Space Guardian

By Lena Karynn Tesla 

The galaxy stretched out before me, brightly colored stars blinking beckoningly. I stepped toward it, tucking the long chain with its ornate key back into my shirt as I pulled the door shut behind me, closing off the suspended wooden platform with its many other portal doorways. Standing on the edge of the wide threshold, hanging out over the nothingness of space as I had so many times before, I readied myself for my next exploration. My travel bag—filled with a jumble of basic supplies and exotic things picked up from other worlds—was strapped to my back. Tying my hair back to keep it from floating across my face, I wrapped myself in the protective vines growing from my bag, sealing me off from the harshness of space, and pushed away from the sturdy wooden platform.

I floated toward the nearest solar system, breathing in the familiar nothingness. Space detritus swirled as I swam through it. This planet was as of yet unexplored by me, and the exhilaration of the unknown coursed through me.

But something made me pause, peering ahead for any sign of trouble. The thrum of life I usually detected when approaching a planet was absent. My skin prickled. I felt the presence of something other, different from the planets and the pulsing blue sun of this solar system. It had a strange thrum of life. And suddenly, the light of the stars was blotted out as a monumental being blocked my way, cosmic wings beating erratically. A spined head lowered to face me, starlight reflecting from the depths of eyes the size of the planets themselves.

My mind reached out toward the guardian in an attempt to gain entry.

Halt, traveler. The behemoth growled into my mind, its words filling it, even as its body filled the space in front of me. I cannot let you enter my world.

Never before had I been denied admittance, though I had met many guardians. Usually, the troubles came once I was already in.

I am here to simply observe, I reassured the dragon. I swear I mean no harm to your world. I come only to explore and learn.

Still, the beast shook its head. It is too risky. Already one of my planets is compromised. It stretched its wings to full length, wrapping them around the solar system, and revealing the cause for its concern.

Gaping holes rent through the leathery skin allowed a view of space behind it. And I could see the planet it sought to protect, pummeled by asteroids and other debris that had come in through the gaps. The surface smoked in places with a deep orange glow.

It is my duty to protect this world. The dragon continued to glare menacingly, though I could see the despair hidden deep in its eyes. Already I begin to fail. I cannot afford to take a chance.

I seek to help, any way I can. Will you allow me?

There is nothing you can do, even if I did choose to trust you. My wings are torn beyond help. Now go, before I choose to destroy you for this intrusion.

I beg your tolerance a moment longer. Reaching into my carpetbag, I pulled out a companion I’d picked up on a prior journey. She clung to my finger with her eight tiny legs, as we both faced the sentinel. If you would but allow my friend and me to inspect the problem, I may be able to offer a solution.

The creature relented, still following my movement with one great eye as I propelled myself toward the ragged edge of the nearest gash.

Closely examining the problem, I could see that in order to mend the holes a strong, flexible material would be needed. I knew that my idea would indeed prove to be the perfect thing for it.

I brought my small companion close to my face. Two tiny front legs waved gently at me as I discussed the situation with her.

My friend here is a weaver, I explained to the guardian. Her thread will be able to restore protective power to your wings. Will you allow it?

If you can indeed do as you say, I will be forever indebted.

I shrugged it off. The worlds I visit bring me so much joy; I like to help whenever I can.

The iridescent spider crawled to the tip of my finger and swung eagerly onto the dragon’s wing. Immediately, she spun strand after strand of metallic white thread across the gap, bright against the black leathery hide.

I swam back to the dragon’s head. May I pass through now?

The great beast bowed its head to me. Who am I to thank for this salvation?

I am Narina. I returned the bow. They call me the Worlds Traveler. I smiled, leaving my little friend to complete her work as I set out for the planet below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lena Karynn Tesla is a homeschool graduate from the hills of New England with a passion for the written word. She tells fantastical stories as a way to release the worlds and adventures that stir in her heart and mind. When she is not writing, she can be found pouring magic elixirs of caffeine for the masses, or exploring the woods with her two prowling cats.

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