TCO: Chapter Forty-Five

The warriors slowly gathered in what remained of the temple dining hall, many covered in dust from crushed temple debris. Gyan ran a hand over his face, where both wet and dry blood still lingered, briefly wondering if he looked as battle-worn as some of his companions. Although all his team was safe, Gyan became even more somber as he took in the surrounding ruins of his second home.

Sorda, wearing a saddened expression, confirmed to Syam that most residents had safely escaped through the secret tunnels beneath the temple. He left with a group of ascetas making their way into the heart of Solara to help more citizens.

The warriors briefly speculated on Mordán's intentions involving current events. Gyan mentioned the Libran and his encounter with Mordán.

"You weren't the only one who spotted Mordán, San Gyan," confirmed Syam, "so I am sure it was he you saw in Sir Malik's classroom."

"How was he shooting fire from his hands?" asked Gyan.

"I am not sure how without more insight from Sir Malik," replied Syam. "I will discuss it further with him when he returns."

"I didn't realize anyone else besides Malik and the warriors were aware of the Libran," Jalena said.

"Although probable, I'm not entirely sure the Libran was what he was after," Syam replied.

"Mordán is apparently unafraid of retaliation from the warriors now," said Cahira, "which means that he has added enough resources to his army to make him feel secure in carrying out any plans he has against other civilizations."

Syam nodded solemnly. "We will begin to formulate our resistance immediately, so we are prepared a strong defense against him. I believe his attack was a warning to the light warriors with his attack on the temple and that destroying the temple was his end goal."

"After all these years…" Asia said as she stared at the temple, "…Mordán finally learns of our location."

"It was only a matter of time," Jabari said. "There are simply too many citizens in Solara now to keep speculation quiet about temple proceedings. I don't really think Mordán had ever tried to find the Order headquarters until now, or he probably would have succeeded earlier."

"What caused the temple to break apart like that?" asked Brogan. "What was the ship doing to it?"

"I believe Mordán has learned some battle tactics from our Alpherian friends," said Syam thoughtfully. "The humming you heard was the ship projecting vibrational wavelengths designed to destroy whatever is targeted…which, in this case, was the temple stone."

Syam turned to Cahira. "We will plan a trip to Tridaun and establish an appointment with King Garsaun for further investigation about any knowledge concerning Mordán's weaponry."

Cahira nodded.

"Where will we train?" asked Jarek quietly from the edge of the group.

"For now," answered Syam, "we return to Yevani. We must return to celebrate, as it is."

"Celebrate, Elder Master?" Gyan asked.

"To honor the exceptional skill of our new masters," Syam replied with a twinkle in his eye. "You have all proved yourself worthy of your new title, so I feel another ceremony is in order. Every master should have a sword. Besides, given current circumstances, we would not dream of sending you into another battle without one."

The warriors' expressions brightened as the team exchanged smiles.

We cannot remain long, however," he added quickly. "In time, our presence in Yevani may bring more harm there as well. It is not as concealed as the Celestine Temple was, and I will not put any of the citizens in more danger if we can help it."

"A wise decision, Elder Master," a deep voice called from the front lawn of the temple.

The warriors turned to see Gyasi making his way slowly over the temple ruins, his black gold-threaded cloak torn and covered in dust.

As he reached the warriors, Gyasi stared pointedly at Aderes and Gyan. "You saved Elana…I will remember this."

Gyan inclined his head, acknowledging Gyasi's gratitude as Aderes gave Gyasi a small smile.

"Where will we train if we cannot remain in Yevani?" Gyan asked.

Gyasi reached into his cloak and withdrew a large, black drawstring bag filled with coins. He tossed the bag to Syam.

"You'll come back to the new temple…after it's rebuilt, of course," Gyasi said. "I already have an idea." He gestured to the bag in Syam's hand. "That is only a deposit of what my father and I have put aside for the warriors for occasions such as this. Whatever resources you need are yours." He held up two fingers. "We build two facilities. A temple offering spiritual guidance and peace for those who seek it and a separate headquarters for the Order, with more protection, of course, in case Mordán should decide to attack again."

Syam nodded in agreement as Gyasi smiled and saluted the group. He squared his shoulders and walked across the front of the temple ruins back to the center of town. The warriors gathered closer together to plan their next steps as the day stars of Elsaria sunk to the horizon once more.