Kael awoke the next morning with aching limbs from yesterday's workout. The sparring with Lira had been inordinately heavy, but likewise, it had filled him with pride and will. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but now he was prepared to face whatever might turn up ahead.
Aria greeted him with a warm smile when he entered the dining hall. "Good morning, Kael. Ready for another day of training?"
Kael nodded, swallowing a mouthful of porridge. "More than ready. What's on the docket today?"
"Today, we will look into the history of the Crimson Guard and the truth of the amulet," Aria replied. "Master Elion has organized a visit to the archives for you. It is very imperative for you to know what tradition you're coming from, sonny."
Breakfast done, Aria led him toward a rather shut-away wing of the sanctuary itself: the archives. It was a large room, lined in row upon row of old books, scrolls, and other various artifacts. He could smell the scent of aged parchment and ink hanging heavy in the air.
Master Elion waited for them. "Kael, welcome to the archives of our history and the knowledge that has been compiled through the centuries."
Kael turned back, astounded. "Unbelievable. I didn't think there was so much history here."
Elion smiled. "The Crimson Guard has protected Aeloria from all threats, whether from within or from without, since time immemorial. This amulet around your neck is an important part of our history, and today you shall be told of its beginning and of the guardians who have gone before you."
They spent the morning poring over ancient texts and scrolls. Most of what Elion explained was how the Crimson Amulet had been crafted by the First Guardians—a league of powerful mages who bound their magics into the gem to protect Aeloria from dark forces. Over the years, the amulet had been passed from generation to generation, each bearer chosen for their courage and strength.
He listened with a wide ear, collating detail after detail into a sum nightmare. It told of the great battles the Crimson Guard had fought, of members who had died in the process, their many victories that had shaped the course of Aeloria's history. He felt that the more he learned, the more he realized the weight of the responsibility he now carried.
Throughout the day, Elion led Kael into another section within the archives that was specifically dedicated to the amulet. Both found deep accounts of the powers it held and the challenges it brought to those who had set down in its history. Kael read on anxiously, waiting to divulge how it was that he would be able to use all that was within it.
He had realized one of the scrolls, in specific, to release the latent abilities of the amulet, but warned about the danger that the ritual posed. Immense concentration and control were called for, lest the effect prove dire.
"Is that something I need to learn?" Kael inquired, his voice laced with trepidation.
Elion nodded. "Yes, but not now. You first have to learn all the basics before trying something as advanced as this. The power of that amulet is broad, and you must be fully ready before you operate to this potential."
Kael spent the afternoon poring through scrolls with Elion and Aria, discussing the contents up until the end of the day. By then, his mind was already abuzz with fresh pieces of information and feeling both excited and troubled with the adventure ahead.
As they strode out of the archives, Aria turned back to Kael with a sombre expression. "There is one more thing you need to know. The Shadow Guild has been growing much bolder in their attacks. They have been searching for the amulet for years, and now that it is in your possession, there will be no stopping them in their way for it."
Kael felt a chill run up his spine. "Do we know why they want it?"
Aria nodded. "The Shadow Guild believes that the amulet can grant them unlimited power. If they were to obtain it, they could plunge Aeloria into darkness. That's why it's important for you to learn how to defend it and how to use its power for the defense of our land."
Resolve flooded Kael's body. "I won't let that happen. I'll do whatever it takes for Aeloria to be safe."
Aria smiled and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "I know you will, Kael. And remember: you are not alone. The Crimson Guard stands with you."
It had been a long night for Kael, lying there in bed with a thousand thoughts flashing through. The history of the Crimson Guard, the power of the amulet, the threat ascribed to the Shadow Guild still hovered at the back of his mind. But so did the sense of duty and determination.
He wasn't a mere thief any longer but a guardian of his home. The many trials ahead would be grim, but Kael could surmount them all. With the Crimson Guard by his side and the power of the amulet within him, he would step up to the task and fight to protect Aeloria from the darkness.