Daughter of Earth (Tales of the Guardian) by Brianna Merrill Read Free Book Online

she curtsied.
         “It’s nice to meet you, too.” Emily didn’t feel as nervous around Olivia. “It’s nice to meet all of you.” She looked back over at each of the Governing Five. “I am grateful to be here.” It was all she could say. The entire scene was extremely intimidating. She felt completely humbled in the presence of these extraordinary beings.
         Athos walked past Emily and held his hands out to the crowd. All the excited whispers were quickly silenced, as everyone wanted to hear what he would say.
         “Brothers and sisters,” he called for their attention, even though he most certainly already had it. “The induction ceremony will take place at sunset. All are to meet at the Gathering Stone to take part in this sacred ceremony. Until then, peace be with you.”
         With Athos’ simple words the Guardians dispersed fairly quickly, although some lingered as long as they felt they could to get a better look at their new arrival.
         Assessing the sun’s height, Emily became a bit confused. Athos had said  the ceremony would be at sunset, yet she had been watching the sunset with her father before they left New York. Here the sun seemed like it was just past its zenith and it would be quite a few hours until it was low enough to dip behind the horizon.
         “I guess I could be on the other side of the planet.”
         She wondered where she actually was but, at the same time, figured it really didn’t matter. Not after being able to travel like she had. The sudden and very large greeting which took place just minutes before had momentarily distracted her from the event’s sheer awesomeness. She had transported to another place. The idea almost made her faint.
         Alexander interrupted her thoughts. “So, what do you think?” He whispered in her ear.
         “What do I think…? I’m not sure what I could possibly say to describe . . . I’m in utter awe.”
         He chuckled to himself. “You like it so much already?” He didn’t give her time to respond. “You’ve only seen what is visible from the front gates. There is so much more to Eden. I can’t wait to show you.” His excitement was audible in every syllable.
         “I can’t wait, either!” Her eyes darted to and fro like a child in an amusement park trying to decide what ride to rush to first. “But what was that about a ceremony? You didn’t tell me anything about a formal ceremony. I don’t even have any clothes to change into.” Emily assessed her outfit. It wasn’t sloppy but definitely not something she thought qualified for a sacred ceremony.
         “That is one reason I am here,” Olivia said from behind them.
         Alexander and Emily both glanced over their shoulders to look at Olivia, standing just a few feet away.
         “Oh, I’m sorry, that was rude, wasn’t it? Interrupting a conversation, or eavesdropping, I guess it was both,” she looked down sheepishly and fumbled with the tail of the sash wrapped around her waist, embarrassment coloring the skin beneath her freckles.
         “ So odd how different they all are, just as different as humans. Olivia definitely isn’t as confident as Alexander or exuberant like Xavier. She seems quite shy and reserved, but simply sweet, for sure.”
         “Oh, no we weren’t talking about anything important. Please don’t feel like you’re interrupting. I’m so glad you’re here to help me,” she tried to reassure Olivia with a generous smile.
         “Well,” Olivia looked up with reclaimed confidence. “Whenever you are ready I can take you to your quarters and help you prepare for the ceremony. But, that’s not for a while. I’m sure you want to look around first. I can wait at the Gathering Stone until you’re ready. Is that alright?” Olivia’s voice even sounded young, like she was closer to sixteen rather than eighteen. Yet, Emily knew she was older than that. Or,