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agitated.
    “Thomas!” Philip said. “You're a fine
Guardian, perhaps one of the best. But Arthur has seen and done
more than most in this room, so I will say this only once. Shut
up!”
    Embarrassed, Thomas' head dropped.
    “Shall I bring the Vesuvian?” Arthur
asked.
    “Not without an escort,” Philip said.
    Thomas was quick to volunteer. “I'll go.”
    Philip waved him off. “After what you just
pulled? No! You're lucky you didn't kill the Vesuvian! Arthur, find
Sara. The two of you will escort the Vesuvian here. I want her
involved with this from now on.”
    Arthur immediately stood and was on his way.
As he walked through the Citadel, he ran into Richard. “Have you
seen Sara?”
    “I just spoke with her,” Richard answered.
“She and several others are watching the Vesuvian outside.”
    “I should have guessed. Thanks.”
    Leon was sitting on a boulder near the main
gate, not minding the dozens of eyes watching him like a freak
show.
    “He must be crazy to come here alone,”
William said, as he and Jacob stood guard along the wall.
    Jacob stared at Leon. “How do you know he's
alone? Some of these guys can turn invisible.”
    Arthur continued his search and found Sara.
He stood by her, watching Leon.
    “It's him,” Sara said. “That’s the one that
got away.”
    Arthur looked. “The Consular wants us to
escort your friend here.”
    “Yeah right.”
    “I’m not kidding.”
    “Why?” Sara asked.
    “You'll see.” Arthur said. “The Consular
himself wants you in on this.”
    Sara never took her eyes off Leon once she
and Arthur passed the gate. When they came to within just a few
feet, Leon stood and pulled his hood back.
    All things considered, Sara found Leon to be
an average-looking man with short hair and a clean-cut face.
    Leon offered a handshake to Sara.
“Hello.”
    “Hi,” Sara said, accepting Leon’s hand. “I’m
Sara. This is Arthur.”
    “My name is Leon. Have you come with an
answer for me?”
    “No,” Arthur said. “Follow us. We need to
speak with you.”
    Dozens of soldiers frantically worked to
clear the streets, pushing people aside and diverting
carriages.
    Arthur walked side-by-side with Leon.
    Sara was several yards ahead, working with
the soldiers. They eventually arrived at their destination. The air
in the room was tense as Leon entered.
    “All of you please have a seat,” Philip
said.
    As Leon sat, he spoke. “The Vesuvian Council
is expecting me to return soon. I'll try to answer any questions as
best as I can, but time is of the essence.”
    “Why is that?” Philip asked.
    Leon looked at several of the Guardians
before turning to Philip. “Can I ask you something first?”
    “Very well.”
    “Where do you go when you die?”
    Philip was sure the others were just as
dumbfounded by the question as he. “Um...well...we...”
    “What do you mean?” Sara asked.
    Leon looked to Sara. “What is your afterlife
like?”
    Puzzled, Sara answered. “It depends on what
you believe.”
    Leon's eyes went wide. “You don't know?”
    “Why? Do you?”
    “Of course,” Leon said. “When Rheans die,
they pass on to a place called the Netherworld, and a few days ago
we found out that it's been invaded. In order to stop it, we need
your help.”
    Philip paused for a moment, unsure of what to
say. “This world is filled with many strange wonders, but it's hard
to imagine how you intend on stopping this invasion.”
    Sara found it amusing. “I hope we don't have
to die!”
    “Who or what has invaded your Netherworld?”
Arthur asked.
    “Pelasgians,” Leon replied. “They're
a...collective of sorts. They come from a place we call the Shadow
Realm. As for dying, don't worry, we have a gateway to travel
between lands.”
    All eyes were on Philip. “Leon, I understand
you are short on time, but we must discuss this further. I've
arranged a room for you in the Citadel. We will have an answer for
you by morning.”
     
     
     

CHAPTER NINE
     
    The next morning