Chapter 4: 3.

Twenty or so minutes passed as Volan was driven from the Academy to his home in the northwestern section of the nation’s capital. It was a highrise made out of a few businesses and had recently been turned into the “heart” of the area with newly renovated businesses and stadium nearby. It was all so clean and proper, but was never comfortable to Volan. It felt foreign with how blocky and modern it was. Few other buildings were as tall or taller, so it stood out quite a bit compared to other ones nearby. Remembering as best he can, Volan recalled that it was designed by a guest architect from the Republic of Holy Technology located a good 300 kilometers or so South of the Kingdom.

Volan remembered his father taking him to their lands one time, and it was a weird experience. While Zekanto had a fair balance between its progressive technological and conservative traditional sides, the Republic came across as much more weighted towards furthering their technological prowess as quickly as possible. Volan understood that technology research and more were all good things when done in moderation, but he remembered one thing that made him concerned with taking things too far.

Though that isn’t to say the other extreme is any better. Every now and then, throughout the year, a traveling troupe would come to Zekanto from the far East. Hailing from The Crowned Federation of the White Queen, performers of all kinds would come to share the tall tales and plays they’d accumulated. But Volan always felt like at least some of the people from the Federation weren’t quite right in the head. He even recalled his father having to intercede between himself and one performer who was getting a little too pushy when it came to talking about their “White Queen”.

Leaving the matter of the building’s appearance aside for the moment, Volan waited inside the car as his chaperone exited the car and walked around to the other side. Tossing the vehicle’s keys to the valet just outside the entrance, Volan exited the moment the door was held open for him. Next, two men in Flameguard uniforms met with him.

Their uniforms were a deep blue with golden epaulets, tassels, and trimming. Brass vambraces guarded reached down to their wrists and met a pair of brown gloves. Both of their haircuts were kept high and tight, and their boots were nearly black in color. A patch over their left breast with the symbol of a flame announced their allegiance, but the lack of any other patches showed what they were. These were men under Volan’s father: Flameguard.

Immediately, they stood at attention. Their feet stomped the ground and clicked heel to heel in unison before saluting to both Volan and his chaperone. Volan waited for a moment as the woman who always accompanied him stood before the two men. It was a strange sight due to the difference in size, but one that always made Volan chuckle on the inside.

Snapping to attention, Volan’s chaperone saluted back and waited for one of them to speak. The on her left broke the silence; a small patch just atop his right breast showed his surname to be “Cortez”.

“Good evening, Commander Rose. Cortez and Kaplan of the Flameguard are here to escort you and Sir Roltand to the Sword-Captain.”

Rose, Volan’s chaperone, used to be Gael's second-in-command. And while she’s no longer part of the Flameguard, her current position as Volan’s personal bodyguard and attendant meant Rose reported directly to Gael. The two Flameguards before Volan and Rose are mostly a formality, but Rose scanned the uniforms of whoever showed up. And if she found even one loose thread out of line, it meant someone was getting smoked the moment Gael heard about it

 In a bit of twisted fun, this was a way for both Rose and Gael to always check in on the Flameguard and see who was slacking. The first time it happened, Volan saw Rose laughing silently to herself on the couch with the widest grin he’d ever seen. If Gael disciplined his men anything like how he did Volan, Volan prayed they would never mess up again. And because of this, Volan often saw the Flameguards put in charge of this formality sweating bullets when Rose took a close look at them.

A few minutes passed by as Rose did her inspection while the two royal guards tried to not even flinch. For them, it felt like an eternity. Thankfully, it never took long and she took the lead as the four now walked into the building. Volan chuckled in his mind as he saw the two much larger men give sighs of relief that they passed Rose’s inspection.

Once inside the apartment complex, all four got on the elevator. Rose entered first, then Volan, and finally the two Flameguards to stand at the front of the doors upon exiting. Cortez hit the button and sent everyone up to the 13th floor. With a soft sliding of the door, they ascended through the building until the elevator came to a slow stop. A little ding signaled the end of the ride. The doors opened and Cortez and Kaplan stepped out first. They stood as guards and put themselves at parade rest while Volan and Rose exited the elevator and made their way to the place he called home.

Volan’s steps clacked against the hardwood flooring. Rose followed behind him, matching his pace but kept a short distance between herself and him. With a couple turns around some corners, Volan stood at the entrance of the apartment he shared with his father; and by extension Rose.

I hope dad isn’t mad about me being late…

Volan took a deep breath in while Rose relaxed against a nearby wall.

I’m overthinking things, I’m overthinking things. We’ve been looking forward to this for a while, so let’s just go see dad and have our usual outing together.

Taking hold of the door knob, Volan turned it and pulled. The door swung softly, though Volan heard his father talking to someone inside as he entered.

“Do you really need me to handle this investigation? Are you sure it’s not just some illegal animal or something on the loose? The City Guard should be able to handle it just fine.” pleaded Gael.

Is he on the phone? What’s going on?

Volan couldn’t see his father just yet as there was a corner that blocked off about half of what a person could see in the apartment upon entering. The kitchen was just over to the left, but Volan tried to quietly creep around to listen in on what was being said. He couldn’t hear what the person on the phone was saying, but Volan could tell something happened that wasn’t normal. Normally Gael had all his calls handled by Rose when he could finally come home. Maybe this was because of Volan coming home late?

Coming around the corner, Volan could see his father sitting in the kitchen with his back turned to the door. Gael had short, brown hair and thick eyebrows. His skin tone was on par with Volan’s, having a very light tan to it. Atop his head, Gael wore a cone party hat with a fuzzy ball made from strips of confetti at the end, and there was also the expected dessert box out on the table. Two plates were there with a slice of special strawberry rhubarb pie atop each one. And lying on the couch was Gael’s Sword-Captain coat.

He was definitely looking forward to today with how he put that there. His men would probably be shocked to see their leader acting so relaxed at home.

Gael sighed, “You know what day it is, Zach! I only get so many chances a year to be at home!”

Volan’s left eyebrow shot up, The King is calling dad personally?! I have a bad feeling about today…

Gael’s head fell forward in resignation. He was obviously upset and would probably hit something nearby very hard, but let his anger pass with his next breath.

“Alright. I’ll head out to meet with the investigators and have this matter settled as soon as possible. “

There was a pause as Gael kept the phone held to his ear.

“I’ll be keeping you to that, Your Highness.”

Ooo. That’s not good. Uncle Zach’s gonna have to deal with a grudge for a little while…

Another pause.

Gael put his hand to his forehead and rubbed it, letting out a deep and heavy sigh at the same time.

“I’ll contact Testris and Iker to get on it while I’m headed over and we’ll get things figured out… Yeah, yeah. Goodbye, Zach.”

Gael put his phone down on the table and threw his head back to try and relax. His entire posture suggested he was one lounge chair away from being done with today.

Volan asked, “Get called back into work?”

“Hm?! Volan?!”

Gael turned around to see Volan with one arm rubbing his neck. 

“How long were you hiding over there?”

“Good to see you too, dad.”

Getting up and out of his chair, Gael went to his son and pulled him into a tight hug. Volan tried to hug back just as tightly, but Gael’s strength was too much and Volan tapped him on the shoulder while a few vertebrae popped.

“And good to see you too, kid. School been treating you well? Hopefully Mr. Hunt didn’t grill you too badly today.”

The two walked back over to the kitchen and talked for a short while while eating the pie Gael had bought. They knew they wouldn’t have as much time as they usually would, but it was still one of the best moments for the both of them right now no matter how short it would end up being. But the major interruption couldn’t be avoided and Gael explained the situation.

Volan asked, “So Uncle Zach called you personally on this one?”

“I wish he hadn’t, but we both know what it means when he gets personally involved. Sorry I can’t stay long this time.”

It did sting a bit that they couldn’t be together all evening like they normally would, but getting the chance to see his dad at all was amongst the best gifts anyone could get Volan.

“Care to share what’s going on? Or is it classified?”

“I don’t know how serious it is. Seems someone’s going around in the shadows causing problems. I won’t share the details, for obvious reasons, but do try to stay inside at night for the time being. That goes for your friends as well. Best tell Broderick and Kunal to head straight home in the evening so no one gets hurt, got it?”

“I’ll make sure to tell ‘em first thing tomorrow.”

“Good.”

Gael got up from his seat and took their plates to the sink. Giving them a quick rinse before tossing them in the dishwasher, he went back and gave Volan a quick pat on the head mixed with messing up his son’s hair.

“Alright, I gotta get going before you-know-who calls again asking for updates.”

Volan laughed at his father’s touch, “I understand. Hopefully we can make up for it on your next day off.”

Gael sighed while keeping his hand on his son’s head, “I certainly hope so. Mind if I ask for one more hug before I go? I know it’s your birthday, but mind giving me a gift with what’s going on?”

Volan chuckled and gave Gael as good of a hug as he could. Though it did feel a bit sad when they had to break it. Gael looked Volan deep in the eyes for a moment before closing his and making his way over to the couch and putting his coat back on.

“Stay safe out there, dad.”

Gael smiled, “You too, kiddo.”

Gael was about to head out the door when he suddenly remembered something.

“Oh! Volan! Forgot to tell you something!”

“What’s up?”

“There’s a present sitting on your bed.”

Volan was puzzled by this.

“Who’s it from?”

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“Don’t know, but I think you’ll be a lot happier when you see it. Alright, see you later!”

With that, Volan watched as his father took off and Rose traded places with him. She came over and ruffled his hair before heading to her own room to unwind. And while he appreciated the gesture, right now Volan was more focused on understanding what his father just said.

Did he go and buy something I mentioned in passing by chance? He certainly could’ve, but that doesn’t sound like him. Broderick and Kunal would have given me any gifts in person, so they’ll probably do that after training tomorrow.

Volan walked towards his room trying to figure out the mystery.

Maybe it’s something regarding mom?

Opening the door, he looked over to his bed and saw a white box with blue ribbon keeping it sealed. It was fairly plain to look at, but what caught Volan’s eye was the letter placed on top of it. This definitely wasn’t the handiwork of anyone Volan knew well. Gael would have just said it in person, and Rose would’ve been plainly blunt about whatever was in the box. Kunal always brought food while Broderick would just gift him a game or something via the Crystalnet. This present was definitely different, and Volan couldn’t help but wonder more and more about if it had something to do with his mother.

More curious than any time before on his birthday, Volan walked over to the present and sat on his bed. Picking up the letter, he looked it over and realized there wasn’t anything on it to suggest who it could be from other than a blank wax seal keeping it shut.

Maybe it’s from Uncle Zach?

Volan had gotten a gift from King Zacharius Sancra Zekra before, but only on very rare occasions. Usually his father being around on Volan’s birthday was Uncle Zach’s gift as it took a lot of reorganizing to have happen as regularly as it had for the last several years, so this mystery gift could be from him.

With nothing else to go on, Volan snapped the wax seal open and took a look inside. As one would expect, there was a letter. Opening it up, he read it.

To the one who this gift is intended for, I apologize I could not give it to you in person nor ever see you for every one of your birthdays. It is ever a regret of mine that I cannot see you in person, and sharing my name would only place you in danger. Every day I pray that one day soon we can meet again, and I can hold you in my arms like I did when you were still but a baby. That hope alone keeps me going as I travel.

*    *    *    *    *

The present I’ve left for you is something I found while abroad. I don’t remember how I found it, but I feel as though it was made for you. May it protect you and aid you as you grow. Use it well, my little V.

 

Volan wondered who the person could be, though deeply desired it was a gift from his mother. Folding the letter back up and putting it in the envelope, he set it aside on his desk and put his focus on the box. Pulling on the ribbon that kept it bound, it came off with ease and all that remained was taking the lid off.

Putting his hands on it, he gently lifted it off and looked inside. Rather than any kind of expected gift, Volan instead saw a single blue eye in a pit of darkness and immediately was hit with a wave of sleepiness. It was like someone had hit him on the back of the head and he collapsed onto his bed and fell unconscious.

A moment later Volan found himself laying down on the ground in a circular room with no entrances or exits. The ground was cold and wet, and everything smelled of damp stone and morning dew. Standing up, he was in the same room as when he fell asleep at the library.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t remember much of anything from what happened then and looked upon the area with new eyes. It was peaceful as light came down from above, though only disturbed one restrained object opposite to his position in the room. Looking at it, he recognized it but didn’t know why.

Drawn to it, Volan held out his hand as if to reach for it. And once it was within his reach to grasp it, Volan did so and looked at it much closer. He noticed that it had two eyes, but they were shut. Its mouth was breathing, so it was certainly alive.

Perhaps it’s sleeping?

It was without a doubt a grotesque thing to look at, but then Volan was hit with a massive headache as the book’s eyes snapped open. It appeared to be surprised with its eyes searching all over the place before realizing Volan was there again. It shuddered and shaked excitedly while the chains keeping it restrained began to creak and snap. Then it spoke.

“Pull on me!”

Volan’s headache pulsed, but he was shocked that the book said anything.

Surprised, Volan asked, “What?”

It replied, “Pull on me! Free me from these shackles that bind me!”

Volan was hesitant, but felt like it was the right thing to do. Regardless of what his mind thought of the strange tome, his heart said to trust it.

“Alright.”

Placing his other hand on the book, Volan pulled with all his might and the chains began to break. Loudly they snapped and gave in bit by bit, and with one more large SCHANK! the chains gave in and Volan stumbled backwards and freed the book from its bindings. Immediately, the book pulled away from Volan’s hands but did not leave. Rather, it floated in front of him and met Volan’s gaze as an equal.

“Ahahaha! Yes! I am finally free! Thank you very much.”

Volan wasn’t sure how to respond. After all, how does one talk to a… book?

“Uh. No problem. But why were you chained up there to begin with?”

“Of course! I was chained up because… because…” The book struggled to remember, “I don’t know why come to think of it.”

The book spoke in a young but deep and regal voice. And now that Volan could understand it, something did notice something odd. While Volan could understand the book, its mouth movements didn’t match what it was saying. And on that note, Volan noticed that the book spoke like it had a filter over it. Was it perhaps speaking in a language no one knew, but was being translated to make sense to Volan?

The book continued, “Anyways, that doesn’t matter right now. What does matter is that I know I’m meant to help you. Something is starting to stir in your world, and my purpose is to guide you in how you can fell it.”

The book's words made Volan think back to what his father said earlier.

The King called on dad to investigate something, perhaps this book is referring to that? Could just be a coincidence, but dad wouldn’t just get called out on my birthday for nothing. Hmm…

Volan put his hand to his chin as he thought, though the book floated in the air and stared at him. The silence was a bit awkward and the book turned slightly as if to suggest curiosity.

It asked, “Something the matter?”

Volan snapped his attention back to the book, “Oh, sorry. I was just recalling something I heard about earlier. Do you know what it is exactly that you’re meant to help me defeat?”

It closed its eyes and thought for a moment.

“Hmm… Unfortunately, I don’t. Or at least, I can’t remember what it’s supposed to look like.”

“Okay. Is there anything you can tell me about it?”

“There is. Your world is about to encounter an existence that will cause the deaths of many if it is not stopped. I apologize for how I cannot elaborate further, as my memories elude me, but it will be something that invades and corrupts. It preys upon people’s desires and amplifies them. Transforming its victims into monsters and forcing creatures of all kinds into an all out war for survival.”

“Is there a way to stop it?”

“Aside from eradicating it, I do not know.”

“I see… And you’ll help me do just that?”

The book turned itself towards Volan as if to bow, “It is my reason for existing… at least as far as I am aware. Perhaps my memories will return to me with time, but I cannot say for certain.”

“I understand. Then let’s try and put a stop to whatever is lurking about, as well as see if we can find a means to restore your memory.”

The book smiled awkwardly with its mouth and eyes. It wasn’t easy to tell that it was a smile, but Volan did at least notice that the book was floating in a kind of dancing-side-to-side way.

Volan asked, “By the way, what’s your name?”

“My name? My name…”

The book struggled to come up with an answer.

It asked, “What is my name?”

Volan looked at it and scanned the book up and down before noticing a piece of metal with words written across it. The characters didn’t look anything like what he knew, but he was able to read it nonetheless.

“I think it’s…‘Galarin’.”

“Galarin… is that my name? Well, it doesn't matter much right now. At least it’s a means for us to communicate! And what is yours?”

“I am Volan. Volan Roltand. It’s a pleasure to meet and work with you, Galarin.”

“Agreed.”

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