The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 38 Session One

"So, we can't go around calling you three by your identification numbers."
I said to the Sentinels, eyeing them up and down.

Until they discovered an ability for higher loyalty, the three were technically under my command as a Keeper. Sentinels didn't take orders from anyone else unless specifically instructed by a Keeper to do so.

"Yes, Keeper Hadassah."
The three murmured without question.

"We'll be calling you Idris."
I pointed at my old friend who nodded, no recognition in her eyes of the name.

"Parker for you."
I instructed our male Sentinel.

"And Jessica."

I felt bad making up names for the other two but as we had no idea of their original identities, it would have to do. I'd borrowed the names of a couple of my cousins, not being particularly creative in the naming area myself.

"Your duty while you are in the Capitol is to serve the Prince, you will take his orders and do his bidding. Are we clear?"

"Yes, we will do as you have instructed until further commands are given."
Parker answered.

"Good, then as long as we are all on the same page, we have our first training session in ten minutes. Follow me."

It was early evening and the sun was hanging low in the western sky when the eight members of the royal guard and Ranen himself, met together for the first time.

"Welcome, my friends. Each of us is Itovian. Yet we come from such different backgrounds and have been trained in various types of combat. We have served in differing capacities, taken separate oaths to our elders respectively. What we do have in common, is our faithful service to this country."

Across from me, Cassian crossed his arms, a subtle smirk on his lips.

"My ancestor, Mateo Amir, was the first and only King to establish a royal guard. The men he chose were loyal to him, more than anyone else in the entire country. They shared his values, his beliefs, which is why they protected him. Not simply out of fealty, but out of real respect and love. Mateo and I do not share similar philosophies in how the government should be run. He ruled with an iron fist and wasn't exactly loved by the people.

I dream of a united nation, a free country where people no longer have to live in fear. I want you to help me accomplish this. We are strangers to each other now but I hope to quickly change that. I am not yet King, but when my turn comes, I want us, all of us, to change things in Itova for the better."

It was a good speech, I could see the passion flowing out into Ranen's words. He believed everything he was saying, he really wanted to see Itova change. He was a good man I realized, and I was lucky to know him. Despite the moving monologue, however, only Ilian and I seemed to have any reaction. Well, unless you counted Cassian's disguised sneer.

"Each of you has something valuable to bring to the table. Our training sessions will be the time for you to share that with the team. My personal forte is swordplay."

Cassian snickered. Ranen turned to him, with a questioning gaze.

"Do you have something to add Guard Yunsei?"

"Respectfully, your highness, what good is sword fighting going to do us? Guns are much more effective for taking down an enemy."
Cassian answered, crossing his arms.

"Draw your gun sir."
Ranen ordered, a cunning look in his dark eyes.

Cassian glanced at the rest of us before doing as he was told. His Guard issued weapon for daily usage was a small handgun. Guards on watch duty, however, would often carry assault rifles.