Read Online The Guardian Lineage by Seth Z. Herman - Free Book Online

“The betrayal of Rafael.”
    â€œPoints to the fastest reader,” Stockton said without recognizing the student. “In 1682, the course of Human-Gargoyle relations changed. Up until that point, the alliance between the clans had been steadfast. But then something happened, something that altered the history of our clan and its Gargoyle protectsia .” The last word rolled off Stockton’s tongue.
    â€œA war broke out between the gargoyles and the Vampiric Legion, which at that time was comprised of vampires, werewolves, and human magicians that are today called the Black Brethren.” Stockton walked back and forth at the front of the class, hands folded on his stomach, occasionally rolling a wrist as he spoke. “Naturally, the Guardians came to the gargoyles’ aid. The Guardian clans fought together, protecting each other. And until a certain point in the war, they had all but vanquished the Vampiric host.
    â€œA betrayer emerged.” Here Stockton’s voice grew cold. Almost… personal .
    â€œA warrior from our clan betrayed the Guardians, causing most of the gargoyles to be destroyed. The same creatures he swore to protect, those who guarded his life while he slept… he did not see fit to return such favors.” Stockton looked at the class, his eyes ablaze. Mike realized the whole room was perfectly silent. And not because of detention-boy. They were hanging on Stockton’s every word.
    â€œThankfully, Rafael was caught before he could murder even more of our people. He had been sequestering himself in a village near Connacht, along the River Shannon, without the knowledge of the townspeople. His magical experiments caused people to take notice, and eventually word spread to us. He was taken to Wyvern Castle and kept under magical lock and key until the end of the war. Thankfully, due in part to the fact that it was so late in the campaign, the Gargoyle-Guardian alliance was able to turn back the Vampiric hordes.” Stockton exhaled, taking a break from his intense monologue. “But so much had already been lost.”
    A redheaded student across the row from Mike raised a hand. Surprisingly, Stockton acknowledged him.
    â€œWhat’d they do to him?”
    Stockton’s mouth curled into a tiny smile. “The clans were presented with a most serious dilemma. Rafael’s fate was sealed, no doubt, but he came from the most powerful of all Guardian families. What if another member betrayed the clans again? To kill the entire family was madness; only one had committed the crime. Yet to keep them around, despite their great power, would cause a terrible rift between the gargoyles and the Guardians, because of what those descendants represented.
    â€œAfter a long meeting, the Guardian leaders came to a decision. Our clan was excommunicated from the rest of its brethren, and the name of our clan was forbidden to be spoken.” Stockton scanned the room. “We are outcasts, thanks to Rafael. We have no place amongst the Guardian legions.”
    No one said a word. Excommunicated? Outcasts? They sure hadn’t put that on the glossy brochure.
    Stockton continued. “Rafael himself was executed, a murderer given the ultimate punishment before the entire Gargoyle nation. His family was banished from the Guardian lineage, never to be spoken to or heard from again.” Stockton’s voice cut off and his eyes narrowed.
    â€œUntil now.”
    Mike shifted uncomfortably. Was that who was threatening the school? Rafael’s people? And the sweatsuits who had attacked him on his way home – were they Rafael’s family, too? Who knew how many offspring Rafael might have by now… and if they were the most powerful of the Guardian families, they might be able to cause serious trouble…
    â€œA descendant of Rafael has been allowed entry into our school.” Stockton’s nostrils flared, scanning the room for effect. Then they