Plague of Mybyncia

by C. G. Coppola

  “Shut up, Werzo,” Tucker scowls.

  “Alright kids,” Clarence laughs, “let’s all get some sleep. Fallon, how’s that leg feeling?”

  “Not bad.”

  “Good. We’ll have the Healers take a look tomorrow but for now,” he glances around, catching eyes with everyone, “right now, let’s everyone get some sleep.”

  “Dibs for the bed!” Werzo shouts, jumping on the large, circular mattress in the center of the room.

  “You realize you have to share that with the rest of the Rogues?” Jace hooks his hands on his hips. “Right?”

  Werzo eyes the open begs. “Not necessarily. A few of the beds have opened up.”

  “Yeah, Pratt, Mae and Fallon each get their own,” Tucker crosses his arms. “Rox would get the last and we’re all sharing this one.”

  Werzo looks from Rogue to Rogue.

  “That,” Jace steps forward, “or you can sleep on the floor.”

  With an annoying sigh, Werzo climbs onto the very edge of the bed, the rest of the Rogues following, nestling themselves onto the soft navy linen. Clarence slumps to the ground and Reid remains standing. He eyes the central mattress filled with Rogues and then glances to me. Silently, he makes his way for my bed.

  “Reid…” Clarence clears his throat, “maybe giving Fallon some space might be the smarter choice?”

  “It’s fine—I’m fine.”

  “Still,” Clarence sighs. “It’s probably better not to crowd you. Reid can sleep on the floor or in that last coral bed.”

  Reid looks at me but I shake my head again.

  “Eh—do whatever you want,” Clarence exhales, slumping down to the floor. “Just mind her leg. It’s bad enough as it is. She doesn’t need any unnecessary pressure on it.”

  “That’s not the pressure he’s planning on…” Werzo mumbles into his pillow.

  “Quiet,” Tucker demands. “Everyone. Let’s get some sleep.”

  “Don’t worry, Rogue Leader. You’ll see your princess soon enough,” Jace lets out a chuckle which morphs into a hearty yawn. He slaps his lips together, “Night everyone…”

  Reid climbs into the coral structure with me and my heart races. We haven’t shared the same bed—alone—since Harrizel and it was something I thought would never happen again. Once he’s adjusted, the feeling of him envelops me, especially as he wraps his arms around my waist, his face resting in the crook of my neck. He exhales his sweet breath and I drown in the scent of him, letting it take me away.

  Chapter Seventeen: Consequences

  “Rise and shine, kiddies,” Clarence says. “Time for breakfast with the queen.”

  I rub my eyes, wiping the sleep free. Warm breath rushes down my neck and it takes me a second to remember last night, when Reid crawled into bed with me. A hot flutter invades my belly when I realize he’s wrapped himself around me, squeezing my body like a vise. He exhales and when I glance back, I find him with both eyes still shut, a look of serenity on his smiling lips.

  “Hey…” I whisper, turning in his hold. “Reid…”

  “Hmm…”

  “Reid.”

  “Baby…” he murmurs, gripping me tighter.

  My heart skips, my chest constricting with the same wonderful ache from yesterday. I gaze down at his face, still so deep in sleep and serenity. Quietly I lean in, kissing the tip of his nose. “Reid,” I whisper. “Time to get up.”

  His eyes dart open, flickering around, searching. When he sees me, he relaxes into a comforting smile. “Morning.”

  “Hi.”

  Still excitedly grinning, he sits up and I follow. With a long yawn, Reid runs his hands down his face before jumping out of the bed. He joins the other Rogues who are up and moving with yawns and stretches, all except Werzo, who is still sound asleep and snoring loudly.

  “What time is it?” Pratt asks.

  “Early,” Clarence says. “We need to get to the Dining Hall before the queen and princess.”

  “Must be like Christmas for you,” Jace smiles at Tucker, crossing his arms. “Going to ask her to go steady finally?”

  “Give it a rest, Jace.”

  “What?”

  “Werzo,” Reid calls, “get up, man. It’s time.”

  “Justafew…” a deep grumble, “moreminutes…”

  “Now.”

  “Aw…” Werzo pushes himself up with a loud, exasperated gruff. Running his arm over his eyes, he slaps his lips together and exhales. “There any coffee?”

  “How’s your leg?” Mae stands, folding her arms as she approaches my bed.

  “About the same.”

  “The Healers will treat you right after breakfast. Now,” Clarence glances around, “since it’s not really feasible putting Fallon in a suit, we’ve requested for the breakfast to be held in English. Normally this wouldn’t happen and especially with the queen feeling the way she does,” he rolls his eyes, “but for today we can forgo the suits. Alright,” he claps, glancing around the room. “Everyone ready?”

  Reid turns to me. Slipping one hand behind my back and the other beneath my knees, he scoops me into his arms so I’m cradled to his chest. “Good?”

  “Yep.”

  “Then we’re off,” Clarence leads us through the darkened corridor filled with sleeping Mybyncians, into the Great Hall and then through the passage leading to the Dining Hall.

  When we arrive, Sampson and Qippert are already seated at the impressive round table while Mallup and the other attendants stand against the wall, pitchers in their hands, waiting. She looks up as Clarence leads us in, glaring at me in Reid’s arms before returning focus to the floor. I stifle a smile as he places me carefully in one of the marble chairs.

  “This okay?”

  “Fine, thanks,” I grin up at him and he winks.

  Reid moves around the table, taking the chair to Sampson’s right and once everyone is seated, Mallup and the other attendants move around the table, filling our cups.

  “I hope everyone slept well,” Sampson says before turning to me. “And Fallon—how is your leg faring?”

  “Not working, unfortunately.”

  “Yes, well,” he strums his fingers on the table, “best not to bring it up. The Healers will see to it first thing after breakfast, but, if you can, try not to mention it.”

  “Why?” Pratt asks.

  “It’s probably best to keep things on a positive note. The queen,” Sampson exhales, “is still unhappy about our little trip.”

  “She hasn’t cooled down?” I frown.

  “She is better than yesterday,” Qippert says. “But no, I do not think she will ever be completely content with the way things went.”

  “Yes…” Sampson agrees, “So let’s keep things light. We’re all back and alive,” his eyes flicker to my leg, “and so we should remind her.”

  Suddenly Sampson and Qippert move to a stand, the entire table following suit. Clarence sweeps his arms beneath me and I’m up in the air again, pressed to him just as the queen, chancellor and all three princesses appear in the tunnel.

  Queen Ravan scans the room, Ariana and her sisters surrounding her. Sansa possesses a look of calm civility while Varille scowls with disinterest, wanting to be anywhere but here. I lock eyes with Ariana, offering a quick smile and she’s more than happy to return it, blushing as she scans the others. Chancellor Keller moves into the room quickly, gesturing to the queen and princesses to take their seats.

  “Please…” he indicates to their chairs. They take their seats and once sitting, he motions to the rest of us, “Honored and most valued guests.”

  “Ladies,” Sampson indicates to Pratt, Mae and I. Clarence sets me down first, Pratt and Mae following. “And gentlemen,” Sampson continues with a look around the table. The Rogues all take their seats next, until it’s just the chancellor, Fychu, Clarence and Qippert that remain standing.

  “Please,” Chancellor Keller gestures to the three Dofinikes. “For all you have done, I am unworthy to sit until y
ou do.”

  Sampson smiles and, rather covertly, gives the okay nod to Clarence and Qippert, all three sitting in unison. Once in their chairs, Chancellor Keller sits with a wide, indelible smile crossing his lips. A moment of stark silence passes before he starts.

  “I am so happy we could all dine together this morning,” the chancellor motions for the attendants to bring the food. Obeying instantly, they place wide bowls of Jiji and Wormin around the table, Mallup keeping to the boys’ side. Putting herself between Reid and Tucker, she stretches to set a large saucer of Jiji in the center of the table. Chancellor Keller nods to her and glances around the table, “It truly is a day for celebrating.”

  “Indeed,” the queen adds, taking a bite of her Wormin, “although I heard there was a celebration yesterday evening.”

  Ariana blushes but picks at her food quickly, her sisters doing the same.

  “Oh?” the chancellor asks, honestly curious.

  “Several jugs of Hunnis have been consumed,” the queen continues. “But I expected such a situation might occur,” she licks her fingers. “How could one face the Gorgen and not want for the Hunnis’ calming effects?”

  Ariana visibly relaxes, nibbling on her own small saucer of Jiji.

  “That’s what we were thinking,” Werzo nods, going for his bowl of Jiji. Sampson shakes his head discreetly but the chancellor catches the gesture.

  “No—it is fine. Please, eat up.”

  “Although,” the queen starts, “I distinctly remember advocating against the trip. In fact, I believe I informed the chancellor it was forbidden.”

  “Your Majesty,” he sighs, “please, let us not dwell on the past. The humans have returned. They are alive, healthy…”

  “And Fallon?” she directs her attention to me, “she returned infected with the worst sort of poison.”

  “Which is being extracted today. By tomorrow—perhaps tonight—she will be cleaned completely and able to walk on it again. We were so very fortunate her injury was the worst they returned with.”

  “Again,” the queen picks at her Wormin, “I remember prohibiting such a dangerous task. Fychu,” she looks to him.

  “Your Majesty?”

  “I expect you to heed my wishes next time you choose to visit.”

  He produces a charming smile. “We will be ready to assist for the better, as usual.”

  “This is not a joke.”

  “Nor shall I take it as one,” Sampson continues to smile, “but you find your daughters and the chancellor healthy. Your kingdom has taken a turn for the better. And, as was just pointed out, Fallon will be walking again no later than tomorrow.”

  “It was a risk,” she’s stern.

  “A calculated risk. I would not have permitted the trip had I anticipated the outcome to turn out any differently. Save Fallon’s injury, of course.”

  “So it is you who permits things in my kingdom?”

  “I am a Fychu. I have a responsibility few others do. It is my mission to protect life, whether or not the governing agent agrees with me.”

  At this the queen scowls, going for her Wormin again. “I do not appreciate being deceived.”

  “And I do not enjoy deceiving. It was always the plan to obtain straight Dilly. You were made aware but you disapproved. And, unfortunately, we had to go along without your permission. As a Fychu, I cannot sit back and watch while there are options available.”

  “And what is next?” she huffs. “You will go off to fight the Zingfinolds? As I have not allowed any of the Governors to undergo this task, I simply cannot allow you to continue risking—”

  “Yes,” Clarence nods, creating a jolt in the steady back and forth. “The Fychu and I have decided it’s the next best option. Your people are better—but they’re not healing as we’d hoped. Slowly, they’ll slink back to their former states. There is no remedy other than the corresponding Nazual bud. We must find it.”

  The queen looks between Sampson, Clarence, Qippert and the chancellor.

  “Believe me, your Majesty,” Sampson shakes his head, “it’s the last option available. I wouldn’t have risked a trip to the Gorgen unless I thought the straight Dilly might have a chance to fully recover those infected.”

  “And it is not?” the queen scowls with a challenging look. “How can you know? Look at my daughters. Look at the chancellor,” she gestures towards them, “they look healthy to me.”

  “They look it because their bodies are feeding off of the symptoms’ equalizing components at a rapid rate. But once everything has been absorbed, it is my belief that they will start retracting to their former state and there’s not enough straight Dilly to keep everyone going for a long time. We need to clean the toxin from their systems completely and the only way to do this is to eradicate it.”

  “And there is no other way?” Chancellor Keller frowns.

  “The only way is to remove it,” Clarence says, “and the only thing that can do that is the Nazual’s corresponding bud. At this point… it’s the only option left.”

  The queen exhales. Glancing around the table, she scowls again, “Well eat up. You do not want your food to get cold.” Everyone is slow to dig in, quietly nibbling away at their Jiji and Wormin. Before too long, Queen Ravan looks to me. “And you, Fallon? I am told your leg will be at optimal recovery tomorrow. Will you be joining the others on this highly dangerous mission to Nerwolix?”

  I pause with a handful of Wormin. “Yes.”

  “And you feel this is the right decision?”

  I place the portion back down on the table, anticipating a dialogue. “As long as my leg is at optimal recovery, I don’t see why I shouldn’t go.”

  “The Zingfinolds are an extremely dangerous people. You have managed to come back from the Gorgen, yes, but your odds will be stacked against you on Nerwolix—more so then before. How could you be so willing to entertain a new threat when you are not even recovered?”

  “I will be. And I’m not going alone. I’ll have the Fychu,” I look at Sampson. “I trust him with our safe return, like I did with the Gorgen.”

  “Yes…” her eyes flicker to Sampson. “But is trust the only thing you are relying upon?”

  I start to answer but pause, trying to form my words. “No offense, your Majesty, but my life has been endangered since I left Earth. Before then, actually…” I think of finding Granny Ruth’s bloody body and dismiss it immediately. “Everything I’ve done has been a risk. I never know if I’m going to live or die, but I know being inactive definitely doesn’t do anything. If your people are going to be saved, something needs to be done.”

  “And you agree that a trip to Nerwolix is it?”

  I glance to Sampson momentarily. “If the Fychu says it is, then yes.”

  Queen Ravan nods, glancing around. “And the rest of you?”

  The Rogues, Pratt and Mae nod in unison but Reid leans forward, locking eyes with the queen. “We’ve exhausted our other efforts. If the Fychu says our last hope is Nerwolix, then we must make every attempt.”

  “Would you not find it wise to have him travel there alone?”

  “Your Majesty…” Chancellor Keller begins but she holds up a finger, waiting for Reid’s answer.

  “If he thinks it’s best to go alone, then I would respect that. But Fychu Sampson has already expressed that he’s not welcome and that we would still need his assistance, should any attack occur. In this case,” he shrugs, “I think its best that a small group goes.”

  “Your entire lot?” she looks around.

  “Mother,” Ariana sighs. “They are doing this for us. We should be on our knees in gratitude and you are interrogating them.”

  “She is the queen,” Varille snaps. “She is allowed to do whatever she wants.”

  “Your sisters, chancellor and half of your kingdom are healed because of their efforts,” she spits back just as quickly.

  “You are not healed—it is only temporary.”

  “And they are trying to fix that! W
hat is wrong with you?” Ariana glances between Varille and the queen.

  “Ariana,” Queen Ravan gasps. “Calm yourself.”

  “If you will, mother. Yes, they left yesterday without your permission, but it was to procure medicine from a highly dangerous beast for our good, not theirs. And, as the Fychu promised, everyone returned in one piece.”

  “Fallon—” the queen starts but Ariana is quick to cut her off.

  “Yes, Fallon returned with an injury—one that will be taken care of shortly. They are back here and ready to go out again, to fight for our survival when they could as well simply leave. And you are concerned with accusations and threats? We are lucky the Fychu and the others are willing to stay, to help our kingdom when we are so desperately in need of it,” Ariana exhales, going for her Wormin. “Now, might we enjoy our meal in peace?”

  “How dare you speak to our mother—” Varille starts, her orange eyes flaring.

  “Girls,” the queen shakes her head. “Now is not the time. The Fychu is right—he has responsibilities none of us do. We will leave this decision to him for now. And Ariana is correct; let us enjoy our meal in peace.”

  We eat in silence for the rest of the meal which seems to drag on forever. Once breakfast concludes and after the queen, chancellor and three princesses have left, Reid carries me back to the room, Clarence, Qippert and Sampson right behind him. Placing me on the large, circular bed, Reid examines my leg quickly, wincing at the crimson stain down the white gauze.

  “The Healers will be here momentarily,” Sampson approaches. “It shouldn’t take more than a few hours or so.”

  “Where are you going to be?”

  “Nearby,” Reid answers first.

  “Either on the surface or working with the chancellor,” Qippert says. “There is still a lot that needs to be done.”

  “Fallon?” the voice is unfamiliar.

  Three mayans pause by the open door. All stand similar in height and structure with the same bright orange eyes, but their striking differences come in their varied hair. One boasts a deep emerald, one a fiery red and the last—the closest one—a soft, pale blue.

  “My name is Hillay,” she steps forward, “and this is Sonnora and Tamora. We are the Healers. We are here to conduct your exams and extract the Gorgen poison from your leg. Can you please sit up?”