Page 52 of Guiding Reason
Consequently, she had said she’d make time for them as soon as they could get to her, and after a quick breakfast of medication and pancakes, they’d left the suite.
They had taken an auto-drive for most of the way, but their destination sat in the middle of a pedestrian area, and a short walk was unavoidable.
“Where are we going?” Col asked, walking next to Hyran.
“She’s meeting us in a school room. They put the protectors in the school for the time being. Apparently, no one was comfortable sending their children to school, so the building is pretty much empty.”
Col looked at the wild bushes and trees that grew around them with minimal maintenance. “You said that, but what kind of park even is this?”
Hyran put an arm around Col. “It’s used as a backdrop for dramas set outside the walls a lot, but we also train young Guardians preparing to head out there here. Just basic training, of course, but some preparation is better than none at all. It’s constructed wilderness.” He pointed. “When I went to school, I climbed that tree. Someone dared me to do it at speed and stand on one of the branches. I was too heavy for the branchand learned, through a broken arm, that I’m not meant to climb trees.”
“Hmm. We learned physics differently.”
Hyran snorted laughter. “Yeah, that’s a good thing. Still, this wilderness was fun to run around in.”
“We don’t have anything like it in Argentea.”
“Maybe you can suggest it.”
Col worried his bottom lip. “It’s not at all like the outside really is. Not even close.”
Behind the trees ahead of them, buildings peeked through. Low pillars carved by lithomancers lined the border of the green area, and Hyran took care to step through the trees with their hanging branches ahead of Col so he could make way for him.
Here, back at Hyran’s school, everything looked wrong. The activity field outside the main building was colorful but slides and swings stood empty.
Instead of students in their uniforms, protectors swarmed. They were talking to Conduits and Guardians alike, working hand in hand. The outside of the Elementary School’s entrance was flanked by makeshift desks laden with screens.
“They set up a base here,” Col said. “Good thinking. But sooner rather than later, the Grounds will want to send their students back to school. We need to move them to the G&C Center.” He pulled out his screen and made a note. “I’m having my office AI tell Rasev.”
“I don’t think they were planning on being here long enough to be moved from one locale to the other.”
One of the protectors recognized them and came over. It took Hyran a moment to realize she was the first rank runner his mama had sent. Protector Motono.
“Guardian Hyran and Conduit Coldis. I told Guardian Taros to let me know if you needed anything, but barring that, I was recalled to help with smaller issues here. There are so manythings that need doing, and we need everyone. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Hyran opened his mouth to tell her no, but Col took a step forward.
“We have a meeting with Protector Mana. You can take us to her.”
The first rank bobbed her head eagerly. “Of course. I’m sure she will be delighted. Follow me, please.”
She was quick, and Col readily matched her pace. Hyran wasn’t really used to having to try to catch up, but with Col, he found he didn’t mind so much.
20
COLDIS
Protector Motono led them to the elevator past wall paintings labeled “Year One” and “Year Two.” Col spotted vookas lizards and too many bugs, clearly the Year Twos had studied them in preparation for the art. The Year Ones seemed to have taken their inspiration from the wilderness display Hyran had led Col through on their way here.
Hyran leaned over to Col. “This is tradition. Year One is on the left, and Year Two on the right. All cohorts work together to do these and take scans home, then it’s painted over and redone the next year.”
“What did you paint?”
“Hmm. In Year One, we decided to do food. I think I spent most of the time on fire berries. And for Year Two, we hadbots. That was when my arm was broken, so I worked on the background.” He mimed the awkward movement for Col, arm held stiff and at an uncomfortable angle.
“The poor background,” Col said, catching Hyran’s smile and returning it.
“Protector Mana is on the third floor,” Motono said and motioned for them to get on the elevator ahead of her.
