ROTU: Chapter Forty-Four

A few days later, the warriors were summoned to Council to discuss options for the pending war. The master warriors entered the Temple of Sondúl alongside Elder Master Nyhra to find that Elindrel and other Elemental guardians were already present. The Lumaña elders sat at the front of the main hall in a semi-circle before the Glisayas.

"The war with Drasúl is now upon us," Tau said from the front of the room. He met Jalena's eyes. "He has been searching for the location of the Dark Magi so the time to act has come. They were once the Key hunters and have not been contracted for hundreds of years."

"So, he knows Master Jalena is alive," Elder Master Nyhra stated with a grim expression.

Tau gave her a nod. "Darkone possesses the power of sight that allows him access to more information regarding transpiring events. Drasúl likely used this power to see what happened to Master Jalena-ka after the battle at the light warrior headquarters."

"But he may not know that the rest of her team is here," said Jarek.

"Indeed, Master Jarek. The chances are little that he knows of your arrival since we created the portal to Asteria in the tunnels just outside your ship. Unless Drasúl was looking for you directly by use of Darkone's power, your arrival would not be revealed."

"Regardless of the lack of knowledge he has about the power on our side, he still has gathered great numbers for his aid," Surion stated. "He means to take control of the planet's governing systems."

"What of the Cinak and Drakéis?" Jalena asked.

"Their clans are currently gathering in the underground caves," Elindrel stated. "Ralian plans to send the Avehkal to the outer atmospheres to oppose any other forces that may wish to join you from the Federation. If the humans' militant forces attempt to oppose or interfere, he will not hold back in destroying them."

"The humans will be able to see the ships?" asked Valora.

"Those that have trained their energy to see beyond the third dimension may, however it is unlikely that their military will detect the ships and interfere because of the frequency Ralian has used to cloak his fleets," said Surion.

"If Drasúl wishes to draw the humans into the war, he will deliberately show himself to their militant forces," Tau stated. "Knowing that we do not wish to harm the humans, it would serve as a distraction—an interference for us."

"We will be outnumbered if Ralian controls the skies," Oba announced.

Kila's eyes widened as a gold light spilled from her gaze and the Mark of the Priestesses appeared on her forehead. "It is I, Affera. I will speak now through Kila-ka. Due to the numbers that Drasúl has gathered, if you are to save the land from dark control you will have to launch the core's shield. You are to ignite it before the people on the surface become involved."

The room went silent.

"Ralian will have relayed the information concerning the secrets of the Earth's shield to Drasúl," Tau said after several seconds. "Make no mistake they will expect it."

"Why do you hesitate?" Jalena asked. "Has it not been done before?"

"No. We would avoid activating the shield at all costs," Surion said.

"The power of the Earth is too great to contain," explained Tau.

"Why must you contain it?" asked Valora.

"There is a heightened risk that it will interfere with the orbits of the other planets within the solar system. It will work in protecting this planet, but there is a possibility that the power will also serve as its own destruction as it gathers in momentum and expands to the atmospheres of the others."

"The master warriors are to assist in containing the expansion of light," Affera stated. "That is their dominant role in the war."

"What do you mean?" asked Brogan. "We are not to fight?"

"You will fight as a group until it is time to do your main task, Master Brogan. However, when the shield is ignited, you are to take your position as a Master Conduit of Light and trust your allies to handle the challenges on the ground. Neither the Cinak nor the Drakéis could match the power of the Glisayas, no matter their numbers."

Elindrel dropped his gaze as a small smile brushed his face.

Jalena glanced at Elindrel, certain that the extent of his power was far greater than what he had revealed.

"However, there is a greater threat that lies waiting behind the walls of the dark," Affera said.

"What do you mean?" asked Jalena.

"Ralian has informed Drasúl of the Portal of Vaknondé," Elindrel explained. "But, he has not found the location."

"What does the portal open?" asked Brogan.

"It is a portal that serves as a midway for all lower vibrational realms to enter the Earth dimension," Elindrel replied. "It was closed many years ago by Legion members. If Drasúl succeeds in discovering the location, which he will do if he utilizes Darkone's power, and it is opened, it will also open more portals that are linked to it around the planet. Not even my people could control the numbers that would interfere with human existence. They would enslave the human population."

"This is why it is essential that the light warriors help this planet until all enemy forces are contained once more," Affera stated. "You have more warriors gathering than those that are represented here. Master Jalena, the animals of the planet are willingly at your command."

Jalena had felt the eagerness to help in the hearts of the Earth's animals from the time she had gained her deep connection with them. "I do not wish for them to be harmed, so I wish to avoid asking them."

"To deny their desire is to believe them incapable," Affera said. "Do not dishonor what has willingly come to your aid by rejecting their birthright to protect their own land."

"The fairies have been assigned to help protect the animals," Elindrel reassured Jalena.

"The dragon messenger, the one named Shakou, is gathering human warriors skilled in the energy arts to help protect the Conduits as they prepare to spread the energy of the shield," Affera added. "All is well. The heart of the Earth guides those which gather here."

The light in Kila's eyes dimmed as Affera departed.

"How is the shield activated?" Jalena asked.

Her question was met with silence.

"We do not know exactly," Tau finally said with a sigh. "We believe that the Light Key would know what to do."

All eyes in the room turned to Jalena.

Not knowing exactly what to say, Jalena shrugged. "I have received no vision."

It is because I have not granted it to you yet, a soft voice inside her head spoke.

Jalena turned toward the entrance of the temple, as did the rest in the hall. The warriors parted down the middle of the room to reveal an open path. Standing at the front entrance stood Kafele.

The Lumaña in the room gasped.

"Kafele," Nyhra stated.

Murmurs rose within the room as the elders at the front stood and bowed to the Goddess Messenger. The rest of the Lumaña mimicked their gesture.

Jalena and the other warriors also bowed as Kafele approached her.

The green and gold light within his gaze swirled as he looked up at her and grinned. I have brought you the vision of what you are meant to do, he said. You may share it with your master team and any others.

Rings of green and gold markings swirled across his skin as he extended his hand to Jalena.

Open your minds, she told the masters as she took Kafele's hand and her eyes lit up.

As Kafele's light swirled around her, she saw a large shadowed mountain. Figures in black cloaks stood guard around its base.

The Keepers of the Flame surround the tree of core power within the Black Mountain now, Kafele said. They will unlock the mountain with their power, and I will release the core light.

An image of the Great Pyramid of Egypt flashed in Jalena's thoughts.

It is your gateway,Kafele explained. When I release the core, it will pour forth from the pyramid's tip, where you will intercept it as a Key to unlock the power on the surface and expand it to all corners. The light will reach the surface Conduits and amplify to form the planet's shield. From there, it will spread beyond our atmosphere, destroying all within its path. At the outer rim of the atmosphere, the ring of master warriors will await to absorb the expansion of the shield.

Jalena saw Drisana and Sitara atop other pyramids on the planet and the masters in separate ships at the edge of the Earth's atmosphere. As the shield's light spread, the Reserve energy within the warriors surfaced, and they formed the Lumfáinne to intercept the light.

Kafele glanced at Master Shamira and then back to Jalena. Your master friend is to be the protector of the pyramid as the shield is activated, for there will be enemies present to oppose you.

He turned to the rest of the warriors. The force of my shield is beyond anything you have ever encountered. Yield and alter your energy to match the frequency of my light as you intercept it, and you will not fail.

He released Jalena's hand and then smiled again as he addressed the Conduits.

Sitara's and Drisana's eyes widened as Kafele's gold and green light moved from his skin and swirled around the two. He spoke to them telepathically.

Ease your minds of worry, for you are masters flowing with Earth energy. Your loss of memory of who you are has served to protect you from those who wish to hunt you. However, the time has come for you to fulfill your purpose. Receive the knowing within my light and let it be so. The suppression of light is now unlocked within you fully. When all components align, the power within will rise at the time it is meant to. Rest and allow your bodies to adapt to that which you have forgotten no longer.

Drisana and Sitara fainted as the light around them disappeared.

Brogan awkwardly caught Drisana as she fell against him, and Sitara dropped into Jarek's arms.

"Eh," Jarek said as looked down at Sitara and blushed.

Several Lumaña caretakers rushed to help lay the girls gently on the ground.

Kafele turned back to Jalena.

A warm sensation filled her as he spoke to her privately. If it was in my power, I would do what I could to help the other half of your soul awaken, but he is the one who controls the timing of this. Rest assured that you are capable of defeating your enemy even without the assistance of your soul twin. The heart of Gaia will beat forever within you and remains in gratitude for your part in freeing my lands from the dark and returning balance to the surface.

Jalena was warmed as the love of the goddess moved through her. Thank you for your gift, she replied softly as she bowed.

Kafele grinned and nodded as his body slowly faded from view in a swirl of green and gold light.

"Did he show you a time?" Tau asked.

"We have two weeks," Jalena answered. "Drasúl has commanded his forces to gather at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu rests in Peru."

"Why there?" asked Surion.

"In the vision Kafele revealed, I believe he is trying to draw upon the sacred energy of the area at the top of the citadel for some reason." She turned to Tau. "Do you know why?"

"It is likely he is attempting to access the Intihuatana Stone," Tau replied. "Legend claims that reading the ancient script that appears beneath moonlight will unlock the secrets of time. It has the power to show insight to one question involving future events that even the most gifted seers have no access to."

"He is likely using the stone as a means to access information about your plans, Master Jalena-ka," Kila stated.

This shows that he is worried about being able to defeat you through ability alone, Shamira said.

Still, we do not know what it will reveal to him, replied Jalena She turned back to the others. "His forces will march to the mountain through the Sacred Valley. We will oppose them there."

"Then we start our preparations now," Tau said.

His words were met with a victory shout from the Lumaña warriors.

The warriors began discussing their teams as a large group of Lumaña wearing long brown cloaks trimmed in gold threads and adorned with matching scarfs approached the temple. Each wore a simple leaf browband over their gold hair and carried a long rod that housed an amber stone at its tip.

"These are the Stelarions—Spellcasters of the East," Tau said as he introduced the group to the warriors. "They carry magical knowledge similar to that of the Glisayas and are trained in battle, but their main purpose will be to hold open your portal to the designated positions at the right time."

The masters bowed. The Stelarions returned the gesture by placing their left hand across their body up to their right shoulder in greeting.

"There will be two Stelarions assigned to each team needing separate portals," Tau explained.

"I am Lenias," the Stelarion leader told Jalena. "All we require is to know the locations so that we can ignite the pathway needed for you."

Jalena nodded. "My team is to arrive at the gateway, the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Drisana is to travel to Mount Kailash in Tibet, and Sitara is to journey to Yucatán and into Chichén Itzá. I will not know when the shield is to be launched until I feel it. The connection I have with the Conduits and other masters will allow them to know it also."

Lenias gave Jalena a small bow. "Very well. We will prepare our teams."

The Stelarions walked away in a uniformed march, each holding their staffs upright in their left hand.

"They remind me of Lord Aeolus's warriors," Lorcan said as the masters watched them exit the temple.

The master warriors dismissed themselves to discuss their own thoughts about the visions Kafele shared. The group went quiet as they filed out of the temple and walked to the same grassy area on the hill near the falls that had become their common gathering place.

"How are we to slow the force of the shield?" Danika said with a worried expression as she sat. "The power within Kafele's vision was unlike anything I have ever felt."

"Right?" agreed Hoshi. "As warriors, we produce and project light, so how are we supposed to contain it in order to protect the rest of their solar system? Are we even capable of holding that kind of power?"

"You will have to open your Reserve like in the vision," Shamira said. "That is certain."

"But even still," replied Lorcan, "we have never managed that much power. We form the Lumfáinne, but then what? To slow it, we would have to—"

"—absorb it," Valora finished for him.

"Absorb it?" Danika questioned. "Do we even have the ability to do so while igniting the Lumfáinne? It normally absorbs us to teleport while projecting light outward."

"Remember long ago in Malik's classroom?" Hoshi said. "When the ropes around you and Jarek were on fire?"

"What of it?" Danika asked.

"Jarek absorbed the fire."

"I thought that had to be because of his charisma, even though he didn't know about it at the time."

"Although I am sure it helped, it wasn't all of it. Remember what Elder Master Syam said when Gyan questioned it?"

"The same power that has the ability to create light also has—"

"—the ability to extinguish it," Jarek mumbled.

"A warrior that carries light also can bring darkness," Valora said. "I just never thought of our power in that way."

"It makes sense why we would need to be trained so early to balance energy," added Danika. Being able to use our power for creation or destruction would require extreme discipline but also understanding and compassion."

"Elder Master Syam said that it will take more energy to absorb or extinguish light than it does to release it," added Lorcan, "but we manipulate it either way, nonetheless."

"But, he also said the magnitude of the situation influences how much light energy you can manage," Hoshi stated.

"Then, hopefully, our unified Reserve state as a team will be enough," replied Lorcan.

"Or it will be our end," Valora said.

"So, we have to absorb the core power of the Earth before it reaches the other planets, or we will die within the blast?" Jarek asked.

"Not absorb all of it—just enough to slow down the momentum," Jalena said quietly. "Once it slows enough, it will dissipate." She dropped her gaze. "But, yes, even with your Reserve open there is a risk that you will lose your life if you cannot match and contain the frequency of the shield's power."

"You have the abilities necessary to accomplish this," Elindrel said as he approached the group from the top of the hill. "My team can influence the Elements of the planet, but not contain light. Even though it will be unlike anything you have ever done, you are the masters of light and possess the skills required to tune to the frequency of the shield."

"It will take more power than we have ever used before," Valora said, "even if we alter our power to the Earth's frequency."

Elindrel nodded.

"Well even if we die, I'm in," Brogan said. "I can't feel good about leaving Earthlings helpless to the control of darkness. We are here for a purpose, so let's do what we are born to do."

"I agree," Jarek said.

The rest of the warriors murmured their confirmation.

"Opening your Reserve should allow for telepathic communication across the planet," Jalena said. "So, although you will be in different positions outside the atmosphere, you will not feel alone."

Brogan threw an arm around Jalena's shoulders. "Awake or asleep, on another planet or right here, opening a pyramid or flying to our death—no one is ever alone with those on this team looking out for each other like we do."

He grabbed Danika in for a hug with his other arm. "Do you know what I'm sayin', Dani?" he said in her ear.

She smiled and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know what you're sayin'."

"We've got this!" Jarek shouted as he leaped onto Brogan's back. He held his arms out to the others. "Now, get over here."

The rest of the warriors laughed as they piled in around the four for a supportive group hug.