Chapter eight

My children. My poor children. We were all once the same. So why must they fight each other? What kind of poison tainted their beautiful finds to have them turned against each other?

My children. My poor children. Why must you break my heart like so? You are still loved. You are still wanted. You just have to let go of your anger and your hate. Or were you turned against your will. What ever the case may be you are still loved.

I sighed as I sat waiting. Wondering when my disciples would return with news of the meaningless war.

"If only I could heal you. But I can feel my powers dwindling ever so slowly." I looked out the window at all the poor humans who sought refuge here in the city of Dystopia.

"I know you're broken and hopeless. But there is still hope yet. I promise. I will protect you til my last breath."

"Ma'am, I have news!" One of my loyal guards said as they kneeled down before me.

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what ma'am?"

"Why do you kneel before me?"

"Because you brought life back to this wretched soul."

"Rise. You are not a wretched soul my child. You are beautiful. Now, tell me of this news you have."

"The Adones brothers are on their way here. One has lost his wings and the other may be tainted. They are retreating from the Farrow district. Which has fallen to the daemons. Iason was severely injured in combat but, was thankfully saved by the youngest, Erinyes."

"Thank you. Send a small unit on horse back to meet them half way. Send enough horses for all of them to ride home. Make preparations for the healing ward and warm beds and food. And bring in one of the priests. I'm sure Erinyes will have a lot that he wants to be forgiven for."

"Right away ma'am!" And just like that I was alone in my quarters.

I looked out the window once again and watched the poor humans cower in fear as they clung onto each other. I put on my cloak and made my way down the winding tower. I opened the big oak doors and they creaked as the light warmed my face.

"Everyone hear me and listen well. You will be okay. Your home is not destroyed yet. Please do not fret. My children will protect you and I will do whatever I can to provide you with as much comfort as possible! Please do not weep. I know the war is a scary thought but we haven't lost yet! Your other human companions that didn't come along are aiding us in the war. We, Guardians and humans alike, will put an end to this atrocious war and we help rebuild the cities with in your wall! You have my word." All of the broken souls looked up at me with tears in their eyes.

Nothing I said or did would bring comfort to them. But I couldn't blame them. They had to leave their homes. Not all of them left though. Many still remain in the towns and cities that dotted Eros.

"Take food, water and blankets to all of them. If they require medical attention open up one of the wings for them. Bring as much comfort to them as possible and try to get the barracks up as soon as possible. I don't want them outside for much longer. It's not safe."

"Yes ma'am. Right away ma'am."

"Thank you child. Your actions won't go unnoticed." I kissed her forehead before making my way inside. A little boy stood in the middle of my room examining all of my things.

"Hi there. You must have snuck past me." I smiled kindly as the boy spun around. He wore tattered old clothes and looked like he hadn't showered in months. He had roasted brown hair and eyes and he was such a small thing.

"I'm sorry! I'll leave." He shrunk in on himself as he tried to run away.

"You can stay if you want. I don't mind."

"R-really?"

"Of course! Come sit. Tell me about yourself." I took his hand and guided him to my bed.

"My name is Malick. I came from the Holland district."

"Are you parents around?"

"No. I haven't seen them since my uncle was taken by one of the monsters. A man with big white wings brought me here."

"When was the last time you slept?"

"I don't know. I haven't been sleeping well lately."

"Why don't you try to rest. I'll have Eleos clean you up and you can sleep in here. He'll also bring you food and water." The young boy hugged me tightly.

"Eleos please come here."

"Yes ma'am." His deep calm voice entered the room before he did. He stood tall and proud and his beige wings were tucked neatly behind him.

"Take this young boy to be cleaned up. Then bring him back and get him some food and water please."

"Of course right away."

I looked down at my white dress to see it only smudged with dirt and grim. I smiled and replaced it with a clean dress.

"Hebe, I must meditate. I fear some of the guardians are in danger. When the human boy returns see to it that he feels comfortable here." She bowed her head as I passed by her.

"My poor child, you'll be able to speak soon."

I left the tower and made my way to the garden. It was always a lovely place to be. It's where all the Guardians go to pray. I kneeled down in the shallow pool of water and opened my arms to the sky letting them rest beside me.

"Hear my words young warriors and be at peace. Your brethren do not mean to harm you. They have been tainted. Bless the poor souls and let them return home. All will be forgiven in the field of gold." I closed my eyes and basked in the sun letting the prayer deep into my soul. Feeling every ounce of sorrow that my poor children do.

"I wish I could take your pain away my poor children."