The weight of water created a large burden across his back and shoulders. He stumbled down the steep steps sculpted into the mountain, with each parallel bucket sloshing around as he desperately tried not to spill it. Behind him, also stumbling was his Cha-cha, brandishing a small stick across her shoulder to copy him as she also attempted her ill-fated trek down to the house. He smiled at the sight and continued to lug the water.
"You know Cha-Cha, this is actually quite like the training I once had to undergo as a ward of the Guardians. And soon, you'll be doing the same thing."
She looked at him and spoke some gibberish which qualified as a response.
"Of course, I could also put in some proper irrigation, and this would be completely avoidable," he said. They both continued the small trek down to the house where more duties awaited.
Skyene brandished the staff across her back and then thrust it outwards in a forward lunge as she addressed her own would-be warriors.
"Of course, you will not be starting on the staff. I will address the other weapons you have at your disposal: Your mind and your hands."
A few students looked down at their hands and she couldn't help but grin.
She proceeded to show them the first defensive block – the butterfly weave- when she was interrupted by Jara. "I'm sorry to interrupt. Urgent business Skyene."
Judging by the formal tone, she instructed her assistant to take over. Jara led her back into the recesses of the canyon, where Lucern also met them. "What is it? I was busy rehearsing."
"Rehearsing?" she asked.
"Yes, over by the bar," he replied.
"Well, we have more urgent matters at hand. Our scouts have reported something of great concern." She looked at both Skyene and Lucern before continuing. "Normally I'd wait for Yordu and Garwyn, but sadly time is a luxury ill-afforded."
"Is this about the new recruits, because they are just utterly terrible..." asked Lucern.
Skyene couldn't help but emit a laugh.
"See, Lady Guardian over here understands," he said, smirking widely at his own running commentary.
"Is everything a joke to you, Lucern?" Jara said.
"Only the things that matter."
After her reflexive scowl, she gestured for them to walk with her over to the study area, though at this time it had been hastily prepared as the new war room. In the middle of the space was a great wooden table with a large map scattered over it. It was adorned with various pins and wooden icons that represented certain groups, highlighting known forces of Valezk and the various units of the Salkara resistance, though these were significantly smaller by number and representation. She clutched a spare block and slammed it down in the centre of the Northern road, a little too dramatically for Lucern's liking though he avoided the temptation to speak.
"This is our biggest problem."
"And what exactly does that represent?"
"Our scouts reported a supply convoy headed to Mes-Celesk: Valezk's supply convoy."
Skyene asked, "Do we know what's on it?"
"My best guess is all manner of things: currency, food, weapons, etc. Valezk will need them all if he is going to continue this campaign of chaos."
"I like how you said that; 'campaign of chaos', it could even be a song" added Lucern.
"We'll need a team to take it down and seize it all," Jara said.
YOU ARE READING
The Guardians of Celesk
FantasyIt came during the most desperate of times, after a reign of bloodshed. It thundered on in spite of terror, hopelessness and the great chain of inequity. It shattered shackles and in its momentum gathered all in its wake. It was hope. In the new era...
