Star Warden: Slayer of Evil. Chapter 4

 

Into the Woods

4

Past the river Danu was the bay of Nenra; a separation point between the mainland and the island of the Mystic Woods. A dense ghostly fog surrounded the barge as the land behind them slipped out of sight. Ominous lights looked down upon them all and slowly dimmed as Mystic Woods came into view. Many on the barge looked upon in awe as they witnessed the tallest trees in the world.

Sam would say that using the word tall to describe them was both an understatement and an insult. Their height was so great that none could see over them and none could fly over them. Even if one could their vision would be blocked by a nearly unbroken canopy that stretched to seemingly infinite length.

Passing through the plants and trees they entered the woods proper and encountered its majestic beauty. The river shined with a purity untouched by time, the plants and treebark gave off a radiant glow that caused a few on the ship to shed tears. Flowers bloomed on the river banks adding their own bio-luminescence to create an artistic display of colors in the air, augmented by the joyful melodies sung by the birds.

Sam was moved to silence by the wondrous sights and sounds. Even with the memories of previous visits in his head, he was overwhelmed by the sight like a newborn who first sees the world. That such a place existed in the universe and he, of all people, was allowed to experience it first hand both humbled the Warden and inspired him to continue to fight and protect such a unique miracle.

The forces of evil have attempted to destroy this place but to no avail. For they could not find this island. No map had its exact location, the pathways were torturous by design, and the fog ensured that none could pass without permission. It was this secrecy that allowed the resistance to organize in safety and serve as a safe harbor for refugees.

A small group of Sprites flew overhead and brought fresh food and drink to the survivors of Koba. They stood around four feet high dressed head to toe in leaf and bark-like clothing with beetle-like wings coming from their back. Golden eyes surrounded by an onyx field broke up the green tinted skin and brown fur that came from their deer-like ears, waist, legs, and hooves. They were the stewards of the Mystic Woods able to communicate with it and granted magical knowledge unknown to even the most learned of Faeries.

The river barge reached their destination as they arrived at a large pier on the river bank. Before their eyes lay the valley of Camelot, filled with rolling hills, verdant meadows, and pristine mountain spires that nearly reached the canopy of the forest. The valley itself held the appearance of direct sunlight beaming down upon them due to the use of certain plants that changed color depending on the time of day outside of the Woods.

The township that shared the valley's name was intertwined with the land itself. Homes were made on the ground and the treetops connected by walkways. Enormous plants and mushrooms were hollowed out for hospitals, taverns, and other buildings. Small farms dotted the edges of the valley while the caves in the mountains became barracks and workshops. The river provided electricity for more involved technological endeavors. 

Sam and Kaguya lived near a lake high amongst the treetops made from white wood. It was built in the style customary of Kaguya's people which to Sam reminded him of a castle from a samurai film. The sliding doors separated the living room, kitchen, and the workshop where he kept his armor and weapons. This extra addition made their home bigger than the other treetop homes in Camelot. Dressed in a simple blue tunic emblazoned with the symbol of his house, and a pair of simple pants. He was making his wife's favorite tea as she still slept when he had an unexpected, but not unwelcome visitor.

It was a Sprite same as the others with three major differences. Her hair was blinding scarlet, she dressed in some sort of leotard and leather armor made from some processed material, and there were two spiral horns sticking out of her head like an antelope. It was unknown why some sprites had these horns and It was unwise to speculate an answer to them. As the subject was a hotly contested one.

“Morning, Bridget,” Sam said.

“What is up,” she replied in halting English. Bridget's curiosity had caused her to start learning the English language and she made an attempt to speak it each time they met. It made her the second non-human to know the language. Sam could speak Aetherium's tongue thanks to Kaguya and his father's lessons. The Enchantress had given him a magical spell that allowed him to speak English and be understood, and vice versa, in case an emergency left him unable to use the armor's translation programs. But he still spoke the alien tongue for the sake of adapting to the alien world.

Also, Bridget was a friend and he would consider it rude not to reciprocate when she worked on learning his language. Unlike most sprites who stayed in their forests, groves, and grottoes she was an active freedom fighter. Specifically an operative of the Ranger Service that handled intelligence operations and keeping in contact with other cells across the continent. Her skill and experience aided Sam greatly in his earlier travels.

“You're getting better,” he replied. “I'm not entirely sure what's up though, the ceiling and the trees are in the way.”

Bridget looked up confused for only a moment, then she looked back at Sam. “Oh, I get it.” she laughed.

“Glad you enjoyed it. I'm just making tea so Kaguya can rest up. How are you?”

“I'm bushier than a squirrel's tail and brighter than the morning dew.” Her voice in her native language was chipper. It made her sound like she was thirteen or fourteen years old even if her physical age was much older than that.

“That's one way to use that phrase.”

“It helps that things have been going well and it has been quiet. The enemy hasn't made any large movements over the past year. Except for a raid last week I mostly just observe and report.”

“Sounds good that means I might actually get some R&R for a bit.”

“But that's boring,” she whined. “I want some action. The more action we get the more chances we have at turning Daimos into a junk pile.”

“Oh I agree but I spent a year myself in the thick of it. After days of doing the same thing with no progress, you could feel like you were hitting a brick wall. A nice rest allows you to look at the bigger picture remind you why you were out there in the first place.”

Bridget hummed as she thought about his statement. “Well, I could agree with that if I could go with you and Kaguya. It might not be as bad waiting around with you two."

“That's King Ronan and the Enchantress's call, not mine. Want some tea?”

“Thank you.”

Sam wondered how the faerie king was doing as he poured Bridget a cup. Like Sam, he was forced to take up a new post after the violent death of his father, King Alistair of Falias. Alistair raised an army to fight Daimos's machines only to be defeated, eventually captured, and publicly executed after months of torture. Ronan, with the aid of his wife Queen Reiko, Kaguya's sister, managed to evacuate the remaining soldiers and civilians to the Mystic Woods.

This gave the new Kingdom of Camelot its second advantage, a core nucleus of trained soldiers, a civilian workforce, and solid leadership. All of this made Ronan the effective High King of the Free Realms, the name given to the alliance of rebels and still free kingdoms, that resisted the Stygian Domain. Sam considered him a kindred spirit and was on friendly terms with him, the fact they were also brothers-in-law to the same family also helped with their bond. Though they had not spoken much with each other, their respective duties taking up much of their time.

“So, what happened with Koba,” Bridget asked.

“They got found out harboring priests. The Lord Mayor tried to play the game from both sides and it took his life. I didn't make it till the city was already on fire.”

“And what happened to Mayor?”

Sam grimaced as he remembered the Lord Mayor's remains. “You do not want to know.” Another reason he hated the Ratmen, they were depraved beyond belief.

“Good Morning,” Kaguya said walking into the room. Dressed in a soft pink robe.

“Morning, Your Radiance.”

“No need for formalities, Bridget.” She took her seat next to Sam and gave him a kiss. “Thank you for the tea, my love.”

“Always. Anyone up for some fishing after this?”

“Only if I can catch them by hand,” said Bridget.

After tea, they went to the lake and spent their time fishing and talking further. Bridget soon left wanting to see whatever missions were left for her while the married couple relaxed at the lake. Some faeries came over to visit Kaguya asking for her blessing or advice, but she spent most of the day aiding Sam in catching fish for tonight's dinner.

The calm day of fishing melted away the frustration gained from his year long errantry against the Dark Lord. He reflected upon what blessings he had, living a childhood dream of exploring an alien world, and battling evil. Married to his childhood friend who loyally fought with and supported him. While the circumstances were not ideal and he had no way to gauge his progress he had something to protect and to look forward to. For every day to be like this, him with his beautiful wife enjoying the day together.

As the world slipped from the afternoon into evening the woods followed suit. A soft purple and blue light were released from the plants, perfectly replicating the ethereal beauty of twilight. Sam and Kaguya lay together on a wooden couch covered in soft silk after enjoying a delicious dinner of fish and peppers. From their balcony they watched the lights of the aurora through the canopy, their silver rings creating a soft glow from the reflection.

The sound of faerie wings deftly entered the scene which caused the couple to look in its direction. It was one they recognized clothed in a bright red kimono with a golden sun pattern as it landed on the balcony.

“Queen Reiko,” Sam said recognizing her.

“Good Evening, sister,” said Kaguya.

Reiko's pink wings folded down. “Evening, Sister and Sam no need for formalities. I'm also your sister as well. Even if we are only in-laws.”

“I didn't expect you coming over is all.”

“You've been away from the valley for a year. So I had to see how you two are doing, though I am surprised to find you two are still fully dressed.”

Kaguya sighed. “If you are expecting salacious tales of our past year we have none to share.”

“Yet.” Reiko giggled.

“Even if we did had such tales. They would not be privy for your consumption, sister.”

“Considering you have let me read your diary. I can make a good guess what those tales involve.” Reiko looked at Sam. “If only you had read it,” she said while waving her hand near her like it was a hand fan. “It could start a forest fire if read aloud.”

“I shared that with you in confidence,” she exclaimed. “I was confused about my feelings at the time.”

“Mind if I can get a copy,” he asked, making a playful smile at Kaguya's embarrassment.

“No!”

“I actually remember it by heart,” Reiko replied with a mischievous look in her green eyes. “ 'I had a very indecent dream', “ She said in an impression of Kaguya's voice. “ 'I saw Sam's chest bare to-',” Kaguya interrupted her by grabbing Reiko's lips.

“Sister! That is quite enough.” Despite her regal tone, she could not hide the panic in her voice or that her face had gone dark red.

“I'm only doing my sisterly duty,” Reiko said somewhat muffled.

“You are going very well beyond the call of duty,” Kaguya said, straining a smile.

Sam laughed at the sight before him as the sisters playfully horsed around. This had been common between the two. As Reiko seemed to take heavy interest in her younger sister's love life. Though that interest was mostly a way to get a rise out of her. It usually ended with them laughing together and this time was no different as they both lovingly hugged each other.

“It gladdens my heart to see you again,” said Reiko tenderly. “How are you doing?”

“I am well all things considered. How are you and King Ronan?”

“He's doing the best he can considering the stress of running the war and being King. I would have brought him along.”

“I understand,” Kaguya said finishing her thought.

“As for myself,” Reiko took a deep breath and her smiling and mischievous face had left her. 

“I am doing the best I can. I just stay up worrying about my husband and you two.”

“You are having difficulties sleeping, Sister?"

“Somewhat.” Reiko toyed with her shoulder-length black hair. She looked away toward the railings. “I still wish I was there to help.”

Sam realized what she meant. “Don't beat yourself up,” Sam said in a comforting manner.

“There is no guarantee you would have escaped in time. Your marriage to Ronan let you be away from Solarium when it fell and be in a position to help others.”

“Thanks to you many in Falias were able to escape. Families could stay intact due to you, sister,” Kaguya said reassuringly.

A sniffle escaped Reiko's nose as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “Forgive me. I'm just stressed and overly emotional.” She turned to them and put a hand on her stomach. “The doctor says it's a boy.”

“Sister, this is great news!” 

“Which is why I'm so concerned. I don't wish to lose any more family. I lost my brothers, my father, my mother, all at the hands of Daimos. I want my son to grow up with all his family, even family of alien origin.”

“You got nothing to worry about,” Sam said casually. “I mean I'm here so problem solved.”

Kaguya giggled at the lack of humility while Reiko made a surprised snort.

“Well, it is good to know you do not lack for confidence.”

Sam's tone became more somber as he continued. “There's also the fact that now I can repay my mother.”

“Your mother,” Reiko asked.

“Her name is Hannah. When I was only a kid she had to sacrifice her life to save me. She had a checkered past and it caught up to her. When some of her old associates came to kidnap me she started a firefight that killed them and her in the process.”

“Oh.” Genuine surprise and sympathy in her voice.

“So it comes full circle putting my life on the line for a mother and her kid. This time though the hero comes back alive. Sam Bailey guarantee.”

Reiko smiled at the sincerity of his words. “I can see why Kaguya was so adamant about marrying you.”

“Indeed." Her face was flushed with admiration from hearing his words.

“Will you be staying here for a while?”

“That is up to the Enchantress,” he said.

“I understand.” Reiko nodded. “It is late and I shouldn't take up more of your time. Just make sure to visit me and His Majesty when you have the time. After all without family, what are we fighting for?”

“Truth, Justice, and the American way?”

“For all that is good and holy as well,” Kaguya added.

“I wasn't asking for a list,” Reiko said in between small laughs. “Good Evening and don't get too rowdy you two."

Reiko's wings spread from her back and she took flight. Kaguya placed her hand on her own stomach.

“Still hungry,” Sam asked.

“No. I was reflecting for a moment. Coming back here and seeing Reiko with child and the day we spent together. It reminded me of everything I was doing in the past year, was to protect all of this.”

“I thought you were just tired from rough living,” Sam noted.

“Forgive my obfuscation, I did not wish to burden you with my feelings when you felt such discontent. I wanted to wait till we were in safety before I spoke about such things as I felt the same way you did. This frustration with the way things have gone our slow progress in our long conflict against the tyranny of the machine.” Her soft-spoken tone gained a hard edge as it was filtered through the feelings of exhaustion.

She lifted her head up and smiled. “Spending the day here reminded me why I must keep fighting. For if I do not I will never have such days again or see my sister's child or have children of my own.” Her face turned to Sam and gave him a look that caused his heart to skip a beat. “With you and live a peaceful life. It is a dream and every day I have to remind myself that each fight gets me and everyone else closer to that dream. The dream of peace.”

The Princess gasped as she felt Sam turn the rest of her around and wrap his arms around her. “If you keep being this sweet I'm going to have to kiss you.” and he did.

Sweet bliss overwhelmed her as she embraced him and returned the kiss with similar fervor. The two then parted and looked into each other's eyes with an understanding that only true love could grant them. With no need for further conversation, they retired for the evening.

Chapter 3

Chapter 5