Guardians of Rhea by Jose Rodriguez Read Free Book Online

in the Great Hall, Philip
was slumped in his chair, rubbing his tired eyes.
    Everyone from the night before, except for
Leon, walked in and took their seats. Sara and Arthur sat beside
Philip.
    “Opinions?” Philip asked.
    “Hard to believe,” Sara said.
    Arthur spoke. “Considering the fact that
we're dealing with the afterlife, I'm forced to agree. However, I
think it's safe to say anything is possible.”
    “Assuming he’s telling the truth,” Thomas
said. “How in the world can we organize any kind of attack? We were
created to support the regular army, which isn't equipped or even
trained to deal with the Rheans, much less any of their problems.
If we decide to help, there clearly aren't enough Guardians to wage
any kind of war.”
    Philip sighed. “We've been put in a difficult
spot. Even I must admit that I find Leon's story hard to
believe.”
    Sara crossed her arms. “The only way we can
know for sure is if someone goes and sees the Netherworld for
themselves, and it might not hurt to get a look at this Shadow
Realm.”
    Everyone looked at Sara as if she were
crazy.
    “Any idea who's going?” Arthur asked.
    “I will,” Sara said.
    Philip cleared his throat. “The Vesuvian is
expecting an answer.”
    Sara shrugged her shoulders. “It's our necks
on the line. The way I see it, unless Leon can prove everything
he's said, we don't have to answer anything.”
    Philip smirked. “I had a feeling your insight
would be useful. Sometimes it takes a younger, more adventurous
line of thought to see what needs to be done.”
    Arthur leaned to Sara. “You sure about
this?”
    “It's the only way,” Sara answered.
    “Yes.” Philip said. “It's been decided. Sara,
go with Thomas and bring Leon...and Thomas, try not to kill him
this time.”
    Walking through the corridor with Sara,
Thomas moped to himself. “...try not to kill him...”
    “If I may ask--” Sara began.
    “--no, you may not! I've never met a Vesuvian
that wasn't trying to drain me of my blood, and I am not about to
trust this one.”
    As they came to Leon's room, guarded by two
Elites, Thomas motioned with his head for Sara to approach the
door.
    However, Leon opened it just before Sara
could knock.
    Slightly startled, Sara said, “Follow
me.”
    Walking back to the Great Hall, no one said a
word.
    Philip respectfully stood when they entered.
“Leon, welcome. Please have a seat.”
    Leon sat, seemingly oblivious to the
skeptical stares he was getting.
    Arthur spoke. “Before we begin, Leon, I'd
like to ask if you know anything about what happened two nights
ago. Two Vesuvians-”
    “Yes,” Leon answered, then looking at Sara.
“I was one of them. I regret you had to get involved.”
    “What were you doing?” Sara asked.
    “Bekal was in violation of Vesuvian law. It's
illegal to enter human-held territory. The Council wishes to avoid
any conflict with you, for now.”
    Philip then asked. “Leon, is there any way
you can prove that the Netherworld or Shadow Realm exists?”
    “Not until I take you there.”
    “Then you understand how difficult it is for
us to come to any kind of decision. If possible, we would like you
to take a Guardian to see the Netherworld and the Shadow Realm to
confirm everything. For the time being, I'd like to offer a formal
truce.”
    After a moment, Leon said. “I guess that will
have to do, but shouldn't your Governor be here for this kind of
decision?”
    Philip answered. “The Governor represents our
people to our Senate back home. In some situations, especially
military ones, the Guardians are given full autonomy.”
    “How do you know about our political
structure?” Henry asked.
    “I've done my research,” Leon said.
    Some Guardians in the room exchanged
concerned glances.
    “No matter,” Philip said. “Sara, make any
preparations you need for the journey. You are to leave as soon as
possible.”
    Within the hour, Sara was in the armory
placing some flint in her backpack.
    Arthur stood by.