Guardians of the Light (Book 1: Rebirth)

Chapter 15

The ramparts of Hordigg Keep loamed overhead as Ronin galloped across the drawbridge, the horse’s hooves clicking against cobblestone as he entered the first part of the Keep. He was greeted at the Gatehouse by the guard taking him to where the Captain of the Royal Guard would be waiting for him. A pageboy tended to his horse as Ronin presented the guard with his invitation barring the seal of house Delacroix. Once everything was cleared, Ronin followed the guard as they made their way through the first part of the Keep.

Towering walls lined the Keep, he could spot archers lining the turrets all eyes were kept on him, and even as he walked the cobblestone streets, he could see witches staring at him. It wasn’t unusual for this place to have visitors from other places, but Ronin stuck out like a sore thumb because one he was a Guardian and two he was dressed difference.

Not many of the Keeps people were used to seeing modern clothing, since they followed rules and customs dating back many centuries. The guard escorting him left when they reached two giant double golden gates, the guards stationed outside pushed open the gates revelling a man donned in golden armour from head to toe.

“Greeting Guardian Ronin, we are pleased to welcome you to the House of the Royal Witches. My name is Einar, Captain of the Royal Guard. The High King awaits your presence, if you follow me please”, Ronin nodded his head and followed behind Einar. When they reached the main hall, Ronin entered doors shutting behind him, the throne room was lined with gold trim, several tapestry hung on the stonewalls depicting battles and history of House Delacroix.

Banners branding the crest of House Delacroix filled the high rafter ceiling, sitting upon two stone thrones were the High King and Queen. As Ronin approached, the Queen gave him a warm smile and Ronin bowed before both of them. Nicholas rose from his throne and waved his hand for Ronin to rise.

Finely tailored golden robes fitting for a High King sweep across the stone floors as the High King now stood before Ronin. “Please there is no need you are a guest in our great House Guardian”, for a man who was centuries old, he still looked about the same age as Ronin. After standing, the male witch motioned for him to take a sit in one of the wooden chairs.

Following his instructions, the High King spoke again, “My Queen and I are honoured to have a Guardian such as you in our realm. The Royal House of Delacroix and the Coven of the Enlightened have full support in finding your missing Guardian. I sent word to your Master Thaddeus on the matter, as I believed our Grand Mage as some information on who might have taken her and where she might be”.

Nicholas sat back on his throne seat, waving for a man who had been standing in the shadows to step forward. The witch was much older, his face sunken in by age, grey hair poking through the hooded robes he was wearing, a long bread covered his face. When the High King signaled for him to speak, the Grand Mage bowed and turned to Ronin, “For many years there have been two different factions working for The Darkness.

A group of witches and a group of Warlocks, I believe the group of Warlocks might have your Guardian”. The Grand Mage told him that in the beginning a female witch was casted out of her Coven because of her beliefs around a powerful and dark force. Witches were only known to be good; the Warlocks on the other hand were into much darker magic. This witch named Brighid formed a Coven known as The Sisters of The Ancient one, devoted to a Master known as The Ancient One, the same being we know as The Darkness.

Their current leader Kamila Morelli still devotes herself to this Ancient One but the Grand Mage explains that the Coven are not actively trying to bring their Ancient One back nor are they planned or organized to kidnap a Guardian. With it not being them, the Grand Mage only had one other group he without a doubt knew that they were the ones who took Lillian. A dark Warlock order known as Order of Shadows had been trying to summon The Darkness for ages ever since their first Leader Vuzahr tried and failed, “Vuzahr, I’ve heard that name before”, Ronin spoke. “Yes you might remember him from your first days as a Guardian, he was the first Warlock to try and summon The Darkness, when our House found out, we captured him and he was put to death for his crimes”.