Semylyn sat on the side of the gurney and waited patiently as the Med Lab attendant removed the last of the monitors attached to her arm. Her head still ached somewhat, but in general, she felt almost normal, her strength and mind clarity seemingly unaffected by the events of the last three days. 

A rustling sound from the corner of the room drew her attention to Jag who shifted in his seat while at the same time staring daggers at her.

This is where it begins, she thought. Duty, responsibility, and commitment merged to strengthen her uncertainty and mushy emotions. Somehow, she would affect an amicable relationship with him, one that would allow her to utilize his abilities for the good of Sitnalta. 

As to a more personal relationship, judging by his cold eyes, he was even less accepting of his position than she was. His continual glare spoke of fiery anger and resentment. She'd never before felt the need to protect herself from such emotions. At least, as the pending High Guardian, she'd have the authority necessary to temper his reactions.

Her father, who'd been standing by her side since she'd awakened, took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Can they be moved from the lab safely at this time?" He asked the lab attendant.

"Yes, Guardian. We would recommend a couple more days of curtailed activity, but they are both showing normal bio-functions and should experience no further problems.

"Good." Omree sighed. Turning toward Jag, he continued. "We have prepared your quarters, Guardian. We have also secured the area to ensure your privacy. Semylyn will begin your orientation training tomorrow. Please be assured that you are in no danger and that all your questions will be answered as quickly as possible."

Semylyn watched the fire in Jag's eyes grow brighter. His lack of response to her father's words rattled her nerves even more.

"Semylyn," her father's attention again focused on her face. "There has been a development that you need to be aware of." He cleared his throat and began again. "The Warder has changed the Guardian succession. The proof is inextricably apparent as to the Warder's choice."

"What are you saying? There has never been a deviation of succession in Sitnalta." Semylyn shook her head in denial.

"During the bonding, the Bracelets of Jatar became one in substance with all four of you. However, Jag's bracelet now carries an insignia that was not there before the bonding. The symbol of the High Guardian is evident, and the Warder has confirmed this appointment."

She gasped, realizing a shiver of panic. Her head jerked around to stare at the person who now held considerable control over her as High Guardian and bonded mate. She didn't want to face him but was unable to turn away. Under his steady scrutiny, she couldn't think. She gulped hard while stinging tears slipped down her cheeks. With a moan of distress, she closed her eyes, shutting out the person responsible for her fear and bitterness.

Nothing in her life, in Sitnalta, in the majesty and hope of Atlantis could ever be the same again. She'd lost her city, her heritage, and her dearest love because of a Sun-Dweller who was not equal to any of them. Feelings of betrayal and abandonment tore at her with the frenzy of an attacking shark.

She looked toward Jag and as soon as her eyes met his, he took control. He walked straight to her and grasped her left arm and aligned their two bracelets. The familiar stinging energy locked her down like a compelling magnet. 

"I know you can understand me inside that head of yours," irritation coated every word. "I don't need a drama queen on my hands right now so get a grip on yourself. Whatever you think you've lost doesn't compare to what you took from me or forced me to take from you. 

I don't know how I know, but I'm very sure that at this moment I have the ability to destroy this place and us with it. So don't go off the deep end on me because like it or not,  somehow, you're the only thing that's keeping me from doing that right now!

What you people know, or think you know isn't complete. The Triple Rising can't be accomplished until you destroy the Defalcator."

Jag broke the connection between the bracelets and pushed her away from him. 

Guardian. Who are you referring to as the Defalcator? The Warder's voice entered his thoughts. 

Jag visibly smirked. "I knew that would get your attention. So the all-knowing Warder of Sitnalta doesn't know everything after all...

In what sense do you speak of a Defalcator? No such designation appears in Sitnalta's archives.

"Exactly what I'm talking about, Ward. Don't ask me how I know because I can't give you an answer, but you better start using that supercomputer brain of yours and check every fact you process because I can sense another presence in Sitnalta and it's not friendly."

The End of Chronicle One - The Guardian

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Chronicle Two - The Gathering is up next! - Continue on...........

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