The city hall was filled with sorcerers; officers of each regiment were invited to receive special commendations from the Mayor and Captain.

The courtroom was lined with fully occupied chairs. Malk sat alongside Sergeant Stephran, Veeko and Major Britton in the front row. Two crutches sat beside Malk's chair, he was only just beginning to feel his legs and sides again. The pain in his head was still immense.

Officers were lined up on the stage before them. Mayor Crucillo took turns thanking them one by one while placing a gold medal around their necks, handed to him by Captain Fishrual.

Kelsic was not among the sorcerers in the large room. The Mayor recalled her mentioning something about four children, "Thank you, Left Lieutenant Tannen of the King's Men," he said as he rewarded the last woman at the end of the stage.

"You may all be seated," said Fishrual, the soldiers left the stage and took up their seats behind Malk.

The Mayor faced the war heroes, who each turned their full attention to him, "Yesterday, the safe haven of our beloved city fell under threat of an opposing orc army of the South. Now it is not clear how such a force was able to travel across eastern Jerova unnoticed. I would like to congratulate each and every one of you for your effective response in intercepting the enemy and destroying their objectives. A full investigation will be carried out by the Elites immediately. We lost a lot of good soldiers, men and women. Our hearts go with them as they travel to the light of Scenrio. The event that took place yesterday will be remembered for a long time to come. Let us remember those who fought and lost their lives protecting the civilians of our city. Thank you all."

Kelsic walked onto the stage beside him as the sorcerers began to leave. She was followed by the four apparent protectors. Rogue carried the Lumis under her arm. The Mayor stared at them, surprised by the intrusion on the stage. The onlookers sat back down, curious of Kelsic's actions.

"What is the meaning of this?" Asked Fishrual surprised.

The Mayor studied the four children, Rogue in particular, "Can I ask what you are doing, Kelsic?"

The watching sorcerers looked on, clearly confused. Malk and Darren wondered with fear why the kids they knew were up on a stage in front of hundreds of older and more mature sorcerers. The four students themselves were nervous, wondering what Kelsic had planned for them.

"Mayor, these kids are here on my authority. I think they will be of interest to you and everyone in this room," said Kelsic excitedly.

Fishrual sighed, he knew what was coming.

"Intrigue us then, Kelsic. Why are they here?" Said Crucillo.

"You are all aware of the prophecy of the Guardian," Kelsic waited for the nods, "Lord Scenrio did not want us to forget it. That prophecy has awakened. The Lumis has been found."

"Prophecy?" Asked Crucillo, "Are you saying it's real?"

Malk kept his eyes on Greg, hoping... Praying he did not have any involvement in this.

"That is correct, Mayor," replied Kelsic, "These four played a big part in the battle yesterday."

"They were all there?" Asked Fishrual furiously.

"No, only Chad, which you know of," replied Kelsic calmly.

"What is this about?" Asked Malk, Darren and the Sergeant together.

"It was our very own fireboy that destroyed their attempts and defeated Revlic, with the help of young Major Britton," Kelsic smiled at Darren, "You may not have noticed, Mayor, but Kirsten over there had a success rate that matched your top doctors. Way too advanced for her age."

"Indeed, I have. Dr Raffdon sent me a recognition this morning," replied the Mayor, "Do you mind explaining this wise advisor? This is not the best time for questionable riddles."

"These four have found the Lumis. The weapon of the Guardian," said Kelsic triumphantly.

There was a chorus of gasps.

"The Lumis?" Responded Crucillo.

"No, that can't be," said Malk.

"The prophecy is true then?" Asked Sergeant Stephran.

"Can you prove this?" Replied Fishrual.

"I can show you the Lumis but it will not prove anything to mine nor your eyes. Rogue would you mind holding it up please?"

Rogue did as Kelsic asked and held up the Lumis, it shone brightly off everyone's faces.

"Is that it? All I see is a filthy ball," smirked the Captain.

Rogue hoped at least one person in the room could see the true form, but they all gave blank expressions. She frowned under her breath.

"There are few that can see it," reminded Kelsic. The blank looks on everybody's faces told them that very few there were. Silence broke in the crowds as the sorcerers began talking of the prophecy.

"Kelsic, can we talk in my office please. Bring all who is necessary with you," said the Mayor, "Please wait outside, all of you. I must notify our heroes of this first."

"Certainly Mayor, as you wish," replied Kelsic, "I will gladly answer questions later," she said as she noticed a few people stand up to speak. She left the stage with the four students.

Darren helped Malk to his feet and they followed Kelsic past the stage.

* * *

"It may be harder to convince them all of the truth than I imagined," said Kelsic once they were outside.

"Do they really need to know?" Asked Chad, "After all the trouble we went through, I don't want people thinking we are crazy or anything," he said angrily.

"Relax, young man. The Mayor has to know what we are now dealing with," replied Kelsic.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Asked Greg.

"Word will spread quickly of the Lumis, enemies of the prophecy will catch wind of it. Even if no one talks, I fear our friend from the south may already be aware of it. I do not trust that man one bit," said Kelsic. She turned to the door, waiting for Malk to appear, "Your mentor is coming and he's not happy. Let me do the talking."

The door opened and Darren walked through first. He held the door open for Malk to stagger through. Darren went to stand by his sister, that morning was the first time they had seen each other in months.

"What's going on?" Demanded Malk, "Why are you getting involved in this rubbish, Greg?"

"Calm down, Malk. Greg has done a superb job in finding the Lumis," replied Kelsic. She raised her arm up in front of him. Warning him to stop.

"Kelsic, I told you I did not want him mixed up in this prophecy nonsense! It's not the Elite way."

"I did this myself Malk, my choice. You told me people make their own choices," replied Greg.

"The prophecy is real! I don't like it either," said Chad.

"Are you involved in this as well?" Darren asked Kirsten.

"Yes I am. Rogue has the Lumis. We are going to find the Guardian," answered Kirsten.

Darren saw the big bulge sticking out of Rogue's coat, "Why is she hiding it? You guys just made a big display of it in there."

"There is one other who may be able to see the true form and we don't want him to know we have it if we can help it," said Kelsic.

"One other, who is he? Surely you would want as many people involved as you can get. Especially those who can see it," said Darren. He was confused. He had been cut out from the events that happened in the last few weeks.

"A stranger named Bolgama came here from the south. It was him who triggered the search for the Lumis and awakened its power. We know very little about him and I will not let the Lumis fall into his hands easily," said Kelsic.

"He wants the Lumis?" Asked Darren.

"His intentions have been on nothing but the Guardian. Too much interest for a mere traveller I think," said Kelsic.

"This can't be true," said Malk, mainly to himself, "Scenrio was never there for us. Where was the Guardian when we faced Lucrece on those mountains? When Kathleen made her last stand?"

"It was not the Guardian's time back then, but it is their time now. We all saw terrible things on that mountain dear friend, but that is the past. The future holds the key now," said Kelsic softly.

A tear found Malk's eye. Chad had no idea the man hated the prophecy this much, he was curious to what happened on the mountain. Greg had told him Malk disagreed with the Guardian, but he never quite believed it was this bad, "Malk, you should be happy that the one you are training is a protector of the Guardian," he said positively.

"What do you think the Mayor will really say to this? He won't lay his chances on the hope of a prophecy. Even if that is the real Lumis," said Malk angrily.

"Calm down, buddy. Fate chose these kids because they were the best. I'm guessing that fate also chose you to mentor them," said Darren. Malk gave him an evil glare in return.

"He's right. Remember how you helped me through that battle yesterday," said Chad.

"This is very hard to take in," replied Malk.

"You're not the first to say that," smiled Kelsic, "Come on, the Mayor will be done soon. Let's walk to his office," they followed Kelsic back through the door.

Greg walked alongside Malk, "I'm sorry Malk, but my sword is for protecting the ones I love. I believe in the prophecy."

"You're starting to sound like a true Elite. I'm not angry with you Greg. I once searched for the Guardian, hoping that he or she would appear beside me when I was face to face with the Demon Lord. I gave up hope when they did not come. If your purpose in life is to follow the Lumis, then so be it," walking was still difficult for Malk. He did not like the thought of having to use crutches for the next few days. He reluctantly followed Greg and the others inside.

* * *

The seven sorcerers crowded into the Mayors office, alongside the Mayor, Captain Fishrual, Sergeant Stephran, Veeko, and Headmistress Avforin. Darren and Kirsten were squashed right up against Quebiron's statue in the tight space.

"We were at war yesterday, Kelsic. Can you please tell me what you were doing chasing after the Prophecy?" Asked Crucillo unpleasantly.

"Mayor, I cannot offer valid proof, but we have the Lumis. These four kids are the protectors," said Kelsic coolly.

"Shouldn't there be five protectors, according to the prophecy?" Asked Fishrual sarcastically, "You're not one are you?" He pointed at Darren.

"No I'm not, sir... Am I?" Darren looked at Kelsic and Rogue expectantly.

"No, I don't think you are," replied Kelsic.

"Where did you get the Lumis?" Asked the Mayor.

"Only Rogue can see it. She and Greg went to the woods to retrieve it," said Chad, he desperately wanted to get out of there.

"Ah, Chad Wizardman, our fireboy. Was it part of the prophecy for you to sneak into the army with Malk?" Asked Crucillo.

"I helped win that battle for you. I'll take on a hundred more Warmasters if they ever cross my path again," said Chad angrily.

"Watch your temper Chad," said Avforin.

"I saw him fight, Mayor. Chad is a good warrior. Your soldiers would have struggled immensely without his help," said Veeko. Kelsic smiled, she knew that on the rare occasions when the Mayor was angry with her she could always rely on Veeko to back her up.

"You're right, Veeko, I'm sorry, young Wizardman," responded the Mayor.

"Who gave the authority to allow you to enter the woods?" Asked the Captain.

"That was my decision, Captain," replied Kelsic calmly, "It was the only way to retrieve the Dhalighten."

"The what?" Asked Mayor Crucillo.

"Sorry, the Lumis," said Kelsic. The thought of Bleu suffering came to her.

"So it would appear Rogue is the one Bolgama was after," said Mayor Crucillo.

"That never occurred to me before, I suppose it's true that I am," replied Rogue.

"Where do we go from here then?" Asked Crucillo, "You have the Lumis. What about the Guardian?"

"The search begins straight away," replied Kelsic. The Mayor sighed, he did not know what to say next.

"Searching sounds like a good idea," said Veeko, "Any ideas on who it might be."

"The Lumis will guide the way," said Rogue hopefully.

"And I hope it does for you," responded the Mayor.

"Mayor, we still have to do what is right and return the state of the City's people back to normal," said Fishrual.

"That is our objective, Captain. There is no reason why these kids can't concentrate their efforts on finding this Guardian around school time. If that's ok with the Headmistress of course," said Crucillo.

"As long as they work hard for their grades I cannot stop what they do in their free time," replied Avforin.

"Is there any reason to keep these kids here, Mayor?" Asked Veeko, "I have important business of the south that you need to hear."

"Yes, and I would like to talk to the Sergeant about some curses," replied Crucillo, "Will you escort these students out please, Kelsic. We will talk on this again soon."

"Certainly, Mayor," replied Kelsic. She showed them the door and followed them out. Darren left with them.

"I would like to see you in my office on Wednesday please, Chad," said Avforin firmly before he managed to squeeze out of the door.

Outside the Mayor's office, Kelsic turned to the five sorcerers, "The rest is up to you guys now. Find the Guardian, the Lumis will lead the way."

"Thank you for your help, Kelsic. We will follow the Lumis' path," said Greg.

"Yes, thank you, Kelsic," said Rogue.

Kelsic left them and re-entered the Mayor's office.

"Where do we start looking?" Asked Chad.

"I would like to go home and see my sisters," responded Darren.

"I'll see you guys later," said Kirsten. The two Britton's left the others and walked down the corridor towards the exit.

"Shall we then," said Rogue, "We've got a lot of work to do."

The three mages left the city hall, no one wanted to talk about what the future now had in store for them. Rogue made Greg promise that they would put off the search until their school terms were over, in return, she would leave the Lumis safely in her room and not talk about it for fear of the wrong people finding out what she had.

Greg agreed reluctantly, Chad did eagerly. They spent the remainder of the day talking about everything other than the prophecy until they finally departed. Rogue returned home to study the strange orb of light until night fell.

***

Sleep came easily for Rogue that night and her dreams appeared quickly. She stood in the same field again and the cloaked figure stood a few feet front of her.

The figure was facing Rogue but its hood covered its face so she could not see who it was this time. It stepped towards her and spoke in a deep tone, "Warn the others-" it started.

"We've done it," Rogue replied hoping to satisfy the cloaked man.

"Not yet," he replied with dramatic coolness. "They are still coming."

"Who is coming? What are you talking about?"

"Warn the others!" The cloaked man turned and a lit doorway appeared beside him.

"Wait! Don't go!" Rogue shouted. She jumped forward to grab the cloaked figure. He stepped into the door before she could reach him. Rogue fell through the doorway and into a pool of light.

Rogue landed on her bed and woke up instantly. She reached for the Lumis and stared at it for a while. The orb's glow began to dimmer and Rogue strained her eyes to focus. The orb flickered and Rogue dropped it in surprise. It flickered more vigorously as it rolled across the floor. Rogue knew the threat from the cloaked figure's warning was still yet to pass. The battle for Souvanence was far from over.

* * *