The Guardians: Book One of the Restoration Series by Christopher Williams Page A

answer, the king continued, “How soon do you want to start preparing for the tests?”
    Flare did not even hesitate in giving his answer, “As soon as possible, Sir. How soon can I start?” A feeling of elation replacing the earlier melancholy.
    “I know just the person. His name is Sergeant Wellmann, and he is one of our finest soldiers. I will contact him tomorrow.” The king paused a moment, smiling, “Now, unless you have some more surprises for me, I really must go now. It has been an interesting evening, Flare. I hope that you succeed in your endeavors.” The king rose to his feet, and walked around the desk, “I will send in the ambassador, I think you need to talk to him. When he leaves, I will instruct Nathaniel to find you lodging for the night.” He smiled at Flare, “Tomorrow, you will have an escort until Sergeant Wellmann is ready.” He stood looking into Flare’s eyes, as if searching for something. Finally, he spoke again, “Well, if there is nothing else, I must leave.”
    “Your highness, I will do my best in your service.” Flare said, a small knot forming in his throat.
    The king grinned at Flare, “I hope you make it.” The king turned and walked through the door.
    Henotairin came back into the room. He looked expectantly at Flare, waiting for him to speak. Flare was slow to respond, and he burst out, “Well, what did he say?”
    Flare tried to smile, but at best he managed a sickly grin. “He will allow me to compete for a spot in the guardians.” Flare took a deep breath.
    “What is the matter?” Henotairin asked.
    “I have not been exactly honest with you, Henotairin.   My grandfather did not give his blessing on my journey. In fact, he forbade it.” He was looking at the ground, feeling like he had betrayed an old friend.
    When he looked back up, he was surprised to see Henotairin calmly regarding him. “I'm sorry. I lied to you and betrayed your trust.” Flare added.
    Henotairin put his hands on Flare’s shoulders, “I knew that you were not telling me everything, but I did not suspect this. When you arrived, alone, obviously trying to avoid scrutiny, I knew that you were hiding something. I thought that perhaps you had left without the king’s blessing, but it never occurred to me that you would leave after the king forbade it. Why did the king forbid it? Did you make it your life choice?”
    “I was not allowed to. I was told that I would not be allowed to leave if that was my decision, so I pretended to go on a hunting trip, and then I fled. But if I do not win my way into the guardians, then I will be forced to return.” Flare said quickly, the words tripping over each other they came out so quickly.
    “If those are your options, I would urge you to make it into the guardians. I don't believe that you would want to return, at least for some time.”
    Flare nodded, the lump in his throat had returned. “I will do my best, and the king said he will have a sergeant help me prepare for the trials.”
    Henotairin seemed surprised, “He must have been impressed by you, Flare. He is showing you a lot of favor by assigning you a tutor. Do not betray his trust.”
    “I won’t.” Flare hesitated a moment, before asking a question that was troubling him. “Henotairin, will you suffer because of this?”
    Henotairin half laughed, “I do not think so. After all, I was just helping the king’s grandson.” His mirth slowly drifted away, “I can handle myself Flare, but you must watch yourself. Never lower your guard and always pick your friends carefully.”
    “I will be careful, and Henotairin, thank you for your help.”
    “Flaranthlas, I have done very little for you. I wish I could have helped you more.” He sighed and said, “I must be going now, but always remember to be careful.” And as if a thought just occurred to him, he added, “Flare, another thing you may want to do is be careful of to whom you divulge your identity. Elves are not popular among