Volonians: Mysteries of The Vondercrat
Chapter Five
Guardians of Volonia
It’s early morning. The sound of several feet approaching becomes louder as they get closer. Four guards stop to rest at a large door. They are draped in gold robes, their staffs attached to their sides, their faces made of stone; they are on a mission. One of the guards moves his staff in front of the door, and magically, the door unlocks. Once through the doorway, a tall, bricked stairwell appears before them. They ascend swiftly, the light of their lanterns guiding them through the darkness. At the top, the guards fix their lanterns on the walls that split the hallway in both directions. “Which corridor?” one of the guards asks. A second guard points the way with his staff. They proceed down the dimly lit path. They reach a set of double, steel doors. “Here?” inquires the first guard. “You think this is a bit much for a Class Six? What’s the charge?” A slight vibration shifts the space. The guards’ turn, knowing it must be only one thing: a Lord.
Lordess Raven magically glides down the hall, her cloak slightly grazing the ground. She descends. The guards take position at the door, their poses intimidating and their staffs poised fiercely across their chests. Lordess Raven removes her hood. The light from the lanterns reveals her silky, olive skin and the gold streak hanging straight down with the sleek fall of her tresses. She curiously hides her hands behind her back before walking over to face one of the guards. “How is she?”
The guards look nervously to the floor. “We have just arrived, Lordess Raven.”
“Do you have the spell for admittance?”
“No, Lordess.”
Lordess Raven smiles. “Good! VOOL SYA VCO VALLE.” The steel doors suddenly open, and she quickly glides into the room, “VCO VOY.” The doors slam behind her, leaving the guards at their post outside. She glides to the center of the empty space and then prominently lifts her right hand. “VACY VCO AL SIIAN.” Suddenly a large, glass room is illuminated. Behind it Varah sits alone on a chair. Hanging around her neck is a Vicklor, a glowing device that restricts the use of magic. She is dressed simply yet beautifully in a fitted, white gown, her hair is pulled stylishly to the side. Her elegant legs are crossed, masking the impatience she feels during this waiting.
“Lordess Raven, is that really you?” She quickly uncrosses her legs and rises from her chair to step cautiously behind it. She is ready for battle. “How can I trust you?” Lordess Raven smiles, but Varah steps farther away from the glass. “How can I be sure it’s you?”
Lordess Raven floats over to the glass. She sees the battle-ready look in Varah’s eye. Lordess Raven lifts her arm toward the sky and a chair magically appears. She sits and replies calmly to Varah, “At our last class party cycles ago, one of us created a typhoon almost flooding the ceremony because she didn’t realize her new-found powers.”
Varah smiles at the memory. “I thought I’d put that past me. Yes, it’s really you.” Varah walks over to the edge of the glass and concedes an inviting smile to her friend. “I’m glad you came.”
With the lift of a hand, Lordess Raven summons Varah’s chair to a position directly facing the glass. “Sit.” Varah does so.
“Are Broc and Shenzara all right?”
“They’re fine. Listen, Varah. We’ve been friends for a while, and I wanted you to know that I’ll always stand in your honor.”
“I thank you for that. You were the one who gave me the insight about Roman and her.” Lordess Raven struggles for her next statement. She glances away. “What is it, Lordess Raven?”
“They could send you away, Varah.”
“They could send me away? Where?” Varah rises from her chair; she moves closer to the glass. “I’m Class Six, Raven. I’ve worked hard for that.”
Lordess Raven lifts her hands. She magically appears alongside Varah behind the glass. “Varah! You’ve breached the system. You’re a risk.” Lordess Raven turns away. “They could send you to a distant planet.”
Varah’s head drops, her hope deflated. She steps away. “And my twins?” Lordess Raven places her hand on Varah’s shoulder. Resisting the gesture, Varah realizes the truth in what Lordess Raven is not saying. She screams, “Ahhhh!!” Suddenly her hair stands as though on fire. An electrical surge shoots from the glowing device attached to her neck, sending a painful current through her body. She screams again, this time in pain. Lordess Raven looks away, unable to bear seeing her friend suffer. “Raven, I can’t be without my kids. Is he the one up to this?”
“I assure you, Lord Roman has nothing to do with this outcome. The Guardians have been summoned.”
“Where are my kids? I must see them!” Lordess Raven lifts a hand and reappears outside the glass. Varah runs over to the impenetrable wall. Her panic rises. Desperation fills her eyes. “Please Raven, please!”
Lordess Raven turns slowly, now stepping toward the door. Every move she makes hurts. Varah stands alone behind the glass, stricken with pain. She pleads, “VIEOO Lordess Raven, VIEOO!”
Lordess Raven pauses at the door, contemplating. Her eyes start to glow. “You may have a few minutes.” Magically, Broc and Shenzara appear in the glass room alongside their mother. They, too have glowing devices attached to their necks. Broc runs over to Varah; they embrace.
“Mom, where were you? I thought you were gone forever.” Shenzara folds her arms, pouting, and walks over to the opposite end of the glass room. She is neither thrilled nor impressed.
“Shenzara, honey, are you okay?”
“I’d rather not talk about it. I want to go home.” Broc fiddles with his neck device, an attempt at removing it that fails.
“This thing is too tight. Zara, lighten up.” Shenzara doesn’t move, her childish attitude coming through clearly.
“That’s not the point! She’s selfish, and we’re paying for it!”
“Don’t be a brat, Zara.” Shenzara turns her back to Varah and Broc, “This is stupid! It was supposed to be our day and she ruined it. That’s the reason….” Shenzara catches herself.
Varah cautiously walks over. “That’s the reason what? Go on, finish.”
Shenzara musters some courage and turns to Varah, face to face. “That’s the reason I wanted to live with Father. You’ve done nothing but screw our lives up!”
Varah’s heart drops to her feet. She takes a step back. “I didn’t see that coming. I did this for you, Shenzara…”
Shenzara interrupts, “No, you did this for you. You’re pissed at Father, you hate Olivia, you’re not a class eight, and now we are the ones paying for it.” Broc steps cautiously over to Shenzara and takes her hand. Dismissively, she pushes him away. Her stare intensifies as she moves closer to Varah.
“Calm down, Shenzara. I’ll think of something.”
“No, Mom. You’ve always talked about following the rules of Volonia, and the first chance you get, you break them.” Shenzara’s hair rises like fire, flares shooting out from her small body, and her feet suddenly lift from the ground. Varah eyes widen; she reels back in shock.
“Shenzara!” She screams.
“No! I hate you! I hate you! VCO VO VOYA!” Shenzara yells. The four walls of glass shatter around them, crashing to the floor. The guards rush in just as Shenzara collapses to the floor. Her neck device sends another strong current through her body. Crumpled and tearful, she buries her face in her hands. “I want to go home. I want to go home.” Tears flow from her eyes while Broc and Varah stand motionless, their mouths dropped, nothing to say. They stand in the remnants of Shenzara’s anger-- a family’s love torn to pieces in minutes.
Lord Roman and the other four Lords wait in a dark room, their faces lit by flickering lanterns, their shadows prancing nervously on the walls as they stand in silence. Lord Roman speaks solemnly. “May we all grasp hands? Repeat after me.” “VCO VY VENTI AVOLA.” The others repeat the spell, their hands still united in collective strength. A clap of thunder high above their heads suddenly rocks the room. Fierce winds blow
through their heavy robes, making it difficult for them to stand in place. Bolts of light rush through their bodies, encompassing and harnessing the power of each Lord. A brightly lit portal opens in the center of the room. An intense, repetitive hum emanates from deep within the portal.
“Be well!” yells Lordess Raven.
The piercing wind rushes through Lord Semelia’s hair, her gold streak whipped by the wind. “See you soon, Lord Roman!”
Lord Roman gathers his robes about himself before walking towards the portal. As he places one foot inside the brightness, Lord Vondell screams out, “Lord Roman!” but Roman, focused on his mission, doesn’t turn back. He forces an answer “What is it?”
“I will accompany you!” shouts Lord Vondell over the noise of the storm. Lordess Semelia lifts her head. Shocked, she turns toward Lordess Raven. They all await an answer.
Reluctantly, Lord Roman agrees. “If that is your choice.” Lord Roman proceeds into the portal. Lord Vondell looks to the other Lords and nods before following Lord Roman through the brightly spinning circle. The Portal closes in on itself. A look of uncertainty moves across the faces of the three remaining Lords.
A portal opens. Lord Roman and Lord Vondell exit onto a flat surface. It’s dusty and cold. They stare out at miles of empty space. “What now?” asks Lord Vondell. Lord Roman ignores the question and continues to walk, but then stops abruptly. Something crosses his mind. He turns towards Lord Vondell.
“I just want to be sure we are on the same page,” says Lord Roman as he removes his hood. He unties the top of his robe, breathing in the clear, open air.
“And what page would that be?” Lord Vondell replies, also taking a deep breath. He glances at the bare sky. “Is this about your seat?”
“No! So much more is at stake here than that,” Roman says in defense.
“Are you sure, Lord Roman?”
“Yes. Shenzara and Broc are in the middle. They shouldn’t have to right the wrong for Varah.”
“So we both agree on what’s right for Volonia? Or is there a special amendment given to your family?” A smirk comes over the face of Lord Vondell.
“We should get going,” says Lord Roman, as he turns to continue walking.
Lord Vondell nods and follows, sustaining the smirk as he follows close behind. “Yes, we should.” The two Lords walk on. “So where is this great Guardian city?”
Lord Roman does not respond but stares straight ahead. “VOC VACY VCO AL SIIAN.” A mile-wide and rocky mountain range appears before them. Its power is visible as a swath of shining, vibrating air hovering in the naked sky. It is grand and massive. The entire landscape shimmers with a golden light. Lord Vondell is astonished. His eyes search every inch of the mountain, taking in its beauty. Lord Roman notices a gold door-- an entrance-- high above the ground in the mid-range of the mountain. He opens his hands. He levitates high above the ground, drifting towards the golden door.
Lord Vondell notices Lord Roman’s ascent. “VCO FIOLO VOY,” and magically Lord Vondell disappears then reappears at the doors on the mountain. He waits for Lord Roman. “This was much faster.”
Ignoring Lord Vondell’s comment, Lord Roman moves toward the center of the door. His voice booms, commanding and powerful. “VAMY CO VCO SACIOL.”
The door thunders back, “VAMY CO VCO SACIOL.” Slowly, the door fades to reveal a path into the magical and mysterious mountain. The two Lords enter and continue forward. They glide toward the edge of what appears to be a steep cliff. Looking down, they notice a small valley surrounded by huge boulders. The ground looks solid, flat and glittering white. Lord Roman lifts a hand and they both descend to the base of the valley to find themselves standing in the center of the
white surface. Lord Vondell glances around nervously.
A beam of energy ascends from the bottom of their feet. The energy passes through their bodies and high above their heads to identify them as Lords. Three distinct spheres of light gradually appear before them. The lights dissolve into floating beings, holographic images.
The reigning Guardians of Volonia take their Volonian forms. Lord Roman and Lord Vondell bow respectfully. Seemingly in response, the three Guardians levitate, their faces brightly lit by the white, reflective, surface. Lord Vondell, being in the presence of the Guardians for the first time, bows again in awe.
Guardian Vladimir is positioned in the center. He is a thin man. His long gray mane is prominent against his wiry frame, as are his bright, hazel eyes. He wears a white robe, which looks magnificent against his deep, mahogany skin. To his left is Guardian Minion Tagge, who is a bit thicker around the waist. His short-cropped brown hair compliments his lighter, sandy brown beard. Guardian Amelia Roche drifts to the right of Guardian Vladimir; her translucent skin is that of an angel. She is a petite woman, and her long, grey hair is pinned up in a bun. The creases on her face reveal that she is the elder of the group.
Guardian Vladimir welcomes the Lords with an opening hymn from the ancient Vondercrat. “VCO SEY COOY VULI. VCO SEY COOY VLO. Welcome, Lord Roman. Lord Vondell, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
Lord Vondell anxiously takes a step forward to stand in front of Lord Roman, who respectfully takes a step back, allowing his fellow Lord to speak. “It is a great honor to finally meet the Guardians. I am duly humbled.”
“Why have you summoned us, Lord Roman?” Guardian Vladimir asks.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to commune with you all, but under the circumstances, this may not be a joyous visit.”
“Go on,” Guardian Vladimir urges.
Lord Vondell anxiously shifts his weight from one foot to the other, eager to chime in. Guardian Amelia notices this. “Lord Vondell, is there something you would like to come forth to say?”
Lord Vondell glances at Lord Roman, His grin widens. He takes another step towards the Guardians. “In the midst of the Shifting Ceremony, one of our citizens summoned the Vondercrat and used its powers for...”
“Impossible!” Interjects Guardian Amelia. “It takes all five Lords of Volonia to retrieve the ancient Vondercrat!”
Guardian Vladimir sits silently, his disbelief showing openly. He inhales deeply. “Who is this citizen, and what class?” Lord Vondell takes a step back, his arm extended, implicating Lord Roman in some way. “That is the troubling part, Guardians.”
Lord Roman hesitates; then says, “My ex-veil. Class Six.”
Guardian Vladimir’s voice echoes loudly across the expanse of space. “Did you have any part in this breach?”
“I can assure you, Guardian, there was no violation on my part. We intentionally amended Volonian law several cycles ago so that this could never happen.”
“I am sure you both know what’s at stake when anyone gets their hands on the Vondercrat,” says Guardian Tagge.
“Are we preceding with exile?” asks Guardian Amelia.
Lord Vondell lifts his head to the sky, his words ringing proudly. “She should be exiled immediately.” Lord Roman stands frozen, stunned by the force of Lord Vondell’s declaration.
“How did the Lords vote?” says Guardian Vladimir.
“Two for, two against.”
Guardian Amelia again steers the discussion and inquires, “Exiled to what distant dimension, do you propose?”
“A place where evil runs rampant.” Lord Vondell’s smile catches Guardian Tagge’s eye.
“Is something amusing you about this breach, Lord Vondell?”
Lord Vondell stumbles over his words before finding the right ones. “Guardian Tagge, it is my duty to protect the Vondercrat and its power. I find it troubling that there is a conflict of interest here.” Lord Vondell lifts his hand, expecting to receive the Volonia law book, but nothing happens.
“Your magic is void here Lord Vondell,” says Guardian Amelia.
“Duly noted.”
Lord Roman has had enough. “She is my ex-veil and nothing more, Lord Vondell. W
e share parental duties, nothing more.”
“Enough!” shouts Guardian Vladimir. “How old are the children?”
“Twelve, they’re twins.”
Guardian Amelia leans toward Guardian Vladimir to whisper in his ear. Listening, Guardian Vladimir shifts his composure. The three Guardians commune among themselves before turning to the Lords.
“You do understand, that if found guilty, the children will be exiled as well,” says Guardian Vladimir. Lord Roman’s heart sinks. His eyes lower, searching for a way out. His head nods in reluctant agreement. “Lord Roman, the people of Volonia appointed you Lord because they felt you could protect the Vondercrat and be unbiased under any circumstance while upholding Volonian law. You must make a choice and be the deciding voice,” says Guardian Vladimir. Lord Vondell’s hands fall to his side, his face as cold as the hard, white floor beneath their feet.
“I understand,” Lord Roman responds.
“But Guardians, I…” Lord Vondell pauses to collect his thoughts “We were hoping that you three would make this decision, given the circumstances.”
“I’m sure you were, but this is Lord Roman’s decision to make,” responds Guardian Tagge. “We are confident that you will make the right decision, Lord Roman.”
Lord Vondell’s tone deepens. He moves boldly close to the Guardians. “Guardians, don’t you think…”
“Lord Vondell, we’ve declared our decision!” Feeling this keen reproach, Lord Vondell concedes. He accepts with a nod. Both Lords nod again as they turn to exit, but they are stopped abruptly.
“One more thing,” Guardian Vladimir adds, his voice cold and certain. “Darkness may soon fall over Volonia. The key to your survival may very well reside in this single decision, Lord Roman. The energies of our planet are aligning quickly. The battle of a lifetime could ensue. A decision must be made by all five Lords as to which side they’re on.” Lord Roman listens intently, his eyes fixed on Guardian Vladimir, “If the wrong decision is made, our planet could fall into the hands of a destructive power unlike anything we have ever seen.” Lord Roman stands. He is struck by a trembling fear. His faith has been challenged, and his soul has been shaken by Guardian Vladimir’s grim prophecy of Volonia’s uncertain future.