Sacred Bloodlines (11 page)

“Don’t worry about it.” Uri replied growing more impatient.  “There will be clothes at the sparring center.”

“Sparring center?”  Gabe asked, unable to hide the concern in his voice.  Uri laughed again and patted him on the back.  The two were off to the dining hall for what Uri kept calling a ‘breakfast of guardians.’  Gabe thought he was trying to play on the ‘breakfast of champions’ saying, but the joke was falling short.  After about the third time though, Gabe decided to give Uri the laugh he so desperately craved in hopes he would not have to hear the joke again.

Breakfast was incredible, but the entire time Gabe was wondering what awaited them at this sparring center.  He had never been much of a fighter.  He had avoided school sports like the plague.  The idea of other boy’s bodies being hurled at him with great force had never seemed very appealing.  

Gabe’s thoughts were invaded by images of Sophie with no warning.  The memories of their evening overwhelmed his curiosity about Uri’s impending lessons.  As he thought about  dancing under the stars and sharing intimate stories, Gabe was sure Uri had to be wrong about Sophie’s interest.  Without warning, a slight smile crept across Gabe’s face.

Once Gabe finished his meal, the two boys headed across the court yard.  Uri greeted everyone they passed.  Gabe wondered if Uri knew everyone at the manor; he certainly seemed to.  A few more unfamiliar faces passed before Gabe caught site of one he recognized.  Michael was in the distance, standing and talking to another gentleman.  The conversation seemed to be quite intense.  

Gabe studied the man Michael was speaking to.  He noticed as the man shifted his weight, he seemed to be favoring one leg.  The man pulled his golden hair from his face.  Gabe recognized him as Anthony, the injured man from Michael’s office.  Gabe thought Anthony appeared much stronger than last he had seen him.  His stature was broad and commanding.

Gabe watched as Michael and Anthony’s interaction became  heated.  A second later, both men looked up.  Seeing Gabe and Uri headed in their direction, they instantly turned down the opposite path.  Gabe wondered if they were trying to avoid him, but decided that he was being paranoid.

Trying to not think any further on the odd exit of the men, Gabe asked Uri, “So does everyone go through this training?”

Uri thought on the question for a moment as the two continued through a large doorway. “I suppose,” Uri replied.  “Training is tailored to each individual and what their role is.  Some are healers and only healers.  Some are what we call clerics and are trained  in incantations.”

“What are you?”  Gabe asked.

Uri laughed and then realized Gabe had been serious with his question.  

“A Guardian, like you obviously.”  Uri said, looking a bit puzzled.  “Michael didn’t explain all this to you?”

“Some of it, but we sort of got interrupted,” Gabe explained.

“I see,” Uri continued.  “Well, a Guardian is different.  Everyone’s purpose is to protect mankind of course, but when all else fails we are the last line of defense.”

“Yeah, I got that much.” Gabe answered remembering that part of  his conversation with Michael the previous evening.

“Well, stop me if I repeat anything,” Uri continued.  “A Guardian is trained in all abilities; hand to hand combat, incantations, healing, creature charms…”

“Creature charms?”  Gabe asked with a curious look on his face.

“Not all creatures that were unleashed on the earth chose to follow an evil path.  We discovered through the years that there are some creatures that have been tricked or forced, into doing the lord of the Underworld’s bidding.  Once they escaped, many were more than eager to help the other side.”  Uri explained.

“Wait, what kind of creatures?”  Gabe asked.

“Well, probably the most common one you have heard of would be an Alicorn.”  Uri replied looking over at Gabe.  He could see Gabe wasn’t sure what he was talking about.  “Well maybe not, imagine a cross between a unicorn and a Pegasus.”  

Gabe furrowed his brow imagining what the beast would look like.  

“So a horse with a horn and wings?”  Uri nodded in the affirmative.  

“I see,” Gabe added sarcastically. 

“Where are these things then?  I’ve sure never seen one.”  Gabe asked looking around, clearly in disbelief.

“Have you ever seen a million dollars?”  Uri asked seriously.

Gabe looked over at Uri confused. 

“Well, no.” Gabe replied slowly.

“Does that mean a million dollars doesn’t exist?” Uri asked.

“No, but that’s not really the same thing, Uri.” Gabe argued.

“My point is, Gabe, that there are a lot of things in this world you may have never seen but it doesn’t mean they are any less real than the things you have,”  Uri explained.

“I get it.  I’m just saying if these things exist, I’m a bit surprised I have never seen one.”  Gabe retorted hanging on to his disbelief.

“Had you seen a demon before the night we met?” Uri asked.  Gabe sat there not sure what to say.  Uri had a very valid point.  

“Besides, some Alicorns stay in the stables, so you can ask them for yourself if they are real.” Uri answered with a grin.

“Yeah, right,” Gabe responded, not allowing himself to be so easily fooled by Uri.

Uri’s face suddenly took on a very serious expression as he insisted, “I’m serious, Gabe. They really are there.”

Sensing Uri’s sincerity, Gabe was in awe at Uri’s revelation as he continued walking in silence.  

“They are pretty amazing creatures.” Uri continued.  “They have the power of invisibility so they are allowed to come and go as they please.  They are quite brave in battle.  We owe them a lot.  They have become a huge ally for us to have on our team.”  Gabe could see Uri’s admiration for the Alicorns and liked seeing this side of him.

“Here we are.”  Uri said, opening a door for Gabe.  Gabe tried to resist the urge to head straight to the stable to meet these magical creatures, trying to focus on his training with Uri at the moment.  Inside was what could best be described as a big circular locker room.  Instead of lockers though, there were wooden cubbies.  

“Over here,” Uri said, walking up to a large built-in wardrobe.  “Find your size and suit up.” Uri added as he walked away.  Gabe pulled out a drawer filled with uniforms, flipped through the stacks, finding a suitable match.

The fabric was soft and gray.  The style reminded him of what a Kung Fu warrior would wear.  Gabe dressed as quickly as possible.  Once he was completely clothed, he searched and at last located a mirror.  Impressed by what he saw, he made a karate kid pose.  Rather pleased with himself, he began laughing.

“Are you coming?” Uri shouted from the doorway, rolling his eyes and trying his hardest not to smile or laugh.  Gabe quickly stopped his nonsense and ran to Uri’s side, a little embarrassed at being discovered.  He followed Uri to a nearby wooden bench that was mounted to the ground.  Joining Uri on the bench, Gabe sat and waited eagerly for instructions. He watched Uri as he tightly pulled on the same mesh gloves that he had seen him wearing the night they had met in the subway tunnel.

Uri pulled a boot up and began tightening his laces and retying them one by one as he explained, “Most Guardians come to us when they are around thirteen years old—some even sooner.  It’s very rare for a Guardian to come to us after the age of thirteen.  That’s why Michael has asked me to guide you through advanced training.”  Uri explained.

“Wait, advanced?” Gabe protested.  “I have no clue what I am doing; let’s say we start at beginner.”  Gabe laughed nervously.

“A Guardian’s skills will develop on their own, even without training.  Michael wants us to assess where you are.”  Uri insisted.  “You’re to get my sole attention.  Michael mentioned wanting you to test out of year one and two by the end of summer so you can start on your third year classes next year.”  Uri hesitated.  

“Well, that is if you decide to stay after this week.”

Gabe was less concerned about if he was staying and more about these tests. 

“What do you mean tests?”  He asked.

“Oh,” Uri replied.  “Well, all Guardians have to receive four years of training to prepare themselves.  I am in my third year now.  Most of my friends are either second or third year students.  Each year you must pass a test of what you learned that year in order to move forward in your training.  Michael wants me to work one on one with you so that you can test in as a third year student.”

Uri looked at Gabe and he could tell the idea of the training and testing were overwhelming him.  

“Look,” Uri continued.  “I wouldn’t think about it.  I mean, you may spend the week here and decide you can’t stand us and want to leave.”  Uri laughed, patting Gabe on the back heartily.

“I was going to start with some martial arts training, but I have a better idea.” Uri said with a big smile on his face.  The grin actually made Gabe a little nervous. 

“Follow me,” Uri said, standing up and leading the way to a nearby chamber.

Gabe followed Uri into the room, amazed by what he saw.  The room was grand, a huge chamber that was covered in marble.  The floors were marble.  There were massive marble columns.  The emblem that had become a familiar theme covered the entire floor.

“What is this place?”  Gabe asked in awe.

“It’s where some of the weapons tests are administered.  Those are pretty amazing to watch.You will have to make sure you make it to one.” Uri said greatly excited.  “I have a surprise for you.” 

Uri  walked over to a case on a large Oak table.  

Gabe watched with great anticipation as Uri got ready to open it.  

“Your family weapon has been waiting for you all these years.”    

“Waiting for me?”  Gabe asked.

“A Guardian’s sword can only be wielded by a member of that Guardian’s bloodline.  This sword has been waiting sixteen years to be united with you.”  Uri explained.  

Gabe felt it hard to believe this fairytale about swords and bloodlines, but he was still filled with excitement to see the weapon.  Gabe’s great excitement quickly faded away as he saw what hid inside the case.  Uri opened the box to reveal an old rusty sword with a sizable chip in the blade.  The handle was wrapped in worn leather that had tattered strings hanging from it.

Gabe looked at Uri as if this were just another one of his tasteless jokes.  Uri’s expression, however, did not reveal such a plot.  

“Seriously?” Gabe asked, slightly annoyed. 

Uri looked up at Gabe with a puzzled look.

“This is the weapon that will help me fight the most horrifying evil demons Hell has to offer?” Gabe asked sarcastically.

Uri grinned, realizing Gabe’s disappointment.  

“Just pick it up.” Uri commanded.

Gabe had no desire to touch the filthy thing, but decided to do as he was told.  

“If you say so.”  Gabe grasped the sword in his hands.  As he took a tight hold of it, he felt it grow warm to his touch.  A slight vibration trembled through it into his hand.  The dull and rusty sword suddenly transformed into a broad and long silver blade.  A bright blue light shone all around it.  Gabe watched in astonishment as, from beneath its worn disguise, a weapon of grace and beauty revealed itself.  Gabe had to look away from its brilliance for a moment.  The crest Gabe had become familiar with was engraved into the blade.  The hilt glimmered with what Gabe thought looked like randomly placed diamonds and sapphires.

“The sword is blessed.  I told you, a Guardian’s sword can only be activated by a member of the Bloodline it was created for.  The enchantment on it only allows it to reveal itself and its powers to its true master’s hands.  With what we do, it’s gravely important our weapons can’t be used by the enemy or seen by mankind.”  Uri expounded.

“Now, this is a weapon.”  Gabe exclaimed, a glimmer in his eye.

Seeing that Gabe was in awe of the sword and not really listening, Uri reiterated his words, trying to relay the importance. 

“Gabe, it’s important you understand the necessity of free will.”  

Gabe nodded and began swinging his sword through the air as if he were slaying an imaginary army of evil minions. 

“I’m serious Gabe.  We can never remove free will from mankind’s lives.  If they see something magical or super natural, they have trouble making decisions based on what’s in their hearts.  Do you understand?”  Uri demanded in a more serious tone. 

Gabe nodded, acting like he was taking Uri’s words to heart.

“Then let’s fight.”  Uri said with a smile, grabbing a sword off a nearby wall.  Gabe’s lessons had begun and without warning.

Gabe widened his stance, preparing himself to attack.  Uri gave a menacing grin,` then motioned Gabe forward.  Gabe swiped the sword through the air a few more times trying to get a feel for the weight of the blade.

Uri stood still, not moving, just watching and waiting.  In an instance, Gabe saw Uri drop his sword to his side.He used that opening to lunge at him.  Gabe focused all of his force and pushed the sword forward with a mighty scream.

Uri just watched, his face not changing expression.  When Gabe was within inches of striking, Uri lifted his blade only six inches.  Gabe thought he was about to deliver the first and winning blow, instead he found his sword deflected.  The jolt of his sword hitting Uri’s blade caused Gabe to lose his grip.  Gabe’s weapon went flying out of his hands, sliding across the floor.

Gabe caught his balance, but as he turned, he felt Uri’s blade pressed firmly against his chest.  Gabe froze and looked humbly at his teacher.  

“You have to hold onto your sword if you’re going to win a battle.”  Uri said with a smirk.  “Go on,” Uri continued, lowering his sword and motioning towards Gabe’s lost sword.  “Pick it up.”

Gabe slumped over and shuffled across the floor with heavy embarrassed steps to retrieve his sword as his instructor told him to.  As he picked it up and turned to face Uri, he felt a terrible fear well up inside him that he had not felt before.  His hands began to sweat and he tossed the blade from hand to hand, trying to dry them as he circled Uri.

This dance went on for a few moments until Uri finally broke the silence.  “Well, come on then.”