Disclaimer: Any of the previous 29 chapters will do......

A Legend's Journey

Chapter 30

The day finally came when the facility was complete. Notices had previously been sent throughout Spira to announce that The Academy of Guardians was accepting applications. The notice was clear that only those of exceptional character and commitment would be accepted for training. Applications began pouring in from cities and towns in every corner of the land.

The men from Cortland, the first class, had been carefully screened and interviewed and those meeting the very, very high standards were accepted for training.

The thirty men were crisply dressed in their light tan trainee uniforms and were seated in a large classroom awaiting the speakers who would address them on this first official day of their training.

The door opened and the trainees rose to their feet as the Commander and Deputy Commander entered, followed by the famous Ronso Kimahri and Alsa, then by The Legendary Warrior and Guardian Sir Auron himself.

Chills ran down many spines as the full realization of exactly where they were and who they would be training under hit them. At the command of one of the instructors standing by the door, the class sat, still staring in awe at the men standing before them, Sir Auron in particular! Lan still had trouble believing that this was actually happening.

The uniforms of the instructors and staff of the academy were incredibly striking, having been taken directly from the famous uniform worn by The Guardian.

Black pants, shirt and boots topped by a sharply tailored scarlet tunic which fell to just a touch below the hip. A very narrow, dark blue stripe ran up the front edges of the tunic and around the stiff, upright, mandarin-style collar that fastened around the throat. A wide belt, light blue bordered by white, was worn around the waist.

Each person wearing this very special uniform had personally and formally sworn to uphold the honor and code of conduct of The Guardian whose legacy was being entrusted to them. Each man very keenly felt the depth and significance of the pledge he had made.

Sir Auron had looked each one in the eye as the pledge was made. Not one of them would forget it. The trust would not be broken. And each took it as his personal responsibility to instill those same ideals into each person he trained. The Legacy would live.

Marin, wearing the gold insignia of Academy Commander on his collar tabs, rose to speak briefly. Auron listened, only half hearing. His mind was on another event that happened as the Academy was coming into being.

It was about a month after the evening on the roof when Raine had declared herself unfit for sparring. She had been at the kitchen table with him, Marin and Sten as they reviewed the curriculum they had been working on.

Auron had been looking at the papers when Marin's hand, which had been resting on the table, had moved a few inches to tap his elbow to get his attention. Looking up at Marin he followed Marin's eyes which were locked onto Raine's face.

She was looking at the table top, her eyes moving a bit restlessly, a strange expression on her face. Then her eyes closed momentarily as she seemed to wince slightly.

Auron touched her arm, his voice low but concerned, "Raine, are you all right?"

She took a breath as she looked at him, her dark blue eyes wearing a touch of fear. "I – I don't know. Maybe this is normal - - I'm not sure."

Auron's eyes never left hers as he said, "Marin, Sten, would one of you get Julan, please?"

Sten quickly stood. "I'll go. The bird is right outside." Then he was gone.

Marin felt his heart thudding in his chest. No. There just couldn't be any trouble! These last weeks had been so very happy for all of them. He had seen Sir Auron stand in the middle of busy construction and commotion just staring into space, totally unaware of what was going on around him, a bit of a smile on his lips. He knew the great man's mind was seeing the child he had dreamed of and longed for his whole life.

Raine looked a little pale and asked for some cold juice. Auron jumped up so quickly to get it that his chair fell over. After sipping some of the juice, Raine again closed her eyes and dropped her head for a moment.

Again getting her breath, she looked into Auron's eyes with real fear, and said so softly, "It's too early, Auron. It's too soon!" A soft sob slipped out.

Auron, struggling to control his own fear, knelt beside her. "It's okay. Julan is on his way. It'll be okay. Shhhh." He wrapped his arms around her, gently rocking her, whispering to her.

Sten ushered Julan in quickly. The men stepped out of the way so he could talk with Raine. He asked questions and she answered briefly as she looked into his kind gray eyes.

Patting the hand he was holding, the old Healer nodded and said, "I have some potions here, my dear. I want you to take these now and there will be some others later. And, I'd like for you to change into comfortable clothing and go lay down. It's important that you rest and stay calm, hm?"

Looking into his old face for reassurance, Raine wasn't sure she found it. But she nodded and drank the potions he opened and handed her. As soon as the last one was consumed, Julan said, "Now Sir Auron will help you and I'll be with you in a few minutes."

She stood to leave the kitchen but was swept up in powerful arms before she could take a step. Auron carried her to their room where he stood for a few moments just holding her, his face against hers.

He sat her on her feet and pointed to the side of the bed as he started to rummage through her wardrobe, looking for one of her sleeping gowns. Wrecking the order in the drawer, he found one and turned to her.

Kneeling in front of her, his dark eyes looked deep into the blue eyes he loved as he began helping her change. Partway through, she had to pause as another pain began. Auron's heart all but stopped. How could this be happening? Would Julan be able to stop this in time?

Finally in her white gown and resting on her side of the bed, Julan entered the room with two additional potions. "This will probably make you very sleepy, my dear, so just close your eyes and rest, hm? We'll be close at hand, so don't concern yourself with anything except resting." He had spoken gently but with authority. Raine just nodded, trying to keep her tears from leaving her eyes.

It seemed that it was only minutes until her eyes grew very heavy and she slept. Julan motioned for Auron to follow him into the living area. He looked the tall man in the eyes for a moment. Auron had learned to recognize that and waited until the Healer spoke.

"Sir Auron, this is not good. I hope that the potions are strong enough to overcome the contractions but -" he shook his gray head - "I just don't know. We will do our best!"

He searched through his pouch, "I'll leave these potions with you while I go prepare some others. I'll return as soon as they are ready." He gave Auron instructions for use of the potions then turned to Sten. "If your magnificent bird can make one more trip, will you take a list to Casen and ask if he will send some things to me, please?"

Sten nodded as Julan wrote the list, then he said, "If you're ready to leave, I'll take you home before going to Casen's." Julan nodded his thanks. His old legs would appreciate the ride.

In the quiet after Sten and Julan left, Marin asked Sir Auron, "Do you want me to get Kimahri?" He knew that Kimahri's relationship with Sir Auron and Raine was close.

Auron thought for a moment. He didn't know what the night would bring and did not know what might be needed. Though his huge friend may spend long hours of the night simply staring at a wall for nothing, it would be comforting to know that he was nearby and available. And Kimahri would want to be there. He nodded, "Thank you." Marin left.

Auron returned to the bedroom where Raine was deeply asleep from the effects of the potions. He held her hand, looking at her beautiful face, peaceful in sleep.

This was his fault. If he had only paid the least bit of attention to her earlier when she first knew, he could have spared her those months of unhappiness and sadness. This was his fault and his alone. The stabbing pain that hit him in the chest was crushing, almost overwhelming. He had jeopardized the last and most precious of his dreams. He could barely breathe so intense was the pain inside him!

Holding her hand to his face, his eyes screwed tightly shut with his agonizing thoughts, he was startled when a massive paw touched his shoulder. He looked up into sad, gold eyes. He just nodded, Kimahri gave a soft grunt, each knowing exactly what the other said.

Padding out on silent feet, Kimahri returned to the living area and took up the vigil with a tight-lipped Marin who stared unseeingly at the wall across from him. He too was blaming himself.

Kimahri looked at the young man, understanding his thoughts. His big paw touched Marin's shoulder bringing his questioning eyes to the gold ones.

Quietly the Ronso said, "Not blame self."

"How can I not, Kimahri? I paid no attention to her. I should have -"

Kimahri interrupted, still speaking quietly but a more sharply, "Not blame self!"

Quieter, he said, "Blame for all."

His deep rumble dropped even lower, "Kimahri, too."

Silence hovered over them until Kimahri spoke in his low rumble again, "School cost much!"

Marin nodded and retreated into his troubled thoughts.

He thought back to the evening on the roof when Raine and Sir Auron had discussed names. Raine was insistent that the baby would be a boy and that he be named after his father.

Sir Auron was pleased but wasn't so sure that it was a good idea. He felt that having that name would be a burden and he wanted his son to be able to chose his own path in life.

Sir Auron had asked Raine what her father's name was. "James," she answered.

She brightened and said, "Auron James! That's it!"

Sir Auron had thought for a moment, then one of his half-smiles had crept across his mouth before he had nodded and said, "Auron James. Sounds very nice!"

He remembered how Raine's eyes had sparkled as she looked at her husband. "We can call him AJ. How's that?"

Sir Auron had smiled and had enveloped his wife in his arms, saying, "AJ. I like it."

Marin's eyes were squeezed tight trying to control the tears evoked by the memory. Why, oh, why had they forgotten her? Why didn't one of them notice?

These thoughts were interrupted as Casen entered the house. He said he'd thought that perhaps he should come and do what he could to assist Julan. Sten had carried the requested items on to Julan's home and would bring Julan when he had readied the potions. Casen had also brought a supply of the same potions that Julan had left for Auron to administer.

Casen quietly entered the bedroom, nodding at Sir Auron and checking on Raine, who was still under the strong influence of the earlier potion. He gestured for Sir Auron to follow him out of the room. In the hallway, he asked if there had been any more contractions. "Not since Julan gave her the last potion. She has seemed to sleep quietly."

Casen nodded. "That's good. Let's hope it continues. If you detect any change at all, please let me know immediately. I think I know the potions Julan is making and he should be here with them shortly. If there's anyway I can assist him, I will. He's not as strong as he once was."

As Auron nodded his thanks, he saw the stricken face of Marin who was seated in the living area. He knew what his protege was thinking. As Sir Auron approached, Marin stood, looking into the taller man's eyes, waiting for him to speak.

Sir Auron's low voice was rough as he said, "This is on me, Marin. No one else! I failed. The blame is mine alone."

Marin started to protest but the look in Sir Auron's eye caused it to die in his throat.

After a moment, Sir Auron said, "It may be helpful to have Dan available to transport anyone who needs it. Will you bring him into the compound? The grass should keep him happy. When Sten returns, have him bring his bird in also. He shouldn't be left outside."

Marin had kept his eyes on Sir Auron, his protest silenced but not unvoiced as his look spoke to his mentor. Knowing that his message was read by Sir Auron, Marin nodded and left to bring Dan from the corral to the compound.

Auron returned to Raine's side. She was stirring a bit when he entered the room. He immediately called Casen. The Healer's face was concerned as he examined Raine. Auron was watching his face intently.

When Casen glanced at Auron, Auron's heart sank. The potions weren't strong enough.

"Can you give her another one?"

Casen was thinking. It would be a bit risky but he had brought antidotes with him as a precaution for just this very situation. He explained that to Sir Auron and said, "I'll be right back."

Casen went into the kitchen and retrieved the potion bottles he wanted and returned to the bedroom and eased them down Raine's throat. She quickly sank back into a deep sleep.

Casen stayed with her to watch her respiration, the antidote at hand if needed. Auron sat silently, his eyes never leaving his wife's face while holding her hand.

Sten returned Julan to the villa with the new potions he had prepared. The older Healer was very pleased to find Casen present, but dismayed at the news of additional contractions. His old face looked very sad as he sighed.

He and Casen went to the kitchen to discuss the various potions and which combinations they thought would be most effective. Julan had prepared some very intricate, advanced potions that Casen had heard of but had never seen before.

He was amazed yet again at the extensive knowledge of the old man and he was thankful to have had as much time with him as he had. He had learned much during the long weeks of caring for Sir Auron!

Their course of care decided upon, Casen convinced Julan to return to his home and rest, as Lady Raine would most likely sleep at least until daylight, if not longer. He promised to send for him if her condition changed. Sten's faithful bird again carried the old Healer to his home, then was brought into the compound with Dan on his return.

Several hours passed in silence until Raine again began to stir, her face betraying the pain she felt though she wasn't really awake. Casen quickly went to the kitchen and got the most powerful of Julan's potions and got it into her, watching her carefully.

She quieted a little, but as the sun began to rise, it was obvious that the battle was being lost. Even through the drugs, she cried out as Auron held her hands and softly talked to her.

Casen finally went to the living area and quietly said, "Get Julan." A grim-faced Sten left with his bird.

Marin got up and went out the back door. He knew he was going to lose his battle with his tears and preferred that it happen in private.

Julan and Sten returned and the old man hurried to the young woman who was so dear to him, his old heart saddened almost beyond words.

Still partly drugged by the potions, she still struggled with the pains that gripped her, her tears and soft cries not for herself but for their baby. Sir Auron's pain was even greater as he watched her, blaming himself for what was happening. Julan knew that no potion would ever help him, that the scars on his body were nothing compared to the wound now in his heart.

A few hours after sunrise it was over. Raine and Sir Auron cried together as their hearts broke, their tears mingling. After a time, Julan gave Raine a potion that eased her back into sleep.

The tiny bundle Casen held was wrapped in what was to have been his swaddling clothes but had instead become his shroud. He stood silently.

Finally, Sir Auron's eyes left his wife's face and saw Casen waiting. He rose, went to the living area and put on his scarlet coat, returning to the bedroom where he took the small bundle from Casen and carried it gently with his left arm.

Sten, Marin and Kimahri stood silently as Sir Auron entered the room. Auron wordlessly went out the kitchen door, returning momentarily with a sturdy spade, then walked out the front door, the three men behind him.

The vendors and customers in the square watched silently as The Guardian, his face stoney and gray, a tiny bundle cradled in his left arm, walked through the eastern gate. He continued to a grassy knoll where an especially pretty tree grew and buried his son.

The weeks that followed were grim, though each of the men worked very hard to do what was necessary to bring the training facility to completion. Their minds were never very far from a grassy knoll.

Raine physically recovered in good time, well cared for by a dear old man and his younger colleague. And she had spent much time talking with Julan and she eventually came to understand that it wasn't something that she or anyone had done. It had just happened. That just the way it was. She mourned the loss of their son, but it was no longer layered over with guilt.

It was a balm to her soul to know that it was no one's fault, but she knew that Auron was suffering mightily in his belief that the fault was his. She talked to Julan about it. She told him much of Auron's story and the desperate longing he had held for so many years in his heart for a son of his own. The guilt that he believed was his was killing his soul and she was very afraid for him.

Julan nodded and sat thoughtfully for a time. Finally he asked, "Who is the one person he trusts who might be able to get through to him?"

Raine answered immediately, "Kimahri."

Julan nodded, patted her hand. "I'll talk with Kimahri then."

Once Julan finally convinced Kimahri of the validity of the fact that no one had been the cause of AJ's premature birth, the great Ronso felt a certain peace steal over his own soul.

Seeing this, Julan said, "Now we have to convince Sir Auron, Kimahri. You are the one person he trusts so this task falls to you. Do you think you can do it?"

Kimahri's gold eyes looked at the old Healer and said, "Kimahri do."

It wasn't an easy assignment. Auron found every excuse in the book to keep himself isolated from everyone. Finally, Kimahri planted himself in front of his friend and said, "Auron come with Kimahri! Now!"

Auron looked at the massive Ronso, standing arms akimbo in front of him and knew there was little chance of him dissuading the blue Warrior from whatever he had in mind.

Thinking that the quickest way to deal with the problem was to simply go see what Kimahri wanted, Auron sighed and nodded.

He followed Kimahri, becoming more puzzled as the Ronso seemed to be leading him toward the eastern gate. The closer they got to the gate, the more his boots slowed. Kimahri looked at him and said, "Auron walk or Kimahri carry!"

Auron most reluctantly walked but his anger was rising by the minute. By the time Kimahri had to take him by the elbow and forcibly walk him to the small grave under the tree, Auron was in a blind rage!

He screamed at the blue Warrior every curse he had ever heard for forcing him to come there. He swung at him mightily only to have a powerful blue arm swat him away, sending him sprawling to the ground.

A menacing growl of rage contorted Auron's face as he proceeded to take all of his pent up anger, hurt and guilt out on the huge Ronso. Kimahri's much greater strength easily deflected every punch, kick and strike directed at him.

The great feline face remained stoic and silent the entire time. He had no idea how much time had passed, but finally an exhausted Auron sat sprawled on the ground before him, defeated, having no more strength to fight against his friend, his anger and rage spent.

Seeing this, Kimahri spoke for the first time since they had arrived at the knoll. Pointing to the small grave, his deep rumble said, "Not Auron's fault! Julan say so!"

Looking at the tiny grave he himself had dug for his son, tears began to stream down Auron's face, then his whole body was shaking with sobs which continued unabated for a very long time until his soul was completely cleansed. Though he didn't know it, he could now properly mourn his son and begin his own recovery.

Seeing his friend's tears finally ending, Kimahri sat on the grass beside him and pulled out a flask from the smallpack at the back of his waist. He uncapped it, took a swig of the sake and wordlessly handed it to Auron who looked at it and took a grateful gulp.

Having a second big gulp and then a third, he passed it back to Kimahri. Kimahri grunted and growled, "Auron drink too much!"

Auron glanced at the enormous Ronso seated beside him. "If you had a decent-sized flask, then you'd have enough to share!"

Kimahri grunted a "Hmph! Auron need keg!"

One side of Auron's mouth ticked upward. They sat there for a while in silence, each comfortable and secure with the other.

Auron finally turned to look at Kimahri for a long moment. Very quietly he said, "Thank you, my friend."

Kimahri rumbled something and thumped Auron's shoulder.

Auron asked quietly, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Kimahri's face twisted into a big Ronso smile, complete with a deep rumble-chuckle, then he said, while lightly brushing off an imaginary spot, "Get Kimahri's fur dirty!"

Auron rumbled his own laugh.

Kimahri stood and said, "Better go. Late. Raine kick Kimahri's butt."

Auron smiled. "Yeah, she might."

Kimahri reached out a paw to give Auron a hand up and the two friends walked back to town.

As soon as Auron walked in, Raine detected the change in him. She didn't know how Kimahri had done it, but whatever he had done or said had been successful.

Auron held her in his arms for a very long time. Their hearts began to heal from the loss of their son.