Aegis Rising by S.S.Segran Page A

throat and responded. “Events are unfolding out in the world that will require their combined force,” he said. “We are called upon to train and prepare them, and when they are ready, assign them their crystals.”
    “But they are so young,” Saiyu murmured, her motherly instincts surfacing. “It seems unfair to expect so much out of them at such a tender age.”
    “If they are the ones, though, then destiny will guide them.” Nageau attempted to assure the women, though Tikina couldn’t help but notice a perturbed look in his eyes. “Moreover,” he added quietly, “they will not be alone out there.”
    Everyone nodded, knowing full well what he meant.
    The youth hiding behind the tree eased his eyes open. He had learned enough for now. He rose to his feet and sprinted through the trees like a spirit, away from the Elders’ assembly neyra . He weaved his way until he spotted one of the three bridges that connected the north and south sides of the village, which were separated by the gentle flowing waters of Esroh Lègna.
    He broke from the darkness of the trees and, ignoring the bridge, leapt thirty feet over the water to the other side in one smooth motion to throw off anyone who might possibly be following him. He landed softly, following through with a roll, then rose to his feet. He threw a glance over his shoulder at the river, immensely satisfied with his nimbleness and the fact that no one was tailing him. Slowing to a walk, he strode next to the river, following it downstream to the second bridge and crossing back to the south side of the village where his cohorts were waiting for him.
    Along the winding path surrounded by trees, four buildings rose into sight; a massive teal-colored glass structure with timber frames, flanked on the right by a combined stable and barn. Next to it was a nondescript but hardy-looking wooden construction used for storage, and beside it was a uniquely-designed tool and workshop enclosure that exuded a certain charm. Together, these buildings made up the resource hub of the village.
    Rounding the immense glass building, the youth walked through the doors of the stable. Inside was a group of villagers about his age, chatting and caring for the horses inside the structure.
    One of the youths, sporting a brown mohawk, saw the lone one entering and nudged the others. They all looked up. The one with the mohawk grinned cockily. “How was your little sleuthing expedition, Hutar?”
    Hutar leaned against a stall. The horse inside, a young, frisky stallion with a shiny black coat poked his head out curiously and Hutar fed it some hay. The horse’s velvety lips tickled the palm of his hand. The girl inside who was grooming the horse paused and stepped out of the stall. A couple of other girls stepped out as well from where they were taking care of horses in other stalls. The boys—heavily outnumbering the girls—were sitting on bales of hay or standing around.
    Hutar said nothing for a time, content to interact with the horse. His sharp, calculating blue eyes contrasted with his well-tanned skin. His black hair was shortly cropped at the sides and fuller on top.
    “Well?” repeated the youth with the mohawk. “What happened?
    Hutar snorted. Jabbing a finger at the mohawk, he said, “You are an impatient one, Relsuc.” He paused for a few moments, then continued. “From what I have learned, the Elders have concluded the first verse of the prophecy, ‘ Shades of Earth, Sky, River, Mist and Fire ’, corresponds with our unwanted guests’ eyes.”
    Relsuc frowned. “You mean to say the shades mentioned in the prophecy refer to the shades of eyes? We always figured they were related to the crystals.”
    Shrugging, Hutar said, “Who knows what they really refer to.”
    “And the shades match exactly with five outsiders’ eyes?” Relsuc asked incredulously. “That is unbelievable.”
    “Believable or not, that is what the Elders accept as true.”
    One of the boys