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.