Guardian (Sequel to Fearless)

Chapter Three

A/N - I hope you enjoy this chapter! I really enjoyed writing it!

Iris rode alone to the Remordan monastery. It was a bittersweet ride. She already missed her home and Zayn. Iris hadn't realized it was so close to Eda. Of course, no one knew the exact location of the monastery unless they were accepted for training. Anyone that might have found it was to swear an oath of secrecy. As she looked up at it, she noticed that for a place of weapons-training and combat... it looked to be a very peaceful place.

The large monastery appeared to be made of white granite. It was a place deep within the forest, so the walls were snaked with vines in some spots. Hedges and wildflowers were planted around the area, washing the place with floral scent. Oddly, there was no one outside enjoying it as far as she could tell.

All except for one, solitary man, who was garbed in the same black robe she'd always seen Kayde wearing when they'd traveled together. He stood at the large double doors leading inside.

She recognized him as Dyrvais, the Remorda Guardian who had spoken for her in front of the Eldians. She would never forget that day. He watched her with cool assessment as she rode Gretchen to the entryway. It was as if he was expecting her --Iris figured he was. Neither of them spoke as she dismounted and handed over the letter she had received to Dyrvais. He looked over it for a second, and then nodded in approval.

"Welcome, Miss Gwenneth, to our sanctuary." He shook her hand. "I hope you find this place to be of your liking. We are happy to have you in for training. Leave your horse here for the stable-master to tie her and follow me inside."

She gave the place another once-over and nearly shivered. The place was so quiet, and she saw no sign of a stable-master. She didn't doubt that there was one... it was just eerie that whoever the stable-master was, he could very well be watching the both of them right now. He likely was watching them. Iris shook the feeling and did as told.

When she walked inside, she noticed this place was nice as well. It was well lit by windows, shining light into soft-colored hallways. There were nice beige couches and seats propped against the walls along with wooden inn tables. The walls were covered in delicate, vivid art. Paintings of all sorts brought life to the room. This place, too, was devoid of anyone as well.

"Where is everyone?" she asked, hoping it was appropriate to talk to Dyrvais.

"They are in the dining hall, Miss Gwenneth." He turned to look at her, a light smile present on his face. "I suppose these empty halls do indeed look strange, but I assure you, it is not always that way. We have near one hundred Guardians living here at present, and then the rest that come for three days a week for training and assignments."

This eased her mind. She had halfway expected him to disapprove of her out-of-place talking. Of course, that seemed to be a nonsensical thing to think after a bit more thought --these people here devoted their lives to helping people. Of course they wouldn't be shrews.

"As for you," he said after a moment, "you will not be going directly to the dining hall with the others. Not yet, at least. You will first meet with your mentor."

"My mentor?"

"Yes, Miss Gwenneth," he continued. "Every new guardian in training is assigned a mentor. One to specifically train you in our ways. One that will oversee your progress and report it to Master Dyran, our leader of sorts." Dyrvais was quiet for a minute. "You are incredibly lucky, Miss Iris. One of our guardians has taken a particular interest in training you. In fact, your mentor was rather ecstatic to hear of your coming."

"Truly?"

Dyrvais nodded. "Of course."

That was the last thing he said for now. He let her continue to take in the place, and take it in she did. She observed every painting, every piece of furniture, every trinket that artfully decorated the inn tables, and also the very scent of the place. It smelled pleasant --like pumpkin and warm cinnamon bread.