THE KEEPERS RISE

Prologue

*Remember to click the play button to listen to the soundtrack as you read!*

It was still and eerily quiet. Then, without warning, the vaya's voice rang through the silence. "It is just as we feared. The time has come."

They whispered among themselves, and a cry came from the masses gathered below. "Great Radiant Vaya, how can we be sure?" More murmuring.

"The situation is on the verge of collapse, and we have nearly used up the priceless magic we have left. There is to be no more waiting. The Master Vaya will be sent off and their strength will finally have a greater purpose. I have always known that they were not meant to stay here with the rest of us." The Radiant Vaya went away from the center of the place to reveal the portal, empty but ready.

"Our collected magic will be drained almost fully by doing this," said one vaya in the congregation. "If this does not work, there is no turning back. We cannot gather enough magic to try anything else worthwhile in time."

The Radiant Vaya expressed a deep feeling of happiness and hope, and said firmly, "I am confident that the Powerstones will work. With the Master Vaya to guide their Keepers, they will bring peace to the universe."

The discussion was interrupted by the group of Master Vaya that had gathered before the Radiant Vaya. The green one in the front said lightly, "We are ready," but the whole congregation was already completely focused on them, silent in anticipation and terror. That front vaya was carrying the last of the spirit realm's stored magic.

Carefully, the magic was brought to the portal, and seeing its purpose with newfound resolve, the power flew into the gateway. A shriek echoed through the space, and radiance emanated from all sides of the portal.

The white Master Vaya behind the green one whispered something, and at first, the green vaya shook its head. The white vaya stepped close to the portal, but then backed away at the last moment and gave the green one a sharp tap on the back, giggling to itself. The green vaya was pulled into the portal, and after a watchful pause, the seven others followed. Another shriek of magic, and the portal was gone.

Far away, a door swished open. "You asked to speak with me, Councilor?"

"Yes. I've detected a few new auras."

"And what of it? New mages are bound by the millions every day, every hour even."

"Well." He paused in thought. "They're quite powerful, and rather irregular. The keepers and stones could be of some value to us, so I'd like to arrange a search."

"And you don't care if the search parties are-"

"No. I trust Nicolai. You should too."