Death of the Dragon

"Captain! There's too many!" an ensign yelled. Explosions rocked the ship; alarms rang unending. The space about them was all streaks of energy.

"Bring her about to port! Focus all cannons on that weapon!" The Captain shouted.

"Sir, several enemy ships just warped in! They're...they're all Titan Class!" A lieutenant called out. The crew worked in a frenzy, trying their best to quell the the alarms.

The Captain was silent for a moment. "Are there any ships of our fleet nearby?"

The lieutenant was silent as she checked the scanners. She shook her head. "Negative, Sir. The nearest is the S.S. Commissioner, and she's twelve parsecs away. At this rate, she'd never get here in time. We're on our own."

"Inform them of our situation." The Captain ordered. He turned to the helmsman. "Forward thrusters full. Let's take as many of those damned scabs with us as we can."

The ship lurched forward. Cannons fired a constant barrage of fire, enemy ships taking damage. The ship surged forward, breaking through their front lines. Before them was their target: the Scabs weapon. Enemy fighters swarmed upon them as the fleet turned.

The Captain turned to the lieutenant. "Open a channel to HQ." She entered the right keys, then nodded. "This is Captain Jarend of the S.S. Dragon. We've taken heavy damage, but we will succeed with our mission. Their weapon will not leave this system." He paused. "There is no escape for us at this point. The S.S. Dragon signing off for the last time." The lieutenant closed the channel. The crew stood about, silent, waiting for their last orders. Captain Jarend stood to his feet and walked to the front of the viewscreen. "Commander, are their shields up?"

"Negative, Captain. Their shields are still under development. It's completely defenseless." came the reply.

The Captain nodded. "Helmsman, full speed ahead. Ram them." The ship lurched as the twin main engines shook with power. Alarms began sounding again. The distance closed between the Dragon and the weapon. There was a massive explosion, just as Coalition ships appeared.

And thus the Dragon perished.

The Ever War: Chapter 2.6.2

"Josh, you take the first shift." He said. He settled down by the fire and was asleep in seconds. Sarah stared at him curiously. She looked up at Josh. "He doesn't seem like a threat."

Josh frowned, letting Solaris dissolve back into his hand. "He doesn't feel like them." He said simply.

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "You mean the Waiths?" Josh nodded. "Yeah. His presence feels different, but he's not human and not like us. I don't know what he is."

Sarah yawned and stretched. "Well, I'm going back to sleep. Wake me in four hours." She lay back down. Josh turned back to the cave entrance. Every now and then, strange howl sounds would sound in the distance. Sometime after midnight, the stranger stirred at the sound of a low howl, this one much closer to them. He stared into the darkness, his eyes going almost black. "Stay here." He vanished into the brush. Seconds later, the sound of a scuffle could be heard, a yelp of pain, followed by silence. The stranger emerged with a blood covered knife, which he cleaned at the entrance under the moonlight.

He glanced at Josh. "It really is different this time." Josh frowned. "What is?" The stranger smiled, sheathed the knife, then took a swig from his flask. "The war, boy, the war. It's all different this time around. The Sage traveling with you, in love with you. Always the Wanderer was alone. Perhaps that was our mistake?" He broke off into thought. Josh frowned. "Who are you?"

The stranger laughed quietly. "Never you mind that." He grew serious and reached into his cloak. "Listen very carefully, Josh." He pulled out a map and unfolded it. A trail was already marked out. "Follow this map. Never stray from the path set out. Once you've reached your destination, you will find who you're looking for." Josh frowned. "Just who am I looking for?" The stranger laughed again. "Oh, just someone you will definitely have need of." With that, he slipped back into the shadows and was gone. Josh frowned and stared after him, still wondering just who he was. A name seemed to float on the wind. "Malachi."

The Ever War: Chapter 2.6

*Excerpt from Josh's Journal*

I honestly have no real collection or memory of what happened. The last real thing that I remember was talking with my father. He had seemed so old and carried a joyous sadness. But that doesn't matter now; he's gone, just like my mother.

I barely remember being shaken awake by Sarah. She was afraid, but what the source of her fear was, neither of us know. My father had come in, grabbed us, and hurried us off. Before I knew it, we were at the main staircase. The Temple was in chaos. There were screams, and people rushed about in confused, frantic movements. I had looked back, and saw a glimpse of a shadow, but Ca'lel shoved me towards the stairs. At the top, I just glimpsed Sarah disappearing into a side chamber. Running after her, I barely had time to register the strange sight before me: a strange pillar of swirling light. Ca'lel shoved me again. "Move it!" She yelled.

I felt myself rising upward. I had absolutely no clue of what was going on, or even where it was I was being taken. I stumbled and fell to the floor. When I raised my head, I gaped at the sight before me. I was at the top of the aerie. A massive, swirling orb of light floated before us; a large ocular opened above the orb. Sarah stood next to my father, tears streaking down her face. Realization struck me, and I shook my head. "No, it's too soon!"

My father smiled. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. The point is, Josh, is that the time has come." There was a sound behind us. Worry crossed, my father's face. "We must be quick. We haven't much time before she arrives." He held his right arm out straight, palm facing the orb. A key of pure light formed, and he brought his arm back then threw it right into the orb.

The aerie seemed to explode into swirling light. Wind rushed about us, the orb vanished into a tunnel. I felt a hand grasp mind, and I turned to see Sarah standing with wide eyes. I grasped her hand back, and together, we walked into it. There was a scream of rage behind us. I turned briefly and saw Ca'lel fighting with the shadow I had seen earlier. And then...everything was gone.
******************************************************************

Josh looked up from his writing. Sarah lay sleeping next to their fire he had built. They both had woken up here, wherever here was. Currently, "here" was a cave on a world that so far resembled a mix between Earth and Hayat. It had trees and brush that looked like the typical Earth forest, yet there were creatures that would not at all be uncommon on Hayat.

He frowned. What were they to do? All they did know was the fact that they had to find the others of their generation. As if that were a simple task. Was this world even inhabited? The brush rustled and Solaris was instantly in his hand. Sarah sat up, eyes wide, as he stood before her protectively. A cloaked figure stepped out of the night and into their cave. He threw back his head and smiled. "At last! I found you!"

Josh blinked and glanced at his love, who looked back with a raised eyebrow. They both turned back to the stranger. He chuckled. "Well now, no need to fear me. I was sent to look for you."

"Sent? By whom?" Sarah asked, suspicious. The stranger sat down by the fire and pulled out a flask. After several swigs, he smacked his lips and sighed in satisfaction. Piercing grey eyes surveyed them.

"Oh, you needn't concern yourself about that. Let it be said that I was a good friend of your father and mother." the stranger said. "Now, how about we rest up, then head out in the morning?" He settled down and stared them both. For some reason, they trusted him completely, even if he was a bit eccentric.

The Ever War: Chapter 2.5

A lone figure walked an empty road, a cloak clinging to her. She made her way up a mountain. Darkness swirled above, and a chaotic wind whirled about. The cloak billowed and threatened to fly off, but a strong hand clutched it tightly.

A cave loomed ahead, and the figure made her way towards it. Stepping into the entrance, she lowered her hood and long tresses of black hair fell past her shoulders. Gold eyes surveyed the surroundings with mild disinterest, their light blue flecks glinting in the light. She stepped carefully and quietly further into the cavern. She froze at the sound of an icy voice.

"You disappoint me, my pet." A woman stepped out from behind a curtain. She wore a flowing green garment that accentuated her very much feminine figure. Golden hair fell down, almost to the floor, while emerald eyes surveyed the newcomer. To say that she was beautiful was an understatement many failed to make. She stepped forward and grabbed the girl by her neck, lifting her bodily off the ground until her feet dangled a foot above the ground. The woman threw her against a wall, where she lay gasping for air. "I specifically told you that you were to retrieve the Sage. So where is she?" She sneered.

The girl struggled to her knees and bowed before her. "I failed, my Mistress. The Wander..." She was cut off.

"The Wanderer?!" The woman exclaimed. She rushed to the girl and helped her with what could almost be called affection. But the girl wasn't fooled. She was a tool, a weapon, nothing more. "What was the Wanderer doing there?! And so soon!"

"My Mistress, he grew up with her." She hesitated. "He isn't like his predecessors. He has a strength I have never seen before. He killed the dragon Lord Saevio entrusted me with."

The woman caressed her face. "You have done well by bringing me this news, Echo. Go rest. You have much to do." The girl obediently got to her feet and made her way to her chamber. "Oh, and Echo." The girl turned. "Be sure not to fail me again. You know what I am like when I am displeased." The girl hurried off. The woman paced, lost in her thoughts.

"Are you troubled, my sister?" A sinister voice asked. "Is the lovely Lilith troubling her head over some young upstart?"

She whirled about. "He is more than just some upstart, Avar!" Avar snorted.

"He will share the same fate as the rest of his kind. Extinguishing. We will snuff him out like the others." His response was a sneer. He was dressed in gold trimmed clothing, his shirt was adorned with gems of all kinds. His blond hair was encircled by a gold, jaded circlet. Azul eyes studied his sister.

Lilith frowned and snarled at him. "He is more than an upstart. He slew one of Saevio's prized dragons!"

Avar raised an eyebrow. "Did he now? Odd...the others weren't nearly that strong, nor were their powers that developed at his age." He paused and what could pass as worry flashed across his face. "You don't suppose..."

"...that he is the one? Of course it's crossed my mind!" She growled. "It has crossed all our minds!"

"And what of the Keeper? Any sign of her?" Avar asked. He surveyed his surroundings with disdain. His sister had always preferred simple, pleasurable decoration. She always said that it made her men feel more comfortable.

"You know as well as I do that there has been no real sign of her in at least a century. She is up to something. And there is no way of knowing what." Lilith sighed, sinking down into one of her cushions. "What have the others been up to?"

Avar rolled his eyes and sat opposite her. "So far, they have not at all been that concerned. Saevio is determined to slaughter an entire world, but Gula Gula wants to keep it because of their exquisite meals as he puts it. Vanagloria keeps saying she's going to visit you, but she can't figure out which outfits to where." He sighed. "Whatever has happened to us? We were once rulers of entire worlds, and now look how far you have fallen."

"Then the time has finally come for us to reclaim what should be ours, my faithful one." A malicious voice filled the room, resounding throughout. The two Generals lept to their feet. Awe filled their faces, and they knelt as a Shadow of Shadows formed before them. "The time has come for us to make our move. Lilith, send in your minion. Have her strike at the very heart of them. Our patience will finally be rewarded."

"Yes, my Lord." Her eyes shone in twisted adoration. Her eyes gleamed hopeful.

"Shall we move out? It has been so long since I have had my fill of..."

Avar cut her off. "When do we attack? It has been long since my sword has spilled any blood." He ignored his sister's glare. The Shadow laughed, the room booming with the sound of it.

"You both shall have your desires soon enough. For now, send the girl to Hayat. Use the Ancient Way; they have not been guarding it as much as they have. I shall summon the others and then discuss what we shall do. Now, go back to your duties. We have much to prepare for." He vanished in the manor that he came. Avar and Lilith exchanged a glance and smiled. Lilith turned to Echo's room and laughed. "Echo, COME! I have a new task for you." Avar stood at the cave's mouth. A smile twisted into a smirk, his eyes briefly flashing black. He stood and looked out on a world that would soon be his.

The Ever War: Chapter 2.4

Screams rent the air. Foul fumes burned the nostrils of the people as they ran. They screamed and cried out as they were mercilessly cut down by strange, cloaked figures. Their hoods were drawn; their faces masked with masks covered in strange symbols. Darkness seemed to swirl about them, blurring them and their movements. They laughed as they were covered in the blood of the innocent. Men, women, and children all fell before them, unable to stop these superior powers. They moved from city to city, village to village, town to town, leaving nothing but death and destruction in their wake.

As Darkness began to fall behind them, a loud shout resounded, and the Cloaked Ones stopped and looked up. They fidgeted, almost fearful. They screamed in pain and agony as a brilliant light began to shine about them...

Josh sat up in bed, drenched in sweat. He sat there for a long time, panting for breath. He stood and went over to his dresser, splashing his face with water from the basin. He looked up at his reflection. He had already adjusted to his new reflection, to the man he saw in the mirror, but now there was a new look. Confusion and worry streaked across his features, his body tense. Knowing that he wouldn't be going back to sleep, he put on a shirt and left his room. He left the Temple and took to wandering the city. He glanced at the sky: it wasn't even midnight. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to relax, listening to the call of the wind. He felt the familiar tingling as the wings sprouted from his back. It was no longer painful, and if he wanted, he could summon them as quickly as Solaris. But his purpose now was to clear his head, and he allowed them to take their time to form.

He spread them and sprang into the air. Night flying was something that he didn't do often. Although his night vision was the same, he still had a strange sense of knowing where things were. It was like he had a second sight that he saw with his mind. He soared higher and higher, allowing his mind to slow and his thoughts to fade. He simply soared. He smiled at a memory of him and Sarah flying together. It had taken her a while, but she had managed to summon her wings without much difficulty. It certainly was a different experience for her, as her wing marks were already on her back. She no longer wore the dress of a priestess, but instead, she wore leggings and a tunic, and leather boots, all of which were in a deep blue color.

After several hours of flying, he landed in the courtyard before the Temple. He froze as a shadow separated from the rest. His dream instantly coming back to him, he was about to summon Solaris, when a familiar voice calmed him down. "Couldn't sleep either?" James asked.

Josh relaxed. "Yeah. I haven't been sleeping well." He admitted. This was the tenth time that he had seen it, and this had been the clearest of them all. James placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You are already feeling some of the burden that has been placed on your shoulders, my son. Come, walk with me." He turned and Josh followed. They walked in silence for some time before either spoke. "I know what you have been dreaming, Josh. Don't be so surprised. Jerard had dreams as well. What are the contents of what you have been seeing?"

Josh walked in silence, gathering his thoughts, while his father waited patiently. He went into detail, withholding not a single detail. James listened gravely as he understood what his son was describing. When Josh had finished, James remained silent for a long time. He stopped and turned back to the Temple, looking up. Josh followed his gaze to the top of the Tower. A faint glow came from the aerie. He had often seen this, but had never asked what it was, thinking it a beacon of some sort.

James smiled. "Do you wish to know what that glow is?"

Josh frowned, his thoughts broken. "Isn't it a beacon?" James nodded.

"It is indeed a beacon, Josh. It is the last remaining beacon of Hope." He fell silent before continuing. "It is the Light of the Ever Road."

Josh couldn't withhold a gasp. "Th-that is the Light of the Ever Road?"

"It is the Entrance. The point where all times, all places come together. The time is coming Josh. It is almost time for you to enter it's Light." James said softly. "The Road is sealed now. There are certain things that you must learn on your own. There is much that I could teach you, so much more, but because you are the Wanderer, you must discover them on your own. You alone must find your purpose, your mission, your quest."

"So, if the Road is sealed, then that means that you have to unseal it. Right?" Josh asked. His father nodded. "And I suppose you'll die as well." He added bitterly.

James turned to him, his face an expression of grief. "I truly wish that there was another way, my son. I wish that I could have been there with you and your mother. I truly do."

Josh raised his eyes back to the aerie. His eyes shone with determination, his jaw set. "When will we do this?" He turned to his father. "I still don't understand what you and the rest have been saying, but I want to put an end to this. And whatever it was I saw in that dream, I want to put an end to it."

James smiled sadly. "It will be any day now. You are ready. So much more ready than even Jerard was. You must know, Josh, that I have already witnessed the unsealing of the Road. I watched my predecessor vanish into the Road, and then the Mark was passed to me. For unlike the other Marks, the Sentinel is the only one who is allowed to choose his or her successor."

Josh was silent. "Who did you choose as yours?"

"I've chosen Ca'lel." James answered. Josh nodded.

"That was a wise choice. She was Jerard's sister, and she has been learning from you for years." Josh yawned, and he felt his eyelids grow heavy. James smiled.

"Come, let's go back. You've finally found your peace, and now you need your rest." Josh allowed himself be guided back. He entered his room, and as his head hit the pillow, he fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

The Ever War: Chapter 2.3

The first week passed by. The second. The third. One month. During this time, Josh not only mastered the language of the Katar, but several others. Jild was difficult, but manageable. Sarah could be found either in the main archive, or wandering the city with Josh.

They were happy here, despite the circumstances in which they came and why they were there. However, with each passing day, Josh began to feel restless. The whispers seemed to grow stronger and stronger. During his lessons, he would seem detached, disconnected. It was if he was there in body, but his mind dwelt elsewhere. And everyone watched and waited, knowing that the time would soon come.

James sat in his study staring out the window. Ca'lel entered quietly. "You wished to see me?" She asked quietly.

James didn't look at her. "My time is drawing to a close, my friend." He removed his glove and revealed his Mark, key between two wings. The color was beginning to fade.

Ca'lel's face fell. She ran to him and fell to her knees beside his chair. "No! You mustn't die! Who will watch over the Temple?" She cried. "Who will watch over us?" Tears streaked through the fur around her eyes.

James smiled sadly and wiped them away. "I have only seen you cry once, dearest Priestess, and that was with the death of your brother."

The female Katar looked up at him pleadingly. "We always thought of you as a father figure. Please...is there no other way?"

His smile widened. "Ah, so you know what I am to do?" She nodded, unable to say more. "I am afraid not. The Road is locked. The only way to unlock it is by using the Key."

Ca'lel shook her head. "But...what will happen to you?" James stood and turned back to the window.

"I will join the rest of my generation." He turned back to her. "And as for who will watch over the Temple, I have chosen you, Ca'lel."

Her eyes widened. "Me? You have chosen me? But...but I couldn't! I'm not like my brother!" She hung her head. "I'm not strong. That's why I'm only a priestess." She looked up at him again. "I'm not worthy."

James smiled again. "None of us are, not at first. You are strong, Ca'lel. You have been my most trusted friend and pupil. In fact, you have even been a daughter of sorts to me. You will do well."

Ca'lel rose to her feet and bowed. "If this is what you wish, then I will bear this honor."

James chuckled. "I chose you a long time ago. All this time, I have been teaching you everything you needed to know to carry out this task. Now, go on. I have much to think over." She left him how she had found him, staring into the distance.

The Ever War: Chapter 2.2

Josh sat at dinner that night eating like a madman. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he had smelled the food. Jakul had laughed as the boy nearly double over from hunger. Sarah was deep in conversation with Ca'lel, discussing the application of the various spells and histories that the Katar had taught her.

However, all conversation had ceased when Jakul had made his report to James. Josh mostly ignored everyone, focusing on satisfying his hunger. Jakul looked about at the others. "I'm telling you; James might actually have something to what he's been saying all along!" He declared when James had left. Sarah had retired to her room, a book under her arm. Josh, who was washing the dishes, listened in with interest. He heard Kandrin snort. "He's been saying that for years!" Ca'lel's voice broke into the conversation. "But what if he is right? Sarah is a brilliant mind! Mind you, I knew Sophie. She told me all about her past, and even she wasn't nearly as brilliant as Sarah was. And Josh, Stars above!"

Jakul nodded. "During our training, his hand was sliced. Instead of halting, he clasped his hands, scorched the wound shut, left no scar to tell from, and kept fighting!" "And don't forget the Dark Dragon. No one has ever come out alive, let alone unscathed, except the Wanderer. But at his age? I barely believe it!" another voiced. There was a murmur of agreement.

Then the Neet spoke. 'Never have I ever encountered a more stalwart heart.' The murmurs fell silent.

Sa'rel leaned forward. "What do you mean, Old One?"

The Neet smiled. 'Josh has a strength of heart that has only been prophesied.' They all waited patiently for the old Neet to collect his memory. 'In the last days of my people, our Prophetess looked into the future and saw the Darkness consume our world. We asked and pleaded if there was nothing we could, and she replied with a no. But she saw a hope. All she saw was dark. Darkness was all around; there was nothing. No life. And then...a Light sprang forth. This Light, this brilliant pure Light, divided into six. Behind each of these six were two less Lights. When she realized what she was seeing, we were overwhelmed with joy.' One priest frowned. "What exactly did she see?" The Neet's smile widened. 'My dear friend, she saw the end of the Dark.'

"The End? She actually saw the End?" someone asked. "And the Third Generation will bring it about?!" another exclaimed in an excited, but quiet, voice. The Old One spoke again. 'Now do you see? James' belief was merely confirmed when I told him of this. However, we cannot know how the End will come about, only that Josh and Sarah will bring it about.' "The Wanderer and the Sage? They will be the Instruments?" Sa'rel asked. "They are but children!" Old One smiled. 'And that is how they will be able to do it. Already, they see things as they really are. They fight with the strength of their hearts. And they hear the Whispers of the Road.' His smile faded and he took a more serious turn. 'A storm is brewing the likes of which has never been seen. I fear that the Adversary has already taken form again.'

More murmurs spread throughout. Ca'lel suddenly hissed for them to be silent, and Josh quickly got back to work, hoping that they would think nothing of him. She seemed to have been satisfied, and the conversation picked back up. "If that is true, then we are in deep trouble. They aren't ready yet!" Sa'rel said. The others nodded in agreement. Old One nodded. 'Yes, they are. They may not have all the knowledge that their predecessors had, but they will not need it. They will forge a new path. They will walk the Road untraveled.'

A deathly silence fell upon them. Confusion spread throughout the others, but Ca'lel sighed. "So, they really will travel the Road?" Old One nodded. 'None of the others ever dared to, but they must. The Road will lead them to victory.'

"That's preposterous!" someone exclaimed. "Enter and confront them. You know what to say." The whisper came to Josh's ears. He dropped the pot with a loud bang, wiped his hands and walked calmly into the room.

"What's so preposterous?" he asked. The priest who had said it mumbled something. Josh frowned at him, then the others. "Really? What is so wrong in that?"

Old One smiled. 'Josh, tell them what you heard when your Mark appeared.' Josh nodded.

"After the burning left, my mind felt open. It was like...like I was hearing for the first time. Every sound sounded new and clearer than I have ever heard. I...I heard something. A whisper, as if the very wind was speaking softly in my ear."

Ca'lel smiled. "And what did it say?"

He looked up with a smile. "'Follow the Ever Road.'" More silence followed. Finally, a priestess cleared her throat.

"Do you hear the whisper often?" she asked. His smile broadened.

"It told me to come in here and put you straight. In fact, I came here to enter the Road." he answered honestly. Old One nodded sagely. 'You are tired, child. Go rest.' Josh opened his mouth to protest, but was cut off. 'You have another day of training ahead of you. Now, go on.' Josh nodded and left. Behind him, a new discussion had started, but he was too tired now to care.

The Ever War: Chapter 2

Sarah was in heaven. The minute James had led them down into the massive archive that was the library, she gave a squeal of joy and instantly began examining the shelves. As she began reading off titles, Josh frowned and pointed out that none of them were in English. James had been very impressed and had explained that this was a side effect of being a Child of Light, the ability to speak, read, and understand any language.

Josh then voiced that at breakfast, he had begun to pick up a few words in the Katarian language. James nodded, and suggested that he go speak with them, leaving Sarah to enjoy the library. Josh spent that entire day with Ca'lel and her sister. The third Katar was Sa'rel's mate, Kandrin. Kandrin was taller and more muscular than the females, yet he was actually a gentle soul. The four of them talked, and Josh found that he could understand more and more of their language.

They left to go about their daily duties, and Josh went back to studying the books. This time, he could understand more of the titles, and he soon sat down with a book on the history of the Katar.

Around noon, they heard a bell, signaling meal time. Josh and Sarah joined with the rest of the crowd. Again, they sat with the Katar and the Jilds, with the addition of the Neet. He didn't seem to speak physically, but through a telepathic connection. 'Ah, I remember when my race still lived on Netkees. Ah, the beautiful waterfalls, the quiet streams. A peaceful planet really.' he told them. Several of the other races began to describe their own worlds and customs. Josh and Sarah listened carefully, enraptured by their stories and their descriptions.

Josh felt a twinge in his gut and saw Ca'lel watching him carefully. He shoved the feeling aside, ignoring the whispers that seemed to call out to him. He knew that he wasn't ready to go out to the worlds yet; he somehow knew that he had to finish his training here. At the same time, he was also wondering how much longer he could ignore the pull. He had always felt it; he just had never known what it was. That feeling of restlessness; the urge to move from place to place.

As he listened to more and more stories, he found himself yearning to go there himself someday. To see for himself the Great Falls of Beladore. Or the Canyon cities of Caladoon. Even the depths of the ocean world, Gandarn. Sarah had the urge to run back down to the library and find everything she could on...everything.

Jakul slurped up the rest of his meal and stood to his feet. He looked down at Josh, and said sternly, "Come." Josh left his unfinished meal and hurried after the gruff Jild.

Jakul led him to another part of the temple. They entered into a small training area that held all manner of weapons and other objects of war. The large Jild turned to him. "Now, I suppose a sword is all you are used to?" Josh nodded. "Good. As the Wanderer, Solaris is the only weapon you will ever need. Your training with me will be all about using all of the Sacred Blade's abilities, as well as quickening the summon time." Without warning, a mace came flying down at Josh. The boy barely dodged out of the way. "You must always be on your guard. As a Child of Light, anyone could be the enemy. Evil is all around us these days, Josh. I can't tell you enough that you need to be on guard. Watch and listen for the signs; they are there if you know how to hear and read them. That is another part of your training." The Jild replaced the mace and chose a large sword. "Now, summon Solaris." Josh raised his hand, but before he could concentrate, Jakul charged at him. Again, Josh was forced to dodge. He tried to summon again, but Jakul kept attacking. Finally, Josh threw out a hand, the blade formed, and he sliced straight through the Jild's weapon right at the hilt.

The two just stood there for a minute, then Josh said, "Umm, sorry bout that." The Jild shook with laughter.

"Well, that was a quick summon, but I think a simple block would have sufficed. Huh, Gerald won't be too pleased about this. That was one of his best swords." He blinked at Josh's vacant expression. "Oh, Gerald is our smithy. He forges and cares for all our weapons. He won't be too happy about losing such a prized weapon. Still, when he hears about how it was broken by Solaris, he'll probably have the two pieces mounted!" The Jild laughed again. "Now, let's practice that again." Jakul said, choosing another sword. "This time, don't allow your frustration to get the best of you. Control is a big part of fighting. Don't allow your emotions to control you; instead, focus on controlling them."

Josh withdrew the sword and waited for the Jild's attack. When Jakul was within sword distance, he threw up his hand in a blocking manner. The sword didn't come and the blade sliced his hand. He hissed in pain and squeezed it shut. Jakul threw his sword down. "Are you all right? That would have been a nice block. I shouldn't have attacked like that." He kept saying. Josh let out a painful chuckle. Jakul inspected it. "That's a nasty deep cut. Come on, we should get that checked."

"No!" Josh said sharply. He clasped his hands together, blood dripping. He focused briefly and there was a flash and the smell of scorched flesh. He unclasped his hands to reveal his hand restored. There wasn't even a scar. Jakul stared in amazement.

"I'm beginning to think that that father of yours might actually be right." He muttered. "Shall we go again?" Josh nodded. There was a determined look in his eye; he was going to get this. Jakul ran at him again. This time, Josh was in control. He threw his hand up and there was a clang of metal on metal. Without hesitation, Josh took the offensive, driving the Jild back. Jakul smirked. "It will take more that just a sword to defeat the Dark." Jakul shoved him back roughly, throwing him off balance. He stood up straight and placed the sword back on the rack. Josh frowned. "We're done?"

The Jild laughed. "My boy, we've been at this for hours. Didn't you hear the bell for the evening meal?" Josh shook his head. "Remember be on your guard! You must be aware of everything that goes on around you, especially in the midst of a battle. Be mindful of every movement, every sound. Everything. Now, come. I am straved." The two walked back to the dining hall.

The Ever War: Chapter 1.9.2

James looked up as his son and the Sage walked in. Behind them, Ca'lel walked in, her light blue robe flowing about her. The three sat at the larger table, and James was pleased to see them talking and mingling with other races. It was a good omen that they were adjusting very well.

Josh sat at the table. The Jilds were hastily speaking to him, accidentally slipping into their natural language, which consisted of words, whines, and a strange barking sound. The Katars mostly spoke in what Josh thought to be English, until they pointed out that English was actually based off of the Vi'gero's basic tongue. However, the Katars, when speaking to each other that was not a part of the table's conversation, used their native language. Now, their language was very interesting indeed, and Josh found himself listening to it out of fascination. The language was spoken both slow and quickly, a very strange combination. Along with it, were a few guttural sounds, such as a sound that resembled a mew, but at different pitches, words, and facial expressions.

As Josh listened, he realized that he could understand a few of the words. His train of thought was broken, however, when Sarah nudged him. "Huh?" he asked, his attention returning to the table. Jakul chuckled. "I asked if you were ready for your training this afternoon?"

"Oh..." Josh broke off. "Yeah, I am looking forward to it." The Jild burst into laughter.

"You talk just like a school child!" The Jild howled with laughter. His mate elbowed him in the side, a smile on her face.

"You shouldn't poke fun of such an important figure, my love. After all, your pupil has already taken on Dark Dragon and came out without a scratch!" she nuzzled her mate's neck and cheek.

Josh's face went red. "I still wouldn't say without a scratch."

Ca'lel gave him a smile. "The point is, young one, that you came out of a fight with a very powerful Dark Creature without any serious injury. No broken bones, no gashes. No missing limbs for that matter. You came out whole and complete. More so, am I right?"

The table had gone quiet. Josh nodded. "Yes. There was one thing that I didn't mention yesterday."

The whole room was listening now, waiting with baited breath. Ca'lel smiled. "And that would be?"

"I summoned the Wings." he said. The rest of the room was silent, but Ca'lel just sat back, satisfied. "I thought as much. Your eyes gave it away."

"What?" Josh asked, puzzled. Ca'lel's face grew sad, and her smile faded.

"I knew Jerard very well. He was my brother." She answered. She looked at him again, and her smile returned. "Young as you are, both as a human, and especially as a Child of Light, you already have the look of a warrior in your eyes. You can already feel it, can't you? My brother could. That longing to walk. To fly. To travel the worlds, carrying out whatever you must."

Josh slowly nodded. "Yeah, I can feel it. It isn't that strong right now, but...it just feels like I'm supposed to be out there...doing, I don't know...something."

James sighed. "All in good time, Joshua. That is why you are here, for now at least. To learn about your new responsibility, as well as the laws of the Ever Road itself." He smiled at his son's expression. "Oh yes, there are rules to the Road. However, your powers are developing at quite a remarkable rate. Jerard wasn't nearly as advanced as you are, and he was older than you when he received the Mark of the Wanderer. He was older still before he became the full fledged Arbiter of Justice, yet you have already performed your first cleansing, not too mention slaying one of the foulest beasts ever spawned from the Dark. You truly are different. As are you, Sarah." He turned to her. "You have already shown great aptitude to magic. Sophie would be proud were she able to meet you. To already have such strong magic only affirms my theory. The War is about to intensify. The Dark One is preparing an attack; probably the greatest attack he has ever made."

Josh wiped his mouth. "Then let's get started. If what you say is true, father, then we need to begin as soon as possible." Sarah stood to her feet.

"Yes, can we start? I really wish to get a better look at the library." Her eyes shone with joy despite the coming trouble.

James chuckled. "Yes, you are a sage of sorts already. Always eager to get your nose in a good book. Luckily, we have a lower room filled with them. Come." And he led them from the room.

The Ever War: Chapter 1.9

Josh awoke to bright sunshine. Voices and other sounds came through his window. He stretched and yawned as he sat up. As he got ready for the new day, he went over everything that had happened yesterday. He groaned. After telling his story yesterday, and his father's revelation of the war, he had begun to realize that this was all much bigger than he had thought. He sighed. He had combat training in the afternoon, after spending all morning with his dad and Sarah in the massive archives below the main chamber.

He had met his combat instructor, the male Jild, Jakul. He frowned. He had defeated a Dark Dragon, but was intimidated by an upright dog? He shook his head, no, he shouldn't think of them like that. He still had that stereotypical human thinking that all "aliens" were all humanoid. Grant it, in a way, most of the species he had seen were human-like, but they were all definitely non-human. The Katars were a fascinating race. The three that lived in the temple were priest and priestess, with the priestess' mate living with her, but there were several families that dwelt within the city. The Jilds were mates, and were the only two of their species living on Hayat. The birdlike anthro was an interesting creature. He was at least three centuries, but even he wasn't sure how old he was. His race was called the Neet. Their world had been destroyed a millennium ago, and now he was one of the only ones left. The rest of his race now dwelt in the mountain range to the north of Celestial, the capital of Hayat. He hadn't learned what the other races were called yet, but that was going to be apart of his lessons.

He sighed and looked into the mirror again. The last time he looked in one, a stranger had looked back, but now...

He quickly finished dressing, the clothes were in the same style as his father and the rest of the races that wore clothing, which consisted of brown leather boots, tan leggings, a red tunic, and an orange vest. Honestly, he sort of liked it. As odd as it sounded, he felt as though he was clothed with fire. He answered the door to find Sarah standing there. Her hair was tied back, and she was dressed in a flowing gown of the same style that he had seen the priestesses wearing. A thin line of silver helped keep her hair in place.

She blushed slightly under his gaze and averted her eyes. "I was sent to get you for the morning meal."

He smiled and offered her his arm. "Well then, shall we be on our way?"

She laughed and took his arm. "Always the gentleman."

Josh thought a moment, then said, "Not always. A warrior can't always be a gentleman."

She smiled and her eyes sparkled. She stopped and turned to face him. "No, not always." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "Thank you. For saving my life and risking your own for my protection."

He caressed her cheek before gently taking one of her hands and kissing it. She blushed at the gesture. At that moment, a Katar, the priestess, came around the corner. She smiled at the sight she found. "You were taking so long, I came to find you. And here I find the two of you sharing a moment, as you humans say." She chuckled.

The two blushed at her words, but Josh chuckled. "Well, we are going to be pretty busy today."

The Katar nodded her head. "Yes, you do have your work cut out for you. Sarah, I also wanted to let you know, that I will be helping James with your training, just as he will be working with Josh as well."

Sarah's eyes lit up. "So, I actually get to learn magic?"

The Katar laughed. "My dear girl, you have already used it!! You healed yourself, remember?"

Her eyes widened. "You mean, I did that?" The priestess nodded.