The Shadow Guardian

By Moriah Kathryn

As war continues to rage throughout the realm an Aquila, is chosen and bestowed Magical powers in hopes to restore peace to all nations. When the powers mark young Farrah, danger begins to lurk in every dark corner. Farrah goes from living a life of luxury and safety, to run

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lit Genius Publishing
• Release date: Jul 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953515070

Book preview

PROLOGUE

It began with a small girl, hair white as snow, He told. Who had stumbled into the woods after being chased by her tormenter - the neighbor’s son.

Ever since she was a young, little girl the neighbor’s son had always been jealous. To the neighbor’s son, the little girl had everything he ever wished for, and seeing it within her hands were too much for the boy who could obtain nothing. He would tease her incessantly or chase the girl with dozens of hairy, crawling insects. She would immediately scream and run towards the tallest tree to escape. Knees scraped and her finest dress torn, she would sit trembling in fear atop the tall tree.

This time was no different as the young boy taunted her with another animal - a beady eyed snake. Heart pounding, the girl forced her shaking legs to keep running. Aching cheeks bitten raw from fear, throbbed in time with her frantic steps. Blood dripped in warm ribbons down her hands as she dug her nails into her sweaty palms. The forest whizzed past in a sickening blur as she ran. Leaves crackled underneath her feet as she dodged trees nearly running into one. At one point a branch collided with her face causing her to fall hard on her back but it didn’t keep her down for the fear of being caught was too great. Once again, she got on her feet and took off towards the top of a hill which was marked with sharp stones along the edge.

Rocks tumbled behind her as she ran to find a hiding spot where no one would find her. As tall grass whipped around her, the wind began to pick up and wild animals began to run for their lives.

Snakes slithered on the ground causing the young girl to scream in fright. She lost her footing on the uneven ground.

Gravity forced her to careen into the ground. Down and down, she tumbled until a sickening whack! struck her head as it landed on a sharp boulder. The gash trailed a sickening path down her forehead to the crown of her head. Purple blossomed beneath a cut cheek and drops of blood were wept as they pooled around her like a sickening pillow.

Slowly, the woods surrounding her battered body slipped away into darkness, an eerie silence in its wake. The shimmering full moon glistened down as eight magical creatures appeared through a glowing white light as every step taken left a dazzling footprint as they made their way to the girl’s side. The magical ensemble contained a snow-colored unicorn, five eagles, and two tigers with matching eyes. The unicorn pranced with confidence as it took the lead with its icy blue eyes and a thick tail that flowed down like a waterfall. Behind the unicorn, two tigers approached in perfect synchronization with thick paws and fierce growls. Their prominent stripes flowing in a matching direction as sharp teeth were on display during each roar. Five jet-black eagles flew above in circular fashion as large wings moved effortlessly. Each animal moved closer to the fading girl.

In unison, the creatures gazed upon the innocent and pure- hearted girl who lay slowly dying on the forest floor. Every time an Aquila was chosen a great war followed. The Shadow Hunters were always the enemy against the Aquila who was the protector of the land. Though the Aquila fought valiantly against the dark Shadow Hunters, each battle was met with the enemy victorious. An Aquila will be chosen to rise and defeat the Hunters once and for all. The past has continued to repeat itself for centuries: an Aquila chosen, a great war fought, and in the end an Aquila was slain.

Each time the Aquila fought for the survival of her people and though she wasn’t always victorious, she gave hope throughout the land to unite against the darkness lurking in the shadows. The last Aquila was told to have been wounded in battle but chose to fight until her last breath. Once the Aquila’s heart ceased to beat, the five birds gifted to the chosen girl, would rise up immediately and fly away to find the next girl worthy to pass them on to.

Without the gifts bestowed by the magical creatures, the Aquila would not rise and evil would stretch into the deepest parts of the land, killing all that is good. In order for the Aquila to rise, the child chosen must be pure of heart and possess a courageous spirit. When the chosen child is born - pure heart and courageous spirit - the night stars align around the child. And the magical creatures wait. They wait until the time is right to be summoned and the transformation of the Aquila to begin. If the stars do not align then the animals are not permitted to bestow their gifts upon the child.

If the powers of the Aquila were stolen before her last breath the stars would never again line up unless the power ceased was released back into the earth. You see this is why the Shadow Hunter’s wanted to seize control over the Aquila, because if they could take her powers away the Aquila would cease to exist, and the people would be without their greatest weapon.

This is why the Aquila must be protected at all cost because once the Aquila dies her powers are supposed to soar back to the stars like a surge of lightning to be gifted to the next girl who had a pure heart. The unicorn approached and touched her horn against the child’s head. Moonlit pale skin blossomed into hues of warm sand, and her snow hair to shimmer fiery red. The five large, feathered birds took to the sky and plucked iridescent stars in their beaks; each shimmering a unique color.

Swiftly, they all dove and one by one settled into the skin of the girl’s neck. A new home was found as they shone brightly in cold blue, burning red, bold white, shimmering galaxy, and finally a dark black. Water, fire, weather, telekinesis, and death. The dull, matte black represented her final darkened power: the ability to kill with nothing but her mind. But this star was the tiniest of all. The creatures hoped the small girl would never have to use this dark, black star.

The tigers stood before the small girl; the final gifts ready to be bestowed. In unison, they bowed and crouched before the girl. Eyes luminous, they shimmered slowly in transformation as they became one glimmering orb of light.

Washing over every inch of the girl’s delicate skin, her grey sallow skin warmed and her shredded wounds slowly knitted back together. One by one they were sewn back together and what was once ribbons of wounds turned into smooth porcelain. The light shined so bright it blinded and flashed once again before pitch darkness descended once more.

The light was gone.

Her chest rose and fell as the light filled every inch of her body; once again alive and strong. It wasn’t long before the girl shot up and opened grey eyes, filled with new powers and strength. As she looked around, new powers soared through her veins as they thrummed within her skin.

She rose for the first time as the new Aquila.

Her toes curled into the soft grass, a heavy sigh leaving her lips. Lightning filled her eyes - every blink, a new sizzling strike. The flashes surged through her body, her fists tightening as every muscle held tense to contain the force of energy moving within her. Her body began to vibrate with an electrical buzz as it coursed through her. It traveled from her head all the way to her hand.

As the buzzing feeling soared down a blue pulsing light surged through her veins to the tip of her fingers. Each finger throbbed as the source began to form at the palm of her hand. The Aquila felt something fighting to escape her hand as every finger began to unfold, revealing a small cloud of steam pouring from the cracks of her palm. Rain and lightning soon followed in her hand, yet no pain emerged...

As quickly as the cloud formed, it faded back into her skin as she gazed around with a wide grin spread across her face.

The Aquila had risen from the ash like a phoenix.

.…

CHAPTER ONE

Take Control

Inside a large stone castle in Germany, with a pebbled pathway and vines creeping up the walls, lived two sisters with extraordinary gifts. The eldest - Hayln. The youngest - Farrah.

The youngest of the two, Farrah, was bestowed with the symbol of the Aquila - a bald eagle. The symbol - five black eagles spiraling upward in flight from back to neck - representing each of her powers. Each was formed in a particular order: fire, weather, telekinesis, water, and a power that hadn’t manifested. These represented the order of powers gifted to you ng Farrah.

Though noticeably young, her powers overcame most objects thrown her way - both physically and emotionally - and abilities that shocked everyone who witnessed them, including her stunned parents. Even in infancy, when Farrah was but a small baby, her parents would rush to calm her cries, frantic in preventing a swift burning flame or unforgiving snow to kiss upon her soft cheeks. Too often their mother, would brush her delicate fingers upon Farrah’s reddened cheeks stained with moisture. The Mother would smile down at Farrah, her beautiful daughter, and soon quiet, soothing whispers would spill from her lips.

Birds floated upon the breeze as they twisted into a song.

Gently, the mother rocked Farrah’s fragile body against her chest.

On and on the melody continued with added accompaniments of wind howling down the narrow castle walls, and high staccatos of aging wood creaking. Together, both castle and master, wove a tune as old as the foundation itself, since the late 17th century when passed down from son to daughter, daughter to son.

Laughter, joy, and contentment were etched upon these old castle stones. A standing sigil of a happy family.

Every night this small - but happy - family would gather around the dark oak table as the mother’s cooking filled the bustling dining hall with smells of delicious food. Bellies full, Farrah and Hayln would be swept up into their father’s strong arms, and each placed on his hips. They would giggle and stumble into Farrah and Hayln’s shared bedroom. Placed on either side of him, he painted the tale of the Aquila with a rumbling tenor as the story would come to life as he read.

This is how Farrah gained her powers, He would say to each of them as the tale tumbled from his lips.

Though some believed it was just a tale, the night Farrah was born the house went silent.

Neither a creak nor a howl was heard, as Farrah lay in her wooden crib, when the stars began to dance above her. They swirled and shimmered, as the tiny stars entertained the beautiful baby. Five larger stars appeared and joined the dance around her crib.

With a swift breeze, five eagles joined the dancing stars. They rested around her crib and looked down at Farrah. Within each of their eyes a special image swirled: fire, water, rocks floating in the air, tornado, and finally a jet-black eye that gave shivering chills to those who gazed upon it. Their beady eyes caused Farrah to cry out in fright.

Her parents rushed into her nursery and gasped at the sight before them.

Farrah’s mother screamed as her father desperately latched on to a lamp and swung wildly. One of the eagles spread their mighty wings creating a shimmering, sparkling shield surrounding the crib. Again, and again, her father bashed and swung with all his strength upon this shield. Nothing changed. Neither a dent nor a crack appeared. After tense moments, the mother rested a hesitant touch upon her husband’s sweating forearm. He stilled at her touch. I don’t think they want to hurt her, She said calmly as she gazed upon the creatures.

Before the father could protest, the birds flew to the ceiling retrieving their stars, and found their home on Farrah’s delicate skin.

These stars were the source of Farrah’s power. More specifically these powers lay in a child born worthy of becoming the Aquila. The moment the eagles collided with her neck - carrying their stars tightly in their beaks - a powerful force pushed through the castle.

The parents were knocked off their feet and glass shattered over the room’s colorful rug. Slowly, they rose to their feet and searched the room for the creatures. Blood dripped from small cuts, but they were fine. Nothing was there. Everything was silent, including baby Farrah who lay still as she stared at the ceiling. The only changes that occurred were the glowing five black eagles flying up baby Farrah’s neck.

The mother overcome with worry swiftly scooped her baby to her chest as she stared at her husband silently. They spoke not a word, but their shared gazes were like silent screams.

Ever since that shocking day the tale of the Aquila rang true within the castle and the legacy continued within the body of the fire-headed girl with glowing emerald eyes. As this tale continued to leave the lips of the land, there was one curly haired girl who would always sit at the edge of the fluffy bed listening attentively, and that was Farrah’s older sister Hayln. Hayln was always stuck to her sister’s hip, leading her down the pebbled pathways and helping her catch the slimy frogs from the riverbank. Through every big moment Hayln was always close by ready to help or comfort her sister no matter what the circumstance was. Though Farrah was special and continually guarded due to her powers, Hayln did not go without her own abilities.

Meanwhile, Farrah’s elder sister, Hayln, was gifted with a gentle ability. Though not as powerful as her younger sister, Hayln’s gift was extremely useful for completing tasks like collecting firewood or staying warm in the wintertime.

Ever since the soft-hearted Hayln opened her hazel-stained eyes, all creatures were attracted to her gentle spirit. It was as if a light glowed from her every movement, a light that made every animal desire to be near her. Although we know the tale of the Aquila, no one in the land knew how Hayln became the Chava. which is what the people called, mother over all living creatures. Far and wide all animals came to visit the curly haired girl, as Hayln seemed to know all their languages. From alligators to mice, elephants to chipmunks, birds to rabbits, all the animals sought friendship from this kind soul. Hayln knew how to ask different animals to assist with daily tasks around the castle. It always helped fill the empty halls with friends and new sounds that echoed throughout every room. The animals calmed instantly as she spoke to them; each word understood.

Though many dreamt of possessing powers, many don’t see the darkness that follows, and the burden of being gifted.

As eldest, Hayln was expected to guide and protect Farrah. This also meant she was expected to contain her powers. Hayln grew up watching her parents panic over every tear or scratch Farrah produced. She didn’t want to cause any more sleepless nights or cries that rang throughout the hallway from her mother. Instead, she hid her powers to the best of her ability.

Hayln tried to contain her powers but whenever she was lonely, she would summon the animals into her room. By name she would call them and slowly one by one they crawled into the warmth of her white furry duvet. The soft, red fox nuzzled its ticklish whiskers against Hayln’s cheek causing a bubbly laughter to erupt.

Hayln’s tiny fingers were hidden under the layers of soft fur, as the animals gathered close to her to hear her sing the song her mother always sang. When Hayln filled with joy the animals reciprocated. Every emotion Hayln felt, the same energy flowed throughout the animals.

When Hayln was a toddler her parents walked into her large princess like bedroom and screeched in fright as deer, wolves, and even foxes snuggled near the small girl. Hayln had jumped in fright and instantly the animals bared their teeth in defense. Claws came out and growls engulfed the room as they formed a wall around Hayln. Her mother burst into tears as her father withdrew a sharp dagger from the leather sling tied tightly around his waist.

Hayln! Call off the animals and send them away, her father begged. He placed his knife down on the dark oak side table that rested across from Hayln’s king sized bed that engulfed her small frame. Fabric draped down from the ceiling unto either sides of the bed which created a nice hideaway for the child. The animals created a circle around the wooden bedframe and the birds found a place on her dark oak desk, and her shiny mirror that rested by the large window. He gave Hayln a gentle smile instantly removing the fear stirring inside of Hayln.

You can go, I’ll be alright, Hayln reassured the animals as she kissed the wolf’s head. A loud howl from the wolf, triggered the animals to scurry out of her room in a hurry. The father rushed to his little girl and held Halyn close.

You must never do that again Hayln, he said firmly. You have to protect yourself and your sister by keeping this hidden. The Hunters already seek your sister. We can’t have them looking for you too.

He kissed her head and tucked her into bed.

After that night, Hayln never showed her parents her powers. Instead, she snuck off just as the sun began to rise with Farrah down by the stream to practice their powers. They sat in the long grass with toes dangling in the cool water. They would giggle as Farrah formed bubbles of water into dancing animals as the once formless water turned to horses running and birds soaring. Hayln would call out animals and Farrah would close her eyes as she focused on forming the water to look like that creature. Each time Hayln would clap proudly as she watched her sister’s gift create something so dazzling. In that moment there was no fear or racing hearts, just complete joy from the tip of their toes all the way to the last hair on their heads.

Together they would hide in the castle’s closets or down by the stream as they used their gifts to make each other laugh with uncontrollable joy. This was the life the girls were doomed to: hiding their powers so as not to scare their parents or the townspeople.

They felt trapped hiding the beauty of their gifts.

The castle used to be filled with lighthearted laughter and carefree adventures, but as the girls powers grew so did the accidents.

It was an afternoon, when Farrah and Hayln walked hand in hand with their mother as they entered the bustling town. The sister’s eyes filled with wonder as they watched people rush to and fro; children laughing as a ball was tossed around. Bakers hollered as they attempted to sell their fresh baked bread. The smell of warmth and fresh baked pastries filled every sense. Fish flew through the air as the fisherman sold their recent catch. Both girls squeezed their noses closed as the smelly fish which made them both giggle.

Their mother led them into a bakery, pastries cooling white shelves in beautiful wooden baskets. Farrah and Hayln wandered around the shop as their mother paid for the warm biscuits, and delectable pastries. Their little hands pinched off a piece of the warm bread as they grinned at each other. Suddenly, the owner yelled at the girls for taking a piece of bread without paying for it. Farrah trembled at the man’s harsh tone. Fear filled the small girl. Her arms began turning black like ash and red like lava as the heat traveled through her and blazed out through her fingertips.

Farrah, calm down, please, her mother pleaded as she rushed to her, kneeling by her side. The man screamed for his life as fire consumed the pastries around them.

Hayln placed her hands-on Farrah’s shoulders and whispered into her ear. The fire instantly receded. Their mother immediately scooped Farrah up and dragged Hayln away as they ran back to the safety of their castle.

Once inside of the grey stoned castle their mother sat them both down. You have to control your powers Farrah, or you could seriously hurt someone!

Although the memory of the fire in the bakery remained vivid, Farrah’s powers continued to grow into outbursts. On a warm summer’s day, the girls were playing in the yard