A Warden's Tale

Chapter 3 - Wardens

Caellum Pontus Vettore

We were escorted by a group of wardens to Embermark. The man in charge of this group was Theodore Lumiere. Brown hair, tall, and face filled with freckles.

Apparently, he was tasked to escort us to Embermark to ensure we wouldn't be able to wander to dangerous places.

All of them were students of Embermark. There is no such term as warden in training. Your 13th birthday marks you as a full fledge warden with different rites of passage per warden family.

Our other warden escorts removed their helms as we walked. They were 2 girls and 2 boys including Theodore.

"Hi, I am Therese Lumiere." The brown haired girl cheerfully said. Theodore must be twins, they look a lot like each other.

"I am Gunther Rosenfeld." Gunther was about to extend his arm but Theodore laughed. "We all know who you guys are, you new kids are the talk of the town."

"Let me formally introduce my group, this is my twin Therese. The guy over there is River and this fellow here is Ben." River was as tall and bulky as Gunther and had ginger hair, he had that smug look in his face.

Our mouths fell open at what Theodore said. Aleksander who was usually reserved couldn't hold his shock and was able to mutter incoherent words. Ben was black haired, petite frame and somewhat chinky eyed.

They were clearly amused with our reactions. "W-w-wait, Ben?" Aleksander finally was able to speak.

"You've got a problem with that?" Ben quipped authoritively.

"N-no m'am!."

River then burst out laughing. "You do know that its just a nickname, she's a true and pure girl even if she doesn't lo--"

Ben tripped him and River landed face first to the ground much to his surprise.

"What was that for?"

"For being insensitive and loud. So shut it riv."

Gunther whistled. "Feisty, just my type."

"Isn't every girl you meet your type?" Stella said while rolling her eyes.

Gunter raised his two hands. "Guilty as charged."

While they were talking, I noticed Luciana having a private conversation with the twins. I am too far to hear it though. As I was about to go closer, River suddenly called me.

"Lord Caellum!"

"Just Cael is fine." I am not really used to being called Lord. I guess I can't avoid the spotlight forever.

River answered back with a grin. "Cael it is then, I was wondering if I could see your capabilities beforehand."

I've always been asked this types of question. Everyone wants to test themselves against family members belonging to the council of five.

I cringe at the thought that more and more would take interest in challenging him with him being the new heir of the Vettore family .

I answered river with a nod and river made a fist pump. We were approaching a dense forest.

When we reach the Largest tree in the forest clearing Theodore stopped the group to a halt. "We are now in the Forest of the Gods, we all should pay our respects before proceeding."

All of us dropped our stuff in the ground and dropped to one knee.
Theodore started to speak with a monotonous solemn voice.

"We bow our heads in respect, in accordance to our treaty of yore. Hear us as we Roar, with our might, we shall not give respite. As wardens fall, with every battle's toll. Only death, will release us of our oath. For eternity lies, to our binding ties. Now the wardens shall rise"