Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Read online

  Chapter 17

  In the weeks following their return from Casititor, Reece spent most of her time with Elizabeth. Both women began studying together, as Elizabeth had to prepare for her new tutor that was arriving within the week.

  When they weren’t studying in the library, they would take strolls through the gardens. Elizabeth loved hearing about Earth, and what the world was like. The days seemed to pass quickly now that Reece had an excellent companion to spend her time with.

  With Samuel’s trepidation about Reece’s return to Earth, he kept Harrison and Levi busy on assignment in Philadelphia, hoping to expedite the process. However, it was nice when they were home, as they offered to help Reece and Elizabeth with their studies. Even though the men were an excellent help to both women, they were a distraction as well.

  So, it was on a warm and sunny afternoon that Reece and Elizabeth were caught up in a lively conversation with both men in the library. All four had completely gotten off the subject of their studies, and Reece realized it was time for a break. Getting out every morning for a jog, and taking walks with Elizabeth was enjoyable, but she wanted to do something exciting.

  “I think I want to learn how to ride a horse. What do you guys think?” She said enthusiastically.

  The room fell silent until Harrison laughed and answered her, “Well, Reece, we thought you’d never ask. Fortunately, Samuel has given Levi and me the next couple of days leave to relax in Pemdas, and we would happily oblige you. This, my friend, shall be interesting.”

  Levi grinned. “We can arrange a riding session for you tomorrow, Reece.”

  The next afternoon, Levi escorted Reece out to the stables. As they neared the intimidating stallions, Reece began to wonder if this idea was more than she bargained for. When they reached the stables, she noticed Areion standing next to a horse unlike the other Guardian horses. It was black, with patches of white painted throughout its coat. This horse had a long flowing mane, and its hooves were covered with long, feather-like hair.

  “I have arranged for this horse to be brought up for you to ride.” Levi announced as they approached.

  “Okay, so I guess I don’t get to learn to ride on a Guardian horse, then?”

  Levi chuckled, “Reece, it would be better to start you out on a more docile horse. This horse comes from a breed that is very similar to the Gypsy Vanner horses on Earth. They are very patient creatures, and are excellent to learn to ride on. They are the only horses that my mother and sister will ride.”

  Levi went through the basic instructions of how to control and maneuver the horse. He informed Reece that the horse would be able to feel her energy, and therein, would easily try to get away with certain things if it could. If Reece was timid in leading the horse in a certain direction, the horse would likely protest. She had to remain confident while riding, and most of all, know she was in control.

  It all seemed rather easy to Reece. Levi promised that he and Areion would ride close to her, in case she had difficulty guiding the horse. He also mentioned that they would take it slow until she felt comfortable enough to bring the horse up to faster speeds, letting Reece gain more confidence while on horseback.

  “Do you have any questions, or are you ready to give it a try? I want to be sure you are feeling confident. The horse may be docile, but horses are very stubborn in their own way. You must understand, riding horses can be dangerous, and I don’t want you hurt or—”

  “Levi.” Reece interrupted, hoping he wouldn’t change his mind. “I’m ready.” She confidently smiled at him.

  Levi helped her onto the horse. Reece’s heart jumped when the horse’s weight shifted beneath her. She gripped tight onto the saddle horn, wondering if she could do this.

  Levi looked up, the humor in his sparkling eyes captivated Reece, taking her mind off of her sudden fear. “You okay?” He asked.

  She smiled, trying to maintain confidence. “Yes. Just trying to make sure I’m doing everything right.”

  Levi handed the reins to her, and showed her again how she would guide the horse. “Areion and I will pace the horse at a slow walk, so do not worry about holding a tight rein. Just stay relaxed, calm and—

  “Confident. Right.” She finished his sentence. “Got it.” She was quite nervous, but didn’t want Levi to see it.

  Levi’s lips curved up slightly, “Not too confident, Miss Bryant.”

  As Levi turned to walk toward Areion, three things happened at once. As Harrison and Elizabeth made their way down to them, Harrison called out, announcing their arrival. Reece startled, pulled back hard on the reins, and absently kicked her heel into the horse’s side, as she turned to look back in their direction.

  The horse sprang forward into an immediate gallop, taking Reece out and away from the stables, toward the woods.

  Reece’s heart was racing, but she felt exhilarated all in the same time. She maintained her focus, and tried pulling hard on the reins to stop the horse. The horse jerked its head out in protest and gained more speed. She felt panic setting in, but tried to remain calm and think her way through the dangerous situation. As the forest was enclosing all around her, she heard thundering hooves over the sound of the horse’s she was on. The next thing she knew, Levi was sitting behind her on the horse. He grabbed the reins, pulled back gently, and called out for the horse to stop.

  The horse responded by slowing its stride, and soon after that, it halted completely. Reece collapsed back into Levi’s chest, and looked up into his worried face. When he looked down, Reece couldn’t restrain her laughter in response to the expression on his face. It was the first time she had seen him look scared.

  Levi’s eyes studied hers for a brief moment, and then he shook his head. “Reece, I do not understand how you can laugh right now.”

  Reece laughed again, she could feel his heart pounding against his chest. “Levi, I have no idea what happened, but that was actually kind of fun.”

  Levi stared at her incredulously, “Fun? Reece, you could have been seriously injured. The horse would not stop for you, and if I—”

  Their eyes locked, Reece fought the urge to run the tips of her fingers along the creased lines of his brow. “Well, Levi, you did stop him, and I suppose this marks the second time that you have saved my life.”

  Levi dismounted the horse, but would not let its reins loose.

  Reece arched her eyebrow sharply in an attempt to challenge him. “I think I can handle the horse on my own now.”

  “I am only making sure you and the horse do not startle again,” He looked back in the direction they had come from, “Harrison and Elizabeth are approaching on their horses.”

  Levi looked back at Reece with a smug grin, and Reece laughed in return.

  “Well, I’ll say that pretty much does it for riding lessons, Reece! Looks like you’re ready to take on a Guardian horse now, maybe even leap over the Pemdas barriers!” Harrison called out as he and Elizabeth approached.

  “Reece, are you okay?” Elizabeth asked with concern.

  Reece smiled in return, but before she could answer them, Levi did.

  “It seems Reece enjoys living on the edge of life every now and then,” He looked up at her with amusement, and then back to Harrison and Elizabeth, “Once I was able to stop the horse, her only response was, ‘that it was fun.’ I believe I was more concerned for her safety than she was.”

  Harrison and Elizabeth laughed.

  “That’s the spirit!” Harrison said. “I knew there was some love for adventure buried deep inside you, we just had to get your head out of your books to find it.”

  Reece lifted her chin, “I’ve always loved a good adventure, Harrison.” She responded proudly.

  Harrison’s lips quirked in humor, “Really? Because all I’ve known of Reece Bryant is that she was the young lady who frequents coffee shops, studies, goes to school, and…well, um—”

  Reece’s eyes narrowed as Elizabeth tried stifling a laugh, “I also run, and I’ve taken dancing
lessons, too. I don’t just sit in coffee shops and study all the time.”

  Dancing Lessons? Really, Reece? She knew that it was a ridiculous response, and wished she had let Harrison win this argument. So, it did appear that she was quite the college nerd after all.

  Harrison laughed, “Oh—indeed, please forgive me, Miss Bryant; I don’t know how I could’ve overlooked all of those other thrilling escapades. I stand corrected; the thrill of being on a horse’s back as it runs away, wildly out of control, is very similar to the daring adventures of dancing and running.”

  Fortunately, Levi saved her by responding. “We could stand here all day and listen two you go back and forth; however, I believe our plans were to teach Reece to ride.” He looked up at Reece and grinned, “If you should choose to show us a little bit more of your adventurous side today, you need to recall my instructions for stopping the horse.”

  Reece laughed. “Yes, next time I won’t pull back so hard on the reins.”

  “Excellent! Riding lessons are over; now let’s go have some fun.” Harrison added.

  The four set off out through the woods and into the open fields behind the Palace grounds. Reece was becoming more comfortable riding the horse and found it enjoyable. They spent the next few hours riding alongside the Pasidian River, and touring a few of Harrison and Levi’s favorite places to play when they were children. It seemed like it was too soon when they had to return back to the Palace.

  Once the horses were handed over to the stable men, Reece and Elizabeth made their way to the side gates of the Palace while both men remained in conversation with Javian.

  As Reece and Elizabeth were laughing and giggling together recalling the day’s events; Simone, Catherine, and Lillian finished their descent from the Palace steps into the garden. Simone stopped and stared at both young women with a look of disgust.

  “Ladies, it is a beautiful afternoon. It’s lovely to see you all out and enjoying a walk in the gardens, I presume?” Elizabeth said in her usual, sweet tone.

  Simone stared at them and offered a tiny grin, “You two have been out riding horses?” She and the other young women laughed. “How lady-like.”

  “Yes, we have, and we had a great time.” Reece said, ignoring Simone’s seemingly rude remark.

  “Well, you won’t catch me with the stench of horse on my clothing, and you will never see me–” She eyed both women’s dresses, “in a riding habit, either.”

  “Simone, Lillian, and Catherine. What a delight,” Harrison said as he approached, “I haven’t seen your lovely faces around the Palace in a while.”

  Simone stared darkly at Harrison, “It’s because we left for a while, Harrison. We have been gone for over two weeks.”

  Harrison chuckled. “Wow, I didn’t even notice. Hmm, actually there was something I did notice. And I suppose now I know what may have enticed the lovely Simone away from the grand Palace.”

  “Harrison, must you always insist on playing games with me?”

  “Games? Ah, Simone, I would never play games with a woman like you. But am I curious—why would you take a sudden interest in an old friend of mine and Levi’s? You know, that strapping young lad that goes by the name of Michael Visor.”

  Simone’s face turned bright red, while Harrison laughed aloud.

  “Harrison, that is enough, you have crossed a line, you would do wise to find your manners immediately.” Lillian interjected with a sharp tone.

  Harrison stifled a laugh. “I was only engaging the lady in conversation. I am always about my manners, sister.”

  At that moment, Levi approached, “Ladies.” He greeted them.

  The three women gave him a quick curtsy.

  “Good afternoon, Levi, we were just speaking about Reece and Elizabeth’s horseback riding.” Simone said as she gave Harrison a deadly look.

  “Well, I believe Reece and my sister would feel much better talking with you about their day out after they have freshened up. Now, if you will excuse us.”

  Reece quietly sighed with relief at how smoothly and quickly Levi was able to remove them from the presence of the ladies.

  “I had forgotten they’d left the Palace. Do you think that’s what Simone was upset about?” Elizabeth asked as she held onto her brother’s arm.

  “Do not be ridiculous, Lizzy. You know those women better than that. They are upset that they were not invited to enjoy the day out with us.” Harrison answered.

  “Very true,” Elizabeth said.

  “Now, let us all get cleaned up, and make sure we give them every detail about our excellent new riding student, here.” Harrison said as he winked at Reece, who was walking by his side.

  The four entered through the back doors of the Palace, still laughing over the events of Reece’s first horseback ride. Their conversations were abruptly halted when they saw Navarre, Allestaine, and Samuel standing in the foyer waiting for them.

  Navarre smiled, “I know you all probably want to freshen up from your horseback ride; however, Samuel wishes to have a short meeting with all of us.”

  Without another word, the group followed them into a meeting room and took their seats around the table. The broad smile on Samuel’s face gave Reece a sinking feeling as to what this short meeting would be about.

  Chapter 18

  Navarre stared at his commanding officer, who was the only one left standing in the room. Navarre grinned at Samuel’s odd behavior. “Samuel? Please sit and tell us the reason for this meeting. I, for one, haven’t seen you smile in weeks—I am very interested to hear the reasons for this unexpected meeting.”

  Samuel sat as ordered and cleared his throat. “The stand-in has been successful, my Lord.”

  Navarre’s features lightened. “Go on, Samuel.”

  “The Ciatron have entirely lost interest in it. After studying it for the last month, they have decided that Reece Bryant does not carry the information they seek.”

  The moment had finally arrived. I’m going home.

  Levi’s expression grew dark, and he broke in before Navarre could comment. “How can you be sure?”

  “They have left Earth altogether. There are still a few of them among the people of Earth, but no more than before. We all know very well they will never stop searching for the Key. However,” he said with a broadening smile, “we have thrown them completely off. They will no longer think Reece is a person of importance. Reece can return, and possibly live out the rest of her life on Earth without any interference from them.”

  “Does this mean it’s over?” Asked Reece. “I can go back to my life, with everything normal again?”

  Samuel looked toward the men at the table, before turning to her with his answer. “For the most part, yes. We must continue to guard you to ensure your safety, but we will not interfere with you. Unless, you become a person of interest again, of course.” He laughed. “Even if you do, and we need to send a stand-in in your place again, I am sure it would be easier for you to adjust to Pemdas this time.” He smiled reassuringly at her.

  Everyone at the table looked relieved, except Levi. His gaze was locked on Samuel’s face. When he turned to look at Reece, his face showed no emotion.

  Navarre interrupted the silence with a booming laugh. “Well! That’s the news we have longed to hear. I believe I speak for everyone,” he looked at Reece, “when I say that you will be missed among us, but to take you back safely is a great accomplishment. I am very proud of everyone who made this happen.” He reached for his wife’s hand and held it.

  Samuel agreed. “I have arranged for the stand-in to return to Pemdas tomorrow. Reece is free to go home at any time after that.”

  Navarre nodded. “Harrison and Levi will leave early in the morning to retrieve it. I want them to make sure everything is confirmed to be safe for Reece’s return.” He looked toward the young men, and then back to Samuel. “It’s not that I do not trust your word, Samuel, but the men will make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible. They know Reece,
and she’s comfortable with them.” He smiled back at Reece.

  Levi sat silently in his chair as the other men discussed how they would bring her home. His expression was blank, yet she still felt her breath catch at the sight of him. As she subtly watched him, she realized that she had fallen in love with this man. Her heart had betrayed her, and now it wrenched at the thought that she must leave his world now, possibly never to see him again. She felt sick to her stomach.

  The men discussed having Harrison and Levi leave early the next morning, and Navarre suggested they stay for a minimum of three days in order to confirm the safety of Earth for Reece. He sent concerned glances in his son’s direction more than once. It was obvious that Levi’s mind was somewhere else. Questions directed at him had to be repeated before he answered.

  Voices were faint in the background, and Reece hardly heard when Navarre addressed her, “When Harrison and Levi have confirmed that the reports are true and you will be safe, we will return you to your home on Earth.”

  The men were still making plans for Reece’s return, when she slowly stood up. In that moment all the men at the table stood as well. She forced a smile, and addressed the group. “I can’t thank each of you enough for everything you have done to make this happen for me.” She felt her voice crack. She had to make this exit quick, and without causing a scene. “But, if you all will please excuse me, I think the horseback riding must be catching up with me, and I might need to lie down for a little bit.”

  Allestaine smiled at Reece with concern, “Allow me and Elizabeth to escort you back to your room, Reece.”

  Reece had to find a way out of the polite request. She needed to be alone. Her stomach was in knots, and she felt as though she would burst into tears at any moment. She wouldn’t take the risk of letting that happen in front of any of them.

  “I really appreciate the offer, Lady Allestaine, but I’m fine.” She smiled reassuringly, “I will see you all at dinner tonight.” She looked at Samuel and smiled, “Thank you, again, Samuel. It is wonderful news, and I know you have been working very hard to make this moment happen for me.”