The Guardian Within

Chapter 8-Four Little Words

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY TO THIS LITTLE BABY BOY!
ASHTON IS TWO YEARS OLD TODAY!
(Look at the picture, if you can't see it, it's a puppy, not a human or Damos baby)

It has been about two weeks since Alateca had attacked us. Since I read the book and learned what demons really live among the Damos. Today, I was welcomed to a Council Meeting by Lady Grandma, she thinks it would be good for me to sit in and understand Damos culture, especially since now, I am... well... in Damos. Reluctantly I had agreed, so long as I didn't have to wear any Damos clothes or get attacked, then it would be smooth sailing.

"We've got five major 'kingdoms'," Lady Grandma told me as we headed down a few long hallways, "The first is this one, the main kingdom. The second, well if you've read that book you'd know it's-"

"Sivia Kingdom," I cut her off, "Named after the Queen of this one when she fell to ruin, formally known as the Spirito Kingdom because it holds powerful spirits." I was staring out windows as I spoke, there was no glass, just a lot of cold air blowing past us, but... I didn't feel cold. Since I came here, I've been wearing Rhys' crystal pendant... but when I was back on Earth, it made me cold. I've come to just ignore the magic behind it.

"Yes," She replied and continued, "The other three are not major Kingdoms, they are just, people we must recognize. The high leaders of our people come to these meetings, outcasted few send two voices for them, and then... the Assassins Guild sends a man and a guard."

"Assassins?" I asked with an abrupt stop, "Like... the one Lief is from?" She nodded calmly and stopped with me. "Does he know? That's technically his family!"

"His family is gone," She replied softly, "He does not know that the Guild makes an appearance here, nor will he ever. For everyone's safety. Please, do not tell him."

"I..." I held my head low and let out a sigh. For everyone's safety... "I won't. I promise." With that, we continued, silently. I kept still as we reached the two large wooden doors and I couldn't help but chuckle. "First actually doors I've seen in this place."

"What about your room?" She asked shocked.

"Rhal broke it while I was asleep, so now it's a curtain," I replied as two armored Damos came and opened the doors. I look amongst the room, a calm man sat at the head of the table, his oldest son to the right of him. Rhal and his Majesty. To the left of them were an old man and a much younger woman. They were dressed in plain clothes... possibly the represents for the people. On the other side of Rhal was clearly a Princess and a King and Queen. The Sivia Kingdom's Royal Family. As Lady Grandma took her seat I stood behind her silently, scanning over the rest of the room, as a sudden portal opened off in the corner. Out came a man, and a guard, along with two others in raggedy clothing, two girls, younger than I was. The outcasts and the Guild Leaders.

"It's red and black... just like in the library..." I thought as I stared at the four who came out. The two girls looked as if they had just been attacked, and then... the Guild Leader, he looked just about Rhal's age... black hair, crystalized green eyes, and white horns, one of them cut off the side. The guard... that was the same one from the library.

"Good," His Majesty said, "Now that we're all here-"

"Now that we're all here!" Interrupted the Guild Leader, "I'd like to point out the Demon in the room. Why have you invited a human?"

"I did," Lady Grandma spoke up, "And if there's such an issue with it then perhaps you should leave with that tail of yours between your legs!" I couldn't help but smile a bit as she continued. "She'll be staying in Damos, and with what's believed about her you should shut your mouth and listen to the KING of this land." I leaned down to her level and whispered softly.

"Cool it, Grandma, no need to get that feisty." She chuckled as I stood back up-a smile bright on my face. Each of the four who just arrived staggered into their seats and soon, all eyes were on the head of the table. His Majesty... surprisingly, I didn't know his name... still didn't know his name...

"The topic at hand today is as it has been for quite some time now. The magic crisis," He began, his voice cold and sharp, "As you're aware these are pressing times, where only the people in this room are aware of what's truly happening. It has come to my attention... that the last soul was... used." Everyone froze in shock, few eyes were on me. "We're unaware if Miss. Tristian here is capable of controlling magic... as she is not from this world." My mind wandered as the room filled silent, the concern was so thick you could cut through it with a knife. I began thinking closely about what he said. As she is not from this world. Well-

"Actually I am," I said not even thinking about what I was saying, "I was..." Oh, "Born..." My, "Here..." Word. WHAT THE HECK!?! I'M AN IDIOT!

"Then she should have some aspect of magic. All humans from here do," A young woman, the one from the people said. All eyes were on me, proud and hopeful.

"Tris," Rhal said as he stood, "You know what needs to be done."

"No," I said quietly. I heard him sigh as he came to my side within a moment's notice. "You know... what needs to be done..." I jerked away from him and looked at everyone else. Four little words got me into this mess... four more... might get me killed... or get me out of it...

I open my mouth and take a breath, shakingly ready to see which outcome will be my own.