BDS: Chapter Six

The warriors were silent, most lost in thought, as the team journeyed back to headquarters the next morning in the Tritum-X. A sense of shared determination lingered among the energy.

Gyan felt a driven urge to calm the chaos that Akila and Mordán had set in motion from the moment he said goodbye to his family. The stirring in his heart was so strong that sleep eluded him while at the domusé. He had spent the entire night, before the team departed Yevani, sitting on his bed staring at Aderes's empty one until he heard a soft knock on his door.

"I saw your light on," Valora whispered through the crack in Gyan's door. She stuck her arm through the slit, two bags in her grasp—one of sweet bread and another with a variety of nuts. "I bring an offering of snacks and hot tea."

Gyan smiled. "Your gifts grant you entry." He moved to make room for her as she sat cross-legged at the end of his bed.

As the two shared the snack, Gyan released his endless thoughts. He told Valora about the little girl calling him a Shanlo in Aikon, what had happened with Jalena at his home in Yevani, and his frustration with not being able to speak with Malik about it yet. The two also discussed Akila's power, things concerning members of the Order, people they met the following year such as the Inala and the Spear warriors, and upcoming training. It surprised them both when the day stars of Elsaria peaked over the horizon.

Gyan glanced at Valora across the middle compartment of the ship, where she now sat. She yawned and raised her eyebrows as she caught his eye.

Thanks for the company last night, Valora.

We may pay for it later.

Worth it. Our conversations always lead to either comfort or clarity.

She smiled. Yes, and fatigue.

The warriors were summoned by Malik to a meeting at the Thesarei immediately after the Tritum-Xtouched down. The team, already donning their formal, royal blue master robes, went straight to Council while Sorda and other workers hauled the warriors' personal belongings to the master chambers.

The elder and training masters were present and gathered around the large round table in the Thesarei when the new masters entered. After greeting each other with a bow, the group stated the light warrior philosophy in unison.

"As above, so below…as within, so without…as the universe, so the soul."

Upon seating, Malik began the group discussion by announcing his upcoming departure to Tridaun and then to Suál to meet with the leaders of the Alliance of Fabor. "Master Cahira will be journeying with me," he told the group.

"I will meet up with Sir Malik and Master Cahira in Suál," Elder Master Zenobia added.

"With Mordán's actions being dormant, do you really believe this to be a good time to depart, Sir Malik?" asked Zareb. "The air is tense with instability and anticipation."

"I have no choice, Elder Master. I must meet with King Garsaun in person as I cannot risk a meeting over transmission being intercepted by Mordán's spies. However, it should be a quick journey," Malik reassured. "Sir Fane claims to have completed trials for a new ship that travels twice the speed of those we normally use for interstellar travel."

He turned to the new masters with a look of regret. "It is not my wish to depart you all so early after everything that has occurred. Normally, I would not, but we must disclose recent events so the Alliance will prepare to offer aid if Mordán is not stopped. Until I return, I am leaving Elder Master Nyhra in charge of the remainder of the lessons that I would normally teach you. Master Jabari will guide you in the rest."

"What are we to study at this time, sir?" asked Brogan.

"You will continue your compacted training as before…" Malik responded, "…starting with flight training first thing early tomorrow morning with Sir Fane and Master Jabari. Then you will practice opening your Reserve. Another stage of the Damsé will be revealed soon after."

"What is rumored of Akila's and Mordán's actions?" Jalena asked.

"Our spies report that Mordán ventured into the Ice Mountains on a solitary mission seeking a meeting with the leader of the Dark Sector Vaznaun," Syam replied.

"If he has done this, he is desperate for numbers," Faelán said.

"Master Aderes destroyed a large number of the Vaznaun, which Mordán did not anticipate," added Syam.

"How is the Dark Sector Vaznaun different from the team led by Kar?" asked Valora.

"The Vaznaun of the Dark Sector are older and more cunning than Vaznaun in the other sectors," replied Syam. "They still reside in the Ice Mountains and remain discreet, so it is difficult to know what their numbers are. Their leader is Kar's father, Craenal. He fought with a handful of his own soldiers in the Elsarian Wars to protect his tribe against Nemerus's followers, which reveals not only his age but how much experience and knowledge he has. They generally refrain from getting involved with political or major issues. If Mordán has gained his alliance, then you can be assured that Craenal has been promised something major in return."

"Craenal is not to be underestimated," added Malik. "Kar was barbaric, but Craenal is much cleverer and has studied the abilities of the light warriors. So, if you encounter him, remember that he is unlikely to fall for tricks or react emotionally."

"Commander Vorkahl has withdrawn his troops from Velian and has remained dormant in his actions," Syam stated. "The Androsan armies have remained inactive as well."

"They are preparing for something," Zareb said gravely.

"As will we," Malik replied.

The meeting adjourned, and Gyan waited patiently to approach Malik as the other warriors filed out of the room. His heart rate spiked, and his senses opened without his intent as he neared Jalena, who was speaking with Malik. He stopped several feet away from the two as Jalena's words reached him.

"If it will save even more time, perhaps I should journey with you to Tridaun and Suál," she told Malik.

Gyan's eyes narrowed as he gazed at Jalena. A sense of panic gripped his chest. He cast a fleeting glance at Malik. A violet light flashed within his sight. Before another thought entered his mind, he rushed to Jalena's side and gripped her arm. "You must not go anywhere far," he said in a low voice.

"Gyan!" Jalena exclaimed in surprise as she put her hand on top of his.

A flicker of white light filled Malik's gaze as he stepped closer and curiously peered at Gyan. He gently touched Gyan's hand, not taking his eyes off Gyan's face.

Gyan instantly released his grip on Jalena as a burning sensation surged up his arm. He stumbled back and shook his head as his vision swayed.

Jalena rushed to support him. "Gyan! Are you okay?"

"Jalena," Gyan said, blinking hard. "I'm—I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm doing," he whispered.

It happened again, didn't it? she asked him privately.

Malik continued to watch the two in silence, then approached Gyan slowly with the same curious look he carried seconds before. Malik's stare shifted from Gyan to Jalena and back again.

"Is there something I should know?" he asked calmly as he placed a hand on Gyan's back.

Gyan wiped the sweat from his brow as his haziness subsided. He took deep breaths and stepped away from Jalena. "I am trying, but I can't control the urge to have—I mean…to protect her," he said, avoiding Malik's stare. "It comes and goes now, but sometimes it—I try to avoid her to control it."

"How long has this occurred?"

"A couple of months. It started after Aikon and has increasingly become worse." He cast Malik a pleading look. "Do you know what is wrong with me?" He bowed his head shamefully and took another step back. "I am afraid of what I may try to do if I can't control it."

"I have an idea of what is going on," Malik replied with a hint of annoyance. "What happened in Aikon, Master Gyan?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary, except after I woke from sleeping in the park, a small girl told me a lady said that Shanlo was my name. When I looked up, all I saw was a gold light lingering between the trees and then it disappeared."

Malik lowered his gaze.

Gyan and Jalena shared a surprised look as they felt a surge of intense anger radiate from the star wizard.

"What is it, Sir Malik?" Jalena asked.

Gyan started to explain. "I don't know what I have done, but I have never meant for—"

"It isn't your fault," Malik said in a tightly controlled voice. "This is the work of the high priestesses."

"The priestesses? Why would they—or what did they—?" Jalena asked in confusion.

"I will have more information for you after I speak with Affera," Malik interrupted. "In the meantime, refrain from spending too much time near each other," he turned to Gyan, "especially if the desire to be around Master Jalena is too much to control. Your urges come in waves, do they not?"

"Yes. It seems most of the time, except for now when Jalena asked to leave. I can't—" he grabbed his chest as it tightened again. He felt like life was being squeezed out of him as he thought of being separated from her.

"Breathe through it, Master Gyan," Malik said softly.

Gyan did as Malik instructed until the pain subsided. He gave Malik a nod to indicate he was better.

"All you can do at this time is pay attention to the cycle and guard yourself accordingly."

Jalena looked at Malik with alarm. "Is it really something that serious?"

"Yes."

"What is happening to me though?" Gyan asked in desperation.

Malik looked at Gyan apologetically. "I cannot give you accurate details until I speak with Affera, Master Gyan, as I am rushed for time. I have given you all the information I can to help you for now. When I return, you will know as much as I do." He turned to Jalena. "In response to your earlier request, the Order will need your assistance if Mordán acts before I return, so I would insist," he glanced at Gyan, "with less passion than Master Gyan, that you stay here. I also need you to help Master Jabari with training."

She nodded.

"I leave tonight, but first I will speak with Affera, who has much to explain."

He nodded in farewell and disappeared in a flash of starlight as Gyan bolted from the room.