Arcemis's Arc

Chapter 2 of 16

Arcemis slept beside the Temple of Gaia before leaving for the border roads. His gold sword lay within reach. He had promised himself he would learn whether service could give his life shape. Near midnight, the temple vines pressed through a cracked window and touched his wrist. He woke standing in a forest he did not know. Roots rose from black soil. A white statue of Gaia stood before him, though its stone eyes now shone gold. Then the statue stepped down from its base. Gaia faced him in a white robe marked with leaves. Her long blonde hair moved without wind. Arcemis reached for his sword, then stopped. Her voice filled the trees like rain on branches. “Arcemis, son of Lumera, a darker war has begun.” “Travelers are already vanishing,” he said. “Is this your doing?” “No.” Gaia lifted one hand. The soil opened between them. Arcemis saw a crowned man seated in shadow, beside a handsome demon with red eyes. “Rhademus serves Vaphos. Together, they break the roads, weaken the kingdoms, and hunt the guardians who could stop them.” Arcemis stared at the vision. “Why show me?” “Because you are the Guardian of Light.” Gaia’s gold eyes held his. “You must unite the other seven guardians. Only eight standing together can defeat Rhademus and Vaphos.” The words made his chest tighten. He had wanted one useful duty. Gaia had placed a war in his hands. “I am only one swordsman. I do not know these guardians.” “Then begin where people need you.” Gaia touched the blade at his side. Gold light ran along its edge. “The vanished travelers are the first wound. Protect them. Follow what you find. Your path will lead to the others.” Arcemis looked at the sword, then back at Gaia. He could refuse and remain the man who waited for a purpose. He closed his hand around the hilt. “I will go,” he said. “I will find them.” Gaia nodded. “Choose them before fear chooses for you.” Arcemis woke on the temple floor at dawn. The vines had pulled back from the window. His sword lay warm in his grip, its gems giving off a thin line of gold light toward the border roads. He rose, fastened the sword to his belt, and left the temple. He was no longer traveling only to test himself. He had accepted Gaia’s charge to find the seven other guardians and stop Rhademus and Vaphos.