The Guardians- part 7

When they arrived, Iriel arranged three groups to cover the west shore and one of then were the Guardians themselves. After hours of walking, they were all tired and hungry, except Zubari.

Nihlow- You Mekars never get tired?

Zubari- We are different from all the other creatures in this world, as we don’t obtain energy from the same way. You all eat and digest to obtain energy by breaking the connections between atoms but Mekars obtain energy instantly from our Zark unit. My Zark energy unit is capable of providing 6.85 Katars of energy, meaning I could walk for 102.567 days continually without occurring shutdown.

Groth- Yes, yes, that’s great, but that doesn’t make my walking easier. I’m the shortest, for crying out loud!

Rina- Well, now I’ve seen everything. A dwarf whining.

Groth- Shut up!

They all laughed. They continued talking which made the walking lighter. And then something moved in the dark. It was big. A smell of rotten fish filled the air.

Groth - Careful everyone. This is it.

They all moved the most silently possible. Then Nihlow felt something. A magical force that grew continually until it filled the surrounding forest. It was so powerful that without her enhanced magical capabilities she would surely faint.

Nihlow- I can feel him.

Groth- What?

Nihlow- The drake. He is close by .

Groth pulled a throwing axe from his waist, but Rina stopped him.

Rina- No. I can feel him too, and he is weak.

Nihlow was shocked. Such powerful magical presence and she called it weak?!

Nihlow- Are you sure? He seems so strong…

Rina- Don’t worry. He knows we are here , and he’s trying to scare us away by releasing magical power.

Nihlow was relieved. But how could she sense him? Iriel told her that only she could use magic! The drake moved. He was trying to escape. The group started to pursue him, and because of the dense vegetation, he’s trail was clear. He began to slowdown, and eventually stopped. They could hear his heavy breath.

Nihlow- I’ll try to reach his mind.

Rina- That could be dangerous, even for this weakened drake.

Nihlow- What else can we do? If we continue to chase him, he might try to fight back.

Zubari- That is consistent with drake behaviour. Perhaps young Nihlow’s choice is the most appropriate.

Rina- very well, but I’ll assist you.

Nihlow- If you wish.

They touched hands and concentrated. All sounds gradually vanished and all they could see was the drake. They made a successful link. A giant castle stood at the center of the drake’s mind.

Drake- Leave me alone!!!

Nihlow- His mental barriers are strong. I don’t know if we can maintain this link for long.

Rina- Yes, we must hurry and explain him as much as we can.

Nihlow and Rina transmitted as much information to the drake as they could but little reached the creature. His instincts were compelling him to fight back and Rina started to lose focus.

Rina- I can’t hold much longer….

Nihlow- Hang on a little longer…I’m sure he’ll understand…

Now Nihlow was losing focus. Her enhanced magical reserves were dropping fast to cover for Rina and the drake was showing no signs of weakening.

Nihlow- We are not going to make it…

Voice- ….Nihlow, I’ll help this time, for you are still far too inexperienced but you must grow stronger to overcome the trials you have ahead. You must grow beyond any other of your kind and with the help of your brothers you’ll have the opportunity to fulfil you destiny. May the Great Wizard watch for you, my child…

Suddenly, the drake’s barriers shattered and he was overwhelmed by the memories of the Guardians. He started to calm down. His mind was now trying to gather the information instead of fighting it. He was a smart creature, processing the knowledge faster than any human could. They broke the link out of exhaustion. Now the drake linked with Nihlow.

Drake- I am truly sorry for what I’ve put you trough just now, but when I sensed you, my instincts took over me. I was weak and couldn’t fly and so I panicked. I understand now everything.

Nihlow- So will you help us?

Drake- …….I must ponder on this matter. This is not an answer I can give too rashly. By the way…Nihlow, my name is Luin. Please, tell that to the others. I will go now, but in 3 days I will go to Raemna and present my answer.

Nihlow- Very well, Luin, the drake, we wait for you in 3 days from now.

Luin- Do not follow me. My instincts could make me do things I would regret later. Goodbye, Nihlow the wizard.

With that he broke the connection. He turned around and left. Groth started to curse at him, but dared not to move one foot. Rina was unconscious in Zubari’s arms.

Nihlow- We managed to talk. In 3 days he will go to Raemna and answer if he’ll join us. He asked not to follow him.

Zubari- Very well. Let’s leave for you all need to rest.

Nihlow was so tired. As she felled from exhaustion one thing popped in her mind: What was that voice?