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.

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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.