Senn cannonballed out of the murky river. He landed on the shore with a loud "thunk". He lay there, choking out bursts of water.
"Senn!" shouted Igneous. "Senn," He said, rushing over. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," spluttered Seen, spitting out another mouthful of water, "yeah I'm fine."
"What happened?" Inquired Igneous.
"I, I don't know." Senn couldn't make head or tails of the Guardian's actions. "They just suddenly let me go." He coughed. "I saw my life flash before my eyes, andS…"
The sound of the waves interrupted their conversation. They turned to the river, where the riverbed, still wet, rose up from the water. Guardians on either side held up the earth with their beams, forming a bridge to the other side.
Igneous stood up. "I guess we're clear to pass!" He helped Senn up and strolled to the bridge. "Come on." It was such a daring move that Senn wondered if Magnorites could swim. Timber followed closely behind him. Senn gave a try on the bridge and quickly followed Igneous into the mist. As soon as they stepped off the Guardian bridge, the mist dissipated, and they were greeted with sunlight again.
Senn glanced back. The bridge dropped back into the water. Timber purred. Senn remounted and they continued down the road.
"I once read in a book that Guardians are some of the oldest species in Ardonia- older than even the Glacians." Igneous began talking as soon as they resumed their normal positions.
"What were they doing though?" pondered Senn, "They nearly drowned me!"
"They were probably trying to figure out which Ardoni clan you're from." answered Igneous. Senn thought back to how his entire memory flashed before his eyes. Igneous has a point. Afterall, not many Ardoni have white markings. "As their name implies," Igneous continued, "they guard some of the most ancient and treasured locations from unwanted intrusion. Ataraxia must be important if it has Guardians defending it."
They came to a small village. Houses rose on either side, built into the hills as in Senn's village. In a diner, Senn could see a Kaltaris mother holding a piece of cake in front of her kid, lecturing him not to snack too much. On the other side, a Mendoris, whose markings glowed pink in the afternoon sun, tended to her potted plants on her balcony.
Igneous voiced out his thoughts. "Well," He said. "I guess this is Ataraxia. It's a bit smaller than I expected, but it's nice to be in an Ardoni city for once. The pleasant light of their markings were always enjoyable. So…" He leaned towards Senn, "What is it we should be looking for again?" He asked.
"I'm not entirely sure…" replied Senn.
Timber whinnied to get their attention. The two stopped dead in front of a cliff and almost fell off. But that wasn't half the surprise. As they raised their eyes, the true Ataraxia came into view.
"Oh, my…" Igneous hushed.
Before them is the most awe-inspiring sight Senn has ever seen. The orange sunlight found its way through the sky between floating islands. On these islands were trees, grass, ponds, and stone houses. Beneath them was a crystal-clear lake. So clear that Senn could see the fish and the lakebed. The creatures agitated the water and made glimmering waves travel from here to there. Birds, much more colorful than Senn has ever seen, flew from island to island. Ardoni crossing the brown bridges added their light to the sun's radiance. If there was heaven, thought Senn, this would be a perfect replica.
"It's incredible." Senn said in an equally hushed voice. Of all the things he has seen since he traveled with Thalleous, this was the most beautiful of them.
"Come on," said Igneous, returning to his usual liveliness. ". Let's find a place for Timber and go check it out."
They settled Timber in a stable and stepped out onto the floating islands. Senn glanced down a bridge as they crossed it. The water seemed to loom up to him as he stared. Although he knew it was only a couple of stories high and he would probably land unscathed, he still felt dizzy as he looked into its depth.
They mounted the last steps onto the largest island of them all. This must be city central, thought Senn. Ardoni of all colors were busying about. Some carrying goods, others hurried to their destination.
"Their attacks were just the beginning." A Nestoris's voice drifted towards them. Senn looked. A young Ardoni, carrying a plain iron sword by his waist, was chasing after two older ones, both of whom carried formidable staffs on their back. These were, of course, Zulius Kaltaris and Hadion Mendoris, who have come from their recruitment of Ardoni. "The Voltaris are indeed returning and we need an army to face them." The Nestoris shouted over the surrounding throng.
Zulius motioned Hadion to stop and turned around. His face spoke of frustration and impatience as he looked at the Nestoris. "Did you not hear?" Zulius questioned him. "We have been gathering Ardoni and are attacking the Voltaris within a fortnight. They will threaten the clans no longer."
"This is bigger than that!" yelled the Nestoris, raising his arms to indicate the grander picture. "We need to be ready to defend all of Ardonia."
"Hmph," Hadion gave a contemptuous snort. "You exaggerate." He said, crossing his arms.
Zulius motioned to Hadion to remain polite. "I am disappointed you will not join us." He said to the Nestoris. Then, turning around, he motioned to his companion. "Let us go, Hadion." They walked away, leaving the Nestoris alone staring after them. He has been gathering fighters as well, but so far, with little success.
"I agree with what you said." Senn chimed in. The Nestoris turned to see the new comer. "My village was destroyed by the Voltaris, and I know what they're capable of." Senn continued.
"Interesting" The golden Ardoni held his chin in his hand. "I've never met an Ardoni without a clan before." Every Ardoni was initiated by the clan Master when they are one year old. Before that, their markings glowed white, but then they retain their clan's color until they are re-initiated or dead.
"I am Hubris Nestoris." Hubris introduced himself, approaching them. "Your turn." He stopped and waited.
"I'm Senn, this is my companion Igneous." Replied Senn, pointing behind him
"Greetings!" Igneous waved from behind.
"A clanless Ardoni and a Magnorite." Hubris paused, considering the new opportunities this presents. "You two could work." He murmured after a moment's contemplation.
"I am recruiting for a new resistance group known as the Knights of Ardonia." Hubris walked closer to have more of their attention. "We could certainly use a Magnorite in our ranks." He waved his hand at the group.
"That's a tempting offer," replied Senn. Joining a resistance group is exactly what he wanted to do since the attack. "But I have some things to take care of first."
Hubris backed away slightly. He was glad that he got potential recruits, but that they would not join right away. "The Knights of Ardonia will always be recruiting." He said. "Seek us out if the opportunity presents itself." He turned around. "Good day." He waved his hand and walked away.
"What a strange fellow." Igneous commented as he walked alongside Senn aimlessly around the square. "So, where to next, Senn?" He asked.
"Well, I'm not quite sure what we're looking for, or why…" Replied Senn as he surveyed the surroundings. Igneous, on the other hand, had already taken off down one of the alleys leading to a bridge. Senn ran to catch up. "Igneous wait up!" He shouted.
They entered what looked like a blacksmith's shop. A deep blue Ardoni stood at the anvil facing away from the door. As they entered, he spoke with a familiar voice.
"Have you come for fresh tools, or do you require repairs of your own?" He pulled out what looked like an iron pickaxe in the making out from the furnace, placed it on the anvil, and started hammering.
Senn blurted out, "Thalleous?" It couldn't be him. Could it? Senn hoped he was wrong. And why is he here, working in a blacksmith's shop?
"Thalleous" stopped mid swing and turned around. He resembled Thalleous in every way. He, too had five notches on his antlers, and the same pattern of blue markings shone on his chest.
"Thalleous," He said, "is my brother. I am Galleous. Although," he paused, "most in this city should know that."
"I didn't know Thalleous had any surviving brothers." Senn said, surprised. In all the years he had spent with Thalleous, he never spoke about his family.
"Yeah," Galleous replied, as if he's jealous being overshadowed by his brother, though he was older. "I get that a lot." He returned to the pickaxe and hammered it again.
"He never spoke about me, nor I him." Galleous hammed while he spoke. "While he is out there adventuring and exploring," He hammered again. Senn could see him lengthening the pickaxe's curve. "I just live the 'mundane' life." He hammered to make the point slimer.
"Galleous, sir." Senn spoke after a moment's silence. Galleous stopped mid-swing. "Your brother, Thalleous is dead. He was killed in a Voltaris ambush." He bowed his head.
"Was he?" Scoffed Galleous. He hammered the pickaxe more forcefully than before. "I always told him to stay away from the Voltaris." He brought down the hammer with such force that Senn could see the pickaxe deforming.
"But no," continued the blacksmith. "Why listen to Galleous, Galleous who never leaves his workshop?" He struck again. Senn thought he saw the anvil crack under the stress.
"And now," Galleous shouted through a runny nose, "I am the last of my family!" He swung his hammer again, but completely missed the pickaxe. With a loud "clang", the hammer struck the anvil which gave way, leaving a dent in its place. Galleous threw his tool down and left. He walked to a balcony and looked out over the floating islands.
Evening has almost fallen now. The last remnants of the day's light faded one by one through the gaps between the rocks. Mourning, in silence, one of Ardoni's greatest heroes.
Senn approached Galleous, who felt his presence. "I have not seen him in many years." Galleous kept back the tears swelling up in his eyes. "My brother and I never, agreed on much, but despite our differences," He choked, bending over the railing, "I am going to miss him."
After another moment, Galleous brought back himself from the grief and addressed the white Ardoni. "You must be Senn, the clanless Ardoni whom Thalleous rescued." He pointed his hand at the Magnorite. "And who might you be?" He asked.
"Hello sir, my name's Igneous!" The orange man replied, waving.
"He's a friend." Explained Senn.
Galleous nodded. "Let us take this conversation to the lower level." He said, pointing at the ground. "Does he mean the living rooms?" Senn thought. "We will be more comfortable there." Finished Galleous.
They headed down below, where an orange glow lit the stone-walled room. Senn looked around. Galleous had few decorative possessions, unlike Sulliman, who left no corner untouched with gold. There was a chair, a small table on which Galleous ate his meals, and a few pots of small plants. The walls were painted grey, the stone's natural color. A green Supporium Song glowed on a shelf in a corner.
"Oh, lava!" Shouted Igneous when he saw the orange light. "Thank goodness!" He ran over, bent down over the pool, and began drinking like a horse.
Senn was surprised with Igneous's actions and excitement. But the energy of Magnorites had to come from somewhere. He turned towards Galleous, who took a seat beside the table.
"Thalleous never gave me any final words," said the young Ardoni, taking a chair next to Galleous, "but he did speak of this place, of Ataraxia, just before the ambush."
"I know what he would have wanted." Galleous replied. "There is a war coming, that much is certain." He swung his hand to indicate the turmoil that is about to engulf the world. "We must prepare for it as best we can. We will not get any help from the Kingdoms, with Cydonia and K'arthen locked in their conflict.".
Before Senn could come up with any ideas, Igneous interjected. "I've actually always wanted to visit K'arthen. Perhaps I can help with that issue?" His orange light looked brighter after his long drink.
"Igneous?" Senn was surprised. "But, we've only just arrived." Not to mention the danger of traveling into a hostile land full of bad-tempered Magnorites, if the rumors were indeed true.
Igneous smiled. "I'm a traveler, Senn, and if I can end this conflict I may end the oppression of Magnorites everywhere."
"Cydonia and K'arthen have the two largest armies of Ardonia." Commented Galleous. "Uniting them is a necessity, and who better than a Magnorite to do it?"
"Sounds good to me." Igneous agreed with Galleous. He turned toward his friend. "It really was nice meeting you Senn, I'm going to miss the only friend I've ever had."
Something about the way he said it seemed wrong to Senn. He had a bad feeling about his departure. "Wait, Igneous." He said, "You're going to leave just like that?"
Igneous chuckled slightly. "Hey, I have a short lifespan remember? There's not a moment to waste." He started out towards the door.
"A bit of patience may save you even more time, my young friend." said Galleous. "The borders of K'arthen are closed and the people suspicious. However, I have a contact in Cydonia who can aid you." He took out some ingots and handed it to Igneous. "Take this gold, sail to Meridian, and find Aren the Fletcher. Be cautious, Magnorites are not welcome in Cydonia." He warned. Igneous's appearance might invoke unnecessary hostility and compromise his good intentions.
"Thank you Galleous." Said the orange man, putting the gold into his pack. He turned towards the other. "I hope we'll see each other again Senn."
"I think we will." Senn replied, even though at the bottom of his heart, he knew it to be a slim chance. "Goodbye Igneous, and good luck!" He wished his friend and Igneous marched out of the door.
That night, Senn stayed at Galleous' island. He gulped down loaf after loaf of bread, and slice after slice of melon. Galleous leaned on the doorway behind him and watched Senn devour the food.
"I see you have quite the appetite." Galleous observed.
Senn put his half-eaten apple down. "I haven't had much to eat since," He thought back to the village alight with fire, "well, since everything happened."
"Thank you." said Senn, taking another bite out of the fruit. Something nudged him in the back of his mind. He put down the apple again. "Galleous," Senn asked, "if the Voltaris were nearly wiped out in the Great War, why do you believe such drastic preparations are necessary?"
"Times are changing." Galleous replied. He walked over to a railing and looked out at the moon. It returned with its pure rays, lighting the treetops and greenery of the floating islands with a soft silver hue. Eternal tranquility seemed to protect the magical city of Ataraxia, quite unlike the turmoil that occupied the other lands.
"And Thalleous knew it before the rest of us." Galleous continued. "I myself may not get around much, but" He turned around, smiling proudly, "acquiring information has been somewhat of a specialty of mine."
"At this very moment, the armies of Felden have begun their war against the Necromancers. A dark shroud will soon spread across the kingdom of Felden." Galleous said as he pointed in the southwest direction. There, Senn knew, was where Felden lie relative to Ataraxia. "The Ardoni clans have called many warriors south to exact revenge on the Voltaris and destroy them once and for all." Galleous continued. Zulius's words that morning rose to Senn's mind. That's hardly a secret. "Your friend Igneous travels to K'arthen to settle a civil war between kingdoms. And, most exciting of all, there have even been reports that the first Ender Dragon has been hatched in over a hundred years." He indicated the southeast, where the two kingdoms stood. And strangely, Galleous motioned towards Biggerton for the Ender Dragon. Senn remembered vaguely the girl who lent them a map there said something about tracking a man who stole a dragon egg, could it be that she was the one?
"If we are to prevent a Second Great War," Galleous turned around. His eyes, glowing a deep blue, had a strength and solemness in them that Senn had never seen before. The white Ardoni knew, that he meant it. The world will never be the same boring life he had experienced. "We are going to need everyone." Galleous concluded in a serious tone quite unlike his usual.
Senn gulped down the remainder of the apple in three large bites, tossed the core into the bin and jumped down from his chair. "I will gladly fight." He declared. "What must I do?"
"I will train you Senn, as Thalleous would have." Galleous replied. "Now come with me, there is something I must show you." He walked out the door. Senn followed. They came to a small trapdoor at the top of one of the adjacent smaller islands. Galleous pulled out a key and opened it. The door creaked upwards to reveal a ladder and a black tunnel. The air coming from it smelled no different than the outside. Senn concluded that either Galleous built an air way inside or he visited it frequently.
The blue Ardoni pulled out a torch and waved it around. The flame sprung to life. He descended down the ladder and beckoned towards Senn to follow. At the bottom, he waited for Senn to arrive. Then, Galleous raised the torch to illuminate the entire cavern. Dim though it was, the light reflected off clean polished iron armor, sleek swords, and diamond blades. It was an armory, fit for equipping an entire battalion of elite troops.
"I do not just make tools, Senn." Galleous said, sweeping the torch at the small chamber. "I have been preparing for the Voltaris in my own way."