Lyra, Eamon, and Sly returned to the guild, where Sly–more level-headed– retold the events to Ealdred.

He was shocked by their encounter. They haven't been seen for so long that many thought they were mere legends. “The Children of Deimos? They haven’t been seen in over a decade. What are they up to now?”

“I don’t know,” Sly replied. “But my gut says it has something to do with the strange Rifts, and from what Sovran #0, the Trickster said, "They've been watching me and probably any Locksmith who's been looking into the case.”

Eamon grabbed his chin, thinking. “Hmm, and we have to assume HQ doesn’t know yet, maybe not even the Empire. Based on your interactions with the Trickster, the Children of Deimos won’t hesitate to take out anyone who tries to interfere. No matter if they are civilians or not.”

Sly nodded. “Agreed. I'll be leaving at first light. Thank you for the hospitality, old friend.”

They both shook hands. A solemn look crossed Ealdred’s expression, seeing his dear friend leave on short notice but knowing that it was the duty of a Locksmith. “You know there is always a home for you, friend.”

“Wait, so you’re leaving?” Lyra gawked. They both turned to see Lyra standing at the doorway.

“Yes. You heard and saw what the Children of Deimos could do. Their power was unlike anything I’ve witnessed. Then there's that power they possess… it isn't Wellspring related but something darker, almost primal.”

Lyra straightened her back and raised her chin. She had been coming up with the words she wanted to say all day. “I’ve thought about it all day and decided: Let me accompany you.”

Both of them were shocked by her reply. Ealdred was about to say something, but Lyra raised a gentle hand. “Master, Grandpa, respectfully let me interrupt you for a moment. Hear me out before you say no.” She tightened her fist and pressed it to her chest.

Ealdred, seeing the seriousness in her eyes, nodded to let her continue.

She breathed out before speaking, “I know the dangers of this and even how enigmatic the Children of Deimos are. Heck, even things are going down in the Empire with the military. When I witnessed these things, my heart swelled in its chest, and yes, I was scared, but I was also furious and determined that people could sit back and let Lumos know whatever to the people of Aurum and their livelihood. I can’t just sit by and let that happen.”

The nerves from her body's shakiness, her muscles' tightness, and her heart's thrusting dissipated. Each word became more determined, and the vigor in her voice echoed her sheer determination for her country’s homeland.

“Like my father and grandfather before me, I am a Locksmith, and it isn’t because of bloodline or reaching your legacy, Master. It’s because this is my home, and I want to become stronger, not only to explore the untouched secrets of the world but also to protect the home where my loved ones and I live. So please, Sly, allow me to accompany you and show you my resolve as a Locksmith.”

She stood there, out of breath, her chest heaving as she watched Sly and Ealdred; silence settled in the study.

Sly chuckled. “She’s definitely your granddaughter, Ealdred. I can see that fire in her eyes.”

“Aye, I agree. Don’t you, Eida?” And I assume you feel similarly, too, Eamon.”

Lyra scrunched her brow. “Huh?” She turned to see her mother and Eamon walking into the room. “Mom? Eamon, I get. It was only a matter of time, but what are you doing here, Mom?”

Her mother gripped her hands together to keep her composure steady. “I read your letter.” She removed a piece of paper from her handbag. “I thought long and hard about our conversation, and I was wrong for stifling you and making you do things because I was afraid. After your father passed, I resented his duties as a Locksmith– relieved I never got the power– but not taking chances has hindered me throughout my life because of the fear of rejection. I wanted to protect you from that danger, but the truth is…I can’t.”

Her eyes welled with tears, and as if Lyra could feel her pain, her own eyes welled with tears.

“I can steer you in the right direction, but you have to make your own path, and I shouldn’t let the past dictate your future. So… if you decide to leave, go and protect our home. Be the Lyra Ashbourne I know you to be.”

“Mom…” Lyra’s voice croaked. The tears broke free. She ran to her and balled her eyes out, promising through garbled cries that she’d check in so she wouldn’t worry.

Eida smiled through the tears. She kissed the top of her daughter's head. “I know you will. I’m proud of you, Lyra. Your father would be proud of you.” Watch over our little girl, Arcumedus.

As mother and daughter bonded through tearful hugs, the others were off to the side, moved by the scene.

“Ah, family moments. They certainly are a treasure to protect, which I will do, Ealdred,” Sly told him.

“I appreciate it, Sly. Truly. I know that they are both in good hands with you. Isn't that right, Eamon?”

Eamon nodded, standing beside him. “That’s right, Master. My resolve isn’t as heartfelt as Lyra’s– it’s more personal –and I wish to get those answers and provide Lyra backup if she needs it. I know I haven’t been here long, but I’ve started to feel like myself since returning. So…thank you, Master.”

Ealdred’s smile reached his eyes. He placed a firm but tender grip on his shoulder and looked Eamon in the eye. “You are my pupil and son. This will always be your home, no matter the decisions you make or choose. Do your best and come back home.”

Eamon’s own eyes blurred with tears, and they nodded. “Thank you, Master…father. I will.”

----------------------------------------

Month of Solara, 11th day of Stellaria (Before midday)

Before the sun rose, Eamon and Lyra had their packs with Sly and Ealdred at the town entrance.

“Be safe, pupils of the Ashen Vanguard, for you represent Locksmiths and your guild's name.”

Lyra and Eamon bowed as they said, “We will, Master!”

“And not only that,” he touched each of their shoulders. The look in his eyes twinkled. He was proud of his students, his family, and all that they accomplished and strived to be. “Watch out for each other, learn from the other as you will find teachings among one another.”

They looked at each other, then back to their master, and nodded. “Yes, Master.”

Sly clapped her hands. “Alright, now that the pleasantries are over, let’s move on. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

“Oh, and Master, Grandpa, could you–”

Ealdred grinned. Knowing what she would say, he hugged her. “I’ve always looked after the both of you. My son would never forgive me if anything happened to his wife and child.” Lyra blinked away the tears from forming as she squeezed her grandfather back. He pulled away, hands on her shoulder; she had to wipe away her tears hurriedly.

“Now go and explore the world; be the Locksmith I know you to be.”

With one last goodbye, they left Sylvanbrook behind.

•†•

The trio traveled along the dirt road, further away from the town. Lyra knew this because she was starting to see more Fiends. These monsters were similar to animals– in terms of features and characteristics–but were far more vicious and unpredictable. However, they were not a threat like Veilspawn and did not care too much for humans unless provoked.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Locksmiths and explorers received quests to exterminate monsters that strayed too close to civilization or for their material.

“Hey, are you okay?” Eamon said, nudging her slightly to get her attention. “You haven’t talked much for several miles.”

Lyra looked at him with a smile, but it did not reach her eyes.

“No, everything is fine. This is my first time leaving home. I’m just nervous, I think.”

“Nervousness is good.” They looked ahead to where Sly had taken the lead. “It makes you rationalize decisions and hyper-aware of your surroundings, especially if mastered properly. I have not met one person in all my life who said they weren’t nervous; that is how you know your feeling is the right path for you. Then that nervousness will turn to confidence over time.”

“You think so?” Lyra grabbed the straps of her bag—a swirling pull of excitement centered in her gut.

Sly looked partially behind her and grinned. “Oh, I know so, and the best way to get into the ebb and flow is by honing your craft. How about a bit of training? You said you wanted to get stronger.”

Lyra bobbed her head excitedly.

Sly stopped. She pointed toward the open field toward their left, where grazing Fiends roamed the grass and air. “Take note of that swarm over there. What do you know about it?”

Lyra squinted and took in the iridescent, jewel-toned wings that shimmered like a gemstone. “Those are Glimmerwings; they live in meadows and plains like these because of the vibrant flowers they are attracted to feed on for nectar. They’re pretty docile unless disturbed.”

Sly nodded. “Very good. Pop quiz, do you know why they are sought after?”

Eamon answered next. “Their wings are used for various items, like clothing and armor.”

“Ding, Ding, give them a prize, folks. It is a C-Rank-type monster, but I’m here to provide backup if you need it. Care to get me the wing of a Glimmerwing, you two?”

Lyra looked at Eamon with a grin. “What do you say?”

Eamon grinned, revealing his weapons from their holder, and dropped his bag. “I say, I’ve got your back.”

Lyra unsheathed her weapon as well.

The two of them charged into the fields to initiate the battle.

The glimmering swarm emitted a soft, otherworldly glow when they noticed the intruders. They moved as one, like a synchronized dance.

Lyra stood in a ready stance, powering up and ready to charge. Eamon twirled his Escrima sticks in preparation, ready to support Lyra.

The Glimmering swarm advanced, darting and weaving through the air. As they closed in on them, their wings created a dazzling display of shifting colors.

“Radiant Strike!” Lyra shouted into the sky. She swung Riftblade in a wide arc, releasing a wave of Torrent Essentia. However, the Glimmerwings shielded themselves from the attack by cluttering together into a protective shield, reducing the inflicted pain.

“What!” Lyra exclaimed. “That was a direct hit!”

Eamon was having trouble as he deflected incoming attacks with his Escrima, parrying their needles with a whirl of his weapons in a wide circle arc. He took two of them out, thanks to Lyra for weakening them from earlier.

The remaining Glimmerwings regrouped, their iridescent wings glowing more intensely.

Lyra and Eamon stood side by side, facing the fiends.

“Ugh, this shouldn’t be this frustrating. I’ve fought Veilspawn and lower-ranking Fiends before!”

“Hmm…It would seem they possess above-average capabilities, and maybe we should try elemental weaknesses?”

“Elemental weaknesses?” she questioned. Not because she had not heard of it, but never thought of doing so since she always one-hit KO’ed everything.

Eamon nodded. “Try an Ember Essentia.”

Lyra bobbed her head just as the Glimmers went for their turn, charging for them.

Lyra called on the Wellspring's burning power as it coursed through her veins. She leaped into the air with Riftblade encased in fire and shouted, “Radiant Burst!” With a mighty swing, she released the fire that scattered and burned the Glimmerwings, temporarily dispersing the swarm.

Eamon seized the moment and targeted them singularly. He took them out one after the other.

The remaining Glimmerwings tried to shake off the burn Lyra had caused, but she was already calling out for her next attack.

“Radiant Burst!” She performed a spinning strike with Riftblade, creating a vortex of fire that swirled around the swarm and took out more of them. “Take ‘em out, Eamon!”

Eamon followed up with a swift strike, charging forward, targeting the heart of the vortex. His Escrima sticks delivered the finishing blow and rammed into the last Glimmerwings. They disappeared upon defeat, leaving their wings behind.

“Woohoo!” Lyra exclaimed with a shout. She brought her arm out, and Eamon mimicked the gesture sheepishly so that she could give him a high-five. They returned to Sly, who had found a perch on a nearby rock, and awkwardly slow clapped.

Lyra pouted. “Hey, what gives? I thought we did pretty good, right?”

“Eh,” Sly shrugged, raising her palm in the air and moving it from side to side to show that they did ‘okay.’ “I’ll give you an A for teamwork. It could have been better, but you both were effective together.”

She got off the rock and stretched.

“You’re like an All-Round attacker, good for defense, offense, and attack.” She pointed out to Lyra. She smiled widely like a treasurer cat. It fell when Sly added, “But your unsureness of what elemental Essentia to use will prolong the fight, cause the enemy to run, or worse, get the upper hand.

Lyra groaned. She furrowed her brows, annoyed to have her hopes deflated. “Come on, Sly. That usually works with Veilspawn and lower ranks.”

“That’s right, lower ranks,” she pointed out. “The higher rank, the craftier you should be. Veilspawn are a bit more predictable, and as long as you land a crit, they go down– or they used to.” Sly paused, thinking of the new kinds of Veilspawn. “Learn to distinguish what element can remove the proposed Fiend, find its weaknesses.”

She looked to Eamon, who squared his shoulders.

“And you have excellent power and form, but you can’t rely on physical force alone. The elements will come in handy. Use them.”

Lyra and Eamon took in what Sly said, especially Eamon, wondering if he could genuinely hone his Essentia without feeling guilty about using it.

“Now, let’s progress a bit further, you two. We’ve stayed here too long.” They continued their path ahead.