The Heroic Chronicle : Star Warden Book 3: CC. Chapter 1

Star Warden Book 3: Celestial Champion

Donavan F. Walker

The Spring Kingdom

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Praise the Celestial Powers for their infinite mercy. It was the first reason nothing was on fire yet. The second was that the great roots were wet.

Warriors in light silver mail, covered in cloaks of brown and green. Ranger Company, also known as the Spring Rangers, protectors of the Unicorn Kingdom was in dire straits. Plasma and particle fire from the SWAT-bots rained down relentless on their heads. Arrows with enchanted tips flew back but were few in number and decreasing by the second.

The leader of this band was the Captain of the Ranger Company, Connor. A faerie with fiery orange skin and dirty blond hair under his hood. His mind was rushing with thoughts all stemming from one subject: How to escape without aiding the enemy? No answers had dawned yet and time was growing shorter.

It all started with a simple mission to destroy Domain operations at a nearby labor yard. Such missions had been easy for Ranger Company. The traitorous Falstaff, may his name be cursed for all time, never really put much effort in suppressing rebels. It is what allowed the Rangers effective free reign in the countryside. Many in the company, Connor included, did gain a sense of complacency. Falling into a sense of routine as they sabotaged or destroyed the Domain's resource extraction efforts.

Because of this, they let down their guard allowing them to be tracked, attacked from multiple directions, and lead the machines to the great roots in their panicked retreat. Connor led his band on a roundabout way to ensure the SWAT-bots could not find their base. While successful, they had eventually reached a dead end. He resolved himself to a final stand for the most part. But he still looked for some way out, a final miracle so he and his band could live to fight another day.

Sadly it appeared not to be and so he focused on the one thing he could. Killing those damnable rat-men. These specifically were the white-furred warlocks equipped with cybernetics and other instruments to make magic with their machines. With their tools, they had managed to break through the Ranger's enchantments that ensured their boots would make no tracks or give away any sound.

Connor fired another arrow at one of the warlocks. It was of no use as it crumbled when impacting a barrier of acid.

The Warlock laughed and then spoke in the common tongue. “Resistance is futile, rebel!” It conjured lighting from its metal claw. The bolt struck his cover setting it ablaze. The warlock commanded the machines to focus their fire on it. The flames started to spread only being slowed by the dampness in the rest of the roots. Connor rolled away into nearby coverage with other rangers.

Down to their last arrows, the captain gave the order to draw their swords. It was clear the only option was to sell their lives dearly. Before they could begin the charge of the light brigade a flash of light filled the area. When his eyes readjusted Connor looked at himself, surprised he was not dead. Noticing the enemy's fire was no longer coming toward them he braved a look outside of cover.

The Star Warden had arrived on a white mechanical horse and Dawnbringer in hand. He rode through blasting and slashing through the robots. Enemy fire bounced off or missed him entirely. Connor was surprised at his arrival but also at the poor aim of the machines, robots do not feel fear. The answer to his question arrived on golden wings as Princess Kaguya sung a melody disrupting their targeting computers and creating a shield for the Warden.

One of the warlocks was filled with particle fire from Daniel backed up by a few Marauders as they charged into the cave. To finish closing the trap the “dead end” opened up and Sprites poured out. Taking animal form or launching spells and arrows to finish off the remaining forces.

The last warlock was slain by the burning blade of Dawnbringer. Its body collapsing into a heap of meat and sparks.

“The Warden came, The Warden saw, The Warden conquered!” The surviving Rangers cheered caught up in Sam's confident speech. “Ranger Company. Sound off. If anyone is hurt talk to my wife. But talk with your mouth, not with your hands. She's mine.”

That caused many to laugh and Kaguya to blush. “Please direct me to any of the wounded and I will do my best.”

The Sprites cleaned away the robots and rats while the Star Warden was brought inside deeper into the tree. The Great Old Tree as many called it. The first tree to exist on Aetherium, at least as far as Bridget told him. Large as a mountain and whose roots created a network of caves under the island. Allowing the Rangers to move throughout without detection.

While the machines found one of the entrances today it was only one out of many. Traveling the roots was a labyrinth to the uninitiated. As for orbital bombardment, the Dark Lord would not take that option without confirming their position first. Even if he knew where the Rangers lay their head they had one advantage the Guardians did not. A pool of concentrated Weave energy that the Sprites could use to deflect the bombardment. It also ensured that they would be kept aware of any future breaches in the roots.

Sam would be quickly brought over to the company mess hall for a hearty meal and a talk. The other Rangers had only known him by reputation so they were excited by the chance to meet him. All except Connor.

Everyone saluted when the Captain walked into the room including Sam. Connor returned the salute.

“My gratitude for the rescue.” Connor's voice was curt. “Now, why are you here.”

“Straight to business. I'm here to help, Captain.”

“In what regard?”

“To protect their majesties the King and Queen. They're going to turn back into Faeries soon.”

“What do you know about the King and Queen's return?”

“I know exactly when and where they are coming back and so does Daimos.”

“Impossible. The location can only be revealed by the tapestry. While the Dark Lord might have one of the two copies. It would take a cipher only known to a senior cleric of the faith for him to acquire the information.”

“I promise you he does. If you don't believe me let Kaguya take a look at the Tapestry. After that, we can start making a plan to rescue them.”

The Captain turned to one of his rangers. “Take her to the Tapestry once she's done healing the wounded.”

“Yes, sir.”

He turned back to Sam and lowed his voice. “With me. We must talk.”

Sam was taken to the Captain's quarters. The door was made from leaves that moved like an automatic door.

“Are you aware of the individual that you brought here?” Connor's voice was bitter.

Sam knew what he was walking into here. But he did agree to help. He took a deep breath and spoke plainly. “I know who he is. He wants to make amends.”

“Do you know he is a thief and a murderer?” The anger rose in his voice even if his face was stoic as a rock.

“I know what he has done. Even what he did to you. He wasn't a good brother. But he has changed.”

“I see. He's not only a pirate but a mummer as well.”

“You don't have to believe me only him. I'm only here to.”

“Then you are wasting your time.” Connor interrupted. “I have known Daniel for years. Everything he has done now is to save his own skin.”

“Perhaps you're right. But you two haven't spoken for years. Now's your chance to see if that's true.”

Connor folded his arms around his chest. “What is your stake in this?”

“You are family. Daniel is my godfather and I have two little sisters with a godmother in Rose. That makes me your nephew.”

“I am not in the mood for humor, Warden.”

“If it was a joke you would be laughing. I should know everyone laughs at my jokes.”

“Charming.”

“Just talk to him. All I ask. Even if nothing happens from it. Just talk. He could be gone tomorrow or you.”

“And one conversation will make up for all the things he's done? All the lies, death, and destruction. I still have the warrant for his arrest. I can have him hanged right now and it would be completely legal.”

“But could you give his life back if you had regrets? To quote a famous wizard: “Do not be so quick to deal death in judgment.”

“A wizard?”

“Just focus on talking to him. Should the worst happen at least both of you can say you tried. Before it was too late to do anything at all.” Sam then stepped out of the room leaving Connor to his thoughts.

Chapter 2

Book 2: Interlude 3