Turesobei’s back.
“As for the guardians themselves, at each location you will face a host of small yet lethal beasts or constructs, along with a single powerful entity that is more than capable of defeating an individual Kaiaru by itself.”
Again, the others glanced fearfully at one another and him. Though nervous, Turesobei maintained a brave face. Even if it was daunting, with the Storm Dragon at his command, he felt himself the equal of a normal Kaiaru wizard. And he had Hannya the Earth Dragon, Motekeru, and his team to support him.
“The type of guardians will vary at each location, according to the preferences of the individual Shogakami who placed them there. Traps and deception are also possible. Finally, and this may be the worst part, I have reason to believe there may be some sort of trick to defeating the guardians. But I have no clue what that trick might be.”
A trick? Turesobei didn’t like the sound of that. It was bad enough that they would be facing guardians so powerful the Shogakami thought they would be suitable for protecting their power sources from other Kaiaru and dragons like Hannya, but to know almost nothing about the challenges they would be facing….
“Finally,” Hannya said with a sigh, “I regret that I will be unable to assist you.”
“You’re not fighting with us?!” Turesobei asked, alarmed. This was even worse news. They desperately needed her help. No wonder Gyoroe had pushed them so hard in training.
“Wards were placed at each location preventing me, Lord Gyoroe, Naruwakiru, and the other Shogakami, outside of the one owning that location, from coming within three leagues. Basically, all the major players of the time were locked out, to prevent a single entity from ever seizing that much power again.”
“Naruwakiru?” Turesobei asked. “Does that mean I could be prevented from going there as well? Hitting a force field during the middle of a teleport is not something I wish to do.”
“The wards were based on the kenja signatures of those Kaiaru, not on the energy of the Storm Dragon itself. You will be safe.”
“You must,” Lord Gyoroe said, “retrieve the heart stones in a certain order. The realm where you begin determines in what order you must take on the rest. Turesobei, you are best at working the Spring Gate, which is fortunate, because I believe the enemies you face there will be the easiest to defeat. Lord Razakan had a tendency toward laziness.”
Everyone stared silently, stunned. Suddenly, Enashoma jumped to her feet and shouted, “That’s it?! You’re sending them into danger, and that’s all you know?!”
“We are fortunate to know that much,” Gyoroe replied calmly. “And this lack of knowledge is the reality you must accept.” His eyes flashed scarlet and orange for a moment. “Unless you have forgotten how everything works here and need to be reminded.”
Enashoma’s eyes narrowed, she huffed…and then she sat back down. “I remember.”
“Good. Now, where was I?” Lord Gyoroe stroked his chin. “Ah, yes. If you are on the verge of defeat, there is no shame in retreating to fight another day. You do not have to seize each heart stone on the first attempt. While I feel certain the guardians will regenerate after you leave, you will be able to return rested, knowing what you will face.
“Now, I suggest everyone enjoy their tea and desserts. Then get some rest. Tomorrow will be an eventful day.” His eyes sparkled blue and white, and he smiled deeply. “The first in restoring the Golden Age of the Kaiaru.” As he stood to leave, his eyes flickered violet. “And I know you will not fail me.”
Chapter Ten
G yoroe and Hannya departed, leaving them in the Dining Hall to finish their desserts. The mood had shifted from pleasant, jovial even, to sour. Turesobei ate one more bite, then shoved his bowl away in disgust.
Several minutes passed without anyone saying anything, until Motekeru stood up.
“Nothing has
“As for the guardians themselves, at each location you will face a host of small yet lethal beasts or constructs, along with a single powerful entity that is more than capable of defeating an individual Kaiaru by itself.”
Again, the others glanced fearfully at one another and him. Though nervous, Turesobei maintained a brave face. Even if it was daunting, with the Storm Dragon at his command, he felt himself the equal of a normal Kaiaru wizard. And he had Hannya the Earth Dragon, Motekeru, and his team to support him.
“The type of guardians will vary at each location, according to the preferences of the individual Shogakami who placed them there. Traps and deception are also possible. Finally, and this may be the worst part, I have reason to believe there may be some sort of trick to defeating the guardians. But I have no clue what that trick might be.”
A trick? Turesobei didn’t like the sound of that. It was bad enough that they would be facing guardians so powerful the Shogakami thought they would be suitable for protecting their power sources from other Kaiaru and dragons like Hannya, but to know almost nothing about the challenges they would be facing….
“Finally,” Hannya said with a sigh, “I regret that I will be unable to assist you.”
“You’re not fighting with us?!” Turesobei asked, alarmed. This was even worse news. They desperately needed her help. No wonder Gyoroe had pushed them so hard in training.
“Wards were placed at each location preventing me, Lord Gyoroe, Naruwakiru, and the other Shogakami, outside of the one owning that location, from coming within three leagues. Basically, all the major players of the time were locked out, to prevent a single entity from ever seizing that much power again.”
“Naruwakiru?” Turesobei asked. “Does that mean I could be prevented from going there as well? Hitting a force field during the middle of a teleport is not something I wish to do.”
“The wards were based on the kenja signatures of those Kaiaru, not on the energy of the Storm Dragon itself. You will be safe.”
“You must,” Lord Gyoroe said, “retrieve the heart stones in a certain order. The realm where you begin determines in what order you must take on the rest. Turesobei, you are best at working the Spring Gate, which is fortunate, because I believe the enemies you face there will be the easiest to defeat. Lord Razakan had a tendency toward laziness.”
Everyone stared silently, stunned. Suddenly, Enashoma jumped to her feet and shouted, “That’s it?! You’re sending them into danger, and that’s all you know?!”
“We are fortunate to know that much,” Gyoroe replied calmly. “And this lack of knowledge is the reality you must accept.” His eyes flashed scarlet and orange for a moment. “Unless you have forgotten how everything works here and need to be reminded.”
Enashoma’s eyes narrowed, she huffed…and then she sat back down. “I remember.”
“Good. Now, where was I?” Lord Gyoroe stroked his chin. “Ah, yes. If you are on the verge of defeat, there is no shame in retreating to fight another day. You do not have to seize each heart stone on the first attempt. While I feel certain the guardians will regenerate after you leave, you will be able to return rested, knowing what you will face.
“Now, I suggest everyone enjoy their tea and desserts. Then get some rest. Tomorrow will be an eventful day.” His eyes sparkled blue and white, and he smiled deeply. “The first in restoring the Golden Age of the Kaiaru.” As he stood to leave, his eyes flickered violet. “And I know you will not fail me.”
Chapter Ten
G yoroe and Hannya departed, leaving them in the Dining Hall to finish their desserts. The mood had shifted from pleasant, jovial even, to sour. Turesobei ate one more bite, then shoved his bowl away in disgust.
Several minutes passed without anyone saying anything, until Motekeru stood up.
“Nothing has
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