The Guardians of Time

Chapter Thirty-Two: Ready

Ayden and Kathryn made their way into the courtyard, which had already been completely repaired from the practice the day before and he could smell the floral goodness of the gardens once again. The staff had been busy through the night.

"Welcome." He said to the group as he approached.

The chatter among the Warriors stopped and everyone looked at him. Most of them were dressed in the tightest tunics they owned to enable the free-flowing movement necessary in quick, hand-to-hand combat. A couple of them, including the mighty Torenth, wore heavy chest plates, arm and leg guards and carried large shields.

"I hope that you all enjoyed your evenings. I hope hugged your families and shared the night reveling in one another. As happy as I am to see you, we all know that its because of dire circumstances. In hours, Stenos will attempt to change our entire timeline, starting thirty-three years ago. Think back and remember what will be altered in your own destinies if he succeeds. And remember that if we cannot stop him, then the universe will fall." Ayden stood pridefully, but his insides were turning.

His mind continued to replay the confrontation he had already experienced with Stenos; how badly he had been injured, nearly killed, and he wondered if he could stand his ground when he faced him again. With the training he completed and how hard he had worked, he hoped that he was. Either way, it was far too late for second guesses. The moment of Ayden's destiny had arrived.

The very reason he had been called back home now lay in front of him like a train wreck that he could only watch and was powerless to stop. But he accepted the challenge with open arms. He would face Stenos again and this time.... he would not lose.

"I have found a new way of traveling to earth." Ayden said. "Everyone will receive a large satchel full of these."

He lifted one of the orbs from his mother's box which had been wheeled out on a cart from her room. He held it out for all to see between his index finger and thumb.

"They were created by my mother and, from what I can tell, with this box our supply is unlimited. They will allow us to transport anywhere, instantly. I will warn you, the feeling is somewhat uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds."

"So, we are leaving later, then?" Rosemarie asked from the back of the group.

"No. We leave now. These orbs are just another blessing and another tiny advantage we have over Stenos and his men. From the field on earth to my childhood home is about an hour by foot. We will have time, also, to scope out the area."

"I will be around to give you all one of these, as well." Kathryn stepped up and held out a tiny diamond broach shaped like a fox. "These will allow you to remain unseen by the people of earth. The diamond has been enchanted to use and deflect the sun's rays making you essentially invisible. They only work in the daylight, however. At dusk, we must remain as hidden as possible."

The Warriors lined up quickly as Ayden and Kathryn walked to each of them; Ayden dipping a satchel into the box of orbs and handing it over, while Kathryn pinned broaches to each one of their chests. A short while later they all stood, staring at their king and queen, wondering what their next move would be.

"These things allow time travel as well?" Rosemarie asked.

"Well, my father believes so. The contents are made from the Waters of Atlantis, the very thing Stenos is using to go back."

The Warriors quieted again at the mention of Ayden's father. They waited as Ayden and Kathryn readied themselves, pinning one another's broaches and taking a satchel of their own. They gave a long, loving look before turning and facing the rest of the council. They knew what was coming was going to be long and trying. As confident as they were in all of them, they were unsure of exactly was Stenos was bringing to the fight. Ayden didn't expect everyone to return. It was a sad reality that he would not force the council to face in that moment.