TBC: Chapter Twenty-Six

Tarak, Aderes, Danika, and Lorcan sat in silence, all strapped securely in the Tritum-X as it flew smoothly across the sky toward Solara. The internal design of the ship was identical to the Tritum, with the passenger compartment chairs all situated in a circle, facing each other. A black Lumsigne was inscribed on the back of each chair.

The newer ship had additional projections throughout the compartment that reflected multiple points of data. An additional compartment equipped with healing chambers and extra medical supplies had been upgraded from the old model.

"It may feel unusual for you to be away from your other team members while taking separate assignments, but keeping your connections open to each other will lessen the restlessness or unease that you feel," Shamira said to the four from across the passenger compartment. She glanced at Jalena. "We understand the feeling completely."

"Master Shamira, how many warriors were born into your team?" Danika asked.

"There were five of us," Shamira replied. "Two were killed just after we had been initiated as sans…San Josia and San Luvean. They were reckless in their energy. Instead of seeking ways to balance their naturally heightened energy, they sought ways to rid the energy through external means. Of course, this isn't always a negative thing, but it can lead to unwanted consequences if done in a destructive manner.

"One night they snuck into the bunkers at the Ira Aug and tried to take out a new ship Fane had been working on—the Sundal. However, the two did not know that the prototype had not been cleared for flight. During the flight, some wiring malfunctioned, and the ship exploded."

"They didn't teleport out of it?" Danika asked in alarm.

Shamira shook her head. "We had only just started the training, so they weren't very practiced at it. Still, they were probably too surprised to even try."

"You had flight training as sans?" Aderes asked.

Shamira nodded. "It was after the incident that the Council decided to save flight training until warriors had been initiated as masters."

"And your other teammate?" Danika said. "What happened?"

"It was my dán's younger brother," Lorcan said.

"Yes. His name was Master Rel," Shamira stated.

"My nán told me that we have the same charisma," Lorcan continued.

Shamira nodded. "He died on an assignment to stop three notorious rebels from destroying crops in the outer farmlands of Velian. Lord Mohan could not find the men, so he employed the help of the warriors.

"Elder Master Faelán was still a master at the time. The two tracked the rebels to the Sprite River and were about to capture them but were caught off guard when they were ambushed by additional men who had joined the rebels in the middle of the night. Both Master Rel and Elder Master Faelán were injured with daggers sealed in moonfire that the rebels had found in a cave."

"Elder Master Faelán told us that's how he received his scar," Tarak stated.

"Yes. The two succeeded in capturing the gang, but Master Rel's injury was fatal. Sir Malik appeared to save Elder Master Faelán just in time."

"Is there a way to tell if a blade has been sealed in moonfire?" Aderes asked.

"The blade appears red when it comes in contact with any light," Jalena answered.

"So if a weapon sealed in moonfire comes near your gladaé, it will immediately glow red, as well," Shamira stated. "Now that we have discovered Akila, there is a greater chance that our enemies will have weapons sealed in moonfire, so this is something we must be on alert for also."

A short time later, the ship touched down near the grounds of the Celestine Temple. The group emerged and surveyed the construction of their old home. Everywhere workers bustled about, moving carefully around heavy machinery. Construction for the new temple was progressing rapidly.

A dark-haired man cloaked in black and wearing a friendly, eager expression hurried to the warriors.

Brogan scooped the man up in a bear hug. "Sorda! It's been too long."

Sorda smiled broadly as the rest of the team greeted him. He looked around the group at the Tritum-X. "Where's Master Hoshi? Um, I mean—are…is the rest of the team with you?"

Brogan grinned. "She and the others are on separate assignments."

"I see," he said with a note of disappointment. He turned to the temple behind him. "It's coming along nice, don't you think? The external structure is almost complete."

"It looks great, Sorda," Shamira said. "We don't have time to visit, though. We have to split up for our assignments."

"Yes, of course," Sorda replied. "Let me know if you need anything when you are nearby."

The group nodded and bowed. Sorda returned their gesture.

He stopped and turned around after retreating halfway back to the temple. "Hey, Brogan."

"Yeah?"

"Can you tell Master Hoshi—?"

Brogan smiled. "I will, Sorda—not to worry."

Sorda grinned and nodded again before continuing.

The group turned back to the Tritum-X. Six lumrays had already been brought out from the lower compartment of the ship, ready for the warriors to use.

"Here is where we part ways," Jalena said to the others. "Master Lorcan and I will make our way to Santhia from here."

The two straddled their bikes.

"Remember to keep your senses open," Jalena continued. "We may be too far to telepathically communicate, but we do not always have to speak to know what is going on with other warriors. Much of the communication is delivered through feeling so pay attention to your intuitive vibes."

The other four nodded and bowed in farewell.

***