BDS: Chapter Thirty-Five

Evening arrived quickly and the activity within the Temple of Kya reflected anything but its normal Zen-like atmosphere. Workers scattered through its halls, collaborating with the Protective Units to make plans for Yevani's evacuation.

When Gyan arrived, his teammates were already there.

"It looks as if our plans of going after Drasúl have fallen before our feet," Syam announced once everyone had arrived. "Master Jarek, please share the details of your vision."

In the next several minutes, Jarek proceeded to explain the incoming arrival of the Avehkal and Vaznaun. "They enter from different points, but I can't see where Drasúl will be. There are just flashes of him at different locations."

"Sir Kesól, do you have any insight on what Master Jarek is seeing about the Javen?" asked Zareb.

"The Mysteis have the ability to duplicate their energy into another form, like a twin. This magic is learned when they have reached advanced levels in their studies and creates a great advantage over their opponent. I don't believe Akila had perfected this spell because we never saw her use this type of magic. However, Sinial was likely exposed to the same training as Malik and thus mastered the ability to create a twin. I think this may be the reason Jarek cannot detect a specific location for Drasúl."

"Two Drasúl's?" Jarek said with a raised eyebrow. "Great."

One can be Morsinad and the other Dánialeres, Lorcan told him. That way, no identity confusion.

Cahira gave Jarek a stern look as he struggled to keep from laughing out loud.

"Will there be a difference in power between the two, Sir Kesól?" asked Valora.

"It's possible. It depends on the wizard. A Mysteis like Malik would be able to create two forms of equal power. However, I'm unsure of Drasúl's abilities even if he is a Javen. Both forms will likely carry the same capability, but if there is a difference, the force behind the magic will be strongest in his dominant form."

"If you will, Sir Kesól, scout the area to search for Drasúl's arrival," Syam stated. "Given your knowledge of the Mysteis, you along with Sir Marcile's assistance will be needed to oppose him."

Kesól gave Syam a nod.

"How many troops did you see coming, Master Jarek?"

Jarek dropped his gaze. "I didn't see the end," he replied quietly. "I think it's…all of them."

The room went silent.

Hoshi's eyes widened as she met Gyan's gaze.

It will be okay,he reassured her. We will protect Yevani no matter what it takes.

"Indeed, there is a power that lies within numbers," Nyhra's soothing voice carried from the doorway, "but there is greater leverage that lies in alignment with internal power."

"Elder Master Nyhra, we are pleased you have arrived," Syam said as Nyhra entered the room fully and gave the warriors a quick bow. "There is a question about a message that appeared in the Libran we will need your assistance with. However, given our current situation, it will have to wait."

"Elder Master Nyhra is right," Zareb said. "Whatever obstacle is set before us, we have the power to overcome. Besides, do not overlook the assistance of our allies. The Mandopa have been informed and are en route. Elder Master Zenobia is with them. The rest of the Inala are preparing for departure now."

Syam nodded. He turned to address King Garsaun. "We will need the Alpherians to cover as much of the west and north as possible until the Inala arrive."

Garsaun nodded. "Not a problem, Elder Master."

"The Order pilots will be under Master Jabari's command. The older masters and elder masters will assist in the north and east." Syam turned to the rest of the masters. "The south will be covered by Master Jalena and the rest of the master team. The forest trees become scarce in the south so you will have less coverage, but that means less for the opposition as well. Wait for the enemy to come to you. Do not seek them out in the mountains since we cannot see where they emerge. We don't need anyone getting trapped in a situation that could be avoided through logic."

The warriors nodded.

"Why not just meet them in the tunnels, before they arrive in the city?" asked Tarak.

"They aren't all coming through the tunnels though," Jarek replied. "I saw them also enter through the forest."

"Besides that, we don't know what traps Akila may have set in the tunnels," said Asia. "We would be entering unfamiliar territory. We are also unsure of how they will be divided."

Tarak nodded.

"The spies report that the Kraundor armies have been disbanded for now and will be regrouped under Drasúl's command soon," Zareb said. "It seems as if Drasúl has killed Commander Vorkahl during a verbal dispute. He has also threatened Governor Jarmil, so I do not foresee interference from either."

"Ralian saw that opening my Reserve counters the frequency of the rays designed to immobilize a warrior," Jalena informed the group. "I feel the Avehkal will not hesitate to use the same frequency at any moment, unlike before in Gawl Forest."

"Open your Reserve if you must, but do it as a last resort. If all of us are fatigued and fail to recover enough energy while in battle, we will be of no use to our allies," Syam said. "Preserve your energy as much as you are able."

"Once I glimpse the blasters and analyze their components, I will share how to alter the frequency of your gladaés so that you can destroy their weapons with the use of your sword," Faelán stated.

The warriors turned to the door as a large shadow filled the doorway. Nolas stood tall within its frame. He placed two fingers to his lips in greeting. "I have received word that the light warriors require assistance."

Sufina moved past Nolas further into the room. "The Kolar and Feyla warriors will help cover the forest," she said. "It is where they fight best."

"My Cloaks are to assist you, Elder Master," Nolas stated to Syam. "They will be under your command."

Syam bowed to the village warriors. "Our gratitude follows you, Shen-Nolas."

"It is the least we can do to repay you for your assistance in saving our villages." He gave the warriors a nod, and he and Sufina exited the room.

As Council dismissed, Jabari approached Shamira. "I could use the best pilot we have in the air helping to guide the Order pilots, Master Shamira."

Shamira dropped her gaze. "That's where I'd rather be, but I can't, Master Jabari. I've tried in the simulation rooms and the panic still blinds me. I can be on standby for you if something goes wrong, but even then..."

Jabari gave her a nod and put a hand on her shoulder. "We'll manage but thank you. This is something you can't rush. You'll return to task when you are ready."

As members of the Order separated, Faelán followed Syam to the upper floors of the temple and out onto the roof. Syam's eyes narrowed as he gazed over the city. His short white hair ruffled in the breeze as his green cloak whipped out gently around him.

"Do you think Malik's magic will protect the city?" Faelán asked.

Syam scratched his beard. "I'm unsure—never been tested."

"I believe it's about to be."

He nodded. "I never thought I would see another fight at our doorstep."

"You and I both, old friend," Faelán replied. A gleam appeared in his eyes. "But, I think us old guardians of Yevani still have what it takes to ensure the safety of our kingdom—at least, most of it."

Several lights flashed on the roof near the two. The rest of the elder masters—Zareb, Zenobia, and Nyhra joined Syam's and Faelán's side.

Syam smiled. "I'm quite sure that Drasúl or these Avehkal do not understand what they are about to step into. If anything is certain, it is that the guardians of Yevani, along with the fierce power of our master warriors, are simply incapable of letting anything destroy our home."

***