The Green Guard

Every night at midnight, the purple clouds came out to dance with the blushing sky. Josh would stay up every night to play his guitar for them. He could never tell if he matched the tempo to their movements or vice versa.

All he knew was that when he played he did not feel so alone.

Josh has lived in an old cottage on the edge of the forest since the death of his wife, Violet. The clouds soon became his only friend. Their swaying reminded him of her. She had a beautiful heart and a spirit so free of inhibition it danced with the wind.

Her hair was black and and her skin as white as the moon and she was named violet because of her eyes. She was the most stunning creature Josh had ever seen. Even her gift was kind.

She had the ability to heal emotional trauma. Which made her perfectly suited for a member of the guard. Josh had the powers of anticipation. He could not see the future but he could always predict behavior. Which is why tonight was no surprise.

“Whitlock!” A voice from his past rang out through the trees. “Stop playing that dreary music and come give your oldest friend a hug.”

Josh froze.

“Clarey?”

The man got louder. “Didn’t you see me coming? You must be losing your touch being out here by yourself. Xander Clarey came up to Josh and wrapped his arms around him. Then immediately tried to put him in a headlock.

Josh ducked and they wrestled for 45 seconds before Josh pinned him to the ground. “I may be losing it but I can still whip you.”

Xander tapped out annoyed. Since they were 16 they had always been in competition with each other. Xander had the gift of strength. He was always stronger than his opponents but how can you beat a man like Josh, who always saw your next move?

The two men stood up and shook hands and for a second it felt like no time had passed.

“Green looks good on you Xander.” Josh said, looking at his uniform.

“It would look better on you.” Xander said in a sly voice leading to the question Josh knew was coming.

Green was the color of the high guard. Their queen had the ability to grow any plant. She alone determined whether the land was harsh or plentiful. Lately Josh’s field has been dry.

“No.” Josh said as Xander opened his mouth to speak.

“But–”

“I know she will. Don’t you think I saw this coming. I will never work for that woman again. I left that life behind when Violet died. Why should I go back?”

“Maybe because I miss my brother-in-law.” Josh looked into Xander’s face and saw similar flecks of purple in his eyes as Violets. He found it very hard to look at him.

“You as well as anyone know why I cannot go back there.” Josh said, turning away from Xander. “Even if I wanted to, I don't think I would be able to face that life again without Violet. I hated everything about it. My gift didn’t keep me alive, your sister did.”

“I know, but you don’t have a choice. There’s a war now.” Xander reached down, picked up a satchel, and handed him a rolled up paper bound with a jasmine vine.

“I won’t go willingly.”

“Please Josh.” Xander said his purple eyes pleading with his brother.

“Call them out.”

Xander motioned for the 10 men hiding on the edge of the field to move in.