Chapter 26

“From their magical seeds, the trees created all living creatures: the insects, the fish, the birds, and the beasts. But it was Life herself who created men and women out of her own sap.”

Origins by Grand Arboler Parley, year 1989

Lennox

Captain Fields approached Cambium’s western gate. By his command, soldiers opened it just enough for a man to ride through on horseback. He took a slow, deep breath, and then prodded his warhorse forward, crouching under the wooden gate, passing through the massive walls of Cambium.

The city’s white buildings and walls glistened under the early morning sunlight. Near the same size of Magen City, it sat snugly between two mountain ranges on the north and south, which cast mile-long shadows. Two gates, one eastern and one western, were the only entrances. Cambium was the main way by which an army could get to Magen City in the east. That’s precisely why two colossal armies stood west of the city at the moment.

Captain Fields could hardly believe his eyes as he gazed at the two armies. So many! The rising sun behind him shone on the soldiers’ metal armor, making them look like a sea of sparkling diamonds. The Barklian army was quite larger, each of its soldiers donning blue. Fields knew, however, that the smaller, white-robed Forid army was the greater threat.

Just days before, he'd received a message from General Silas regarding Barkley’s betrayal. Silas and his army were on their way but probably wouldn’t arrive in time for the initial siege. Captain Field’s daughter, Ashley, was with them. Life send that she stays safe, he thought. Life send that we survive this battle.

Now came the diplomacy.

Fields rode along the green plains beyond Cambium’s walls for a while until he finally arrived at a tent placed right between the Barklian and Forid front lines. Enemy soldiers and mages regarded Captain Fields with disdain as he approached. He returned a cold glare, especially to the Barklians, but kept waving a white flag of peace over his head.

He didn't expect to get anything achieved in this meeting other than to buy his men more time to prepare the city’s defenses and to wait for reinforcements from General Silas to arrive. He could see the hate in his enemies’ eyes, their yearning for blood. Only the Guardian himself could manage to turn these two armies around without a fight.

Fields got off his horse, removed his weapons, passed by the guards, and entered the general’s tent. Inside, the tent was lit with oak logs, a gesture of luxury. In the tent’s center was a large, wooden table, which contained a few maps of Salveria and even one map of the entire Merith. Behind the table stood a stocky mage wearing eloquent blue robes. The bearded man stared at Fields, stone-faced. Fields returned a similar look and said, “Dale.”

“Fields,” King Dale said.

“So, this is what it has come to?” Fields asked. “An army at the walls of our second largest city? Not a few days ago, you were our ally.”

“We are bein’ ally to the Guardian.” Dale’s expression was serious, his Barklian accent thick. “The true Guardian.”

“Lennox? He’s no Guardian. You should know better. He’s not saving you from anything. He’s leading you to attack your allies.”

“Blasphemy. False doctrines. That’s what he is savin’ us from.”

“He could do that by preaching at a sect. Not by slaughtering men, women, and children in their homes.”

Dale narrowed his eyes. “We don’t be killin’ without purpose, Fields. We are takin’ prisoners; this ain’t genocide. This is bein’ a war on religion, not land, not money, not power.”

“Oh, I doubt that.” Fields stepped toward the table. “Why can’t we agree to disagree? You believe in reincarnation, we believe in ascension. No need to kill a man for holding different beliefs than you.”

“That is where you are bein’ wrong. Some beliefs are dangerous. Especially when concernin’ the Guardian of Magic. He is supposin’ to be the leader over the entire world. But how is that possible, when most of us are believin’ he reincarnated, and some of us are believin’ he ascended.” The Barklian King pointed at Fields. “By your beliefs, you are opposin’ the king of the world, the Guardian himself. Anyone who is not believin’ in the true Guardian is bein’ his enemy.”

Fields paused, considering Dale’s dark logic. “The true Guardian wouldn’t attack an entire nation just because the people don’t believe in him. He is better than that.” Fields leaned over the table. “Don’t pretend to be so righteous, Dale! This war concerns much more than just religion! You’ve wanted power and our land for years! You’re just too much of a coward to admit it! If it weren’t for Forid starting the war, you’d still be hiding behind your Barklian borders, acting like our allies!”

“You are bein’ wrong, sir,” Dale said in a stern, yet controlled voice. “And you best be keepin’ in mind whose army is at whose walls. Watch your words carefully, captain.” Dale paused. “You are bein’ right about one thing, though. The Guardian of Magic wouldn’t be attackin’ a nation without reasonable cause. That is why we are meetin’ here today. To present a peace offerin’ to you.”

“An ultimatum.” Fields huffed, pacing the tent.

Dale ignored him. “The Guardian Reborn, Lennox Elmson, will be grantin’ Salveria peace on condition that the entire nation will be refutin’ the Ascended Guardian totally and completely. You must be topplin’ statues, levelin’ sects, and burnin’ scrolls that so much as be mentionin’ the Ascended Guardian.” He paused, letting that sink in. “And, you must be acceptin’ Lennox as your Guardian of Magic.”

“Not a chance,” Fields said without hesitation.

“Fields…” Dale took a breath. “I am urgin’ you to reconsider. We are outnumberin’ you three to one. You don’t—”

Dale cut off as a woman walked through the tent. She had pale skin with black hair that barely reached her elegant, white robes. He recognized her. Charol, the Forid Queen. She used to be sovereign over her country until Lennox rose to power a year earlier. Once she believed he was the Guardian, they were wed, and he became king. She gave Fields a cold glare.

A man followed behind her into the tent. The man’s height commanded immediate attention. He had to crouch until he reached the center of the tent. Fields thought he looked like the perfect warrior—an ancient sculpture brought to life. He had no facial hair. His locks were short, brown, and wavy. Although this man’s stature appeared dangerous, the smooth features in his face and eyes seemed peaceful and trusting. Not quite what Fields had expected to see in his enemy.

“Captain Fields.” The man’s voice was tender and rich with Forid eloquence. “I am Lennox Elmson, King of Forid, and the reincarnated Guardian of Magic.”

Fields had to crane his neck to look up at Lennox, determined not to appear intimidated.

“I am here to save you from your false traditions and corrupt doctrines,” Lennox said. “For far too many years, Life has allowed you to live in the darkness you yourselves created. She has sent me to bring light and truth back into the world.”

The warmth in Lennox’s voice was disarming. A part of Fields yearned for the comfort and peace this man seemed to promise. And then it all made sense. How did Forid convince Barkley to form an alliance against Salveria? The answer was right in front of him. Find a man like Lennox to play the role of the Guardian Reborn… and to play it well enough to convince everyone.

I’m not convinced, Fields told himself.

“Changes need to be made,” Lennox continued. “And they can be made peacefully, captain. Denounce your false beliefs, accept my peace offering, and I will spare you, your city, and the Salverian country. Join me, and no one will die.”

Fields thought about how many citizens of Cambium would have to die in this battle. And how many people would die if the battle pushed toward Magen City? Would this be the end of Salveria? He could save all those people by accepting Lennox’s terms. Was it worth the sacrifice? Fields thought about that day at the lumber yard, almost two weeks ago, when he saw Silas and the young man with him in strange clothes. A glimmer of hope. The true Guardian.

“I speak for Salveria as I reject your offer,” Fields said boldly. “Silas Jarrah, the seven justices, and our Grand Arboler would give the same answer. We will never accept you as our leader and we will never denounce the Ascended Guardian. In fact, he is here now, on his way to Cambium with General Jarrah. His name is Oliver Kapur, brought to us from the Ascensions by the Guardian’s Wand. He will put a stop to your senseless war and reveal you to be who you really are… an imposter!”

Lennox tilted his head, looking agitated. “Oliver Kapur, you say?” He looked up at the tent’s ceiling, thinking about this revelation. He turned back at Fields, all warmth gone from his face. “I look forward to meeting this man. When he is dead, then you will know who the imposter is. That is… if you live long enough to see it. We are finished here.” Lennox walked out of the tent without looking back. The lady general followed suit.

Dale looked at Fields with... pity? “You are bringin’ this upon yourself, Fields. I will be seein’ you in the battlefield. Be leavin’ us.”

Fields huffed and walked out of the tent.

✽✽✽

“Oliver Kapur…” Lennox said as he walked down the ranks of Barklian soldiers and Forid mages. Without any orders given, they parted ways before him, forming a pathway to his personal tent at the rear. They bowed their heads to their Guardian as he passed.

“Never heard of him,” Charol said as she walked beside and a step behind him. “And they really think he’s their Ascended Guardian?”

“Apparently.”

Charol shook her head. “Idiots.”

“And he is comin’ to Cambium,” Dale said. “At least that’s what Captain Fields was sayin’.”

“Probably bluffing for more time.”

“He wasn’t bluffing,” Lennox said, his voice calm. “He had a name. And a last name. A strange one at that. One he couldn’t have come up with on the spot.”

“So, our enemy has produced a false Guardian to give them false hope,” Charol said, amused. “They deserve to be destroyed for such blasphemy.”

Lennox turned on the Forid General. “Deliverance, Captain Charol. They deserve deliverance… from their fallen ideals.”

Dale frowned. “Lord…” He paused, considering his question carefully. “Are you considern’ takin’ their bait? Delayin’ the siege on Cambium until their false guardian is arrivin’?”

“Don’t,” Charol said. “The extra time will allow more reinforcements to filter in, making our pathway to Magen City more difficult to tread.”

“If deliverance is what they are needin’,” Dale said, “then wouldn’t it be ideal to have a fight to the death in single combat?” He had to speed walk to keep up with Lennox. “It would be the perfect opportunity for you to be showin’ them who the true Guardian of Magic is. Seein’ their own Guardian fall to you will surely be persuadin’ them to accept the peace treaty.”

Lennox didn’t answer. He took long strides toward his tent, looking at the ground, pensive. Another Guardian... he thought. What can this mean?

“We must attack now,” Charol voiced. “The fact that they claim to have a guardian makes no difference in our strategy. We can’t—”

“But it is makin’ a difference, Charol.” Dale shook his staff as he spoke. “We are not here to be killin’ Salverians. We are here to be killin’ the Ascended Guardian. Initially, that was just a wayward belief we were needin’ to snuff out, but now… now that belief is bein’ personified in one man, this… Oliver Kapur. Kill him, kill the belief.”

“A good point,” Lennox said. “The Ascended Guardian is our true enemy. Defeating him is our true mission.”

Charol frowned. “I understand the mission, my Lord, but we mustn’t forget our current position. The longer we wait to attack, the stronger their defenses get. I say we continue as planned, killing this… Oliver Kapur along the way. That way, less Barklians and Forids have to die, in the case that their false guardian rejects your offer to a duel.”

They stopped at Lennox’s tent.

“But if he is acceptin’ of a duel,” Dale said, “then no one must be dyin’.” He paused. “Except, of course, the false guardian… who will be fallin’ to your hand, my Lord.”

Lennox looked at Dale. And then at Charol. They brought up decent points. A critical decision needed to be made. This was a situation he hadn’t expected. Why hadn’t this been foretold? Yet, he didn't worry. He knew they would be led down the right road. “I will consult,” he said as he walked into his personal tent, alone.

✽✽✽

Dale paced outside the tent with Charol, knowing the protocol. Lennox would not be disturbed while… consulting. He did it at least once a day, and more frequently when approaching battles. He never offered to explain who he was consulting with, but Dale knew for certain no one else was in there with him. Most believed, as did Dale, that Lennox went into his tent to offer up a most fervent treespeech. Receiving divine guidance for his followers. He typically went in with a question and came out with new orders.

Dale shifted his weight, growing a little impatient. The men had marched so far, and now they anxiously looked at Cambium’s walls. They yearned to do what they came for. The thought made Dale frown.

He saw Charol standing perfectly still, like a white statue adorning the tent’s entrance. She looked straight ahead, a beautiful face and body, a true work of art.

And he wondered if she even breathed.

The rotten Forids were so cold, so self-righteous, so… heartless. He still struggled to believe he was fighting alongside them. Only the true Guardian could have brought these two nations together. That accomplishment was testament enough for Dale to believe in Lennox.

In addition, Lennox was so different from the rest of the Forids. He had warmth, compassion. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. And he had just the right amount of sternness. The perfect balance between justice and mercy. Just being around him made Dale feel safer. He would die for such a man.

Lennox parted the tent flap and stooped out. Dale straightened his posture, awaiting orders. “To the front,” Lennox said, his voice saturated with confidence. “Mount up.”

The two generals acted immediately, following his lead. “What have you been decidin’?” Dale asked. “Will you be challegin’ the other guardian to a duel?”

“You’ll see at the front.” Lennox mounted his white stallion in a single, fluid stride.

Dale grew worried as he climbed atop his horse. Horses usually meant it was time to attack. What had Lennox decided? Would he wait to challenge Oliver Kapur to a duel? Or would he attack Cambium head on, ignoring the would-be Guardian of Magic?

They rode at a gallop to the front lines in silence. To Dale, the logic seemed clear. A duel would be the most efficient and effective way to accomplish the mission. Yet, he mustn’t think himself smarter than the Guardian.

They arrived at the front, between the two armies, blue on the left, white on the right. Dale couldn’t help but feel proud as he looked over the sea of warriors.

Twenty thousand Barklian soldiers. Eight thousand Forid mages. They stood together, spears and staves poking out like young blades of grass. It was a sight that would intimidate any king. Perhaps the largest army in history.

Dale was one of the nine hundred Barklian mages. Magery was less common in Barkley because most of the country was desert. They weren’t as fortunate as Forid or Salveria when it came to forestry and magic. They made up for it with their sheer number of soldiers. Most of the Barklian mages were self-taught. Dale, however, had trained at the Salverian School of magery. That was where he had met Captain Fields. They had been friends.

Dale shook his head. “Not the right type of thinkin’ right now,” he muttered to himself.

Lennox sat up straight in his saddle, drawing every eye to him. There was no way everyone would hear him, but he knew how to work a crowd. He didn’t speak right away, letting the silence linger. As it drew out, Dale could see the soldiers growing anxious. Eager. Excited.

“FORENCE!” Lennox shouted. Immediately the white army roared to life with an exuberant cheer. “BARKLEY!” Like a dam breaking loose, the blue army released a fierce battle cry that almost knocked Dale off his horse. Lennox raised his legendary staff into the air. “TOGETHER WE SHALL RID THIS WORLD OF THE ASCENDED GUARDIAN!” The two armies released a thundering cheer in response, shaking their weapons in the air. “PREPARE FOR BATTLE!” With another yell, the soldiers tightened their ranks, getting into formation.

Dale frowned. There wouldn’t be a duel. And why not? Why would Life choose a massive, bloody battle over a single duel? It didn’t make any sense!

“SQUADRANS AT THE READY!” Lennox yelled. This command prompted an echo of commands down the ranks from hundreds of squad leaders, reporting their readiness to march. Charol rode to the front of the Forid army, and Dale to the Barklian. He eyed the seven hundred cavalrymen on the far side of the Barklian force; their steeds were growing antsy from all the screaming.

But who was he to question Her motives? Life knew better than he, right? And Lennox was Her spokesman, Her Guardian of Magic. He tried to subdue his doubt and replace it with faith and vigor. He tried. He tried, as he turned his horse toward his enemy. His… enemy.

The Cambium walls stood tall on the other side of the plain. Those walls wouldn’t be an issue for him or for any of the mages. Not with their ebony wands. A flood of green-clothed, Salverian soldiers and mages scrambled atop the walls—like ants on a tree—preparing to defend their city.

Fields was there. Issuing orders.

Dale took a deep breath and tightened his grip on the reigns and on his staff. “You are bringin’ this upon yourself,” he said under his breath.

With a wave of his staff, Lennox shouted, “CHARGE!”