Free The Fallen Guardian (The Guardian Chronicles 2) by Steven R. Burke Page A

hesitantly. “I do not
share my friend’s view of you, and I would like to hear what you have to say on
the matter.”
    “I
will tell you this much. You need to be prepared for anything. War is brewing
again in Tuwa, and once again your country will need to be the stronghold for
the races of good. I do not believe you need to worry yourself about demons or
wraiths of the north. Beware the exiled races,” she said ominously. She gave
the sentry a very meaningful look that told him very plainly that difficult
times were on their doorstep.
    A
mounted messenger returned the following day with the request for an audience
with Khalida immediately. The graceful guardian stood up and smiled at the
messenger turned escort. Another horse had been brought back with the king’s
messenger so that the guest could ride in haste to the meeting. King Leroy had
sent his own steed to carry Khalida back to his court. The stallion was lord of
all the white stallions in Tuwa. He was a beautiful beast that espoused grace
and power. She was impressed by this gracious gesture. Her feelings about
meeting with the king became much warmer and more positive in light of this
token. This king surprises me with his generosity and his acceptance of the
magnitude of the current situation. He is much more intelligent than I would
have thought for a man.
    As
she rode toward the heart of Landen, they passed several villages and towns
that were bustling around as though everything was normal. They had no real
idea what horrors awaited them. They did not know that all of the races of Tuwa
were drawing closer to an all-out war. She pitied them because their simplistic
lives were about to be altered at her request. The fair plains of Landen were
going to be full of refugees and armies from other countries. If the raging
battles developed into war, the High Plains would be the place where the future
would be decided. That was why she had to come now instead of later. In order for
the outcome to be in her favor, and in favor of the good peoples of Tuwa, she
would need to have the country of Landen prepared for all-out war before any
army even drew near its borders.
    After
traveling for some miles, a huge city rose high on the horizon. A massive
castle that looked more like a citadel gleamed in the sunlight as it sat
imperiously in the very center of Brel. That was the name of the capital city
of King Leroy’s domain. Before too long Khalida and her escort passed its outer
wall and entered the main thoroughfare. There were little shops lining both
sides of the street, and merchants were calling out the specials for the day.
Little groups of children were running back and forth across the road and in
between the stores. The sight of such normalcy and youthful joy caused the
guardian to feel more hesitant about the information that she was going to
impart to their king. Their lives would be irrevocably changed from this war,
and those that lived to see the end of it would never be the same again. I
will make sure Kana pays for what I am about to do. She will be made to suffer
for destroying the lives of the good peoples of Tuwa. They will never have the
same peace they have known their entire lives.
    The
sun burned brightly overhead, and there were birds flying high above in the
air. In the west, dark clouds covered the Black Forest and smoke was rising
into the sky in the region where the Seda were purported to be. None of the
citizens of Brel took notice of the strange weather or burning forest. Everyone
that Khalida passed smiled genuinely and waved as she passed. The eastern gate
to the castle was the only part of the city that seemed to be heavily guarded.
They were stopped by a small group of soldiers armed to the teeth and were
asked to wait while they confirmed that their presence had been requested. Many
of the king’s guard eyed the beautiful lady wearily. She knew right away from
the looks on their faces that they believed her to be the rogue Elemental