One More Step

Considering all the possible and impossible situations they spoke almost the whole night. When the early sun came up Kyra was already in the field to water the plants and then just opened her arms to enjoy the first sunlight.

The four people looked at her from their hiding and used that to recharge their powers as well. People from Eluron had been born with a certain amount of inner power that they could use as their protection. Sometimes even children with stronger powers were born and they would be then chosen to become Elders and work on the protection of their country.

Kyra's golden eyes glistened in the sunlight. The night before, they explained to her how the power worked and she understood it right away. Actually, children from Eluron been sent to the forests is to appreciate nature and use what is there to survive.

But the difference is that on Eluron everywhere was an abundance of fruits and vegetables, even in forests. So living in the forest is like living in mid of their own garden. All they had to do is use what is there to live alone for three years.

Of course, such a big continent had dangerous animals, so the children were given the guards to help them only in mortal danger. But if they can hunt and kill alone and take care of everything they would be given special treats from the Elders. And they would be given later right to become Guards themselves.

Not anyone could become a guard. Just those that could feel completely their power and had no ill intentions erased from their mind, but were realistic enough to know the way the world is.

Kyra smiled. Eluron people were powerful, haughty and aloof. But they as well knew lies, deception and murder. Just that in the case someone finds out about such a thing happening, the laws of the country are viciously eradicating the whole bloodline. Why?

There is an old saying in that country that bad things could be inherited. So after they eradicated all those that had such thoughts the country started producing peaceful people that lived in comfort together with nature.

But the strange thing is the Kazis family. Her eyes turned blue for a second as she had suddenly omen like the picture in front of her eyes. Dying people in a huge fire and she stood there and watched coldly. Does she have destructive powers? What is actually going on?

''Elder Kai, could you please explain to me why do I have such strong premonition?'' As soon she came back she explained what she saw and they stared at her in awe.

''That means you are really our real protective power. Usually, there are many different kinds of people in our country. We do have King but there are other powers that even the King is not messing with. The Protectors. Actually we have many different kinds of Protectors.'' He sat down more comfortable on the chair and sipped on fruit tea she gave him while nibbling on little butter cookies.

She sat down there and with anticipation stared at him. When he saw her expression his eyes softened. Luckily they met this child. Even if most children on Eluron are born with power but they love to live leisurely. Just like now, but some children are predestined to become Protectors. This child as well.

''There are ten levels of Protectors: Apprentices, Senior Apretinces, Basic guards, Guards of Nature, Guards of people, Guards of King, Apprentice Protector, Senior Apprentice Protector, Protector and Eluron Protectors. I am a Senior Apprentice Protector and I have not enough power to go higher. For higher stages there is some sort of power that needed to be used and only who has that power will be given right to go to the main Temple. Their the Protectors are protecting the real head and Protector of Eluron. At this time our Eluron Protector is already very old. His power is waning and we feared that some people might get strange ideas. But it seems there are few children that might have the power to do so. You are one of them. Seeing you having stronger power than other children you might even become a Protector. I am glad that you are born. Not many real Protectors are born in the last few thousands of years. Luckily Protectors live a very long time.'' He spoke so much that his mouth became dry.

''Really? How long? Hundred, dow hundred years?'' She was just a normal human and had, of course, that aversion of dying young. And after all, she died once, she wanted to live long this time so she was interested. She started ta him with the shiny eyes and expectant expression that he had to laugh.

''What do you think how old am I and how old is your guard?'' He wanted to tease her a little.

Kyra peeked at her guard that stuffed the cookies with delight into his mouth and smiled. ''My guards seem to be quite young. Uhm, 20? And elder is maybe somewhat 50?''

Her guard was actually good looking young man with black hair and green eyes. His stature was quite attractive as well. Under his shirt, she could see bulging muscles and slight bronze skin. Completely her type, but he as so young, how did he even become a guard? Maybe he has a lot of power?

He was about to flinch one more cookie into his mouth but stopped in his movements. His green eyes shone in delight and he smiled at is with a perfect row of white teeth. ''Thank you for your compliment. I am actually over 300 years old. The cookies are amazing. Thank you for giving them to me. Our Eluron has so many things, but good recipes are rare. My family name is Theo and my given name is as you know Ao. We have a long tradition of being guards. My grandfather is actually a Protector. Unfortunately, after you start the Way of Protection, there is a slight change in your blood. It's hard to conceive or give birth to child. So we do not have many children. My mother is a commoner with slight powers and had me and my twin brother. That was such a big thing at that time so all Guards know now that to be able to give children the best way is to marry an as simple woman as you can. That brought actually huge changes in our structures.''

She was actually interested in both stories so she waited that any of these two start explaining their stories. Too bad, she had no ch.i.p.s. Her eyes shone as the smile became brighter. ''I will go make us some snacks. Could you hold your story for a bit please?''

They stared at her in astonishment. Arent cookies the snacks? What kind of idea does the child have?

As she rushed and got some potatoes and started cleaning the stared at her swift actions. Wash, peel, cut in thin slices fry in deep oil, salt... Actually she put up the oil even before she started peeling the potatoes. So the ch.i.p.s were fried quickly let to drip out some excess of oil and salt.

She came back with big bowl of potato ch.i.p.s and sat down. After sitting down and taking a few ch.i.p.s in her hands she took a few ch.i.p.s and ate them in front of their big eyes. Then turned her head towards them. ''Can you please continue...''