Between Wind And Fire

The Wardens Of Argentum

It had been a long time since Uriel was able to properly sit and rest, for the past two weeks and a half his mind only knew three things. Train, Sleep, Recover. The process ran nonstop like clockwork but Uriel did not complain. For the first time in his seventeen years of living he finally felt like his actions amounted to something. He could feel his body grow stronger but more importantly he felt a sliver of confidence that had not previously been there before. He had Jirad to thank for that.

"How's your arm ?" Uriel asked, he was still guilty about the injury he left behind during his awakening.

There was a snort and then a small chuckle. "It is going to take a lot more than that to hurt this old man !" Jirad reassured as he cut a small block of cheese, "I've made plenty of ointments so you needn't worry about my recovery, I appreciate the concern though."

Uriel nodded at Jirads usual dismissive response. Sometimes he didn't know if the old man is was just saying what he said to make him worry less which had the adverse effect of making him worry  even more. Everyone had their limits and Jirad was no exception but how great his limits were, nobody knew.

"So what was in that drink you made when I was recovering from backlash ?"

Before Jirad could reply a loud knock came from the door that startled the two of them. A palpable pulse of energy surged throughout the room as both Jirad and Uriel's Manus cores swelled with Vitae in anticipation. Slowly Uriel made his way towards the door, his fingers curled around the handle and slowly pulled it open.

"Uriel ! Jirad ! " Shouted Elanda, barely catching her breath, she was completely drenched in sweat and her hair was in complete disarray. "T-theres men, men in the village ! I think they're looking for you two, they-they asked me if I know of a boy that recently awoke in the area...they call themselves The Wardens."

Jirad froze upon hearing the name, a chilling frost shot up his back that made him flinch. Unwanted memories came and went as a hundred thoughts filled his head all at once. As his hands shook, the glass bottle that he held slipped from his grip, falling hard against the floor tiles. The crash of shattering glass instantly grabbing Uriel and Elanda's attention.

"Jirad !" They both said at once, rushing to help him.

"I am fine !" The old man quickly composed himself as he held out his palm, "Magnar that pig bastard...he must have.." Jirad seethed.

"Who are the Wardens ?" Uriel asked, shooting a glance at Elanda then to Jirad.

The old man was silent again, as if he was carefully pondering the next few words. "Dangerous men." He finally spoke, "They come from Argentum and oversee all things magical, from enforcement to recruitment..each warden is given great independance so long as they meet their monthly tithes...there's no telling who we will face and what they will do to you..."

It was the first time Uriel felt something akin to fear in his mentors voice.

"What are you going to do ?" Elanda leaned against the door, she looked like she ran non stop from one end of the village to the other, Uriel couldn't help but feel touched at her concern.

"I do not know...but they will be here soon and we must be ready." replied Jirad, reaching for the ornate staff that hung from the wall, hiding it behind a wall panel that not even Uriel was aware of.

"Can we fight them...?" Uriel asked meekly.

"Are you stupid ? Have you heard nothing ?!" Jirad scolded, "These are not mere soldiers, Uriel they are seasoned battle mages ! And let's say by the will of the mountain gods we kill this Warden. More will come after him, what then Uriel ? Shall we fight the whole kingdom of Argentum itself ?!"

Uriel was quiet, Jirad had never been so angry at him. Suddenly the confidence that he cultivated after these gruelling weeks withered and crumbled, his fingers twitched itching for the blood of his palms.

Elanda shot a look at Uriel's shaking fist. He was doing it again, that same habit he had since they were children whenever he felt uncomfortable. She wanted to reach out and stop him but the memory of their first touch that night made her hesitate. She didn't know what to do.

Realising he had lost his temper, Jirad softened his voice, like a blacksmith quenching hot iron upon cool oil. "I just don't want you to make the same mistake as...the same mistake as..." Jirad couldn't will himself to say the name again.

"Marleo, that was his name right...?" Finished Uriel, worried if he may have struck a cord.

The old man neither nodded nor shook his head but the look in his eyes, that profound guilt told Uriel the answer.

"We must meet them...then we can decide from there.." Said Jirad, turning around to face the window.

"But there's no telling what they will do to Uriel !" Protested Elanda.

"We do as Jirad says." Uriel said firmly, "Today I will either live or die upon Greyhill."

"You and I both." Jirad put in evenly.