Shield of the Gods (Aigis Trilogy, Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Roxie’s eyes started glowing. After that I had no reason left to doubt its validity. I’ve kept the letter secret from Roxie for fear of scaring her. It seemed like the right thing to let her grow up in ignorance of her fate. Now that you’re here my choice seems to be no less cruel than the alternative.”
                  Aerigo pulled the beige paper closer. He could tell the note was old. Every fold was boldly defined, yet no rips or crumple marks aged the note. He opened it and began reading what he recognized as Baku’s simple handwriting:
    Dear Eve-
                  I give you my condolences for your son and daughter-in-law. The gift of your granddaughter has come at a heavy price I didn’t expect. My name is Baku and I apologize, but it’s too early to explain who I am and how I know about your family. I won’t be able to meet you in person for some time but I need to grace you with some knowledge about your granddaughter.
                  Roxie is special. She’s something more than human: an Aigis. She’s still your blood, however she possesses abilities no one else on Earth has, yet she won’t be able to exercise any of them, except one: her eyes can glow in response to fear, anger or sadness, but that trait won’t develop until age five. Hopefully this heads-up will spare you from any shock. The rest of her powers will be made available to her one day, when a man with glowing eyes like hers comes. 
                  That man is named Aerigo and, in addition to restoring all of her natural abilities with a tonic I’ll give him, he will come to collect Roxie shortly after she reaches adulthood. Her destiny will inexorably carry her beyond Earth to other corners of the universe.
                  Bearing all that in mind, I’m asking you to take on guardianship of Roxie until that day arrives. You’re a strong, wise person, Eve. I need you to impress your strength and wisdom upon your granddaughter. Earth isn’t the world Roxie was supposed to be born on (which is why she won’t be able to exercise all her abilities from birth), but you’ll be an excellent caretaker and teacher to your granddaughter. I have faith you’ll do well.
                  I would also like to let you know that Roxie is destined to do great things, so it should be a proud moment for you the day Aerigo arrives to pick up where you’ll leave off. Acknowledge your achievements and be proud of yourself, as well as Roxie. And acknowledge Roxie’s ability to make a positive difference in the universe. 
                  Roxie’s destiny does possess a heavy element of danger. It will be a difficult journey. The universe’s peace is being threatened. Already things have begun to fall apart and I have been forced into a position where I can do little to salvage the situation. All you and I can do is hope she’ll be up for the task when the time comes, for time is running out. But never give up hope. We all need to have faith that Roxie and Aerigo can help save us all. I have as much faith in their abilities as I do in your ability to be a good guardian.
                  Take care. And remember: be strong. Have faith.
    -Baku
                  Aerigo folded the note and set it on the table. “He didn’t really tell you anything,” he said.
                  “No, nothing specific,” Grandma said as she poured two mugs of tea. She brought them to the table. “But enough to help me get by, I guess. I still think Roxie is too young for you to take her away though.”
                  “There’s nothing I can do to change things.” He accepted his mug and Grandma sat down.
                  “I know.”
                  After several seconds of listening to nothing but the ticking of a clock from somewhere in the living room, Aerigo said, “I’ll take good care of her for