Guardians of Anteverum City

Chapter Eight: Unforeseen Complications

I arrived at the Control Room within a few minutes thanks to Ottie. All of the Guardians, including Reese, were gathered around Faye’s workspace.

  “What’s going on?” I asked as Ottie and I walked over to them. Ottie ogled at each individual in the group while they all gave her equally scrutinizing stares.

“Who’s the pipsqueak?” Rubus whispered.

“Oh, everyone this is Ottie,” I added and continued to introduce everyone. I could tell Ottie was restraining herself from getting really excited. Before we came in, I made her promise to behave.

  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ottie,” Demetria said in her honey-like voice. “Ottie is a very dear friend of Lyra’s and she knows all about us,” Demetria explained to the group. “It’s fine with me if you stay,” she said with a smile, now addressing Ottie.

  “It’s nice to meet you all, and thanks,” Ottie squealed as she sat down next to Faye. 

  “Go ahead, Faye. What is it you deemed so urgent?” Demetria asked. Faye cleared her throat.

  “After plenty of unorthodox research, I finally came across some hard facts about the Knights of the Round Table and the Limiter Sword. Firstly, sorceresses bestowed powers upon the sword in the days of Old England. Secondly, the sword granted powers to King Arthur and his ten original Knights. These powers are passed down to one child of each knight, so it is safe to say that there are ten knights with powers. Thirdly, over the last century especially, the Knights have been recruiting members. These members are most likely humans with abilities like the students in Anteverum City. However, it is nearly impossible that their abilities are well developed considering they never had access to the power cores and training programs we have here. Even if the Knights trained them using their own methods, I estimate that these second rank knights have power levels no higher than a Tertius. There are approximately 50 of these knights, give or take a few. All in all, I’m estimating we are up against around 60 knights and their leader. Unfortunately, those are the least pressing issues. If all of my calculations are correct, the Limiter Sword’s gauge should be at 92%.” This can’t be happening. Faye stopped talking and glanced at everyone.

“What?!” Opal gasped. I glanced around and noticed an expression plastered on their faces I have never seen them show before. Each and every Guardian looked truly fearful. The room remained dead silent for several moments. Ottie hopped to her feet,

  “You’ve had centuries to be afraid. Now’s not the time to let that fear get to you,” she huffed and crossed her arms around her chest, glancing around at all of us. All eyes in the room stared at her incredulously. I was too stunned by her outburst to reprimand her. Sapphira’s tinkling laugh broke the tension,

  “You are absolutely right, Ottie. When facing something scary, we have to forget our fears and charge head on. But for today, I think we all need time to process what we’ve heard.” She turned to Demetria for approval.

  “I agree, Sapphira. That is the best thing we can do at the moment. Moving too quickly wont benefit us. You kids should get back to your dorms and finish up your homework. We’ll meet again tomorrow to discuss the situation further. Lyra, Reese, please don’t be anxious. We will figure out the best course of action overnight,” Demetria said soothingly. Despite her calming words and tone, I could see the apprehension in her eyes. Seeing such a sweet person looking frightened and trying to put on a brave face for my sake made me feel even worse. Without thinking, I reached out and pulled Demetria in for a hug. Though initially startled, she hugged back. Words were not needed to describe what I wanted to convey to her.

  Ottie took Faye, Reese and I back to our room where we sat around the coffee table. Faye and I didn’t have the heart to go down to the dining hall, so Ottie went alone and brought up food for everyone. Perhaps it was because she wasn’t directly involved that she could maintain a level head and keep us moving. I’m glad she’s here to support us right now, or we would have sat like statues until Demetria contacted us.