Chapter 5 Secrets unveiled

It was the Saturday of the week wherein I talked to both Irma and Taranee. Nothing peculiar had happened during said week either. Kandrakar hadn't rang and school life continued as usual. Irma did get detention during Mr. Sylla's lessons, but managed to weasel herself out of them. I knew she used her powers, but as neither Hay Lin nor Taranee would confess against her, I had no hard proof. So I let her go on the pretence of no evidence. I did say we could use magic, but the way Irma tended to use it was a bit too much to my liking.

Anyway, we'd decided to make Saturday our training day. We got up early and left for Meridian well before noon. I'd alerted Elyon beforehand and was pleasantly surprised that she too cleared her schedule to with us for the day. Taranee and I had explained the concept of golems, to which Elyon had coined in that she knew of the telepathic connection between golem and master. Apparently, after Nerissa was captured in the gem, Sandpit's connection with her had been broken. As she's still not out, Sandpit decided to recreate the connection with Elyon, as she was his master now. She said it helped a lot, knowing that the sand golem had a voice.

But yeah, we started off practicing with golems. While creating the earth and fire golems were a piece of cake – I had like seven of them in total at one point – the water and air golems were nearly impossible. The water golems kept exploding as I tried to create them and I really needed Hay Lin to form something of air that I could actually see. And even then I tended to miss or the golems just drifted apart. I would figure out how to create them, but in the mean time we focussed on the golems we could make. As I said, at a certain moment I had a good seven of them, but they were very hard to control. With that I don't mean that they rampaged. Instead Taranee and Cornelia could easily take them from my control and it took me a lot of effort to regain it, and then immediately lose it again. I also learnt that the golems could be shaped into many different things, but that a humanoid earth golem and an eastern dragon fire golem were the easiest to control. Maybe there was a basic form for the water and air elementals that I just had to find. Maybe then they would actually form.

After the golem session, we all took a break. Elyon invited us back to the palace, where lunch was served. The lunch that was served was nothing short of extravagant, which was apparently much to Elyon's dislike. I heard her talk to her adoptive father, asking him why the lunch was this big while she had ordered for something simple. He had laughed and said that when the servants realized that their Queen would be dining with the Guardians, they went out of their way to make a grant, yet simple, feast. This caused all of us to grin at Elyon's deep sigh, who just shook her head. I could understand. She couldn't simply punish them for doing their jobs.

The lunch progressed swiftly. I didn't eat too much as I wasn't very hungry. Irma was filling her plate again like she'd never eaten at all. Cornelia was giving Elyon the update of all the rumours of school and Hay Lin was silently mounting a spoon with some food while aiming at Irma. I rolled my eyes, knowing a food fight was imminent.

"How are you and Matt?"

I nearly choked on my food. I looked surprised at Taranee, who was prodding her own chicken – I think it's chicken – while eyeing me. I took a few deep breathers and drank some from my cup. I noticed that the table had gone quiet. Even Hay Lin's would be attack slipped off her spoon. Why, oh why did boy talk always gain the attention of every girl?

"Fine... He's just busy with school and the band. And Napoleon calls him every now and then for training. They're training today."

"He isn't hurt about you staying quiet about your training sessions with Caleb?"

Really, Taranee either knew how to drive the point home or she just liked fishing for information. I noticed how every girl at the table inched forward. Even Caleb, who'd joined us just a few minutes ago and who had remained quiet, seemed interested. I placed my cutlery down and stared a bit at my plate.

"Maybe. He was silent when we returned. And then, with all things happening on Arkhanta and stuff – I swiftly looked at Irma and Taranee – I hadn't had time to hang with him. He's busy and I'm so as well. I texted him, but I can't read emotions from texts."

That wasn't really true. I knew Matt long enough to know that long answers meant he was happy and short answers meant he was either agitated or busy. In case of the latter, he would always explain later what he was doing, be it by text or in person. But lately all his texts had been short, with no explanation afterwards. He wouldn't stay mad about this for so long, would he?

"Ugh."

I looked up to see Hay Lin lean forward a bit, grasping her stomach.

"Are you okay?" Elyon asked, breaking my boy-problems topic.

Hay Lin waved her off. "Don't worry. I've been having these at random moments."

I raised my eyebrow. I knew of a moment when this happened before, but I couldn't put my finger on it. But something told me this wasn't just a case of cramps.

Before we could get into Hay Lin's cramps, or Matt's dented ego, the doors to the room opened. Lyonak entered with his head held high. As he noticed us, a glare flitted over his features. The guy just seemed to have a general loathing for us. Maybe because Cornelia pushed him into a wall. I really should've reconsidered that.

"Your Majesty, if I may intrude?"

A deep, annoyed sigh came from Elyon as she gestured the man in. It was clear he wasn't someone she favoured.

"Your Majesty, I learnt that you have cancelled all of your appointments for today. If I may remind you, Kandrakar is still watching us, ensuring that we are worthy of the contract. For you to abandon your work for them, is not a good sign."

We all collectively glared at the man. I didn't know who he thought he was but he was damn well overstepping his boundaries. I glanced at Elyon, whose face was impassive as she stared the elderly man down.

"Sir Lyonak, I am well aware of Kandrakar's vigilance. You may not have noticed, but I am currently strengthening those ties with its Guardians."

Lyonak's lips became very thin as he squinted at all of us. I nodded to him, seeing the others doing the same. He wasn't fully convinced, with us once again in human form. I didn't bother to prove Elyon right. She was his Queen. It was his choice to believe her or not.

"Be as it may..." Lyonak started.

"As for my duties, my regents and honour guard are looking into them, but I assume you already knew this," Elyon interrupted, gesturing at her adoptive parents who functioned as her regents and Caleb, the only member of the honour guard currently here. They nodded at their Queen's mentioning of their momentary jobs.

Lyonak straightened his collar and seemed to swallow. He nodded at his regents and the honour guard, while bowing his head finally in compliance.

"Of course I knew, your Majesty. I just came to see if you had indeed given them those tasks. For the sake of Meridian, of course."

Hay Lin moaned softly. This caught my attention and I saw her once again place a hand on her stomach. Irma, who sat beside her, let go of her anger at Lyonak and turned to her. Hay Lin was waving Irma off, probably saying it was nothing. I raised an eyebrow while looking at them.

"Well then, you should know better than to question them. They, after all, helped Meridian be freed from my brother." Elyon's tone was icy. Her glare was fixed on the elderly man, who seemed absolutely unimpressed by his Queen's mood. "You may leave."

Lyonak bowed. "As you wish, my Queen. I only wish to serve."

As he spoke, I felt my eyes be automatically drawn to Hay Lin. She didn't groan this time, but she was grimacing. Lyonak left and a silence filled the room.

"Elyon, I don't want to be rude, but who was that bloated toad?" Cornelia finally said.

Elyon was now pinching the bridge of her nose, though smirked at Cornelia's description. Caleb muttered a few curse words but quit after a dark look from Meriadel.

"He is chosen by Kandrakar to sit in the Council on behalf of Meridian. And thus, one of my advisors," Elyon said.

"You sound like you regret it," Irma said with a grin.

Elyon rolled her eyes. "You have no idea. He keeps bossing everyone around, tries to defy me whenever he sees fit and if not for my parents, he might've tried to manipulate me as well. He's a horrible guy and I can't figure out why Kandrakar chose him."

While I was having trouble understanding Kandrakar's choices lately, I did feel Elyon's frustration.

"Taranee, maybe you should read his mind and figure out his motives."

I raised an eyebrow and looked at Irma, who gave Taranee one of her most persuading glances. Taranee, however, frowned.

"No thank you. I won't do it unless I've got a reason or if either Elyon or Kandrakar ask me to."

Irma rolled her eyes. "Come on! It's harmless anyway."

I looked at Irma. "So you would magically suggest...Hmm, let's say your father to shoot himself?"

Irma looked shocked at me. The others turned silent as well. Caleb even choked on his food. Irma's mouth was open and it took her a moment to recollect herself.

"That's different! Of course I won't! But he's family and it would result in his death! If Taranee would just read Lyonak's mind, no one would get hurt!" Irma said.

I shrugged. "You magically suggesting things to your family that would be harmful is something against what you think is not right. Taranee won't read the minds of others unless permission is given, because she thinks that's right. You can't make her do something like that."

Irma frowned and crossed her arms. The others eyed me attentively, as if wondering what the hell I was thinking. I decided to let it go. I made my point and made Irma drop her idea. Furthermore, there was something else I wanted to check.

"Besides, I think Lyonak is quite the charming fellow and completely trustworthy, with nothing but the best interest for Meridian at heart."

I looked discreetly at Hay Lin as I said this. She paled slightly and tried to hide a soft groan. The others looked at me as if I'd gone mad. Even Elyon could no longer hide her genuine shock.

"Now I'm sure you're going mad," Irma said.

"You can't be serious," Cornelia said.

"I'm dead serious," I said.

Hay Lin grimaced again.

"Will, seriously, what was in your food to make you say that?"

I grinned smugly at Irma, prodding my food a bit before smiling broadly at the others. I imagined it looked quite ridiculous, but I was actually giddy with my new discovery. My grin fell quickly as I finally remembered when I'd seen Hay Lin react like this before.

"Will?"

I looked at Elyon, who looked slightly concerned at me. I shook my head.

"No, I was lying. Don't worry. If anything I think he's suspicious and you should keep an eye on him, Elyon," I said.

"If that was your idea of a joke then..."

I shook my head again, interrupting Irma's threat. I looked slightly apologetic at Hay Lin.

"I'm sorry Hay, I just realized something."

Hay Lin looked at me. She was looking better again, as if nothing had happened before. It was perhaps a good thing she recovered so quickly. If she didn't and we were ever to fight a pathological liar, Hay Lin would be out for the count.

"Realized what?" she said.

I placed down my cutlery. "You can detect lies."

Hay Lin looked at me. Irma was already trying to disprove my theory. Cornelia was saying I was being ridiculous, while Taranee was asking Hay Lin about how long ago she got this power. Hay Lin remained silent as she looked at me. I was sure I could see her think. I'd expected her to counter my declaration. Instead she slowly started to nod.

"That...Makes sense, I think. I mean, I've been getting these dizzy spells too often and too random for it to be an illness."

I nodded satisfied. The conversation went completely into this new fact. Taranee had taken out her booklet – the same I'd seen a few nights before – and started asking how it felt exactly. Irma was telling Hay Lin she had to work on her poker face if she ever wanted to play tricks with her again, seeing how she would give any lie away right now. Cornelia actually agreed on the poker face, though from a different angle. Her aim was to convince Hay Lin to acquire a poker face or their secret would be blown. Elyon sometimes chimed in, saying that if Hay Lin ever had the time, she could perhaps attend a hearing or two, to ensure that everyone spoke honestly. Hay Lin was just trying her best to answer everyone.

I remained silent. I knitted my brow and thought back to the first time I'd noticed Hay Lin acting like this. I hadn't taken much notice of it back then, due to all the things happening so soon afterward. But as I replayed the memory, some things didn't sit right with me. I had to figure out the truth, and I was afraid only one person could answer me truthfully. At least, I hope she would.

"Will?"

As I got up, the conversation dropped again. They all looked at me and I realized I hadn't spoken at all. I just smiled faintly at them, hoping it would take some of their concern away.

"I just thought of something. I have to check it. I'll be back."

With that I took my leave from the table. I could hear them calling after me. I heard the scraping of chairs over the floor and I took out the Heart of Kandrakar. I could see them approach me, but I focussed and prayed my plan would work as I opened a fold.

"Where are you going?" Cornelia said.

I turned briefly to them. My very fake smile was still on my face.

"I'm just checking something. You continue, I'll be back soon."

With that I ignored any further protest. With just one quick prayer I stepped through the fold and closed it immediately behind me. I just hoped that Taranee hadn't read my mind before I left. It didn't really matter now. Now I had to focus. My fold had taken me to a cave. It was dimly lit and I could make out a sort of lake beneath. I myself had landed on a staircase. I could see strange fabric cloths coming from the ceiling of the cave and going all the way to the lake and to the shadows where the lights couldn't reach.

"Drip. Drip."

I stiffened. It was a voice who made the sound. A female voice. I swallowed softly and peered over the edge of the staircase.

"Come. Closer. Drip. Drip."

I balled my fists. If my guess had been right, the person to whom I wanted to speak was right below me. If not, well, I would have walked into a trap. I slowly descended the stairs, keeping my back straight and one eye out for danger. As I approached the lake I could see a shift in the robes. Circles appeared in the water and from it, a woman came. Her complexion was a sickly green while her eyes were a darker green. Her yellowish robes were tattered and as I got a closer look, I could see some motley green blemishes on her forehead. Her light green hair was long and part of it obscured her face. A very dangerous smile rested on her lips.

"Guardian, I am surprised. Are you here to kill me? If so, you are foolish to believe you can do so without your full powers."

I raised my hands, hoping it would signify that I came in peace. I wasn't really sure if the same gesture applied to Arkhanta as well. The Banshee made no real attempts of either attacking or defending. Instead, she just looked at me, raising one of her eyebrows. Maybe my gesture was puzzling her, or perhaps it was the idea of me coming in peace that boggled her mind.

"I am not here to attack you, lady Banshee," I said, hoping that some courtesy would coerce the Banshee to listen to me. "To prove this, I came untransformed."

A soft chuckle left her lips. "Then what would a Guardian of Kandrakar do here if not to kill me? Am I, after all, not the cause of all your problems? Without me, Ari has no power to attack Kandrakar."

"I know that. But there is no sense in killing you when we can solve this peacefully."

This time the laugh was fruitless. "Peacefully? Oh but my little Guardian, I do not wish for peace. I do not wish this to be over so soon. Once Ari frees me, and trust me he will, I want to hear him scream. I want to see his tears of desperation. My revenge will trap him just as tightly as these bonds tie me."

This wasn't going the way I wanted. I didn't know enough about Banshees to make a next move. Could I approach her with sympathy or should I detest her? I couldn't really blame her. Ari had taken her from her home, just by making the one wish that is seen as betrayal by a Banshee. I stared at her and I could feel the anger radiating from her. It wasn't meant for me, at least not yet. I had to calm her down.

"He took you from your home. Your loved ones. You want him to attack Kandrakar. You want him to lose and feel defeat. You may even hope his remaining loved ones will suffer," I said.

The Banshee had taken an aggressive pose when she'd spoken, but was mellowing down as my words echoed softly through her cave. She looked attentively at me, as if trying to read my mind.

"You have an extraordinary sharp eye," she said.

"Thank you."

"You are not here to attack me. You came here by fold, while never having seen this place. Tell me Guardian, how did you arrive here. That was your fold, wasn't it?"

I blushed and hid my smirk. Her anger was still there, but now at a much lower intensity. Instead curiosity got the better of her. I inclined my head just slightly, accepting whatever praise I could get.

"I used what I'd heard of your voice. I also figured that you would be near the palace. I gambled on a room beneath it. If I'd gambled wrong, I'd..."

"You would have ended up in solid rock. A very unpleasant sensation," the Banshee finished, nodding her head. I merely inclined my head once more, before looking her back in the eyes. The Banshee was leaning on one of the rocks in the small lake, as if pondering something. She finally raised her eyebrows in an impressed fashion and shrugged. I guess I made some impression.

"What is it that made you come here, Guardian?"

I lowered my arms and gestured to a rock nearby the lake. My unspoken question was answered as the Banshee gestured towards it and I took my seat. I clasped my hands together and looked at her.

"I had some questions. And a proposition."

The smirk returned to the Banshee's face. She cackled softly. She came out of the water and sat opposite on me on the stone she'd just been leaning against. She placed one leg over the other, and placed her hands on top of it.

"I am currently in the service of a master, any wishes you -"

"I have no wishes that require magic from your side. I only have questions I wish an answer to so I can solve this problem in a way everyone might win from. That's also the reason I want to make a proposition."

I got the Banshee's attention. Her brow knitted in concentration and she looked me over one more time. She gestured with her hand, indicating I could continue.

"You wish to be free. You wish to return to your own family, your own home. You also want vengeance on Ari. You should know that if Ari indeed starts a war with Kandrakar, it could also mean the end of your life, and those you love. I doubt that, with Kandrakar's current policy, any creatures as dangerous as your kind are allowed to remain alive if they prove to be a hazard for Kandrakar."

I could see no reaction to this on her face, yet I did feel something. As if my own heart skipped a beat in surprise and fear. But it wasn't my own. I looked at the Banshee, but she remained impassive. Her eyes had widened only ever so slightly.

"Continue," she said.

I swallowed. So far, so good. "If we manage to befriend Ari and convince him of your release, you can still have your revenge. In this scenario, I would recommend you not harming him directly, as he would fall under our protection. And with that, Kandrakar's. If you attack him, the same would apply as scenario one. However this – I motioned to the ceiling, hoping the palace was indeed above us – all his wishes, you could revoke those, couldn't you? It would be an indirect revenge, but it would hit him harder in the long term and technically not make him an enemy. He would lose his prestige, his fortress and the fertile lands you made for him. In essence, this would be a better revenge than merely killing him or his son."

I saw a small smile play on her lips, as if mentioning Maqi dying by her hands was either fun or a strange thought. She nodded along and I continued, growing bolder as I spoke.

"If he would not become our ally, I and the rest of the Guardians will free you. I am positive we can and that we will. If that happens, you are free to take your revenge on Ari however you wish, as he is outside of Kandrakar's protection."

I was honest. I really believed everything I'd just said. I was quite sure Kandrakar would wipe out the Banshees if this one helped Ari in his attack. I was certain that if the Banshee revoked all of Ari's wishes, he would suffer more than when he would die. And how much I despised it, but if Ari would deny our request to become an ally, I had to make the choice and keep the girls out of it. But I wasn't planning on letting that happen. No, I already had something in mind and I was sure he would ally himself with us. I just needed him to do only one more thing before he would free the Banshee. But that was something for the future. For now, I had to convince the Banshee.

"I see. You make an interesting point, Guardian. But why try and convince me?"

I balled my hands. "I just want to avoid bloodshed. That's why I want to make a deal with you. We will free you, either by Ari's word or by our powers. In exchange, you and your kin will not exact physical or magical vengeance that would directly harm the people of Arkhanta. This would exclude Ari and Ari alone when you are freed by the Guardians. I want you to vow this on the Heart of Arkhanta."

The Banshee started to laugh. It was high pitched and almost screeching. I winced and refrained to put my hands against my ears. I just stared at her and hoped she would calm down soon. She slowly started to wheeze and finally she was only chuckling in herself.

"Guardian, you have a way with words. For your courtesy as well as giving me my chance of revenge, I shall indulge in your game. I vow on the Heart of Arkhanta that me or my kin shall not exact physical or magical vengeance for my servitude that would directly harm the people of Arkhanta, excluding Ari of Arkhanta if I am freed by the magic of the Guardians of Kandrakar."

I let go of a deep sigh. This had been worrying me and I was actually relieved this went so well. At least the people of Arkhanta were safe. Now I just had to know a few more things.

"You mentioned questions. You haven't asked them yet," the Banshee said.

I inclined my head again. "True enough. I have but one question, to be honest. I was wondering. Is it true that Kandrakar had no hand in the illness of young Maqi?"

I said this and my memory went back to when we had gotten our mission. Hay Lin's groan of pain when the Oracle had claimed that Kandrakar had done nothing of which Ari accused them of. I wanted proof.

A smile formed on the Banshee's lips. She started to let herself submerge back into the waters and I was afraid my audience with her was over.

"I believe, young Guardian, that you already know the answer," she said.

My stomach turned. They had done something to Maqi. But why? I looked at the Banshee. Her head was the only thing that was still above water. Her ghastly green eyes looked at me and I thought I saw a spark of interest in her eyes. I wouldn't get another question.

"You are a dangerous individual, Wilhelmina. Kandrakar knows this as well."

With that she submerged completely. I got up and bowed to the lake, before creating a fold. I wasn't going to risk being caught here while mulling over the words of the Banshee. I stepped through the fold and felt a force closing it up. I barely managed to get my other foot out of it when it snapped shut. I also got a feeling I wouldn't be able to create yet another fold to that place.

A deep sigh left me and I took the nearest chair I could find. I was back at the dining room. The servants were busy cleaning the tables and I noticed Caleb sitting opposite of me, looking surprised and curious. I ignored his stare as I tried to calm my heart down. The Banshee's words echoed through my mind. What did she mean with her final sentence? And why would Kandrakar interfere this heavily into the life of someone who was not affiliated with Kandrakar? I placed my head in my hands, trying to order my thoughts. It was Kandrakar's fault this whole circus started with Ari. But going there, blaming them, it would only make me seem untrustworthy. A betrayer to Kandrakar. If I went against them, I couldn't right the wrongs they'd done. None of us could. Halinor's warning now came to mind. She had advised us to obey.

"And?"

Caleb pulled me out of my train of thought. I had to discuss this with the girls. I looked at him and I could see a bit of annoyance streak his features. It took me a moment to realize that he was inquiring about my sudden disappearance.

"I went to check something for our current mission," I said. I didn't want him to get involved. "Where are the girls?"

Caleb was obviously not happy with me pushing him away. I could just see him huffing in annoyance with me and gave me a mild glare. I returned it. He had to learn that he could not always be there for us.

"What did you find out?"

He wasn't giving up. But neither was I. If I revealed what I had learnt to anyone on Metamoor, I would endanger too many people. Me willing to discuss this with the girls was already dangerous. I would not wilfully take the Merdianites with me.

"Guardian business," I said. "Where are the girls or do I have to ask Taranee?"

Caleb got up. A few of the servants that had been secretly keeping an eye on our conversation started to scurry away. The room emptied quickly as the now honour guard of the Queen was staring me down. He planted his hand on the table, making it tremble ever so slightly.

"Why will you not share what you have done?"

I remained seated. "Because this does not concern Meridian."

"It concerns Cornelia."

I raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Caleb balled his hand and slammed it once again on the table. He was intimidating, his anger seething behind his eyes. His concern palpable.

"So it concerns me! Haven't I been your ally?"

I nodded, breathing heavily through my nose. I got up, already mentally contacting Taranee.

"Where are you?"

"Yes, you have been our ally and I hope you will remain so in the future," I said.

Caleb glared at me, as if he wanted to tell me that he hadn't given me permission to stand.

"But this does not concern Meridian. I do not want to unintentionally pull you into a problem that can also be solved otherwise. Besides, you are a dear friend to me. I would hate myself if something happened to you in a mission you don't have to be a part in. Also, Cornelia would kill me."

I watched as my words seemed to have a slight effect on him. He breathed heavily through his nose and straightened his back. Taranee decided to reply at that moment.

"We're back at the training grounds. You might want to hurry, Irma is driving Hay Lin insane."

I figured that I would find out what Irma was doing when I got there. I nodded at Caleb and made my way out. He didn't call me back. I could only hear him slam his fist into the wood one more time. I shook my head. I appreciated his concern and his willingness to help. But he had to realize that he couldn't be there all the time.

"Caleb was supposed to tell you where we were. Did you miss him?"

I shook my head, even though I knew Taranee couldn't see it.

"He and I had an insignificant falling out. He forgot to tell me."

"About what?"

"Something I'll tell you guys when I arrive."

With that I shut down the telepathic connection and made my way to the training grounds. When I arrived, I noticed Taranee and Cornelia sitting leisurely as they watched what seemed like Irma and Hay Lin in conversation. As I approached I could see Hay Lin wince more and more and sometimes grabbing her stomach, while Irma continued speaking. Once I was standing next to Cornelia, I could make out what Irma was saying. And I was impressed. She was stringing a number of lies together with little effort, while Hay Lin was trying to keep a straight face. Though it seemed like Irma was overdoing it a little.

"Will, you're back!' Cornelia said, looking surprised from the conversation to me.

I nodded. "How long?" I said as I nodded at the two.

Taranee, who had been watching with her mouth slightly open, raised an eyebrow.

"Shortly after you left. Irma figured it to be a good idea to train Hay Lin's poker face. Seeing how it could make or break any and all of her own lies."

I smirked a bit as I watched them go at it for a while longer. Irma's lies were ridiculous, but said with such an air of confidence that anyone who did not know her, could actually believe her. I watched them as I thought back to my conversation with the Banshee. She was indeed a terrifying creature and I guess I should count myself lucky that I even made it to her lair and that she did not try to do away with me. However the answer she gave me, along with the warning, made me feel sick. And angry. Kandrakar was wilfully starting a war with Arkhanta. It didn't matter if Ari knew the truth or was assuming that Kandrakar had a hand in Maqi's condition. It was reason enough for him to attack Kandrakar. The longer I thought about it, the angrier I got. Kandrakar had sent us to Arkhanta, fully knowing that Ari would ignore our warning. They wanted to twist our views about him. We wouldn't feel any regret if they would send us to fight him, as long as we perceived him to be a pompous bastard who only acted in his own interest. I just couldn't understand why. I had always believed that Kandrakar was there to keep evil at bay. Ari wasn't evil. And Maqi wasn't either. So then why would they curse the boy and start a war?

I balled my hands. I could just feel my anger throbbing through me and I breathed heavily through my nose. I realized that I'd been staring at nothing when suddenly Hay Lin's voice thundered and broke me out of my thoughts.

"ENOUGH!"

I shook my head and looked up. Irma was laying on the ground, surprised and slightly shaken. Hay Lin was breathing heavily, her face still twisted in a grimace. One hand clutched her stomach, the other was balled and hang next to her body.

"You went too far, Irma," Cornelia said.

I frowned. I heard some disdain in Cornelia's voice. I guess it should be normal, but Cornelia wore an almost angry frown as she walked up to Irma to help her up. Taranee walked to Hay Lin and placed a hand on her shoulder. Yet I was sure I could see an angry scowl as well.

"Sorry Hay Lin," Irma said, patting the dust off her clothes. "Though you could have asked it nicely."

I felt a tad woozy as I pinched the bridge of my nose. Hay Lin's heavy breathing was slowly calming and she was already apologizing to Irma when I finally approached.

"and you just kept on and on and I was afraid I'd lose my lunch and I'm sorry I should've said something but you kept..."

I placed a hand on Hay Lin's shoulder, effectively shutting her up. She looked surprised at me, as if only noticing me just now. It was quickly followed with an evasive and embarrassed glance.

"I think we got it Hay Lin," I said. I turned to Irma. "While what you were doing was a good idea, you might not want to overextend. Making her face so many lies in so little time will give her indigestion and not exactly a greater resistance to the feeling."

Irma shrugged, giving me a slightly impish grin. "She was getting better though."

I rolled my eyes. It was only now that I became aware of the fact that Elyon was not here. It was noticed by the others as Cornelia spoke up.

"Elyon went off, saying she remembered something. She should return within the hour."

I nodded in appreciation.

"Speaking about wandering off. Why did you leave so mysteriously?"

I told them. At first there were shocked reactions and attempts to interrupt me, most likely to ask me how crazy I was. It took me a while to silence them and when I finally was allowed to speak again, I told them everything. Once I was finished, there was no verbal reaction. Cornelia was frowning. Hay Lin had paled. Taranee was staring into the distance and Irma gave me a look that I could only describe as confused.

"How would the Banshee know what you thought?" Cornelia said. "I mean, we didn't even know you did."

"And how are you sure she didn't lie?" Taranee said.

I looked at the both of them. They made a point. There was no proof that the Banshee could read minds or that she would be honest with me. Yet I could only say it was a gut feeling that she had been truthful with me.

"How about that warning she gave you? Why would you be dangerous?" Irma said.

I shrugged. I hadn't given that a lot of thought. I just assumed she meant that my powers made me dangerous. Anyone with my powers would be dangerous. But Kandrakar was well equipped against such individuals. I was more concerned about the fact if the Banshee had spoken the truth.

"The point is, what if the Banshee spoke the truth?" I said.

"That's simple. We quit being Guardians."

I looked impressed at Irma. She was about one of the last people I would have expected to say that. Especially because of how she loved her powers the most. Even the others looked surprised.

"You would give up your powers for that?" Cornelia said.

Irma shrugged, her face already showing signs of stubbornness. "Look, I know what you guys think, okay? I love magic. I really do. But I won't work for a guy who wilfully starts a war while playing innocent. I would've gone into war for them with a sufficient reason, like us joining the rebellion here on Meridian. But this backstabbing and politics? No thanks. They can shove it up their asses, along with my powers and title."

I nodded. I acknowledged her reasoning, I was also relieved to know that Irma, despite her sometimes dabbling in the moral grey area, still had the morals I expected her to have. However, I was not agreeing with her.

"I wouldn't quit being a Guardian."

"Will!"

My name, echoed thrice, sounded ridiculously loud on the now silent training field. I winced only slightly, as the shock was registered on all of their faces. Only Hay Lin didn't seem to be fully participating in the conversation.

"Why would you say that? You can't possibly mean you would go through with starting a war?" Irma said.

I shook my head, and as I did I could see realization dawn on Cornelia's face. She nodded at me thoughtfully.

"If we quit, they would find other Guardians. Guardians who might obey them without question," she said.

I nodded at her. "Yes. As long as we remain Guardians, we can try and find loopholes in any order they give us. We can keep the peace that we are supposed to protect."

Comprehension now dawned on both Taranee and Irma, who nodded along as well. It did also snap Hay Lin out of her thoughts as she suddenly looked very alarmed.

"That would perhaps be the best decision," she said.

We all looked surprised at her. Our confusion was obvious enough for the young Asian to continue.

"I...I heard my grandmother and Mira argue a few nights back. Mira and grandma have been chosen to sit amongst the Council of Kandrakar."

I raised my eyebrows. I did not know this. A few weeks ago I would have thought this to be a fantastic opportunity for Yan Lin and Mira. Now, after seeing the full Council, I wasn't so sure. I didn't think Yan Lin would like the formality and the stiff upper lip of the full Council. I'd assumed the same counted for Mira.

"Mira wanted to accept it. My grandma didn't," Hay Lin said. "Mira called my grandmother a traitor to Kandrakar for rejecting the offer. Grandma retaliated by saying that she's had enough of being a loyal mutt for Kandrakar – they spoke Chinese, so I'm just translating – and Mira got angry enough to walk away. I hadn't caught the beginning of the conversation though. I think this has been going on for quite some while."

"Did you talk it over with your grandmother?" Irma said.

Hay Lin nodded. "She didn't want to say much, but she regretted it that Mira lacked the strong personality she had."

"That's Nerissa's fault!" Cornelia said.

I nodded. While Nerissa made the mistake of giving my altermere the same hard-headedness I was known for, she was certain to not do that with Yan Lin's altermere. Mira was more easily persuaded than Yan Lin, though I'd always believed them to be near identical. I guess that, after being into existence for so long, Mira was growing her own personality with corresponding thoughts. I just hoped they were the right ones.

"That may be, but grandma gave me the same warning Halinor gave us. She said that the last time someone went against the Council, she lost two friends."

The implication was enough. I frowned. Yan Lin, Halinor and even Kadma had told us the same story Kandrakar had given us about Nerissa. Yet now Yan Lin hinted that something more was going on. I said nothing. Instead I just pursed my lips and scanned the others. Taranee frowned as well. Cornelia clacked her tongue, but said nothing. Irma had closed her eyes and was rubbing the bridge of her nose. Somehow we'd gotten ourselves into trouble without even trying.

"Lay low. Obey orders. I guess we can work that out," I said.

The others nodded, yet the silence remained. It took us a while before we started practicing again. I decided to mainly keep my mind on the golems. I practiced on one earth golem, while Cornelia tried to take the control away from me. Irma practiced on her ice making. Hay Lin took a relieved breather from her poker face training and merely practiced her control. Taranee tried practicing her Greek fire. We weren't fully focussed though. Irma mostly made the water evaporate instead of freeze. Hay Lin caused random blasts of wind whenever she got lost in thoughts. Taranee's fire did change colour, but by the look on her face that was all it did. As for me and Cornelia. I learned that having one golem was a lot easier than controlling seven as now my full attention was directed at keeping control over the single golem I had.

Elyon returned to our training field and we tried our best not to look like something bothered us. She questioned me about my sudden departure. I only told her it had something to do with our current mission. Elyon frowned when I told her this, but she accepted it nonetheless. We'd all decided it was for the best to keep Elyon and Matt out of this. We didn't want to see if Kandrakar's threat was more than just words and involving Earth and Meridian was not our main objective.

As our training was coming to a close, I had a discussion with Caleb and Vathek. Both were certain that I at least got the basics covered and should think about a style I wished to learn. I'd asked them why I couldn't just go with the style Caleb used, when the boy had admitted he was still learning. He'd placed his hand-to-hand combat skills as lesser important than his sword fighting during the civil war. So the next time I would have to ask for Julian and Raythor, who would instruct me in several styles and see which one would suit me. It was not like I had any reason to argue and only shrugged as a response. The day ended without much excitement and as we were on our way to return home, Elyon stopped us.

"Before you go, I wish to ask something of you," she said.

I had my hand already in the air to make the fold and was slightly surprised. I shared a glance with the others. I hoped she wasn't going to ask me to disclose our mission. I lowered my hand and nodded, gesturing her to continue.

"There is something I wish to discuss with you," Elyon said, gesturing at the chairs in the dining room.

We all took our seat and watched patiently as Elyon paced a little before placing her hands on the table. Somehow she looked a little queasy. I felt a bit anxious, but once again I was sure it wasn't my emotion. I ignored it and watched how Elyon took a deep breath.

"First of all, I was wondering if you could join me at a meeting in a few months."

I raised an eyebrow. I wasn't the only one surprised by the request and it was Cornelia who spoke up.

"What meeting?"

A small blush crept over Elyon's cheeks. She made eye contact with us, and I could see how she steeled herself.

"There's a meeting between all kings and queens of Metamoor. They invited me now that Meridian is finally at peace. I…I would like you five to be there, along with Caleb and Raythor as my support."

I nodded slowly. It was not difficult to see why Elyon was asking this. We were Guardians and she was just introducing herself to the other rulers. If she arrived with the Guardians, she would immediately gain quite some respect. I also saw the problem right there.

"I don't know Elyon," I said. "I mean, I would love to come and support you. But we would have to ask Kandrakar first…"

As I said it, I could see Cornelia glare at me from the side. I could feel someone wanting to create a telepathic connection with me and I was not in the mood to argue with Cornelia that way. So I declined it. It made the attempts only more invading and tiresome, but I remained stubborn. Elyon's eyes had widened and she shook her head, her hands waving for extra emphasize.

"No, no, no!" she said. "I didn't mean like that! I don't want them to know you're Guardians! If I were to arrive with such a power at my side, they might think I was planning to attack them!"

I smiled as I leaned back. So Elyon had thought it through. She looked flustered at me.

"I could just use you guys as some extra mental support. And besides, you are also from Earth. You could easily pose as my allies from Earth if they were to ask your connection to me."

I didn't have to reply. The others grinned and nodded, saying they were happy to help. I merely nodded along. I didn't need to add anything else to it. I glanced shortly at Cornelia, who signalled me that if I were to object to Elyon's request, she and I would have a long discussion. I merely grinned at her. I knew that Cornelia wanted to help Elyon. Elyon was her best friend after all. I knew to what Cornelia was capable of when it came to helping Elyon out. I'd lost the Heart of Kandrakar once thanks to that. So I was not going to argue with her about this. I just hope she realized why I brought up Kandrakar. They all had to know that we had to be extra careful in our way of acting as Guardians if we wanted to live through this.

Elyon seemed very content with our consent and she breathed out in relief. She smiled at us and inclined her head.

"Thank you. The meeting will take place in three months. If I'm not mistaking, it should coincide with the Spring break."

"Aw yes, Spring break in Metamoor!" Irma said, pumping her fists into the air.

I rolled my eyes. Though I had to admit it was a nice thing to look forward to. I just had to talk to Matt about this. He would have to ask Elyon if he too was allowed to come. I couldn't just make him tag along, though I hoped that Elyon would give the green light for him to join us. It would be nice to have him around as well.

Elyon had brightened up. I frowned slightly as I bit my lip. Elyon put a lot of weight in our opinions. While I felt honoured, I also thought she would do better not to depend on our opinions on these matters. We weren't up to date with the events of Metamoor. We were not suited to speak our thoughts about this. I might mention this during our trip to that meeting. For now it didn't really matter.

"Thank you so much," Elyon said.

"You're welcome Elle," Cornelia said with a smile as she hugged the young Queen. "You know you can count on us."

For a short moment, I was quite sure we all thought the same. Elyon could count on us, as long as Kandrakar would not interfere. The moment passed quickly and we all smiled as we got up from our seats.

"I know," Elyon said.

We said our goodbyes and this time left through the fold I made. We arrived in the Silver Dragon basement and I let out a sigh. Today had been more testing than I thought. I said goodbye to the girls and left quickly. Mom had asked me to be in time for dinner and I assumed it would be with professor Collins. My assumptions were correct. I'd barely entered or I heard my mom laugh while a male voice laughed alongside her. I rolled my eyes a bit before announcing my presence. Lo and behold, two heads peered out of the kitchen. My mom, with a slight blush on her cheeks, and professor Collins, with a cheeky grin.

I smiled at both of them, reminding myself I'd promised to give Collins a chance. He'd risked his life to save my mom. He deserved to date her without me trying to sabotage him. I set out to set the table, with him helping me along. It was slightly awkward, seeing a teacher out of school, but I was starting to get used to it. He'd asked me about my day and I replied I'd been with the girls. He tried to get more out of me and I told him that Elyon had invited us for Spring break. My mom had heard me and as Collins was close to interrogate me about Elyon, she interrupted. She gave me the green light to go as she had been planning to go on a small vacation with Dean. I was silently grateful I wasn't required to come along. With that we started dinner, where I asked Collins about the new teacher. This got Elyon off his mind and he lamented about how Sylla was taking the attention of every student and how it was becoming difficult to be 'as cool' as the new teacher. I grinned at that.

Dinner passed and as I left my mother and her date alone in the living room, I reclined to my room. I texted Matt, giving him a very short summary of today. Mostly I told him about Elyon's proposition and if he wanted to come along. If so, he had to ask Elyon himself. I just hoped he wouldn't ask me why I didn't ask Elyon. I didn't want an argument now. My phone buzzed quickly after I'd sent the text. I grimaced. It only said 'ok'. I really needed to talk to him.

I placed my phone on the table and let myself fall into my bed. I stared at the ceiling, slowly feeling how tired I actually was. I reluctantly got out of bed to at least undress myself. With my pyjama half done I let myself fall into my bed again. Whatever troubles would come, I'd deal with them in the morning.