The Guardians of the Relic
Chapter 1

Emily Carson was a tall, brown haired girl who was reserved and considered a nerd by most of her fellow classmates at school. In school they had called her a bookworm, and it was a name that she thought suited her, even now at the age of twenty-seven. Emily’s love for books is what had led her to choose to become a librarian. When she had finished school, she went to work at the Elgin Library in the center of town. Elgin was a small town situated in Moray in north-east Scotland, surrounded by lush forests and old castles made of Caen limestone.

She had lived there all her life. In her youth she had gone on many holidays with her parents and younger brother outside of Elgin, but nothing was quite like her home. Family was important to her. The loss of her parents nearly ten years ago had been almost unbearable. She was still trying to pick up the pieces and move forward. Following their deaths, she had been forced to grow up quickly; she was the only support for her brother Michael.

Emily’s research studies had served as a good distraction for her. She had recently been working on a research paper on artifacts. She was lost in another world. It was fascinating, the things scientists had been able to uncover from times long ago. She sat engrossed in her reading of old tales about lost artifacts, completely losing track of time.

Her stomach growled. It was almost lunch and she was starving. Emily decided she would head off to the little coffee shop named Lava Java across the street to get a sandwich. The library was getting a bit quiet - not that it wasn’t always quiet - but quieter than usual. As she turned around to grab her coat a small book fell just next to her heel. She picked it up and wondered where it fell from. She hadn’t seen this particular title before. Alkron of Moray. It looked to her like a dusty old history filled with myths and folktales about witches and wizards. Just as she was about the open the book, she heard a lady’s voice from behind her.

“Emily? Emily Carson, is that you?” She turned around and saw a tall elegant woman with blonde hair and blue eyes smiling at her.

“Jessica!” she exclaimed. “Oh my goodness, it is so good to see you! How are you?” she asked as she walked over to give her a hug.

“I’m great thanks. How are you? I almost didn’t recognize you,” answered Jessica. Jessica Ainsley had been Emily’s closest friend in high school. They hadn’t really kept in touch after Jess received a law scholarship in London and moved away the day after graduation.

“Well, it has been almost ten years since we last saw each other,” kidded Emily. “I’m doing well. I’ve been keeping myself busy with work mostly.”

“You always did have a love for literature, even back in high school,” said Jessica.

“Yeah, it seems so boring to some people, but I enjoy my research and being surrounded by all these books, as crazy as it sounds.” She smiled.

Emily went on to tell her how she got the job at the library and about all the projects she had been working on recently. “So enough about me,” she broke off, “I’m sure you must be a successful lawyer by now. Where are you working? Or do you have your own practice?”

“Not exactly,” replied Jessica a bit awkwardly. “I’ve actually left my practice in London to move back to Elgin. It wasn’t really working out the way I had planned. Maybe it was more my parents dream than mine.”

Emily always knew it was Jessica’s parents who wanted her to be a lawyer. They had tried to convince her it was the right career path for her. When she got the law scholarship, Jessica took it as a sign that they may be right.

“I’m sorry to hear that Jess. I thought you might be here just on holiday.”

Jessica sighed. “It’s okay. I think a refreshing new start is what I need. How are your parents doing?”

Emily’s expression changed instantly at the thought of them. Jess had been gone for so long she didn’t know what had happened to them. The day they went missing was about two years after Jess had left for London. She had wanted to talk to her about it, but with the distance between them Emily hadn’t felt she could relate to her closest friend anymore.

“They’re dead now. It’s been nearly seven years,” said Emily.

They stood in silence for a while. Jess tried to process the information. “Oh my God, Ems, I am so sorry, I had no idea. What happened? How?”

“The police still aren’t sure what really happened. They just went missing. After a year of searching, their bodies were found on a hiking trail just outside town.”

Jess sat on the chair next the table, obviously feeling a bit unsteady on her feet. “Were they...murdered?”

Emily felt the sadness flood back with the memories. “I think so, although there was no real proof of foul play. After so many years of investigation and no real leads, the police were forced to close the case.” Emily stared out of the window. It was a bright summer day, and the hustle of the lunchtime crowd swept into Lava Java. She saw nothing but happy people who didn’t know the feeling of loss that consumed her.

“They were wonderful people. Remember how your mom used to make those delicious cupcakes for us after our last set of midterm papers? Mrs. Carson was the kindest and sweetest person I knew,” she said

“I’m sorry I didn’t keep in contact Jess. I know you would have wanted to know what happened to them; after all, they treated you like you were their daughter too. I just felt like you had a lot on your plate with the scholarship and the pressure of making it big in London.”

Jessica smiled. “I never really wanted to make it big in London. I guess we both made some mistakes along the way, things we now regret. I would have come if you called Ems, just so you know, I would have been there for you if I knew.”

“Thanks Jess, I know.” Emily hugged her tightly and said, “I’m off to Lava Java for lunch Would you like to join me?”

Jessica cocked her head. “You mean they call that place Lava Java now? It was just The Coffee Shop when I lived here.”

“I guess it’s become more modern with time,” said Emily with a chuckle.

“Thanks for the offer, but I think I better be on my way. I really need to start looking for an apartment in town.”

“I’ll be sure to let you know if I see anything,” said Emily.

“Thanks Ems. It was really good to see you. We definitely need to do lunch sometime soon.”

“Absolutely, Jess. Let me know when. It’s great seeing you again.” As soon as Jessica was out the door, the phone rang, and Emily sighed. She needed a break, didn’t they know that?

“Elgin Library, Good day,” she answered.

“Hey sis, what are you up too?” Michael Carson, her younger brother, was the most laid back person she knew. His job certainly made him that way.

He was an artist. He had opened his own art gallery recently, and it seemed to be becoming very popular in their small town. Michael had taken the death of their parents the hardest, and she worried for a short period of time about whether he would ever recover and get closure. He had slowly started to develop his love for painting as a good distraction from the sad thoughts; it had turned out to be quite a successful career path for him.

“Hey Mike, I’m doing well. I just bumped into Jessica Ainsley from back in school. How are you?”

“I’m good,” he answered. “How’s Jessica doing?”

“She seemed alright. She was a lawyer, now she’s quit and coming back to Elgin. I was just on my way to the coffee shop to grab a bite.

“Oh, well I’ll make this real quick,” he said, getting to the point. “I wanted to invite you to my exhibition this Friday. It’s nothing major, just a few of my new paintings and some work from some new artists.”

“Sure, I’d love to come. What time is it?”

“It’s at 7 o’clock sharp, but you’re VIP so you can come before then and maybe we can catch up and have a few drinks.”

“Sounds great Mike, I’ll be there.”

“See you then Ems. Enjoy your lunch.”

“Thanks.” She hung up and headed out the door.

The Lava Java was a popular hangout spot for teenagers as well as for the people that worked around the area. She liked the vibe of the place, and appreciated the change of pace from the quiet atmosphere of the library. She got a scone and a latte, and then sat next to the window so she could people watch.

After lunch she returned to her research paper with a fully sated focus. She read through papers and books, searched for articles, and filled countless pages on her legal pad. She didn’t realize how late it had gotten until she noticed it was just past five in the afternoon. She methodically put away her materials, and then started to pack her things away. As she was about to leave she noticed that book again, Alkron of Moray. She opened it out of curiosity. She hadn’t taken it off the shelf, and this was the second time she had seen it.

The introduction briefly described the story of several wizards and witches from medieval times. As she read further, she saw that the book had pictures of the wizards. One particularly caught her attention; a dark, gloomy looking figure with what looked to her to be a staff in his hand. The caption below it read: The Sorcerer Lord Alkron.

A chill ran down her spine. Something about the way he looked made her very nervous. It was ridiculous though; all these tales were just myths. She closed the book. It was getting really late and she had stayed way past her normal hours. She rounded up her things and headed out.

The weather had started to change and rain clouds loomed in the night sky. She decided to walk since her apartment was not too far from the library. As she walked down the street, Emily heard the thunder roar through the clouds and suddenly thought that maybe walking wasn’t such a great idea. At least I have my long trench coat on. That should keep me from shivering and getting wet, she thought.

As she neared the park she heard a sound coming from beyond the trees. She stopped for a moment, trying to listen, but it was very faint. Curious, she got a little closer. As she walked through the park the sounds started to get louder and clearer. Voices. Male voices.

“The situation is getting more serious my Lord. I fear we have not much time left before it spins out of control.”

Emily stood behind a large silver birch tree and tried to stay as silent as possible. The man speaking was tall and, from what she could make out, quite big. The older man he was speaking to was much smaller, had a grey beard, small hat, and a walking stick in his hand. There were a few male figures standing around the two men.

“I understand your concern Glohone, but we must proceed with caution. The protection of the people of Elgin is the main purpose of the council,” said the old man.

The tall one shrugged. “If he gets the...” he hesitated, “the weapon, what will we do then? We have not the power to defeat him.”

They seemed to speak in old English, which Emily found very strange. Who were these men, and what ‘weapon’ were they talking about? I need to get home, she thought, this isn’t my concern. What am I even doing spying on these men? They could be murderers, mobsters, or drug lords for all I know, although they aren’t speaking like any mobsters I’ve ever heard. Just a little bit longer, she thought, at least until I can figure out what they are talking about. She continued to listen.

“Alastair is right. If we do not proceed with caution, we are likely to put the humans at risk as well as reveal our own identities,” said a skinny man standing to the left of the older one. He also had a walking stick in his hand.

“Has it not always been about keeping yourself out of harm’s way more than the humans, Zugast?” asked Glohone with a smug look on his face. Zugast clinched his fist in anger and raised his hand to Glohone, but Alastair stepped in between them.

“That is enough, both of you. I will decide what is to happen, and when,” he said.

Emily tried to sit still behind the tree. She was so confused. She wondered why they kept saying ‘humans’ and why they called the old man ’Lord.” Her neck was starting to get sore from her awkward position, and she reached back to rub it.

“If I may speak, my Lord,” said a short fat man wearing glasses and holding a very large book in his hand.

“You may, Erhan,” said Alastair.

“There is a way we can prevent Him from obtaining the weapon. Much is written about the safe keeping of the weapon in the past. With the right spell we can keep it locked forever if we will it,” said Erhan.

Alastair paced a bit. He was contemplating it. “We would need to establish its location first.”

“Of course, my Lord. I can try now if you will,” said Erhan. Before Alastair could speak, Zugast interrupted

“Wait, it’s too dangerous out here in the open. I propose we meet another time to attempt that spell. What if the humans see?”

Alastair sighed. “Zugast is right. It is late and we risk exposure if we pursue any further tonight.”

Emily gasped. Whoever these people were and whatever they were planning didn’t sound good. She needed to get out of here. As she turned to leave, she saw a funny looking squirrel. It startled her and she tried not to scream. She dodged, but tripped over the tree roots and fell face first on the grass as the squirrel scurried away past her.

“What was that?” asked Glohone.

Before she could get up, a group of flashlights shone in her eyes. She covered her face, but it was too late. She had been discovered.

“It’s just a young lady,” said the old man called Alastair.

In the light Emily could see the old man’s face clearly now. The rain began pouring down.

“Are you lost young lady?” asked Alastair.

She hesitated. These men looked scarier now in the light. “I...I was just on my way home,” she stammered, trying to sound calm.

“There are no apartments on the other side of this park, lady. Were you spying on us? How much did you hear?” asked Glohone as he grasped her hand.

“Let her go, Glohone, there is no need to mistreat the young lady. Let her speak,” ordered Alastair.

“Well I was on my way home before I heard voices behind these trees. I was just curious. Who are you people? I have never seen you in town before.”

A man came up from behind her. “Izdel is the name, and you are?

“Emily.” She shook his hand finally. “Izdel, that’s an unusual name.”

“Well it is Scottish. Your name is lovely madam,” said Izdel as grinned at her. “A pretty lady like you shouldn’t be walking alone on the street at this hour.”

He offered his hand to shake, but she just stared at him. He was medium built, more sharply dressed than the rest of them with a khaki pants and light blue shirt, and his hair was shoulder length and curly. He was much less scary than the rest.

“That’s enough Romeo,” said Glohone. “We don’t have time for pleasantries.”

Izdel rolled his eyes. “Somebody needs to loosen up a bit.”

Glohone gave him a stern look, and Izdel stepped back with his hands lifted. “Sorry, I’m just trying not to scare the lady. She looks harmless.”

Emily was beginning to shiver despite her long trench coat. Her hair was drenched and made her feel colder. Somehow she always managed to get herself into these kinds of situations. She wondered why the old man, ‘Alastair’ they called him, was staring. He was making her feel uneasy.

“I say we do a spell to make her forget, Lord. Let’s be done with all this now. We have much more pressing matters to attend to tomorrow,” said Zugast.

“No, no spells,” replied Alastair. “She will say nothing, will you my dear?” he asked, looking at Emily.

Emily looked at each one of them slowly from left to right. She wasn’t that certain of what she had heard or seen in the first place. Did he just say ‘spells?’ Her head was beginning to spin. She just needed to go home. “I heard and saw nothing. Can I please go now, before I catch a cold?” she asked.

“Very well, you may go,” replied Alastair. Glohone was just about to protest when Alastair held his hand up. Glohone stepped back.

Emily got up and walked away slowly. After about two minutes her walk turned into a run, and she sprinted all the way back to her apartment.

Glohone paced. “You should not have let her go. What if she is working for the enemy?”

Alastair turned to face him. Out of all of them, Glohone always seemed to have an opinion on everything. Despite his temper, and sometimes rash decisions, Glohone had all the qualities of a leader. For this reason, and this reason alone, Alastair had chosen him to be his second in command. If anyone could lead the council better than himself, it was Glohone.

“She is harmless. She will not say anything,” answered Alastair.

“You better be right about her, Lord, or we are all in grave danger,” replied Zugast.

As soon as Emily got to her apartment she made sure the door was locked properly behind her. She stripped down and headed straight for the bath. She needed a hot bath. She felt like she was lucky to be alive after that encounter. God, what got into me playing detective like that? She thought. What if they had guns or knives on them? What would have happened to me?

The old man had allowed her to leave, although she was not sure why. It didn’t matter now, as long as she was safe. She finished her bath and got into her pajamas. As she crawled into bed she thought about that book again. Alkron of Moray. She wasn’t sure why it came to her then, as she was trying to fall asleep. Maybe I’ll look at it tomorrow, she thought. She closed her eyes and slowly drifted to sleep to the pitter patter of the falling rain outside.