“Trisha liked the new dress colors for the army uniforms. Hers was similar to Zadar’s except it was less ornate and she did not tuck the pants into her boots. Also, her blouse was more formfitting, thus accenting her delightful figure. At the moment, Trisha was not wearing a sash or jacket, but the blouse did have the emblem of her rank sewn on the left sleeve and front left breast.
The design of the emblem was the same as the one Trisha wore at the council meeting, but the coloring was different. At the meeting, she had one that was blue with gold embroidery. The new one was the same color green as Zadar’s shell jacket and instead of the rune representing Boaz being embroidered in gold, it was done in a shimmering, burning copper-green. The rune for Jachin was done in a metallic, sky-blue thread. The green, Boaz, stood for the Army, the blue, Jachin, for the Navy. The division had come about when Mihai resigned as field marshal, which was a command over all military forces. The separation of Army and Navy command created two supreme commanders: field marshal and admiral. This was part of the new military that was emerging in the First Realm.”)
* * *
Mihai had lingered with her bath, soaking long in the healing waters filled with minerals from the Diamond. Then, applying more Diamond Cream to her cuts and bruises, she began to dress. When finished, she washed away the cream and examined her face in the mirror. Although the swelling was greatly diminished and her scratches less pronounced, the woman still fussed about her appearance and her need to look proper for the day.
Paul puzzled aloud about her dream, asking for explanation. Mihai politely refused, saying the constraints of time could not do the conversation justice. Paul could tell she harbored no intention of discussing it, now or later. He finally surrendered to the notion that Mihai was still in a sour mood and, should he pursue the issue further, might well receive more than a gentle rebuff concerning it. Nodding, he commented that it was time to leave anyway.
As they prepared to go, Paul asked Mihai the reason for her tantalizing garments, a reasonable question for a man from the Realms Below. Mihai’s royal finery was deceptively sensual, at least for Paul – red, silken pantaloons held up by a wide, black leather belt; laced, heeled sandals, giving Mihai an arch to her back that accented her voluptuousness; a long-sleeved, billowy blouse of sheer spider silk and a half-sleeve jacket fitted to clasp tight at the waist while opening at mid-waist height, fully exposing the wonders of Mihai’s delightful form. Although common dress for these people at special events, Paul could not help but wonder why so fancy and ornate in the morning, and for a breakfast appointment.
Mihai harrumphed, opening the door to leave, “Mother expressly asked me to womanize myself for the journey this day, and there isn’t time for my return here after breakfasting with the others. So I have chosen to look womanly from the start, though I feel more beastly at the moment.” Then touching her side, she added, “She also just delivered this jacket to me but yesterday and begged me to fashion it for her. I’m killing two birds with one stone. Now let’s go!”
Paul followed quickly though his desire was to help Mihai off with that finery and linger a while longer in the seclusion of the bedroom. But it was a wonderful jacket, the man forcing his eyes away from other, more sensual delights, a rich, royal purple covered with all sorts of gemstones and diamonds. Laced with gold and chrysolite were numerous runes, some translatable, while others were from a time even the Ancients
understood little about. It was something the likes that only the Maker of all living things could have designed, and it was truly kingly.
The labyrinth of rooms and corridors that comprised the living quarters of the Firstborn were many and complex, Paul having little time to explore there much, but the path Mihai was taking to arrive at the royal chambers was a mystery to him, roundabout, Mihai seeking time to put on a better mood before seeing the others. Eventually, after many detours, hallways, banquet rooms, gardens, and whatever other out of the way passageway Mihai could conjure up to travel, the two arrived at a narrow set of doors leading into the center palace.
By this time, Mihai had managed to compose herself and improve her disposition, even chitchatting with Paul about her childhood when these worlds were her private wonderland where she ruled as princess. In short order, the two stood in the portico facing the grand balcony that overlooked the inner gardens, she saying that one last look into the plush greenery works wonders for her soul.
Pushing aside the silky curtains, Mihai walked onto the balcony over to the marble balustrade, its polished surface demanding to be stroked. She looked out and down upon the wonder of wonders, the most unique and delightful of botanical nurseries in the universe. This was the world of but one mind, the Garden of Feelings, a place where, as Ma-we once stated, ‘the thoughts and dreams from my heart become reality’.
Inhaling the sweet, healing fragrance wafting up from countless varieties of colorful blossoms and pungent greenery forced any foul mood Mihai harbored into swift retreat.
A second breath and the woman was becoming intoxicatingly lost in the enchanting scents and scenery, forgetting the reason for her visit. Paul came close, Mihai clasping his hand and delivering a gentle kiss on his cheek. Oh, the delight of this paradise! If only the two could stay secreted away in this place until time came to a finish! She tipped her head back, luxuriating in this hypnotic world of symphonic emotions.
A welcoming voice from the shadows below startled Mihai. “Hello up there. I thought you’d waste the whole day in dreamy lullaby. You know, Paul…hello, Dear…will still be around tomorrow and…and he will only get better with time.”
Mihai stared down to see Ma-we, who had returned to rummaging some thick undergrowth, fussing, “I did see a new one here, just so cute, so cute. Mustn’t get distracted next time.”
“Mother, what are you doing? And…” Mihai frowned, surprised, looking down at Ma-we, now on all fours, pawing the rich, mossy ground, “and what are you doing here?
When did you return? I didn’t expect you ‘til later.”
Not stopping, Ma-we called back, “It’s a bug of some kind, a new one I think…cute little fellow, bright yellow with green stripes. Lost sight of it when I heard you stomp’n about. And, of course you didn’t know I was here, or else you’d not been so bold to be a snoopin’ around here.”
“I’ve not been snooping around here!” Mihai retorted, smiling at the sparring going on. “You told me to watch the place whilst you were gone. That’s what I’ve done, though I doubt I’ll receive any gratitude for it.”
Ma-we stood, her face, knees and hands smudged with dirt. Grinning, she held up the tiny prize. “I’ll put it away safe...” After tucking the bug in a little cage, she stepped into a fountain, washing away the grime. As the water splashed upon naked flesh, she replied to Mihai’s defensive report, “What you say may all be well and good, but I have
found broken ferns and crushed grasses that speak of more than just watchin’. And I also smell the scent of romance, not that you’d know anything of that, would you? Should I ask your gentleman friend there about the matter?”
Paul’s face flushed red. Before he or Mihai could answer, Ma-we called up, “No time to argue… Bring that fellow conspirator of yours along and hurry down here. I’ve business and can’t waste another moment on the likes of you.”
Mihai squeezed Paul’s hand, cautioning, “Careful, she’s up to something. I can smell it. Keep your wits about you.”
For children from the Realms Below, Ma-we was a very tough person to figure out.
A ‘quirky personality’ was a common description given her for those countless riddling stories, outrageous humor, and the way she thought sideways - at least in the eyes of those ‘normal people’ from the Lower Realms. Paul smiled. And when she and Mihai conspired together, woe to any hapless victim caught in their sights! Shaking his head as he followed along, Paul knew it was his day to be targeted.
Both Mihai and Paul were impressed with Ma-we’s very pleasant surprise. There was no one better at conjuring up magical meals than the Maker of tasty delights herself…this morning a breakfast of sweetmeats, cheeses, fruits, nuts and roasted grains, served with goblets of fresh juices and spicy, hot drinks. The three feasted until bellies were full and appetites satisfied.
As they laughed and chatted on, Paul looked around to marvel at the beauties of this mystical place. The laws of the universe were even servants to these wondrous gardens, so filled with unimaginable living things. As he mused over the endless variety of plants and creatures, he looked over at Mihai to make comment, his mouth dropping open in surprise. The ravages from Mihai’s nightmares were totally gone! Even the worry lines from the woman’s constant stressing over the coming prisoner exchange had disappeared, replaced by a radiant glow like that of a maiden awakening into womanhood. Paul’s mind was nearly overwhelmed by the mystery of this place, pondering, ‘It’s magic! It must be the magic of this place!’ While contemplating the moment, he was rudely shaken by a spoken reply.
“No, Dear, it is not the magic of this place.” Ma-we smiled. “I do have powers, too, and use them when the hour calls out need for them. I cannot allow my child to arrive in public so broken in appearance, not this day. I fixed her up just like I did you.”
Paul was aghast! “How? What?”
Ma-we took up a tiny crumb of sweet cake from her plate, popping it in her mouth, answering, “You have many things to learn yet, like keeping your emotions hidden behind your lawyer face. You also need to gain mastery over your mind, else it will be the ruin of us all, you shouting thoughts out so painfully loud.”
Paul attempted a response with further questions.
Ma-we stopped him. “My son, you must learn to walk before you can run. Have you not become studied in the many ways I and my children communicate with each other, sometimes over great distances? Have you not studied the physics of what your kind call the ‘avenue of prayer’?” She shook her head, feigning sadness, “My boy has so much to learn...”
She began to explain, gesturing with hands and fingers, “As you know, Dear, we…
even you… speak also with our minds. You know this. You should also recall that there are specific places in the brain that transmit these thoughts just as someone uses the
mouth to transmit thoughts vocally. Now, Dear, you must remember to strengthen those parts of the brain - practice, practice, practice - so that you do not shout out to all what you wish be left secret. I do not pry into the private world of your inner mind, but when you publicly declare inner feelings, well…I have the right to respond. And this morning you have been quite vocal, even hurting Mihai’s head.”
Mihai took a sip of her fruit wine. Setting the glass down, she looked at her mother, casually replying, “He’s been pestering me all morning, giving my mind no time to rest.
‘Tell me your dream!’ ‘What happened?’ and on and on.” She looked Paul in the eyes.
“He believes me to be in a sour mood, afraid to ask me outright.”
The perplexed expression on Paul’s face revealed the man’s confusion. He had spent too little time pondering the wonders of telepathy in this realm, and he sat in the presence at this very moment of the person to whom he and his kind in the Lower Realms had silently cried out to so many times in fervent supplication. Although being learned in the ways of mental communication, the fellow all too often still relied on his mouth to relay information, forgetting what parts of his thoughts were being exposed to others.
Ma-we smiled so impishly, hearing in her mind all these things. “My lovely one, oh, dear Paul, you must take the time to learn how to speak so that your mental words flow as eloquently as your tongue’s…” she laughed, “though I feel we will miss the grand entertainment provided by you when that hour does arrive.”
“No!” Paul cried, his voice nearing the squealing of an animal caught in a trap. “Not I! How have? In what way?”
“Well, you did ask me.” Ma-we grinned. “So I shall tell you just one thing I have heard from you. I took on a body that is strikingly handsome, more so than my daughters. Oh, the physical beauty of it is common for the women of this world, but I placed an aura, a scent about it that is so bewitching. I made myself alluringly seductive so that my children would never tire of my company.” She frowned, but said nothing.
Smiling again, Ma-we added, “I truly enjoy my children’s stares and the endearing affection received. That is why I created the festivals, to constantly remind my children of the value I place on romancing the sensual, both the heart and flesh. Oh, but you do speak with such boldness as to make my ears turn red from your boyish candidness. ‘She has such beautiful tits! Should death await their touch, oh well, such a little price…’”
In a panic, Paul cried out, “Please! Please forgive the rantings of a fool! I…”
Staring into an anxious, distraught face, Ma-we grinned, “You are no fool! I am charmed, I assure you. And I do hope for the hour when time permits us such interlude and much, much more. In that day, you will come to understand what Heaven truly is.”
Paul began another round of apologies. Mihai reached out a hand, quieting him, nodding to her mother while speaking to Paul, “Dear, this is not what it’s about.”
Ma-we agreed, “Yes, yes, I am so pleased with you finding me so sensually attractive, truly charmed. And the day will come when I expect us to share the bed of romance. But that day is yet future, for prophecy must first be fulfilled. Please, though, do not cloud the issue at hand, that being your mind has been opened to work in the way of the children living in this world. If you do not gain control over it, then disaster may well be lurking at your door.”
Paul was crestfallen, recalling the many prurient thoughts that had flooded his mind since first observing the naked delights of this universe. Could he ever face a crowd again and not feel the fool?
Sensing his dread, Ma-we comforted Paul, “Only very recently have I heightened your telepathic abilities. Rest assured, you have not yet become the court jester. Still, I believe that my little demonstration this morning has awakened your awareness of the dangers lurking for an unlearnt mind. And, I’m sure that with a person like you, such a lesson will not go unheeded.”
Mihai squeezed Paul’s hand. “After the council meeting, Mother discussed with me the need for you to enhance your mental abilities, it being the feeling that such powers might help at the prisoner exchange. You will find, if you haven’t noticed already, that the world around you may appear a bit sharper, more focused. You’re more sensitive to the happenings going on around you, something that will serve you well when mastered.”
“That’s right, Dear.” Ma-we smiled while her voice took on a serious tone. “The hour is rapidly approaching when all the children I have gathered from the worlds below must stand up and bring to a finish all that is and all that will be, you not being the least of the ones to do so. Mihai needs time to teach you how to collect the spirit of the mind to yourself, she being able to begin that training on the way to the prisoner exchange. I feel the experience you gain there will be a good dress rehearsal for future days.” She leaned forward, touching Paul’s hand. “I did not wish for hurt feelings, but… you’re a big boy and well, I guess that I wanted you to know how fond I am of you, too. And I believe this lesson learned will be remembered much longer than if you were forced to suffer a lecture from Ardon.”
Everyone laughed.
Mihai lifted Paul’s hand, clasping it with both of hers, promising, “Love, I will teach you well. I will escort you into the land of the mind by way of our coming dream shares.
You’ll be ready for the Serpent by the time we arrive.” Flirtingly, she added, “I don’t recall you finding our dream shares being arduous for mind and soul.”
Paul blushed, still not comfortable with such sensual openness displayed by Lowenah’s children. Mihai and Ma-we did not carry on as though anything out of the ordinary had been said. After sheepishly thanking them for their consideration and concern, he chided Mihai, “You told me she was up to something! I didn’t think you, too, carried a skewer for my roasting.”
Mihai laughed, “Only a fool or one ignorant comes without an appetite to a roast! I am neither. I didn’t even know Mother was here, do you recall? But when she invited us for breakfast, I knew there would be the bill to pay. I just didn’t know who would pay it.
When I saw the way things were going, I went along. Better you than me when it comes to the skewer and, trust me, many are the times Mother has roasted me, and not often in such private settings.”
Ma-we stood, spinning around so sensually while the breeze caught her hair up to reveal all her enchanting beauty. Paul and Mihai could not help but be mesmerized by her stunning appearance.
As she slowly twirled in silent dance, she flirtingly crooned,
“I have given to man a visible sign that proves to all his arousal for me.
My hair is my clothing, enough to be had, and my daughters are true reflections of me.
When to me a fellow is rude and uncouth, I shadow that beauty from him.
But when wistful fondness my heart does awake, then all my secrets I’ll offer to him.
Oh, Paul, my dear Paul, what you say about me, is so cute in a passionate way.
It tells me you have the heart of a man that even Ardon’s company can’t steal away.”
Mihai burst into laughter. Ma-we stopped, grinning at Paul. Paul stared, amused but wondering, “Why is poor Ardon often found in your comments when you speak of men?
I mean…”
Mihai took up an explanation. “My dear Paul, Ardon has the reputation for becoming so consumed with the game of spelunking deep within the souls of the planets, he finds no time to do the same for his sisters, which is most troubling now that so many of our brothers abandon us to follow Asotos into the wilderness of rebellion. We have been left empty, starving to be filled to the limit with love from the few men who remain among us. Ardon still doesn’t get it. Other than Tashi, who can raise the ardor of a stone, the man thinks nothing of abandoning his sisters to the wiles of other adventures.”
Ma-we added, “The fellow’s been known to squirrel himself away in some wilderness for years, seeking no companionship at all. Tashi brings out his fire, but she, too, would starve if the girl solely depended on him for satisfaction.”
Gradian’s Clock chimed the hour.
Ma-we glanced up, sighing, “We have frittered away the morning. I need to prepare for the coming journey, seeing I must travel as a mortal on this occasion. And you two must play catch up, for the others are still waiting for you. Don’t mention this meeting or our discussion. Play your ‘lovebirds’ thing with them. They’ll believe it.” She winked and then pointed toward her head. “And that mind stuff, speak not of it to anyone…our little secret.”
After giving each a giant hug and smacking kiss, Ma-we waved the two off. “I’ll be along shortly. My council and I are shipping aboard Shikkeron.” She winked, laughing,
“Second class helps to keep Ardon humble.”
Waving goodbye, Mihai and Paul exited the garden and hurried away. Hitching a ride at the nearest tramwaiter station, they were soon off in search of impatient companions.
* * *
The earlier, jovial clamor was greatly quieted now that most of the breakfast party had departed the eatery to attend to their duties. They had lingered, awaiting Paul’s and Mihai’s arrival only to surrender the hour up to unfinished work, often making good-natured comments as to Mihai’s increased tardiness since she had taken a shine to that
‘Paul fellow’. The number remaining was but five until Trisha and Zadar arrived fashionably late, surprising some and raising the eyebrows of others. They had tucked themselves away in the corner of a tabled booth, soon to be joined by the few who still waited upon their wayward friends.
Symeon had arrived to see the others off, but his mind was troubled with coming events so as to be of little company to anyone. Having moved to the booth at Eutychus’
request to join him, he now fidgeted with some tiny trinket picked up from the table.
“His mind’s been in another place ever since learning of his girl. Isn’t good for anything…” Eutychus whispered, leaning in close to Trisha so Symeon wouldn’t hear him.
Trisha nodded, glancing down in surprise to see she was holding tight to Zadar’s hand. She chose not to let go. Then, looking around the table, she began to muse over the people seated in her company.
Well, there was Eutychus. Everybody knew the story of the sleepyhead boy who fell to his death from a window only to be returned to life by Paul – a tale many were eager to recount when in the man’s company. But a boy he no longer was. Eutychus was a giant, even dwarfing Euroaquilo, but ever so shy was he, as well as mild-tempered and soft-spoken. She once heard Paul speak of him as the man who would apologize for you hitting him. Still, she felt there was something about the fellow that needed more attention. It might do well for her to get to know him better.
Jonathan sat next to Zadar in quiet conversation. A reclusive man, naturally so, he just did not reveal his inner self. Trisha knew little about him outside his earlier writings except that he and Anna were attached at the hip so to speak, the two having journeyed throughout the Northern Rim colonies for parts of several years on diplomatic missions.
Upon his arrival in these realms, Anna had taken such a liking to him she nearly begged Lowenah to be his mentor. After receiving approval, the two became inseparable, Jonathan also becoming very fond of her.
“I refused to give him quarter and, on my next turnabout, drove the bastard from the sky!” Planetee hit her fist on the table with that exclamation, having finished telling a very distracted Symeon about one of her recent military escapades.
Trisha nodded. Planetee was a warrior of pure blood, but what was the price for her loyalty? She was bone and spirit with Mihai. As if one breath were the two. Should something occur at the prisoner exchange, on which side would she stand? Close Trisha and Planetee were not, she having soundly dressed Trisha down in public over some misunderstood comment long ago. Neither was ever more than cordial toward the other since that time.
‘Drinks too much… I smell it on her now.’ Trisha thought. Still, the reports of her stalwart defense of Darla in front of the council and the woman’s unbridled bravery, coupled with her tactical mind, also Lowenah’s private considerations, this Planetee could be very useful if she survives the prisoner exchange.
“Now be a good fellow and let me have a look-see.” Anna nudged ever closer to Jonathan, he just having been given some little bauble by Zadar.
Trisha frowned. Anna was most charming a companion…when the mood took her.
She was well-respected by all the children and deeply loved by Mihai. Trisha was uncomfortable around her, especially when alone in her company. Anna always seemed too attentive, seeking more than casual intercourse with Trisha. A shudder ran down the woman’s back…a mixed feeling of disgust and arousal. Anna had cornered her once and delivered such a passionate kiss on her mouth as to make the woman swoon. Had it not been for her old taboos, Trisha was sure she would have made her way to Anna’s bed that very hour.
It was the sensual power Anna held over others and how she used it that troubled Trisha. She was only beginning to understand the mind share. Anna was a witch extraordinaire at using it. Oh well, the children of this world and their ways. Anna had always been stellar with her and helpful when Trisha needed her assistance in kingly matters. Trisha shrugged, ‘I must learn their ways and accept their customs, for I am stuck here.’
A man broke away from some officers and their small talk, making straight for Trisha’s booth. Planetee recognized him immediately, calling out his name as he approached. “Well, Major Garlock…it’s still major, isn’t it? Haven’t been demoted since our last meeting, have you? It’s good to see you!”
Jebbson laughed, taking up Planetee’s hand as he gracefully bowed. “Only in my self-esteem, my dear general, only in my self-esteem, that is since you have never entertained my proposal for dinner and song at one of our fine eateries in Oros.” He kissed her hand, offering sweet disappointments. “The sun is so beautiful as it breaks upon Oros’ high peaks. You should stand there with me at morning break to gather in its many splendors.”
Planetee grinned, offering gentle rebuff. “As rumor has it, I would have to pick a number and wait many long mornings to have my turn to view it with you. Besides, I have been to Oros when it was a lush garden city, the Iris Sea spreading to its very gates.
Countless were the times my lovers and I viewed those high peaks, long before the morning chill swept…” The smiled vanished from Planetee’s face, she hesitating for but a moment. Shaking Jebbson’s hand, she thanked him for his generous offer. “You stir up many memories with your pleasantries, Major. Oros, oh Oros, if not for your harlotry with war there should be little more than decaying ruins of you now. In many ways you have become much like many of us, empty shells of glory past, hiding the decay within.”
She shook his hand again, bidding her goodbyes.
Jebbson bowed so politely, understanding far more than his words implied. “My Lady, the invitation still stands, and no number for you...” He offered his adieus to the others and hurried after two other officers departing the diner.
Trisha quietly mused, ‘Now there is a man after my own heart!’ She had need of his abilities and must seek him out right away. He might prove very useful at the prisoner exchange.
Idle chitchat soon turned to the topic of the hour, the coming prisoner exchange.
Anna managed to pester or cajole the others into explaining their roles in coming events, Anna beginning, smiling proudly. “As you may know, Michael personally asked for my company, she depending so much on my advice. With such an air of uncertainty as exists at the moment, she felt it especially important for me to be at her side. We took counsel together for the preparation of this trip, wanting nothing to interfere with its success.
Isn’t that correct, General Planetee?”
Anna’s charming smile and cheerful speech did little to hide the gloating tone in her voice. Planetee had long since tired of the silly game Anna played, needing to remind everyone how important and valuable she is. True, Anna stayed loyal to Mother after the Rebellion began, even as her glory of former days faded into the shadows when the festivals ceased, lavishing her attention now upon Mihai during the woman’s long convalescing. And she had treated Darla with a great deal of kindness, much more than most of the others did. Also, her loyalty to her brothers and sisters had cost her months of torture and rape at the hands of enemy captors during the Gihon War. Still, couldn’t she leave it go, just this once?
Planetee and Terey were the engineers behind the strategic plan for the children’s part at the prisoner exchange. They had gathered the intelligence, collected the ships, crews and materials, supplies, barter goods, and everything else needed. Yet Mihai had chosen not to use either one of them in an official capacity during proceedings at the
exchange, asking them instead to act as little more than body guards for her…the real reason Terey chose to ship aboard Chisamore, resentful for being pushed aside after all the preparations she had done for the prisoner exchange.
As Planetee pondered her reply to Anna’s question, an anxious foreboding began to fill her heart and a shadow was cast over her mind. It was as if she could see the prophecy of future days arising from the ashes of the coming storm, ignited by nearing events. Something was telling her that this prisoner exchange was to be no ordinary one, and the future Armageddon of her world would be triggered by it.
In an instant of time, she saw a woman-child with serpentine eyes and fanged teeth crying out to the heavens in anguish, seeking revenge and death at the same moment.
Planetee watched, seeing that this woman stood at the fork of two different roads, one leading into uncertainty and the other into nothingness. Suddenly, a smoldering spirit appeared between Planetee and the woman. It called out to Planetee in words unuttered,
‘Will you, too, deliver your soul up to the Queen of Darkness?’ At that, the spirit lifted a sword and drove it into Planetee’s heart. Planetee jumped, the vision vanishing before her eyes. She looked around to see everyone staring, waiting for her to answer Anna’s question. Gathering her wits, she quickly replied, “I have a contingent of fighters that will be in my charge. Protection of the fleet and all, you know.” She turned away, a feeling of gloom growing ever stronger in her heart.
“And you, dear Eutychus, what is your part in this adventure?” Anna cooed affectionately.
Eutychus blushed, shaking his head. “I guess I’m just along for the ride.”
Anna kindly chided him, “No need for such modesty, Dear. You must realize just how important a valet is to this council. Your services are most appreciated. Why, I have been told that Mihai personally requested your assistance.”
Eutychus sheepishly nodded, grinning, pleased the attention such an important person as Anna was giving him.
Jonathan explained he was replacing Symeon for reasons that were still somewhat unclear and that little was expected of him other than putting in a formal appearance.
Everyone already knew what responsibilities Zadar had, they being loudly broadcast to everyone soon after his arrival at the dining hall.
“And of you, Dear, our new field marshal…” Anna smiled so politely. “What will your duties be?”
‘ Snoop!’ Trisha thought, smiling so sweetly in return. Was Anna prying for information, or needling her because Mihai had left Trisha out of most of the preparations? Anna could get jealous at times. Maybe she was taking out on Trisha her displeasure over Paul’s intrusion into Mihai’s life. Or possibly Anna was ‘just being Anna’, if there ever was a ‘just being Anna’. Trisha’s smile grew into a grin. “My duties are to do whatever it takes to return our people back to us safe and sound, by whatever means necessary.”
The tone in Trisha’s voice abruptly ended the conversation, Anna not attempting any more questions. Quickly changing the subject, Anna went on about a few unimportant matters relating to the day’s events, some of the others chiming in with little tidbits of news to share.
Planetee’s gloominess was growing upon her to the point of distraction, the vision only the more troubling. Eutychus, having observed the woman’s sudden sullenness,
asked if something was amiss. She smiled sadly but, before she could reply, a joyous shout came from a man entering the door. “Hey there, General! I’ve a parchment for you. Smells pretty. Some blonde-haired fellow handed it to me, asking I give it to you.”
Planetee turned, smiling, calling back her hellos, that smile fleeing from her face when a woman accompanying the man stepped out from behind him to offer her salutations. Then she, too, realizing who sat at the table, became somberly quiet.
Planetee’s mind raced to past events. ‘ Bauglow… Has she ever forgiven me? Why, when I ruined her in body and mind?’
The woman, too, thought of that long ago event when all Hell opened upon her regiment, delivering slaughter upon eighty percent of those under her command in what came to be called the 'Battle of Bauglow'. ‘How can she ever forgive me for the waste of souls I allowed that day?’
The man saw none of that, and when the woman feigned need to deliver the packages she carried to the culinary workers, he waved her over. “An attendant can wait upon that for you. We’ve only fleeting moments before work separates us. Now come here and be a good fellow. Long has it been since I’ve companied with some of these folk.”
Reluctantly, the woman surrendered her packages up to a nearby counter and, forcing a smile, followed the man over to Trisha’s table. Wishing her best upon the new arrivals, a very distraught Planetee begged her leave, giving up her place at the cozy booth, saying there were many duties for her to finish before ending of the morning watch. Concerned over Planetee’s welfare, Eutychus offered her his company which she gratefully accepted. Tucking the parchment into her blouse, Planetee tipped her head, offered her pleasantries and departed with Eutychus.
As they waited for a passing motor coach to hitch a ride out to the fleet some three miles’ distance, Eutychus attempted some small talk. It was futile, considering Planetee’s frame of mind. Although it was a pleasant, sunny day, Planetee stood shivering, rubbing her hands up and down her arms for warmth.
“Here, take my coat.” Eutychus quickly removed his uniform jacket, draping it over Planetee’s shoulders. Smiling her thanks, she pulled it tight, wrapping up in it as if it were a giant cocoon.
The mood was quiet for some time. Finally, Planetee broke the silence. “I’m trying to stay off the stuff, you know, at least for the prisoner exchange.” She looked into Eutychus’ face. “Don’t tell anyone. Promise?”
Eutychus nodded.
Planetee cast her eyes toward the ground. “My friend, I’m sick, I mean really sick…
inside. Something’s wrong, a cancer or something, maybe worse. I hurt all the time.
That’s why I take to the drink. I coughed up a lot of blood last night.” She looked into Eutychus’ eyes. “The healing machines help some, but I never have enough time to make a cure, if that’s possible. My friend, tell no one, please. And my head is all screwed up with frightening dreams and wild visions. Sometimes I can’t tell what’s real.
Oh, I don’t mean reality, like us being here right now. I mean what’s made up in my head, like a dream or something, and what may be coming from someplace else, like a vision or something. Had one just a little bit ago in the eatery. I still feel a burning in my heart from it.”
Reaching out a hand, Planetee grasped Eutychus’ upper arm. “I may be sick, but I am a witch and still have my powers of wit with me. I fear…I fear there is a great evil lurking among us. I felt it this morning when I went into this place.” She pointed back toward the diner. “Something tried to cloud my mind, succeeded in some way...that is, until we came outside. Now I fear for the journey. If not for Mother’s company, I’d say we were sailing off into Damnation!” She looked up, not noticing the fluffy white clouds of a summer morning hurrying away toward the east. “My friend, there is a storm brewing as I speak. Ferocious and vicious it will be. I feel it inside…” She put her hand to her heart. “I will not survive this one…see this coming conflagration on to its end.
This war will be my last, for good or ill.”
As her eyes filled with tears, Planetee turned toward Eutychus, pleading, “If your kind do not succeed, no one will survive what’s coming! We, the children of this universe, have no power left within us. We’re burned out, burned up. There has been too much death, murder and treachery forced upon us. Your kind have been blessed with such short lifetimes, for your tribulations quickly pass. Ours never end. Please, Eutychus, promise me you will not fail me…me and my people!”
Eutychus stared back, wanting to ease Planetee’s concerns. Before he could reply, an open motor coach loaded with exuberant sailors turned the corner. Seeing the two people standing at the curb, the driver quickly veered toward them, noisily stopping right beside. Crying out cheerily, the driver asked, “Looking for a ride? Heading out to Staging Area Two, if that’s where you’re going, or can take you on to Staging Area One, whichever. Got room for two more.”
Planetee nodded, smiling, “Two is fine.”
As the driver opened the door of the motor coach, Planetee turned to Eutychus, gripping his hand while softly beseeching, “You will stay with me today, at least for a while?”
Eutychus grinned, “My duties are finished until everyone’s boarded. I’ll stay as long as you like.”
The two climbed on, squeezing into the crowded machine. The driver called out a warning and throttled back into the street, hurrying for the far end of the spaceport.
Trisha had been patiently listening to the animated conversation at the table. She discovered that the woman was a delivery person for the Postal, responsible for packages and boxes. The man was an engineer of some kind, highly regarded. He struck up a conversation with Symeon about a project the fellow might be interested in seeing. No one bothered to introduce the new arrivals, so the best that Trisha got from the conversation was the name ‘Chess’ for the woman – a nickname no doubt, and
‘Sweetheart’, ‘Love’, ‘Dear’, and other such terms of endearment for the man, mostly from Anna. Zadar used the name ‘Chess’, and only in passing. The woman added very little to the conversation. The man merrily returned Anna’s flirting comments with suggestive remarks, indicating the two had a long relationship.
Looking at her timepiece, Trisha decided not to wait any longer for Mihai and Paul.
‘Screw her all day, if he had the chance…’ She was about to ask their leave…quite a chore considering the number crowded into a booth designed for four, she and Zadar tucked in the far corner…when Euroaquilo suddenly burst through the door, heading directly for the kitchen.
In a moment, he returned with a bagged meal. “Hello!” he called out to the party in the booth, stopping to offer some quick salutations.
“Hey, you!” Zadar complained. “You just left here, having stuffed yourself. What ya’ doin’ with more? Afraid there won’t be anything to eat on the trip?”
Grinning, Euroaquilo ignored the comment and, staring at Trisha, warned, “I’d be careful the company I keep, my Lady. Some’d say you’re risking a sordid reputation, socializing with some certain fellows. Won’t say any name, though he’s pretty close.
Hard to wash his reputation off once it gets around you’re with him.” There were a few chuckles.
Zadar struggled to stand, spouting threats. “It’s a good thing the table’s between us or I’d give you such a thrashing as you’d not forget for a fortnight! For the sake of this lady, I must restore my honor. This means war!”
Euroaquilo stepped back, raising his hands as he quailed, “Oh, please forgive me.
Oh no! Not that! Don’t hurt me! It’s the sun that’s been on me. I’ll be good! I promise!”
The antics of the two men put everyone in stitches. A boisterous Zadar made phony attempts to escape his corner prison, swearing oaths of vengeance for such disrespect, and Euroaquilo for his show of cowardice, crouching with his hands covering his face, crying for mercy, promising not to act so foolishly again.
When the laughter died down, Euroaquilo leaned on the table, explaining, “My little girl has been working day and night to get Shikkeron ready for departure. She refused to join me for breakfast, saying ‘a good captain remains aboard until relieved of duty’.
Bedan’s not arrived yet. I promised her some of the chef’s delights, she being fond of his cooking. Then I went off in a rush, forgetting them. Can’t risk facing the girl’s wrath if I arrive empty-handed, so…” he sighed, “I’ve not seen a ship’s crew work this hard in years, ‘Six-to-six, spit, polish and paint. Clean the boilers, check the generators, double-check the gages, mixers, exhaust systems and when you’re done let’s have at it again'. I tell you, Shikkeron’s the best-prepared ship in the fleet. Mother sure picked a good one for this trip.”
Anna grinned, “It’s a good thing that Mother put Darla in charge of readying Shikkeron for the journey, else Ardon might have seen misfortune come visiting.”
Euroaquilo leaned past Chess, addressing Anna, the humor escaping his face. “My Dear, don’t underestimate our little girl. She is far stronger than most can imagine.
There’s something about her that makes me wonder. Well, anyway, I feel there are days coming when we might all wish to be made of her metal. If Ardon comes to any misfortune, it will not be at her hand. She would choose death before hurting the least of Mother’s loyal children. She’s a real gem.”
Anna sadly agreed. “You know my love for the child. It hurts me to think what she has never experienced and the demon that resides in her. Well, a cure may soon come.
We can only hope.”
Taking each other’s hand, the two became silent, sharing some private thoughts.
After a few, fleeting moments, Euroaquilo stood back, smiling as he looked toward the door. “I must be off. Time waits for no one.” Holding up Darla’s meal-bag, he confessed, “First, I must deliver this and then there’s an entire fleet I have to check out before our departure.” Hearing the sound of a nearing motor transport, he hurried away,
shouting for the driver to wait up. “Good bye, all. See you later.” He waved before passing through the door.
Jonathan looked at Anna. “I guess I must be going, too. The hour is late, and there are still a few things need tending.”
Anna offered to leave with him, seeing they were to board the same ship.
Grunting as he stood, Jonathan asked wistfully, “I wonder what my berth is like?”
Passing the woman who was now standing, he offered his pleasantries, shaking her hand.
“It was a pleasure…er…Chess to have met you. I look forward to our meeting again.”
Chess smiled. “In our world, we give a kiss goodbye.” She gave him a little peck on the cheek.
The remainder of the group followed Jonathan and Anna through the door and into the bright morning sun. Chess waved the others goodbye as she pulled away from the curb. Jonathan and Anna hurried along, hailing down a small motor cab. The others stepped to the edge of the street to await another coach. Trisha looked down, surprised, and then smiled. Zadar and she were still holding hands.
* * *
The open motor carriage quietly cruised down the thoroughfare, its stratified, thermo engine producing little more than a slight hum, while passengers chatted on about many unimportant matters, the pleasant weather, delightful breakfast at one of Palace City’s finer restaurants, and just about anything else in general. After all, soon they would be departing for the prisoner exchange and, after a few formalities, would be returning with their newly released companions to a richly deserved hero’s welcome. Was this not the way it had played out so many times before? Diplomacy worked so well…
Ardon leaned back in his seat after conversing with OfhieSanternano and CrilenianTorpedee concerning the time-space vortex vs. quantum particle logic theories, concepts in the study of EbenCeruboam. He laughed, looking out at the fruit trees lining the roadway, “Have it your way, Crilenian, but I will sorely miss you after you have released those subatomic particles into the theoxen-chlorine chamber. If you’re wrong, you’ll be little more than space dust.”
Crilenian vehemently protested, defending his idea, finishing by smugly stating,
“You just wait, Lord Ardon! When I can find someone to build my propulsion system, I’ll prove to everyone the validity of my concept.” Then shaking his finger toward him, he added, “You are a great wizard in the council. None can question that. But you do seem to come up short when dealing with real science. Someday, all the great starships will be powered by the Crilenian Positronder.”
Ardon only smiled, breathing in the aromatic fragrance from the surrounding trees and flowers. Oh, the joy of just being alive! What a wonderful day! He sucked in another invigorating breath while pulling Tashi close and squeezing her in a one-armed embrace.
DarlaRosa raised an eyebrow, asking, “Too much of the wine so early this morning, Lord Ardon, or does the fragrance of the doe smell like that of gemstones and success in the chase? You know, ‘the lord conquereth all and rides to make it complete’?”
Ardon pretended no offense, but he did lighten his hold on Tashi as he answered rather smugly, “I do not prefer to ride anyone. It is a far too aggressive way to pretend a
conquest. Indeed, I wish for no conquest at all. Love and the intimacy of romance must remain refined and dignified. It is not a subject for common discussion, like one might consider some sport or game. I do not share such private things with others, as I have never shared our secluded moments with any of my other lovers.”
DarlaRosa sat back in the carriage, laughing, “How could you? As I recall our last secluded moments together, I spent the night seducing you with flirtation and wine only to feel your manly power within me for but scant moments before you exhausted yourself and then collapsed upon me in a snoring stupor. Ah, yes, that was some real, refined lovemaking you did then.”
Tashi giggled while the others smiled or laughed, some offering an additional comment or two.
Ardon harrumphed, “Now do you wonder why so few men share your bed, and why you must drug them up before they are willing to make passage into your dreams? But I would be remiss to continue on with such uncouth folly. Let me tell you this: yes, I did conquer, but in a way that most of you would find little delight in. I found some of the purest chrysolite ever discovered in a natural state. Those crystals were so harmonically perfect, I was forced to pack them in vacuum chambers so as to not have them interfere with the ship’s navigation system. Mother was especially pleased.”
Tashi sat forward, the wonder of their experience showing in her eyes. “What we saw in those caves was breathtaking! Our lights reflected off some of the most beautiful formations of stones, gems, and crystals in every shape and color as to dazzle the eyes.
And then, the tales told me by Ardon of hidden planets and rivers twisting throughout the universe, and…and so much more. Our journey flashed by as if mere moments. Darla, truthfully, you must make a journey with this fellow someday. He will show you a side of himself few have seen.”
Darla was polite enough to Tashi, she being considered one of the great governesses of the Empire, but she could not help making reference again to Ardon. “What you say, Dear, about the universe and caves may all be well and true, but it was not Ardon’s side I was interested in…I or my sisters. There are few enough men in this world to go around, and for one of those few to be as lame as an old duck can be frustrating, to say the least.”
Ardon was about to make retort, but Tashi stopped him, putting her hand on his knee and sweetly replying to Darla, “Oh, my fellow here has a powerful ardor for the women.
He must be teased in the right way to make that nature within him manifest. Besides, Dear, I have heard that you are not in short supply of comforters. Why, it is said that men find you so mesmerizingly attractive as to pine away, awaiting but a moment of your company. You are so beautiful, you know.”
DarlaRosa was taken aback by the flattery. Had it come from anyone else, she might have become offended, but Tashi was such an honest woman, and her tone so sincere.
Snuggling back into the seat, Darla soon began a discussion with Crilenian, who sat directly on her left. KyseninaGerzion, who sat facing her, soon joined in, taking up the subject. Ofhie leaned back and decided to nap, leaving Ardon and Tashi very much alone with each other’s company.
It took a little coaching for Tashi to turn the conversation back to yester-morn’s return trip from Chrusion when Ardon filled her head with tales of hidden planets and galactic adventure. He relished telling her of his exploits in those wee hours when the wine was still on him and he had tired of romance. But since that time, he was quiet as a
mouse concerning them. She had asked once, when they were dressing for breakfast this day, but the man had instantly changed the subject.
Tashi was determined, her curiosity being earlier piqued. She gently massaged Ardon’s hand, flirtingly pleading, speaking barely above a whisper, “Please, Dear, you have teased me these many days to the point of distraction. Why are you so secretive about some nameless rocks floating off in space somewhere? You have put my head in a spin concerning the wonderful, but leave my heart feeling empty for want to know more.”
Ardon eyed the others. Seeing no one paying attention to them, he quietly answered,
“The universe is a strange and wonderful place. Truth be said, I have tried to share my adventures with others. Yes, it was long in the past, but I still remember well. You know, there are times when romance takes on a different level of lovemaking than what is base and sensual. There are higher levels, intellectual heights where the thrill of the physical is overshadowed by the philosophical and theoretical. Tolohe and I once went there, once, a long, long time ago, but most women companions have detested the mathematics, instead longing for the sensual.”
He looked back at Tashi. “Women just don’t get it...the mathematics, I mean. My mind lives there all the time. And all the men want to do is romance the women. You get them away from a female for a week or two and they start a lathering up for a good rut. Then it’s off they go to chase down some doe in heat, following the scent half way across the universe to find her. You are the only lady I’ve found who cares at least something about the world of measured learning, but I fear I might burn you out if I talk too much of my adventures.”
Tashi squeezed Ardon’s hand, smiling. “Dear, I love where you take me in our dream shares, and I so much desire to have you carry me away in them more often.
Whether it is the philosophy of physics or absolutes, I do truly enjoy the way you play with them when we are together. And I would listen to you expound the marvels of this and any other universe, and happily travel to your mysterious worlds even if you sought not to have a single dream share with me. I do so love the way your mind works.”
It always seemed that Tashi knew just the right words to say when she was probing for information, though with Ardon she was being sincere, at least in heart. Her reputation with men left her former confession of celibate loyalty somewhat in doubt. It mattered little to Ardon. Tashi loved him for who he was and not for someone she wished he would be… something he believed most of the other women desired. He smiled, squeezing Tashi’s hand, “All right, I’ll tell you a little, but not too much to fog the brain.”
Ardon spoke quietly, though sometimes with exuberance, all the while making small gestures with his right hand. “You see, space is not empty, but filled with anomalies and cloud masses that disguise or hide planets, sometimes entire solar systems. One must understand the mathematics of space and time to find what is hidden away from the senses of the flesh. A person must enter the world of thought, leaving behind what is considered to be common sense, and journey into the abstract and illogical.
“Most people would say - if they watched how I came upon my discoveries - that it was accomplished through pure accident. I know,” he tapped the side of his head,
“though having never witnessed the world of the Immortals, like Tolohe and some of the other Ancients, I know those worlds exist. And I believe that my mind works similarly to that of Mother’s. Then, if that is the case, I must think beyond the mortal and into the
worlds of the Immortals to find what is secret to my physical flesh. I believe the mind is capable of functioning upon the immortal plane, even if it must function in a metaphysical one. At this level, you gain a seventh or possibly it’s an eighth sense. And that’s how I have made these strange discoveries.”
At this point, Ardon went on about the way the universe bent in and around itself, thus the reasons for the jump portals. “You see, a distant star may appear to be afar off, if one studies the light patterns in the sky. Should another, less reasonable or even illogical set of calculations be applied, it might well be discovered that star system is very much closer than it physically appears. The dynamic construction of the universe, I believe, is the greater fractal of our brain’s design, like wide flat sheets all wrinkled up to fit in a tiny space.”
He grinned, lifting a finger. “Now, how did I come to that conclusion?” He looked into Tashi’s eyes, but did not wait for an answer. “And I know for a fact that is how the universe is constructed.” He frowned, apologetic, “I really did try to share my discoveries, at least long, long ago, back when the world was innocent and sparse.”
Ardon shook his head, forlorn. “It wasn’t part of EbenCeruboam theorem. The wise of that age had better things to do than listen to a dreamer. So how did I come to that conclusion? I used logic to discover the most illogical of universal secrets. I studied Mother’s ways, watched her real close, her every move, how she did things. Even the most trivial of matters, I studied closely. I figured if everything was invented by Mother, then even the Immortals, the Ones Who Came Before, would have thought the same as she.”
Leaning back and placing his arm around Tashi’s shoulder, Ardon spoke quietly into Tashi’s ear, “What I discovered was this. Mother has a very interesting personality.
Patient as a stone she is when the mood is upon her. She will sit and watch a rock erode into sand one speck at a time, and never once show a need to hurry. And that is what everyone sees her to be, stone-slow patient. Many feel she has only hurried up at this final hour because time forces her to do so…and that might be. But Mother is only slow when she wants to be. When she doesn’t want to be, watch out! She will hurry along in a blur. I tell you, for a fact, Mother has no patience when the mood hits her.”
Though she did not understand his reason for being so quiet, Tashi whispered, “This is not uncommon knowledge, Love, at least for us older children. Mother has driven us all to the point of distraction with her antics…hurry here and then do nothing, or go a playing while there’s needed work to be done.”
Ardon cautioned, “Now listen and learn, if secrets are to become yours. It is not how we view Mother that is of value. It is how she views herself that reveals the hidden nature of all things. Mother keeps many secrets, but the person of her heart she wears upon her sleeve. Her nature is who she is. Now, please, follow my logic.
“When the mood is upon her, Mother will remain upon the path to reach her destination, but when her disposition for the path changes, she will skip away and take a short cut. With everything she does this, everything. So then, I thought to myself: she lives in our world because the mood is upon her, but when the mood changes will take the shortcut. I then watched to learn the properties of her short cuts, am still studying them carefully, but what I have learned has led me to the making of many of my discoveries.”
From this point on, Ardon escaped into his private worlds of adventure, carrying Tashi along with whispers of the mysterious. There was no other way for Tashi to go, Ardon’s explanations sprinkled with so much of his own mathematics and strange words of his own invention. The woman did try so hard to pay attention, her senses wandering to the different sights and smells wafting upon the breeze as the coach passed tiny shops and city orchards on its way to the spaceport. But Tashi’s ears did not fall completely deaf to Ardon’s loquaciousness.
“…and the strangest of all the proxmoaidian planets is not far from here at all. I discovered it quite by accident, I did. See, I was searching for a nuroain-cluster… a series of gaseous ice nebulae orbiting super-dense dark matter… when the largest of the proxmoaids I’ve seen set off my ship’s collision warning systems…slammed on full reverse thrusters to keep from smashing right into it. It lies out there, right under our noses and I’m the only one who knows of it.”
Tashi’s ears tingled as Ardon went on about his planet. “You first see a yellowish glow like that of a distant lantern on a foggy night. Drawing closer, say two or three hundred leagues, you begin to notice individual, shining pools of light radiating from the shadowy surface. When you are within fifty league’s distance, the shapes become distinct. From this altitude, you can clearly see that the planet emits colors of every hue from the spectrum of jade greens to sapphire reds to onyx blues and, oh yes, the golden yellows that are most intense.”
Raising his hand and pointing upward in exclamation, Ardon revealed what to Tashi was so intriguing. “Ah, but that isn’t the best part. Like the vast majority of proxmoaidian planets, there is no apparent life on its surface, the atmosphere being too harsh for anything other than possibly some very small microorganisms or bacteria. On the inside, though, it is honeycombed with caverns, caves, water-filled tunnels, some stretching and twisting for thousands of miles, plunging hundreds of leagues toward its center. One such labyrinth system I have discovered has a chamber over ten leagues wide and is nearly one hundred eighty leagues long.
“Yes, and the colored crystals...they are woven throughout the planet like a rainbow spool of yarn, looking as though the molten core angrily threw them off in a giant, convulsive fit, bending and twisting into brilliant, lighted tubes that later reflected the energy boiling within that very core. The exposed crystal tubes not only produce kaleidoscopic hues of daylight dreaminess in those giant, underground caverns, they draw up enough heat from within to create a mild, greenhouse temperature. Added to this, there is continual release of gases that produce an acceptable atmosphere, so you have all the needed elements for life as we know it on EdenEsonbar.”
Clasping her hands together, squealing with delight, Tashi exclaimed, “Oh, so wonderful! It sounds so wonderful!”
The others in the coach were startled, staring at Tashi. She apologized, claiming as excuse her exuberant joy over some pipe music being played in a gazebo they had just passed. She then looked down, embarrassed, staring at the floor. After the others reoccupied themselves, Tashi turned to Ardon, again taking his hand, whispering, “Tell me, please, where is this wonderful place?”
Ardon looked into Tashi’s eyes, his furrowed brow revealing more than his words as he whispered back, “That is my little secret! A secret is only such for as long as it is kept so. And I intend to keep it so for the moment.” He squeezed her hand, looking toward
the sky. “I promise, when I’m ready, when the right moment arrives, I shall gather you up there. Then you will truly attest as witness that all I have spoken to you about this place is so, that I have not exaggerated one little bit.” He lifted his hand, bringing his thumb and pointer finger close together. “Not one little bit.” Then, with the excitement of a little boy growing on his face, Ardon quietly explained, “The reason it is secret is that I’m not finished with my playing there. You see,” he grinned so impishly, “I have made this planet my Eden. Yes, from this planet, EdenEsonbar, I have gathered all manner of life forms and delivered them to the caves and hidden seas of that planet. This I have done over three thousand millennia of time.”
Speaking like a proud father, he went on about his wonderful works. “Oh yes, my world flourishes with grasses, grains, trees of every kind and insects, creeping and crawling, winged and web-making. All abound in the many and varied worlds secreted under the surface of ‘KruptoGinomai’, my name for it. Anyway, there are also fishes, tadpoles, lizards and salamanders in my rivers, streams, and lakes. Also the sky, that is what you might call ‘sky’, is filled with every winged beast that may be. Oh yes, the rodents, squirrels, conies, and every other kind of furry animal play upon the fields of flowers and clover.” Lifting a hand in gesture, he added, “Just before the Rebellion, I delivered upon the land the deer and mountain goat, along with the wolf and bear to keep them in check. I have not returned since then to see what has become of that match up, but shall do so as soon at these times permit.”
Tashi squeezed Ardon’s hand, shaking it ever so gently, her eyes radiating childlike glee. “You have promised to take me! Do you still mean it? Will you take me to your wonderland?”
Ardon laughed ever so quietly, “Yes, yes, I promise, with all my heart. No matter what may come, I will take you to my wonderland of delights.”
The woman giggled, squeezing Ardon’s hand tight while pressing close and delivering a tender kiss upon his cheek.
His heart jumping with delight, Ardon tipped his head back, releasing a sigh of satisfaction and sucking in the fragrant breath of early summer in Palace City. Closing his eyes to the visions of yester-hour, the realities of events from but days ago flooded the man’s mind…he and Tashi exploring the hidden caverns of the Black Mountains in search of the perfect chrysolite, Tashi’s sensual teasings and constant inquisitive questions, and her abandoned willingness to hang on to every word when he extolled his knowledge of the world around them.
Ardon sighed again, smiling. Tashi’s company when exploring the mountains was deeply satisfying. No…more! It had been fulfilling, making him feel complete in some way. When the time came to depart, a sadness assailed his heart, one the likes of which he could not recall, he at first concluding it being little more than a normal emotional reaction to the end of such an exciting time. Now, though, Ardon thought it to be his desire not to leave Chrusion, but remain behind with Tashi, lingering in the misty mountains, questing for further adventures.
It would have been fun. At least Ardon’s heart told him so. For the first time in the man’s long life, the desire to linger with a woman, the two alone, abandoning themselves to the universe, appealed to him. A shadow swept across his heart when the thought of Tashi’s returning to Exothepobole, the capital of Sustrepho in the Trizentine, crossed his mind. He did not want her to go, as she would have to after their return from the prisoner
exchange. A desire was growing in his soul to keep her with him, at least to linger without leave until he could understand its new feelings.
The sudden roar of hurried turbines jolted Ardon from his wistful dreaminess. A giant tractor pulling several heavily limbered freight barges wheeled around and past the rather tiny coach as it leisurely made its way toward the main terminal of the spaceport.
All eyes searched far to the south for the fleet that was to take this great council to the exchange.
At last, after passing through one final, gated checkpoint, the grand armada for this momentous event spread itself out before them. Ardon harrumphed quietly, having expected a more impressive display of power and dignity. Looking over this dismal collection of museum pieces, he puzzled quietly, “Couldn’t Mother at least have given us one fine ship like Sophia to deliver the dignitaries of the Children’s Empire to that forsaken land? Cattle barges and flea traps, the lot of them! Embarrassing it is. It really is…”
Well, yes, there were several barges there, transports called ‘bilanders’, bulbous, ungainly-looking ships used to transport animals - this time horses, as close to horses as may be. These were military mounts, super hybrid, genetically re-engineered creatures.
Unlike its common stock cousin, the KreissonKtenos, meaning ‘better beast’, were specifically designed for war. Its digestive system permitted it to utilize food better. A handful of concentrated pellets could keep it healthy for days. It needed less water, could also eat hay and roughage, was impervious to pain, difficult to frighten, bonded well with its master and, as one veteran once stated, ‘is still quite tasty in a pinch’. On long sojourns like this one, the KreissonKtenos was a precious asset seeing that all food and most water must be transported to EremiaPikros, a desolate desert planet.
Ardon watched, musing. In the mix were also some camels and pack mules. He shook his head, wondering why all the silly fuss with animals. Every mechanical invention known to the Children’s Empire lay at their fingertips. Oh yes, the occasional ride through a wooded glade or trotting romp along a sandy shore even appealed to him, but to depend on beasts for war when smarter, more powerful, comfortable machines existed in number was beyond his understanding. The motor coach and rail-stage were more to his liking.
Passing the second bilander, EnGlorious, Ardon spied other animals that gave him a start. Twenty of the renowned KaminosKtisis were being queued up to board. Literally meaning, ‘furnace creation’ or ‘ordnance’, they were the most fearsome and powerful hybrid horses in the universe. Mother’s personal creation, bred and raised on one of her mysterious planets and ferried here by one of her 'trade ships', as she called them, these beasts were most to be prized. A single animal had been known to serve as a ransom for an entire city of men and women.
Ardon had heard rumors telling that Mother was delivering some of these animals up for possible exchange, but to have twenty? Who among the prisoners held in Asotos’
camp was of such value to Mother? Certainly not Sirion! And the trade ships? Again, the tale of seeing such a ship - if not ships - had fallen upon Ardon’s ears just the other night. Long had it been since reports were made of seeing Lowenah’s mystery machines near Palace City…not since the Great War, and those accounts were unverifiable.
His mind drifting in whimsical longing, Ardon recalled the one occasion many eons ago when he personally stood close to one of those ships. He was returning with
NhosetHebel from a frolicsome adventure in the EthoHule Jungles, having just forded the MouesCennie River, when a beautiful, silver ship silently drifted into sight. In moments, this shimmering machine was settled down some twenty paces away, a door opening in its side and a ladder descending. Moments later, JabethHull bounded down the ladder, sweeping up a very pleased and excited NhosetHebel in his arms.
Ardon closed his eyes to remember, his heart jumping as he saw the long ago event in his mind. Nhoset was his first real love, or at least a love like what he felt for Tashi.
‘Ah, those wonderful, carefree days in that wonderful ti…’ He frowned, his daydream broken by the memory of her fiery death soon after the Rebel Wars began. Collateral damage, the fickle winds of war...murder, at least as far as he was concerned.
He pushed that aside, seeking his earlier vision. Oh yes, the trade ship… JabethHull revealed little, but did explain how Mother permitted a select few of her children passage into some of her secret worlds to assist her with certain projects. That was where he and Nhoset were now off to. He also mentioned there were others with them, but was unwilling to reveal who or what was aboard. The two climbed the ladder, sealed the door and the ship lifted off, silently rising and then, just as silently, zoomed out of sight in an instant.
DarlaRosa suddenly sat forward, arms waving as she shouted to some officers huddled together in conversation on the tarmac. Behind them were parked two barquentines, commonly called ‘barqs’. Ardon was about to ask Darla which of the officers or how many of them were included in the latest of her amorous intrigues, he thinking better of it while his eyes studied the barqs. He had been forced to tarry aboard one once, on some diplomatic journey. It was, to say the least, an uncomfortable and cramped imprisonment.
Barquentines were nothing new to the Children’s Empire, the term itself only denoting the volume or carrying capacity of the ship. When the wars began, and needed vessels for fighting came off the ‘ways’…another term from water-borne, sailing days…the old words used to qualify cargo ships carried over into the Navy.
(Author’s Note: This author uses colorful terminology found in classical writings that are cherished down to this day. Credit for the inclusion of ancient nautical words of the Lower Realms to describe the sky ships from the Rebel Wars can be attributed chiefly to a woman from that world, Tabitha Copeland. After the wars had long ended and well into the beginning of the Fourth Age, when children of the innocent years were becoming numerous, Tabitha took it upon herself to become a poet extraordinaire for the children of that time.
Along with the many historical works, i.e. Copeland’s and Garlock’s, The King’s War – A History, to name just one, Copeland put her pen to songs, ballads and, as she is best known for, a series of adventure novels recounting the tale of a fictional character by the name of ‘MarySanne’, her great-grandmother’s given name. Generations of children grew up with those stories, the collection today called The Tabitha Letters, this old, romantic terminology being liberally dispersed throughout her novels. To the non-technical reader, these descriptive words and phrases conjure up vivid pictures of those wild and dangerous days when the life and death of a universe hung upon a thread and hope was often little more than a dream.
I have chosen to follow along in the style of this famous author, writing my historical narrative with a flavor for the youthful adventurer. Although my accounts are historically accurate, the colorful oratory of a troubadour is used to paint an emotion and understanding that history, coldly written, sadly fails to deliver. ) What Ardon knew was that the class of ship denotes its interior space, thus a cutter of around 500 tonnes was much less comfortable than a capital ship or carrier of from 40,000 to 100,000 tonnes. A barquentine of some 4,000 tonnes was a huge ship while parked in a spaceport, but was cramped and very uncomfortable in space, what with its crew of sailors and Marines, the extra stowage of supplies, and all those ugly weapons.
He was so glad Mother had not chosen one of those things for her delegation to travel on.
Thinking of what Mother chose did sour Ardon though, the antiquated Shikkeron with that washed up Captain Bedan. It was a brigantine class warship more fit for the scrap yard. And it was not much better than those barqs…an 8,000 tonne antique. Oh yes, it was refitted to the class of an imperial brigantine, meaning that more comfort space had been stolen for battle armor, needing larger, more powerful energy machines and weapons.
“Why couldn’t she have picked one of those?” Ardon grumped under his breath as the imperial cruiser, Flagellum, came into view. He was told it was a 20,000 tonne warship, the largest class ship able to fly atmospheric and use planetary spaceports. It had comfortable staterooms and private officers’ cabins. ‘She could have at least given us a frigate,’ he fussed to himself, thinking of the one they passed when first entering the spaceport. Displacing 12,000 tonnes, it was able to carry some creature comforts.
‘Won’t even be able to breathe in that rust bucket we’re taking!’ He sadly shook his head. ‘And to have to share the shower and head with the common sailor on such an important mission?! I just don’t know what’s got into Mother.’
Looking longingly at the cruiser, Flagellum, Ardon sat upright, surprised. The ship’s name was now changed just since he had departed for Chrusion less than two weeks ago.
“DusmeAstron?!” He blurted aloud. “Why did they do that? Evening Star? What could be the reason for that?”
OfhieSanternano barely opened an eye, answering offhandedly, “Oh, that Euroaquilo fellow must be up to some trick or other. He’s supposed to be admiraling this venture.
Never can leave well enough alone, always changing things. They say that he commanded it long ago, his first ship, and that was its name back then. Confusing gentleman to say the least, always living in the past, but the Navy likes him. In charge of the Third Fleet, you know.” He returned to his napping.
Ofhie’s answer did not satisfy Ardon’s question. The Navy didn’t just go around changing it ships’ names without reason, nor foregoing proper channels. Even if Flagellum once was DusmeAstron, one did not go changing names back for no good reason, and this trip was not a good enough reason. That much Ardon knew. Still…it was not long before DusmeAstron was forgotten, someone calling out they were soon coming upon Shikkeron.
What Ardon did fail to recall was one reason for such an unimpressive fleet taking them to such an important event. The Great War had come at a high price, not only in terms of loss of life, but in machines and ships as well. The last great naval engagement of that war was a running battle lasting eight days, costing the lives of millions and
ruining both navies, something the leaders of the Children’s Empire had not bothered to correct during the following peacetime. To that day, littered debris fields from the Day of Tears remained choked with untold destruction.
Lowenah chose not to deplete what little of the Navy that still existed, allowing it to carrying out its primary responsibility, that of protecting the territories and colonies of the Empire. She used what was available and expendable at the time, part of her nature. So, this greatest of delegations was to ride to valor upon the backs of broken and discarded machines not needed elsewhere for the moment, a fate that would immortalize their names into legend along with the heroes of flesh that manned their decks.
(Author’s note : During the Great War, the cruiser, DusmeAstron, was refitted after major battle damage, being reclassified a heavy frigate and renamed ‘Flagellum’, the ship displacing only 17,000 tonnes after the refit. When Admiral Sujin was Commissioner of Salvage, he ordered Flagellum be refitted again, returning the original width and girth to its superstructure and increasing the ship’s overall length by eighteen feet, bringing it back up to its initial displacement of over 20,000 tonnes. The ship was then reclassified a light cruiser.
Under its new name, DusmeAstron served with valor throughout the King’s War, and assisted in the final assault on Memphis, some years after the King’s War ended, it being Commander SarahCnidus’ flagship during that campaign. Decommissioned from active service shortly thereafter, DusmeAstron was renamed ‘ReaDameia’ and became a deep space freighter. Garlock’s ballad, Never Shall They Forget, ignited a fire in the children of those veterans of the Rebel Wars to create memorials honoring the sacrifice and valor of the ones who toiled to bring the Rebellion to an end. The old cruiser, DusmeAstron, was once again returned to its former glory and delivered to the Memphis War Museum where it sits to this day, a salient monument to the heroes of those turbulent times. )
“There! There it is!” Crilenian shouted, stretching his arm, pointing as he did.
DarlaRosa and KyseninaGerzion looked up and moaned. Curious, Ardon chanced a glance over his shoulder, groaning. Ofhie, who didn’t even bother to open his eyes, just muttered, “It’s been on deep space patrol for over eighteen months, had no servicing for that long or longer. Heard a lot of work’s been done to the inside. Still looks like a dung heap, though...”
Ardon’s heart sank. What a dump! He imagined if it appeared so ratty on the outside, what must it be like within? It was true, Shikkeron did look a sight. The ravages of deep space patrol were hard on any ship, but the demands placed upon Shikkeron over the last year and a half had really taken their toll. Hasty repairs were all that was afforded it during those months and, other than the ten day makeover recently given it, little else was done with her. The ship looked tired, old, and defeated. It certainly was not a ship to host such an important delegation as was Lowenah’s council!
“Curious…” Ardon spoke aloud, observing the nearing brigantine. Unlike the hustle and bustle he saw around the other ships they passed, Shikkeron was strangely quiet.
There was a small cargo tractor waiting behind an unloading lorry, a water tanker charging the ship with its cargo, and a small gunbuss with its crew of three at watchful ease…oh, and several nattily dressed sailors standing about the different opened
entryways. Other than a brightly colored tent some twenty paces from the main loading ramp with a few people lounging in its shade, there was little activity to observe.
The coach pulled up close to two tiny, motorized flat trucks, their baggage handlers snapping to attention, hurriedly attending to their duties as soon as the driver came to a stop. Ardon jumped down quickly, smiling to the attendants who politely bowed his arrival. Turning, he offered his hand, assisting first Tashi and then the other women out of the coach.
In less than a minute, the luggage was loaded on the flat trucks and whisked away, the motor coach quickly following, off on some other determined errand. The small party stood, silently viewing their surroundings, tumblers of icy-cold ale presented them by one of the ship’s officers. The sun shone brightly in a cloudless, deep blue sky while an occasional chickadee darted in and out of view. Other than the muted noise of some exhaust fans and a distant hiss of an engine room steam vent, all was quiet except for the sound of the morning’s gentle, warm breeze.
The officer was called away by someone under the tent, she suggesting new arrivals follow her. Instead, Ardon, having now taken on the role of guardian, directed the group toward a boarding ladder at Shikkeron’s bow, seeing the main belly ramp was still closed.
Ardon waved his pleasantries to the junior officer there who smiled and bowed in salutation.
Extending his hand in greeting, Ardon offered a cordial hello, knowing the officer from his recent journey aboard Starlight. “Why, Crilen, what a surprise! I’d not expected to find such a fine steward as you booking passage on this barge. Or did Mother press you into service for our journey?”
Crilen grinned, shaking his head and pointing to the braided ribbon on his sleeve.
“No, my Lord Ardon, neither. Captain Bedan offered me a post as midshipman if I should join his crew. Mind you, serving as a steward aboard that fine schooner was delightful, but rather dull. I wanted some adventure and, feeling the prisoner exchange with its deep space travels to EremiaPikros – I’ve never been there – might satisfy the desire, I took up the good captain’s offer and shipped aboard.”
Ardon laughed, “Well, if its adventure you want, then may it be so. But I doubt you will find it on this tour of duty. EremiaPikros is little more than a hot, sandy planet filled with nothing other than nasty creatures that bite, sting, or just irritate the senses. As for the prisoner exchange, I expect little difference from past escapades. We’ll go and haggle ransoms and who’s to blame and for what. Then we’ll trade whatever for whomever and return home with our freed brethren. Nope, I think you may be disappointed with this trip if it’s adventure you seek.”
“True that may be, my Lord,” Crilen smiled good-naturedly, “but I’ve already made my mark and signed on for this tour of duty. I’ll have to wait until our return to decide my future fate, though I think I’ll have a grand time anyway, seeing all the important dignitaries taking passage with us.”
Patting Crilen’s arm, Ardon looked over his shoulder, asking, “Why is the ramp not down? Doesn’t the good captain know his guests have arrived? We’d like to board and freshen up a bit.”
Crilen apologized, “Captain Bedan is yet to arrive, my Lord. The ship’s officer in charge has decided to wait his arrival before boarding passengers. We have set up a
spacious pavilion for your waiting comfort, filled with sweet dainties and refreshing drinks. Two of Shikkeron’s musicians are there, at the ready to titillate your ears.”
Frowning, Ardon stepped toward the ladder. “No…my party and I need some private refreshment time. If the ramp is closed, then we shall enter by this means.”
Crilen did not move, standing between Ardon and the ladder. “I’m sorry, my Lord.
Please take some refreshment at the tent. The captain will be along soon.”
Taken aback and embarrassed, Ardon’s face clouded, his voice betraying inner feelings, blurting out, “Crilen, you know who I am…who we all are! Now let us pass so we may settle aboard!”
“I’m sorry, my Lord,” Crilen was shaken, but stood his ground, “but I have my orders.”
Angry, Ardon demanded, “Forget those stupid orders! Look! I take responsibility for your actions. Step aside and let this party pass!”
Shocked by Ardon’s outburst and though quite intimidated, Crilen still refused to allow Ardon to pass. “I am truly sorry, my Lord, but you do not have authority to negate the orders of the ship’s officer in charge.”
Furious, Ardon waved his arms, rendering insults and threats to the ship’s officer and Crilen, as well as the Navy for permitting such fools to be placed in charge. His ranting drew the attention of everyone within earshot. Even the baggage handlers stopped to watch the goings on. Tashi stepped back, embarrassed and surprised by her companion’s actions. The others remained as they stood, some nodding approval while others said not a word.
Someone hidden in the darkness of Shikkeron shouted down, “Midshipman Crilen, give me your report! What’s going on down there?”
Crilen did not look up. Standing stalwart against the rising tide of intimidation, he calmly answered, “There are those here who wish to board, Captain.”
“Captain?!” Ardon shouted angrily, “That’s not the voice of Bedan. Who are you?!
Show yourself this instant!”
No sooner had he finished speaking than a black, polished boot appeared on the highest rung of the ladder, followed on the next rung by another. Then, in rapid succession, those boots flew down the rungs, their owner with her back turned as she descended. Instantly, Ardon recognized the uniform. His heart sank. It could only be that misfit, Darla! Why, oh why her?! Anyone, but that creature… And she was a fright to see, being all dressed up for war, carrying a long dagger strapped to her right thigh and a holstered lanner fastened by a wide, black belt, high to the left on her waist.
His face turning red for fear of possible humiliation, embarrassment, and increasing anger at not being shown proper respect for their…his lordly station, Ardon decided that this creature was going to rue the day she crossed the line of propriety. This would not become another travesty such as occurred at the last council meeting! He would not be on the receiving end this time!
Darla’s feet had just touched the pavement, beginning to turn to face toward the people there when Ardon attacked. Stepping forward, to within inches of the woman, as her eyes met his, he unleashed a venomous string of scathing rebukes. “Enough of your silly games! Has the titmouse forgotten its place behind the hearth and decided to rule at the table?! This is the king’s council and we have more important matters to attend to
than to wait upon the panderings of a shrew rat! Now let us pass and stop acting akin to the Lord of lords!”
Taken aback by this mind-numbing assault for an instant, Darla stared dumbly into Ardon’s angry face. Gradually, as reality of the moment began to sink in, she came to her senses. Devastating as it was, she refused to allow it to affect her actions. After all, Darla was a first-rate officer. Duty came above feeling, and duty at this time was to display the qualities of a first-rate officer.
Pushing hurt and rage aside, except for the furious blazing in her eyes, Darla calmly replied to Ardon, “My Lord, I am but the steward of this ship until its captain arrives. He shall choose who will board and when, it being a courtesy granted seeing he is responsible for the fate of those in his charge. My orders were to remain Shikkeron secure until the captain arrives. Midshipman Crilen was only obeying my direct orders.”
“Stupid orders!” Ardon screamed, veins bulging in his neck. “And what did you make up such stupid orders for anyway?!” He waited for no reply. “Oh! Oh, you’re playing captain, lord and god!” His tone mocking and condescending, Ardon swept his hand wide, asking haughtily, “What is this to you? Are these people your little toy soldiers in your own little kingdom of power? They stand so pretty in their neat, little uniforms. And us? Are we your peasant crowd , expected to bow to your every command so as to get the crumbs of a blessing from your table of boastful delights? Has the sun got to you so early in the day or does the fragrance of the fermented grape still linger heavy on your lips?!”
Ardon threw his hands up to his mouth, shrinking back as though afraid. “Ho, maybe we’re at risk for our lives! One of us may be an evil saboteur, seeking this ship’s destruction…if there’s anything left of it to destroy. Look, we’ve important business to finish, and we don’t have time to waste on the childish antics of a half-crazed drunkard!”
Darla remained the good soldier, though how is uncertain. Standing as if a line in battle, she steeled herself and quietly answered, “The officer in charge does not drink while on duty. I am not drunk. As for the danger, Lord Ardon, of all people I would believe your knowledge the greatest for why we need to be wary. Even now, assassins linger in our crowd, a murdered courtier discovered not three leagues from here only eight days ago. It is necessary to be prepared for every danger.” Directing the party’s attention toward the tent by extending a hand in invitation, Darla forced a smile. “There are prepared drinks and treats from our excellent galley cook, music for your listening pleasure and, should you desire, there are some chilling fans to keep you cool. My attendant here will assist you with your every need.”
Tashi, who was dumbstruck and thoroughly embarrassed, began to follow the attendant, soon to be followed by DarlaRosa and Kysenina. Ardon shouted for them to stop and turned, enraged, back to Darla, shaking in anger. “The only danger here is you!
You and that sick head of yours! Now get out of my way, misfit! Let us board!”
Before Ardon could blink, he found himself looking down the barrel of a drawn lanner, Darla’s finger squeezing back on the trigger. “Lord Ardon, may I suggest you reconsider?” Although her voice was calm, at that moment Darla could only see red, Ardon being little more than a shadow painted on a crimson landscape. And then she felt it, the waking monster within. Fearing the worst should matters escalate, Darla pleaded with Ardon, feeling another being reaching out to take control of her soul, the monster of
the battlefield. It had many times been her savior, but today? Today it might well spell her ruin.
From deep down in the woman’s throat there arose an insect staccato noise. Darla was on the verge of panic. “Please, Lord Ardon!” Darla cried in an unrecognizable, deep guttural voice, “Please, obey my request!”
Ardon chanced a glance into Darla’s eyes, gasped and fell back in terror. Orbs of smoldering, red fire burned into his mind the most unholy of sights the man had ever witnessed. Was this creature one of Mother’s children or an abomination from the dark abyss of Asotos’ twisted mind…or worse? Was the demon of her nightmares finally consuming the soul of this woman and only her flesh survived to house the beast?
The others stared dumbly in stunned silence, Crilen aghast, eyes bulging with fright and uncertainty. As Darla composed herself, the monster slowly retreated, returning mastery of the moment back to its rightful owner. At length, she found her voice and, forcing a returned calm to her speech, reconfirmed her authority. “Shikkeron is currently under my captaining. No one boards without my permission. Should it be attempted, I will put that person down by whatever means practicable.”
Ardon was retreated some distance by now, cowering behind a very distraught Crilenian who was unable to avoid his predicament. From the safety of his reluctant fortress, he opened anew his verbal assault against his antagonist. “You’re crazy!
Flippin’ crazy! Fallen from your tree, you have! The demon’s taken you for sure!
You’ll kill us all! Kill us all!”
The sound of an approaching motor coach did little to assuage Ardon’s vicious attack. It was not until Euroaquilo shouted out his booming hello that the man quieted.
Upon seeing the admiral, he hurried over to greet him, again taking up his rant about his attempted murder at the hands of that ‘crazy woman’.
Euroaquilo patiently listened, finally asking as he scanned the crowd, “Which one is the crazy woman?”
Ardon’s temper flared again, poking Euroaquilo in the chest and then pointing,
“Don’t play that game with me! You know who I am, and you certainly know who that
crazy is. But, for your benefit, in case your senses have left you, too, it’s the one holding that terrible gun over there.”
Following the direction in which Ardon pointed, Euroaquilo saw Darla and very quietly replied, “Oh...”
“Don’t just ‘Oh …’!” Ardon shouted. “Do something...now!”
Euroaquilo nodded and then slowly walked over to Darla, who was still holding the lanner high and in the direction where Ardon had first accosted her. He stopped up close.
Darla did not speak or move, fighting to keep her wits about her. Lifting the bagged food, he quietly commented, “Hello... Sorry I’m late. Here’s the breakfast I promised to get you.”
Darla lowered the lanner, but her eyes never left Ardon. Her reply was polite but sour. “I’m not hungry, thank you.”
Ardon jumped forward, using Euroaquilo as his new shield wall. “Dismiss her now!
I order it! That creature is a threat to us all and to our mission! Dismiss her!”
Lowering the bag of food, Euroaquilo innocently asked, “What’d she do?”
Ardon was incensed. “Not you, too! She…she…that creature tried to kill me! She stuck that ugly thing right in my face! If I’d not jumped back, she’d ‘ave killed m…”
Euroaquilo turned and smiled so seriously, replying, “My Lord Ardon, this woman needs never try. Had she decided you dead, then I would be asking the others what happened here. You are indeed most fortunate. Never have I seen this woman ask to parley when she has decided to kill someone.”
Ardon became sarcastic. Euroaquilo ignored him, pressing Darla for an answer.
“Leftenant, what happened here?”
The woman sighed in an attempt to finally compose herself, closing her eyes as she did. When they opened, she replied, “I had ordered that no one was to board Shikkeron until its captain chose to do so. Lord Ardon apparently misunderstood those orders. I was presently assisting him with their clarification.”
Ardon broke in, shouting and gesturing wildly, “Lies! Lies! She tried to kill us!
Kill us all! All we wanted was to board this boat and refresh ourselves!” He then grabbed hold of Euroaquilo’s shirt, tugging on him, demanding, “Order it to let us board!
Then dismiss it…or shoot it! Just get rid of it!”
One eyebrow went up and then the other. Euroaquilo gently removed Ardon’s hands and, pretending to fuss with the counselor’s clothes, answered, “According to the rules of engagement, this officer stands this ship until its chief officer or the person placing her in command relieves her of duty. I do not have such authority and am, in this case, outranked here.”
Looking around at the others and then staring Ardon in the face, he loudly added,
“The good leftenant here has the right to keep anyone she chooses off this ship, including me. She also has the right to use whatever force she chooses to prevent someone from boarding. My friend, that officer was within her legal rights to put you down, to kill you when you attempted a coup on this ship. We are in the Navy here, on this tarmac, not the council chambers. We play by different rules than you do there. For the time being, Leftenant Darla is commander of this ship, and you are whatever she chooses you to be.
My fellow…” Euroaquilo pointed toward Shikkeron, “that is the good leftenant’s ship!”
Ardon was dumbstruck. He was furious, to be certain. What was wrong here? Was Admiral Euroaquilo so taken by this…this urchin that he, too, had become demented?!
Was Darla’s demon so powerful so that it also gained control of the girl’s lover?
Dangerous it must be, but Ardon was not a complete fool. He would be silent for now.
Mother was soon to arrive. He would seek an audience with her and expose this folly and get the matter corrected. And then they would learn respect for a counselor of Lowenah.
“Come, now!” Euroaquilo waved his hand high while putting an arm around Ardon’s shoulder. “There looks to be dainties aplenty for us all and… and, why there are some fine musicians to play us a ditty or two.” With that, he ushered the party toward the tent.
Darla, her anger beginning to bubble up from within, finally threw an insult in Ardon’s direction, speaking loudly while handing Crilen the lanner, ordering him, “If that peasant should decide to board without Captain Bedan’s permission, shoot him!”
Ardon hurried his step, fearing to look back. Better to keep his distance than to have the demon revealed at his expense. He would wait his time to be exonerated. It would come soon…
* * *
Mihai and Paul gingerly stepped down from the carriage and hurried toward the dining hall door in hopes of finding the members of their breakfast party. As they approached, they saw two people in the eatery’s entrance. Richard Finhardt and Tabitha Copeland were deeply absorbed in a lively discussion concerning a Lower Realm war from the past. Tabitha poked a finger at Richard, arguing, “You can’t tell me differently.
I’ve read enough about it. That Bismarck of yours was full to blame for it all, he and his dreadful need for power and glory!”
Richard raised his hand, pointing for emphasis, interrupted by Paul’s calling out,
“Enough! Enough!” Waving a smiling salutation, he asked if any of the others were still inside.
Although surprised to see the late arrivals, Tabitha was quick with the wit, she being quite good at such things. “You’ve got forever, Paul. We’ve got a powerful day ahead of us and you’ve been dallying in the parlor. Can you keep it in your pants long enough to give our lady a breath so as to make her passage on time?”
Paul was caught off guard. Embarrassed and speechless, he stopped, staring dumbly into Tabitha’s laughing eyes. Mihai wrapped her arms around one of Paul’s and offered a flowery retort to Tabitha. “It is not the buck who chases this doe, my Dear, but the doe who eagerly pants her lover onward. I am just such a lucky woman to find a fellow with an ardor strong enough to satisfy my desires.”
Tabitha tipped her head back, laughing out loud, “I shouldn’t know, my Lady, seeing you have kept the man sole prisoner for yourself. Still, one day I may take my right to see if what you say is truly so. Until then, well, I’ll just have to make due.” She leaned forward and kissed Richard on the cheek. “Just have to make due...”
Richard blushed, stepping back, shaking his head. “Whoa there…”
“What is it with you men, anyway?” Tabitha harrumphed. “You think of little else other than romancing a woman into the bed. Then, when you finally succeed, you have to show off your manhood in hopes she will act impressed. Your size, prowess, and stamina are all put on display in some way to seek her approval, for her to exclaim that you’re the best, have the biggest, and can last the longest.” Wagging a finger first at Richard and then at Paul, she fussed, “And then, when you get out of the bed, you become embarrassed should sexuality even be mentioned in mixed company. Tell me, what’s your problem?”
Mihai stepped up to Tabitha, taking her hands in hers. “The ardor of a man from your world is strong and can be so exciting, but he has so much yet to learn about the music of sweet lovemaking. I believe it is a lack of maturity in that art such as my kind have practiced from the days before the lives of your kind, driving them to ever seek approval from the ones they wish to impress so much.”
Giving Tabitha a gentle kiss on the lips, she crooned, “Someday they may learn how a soft and gentle touch at the right time and place can excite the heart as much as their manly ardor.” She reached out, stroking Tabitha’s upper arm. “My sisters are not ashamed of their desires. They openly confess them for all the world to see.”
It was Tabitha’s turn to blush, Mihai’s openness being a little more than she was used to. Still, the woman was not embarrassed by what was spoken. Tabitha was no stranger to Mihai’s loving arms, they sharing intimate moments on more than one occasion. But it had been a while, Paul consuming most of the new king’s time over the past several months.
Quickly regaining her composure, Tabitha smiled and, while taking a finger and softly stroking Mihai’s cheek, whispered her reply, “My King, should the hour have been less cruel, I should have sought an audience with you to discuss this matter further.
The tongue, I have learned, is an instrument for much more than speech, and softness may at times defeat the ardor of any hero.”
Mihai sighed, but her mind betrayed her feelings, raising the image of another lover into her visions. She frowned, forcing her thoughts back to the person standing before her. After all, had she not been the one to introduce the tease this day? It would be so improper to offer the intoxicating wine and then only deliver its fragrance because a yearning heart craved another’s touch.
Cupping her hand over Tabitha’s and staring into her dancing green eyes, Mihai purred, “It is several days’ journey in the cold depths of space to reach our destiny.
Should it be so, then we do ride the same comet together in its flight. Come hither and warm this doe’s heart, keeping it safe this night from that frigid expanse. Let us draw close to see into each other’s dreams and passion away the lonely hours between wake and sleep.”
Tabitha blushed again, nodding.
Before she could speak, Richard piped in, “Well, if we don’t hurry, you can be doing all that stuff on the curb here! Taxi’s waiting and we’re the last to board. Come on with it. Let’s go before we’re left behind.”
Waving him off, Tabitha chirped, “Oh bother! We’ve lots of time. Lowenah’s not even made an appearance yet, or so I’ve ‘eard. Now be a good sport and leave us two a moment, and then we’ll be right along.”
Richard motioned to Paul and the two headed for the open-air taxi. Tabitha and Mihai kissed ever so softly and spoke a few private words to each other. In short order, they, too, joined the troupe waiting in the motor car.
The little taxi scooted past offices, barracks and storage buildings, and finally the giant hangars that bordered the spaceport proper. By the time it reached the final checkpoint, warmth of the afternoon was upon them, the breeze no longer filled with the fresh, cool breath of morning. There was still a lot of activity, mostly that of work trucks, lorries, fuel tankers, and a few motor coaches making their return trips from the harbored ships scattered about. The driver zipped in and out of the traffic, hurrying along and taking shortcuts whenever possible.
Some two miles away, the imperial frigate, DishonPele, the ‘wonderful antelope’, awaited its nearing entourage, Mihai having requested the ship because it had two relatively large wardrooms for conducting meetings, something she felt need for during this journey. It was one of the newer vessels in the fleet, receiving a complete rebuild less than thirty years before, but it was already tired from constant use and lack of needed refitting.
The driver hurried along as best she could in the growing bustle. Mihai sat back in her seat, eyes closed, soaking in the day while the wind lifted her golden locks, sending them a-twirl, paying no heed to the possible growing tangle of knots the tempest was creating. The woman smiled in satisfaction. Hopefully there would be little to do in the remaining hours before the tiny armada departed and she could catch a catnap before dinner.
The driver suddenly swerved to miss a passing tanker truck, sounding its trumpeting warning just as she did. Mihai chanced a glance to see all the fuss. Turning her head to watch the truck, she spied a distant figure walking across the tarmac. Something felt amiss. Looking closer, she saw it was Darla. ‘Strange. The girl doesn’t take to strolling when on duty. Out here, she’s always on duty.’ Getting the driver’s attention, the taxi turned, hurrying off in Darla’s direction. As it neared, Mihai called out, waving.
Darla looked up, surprised. She had not noticed the motor car until Mihai shouted.
This was the last person she wanted to see right now. In fact, she wanted to see no one.
“Just leave me be!” she sputtered under her breath, disgusted. “Oh, Death, come take me so I need not suffer more torment...” Motioning the taxi away, she turned and started heading in another direction.
Mihai frowned, but was undeterred. That child was not going to put her off! It was time to assert some kingly authority. Asking the driver to stop a distance away, she climbed out of the auto, telling the others to travel on, she catching up with them later.
As the machine sped away, the woman took to matters at hand. “Leftenant,” Mihai called out in her commander’s voice, “halt and be addressed!”
Darla clenched her teeth, more out of dismay and frustration than anger. She stopped, but refused to turn about. Casting her eyes skyward, she quietly waited on the intruder.
Mihai quickly approached, coming to within a few paces before stopping. When Darla continued to ignore her presence, she entreated the girl, “My lovely Rachel, why do you find me abhorrent? It’s your sister, Michael, the one who loves you so. How is it that you do not know your loving companion?”
Following a flock of birds in the distant sky, Darla finally offered reply, commenting ever so casually, “It is such a beautiful day to start our journey, isn’t it? The sky is so blue this time of year, and the smells…”
“Darla, look at me!” Mihai stiffened her stance, hands on hips. “That’s an order!”
Ever so slowly, Darla obeyed. Mihai sighed in dismay. It was all she could do to not reach out and hug her little sister. Darla looked a fright…swollen, reddened eyes, distraught countenance, a tear-stained face, revealing the appearance more that of battle fatigue. The girl had been crying so much as to have stained the blouse of her dress uniform. “Oh, my child!” Mihai exclaimed in sorrow, those words involuntarily escaping her lips.
For two long hours after Ardon’s vicious attacks, Darla had managed to contain her feelings, concentrating fiercely on ship’s duties until Bedan finally arrived. When relieved of command, she had quickly departed, barely making it out of earshot when a torrent of tears and quiet wails erupted. Darla tried to smile, but just looking at Mihai brought a returning flood of tears. Stoop-shouldered, she stood there sobbing, no longer able to fight back her inner emotional warring.
Mihai, tearing up, stepped forward, arms outstretched to embrace her little sister.
She was abruptly motioned away, Darla crying out her warning. “Leave the dead bury themselves, lo you may well become consumed with their madness! I seek only the solace of the Silent Tombs. Leave me be to such glory. I feel even a dog deserves that kindness...”
Surprised, Mihai entreated, “Darla! Don’t think that way! I…”
Her fists clenched, Darla leaned forward, crying, her face defiant, “Is death such a bad thing to wish for?! So many of my companions have I already buried, there are none left to do so for me. I wish only for their glory. At least they stand as honored by those in this contemptible house.”
An angry fire flashed in Mihai’s eyes and she snapped back, “There is no glory in a death wish! Only cowards and those with no souls seek its release.”
Wailing, Darla shook her fist. “I am no coward!” she shouted in anger, lowering her head in grief. “I have no strength left to live. Go away and let me die! Leave me be.
Cracked and broken was this child made, and even more so has the brattling become.
Now leave me go…please...”
Mihai would have none of that. She plunged forward, wrapping Darla in a bear hug of an embrace. There she remained all the while the child wept, holding her close, singing gentle, soothing melodies to her. To Mihai, it seemed as if the world had stopped, paying its silent respects by preventing an intrusion upon them. For Darla, she remembered little other than the total despair in her heart.
After long moments had passed, Darla stood back, patting her uniform. She looked down at her soiled blouse and, with a sad half-smile, asked, “Do you really know why I wore this fancy uniform today?” Mihai replied she did not.
“My Lord, you should understand.” Darla looked into Mihai’s eyes. “I was charged with commanding Shikkeron until Captain Bedan returned. You know that it is only proper to prepare for the ship’s crew to show respect by officially honoring that officer on his arrival. It was my duty to honor Bedan in that manner.”
Mihai agreed. “Any good officer would…”
Darla looked away, interrupting, her face grave. “I had nothing else to gift him with that had not been soaked in the blood of the ones I love. The uniform Contorie made for me lies buried in the fields of Hailar, wrapping my loving sister, SaleenHavson, she having died in my arms in that barren wilderness shortly after we were attacked by Stasis.
Indeed, I have no other garments of quality other than this,” she pulled on her blouse,
“that have not been soaked with the blood of the ones I’ve loved.” Looking back into Mihai’s eyes, pleading, Darla mused in wistful sadness, “I had so much wished to journey this day for once feeling clean, washed, innocent.”
Then fear began to grow in her voice, a dark cloud, nearing panic. “But now it has found me! It has waked to take power over my mind. Even now it is clawing at my sanity. It laughs at me in derision, sarcastically accusing me of being the fool for allowing Ardon to live. It nearly took control of the monster within today, making me go blind with rage, its ugly laughter and my hatred for it all that kept my sanity.”
Mihai now felt her own panic rising. She clutched Darla by the shoulders, asking in desperation, “How long have you been resisting the demon’s advances? How long has it sought you out in your waking dreams?”
Shocked, Darla dumbly stared into Mihai’s eyes. How did Mihai know about her waking dreams? She had told no one, even keeping them hidden from Euroaquilo in their dream shares. Finally, casting her gaze down and away from her sister’s searching eyes, Darla answered reflectively, “Off and on for many years, they becoming strong during the Great War, then retreating into hidden recesses for a while. But now they grow again, the demon being insidious and bold.” An involuntary shudder ran down Darla’s back.
“These last three nights have been most cruel on my constitution, the demon giving me no rest at all. Its very breath I feel upon me even now. I cannot escape it.”
As Darla’s own words began to sink in, a new fear grew in this girl’s heart, one she could not contain. Tears of terror brimmed in her eyes as she desperately pleaded, “It’s the blackness, isn’t it - the blackness that consumes all the damned, eventually driving them mad like the Stasis!” She shook her head, whimpering like a little child, “I failed, haven’t I? Failed to love enough and care enough, to hate my own wickedness, my own evil. I tried to be good, but this last hour’s convulsions of wrath have driven me over the edge. It has come for me, hasn’t it?! And I can’t stop it this time, for I have damned myself to it!” She bowed her head and began crying once more.
“No! No! No! That is not true at all!” Mihai shook Darla, needing to deny her sister’s wicked evil as much for her own sake as Darla’s. “It is not what you think!
Cannot be! Cannot be! It is another evil warring inside you. You’re a good child…
good child. Mother loves you more than most! I know! I know, for she told me so herself.”
Darla mourned, resigned, having heard nothing of what Mihai said. “It calls to me, seeking my love. It yearns for my attention, gifting me with dreams of dismay, telling me it offers me only what I deserve. I am damned, and there is nothing for it. I should end it now before I bring the ones I love down to the pit, for that is what the demon seeks, yearns for me to desire.”
Mihai was growing frantic. She saw not Darla, but herself slowly sinking into the abyss of damnation with every word the girl spoke. Inside her own head, Mihai could hear sniggers and quiet laughter and, further away, from somewhere near, she heard the mournful cries of another beast calling out to hers, seeking solace from it. Darla’s demon was trying to contact hers! Mihai almost cried aloud, terror growing in her heart at that revelation.
Was she, too, going insane? Was it too late for Darla…for her? “No! No! No!”
she shouted in desperation. “It cannot be! I will not allow it! Damn all the world! I will not allow it!” Squeezing Darla’s arms to the point of pain, Mihai demanded, “Tell me!
Tell me, now! What about your dreams?! Tell me about your dreams!”
Through the fog of her own inner terrors, Darla heard little. Was she lost to the souls of the damned? The thought was so disturbing as to make beads of bloody sweat form on her forehead. She mumbled something incoherent.
Mihai’s heart was racing. She had to know. For her own sanity, she had to know.
Violently shaking her sister, she screamed, “Tell me about your dreams! Fear me, for my wrath is worse than the fires of the Abyss! Tell me of your dreams! Look at me! Look at me now and tell me about those god-damned dreams!”
As a caged animal fears the fires of its tormentor, Darla cowered in fright, having shrunk to a mere shadow of her stately stature, emerald green eyes so often filled with mirth staring wildly into a world of darkness and horrors. Hideous sights overwhelmed her mind as the demon within sought control. But Darla was a strong child and she would not go quietly. Struggling to regain power over her mind and soul, she swore vile oaths and rebukes to all the worlds of the living and the dead. Slowly, through curses and beseeching pleadings, she regained possession of her senses.
Finally, she felt Mihai’s shaking her, heard her shouting, the questions Mihai was asking, answering as though in a stupor, “My lovers, all my lovers are crying out to me,
accusing me of all the death and tribulation heaped upon them. I see a river of blood as it reaches out for me…my lovers, all dead, rotting corpses with taunting voices, seeking my destruction, to drown me in that river of blood.”
“What else?! Tell me, what else did you dream?” Mihai shook Darla again. “Tell me! ”
Darla nodded, still lost in a mind-numbing fog. “I feel loathsome maggots feasting on my flesh and scarab beetles chewing on my brain. They ever consume me, constantly devouring, ever eating. And my…my insides are spilt out upon the ground where the dogs are devouring them. Oh! And my head…my head is being split apart by some power from the inside. Yes, by unspeakable visions! Oh, my head… My eyes have been crushed and my nose torn away. My very womanly parts have been ripped from my body. Oh, the agony!”
Wrapping her arms around her sister, Mihai cried out in remorse, “Oh, my dear little one, I am so sorry for the tribulation I have cast down upon you...you, the most innocent of children! It is I who belong with the damned! If not for me, you would not suffer these terrible things.”
Shocked back to her senses, Darla asked, confused, “What are you about? Has the universe all gone to rubbish? Are we all dead and not yet know it?”
Mihai smiled, holding her iron embrace on Darla. “It’s all right. The demon has not taken over your mind, nor have you slipped into the worlds of darkness and damnation.”
Darla gently pulled away from Mihai’s embrace and stepped back, asking, “How are you so sure that it will be all right?” She was earnestly listening, waiting upon Mihai’s reply.
Mihai relaxed a little. “The blackness has not overtaken you or me…nor will it.
Mother loves us and would never let those with the powers over the Abyss harm us. That I know. And I also believe I can help you understand your torrid dreams, or at least the concept of them.”
Pulling her sister close again and speaking in little more than a haunting whisper, Mihai confessed, “You have seen my terror, what was done to me in that evil hour long ago. How, I do not know, other than the creature our brother planted within me is highly intelligent and able to reproduce itself, or at least once was able to do so…or maybe there was more than one planted within me...I’ll tell you why I think that is possible... and one has entered into you by traveling upon a strand of my DNA that you drank as I suckled you.”
Mihai frowned, “A terrible evil has enveloped you, one that I believe may be far worse than mine. You know of my demon and I know of yours, or at least that you have one. Now I’m beginning to understand something far more sinister. I can feel their camaraderie and ability to communicate to a degree through the mind. I also believed that he gave to me those demons on the day of his attack. But now I think I may have received them over time, he practicing his subterfuge during the many dream shares he showered on me in the weeks before that damnable day.”
A chill ran up Mihai’s spine. She thought of the possibility of others being gifted with such evil during that same period. But few were visitors then, he being so busy planning, only there was another and…no! Mihai could not bear to think it possible. She forced that nightmare from her thoughts and continued, “I fear that I have added to the madness hiding inside you. Through our many dreams shared, while we opened ours
minds up to each other, the demons may well have had the ability to do the same, taking advantage of our openness to communicate freely.
“You see, my Lovely One, Mother gave to our brother power extraordinaire, and she shared many of her secrets with him, she being so blindly in love with the man. I do not blame Mother, but allow me to continue. Our brother was given the ability to mix his genetics with that of his lovers, or at least his women lovers. Why he turned to hating his sisters so badly and giving his passion to his brothers is a question I have pondered many times. Anyway, Asotos could give the gift of himself to any woman he shared his love with, bonding her to him in a special way. Some women, like Anna, grew to loving him with a drunken craving. Whether it was him or the woman who cast or allowed to be cast such a spell, it was real, very real.”
Darla asked, curious, “So it was through the act of intercourse that Asotos contaminated the mind of his sister or could do so?”
“Well,” Mihai thought about it, “I feel it might have been that way, possibly, but he could have accomplished such a feat through any physical exchange of genetics, even through someone’s food, I believe. It is, or was the spiritual aspect of matters, though, that set the stage for seeing his gift come to fruition. He had to get into your head. That is what your older sisters have called the ‘dream of dreams’. The man could get right inside you, become part of you, and then he could play upon your soul the sweetest, most entrancing music a woman had ever experienced.” She shook her head, “That power died when Mother took it away from him shortly after my assault, depriving him of additional victims.”
Inquisitive, Darla asked, “So who can offer up the dream of dreams today? Who has the power, PalaHar maybe?”
Mihai denied it to be so, answering, “The power is not with us at this time. It has been promised to us by Mother that she shall resurrect it at a future day. For now, we must wait or pine as some have the habit of doing.” Releasing Darla and stepping back, Mihai confessed, “All that is in the past now. The blissful life we once believed could never end, the countless dream shares, even the tiny garden that so many of us came into womanhood in is gone, covered by the thorns of time. But I digress.”
Reaching out and brushing a strand of Darla’s wavy black hair from her face, Mihai smiled reassuringly. “There are ways to rid ourselves of demon terrors, or at least ease them. And need be shall it become for you to have such a cure. You see, it is nearing the anniversary of my attack, the hour of my coming of age, the moment when my heart and mind were forever torn asunder. I believe this prisoner exchange has been set to coincide with that anniversary so that our brother can offer up some of his special deviltry that he’s so good at doing.
“My dear child,” Mihai took Darla’s hands in hers, “as the hours progress, the demon will increase in strength and viciousness. This happens to me every year about this time, but this anniversary, I fear, will be worse. Maybe I’m just tired. I have been busy, you know.”
Darla shivered with growing trepidation. “So will it consume me… us, or is there something we can do to hold it in check?”
Mihai said there was. “Yes, yes there are positive things we can do, and not so difficult to manage either. Seek out the attention of Euroaquilo. Make him keep you at his side for these remaining days before the prisoner exchange. Tell him your need for
protection from your dreams, from your demon. Many are the nights he has already acted gallantly in your behalf, even in mine. Go to him. Mother has given him the power to protect you.”
“What of you, my Lord? Who will protect you until then?” Darla asked, more concerned for Mihai’s fate than her own.
Mihai fussed, “You worry about you. Your demon has been acting a bit unruly this day. Have Euroaquilo put it in its place. Besides, Mother has given me a fellow who’s pretty good at holding back the goblin. He may not have learned how to be the best lover yet, but he knows how to take on a fight with that demon and best it! Like that!” she snapped her fingers, “Like that!” Secretly she wished to herself to have Euroaquilo by her side, but it could not be.
Seeing and understanding, Darla insisted that Mihai be with Euroaquilo. Mihai resisted fervently, “No! That must not be. If the demon gains success, you may never be rid of it, and that may well bring you to the damnation your most fear…a living Hell for as long as breath exists within you.”
As her own words sank in, Mihai’s countenance failed her. She lowered her head, tears falling. “I am so sorry. Except for my selfish desires, my dearest little sister would not face these dragons. Her fate rests in my hands, and those hands have brought her to the edge of destruction…”
“Sister...” Darla tugged at Mihai’s jacket, “sister...” Mihai looked up to see a serene, smiling face and sparkling eyes staring into hers. “Does the doctor never need a cure? Is it not true that the most fearsome of wild beasts will one day spread a grand feast for the lowliest of creatures? My sister, one day we will feast upon the evil creations of our brother, and he will shudder because we will then rule the worlds of men and gods!”
It was Darla’s mouth that formed the words, but Ma-we’s voice that Mihai heard when her sister spoke again so reassuringly. “The most terrible of trials may one day become the greatest of gifts. Those who pass through those unspeakable fires forever are bonded together as but one person. Mihai, you and I have shared the blood grape. We have loved in its passion. We are one, you and I, never to be torn asunder.
“We, you and me, are also bound together by a living evil, married to a fiend that seeks our destruction. Yet it is we who feed upon its malice to accomplish our own desire for vengeance. We crave our demons as much as they crave us, for the power beyond what is normal for us from them we attain. Their blood sustains us when all others’ powers fail. Their spirit drives us onward when the bravest in our midst quail in fright. No, they are the host upon which we feed to our own glory. Our demons cannot win, for they are abominations of a corrupted mind. We, my sister, cannot fail, for we are the progeny of an immortal spirit.”
Darla gave Mihai a tender kiss. “We have but one soul, mind and heart. We are the Daughters of Darkness, borne to rid the universe of all that is evil. By evil shall evil be brought to nothing. My Love, we are the Queens of Darkness, the gorgons who ride Shiloh’s flank in the coming War of Wars. The price? We fear not the price for this success, for we know the future treasure is of far greater value than our frail bodies.
“Should I die tomorrow, I will feel no regret, for you, my sword and shield, have comforted me during all this time. You have given me life and breath. Your milk has given me life and power, for with the power of Asotos’ demon, I shall bring his house
down to nothing!” Kissing Mihai again, Darla crooned, “Oh, my sister, my flesh and my blood, I do love you so much.”
Their embrace was unhurried and soothing both to soul and heart. When the two women finally released their loving hold, the weather was changing. Billowy clouds were filling the sky, being driven along by an agitated breeze. It was mid-afternoon and Time like the clouds was racing along toward a determined destiny. Still, Time must wait for Mihai. She had some unanswered questions that troubled her.
As Mihai wiped Darla’s face with a clean, white kerchief, she puzzled over the girl’s earlier comment concerning Ardon and wondered aloud about her soiled blouse. She had been so absorbed earlier as to forget the reason for her sister’s dismay, but now she wondered the why-for of it.
Darla was a good trooper, brushing it all off as nothing, a mere misunderstanding.
Mihai would have none of that, pressing her little sister until, bit by tiny bit, she squeezed the account from her. As details grew, she became greatly agitated to the point of seething, but dare not reveal it to Darla. At length, she asked for a close look-see at the blouse.
If Darla had a fault, it was her desire for quality and her meticulous passion for detail. This shirt had been hand-woven of a blend of the finest silks and jewelion threads.
It was the value of at least a month’s leftenant’s wages, possibly more, not counting the golden and chrysolite weave in the embroidery and tassels. It was now ruined, Darla’s tears staining the dye of the fabric. Mihai doubted it could be repaired, even with another month’s officer’s wages.
“Give me your blouse, please,” Mihai ordered, her tone reflecting her mood.
Shocked, Darla asked why. Mihai reached out a hand and demanded it, telling of her need to make a closer examination of it. “Now be a good servant and do what your king requests.” She would not accept ‘no’ for an answer.
Reluctantly, Darla pulled off the shirt and dutifully handed it to her king.
Thanking her, Mihai studied the blouse. Sure as she had suspected, it was of the finest quality, and made by expert hands. Looking up to comment, she could not help to study the beauty of her sister as well. Few men dared Darla’s company, usually feigning some great need or other to be about important business, but at what a loss! Darla was a natural athlete and well-practiced in all the martial arts of the day. Her rippling muscles, proud stature, voluptuous curves and deeply tanned, copper-colored, golden skin made her something to behold and desire.
Mihai smiled, waxing sadly, ‘What a shame to cover such stunning magnificence with these rags of stodginess called ‘clothing’!’
Darla shivered, not from the cold, but from her nakedness. “My Lord…” she said, nervous, glancing around, “I’m on duty. You know the rules. ‘Officers must deport themselves as such at all times while on duty’.”
“Oh, poop! Piss on those orders!” Mihai laughed, “I’m king and I can make or discard any orders I wish! Besides, if you recall, I was the one who made up those orders not that many years ago, when I was field marshal.” She grinned. “Maybe I’ll order that all officers should prance around naked while on duty. You know, I’ll have them tattoo their ranks on their butts.”
Both women laughed. It felt good to laugh. Then Mihai took off her kingly jacket made for her by Ma-we. Handing it to Darla, she ordered, “Here! Mustn’t break some
silly rules now, must we? I’ve a fine blouse to conduct my business in and have no need of this at the moment. You wear it like a good officer.”
Darla fussed, but finally relented. Mihai helped her sister. It fit a little snug, the revealing cut of the jacket acting like a lifting bodice, hiding none of the woman’s round, full bosom. Tightening the laces across Darla’s belly, Mihai grinned, “This’ll squeeze you in and push you up. Dear, you’ll be a sight to behold.”
When finished, Mihai stepped back for a better look. She good-naturedly fussed,
“You make me jealous, my Love. You are rounder, fuller and bigger than the owner of that jacket. You are gorgeous…just gorgeous! It is said by the poets, ‘more perfect than perfect are the breasts of the one born last, and far sweeter are they from the maiden having not yet given suck.’”
Darla blushed, “You say that only to ease my spirit. I am a handmaid, not a maiden.
Your golden locks and bouncing breasts stir passion’s desire in the hearts of all. And your pink delights that deliver the creamy elixir of life to the tongue are far more refreshing to the spirit than the finest of Medeba’s wines. I am but a tempting vessel offering up empty promises. You can satisfy both heart and palate.”
Mihai laughed, “You tease my heart, too, but tonight is not the night for satisfying our flirtings. Now hurry along and find your man and tell him all that I have commanded you to tell him.” She patted her on the behind. “Be off! And do not allow any cad to lure you away from your destiny. Many will take notice of you this day, and few will forget the sight, a kingly waif in kingly garb speaking with kingly authority. No! No one will forget my darling this day.” A mischievous smile danced across her face as she pondered people’s reactions.
Darla nodded, curtsied, and then kissed her sister so tenderly. “Thank you. Thank you for loving me.” Off she went to find her manly hero, Euroaquilo.
“And now for some other unfinished business...” Mihai fumed under her breath.
Clutching the ruined blouse, she hurried toward the distant Shikkeron.
* * *
“Ahhh…” Ardon sighed in tired relief. Everything was finally packed away, his teensy room stuffed with treasures he had brought along to make this journey more bearable. The cabin, designed for four or more midshipmen, was filled to overflowing with his and Tashi’s baggage until he had managed to harangue Captain Bedan into removing the mattress from the hinged upper bunk. Stuffing the space behind the now closed panel with clothing and other whatnots tidied up the place, making it more livable.
The room was very small, only seven by seven feet. The two bunks, each being less than three feet wide, were usually shared by two officers, rotating in shifts. This was often increased to three during wartime when extra personnel were aboard. But, for Ardon, this was way too small a place for him, alone. And what of Tashi? Certainly she would find such cramped accommodations deplorable. Oh yes, she had been a good girl, saying nothing when being delivered here. In fact, she was being strangely quiet since lunch, just dropping her things and leaving, saying she needed to discuss some important issues with some fellow counselors.
Looking around, Ardon fussed, “Can see why she didn’t want to stay. Miserable little hole in the wall! Could have given us the first mate’s room… It’s a little bigger
and further away from the engine room. At least it would have been showing a little more respect.” He grumbled, “Oh, bother!” and then smiled, spying the mug of hot brew recently delivered. He stepped over to the tiny foldout desk/table, easing himself into a small wooden chair across from the opened doorway. Grinning, he picked up the mug.
“A just reward for a job well done...”
His musings were interrupted by a hammering echo of hurried footsteps on the metal deck plates in the hallway and turned to see Mihai stopped on the threshold. Smiling, he was preparing to offer a salutation when his world suddenly exploded around him.
“Bastard! ” Mihai cried.
Ardon’s chair spun around, smashing into the cot before folding and crashing to the floor, the mug twirling from his fingers, flinging its contents everywhere, loudly shattering on the paneled wall. Scattering papers and books flew everywhere, Ardon having the breath knocked from him when the monster in the doorway lunged, crushing him against a wall locker. And a monster it was... Ardon saw only a seething, red-faced beast glaring at him, its chest heaving with an angry passion when blinding pain from hitting his head at being slammed against the cabin wall eased, terrifying him. Panicking, seeking escape, his feet slipping in a struggle to get away, he whimpered to be let go.
Enraged, Mihai drove her weight into Ardon, her arm pressed across his throat, screaming in his face, “Shut up, you fool or I’ll kill you now, you worthless shit! ”
Ardon could not shut up, nor could he desist in his struggles, the man being too scared to even think of anything other than a looming death if he did not get away.
Mihai’s insults slowly subsided with her energy, finally realizing that Ardon might really be dying. By now, Ardon hung limp, Mihai pressing him against the wall, keeping his feet under him. His face had turned blue and his eyes were glazing over as they blankly stared up toward the ceiling. Calming somewhat, it not having been her intention to hurt Ardon in the first place, Mihai eased off on her grip to give the man a chance to breathe.
It took several moments for Ardon to regain his senses. His breathing remained raspy, but his face was recovering its color. The man was still in too great a state of shock to speak a word. During this time, a crowd had gathered at the doorway, having come running when sounds of a struggle were heard echoing down the corridors. At seeing Mihai, none dared enter or even speak. Some slunk away while others stood bewildered, watching events unfold.
Mihai angrily spat, “Only godless demons publicly rape a woman! Do you seek also my sister’s murder?! What kind of a creature are you?!”
Ardon was dumbfounded. He shook his head in confusion, totally befuddled over what Mihai was talking about.
Shaking in frustrated rage, Mihai shouted contemptuously, “You ignorant...
worthless...bastard! Do you think my little sister , Darla, has no soul?! That she is some heartless wild dog, to be beaten and driven away?!” Pushing herself back, Mihai turned and stepped toward the doorway. Ardon slowly slid down the wall ‘til he sat on his haunches, clutching his throat, blinking away a growing headache.
As she reached the doorway, Mihai spun around again, her eyes a blazing inferno.
Her hands shaking in contempt, she leaned forward, pointing a finger at him. Ardon cowered, squirming. Throwing his hands up to his face in fright, he begged, “Please!
Please, my Lord! Don’t…”
Mihai was furious. “Don’t ‘my Lord’ me! You’re not one of mine! The dung heap with you! If you were not one of Mother’s favorites, I’d not let you live this long!” She made a fist, shaking it in his face. “Ardon, nothing man, I swear, as I live, if you ever mistreat my sister again, I’ll rip you open from gizzard to gonad and scatter your guts across a field! I swear it, Ardon! As I live, I swear it! ”
Spying Darla’s blouse lying on the floor, Mihai picked it up and flung it into Ardon’s face. “You get my girl a new one, or repair this like new! Don’t even think of seeing my face until you’ve made it proper. You get it done right and bring it back to me!”
She stormed out, the gathered crowd scattering like leaves before a tempest. In all the confusion, Mihai nearly bowled Captain Bedan over, just arriving after being informed of trouble aboard Shikkeron. Jumping back in surprise, a dumbfounded Bedan stared speechless at the advancing woman. Mihai made no attempt to slow down. As she stormed past him, she growled politely, “Permission to board!” a courtesy she had failed to offer earlier.
Still hurling curses under her breath, thinking of additional denunciations she wished she had pummeled Ardon with, Mihai hurried down Shikkeron’s belly ramp, her fists still clenched in anger. She glanced up at the sound of someone quietly singing a merry little tune. Ma-we was fiddling with one of the wheels on her personal carriage.
Looking at Mihai as though surprised and then at the darkening sky, she chimed cheerily, “Looks like a storm’s approaching. Well, I guess I arrived here just in time.”
Eyeing her mother, Mihai sourly replied, frowning, “I’d say you waited for the storm to end. Let me make a fool of myself first, and then you arrive so innocently!”
Ma-we grinned the culprit. “Mother gets so busy sometimes, she just forgets the hour. I did intend not to be late, you know. And I think I wasn’t, either. Now, tell your dear mother what you’re all about. What storm?”
Mihai saw right through Ma-we’s sweet innocence and began to laugh. “All right!
Have it your way.” The sound of distant thunder rumbled across the spaceport. Looking into the sky, Mihai asked, “Will you take me to my ship, or at least allow me use of your carriage?”
Being so polite, Ma-we graciously offered her child the use of the machine. As Mihai started away, she called out to her, “Send it back, Darling, as soon as you’re done.
My luggage is still in it.”
Mihai waved, shouting she would. Ma-we turned toward Shikkeron and made for the ramp. “And now for my other darlings...” She slowly shook her head, smiling, “Tsk, tsk… So much to do... So much to do...”
* * *
Darla dutifully obeyed her big sister’s command, but finding Euroaquilo was no easy task. She played a game of ‘chase ‘n tag’ for the better parts of an hour. Hitching a ride on a motor coach with a very willing driver, she searched several ships, each attending officer saying that the admiral had just left and was off to ‘such and such a ship’. True to Mihai’s words, Darla’s outfit caused quite a fuss. Mihai’s kingship had been quietly broadcast through the gossip channels, nothing official having been declared.
When Darla arrived with the king’s jacket – a garment that could not be mistaken for less – it caused a real stir. Curious eyes peeked out from behind loading trucks and
darkened doorways. Hundreds of people took to seeing what the rumor mill was spewing out. What caught them so by surprise was the stunning beauty of this woman. Many were the ones among the military who personally knew of Darla, respecting her heroic bravery, even if others knew nothing of her at all. But, oh, how handsome she was! That was another story.
Then, when tales of Mihai’s visit to Ardon made their rounds through the rumor mill… well, Darla was becoming quite the celebrity. By the time she reached EnGlorious, news of her escapades were well-circulated. The ship’s crew and several service personnel did not even bother to pretend their attention upon her visit. And when the captain had sent her off toward another transport, all eyes followed her departure.
This, by the way, was all great fun for Lowenah. It fit into her plans so well. ‘Just wait, my darlings, and see what I will have done with your little sister by the time we arrive at EremiaPikros. The sight you’ll see then!’
What of Euroaquilo in all this chase ‘n tag? He truly had been busy making his rounds of the fleet before it departed. Still, he could not help but feel fingers playing behind the scene. Long after the news had reached his ears about Darla’s searching for him, circumstances continued to prohibit them from making contact. Twice he determined to wait for her, having told others of his whereabouts, only to be called away at the last minute. So, eventually surrendering to the moment, the good admiral returned to DusmeAstron, his flagship for this journey, and waited for Darla’s arrival.
There were other reasons Euroaquilo wished to be with Darla. Throughout the day, there was a growing disquiet in the man’s heart, an anxious tightness similar to when a person feels danger surrounding them. And then there were haunting voices whispering, apprehensive, in the back of his mind all afternoon. No…he concluded there were forces beyond his wisdom fating the coming encounter. Good or bad, this evening child was to play a part in the destiny of the Empire. The future of all living things might well hinge on coming events. He could just feel it.
Euroaquilo purposely arranged for his meeting with Darla to occur on the now empty captain’s bridge. It was located on the uppermost level, deck five, and far forward.
Having ordered all other ways closed off, there was only one entrance available for his girl to take, from far abaft ship. He leaned against the elevator rail, waiting and listening for her arrival.
(Author’s note: The battle bridge and captain’s bridge were located on the upper levels of DusmeAstron, it being the custom of craft built in the era of that ship to have the battle bridge in open view, below and directly in front the captain’s bridge. From the captain’s bridge, all ship’s activities could be monitored and commands given.
Shikkeron was designed similarly, constructed during that same time.
There were four ways to gain access to the bridge - from a single door abaft the bridge, two small hatchways that opened through the floor, and an elevator that ran from the loading ramp, near the hold, to the bridge. It ran up and down on four large tubes, one located at each of its corners. There was no shaft, just openings through each floor, requiring a removable safety rail be placed around the opening on each deck. This design allowed the elevator to second as a heavy freight mover.
Under the passenger compartment, there was an opened platform. When the compartment was on one deck level, the platform was on the next deck immediately
below. This required a hole be placed through the inner hull above the bridge, to accommodate space for the freight platform to reach the bridge. When battle conditions existed, the elevator was raised to the bridge, plugging tight the opening in the inner hull, the bridge and the deck below it. The other decks had semicircular plates mounted to the elevator shafts. These would be rotated into place at such times, closing tight the lower decks. These older style battle wagons had been built with large windows, permitting observers to see outside without the need for screens and monitors. Ref: Fires in the Sky, SirionSandavar, pp. 294-7)
There was a stirring at the distant end of the long hallway that extended the spine of the ship, and then a muffled clunk of an iron hatch being carefully closed. Leaning forward in anticipation of seeing Darla soon appear out of the shadows, Euroaquilo was shocked by the bewildering sights that flooded his eyes. “How strange...” he said aloud, blinking as he looked again. “How strange...”
Emerging from the darkened bowels of this metallic denizen of destruction there approached an apparition of such hypnotic splendor that it took Euroaquilo’s breath away, the man gasping at the sight. Clutching his heart as it began to pain in wild palpitation, the man’s mind raced with long-forgotten memories of passionate moments in a faraway time and place…haunting dreams of summery nights under a mystical planet’s hallowed moon, Sharon, wrapped in the loving arms of a bewitching enchantress, singing intoxicating melodies in words foreign to his ears while enraptured by the dizzying, drunken spell created by finely fermented blood-grapes.
Tolohe! Could it be? No, though once she had shared such witchery with him, when he was little more than a lad. But not now, not Tolohe… The magic of Tolohe that she left behind in this world and the song were long withered away, these wars having destroyed that magical energy. Then who or what was entering this world of flesh, for its radiant glory transcended that of flesh or spirit, at least on any level Euroaquilo ever witnessed?
The excited passion of the moment pressed forward until it stood but a hand’s breadth away. Then a voice called out to him from the blinding luminescence, a voice like that of a thousand doves taking flight, countless waterfalls cascading from unreachable mountaintops. “My Euroaquilo…”
At that instant, Euroaquilo was swept along by a vision profound. Gone was the captain’s bridge, the ship, the spaceport, even Palace City. He found himself in a grassy field filled with brightly colored wildflowers, the sun still in the high noon sky, no breeze, no breath, no singing birds or buzzing insects. All was as if the man stood upon a world frozen in time.
‘Strange…! So strange…!’ the man exclaimed, but no sound came from his lips.
Then he began to remember.
Poof! With that first recall of his youth, this silent world around him sprang to life.
A breeze tingled his skin, birds flew overhead and bees merrily buzzed among the swaying flowers. Sucking in the invigorating air brought a surge of childlike excitement to Euroaquilo’s heart. There he was upon the crest of a low mountain so long forgotten, but well remembered. He turned. Surely, Tolohe must be near, for this was the land to which she delivered him in his youth, during the years she mentored him after his coming of age, a secret land known only to her.
No. No, wait… Yes, this place looked and felt the same, but it was different. There would be no Tolohe, not today, nor maybe ever again. Things had changed, the world had changed, and now he faced a future that was uncertain.
Euroaquilo recognized where he stood. It was the realm belonging to Time, a realm hidden deep within the mind, for only in the mind can there be a past, present and future.
Time, in reality, is only moving forward, yet people are always living in the past, because they are only reacting to what has already happened. True, people may dream of the future, plan for the future, even attempt what the future may bring. Yet all that is based on past experience or happenings. But here, in the Realm of Time, Euroaquilo could become the master of past and future, king of his own destiny.
The world around the man rapidly began to change. Clouds came rushing in from the western sky while the sun raced forward to greet them. Moments later, the winds of Time hit upon Euroaquilo’s ears with a deafening roar as the sun plunged beneath the distant horizon only to rise above the eastern plain a heartbeat later.
Faster and faster, day melted into day, until the world was ablaze in a streak of white fire. Winter came and went, then came and went again and again, until the seasons fused together as though but one moment in time. Mountains sank and oceans flooded above their peaks, only for the mountains made anew to arise from the depths of the seas to begin again the process of growing old. And old they did become, over and over.
Deserts became jungles, jungles became swamps, swamps became oceans, repeating this cycle until Euroaquilo lost track of time and space. All the while, he and his little knoll upon which he stood altered nary at all. The flowers, birds and bugs all happily continued on as though nothing was amiss.
As quickly as it had begun, it came to an end. The sun slowed until it lingered, high in a clear blue summer sky, and fields of green spread down the mountain into a rising mist far below.
“My Euroaquilo...” the mystical voice called out once more.
Turning, Euroaquilo cast his eyes upon a shadowy form, so entrancing, it features hidden by a radiating light following up close behind. Suddenly, at only a handbreadth away, this glorious light entered the form, bursting into a brilliant flame of dazzling beauty, taking on the appearance of a woman, hauntingly familiar, yet so peculiarly strange.
Euroaquilo stared into a face placid and sublime, at peace. Golden hair danced upon a silent breeze, its afterglow as if taken from the burning sun itself. And the woman’s eyes were radiant, glowing, emerald-green furnaces of fire and ice filled with a passion for life. As he stood, transfixed by this wondrous flame of beauty, he began to see a sight both troubling and enchanting to behold. The face was that of the one he called
‘DusmeAstron’, but it was crowned in hair of splendid gold and had the eyes of a serpent and fangs of a beast.
Surprised, Euroaquilo found his heart filling with passionate desire for this creature.
Losing control, he reached out to take hold of the woman, but instead, his hands passed through the ghostly form, the man falling ever forward into a blinding abyss. And on he fell - for a moment or an eternity, he could not tell - for he was falling through the realm belonging to Time.
As the wind rushed past, he came to realize that he was not falling, but rather flying through endless space upon the wings of Time. His emotions exploded, having reached
their limit in his frail body, flooding over into the expanse around him, creating a melodious crescendo of feelings. Laughing and crying, singing and talking, the man spread his arms and sailed upon the blue nothing faster and faster until he, too, had departed his frail body of flesh and was now one with the universe around him. He was becoming all things - the wind, the moon, sun, the sky, and even the stars. He was part of this universe as much as the universe was part of him.
Ever onward toward Time’s destiny Euroaquilo flew, his passion for life growing stronger with each beat of his heart. Soon he saw a distant horizon looming in the mist.
Was this his destination, the reason for his journey in this magical vision? He reached out to hurry his journey onward. As he did, gentle words fell again upon his ears.
“My Euroaquilo….”
With a poof! the vision ended, but as the last fleeting glimpse passed out of sight, another voice echoed in his ears. ‘It all rests in your hands…’
“My Euroaquilo...”
Blinking to chase the last of the fleeting vision from his eyes, Euroaquilo stared into the face of a very troubled Darla. He smiled, his face filled with loving concern. ‘She is so beautiful. So much her appearance is that of an innocent babe. How do I save her, and from what? How is my wisdom so great that it should be able to preserve a soul from destruction when Mother’s wisdom can find no way to bring it?’
His heart suddenly took a shocking jolt. In that instant, Euroaquilo understood that he must find the answer himself and, if he listened to his heart, he would succeed. At that, he smiled, answering, “My DusmeAstron, you have come.”
Darla had taken a half step back and, as her radiant, emerald-green eyes stared into his gentle hazel orbs, she reached out, taking the man’s hands in hers. Those same dazzling eyes begged him as her lips pleaded, “My Euroaquilo, only you can save me from this demon within! Help me, please, before all sanity retreats from my soul and my spirit shrivels into the netherworld of nothingness.”
Euroaquilo stared at Darla, studying the woman-child as though for the first time.
This creature was truly the most beautiful madwoman he had ever known. Indeed, as he pondered that beauty, he concluded there to be none ever more charming in appearance other than say Tolohe or possibly Mihai. No, Darla was truly of greater beauty than either. How strange he had never noticed it before. The man looked closer.
Darla’s face was strong and sharp-featured, yet soft and gentle, with full, rich eyebrows, her hair thick and luxuriant. But that was the woman he had always known.
Maybe it was the deep, bronzed tan, she being naturally a flawless, ivory-white. Or was it the stunning king’s jacket, made by Mother’s own hands? Such a garment could have magical powers sewn into it. It truly was magnificent, from its thousands of tiny gemstones to the luminescent fabric and mystical runes. Possibly it was the way Darla filled out the jacket. Euroaquilo felt his heart begin to race with a desire that was not appropriate for this moment. Darla started to speak again. Euroaquilo pulled his hand from hers and placed a finger over her lips. “One moment, please, child. I need a moment.”
For the first time in their long relationship, Euroaquilo felt the uncertainty of their future. The woman was falling into shadow before his very eyes. It was as if he could see an impassable chasm widening between them. As his heart grew fonder of her by the second, she drifted further into distant nothingness. Oh, how he had always taken their
relationship for granted! From the day of her coming of age celebration until now, she had always been there for him, and he for her.
Now something stood between them. Time! It was now master over their destiny.
It pointed a cruel finger at him, declaring the man delinquent in and negligent of his duties concerning this woman’s heart. How much remaining of their hours was Time willing to give, and at what price? Was there already a blade or arrow waiting to remove the two from each other? Destiny…how tricksy it was. It allowed one to choose their own road, but had fated that choice to satisfy its own means.
Like a flash of lightning across an angry sky, Euroaquilo understood the true destiny awaiting them at the prisoner exchange. Fate was to decide that hour, but the deed was as good as done. Darkness and uncertainty awaited this woman, for good or evil. Fate cared not, for it was delivering two roads upon the universe, and Darla was the person who would choose which one was to be taken. He also understood that both roads were damning and both dangerous. Both also led off into a dark abyss. Yet the one road held out a glimmer of hope, for it, too, branched off onto other roads, and others beyond that.
And then he saw it, a juncture. Should Darla choose the road of hope, then he must set its course at some uncertain future date. A fiery holocaust loomed up in his mind, along with the realization that her life rested in his destruction. And then the mental intrusion faded away, leaving him alone with haunting memories of his disturbing visions. Fate was sure tricksy, for it hurried on, keeping further secrets to itself. As it passed, it softly called back to him, ‘It rests with you...’
Euroaquilo released Darla’s hand, and sweeping his arms around her, drew the woman-child close in a gentle bear hug. He had nearly forgotten how much he loved this person, what with all his responsibilities and concerns regarding Navy duties. Oh yes, they had romantic interludes recently, before she reported for duty aboard Shikkeron.
But he had also been with others in the meantime, giving Darla little thought while in their arms.
Now Euroaquilo stood there, holding a most treasured gift, realizing that soon a great chasm was to come between them. How little time remained? An aching pain rose in the man’s heart. He looked into Darla’s eyes. Already he missed her…her touch, her warmth and her love. Then it struck him, something Mother told him long ago. ‘One day, my Darling, that child will get under your skin, and then you will not be able to rid yourself of her. Son, my Rachel, in her own way, has greater love than any of your other siblings. She is closer to my own image than even Mihai.’
So, this was Mother’s secret kept from all her children! Mihai’s love was but the
‘shadow of things to come’. Darla was the treasure that all living things were to seek out to become like the Maker of Worlds. This Euroaquilo now realized in his heart, though no words could he conjure in his mind to truly grasp it. What he did comprehend was that this greatest of all treasures was not assured. All could be lost, first, at the prisoner exchange and, if the woman survived that ordeal, then later, but when? Fate refused to disclose that truth. Euroaquilo must wait.
Releasing his grip, Euroaquilo took hold of Darla’s upper arms and stepping back, studied her closely. He could see in her eyes the love and trust she placed in him. And, for the first time, he felt that same emotion. Now he was beginning to understand the depth of love he had for her. After an awkward silence, one which Darla waited ever so
patiently upon, Euroaquilo asked, “What must I do to save you from such a terrible demise?”
A tear rolled down Darla’s cheek. She was not used to asking for help, and this request the girl saw as begging, an admission of failure. This woman’s pride was strong.
It had brought her severe tribulation many times and close to death on more than one occasion. Indeed, had Mihai not ordered it, Darla would not have searched out Euroaquilo, but would have sought out some other way to best the demon by herself, no matter the cost. Pride, angry pride, was not finished with this woman yet. For now, it surrendered to the moment, but continued lurking in the shadows for another opportunity to take mastery over her soul.
“My dreams…” Darla so much wanted to run away. Why did she have to ask this man? Had he not fought with her in the land of the Abyss many times? Had they not bested the beast-men who resided in that damnable world, fighting side by side in glorious combat? Why did she have to beg when he should know her needs, offering to take up the battle with her? Her heart pained as feelings of self-pity grew. No!
Something had changed in those desolate lands that the woman no longer had the power to control. Peering up into Euroaquilo’s eyes, Darla’s heart jumped with an aching need for this man. She loved him, wanted him, his touch, his affection. But why did she have to beg? If the king’s command did not burn in her mind, Darla would have darted from the ship, but she was a good girl. “Mihai said you could save me from the evil growing in my dreams.”
Smiling, Euroaquilo took hold of Darla’s hands. “You honor me with such a request, but I find I have been remiss, for I find that you are saving me from my own guilty dreams.”
Confused, Darla asked, “What do you mean, I…?”
Euroaquilo interrupted, “For many days I have known of this coming hour, and I was going to speak of it to you this very morning, but was distracted and forgot. And then I became so occupied with my duties that I lost track of time. I do beg your forgiveness for my failure to warn my sweet darling. We are nearing the evil hour of Wickedness’
birth and, this being the beginning of the Harmonic Years, your demons will only gain in power. My Love, few are the living beings, if there are any, who will be able to enter into those dismal lands alone and survive the evil lurking there.” He kissed Darla on the forehead. “You honor me with the request of joining you in the coming battles. Only the bravest or foolhardy will best what is hiding within. Thank you for your great trust you have placed in me. My dear...” he laughed as if in victory, “I will battle beside you and we shall tear down the Devil’s house!”
Darla smiled, Euroaquilo having salved her feelings again. He was so good at doing that, but she puzzled, “You speak in riddles. Is the ending hour arrived so that prophecies have come to their full, and what are the Harmonic Years you speak of?”
Euroaquilo’s face clouded and his voice became grave. “No, my child, I do not speak of an ending, but a beginning. You see, fourteen days from this very hour will begin the anniversary of the first great act of defiance and the beginning of the Third Age, the Age of Rebellion…the day of our sister’s attempted murder and when the world, as we know it, came to an end.”
“That’s the day and hour of the prisoner exchange!” Darla looked away in thought, then back into Euroaquilo’s eyes. “How does such a fate bring us to that time?”
Euroaquilo sputtered bitterly, “It’s not fate! It’s Asotos. He doesn’t just ‘happen’
anything! No, Dear, every detail of this little adventure has been carefully orchestrated.
By now, I suppose, he knows our plans, too, who will be there and how many.” He shook his head in dismay. “He has spies everywhere. It has become difficult to trust anyone anymore.”
Taking Darla by the upper arms, he warned her, “My Dusme, the evil living within the heart of this man is far beyond your ability to comprehend. The things you have been told or witnessed are nothing compared to what Asotos is willing to do. If he could, he would take all those whom he hates and surrender them to a living Hell for all eternity, paying the occasional visit upon them to make sure they were suffering appropriately.
This is what he has already attempted with Mihai, and you suffer the same effects. Dear, he wants Mihai and you to go mad forever, and will stop at nothing to accomplish that.”
Darla put on a bold face of defiance. “I have raised the sword against many wicked men, fearing not much other than the steel in their hands. This Asotos is little different!”
Euroaquilo frowned, “Do be careful! This man is not like you or me. It is said the power of the Cherubs resides within him, given as a gift to him by Mother, herself. He still retains much of that power. Why, with his mind, alone, he could disarm you and rip the flesh from your bones. He can control the weather, my Dear. It is even said that he knows the secrets of life itself. That’s how he made the demons in your head.”
Darla sputtered, “He’s a man…a fool of a man! He is not immortal. I have witnessed the coward on the field of battle, how he cowers behind the others, using them as his shield-wall while hiding in caves. Powerful? Yes, I suppose, but like the mythical Cherubs to whom all creation owes its existence?” Darla laughed. “Ha! They are no more real than angels of Mareemah. Tales for little children, they are.” She laughed again.
Cautioning her, Euroaquilo wagged a finger, “No more real? The Ancients did not tell us those stories merely to entertain little children. There is often truth hidden in tales…tales, may I add, that were oft told us for a purpose. Indeed, had we children truly listened to those fables , the evil may never been visited upon us.”
“All right…all right....” Darla raised her hands, wanting to wave off the matter.
“No! Don’t think yourself so wise!” Euroaquilo scolded. “Asotos can get in a person’s head with his warped and twisted reasonings. When you were but a foolish babe, I watched so many of our wisest leaders fall into darkness following his winsome words. Some of my closest companions and lovers surrendered up all reasoning, believing the twisted lies of that murderer. Oh yes, I say murderer! True, Mihai did not die, at least in body, but she was devastated in mind and spirit, and has only been a shadow of the woman she used to be ever since. But also, within days of that torture, Asotos did murder several of my sisters in his rage and anger.”
He wagged his finger again. “Do be afraid should you need to face this man at the prisoner exchange, and well may that be the case! Mother does not take you to this event for your entertainment! Darkness looms ahead for anyone confronting this man, and that includes you if it has been chosen to have you delivered up to him. Life and death will both walk the edge of a very sharp blade that day. If one falls, then there will be no hope for them. I must warn you, for I have witnessed it. There are those with greater faith in Mother than you who have fallen to him.”
Taking hold of Darla’s hand, he explained, “Our new field marshal spoke of two ravens among us. She warned us of just how tricksy they are. You know of Mother’s riddling, tricksy ways. Do you believe that the one made in her image and receiving so many of her sacred secrets does not possess many of those same tricksy powers? No, Dear One, Mother comes with us into this storm because she sees the danger within.
Pray that she will act the raven to the limit, or total disaster awaits us there.”
Euroaquilo kissed Darla on the forehead again, leaning back, concerned. “I fear your loss at this exchange, for I feel you have been set up to answer to Fate’s desires. I have heard accounts today concerning you, and now I see that you wear the jacket of the king, made by the gods themselves, the very ones you deny. All afternoon I have been troubled in spirit concerning you. My head has been filled by waking visions with confounding meanings. My Dusme, you are a starchild, fated to a road that leads to life or damnation, not just for you, but also for all living flesh. The journey you have has already been decided by Fate, but the road remains of your choosing.”
Darla countered, “I am a woman with free will! I choose my fate. It does not serve as lord over me!”
Euroaquilo offered a quick retort. “You are a fool if you think fingers do not dabble in your life! You chose to do what you did? Really? You are as predictable as the sunrise to those who know you well, and Mother knows you better than anyone else.”
Darla did not argue, but had no desire to discuss the matter further, so changed the subject by asking, “Please tell me, if all this is so important to know, what are the Harmonic Years?”
Resting his hands on Darla’s shoulders, Euroaquilo shook his head. “Bull-headed woman! I will not be dissuaded from this discourse, but will return to it. I will only tell you this concerning the Harmonic Years, seeing you have not learned your history lessons well. There will soon come upon this universe - on all known universes - the Great Juncture, a time when all things are made new or are renewed. That, even a wayward student of history should know about. The Harmonic Years precede that time.
It is a period of great unrest and change. It’s as though the universe is preparing for coming events. During the Second Age, it was a time of great celebration because our spiritual insight became heightened, our visions sharper, our self-awareness keener.”
Euroaquilo frowned. “But when the Darkness cast its growing shadow over our world, a fear fell upon the children, realizing that another Great Juncture must come before the evil would be brought to a finish. It is believed that evil will be heightened during the Harmonic Years, growing in power until it threatens to consume all good found in the universe. The evidence of that reality can already be seen with you and Mihai. Those demons you have are growing stronger with each passing day. Now”
Euroaquilo put on his mentor face, “I will conclude the previous matter...”
Darla harrumphed, “I was not destined to come here! I had free will to choose the course I took! Since it was a reasonable one, I decided to come even though it was not made easy by you.”
Closing his eyes in growing frustration, Euroaquilo replied, “Dusme, do you really think the events of this day have only come about by blind chance? Why, the gossip among the entire company is about you, this morning, and the king’s jacket that you’re wearing, and about this most beautiful of women seen flitting from ship to ship. And your comely appearance? The men have been able to speak of nothing else since your
visits upon them. Even I, your long-time lover, find an aching burning within my soul to be consumed by your love. To not take you at this very moment is taxing my constitution to the limit.”
“Then take me!” Darla peered into Euroaquilo’s eyes, teasingly. “Pick the flowers of my love. Leave off this horrid conversation for a bed of delights and passion.”
Euroaquilo looked longingly at Darla, sliding a hand off her shoulder and across her breast, caressing it with a gentle squeeze. He stared into Darla’s eyes with desire, but his face clouded over. Disgusted, he spun around and walked some distance away before turning back. An angry edge remained in his voice as he shot back a rebuke. “Fool! The women in Asotos’ camp sell their charms to remain alive, but you whore yourself to only put an end to a conversation. Whether it is for money, survival, or meaningless gain -
even if it is with your lover - it is upon the altar of the prostitute that you place your vile offering! You sell yourself so cheaply…for but a word!”
Euroaquilo fumed, raising a hand in gesture, “Do you think my words to be little more than verbal flatulence, that I speak like the dimwitted chatterers, only to listen for the echo of my own utterances? You believe you think for yourself? You are little more than a puppet dancing to the tune of others.” He thumped his chest. “I fated you here to this very spot! Yes, even I, a simple man, manipulated you into doing his will. You are so easily manipulated .. .”
Stunned by Euroaquilo’s rebuke, but unwilling to surrender the moment, Darla retorted, defending her actions, “I was not destined to come here! I had free will to choose to do as I please!”
Euroaquilo dropped his hand, disappointed. Looking toward the floor, he sadly shook his head. “Pride comes before a fall, and fall you will unless you learn wisdom.
Do you think for one minute that Mother is unable to know your very thoughts, how you will act, whom you will listen to and obey? You did not come here of your own free will! It was as if hooks had been set in your nose and you were dragged here by force.
Never have you disobeyed Mihai. We all know that. When ordered by her to find me, you would have moved Heaven and Earth to carry out that command.”
Darla lowered her head as tears fell. She was shamed by Euroaquilo’s accusations.
It hurt so to be called such an abhorrent thing, but it hurt almost as much to be told that she didn’t have control of her life. She survived by that belief, to think that she controlled something - her own soul - that she did as she chose.
Euroaquilo returned to Darla, taking her hands ever so gently. “Look, we all are predictable to Mother. I’m not saying that our lives are planned out and our journeys prepared on some mystical chart that satisfies some grand, divine purpose, but we are players on a huge game board, allowing ourselves to be moved about as our Master sees fit. And our Master knows us well, better than we, ourselves.”
He squeezed her hands. “I fear for you because I know better than you how much a puppet-master Asotos is, too. The man is so clever. He can get inside your head and twist reasoning until the absurd becomes normal, good becomes bad, and right become wrong. I have witnessed it many times, and I even see it in your eyes as I speak. Your demon is a manifestation of its master. It is very intelligent and plays on your desire for love and respect. It will be very strong by the time of the prisoner exchange. Its mission is to hand you over to its master.”
Darla’s tear-filled eyes stared into Euroaquilo’s. “But you called me a whore, not my demon! Do you know the pain you have inflicted upon me?!”
Euroaquilo proffered, waving his hand, “Better is it to tear apart the heart than to see soul, flesh and heart burn forever in the fires of Gehenna! You may hate me on the
‘morrow, but if that should be the cost to me to save your soul this day, then it has been worth the price.”
Darla buried her head in Euroaquilo’s chest. “No…no, I cannot hate you! I love you too much to hate you. My Lord, you are my life and breath! I will not, cannot live without you!”
Euroaquilo warned, “That confession may well be used against you in future days.
Fate listens at all times. Your love for me is your weakness, which means it is the enemy’s strength. Already they know of it. If they choose to destroy you, they already have their weapon. It is now but a choice as to who will use that weapon first, and in what way. Even in this, our fates are sealed.”
Darla looked up, eyes pleading for Euroaquilo to deny his last statement. He refused, adding, “There is no planet upon which men have trod that the sun does not come up in the east, for by our very nature the sun must do as we declare it to do. You think yourself wise? I have lived more millennia than you have lived years, and you wish for me to desist in offering my wisdom? I will risk even your hatred, if that’s what it takes to save you!” Euroaquilo shook his finger toward her, “Your pride seeks your glory before its time. Great will be the tribulation to one holding, alone, the torch of battle.
Listen to my wisdom and learn so that upon wings of Cherubs you will be lifted up to that coming glory.”
With that, Euroaquilo began to explain the depth and height of his secret wisdom, at least secret to this child of such tender years. Darla’s ears tingled, her heart aching from the intrigue. She discovered quickly that her lover was no simple man, but a wizard of mind and tongue. Long before the Rebellion, he was recognized as an outstanding leader among his kind, sitting with the great lords on Lowenah’s Council of the Twenty-Four Elders. He was seated to that council and given powers far beyond normal when he was little older than Darla was now. And she learned it was he who took to caring for her after the Rebellion began, tending to the girl’s injuries and reviving her soul from death while Lowenah rested in a fitful coma after Mihai’s brutal attack.
Euroaquilo went on to reveal many unknown secrets concerning Mihai’s attack and its aftereffects, the things Asotos did to prepare the woman for that hour, to make her even more vulnerable to his attack. He explained in detail the evidence found that showed how Asotos planned for months, possibly years, to bring Mihai to ruin. He also confided his belief that Mihai’s death was never intended, but that something far more sinister was Asotos’ purpose.
He concluded, “My sister’s soul was destroyed in that hour. Everything in her life, from her twelfth year unto that moment was stolen from her. You see, she loved that beast even more than you love me. Her entire life revolved around pleasing him, something she strived for but never accomplished. She still seeks his approval down to this day, yet does not know it. My Dear, you and Mihai are so close for many other reasons than you know: one is that she was born anew on that wicked day and is but your age in mind and spirit. You understand her in ways that no other person can.” The man smiled. “Our sister speaks secrets to you that she cannot even speak to her own heart.
There is hope alive even now, because she trusts you beyond measure. You are her hope.
That you remain standing gives her faith that she, too, will survive this ordeal.”
Darla asked, “Of the exchange, you say it occurs on the very hour of Mihai’s violation and torture? This Mihai must already know, and thus be preparing for. What can the Great Serpent achieve by all his reckoning?”
“The miscreant is full of mischief!” Euroaquilo answered, adding, “His intent, I believe, is to goad Mihai into some kind of foolishness so that he can slaughter the prisoners and as many of Mihai’s troops as possible. And he will attempt the capture of Mihai, herself. We believe the attack on Zephath was not random, but carefully orchestrated to obtain Sirion’s capture, or at least that’s what was first believed. I think now it was to capture another soul who was much closer to Mother’s heart. Oh yes, Asotos will use Sirion to get Mihai’s dander up, but it will only be a ruse to obtain his true objective…to destroy Mother’s heart.”
Darla asked, pondering, “You speak with concern for my welfare when all that is told me betrays an assault against our sister and Mother. Where does this pertain to me when I do not even go with Mihai? I stand a horse-maiden for Lowenah in her entourage, not even knowing the reason for my presence.”
Rubbing his bearded chin in thought, Euroaquilo answered, “I do not know, but I feel it may deal more with who you are…or aren’t. You see, among Mother’s daughters, you are the only child to have not shared Asotos’ bed. He has not given you his dreams, nor does he have your signature. Every woman he has known he keeps a mental note of, and he does not forget. You will be a puzzle to him, an enigma, a distraction.”
“So I’m just a decoy, then?” Darla grumped.
Euroaquilo grinned, shaking his head, “No, I think not. If I am correct - for I know Asotos is a very curious man - when he discovers something is amiss with you, he will pursue an answer. That may well prove to be a pivotal moment at the prisoner exchange, but a very dangerous one for you! My Darling, all day my spirit has been agitated over you. There is a shroud of impenetrable gloom surrounding you. I feel Fate is allowing you to choose, and the decision you make may well affect far more than the prisoner exchange.”
Angry, Darla retorted bitterly, “My decision?! With that fool, Ardon, beside me, I will not have a choice of when to relieve nature!”
Euroaquilo shot Darla a warning rebuke. “That’s quite enough! It is true that Ardon has many lessons yet to learn. Today’s was one he will likely long remember. Do not cast away an ally because he smells bad to your nostrils. One day you may wish to have Ardon’s…”
Darla spat, “I wish that old bag o’ shit dead! Should have done it when I had the chance...”
“Oh, do you really?” Euroaquilo sarcastically asked.
Darla squinted, spitting venomously, “Yes! I mean it with all my heart...”
Speaking as if a prophet, Euroaquilo raised a hand, shaking his finger in her face,
“You betray your feelings. Beware! If you survive the coming tribulation, you may well be thankful you saved his life this day. Possibly, you may well find that it is he who will one day save you from the Bottomless Pit. This I do know and believe…you could not have hurt that man this day anymore than you could have hurt Mihai. Rather would you
have stood the blast from your own weapon than to hurt one hair on the head of a person so loved by Mother.”
“That’s not so!” Darla fussed. “One more step and he would have been a dead man!
My monster within was gaining control over my flesh…”
Euroaquilo disagreed. “You did not meet by chance this day. Mother set you up to be there, she arranging for Shikkeron to be the council’s transport. She trusted that you could do him no harm, you knowing full well his loyalty to her in her early days of distress. He defended your sister to the point of death when Asotos attempted to assail her as she convalesced behind the palace walls. He even stood vigil over your bed, helping me with his healing songs as you fought back the fires of an infectious fever. He did not violate your sister - that you know - and he did not, with evil intention, violate you today.”
Darla’s eyes betrayed her hatred for Ardon.
Gripping tight her upper arms, Euroaquilo warned, “One who hates a child so loved by Lowenah does despise the very soul of the one birthing that child! ”
Darla’s eyes flashed fury as she cursed Euroaquilo. “Never say that to me again!
You’ve no right to interfere, you son of empty words! ”
Euroaquilo moved faster than a heartbeat, clutching Darla tight in his iron grip, slamming her against the elevator rail, setting Darla’s head in a spin. He angrily spat, “I will speak as I damn well please! No urchin of self-pity can stop me! I am the StormWind, and don’t give a good god-damned for the soul who forgets that! If you are stupid enough to believe I speak folly, then there is no hope left for you. You will perish within a fortnight, and rightfully all flesh will curse the day of your birth! ” He began to lift the girl. “Better is it to chance a rebirth with the revived demon than to send you to certain damnation before the Prince of Lies! I shall risk my soul to the Eternal Abyss and hope a cure will become yours in future days by pitching you to the depths below than to hand you over to such a fate! Your damned self-pity has destroyed your heart! I will not allow it to destroy your soul…”
Darla cried out in pain when an upper rail post cracked a rib as Euroaquilo pressed hard upon her. He lessened his iron grip for just a moment, giving time for reflective thought. What good would such an act of chivalry really accomplish? If Darla was already lost from the Field of the Minds, nothing could save her. If she was not, what would her murder really accomplish? Her momentary destruction, possibly leading to an abysmal eternity in a living Hell secreted in her mind? And what of him? Would his own destruction prove anyone righteous? Asotos would surely presume himself justified when learning of the dastardly act, declaring Mother unfit to rule.
Darla broke the silence. In excruciating pain, tears running down her face, she begged, “My Lord! My Lord, do not waste your treasures on a maggot like me! I am not fit to be counted among the stupid ones. Allow me, please, to bring this all to an end on my own, and save yourself innocent.”
In a panic, Euroaquilo yanked Darla into his encircling arms, crushing her to the point where she cried out again in agony. Tears streaming down his face, he pleaded,
“Please! Please promise me, first, that you will not do such folly! Promise me!”
A faint was growing upon Darla’s mind. She little remembered her reply other than to promise, and then asked before being whisked away into the blackness, “Will you help me with my dreams?”
Euroaquilo gently lowered Darla to the floor, sitting and cradling her in his arms.
Moments passed quickly and the woman soon recovered from her fainting spell. Resting there, looking up into the face of the man so dear to her heart, Darla whispered, “I love you…”
* * *
Mihai’s transport frigate, DishonPele, sat quietly on the tarmac, its crew having finished most of their duties, resting, awaiting orders for departure. Out front, just beyond the ship’s nose, a half dozen of the crew were busy taking down the two tents where guests were entertained before boarding, carefully packing them up to stow these materials for future use. Mihai had sent Ma-we’s carriage back. Now it was returned, parked near the ship’s belly loading ramp to be used to transport remaining well-wishers saying their goodbyes to companions traveling to the prisoner exchange.
Symeon gave Jonathan a giant bear hug. Stepping back, he grabbed him by the shoulders, smiling as tears grew in his eyes. “I really did want to go, you know. We’ve been through a lot in times past and it felt good to see us take on another adventure again.
I’ll miss you.”
Thunder rumbled across the spaceport, everyone looking skyward to watch the ominous clouds threatening a downpour. Jonathan looked back at Symeon, smiling,
“Come now, not so glum, old fellow. Not everyone gets to have all their wishes given up to them so fast. First, your girl here…” He pointed toward Hanna, “and then the child you love so much? Hey! I think it’s a fair trade.”
Hanna wrapped her hands around Jonathan’s arm and kissed him on his bearded cheek. “I’ll miss you, too. Do be careful. I’ve heard things, and do believe our coming adventure is far less hazardous than yours.”
“Have no worry, my dear, sweet lady. Mr. Fuddy-Duddy here will be in my company for this journey.” Jebbson Garlock ambled down the loading ramp, releasing Tolmetes’ hand. Stepping up behind Jonathan, he slapped him on the shoulder. “The poor fellow will be quite safe from the bogeyman.” He squeezed his shoulder. “Won’t you, Boy ‘O?”
Jonathan frowned, fussing, “I am quite able to care for myself, thank you. And, should I need assistance, it will not be in your direction I’ll be calling. And stop using those big words with little meanings that neither I nor any of the rest of us understand!”
“Oh, s’cuse me, Captain, didn’t mean to ruffle any feathers.” Jebbson winked at Hanna. “Just wanted to make this charming lady here feel reassured that we’d bring this ol’ granny grunt back to her, safe and sound.”
Jonathan snorted disapprovingly, “Don’t call me ‘granny grunt’! And if you want anything from this lady, it has nothing to do with my welfare…or hers.”
“Well,” Jebbson pretended offense, “I should be insulted, and in front of mixed company.”
Hanna laughed, “And might it be so if his arrow didn’t strike so true.” She extended her hand to Jebbson. “I will permit a knightly kiss for your promise to return my gallant squire safely home to me, but a kiss is all that I will surrender up to you. My heart, tonight, belongs to my prince, and all that is mine I freely give to him.”
Jebbson glanced at Symeon, who was putting on a blush. He then gave Hanna a tender kiss on her hand, extolling his remorse at having lost the battle to such a worthy foe, grinning, “My lovely Hanna, you are a charm. Few are the women from this world, let alone ours, who have ever taken such pains to learn the history and culture of so many people. You honor me with your whimsical prose.”
Before Hanna could reply, Jonathan asked, “By the by, why did you manage your way over here today, and shouldn’t you be on your way, seeing we leave shortly?”
Tolmetes stepped up to Jebbson, hugging his arm. “This good fellow came to deliver me to Shikkeron, not wishing I have to make such a journey all alone. I’ve pressing business with Tashi that needs immediate attention. Mr. Garlock has been gracious enough to offer me assistance and accommodations for my visit.”
Someone commented about the ‘frying pan and into the fire’. Everyone laughed.
Jebbson grinned, giving Tolmetes an affectionate glance. “Oh yes,” Jebbson snapped his fingers as if remembering, “I’ve need of transportation for two. Seeing it is some distance and it’s about to pour, I’d hoped I could call upon your mercies to deliver us to Shikkeron when you take your leave today.”
Hannah hugged Symeon, asking, “Do you think it prudent to allow such a cad take up company with us? You know, Dear, there are those among us who might feel our reputations would be sullied by doing such a thing.”
Jonathan harrumphed, “Now you two? Have I any allies in this camp of villains?”
Anna had been chatting with some companions when she heard Jonathan’s complaints. She called out and came over to him. “I’m still your companion...” She brushed a hand through his thick, wavy hair, cooing, “I’ve business to attend to momentarily, but would so much like your companionship for dinner tonight.
Sweetheart, will you be so kind to join with me in the captain’s cabin at seven? It’s a small group, but it’ll be a fun way to begin our journey. Then, at nine there’s music in the main gallery where there’ll be a little dancing. I could use your company.”
Jonathan grinned sheepishly, “It would be a pleasure, my Lady.”
Jebbson slapped Jonathan on the back as Anna hurried away. “There, Boy ‘O, you got at least one close friend. I’d ‘av invited you for dinner, myself, but none of that dancin’ stuff afterward.”
“You’re incorrigible!” Jonathan snorted. He turned, wearing a serious frown, observing, “And I dare say you would not do a dress any compliment either!”
Everyone burst out laughing. Jebbson nodded his agreement, but defended his appearance. “My knees are quite handsome in kilts, but that’s as close as you’ll all see me in a dress, I’d say.”
At that moment, Paul stepped into the group, putting his arms around the shoulders of Jonathan and Jebbson. “This is what makes the parting of ways more tolerable.
Remember these moments, my friends. Memories of good times warms many a heart on cold winter nights.”
Symeon piped in, “True, true… But a box unwrapped can fill a heart with joyful anticipation. My friends, a salute to the future! This is only the beginning of the Day of Dreams. Who knows what surprises await us on the ‘morrow. With companions like you, it will be all the more joyous.”
“Yea! Yea!” came a return chorus of approving shouts. Someone produced a flask of rum and passed it around, starting a tradition that has lasted down to this day.
(Author’s Note : ‘ Passing the Circle’, or ‘Dancing the Circle Rum’, as some call it, a hearty farewell celebration practiced when good companions part for distant places, had its humble beginnings on that stormy afternoon so long ago. Some say it was because it was the last happy departing of friends before darkness fell upon the universe.
Others just say it was remembered because people like to remember good things. I personally believe it is because there is a child inside all of us that seeks reasons for parties and one for departing companions is as good as any. ) A gust of wind pelted the gathering with a cold blast of swirling rain just as the sky let go its watery tempest, along with a cacophony of rolling thunder. Many in the crowd scattered, some hurrying up the ramp while Jebbson and Tolmetes headed for the carriage, Jebbson doing his best to protect Tolmetes from the whipping showers. Hanna hugged Symeon as he wrapped his hooded cloak around her. Mihai turned her back, shivering from the chill blow, wearing no coat or jacket. Paul called out to her, pulling her close. Zadar took hold of Trisha and joined Jonathan, all huddling together to wait out the initial attack of the storm.
Out of the driving rain, a small baggage truck approached, its large, round headlights appearing suddenly through the frothing downpour. Stopping up short just beneath the belly of the ship, the machine’s side door opened and two very drenched passengers crawled out. Eutychus turned back to Planetee as she struggled to wrap his soaked coat around herself, the man extending a hand to assist her.
Planetee laughed when Eutychus caught her up after she slipped and nearly fell on the wet tarmac. Eutychus beamed, clutching Planetee’s arm to prevent her from having another spill. Planetee snuggled up close, allowing the fellow to play the part of her hero.
Then, after waving a ‘thank you’ to the driver, the two hurried over to the others awaiting their arrival.
“Well, it’s about time!” Mihai shouted to Planetee. She looked a sight, hunched over, hugging herself, shivering from the wet and cold. But other than being cold, Mihai was in a surprisingly good mood, chiding the two for being late. “I was about to send out a search party, my suspicions growing that my duty officer had run off with our steward.”
Tipping her head back, laughing, her dark satin hair glistening from its soaking, still holding tight to Eutychus, Planetee defended their tardiness. “We have not arrived late!
It is the storm that arrived early, catching us in a torrential maelstrom. Had not that wonderful lorry driver been kind enough to deliver us from that tempest, I believe we would have both drowned…nearly did, anyway.”
Jebbson pulled aside the curtain window of the carriage and called out his salutations, waving, and Planetee smiled back. Looking around at the others, she jokingly fussed, “Is there no sense among you? Drowned rug rats, that’s what the lot of you look like. At least we had an excuse, getting caught out in this storm, doing our duty and all. What a poor and pathetic picture you fellows make...”
Eyeing Planetee, Mihai teased, “Couldn’t leave you go alone with our steward, now could we? Especially after hearing that the two of you took off this morning, we were about to call the port authorities to have them find you, thinking you might stow away in another ship just so as to have him all to yourself for this trip.”
Paul piped up, eyeing Eutychus, “Oh, I wouldn’t blame the lady. That Eutychus has a devious way about him, all innocent and bashful on the outside, a real lady’s man on the inside. I feared he’d taken off with our counselor here, and whisked her off to some secret lair.”
Eutychus’ face reddened. He had a good time with Planetee that day, but the thought of romance never entered his mind, and to have the subject brought up in such a provocative way was really too much. He managed only to stutter his innocence, much to the amusement of the others.
Planetee retorted, “That’s enough, right now!” adding smugly, “If you cannot respect my gallant hero, then I shall just have to keep him safe for myself!”
Shaking his head, Zadar chimed in, “You only want a personal servant, leaving me to be lone steward to tend to the needs of the others.”
Smirking, Planetee replied, “Well, if they haven’t the ability to treat good help courteously, then I wonder if they deserve a steward at all. I shall be kind and undemanding.”
There were whoops and cries aplenty, some expressing the unfairness of such treachery, others of a more questionable nature. Finally, Planetee declared, pulling on Eutychus as though being her possession, “This eve, my gallant knight belongs to me. I shall reward him for his valor and treat him with the honor he deserves. On the ‘morrow, I will decide if you deserve his attention.”
More fussing ensued. Mihai, who by this time was thoroughly soaked and chilled, put an end to the friendly jousting. “Enough of such foolishness! I shall not die here debating the duties of our stewards. Come along now!” She pointed at Eutychus while addressing Planetee, “We waited upon you to be able to finish our business. You may choose to keep your hero to yourself after our business is finished. Bring him along for now and let’s get out of this terrible weather.” She turned and hurried toward the ship.
Starting up its ramp, Mihai snapped her head around, calling, “Be safe, Symeon…
Hanna. I’ll see you when we get back.” She motioned to Trisha and Planetee and then hustled along, disappearing into the welcomed warmth of the ship.
Paul stepped up and kissed Hanna, warning, “Do be careful, now. I’ve doubts about the nobility of your companion. He may be kindly and look innocent, but his winsome words can persuade worlds. I fear his concerns for your welfare are not all as chivalrous as he implies.”
Jonathan added, “You would have been safer if you had taken up company with that gentleman in the carriage.” He tilted his head in the direction of Lowenah’s machine, and then stepped up to kiss Hanna goodbye.
Symeon sputtered, “That’s quite enough of both of you. You’re hopeless! At least Garlock there lets you know what he’s about. Calls you out for who he thinks you are.
I’ll take his company any day over the likes of troublemakers like you two.”
Jebbson shouted out to Symeon after hearing what he said, “Spoken like a scholar and a gentleman. Now, come on and let us be gone, before Shikkeron leaves us so I’ll not be around to protect Jonathan when he needs our help at the prisoner exchange.”
Jonathan pushed his hands away toward Jebbson, telling Symeon and Hanna, “Take him with you and I’ll make it worth your while upon my return.”
Hanna reached out, taking Jonathan’s hand, grinning, “I’m so sorry, but our business will consume all our time. Besides, I feel there may be some truth hidden in Mr.
Jebbson’s humor. We must be off.” She pulled Zadar over and kissed him on the lips.
“Be safe, my friend. You make the world a wonderful place. There are so few like you.
I love you…love all three of you. Take care of my sister, please. She carries the world on her shoulders. This is not like past prisoner exchanges. This one’s different. I feel it in my gut. We, the Children of Darkness, have not arrived in your world to return its former glory. A new day dawns red on the universe.”
Zadar smiled sadly, “My Lady, you…your kind has made my world a wonderful place. Too bad it is that your arrival must usher in the darkness that was prophesied to come. We have failed. Your kind must win. I believe your sister is going to put the universe on notice that a new game is going to be played, and this time it goes to the finish. No more armistices. I shall willingly surrender up my life to preserve hers, but I feel it is an unnecessary offer.”
Thunder rolled across the spaceport, shaking the ground. Zadar hugged Symeon, wishing him well. With parting pleasantries, he waved Hanna and Symeon off as they hurried toward the carriage. He, Jonathan and Paul silently watched the tiny machine fade into driving rain, its amber taillights winking out their goodbyes.
The three hurried toward the ship. Starting up the ramp, Zadar stopped and turned.
“I do not understand your kind at all. Your people are so much younger, like shoots of spring grass, yet your depth of heart and mind defies that age. Here I find a woman of your kind who messes up my head, sets ablaze fires in my heart, and fills me with longing for her company. Never have I felt this way. Has Mother cast a spell over me?”