know.”

“Thank you.” Forni took the outfit and went back to his quarters to put it back on. Minutes later he was out in the courtyard waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Melodi walked over to him and curtsied. She was wearing a matching outfit to his. Forni bowed and smiled at her.

“Thanks for making my outfit. I love it.”

She smiled at him.

“I hope you will dance with me today.”

“I will.”

After the ceremony Forni and Melodi danced. They were quiet, but happy as was everyone else.

Lady Penelopi told Greg about the small house request. He and his crew built it and presented it to both Forni and Melodi. Melodi hugged Forni. She was so happy she almost couldn’t believe her dreams had finally came true.

Chapter 18 Fact or Fiction?

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Forni and Melodi were sitting near the fire. Forni was cooking up a meal for the two of them. She stared at the fire. It was dark and the centaurs were not too close by tending to the animals.

“Lady Melodi, here’s some dinner. Please eat.” Forni handed her a plateful of food.

She accepted it and ate as he ate his share.

His communicator beeped. He pulled it out of his pocket. “Forni here.”

“Ah, you’re alive! We were a bit worried. The centaurs told us the villagers are mostly safe, but building a new home for themselves.” Maegin was smiling.

“Lady Maegin, I did warn them and helped them prepare. I’m glad to hear they are doing alright now. Sad that they lost the old village.”

Melodi looked at Forni. “The village was destroyed?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not alone?”

“No, I’ve acquired responsibility for a young woman who was not treated well by a knight. He challenged me when I complained to him about how he was treating her.”

Maegin grinned. “I take it you won and she was supposed to be the prize.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know what to do with her.”

Maegin laughed. “Greg has successfully designed and tested a flying machine. We’re currently trying to plan a route to pick you up. We can pick up the lady as well.”

“Sounds good to me. I’m not sure how she’d take to riding a dragon.”

“A dragon? Aren’t they dangerous monsters?”

“Not all of them.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. In fact where I live, there are elves, fairies, four different kinds of nymphs, centaurs, merfolks, and dragons who all work together.”

Melodi’s eyes widened.

“I know it sounds outlandish and unreal, but we do get along.”

Maegin cut in. “When she gets here, she will begin to understand. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up happy to live with us. She doesn’t have to get married if she doesn’t want to. She can just find some work she likes to do and is good at and spend her time that way.”

Melodi stared at Forni. “Is that true? I would like to embroider again. I was the best in my village.”

Forni smiled. “Then you’ll need to talk with Lady Penelopi once we’re there.”

Maegin added, “Forni, we’ll have to contact you later. We still have more planning to do. You can stay put in the meantime.”

“No problem. There is plenty of food around here.” He turned off the communicator and put it back in his pocket.

After dinner, Forni laid down. Melodi watched him.

“Aren’t you going to do something to me?”

“What?”

“You won me in the duel.”

“So what? I’m tired and it’s time for sleeping.”

“But you own me now that you killed Knight Pol.”

“I don’t own you. You own yourself.” He closed his eyes.

She watched him and the dying firelight. She sighed and laid down to go to sleep.

***********************

There were two bandits in the forest. They at least knew enough to avoid the centaurs. They saw Melodi and wanted her. But how to get her away from her male companion?

Forni was leading Melodi out of the forest so he could scout the area. He was still waiting to hear when and where to expect the flying machine.

Melodi was looking all around her. She wasn’t sure about the Guardians. After what she had heard and meeting Forni, she had her doubts. The Guardians were strange to her. She once had a place in her village, now destroyed. That was before Knight Pol had claimed her.

Then he had challenged a Guardian to a duel and lost. The Guardian didn’t seem too interested in her and she was confused. She wondered if Forni had reached puberty. Perhaps he was still a child elf?

Forni stopped at the edge of the forest to speak with the centaurs. Melodi took off running. Forni and the centaurs saw her go.

“Are you going after her, Forni?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps she just needs to be alone.”

“We’ll grant her safe passage and inform the others.”

“Good idea.” Forni’s communicator beeped. He pulled it out of his pocket. “Forni here. Goddess Stefani? To what to I owe this honor?”

“Forni, you need to follow Melodi. She can’t defend herself and you know there are raiders and bandits and possible orcs. You need to protect her.”

“Okay, I can do that. I think she’s afraid of me.”

Stefani smiled. “She’ll get over it. Just keep treating her as you have. She needs time. She is confused that you haven’t touched her.”

“I think I missed something.”

“You did. She assumed you would treat her as Knight Pol did.”

“He was mean to her and disrespectful.”

Stefani nodded. “Just give her time and follow after her to keep her safe. The others will be able to get to you and pick you up. They just need to make sure the flying machine won’t be seen by anyone else.”

“Understood. Forni out.” He turned off the communicator and put it back in his pocket. “Looks like I need to go after her. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck. You should be able to catch up to her soon.”

Forni ran after Melodi. He stayed some distance behind her so not to scare her more. He watched closely. The centaurs were around, but none went near her. She was getting safe passage.

The bandits were also watching Melodi run. They followed and didn’t care if anyone was following them. The centaurs watched the bandits.

Forni saw the bandits approach Melodi. She had stopped running. He could see the bandits talking to her. He drew an arrow and set it up on his bow.

When Forni saw the bandits grabbed Melodi, he fired two arrows in rapid succession. They both fell down to the ground. Melodi stood speechless. She looked around and saw a young female centaur approach her. It was Faedin, who was still on her quest.

“Lady Melodi, do you require assistance? I can bring you food and water.”

“I’m not noble born, but I am hungry and thirsty.”

“Come this way.” The centaur lead Melodi into the forest, where the centaurs had gathered some vegetables and nuts.

Soon Melodi was sitting on the bank of a river and eating. Forni was standing back watching her. Another centaur returned his arrows to him.

“The Goddess Stefani doesn’t kid around when she tells us anything.”

The centaur smiled. “No, she doesn’t. She was pretty firm with you earlier.”

“Yeah, she was. But no matter. Lady Melodi is safe. I think it helped that a female centaur is helping now.”

“It was her idea. She thought she would have better chances reaching out than any of the rest would. Any word yet on when the ship arrives?”

“No, they’re still planning the route so they won’t be seen.”

“I bet the nymphs are helping with the route. They have been known to distract elves and fairies alike.”

Forni smiled. “Yes, they do that. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some around that we just don’t see at the moment.”

The centaur laughed. “They are always around even when you can’t see them.”

***********************

Darius and Jazmin sat down at the same table as Bernard and Adelaen. They all nodded to each other.

“Bernard, we’re keeping the child, but we want a babysitter.”

Bernard smiled. “Hugo wants to babysit.”

Jazmin perked up. “Good. He’s welcome to. His husband made a breast pump and I’ve tried it out.”

Adelaen raised her eyebrows.

“It works. I didn’t get much, but I’m not that far along either.”

“I should ask Greg to make another one.”

Bernard stopped eating. “Milady, do you want a child?”

“Yes, with you milord.”

“Okay, I’ll stop taking the birth control for now.”

Adelaen smiled.

“Old buddy, you have a child? I hope it won’t be ugly!”

“Darius!” exclaimed Adelaen.

Bernard shook his head as Darius laughed.

Maegin ran to Greg. “Greg, I think we’ve figured out the route to get to Forni and his lady companion.”

Greg looked up. “I thought we were just picking up Forni.”

“He freed a lady fighting a duel, so she’ll be coming with him. Although she’s not too close to him at the moment, but the centaurs are looking after her.”

“Oh, okay.”

“We can leave any time.”

“Good.”

“Greg dear, do you know how long it will take?”

“No, not really. I guess at least a day to get there and back.”

“Oh, then that’s not so bad.”

“You’ll be staying here while I’m off?”

“Yes, I’m needed in the clinic.”

Maegin smiled. “Boe and I want to go. It may help to get us all back sooner. We can take turns piloting the ship.”

“Good idea. Let’s get ready after the meal.”

“Wonderful. I’ll let Boe know.”

Chapter 17 Legends of the Guardians

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Everyone was assembled in their respective holds. Maegin and Boe had just pointed out on the globe where the next earthquake was about to occur. Unfortunately, there were people living in the area who had no idea.

“Well, in that case, we should warn them,” said Forni.

Merlaen smiled. “Perhaps you should warn them.”

“I’d be happy to, milady.”

Darius looked around the room. “It’s fine with me if you go. I’d recommend that a dragon drop you nearby to save time.”

Greg looked down at the table wondering if there was another way to travel. He didn’t mind the dragons, but the ride was quite bumpy. He started taking some notes.

Hugo noticed and smiled at Greg.

Jazmin frowned. “I wish I could go scouting again with Darius.”

Darius looked at her. “From what we have observed of these people, I don’t think they will take too kindly to seeing a woman warrior.”

Jazmin sighed. Adelaen patted her arm and smiled at her. Jazmin tried to smile back.

Merlaen addressed everyone. “It’s a good thing we added some beacons to work with the satellites. Else we wouldn’t have spotted this potential earthquake. It looks like it will be bad. If we don’t warn those people in time, they may not survive.”

Many people were nodded their heads in agreement.

Greg was silent and absorbed in his drawing and his notes. Everyone was looking at him.

Hugo was grinning. “He’s designing something new. We won’t be able to get a word out of him until he’s done with his notes.”

Minutes later, Greg finished and looked up to find everyone smiling at him. “Oh, did I miss something?”

Some people laughed.

Merlaen smiled at Greg. “Dear, we were just discussing where a potential deadly earthquake will happen. I was complimenting you and the others who added the beacons to the satellites.”

“Oh, I figured it was the right thing to do. We are Guardians and we must look out for others who share the planet with us.”

“What are you going to design now?” asked Darius.

“Oh, a flying machine, so we don’t have to always ask the dragons to take us places.”

“Oh!” People were excited.

“Knowing you and your crew, I doubt there will be enough time to build one and test it before I go. I’ll take the dragon.”

A dragon volunteered to drop Forni off.

***********************

“Milady Merlaen, I take my leave of you now.” Forni kissed her hand.

“You flatter an old woman.”

Forni smiled. “Milady, you are the first person I have ever seen with gray hair and winkles. I think you are lovely.”

She shook her head. “You need a young woman closer to your own age.”

“Perhaps you’re right. But I do feel safe flirting with you.”

Merlaen laughed.

“I know you don’t expect anything from me and that’s a relief. I hope you’re still here when I get back.”

Merlaen hugged the young elf. Forni smiled and got on the dragon’s back. Soon they were gone in the sky. It took days for the dragon to get close enough to the village to drop Forni off.

Forni looked around.

“I think I better take off. You’ll be okay by yourself?”

“Yes. I should be fine.”

“There are centaurs approaching.”

“Centaurs are Guardians.”

“These may not be.”

“We have heard of the Guardians,” said one of the centaurs.

“Ah, I hope it was all good,” answered Forni.

“Yes, it was. We centaurs have been passing around the portable communicators and we can’t complain about how you have treated us. So you are welcome here in our forest, Guardians.” The centaurs nodded.

The dragon and Forni nodded back.

“I’ll take my leave then.”

“See you. Thanks for the ride.” Forni smiled at the centaurs. “I’m here to warn the nearby village about an impeding earthquake.”

“Oh?”

“It looks like it will be bad. I take it, you will look after yourselves and the animals around here.”

“Yes, as we always do. The animals have been acting funny lately and now we know why.”

“Yes, I have heard animals can act funny before an earthquake. What can you tell me about the people who live in the village?”

“They are very sexist compared to you Guardians. Women are chosen by men, but the women here are reputed to be excellent at sewing and embroidery. When a woman makes elaborate clothing for a man, it means she has accepted him as her lord.”

“Interesting.”

“Yes, indeed. You will probably be welcome as you are a warrior. We could help you by spreading rumors about your prowess.”

“That could always help.”

“Okay, we’ll spread rumors that you’ve killed few of us.”

“Now, I don’t like the sound of that…”

“They will be just rumors. It will help you out and we don’t mind helping you out.” The centaur smiled at Forni.

“As long as I don’t have to kill any of you.”

“You won’t. We can stage things here in the forest to make it look like you are a great and formidable warrior. Besides, we would like to have some mock combat with you. We’ll try not to bruise you.”

Forni smiled. “Now you’re talking. We can do that.”

***************************

When it was dark, the centaurs and Forni went to the edge of the forest. In the distance they could see the fires burning in the village. Forni raised his sword and had a mock battle with the centaurs. They were testing him and he knew it.

Still they didn’t try to kill him and he didn’t try to kill them. They all had fun. The villagers saw the fight and wondered who the warrior was.

One knight watched in awe and a wicked smile grew on his face. He finally found someone who could match his skill. He looked forward to challenging the new elf to a duel. Pol, the fierce knight, had claimed the most artistic sewer in the village. She was called Melodi because she sang when she worked.

But she was unhappy with Pol. After he claimed her and forced her to live with him, she wouldn’t sing or sew at all. Pol couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t sew for him. Her clothes had tears in them that she wouldn’t mend.

****************************

The next morning Forni walked into the village. Many of the villagers bowed to him when he walked passed them. He smiled at them.

“Tell me, villagers, who is in charge here?”

“Oh, that’s our Lord in that building over there. I’m sure he will be very glad to meet you.”

“Ah, thank you.” Forni walked into the building that was just pointed out to him. He found himself in a great hall. The Lord was sitting on a raised dais and eating.

Forni nodded and bowed towards the Lord.

The Lord nodded to him. “Ah, you must be the warrior I heard about. How many centaurs against you and yet you were victorious in the end?”

“Too many to count, milord. They were quite fierce.”

“You are welcome to eat at my table.”

Forni sat down across from the Lord. “Thank you, milord.”

“Have you traveled far?”

“Yes and I have come to give your people a warning.”

“A warning? You have something against us?”

“No not that kind of warning. I just came to let your people know there will be a great earthquake soon. It’s time to prepare so your people will survive.”

“Oh, well, that is a different kind of warning. We’ve had earthquakes before. What makes this one so special?”

“Many people could die. You may have to leave the village.”

“Oh? How soon will the earthquake occur?”

“Within a week.”

The Lord stopped eating and called for his guards. “Get prepared now! We need to save the villagers.”

The guards got to work.

“Thanks for the warning. Hopefully, we can save ourselves. Will you be staying?”

“Yes for now. I need to make sure you survive this earthquake.”

The Lord nodded to Forni.

***************************

Forni helped the villagers leave the village. He saw Pol drag Melodi behind him.

“Excuse me, sir, but why are you treating the lady that way?”

“What business is it of yours?”

“Women are precious and should be treated with the utmost respect.”

“She’s mine and I’ll treat him however I want to.”

Melodi looked at Forni with big round eyes.

“You can’t own a woman. They own themselves.”

“Nonsense. She’s my property and she needs to show me respect.”

“How can she when you don’t show her any?”

“Enough! I challenge you to a duel. If you win, she’s yours.”

“I accept.”

Melodi cried. She stepped back out of the way as Pol and Forni drew their weapons. Some of the villagers stopped to watch the fight.

“Oh, the new warrior must be one of those Guardians.”

“That’s why he warned us about the earthquake.”

“If he wins, Melodi will have a better man to take care of her.”

“No one is better than the Knight Pol.”

Pol and Forni kept fighting. The ground started to shake. The villagers ran off in all directions. Melodi didn’t move as she was still watching the fight through her tears.

Finally Forni saw an opening and gave Pol a death blow. Pol fell down to his knees. He growled and hissed at Forni. The ground shook even more. A split was forming nearing the trio.

Forni looked at Pol, who fell into the crack. Then Forni looked to Melodi, who was still crying. “Milady, we need to leave.”

She said nothing. He grabbed her arm and they ran into the forest. The centaurs were running and herding the animals. Everyone was in a panic. Forni didn’t let go of Melodi.

The ground stopped moving, but everyone was still running. It took hours for everyone to calm down and stop running. The village was destroyed, but many of its former inhabitants were still alive.

Forni and Melodi stopped running and were surrounded by centaurs. He let go of her arm. Her tears had dried. She was looking around her.

“Milady, are you okay now?”

“I guess so. Why aren’t the centaurs attacking us?”

“We have no reason to, milady.”

“I am not noble born. Why do you use that title with me?”

Forni took a deep breath. “It’s a Guardian tradition. The men use it as a term of respect with all the women. The women don’t typically call us, ‘milord,’ unless they are married to us or otherwise involved with us.”

“You’re a Guardian? I thought you were a myth or just some legend.”

“Oh, no, we’re real and there are many more of us than you could know about.”

“Are you all just elves?”

“No, we centaurs are also Guardians.”

“We are many people.”

“Forni, the beacon in this area has been destroyed.”

“Oh, I hope that isn’t a bad thing. The satellites are still safe.”

“Nevertheless, I’m calling.”

“Okay.”

The centaur talked to the Guardians in the holds. No one wanted to worry about a dead beacon when there were going to be aftershocks soon.

“Oh, dear. Milady, are you hungry or thirsty?”

“My name is Melodi, although I haven’t sang since Knight Pol took me.”

“Lady Melodi, do you require anything before we may have to take off again?”

“I don’t want anything right now.”

Forni shrugged his shoulders.

The centaurs watched the animals. “Looks like the aftershocks will be happening any minute. Prepare to run with the rest of us.”

Melodi stared at the centaurs. The ground shook again and they all ran away from the splits and the cracks which formed near them.

*************************

In the main Guardian hold, Jazmin was feeling queasy again. Darius was in the bathroom taking a shower. She got up and walked to the clinic. There she found Bernard alone at his desk.

“Bernard?”

He looked up. “Ah, Lady Jazmin, what is it?”

“I think I’m pregnant.”

“Oh?” He stood up and grabbed the portable scanner. He held it over her belly. “You are.”

Jazmin cried. “I thought this wouldn’t happen.”

“Milady, birth control isn’t foolproof. It does fail sometimes.”

“It’s not fair! You men don’t have to deal with this!”

“Uh, we do in different ways. What do you want to do about it?”

“I don’t know. I think I need to talk to Darius first.”

“Good idea.”

She turned to leave, then turned back to Bernard. “How would you take it if Adelaen were pregnant?”

“I’d be worried sick about her. I’d probably scream and pass out.”

“Oh? You mean you’d care if she was.”

“Yes. I’d hate for her to die.”

Tears were streaming down Jazmin’s face. “Then what would Darius do?”

“Probably panic. But then he’ll get over it and do whatever he could to make you feel better.”

“He won’t abandon me?”

“No, he may want to marry you.”

“I’ll go tell him now.”

“Good. Let me know what you decide.”

She nodded to Bernard and left the clinic. Once back to their quarters, Jazmin sat down. She was still crying.

Darius came out of the bathroom. “What’s wrong, milady?”

“I’m pregnant.”

“What?” Darius fell to the floor unconscious.

Jazmin sighed. Darius opened his eyes and looked at her.

“Is that why you’re crying?”

“Yes. I didn’t want to be pregnant. Bernard told me birth control fails sometimes.”

“I didn’t know that.” He picked himself up and walked over to her. He knelt down in front of her and held her hands. “What do you want me to do? I’ll marry you, if you’d like. I’ll help raise the child.”

“Bernard said you’d try to marry me.”

“Well, he does know me pretty well. What do you want to do, Milady Jazmin?”

“I don’t know right now. I don’t think I want to kill the child, but I’m scared. I’m afraid I won’t be able to work anymore.”

“Oh, is that what the problem is? You’re afraid you’ll become a domestic slave and that isn’t the kind of work you want to do.”

“Yes, that’s it exactly. It’s not easy from what I’ve seen from the Berri and Elaen.”

Darius chuckled. “No, but I bet Greg will have something which will help. I remember him discussing it with Adelaen. We just might be able to get a babysitter here among the domestic staff to help out.”

“That would help. Oh, I remember now. Adelaen still wanted her child to get her milk. We need to talk to Greg.”

He let go of her hands and pulled out his communicator. “Greg, have you made any progress on the breast pump?”

“Darius, yes I have. I have a prototype here, but no one wants to try it out.”

“That’s good news.”

“Oh? Is there someone who will use it?”

Jazmin spoke up, “I will need it before long.”

***********************

Greg signed off. Hugo looked at him. “Wow, Jazmin and Darius are going to have a baby?”

“It sounds that way.”

“I bet she will need a babysitter so she can work.”

Greg smiled at Hugo. “I bet you’re going to volunteer.”

“Of course. How’s flying machine coming along?”

“Oh, we’re building a prototype now. We should be testing it out once it’s done.”

“We may need to be careful where it goes. If people outside of the Guardians see it, it could be bad.”

“I know. We’re all trying to think of safe places to fly it. The dragons are trying to give us good suggestions.”

“Cool. I’d love to go up in the machine with you.”

“I’d be happy if you came with me.”

Chapter 16 What Kind of Planet is This?

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

The Guardians assembled in their various locations. The dragons in their council chambers. The elves, fairies, and nymphs at the main hold. The monks and nuns at their monastery. The centaurs in their forest. The merfolks in the sea.

Everyone was excited. Mostly they all got along. There were arguments and games and teasing to help relieve the pressure. Old habits do indeed die hard. Prejudice never goes away overnight. It take years. The Guardians had the rest of their lives and the lives of their descendants. The rest of the world may not lose its preconceived notions about different kinds of people or even the differences between men and women.

Dealing with the outside world was always delicate at best. The Guardians could not impose their beliefs on others, unless someone was being discriminated against. Oftentimes, people in those kinds of situations would just leave and search for the Guardians, especially if they knew they would be dead otherwise.

Maegin started the session. “As many of you know, we get earthquakes and sometimes severe weather around the planet. Greg and his crew have been working on a project, which will allow us to monitor the weather and earthquakes from space. They plan on launching satellites that will surround our planet.”

An elder dragon nodded. “We would like to help out with that project.”

Maegin smiled. “Certainly. We would love the help.”

“We are in this together on this planet.”

“Yes, we are.”

The merfolk queen spoke up, “Will we get any benefit from this project?”

“Yes, the satellites will monitor the oceans. Of course we may be able to see everything and everyone one on the planet as well. We are aware that could create a huge problem.”

Many people murmured. A beep was heard. Greg reached over and pressed a button. Soon the Goddess Stefani’s face appeared on everyone’s screens.

“Hello, Guardians. We know what you’re planning and we think it’s a good idea. However, you may have to launch the satellites at night when most people are sleeping. Or else, they may freak out.”

Greg smiled. “We can work overnight without any problem.”

“Good.”

“We will need transportation to launch all the satellites all over the world.”

“We dragons will be happy to help with that part. Just please make sure everything is packed well.”

“We will do that.”

Stefani continued, “Keep in mind that the local time will be different for each different place on the planet.”

“Okay. I’m making a note about that.” Greg wrote down some notes on his paper. “We’ll need a couple of scouts/warriors to help out.”

Jazmin smiled. “Darius and I will be happy to accompany you on the trip.”

“Good. With the dragons, it should be enough just in case we get attacked.”

Berri nodded. “Elaen and I would love to help, but I think we better stay and take care of the twins.”

The twins were currently sleeping. Both Berri and Elaen each had one cuddled to themselves.

Lady Penelopi smiled. Luka was asleep on her lap. “It’s not as easy as it looks, is it?”

Berri and Elaen shook their heads and everyone else laughed.

“We nymphs will also offer you protection and warning when and where we can.”

Darius looked puzzled. “You can communicate that to the nymphs all around the world?”

“Certainly. We can travel anywhere, so it shouldn’t be such a surprise. When in elemental form, time doesn’t pass the same and it’s easy to pass on any information with the others.”

“Oh. We will welcome all the help we can get.”

Stefani smiled. “Sounds like it’s settled. I hope we will all have access to the information.”

Greg looked up. “Yes, we will. The satellites will have a special channel any of us can check at any time. I also thought we may end up expanding and building more Guardian holds around the planet. Currently we are building the satellites and globes we will place in our various locations. That way we can view the planet on the globes and we’re all know what’s going on.”

They finished their plans and went to work on them right away. It was one of the biggest projects Greg and his crew had ever attempted.

Months of work went into building the satellites and globes. The crew would have to deliver the globes to the various Guardians holds. Greg was so busy, he almost didn’t have time to see Hugo.

But Greg did see Hugo whenever he could. Hugo also didn’t let him forget. Greg needed the breaks even though he wouldn’t admit it.

Over the course of the project, Greg was thinking he wanted to marry Hugo, but was afraid to say anything knowing he would have to leave to set up the satellites into space. That alone would take months, if not years to get it all done.

Greg thought perhaps he could wait until he returned to the main hold to ask the big questions.

Hugo, for his part, was quite happy with Greg and his work. He was needed and appreciated for who he was and no one criticized him unless he made a serious error. When those rare events happened, Hugo would learn his lesson and not keep making those same mistakes over again.

Hugo secretly thought about marriage, but saw how distracted Greg was with his work. Hugo knew how important the work was and thought it best not to bring it up.

Greg and his crew did a practice run at the Silver Mists and it went well. It was late at night when the nearby towns were all asleep. Many people in the Guardian hold and monastery were also sleeping at the time.

Soon it was time to start setting up the satellites into space. Greg and his crew were busy packing everything and securing all the items so the dragons could carry the equipment without a problem.

Hugo walked over to Greg in the courtyard. “Hi, Greg.”

“Hi, Hugo.”

“I understand how important this is, but I will miss you.”

Greg stopped packing. “I’ll miss you, too.”

They stared at each for several minutes. Then they grabbed each other and wrapped their arms around each other. They made out for several minutes.

Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen were smiling at the Greg and Hugo.

Darius turned to Adelaen. “Adelaen, you will be in charge with both Jazmin and I gone and Berri and Elaen busy with their twins.”

Adelaen giggled. “Alright. I’ll do my best, but I’ll miss both of you, too.”

Jazmin gave Adelaen a hug. “We’ll miss you, too. But we will be in contact.”

Darius and Adelaen hugged and the whole group took off to start setting up the satellites. Greg and Hugo let go of each other and smiled.

The group ran into a problem right away. There were no complete maps of the world of Platinum. They soon found they had to create a master map so they could find their way home. They recorded as much information as they could and took notes. It was tedious, but they had to avoid the notice of any towns or villages. Stefani gave advice when she could. She did, after all, know some of the people who lived all around the world.

They had to stop every night to rest and to send up the satellites. With every satellite that was sent, the globes at the various places were picking up information.

The group was weary and almost couldn’t find the main Guardian hold. Finally, they all saw the Silver Mists. Silver Scale spotted them first and greeted them in the air. She had finally just learned how to fly.

The dragons were excited to see her flying. They all roared. Soon all the dragons landed in the courtyard. The elves, nymphs, and fairies climbed down and took all the remaining equipment and supplies off the dragons.

Hugo was in the clinic. “Bernard, do you mind if I go and meet Greg?”

Bernard smiled at Hugo. “Go on. Merlaen is here and I’m sure we can handle everything until you get back.”

Hugo beamed and ran to the courtyard and right into Greg. Soon they were hugging and kissing again.

“Hugo, it’s been too long!”

“Yes, it has!”

“Let’s get married!”

“Yes!”

They danced around the courtyard as others looked on and laughed. Lady Penelopi walked out to the courtyard to greet the those who had returned. She was followed closely by Luka, who was laughing at Hugo and Greg.

“Welcome home, Guardians. I see we will have another marriage.”

“Today!” Hugo and Greg yelled.

“Alright, boys, that may not be easy. Or maybe it will be.” She motioned to other members of the domestic staff. They quickly set up tables and the wedding arch. A monk came over to preside over the ceremony.

People ran around to get in their special occasion clothes. It was late afternoon when everyone was assembled. The dragons sat down on the edge of the courtyard to give everyone else room.

Soon Greg and Hugo were skipping hand in hand to the wedding arch. They exchanged their vows with the monk. People laughed. People cried.

Soon people were eating, drinking, and dancing. The happy couple were laughing and dancing around the courtyard. Who needed alcohol with that much happiness?

Chapter 15 Water, Air, Fire, and Earth Nymphs

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Boe and Maegin were going over the recent data. They were receiving messages from members of the domestic staff about seeing people shapeshifting out of fires or out of water or out of the ground or even out of the air in the mists.

It was confusing, but Boe and Maegin knew many of the people to be so down to earth that it would be odd for any of them to make up a story that fantastic. One thing the scientist pair did was consult the merfolks first.

Raelon answered. “Oh, yeah, the people forming out of water are just water nymphs. It’s no big deal. It’s not surprising they are curious about the Guardians. We’ve seen them off and on for years.”

Maegin and Boe looked at each other. “Really? It sounds strange.”

“Well, we thought you land creatures were just a myth.”

Maegin and Boe laughed. “We thought the same about you.”

“We’re sending you all the information we have on the water nymphs.”

“Thanks.”

Maegin and Boe read the information and were amazed.

“This definitely sounds like what the members of the domestic staff are seeing.”

Boe smiled at her. “Let’s talk to the centaurs now.”

“Good idea.”

Faedin answered. “Oh, yeah, we’ve seen earth nymphs. In their humanoid form, they have green skin. No elf or fairy has green skin.”

“Wow. The merfolks told us about water nymphs and now you’re telling us about earth nymphs.”

“I suppose water nymphs shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. I take it they travel as water when they’re not in their humanoid form.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Well, we never know when earth nymphs are watching us unless we have the ability to communicate without speaking out loud.”

Maegin nodded. “I take it the earth nymphs blend in with plants and soil.”

“Yes, they do. Sometimes it can be a shock when they do appear as humanoids. We don’t usually have trouble with them.”

“Oh, what happens when you do have trouble.”

“They can get very angry when the planet is treated badly. However, I doubt you’ll have problems with them. Your environmental practices are sound as far as we can tell.”

“We do our best. We keep learning that some of the old practices are best to grow our food as an example.”

The centaur smiled. “Of course. It’s things like that that can cause the most problems, but we haven’t seen anything remiss with you growing your food.”

“I guess we Guardians are just attracting attention from everyone anymore.”

“Of course. How could we not? We are a motley crew of different people and we are doing well together.”

Maegin and Boe smiled.

***************************

After lunch, Maegin and Boe were walking back to the laboratory.

“Hey, Maegin, what do you think of getting married?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Lady Penelopi and Julio are doing well. I hear they may consider having another child once Luka is a little bit older.”

“True and there’s Elaen and Berri.”

Maegin laughed. “They are having trouble working because they are busy chasing their twins all over the place.”

“Then there’s Bernard and Adelaen. They’re doing well.”

“Yes, they are.” She looked at Boe. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

“Well, uh, I…”

“Boe! We’re not children anymore, but we’re still friends.”

“Yes. All true.”

“It’s okay, I’ve been thinking I may like to marry you someday, but I don’t think I’m ready yet.”

“Oh, okay…”

They received a message from the Dragon Council. It contained information on air and fire nymphs.

“Boe, check this out, even the dragons know about air and fire nymphs.”

“Yeah, amazing. How could we have missed them all these years?”

“Perhaps it’s because they didn’t want to risk exposure to any elvish towns.”

“Or to the fairies.”

“Yeah. Look how we tend to treat ourselves and outsiders, regardless of their ethnicity.”

“That must be it. Now if we could just scan for them.”

“We need to know about their biosignatures as we know them for elves, fairies, dragons, centaurs, and merfolks.”

“Working on that. I bet they are similar in biology, except that they can shapeshift.”

Maegin nodded.

************************

It took them hours, but they didn’t give up. Soon they were tracking the nymphs with their portable scanners. Maegin and Boe sent their data to the merfolks, centaurs, and the dragons. With everyone working, they were able to detect whenever a nymph was hiding nearby.

Maegin and Boe were scanning in the courtyard. It was another misty day. Silver Scales was nearby and she was scanning as well. They had no warning, but a cloud starting moving towards Maegin. Soon it formed into a young man with yellow skin, wings, and no shirt.

Maegin jumped. “Oh! An air nymph!”

“Yes, fair damsel.”

Boe smiled. “Welcome. I’m Boe, this is Maegin and you are?”

“Lex.”

“Welcome, Lex to our humble hold.”

“So you are the Guardians I’ve been hearing about?”

“Yes. Maegin and I are scientists.”

“You don’t impose a strict labor division between the sexes.”

“No, we feel it’s a waste of talent to force people to do work they aren’t good at or even feel inclined not to do.”

“Ah, that’s different from what other elves and fairies do.”

Maegin smiled. “I ran away because I knew my parents were going to marry me off as soon as I became an adolescent.”

“Oh, that’s terrible.”

“I’m much happier here.”

“My people are curious about you Guardians. We may want to join you.”

“You’re very welcome to.”

Silver Scales saw water moving uphill. She pointed her scanner in the water’s direction. “Oh! I found a water nymph!”

Everyone in the courtyard turned to look and soon a humanoid with blue skin formed before everyone. She was beautiful, of course, and not wearing much.

“Hello, Guardians!”

“Hello,” everyone said back.

Lex nodded to the water nymph. “I see the water nymphs are interested in the Guardians as well.”

“Of course. You’d think we’d want to stay away from them after all we’ve heard about them?”

“No, they’re too fascinating. We air nymphs want to join them.”

“So do we water nymphs.”

Silver Scales caught a glimpse of a fire traveling towards her. She raised her scanner. “Wow! A fire nymph!”

The fire stopped in front of the dragon and became a woman with red skin. “I see I’m not the only nymph around to meet the Guardians.”

The other two nymphs smiled at her.

Soon a small green plant was moving in the courtyard towards the three nymphs. It formed into a man with green skin. “I hope I’m not too late for this party!”

Silver Scales looked at the nymphs. “No, you’re not too late. Welcome, we are the Guardians.”

“Good, there are plenty of us who want to join you and explore this planet and possibly the other planets in this solar system.”

From that day on, the four different kinds of nymphs joined the Guardians and made their own contributions. They challenged Greg and his crew to make communicators the nymphs could carry with them.

Chapter 14 Dragons!

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

High in the mountains not far from the Silver Mists, a dragon with silvery scales was born. She opened her eyes and looked about her to see a clear sky with some clouds forming. She stretched her wings and breathed out a little fire.

The little dragon was all alone. The other eggs in the nest were destroyed and her egg was buried under the dead dragons. She saw the destruction. The nest wasn’t safe, but she didn’t know it just yet.

The little dragon climbed out from the dead and looked down. She saw a castle and a smaller monastery with little people on the ground. She stared in wonder.

She roared, but no one on the ground responded. She was sad. She was alone and getting hungry. Still no response. They couldn’t hear her tiny roar.

A lonely mother dragon flew in the sky. She had lost her eggs to nasty little elves and fairies. She roared as she was flying. Then off in the distance, she heard the tiny roar of a newborn dragon.

The mother dragon got quiet and listened closely. There the tiny roar again! The mother dragon flew in the direction of the sound and found a tiny silvery dragon by herself.

“Oh, little one! I’m so glad to see you. I’ve lost my babies. It looks like you lost your mother and siblings. Here let me take care of you for now.” The mother dragon cradle the little dragon.

The little dragon got quiet for a moment and then she spoke again. “Rooooar!”

“Oh, you’re hungry? Well, come, let’s go hunt.” The mother dragon took the little one and they found some wild game.

Soon the little dragon was eating.

The mother dragon smiled. “You need a name, little one. How about Silver Scales? I’ve never seen a dragon with scales the color of silver before.”

The little dragon burped. She looked up at the mother dragon and smiled.

“Then your name is Silver Scales.”

*************************

It wasn’t long after that Silver Scales learned to talk. “Mother Dragon, who are those people who live down there?”

“Oh, they’re nasty little creatures who like to kill our kind.”

“But, they are different kinds of people. Sometimes they talk to people who live in the sea.”

“What? People live in the sea!”

“Yes, I’ve seen them. Those people have fish tails. Some of the people down there look like horses for their bottom half.”

“Silver Scales, how can you look at them all the time?”

“They are fascinating creatures. I wish to get a closer look and meet them once I’m able to fly.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why? Because you think they are dangerous. They don’t act dangerous.”

The mother dragon sighed. “Perhaps, I should introduce you to the Dragon Council and they can explain it better to you. I am getting sick as it is and I don’t know how much longer I can take care of you.”

“Mother Dragon, please don’t die.”

“It can’t be helped, my dear. We all die someday.”

“I would like to meet the Dragon Council.”

“Then let’s go.”

The mother dragon picked up Silver Scales and they flew to the Dragon Council headquarters.

It was snowing when they arrived. They landed and walked in to the reception area.

“Welcome to the Dragon Council headquarters. Are you here to introduce a new dragon to us?”

“Yes, I am. I lost all my eggs to the nasty little elves and fairies, but then found this little one all by herself. I’d say her mother and siblings were murdered the way my children were.”

The dragon at the desk nodded. “It’s a common story.”

“But there are elves and fairies that aren’t like that!”

“Not now, Silver Scales. You can tell the Council when they see us.”

“Okay.” Silver Scales looked around her as they waited.

Soon an elder dragon greeted Mother Dragon and Silver Scales. “Right this way to the chambers.”

Silver Scales had to look up at all the dragons that surrounded her. They were large and different colors. Some were male and some were female.

The mother dragon stood next to Silver Scales. “Please welcome, Silver Scales, a foundling I found while I was mourning the loss of my first and only set of eggs.” The mother dragon started coughing.

Silver Scales stared at her with wide eyes. “Mother Dragon, what’s wrong now?”

The mother dragon finally stopped coughing. “I’m dying as I told you. I was attacked and I’ve been slowly dying. I’m afraid I won’t be around when you learn how to fly.”

The other dragons gasped.

“No wonder you brought her here now. Technically she is too young to be here, but in this case, it’s better that she is here now.”

“Can you hunt, Silver Scales?”

“When I’m on the ground where the game is, yes.”

“Good. That’s at least something. We’ll have someone examines your wings after we find out how bad off your adoptive mother is.”

Silver Scales nodded. She whispered to her mother, “Please don’t go just yet.”

“I’ve told you before, we all have to die someday.”

“Silver Scales, are we to understand from our receptionist, that you are curious about elves, fairies, and other people who live on this planet with us?”

“Yes, very much so. Where I live, there is a group of them who live together and they don’t fight as I’ve heard that they do. Sometimes they talk to the people who live in the sea and those who live in the forest. They all look so different, yet they get along and work together.”

“Interesting, sometimes we hear stories about the Silver Mists.”

“The Silver Mists?”

“That’s where your from, Silver Scales. That may also be why your scales are silver.”

“Well, her family, the Silver Dragons, are famous for living in peace with others. Perhaps she can’t help but to be curious. It is sad to hear she is the only one left.”

There were murmurs around the room about the loss of dragons.

“We will send some scouts to the Silver Mists and see what we can learn. For now, we ask Silver Scales and her mother to remain here with us.”

************************

The other dragons were checking the mother dragon’s health as Silver Scales stood by and watched. It wasn’t good. The mother dragon was dying and all they could do was make her comfortable.

Silver Scales wouldn’t leave her side. “It’s not fair!”

“No one ever said life would be fair. I’m not in any pain anymore and I have my child with me.”

Silver Scales sighed. “I’m glad you found me and took care of me. I just wish I could fly before you go.”

“I know. I wish I could watch you fly, but your wings aren’t ready yet. Just be patient. The scouts have already left and will be back soon.”

“Well, that’s something to look forward to.”

“Yes, it is. Now don’t you worry and let’s enjoy the sunshine for now.”

**************************

The scouts flew around the Silver Mists. When the mists were present it was hard to see what was going on down on the ground. But they soon cleared and the dragons were able to see what Silver Scales saw.

They gaped at the sight. The centaurs were working with the elves and the fairies and even with the people of the sea. It was quite the sight.

They were spotted, but no one approached them.

**************************

Adelaen looked up once the mists cleared and saw two big dragons. One was green and the other red. “Darius, I hope those two aren’t trouble for us.”

Darius looked up. “I hope not either. I don’t get it. They’re just watching us.”

“And we’re watching them.”

Bernard came out of the clinic to see what the fuss was about. He walked over to Adelaen and Darius who were standing in the courtyard. “Oh, my, no wonder people are nervous today. How long have they been there?”

“Don’t know, the mists just cleared up an hour ago. They could have been up there before that.”

Bernard nodded. “It’s like they are curious about us.”

Darius smiled. “They heard you were here among us, Bernard.”

Bernard smiled. “Very funny, old friend. I wish we could just talk to them as we do with the merfolks and centaurs.”

Adelaen smiled. “Perhaps there’s a way. Let’s ask the centaurs.” She pulled out her communicator. “Hey, Elder, we’ve got a couple of dragons watching us.”

“Dragons? They can be more dangerous than we are.”

“Yes, I know. Look.” Adelaen turned her communicator to face the dragons.

“Oh, they’re big alright. Odd that they’re just staring. They act like a couple of scouts.”

“That’s what we’re thinking they may be. So, how do we talk to them?”

“Talk to them? Or you crazy?”

“Yeah, talk to them, like we talk to you and the merfolks. If that makes me crazy, then I’m all for it.”

Bernard and Darius laughed.

Jazmin walked over to them. “I take it now we need to talk to those dragons who are watching us?”

“Yes, Milady Jazmin. We’re trying to figure out how,” answered Darius.

“Good luck. I don’t think we speak the same language.”

“Not yet, but we learned to speak a common language with the merfolks.”

Jazmin smiled. “True enough.”

*************************

The scouts continued to watch the Guardians. They were puzzled by the lack of aggression.

“Perhaps we should just go back to the Council and inform them what happened.”

“That maybe wise. I think Silver Scales knows what she’s talking about. They are peaceful. They are watching us, but not attacking. Perhaps Silver Scales can find a way of communicating with them.”

“She probably will if we let her come back home. You know it’s just a matter of time before she tries to talk to them.”

The green dragon nodded. “Then let’s get back and suggest she be allowed to go home, regardless of whether she can fly or not.”

They flew back to the Dragon Council Headquarters and wasted no time in reporting what had happened.

“So you think we should just let Silver Scales go back to the Silver Mists by herself?”

“She can take care of herself even if she still can’t fly. Besides she is curious about them and they did act curious about us.”

“They didn’t try to launch an attack on you?”

“No, not at all. They kept on working together. We both think Silver Scales will try to communicate with them on her own. She is smaller and younger and she could succeed where we cannot.”

“True enough. We will ask her after the funeral.”

The red and green dragons nodded and left the chambers.

************************

At the funeral, the dragons laid Mother Dragon’s body on a funeral pyre and stepped back. Silver Scales was nearby and crying. The older dragons blew fire on the body and watched it burn.

Silver Scales stayed by herself. She still couldn’t fly and wasn’t sure where she would live. Eventually, she was tired, so she laid down on the grass and went to sleep.

The next morning, Silver Scales woke up to see the sun rising. She blinked and raised her head. Mother Dragon’s body was gone, but there were some charred remains.

Silver Scales stretched her wings and tried to flap them. She remained on the ground. She sighed and noticed a dragon walking towards her.

“Silver Scales, it is my duty to give you an assignment.”

“An assignment?”

“Yes, the Dragon Council wants you to go back to the Silver Mists and try to talk with the people who live there.”

“Really? I’d love to meet them!”

The dragon smiled. “We figured you would. Your curiosity and youth will help you. Be forewarned, you will probably have to learn a new language to be able to communicate well with them.”

“If that’s what it takes.”

The dragon nodded at her. “I’ll be the one to drop you off. No need to strain your wings until they are ready.”

“Thank you. Oh, this is going to be so much fun!”

He picked her up and he flew straight to the Silver Mists. He ignored her chattering so he could watch out for dangerous elves and fairies along the way.

Finally, they arrived. He set her gently down on the ground not too far from the Guardians. “I’ll have to leave soon, but I’ll be back periodically to check on your progress.”

“Oh, okay. You mean, I can just go over to them right now and say, ‘hi?’ ”

“Yeah, why not?” He watched her leave. “Ah, the impatience of youth!”

Silver Scales walked slowly and looked all around her. She saw plenty of elves and fairies running or flying around. They were all busy. Some noticed her and stopped in their tracks.

Being small helped out a lot. So did her smile.

Adelaen watched the small, silver dragon approach the courtyard. She smiled back. She was joined by Darius, Jazmin, and Bernard.

Silver Scales stopped in front of the four elves. “Hi! I’m so happy to meet you!”

The four elves heard some light roaring and shook their heads.

“Oh, you can’t understand me? I need to learn your language.”

Again, the four elves heard some roaring, but Adelaen and Bernard looked at each other and nodded.

Adelaen spoke first, “I think you were just trying to say hello us, but it just sounds like roaring to our ears.”

Silver Scales blinked. The words weren’t entirely clear, but the meaning behind them was. She closed her mouth and spoke with her mind. “That’s what I meant. The Dragon Council asked me to communicate with you because you’re different from the other elves and fairies.”

Adelaen nodded. “Yes, we try to work with each other and live in peace. Learning a new language can take some time.”

“I don’t care how long it takes— I want to be friends with you.”

“We’d like to be friends with you, too. We also don’t want to fight the dragons.”

“Oh, I’ve learned that some dragons just can’t be reasoned with and you may have to fight them. I think the purpose of the Dragon Council is to protect ourselves from dangerous people, regardless of whether they are dragons, elves, or fairies, who would otherwise try to kill us.”

Bernard nodded. “We don’t like to kill. I take it the other two dragons that were watching us were scouts?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, then the dragons are curious about us as we are about them.”

“Yes, and I’m so young that I can’t fly, yet.”

“You can’t. That’s so much like fairies.”

Berri and Elaen flew by chasing their twins. The four elves laughed.

Silver Scales clasped her hands. “Oh, the little babies are so cute!”

“Yes, they certainly are and they are handful for our fairies guards,” said Bernard.

“Oh, can you see the dragon who dropped me off? He should be back there. Oh, there he is.” Silver Scales waved at him.

He waved back.

“Why don’t we go meet him?”

“Okay, this way.” Silver Scales led the four elves to the messenger dragon.

He looked shocked to see four elves trailing behind Silver Scales. “I take it things are going well?”

“Yes, I’m learning their language, but a couple of them can understand me when I don’t use my mouth. They just hear us roaring when we talk.”

“I’m not surprised. I can’t understand them at all.”

“Oh, I’ll learn and then I’ll teach you and the other dragons.”

“Great. Well, I should probably go for now. I’ll let the Council know that you will be fine with your assignment. Good luck, Silver Scales.”

“Thank you.” She and the elves watched the dragon fly away.

************************

It took a long time, but Silver Scales learned the common language of the Guardians. Soon she was considered a Guardian. She was given her own portable communicator, which was larger than what most people had, to accommodate her hands.

Just after she learned the language, the messenger dragon came back to check on her progress. True to her word, she taught him the language. It did sound harsh when the the dragons spoke it, but they were understandable.

Soon Greg and his crew were making the larger communicators for the dragons. The messenger dragon learned to use his. When he saw the larger communicators inside the hall, he asked if the dragons could have one in their chambers.

Greg and his crew didn’t see why they couldn’t have it. They just had to make the screen and the controls bigger for the dragons. They got to work right away on the new equipment.

In the meantime, the messenger dragon went back to the Dragon Council Headquarters and gave them the news.

“She is an amazing dragon. I’m glad we sent her over there.”

“Just to think, not all the elves and fairies are dangerous.”

“Yes, they can be our allies as well!”

“They are working to build more communicators. I can teach you how to use them and how to contact Silver Scales. They also are currently building a larger communicator for this very hall.”

There were murmurs around the room.

“Wonderful. Does that mean we will be able to talk with the merfolks and centaurs as well?”

“Yes, it does as well as the Goddess Stefani and others living in her realm. We will all be connected.”

“That is amazing.”

**************************

Greg contacted the messenger dragon when the equipment was ready. The messenger dragon and others went to pick up the equipment and the crew.

To Greg and his crew, the Dragon Council Headquarters was huge and vast. They quickly got to work and had the communicator equipment all installed and in working order.

Soon the dragons were talking with everyone else. They had lots to discuss with the other people of the planet Platinum.

Greg and his crew learned to build things that wouldn’t break down easily.

Chapter 13 Of Unicorns…

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Berri and Elaen flew into the clinic. Bernard was sitting at his desk taking notes.

“Hey, Bernard! I think the fruit helped. I feel pregnant.”

Bernard looked up at the fairy couple and smiled. “Good. I hope that means the complaints about your noise will decrease.”

The fairies laughed.

Bernard stood up and picked up his scanner. He waved it in front of Elaen’s belly. “Ah, it definitely worked. You’re carrying twins.”

“Twins?”

“Yeah, and they’re fine. Although, I’d recommend that you keep eating the fruit, Elaen. Your fertility is still a bit low, but the fruit should make up for it.”

“It’s good, so that’s not a problem.”

“Oh, and do eat other foods as well. You can’t just eat the fertility fruit all the time.”

Elaen laughed. “Okay, I’ll eat the regular meals as well.”

The fairies laughed as they flew out of the clinic.

Hugo straightened the beds and then walked over to Bernard. “Wow, they’re going to have twins?”

“Yes, they will have their hands full, especially if the kids turn out to be anything like them.”

Bernard and Hugo laughed.

***********************

In the forest, the centaurs were monitoring the animals. Several different kinds of horses were running through the forest. The centaurs checked their borders and listened for rumors.

It wasn’t long before they found out why the horses were running into the forest. Apparently some of the elves were trying to catch and tame the horses.

Faedin pulled out the portable communicator from her bag. “Attention fellow Guardians, you will probably have wild horses traveling into your area. We just found out they are running away from the settlements because there are elves who are trying to tame them.”

“Acknowledged. Are the horses one variety or several?”

“There are several. They all have horns, but not the same number on their heads.”

“Oh, I thought those horses were scared and we weren’t to touch them.”

“Yes, an old superstitious belief that our neighbors no longer believe. We’re not sure why they changed. It could be that something happened and they are desperate in some way.”

“More than likely something did happen. Well, we won’t molest any of the horses. They’re free to roam the Silver Mists.”

***********************

Days went by and more horses ran through the forest. Many found the monastery and the Guardian hold and stopped. The horses were cautious of the people milling about. The Guardians, monks, and nuns didn’t approach the horses. Many smiled whenever the horses appeared. Some commented to others when unicorns or duacorns or even tricorns were spotted in the area.

Eventually, the horses stopped running and settled in the forest near the Guardian hold. There was plenty for the horses to eat and the Centaurs mainly looked after them. The horses didn’t mind the Guardian once they realized no one would harm them.

Sometimes the fairies would fly close the horses and sprinkle fairy dust on them to help keep them calm. The horses tended to neigh when the fairies came near them.

By the time the horses settled down in their new home, Elaen was ready to give birth. She screamed at Berri, who looked petrified. He grabbed her hand and they flew to the clinic.

“Bernard, where are you? Elaen’s going to give birth!”

Merlaen stepped out from the bathroom. “Bernard isn’t up, yet, but I can help.”

“Oh, good. I don’t know what to do with her.”

Merlaen smiled. “It’s okay, she’s just in a lot of pain. May I look to see how much you have dilated, Elaen?”

“Oh, sure.”

“Oh, yes, you’ll be going any time now. When did your pain start?”

“A few hours ago, but it didn’t last and now the pain comes closer and closer.” Elaen screamed again.

Bernard and Adelaen woke up. She reached for her blades. She walked out into the clinic before Bernard.

“Oh, stand down, milady, Lady Elaen is in labor.”

“Oh, dear. Elaen, I had no idea it could be so painful.”

“Oh, it’s awful. Wait, did one of the twins just move?”

“Probably,” said both Merlaen and Bernard.

“Lady Merlaen, do you have her? I’ll go get towels and some hot water.”

“I’ll look after her. Go on, Bernard.”

Berri looked glum. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Keep holding her hand and encourage her to breathe rhythmically.”

Berri did what he was told. Elaen calmed down a bit, but was still in quite a bit of pain. Soon Bernard was back with water and towels. One of the twins was starting to come out.

“That’s it, Elaen, you’re doing fine. Just relax and we’ll catch the twins one at a time.” Merlaen poised herself under the fairy and watched and waited for the first baby.

The first one slid out and Merlaen caught him. She and Bernard cleaned him up and were careful with his tiny wings.

Elaen panted for a few minutes. “Okay, that’s one. Is the second one going to be as hard?”

Merlaen looked up. “No, dear, here comes the second now!” Merlaen caught the girl and cleaned her up.

Bernard was still holding the boy. “So what are you going to name them. The first one is a boy and the second is a girl.”

Berri and Elaen looked at each other. “We decided on a few names. How about Evan for the boy and Faeth for the girl?”

“Okay, that will work for us. They’re your children. Interestingly enough, they have their wings, but can’t fly.”

“They’re too young. Just wait until they start walking as Luka is, then they will also start to learn to fly.”

Adelaen smiled. “Then it’s all over for you and the rest of us.” She laughed and the other joined her.

***********************

In the meadow, Faedin wandered and looked all around her. She was at peace. She saw the other Guardians in the main hold and knew many of them had found happiness. She could also smell food cooking from the nearby village. Her journey wasn’t over at all.

Faedin was looking for the meaning of divinity. She had conversed with the Goddess Stefani many times and still, the centaur had no clear cut answer.

It wasn’t good enough for her. Nor would it ever be until she could know and understand.

Faedin would have to wait for Stefani to be born into the same realm and then seek her out before the centaur would ever get the answer. Fortunately, centaurs tend to live for hundreds of years. Faedin could wait for her answer.

She knew she would find Stefani as an elf or perhaps as a different sort of creature all together, yet similar. Either way, Faedin was patient enough to find the real answer.

For now, she watched the forests and other people. She found comfort in the fact that the unicorns, duacorns, and tricorns were content and at peace.

Chapter 12 Centaurs

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Berri and Elaen went to the clinic to get their casts removed from their legs. Hugo and Bernard worked as fast as they could while the fairies floated above them.

“There. Now you should be able to walk.” Bernard disposed of the bandages.

Berri and Elaen stood up and tried walking. They were a bit wobbly at first, but were soon walking as they used to. They walked around the clinic for several minutes.

Elaen stopped in front of Bernard. “Adelaen said you may of some fertility increasing herbs Berri and I can use to have a baby.”

“I do. There’s some growing in the courtyard and I have told the domestic staff to leave the plants alone.”

“Wonderful. How much will we have to eat?”

“I’d recommend that you both eat it for the best results. Shouldn’t be hard. It’s a fruit you can eat raw. In fact, the raw form will help you out more than the cooked version.”

“That would be easy.” Elaen smiled at Berri and he smiled back.

“Come out in the courtyard and I’ll show you the fruit.” Bernard led the fairies outside and straight to the fruit tree. “There may be more growing wild in the forest nearby. I haven’t looked.”

The fairies nodded and gathered plenty of fruit in their bags. Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen were nearby. The fairies flew to them.

“Well, Elaen and I will be going to the forest for a little while. Bernard showed us where the fertility fruit grows and we both have plenty for now.”

Darius smiled. “Don’t be gone too long. You know we’ll all miss you.”

Jazmin shook her head. Adelaen smiled.

Elaen smiled back. “We need some alone time for now. We will be back to prove you elves aren’t better than us fairies.”

Adelaen laughed. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” The fairies flew off to the forest.

Jazmin turned to Adelaen. “Are you and Bernard planning on having children?”

“Not yet. I’m not sure how we could take care of a baby. We both agree that I should nurse. But if there was a way to take care of the baby and still give him or her my milk when I was some other place than the baby, then it would be an entirely different story.”

“That sounds like a job for Greg.”

“Perhaps.”

“He’s talking to Hugo again, right over there.”

Adelaen smiled. “They make such a good couple.”

“They do.”

Greg and Hugo walked near Adelaen, Jazmin, and Darius. Bernard followed closely behind.

Greg stopped in front of the women. “How will you do without the fairy guards?”

Adelaen laughed. “We’ll be fine. It’s not like orcs or raiders are coming to pay us a visit while they are gone.”

“Did I hear you say you’d like a way to give a baby your milk when you aren’t together?”

“Something like that. I don’t know how it could possible.”

“Some people milk cows and goats for food. I’d say it’s more than possible. You’d more than likely wouldn’t let someone milk you, but perhaps a little device to milk your breasts may work out.”

Jazmin raised her eyebrows. “Greg, you may have just done it again. You create that device and some of the women here will be able to take care of their babies and still work.”

Greg nodded. “You women are doing important work and it seems that only those on the domestic staff are able to take care of their own babies easily. The rest will have some trouble. Your work can be dangerous to a baby. You’ll probably need someone else to take care of them.”

Adelaen smiled. “I think you got it, Greg. Let me know when it’s ready.”

Bernard smiled at Adelaen. “I’ll be able to take care of our baby while you’re working, milady.”

*********************

Elaen and Berri flew to the edge of the forest holding hands. It had been a long time since they had lived in the heart of any forest. They had left when they were adolescents because they weren’t allowed to marry each other.

They didn’t stop at the entrance, but flew further in until they were completely alone. There were animals in the forest, but they ignored the fairies as they sat down on the ground and ate fruit until they were full.

It was after that they wrapped their arms around each other and kissed. They paid no attention to the time and just enjoyed themselves.

It was completely dark and they were hungry. They ate more of the fruit and went at it again. They didn’t bother sleeping that night.

The next morning, they finished the last of their fruit. They were kissing when the centaurs walked by.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen fairies!”

Elaen and Berri stopped kissing and turned to look at the centaurs. They gaped at the humanoid horse combos.

“Hi, we were just trying to get some alone time…” Elaen stumbled over her words.

“So you were what we heard last night! I didn’t get much sleep because of your howling!”

“Sorry,” both fairies said.

“Are you littering our forest? I swear no one respects us and they think it’s good sport to hunt us down. We’re tired of dealing with the elves and fairies. We’d prefer to be alone in the forest.”

The fairies blinked. They quickly picked up their things.

“That’s better. Which way did you come from?”

The fairies pointed.

“Oh, we didn’t know there was a settlement there. We’ve heard some rumors from the other direction about the witches and wizards of the Silver Mists.”

“We live in the Silver Mists.”

“Oh! But you can’t be a witch or wizard with those weapons.”

“No, we’re warriors. We’re guards who protect those who live there.”

“You survived the orcs?”

“Yes, many of us did. It wasn’t easy. There were lots of them.”

“Yes, we know. We fought them, too.”

“Then we thank you for the causalities you caused them before they reached us.”

“You would thank us?”

“Sure, why not?”

“That’s not how others treat us.”

“Oh. Well, we’re just a couple of oddballs who live in the Silver Mists with other oddballs. Many of us left our homes because we weren’t allowed to be ourselves.”

“That sounds too good to be true.”

“Would you like to meet some of the others? We aren’t just fairies and elves— we are also the merfolks of the sea.”

“Merfolks?”

“Yeah, they look like elves from the waist up, and fish from the waist down.”

“Oh.”

“We would love for you to join us and remain as you are.”

The centaurs raised their eyebrows. “That’s quite an offer, but we’ve had other offers, which have all gone sour.”

“That’s terrible and sounds too familiar.” Elaen paused and looked at Berri. “I’ll tell you what, we’ll go and let our companions know you’re here in the forest. We will probably come back and start negotiations with you. We will listen to all of your grievances. We don’t like to be treat that way any more than you do.”

The centaurs nodded to the fairies, who turned and flew out of the forest. Soon the fairy guards were back home. They wasted no time finding Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen.

Adelaen smiled at them. “I didn’t expect you back so soon.”

“We ran into some centaurs.”

“Centaurs? I’ve heard they’re very dangerous. Taems bragged he killed several of them, but I never believed him.”

“He may have told you the truth. They aren’t happy with the way many elves and fairies treated them.”

Adelaen nodded. “We are a sorry lot at times. So, are we going back to talk with them?”

“Yeah, they are wary of us, but we thought it’d best to come back and give them some time to think about joining our oddball group.”

Adelaen laughed. “We are a bunch of oddballs. Even Bernard will admit that.”

Elaen and Berri smiled. Darius and Jazmin walked closer.

Darius looked around at everyone. “Then we will have to be cautious about approaching them. I don’t want to get into fights with them.”

Jazmin spoke up, “They aren’t friendly most of the time I’ve seen them. I have no grievances with them. So, I always steered clear of them. They would watch me, but they never approached me.”

Darius nodded his head. “I’ve experience them watching me, but I never went near them. I’ve seen what they can do when you get too close and make them mad. It’s not pretty. They have every right to be wary of us.”

Adelaen nodded. “So when do we want to go and talk with them? Later on today or tomorrow?”

“Let’s wait until tomorrow. For now, I want more of that fruit and perhaps some sleep.”

Jazmin shook her head. Adelaen smiled.

**********************

The next afternoon, Adelaen, Darius, Jazmin, Berri, and Elaen went to the forest. They wore their weapons just in case, but hoped they wouldn’t need them.

It didn’t take long to find the centaurs, who were waiting. They stared at the elves and fairies and said nothing for a long time.

Finally, Adelaen spoke up, “You haven’t had any problems with us in the past, have you?”

“Not from the direction you came from, no. The other directions, yes, we’ve had trouble. Some seem to think it’s good sport to hunt us down.”

“Yeah, I heard my former commander brag about killing some of your people. I thought he was just boasting.”

“What was your former commander’s name?”

“Taems.”

The centaurs grumbled and growled.

“Oh, you’ve heard of him. He turned into an orc and we had to kill him and burn his body.”

“Wonderful! Perhaps we can be friends.”

Adelaen raised her eyebrows. “Really? That would be great.”

“Well, we are willing to give you a chance. Do you call yourselves something other than witches and wizards of the Silver Mists?”

“We are Guardians at the request of the Goddess Stefani.”

“Ah, you know her?”

“Yes, we have a way of communicating with her so that everyone can talk to her.”

“That sounds a lot like magic.”

“It’s advanced technology, which seems like magic to anyone who isn’t familiar with it.”

The centaurs nodded. “That makes sense. Will we be able to talk with the Goddess Stefani as you do?”

Darius stepped forward. “Yes, when you become a part of the Guardians, we will give you your own communicators and you can use those to talk with her or others who live in the same realm.”

“Sounds good. We’ve seen you and the other elf, who hasn’t spoken yet today.”

Darius nodded. “Neither one of us saw any reason to annoy you and thought it best to stay away. I’ve seen what you can do when you’re angry.”

“Ah, being overly cautious. Yet, we felt you both were more respectful than others have been in the past. I’d say you’ve all earned a chance to become allies, even though the fairies were too loud the other night.”

Elaen and Berri blushed. Adelaen put her hand over her mouth and laughed. Darius and Jazmin smiled.

Darius pulled out his communicator. “Okay, I’ll contact Greg so he and his crew will make you some communicators. We’ll bring them to you once they are built and teach you how to use them.”

The centaurs nodded and smiled.

“Greg, we need some portable communicators built for the centaurs living in the forest.”

“No problem, Darius. How many do they need?”

“Oh, good question.” Darius looked to the centaurs. “How many do you need?”

“How about 20 to start with? There are more of us, but many don’t want to come out of hiding at the moment.”

“Okay, did you get that?”

“Yeah, 20. They should be ready by tomorrow morning without any problems.”

“Thanks.” Darius put his communicator away.

“That looks a bit like magic, but you said it was just technology.”

“Yeah, Greg knows what he’s doing. We’ve had quite a few improvements with him. I know the domestic staff is quite happy with what he’s done so far.”

Adelaen nodded. “He’s not done either. He keeps coming up with new ideas on his own and he also listens to others when they have problems they can’t solve on their own.”

“Sounds like someone we’d like to talk to.”

“I’m sure he will listen to you. He’ll ask questions to make sure he understands what your problem is before he comes up with a solution.”

“Even better. Some of us are inventors and scientists as well, but we don’t tend to use much in the way of technology. As you can see, we don’t have much use for it.”

“We only use what we need. Beyond that, it seems like too much of a waste.”

“Yes, it certainly can be wasteful. Would it be too much if we followed you to the Silver Mists?”

“No. You’re welcome to visit us.”

“Won’t others be shocked by our appearance?”

“They might, but they won’t complain. We’re all the people who don’t fit and you’ll fit in without any trouble with us.”

The elves, fairies, and centaurs walked out of the forest and back to the Silver Mists. People stared at the centaurs, but relaxed when they saw they were relaxed.

The nuns and monks nodded to the guards and the centaurs as they walked past. The guards and centaurs nodded back.

Lady Penelopi greeted the group with Luka. “Welcome to the Silver Mists. I had no idea we had such neighbors living in the forest. I’m surprised there aren’t any fairies.”

Berri and Elaen flew around Lady Penelopi and Luka. “Lady Penelopi, we were there a few days ago.”

Lady Penelopi smiled at the fairies. “I’m sure everyone has heard about that. I hope it was worth it.”

“We can’t tell, yet. We’re still trying.”

“Lady Penelopi, I can’t say we have been around so many elves and fairies before and not harmed at the same time.”

“You are welcome here as is everyone else as long as you respect us.”

“Yes, of course. This is a strange and new experience for us all.”

“We welcome you as a part of the Guardians.”

********************

The next morning, the 20 portable communicators were ready as promised. The centaurs met Greg and his crew in the courtyard. It took hours, but the centaurs learned how to use their communicators. They learned to call individual Guardians and the Goddess Stefani.

It was a fun day for the Guardians. The centaurs smiled and laughed. Even young Faedin learned more than she had hoped. She now had her own communicator and had more people she could learn from as she was growing up.

Over time, they kept watch in the forest. They listened to travelers and let some pass who were oddballs looking for the Guardians. Others they stopped and had to fight. They were able to listen for rumors and watch the village that were nearby to their forest. They informed the other Guardians.

What fascinated them the most were the merfolks. The centaurs couldn’t understand how they were able to live in the sea.

A young centaur woke up from a pleasant dream. She, Faedin, knew she would have to go on a journey through the forests of the planet Platinum to fully understand what her dream meant. She was a scientist and knew the Guardians well. She kept her portable communicator in her bag at all times, unless she was using it. Her bag also contained paper, quills, and ink. She herself was also considered one of the Guardians— like many of the centaurs, she wasn’t sure about the alliance with the elves and the fairies. However, the Guardians had proven they were respectful and never had they burdened the centaurs. All the Guardians believed everyone in the alliance were free to leave and go on their own.

She was thoughtful as she munched on her breakfast looking up at the sky. There were silver clouds overhead. Faedin smiled. She knew it would be a long, but beneficial journey ahead. She left watching the gossamer left by the spiders nearby to where she ate her breakfast. Her thoughts were on what it means to be a Guardian and how that meaning would affect her work as a scientist. She was still a child, but she had learned all that the other centaurs could teach her. It was time for her to go out into the world and learn what she could from observations and the other Guardians.

Chapter 11 Merfolks

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

The next morning, Bernard awoke up with a bit of a start. He opened his eyes and then smiled. He was tangled up with Adelaen and they were still fully clothed. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

“Morning. You can stay here. I should probably get up and check on patients.”

“Okay, I’ll stay. I’m still sleepy.”

They disentangled themselves and he sat up. Soon he was standing up and left the room. He closed the door and checked on Julio and Lady Penelopi. Merlaen was still up.

“Good morning, Bernard. I trust you slept well.”

Bernard smiled at Merlaen. “Good morning, Merlaen. Yes, I did. How are the patients? I see the children are gone.”

“The children are playing in the courtyard and doing great. It’s so good to see them so happy again.”

“Yes, I see them. Children can be fairly resilient.”

She nodded. “Lady Penelopi is feeling better this morning. She was smiling and nursing her baby.”

“Good. And Julio?”

“His fever is gone and he’s resting peacefully. He may wake up soon. I did request that food be brought for all us this morning.”

“Good idea. Have you seen Hugo, yet?”

“No. Is he usually here by now?”

“Well, no, but we do have patients. Hmm, maybe he got distracted last night.”

Merlaen raised her eyebrows. “By whom?”

“Greg.”

“The inventor, I’ve heard so much about?”

“Yep, that one.”

She smiled and shook her head. “I’m a bit old for romance, but the rest of you can enjoy yourselves.”

Bernard laughed. “I wasn’t expecting any. Before this, I wouldn’t even admit to myself how miserable I was living under Lord Plaesance’s rules. Then I met Adelaen and things changed completely. Lord Plaesance actually got jealous of me and plotted to kill me. I had to leave with her. I’m lucky she’s a warrior. I’d never made it here without her or my old friend, Darius.”

“I’m happy for you. I’m glad you took the birth control when Hugo mentioned it to you.”

“So am I, even though it wasn’t needed.”

She laughed. “Well, maybe next time.”

“Well, perhaps. I wish she were my wife.”

“Then tell her.”

Bernard looked at Merlaen. “I said something like that to Greg last night.”

She laughed. “It’s good advice. You deserve to be happy, Bernard. She looked pretty happy with you.”

He nodded. “Alright, I’ll tell her.”

Hugo walked into the clinic. “Am I needed before breakfast?”

“Good morning, Hugo. Of course, you are needed. Ah, it looks like our patients are all awake.” Bernard, Merlaen, and Hugo went to Julio, Penelopi, and Luka.

Julio blinked. Lady Penelopi smiled as she held Luka.

“Good morning, Bernard and Hugo. Bernard, is Adelaen in your room?”

“Yes, Lady Penelopi. She’s sleeping.”

“I’d protest, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you wanted to marry her regardless of what you did or didn’t do with her last night.”

Bernard smiled. “I’d happily marry her. No worries there. I don’t know if she wants to get married.”

“She knows she can still be a warrior, so that won’t be a barrier.”

“I certainly don’t have a problem with her being a warrior. Now how are you feeling this morning?”

“Much better. I needed that pick me up you gave me last night.”

“If you need more, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

A few of the domestic staff arrived with some food for everyone. Hugo went to them and served the patients. He helped Julio sit up.

“Julio, how do you feel this morning?” asked Bernard.

“Better. It still hurts. Am I allowed to do any work?”

“Certainly, as long as it doesn’t involve standing or walking. You need to stay off the leg as much as possible.”

“Good.” Julio smiled and ate his breakfast.

Merlaen found a spare sheet and looked at Bernard. “Is it alright to use this as a baby sling?”

“Sure.”

Merlaen went to Lady Penelopi and helped arranged it so she could hold Luka without her arms. Lady Penelopi then ate her breakfast.

“That’s a good idea,” Hugo said.

Merlaen nodded. “I bet Lady Penelopi will want to leave soon and check on everyone. She’s quite the mother to everyone around here.”

“That she is.” Bernard went to the food and served two plates. He set them on a tray and went to his room.

Hugo and Merlaen served themselves and ate at the table.

“I take it, I’ll be allowed to resume my duties after breakfast,” said Lady Penelopi between bites.

“Sure. Just don’t overdo it. You’ve just given birth. Just take it slow. The rest of the staff is recovering as well.”

Lady Penelopi nodded. “I’ll be careful. Luka will need plenty of diapers right away. I do like this sling for him. He’s asleep again. Thanks, Merlaen.”

“No problem.”

Bernard set the tray down on the table and sat down on the bed next to Adelaen. “Hey, sleepyhead, breakfast is here.”

She opened her eyes and sat up. “I’m hungry.”

“Good.” He got up and handed her plate to her. He went back and grabbed his plate and sat back down next to her.

“Bernard, did you really hand out birth control to many people and then take some yourself?”

“Yeah. Lady Penelopi was shocked, but she understood the need. I really don’t like to perform abortions.”

“You’ve done that!”

“Yeah, it was either do that or watch the young women suffer. Many of them weren’t able to take good care of themselves, let alone a baby.”

“I see.”

“I’d keep taking birth control, if you want me to.”

“I can’t believe how much Darius, Jazmin, Berri, and Elaen encouraged me to see you after Greg left the clinic. I was so exhausted that I didn’t argue. I probably should have.”

“Why? Nothing happened. I slept well. Did you?”

“Yeah, but we’re not married.”

“I’d love to marry you. It was wonderful to wake up and see you first thing.”

Adelaen smiled and looked at her plate. “Then let’s get married.”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

They kissed. They finished their breakfast and Bernard took the dirty dishes on the tray back to the table with the other ones. Adelaen followed him out.

Everyone looked at them. They noticed.

“Alright, we might as well tell them, Adelaen.”

“We’re getting married.”

Hugo clasped his hands and laughed. Lady Penelopi and Julio smiled.

Merlaen smiled. “Congratulations. When will the wedding be?”

“Oh, I don’t know. We haven’t set a date.” Bernard smiled.

“How about tomorrow? We need a big party after what we’ve all been through.” Adelaen smiled.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Bernard.”

Lady Penelopi smiled at them. “Good, I’ll announce it at lunch today. People will love it.” She stood up. “I’d like to resume my duties now.” She hugged Adelaen and then Bernard. Then Lady Penelopi left the clinic.

Julio looked at everyone else. “I’d like to work, too. Can you call Maegin and Boe?”

Hugo answered, “I’ll call them.” He ran to the communication screen and punched in Boe and Maegin’s personal codes. They answered immediately.

“Julio would like you two to come down to the clinic. He wants to work, but he’s not allowed to be on his broken leg very long. Otherwise, he can do whatever needs to be done.”

Boe and Maegin nodded.

Maegin said, “Not a problem. There’s plenty he can do right there in the clinic. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

The screen went blank. Hugo turned to Bernard and Adelaen. “I’m so happy for both of you.”

Adelaen smiled. “You seem happier today. How long did you hang out with Greg last night?”

Hugo laughed. “Wouldn’t you just love to know.”

“Hugo?”

“What? We talked last night in front of the fire and watched the stars together. It was fun. Darius seemed drunk last night, but I know we don’t have alcohol around here. He was probably exhausted after all the fighting and disposing of dead bodies.”

Adelaen laughed. “He was pretty bad last night.”

Maegin and Boe arrived with papers, scanners, quills, and ink. They walked straight to Julio.

“Hey, can we use the table?” asked Boe.

“Sure, go ahead.” Bernard and Hugo cleared the dirty dishes and set them on the floor.

Hugo and Boe moved the table to Julio’s bed. Adelaen grabbed the chairs and set them down next to the table. Boe and Maegin put their things on the table. They got to work with Julio.

*********************

At lunch, Lady Penelopi made the announcement of Bernard and Adelaen’s engagement. She also told everyone about the Goddess Stefani’s message. Greg played it for everyone while they ate.

People were stunned, but they felt more united than ever. They began talking about it. The domestic staff felt respected and loved to be led by Lady Penelopi.

Many wondered what other kinds of people lived on the same planet with them. What would they look like? People weren’t sure.

Darius sat at a table with Jazmin, Bernard, and Adelaen. Hugo sat with Greg and his crew.

“Well, Bernard, I’m shocked!” Darius told Bernard.

“I am, too. I’m very happy at the same time.”

“Wait a minute, you took birth control like most everyone else. You don’t have to marry her.”

“No, but I want to.”

Adelaen beamed. “Bernard, keep taking the birth control. At least for now.”

“Okay. I’ll take some as soon as I get back to the clinic.”

Jazmin smiled. “Wow, I don’t know if I could go and get married that fast.”

“Well, we don’t need to.” Darius ate some more food. “Unless you want to…”

Jazmin looked at Darius. “Let’s not rush it. I like the way things are going for us right now.”

“Okay.”

Bernard looked over at Hugo and Greg. He smiled. Greg and Hugo were talking and it looked like they were getting along. Hugo looked over at Bernard. Bernard raised his glass to Hugo and nodded. Hugo raised his glass and nodded back. Hugo was beaming as much as Bernard was.

*********************

The next day, the wedding arch was set up again. The domestic staff was busy setting up tables and chairs. A nun walked over and stood at the wedding arch.

People were gathering around, waiting for the couple to show up. Life was returning back to its routine and people were adjusting. Bernard was getting more requests for birth control. He handed it out without asking any questions.

Soon everyone was ready and waiting. Bernard and Adelaen meet in the courtyard. They smiled at each other and reached for each other’s hand. They walked to the arch together.

They faced one another and held hands. They exchanged their vows with the nun. They exchanged a kiss. People cried. People smiled. People laughed.

Hugo and Greg stood next to each other and smiled at the couple and then at themselves. Darius yelled. Jazmin laughed. Elaen and Berri flew around the wedding arch and laughed. Bernard and Adelaen laughed.

People ate food and danced the rest of the day. Adelaen moved into Bernard’s room in the clinic.

*********************

Darius, Jazmin, Elaen, Berri, and Adelaen were practically near the cliff. Adelaen was showing them how to do gymnastics while holding their weapons.

It took time for Darius and Jazmin to get the hang of it. Elaen and Berri didn’t have any problems, even with their broken legs.

They were laughing and have a great time, until Adelaen slipped and fell off the cliff.

Darius was stunned. “Bernard is going to kill us.”

As he and Jazmin watched, Berri and Elaen dove after Adelaen. Adelaen took a deep breath just before she went under the water. She was still going down pretty fast.

Then she saw them. They looked like they were half elf and half fish. Her eyes grew round. A few of them swam towards her. There were men and women. They tried to talk to her, but she couldn’t understand them. She couldn’t talk.

A young mermaid, Raelon, was still just a child when she first saw the elf Adelaen under the water. Before that, Raelon had no idea there were people living on the land without fish tails. However, she was grateful to learn other people existed on Platinum.

For the young mermaid, the great adventure of her life was just beginning…

Adelaen tried to think hello to them. They seemed to understand. She started to float upwards until she broke the surface of the water. She was gasping for air when the fairies found her.

“Adelaen! Here we are!” Each fairy grabbed one of her arms and they flew up to the cliff where Darius and Jazmin were waiting.

Jazmin looked at Adelaen. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, there are people in the water.”

“What?”

“They look like elves from the waist up. From the waist down, they are fish.”

“I think that fall has damaged your head.”

Adelaen laughed. “I don’t think so. They tried to talk to me. I couldn’t talk, so I thought to them a, ‘hello’. They seemed to understand me.”

Darius laughed. “Okay, I know Stefani said we would meet other people who live on this planet with us. But do you know how crazy this sounds?”

Adelaen smiled. “We are Guardians. We deal with the crazy and oddballs all the time.”

Everyone laughed.

“Let’s go find Greg. He can think of way for us to communicate with them.”

They went to the castle courtyard asking and looking around for Greg. Berri and Elaen found him in his workshop. They flew to the window and right into the room. Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen, ran into the castle and up the stairs to the workshop.

Elaen flew right up to Greg. “Hey, Greg, we need your help.”

“What’s up?”

“Adelaen fell into the sea and met some strange people. They tried to talk to her, but we can’t stay under the water long enough to understand their language.”

“Oh. Maegin says there’s oxygen in the water, but we can’t breathe it as we can the oxygen in the air.”

“Okay. So what does that mean? We can’t stay under the water long enough to even try communicating with those people?”

“No. It means you need gills.”

“Gills?”

“That’s what fish use to breathe oxygen from water. So, I need to make you gills so you can breathe under water. I can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to talk.”

“Talking under water probably isn’t a good idea.”

“No, you don’t want water in your lungs.” Greg floated to the ceiling. He came back down to his desk and turned on the communicator. He punched the code for Maegin.

She appeared immediately. “Oh, it’s Greg.”

“Maegin, the guards are requesting that I make gills for them so they can breathe under water. Do you understand how gills work so I can make them some?”

“Oh. Gills filter the oxygen out of the water, so you would need to have a filter, but there must be a way to keep the water out of their lungs. I’m not sure how you could do that part. The filter just needs to free the oxygen from the water, then they could breathe normally.”

“Okay, I think I got it then. Thanks.” They shut the communicators off.

The guards looked expectantly at Greg.

Greg looked at them. Then he grabbed some paper, a quill, and some ink. He began sketching a filter with a membrane to keep water out. It took some time, but he was able to get the idea down. “Alright, so the filter just needs to allow you to breathe oxygen. So, the water will go through it and you should be able to breathe normally. You’ll hold the gills between your teeth. The water should just flow freely.”

The guards blinked.

“I’ll make one and then we can test it out.” Greg stood up and looked around at the spare parts. It didn’t take him long to find what he wanted. He worked fast and soon he had a set of gills to test out. “Let’s go to the water.”

The guards and Greg went down to the shore. Greg put the gills between his teeth. They stuck out, but he didn’t care what he looked like.

“Greg, shouldn’t you take your communicator out of your pocket? Won’t the water damage it?” asked Jazmin.

Greg took the gills out. “Oh? That’s probably a good idea.” He pulled out the communicator and handed it to Jazmin. He put the gills back in his mouth and walked out into the ocean.

The five guards stood and watched. Greg went under the water for several minutes. The guards tensed and waited.

Greg came up out of the water. He walked back to them and took out the gills. “Wow! It works. Anyone else want to try them?”

“Uh, could you make us some of our own? I’d rather not put those in my mouth after you used them.”

“Oh, sorry. Yeah, I’ll make some more. Let’s go back to the workshop.”

An hour later the five guards were about to go into the ocean, when Bernard strolled over to them.

“What’s this I hear that you five are going into the ocean? How will you breathe?”

Adelaen smiled at him. “Honey, Greg made us gills.” She showed him her set.

“Oh! I should have realized. I’m sorry. I heard you fell in the ocean today and I just panicked.”

“I’m fine now. If you want to come, just ask Greg to make you set a of gills.”

“I will.” Bernard ran back to the castle to see Greg immediately. He came running back shortly. The guards were waiting for him.

“Okay, is everyone ready? At least we have some people with us who can talk with their thoughts. That should help with these people.” Darius put his gills between his teeth.

The others all put their gills in. Then they walked into the ocean. Soon they were all under the water and breathing normally. They looked around, but no one saw the other people.

They kept walking. Soon the fish people saw them and approached. Bernard and Adelaen thought to the people, ‘hello, we’re here to meet you and learn about you and tell you about us.’

The people called themselves merfolks. They weren’t speaking the same language as the elves and fairies, but between Adelaen and Bernard with some of the merfolks, they were able to communicate.

It was slow, but eventually they had established an alliance. The guards knew the merfolks would need some communicators. They made a mental note to tell Greg once they were done.

The guards got hungry, so they told the merfolks bye for now and left to eat in the great hall with everyone else. As soon as they were out of the water, they took their gills out and put them in their pockets. They arrived just in time for dinner, dripping wet.

Everyone watched them. They sat down together. Lady Penelopi, Hugo, and Greg joined them.

“Why are you all so wet?”

“Lady Penelopi, we were in the ocean talking with the merfolks,” answered Darius.

“Merfolks?”

Adelaen smiled. “Yes, they live in the ocean. From the waist up, they look like us elves, and from the waist down they have fish tails.”

“Oh!”

“They are friendly. Greg, can you make water proof communicators? We think the merfolks could use them,” put in Bernard.

“Yeah, that shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll make you all some water proof ones as well. I’ll work on it tonight.”

“I thought we were going to watch the moon rise tonight.”

“Oh, right, Hugo. Sorry, we can still do that. I don’t think it will take me long to figure out how to make them. Then the crew can take over.”

Hugo smiled.

“You may have to come with me to remind me when it’s time to watch the moon.”

“I’ll do that.”

“How have you been communicating with them?” asked Lady Penelopi.

“Adelaen and I thought to them. We can’t talk with the gills in our mouths.”

Lady Penelopi nodded. She made an adjustment to her sling to nurse Luka. “I’m not sure how you do that, but that’s okay. I’m glad you established communications.”

Jazmin spoke up, “They don’t speak the same language as we do, so we will have to learn each other’s languages to be able to fully talk with them.”

“Ah, that’s not surprising. Sometimes we have trouble with that around here even though the language is fairly similar.”

*********************

After dinner, Greg and Hugo went to Greg’s workshop. He was right, it didn’t take him long to make a water proof communicator. Soon the rest of the crew was making more water proof communicators, large and small, and they also made gills for themselves.

They would eventually go into the ocean and assemble the communication equipment for the merfolks.

Greg and Hugo left to sit in the courtyard to watch the moon. They sat down on a bench and cuddled and held hands. The moon was full and bright. It shined down on them. Neither spoke for some time. It was a quiet time before they went to sleep.

For them, it was a great way to end a day. Sometimes they would fall asleep and wake up later. They hugged and kissed goodbye and then would go to their respective quarters.

***********************

The next day, Darius, Jazmin, Adelaen, Bernard, Berri, and Elaen were given water proof communicators. They went to the ocean with Greg and his crew, who all had gills and water proof communicators. The crew also carried large and small communication equipment to give the merfolks.

It wasn’t long before the group found the merfolks. Greg and his crew worked with some of the merfolks to set up the communication equipment. Darius, Jazmin, Berri, Elaen, Adelaen, and Bernard showed many merfolks how to use their own personal communicators.

It was a long day for everyone, but soon the equipment was set up and they tuned into the hold and the monastery. The merfolks were amazed. Some thought it was magic, but they worked with the Guardians to develop a common language they could all speak.

It took a long time, but when once they created the language, everyone was happy to share their culture and ideas. The merfolks didn’t hesitate to join the Guardians.

Many merfolks were scientists in their own right. They could share with the land Guardians all about the sea and sea life. Other merfolks were interested in the technology and they would spend hours working with Greg and his crew to learn new things. The merfolks were able to exchange ideas, which later helped everyone improve the technology they already had and to create new forms. Raelon became a scientist and was given her very own portable communicator.