The Vindijan Line by John T Buckley - HTML preview

Chapter 20

Dora of Bells

The poem Dora of Bells, written by Kaa poet Rye Lamoi, described a day when the air wasn’t heavy and all the muscles were lose and free. The line from the poem,” I finally tasted the T sun’s laughter,” spoke of the day Kaa would be free men and women with power to take things for granted. That day had come and the Kaa’s lives could finally start in earnest.

The final tally counted the loss of 300 million Vindijan souls, lost to the ether. The day of the Cleansed Heart as it would later be called, saw the Kaa join in the fighting when they saw the opportunity. When the Kaa were told of Whitkus Blow their shock turned to joy. There were several Vindijan scoundrels that they could now personally vanquish to Terious. Peastro led the way and Bron smashed through the doors of Whitkus Blo. It was the final battle with the Vindijan Line. Every inch of their hidden society was destroyed, leaving only rubble behind.

A few Vindijan’s exited Sras Oblique in escape pods, most notably Mela and her children. Peastro let them go, he showe3d the mercy they never had. Peastro sat in the entertainment room in Plushi Chateau with Popaturn, enjoying a game of Mex Os.

Mex Os is a video game where you sit across from each other. You try to collapse your opponent’s tower as they try to topple yours.

“Do you think he’ll mind it much?” asks Popaturn honestly.

Peastro laughs briefly and then says,” No Coup’s a warrior he can take it. Trust me the old man can endure anything, he’ll find his rhythm.”

Popaturn toppled Peastro’s tower in Mex Os and pumped his fist as he smiled and then asked,” And what plans have you? Will you be coming back to Goldva for the agreed upon 8^th or has your heart turned?”

Peastro closes his eyes, sighs and says,” I’ve decided to stay on Sras Oblique for a while. My people need me now. I couldn’t leave them in turmoil. The hope is this, Popaturn, I need Culby and Yerpo Lle to join me here until things can get sorted out. I hope I can count on you to bring them here.”

“Of course, first thing remedied will be that. I hope we’re not losing you for good,” said Popaturn implying a question.

Peastro looks at him sternly and says,” Never, my heart is with Goldva. I want you to understand that what you did for me was not a small thing. Your aid in toppling the Vindijan Line is as a great gift to me the Kaa as the gift of life. I also want you to understand if I am needed in the future, let there be no hesitation.”

“Thank you, Pre Ma, let’s hope it isn’t required.”

That evening Popaturn and the Nor fleet journeyed back to Goldva. And true to his words Popaturn sent Culby and Yerpo Lle to Sras Oblique the following day. The bulk of the Cortellian fleet left for Cortell, leaving several ships and troops behind to aid and protect the new Kaa government. Peastro was put in place to rule over Sras Oblique for as long as he saw fit to do so.

At the Terpeply zoo a large crowd has gathered tor the unveiling of a new exhibit. Everyone is crammed inside to see the spectacle.

“We’ve had many a fortuitous break in the last several days, but today we’re here to celebrate the hunt and capture of a rare animal. A wise beast of height and breadth, but with a savage heart! This animal, if let to roam free would kill every one of you!” says Dr. Beus loudly as he beats his chest. “A murderous beast that roamed the hills of Sras Oblique for far too many T suns!” says Dr Beus and then he says sternly, “Gaze upon it and marvel at its coarse features and callas heart. Many a man fell under its jagged teeth and lost their will to live. Look is you can!” yelled Dr. Beus the zoo curator as he pulls back the curtain, revealing Coup bound inside an energy cell.

Coup sneers at the crowd unable to hide his anger. He wants to murder each and every one of them, but he is unable to move. The crowd yells at him and then throws rotten fruit at his cell. And when Coup grimaces they all cheer.

Peastro, Culby, and Yerpo Lle watch from the balcony and laugh. Coup gazes up at Peastro and the two become locked in a stare. Peastro gives a gentle wave of his hand signifying that the battle is over. Coup gnashes his teeth and looks away.

Peastro says greedily,” Remember the Line…I’d almost forgotten.”

“He trifled with people’s lives. Mercy should not be extended to such a beast. His fate is now his reality,” says Culby plainly as she gently bounced Yerpo Lle on her belly.

Peastro whispers,” So true so yes.”

“What was that?” asks Culby as she grins.

“Just an old punch line that isn’t funny anymore,” says Peastro as he kisses Culby on the forehead and then kisses Yerpo Lle.

At the same time on the planet of Quogmir a woman in a black robe sits down across from 2 men at Scetos bar. The men are wearing long red robes. They are tall and thin with faces similar to camels. The bar is as dark as a cave with only small lights in the center of each table. There are 5 tables positioned in the shape of a star. The bar itself has only a dim blue glowing sign that read,” It’s lost.”

“We understand that you seek an arrangement. Possibly we can each benefit together,” said Uaty.

“When I get what I want you’ll have every luxury under the T sun,” says Mela honestly as she slides a silver envelope across the table.

Uaty opens the envelope and gasps. He shakes his head and says coldly,” What you’re asking is vile and despicable. To even ask us to do it is murdering us as we sit.”

“Will you do it?”

Uaty threw back his drink and then lit up a cigarette and said firmly,” Is Terious cold?”

THE END