Buried deep in the Frostvale Mountains which separated the Carthian Confederacy from the rest of Elyndra, lay a hidden valley known only to a select few.
The savage, blistering winds blew through the passes of the mountains that discouraged reckless, unprepared travel back and forth along the mountain ranges.
Inside the mountain range, hidden from view is a sprawling cave system that spans the entire length of the mountains from the east coast to the west coast. Forged across the centuries with magic and technology, it was the ultimate secret of a powerful few.
Protected by natural formations of the mountains, the constant storms, and the near impossibility of exploring the underground systems. Inside one such part of the northern cave system stood a simple temple, illuminated against the black stone of the walls by magical crystals.
Inside the back of the temple, 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.
The air shimmered and a brilliant flash of light illuminated the entire chamber for a moment. The light was so blinding that the Drake 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 your 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 knew there would be opposition to the wolf's actions. We just didn't expect things to turn so quickly," 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 warband of Draconian soldiers."
The female Valkyries shifted uncomfortably next to Drake. "Some of the elder Vampires are calling for the wolf's head, and for justice to be rendered," 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 little training dungeon." She spoke softly as she clasped her hands on the table in thought. "Both groups were dangers to the treaty of secrecy and threatened to expose everything to the humans."
Drake nodded. "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 plans to attend as well."
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."
"My Lady." Kara spoke up, and after a nod from Lunaria she continued. "May I recommend my little sister, AlexiaJane. 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 everything we know."
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 settled over the chamber.
Drake let out a sigh as he turned to face the sisters. "Go now. Inform AlexiaJane 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 goes 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 further 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 reckless…. but he possesses potential unlike anything we've seen in centuries. Our job isn't to make him stronger." He paused to look around the table. "It's to buy him enough time to harness it."