The Guardians of Time

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Warriors

Ayden sat at the head of the table watching everyone play at their food and hold conversations. Jakoba had personally prepared this meal for Maylo's arrival and it would be one that Ayden would never forget. The roast was succulent and the vegetables were so tender and flavorful that even the children ate them without complaint.

There was talk of past lives and laughter filled the room. Everyone seemed to get along so well, so fast, that Ayden had was convinced that this moment was fate. Whether it had been crafted by Those Above or not didn't matter. He truly understood that where he was, right then, was where he was supposed to be. He took the final bite of his roast and then met eyes with Skylar, who was watching him. He remembered a conversation they shared as they walked back to the castle from Maylo's ship; Skylar in his arms.

Daddy, who is that man? Skylar had asked with his mind as he sat on top of Ayden's shoulders.

He is here to help us. Ayden replied.

With what?

Skylar, do you remember the difference between good and bad? He posed a very mature question to his two-year-old.

It was funny, really, that such a young child, who physically couldn't form the words he wanted to say had the ability to communicate with his mind. His brain was far more mature than his body.

Sometimes. Like telling Mommy no? That's bad, right? Skylar tried to understand.

Well, yes. That can be bad. And you always do what your mother asks. Ayden replied as he took Skylar from his shoulders and tickled him.

Skylar's laughter was like a chorus of Angels; each heavenly voice playing a symphony just for him,

There are other types of bad things, though. Ayden continued.

Like the man that took me and flew away?

That's right. How do you know he was bad? He asked his son.

He scared me. My tummy hurt when he carried me away. Skylar replied

Well, there is another man out there that's worse than the man that took you. He wants to make everything good end.

Why, Daddy?

I can't answer that. Usually, men like him feel they deserve something. Ayden said as the group neared the gates to the castle gardens.

I don't like him and I think I have seen him in my dreams. Skylar replied.

Ayden was shocked at the advanced connection to magic and the timeline that Skylar had at such a young age.

I have too. That's why Maylo is here; to help us fight. Ayden explained.

I like Maylo.

Me too.

The conversation ended with Skylar putting his chin on his father's head and wrapping his arms around Ayden's forehead. When they had entered the gardens, the smell that greeted them was overwhelmingly wonderful. It was then that Jakoba appeared and announced that dinner would be ready soon.

While waiting, Ayden showed Maylo and his family the castle grounds as well as their new homes. Maylo gave Ayden a quick lesson on transposing and together they unloaded his ship, filling the houses with their things.

Ayden was pulled back from the recent memory and realized that Skylar was still staring at him while chewing a carrot. Ayden smiled and his son returned the gesture before the king looked out among the table to see that most had finished eating and were busy in conversation. Ayden, Maylo and Kathryn had a meeting planned shortly after dinner and he thought now would be as good as time as any to have the children put to bed.