Chapter 1. A meeting held in secret.
It was late in the evening in a secret valley hidden deep in the Frostvale Mountains that separated the Carthian Confederacy from the rest of Elyndra. Very few mortals knew the existence of this valley, and fewer still knew the exact location.
A savage, blistering wind blew through the passes of the mountains and created whiteout-like conditions for any poor souls attempting to cross the mountains.
A large round table, made from black polished stone sat in the middle of an opulent room. Nestled around the table were twelve wooden chairs. Bronze pillars lined the columns along the sides of the room. Fire ignited in the braziers when the door opened and a man walked into the chamber, flanked by two females.
Normally this room was reserved for critical events that affected all six Demi races that were spread out across Elyndra. Today, however, only four beings would be involved. Though the number would be smaller, the impact would be still, just as great.
The air shimmered and a brilliant flash of light illuminated the entire chamber for a moment. The light was so blinding that the man had to shield his eyes. "My Lady, thank you for meeting us here today." The deep, rumbling voice of the man rang out through the hall.
"You are my most faithful servant, Drake. Why would I ignore youre request?" The soft, feminine voice replied. Tall, graceful and ethereal in appearance. Lady Lunaria stood at the opposite side of the round table from Drake.
Drake bowed low in reverence as she greeted him. "We bring you distressing news. Rumors have spread throughout the clubs regarding the young wolf that you and Lord Koray have chosen." Drake's words were hesitant, reserved as he chose how to begin his tale.
Lunaria raised an eyebrow as she regarded him. "Rumors regarding what exactly?" She gestured for Drake and the two females behind him to take their seats as she sat in the closest chair.
After they were all seated Drake continued. "Rumors are spreading of a rogue wolf that annihilated a Vampire clan and cluster of Draconian soldiers."
The female Valkyries shifted uncomfortably next to Drake. "Some of the elder Vampires are calling for the wolf's head." Kara informed her goddess.
Lunaria lifted one perfect, regal eyebrow. "I did not expect word to get out about that so quickly. Koray was furious with me when I hijacked his training dungeon." She spoke softly as she clasped her hands on the table in thought. "Both groups were dangers to the treaty of secrecy that we've all agreed to and threatened to expose everything to the humans."
Drake nodded. "I understand why you chose to act that way and send the sisters to the wolf boy. But now that word is spreading out, how shall we proceed?"
Lunaria sat back for a moment, her golden eyes swirled as she considered events. "Is he still planning to attend the academy in Allario in a few months?"
Drake looked over to Kara and Astrid. Astrid nodded. "He is. His mate is planning on going along with him."
Lunaria bit her bottom lip. "We should send someone to the academy; to watch over him in case the council decides to act against him. He will need a protector until he is ready to approach the council and begin the quest he's been given."
"My Lady." Kara spoke up, and after a nod from Lunaria she continued. "May I recommend young AJ. She is finished with her training period and is eager to prove herself. She is strong, although brash, but I believe she will demonstrate herself as a capable protector."
Astrid nodded. "I agree. She's passed every trial we've given her, every training exercise and mission so far with flying colors. Plus, she appears young enough to pass for a student at the academy and not draw undue attention to herself or her mission."
Lunaria considered the words of the sisters. She locked her gaze with Drake. "Can she handle this?"
Drake stayed quiet for a moment. Then he gave a slow and deliberate nod. "I believe, aside from sending Kara or Astrid, young AJ is one of the best choices given all the knowledge we have currently."
Lunaria nodded. "Very well. Inform the girl. She is to discreetly enroll at the academy, keep her distance if possible, and ensure that Gavin and Erza are kept safe." With those words spoken, another flash of light filled the chamber and then silence was left in her wake.
Drake let out a sigh as he turned to face the sisters. "Go now. Inform AJ she has her first official assignment as a true Valkyrie."
He hesitated for a moment. "If the Council moves before he's ready," Drake murmured to the sisters. "She may be the only thing standing between the boy and premature execution."
Kara looked at Drake and bit her lip. "Should one of us go instead?" Astrid gave a rare nod in agreement as she thought about the Council's actions.
Drake shook his head. "No, if one of us go instead, that will draw undue attention to Gavin from the council. They will want to know why we guard and protect him so openly. It'll risk retribution from the Vampires and Draconians."
"Damn. I actually like the wolf, Drake. I don't want to see him killed just yet." Astrid admitted with a grumble.
"I know. But the boy has the potential to become stronger than any of us. He just needs the time to grow."
"What do we do, if the council interferes with Gavin at the academy, or send a punishment squad after him?" Astrid's cold voice filled the chamber.
Drake let out a tired sigh. "If his mate still wears Lady Lunaria's medallion and it's activated, I will go myself to ensure their safety. But that is a one time use item, and I pray it doesn't come to it. The boy is young, inexperienced and brash, but he has the potential and we just need to focus on buying him the time."