Lady Eloise [Book 6 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel]

by Robert Iannone

  Meggy took a couple of deep breathes to still her fluttering heart. Then she reached for Egg’s belt and grasped it for all she was worth. “Please do not mind my hand . . . however I have no intention to let go until my feet touch the ground.”

  “Serves you right for surprising me. And the answer is no.”

  “I am glad.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “You are much too young . . . barely twenty years old. You have much to accomplish before you even contemplate motherhood.” Meggy, in her heavy-handed way, wanted to discourage any decision by her sister that could interfere with Egg accepting her elevation to Queen.

  Egg smiled. “At what age should I reconsider?”

  “Twenty-five at the very earliest. May I have your word?”

  “Do you think I should discuss this with my husband first?”

  “Absolutely not. After all, he is but a man – what does he know of motherhood?”

  “Probably about as much as I do.”

  “Nonsense. For us women, it is instinctual. Furthermore, do be sensible and limit your brood to three or less.”

  This time Egg laughed. “Why are we having this conversation?”

  Meggy smiled. “Just trying to be a good sister-in-law.” She paused then added, “Have I told you how happy I am that you are part of our family?”

  “Hmmm.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’re giving me goosebumps.”

  “Truly?” She looked around. “Are we in danger, do you think?”

  “No, no. It’s not danger . . . it’s you.”

  “Whatever do you mean?”

  “Not sure. All your talk of raising a family . . . you wouldn’t have some ulterior motive in bringing it up, would you?”

  “I take offense at the very suggestion.”

  Egg smiled . . . as her sister evaded answering the question. Meggy was up to something but she had no idea what that might be.

  *****

  The three ladies had finished their dinner and were now in a guest suite provided by Aeri’elle. “Are you sure you want me to stay?” said the dragon.

  Though Egg initially had not thought to ask her, her sister’s input would be very helpful. “Absolutely.”

  They made themselves comfortable then looked to their fearless leader to begin the discussion. “Well, I’ve already told you why I think the Sisterhood needs to change – to evolve.”

  “And I think we all agree in principle,” responded Syl. “But that’s easy for us to say since we already retired.”

  “That’s just it; I don’t want any of you to retire since you all bring so much to the table. We would be a much more effective organization if everyone stayed involved.”

  “Soo is with child, I govern a world, Sylvia is in school, Sassi is a mother and getting on in years, K’ssss is deeply involved in her research, Spirit is back on Paradox tending to her wards . . . who did I miss?”

  “The elephant in the room,” replied Egg with a smile.

  Sylvia was the only one who understood the reference and laughed. “She’s referring to our hostess,” and pointed at the dragon.

  “How silly of me. Sorry, Sister.”

  “What’s an elephant?” asked the elephant in the room.

  “Not important.” To Meggy she said, “Those things that caused each of you to retire – they don’t exclude you from participating.”

  The other three looked from one to another. “I’m your brain,” said Syl, “but I don’t understand.”

  “Then let me explain.” For the next few hours she did just that.

  With the help of the other three, Egg’s ideas were refined and improved. In the end, they had developed the blueprint for a new Hameggattic Sisterhood. But a general discussion with the other sisters would have to wait until Serenity’s return.

  *****

  The next morning, Egg said her goodbyes. She gave Big Bird a hug. “One of these days I’d like to talk to you about some ideas I’ve been tinkering with.”

  “Is it Splendora? Do they need help in reestablishing their educational system?”

  “No not really. Don’t forget that while inside the Glass, time didn’t flow. So, they’ll be able to pick up where they left off. Well, once they rebuild that is. There are some other ideas that I’d like your opinion on.”

  “Just let me know where and when.”

  “Thanks.” She turned to Sylvia. “When are you and your Mr. Wonderful coming over to Aerianna?”

  “I have a semester break in three weeks. I’ll call you and set up a time. By the way, what happened with the ducks?”

  “What ducks?” asked Meggy.

  “My dearest friend sent me her pajamas . . . the ones covered with about a million yellow ducks.”

  “Is there a significance to these creatures?”

  “Yes. They are intended to cause any man with a shred of self-respect to scream in horror as he ran away.”

  Meggy and Aeri’elle laughed. “Did her plan succeed?”

  “Almost. Inexplicably, after I crawled into bed, the little beasties took flight and were nowhere to be seen. My husband’s self-respect was never tested.”

  Being Egg’s brain, Sylvia asked, “I hope he was able to find some way to comfort you in your hour of need?”

  “Yes. Yes, he did. Twice.”

  *****

  Meggy didn’t leave with her sister. “Can you manage on your own? I have a few queenly duties which I must attend to.”

  “No problem-o.” Egg walked over to a window and opened it. “To infinity and beyond,” she yelled then dove out.

  The other three watched until the black dot that was once Flying Girl disappeared into the clouds. “She does have a way about her,” said the Queen. She then turned to face the other two. “I wish to discuss something with the both of you.”

  “Shall we sit?” offered their hostess. And they did. “What I am about to say is private and I would ask that you not share it with anyone.” She looked from face to face and each girl nodded. Meggy then went on to explain her idea to abdicate before her term was up and to do everything possible to have Egg succeed her.

  “She’d be great at it. And her plans to change the Sisterhood will dovetail nicely with your plans for her. Whatever I can do, just say the word.”

  “Thank you, Syl. And you, Aeri’elle, do I have your support?”

  To the shock of the other two, their sister said, “I’m sorry. No.”

  “May I ask why not?” Meggy involuntarily turned a bit red in the face. She considered the dragon’s reaction to be confusing to say the least as well as disloyal on so many levels.

  “It is time for a Dragon to rule. We have waited a millennium to ascend the Throne. It is something I feel very strongly about.” Ever since they had been the first to drop out of the contest with Humans and Serpents, her kind were considered inferior to the other two.

  In truth, the other two races felt nothing of the kind. This sense of inferiority was almost completely in the minds of Dragons. Ironically, if there had been any doubt as to their place in Aeriannian society, Aeri’elle and her father Soar’elle, had put that to rest with the creation of their highly regarded university.

  Meggy was about to argue . . . not as a sister but as an adversary. Sylvia stepped in to stop what might have become an unpleasant conversation. “Aeri’elle, I’m not from Aerianna but I think I know enough about its history to understand your point of view.”

  “Well, I certainly do not,” interjected the Queen.

  Syl looked at her sister and shook her head ‘no’. Turning back to the dragon, she continued, “Mind if I ask if you’ve discussed this with your grandfather?” She was referring to the late Storm, of course.

  “No. In truth, I have not.”

  “Would you do that for me? For us? If he agrees with your position, I’ll withdraw my support for Egg.” Before Meggy could complain, Syl told her, “If Egg knew that Storm, someone she deeply respects, felt as
Aeri’elle does, she would never accept the position as Queen. You know that as well as I do.”

  The idea was a good one and that irritated the dragon. She should have thought of it . . . not this human. She quickly corrected herself – not her sister. “I will. That is a very wise suggestion and I thank you for it.”

  “Aeri’elle, I apologize for losing my temper. I was so sure that I would have your backing that I was taken off-guard by your response. I certainly understand your feelings and I will apologize a second time for not having considered them before I came here. Sadly, it is yet another example why I am ill suited to be Queen. The sooner Aerianna has another . . .”

  The dragon interrupted her. “Meggy, don’t you dare say that. You have been a wonderful Queen. You’re being much too hard on yourself. You were put in the unenviable position of following your mother all the while having the Heroine of Aerianna capturing the imagination of the populace. No woman could have fared better.”

  The other girl fought against the tears welling up in her eyes. “Thank you, sister. Truly.”

  *****

  A few days later

  “I talked to my grandfather last night.”

  The Queen held her breath. “May I ask what he advised?”

  “He told me to visit the Myst Tree at Sighing Whorl.”

  “Really? And when might you be doing that?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  *****

  Sighing Whorl

  She hadn’t been back to Sighing Whorl since the battle with Mobius. It was the day that she returned the Crystal Egg to its rightful owner. As she stood there looking at the fog shrouded wood, so many memories came flooding back. She smiled to herself. Of all the accomplishments she had achieved in her life – or would achieve – fighting alongside Egg and her sisters would forever be her proudest moment.

  And as that thought came to her, she realized she was wrong. It was not time for a dragon to ascend the throne. It was time for the Heroine of Aerianna to do so.

  She turned to leave but the Tree spoke to her. “Welcome, Professor. I would be pleased if you would talk with me.”

  “I have already answered my own question. I would not waste your time.”

  “Are you afraid that you would be barking up the wrong tree?” Oh no, he was back on his joke-telling shtick again.

  The dragon hadn’t been privy to his last attempt at comedy but had heard of his feeble efforts from Bl’azzz. She wasn’t sure if this was another attempt. “I’m sorry . . . what?”

  “It was a joke. Do you approve?”

  She smiled . . . not at the humor but at the humorist. “Very clever.”

  “I am gratified. Come join me.”

  The dragon shrugged and entered the myst. In a few moments, she had reached the semi-mythical Tree . . .

  Without thinking, she went to her knees and bowed her great head as a sign of respect for all it had done for the Hameggattic Sisters. She was shocked when a branch reached out – much like an arm – and gently raised her to her feet.

  “I thank you but it is I that should bow to you.”

  That made no sense. “Why do you say that?”

  “The Old Ones thought that Dragons would be perennial underachievers and were dearly disappointed. But your family has excelled beyond expectations and we now know that your brethren will someday follow.”

  “You consider my family the ultimate of what dragons can achieve? That is disappointing.”

  “You are far too modest. Storm fought with Rose’Alynnia against unimaginable odds then kept the peoples hopes alive for a thousand years. You and your father have created a great institution of learning; you are a member of the original seven Hameggattic Sisters and instrumental in ridding this world of Mobius. More importantly . . . for a time, you were the most powerful being on this world when you brought me the Crystal Egg. Yet, the temptation of using it for your own advantage never entered your mind. Your only concern was saving your fellow Aeriannians. Your intelligence, bravery, loyalty, and imagination are second to none. We are very proud of you.”

  The Tree was flattering her and she knew it. “But dragons are not worthy of the throne.”

  “A great leader must outthink the universe, understand the past to see a better future and, as importantly, be able to connect with her subjects on a personal level. Few are truly worthy of such a responsibility.”

  “But Egg is.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Someone like her comes but once in a millennium.”

  “I know that. As I said at the beginning – I had answered my own question.”

  “I would expect no less from you. You should also know that she will face one more challenge before she can ascend to the throne.”

  “My sisters and I will be by her side.”

  “No. This is her challenge . . . and hers alone.”

  “Then for my sister’s sake, can you give me some advice that I can share with her?”

  Naturally, he offered one of his incomprehensible rhymes . . .

  “An unstable dynamic, far versus near

  A happenstance of nature, nothing to fear

  Alter the equation on this universal fuss

  Turning a negative into a galactic plus

  At the end of the tunnel is the answer you seek

  Transforming the angry into the mild and meek.”

  Aeri’elle had to smile . . . the Tree never failed to amuse and confuse them with his words. “You have never told us why you put your advice into such poetic phrasing?”

  Referencing a line from an obscure earth song he said “I thought it would be obvious. Words do the trick, there is no bigger kick than rhyming again and again,” and the Tree went dark.

  *****

  Aeri’elle left Sighing Whorl and went straight to Q’umulus to see the Queen. She was led to Meggy’s private office for an immediate audience.

  After describing the encounter including the Tree’s warning for Egg, the dragon said, “She needs to know his warning.”

  “I assume you have no idea what he meant by the rhyme?”

  “Not likely.”

  “Let me contact Sylvia and get her input,” and she did just that. The forever-smiling girl’s face appeared on the communication’s screen. Meggy asked Aeri’elle to bring the girl up to speed.

  “I see your problem . . . when to give Egg the Tree’s message. If you do it too soon, she may very well fight against your plans to make her Queen. Obviously, too late and she could be in big trouble.”

  “Exactly. Any suggestions?”

  Syl involuntarily put her face in her hands as she gave the problem her full attention. The other two sat quietly giving her whatever time she needed.

  “I think I have the answer.”

  “Do you?”

  “Actually, it’s pretty obvious. In your plan, you will send Egg to Peekaboo Prime to deliver the speech to the Federation. The vote will happen while she’s away. However, before she technically ascends to the throne – the Tree’s very words – she will need to be coronated. So, that’s when you tell her – after the vote but before the ceremony.”

  Meggy looked at Aeri’elle who smiled back. “Pretty impressive . . . for a lowly human.”

  “Indeed.” To Sylvia she said, “Well done sister. Very well done.”

  Chapter 10 – Where Did the Time Go?

  About a year later

  Serenity was still three months from home. She and her husband had an incredibly interesting time with the Rak’nex. On one hand, they had learned the secrets of mastering black hole energy. On the flip side, some of the non-sentient bugs tried to stomp them into guacamole. In between the two extremes were tales they couldn’t wait to share with the others.

  “Still happily married?” asked Egg on her monthly check-in with her sister.

  “My disgust and loathing for his fawning and obsequious affection is pretty much under control – so yeah,” teased the much-less grumpy grump.

  Egg laughed. “
They’ll write love sonnets about you two.”

  “Barf. How about you and little boy blue? For that matter, how about all the sisters and their sweethearts?”

  “Apparently the Hameggattic Sisters are as successful at love as they are at fighting the bad guys.”

  “Was there ever a doubt?”

  “Good grief, yes.”

  “Enough of this girlie talk, you’re boring me. On a more important matter, Jax’x, K’ssss, my man-servant and I have just about solved the anti-grav problem. Looks like the Sky’lords will get their very own floating city.”

  “That’s very exciting. What about using the black hole power source to create more cosmic tunnels?”

  “One thing at a time, girlfriend. But it shouldn’t be a problem once we get the time to work on it. So, what have you and your Prince been up to?”

  “You know, the usual – changing the fabric of Aeriannian society.”

  *****

  It was the first meeting of the Council of Citizens fulfilling Egg’s promise to the people when she and Benny had made their honeymoon tour.

  Benny had suggested they host the gathering on Q’umulus which had meeting halls designed to accommodate all three species. “Maybe for the next one. But I think having it at Se’rene might work better for the first time.”

  “Why so?”

  “It’s neutral territory. The city in the clouds is the seat of power and the home to the Royal family. These folks might feel ill ease up there.”

  Benny shook his head in admiration. “Truly, I would never have thought of that. No wonder they love you.”

  “Oh please. They’ve been so brainwashed by those stupid history books, they think I’m a magical pixie from Hogwarts or worse, a fairy godmother.”

  “No idea what that means.”

  *****

  Each species was asked to nominate three men and three women to represent them with the caveat that a husband and wife could not both attend. Having two from the same family would prejudice the discussion to a limited point of view. Furthermore, one of the three pairs had to be non-married. The needs of single individuals needed to be heard also.

  Everyone made themselves comfortable in the main gathering hall – the very place the original Hameggattic Sisters had called home those many years ago.