The Guardian's Apprentice (Beyond the Veil) by J. Michael Radcliffe Read Free Book Online Page A

apprentice would help bring our worlds together that much quicker.”
    “You said ‘when’ the separation ends,” said Keegan as he edged backwards towards the forest behind him.   “I thought you were a loyal servant of the Council?”
    The dragon advanced on him, lowering its head until it was now level with Keegan.
    “I have served the Council for all of my adult life, ever since the Great Uprising five hundred years ago.   Those of us who refused to surrender were put into bondage as punishment.”
    Brimstone stood up to his full height and tore the harness from his breast.   Behind where the gondola cab had been was a solid gold amulet the size of a dinner plate, hung ‘round the dragon’s neck with a gold link chain.   Keegan could see some strange writing on the amulet, and could see there was a giant emerald the size of a baseball set in the center.   “This accursed amulet has kept me in slavery to the Council, but with the completion of my current task, my servitude comes to an end.”
    “That is correct, Dragon.   You have served well and fulfilled your contract.”  
    This new voice was one that Keegan had not heard before.   He whirled in the direction of the sound and saw a hooded figure in dark robes standing not ten feet from him.   Something was not right though, as the figure appeared slightly translucent.   The figure turned slowly towards Keegan “Greetings young candidate; I would like to welcome you to your first and - in all likelihood - last trial that will test your worthiness as an apprentice to the Guardian.”
    Brimstone stood to his full height, obviously displeased with the shift in attention.
    “I have completed my task, have I not?   I am risking a death sentence to fulfill this bargain, wizard.   I am betraying not only the head of an order but the entire Council,” he hissed at the apparition, obviously waiting for his reward.
    The figure gestured half-heartedly with one hand, not bothering to turn around.   There was a sudden sharp cracking sound and the chain holding the amulet to the dragon’s breast snapped in half.   The amulet fell to the ground and exploded into a bright blue fireball, burning furiously for a few moments before hissing out of existence.  
    “You are paid in full, Wyrm,” the figure said.   “Do not forget who it was that granted your freedom, for I may yet have need of your services.”
    “Hmmph” snorted the huge beast, sending a twenty-foot blast of green flames just a few feet over Keegan’s head and knocking him to the ground.   The dragon stretched his wings and shot upward, climbing until he was no longer in view; only the pungent smell of sulphur left as a lingering reminder of his presence.
    “Temperamental creatures, but they have the occasional use,” the hooded figure chuckled.
    “Who are you?” demanded Keegan “Why have you stranded me in the middle of nowhere?”
    “SILENCE, you insolent mortal!” shouted the figure, who flicked his hand in Keegan’s direction.    With a loud crack, a ring of bright red flames jumped up around where the young man stood.  
    “Yours is not to question, but to survive.   Anyone claiming the right to be a future Guardian must possess both the power and intellect to maintain the balance between magic and mortal, to protect our world from theirs and us from them.   If you live to arrive at the Council, then you will have passed my challenge and be allowed to appear before the rest of the Council members.”
    “But I don’t even know where the Council is !” exclaimed Keegan, beginning to panic as he realized just how desperate his situation was becoming.  
    Much to his horror, the hooded figure began to fade, slowly dissolving into wisps of smoke until the only thing left behind was the echoing sound of laughter.   The ring of flames surrounding him dissipated as well, leaving behind no trace – even the grass was untouched.
    Keegan, in complete disbelief of what had just