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Armando stepped out of his hotel room’s shower, thinking of how he’d spent the past three days. He’d been leisurely traveling through some of the Nieri Family’s nineteen territories. The entire landmass southwest of Armando’s home continent was under the protection of Vaihan Nieri.
After enjoying his trip in the grasslands, Armando was heading to meet the Velzo. It would be the first casual conversation after the discussion with all the Velzos. As the fourth largest landmass out of nine on Planet Rivkaen, the continent of Itera was vast, with a wide variety of ecosystems, including the planet’s largest tropical forest, a stunning grassland, and a massive desert. Armando had spent his time noting how the climate in each subsection influenced the architecture. He’d taken copious notes and footage to examine later with his architectural team.
He could have just taken a portal to meet Velzo Nieri on the designated day. But it settled his mind to make it seem like the discussion would just be part of one simple trip. He wasn’t sure how the conversation would go. Vaihan Nieri had seemed straightforward at the meeting with all the Velzos. However, he still didn’t know much about her.
***
At the time designated on her invitation, a portal opened in Armando’s hotel room. He took a deep breath and stepped through the portal that led to the desert abode Vaihan had chosen for the conversation.
Two guards, dressed in black and purple, were on either side of the portal. Another guard, wearing a similar uniform but with a purple shoulder cord, bowed sharply.
“Welcome Armando Medina. I’m Head Guard, Jarisa Ysun. Velzo Vaihan Nieri is thrilled to have you here. Please follow me.”
She motioned with one hand, indicating Armando should take the stone path. Armando walked ahead, with the guards behind him. Large wooden doors swung open into a breezy area with a kitchen to the left and a living room to the right. Three Nitelvosa were in the living room and Armando recognized Vaihan. Armando walked over to them.
Vaihan thanked the guards and dismissed them to focus on Armando, with a bright smile on her face. “Welcome to Eshia!”
“Thank you for inviting me,” Armando said. “You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you.” Vaihan motioned to a Nitelvosa standing to her right. “This is my husband, Remm.” She motioned to a Nitelvosa to her left. “And he’s my husband, Saffan. We were just having a nice chat.”
Vaihan’s husbands were so physically different, Armando was curious what had attracted the three of them to each other. Saffan was roughly six feet, having short auburn hair, and dark-brown skin. He was also slender. Remm, on the other hand, was almost seven feet tall. With warm brown eyes and light-brown skin, he also possessed a muscular build. Armando tried not to stare at him, as he wondered how tall Remm would be when he fully transformed.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Remm said. “My full height is almost ten feet.”
Armando chuckled awkwardly. “Thanks for clearing that up.”
Remm patted him on his shoulder. “I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve seen a bit in the news too.”
Saffan nodded. “So have I. I’ve admired your company’s work. You did Prenya University’s Center for the Arts right?”
“Yes,” Armando said. “We had the opening ceremony last year.”
“I remember. Remm and I attended.” Saffan glanced at Vaihan. “You were on a diplomatic trip in the Marnel Territories.”
“My apologies for missing that event,” Vaihan said. “I heard good things about it.”
Remm glanced at his watch. “I’m sorry we can’t stay longer. Saffan and I have to go.”
“It was nice to meet you,” Armando said.
Vaihan kissed and hugged both of her husbands, before waving goodbye to them. They went to the foyer, opened a portal and stepped into it. Vaihan watched them go with a tender smile on her face. When the portal closed, she motioned for Armando to have a seat.
“Saffan wanted to talk your ear off about architecture.” Vaihan laughed softly. “They would have stayed longer if they could, but we’re taking our grandchildren on vacation. Remm and Saffan will pick the little ones up at school and whisk them off as a surprise.”
“Oh. I hope I’m not preventing you from doing that.” Armando grimaced. “That must sound ridiculous. I didn’t mean to imply I could stop a Velzo from—”
“Don’t worry. I’m not insulted. I’ll join everyone at our destination later this evening. I’ve been looking forward to talking to you.” Vaihan leaned back in her chair. “You intrigue me, Armando. There’s so much power simmering in you and I haven’t figured it all out.”
“What do you mean?”
“You resonate so well with Izdahl Amasi, whose mother is Hadil Ziyad. You’re releasing so much energy. Yet, you haven’t completely awakened.”
Armando considered what she meant. He knew Velzos could sense spiritual powers differently than most other Nitelvosa. He wondered if she was picking up on things he might not have noticed.
“Can you please tell me more about what you mean?”
“Of course.” Vaihan tipped her hand at the pot of tea and cookies. “But first, have some of this. It will help my explanation.”
Intrigued, Armando accepted the tea she poured and the two cookies she set on a plate. He took a bite of a cookie and then sipped his tea. The liquid changed from brown to blue and his brow furrowed.
“What color’s your tea?” Vaihan asked.
“It’s blue now.”
“And the spot where you bit your cookie?”
“The same shade of blue.”
Vaihan nodded, giving Armando a warm smile. “Beautiful. The Kasykelas seem to favor you. They’ve analyzed your spiritual energy and they’re sprinkling soul dust on you.”
“Izdahl told me about the Kasykelas but...” Armando glanced at his hands, trying to find evidence of what she meant. “Soul dust?”
“Your innocence is so precious. Your abilities are impressive but there’s much for you to learn.”
Armando grinned, rubbing the back of his neck and feeling self-conscious. “I’ve actually been learning a lot these past few months. I don’t mean to be awkward.”
“Please don’t find my words insulting. It’s fascinating to me. I want to know more about how you see the world.” Vaihan rose. “Walk with me.”
Armando followed her to another room with low lighting. He glanced up at the ceiling that had many points of light.
“This seems like a planetarium,” Armando said. “Are these constellations? I don’t recognize any of them.”
“These are actually clusters of souls.”
“Wow. How many souls are up there?”
“Almost 3,000. They’ll reincarnate at different times. Other souls will take their place in these ‘constellations’.”
“Why did you put them here?”
“The ley lines in our territories are the strongest here. The Kasykelas add to the stunning energy. All of that attracts souls looking to reincarnate. Millennia ago we used to have them just flitting through the air.”
Armando glanced at her. “Why aren’t they doing that now?”
Vaihan’s excitement seemed to dim. “A former ruling Velzo made it illegal. He felt souls and corporeal bodies should never occupy the same realm.”
“I’d never heard about any of that.”
“We Nieri still found a way to make the souls feel welcomed.”
“Then, this is an interesting architectural solution. I like that.”
“Speaking of architecture, I can’t even pretend,” Vaihan clasped her hands together, as a light of interest entered her eyes. “I’ve been wanting your architectural opinion for a while now. This is a great opportunity. What do you think of the structures in Nieri Territory?”
“Well, I haven’t been able to see all the areas yet, but I’ve already noticed a great variety of styles. On Earth, there were the countries of Burkina Faso and Mali. In comparison to this area, the ancient buildings in Burkina Faso and Mali seem similar to the Nieri. Mainly with the base being clay.”
Vaihan waved a hand. Panels appeared and she tapped into multinet sources showing architecture from the cultures Armando had referenced. “These are spectacular. I must study them.” She glanced at him, with excitement in her eyes. “We should talk again, after I’ve done some research. There’s a museum of history in the planning stages. I’d like to develop more ideas. Your opinion would be valuable.”
“Of course, Velzo. I can talk with my team and we’ll be ready to consult.”
Vaihan nodded, before looking back at the images. “I can already see why you referenced the civilizations you did. Their styles seem to reflect a great respect for the environment. This is the case for Nitelvosa, in general, but it’s a stronger viewpoint of the Nieri.” She motioned toward the outside. “As you’ve seen, the surrounding area is a vast desert. We could easily make the entire place lush and green, having gorgeous flowers in bloom, but the Nieri way is to cherish all ecosystems.”
They spent the next hour chatting as they toured the building, until one of the guards Armando had seen earlier requested her attention, with his expression solemn. He handed Vaihan a message that she read and then turned into ashes the guard collected.
“A situation has arisen,” Vaihan said. “Unfortunately, Armando, this means our visit is over, as I must see to this circumstance. If you don’t mind, I’d like to send you directly to your house. I’ll open a portal to make sure you arrive safely. My staff will gather your items from the hotel and arrange for your vehicle to return to you. Of course, I’ll take care of any of your hotel expenses. So, thank you for humoring me.”
Armando tilted his head, sensing something in her firm tone he couldn’t quite define. Her words had been calm and measured, but her even making such a comment seemed off.
“Of course, Velzo Nieri,” he said. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
“Thank you for indulging my protectiveness.” Vaihan smiled warmly at him, as she waved a hand and opened a portal. “I hope we can talk some more. Safe travels, Armando.”
***
Armando entered his home through a portal, eager to tell Izdahl about his visit with Vaihan Nieri. His excited disappeared the moment he saw Izdahl in the living room, with a solemn expression on his face. Xeira was in their home and her face was also serious.
“Xeira, what are you doing here?” Armando said. “Not that it’s a bad thing. I didn’t mean to sound rude. I just wasn’t expecting—”
Izdahl grabbed Armando, holding him tightly. “You’re all right. I can’t believe how close I came to losing you.”
“What are you talking about?” Armando asked. “I was fine with Vaihan. All we did was—”
Xeira stepped forward. “Three Nitelvosa have been tracking you, since you started your trip a few days ago. Yesterday, when you were touring a museum, one of them almost grabbed you. Vaihan’s agents stopped him. Those three Nitelvosa have been trying to abduct you.”
Armando’s blood chilled. He’d been blissfully unaware. “What? How do you know any of this?”
Xeira told the house VI to bring up a holographic panel. “Vaihan sent this to me.”
The panel played security footage of several individuals following Armando at different points during his trip. The footage ended and Armando still couldn’t believe what he’d seen. He told the house VI to enlarge the faces of the three Nitelvosa who’d been trying to abduct him. He recognized one of them, which he’d seen while he was touring a museum.
Armando ran a hand over his hair, stunned by what he’d learned. “In the middle of my conversation with Vaihan, a guard came to get her. I guess she’d left to deal with these three Nitelvosa.”
“Yes,” Xeira said. “I’m working out more details with her. We tried to interrogate those three, but there was an incredibly strong silencing spell on them. When we pushed to break the spell, it triggered another one that instantly killed them. Unfortunately, there’s not much else we can do.”
“Why can’t we demand the truth from their souls?” Izdahl asked, his tone sharp.
“No,” Xeira said. “The death spell on them crystallized and destroyed their souls.”
“This is horrific.” Armando looked at Izdahl. “You’ve known I was in danger for days now? Why didn’t you tell me? We talked several times and not once did you even—”
“I wanted you to know. GG made me keep it quiet.”
“That’s right,” Xeira said, her tone firm. She glanced at Armando. “If you’d been alerted, those trying to abduct you might have gotten violent.”
Izdahl held Armando to him again. “You have no idea what it’s been like for the past three days.”
“I’m all right,” Armando said softly. “I—”
The doorbell rang and the house VI informed them that a courier waited. Armando went with Izdahl to answer the door. Dressed in the black and purple of House Nieri, the courier bowed, holding out a baltium cylinder.
“I deliver this vital message to Armando Medina, in the name of the Honorable Vaihan Nieri,” the courier said.
Armando took the cylinder, opened it, and removed a scroll to read the message.
My deepest apologies, Armando Medina. You were in danger in one of my territories. I’ve dealt with the offenders. Please accept these gifts as a show of my remorse, as well as my promise to learn everything about the offenders’ motives.
Velzo Amasi will be thoroughly informed of the circumstances. I’ll remain vigilant in helping her see to your safety.
I’d prefer directly discussing this matter with you, but I feel ashamed of this event. When a suitable amount of time has passed, I look forward to speaking with you again.
- Velzo Vaihan Nieri
Once Armando had read the message, the courier waved his hand. A large flat package appeared next to him. Bowing even deeper than he had before, the courier said, “I deliver, in the name of the Honorable Vaihan Nieri.”
“Thank you,” Armando said.
“My service is complete. Be well.” The courier stepped several feet away, opened a portal, and walked through it.
After closing the door, Armando stood there, still stunned by the circumstances. He read Vaihan’s message again and then opened the package. He found a two-foot frame containing three sets of wings. Above each set of wings was a name engraved on a silver rectangular name plate. Attached to the glass of the frame was a disk with a note to play it.
“Why would she send me wings?” Armando peered closely at them and he gasped. “Izdahl, I think these are real.”
Izdahl took the frame and inspected the display. “They do look real. We’d better see what’s on that file.”
Armando returned to the living room with Izdahl. He set the file on the coffee table and told the house VI to scan it and project what was on it. His eyes widened at what he saw. The footage was of Vaihan using a sword to sever the wings of three bound and gagged individuals and burning their wing crescents with black flames. Each of her three guards took a set of severed wings and wove a spell to make the wings shrink to a tenth of their size.
“These wings must be from the ones who tried to abduct you,” Izdahl said.
“I can’t believe this.” Armando shook his head. “Vaihan and I were having such a pleasant conversation. She suddenly had to leave and sent me home.”
“That was so she could follow up on your attempted abduction,” Xeira said. “More details arose and I asked her to personally handle them.”
“What else happened?” Armando asked.
“I won’t discuss that until I’ve verified some info.” Xeira held up a hand. “Before you complain, I work at my pace, not yours.”
Armando clenched his jaw and looked at the wings. “I feel like a fool. I’ve had no idea what’s been happening.” He held up the framed wings. “What am I supposed to do with these?”
“Do you want to hide Vaihan’s gift?” Izdahl asked. “I’ll understand if you do. It’s a Nieri Family tradition to offer wings for a serious offense. I know it must seem macabre to you, but—”
“And it doesn’t seem like that to you?”
“Why should it? I’m happy another Velzo’s protecting you.” Izdahl pointed at the wings. “I want this reminder these three failed in their mission.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “But I know this would haunt you if you had to keep seeing it. We can put a spell on it, but I’m hanging it in the study.”
“I’ll still know it’s in the house. Every time I go into the study, I’ll remember. Plus Valeria and Syrik sometimes bring Caia here. I don’t want Valeria or Caia to see those wings. Valeria will worry and she’ll ask.”
“You’re not going to tell your sister?” Izdahl asked.
“Not any time soon. And isn’t it my choice to decide about the wings? I don’t want to offend Velzo Nieri, but—”
“I can keep the wings,” Xeira said. “Vaihan will understand your choice. It would be enough for her to know you were kept out of harm’s way.” She held out her hands and Armando gave the frame to her. “Just focus on the fact that you’re safe.”
“Is there anything I should do differently?” Armando asked.
“No. I’ll have agents see to security for both of you. You won’t even know they’re there.” Xeira glanced at him and then at Izdahl. “I’m heading back to my office to sort out other matters with Vaihan.”
After Xeira left, taking the wings with her, Armando sat in the living room with Izdahl.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Izdahl asked.
“I think so. I need time to soak in what happened.”
***
Later that night, while Armando slept, his mind took him to somewhere he hadn’t been in months. In the dreamworld, Zaitiv Havad waited for him on the beach. It was easy for Armando to understand why many humans and Nitelvosa were still fascinated by Zaitiv. Zaitiv possessed waist-length, jet black braided hair, and piercing hazel eyes. His strong jaw and muscular physique also added to his appeal. His skin, a rich earth-toned brown, was complemented by a baltium cuff on his left wrist and several rings on his right hand.
Gentle ocean waves cascaded on the sand, as Zaitiv glanced at him and smiled. His smile was gentle, a casual contrast to the immense power he held. “It’s great to see you again.”
Armando still couldn’t believe his connection to one of the most powerful Nitelvosa. Beyond Zaitiv’s obvious physical appeal was also serenity that Armando doubted most others would never have. In Zaitiv’s presence, Armando found himself thinking of Izdahl, who created a similar feeling of contentment in him.
“A lot happened since the last time we talked,” Armando said. “But you probably know that already.”
“Yes. Remember I promised if you trusted me, I’d make sure to help.” He pointed to Armando. “I put the power you needed right in your hands.”
Armando’s brow furrowed. He raised his arms, looking at the magic curling on his skin. “This is from you?”
“Yes, along with two others. I still can’t figure out which Velzo’s trying to manipulate you and me. That’s why I’ve masked the soul energy signatures to keep the Velzos from confirming my involvement. I’m sure they have their suspicions, but there’s no proof.”
“Was that safe for you to do?” Armando looked again at his arms. “Well, I mean, safe for me.”
“Oh absolutely. I would never do anything to hurt you. Definitely not intentionally.”
Armando thought of how he was already deeply connected to Zaitiv. A tiny orb continuously traveled the paths in his heart and lungs, as well as between those organs. That orb contained power from Zaitiv’s soul. Armando served as a link to Zaitiv, stabilizing the Nitelvosa’s incredible power as Zaitiv remained in stasis. The orb was also an indicator of Zaitiv’s true location, something that Velzos like Dagmar wanted to learn. Zaitiv had a set point when he wanted to be reawakened. Armando had to help protect that goal. To do so, he needed to understand as much about the circumstances as possible.
“Besides some of your powers, whose else do I have?” Armando asked.
“A very small amount from two of my generals. Don’t worry.” Zaitiv gave him a cheeky grin. “I won’t overwhelm you. If anything, Gesira and Karu’s powers will help keep mine balanced.”
“Gesira? Izdahl’s mentioned her.”
“Oh? What has he said?”
“He really admires her. There’s a massive painting of her in our study.”
Zaitiv nodded. “Izdahl continues to impress me.”
Armando smiled. “I’ll make sure to tell him.”
Zaitiv motioned with one hand for Armando to begin walking with him and Armando did so. The beach changed into a dark marble floor. Their footsteps echoed as they entered a massive room. A circular wooden table was at the center with enough chairs for ten individuals. Zaitiv sat in one of the chairs and Armando sat beside him.
Eager to continue speaking to Zaitiv, Armando leaned forward in his seat. “You mentioned some of the energy in my arms is from two of your generals. How can they have an impact? They’re not in stasis like you.”
Zaitiv laughed. “My generals and I are very clever.” He motioned around the table. “When the time’s right, these other chairs will be filled with my generals. They helped during the war against the Basheil. Among them will be Gesira, who is most eager to meet you.”
“Why’s that?”
“She has an affinity for Izdahl and the desire to protect him extends to you.”
“I guess we’ll need all the help we can get. There seems to be a lot looming over us.”
“I can see why you have that feeling. But I’m here to help.” Zaitiv smiled warmly at him. “I’m glad we can meet in dreams again.”
“I’m sorry I can’t be consistent. I don’t know how to control this ability.” Armando chuckled awkwardly. “But I imagine you’d get tired of seeing my face every night.”
“Oh. I don’t know about that.” Zaitiv gave him a teasing smile that tightened Armando’s stomach. “You’re easy on the eyes.”
Armando looked down at the wooden table. His mind raced, as he wondered what would be an appropriate response.
Zaitiv laughed heartily, bringing Armando’s attention back to him. “Don’t worry. It’s only harmless flirting. I imagine I could never displace your Izdahl. Nor would I want to. I have my sweet Sabira and I cannot wait for her to awaken.”
Armando rubbed the back of his neck over the exchange. A thrill went through him, as he imagined teasing Izdahl about Zaitiv being flirtatious.
“Are you thinking of telling Izdahl what just happened?” Zaitiv asked.
“What? I—”
“You’re not that innocent, are you?” Zaitiv chuckled knowingly. “At any rate, meeting in our dreams too often would be a challenge for you. It costs serious spiritual energy. We can’t afford for you to lose that power and become vulnerable.” He motioned to a massive set of metal doors to his left. They smoothly parted, opened by his casual show of power. “Let’s make the most of our time. There’s much to discuss.”
Zaitiv rose and led the way into the room, with his confident stride. Armando followed him, peering curiously around the room. The wooden walls were etched with symbols Armando didn’t recognize. The high ceiling had a painting of ten winged figures on top of ten pillars.
This setting was much different than the last one from his dream with Zaitiv. They’d been in the living room of a beach house. Armando guessed Zaitiv had chosen that location as a way to set Armando at ease. Now, they were in a grand residence. As Armando peered at the ceiling again, he recognized that one of the figures was posed the same as Zaitiv’s statue in the real world.
“I’ve gone to your statue several times,” Armando said. “During one of those times, the shield around it shimmered and fell.”
Zaitiv nodded. “I spent hours constructing it, as I thought of strategies to fight the Basheil. When I finished the statue, I infused it with some of my power.”
“That’s what Velzo Dagmar Havad said.”
Zaitiv raised an eyebrow. “The Havads put a barrier around my statue, didn’t they?”
“Yes. To protect it. I took it down, but I don’t know how.”
“Then I must have felt when the barrier fell. For a few perfect moments, your senses aligned with mine. There was also something—or someone—you wanted within that barrier.”
“I did get a strange feeling when the barrier dropped. I felt the presence of the one who killed my parents. Or at least that’s what I think. I don’t have proof.”
“The barrier fell because the power I infused in the statue aligned with yours. The statue has the same energy as the orb cycling in your heart and lungs.”
Armando rubbed his chest, as he thought of how fascinated he was by the statue. Once he’d learned of it, he had an incredible urge to be around it. “I understand why I was mesmerized by it now.”
“The Havad’s so-called ‘protective layer’ on the statue wasn’t strong enough to withstand our powers. It couldn’t prevent our energies from aligning.”
“Why haven’t the Velzos figured this out?”
Zaitiv laughed. “Is that what they told you?” He stroked his jaw. “As a former Velzo, I can assure you they understand much more than they’re sharing.”
Armando released an exasperated sigh. “That’s exactly why I don’t know whom to trust.”
“Which is why you need my guidance.” Zaitiv took a deep breath. “As the stakes get higher, it will become more important for you to protect yourself. One type of protection is to increase your value. To do that, you must turn on your shield fragment. Stop holding back.”
“I don’t know how to do that.”
Zaitiv sighed and slowly shook his head. “I worry about you, you know. You’re still so innocent. You don’t understand what kind of power you hold.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your abilities are so high that most can't even detect your energy. They're not capable of comprehending it. But Izdahl can and it doesn’t unsettle his soul. That’s why the two of you keep being drawn together. Even most Nitelvosa would be disturbed by the power you two hold.”
“When you put it like that...”
“It’s all right to admit you’re scared.” Zaitiv stared off into the distance. “So am I. Much is riding on what we do.” He looked back at Armando. “Still, we must take the next step. Activate your shield fragment.”
“I’m not sure how to—”
“Talk with Xeira. I know you’re conflicted about the power in you, but many lives depend on you. So it’s time to go beyond your fear.”
Unlike the others with shield fragments, Armando was able to control when his activated. It was the same ability Zaitiv possessed and another way Armando was glad to be like him.
Armando had been surprised to learn he would be a Core Guardian and paired with Izdahl. This knowledge also frightened him. What if he did something went wrong with his ability, especially if it hurt Izdahl? His fears had led to a huge argument with Izdahl, while they’d been out riding one day. Izdahl had accused him of holding back and not fully emotionally connecting with him. Armando had taken a while to figure out how to fix things between them. He’d finally opened up about the most devastating night of his life, when his parents were killed. While that had brought him and Izdahl closer, Armando still hadn’t been confident enough to activate his shield fragment.
Armando placed his hands on the table. The lines of power pulsed. He stared at them, wondering what else would manifest. Zaitiv pulled him from his musings.
“Promise me you’ll activate your shield fragment,” Zaitiv said.
Armando held his gaze. “I will.”
“Good. We must end the dream now. As always, memories of our dream will fade, to protect us. But you’ll recall what’s needed when it’s necessary.” Zaitiv touched Armando’s forehead with two fingers and Armando’s skin grew warm for a moment. “Remember. Clear Mind. Clear Outcome. Be well, Armando.”