The sunrise illuminated the huge and silent Melli's office. The divine figure was facing the window, watching the sun rise among mountains, reflecting the brightness in his brown eyes full of wisdom. When he heard steps announcing the arrival of someone, he did not move.
"It seems that the twins will meet again, as you predicted."
A smile appeared on Melli's lips, who nodded his head before turning and facing Norril. The guardian crossed her arms, watching his silent steps approaching the messy table.
"What about his training?"
"Looks like he made it past the first floor."
"Fascinating" Melli smiled mysteriously, drumming his fingers on the table as his eyes read an open letter "Finally we have some clue about the Time Keeper, and we still win the information that the twin blessed by the Universe was chosen by the Guardian. I must say that it is indeed a blessing."
Norril narrowed her eyes slightly, approaching the cluttered table to glimpse the letter as well. While reading, she did not seem surprised by the content.
"As I thought, they didn't tell any Arkalis about the success of the mission." Norril sighed low and arranged a lock of hair behind the ear "Gaspar sent you this letter asking if there is news, do you intend to answer it?"
"Not at all. It would mean admitting that I am allowing the boy to hide in my academy, which would throw me into the center of this fight so boring."
Melli took a deep breath and stared at the bookshelves, as if she was looking for some specific thought. Being the dean of the Academy of Othea, staying neutral in your colleagues' discussions was the best strategy for your business.
"Since we are... assisting behind the curtains, I believe that this mission of Yvaine will be of some help."
Frowning, Norril changed the weight on her legs, and tilted her head in doubt.
"How so? An ascension ceremony is a place full of gods, I believe some of the superiors will send their emissaries under their names. Isn't a good time for the boy to show up."
"But it would be best to meet with those two commanders of Yengold." Melli walked through the office, going to a specific shelf where he took out a file from a drawer "Those two have been arrested several times, especially the youngest."
Norril's eyes widened subtly when she caught the dean's intentions. A thin smile opened on her lips, as if a whole map of ideas and strategies were assembled quickly.
"I understand. Indeed, those two would be of immense help to the Arkalis. Should I elucidate them from such a proposal?"
"No" Melli continued reading the file, then looked at the snake resting around his neck "If Cale Arkalis is really loved by the Universe, then he will find a way to meet those two."
▰▰▰
After dawn, it was already possible to see several demigods returning to the Training Tower. Before they were caught, Aries tried to hide Cale in his cape and take him to the outer area. Yvaine then led them through the corridors to an old abandoned warehouse where they could hide.
Aries had sneaked into the kitchen to steal something to eat. It wasn't long before the three of them were sitting on the floor, eating soft and fragrant bread. They could only hear the sounds of the demigods starting to walk through the halls of Othea's Academy.
"What did the guardian want with you?" asked Aries suddenly.
Cale looked up at the two, noticing that Yvaine hesitated to eat her bread. Would something have happened while he was training?
"I received a mission" Yvaine said calmly, releasing a weary sigh "It seems that Jandiana wants my help to keep her ascension ceremony safe."
"You are already a goddess, why would you do such a simple job as bodyguard of another goddess?"
"No wonder they ask for my help to find out if their glorious day will be depraved by trouble. Prophecies are always welcome."
"And is there any problem with that?" Cale asked curious "I mean to accept this mission? You are strong, can do the job."
"Well... I may be a goddess, but now I'm your Theiodesmos. I can't just abandon my master and go on a mission."
Ah, it was true... now Yvaine answered his commands, even though she is already a consecrated goddess. A bitter taste came in his mouth just from imagining how pathetic was her situation... reduced to a simple subordinate.
Well, Krynt's indignation made sense that day.
"You can go and leave the boy with me" Aries commented full mouth, not seeming concerned about the problem "He may have failed on the first floor, but still need to master this weakness of his. I need to set up some exercises for this."
Yvaine bit her lip and stared at her master, who ate the bread without much interest in the subject. She pondered for a moment whether she should be sincere or not. Finally, Yvaine sighed hard giving up, after all, he needed to know.
"Actually, who asked for my help was Alinys."
The purple eyes rose immediately.
"My sister? will she be there?"
"By all accounts, yes. She will be assisting Jandiana in the ceremony." Yvaine looked at both. "I told Norril that my answer will depend on you."
Aries looked at Cale, who seemed petrified in place. The fingers scratched by the training held firmly the piece of bread. He suddenly found himself anxious at the idea of meeting his twin sister.
"If it's an ascension ceremony, then that means the gods will be there..."
"That's right, my lord. It would be extremely dangerous if you came across one of the superiors."
But his heart was already beating fast at the idea of seeing his sister. Cale opened a slight smile as he imagined. The two subordinates exchanged glances full of meaning.
"I well would like to see her again..."
"What if you expose yourself to the gods? Do you want to be thrown at Nuria again?" Aries shouted, making Cale tremble next to him "This is suicide!"
"In addition, there are rumors that Guyel has been circulating the city where the ascension ceremony will be held. We do not know whether he intends to attack or not, but I doubt that he has been invited."
"And when will I have the opportunity to see my family again?" Cale asked looking at them "I'll have to hide here forever?"
Aries sighed, receding in intensity.
"I understand what you're feeling, kid. But you need to be prepared. If we go now, we take unnecessary risks."
"I said I will" Cale repeated incisively "The three of us will. Yvaine will fulfill her mission, and Aries will be responsible for my guard."
They knew that Cale was being stubborn, but he was still a master and they had to follow orders.
Before they left the old depot, Cale stood up first. He beat the dust off his cape with a slap and threw a brief glance at Aries.
"Hope you're ready for another suicide mission, little dragon."
Aries answered with a half smile, but the eyes took a second longer than they should on Cale's lips.
"Only if you promise not to die in the middle of the way. I'm tired of running after you in different hells."
Cale raised his eyebrow, clearly surprised by the tone.
"Oh... that almost sounded like a confession."
Aries bugged, turning his eyes, but did not deny.
Cale took a step closer, enough for the heat between them to become something palpable. After a moment, it seemed that he was going to say something provocative... but only raised the corner of his lips, restrained.
"Take good care of me, then. Since you're so good at it."
Aries remained where he was. Rigid, eyes fixed on Cale. But did not say anything, although it seems to say everything.
▰▰▰
A huge temple was decorated for an important celebration. Flowers adorned the immense columns, white and golden fabrics brought the brightness of a glory that only tended to increase. On the red carpet, a woman wearing heavy armor walked with determined and intense steps, with a victorious smile on her face.
The woman went inside the temple, crossing the doors and heading for the deepest part: a chamber full of important documents and a map hanging on the wall. In front of the map, another woman was analyzing it.
"Arrived early, Jandiana" commented the woman who read the map, without turning.
The goddess left her helmet on the table full of maps and dummies simulating a strategy. She sighed and took off the heavy gloves to wipe the sweat that accumulated on her forehead.
"And you're still staring at this map. Do you still expect to see any pattern in Guyel's attacks?"
"In a way" she murmured before turning to the goddess "How was the border?"
"Clean. Well, at least it's clean now. Those little monsters are no match for my squads."
Jandiana outside behind a screen, in the corner of the chamber. The metallic sound of the armor being removed echoed through the room, and in a few minutes, the warrior had transformed into an elegant goddess. The hair of fire cascaded down on her back. Jandiana went back to the side of the other woman, and leaned against the table also going to face the map on the wall.
"This little coward dragon seems to be testing my defense to find the best entry point. What point do you think is most likely to be chosen by this led dragon?"
The other woman looked at Jandiana from a corner, finding it interesting how she despised the son of the god of chaos with such naturalness. The purple eyes turned to the map, and the long finger pointed north.
"The back entrance."
"Hm... interesting. And why?"
"Because that's where I'll be."
Jandiana opened a smile satisfied by the answer, and took a pin from the table to place it at the north gate of his strategy map.
"Very well, dear. In that case, our dear Yvaine can stand freely when she arrives. I believe that your stars should gossip a good point that needs protection."
A shiver passed through the spine of the other woman, who picked up her pointer from the map.
"She... answered if it will come?"
"A messenger has arrived just this afternoon. As you indicate, she is in the Academy of Othea along with that guardian. The two will come."
"In this case it's a good answer. Aries is excellent at battles."
Jandiana crossed her arms and smiled satisfied. Over her shoulder, she stared at the medium egg resting between warm cloths.
"It looks like we're having a big party this summer."