Chapter 3: Survivor

Cassandra had lost count of the rooms she had checked a long time ago as she slowly made her way down the corridor. Doors lined the passage as far as the Guardian could see in the half-light given off by the glowing orbs. Uttering a silent curse, she closed the door to yet another empty room and proceeded to the next one.

With her hand turning the doorknob, Cassandra suddenly felt someone grab her shoulder. The Guardian whirled, grabbing the person’s wrist and effectively twisting the attached arm behind their back. Only when she had both arms restrained and the person nearly doubled over at the waist did Cassandra realized that it was a young woman.

“Guardian,” the woman whispered, “I can take you to your friend. Yet I must ask that you let go of my arm. It’s going numb.”

Cassandra relaxed her hold slightly. “Who are you and where am I?”

The woman turned her head to look at Cassandra over her shoulder. Her thick ebony braid fell over the other shoulder, the end grazing the woman’s knees in her current position. A pale face framed by wisps of ebony hair free from the restraining braid met Cassandra’s suspicious one. The younger woman’s eyes were almost violet in color and seemed to glow in the half-light.

“You may call me Monea,” she said, her voice still a faint whisper. “You are underground near the ruins of the old palace. Your friend is a room not far down the hall. I will show you if you will release my arms.”

The younger woman waited breathlessly for the Guardian’s decision. Part of her was still awed that she was in the presence of one of the legendary Guardians of Cignus. If she remembered the old stories properly, this was one of the more powerful Guardians if not the leader herself. However, the situation the Guardian and her companion had placed themselves in was sufficient to sober the young woman.

Cassandra slowly relaxed her hold until the other woman’s hands were back at her sides. Releasing her completely, Cassandra stepped back and watched Monea gingerly work feeling back into her arms. With an annoyed glance at Cassandra, Monea tossed her braid back over her shoulder and smoothed the material of her tunic.

Monea’s charcoal long-sleeved tunic and black pants helped her blend in the shadows. Her boots much like Cassandra’s created no sound as she moved across the uneven stone floor. She carried no weapons or any object with her.

“Your friend is this way,” Monea whispered and she led the Guardian to a door about a dozen down from where she had encountered Cassandra.

Silently Monea turned the doorknob and gestured for the Guardian to enter first. Cassandra shook her head. With a soft sigh, Monea entered, the Guardian following at her heels and closing the door behind them.

The room was almost dark, the lone candle in the room slowly dying. Monea cupped her palms together and closed her eyes in concentration. Cassandra watched in wonder as a small ball of soft pink-orange light formed and slowly grew.

“Who are you?” Cassandra asked.

Monea opened her eyes and lowered her hands, the orb floating above one opened palm. She gave the Guardian an expressionless look, contemplating her answer. Shaking her head, she crossed the room to the bed pressed against the wall. Lifting the sphere of light higher, she revealed Ganymede.

Cassandra rushed to the bed and knelt beside it. Ganymede was asleep, his breathing shallow but even. His bare chest was visible, the white bandages that bound his ribs visible above the edge of the heavy blanket. Numerous cuts and bruises covered his face, shoulder, and chest.

“What happened?” Cassandra asked, glancing up at Monea.

“When he fell, some of the bigger chunks of debris landed on top of him. Since you fell after he did, you were spared for the most part.”

Monea moved closer to them. “Not of his injuries are very serious, but I have been giving him a sleeping draught to keep him quiet and peaceful. I’ve been doing my best to hide the two of you.”

“Why have you had to hide us? How did you?”

“Cignus has changed since the House of Light fell all those years ago. The House and its Guardians are a mere legend to many of the people here. I was shocked to find you, actually. I had doubts that the old tales were true. Which of the Guardians are you, if I may ask?”

Cassandra rose. “I am Cassandra, the Guardian of Hope, leader of the Guardians of Cignus.”

“And your companion?”

“His Highness Paul Rodan, Prince of Jupiter,” Cassandra replied.

“Jupiter?”

“It’s in the Sol system.”

Monea glanced at Paul and then at Cassandra. “Why are you here?”

“Who are we hiding from?”

Monea sighed. “After the fall of the House of Light, everything fell apart. Some of the followers of the Shadow Moon were not banished with the Empress. They took over. The Empress was able to return a few years later.

“Those who resisted the rule of the Shadow Moon and the few who actually managed to escape sought refuge where they could. Since the Shadow Moon despised any reminders of the House of Light, they have basically left this city alone, particularly the royal district. However, they do return occasionally to hunt for slaves, especially those who have any powers.”

Cassandra studied her. The girl couldn’t be older than twenty. “What about your powers?”

“I haven’t been found by the Shadow Moon yet,” Monea said quietly, “but they are people who search for the gifted and report them.”

“Bounty hunters.”

“Yes. My powers are a legacy of my grandmother. In fact, I’m named after her. Well, partly, anyway.”

Cassandra looked at her quizzically. “Who was she?”

Monea lifted her purple eyes and locked them with the Guardian’s emerald ones. “My real name is Harmonea Fayea Melion. My grandmother was Alcyon, the Guardian of Harmony.”

Cassandra openly gaped at the young woman. “Alcyon’s granddaughter,” she stammered. Gradually, she regained control. “You come by your talents honestly then, especially if your mother married into the Melion clan.”

Monea bowed. “Thank you.”

Cassandra looked at Ganymede. Monea followed the Guardian’s gaze and noticed the concern. “The draught will wear off soon. What would you like me to do? We will need to move. It’s dangerous to stay in one place for too long.”

Cassandra studied Ganymede and thought over their options. They needed to find the manual quickly so the search for the required herbs could begin. Lady Ilene’s condition had to be deteriorating again, but she had a responsibility to keep Ganymede safe as well.

“Don’t give him another dose,” she replied. “If he detransforms and then turn back into Ganymede, he should be all right.”

“Ganymede?” Monea asked. “I thought his name was Paul.”

“In this form, he is known as Ganymede and he has his own powers,” Cassandra replied. “Leda, his wife and the Princess of Jupiter, is the Child of Light. Therefore, he is under my protection.”

“The Child of Light! Then the Empress has been defeated?”

Cassandra stared at her in wonder. “The princess defeated Hecate over twenty years ago. Did you not know?”

“No, no one knows. The news would give the people of Cignus such hope. The Shadow Moon would not like for the people to have hope.”

“Have you considered fighting back?”

“People are too scared and too scattered to fight back. There are a few of us who do what we can. But there are not very many who dare to resist.”

“Where is your family?”

Monea sighed. “My grandparents were killed during the attack on the palace. The Shadow Moon killed my father a few years later for trying to prevent the capture of my mother and me. My mother died helping me escape when I was ten.”

“I’m sorry,” Cassandra said softly.

“I use to wonder why the Guardians or even the Child of Light never returned to help us.”

Cassandra closed her eyes to hide from Monea’s tears but the tremble in the young woman’s voice tore her heart. “We didn’t know that people survived the initial attack. I promise you, Monea, we didn’t know.”

Monea nodded as the Guardian placed a shaky hand on her shoulder. “I have some preparations to make,” the young woman stated, her voice steady once more. “I’ll guide you to the next safe place when you deem the prince can travel.”

“Thank you.”

Monea met the Guardian’s green eyes. “You’re welcome.”

She took Cassandra’s hand and turned it palm-side up. The Guardian watched in amazement as the ball of light now hovered over her hand. Monea smiled at Cassandra’s expression.

“As long as you don’t close your hand or move it too suddenly, it will continue to give off light. If it does go out, the candle will provide some light.”

Before Cassandra could thank her again, Monea left the room.


Survivors Cassandra had lost count of the rooms she had checked a long time ago as she slowly made her way down the corridor. Doors lined the passage as far as the Guardian could see in the half-light given off by the glowing orbs. Uttering a silent curse, she closed the door to yet another empty room and proceeded to the next one. With her hand turning the doorknob, Cassandra suddenly felt someone grab her shoulder. The Guardian whirled, grabbing the person’s wrist and effectively twisting the attached arm behind their back. Only when she had both arms restrained and the person nearly doubled over at the waist did Cassandra realized that it was a young woman. “Guardian,” the woman whispered, “I can take you to your friend. Yet I must ask that you let go of my arm. It’s going numb.” Cassandra relaxed her hold slightly. “Who are you and where am I?” The woman turned her head to look at Cassandra over her shoulder. Her thick ebony braid fell over the other shoulder, the end grazing the woman’s knees in her current position. A pale face framed by wisps of ebony hair free from the restraining braid met Cassandra’s suspicious one. The younger woman’s eyes were almost violet in color and seemed to glow in the half-light. “You may call me Monea,” she said, her voice still a faint whisper. “You are underground near the ruins of the old palace. Your friend is a room not far down the hall. I will show you if you will release my arms.” The younger woman waited breathlessly for the Guardian’s decision. Part of her was still awed that she was in the presence of one of the legendary Guardians of Cignus. If she remembered the old stories properly, this was one of the more powerful Guardians if not the leader herself. However, the situation the Guardian and her companion had placed themselves in was sufficient to sober the young woman. Cassandra slowly relaxed her hold until the other woman’s hands were back at her sides. Releasing her completely, Cassandra stepped back and watched Monea gingerly work feeling back into her arms. With an annoyed glance at Cassandra, Monea tossed her braid back over her shoulder and smoothed the material of her tunic. Monea’s charcoal long-sleeved tunic and black pants helped her blend in the shadows. Her boots much like Cassandra’s created no sound as she moved across the uneven stone floor. She carried no weapons or any object with her. “Your friend is this way,” Monea whispered and she led the Guardian to a door about a dozen down from where she had encountered Cassandra. Silently Monea turned the doorknob and gestured for the Guardian to enter first. Cassandra shook her head. With a soft sigh, Monea entered, the Guardian following at her heels and closing the door behind them. The room was almost dark, the lone candle in the room slowly dying. Monea cupped her palms together and closed her eyes in concentration. Cassandra watched in wonder as a small ball of soft pink-orange light formed and slowly grew. “Who are you?” Cassandra asked. Monea opened her eyes and lowered her hands, the orb floating above one opened palm. She gave the Guardian an expressionless look, contemplating her answer. Shaking her head, she crossed the room to the bed pressed against the wall. Lifting the sphere of light higher, she revealed Ganymede. Cassandra rushed to the bed and knelt beside it. Ganymede was asleep, his breathing shallow but even. His bare chest was visible, the white bandages that bound his ribs visible above the edge of the heavy blanket. Numerous cuts and bruises covered his face, shoulder, and chest. “What happened?” Cassandra asked, glancing up at Monea. “When he fell, some of the bigger chunks of debris landed on top of him. Since you fell after he did, you were spared for the most part.” Monea moved closer to them. “Not of his injuries are very serious, but I have been giving him a sleeping draught to keep him quiet and peaceful. I’ve been doing my best to hide the two of you.” “Why have you had to hide us? How did you?” “Cignus has changed since the House of Light fell all those years ago. The House and its Guardians are a mere legend to many of the people here. I was shocked to find you, actually. I had doubts that the old tales were true. Which of the Guardians are you, if I may ask?” Cassandra rose. “I am Cassandra, the Guardian of Hope, leader of the Guardians of Cignus.” “And your companion?” “His Highness Paul Rodan, Prince of Jupiter,” Cassandra replied. “Jupiter?” “It’s in the Sol system.” Monea glanced at Paul and then at Cassandra. “Why are you here?” “Who are we hiding from?” Monea sighed. “After the fall of the House of Light, everything fell apart. Some of the followers of the Shadow Moon were not banished with the Empress. They took over. The Empress was able to return a few years later. “Those who resisted the rule of the Shadow Moon and the few who actually managed to escape sought refuge where they could. Since the Shadow Moon despised any reminders of the House of Light, they have basically left this city alone, particularly the royal district. However, they do return occasionally to hunt for slaves, especially those who have any powers.” Cassandra studied her. The girl couldn’t be older than twenty. “What about your powers?” “I haven’t been found by the Shadow Moon yet,” Monea said quietly, “but they are people who search for the gifted and report them.” “Bounty hunters.” “Yes. My powers are a legacy of my grandmother. In fact, I’m named after her. Well, partly, anyway.” Cassandra looked at her quizzically. “Who was she?” Monea lifted her purple eyes and locked them with the Guardian’s emerald ones. “My real name is Harmonea Fayea Melion. My grandmother was Alcyon, the Guardian of Harmony.” Cassandra openly gaped at the young woman. “Alcyon’s granddaughter,” she stammered. Gradually, she regained control. “You come by your talents honestly then, especially if your mother married into the Melion clan.” Monea bowed. “Thank you.” Cassandra looked at Ganymede. Monea followed the Guardian’s gaze and noticed the concern. “The draught will wear off soon. What would you like me to do? We will need to move. It’s dangerous to stay in one place for too long.” Cassandra studied Ganymede and thought over their options. They needed to find the manual quickly so the search for the required herbs could begin. Lady Ilene’s condition had to be deteriorating again, but she had a responsibility to keep Ganymede safe as well. “Don’t give him another dose,” she replied. “If he detransforms and then turn back into Ganymede, he should be all right.” “Ganymede?” Monea asked. “I thought his name was Paul.” “In this form, he is known as Ganymede and he has his own powers,” Cassandra replied. “Leda, his wife and the Princess of Jupiter, is the Child of Light. Therefore, he is under my protection.” “The Child of Light! Then the Empress has been defeated?” Cassandra stared at her in wonder. “The princess defeated Hecate over twenty years ago. Did you not know?” “No, no one knows. The news would give the people of Cignus such hope. The Shadow Moon would not like for the people to have hope.” “Have you considered fighting back?” “People are too scared and too scattered to fight back. There are a few of us who do what we can. But there are not very many who dare to resist.” “Where is your family?” Monea sighed. “My grandparents were killed during the attack on the palace. The Shadow Moon killed my father a few years later for trying to prevent the capture of my mother and me. My mother died helping me escape when I was ten.” “I’m sorry,” Cassandra said softly. “I use to wonder why the Guardians or even the Child of Light never returned to help us.” Cassandra closed her eyes to hide from Monea’s tears but the tremble in the young woman’s voice tore her heart. “We didn’t know that people survived the initial attack. I promise you, Monea, we didn’t know.” Monea nodded as the Guardian placed a shaky hand on her shoulder. “I have some preparations to make,” the young woman stated, her voice steady once more. “I’ll guide you to the next safe place when you deem the prince can travel.” “Thank you.” Monea met the Guardian’s green eyes. “You’re welcome.” She took Cassandra’s hand and turned it palm-side up. The Guardian watched in amazement as the ball of light now hovered over her hand. Monea smiled at Cassandra’s expression. “As long as you don’t close your hand or move it too suddenly, it will continue to give off light. If it does go out, the candle will provide some light.” Before Cassandra could thank her again, Monea left the room.


Chapter 4: Secrets and Speculation Jupiter's Gone