Two swords clashed together sending a hail of sparks bouncing off the young men’s faces. They snarled and leered as they pushed back against one another in the attempt of overcoming the other. The taller one pushed forward and sent the other long haired warrior staggering back. He recovered and stood ready again, both hands gripping his sword tightly. The short brown haired man stood in a wide open defenseless position and beckoned his target. “Come now Leonardo, is that all the strength you have?” Breathing hard Leonardo tightened his grip on his sword. He shifted his booted feet on the stone floor and dashed forward. He stepped swiftly and closed the gap with a full sprint and a downward swinging blade. His opponent dodged and landed an uppercut punch deep into Leonardo’s stomach. Leonardo spat as he was forced to exhale, before he could even think a second fist came down from above and struck squarely on Leonardo's jaw.

Leonardo’s knees hit the ground with a solid thud as bone met stone. He gasped in air as best he could and prepared himself for the next hit. “Damian!” a strong older voice called out. “That’s enough!” Damian hesitated, holding his fist in the air. He looked over at the tall rugged man with crossed arms, who glared at him from under his brow. “Get back in line, now.” “Whatever you say, cap-i-tan” Damian snickered disrespectfully and pushed leonardo away with a shove of his boot. Leonardo rolled onto his back, trying to catch his breath. Damian sheathed his blunt iron training sword and walked off to join the other young men. They patted Damian on the shoulder as they parted to let him pass. “Leonardo, recover.” the captain ordered, Leonardo took a moment, he stood slowly to his feet and  regained his composure, holding his sword with his right and his stomach with his left. “Yes Captain Augusto. I stand.” Leonardo said as he panted heavily. He wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his left hand. The captain addressed the others. “We are finished for today. Dismissed,” the other dozen young men along with Damian Snapped to attention, pounded their chests twice with their fists and shouted in unison, “Por la sol!” and they began to disperse. Leonardo started to follow until captain Augusto called out. “Leonardo, stay here, i would have a word with you.” the clank and clatter of their armors and leathers marked their movements as they walked down the stone stairs murmuring and congratulating among themselves.

Leonardo stood as straight as he could despite the pain in his abdomen. “I admire your spirit, you fight with zeal young one.” the captain said as he walked over to him at the center of the small training arena. A raised circular stone mesa surrounded by red granite pillars, each one marked with a rune, representing each nearby planet, sun, earth, Venus and mars. Leonardo fixed his eyes on his captain, noting the gold ropes across his armored chest. A heavy brown leather cape draped over the short haired, bearded, middle aged man's broad armored shoulders. The bronze and gold detailing on his armor depicting an ornate crest of the sun. Sword at his side, and a stern face that commanded order. “However this is not about passion, but skill, and the third time you have not emerged victorious in these duels.” The captain said as he crossed his arms, thick bronze and gold bracers clinked together. “I understand captain but if I could only try once more...” Leonardo began to explain but the captain interrupted with a raised hand. Leonardo stopped and swallowed hard. The captain began to pace just a few feet away from his recruit looking down with his hand on his chin, his cape following behind him in the warm evening breeze.

“Power, speed, and accuracy, these are what make a warrior a guardian of the people, of our way of life. I need soldiers that poses these talents” Leonardo jumped in “yes sir I” the captain cut in again, this time bringing his deep voice a decibel higher. “Your potential is there, but I’m afraid your skill set is just not what i need right now, and the training would only take more time.” He paused briefly looking into Leonardo's eyes, seeing the young man's need of an explanation, “These days are strange young one, rumors of wars, of extraordinary people, unexplained phenomena, I am sorry Leonardo, but i must focus on strengthening those who are exceeding, I cannot use you as a solar knight.” The captain said. Leonardo almost took a step back as the words hurt more than the punches. “I understand sir…” “Good, now return to barracks, and report back to the tower watch at dawn.” With that Leonardo snapped to attention and pounded his chest twice “Por la sol!” the captain nodded “Por la sol.” he said back tapping his heart with his right fist as well. Leonardo was almost at the steps when the captain called to him again, “And remember, one battle lost, does not stop a wars victory.” Leonardo nodded, and turned back down the steps.

The sun was low, orange and crimsons began to adorn the tops of the clouds. The native crimson tail birds chirped their last songs and the air began to chill. The Venusian ring solward began to cast its shadow on the Terran ring. Leonardo reached the end of the stairs and sat on the last step, inhaling through his teeth as he bent down, clenching his eyes. “So how did it go?” a friendly voice reached out to him from the noise of marching and shouting. Leonardo looked up and shook his head, “Not so good Eleazar, not as i would have liked it to.” The solar knight, clad in bronze and leather armor, slowly took a seat next to him. “Well, that's the uh?” “third try.” leonardo interrupted.

“Right, and who did you spar?” Eliazer asked, “Who do you think?” Leonardo snapped, Eliazer nodded and looked off into the base. soldiers marched and carried on tasks, orders were shouted in the distance as cart and horse moved about. “Damian can be a bit, harsh i grant it, but don't let him rattle you. You'll be a solar knight soon.” Leonardo took a deep breath, “well the captain doesn't think so.” eliazer put a reassuring hand on Leonardo's shoulder, “There's always next year Leo. I know how bad you want this, so don't you quit.” Leonardo nodded. “ At least someone believes in me, thank you.” “no problem, hey I know what will finish the day off right. Let's go to strato hill tonight, the comets passing, we'll get a light show. What do you think?” Eliazer suggested. Leonardo took a deep breath. “I suppose.” leonardo muttered. Eliazer jumped up to his feet  “Great! It’s settled then i will see you there tonight, oh and bring Regal.” Leonardo chuckled to himself, “If he’ll listen.” he said as he got up as well. Leonardo waved back to eliazer as he walked towards his barracks.. The stone work of the hall was of Earth, but the gold seal on the archway of sun and star was definitely terra Novan craftsmanship. A fusion of Geometric and rounded elements came together at the same time, it was the crest of Terra Nova, the symbol of the solar knights.

He pushed the wood doors open and was met with the boisterous shouts of his fellow recruits. wood Bunks lined the banner draped walls and lanterns lit the hall. “Well there he is, our new solar knight!” one of the young men called out in a mocking tone, “tell us Leo, how does your new armor fit?" the others laughed “Oh i'm sorry, they don't make them that small!” the young man said as he playfully patted Leonardo on the back “yea yea very funny Guillermo.” Leonardo replied, “I didn't see you at the tryouts.” the others ooed and awed at Leonardo's quick jab. “OK OK well i guess we are not all as brave as you then.” Guillermo replied as he stepped back with his hands in the air. “Brave or stupid” one shouted out. “It must be the second!” another added as the hall echoed with laughter, Leonardo nodded, shaking off the insults as he opened his dresser. “You'll see, I'll be a solar knight yet.” he defended as he finished changing out of his training armor and into his civilian clothes. Leather boots, black linen pants and shirt to match. He swung his leather jacket on and grabbed his shoulder bag. “Have a good night boys.” he said. The laughter faded away as he headed through the front door, the laughter continued behind him, Leonardo only looked over is solder, frowned, pushed his head up, and walked out into the new evening. 

Leonardo walked through the cobblestone villlage with the fight still fresh in his mind. He almost didn't see the horse and cart pass closely as he sidestepped, “sorry sir, sorry” the cloaked and armored driver kept his hood down, “Careful now…” he said in a low, raspy voice. “ he's clearly not from around here, and a black horse? Maybe he’s from Luna?” he thought.  Leonardo eyed the cart as it continued down the main road. He was about to shrug and walk off when he had a strange feeling of being watched, he quickly turned to look down a dimly lit alley way only to see a hooded figure dip out of sight. Leonardo stood puzzled, he took a step towards the ally, but decided against it, ‘strange people, where they together or?...’ Leonardo thought, but he was quickly reminded of his fatigue and he gave up thinking about it.  The markets where still alive with purchasers and smells of good food cooking from the various inns and taverns. The tall stone homes, walls and guard towers all came together to form a strong city. Full of life, and movement. He made it to his home, a humble place, up the stairs he went and opened his front door, a cross like insignia was carefully carved into the door. The family crest.

The door creaked open. a beautiful soft voice sang out from just beyond the first hall. “Hello who’s there?”. Leonardo hesitated, he wanted to say,,, ‘your knight’… “Hello mother I’m home’... he replied. “So?,,, how did it go?” she asked as Leonardo walked into the room. “Well, not as i was hoping.” she was in a sitting window at the end of the living room. The evening sun sent golden rays cascading through the glass. She wore a Long brown skirt with matching rose gold jewlery, her hair near wild, dirty blonde with decorative ties and little chains. She was tall, thin, and beautiful.  “I apologize my sun, I know you where really trying to make the solar knights.” she said as she closed the book in her hands and stood. “Will the tryouts begin next year?” Leonardo sighed, “ yes, but i don't know.” “Leo!” she cut in sharply putting the book face down on the long table. Between them. “You are not a quitter. Never have been so don't you start now, ok?” Leonardo stood up straight and looked her in the eye, “Yes ma’am”. “Good…” she said as she grabbed her book and returned to her place at the window.

“One last thing…?” Leonardo dared, treading with respectful caution. “Yes? What is it?” she answers, Leonardo hesitated. “Eleazar invited me out tonight. We were going to Strato hill so we can get a clear view of the comet, tonight…” she looked away from her book and peered down at him from under her brow, nearly squinting. “and uh… we would bring regal as well, also just given how today went i think i would like to just relax with friends…” she was silent. She closed her book again, this time just a little louder. “Now you listen to me young man, I don't have to remind you about what you did last month, nor the “harmless fun” you think you and your friends think you had, if i hear about you drinking again, there will be consequences, do you understand?” she said firmly.  “you’re lucky the academy kept you.” she finished. Leonardo knew better than to protest, after all getting into a drunken stupor with Damien and stealing chariots to race through the city wasn't exactly a harmless adventure, and he knew it. Leonardo held his tongue and stared at his mother with anxious eyes.“Go ahead.” she finally said, “However.” she added, “Go tell your father where you're going to be. He’s at the solarium” Leonardo's eyes went wide. He Took that as his last window of opportunity, and briskly walked back out of the house. Mariana shook her head and returned to her reading, a tattered old leather book with gold letters that said ‘El gran asencion’.

He took a deep breath of fresh evening air, he had forgotten to breath while talking with his mother. He made his way to the back of the house, where just down a narrow stone path, a wooden barn stood under some low hanging avocado trees. He pulled the big door open and called out “Regal!” he grabbed a lantern that was hanging just in side the door. “Regal?” A low growl sounded from the dark corner of the barn. Something jumped. Leonardo turned fast… nothing. He slowly raised his lantern to shed light on the rafters above, a pair of glowing eyes caught the light, a roar sounded out as a black mass of teeth and claw came down on the frightened young man. “ ah! umph!” Leonardo exclaimed as the large creature pinned him down under a heavy paw. Snarling teeth inches from his face sudenly became licks and nudges of greeting and joy. “Regal! You nearly killed me boy!” the large cat continued his greeting and growling, “Oh get off it you crazy beast, he said laughing. "you are such a spaz!” Leonardo laughed as he pushed him off. The cat pulled away and backed up. The cat then reared up on his hind legs and gave a long, loud howl and flared his large jet black, green, and violet wings. “Looking good boy!” regal came back down and folded his wings back in. Leonardo kneeled in front of regal and petted him “I missed you too brother cat, hows about you and I head out for the evening?” The cat grunted in agreement. “Great! then let’s get going.” Leonardo grabbed a harness of thick leather straps and began to buckle the belts around the predators muscular body. “Now this goes here, there you go.” Regal shook his head as he came to accept the harness. “You be good now and stay close to me you understand?” regal howled again. “Alright. Lets go.” and  the two walked out of the barn and into the glowing amber evening.

The main street was bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. Both merchant and customer filled the avenue as they bought, traded and sold. Carts of fine linen, and fruit stands were carefully tended by their owners. Jewelers and smiths announced their products with enticing invitations. Leonardo and and regal walked through the hustle and bustle, taking in all the sights and sounds, the scents and aromas of flowers and foods. Regal couldn't resist his seance of smell as the aroma of fresh caught fish on a nearby fisherman's cart beckons his attention. “Come now regal stay close.” Leonardo said as he looked to his right, but found no cat. “ ugh Regal where did?” he said as he looked around for the defiant cat. He scanned quickly and found regal stalking the fisherman,s catches, low to the ground the cat peaked his head just over the table, and slowly opened his mouth and gently grasped a whole fish with his fangs. Leonardo chuckled to himself, “Regal!” Leonardo yelled, alerting the large brown man behind the cart. “Oye gato que ases!” the man yelled and regal quickly retreated to Leonardo side with fish in jaw.  The man was ready to unleash a new barge of insults when a gold coin was flipped into the mans hands, he fumbled the coin for just a moment and then began to laugh. The two continued down the busy street, and arrived at the base of the steps leading up to the Solarium. Two large statues stood tall at the base of the steps, a warrior with drape and shield, standing firmly on gaurd, Sol. A legend. A myth.

The solarium was an enormous structure, sitting at the top of a wide garden covered hill, with the city of Terra Nova at its base. It was commissioned by the early Terra Nova pioneers as a place of music and gathering. Made of solid gold pillars and thick lunar glass, Surrounded by tended gardens that housed rare and beautiful flowers from nearly all corners of the Staroads. Nine large statues encircled the structure, each a warrior of legend, some say they had cosmic powers, and that they created the staroads. Now worshiped like gods. Leonardo stood at the base of the wide stone steps as he began to over think. “ I really don’t want to talk to him regal, But i don’t want to make things worse either so…” Regal gave a short howl. he sighed and looked up at the statue, and scoffed. “first one to the top!?” he said and regal bolted up the hill. Leonardo started up the steps, His thoughts wandered as he ascended. He reached the top and came to the stained glass doors, deep reds and yellows depicting a shining sun. the various torches illuminated the door from the other side giving the fiery glass a glowing dance, he pushed the heavy doors open and was greeted with warmth and light.

The doors rumbled open, “wait out here Regal, you know they don’t allow animals in here. Now stay.“ Regal complained in a low grumpy grumble as he sat down. Regals best attempts at staying still where dashed by a mischievous butterfly that landed on the big cats nose, making him cross his big yellow eyes. Regal then swatted at the remorseful insect, chasing it into the brush. Leonardo entered, the room was vast, a magnetically levitated orrery hovered above in the center of the stadium like interior.  Slowly it turned, featuring all nine rings of the Staroads with each of the planets in between the rings. The rings were cast of iron and nickel, and depicted all the towns, villages and cities on them. Mountains and lakes, oceans and deserts, each ring enveloped in quality cartography. The craftsman ship was one of a kind.  And just on the inside of the third ring, just a few miles down spin from earth, was the first Staroads settlement etched in gold and enriched with gems., the kingdom of Terra Nova, Leonardo's home.

Monk and priest wondered about, some dressed in the traditional crimson and gold. Some who were clearly pilgrims from the the Asian kingdoms of the Terran roads up-spin. Some prayed, some spoke, some gathered around one man near a collection of book shelves, chair and desk in the far end of the room. Leonardo walked over, and leaned on a shelf behind the various students. The tall man finished his sentence, looked up, and smiled. “Well class i believe that will be all for tonight. Dismissed.” the students began to gather their things, and get up. Some noticed Leonardo and mutter under their breath about him. “Is that his son?” one whispered, “heard he was in the dungeon.” “you think he would study with his father here?’ Leonardo did his best to ignore them. “Father.” Leonardo greeted him with a forehead to heart gesture, the family greeting. Vicente returned the greeting. “My son, i missed you at class.” Vicente asked. “Yes, i was at the solar knights tryouts…” ”and?” Vicente asked. “And i um… i didn’t make it.” Vicente nodded slowly… “hmm” he paced a bit among the study area. “I’m sorry.” Leonardo said. “It’s not a matter of apology, but a matter of priority, my son i have asked you time and time again, come study here with me, i know you want to do whats right, but there are other ways to fight for truth and justice.” Leonardo began to become angry, “Like do what?! stand around giving speeches on fairy tales and nonsense?!”  “son now listen.” Vicente started, “no, you listen, there are real solutions here and right now its military, not thoughts and prayers." the pain in his gut from earlier kicked in. “the nine are just a metaphore they are not real!”… leonardo shouted.  

”Vicente stood back like he was just hit with something heavy. Leonardo saw this, “look dad that's not what…” Vicente raised his hand. Leonardo stopped. “You have stated how you feel, and that's fine my son, go, go bring peace to the world through your sword, but if you don't believe in nothing, you'll fall for anything.” Vicente finished “Dad i.” “Just go.” Vicente turned. Leonardo scoffed and turned, little did he realize there was a few groups watching and listening. A wave of embarrassment washed over him as he quickly exited the temple. Vincent watched as his son left, and looked down.