Dragon Tide Chronicles: Dawn Rising

Chapter 38: The Temple Guardians

Chapter 38: The Temple Guardians

After much heated debated between Porkessa (whose name was as funny as cheese from the moon) and the Spirit Elder, there was a consensus not to kill us all. Afterwards, the Spirit Elder bid us to come and eat, which causes audible groans from all the Dragonlings, and Alexander. I look at Alexander and ask,

“So who are they?” He looks over at me in a bored way.

“The other Guardians of course.” He says dully.

“So, what’s with that shifting power of theirs? And why can’t you do it?” I reply.

As snickering from some of the other guardians rings out, Alexander growls in annoyance.

“Shifting is simple the ability to take the appearance of a type of Grandfather Dragon. Unlike many people’s limited knowledge about them, we know that there are a number of sub types, just like there are multiple types of dragon, and multiple classes, like Chromatic, Gem, and Metallic. Just as there are subtypes like Red, White, Black, Green, and Blue.” He says in a matter of fact voice.

“So why can’t you do it?” I say probingly. More snickering follows, and he roars,

“Oh shut up!”

“You didn’t answer my question.” I say in a low voice. He growls angrily, and swats me as if I was a baseball and his arm was a baseball bat. I land near one of the Guardians in the back of the group. He seemed to be staying farther back than the others for some reason, even though he was invited to join the ones in the front.

I look up at him and note that like Alexander, he doesn’t seem too thrilled about being near the others. He has silver hair, with a brilliant metallic sheen, ivory colored skin, and dark brown eyes. He appears well muscled, which would indicate impressive strength, even for a dragonling. He is wearing a grey, worn shirt, and worn brown pants. He looks over at me and frowns lightly.

“Is there something you need, Princess?” He says in a rather pleasant voice, it flowed from his mouth like smooth flowing creek water. It occurs to me that among dragonlings, he is fairly desirable. That explains why Porkessa and her gang can’t stand not looking at him without appearing as though they want to eat him like candy. Ha, that name’s just ridiculous.

“Why can’t he shift? Is there something wrong with him?” I ask, hoping he would shed light on why Alexander couldn’t shift.

“Because of what happened back when he was in training at Old Sunneroria. The costs of creating such a storm such as the Year of Storms drained him of his full power. It’s like a scar that won’t heal. In time, he may regain that power, but as you can tell, it’s yet to be seen.” He says softly.

“Right… wait, what did happen that made him unleash the Year of Storms? I don’t understand.” My voice rings with confusion.

“The other question was acceptable, that, I have no right to tell you about. He would literally kill me if I started telling you about it. Look up there.” He points up at the front of the group, and Alexander had stopped and was watching us. “It doesn’t seem like it, but he can tell what we’re saying, even from back here.” I sigh, accepting the fact I probably won’t ever find out what exactly Alexander’s problem is. He stops, and I follow his example, as the others stop as well.

The Spirit Elder, as he was called, stepped into the light. He was a Remnant, and I instantly drew my sword. How could I tell? His scent. You see, fairies can pick up on a being’s scent, and also can tell what race they derive from.

“Calm yourself, Danica. Unlike the example of the Covenant, not all Remnants are evil, or even cruel. I was created by Alexandi, and my original self was a master of divine power, but was nowhere the might of Alexandi. I merely serve as a teacher to Guardians, like the rest of the Spirit Elders. Do not fight with me.” He said with a strong, steely voice. His hair is grey and old; he has a scar on his eye on the left. He has stubble of a beard, well shaven. His white robes billow softly around him.

I reluctantly put my sword in its sheath, much to the Guardian’s apparent relief.

“I wish to inform you that Danica will sleep in Alexander’s room, Ore in Porkessa’s room, Orph and Summer may have their own room.” He says dully.

 I was both worried and ok with Ore’s room assignment. He’s a responsible, intelligent guy, so I know he wouldn’t pull something on a girl. I could also count on Porkessa not trying anything, because she’s a dragonling and he’s a fairy, so I figured it was reasonably safe to assume there would be no issues there. As for me, I could tell Alexander wasn’t the type to assault a woman, sexually of course. Physically? Oh yes he would. Assuming that he didn’t try to provoke me, and assuming I didn’t provoke him, it would be an relatively quiet night.