Ali Noel Vyain's Blog, page 68

Chapter 10 Orcs

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

Merlaen ran as fast she could. The orcs were attacking the village and no one had a chance. Her hair was gray and she had some wrinkles. She of all the people of the village had no reason left to live. Yet, she had visions of the Silver Mists and the Goddess Stefani told her to leave.

It was amazing. She was breathing hard. She left as soon as she saw the Goddess Stefani. As a wise woman, she knew about women’s health issues as well as how to mend broken bones and how to deal with minor wounds. Her life had been long and she could no longer have children of her own.

None of that mattered now. Stefani had told her the Guardians needed her and she would become one of them. Merlaen heard the screams, the fire, and the orcs. She could do nothing for them. She was no fighter. She was a peaceful healer.

She ran all night. By dawn, she had reached the Silver Mists. She collapsed at the gate. She laid on the ground and just breathed. She didn’t care that she was hungry or tired.

“Halt! Who goes there!”

Merlaen looked up. She tried to speak, but she was out of breath.

“Berri, I think the elf can’t speak. I’ll check it out. Cover me.” Elaen flew over the gate and looked over the elf. “Wow, it’s an old woman. Are you alright, Lady Elf?”

“No. I ran all night. The Goddess Stefani told me to leave my village. It was attacked by orcs last night and I couldn’t help them. Stefani told me to join the Guardians to help you.”

“Oh! Here, do you need help getting up?”

“Yes. Ow!”

“Uh, oh, that arm doesn’t look good. Careful. I’ll help you get to our healer, Bernard.” Elaen gently lifted the elf.

Berri opened the gate. Elaen and the old elf walked through it. Elaen delivered her safely to Bernard and quickly left.

“Ah, milady, this is not a good break. What happened?”

“I’m not sure. The Goddess Stefani told me to come here to help you Guardians out. I’m old. I have no reason to stay alive. I should have died with the other villagers when the orcs attacked.”

“Orcs. Oh, dear, we know they are on their way to us. We’re trying to prepare everyone. You seem fine other than the broken arm. Are you ready? I need to set it.”

“Oh, go ahead. I’ve mended plenty of broken bones in my time.”

Bernard pulled her arm straight.

“Ow!”

Hugo came over and wrapped it up to keep it stiff while it healed.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay, Bernard. I knew it would hurt.”

“You have some healing skills?”

“Yes. I also helped women give birth or not get pregnant.”

“Good. Hugo and I could use help. Lady Penelopi could give birth any time now.”

“Oh? You have a pregnant woman here?”

“Yes. I have helped deliver babies before, but I think some women prefer to have another woman helping them.”

Merlaen smiled. “They do. My name is Merlaen.”

“Pleased to meet you. Hugo is the nurse and very helpful.”

Hugo smiled and nodded to Merlaen. “We can go to the great hall now and get some lunch.”

“Good idea. After you, Lady Merlaen.”

The trio went to the great hall. Bernard was looking around. Lady Penelopi had just made the announcement at breakfast to warn everyone about the orcs. People were showing signs of stress.

“Hugo, Lady Merlaen, I think we better prepare and distribute birth control to as many people as possible. We can skip Lady Penelopi and her husband Julio, and of course all the children.”

“That will be a lot of birth control,” said Merlaen.

“I know, but we can’t handle a baby boom here. We may not have enough food and there are too many young people here.”

“I’ve never heard of a community who cared about such matters.”

“Ours is small and many women are doing important work. We tend to do what we prefer and what matches our skills without regard to gender.”

“That explains a lot. Why do I get the feeling that many of you would be considered oddballs in most places?”

Bernard smiled. “We are. I think that’s why we all get along.” He paused. “Hugo, I need you to make sure all the adolescents get birth control. Can I trust you to do that?”

“Uh, sure. I guess it would be safer to just give it to them if I suspect or should I just go by age?”

“Do both.”

“Okay.”

“Bernard, who is the new person?” asked Lady Penelopi.

“She is Merlaen, a healer.”

Merlaen nodded to Lady Penelopi.

Lady Penelopi nodded to Merlaen. “Welcome to our little community.”

“Lady Penelopi, the orcs may be here tonight. Lady Merlaen ran from them all night.”

“Oh, dear. We are trying to prepare. We on the domestic staff are considering using our skillets the way Adelaen has.”

“Good idea. I will use my magic.”

“Good. I know the guards are preparing strategy now.”

“Very good. They are the most prepared of all of us.”

“Milady, we will be distributing birth control to as many people as we can.”

“Hugo, why would you do that? We don’t need to encourage that sort of behavior.”

“Milady, it isn’t encouragement. It’s realism. I’ve seen what happens when many people have to face death together. The consequences are not pleasant for many people. I don’t want anyone to ask me for abortions anymore.”

“Bernard!”

“Birth control is a better option.”

“Yes, it is.” Lady Penelopi looked around. “I see what you mean. Very well, do what you think is right.”

Bernard nodded and sat down to eat.

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

Everyone was busy. Even the children were quiet as they watched everyone else running around. The domestic staff practiced swinging skillets around. Even Lady Penelopi swung a skillet around.

The scientists, Greg, and his crew were experimenting with some weapons they could use that would send out electric shocks. Then they charged up the weapons.

The guards were watching for the orcs. They also watched the other people and tried to reassure anyone who was nervous.

Berri and Elaen sighed as they watched over the castle. Then they turned to look at each other and kissed. Darius and Jazmin were standing nearby and they were also making out.

Adelaen saw the four of them and shook her head. She smiled and continued watching. Then she closed her eyes and breathed. She meditated for a few minutes as they waited for nightfall and the orcs.

Merlaen, Hugo, and Bernard were busy distributing birth control to everyone they could.

When they regrouped later, Hugo told Bernard, “We couldn’t get to Adelaen. She was too busy, but we got everyone else. I even took some.”

“You did? Hugo, are you an adolescent now?”

“Uh, yes…”

Bernard smiled. “Well, that explains your recent behavior and the growth spurts. If you don’t stop growing, you’ll be taller than I am.”

Hugo blushed. “Well, Bernard, did you take some birth control?”

“No, I’m celibate.”

“But what if Adelaen sees you later and wants to—”

Bernard said nothing as he reached for a pill from Hugo’s basket and swallowed it. Merlaen smiled.

The sun was going down and everyone was quiet. Many of the children found some good hiding places and remained as quiet as they could. Hugo was looking after many of them in the clinic. He did what he could to keep them calm. Merlaen was with him. She was nervous.

Bernard was nearby. He sat still and closed his eyes. He could see everyone in and around the castle. He saw the nuns and monks in their monastery. Some were chanting. Others were praying. Some were using what magic they could as he was to defend themselves.

The domestic staff hung out in the kitchen and the weaving/sewing room. Many were holding skillets and waiting.

Soon the guards could hear the running of lots of feet. They could hear the howling and screaming of orcs. Everyone remained quiet.

“There they are!” said Darius. “Steady, archers! They’ll probably taunt us for a few minutes. Get ready, everyone!”

The guards drew their weapons and stood still. The orcs stopped at the gate and howled and hissed at them.

Then suddenly the orcs were everywhere at once. The guards fought off as many as they could. The archers shot lots of arrows. Yet despite how fast the guards were, they couldn’t kill all the orcs.

Some orcs got into the castle and the domestic staff fought as well they could with their skillets. Many people screamed or cried. They ran and tried to get away.

Adelaen followed the orcs to the kitchen. There, Lady Penelopi was screaming. She fell to the floor clutching her belly. Adelaen ran over to her and slashed up several orcs.

“Get Lady Penelopi out of here! Now!” shouted Adelaen.

A few people grabbed Lady Penelopi and carried her to the clinic. Adelaen saw them and aimed her blades toward the orcs who followed. The orcs fell down dead. Adelaen took a deep breath and turned around and fought off more orcs.

It was a long night for everyone. Lady Penelopi was carried safely to the clinic. Merlaen and Hugo helped her. Many of the children were crying, but some were helping with towels and water. Bernard remained still with his eyes closed. No orcs were able to get into the clinic. Whenever the orcs tried, they would fall down dead.

By the time the sun was rising, the orcs were all dead. The guards gathered the bodies and burned them in the courtyard.

Bernard opened his eyes. He yawned and looked around him. Lady Penelopi was still in labor. She was uncomfortable and in trouble.

“Bernard, come quick! The baby is not coming out head first,” Merlaen called to him.

He got up and ran. “Okay, lean back, Lady Penelopi!” He carefully pushed the baby back inside and turned him. Bernard let go and the baby slid out.

The child screamed. Bernard picked him up and set him on Lady Penelopi’s belly. “Alright, that’s the baby boy. Just relax. You’re going to give birth to the placenta next.”

“What?” Lady Penelopi gasped.

“You and the baby are still connected. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

And it wasn’t. Hugo and some of the children helped clean Lady Penelopi, the baby, and the clinic. Bernard drank some water and looked outside. The funeral pyre was huge. Mostly orcs were burning, but there were some elves and fairies.

He could see Darius and Jazmin throwing more bodies on the fire. He also saw Adelaen and another guard carrying bodies. He let out a sigh.

Berri and Elaen flew into the clinic. “Hey, Bernard, we need some treatment.”

Bernard turned to look at them. “What’s wrong?”

They lifted their legs, which were bent at odd angles.

Bernard set his mug down on the desk. “Alright, this will hurt when I set the bones. Hugo!”

Hugo ran over and grabbed some bandages. Bernard pulled one leg at a time and held it still as Hugo wrapped them up stiffly. The fairies hovered in the air and clenched their teeth. They didn’t scream.

When it was over, Bernard grabbed a portable scanner and ran it over the fairies. “Well, interesting. Your bones are hollow, like birds’.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, that must be how you can fly.”

“Are we barred from our duties?”

“No, just stay off those legs for awhile. You can still fly. No running or even walking for six weeks and here’s a potion to drink in the meantime to help those bones to heal.”

“Thanks.” They left the clinic.

“Bernard, do you have a minute?”

“Sure, Hugo.”

“I have a question for you.”

“Well, what is it?”

“I’m afraid something is wrong with me.”

“Why?”

“I’m not finding women attractive.”

Bernard looked at Hugo.

“Men look good to me. I’m afraid there’s something wrong with my hormones.”

Bernard said nothing as he ran the scanner around Hugo’s groin. “Hugo, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re definitely male as I am.”

“But—”

“No, buts. There is nothing wrong with you. You’re not the first person to tell me this. I just hope you won’t find me attractive.”

“I don’t and I know you’re off limits. Adelaen is the only one who has a chance with you.”

Bernard smiled. “Yes, that is true. Now we should probably check on other people who couldn’t make it to the clinic.” Bernard gathered some supplies. “Oh, and next time we all have to face death, you don’t need to take any birth control, Hugo.”

“No?”

“If you don’t find women attractive, you have nothing to worry about in that department.”

“Thanks. So, you’re okay with me?”

“Yes. You’re a great nurse and I can’t do it all by myself.”

Hugo beamed. “Is Merlaen coming with us?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Merlaen, Hugo and I are going to check on everyone else to make sure they’re alight. Do you want to come or stay here?”

“Perhaps I better stay here. I want to make sure Lady Penelopi and her baby are okay. Besides, someone should stay with these children. They’re still frightened.”

Bernard nodded. “Good point. We’ll be back.”

Merlaen smiled. She resumed singing to the children as Lady Penelopi slept. Her baby was asleep in a makeshift cradle next to her. Some of the children were asleep on the floor.

Bernard and Hugo went out into the courtyard and checked on people. Some had minor wounds, which they cleaned and bandaged. Some had broken bones. They mended those.

Eventually they found the scientists. Boe and Maegin were dirty and they were sitting near Julio, who was looking pale. He was laying on the ground.

“What’s wrong with Julio?”

Julio opened his eyes. “My left leg is broken.”

Bernard and Hugo knelt beside him. Bernard checked the leg with his scanner first. “Okay, this will hurt, but it will help with the healing.” Bernard pulled the leg and held it still as Hugo wrapped bandages and attached sticks to keep it straight.

“I heard about my wife. Is she alright?”

“She was asleep when we left. You’ve got a son. Merlaen is looking after them and many of the children who hid in the clinic.”

Julio smiled. “I’d like to see them.”

“Okay, but you need to stay off your leg for six weeks. Or least as much as you can.”

“I’ll try.”

“Okay, he can be moved to the clinic. Just be careful with him.”

Boe and Maegin lifted Julio and carried him to the clinic. Once there, Merlaen helped them put him in a bed next to his wife.

In the courtyard, the funeral pyre was still burning. Bernard checked the guards last. Many of the rest of the people were recovering. Those of the domestic staff who weren’t injured went to the kitchen to cook. Others were crying and stayed out in the courtyard.

“Bernard! You made it!”

“Hi, Darius. How are the guards?”

“Not bad. We’ve had some broken bones and lots of bruises.”

“I know. I set Elaen’s and Berri’s legs.”

Darius nodded. “Yeah, they’re lucky they’re fairies. They’re quite happy that you told them they could still work.”

Bernard smiled. “Yes, well, they can’t stand for six weeks and they need to be careful until their legs heal.”

“Adelaen was great. I think she’s got the hang of her magic.”

“Oh? What did she do?”

“She killed orcs just by aiming her blades at them. Lots of them. She didn’t touch every orc with her blades. And she flew all over the place as if she was a fairy.”

Bernard beamed. “Well, she has been practicing a lot lately. Where is she?”

“Oh, she’s still gathering bodies. Some of the children died.”

Bernard stopped smiling. “Figures. I can see you’ve had to burn their bodies as well.”

“Did you hand out birth control to everyone yesterday?”

“Yeah. The last thing we need is a baby boom.”

Darius laughed. “You missed Adelaen.”

“I took some just in case.”

“Good for you. It looks like it will be a long day for all of us.”

“Yes, that it will be.”

Adelaen and another guard carried another orc body and threw it on the fire. She turned and saw Bernard.

She ran to him. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. “I’m good now. See you later, Bernard.” She ran off.

Bernard blinked and blushed.

Darius clapped him on the back. “Way to go! Perhaps now you’ll know what Jazmin and I have.” Darius laughed and he and Jazmin went to gather more bodies.

Hugo smiled at Bernard. “Well, that was great. We should keep working. I see Greg and his crew over there and they look rather pitiful. Let’s see what we can do to make them better.”

Bernard looked at Hugo and smiled. “Yes, let’s do.” They walked over to Greg and his crew.

“How is everyone this morning?”

“Terrible. I don’t like electrocuting people.” He looked at Hugo and tried to smile at the friendly elf.

“You are a little burnt. Hugo, I think you can handle him.”

Hugo jumped and cleaned up the burns. Soon he was cleaning up the crew as well.

Bernard yawned. The domestic staff set food out on tables out in the courtyard. Many people grabbed plates and served themselves. People sat on the ground to eat.

“Bernard, we should eat. I think we got everyone. Or at least all that had major problems.”

“Good idea.”

Hugo and Bernard ate on the ground. Greg and some of his crew joined them nearby. Greg kept looking at Hugo, wondering if something was wrong with himself. He would have to ask Bernard later on. Now, everyone was just pulling themselves back together.

Bernard finished eating and sat still. He closed his eyes. Soon he saw the Goddess Stefani smiling at him.

“Bernard! Good. I was hoping I could reach you. I need to talk to everyone that’s still alive at your castle and in the monastery.”

“How will you do that?”

“Via the communications equipment Greg designed. He should be able to figure out how to reach me. I may be on a special channel you haven’t used yet.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I don’t understand everything. I may have to became an elf or a fairy or something else before I will understand. All I know is that I care what happens to you and others. I feel I should be helping, but I can’t do everything.”

“Interesting. How will Greg know which channel you’re on?”

“It has something to do with psi energy. That’s all I can tell you.”

Hugo looked at Bernard as his plate slipped off his lap. Hugo shook him. “Bernard! Wake up! Please don’t fall over!”

Bernard opened his eyes. “Oh! Where’s Greg?”

“I’m right here. What’s wrong?”

“The Goddess Stefani wants to talk to everyone via the communications equipment. She said she was on a channel that has something to do with psi energy.”

Greg pulled out his portable communication device and his scanner. He scooted closer to Bernard and Hugo. He held the scanner to Bernard and tried to turn on the communicator. “Oh, Hugo, here please hold the scanner for me.”

“Certainly. What do you need to know from Bernard?”

“I need Bernard to think about talking with the Goddess Stefani and Hugo see what the scanner says about the psi energy.”

Bernard thought about talking with Stefani and Hugo held the scanner near Bernard’s brain. “Greg, the scanner is registering something, but I don’t understand it.”

Greg looked at the reading. “Ah.” He adjusted his communicator. The image was fuzzy at first, but eventually, a clear picture of woman elf was seen. “Goddess Stefani?”

“Hello, Greg. I can see and hear you well. You are such a genius.”

“Well, I don’t know about that.”

“And quite modest to boot.”

Bernard looked at her. “What are you?”

“Oh, that’s a good question. I’m not sure I have a comprehensible answer for you.”

“You look like an elf.”

She nodded. “Some of the others, where I live, look like fairies. But we’re not fairies or elves. We’re not in the same realm as you are. We live somewhere else. Some of us have the ability to cross the gap and communicate with you.”

“You’re right. That answer doesn’t make much sense. But I can see why many of us consider your people gods and goddesses.”

Stefani smiled. “Yes, that’s why I try to be kind and understanding.”

Hugo stared at her.

“Hello, Hugo. I’m glad you’re accepting yourself. Bernard is right; there isn’t anything wrong with you. I do know that you’re going to have a great love with someone special.”

Hugo blushed. “If you say so.”

Greg tried to smile at Hugo. “And of what of me, Stefani. I believe you wanted to talk to everyone here.”

“Greg, yes, I hope this registers as a specific channel on your end. That way I and others can communicate with everyone.”

Greg checked his communicator. “It is a specific channel.”

“Hey, Bernard and Hugo, we need some first aid!”

“Coming! Let’s go, Hugo.”

Hugo and Bernard left to help more people.

Greg watched them go.

“Greg, I was talking about you earlier when I told Hugo about his great love.”

Greg looked at her. “What?”

She smiled at him. “Greg, you’ve fallen and it’s okay. It’s actually sweet. You should tell him.”

“I don’t know. There’s probably something wrong with me.”

“No, there isn’t. If you don’t believe that, then go ask Bernard. He knows enough to know that you’re fine the way you are.”

“I was thinking of doing that. But there’s still too many others who need his help.”

“I understand, but don’t put it off too long. In the meantime, I need to talk to all of you.”

“Of course.” He stood up and flew to the great hall.

There were others running around cleaning up the mess. Others were walking slowly and carefully. Greg sat down in front of the communicator. He set it to Stefani’s special channel.

Soon her image was on the screen. “Looks like you’ve done it. Now, how do we talk to the monks and nuns?”

“Oh, just a sec, while I spilt the screen and call them.” Greg contacted the monastery.

“Greg, how is everyone over there?”

“We’re recovering. How are you?”

“We’ve suffered some casualties and some injuries.”

“Bernard and Hugo are working to help everyone, but I think they are pretty tired.”

The monk nodded. “That’s understandable. We are doing what we can, but we may need them to visit.”

“I’ll let them know. For now, the Goddess Stefani wants to talk to everyone. If you can split your screen and set the other channel to 45, you should be able to get her.”

“Goddess Stefani? It most irregular to talk to her like this.”

“It’s possible. Just do it.”

“Okay.” The monk made the adjustments as some nuns and monk came in. Soon Stefani appeared on one side of the screen. “Oh, wow, do you recognize her?”

“It’s the Goddess Stefani!”

“Hello.”

Some of the domestic staff noticed Greg at the split screen and walked over. “Greg, who is that?”

“It’s the Goddess Stefani.”

“Oh!” Some of them bowed.

“Now, that’s not necessary. Please stand up. I’m not worthy of your submission.”

The people stood up and sat down.

“That’s better. I don’t really like to be worshipped. I’d prefer to speak to you all as equals.”

“As you wish, Goddess Stefani.”

“‘Goddess’ is a title. Please don’t take it literally.”

“Yes, milady.”

“Okay, Greg, can you record us?”

“Yes. Just a minute. There. Now we’re recording.”

“Good. I know not everyone will be able to listen right now. They can listen later when they have time.” She paused. “First of all, I’d like to say how proud of you I am to see how well you handled those orcs. Working together as you did, your causalities were light. Unfortunately, there were still some, but that can’t be helped. My people will look after their souls. We have them now. Some are still children. We will send them back to you when they are ready to return.

“Now there are stories about the Guardians of the Silver Mists. Some are true. Some are completely false. People think you’re witches and wizards and are afraid to come near you. My people and I know who you are. We know you will be joined by others. Your community will grow.

“You should use the name of Guardians. You will have a great responsibility. You will have to keep an eye on others. Try to respect their culture and their beliefs unless they conflict with the treatment of anyone. In time your reputation will grow and people will respect you. However, you must allow the outsiders to grow on their own in their own time. It may take them longer, but you must be patient with them.

“You must also be careful where you show your technology. Many outsiders will consider it magic and may fear it. Even those you take in, can have trouble with some of the technology. They tend to be more open minded, but they may have trouble at first. It’s best to keep the technology hidden. The way Greg has designed much of it will make that easy. Many items can be hidden behind false walls or won’t be too strange for many people because of how they look. For example, the sewing machines and washers.

“There are other kinds of people on your world and you will meet them. If you show them respect and offer them friendship, they will respond in kind. They seem hidden for now, but soon you will meet them all. They may or may not join you.

“Finally, I want you all to know, that as long as I’m here in my realm, you can contact me on this channel. Others who live here can also be reached on this channel. So don’t be surprised if you try contacting me later and you see someone else. Like you, I can’t be available all day. We need to rest as you do.” She smiled.

Greg was checking the communications. “I’ll make a note of that, Stefani. Is that all you wanted?”

“For now. I will sign off. You are welcome to contact me later.” Her image winked out.

The domestic staff blinked. “We’re important as well?”

Greg looked at them. “Why wouldn’t you be? I wouldn’t be able to function if someone else didn’t cook or clean or do laundry.”

“You mean that?”

“Yes. My place was a mess before I came to live here. I’m even clean.”

Someone laughed. “You don’t smell bad anymore!”

Greg smiled. “Good. I’d hate to offend you with my stink.”

“We better get back to work. It’s amazing the Goddess Stefani talked to us!”

Greg watched them go. He turned back to the screen. The monks and nuns were still thinking about what Stefani had said. “I’ve got it recorded and I’m sending it over to you now.”

“Thank you, Greg. Like the domestic staff, we need to get back to work cleaning up over here.”

“I should see what needs to be done around here. I might be able to help you out later on.”

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

It was getting late and the sun was setting. The castle and monastery were in better shape. The fire was still burning in the courtyard, but there were no more bodies to add to it. Jazmin and Darius cuddled near the fire. Elaen and Berri floated nearby holding hands.

Adelaen was sitting nearby. She was watching the fire. She had never felt so exhausted in her life. She wondered where Bernard was, but said nothing to the others. Greg flew over to the fire. He nodded to the guards. They nodded to him.

Bernard and Hugo were tired as they were walking from the monastery to the clinic. They arrived when Lady Penelopi was nursing her baby.

“How are you, Lady Penelopi?” asked Bernard.

She looked at him. “Sad.”

“Oh, that’s understandable.” He grabbed a chair and sat near her.

“I feel like crying. How did we do?”

“We could have done worse. A few of our people died. From what I can tell, the domestic staff has cleaned up. They are still working even though some of them are injured.”

“I was afraid they would need me.”

Bernard smiled. “They are doing what they can. Some of them have broken bones and they require more medicine. We’ll be busy for a few days. Your baby looks good. Have you named him?”

“Yes. He’s Luka.”

“Good name.” Bernard pulled out his scanner and ran it near Lady Penelopi. “Oh, not good. I’ll have to prepare a potion for you.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You need a tonic. You’ve got an imbalance due to the stress and giving birth. Sometimes this happens. Just a minute while I make it for you.”

“Is that why I feel so sad?”

“Yes.” He quickly grabbed the ingredients and put it together. He gave the potion to Lady Penelopi, who drank it all. “Now, just rest. If you want, Hugo and I can move your bed and husband’s bed closer together.”

“I would like that.”

Bernard motioned to Hugo. They moved Julio’s bed next to his wife’s. Lady Penelopi laid her son in his cradle and laid down. She cuddled next to her sleeping husband.

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

Greg sat down and stared at the fire and looked around. He saw Bernard and Hugo walk into the clinic. “Hey, Bernard and Hugo look as tired as I feel.”

Adelaen perked up and looked towards the clinic. “We’re all tired, but it’s hard to sleep right now.”

Greg nodded. “I wonder if I should go talk to Bernard now or wait till tomorrow.”

“You need some help?”

“Well, I have a question for Bernard, but it can wait if he’s still busy.”

Adelaen blinked. “Greg, go ask Bernard. I’m sure he can answer you. Then you should try to get some sleep, if you can.”

“Okay.” He flew to the clinic.

“You need some sleep, too, Adelaen,” said Darius.

“I know, but I can’t just yet.”

“What’s wrong?” asked Jazmin.

“I don’t know.”

“Maybe she needs Bernard,” put in Elaen.

Adelaen blushed and sighed.

Darius smiled. “Well, let’s wait and see when Greg comes out. Then we’ll send Adelaen in.”

Jazmin smiled. “Great idea.”

The four guards watched and waited for Greg to come out. Adelaen stared at the fire.

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

Hugo was straightening up the clinic and tucking children into bed. He made sure Merlaen was okay. She was fast asleep near the children. He smiled at them all and picked up little items.

Greg flew in and landed in front of Bernard. “Do you have a minute?”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“I think there may be something wrong with me, but Stefani said there wasn’t and that I could talk to you about it.”

“Oh? What’s the problem?”

“I, uh, love Hugo. I thought I was supposed to find women attractive.”

“You’re not attracted to women?”

Greg shook his head.

“Oh, well there’s nothing wrong with that. Like Hugo, you won’t need birth control ever again.”

“Is that what you gave us earlier?”

“Yes.” Bernard picked up his scanner and used it near Greg’s groin. “That’s what I thought. You’re fine.”

“Wait, Hugo is attracted to men?”

“Yes, he is. You should go talk to him.”

“I don’t know. I—”

“You don’t have to touch him. Just be a friend and get to know him. You can go as slow as you’d like. What’s the rush?”

“That’s how you are with Adelaen.”

“Yes. It’s call respect. I love her so much and I want her to feel safe and comfortable with me.”

“Oh. I understand that.”

“So, just start with talking. I think you will find you have some things in common.”

“Alright.”

Hugo finished up and walked over to Bernard and Greg. “I’m all done for the night, Bernard.”

“Good. Why don’t you go enjoy the fire with Greg and try to get some sleep.”

“Okay. You get some sleep, too, Bernard. See you later.” Hugo smiled at Greg. “Let’s go watch the fire. We can watch the stars, too.”

Greg nodded and flew out the clinic with Hugo walking beside him. They approached the fire to see a pair of fairies and elves get excited.

“Go on, Adelaen. Greg has left the clinic with Hugo. You’ll have Bernard all to yourself.”

Adelaen felt sick and tired, but she stood up and walked to the clinic. She felt like she was floating all the way there. She walked inside to see Bernard at his desk.

He looked up at her. He was exhausted. He smiled. “Adelaen, you need to sleep.”

She nodded. “So do you.”

He stood up. “This has been hard on all of us.”

“Yes, it has.”

He approached her. She didn’t move. He reached out for her and she wrapped her arms around him. They remained that way for several minutes.

Merlaen woke up and saw them. She sat up and smiled at Bernard. He saw Merlaen when he opened his eyes. He let go of Adelaen.

“Uh, we better go somewhere else, Adelaen.”

Adelaen let go of him and they clasped hands.

“Merlaen, I trust you will keep an eye on things tonight?”

“Certainly, Bernard, go get some sleep.”

He smiled at her as he and Adelaen walked passed her and into his room. He closed the door. They walked to the bed and climbed in and under the covers.

They cuddled and soon were fast asleep.

Chapter 9 Fairies Versus Elves

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

Everyone was in the great hall. Lady Penelopi stood up. “Attention, everyone. We have two events coming up. Tomorrow, our fairy guards, Elaen and Berri will be getting married. All day we will be celebrating their union, which I understand has been going on for quite a while.”

People smiled and starting laughing. The fairy pair beamed.

Lady Penelopi smiled. “We will be eating outside in the courtyard, weather permitting. The day after that, our guards will hold a mock battle between the fairies and the elves. Everyone is welcome to watch them in the courtyard.”

“We’ll cream the elves!”

“You’re dreaming!”

There was lots of laughter.

“If anyone needs special occasion clothing, please see us on the domestic staff today. We’d like to make sure everyone has something nice to wear.” Lady Penelopi sat down and the feast began.

Many people were excited.

Darius turned to Lady Penelopi. “Milady, did you tell the monks and nuns about our events?”

“Yes, I contacted them via the communication equipment prior to breakfast. They said they will come and one of them will perform the wedding ceremony.”

“Ah, very good.”

Adelaen sat quietly and ate. She was sitting next to Bernard as usual. She thought about what Lady Penelopi had told her about it being okay to be a woman and a warrior.

“Darius, ever think you’ll marry Jazmin?”

“I don’t know, Bernard. I didn’t think I’d ever be so happy with any woman. You know, we both used to think they were aliens.”

Bernard smiled. “Yeah, I remember. My looks didn’t help me. But you’re a warrior.”

Darius shook his head. “Nope. Being a warrior doesn’t mean you have women wanting to take you to bed.”

Adelaen smiled. “I thought boys were trouble.”

Darius and Bernard looked at her.

“After I managed to set the whole kitchen on fire when I was 14 and then the bullies came to tame me. I just grabbed a skillet and fought back. They were all down in a matter of minutes.”

Bernard raised his eyebrows. “Yes, I can see why you’d think boys were trouble.”

“I’m glad that’s not a problem here.”

Darius smiled. “No wonder you’re so good at fighting. Our community is a great place, but there are still raiders and orcs.”

Adelaen nodded. “Yes, that’s why we’re here— to defend those who can’t defend themselves.”

“It’s a living.”

Bernard smiled. “It certainly helps when one can do what one loves for work.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Darius raised his glass.

Bernard and Adelaen raised theirs and clinked all three together.

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

As silvery mists were rolling in from the sea,the domestic staff set up tables for food. The scientists didn’t think it would rain, so the domestic staff frantically got the courtyard ready.

Many were busy arranging furniture outside. Others were working in the kitchen.

Adelaen ran to find Lady Penelopi. “There you are! Uh, I guess it’s too late for me to wear a dress for today…”

“No, it isn’t. I already made you one.”

“What?”

“I had a feeling you’d want to wear one. Let’s go get it.”

The two women went to the weaving/sewing room. Hanging up was a dress and a matching pants, shirt, and vest outfit near one of the sewing machines.

“Here’s your dress, Lady Adelaen.”

“Wow. It’s beautiful. Who’s the other outfit for?”

Lady Penelopi smiled. “It’s for Bernard. He asked for it yesterday.”

Adelaen looked at Lady Penelopi. “Well, you are certainly perceptive.”

Lady Penelopi laughed. “Just so you know, I’m in no hurry for you two to get together. I know you need time to adjust to our community. Of course our little community is changing everyday.”

Adelaen smiled. “I love it here. I couldn’t ask for a better place to live.”

Bernard walked in. “Ah, miladies. Is the outfit ready, Lady Penelopi?”

“Yes, it’s right here. You both can change in the booths over there.” Lady Penelopi pointed to two booths across the room.

Bernard smiled at Adelaen. “Good morning. I see Lady Penelopi made us matching outfits.”

“Yes, she did. Do you know how to dance?”

“Yes, a little. I won’t step on your feet.”

“Good.”

They grabbed their outfits and went inside the changing booths. Other people were running around trying to mend up special outfits or just trying to clean up the room.

Bernard and Adelaen stepped out and smiled at each other. They carried their everyday outfits back to their respective quarters. They met in the great hall. He offered her his arm. She took it and they walked out to the courtyard.

Jazmin and Darius were already out there wearing matching outfits and holding hands. Both were wearing pants.

“Well, well. Whose idea was it that you two would be wearing matching outfits?” asked Darius.

“It was Lady Penelopi’s,” answered Adelaen.

“She doesn’t miss anything, does she?” said Jazmin.

They all smiled.

The fairy children were flying and zipping around everyone. They laughed and sang.

“We have to put up with that tomorrow?” wondered Darius.

“Those fairies can be tricksy,” said Jazmin.

“I’ll be there. If it gets out of hand, I’ll have to ask you all to stop.”

“Yes, Bernard,” all three warriors answered him.

Soon everyone was gathered around. A nun walked up to the wedding arch and stood silent. The fairy couple flew while holding their hands. They landed in front of the nun.

Everyone else got quiet and faced the couple. They exchanged their vows with the nun. Then they kissed.

People clapped or yelled or hollered. Some cried. Others laughed. Then they feasted and danced most of the rest of the day. The fairies danced in the air or flew around and teased the elves.

Jazmin and Darius danced together.

“Ready for another round tonight, milady?”

Jazmin smiled. “Certainly, milord.”

Bernard and Adelaen danced together. He didn’t step on her feet at all.

“Bernard, are you going to kiss her or just keep pretending you’re just friends?”

“Darius, I love you, too, but I leave the touching up to Adelaen.”

Adelaen smiled.

“At least she’s happy.” Jazmin smiled.

Berri and Elaen flew over. They hovered in mid air near the elves.

“Are you worried about tomorrow, elves?”

“No.”

“You should be.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, we’re going to win!”

“You’re still dreaming!”

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

The next day, everyone was waiting for the battle between the fairies and the elves to begin. The domestic staff wasn’t running around in a frenzy as they were the day before. They set up a roped area for the battle.

The fairies flew to the courtyard to the roped area as the elves walked to it. They faced each other. No one said a word. Lady Penelopi and Julio stood side by side outside of the roped area. Boe and Maegin stood next to them.

Bernard and Hugo walked out to the courtyard. Children were running around, laughing, and singing. Hugo smiled at them all.

Greg flew out to the courtyard. His crew walked or flew if they had wings. He had his new and improved portable non-invasive scanner. He was hoping there would be a chance to test it out today.

Everyone was ready. The fairies, Elaen and Berri, stared down the elves, Darius, Jazmin, and Adelaen.

“What are they waiting for?”

Bernard smiled.

Darius spoke up, “Okay, Berri and Elaen you demanded this battle.”

“There aren’t enough fairies here! Too many darn elves!”

People laughed. Some of the fairy children crossed the rope boundary.

Bernard cleared his throat. “Anyone who is not participating in the battle needs to stay outside of the roped area at all times. I don’t care if you can fly! Out!”

The fairy children pouted and flew outside of the boundary. No one else crossed the boundaries. Hugo tried to comfort the children for getting yelled at.

The fairies and elves drew their weapons. Then they stared at each other for several more minutes. They practiced making mean faces at each other.

Spectators laughed. Bernard smiled. So far, no injuries.

The elves and fairies did tricks with their weapons. They stood their ground.

The spectators liked the tricks.

“Is that all you elves can do?”

“They can’t fly!”

“Adelaen can and does fly!” shouted Bernard.

“Enough comments from the peanut gallery,” interjected Elaen.

“He can overrule the mock battle if things get out of hand.” Darius raised his eyebrows.

“No way— damn, yes he can. Okay, sorry, Bernard…” Berri frowned.

Adelaen continued performing her tricks. She added her gymnastics to the tricks. It was quite a sight.

Jazmin smiled. “Scared, fairies?”

“We won’t stand for this.” Berri flew up and did gymnastics in mid air. Elaen joined him.

Adelaen continued to jump and twirl her blades. The spectators enjoyed the stunts.

Darius and Jazmin looked at each other.

Darius spoke, “This has gone on long enough. Let’s battle!”

He and Jazmin poised and were ready to pounce. The fairies and Adelaen stopped their tricks and froze in place.

All of them growled and screamed then ran or flew toward each other. They hit. They parried. They dodged. They jumped. They flew. They all danced and awed the spectators.

It was hard to tell who would win. They were evenly matched. Then the fairies tried to use a little magic that they knew.

That was when the trouble began. Adelaen fought back with some of her own magic. It was all over in a minute.

Adelaen and Elaen fell down unconscious on the ground.

People screamed and shouted.

Bernard yelled the loudest. “This battle is over!”

Everyone got quiet. Bernard, Hugo, Maegin, and Greg ran to the fallen warriors. Greg pulled out his scanner and held it over both the women and noted the results.

Bernard checked for pulses and listened for their breathing.

“Bernard, are they going to be alright?”

“Darius, they’re just unconscious. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re bruised. The rest of you are probably bruised as well, but what is that thing you’re using, Greg?”

“It’s a non-invasive scanner. I’m using to check their vitals. So far it matches what you’re able to determine.”

“Oh.”

Maegin chimed in, “Greg is our resident inventor. The scanner is telling us some more things, which can be hard to determine without taking a blood sample.”

“Like what?”

“Like their energy readings. Both women do register some high level of psi force, which not everyone has.”

“Psi force?”

Greg scanned Bernard. “You have high levels of psi energy.”

“What?”

“You’re a seer and a healer. You use magic. Psi force or psi energy is what we can measure which indicates magical abilities.”

“Oh, yes, they were using magic, but I know Adelaen hasn’t learned to control hers, yet. I’ve been trying to teach her what I know to help her.”

Maegin nodded. “The nuns and monks know about psi energy. Some of them use it. Not all of them actually have it. Greg and I are still trying to figure out what the readings mean. He’s been working on those scanners for months.”

“Ah, I see. A scanner like that could be useful in treating people.”

“We could use your input, especially since you know about psi from the point of view of one who can use it.”

“I will do what I can to help out. In the meantime, I have two patients to wake up.” Bernard placed one hand on Adelaen’s forehead and his other hand on Elaen’s forehead. He closed his eyes and recited a spell.

Everyone else was quiet and waited. No one could move. It was getting hard for some to breathe.

Finally both women opened their eyes. Bernard opened his eyes and removed his hands. Greg smiled as his scanner recorded some new data.

Elaen spoke first. “Wow, that was pretty hard, Adelaen. I never knew you had it in you.”

Adelaen grimaced. “I didn’t do it on purpose. I didn’t even know what I was doing.”

Elaen smiled. “You’re quite an elf. You can fly like a fairy and you are magical. Any raider who thinks he could have his way with you is a fool.” Elaen sat up and stretched. “I’m glad we’re on the same team.” She flew to her husband.

Adelaen sat up slowly. “I take it no one won today.”

Bernard shook his head. “Nope and the battle is over now.”

“I really need to work harder with the magic.”

“You just need to focus and think. Ever tried meditation?”

“No.”

“I know some of monks and nuns meditate. I’m sure they would be happy to teach you how.”

“Okay, I’ll go ask them.”

Bernard helped her stand up. She wobbled a little on her feet. She held his arm until she could walk normally.

That evening, Adelaen began lessons on meditation. The nuns and monks started her with some simple breathing exercises. She did calm down, but she had a long way to go.

Sometimes when Adelaen was meditating, Maegin would scan her and record the readings. Whenever Adelaen meditated, her psi energy would calm down and wouldn’t go wild. She certainly felt better when she did meditate.

Maegin shared the results with Bernard. He encouraged Adelaen to keep meditating. He did help her learn to project the energy under control.

Adelaen had just finished meditating and was on her way to see Bernard, when an orc snuck up on her and slammed her against a wall. He breathed heavily and called her by name.

She kneed him in the groin and shoved him off of her. Bernard walked by and saw them. He raised a hand and pointed at the orc, who suddenly stopped moving.

“Adelaen?”

“It’s Taems.”

Bernard walked closer to her. “He’s an orc.”

“I know. There are more coming.”

He nodded. “Hey, Darius and Jazmin, come quick! We’ve got an orc to burn in the courtyard.”

Darius and Jazmin ran to Bernard. They picked up the orc and carried him out to the courtyard. They set him down on a stone altar in the courtyard and grabbed some kindling and a torch from the kitchen.

Bernard and Adelaen followed to the altar. Darius lit the body and all four stood around to watch it burn.

“Darius, there are more orcs coming. We need to be prepared for them,” Adelaen said.

“Shit.”

“I’m glad the other two elves I was fighting with were burned after they died.”

“What about Taems?”

“I didn’t do anything for him. I couldn’t.”

Bernard raised his eyebrows. “Oh, no, not good, but I understand why you didn’t.” He put his arm around her shoulders.

“Taems?”

“He was my commander who expected me to play whore to Lord Plaesance. If Lord Plaesance didn’t want me, then Taems would have claimed me.”

Jazmin grimaced. “He deserves death then. We’re not whores.”

“No, women aren’t whores,” said Darius.

Bernard added, “I couldn’t agree more. Women are special and precious.”

Chapter 8 Women’s Rights

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

Darius, Bernard, and Adelaen arrived at the castle. There were silver mists all around it. Bernard and Adelaen looked all around at their new home.

“Halt! Who goes there!”

“It’s me Darius with another warrior, Adelaen, and a healer, Bernard.”

“Oh! More elves! You promised us some fairies and you bring more elves? What were you thinking?”

Darius smiled. “Now, now, Berri, you know we don’t know where all the fairies hang out. You haven’t even given us some good suggestions on where to find them.”

The gate opened. Darius gestured for his companions to go into the courtyard.

“Damn! The elf has a good point,” said the other fairy, Elaen.

Darius shook his head. “Really you two. If you keep this us, we’ll have to battle it out.”

“You’re on! Fairies versus elves! Let’s do it!”

“Later. Right now we have to get two new people acclimated to our community.”

“Oh, fine!”

Darius shook his head. Jazmin was standing next to Lady Penelopi.

“Welcome to our little community of the Silver Mists. There is a monastery nearby complete with monks and nuns. I bet you’re all tired and would like hot showers.”

“Hot showers? Isn’t that a counter diction?”

“No, my dear lady, not here. We have hot water on demand without using any fire to heat it up.”

“Oh. Sounds good to me.”

“We can offer you separate rooms or the same one if you prefer.”

“Separate, please. We’re just friends.”

Lady Penelopi smiled. “No problem. I didn’t want to assume.”

Adelaen smiled. “Thank you, milady.”

Bernard spoke up, “Milady, I will need an office where I can see patients. I prefer my quarters nearby in case I need to check on anyone at night.”

“We can do that without a problem. I’m sure Darius and Jazmin have things to discuss. Right this way.”

Lady Penelopi led Bernard and Adelaen away to find quarters for both of them.

Jazmin looked at Darius as he watched the newcomers leave with Lady Penelopi.

“Darius, it’s good to see you again. I trust you had no trouble convincing Bernard and Adelaen to join us?”

“It’s good to see you, too, Lady Jazmin. No trouble in convincing either one. They were just about ready to leave when I found them.”

“Wow. Why?”

“Lord Plaesance got jealous of Bernard and planned to have him killed.”

“Oh, I see. What about Adelaen?”

“Oh, her story is tragic. She can’t go home ever for the same reason I couldn’t take you with me. She was dishonored and expected to play whore to Lord Plaesance.”

Jazmin raised her eyebrows. “Oh, it’s that bad, then?”

“Yes, it is. You would have fared just as bad. She can fight, though.”

“How good is she? Or do you not know?”

“I didn’t have to test her. We were attacked by orcs.”

“You all seem fine now.”

“Yes, she is well trained and Bernard knows some magic. He helped even though he’s no warrior.”

Jazmin smiled. “The rest of us will want to test her after she’s rested and has some decent warrior clothes to wear.”

“I warned her about that. She’s prepared to take it.”

“Good. So, did you see how beautiful she is.”

“What?”

Jazmin laughed. “Just checking.”

“Look, Bernard loves her and I bet she feels the same way, but she may not be able to admit it because of how she’s been treated.”

Jazmin nodded. “I can understand that. She did ask for separate rooms and he didn’t argue.”

“He shouldn’t argue.”

“Okay, the fairy guards are getting restless.”

“I’ve noticed. I told them we may have to battle them. They’re looking forward to having it out against us elves.”

Jazmin laughed. “That sounds like fun to me. I’m sure the domestic staff, the scientists, and children will want to watch. Oh, we should tell the monks and nuns. They may want to watch.”

Darius smiled. “Yes, they said they need us. Might as well give them a show.”

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

Bernard was happy with his new quarters. He had to start seeing patients right away. A child elf, Hugo, volunteered to help Bernard.

“Well, I could help keep the clinic clean and tend to patients when you’re busy. I’ll make sure they have their meals and are comfortable.”

Bernard smiled at the child. “That’s a great idea. We’ll call you Nurse Hugo.”

Hugo beamed.

“Hugo, how old are you?”

“Uh, nearly 25. Why?”

“Have you reached puberty yet?”

“I don’t know. Lady Penelopi has warned me of it. Some of the other children are going through now. Or they have for the past few months.”

Bernard nodded. “I see. How much have you grown lately?”

“I’m sprouting fast now.”

“Alright. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Will I still be able to be a nurse?”

“Of course. I was just curious and Lady Penelopi did tell me she would like birth control to be available so we don’t have problems with lots of unwanted children. She isn’t sure we can support that many or that we can emotionally handle lots of children.”

“Oh.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything when you become an adolescent. Just be a good nurse and you’ll be fine.”

Hugo smiled.

Bernard looked outside and saw the garden. He saw some of the domestic staff pulling weeds. He walked out to go talk to them. “Hey, what are you going to do with those plants?”

“Oh, we were going to compost them.”

“Don’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“That’s some pretty effective birth control.”

Lady Penelopi walked over. “Have we been getting rid of potential birth control?”

“Yes, apparently so. Just harvest some of it and I’ll process it a bit so your people can start taking it.”

“Oh, okay. Who can take it? Just the women?”

“Anyone. See these plants here? These are good for the women. Those plants over there are better for the men.”

Lady Penelopi nodded. “So men can take a form of birth control.”

“Yep and it’s safer for Julio to take the birth control than you when you’re nursing your baby.”

“Okay. Thanks, Bernard. We’ll give you some of the plants so you can get busy.”

“Just keep in mind, the birth control isn’t a hundred percent, but it’s better than nothing.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if our scientists determine how effective it is.”

Bernard smiled. I’d like to work with them. I’d like to know more about the science of healing.”

“That can be arranged. I’m sure they will be interested.”

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

Lady Penelopi showed Adelaen her quarters, where Adelaen set her weapons down. Then they left for the sewing/weaving room. Lady Penelopi took Adelaen’s measurements. They discussed warrior outfits and Lady Penelopi drew some rough sketches.

Adelaen smiled. “Wow. That would be great. I’d like to wear something like that. It’s modest, but looks comfortable enough to fight in.”

Lady Penelopi smiled. “Would you like one dress for special occasions?”

“Well, I don’t know. I’ve practically ruined this one.”

“Dear, you wouldn’t wear it every day. Just special days, like weddings or parties.”

“Oh!”

“I only say it because you can be a woman and a warrior here.”

“You’re so sweet. You’re like everyone’s mother.”

Lady Penelopi laughed. “I can’t help it. I feel I am a mother already and my baby hasn’t come out yet. I’ve always wanted to be a mother.”

“I don’t know if I want to be a mother.”

“That’s okay. We need all the warriors we can get with raiders and orcs running around.”

“You don’t think all women should just do domestic work and live for their husbands?”

“No. That would be a waste of talent. Rigid sex roles only harms people in the end. My husband would be miserable if he had to be a farmer or something other than studying science. I always wanted him to be happy.”

“The Goddess Stefani was right. I just had such a hard time believing it.”

“What did she tell you?”

“She told me I could still be warrior even after I get married.”

“She is a kind woman. Would you marry Bernard?”

Adelaen blushed. “I don’t know. He’s a good friend.”

“It’s okay. There’s no rush. Marriage is a serious commitment.”

“I couldn’t agree more. For now, I need to get used to being treated with respect.”

“Oh, dear, that’s what we try to teach the children.”

“Where I come from, I’m considered a ruined woman.” Adelaen stared at the floor.

Lady Penelopi cupped her hand to the other woman’s chin and gently raised her head. “You are not a ruined woman. You’re a great warrior and you live among friends who care about you.”

“Thank you.” They hugged.

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

Darius called a conference with the lady warriors. “I’m glad you came. I want you all to know that I don’t care whether any of you get married or have children or both. You can remain warriors for as long as you want.”

“Change of heart?” said Elaen.

“No, just a policy Lady Penelopi and I have been working on. We don’t want you to waste your talents. We also don’t want you to be unhappy.”

“If you are so kind and loving, how will you be when you test me?” asked Adelaen.

“Oh, don’t worry, we won’t go easy on you. We have to know we can rely on you when push comes to shove,” answered Jazmin.

“Good. I don’t need or want it to be easy.”

“Does my word count for anything on Adelaen’s fighting abilities?”

“No, Darius. We have to see her in action as well.”

“Okay. Have it your way.”

Elaen looked around. “Well, if that’s all, I think I’ll go find Berri.”

“What is it with you two?”

Elaen laughed. “Wouldn’t you just love to know? We weren’t allowed to get married when we were younger and we still haven’t bothered trying.”

Adelaen smiled. “I bet you could get married here, if you wanted to.”

“Huh. Didn’t think of that. I’ll have to mention it to Berri. Then perhaps Bernard can help us have a child for once.”

“What?”

“Oh, come now, we’re all adults here. One or both of us is infertile or it’s our combination.”

Jazmin hit her forehead with her hand.

“I bet Bernard would have some suggestions for you, Elaen,” Adelaen offered.

“See you all later.” Elaen flew out of the room.

“Darius, I need to talk to you alone.”

“Oh?”

“No problem. I bet Lady Penelopi and the other sewers probably have some clothes for me to try on. Bye.” Adelaen walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

“What’s up, Jazmin?”

“What’s up? Are you blind?”

“What?”

“Darius, how do you feel about me?”

“I…”

“Oh, come on. I think Lady Penelopi knows.”

Darius stared at Jazmin with his mouth gaping open. She was beautiful to him in her warrior outfit of pants and shirt. Her arms were bare and muscular. Her hair was long and wavy. She was definitely curvy.

She was also a good fighter and scout. For a moment, Darius couldn’t see anything else but her.

He blinked and closed his mouth. “I love you!”

“I love you, too! But I don’t want to get pregnant.”

“Okay, let’s go see Bernard. I bet he has got some birth control ready.”

“That will help.”

Darius stood up. He and Jazmin left the room to seek Bernard in the clinic.

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

Later that night, Darius and Jazmin laid in bed cuddling. They weren’t tired yet, though it was late.

“Well, why did we wait?” wondered Darius

“It wasn’t safe before this.”

“Obviously, no one will care what we do now.”

“As long as we respect them.”

“Even Bernard didn’t care.”

“Bernard is probably used to people asking for birth control.”

They laughed.

Out in the hallway, Bernard was strolling. He heard them and smiled. He said through the door, “It’s good to hear my old friend so happy.”

“Bernard! What would know about this kind of happiness?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t know anything.”

Adelaen walked by.

“Hey, Lady Adelaen, why are you still up? Don’t your trials start tomorrow?”

“I can’t sleep and yes, I will be tested tomorrow.”

“Hey, Ugly One, go and wear her out so she’ll sleep well tonight!”

“Darius!”

Adelaen gaped. “Oh, is Jazmin in there with him?”

“Yes, I am!”

“Okay.” Adelaen grabbed Bernard’s arm. “Let’s go and leave them be.”

“Don’t do anything with her I wouldn’t with Jazmin!”

Bernard shook his head. “I’ll go anywhere with you, milady.”

They walked off in the dim light.

“Bernard, I’m a bit nervous about tomorrow.”

“But you’re a great warrior.”

“I know. It’s not that.”

“Then what?”

“I’m afraid I’ll use magic tomorrow.”

“Oh.”

“I don’t know how to control it. Do you think I could learn?”

“Sure. I’d be willing to teach you what I know.”

“Would you? That would help.”

“Sure. We could start after your testing tomorrow.”

“I bet we could work something out between our schedules.”

“Good. Did something happen today?”

“Well—”

“Adelaen, I hope it didn’t turn out badly.”

“Lady Penelopi has a great temper.”

“I know. Oh, what happened?”

“I was in the kitchen with her and we were talking about what it’s like to be a woman and the expectations our villages had of us.”

“I would have loved to listen to you two.”

“I bet you would. I got a little excited and pointed my finger, like so. And bam! Some dishes on the counter exploded. I apologized and Lady Penelopi did her best to calm everyone down. There was broken pots and food everywhere.”

“Yikes. Yes, be careful where you point your fingers. Perhaps it would be better for you to stay out of the kitchen.”

“Yeah. I should do that. I certainly wouldn’t want to set the whole kitchen on fire.”

“Oh, right…”

“Yeah, I don’t want to do that again.”

They stopped walking when they reached Adelaen’s quarters.

She let go of Bernard’s arm. “Thanks for listening. I should try to get some sleep now. Testing starts right after breakfast. I’m sure everyone will be watching.”

“Goodnight, milady. Have pleasant dreams.” He bowed and went to his quarters.

Adelaen went inside her room with a big smile on her face. She got ready for bed and laid down. Soon she was asleep.

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

The next day, Adelaen was ready. Darius stood next to Bernard. Members of the domestic staff, children, and the scientists were standing around ready to watch Adelaen get tested.

Berri floated nearby Darius. He decided to sit out the test. He figured Jazmin and Elaen could handle Adelaen without his interference.

Adelaen stood looking at the other two women. They stared at her. The children were getting excited and couldn’t keep quiet.

Finally Jazmin moved. “Alright, elf. What kind of weapons do you fight with?”

Adelaen drew her twin blades. “These. Care to dance?”

“You’re on!” Jazmin drew her sword and ran towards Adelaen.

Adelaen evaded and thrusted with her blades. Jazmin parried and defended herself. Sometimes Adelaen would flip over. Jazmin stood still.

Elaen frowned.

Adelaen ended the fight by knocking Jazmin flat on her back. Adelaen raised her eyebrows at the other woman. Jazmin picked herself up and stood next to Darius.

Elaen flew over to Adelaen. “I haven’t seen an elf do that. It’s almost like you can fly!”

“Sometimes it feels like I do fly. Ready to dance, fairy?”

“Yes!”

Elaen flew at Adelaen and they flew and parried and thrusted. It was a real dance. Soon it was over as a draw.

“Well, ladies? Do you think Adelaen has what it takes to be a Guardian?”

“Yes, she does. I’ve no complaints. She’s an elf who can fly like a fairy,” chimed in Elaen.

“I wish she would share her training with the rest of us,” added Jazmin.

Adelaen smiled. “I’d be happy to.”

Chapter 6 Technology

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

Over time, microscopes were invented, then improved and non-invasive scanners created. Greg was never happier than when he was creating and building new things for people to use. He just had a knack for seeing things which could help people and building them.

He noticed many of the kids were outgrowing their clothes and the domestic staff was having a hard time catching up. So, he dreamed one night of a sewing machine. He dreamed all the details in his sleep. As soon as he was awake, he grabbed quill, paper, and ink and jotted down everything.

When he was done, he ran down to the great hall with paper in hand. He was so excited that he couldn’t eat until he showed Lady Penelopi.

“Wow! You dreamed this up? We could use it. Perhaps it would help us to make clothes faster. Our looms do help us to create the fabric fast enough.”

“I can work on this today. I will need help testing it. I don’t actually know how to sew. I’ve watched you enough to get an idea of how to make the machine work.”

Lady Penelopi smiled. “That will be great. For now, why don’t we eat breakfast. We both have a lot to do today.”

After breakfast, Greg went back to his workroom and began building the sewing machine with the plans and the parts he had. It took him all day, but he ended up with a working sewing machine.

He ran downstairs to tell Lady Penelopi. She walked back to his workroom with her sewing bag. She sat down at the machine and they began to work.

It wasn’t easy at first. Lady Penelopi was excellent at all sorts of hand sewing, but the machine was different. She had to learn how it moved the needle. Greg had created a treadle sewing machine and she found it awkward to use.

They didn’t give up. Just before dinner, they both understood how the machine needed to work. The prototype was to be modified tomorrow. For now, they needed some dinner.

“Milady, I hope you will have time tomorrow after breakfast to test the machine again.”

“I will, Greg. It was so shocking. Everything was turned around, but then we got it. I can see how a sewing machine will allow us to make clothes faster. Perhaps we can keep up with the growing children and adolescents.”

“I hope so too. Then what will I make?”

Lady Penelopi laughed. “I’m sure you’ll come up something. You always seem to. Although usually you just help out the scientists.”

Greg nodded. “They are the ones who need gadgets more than anyone else. Maegin did prove that your method of cooking doesn’t need to be improved upon. Well, unless the safety is an issue. She did say fire was the best way to cook.”

“Yes, it can be dangerous. That’s why those who can’t prevent the fire from going out of control aren’t allowed to cook. They also tend to stay out of the kitchen.”

“A wise decision on their part. Can’t say I’m much good at cooking. I find it hard to do.”

“That’s okay. You’re great about building machines.” She smiled.

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

The next day, Greg and Penelopi had perfected the machine. Darius and Jazmin carried it down the stairs to the sewing and weaving room. Penelopi wasted no time in teaching some of the best hand sewers how to use it.

Soon members of the domestic staff were making more clothes faster than they could before. The sewers liked the machine so well, that they requested three more machines from Greg. He wasted no time in building them.

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

Greg laid in his bed, but he couldn’t sleep. There was something troubling him. Sometimes people in the castle and monastery would complain about having to take cold showers. He didn’t like a cold shower all that much either.

The problem wasn’t the plumbing. They used water collectors on the roofs with a gravity fed filter to purify the water for drinking. They could take a hot bath by heating up the water, but a shower was easier for many people to get clean in.

He saw no reason to change the system of using gray water for watering plants and composting or burning their wastes. That part of the plumbing was working out well and besides, Maegin had proven the gray water and compost were all good for the food supply.

It was dark, and Greg thought about the sun. He remembered hot summer days under the sun. He blinked. The sun! Why couldn’t he harvest some of that heat to help create hot water on demand?

He got up and went to his desk. He lit a candle, grabbed paper, quill, and ink. He drew up a solar hot water heater. It held a water tank that was to bake in the sun. He knew they would have to add a water line specifically for hot water.

That shouldn’t be too hard to do. He could get help from some of the children and adolescents. There always seem to be plenty who were interested in whatever he was making or creating.

Some even had some ideas of machines of their own. He encouraged them and appreciated their help.

Yes, they would add a pipe line just for hot water. Would they want that in the kitchen? Perhaps they would. Really all they had in the kitchen for plumbing was a few sinks. Wait, they did use hot water there to wash the dishes. They would get a hot water line as well.

As soon as he finished the plans, he yawned. He set the plans aside and snuffed out the candle. Then he went back to bed and went to sleep.

The next morning, he meet the helpful workers and told them his new plan for getting hot water throughout the castle and the monastery. They got excited.

Lady Penelopi heard them. “Greg, have you found a way to get us hot water without us having to heat it up with fire?”

“Yes, Milady. We’ll be installing a hot water system today and installing hot water pipes throughout the castle and the monastery.”

“Wonderful. I hope it won’t be too hard for us to use.”

“It shouldn’t be. It’s the installation that I’m more concerned about. But I have plenty of eager workers to help out. We’ll probably be busy all day with this project.”

Darius smiled. “Wow, that is quite a project. A hot shower would be wonderful after fighting all day.”

Other people liked the idea.

Soon Greg and the young workers made pipes and the tank. They wasted no time gathering up the parts and installing them. They made quite a ruckus during the whole installation project. They took a break for lunch and then finished up before dinner.

The hot water line was hotter than the cold water line, but not by much. That was just the first day. The monks and nuns decided to wait and see if there really would be hot water at the castle before they would allow the workers into the monastery.

The next day, the water was getting hot. There wasn’t enough to go around for everyone, but it was a start. Greg and his workers expanded the system soon the whole castle could have hot water when they wanted it. Once that was established, they went to the monastery and installed another hot water system.

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

Something was bothering Greg. He flew around the castle absentmindedly. It was getting dark as the sun was setting. There were people grumbling about the lack of light and how little candlelight helped them to get their work done.

He bumped into the fairy guards.

“Oh, sorry. I guess I’m too busy thinking.” He stood on the floor.

“No problem. At least we’re not the only fairies around here.”

“Oh, there are a few fairy children around. They can be quite helpful when I have big projects to work on, like the hot water one.”

“That was a wonderful invention. Do you know how happy people are about that?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard them. Even the monks and nuns are happy.”

“So what’s wrong now?”

“People are complaining about the lack of light. I think some are finding it’s hard on their eyes.”

The fairy guards nodded. “Well, the domestic staff do some pretty fancy embroidery work and all the sewing and weaving. They do a wonderful job on our clothes. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Oh, yes, they do. They have made me some pretty durable ones. I guess I’m not always good about taking care of my pants.”

“At least they understand we have wings on our backs and have come up with shirts we can wear.” She sported her top with the string ties in the back.

“Yes, or they just let us go shirtless.” Greg never bother wearing a shirt. It was too much trouble for him.

“There is that. Sometimes a little fashion is nice to have. Elves really aren’t so bad once you get to know them.”

The other guard sighed. “We need more fairies. We’ll just have to go scouting for them someday.”

“Later. For now, Greg has a problem. Perhaps we can help him find the solution.”

“Yes, we need light at night when the sun is down. How do we power those lights if they aren’t candles?”

“Hmm, not sure. You’ve stumped me.”

“Perhaps we could use the power of the sun and store it for use overnight.”

“How would you do that?”

“I don’t know yet.” Greg floated up toward the ceiling. He bumped his head against the ceiling. “Ow!”

“Careful. I didn’t know thinking could be so dangerous.”

Greg didn’t see stars, he saw blue panels on the roof of the castle. He blinked. He saw the panels attached to storage devices, a series of batteries. Then he saw wires all throughout the castle hooked up to lights hanging from the ceiling where the candles were.

“I think I’ve got it.” He flew to his room and lit a candle. He grabbed paper, quill, and ink. He quickly jotted down everything he saw and used as much detail as he could.

The fairy guards followed him and watched him furiously draw up the plans. “It’s truly amazing how he does that, isn’t it?”

“Yes, and he comes up with some great inventions. I wonder how this one will come out.”

“You know it will keep him and some of the children quite busy for about month or so.”

The fairies laughed and went outside to do their guard duty.

Greg finished up his plans and looked them over. There was something to this. He felt it had potential for more than just lights, but he could only think of lights at the moment.

He knew it was only a matter of time before other uses would become apparent. Or perhaps the children could come up with some ideas.

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

Greg awoke the next morning. He was ready to get to work on the solar electricity project. As he yawned he thought of the non-invasive scanners. They needed an energy source or else the scientists weren’t going to be able to use for much of anything.

He got up and reviewed his plans. He found he could add outlets and create plugs to hook into the electricity. There. Now the scanners would probably work without too much trouble. They could have rechargeable batteries as the main system would.

He took the plans down to breakfast to share with everyone.

People were interested. Many were looking forward to having lights on at night when they needed to work. Some people living in the castle just worked better after dark and slept during the day.

After breakfast, Greg and his crew got right to work. It was a long day for them. It took them much of the day just to construct the solar panels. The batteries took another day.

There were accidents. Some people, including Greg were injured. The domestic staff did what they could.

Darius noticed the work and the injuries. “Lady Penelopi, I think we need a healer in this hold.”

“Yes, we do. We don’t know enough and some of these projects Greg is doing are a bit dangerous. At least Julio, Boe, and Maegin can help figure out what went wrong and give some good ideas on how to prevent more problems.”

Darius nodded. “We all need each other. I do know of a healer. He’s also a seer as well. He can do some magic, but he is a rather ugly elf.”

Lady Penelopi laughed. “We don’t care about looks around here. His skills will be valuable. Well, his healer abilities will be. I don’t know about the magic and the seeing.”

“It’s okay, Lady Penelopi, magic isn’t an exact science as my friend would say. You can’t always rely on it when you need it.”

“I think our scientists are finding that out as well. Psi force is supposed to explain magic.”

“Yep. As I recall, the healer, Bernard, and I are from the same area. He’s probably still around there working for Lord Plaesance. That is if he’s still alive.”

“If?”

“Lord Plaesance may be handsome, but he’s hard to work for. People who disappoint him tend to end up dead.”

“Still, if Bernard is alive and his healer skills are good, we need him.”

“Alright, I’ll make arrangements to go after him. I’m sure he’d like our little community.” Darius left to find Jazmin.

Greg and his crew continued to work. Finally after about a month of work, they were able to have lights running at night for those who needed them. He had to work awhile longer to get the scanners running and also made sure the scientists could use them. There were little plug in lights he made that the children could use as night lights.

Greg was so busy he didn’t realize what was happening to him. It was something Lady Penelopi noticed right away. Her eyes were keen.

Lady Penelopi smiled at Greg. “Dear, it’s alright. It happens to all of us at some point in our lives. How are you feeling?”

“I don’t know sometimes. Sometimes I can’t even sleep at night. What is wrong with me?”

“Nothing. Your body is changing rapidly and that causes some mood swings. I bet you need another project to keep you busy.”

“I can’t think of anything more that we need.”

“I can think of something that those of us on the domestic staff would greatly appreciate.”

“Really? What do you need now?”

“We need a faster, easier way to do laundry. Doing it by hand is hard work and it takes all day. We can’t keep up with all the dirty laundry around here anymore.”

“Oh. I don’t know anything about washing clothes and bedding…”

“Then come with me after breakfast and I’ll show you how we do laundry now and explain what each step is.”

After breakfast Greg flew after Lady Penelopi. He learned everything he could about doing laundry.

“The clothesline seems to be okay for drying. Sometimes when it rains, we hang things up in the castle.”

Greg nodded. “So you need a washer so you can add the soap and get it all through the laundry and then you rinse and then you need a way to spin dry the excess water.” He floated up and down. “Well, I think I can come up with a washer. It may be a hand crank or treadle or maybe even one that runs on electricity, provided it doesn’t use much.”

Lady Penelopi nodded. “I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”

He did. He came up with the simple hand crank washer. It was good for washing and rinsing. Then he created a hand crank spin dryer to go with it. Next, he came up with a bigger washer that required electricity. It was all one unit for wash, rinse, and spin dry.

He was requested to make several so the domestic staff could keep up with the laundry. In the end they had three electric washers and three medium sized hand crank washers and dryers.

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

But Greg didn’t stop there. He felt they needed some good communication equipment. Of course it could be tested between the castle and the monastery. Yes, now that would be something. A video conferencing between the two without having to go outside.

Okay, maybe it wasn’t necessary, but if there were any more outposts, they would need a way to communicate without the slow use of messengers. Granted the solar electricity did go down every now and then, but it wasn’t dire.

Communications could change everything. Greg began the plans for the communications. He also drew up designs for a small portable communications device the scouts could take with them. They could have little screens on them as well.

Greg was at it for so long that Lady Penelopi came up to his room with a tray of food.

He jumped when he saw her.

“Dear, you missed lunch and I had a feeling you were up here working on something again.”

“Oh, yes, I’m coming up with communication devices we can use with the monastery and little portable ones the scouts can take with them.”

She smiled. “Sounds good. How about something to eat?”

“Yes, I am hungry. I just lost track of the time.”

She set the tray down at the table.

He devoured all the food within a matter of minutes. “Thank you. I need to get back to work now.”

She nodded and took the tray with her. On the way back to the kitchen she saw Darius. “Darius, there you are!”

“Yes, Milady?”

“Greg is busy designing some communication devices he thinks you scouts can use when you’re out.”

“Oh? So we can communicate with you here?”

“Yes.”

“Sounds like a great idea. How far along is he?”

“He’s still planning everything. I bet he’ll talk soon. Maybe even tonight.”

“Good. I’ve been gathering information and it sounds like Bernard is still alive. I plan to leave soon with Jazmin in charge.”

“She’s as capable as you are.”

“I’m glad you agree. However, she is upset with me.”

“Oh?”

“She wants to come with me.”

“Why don’t you want her to go with you?”

“It’s not safe. Where I’m going, women are considered property and not people. The customs are so bad that if they find out Jazmin is a woman, it would be dire indeed. I tried to explain it to her, but she’s still upset.”

“I understand why you can’t allow her to go with you. It just might be hard for her to accept.”

“I hope that’s all it is.”

“Or it could be that she likes working with you and doesn’t want to be separated from you?”

“What?”

“Oh, never mind. Just get ready to go and perhaps you’ll have the communicator before you leave so you can talk to us. I bet that will help with Jazmin.”

“I hope you’re right.”

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

At dinner that night, Greg came downstairs with his latest plans. He was feeling awkward, but at least he had something to do. Darius greeted him as soon as he saw him.

“Lady Penelopi says you’ve been designing communication equipment today.”

“Yes, I was hoping you’d help test the portable unit as soon as I get it ready.”

“I’d be happy to. I will have a long journey ahead of me soon.”

“Ah, then it will be tested very severely.”

“Yes.”

Greg fumbled with his papers and sat down at the table. “Was it this hard on you when you were an adolescent?”

“Yes, I felt so nervous, I sometimes dropped my weapons. It was quite embarrassing at the time.”

“Oh. Lady Penelopi tries to comfort me, but it’s still a lot to deal with at once.”

“It is. Once it’s over, you’ll be glad.”

“Really?”

“Really. I’m in my 30s now and I feel fine.”

“I’m in my 30s now.”

“Oh!”

“Yeah, Lady Penelopi told me elves go through adolescence a decade earlier than we fairies do.”

“Oh, my then how old are the fairy guards?”

“We’re in our 50s! Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Other people laughed.

Darius laughed. “That explains a lot. So what will these communicators look like?”

Greg showed Darius and Greg’s crew grew interested as well. “We have some of the parts in the workshop, but we will have to make more. It may be a couple of days.”

“Or maybe even tomorrow if we all go to work!”

“How about we start tonight?”

Greg smiled. “We could start tonight. I’m certainly willing.”

“Don’t stay up too late. You do need some sleep as well.”

“Oh, is Darius going to make us to go to bed tonight?”

“No, I won’t make you go to bed, but I will probably come to check up on you.”

Greg smiled. “You’re welcome to come check.”

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

Later that night, Greg and his crew were busy working on building the parts and the communicators. Some of the crew got sleepy and found some pillows and put them out of the way on the floor. They were fast asleep when Darius arrived.

“So, how goes it?” Darius looked around and smiled at the sleeping elves and fairies.

Greg looked up. “Well, we’re making progress.” He yawned. “Although, the assembly of the big screens will happen tomorrow.”

“Alright. Oh, is this the portable one here?”

“Yes. I hope it works for you. It probably won’t do much until I can get another together or the big screens up.”

Darius nodded. “Perhaps it’s time for bed. You all look a little tired. Goodnight and see you at breakfast.”

“Goodnight, Darius.”

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

The next day, as soon as breakfast was over, Greg and his crew installed the big screen in the scientists’s chambers. Then they went to the monastery and installed theirs in the great hall.

Soon the testing was underway. Greg handed Darius a portable communicator and another to Jazmin. The crew turned on the big screens and there were faces on both screens.

It wasn’t perfect and sometimes it was hard to hear, especially when more than one person was talking. But the communicators were working. They just needed some tweaking here and there.

Even the two portable ones were working. Jazmin and Darius were quite happy about that. Jazmin still wanted to leave with Darius, but he told her once again he didn’t want to risk her life.

She frowned and said nothing as he packed.

Chapter 5 The Religious Order

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

Boe and Maegin worked hard and didn’t notice their childhoods slipping away. Being elves, they were in their twenties when they finally reached adolescence. But they were studying and learning more about scientific facts everyday to notice until dramatic things happened to them.

Through their efforts, Boe and Maegin discovered the four fundamental forces of nature. Julio applauded them and was proud that they didn’t give up.

Maegin had a tendency to experiment in the kitchen while the domestic staff was cooking or baking. Her experiments yielded the results of alchemy and chemistry. She discovered the strong and weak nuclear forces. She also learned more about nutrition and that the domestic staff had it right to feed everyone a rainbow of color. They grew a wide variety of plants in different colors in the yard.

Maegin also learned some bacteria was good and others harmful. Her knowledge helped the domestic staff to keep fermented foods around for the good bacteria and also to avoid the bad bacteria so fewer people would get sick.

Boe learned about gravity and electromagnetism or light. Those discoveries were nearly eclipsed by his discovery of how beautiful Maegin was when she was working. He found he couldn’t stop watching her play with her alchemy and chemistry sets.

Julio noticed and smiled. “Boe, have you heard there are elves and fairies building a convent or monastery nearby?”

“What? Oh, no I haven’t.” Boe looked between Julio and Maegin.

“Yes, they are creating a religious order based on the four fundamental forces you and Maegin have discovered, plus they are including a fifth one.”

“A fifth one?” Boe watched Maegin as she furled her eyebrows watching her experiment.

“Yes, they are calling it psi. It represents magic and psychic phenomena for them.”

“How will they prove the existence of psi force?”

“I don’t think they plan to. Perhaps that’s what we should do.”

“Good idea. Let’s ask Maegin what she thinks.”

Julio grabbed Boe’s arm. “Wait a minute. She’s still busy. Her experiment will be done in a few minutes.”

“Yeah, perhaps we should wait for that to finish before talking to her.”

“You know, you remind me of me when I was your age. I couldn’t keep my eyes of Penelopi. I was fairly distracted at times and at others, I couldn’t stop looking at the stars.”

Boe looked at Julio and blushed. “Well, I guess you know all about it then.”

“You two have been going on growth spurts lately. My wife has told me how they are having a hard time keeping with up you and the other children’s spurts. At least the younger children don’t mind the hand me down clothes.”

Boe smiled. “Yeah, I’m trying not to complain, but sometimes the clothes just get too tight and I have to say something.”

“Yes, the sleeves and pant legs are getting a bit short on you.”

“Same thing happening to Maegin— her dresses were getting a bit high, nearly above her knees.”

“Yes, and we know what comes next, right?”

“Uh, I don’t know about that—”

“You don’t have to get married just yet.”

“Oh, good. I don’t think she wants to.”

“No, probably not if it means she can’t be a scientist. My wife and I have been talking about it and we think she should remain a scientist if that’s what she wants to be.”

“I can agree with that. I wouldn’t want her to give that up just to marry me. I couldn’t ask her to do a thing like that.”

“Good. In the meantime, I hope you at least understand what not to do with her so she doesn’t get pregnant.”

“Uh?”

“I guess we need to have a little talk about biology. All three of us, plus my wife. She seems good at explaining things like this.”

“Okay. I think that would be a good idea. They never let us learn anything like that in the village.”

“No. It’s a sad thing. They just expect us to get married and figure it out on our own. We’ll talk tonight at dinner. Looks like the experiment is done.”

Maegin checked the results and recorded them. “There! Another success.”

“Maegin, have you heard about the new religious order based on our discovery of the four fundamental forces of nature?”

“No.” She cleaned up her table and then looked out the window. “Oh, you mean practically next door to us? Yeah, I heard Jazmin and Darius talking about that last night at dinner.”

Julio interjected, “They are claiming a fifth force, which they call psi to account for magic and psychic phenomena.”

“Oh, interesting. We haven’t researched that force yet. Perhaps we should. I’m sure the religious buffs won’t do that.”

“I was going to suggest that we all work on it.”

“We’ll have to come up with some rigid testing or else it won’t turn out well for us.”

Julio nodded. “If we need ideas, I’m sure we can get some by talking with the religious ones.”

“Good idea.”

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

The monks and nuns labored all day and all night to build their new home. They felt it needed to be in the Silver Mists with the Guardians nearby. They felt a kinship and a need to have them near. They vowed to be open minded and worship the five fundamental forces of nature.

They worked with the domestic staff, scientists, and Guardians everyday. They shared meals and what skills they had with growing food and making clothes. They felt accepted and they belonged somewhere away from the main society.

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

At dinner, Julio sat down with Boe, Maegin, and Penelopi. The Fairy guard pair were nearby.

“Dear, Boe and Maegin need to have a talk about biology as it is affecting them now. I believe they are both adolescents now.”

Penelopi smiled. “Yes, indeed, I know they are. We are trying to keep up with the clothes, young ones.”

Boe and Maegin smiled.

“Dear Pen, how do we tell them, so they don’t end up with an unwanted baby too soon?”

“Oh, we just tell them the truth. Sometimes I wish we knew enough about herbal birth control. That would help the conversation and understanding.”

“Would you use some?”

“Perhaps. With all the orphans here, I don’t think we need to have lots of children. I don’t regret the one I’m carrying.”

“Good point.”

Maegin looked at Penelopi. “Are you trying to tell me that I could get pregnant if I do certain things with Boe?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, dear.” Maegin blushed. “I’m in no rush for those things.”

“You don’t need to be in a rush. Did those pads we made you help out?”

“Yes, they were easy once you explained it to me. I haven’t gotten any more blood on my clothes.”

“Blood? You were bleeding?” asked Boe.

Penelopi smiled. “Boe, all women bleed about once a month. I haven’t been because I’m pregnant. However, after I give birth in several months, I will bleed again.”

“Oh! You mean, it’s not a bad thing?”

Julio smiled. “No, it’s the blood of life. I’m still amazed that she can carry a child inside of her and then give birth to it and feed it later with just her body. I just supplied some material to her and now… Sometimes I still have a hard time believing it myself.”

Maegin sighed. “You two make it sound like a good thing. I suppose it could be, but for me right now I don’t think I could stand it.”

Penelopi smiled. “You can wait. I think Julio is worried about you getting pregnant. It’s okay if you and Boe feel differently about each other.”

Maegin smiled. “I still have the poem you wrote to me, Boe. It was silly.”

Boe blushed. “I remember that. I can’t believe you kept it after all this time.”

“It simply says, ‘friendship with you is a flower which blossoms every spring.’”

Boe shook his head. “What was I thinking?”

Maegin smiled. “You were thinking of me. It’s still true, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Penelopi looked at both Boe and Maegin. “Listen, you two won’t create a baby doing what you’re doing right now. It requires that you both are naked and touching each other.”

Boe and Maegin gasped.

“I had to tell you so you’d know when you’d be getting to a dangerous part. You don’t have to do that at all.”

Boe and Maegin kept staring.

“Dear, I think you scared them.”

“Well, they need to know, but I don’t think they want to act on those hormones. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you two, but I felt you need to know before anything bad happens.”

Maegin closed her mouth. “Well, actually I’m glad you did. I’m not sure my own mother would have told me any of this before she married me off to someone I probably don’t even know very well.”

Boe closed his mouth. “Wow. I didn’t see that coming. I just find Maegin so beautiful when she’s working.”

Penelopi smiled. “It’s okay. Take your time. There’s no need to rush anything.”

A few monks and nuns spoke up. “You mean you tell the young ones about where babies come from?”

“Sure. They need to know. I figure it will cause fewer problems if they know what is happening inside their bodies, then if they found out on their own. Too many people have ruined their lives because they had no way out of those sorts of problems.”

The monks and nuns nodded. “Makes sense. Some villagers will find it scandalous, but you do have a point. We of the new religious order of the Five Fundamental Forces have all vowed to be celibate. We shouldn’t have any children, but would still like to help out with the orphans and the domestic work in exchange for protection from the Guardians.”

“Fair enough. We could use all the help we can get with the orphans and the domestic work.”

“Thank you, Lady Penelopi.”

Boe and Maegin studied the psi force with the monks and nuns. They also studied biology and kept notes of everything. They couldn’t stop from blushing when they studied reproduction, but they had to admit it was helping them get through their adolescence.

Chapter 4 The Wizards and Witches of the Silver Mists

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

Maegin sat on the bank of the river. It had been over a month since Boe had disappeared. She hoped he was safe in the Silver Mists and wanted to be there with him. Many people in the village had insisted, without proof of course, that there were lots of wizards and witches hiding in the Silver Mists. It was a castle overlooking the sea. The same castle where Maegin knew Julio and Penelopi went to so he could study the stars in peace.

The other villagers were glad he was gone. They figured his last spell must have back fired on him. Maegin knew he wasn’t really a wizard. She also was curious, but she learned to hide it. She knew all too well what the villagers would do to her if they thought she was a witch.

She was told her insatiable curiosity was a passing thing and as soon as she reached puberty, everything would change for her. Then she would be able to get married and have children…

She wanted to study and learn as Boe did. She wasn’t about to get married and give up her dreams. She spent hours looking towards the sea and the Silver Mists. Could she just pack up her few belongings and leave for the Silver Mists on her own?

She thought about it. If she were to do that, she would have to leave soon. She knew her time as a child was nearly over. She would have to make a decision and fast. Her parents wouldn’t be happy, but she would be one less mouth for them to feed everyday.

She missed the talks she and Boe used to have. They would spend hours discussing math equations or making observations. With Boe gone, her life had become boring. She wasn’t interested in impressing anyone with her looks. What was left for her to do?

A couple of villagers walked near her and talked about the witches and wizards of the Silver Mists. Maegin perked up and listened. They repeated the same things over again. No new information about what was really going on in the castle by the sea.

“Oh, it’s just Maegin. She’s probably dreaming of her future husband. With her luck, she’ll get married soon.”

Maegin gasped and turned to look towards the sea. She decided she would leave tonight. She didn’t own much, so it shouldn’t be too hard to sneak out after dark and follow the river all the way to the sea.

She went home and helped her mother get dinner ready for everyone. She was quiet all through dinner. She didn’t argue when her mother asked her to help clean up. She even helped to put the little ones to bed.

Her mother smiled at her. “I guess you’re finally growing up and putting away the silly dreams of childhood.”

Maegin said nothing. She stared into the fire and sat down. She was tired, but she had to wait for her parents to go to bed before she could pack and leave.

“Your father and I want to see you marry well. You know we can’t let you stay here with us when there are so many eligible men for you to marry.”

Maegin looked at her mother, but said nothing.

“You do look tired, dear, why don’t you just go to bed. I won’t need your help until the morning.”

“Okay, mama.” Maegin went to her room and closed the door. Her younger sisters were asleep. She checked her bag and her clothes. She quickly packed and listened carefully for her parents.

They were discussing who they might marry her off to. Maegin soon had her clothes in her bag. She found a piece a paper Boe had given her. He had written a silly little poem on it just for her. She smiled and carefully put it in her bag.

Her parents were going to their room. Maegin sat still on the floor. Her sisters were still asleep. She slipped the bag on her back. She was ready, but tired. She wanted to sleep, but she knew if she did, she wouldn’t wake up until morning.

A few hours later, Maegin was lucky. She woke up sitting straight up. She heard an owl outside the window. She blinked and listened. Everyone else was asleep in the house. She got up and turned to look out the window. The moon was up. She turned back towards the door and opened it. She carefully stepped out in the hall and closed the door.

She walked as quietly as she could to the front door. She opened it and latched it behind her. She was outside and all alone. She looked all around her. Then she darted towards the river. With the moonlight, she was able to find it quickly in the dark.

She spent hours walking along beside it until finally she was near the sea. The Silver Mists were all around. She stopped and looked about her. She couldn’t see very far in front of her.

“Stop! Who are you and why are you here?”

Maegin stopped. She looked but couldn’t see anyone. “I can’t see you! My name is Maegin and I’m looking for my friend, Boe. Is he here? I would like to be a scientist instead of someone’s wife!”

“Oh, it’s another elf! Are you still a child or an adolescent?”

“I’m still a child, but I don’t know how much longer. I guess any day now for me.”

Lady Penelopi came near to the fairy guards. “Maegin, from the village! Well, let her in! I haven’t seen her in ages.”

They opened the gate and Maegin walked over to Lady Penelopi. “Hi, Penelopi. I hope I’m not intruding.”

“No, of course not. It’s just late for you and you do look tired. Yes, Boe is here. He and my husband are studying and searching the sky up in the tower. For now, let’s get breakfast ready and get you something to eat. I know you’ve had a long walk.”

“Lady Penelopi, will I be able to be a scientist here?”

“I don’t see why not. Some of our guards are women.”

“Really?”

“Yes, we don’t have enough men to defend us.”

Maegin let out a loud sigh. “That’s a relief. My mother was just telling me last night how I will get a husband soon.”

“I take it you’re not ready yet?”

“No! Why should I give up my dreams of being a scientist for a man?”

“Well, if you feel that way about it, then don’t get married unless he is okay with you being a scientist.”

“Oh? Would one be okay with that?”

“Perhaps. Boe is still a child as well, but we both know that could change soon.”

“Boe is a good friend of mine.”

“I know. I’ve seen you two together. I seem to recalled you both had lots of questions for my husband.”

“Yes, I still do have lots of questions.”

“Okay. Then at breakfast we will tell both Julio and Boe about your intentions of becoming a scientist along side them. I’m sure they will be okay with it.”

“You think so? I mean we’re all from the same village and there may be expectations once I’m no longer a child…”

“Maegin, dear, don’t worry about it. We have room here and we also have plenty of orphans to go around. You don’t need to get married here. Besides, I’d prefer that you’d be happy. I know what will make you happy and you’re going to get it soon.”

Maegin yawned. “Okay, what can I do to help out with breakfast?”

Penelopi, Maegin, and the rest of the domestic staff got to work on breakfast. Soon they were serving lots of food in the great hall.

Penelopi and Maegin sat down with Julio and Boe.

“Dear husband, look who’s joined us here in our little community.”

Julio and Boe looked over to see Penelopi and Maegin. Boe smiled at Maegin.

“How have you been, Maeg?”

“I’ve been bored since you disappeared. I was hoping you were safe.”

“I’ve become a real scientist. Do you want to become one, too?”

“Yes! More than anything.”

Julio smiled. “Good. We could use another scientist around here. Any other plans, Maegin?”

“No.”

“Dear, she doesn’t want to get married and I doubt she’s old enough, yet to even consider it.”

“Oh, okay. Boe is still a child as far as I can tell.”

Penelopi smiled. “Let’s let them be scientists and resume their friendship. If it becomes more, than great. If not, it’s no big deal.”

Julio nodded. “Good advice. I’d rather not rush anyone and I’d worry about how she would stay a scientist if she got married.”

Penelopi looked at her swollen belly. “That might be hard on her, unless we had a form of birth control for her or Boe to use.”

“Ah, yes, something to think about. At least the orphans have a good home. Some of them are showing a knack for science.”

Penelopi smiled. “Yes, and some are showing a good knack for the domestic arts or the defensive arts.”

Chapter 3 The Scientist

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

Boe was always curious, even as a child. He would watch animals and sunlight all day if he could. Others thought he needed to learn something more practical for work. He only wanted to know. He wanted to know as much as he could.

As he grew older, he took notes. He learned about the sunlight and how it affected the perception of color. He wished he could have a machine which could measure color. He was poor and couldn’t afford to barter for such a machine, even if one existed.

Still others grew weary and wary of Boe. They weren’t sure what he was up to. He was approaching adulthood and yet he didn’t have a real profession. He couldn’t afford to marry anyone in the village.

Boe wasn’t interested in learning a practical profession. He just wanted to study all day and all night. He no longer had any family looking after him and time was running short for him.

The villagers were beginning to suspect he was a wizard who would harm them. They would have to stop him before he caused them harm.

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

Jazmin came in the castle after visiting the nearby village. Many were settling down in the great hall for the evening meal. Jazmin walked over to Julio and sat down next to him.

“Julio, could you use some help with your scientific pursuits?”

“Of course I could, but you are one of the guards and scouts.”

“I wasn’t thinking of me. I just came back from the nearby village and there is a young elf there named Boe, who is showing a lot of scientific curiosity. They say he takes notes. The villagers are afraid he is a wizard and if we don’t get him soon, he may be dead.”

Julio stared at Jazmin. “I remember Boe. If I recall, he’s getting old enough to think about getting married. Please save him. I know he would prove valuable here as a scientist.”

Jazmin nodded. “I’ll let Darius know and we’ll go get him for you.”

“Thank you.”

Darius sat down next to Jazmin. “Welcome back.”

“Hi. Julio would like us to pick up a young elf named Boe.”

“Oh?”

“He’s in the nearby village and he’s accused of being a wizard. He’s actually a scientist who Julio believes will be a great asset to our little community.”

“We could go tonight.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” She smiled.

Julio looked at both Darius and Jazmin. “Let me know when he gets here. If I’m still up, I could help him adjust.”

Darius nodded and smiled. “We’ll deliver Boe to you as soon as we can.”

Darius and Jazmin finished their meal and then waited near the gate for darkness to fall.

“Jazmin, how do you propose we rescue this young elf?”

“I figured we could sneak into the village after dark and find him at home by himself. We’ll go in and politely explain the situation to him and offer him a home and a chance to study science all day long.”

Darius smiled at her. “It’s so simple. I hope he doesn’t freak out.”

“I’ve been watching him. He’ll probably be shocked that anyone wants to talk to him especially about his studies.”

“Alright, we’re try it your way. If it doesn’t work, then we may have to kidnap him.”

“Darius, I doubt it will come to that.”

A pair of fairies flew towards Darius and Jazmin.

“All set boss? We hear you and Jazmin will be leaving tonight and coming back with another elf.”

“Yes, it’s true. So you two will have to keep watch tonight.”

“Why can’t you bring in more fairies?”

“We did bring in a fairy. The inventor.”

They all laughed. “True enough, but we feel outnumbered.”

“I can’t make any promises, but if we come across fairies with skills we need, then we’ll try to bring them in.”

“Fair enough. Have fun!”

Darius smiled. “Time to go, milady.”

“Yes it is.”

Darius and Jazmin left the castle grounds and made their way to the village. They were careful not to attract the attention of the night watchman. They darted and zigzagged around the village until they found Boe’s hut.

Boe was at home. He was up reading a book near the fire. Darius knocked on his door.

Boe jumped. “Who’s there?”

“Just a couple of elves who have a proposition for a scientist, such as yourself.”

Boe stood up and opened his door to see the strangers. “Isn’t it a little late for such discussions?”

“Yes and no. Do you know that the villagers think you’re a wizard and are plotting to kill you?”

“Oh?! Then come in.” He opened the door wider and quickly closed it. “I see you’re a man and a woman. How did you sneak over here?”

“It’s a part of our job. We live near the sea and we have an elf named Julio who is an astronomer. He would be glad to have you with us.”

“Julio? Didn’t he marry Penelopi and they ran off to some castle so he wouldn’t be disturbed while he’s working?”

“Yep that’s the one.”

“Oh, well in that case, I better pack my things. I don’t have much, so it shouldn’t take long.” Boe grabbed a bag and packed up his books, paper, and quills and inks. Then he grabbed his clothes and some food.

“Hmm, and you were afraid we’d have to kidnap him.”

“We don’t have him out of the village, yet.”

“We will, don’t worry.”

“I hope he can be quiet when we’re leaving.”

“Okay, I think I have everything. Just a moment while I check just to make sure.” Boe walked around his little hut and made sure he had everything. “Let’s go.” He put his bag on his back.

“Good. Now just be very quiet and follow me. She’ll keep up with us.”

Boe followed Darius out of his hut and around the village. Jazmin kept an eye out to make sure no one was following them. It took time, but eventually they made it back to the castle grounds.

Boe gaped at the castle. He didn’t say one word the entire trip and he was still afraid to say anything. He was greeted by a pair of fairy guards. He shook their hands and then walked inside the castle.

Darius and Jazmin took him all the way to the one of the towers, where Julio was working.

“Julio, we have Boe for you. He was eager to come when he heard we lived with you.”

Julio stepped away from the telescope and saw Boe. “Ah, yes, I remember. You were always so curious and you did have lots of questions for me when we were younger.”

“Hi, Julio. I guess it’s safer to be a scientist here than in the village.”

“Yes it is. Our guards are helpful as well. A necessity with raiders and the like running around.”

“Well, I don’t even know where to start, but I brought my books and notes.”

“Then let’s look at them.”

Boe took off his bag and pulled out his notes to show Julio.

Darius and Jazmin nodded to Julio and they left.

“You’ve done a lot on your own, Boe. Let me show you what I’ve learned.” Julio took out his notes and shared them with Boe.

The two stayed in the tower all night to compare their notes and discuss what they wanted to study.

Chapter 2 The Inventor

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

Greg, a fairy, always got excited whenever he found odds and ends which nobody wanted. He’d take them away and build things. It got to the point the villagers knew they could leave things at his house they no longer wanted. Many items were broken or considered completely worthless.

He was busy putting odds and ends together that he didn’t notice a new elf couple enter the village on horseback. They were both armed with swords, daggers, bows and arrows. The villagers weren’t sure why the couple didn’t attack. Darius and Jazmin weren’t interested in fighting with anyone, except perhaps themselves. They greeted and questioned the villagers.

“Excuse me, but we heard there was a strange person who lives here that takes your unwanted odds and ends and makes things out of them. If that is true, will you tells us where he lives?”

“Will you take him away?”

“We could take him off your hands. Certainly.”

“Good. His inventions are too scary and useless for us. His house is just down that alley. We try not to go there or anywhere near it, unless we have something to get rid of.”

The elf couple thanked them and went down the alley. Once they were out of the main village, they could see all sorts of contraptions in the yard around the house and more through the windows. The fairy continued building and didn’t see the couple approach his house. Darius and Jazmin looked around and saw the devices, not sure what they could do or what their purposes were. Darius stopped at the door and knocked.

Greg jumped. No one ever knocked on his door! “Just a minute! I’ll be right there!”

Jazmin and Darius looked at each other. Then they looked at the door as it was opening to them.

“Hello, there. I wasn’t expecting company, but please come in.” He ushered the elves into his small, crowded house.

“Hello, there. We hope we’re not intruding. We heard about your inventions.”

“Oh, you’re not intruding. I, uh, never get any visitors. I, uh…”

“Well, we can see you’ve been busy with your inventions. Not sure what they all do, but we could use someone with your talent. We’re a small group at the moment, but we need someone who can build and fix things. What do you say? Would you like to come with us?”

“Hmm, well, I suppose the villagers would be happy if I was gone. Would I be able to bring my inventions with me?”

The elves looked at each other. “I suppose we could arrange it.”

“I think it would be better if we did take the inventions as well. Those villagers are truly afraid of him and what he does,” Jazmin spoke for the first time.

“Alright, then how to we take them?”

The fairy flew up to the rafter window. “Ah, it’s still there! There’s a cart out back. I can help take apart some of the larger inventions.” He flew back down to the ground floor and wasted no time in disassembling his works.

Jazmin and Darius offered to help, but they couldn’t understand what to do without breaking the parts. Greg just went on and disassembled as quickly as he could. The elves went ahead and loaded up the cart. They were careful with the machinery and whatever items they found around and in Greg’s house.

They were able to get everything on the cart. Next they went to get their horses and hitched them to the cart. The elves walked back to the castle while Greg flew the whole way.

Once there, they helped unload the cart. Greg wasted no time in showing everybody what his inventions were and what how they worked. Everyone was amazed.

Julio asked him, “What do you know about telescopes?”

“Telescopes? Oh, most people like to use them for spying on other people. A few people, I hear, use them to gaze at the stars.”

“I use my telescope to study the stars and planets. It’s broken right now. Can you fix it or build me another one?”

“Hmm, I’d have to look at it first. I’d love to fix it and learn how to build another one. I’m usually quite good at fixing and building things. Show me the way to the telescope.”

Chapter 1 The Stars Beckon

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

Julio, an elf, was worried about his wife, Penelopi. She was pregnant and he feared he wouldn’t be able to protect her and their child against raiders. They lived in a castle all alone in the wilderness. He was currently up in the tower with the telescope and other instruments which he used to study the stars. He had already discovered other planets with moons, but he had the nagging suspicion that raiders would be coming. It was just dawn and he was tired after being up all night. There were days he wondered why she even chose him when she could have had a dozen warriors to look after her.

He saw a lone man armed with swords and a bow and arrows. Julio jumped up and looked through his telescope. It was an elf and he was all alone. Well, one person was something he figured he could handle. More would have been a problem. Julio was klutzy with swords. He ran down the tower steps and all the way to the gate to meet the stranger. The stranger was standing near the moat. He saw the drawbridge coming down. He watched carefully. Once the bridge was down he could see another elf standing in front of him.

“Hello, Sir.”

“Hello, stranger.”

“I wonder if I may come inside? There’s a storm brewing and I am weary from long travel.”

Julio hesitated. He saw Penelopi. Her eyes asked him why he wasn’t giving the young man the okay to come inside. “Yes, you may come in, but please don’t attack us.”

The stranger bowed. “You have my word that I will harm no one who lives here.” He proceeded to walk across the bridge. He saw Penelopi and bowed to her.

“Welcome to our humble home. What brings you to our door?” she asked the stranger.

“I’m a wandering elf. I have no home and I sometimes have to fight just to stay alive. If you give me a place to set my things down, I’d be glad to. I’m tried of fighting and would like to be among folk that aren’t violent.”

“We have no reason to be violent. My husband is an astronomer.”

“An astronomer? What’s that?”

“I study the stars and planets at night when it’s dark.”

“Oh. I see.”

“Here, you can put your things here in this closet off to the side. Are you hungry? I was about to fix some breakfast or dinner or whatever meal it is for us.”

“Yes, thank you and I am hungry. Are you two the only ones who live here?”

“Yes, with one on the way.” Julio patted his wife’s stomach.

“Oh. Would you be in need of defense against raiders?”

“Yes, we do need that. I know my husband won’t admit it.”

“In that case, I’d be happy to help you with that.” He held out his hand to Julio.

“Well, okay. We can provide food and shelter without too much trouble.” He shook the stranger’s hand.

Penelopi went to the kitchen to cook. The two men stood in the main hall.

“My name is Darius. I’ll do what I can, but we may need more people to help defend the castle so you can pursue your work.”

“I’ve been thinking that. I’m Julio and my wife is Penelopi.”

They went into the kitchen and Julio told her the stranger’s name. She continued to cook over the open fire.

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

Days passed and Darius kept his word. He watched from another tower. He’d watch the stars the stars at night, but not like Julio was doing. Darius just gazed at them. One day he was at his tower post when he saw a small hamlet on fire. He knew it was raiders. They were too close to the castle. He also knew he wouldn’t be able to get to them fast enough to do any good. Besides he would be leaving Julio and Penelopi alone. He couldn’t do that.

When dawn arrived, Darius could see people approaching the castle. He walked over to Julio’s tower via the narrow stone bridge between them. “Julio!”

Julio turned to face Darius. “What is it?”

“A hamlet not far from here was raided last night. I saw it burn. Now there are people approaching castle and we need to know if they are raiders or just survivors headed our way.”

Julio looked through his telescope. “I see. They don’t have any weapons. There are children!” He pulled himself away from the telescope. “We better go meet them.”

The two ran down the stairs. They met Penelopi in the great hall. They quickly told her what had happened. She prepared herself as Julio lowered the drawbridge. Once it was down, all three could see survivors walking towards them. Darius stepped out onto the bridge to meet the small group. There were more children than adults. Some were elves and others were fairies. All looked dirty and frightened. They stopped at the bridge, but couldn’t speak.

Penelopi stepped forward. “Welcome. Darius, our guard has told us of your plight. You are welcome to live here. All we ask is that you help out with the work. We have to grow more food, and cook, clean, and make new clothes.”

One of the fairy children spoke up. “What if we don’t know how to do any of those things?”

“I will teach you what I know.”

“Okay.” The children walked across the bridge. The adults didn’t move.

Darius walked over to them. “Why are you hesitating? Lord Julio and Lady Penelopi are kind and generous.”

“Sir, the raiders may come this way.”

“I am prepared to deal with that, lady.”

“I am not domestic.” The elf lowered her eyes.

“Oh? Do you have other talents?”

She raised her eyes. “Yes, I can shoot arrows. But no one wanted to me to fight like the men do.”

Darius looked at her. “Why do I get the feeling you’re still alive because you did fight last night?”

“I did and saved all these children in the process.”

“Well, then you can be a guard with me.”

“Really? Will you train me?”

“Yes, of course.”

She walked up to him and stood at his side. Two adult fairies, a man and a woman, also walked up to Darius and asked to be trained as well. He agreed to train all three of them. The rest, a few elf women relaxed and went over to Lady Penelopi to begin working with what skills they already possessed.

Lady Penelopi and the other women had their hands full with the children. The children were given chores to help out around the castle, and lessons to learn. However, they were allowed to play and be children as well.

Darius had his hands full training three willing recruits. The elf, Jazmin, was as good as she said with the bows and arrows. The fairies were learning as well. They were able to fly and evade the elves.

Chapter 23 Now What?

An excerpt from The Violet Series Book 1: The Water Nymph’s Tale.

Clyde and Bonnie stood still in their dressy clothes. They looked around. They checked their watches. They glanced at each other and at Violet. They watched the Snowstorm crew.

Violet was dressed up as well. She was smiling. Antoni and the Snowstorm officers wore their dress uniforms.

Violet was the one who saw the Justice of the Peace arrive. She said nothing as she gave her uncle a funny face.

He laughed. Bonnie saw the funny faces Violet made and she laughed too. Soon the other guests were laughing too.

The Justice of the Peace smiled. “I see everyone is ready for me.”

The wedding party waited by the river. Herbert rose up out of the water and some water nymphs followed suit. Violet and Antoni stood near the happy couple as witnesses.

It was all over within a matter of minutes.

As Clyde and Bonnie kissed, the water nymphs went crazy. They splashed the couple and everyone else. There was lots of laughter all around.

Herbert just shook his head and sighed. “It figures you water nymphs would pull something like this at my son’s wedding!”

Violet activated her little computer and played some music the couple had picked out. Everyone began dancing. Even the water dragon danced in the water.

Clyde and Bonnie danced near Violet and Antoni.

“So, Violet, what plans do have now?” asked Clyde.

“I think I want to visit Earth.”

“Okay. I think I can arrange for you to go to Earth.”

Captain Whitfield smiled. “We’ll happily escort Ms. Mineur to Earth.”

“Good.”

“What are you and Bonnie going to do?” asked Violet.

“We’re taking a tour of the solar system for our honeymoon.”

“Sounds like fun. I won’t wait up for you. So, don’t wait up for me.”

Bonnie laughed. “We won’t, dear.”

Antoni raised his eyebrows. “How are Bonnie and Clyde going to tour the solar system if we’re taking Violet to Earth?”

“Oh, the Valiant has signed up. They can take that ship. Good crew.”

Bonnie smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“The captain and I go way back.”

Galley Master Douglas laughed. “They’re old rivals. They’ve started their old argument again.”

Captain Whitfield chuckled. “Well, some things never change.”

Everyone laughed.