The guardians- Part 3

The storm raged on and the beast approached the boat. It was covered in scales and had a beak or something similar. Its shrieks caused headaches troughout the boat's crew, causing chaos among them.
   Gir- " What can we do?"
   Nihlow- "Why can't you reach its mind?"
   Gir- " The storm causes my powers to dimish. My telephatic power aren't enough."
The boat shoke from side to side and threatened to turn around.
   Nihlow- "I know telephaty too. Maybe if I lend you my power you can do it."
Gir looked at Nihlow. He didn't want to do it. He had his pride. The boat got a hit from the tail of the monster.
   Gir- "Ok, if there's no other way, but please don't strain yourself."
   Nihlow- "Don't worry about me, if we fail, we're all doomed."
Nihlow concentrated and touched Gir's head. Gir tried again to talk with the beast and finally succeded.
   Beast- "How dares to touch my mind?!"
   Gir- "Me, Gir of the Broth, son of Filyt, the fairy savior."
The boat started to calm down as the creature started to calm down.
   Beast- "How do I know you are who you claim to be?"
   Gir- " You know me, old friend, or have you already forgotten about me, Grath?"
   Grath- " Gir! My old friend, Where have you been all this time? I thought of you dead!"
   Gir- " I was called by my father. Also the deatail of my death will be revieled to you soon. Now please lead us home."
   Grath- "Of course, gladly. Its good to see you again, I missed you."
   Gir- "Me too, my friend. Me too."
The beast stopped its attack. He approached the boat and looked at Gir. Some kind of noise came from Grath's troath. He grabbed the front of the ship with he's tail and started to pull it. In no time they reached the shores of Akharon where many creatures were curious looking at the boat.
   Nihlow- "Are they all Kifrazil?"
   Gir- "Mostly. Some are other creatures that were here before my kind."
   Nihlow- "The storm is calming down."
In that moment the rain stopped and the sun began to break the clouds apart showing himself to all.
   Nihlow- "Don't tell me that storm wasn't natural?!"
   Gir- " Most likely. They didn't knew if we were friends or foes."
   Nihlow- "I think so. I never thought Grath could be your friend."
   Gir- "Well, looks like you heard our conversation."
   Nihlow- "Well, you were using my powers, its the least I could do."
   Gir- "Ah, ah, ah. No matter, you would figure that out from he's actions."
They went out of the boat, but Johar and he's crew stayed.
   Gir- "Captain Johar, please come."
   Johar- "Sorry, our contract was to take you to Akharon, and that is fulfilled. Now I must return."
   Gir- "Please stay, at least for the rest of the night. "
   Johar- "Well...ok. But just the night."
The sailors choired happily and then came out of the boat. Nihlow and Gir started to walk along a corridor of many different creatures until they reached a altar with a throne in it. The Kifrazil sitting there was undoubtably a Broth.
   Gir- "Father."
   Filyt- " My son, welcome back. And welcome to Akharon, Master Nihlow."
   Nihlow- "Thank you, Filyt, leader of the Kifrazil."
   Filyt- "We have prepared a feast to celebrate your arrival. Join us, you and the crew of your transportation."
   Nihlow- "Your kindness is trully comendable, but after the test with Grath, I became weakened and in need of rest."
Gir stopped looking into the eyes of he's father.
   Gir- "My strenght was insufficient to reach Grath's mind. I'm still not strong enough to take you place in the throne."
   Filyt- "Strenght alone won't make you a true leader, my son. The fact that you swalowed your pride in order to save everyone is no motive for shame. But I'm planning to rule for some more time."
   Gir- "Thank you father. I'll train so that one day I can take that throne from you."
   Filyt- "That will surely be a memorable day. Now Nihlow, at least grant me some time for converstion."
   Nihlow- "Since it is for the savoir of the fairie, very well. "
From the crowed approached yet another Kifrazil. A small Broth.
   Kifrazil- "Father."
   Gir- "Tarius."
Taurius and Gir started to purr. He was very similar to Gir.
   Tarius- "I knew you would return. I never believed in the story they told us."
   Gir- "As expected from my child. How is your mother?"
   Tarius- "She went ill a couple of days ago and stayed at home. You must see her!"
   Gir- "My father, allow me to visit my wife, Klye."
   Filyt- "I command you to go see her."
   Gir- "Your command i'll follow gladly."
That being said, Gir and Tarius dashed away leaving Nihlow alone among strangers. Filyt climbed down from the throne and though he had several thousand years old, he seemed as vigorous as Gir.
   Filyt- "Let the banquet comence! Nihlow, follow me so we can talk alone."
As they walked away from the place, several musical instruments Nihlow never heard before started to sing of joy. Dancers started to entertain all the attendents and several fires kept everyone warm since the night was cold. The houses of the Kifrazil were very different in shape. Some were like the houses in New Khalardon, others were like perfect piramids and many other shapes. After passing dozens of houses, they reached a large square with a gigantic statue of a Kifrazil in the middle, Filyt himself.
   Nihlow- "Was this city Kifrazil construction?"
   Filyt- "Yes, my people is very skilled in almost any kind of art, including the art of war. But also the fairies wanted to help, and so in some ocasions this statue shines like the sun."
   Nihlow- " What kind of ocasions?"
   Filyt- " When is necessary that all the creatures gather in one place or for evacuation of the island."
   Nihlow- "Evacuation?"
   Filyt- "Yes, this island was created due to a volcano. Now it's calm but it can erupt at any time."
   Nihlow- "Amazing."
   Fylit- "Now, I would want you to tell me what happened in Megil temple."
   Nihlow- " If it's necessary."
   Fylit- "It is."
Nihlow told him everything. When they started to watch Morai, the interrogation, the releasing of the spirit.
   Fylit- "I see. Is that everything?"
   Nihlow- " Yes, I have told you everything I remembered."
   Fylit- "When I comunicated with Gir, he told me that you had a dream envolving some place in Akharon."
   Nihlow- "The dream! I nearly forgotten it! Yes I had a dream envolving Akharon. A temple of some sort. Hit..Huf....."
   Fylit- "Hetir. Tell me what happened in the temple."
   Nihlow- "There was a huge statue of a fairie, I suppose, holding a huge sword, a sword of light. It called for me. But then I realized the statue and the sword weren't big, I was small. What could it mean?"
   Fylit- "I do not know. Tomorrow we will go to Raemna and speak with the fairies."
   Nihlow- "Is Raemna the city of the fairies?"
   Fylit- "Yes, its were all the fairies dwell, now let's return and sleep."
   Nihlow- "Indeed..."
Nihlow and Fylit walked back and Fylit showed her a house that looked just like the ones in her town. Nihlow say good night and installed herself. She fall asleep imediatly. In the morning Nihlow opened her two eyes to find four more looking at her.
   Nihlow- "I beg your pardon. I was told to sleep in this house."
   Creature- "We know. Please if you would like to sleep some more we'll leave."
   Nihlow- "No, no. I'm well rested."
Nihlow got up and got used to the light in the room. When she looked at the creatures, she knew they weren't Kifrazil. They looked like small men, but green, with four legs and with some kind of scales covering them.
   Nihlow- "You are not Kifrazil."
   Creature- "No, we're not. We are Azureals. I'm Milia, and this is my husband, Witrel."
   Nihlow- "Pleased to meet you all."
   Witrel- "The pleasure is all ours. It is the firs time we looked at a two-legs."
   Milia- "Witrel...."
   Witrel- "Oh, I'm sorry. We're used to call humans and elfs <<two-legs>>. Forgive me if I offended you."
   Nihlow- "No. We have indeed two legs. But please call me Nihlow, for that is my name."
   Milia- "We will."
   Witrel- "Would you like breakfast?"
   Nihlow- "Oh, I'm vamished. If you don't mind?"
   Milia- "Of course not. We love to have guests."
The Azureals left and a short time after they returned with something covered.
   Milia- "This is a specialty we Azureals adore. I hope you enjoy."
Nihlow uncovered the object and found a bowl filled with sea-weeds, raw fish and sea worms.
   Nihlow- "Well, that was unexpected...."
   Milia- "What's wrong?"
   Nihlow- "I'm sorry, but I think my body isn't programed to eat such food..."
   Milia- "Oh, I see."
   Witrel- "It won't go to waste."
Witrel ate everything happily. Afterwards, Nihlow, left the room and said:
   Nihlow- "You are too kind, but I'm afraid I must depart. I'm supossed to go to Raemna today."
   Milia- "We understand. I hope when you return we can provide you with shelter again."
   Nihlow- "If you wish."
   Milia&Witrel- "Goodbye."
   Nihlow- "Happiness to you all."
Nihlow walked along the streets and discovered that Akharon is even more beautyfull in the day. Kifrazil's, Azureals and other creatures marched in their daily rotine.
   Voice- "Master! Master!"
It was one of the ship's sailor.
   Nihlow- "Sailor, won't your crew leave in a short while?"
   Sailor- "I don't think so. Yesterday in the party, the Captain gulped a little too much and is still assleep."
   Nihlow- "Well, What would anyone expect? I'm in search of Gir or Fylit. Have you seen any?"
   Sailor- "Well Gir not, but Fylit went to that big house over there."
   Nihlow- "I won't miss it, it's the biggest in the city. I bid you farewell."
   Sailor- "Goodbye, Master."
Nihlow approached the mansion. It was made so that it looked like a perfect cristal, shining all the 7 colors of the rainbow. In her pocket something began to shiver, the Gyrtil! It ressonated inside the golden chest it was in. the cristal in the middle of the medallion changed from blue to red to green to yellow in an elaborate combination. A Kifrazil from inside the mansion walked to Nihlow. It carried a strange box.
   Kifrazil- "Please, put the brouche in the box. If you approach the mansion it will ressonate too and crack."
   Nihlow- "Very well. "
Nihlow placed the Gyrtil in the box and when it closed , the medallion stopped.
   Nihlow- "Why did it ressonate?"
   Kifrazil- "No questions. The master awaits you."
Silently they entered and passed through many cold halls, all made of cristal. Even the floor and ceiling were made of cristal. After a whyle they reached a room. It wasn't made of cristal. A huge door made of gold incrusted with precious stones and some kind of simbols started to open. Though its size, it made no noise. The room was very big, but with few things. A throne, a table and several chairs. No paintings, rugs, tapestries or other objects meant to decorate it.
   Fylit- "Nihlow. Please come in. How was your night?"
Fylit was sitting in the throne acompanied by 3 others Kifrazils, probably conselors. Nihlow walked and suddenly she felt warmer.
   Nihlow- "I slept very well. The owners were also very nice, though their food habits do not aplease me very much."
   Fylit- "Ha, ha, ha. Well, then I assume you haven't eat yet."
He spoke with one of the conselors and he left the room.The door opened again. Several servants entered with many plates covered with bowls.The servants marched steadily and elegantly around the wooden table dropping its plate with some kind of rhythm. Just as they entered, they left.

   Fylit- Please, indulge yourself. Eat anything you desire.

From the experience with the Azureals, Nihlow approached cautiously and removed one of the plate covers. Instead of fish and seaweeds, a bowl of fruit and a jar of coconut milk opened her appetite. She sat and looked at the fruit. They were twice as large as the ones growed in Khalardon! She took a crimson apple and bitted it. Sweet as honey! After eating 2 more and drank a glass of the milk, Nihlow stood up.

   Nihlow- I thank your Highness for this meal.

   Fylit- Please, no formalities. I hope it was of your liking.

   Nihlow- Indeed. Is the fruit growed in this island?

   Fylit- In fact, no. Around the main island, dozens of smaller ones assure our
food supply all around the year. Although some races like the Azureals consume meat, we Kifrazil are strictly vegetarians.

   Nihlow- I noticed that Gir didn’t eat meat all the way here, but I never expected that. Akharon is the oddest place I’ve been.

   Fylit- Over the years, Akharon became the last refuge for many races of creatures. Many no longer exist elsewhere, like the Azureals. Some because they were hunted down because of some part of their body, or simply because the climate doesn’t allow them to leave. That’s the reason because the houses in here are all different.

   Nihlow- And the fairies welcomed them all?

   Fylit- Yes, they did. Even my race, who was born from the darkest of darkness was welcomed.

Fylit rang a bell on the side of his throne and the counselors reentered the room.

   Fylit- We will leave immediately.

   Nihlow- As you wish.

Nihlow walked to the door and as the door opened, a cold chill traveled throw her back. The cold halls awaited her. The butler accompanied her to the exit and gave her the box.

   Butler- Please be careful. It would be a nuisance if you got hurt. Also take care of your Highness, for i cannot go where you’ll travel.

   Nihlow- Do not worry, kind sir, I’ll do all in my power to return your Master to his castle.

Nihlow looked ahead. A carriage with two strange creatures that replaced horses was standing in front of the gate. She walked towards it where a familiar face awaited her.

   Nihlow- Gir, my friend.

   Gir- Nihlow. Are you prepared to go to Raemna?

   Nihlow- Yes. Your father will be here soon.

   Gir- I know. I want to speak to him too.

   Nihlow- Gir…Do you know why I must go to Raemna? Why did I left my home land and traveled so far for?

   Gir- No. But i tell you this. It is very unusual for a visitor from outside to go to Raemna. You are special, even Johar felted it. The same thing happened to only one other.

   Nihlow- Who?

   Gir- That I cannot tell you. Ask my father or the queen of the fairies, Iriel.

Fylit appeared from the entrance. He approached the duo and entered the carriage.

   Gir- My father, a word.

   Fylit- Of course.

Gir entered the carriage and they spoke in a strange language very quickly. Then Gir went out and said to Nihlow – “Don’t forget the dream.”- Gir said a quick goodbye and rushed off. Nihlow entered and they started to move.

   Nihlow- Fylit, why must I go to Raemna?

   Fylit- That will be answered there, my child. Iriel will be more that helpful in that subject.

As the wagon rushed along the brick road, the landscape of Akharon changed. The luxurious forests vanished and rubble and black sand covered the ground.

   Fylit- This is the landscape around the volcano. Almost every month, small explosions and eruptions occur and cover the surroundings with black. This prevents a big eruption that could destroy the island.

As the volcano disappeared, the landscape changed again. Never ending plains with a lake as far as the eye could see. The day draw near its end and so they camped. The night was hot and the crickets sang songs. - “Don’t forget the dream”-. The dream where a creature as dark as night frightened her to death, and a sword of light called upon her. Fylit couldn’t sleep, just as Nihlow.

   Nihlow- Fylit, Gir told me that it was unusual from someone from outside to go to Raemna.

   Fylit- It is. But you are unusual.

   Nihlow- He also told me that only one other has done the same thing. Who was it?

   Fylit-I expected that you knew that already.

   Nihlow- Kulia…

   Fylit- Yes. Kulia was a little like you. Besides being a Master, she loved this place. She said it was the paradise people searched eternally for.

   Nihlow- From the records in the Megil library, only one great memory remained from this time. She was standing in front of the Hetir temple, with children running around her and fairies flying above her. She was smiling like the happiest person ever. I’ve always wandered who those children were.

   Fylit- They were her own. A boy and a girl. Though the boy passed away of illness, the girl is still alive, I hope. Her name is Morai.

   Nihlow- Morai?! But that’s…

   Fylit- Yes, I know. I’ve always knew. When you said that the spirit had taken over someone, I knew it was her. It could only be her.

   Nihlow- Why?

   Fylit- You see, Kulia knew that there was a war against Maikars while she was here. She asked Iriel for guidance, and Iriel told her that she would suffer a great wound during the war, but in her soul and that she would never be the same again. Kulia handed over Morai to a woman who promised to raise her like her own. When the Kifrazil went to war so did Kulia and I wanted to leave with her, to protect her, but my destiny was other. My son Gir left in my place and protected her as he could, but…

Fylit stood up.

   Fylit- Destiny cannot be changed. No matter the path, the destination is the same. Kulia was possessed, but just before that dreaded moment she placed a curse on herself. Their magic was sealed and the ghoul could only possess members of her own family. That caused her mind enter in an estate of lethargy. When the demon took over, she really never was the same. Without magic, he was inoffensive, but it was sad to know that though it was her, it wasn’t her… Never a being had become so close to me, except Iriel. I cried for a long time…

   Nihlow -  Fylit…

   Fylit-  When Morai reached the age of 3, she was inducted in the Megil temple. For all those years, the spirit never knew that Morai was from Kulia’s family, except when Kulia died. He left her body and the seal was lifted. He had only one second to read her mind, but it was enough. Because of he’s weak state, he couldn’t do much of anything but then he discovered an unexpected source of magic.

   Nihlow- Gir… He harvested Gir’s magic.

   Fylit- Yes.  My son reported to me everything that happened daily. He suffered very much during those years. But it will pay off, it must pay off. My son was tortured for nearly 20 years, so that you could come here, Morai is probably suffering somewhere in Maikanaro, so it is time to balance it up. I’m sure you will be part of something greater than yourself and hopefully that will bring balance to this world.

   Nihlow- I hope so. I still have questions, but today I have enough answers to allow me to sleep. Thank you, Fylit.

   Fylit- Tomorrow we’ll arrive at Raemna. For now, sleep.

   Nihlow- Good night.

Nihlow fell asleep the moment she laid down and only woke up in the next morning.