Ancient Guardians The Legacy of the Key Page 4

  These thoughts were soon interrupted when Harrison shifted in his saddle and turned his head to the side, “You doing okay back there?”

  “Um, yeah, I guess…Is this where you’re taking me?” Reece answered.

  She felt Harrison laugh before answering, “No, our destination is up the hill from this village,” He pointed toward a magnificent structure that was sitting impressively on top of a bright green hill, overlooking the village they were in. “That is where are journey ends. It will not be much longer now.”

  Once they were through the small village, the horses picked up their pace, heading up a steep road and bringing the magnificent structure into better view. Reece studied it while the horses followed the cobblestone road, which was winding around and upward. Is that a castle?

  As they slowly rode up and around the hill, she saw different views of the enormous, gray, stone structure. Countless windows took advantage of the view from the hill. It was a palace, not a castle—castles don’t have that many windows. Countless steps led down from the front doors to the perfectly manicured lawns. Gardens of flowering bushes and topiaries surrounded the Palace on all sides.

  Once at the top, the horses rode over a stone bridge. Reece glanced down at the crystal clear water, seeing easily to the bottom. The river wound its way through the Palace’s landscaped yard, disappearing into the thick forest of trees to their left. She looked around and found that the enormous palace appeared to be the size of a whole town. Maybe it’s a city, and not just a palace? Who knows what to think anymore? Reece thought as she was at a loss for words. Whatever this place was, it was situated perfectly, with a forest of trees with pastures rolling into hills behind it, and an excellent view of the valleys below.

  Harrison rode to the side of the Palace. Levi had already dismounted, and was talking with the man who had come for their horses. Harrison threw the reins over the horse’s head. “Here you go, Javian. I think he deserves a snack. Areion was showing off, for our new visitor, I think.” He turned back and lent his arm to help Reece down off of the horse before dismounting himself. Her legs were a little weak, but not as bad as she thought they’d be after riding a horse for the first time in her life.

  Levi stood at the bottom of the steps that led up to the front entrance. He grinned at Reece, searching her expressions, and then he laughed softly. “Thank you for all of your patience with us. We have finally reached the place for explanations. Let me be the first to properly welcome you to Pasidian Palace.” He held out his arm.

  Chapter 4

  Reece reached out and took Levi’s arm. As he led her up the marble steps, she could not help but look up at him and marvel at how old-fashioned he, and each experience she’d has thus far in this land, was. It was as if she had stepped back in time; riding on horseback, small villages, and being escorted by a perfect gentleman were not things she ever encountered.

  As they approached the entrance to the Palace, two servants opened the two massive, ornately carved doors, which led into a large hall. Reece gasped at the grandeur of it. The hall was well lit by enormous windows, which displayed the gardens in front and back. Pairs of white marble columns flanked each side of the windows. The walls were a matching alabaster, and extended up into a barrel-curved shimmering, emerald-colored ceiling. Reece stared up at the ceiling with amazement.

  She looked over at Levi, who looked amused, as if he had been watching her reaction.

  Harrison laughed light-heartedly, startling Reece. She’d forgotten he was behind them. “Are you still doing okay up there, Reece?”

  “Um, yeah, I guess.” She had no other words.

  They turned left, and Levi opened a large door into a long hallway, which was lined with numerous doors and passageways that had staircases leading off into unknown places. Candles, now their only source of illumination, lit up the walls from their sconces. These candles were intriguing to gaze upon. A soft white glow, replaced the natural effect of a candle flame. After closer inspection, she confirmed there was no dancing flame, only the iridescent glow. What is it with the glowing colors everywhere in this land? She thought to herself.

  Queen Anne-style chairs, with brass cabriole legs, and tables ornately carved out of rich wood, were arranged throughout the elegant hallway. Each doorway they walked past was closed, leaving Reece to ponder where they led and what they held. As they approached an open door, she absently squeezed Levi’s arm and slowed their pace. She glanced into the room. It was elaborately furnished throughout, and had arched windows of impressive proportions, which displayed the entire front lawns of the house. She had never seen such a magnificent place.

  “Wow,” she whispered. “So, this is your king’s palace?”

  By now, she could not help but to ask such a question. She was feeling utterly under dressed and ridiculous.

  Levi politely answered. “Yes. My father, Navarre, is the Emperor, and he rules the entirety of Pemdas. This palace is our home; it is located centrally within the land, and has many villages around it. My father, whom we are taking you to meet, is a very knowledgeable man; he is highly respected by all who depend on him, especially all of the Pemdai. Never before, in all the dimensions we’ve visited, have I seen anyone generate such respect from their people.” He smiled down at her bewildered expression.

  Reece began to understand why Levi held himself so imperially. The man was definitely a significant individual. It should probably intimidate her to know she was on the arm of such a man; however, it did not affect Reece’s opinion of him. She was more concerned with what he had just proclaimed. And that was, that they have visited other worlds besides Earth. Not possible. She thought.

  “All of the dimensions…you’ve visited?” She questioned with doubt.

  Harrison laughed. “Indeed, all of the dimensions! However, I must clarify. We have not only visited them, but we have served to protect them, too.”

  Reece nodded her head. She was convinced these two were, in their own way, making fun of her. She decided to remain quiet, until they reached the man who would give her the answers and explanations she required.

  They passed a few more closed doors, and then Levi stopped before leading Reece out of the hallways and into an atrium.

  He turned to face her, “Reece, before going any farther, I wanted to give you an opportunity to freshen up a little.” He motioned toward a closed door, “Take your time, I know this has been a long day for you. Harrison and I will be just across the way,” He pointed to a closed door across the hall, “in that small sitting room when you are finished.”

  Reece faintly smiled with appreciation, and politely thanked him.

  Upon entering, the room promptly lit up without having to turn on a switch. She glanced around the magnificent bathroom. Thank goodness, indoor plumbing!

  The idea of traveling into this land on horseback had her believing this world might be lacking other forms of modern technology as well. So, she was surprised to see that their restroom functioned like the advanced ones on Earth. Everything was motion activated, the lights, the lavatory, and the sink. She could have easily stood in awe at the elaborate marble sink, the impressive mirror, and golden fixtures; but now was not the time to marvel at a bathroom. It’s a palace bathroom, Reece. Just because you don’t see one everyday – or have ever seen one before – doesn’t mean you should be surprised.

  She tried to ignore the distraction, wanting to make her visit quick. But having been alone for the first time since agreeing to leave with these men, she became dreadfully overwhelmed. She was weak in the knees and almost trembling.

  She splashed cool water on her face to help remove her from this state she was in. Fortunately, as quickly as this feeling had come upon her, it left. She was back in reality, and now the answers she wanted were the only things consuming her thoughts.

  She grabbed a soft cloth, patted her face, and shook her head at image of herself in the mirror. The usually bright-blue eyes that were staring back at her were tired and wor
n. Her face was pale, replacing the healthy glow it normally had. The ponytail she tied for her morning run was in disarray. She could not help but to laugh at her appearance, it was pathetic. Very classy, Reece! She figured she would just pull the tie out of her hair and allow it to fall loosely down her back. Ha! THAT was a bad idea. It was a tangled mess from being whipped around during her horseback ride. Her lips twisted up on one side, defeated in every way. She studied her sorry appearance in the mirror, trying to conjure up with a way to make herself look presentable. Well, what are you gonna do? She arched her brow and then quickly brought her hair up into a knot on the top of her head. She chuckled. Sadly, that actually looks better. She inwardly concluded.

  She quickly turned to leave, and headed out to the sitting area where the men waited.

  Both men were conversing when Reece entered the room. They consider this to be a small sitting room? She thought when she entered the room, only to find another large room, adorned with even more fashionable furniture arranged around a large stone-like fireplace. She did not have long to study the room before both men stood in unison, and proceeded to make their way over to her.

  Again, Levi offered his arm, and she accepted. They followed Harrison out of the room and back into the hall, which brought them to a grand staircase. As they climbed the staircase, Reece was in awe of its beauty. This majestic feature, with its imposing proportions, was surrounded by pale walls and columns. The white marble of the staircase was complemented by an iridescent, ruby-colored banister. With everything that Reece had viewed so far, she found its colors and rich design flowed together so well, it gave the impression of perfect harmony.

  Once they reached the top, they walked a short distance before turning toward two large doors, which opened immediately upon their arrival.

  They walked through the stylish entry, and followed steps down into its lower level. At the front of the room, white square pilasters framed a bank of tall, multi-pane windows. Dark green sofas and chairs were arranged for conversation in front of the windows, giving anyone who sat in them a perfect view of the gardens that surrounded the back of the Palace. Beyond the neatly groomed and manicured gardens, rolling hills and pastures disappeared into a thick forest of tall trees.

  A tall man stood up from one of the sofas, and turned to meet his guests. He had black hair with hints of gray. His blue eyes were as penetrating in their gaze as Levi’s were. As he approached, his smile widened, and his eyes sparkled; even so, Reece found him to be an intimidating authority figure. It was the way he held himself, she thought; a picture of complete and absolute confidence.

  Without a doubt, she knew this was the Emperor of Pemdas. He wore clothes as extravagant as the Palace they were in. It was the attire anyone would expect a man of such importance to wear. Well, maybe in 1800’s England, anyways, she thought. He was smartly dressed in a rich velvet cutaway coat that perfectly outlined his lustrous black silk waistcoat. His neck was concealed by a black silk cravat, which had been tied in an intricate knot, and embellished with a ruby stone in the center. She had to resist the urge to curtsey at the sight of him.

  The noble man approached and extended his arm out to her. Levi gently took her hand and loosened the tight grip she hadn’t realized she had on his arm. He placed her hand in his father’s outstretched hand. “Father, this is Reece Bryant. Miss Bryant, allow me to introduce my father; the Emperor of Pemdas, Lord Navarre Oxley.” Levi looked down at her, smiling. “Reece has many questions, and unfortunately, various circumstances thus far have delayed explanations.”

  Navarre smiled at Reece, gently brought her hand up, and kissed the air over it. “Miss Bryant, it is a great honor to have you here safe with us in Pemdas.”

  He led her towards the luxurious sofas, never dropping her hand as he guided her to a seat. Harrison and Levi both found empty chairs to sit on.

  “Allow me to offer you some tea, as I understand this has been a very trying morning for you.” At that moment, a servant girl carried a tray in. Her flaxen hair was twisted up in a bun, and she wore a long white gown, confined at the waist by a braided silver band. She smiled and gently set the tray on a glass table in front of the windows. She poured hot tea into steel mugs, and carried them around, providing one to each of them.

  As Reece brought the mug to her lips, she inhaled its fragrance, a mixture of spices—cinnamon? ginger? bergamot? Peppermint? She wasn’t sure, but it was almost intoxicating. Before she took a sip of the tea, Navarre politely asked, “Would you care for something to eat? I can arrange for food to be brought in if you are hungry; it will be a few more hours until we have dinner.

  Even though she hadn’t eaten a bite all day, she had no appetite. Food was the last thing on her mind at this moment. Reece set the mug on a side table. “Dinner? Will I be staying here that long?”

  Navarre nodded, stood up, and walked over to gaze out the windows. “Miss Bryant, I’m afraid you will not be returning to Earth any time soon. Please allow me to explain, and try not to be too alarmed. This is for your safety, and for the safety of your friends, and all those on Earth.”

  He turned from the windows to face the room. His expression was serene, yet grave.

  She was at the end of her tolerance of all of this. Now she couldn’t go home? She looked straight at Navarre and spoke very sternly. “Please explain to me what is going on, immediately.” She demanded. “I feel that I’ve been extremely patient so far, and before I try to find a way out of this place on my own, I want answers.”

  She looked directly at Levi and Harrison. Levi was leaning back in his chair, looking concerned. Harrison leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and spoke earnestly, “Reece, under today’s circumstances, we couldn’t break any of this to you gently. It wasn’t our intention to shock, upset, or frighten you in this manner. We could have—perhaps we should have—tried a bit harder to explain things, but our first priority was getting you here safely.” He smiled at her. “I, for one, did not want to take any risks that might have resulted in your jumping out of the car, or off the back of the horse, for that matter. Please allow Navarre to explain what is happening, and why we feel you should not return home so hastily. Have no fear, Reece; you will be able to go home once we’re sure it’s safe.”

  Reece sat rigidly, staring at Harrison.

  “Yes, Harrison,” said Navarre. “You both should have taken a few additional moments with Miss Bryant to prepare her as best you could. But what is done, is done. Miss Bryant, I ask that you forgive us. I plan to explain as much now as you are able to tolerate. I understand that this will be a lot for you to attempt to comprehend, and that is perfectly reasonable. At the very least, I should like explain to you why you should feel safe among us.” He smiled and then sat in an empty chair by Harrison.

  “Let me start by saying, you were in grave danger this morning before these two young men intervened. There was no time for them to elucidate the situation. By the time Levi reported to us how swiftly the situation had become dangerous, we had little time to react to ensure your safety.”

  “We were rapidly losing our control over the situation, and we had to decide quickly how best to protect you,” said Levi.

  Navarre watched Reece carefully before going further. “I can, however, completely understand why they felt the need to wait for more detailed explanations. I believe you’ll appreciate their motives as well, when the whole sequence is laid before you.”

  Reece sat back, eyeing him with some skepticism. She thought he probably meant well, but well for him might not be well for her.

  A tiny smile drew up the corner of Navarre’s mouth and he went on. “First of all, it’s natural for you to be completely overwhelmed with the realization that there are worlds and dimensions outside your own. Some of your people have chosen to keep secrets from others of their own kind. It is something I have never understood about Earth.”

  He relaxed back into his chair. “You seem to be the type of person who appreciates being fully inform
ed, be it good or bad news; is that so?” He waited for her reply.

  Reece sat up, giving him her complete attention. “Yes, and the sooner, the better.”

  Navarre nodded. “For all of its existence, Earth has had countless visitors from different worlds and dimensions. You see, the planet Earth is a conduit, a gateway.”

  “Like an airport? A hub?”

  “Yes!” Said Harrison.

  “Only, sort of,” said Levi.

  Navarre leaned forward. “Our kind, the Pemdai, have sworn to protect your kind, and your world, for as long as we have existed. Our whole way of life depends upon it. To understand this, you must be aware of why Earth is so important, not only to us, but to all other realms outside of it.”

  Reece swallowed hard.

  “I know it isn’t easy to believe, Miss Bryant, for someone in your position, with your lack of background in this area. I do hope the experiences you have faced by coming into Pemdas have helped you accept that you are truly in another dimension. If you can accept this, everything else I tell you will be easier to believe.”

  She had accepted it. Somewhere between the park in Philadelphia, and this palace, she had come to believe the impossible.

  “Earth serves as a center point to all other worlds and dimensions. Most dimensions exist only because of the unique way Earth spins on its axis. If this is altered, it could either imprison the inhabitants inside their own dimension, or make the dimension itself nonexistent. If Earth were manipulated in a particular way, our dimension would suffer the latter. It would destroy our world entirely.” He narrowed his eyes, as if trying not to imagine what he spoke of.

  Reece looked at him, confused. “So this world…I mean dimension...only exists because of Earth?”