by J. A. Comley
Starla grimaced at the pain in Elise's voice. She knew Elise couldn't look at her without thinking of Raoul.
Elise rushed forwards and embraced Starla tightly. Before she could respond, Elise was rushing outside, the tent flap rustling shut behind her.
Taking three deep breaths, Starla followed.
Outside, the atmosphere was tense as the small group was joined by five Makhi. Between them floated two shrouded bodies. Larkel had used magic to preserve the bodies in order for them to be taken back to Earth and buried there. As the shrouded forms of Raoul and Father Joe grew closer, the two metal objects in Starla's pocket had seemed to grow heavier. They were all she would ever have to remember them by. Tears pricked her eyes.
Starla looked over her old family and knew what would happen next. The tortures they had suffered at Kyron's hand, all the unbelievable things they had witnessed, had been too much for their minds. When Larkel and Starla had healed the wounded and maimed after the battle, they had slowed the process down, but later, when people were being checked again by Makhi, their problem had been found. Their minds had become unhinged. Eventually, they would all go insane.
The only one to escape this was Pierre, whose quirky mind had accepted the strange as an amazing adventure. He was not in the group, having decided to stay here, claiming Earth life would be entirely too boring after all this. Starla was certain it helped that Eltara had taken an instant liking to him.
“It is time,” Larkel had murmured for her ears alone. “It is the only way to truly help them, now.”
“What are you waiting for?” Antonio had demanded, his eyes flicking about suspiciously. “I want to get out of this blasted nightmare!”
Starla took a deep breath and nodded to Larkel and Naleiya. Together, they formed an intergalactic portal that would safely transfer the humans home. As the light of the portal grew, Starla slowly reached into their minds as she had been taught by Makhi Jensula and each fell asleep, their memories altered. As soon as the portal had closed behind them Starla wiped away her tears and created another. She and Larkel stepped through and, by the power of her amulet, got to Earth some time before the humans.
It was early morning and they were standing in the church's grove.
They walked in silence up to the little church. From its place of prominence on the little hill, Starla saw proof of the flash-flood that had hit the town shortly after Kyron snatched her friends and family from the grove. His appearance had slightly disrupted nature's balance causing a brief period of heavy rainfall.
“Starla?” Mia's voice had trembled, her eyes wider than Starla had ever seen. She was as pale as a sheet, clearly unsure whether or not she was staring at a ghost.
“Sleep,” Larkel had murmured when Starla failed to act.
Mia's eyes shut and she floated gently to the ground.
Larkel hugged Starla tight, knowing that no words could make this easier.
Pushing away her pain and tears, Starla began her work while, one by one, Larkel put everyone else in the little village into a magical sleep.
Working slowly, gently, careful not to alter too much, Starla changed their memories. It took them the whole morning but by the end, every single living person in Arreau had been visited by the Soreiaphin and High Lord.
“They are almost here,” Larkel cautioned as Starla lingered in the stables, stroking Liberta's nose.
“Good-bye,” Starla murmured. Then, once again creating a portal, she left Earth behind forever.
Starla's hand fell to her side. They had no memories now of a girl named Starla. No memories of anything beyond Earth. No terrors of a man with blood-red hair and pointed teeth. To all in the village, Father Joe, Pierre and Raoul had died in a tragic flood that had swept through their little town as both rivers burst their banks. They had died as heroes, saving the miller and his family.
***
“Are you ready for today?”
Larkel's voice grew nearer as he descended the stairs. Starla turned and quickly brushed the tears from her cheeks.
“Starla?” he said, his voice dripping concern in an instant. “Sweetheart, you shouldn't make yourself upset,” he said, drying her tears, kissing her in between his words as he pinned her cape around her neck.
She smiled up at him, nearly laughing at the anxious look on his face.
“I am fine, truly.” Patting her still-flat belly, she added. “We both are.”
Larkel laid his hand next to hers. “You're certain?”
Starla rolled her emerald eyes indulgently. “Yes, my love.”
Larkel chuckled, then drew Starla close. “I love you.” He kissed her deeply.
Stepping back, he smiled, then twirled his staff. A golden portal opened up in the lounge.
Hand in hand they stepped through.
***
The Light Meadows were buzzing with the noise of a thousand different conversations as Larkel and Starla stepped out of their portal.
Readjusting her crown, Starla took in the scene. Everyone was here. All the Aurelian warriors had returned for the day. The Cosmaltians and Galatians stood in mixed groups all chatting amiably. The excitement in the air was a tangible thing. All around the talking adults, children screamed and laughed as they played games and tried to catch each other.
Many walked among the rows of gravestones, kneeling beside them, laying wreaths of flowers. Starla had risen a stone for Father Joe and Raoul. Even though the ground below held no remains, theirs weren't the only stones without a body.
Beside the graveyard were thousands of chairs, set up for the occasion so that the people of all the planets could attend.
In front of the talking crowd, separated by a double line of vigilant Makhi, resplendent in their white robes, stood a small stage and podium, upon which sat King Eldos and Princess Kara, Queen Zerina and Prince Niden, as well as Queen Valana and General Okano. Beside King Eldos were three empty seats. Starla sighed. She still was not quite used to being a royal and always in the spotlight.
Behind the stage stood a huge obelisk of shining white metal. Along it, thousands of names were engraved. Beyond that, stretched the another glittering city, sister to the one in the south.
“Welcome, old friends,” Beky sang, rushing forward to greet them, Gaby close by her side.
Behind her, the other Sacrileons followed, beaming.
“Hello, Beky.” Starla smiled, hugging the Guardian, then switching to hug Gaby. The two sisters had been almost inseparable since being reunited.
“Ready for today?” Lua asked.
“Yeah, we all know how much you love the spotlight,” grinned Rya.
Starla grinned back. It had been a while since she had seen Rya, Lua, Fey and Alli. They had each been spending more and more time on their own planets. Although their duties were to all three, each was based on the planet of their birth.
“It is so good to see you all again,” Starla beamed.
The sound of a gong being struck reverberated through the air of the meadows. People began to take their seats.
“Best get down there,” Larkel said, taking Starla's hand and heading for the platform.
As they approached, Starla noticed several friends already seated in the front row of chairs. Shaneulia, Markis and their eldest son, Eben, were seated to the far right. Though the Duke and Duchess waved back to Starla and Larkel, Eben was too busy staring intently at Kara.
Larkel snickered under his breath. “I think your sister has an admirer.”
Starla elbowed him in the ribs and the giggled. “Two, in fact, but I don't think she minds.”
Larkel followed her gaze to Valana's daughter, Thira. Her eyes never left Kara's. Her lips held a mischievous half-smile.
Beside them sat retired Makhi Horato and Makhi Jensula. They nodded respectfully as Larkel greeted them.
Other minor nobles followed suit as the couple passed, one of whom was Pierre, Antonio's vivacious cousin, who had been appointed the vacant Barony as a token of grati
tude for fighting so valiantly in the war. Of course, in true Salso fashion, Pierre had no intention of merely sitting in his grand mansion. He had bought a shop in Galatia's newly rebuilt Royal City and filled it to overflowing with the most mundane of human inventions, as well as other trinkets, books and even food. All these things were a great source of fascination to the Galatian citizenry. Already, he had plans to expand, branching out to the other two planets. Eltara sat beside him, their new daughter bouncing in her lap.
Starla smiled and shook her head.
Beside him, to the far left of the row, sat Makhi Naleiya and Commander Medara. Naleiya stood and kissed Starla on the cheek, cradling their month-old son, Nebon, in one arm.
“He looks well,” Larkel said, smiling down at the sleeping baby.
“Your turn next, little brother,” Naleiya smiled.
Larkel grinned and turned to help Starla up the four stairs to the stage.
All those seated on the podium rose to greet Starla and Larkel. The Aurelians bid them congratulations on their expected.
“How's my new niece or nephew?” Niden asked, hugging his sister and brother-in-law.
“Fine,” Starla said, smiling as Niden winked at Larkel.
“Sister,” Kara said, smiling hugely.
Starla had been delighted to discover just how well she and Kara got on. They had spent long nights together, pouring over old family albums, with Kara and Niden telling stories of their mischievous older siblings.
“Grandfather,” Starla said, finally coming to the old King.
Eldos hugged his youngest granddaughter closely for a moment then stepped forward to the front and middle of the podium as Larkel and Starla took their seats. In front of the podium, the twelve Makhi lifted their staves, ready to magically enhance the King's voice so that it would carry over the immense clearing.
“Welcome,” his voice boomed across the gathered people. “We are gathered here today, twenty years after the fact, not only to remember those whom we have lost, but to truly begin a new and brighter era in our lives.”
The crowds eyes all followed his hand as he gestured up to the huge obelisk behind him, then over the graveyard.
“Once the heart of terror and destruction, this place now serves as a symbol of courage and bravery. It is proof of the things we can achieve when we work as one. Galatians, Cosmaltians, Aurelians, Sacrileons and Earthlings, together we achieved victory, together we have been rebuilding our lives. I would like us to take a moment to remember those we lost.”
The King's voice trailed off as he lowered his head, the crowd silently following suit.
As the minute of silence passed, the old King raised his head and continued on, infusing his voice with a happier note. “Thank you. Today, though a day of remembrance, is also a day of celebration. I can now officially declare the Trianon System truly reborn! All cities and towns have been reconstructed, all life has been breathed back into our planets. Our task is now complete, thanks to the solidarity and hard work from each and everyone of you.”
The crowd let out a cheer, many smiling through their tears. It was now, finally, truly over.
Motioning for the crowd to settle down, the King continued. “I have the pleasure of making some very important announcements today.” He turned and signalled Queen Zerina to approach. Prince Niden followed his wife, one step behind. A hush of anticipation fell over the crowd as Zerina stopped beside the podium and King Eldos accepted an ornately carved box from a Makhi standing to the side of the raised podium.
Zerina nodded to Eldos. The King smiled and spoke to the people. “To mark the beginning of this new era in our histories, Queen Zerina will be taking the throne of Cosmaltia, accompanied by her husband and my grandson, Niden, formerly Prince of Galatia, now, King of Cosmaltia.” The Cosmaltians in the crowd cheered as the King opened the box and Zerina reached in to take out the newly-forged crown.
She smiled her thanks to the old King. It was a perfect replica of the ancient crown the Cosmaltian Kings had always worn.
The crowd fell silent once more as Prince Niden stepped up to his grandfather and slowly, reverently, took off his Galatian prince's crown and handed it to Galatia's King. Then, he kneeled on one knee before him.
“You have my blessing, son of Galatia,” the King intoned the ritual words. “May your path be fruitful and long-lasting.”
Niden rose, gave a slight bow and then turned and knelt before Zerina. The Makhi before the podium magnified her voice as she spoke.
“Once a son of Galatia, now joined to me by marriage, I give you this crown as a symbol of your new office, a reminder of your responsibilities,” Zerina said, placing the crown on his head. “Now rise, King Niden of Cosmaltia.”
Niden rose and stood beside his wife, facing the crowd.
“May their rule be long and prosperous!” King Eldos declared.
The crowd rose as one and echoed his words before bowing deeply to the King and Queen of Cosmaltia.
“Secondly,” King Eldos continued as the Cosmaltian Royals and the crowd resumed their seats, “I have the pleasure of announcing that Princess Kara of Galatia's plan to open a school of training for Inagium has now come full-circle.”
The crowd spoke in hushed whispers as the Princess came to stand beside her grandfather.
“After much deliberation,” the old King continued, “between the rulers of each of our planets, it has been concluded that Galatia will remain the central station for all magical and academic study.”
“Now, Princess Kara has allowed me the honour of making one other special announcement on her behalf,” the King said smiling broadly. “Rise and join us, Princess Thira of Aurelia,” he commanded.
Grinning smugly, Thira stood and ascended then bowed fluidly to the King and Princess.
“Princess Kara has been offered, and has accepted, the honour of being Galatia's representative in the Aurelian court. She will be accompanying Princess Thira upon her return.”
Thira stepped forwards, silver eyes gleaming in triumph and held out a hand to Kara.
“Today marks not only a new alliance between Galatia and Cosmaltia,” the King continued, glancing briefly at his grandson, “but also between Galatia and Aurelia.”
Kara took Thira's hand and bowed and Valana and Okano stepped up beside their daughter.
“This pendant represents all eight tribes, encircled by the crest of my family,” Thira said, holding out a silver cyrion bird within a tree.
“It will mark you as an honorary member of Aurelia's royal family,” Okano said as Thira pinned it to Kara's tunic.
“You are welcomed to our family,” Valana stated, ending the ceremony.
Breaking tradition, Thira grabbed Kara and kissed her soundly on the mouth. Smiling, Kara returned the kiss.
“May your actions be guided by wisdom and your heart never forget your home.” King Eldos said as Kara bowed once more, his voice containing the strain of concealed laughter.
The King had barely finished speaking the ritual words before the crowd erupted into delighted cheers, yelling best wishes towards the blushing couple. By the look of utter astonishment on her siblings' faces, it was clear that Thira had successfully kept her secret.
Starla laughed behind her hand at the look on Eben's face.
“I guess he was hoping she'd be leaving alone,” Larkel accused playfully, his indigo eyes shining with joy.
“Yes,” Starla said, smiling at her sister and Thira as they came to sit beside them. “He'll get over it, I'm sure.”
“Now,” the King continued, as the crowd quietened down, “I believe that there have been rumours about my possible retirement,” he said, his crease-eyed smile playing at his lips.
A moment of stunned silence was quickly followed by intense whispers which rippled out from the crowd as Medara and Naleiya stood and climbed the podium. Their little son was now sleeping soundly in Shaneulia's arms.
“I can now tell you that these rumours are indeed true, an
d I shall be leaving the rule of our great nation to others.” He looked back at Larkel, who, after kissing Starla's cheek, rose and joined the King. The murmuring of the crowd grew more intense. The King held up his hands for silence.
The crowd obeyed, eyes riveted on the podium.
“Makhi Naleiya, step forward,” King Eldos said.
Naleiya gave her brother a lopsided smile, then bowed before the King.
“Rise, Makhi Naleiya, and be sworn into your new position.”
Gasps echoed around the crowd as Naleiya rose and turned to face her brother. Larkel lowered his staff to her and her belt slowly shifted from green to silver, threads of navy blue winding themselves into her robe. Gasps echoed around the crowd as the twirling lights faded. Removing his silver circlet of office, Larkel levitated it into the air. He felt a small twinge of loss. When Starla had brought him back from death's door, her powers had melded with his seamlessly. He was more then just a Makhi now and it would not be appropriate to lead them any longer. He looked down at his big sister.
“Do you, Naleiya D'Ordeley, swear to uphold the laws and ethos upon which the Makhi Order of Trianon was founded?” Larkel's deep, commanding voice barely needing the magical amplification.
“I do,” Naleiya said, matching the serious tone of her brother's voice.
“Do you swear to treat all Makhi fairly and guide them in achieving their highest abilities?”
“I do.”
“Do you swear fealty to the rulers of the Silver Alliance and to the peace of our great nations?”
“I do.”
Larkel smiled. “Then may this circlet of office pass to you and may your staff always be ready to defend our home.”
The silver circlet fluttered down, changing in size and landing neatly upon Naleiya's auburn mane.
“I present to you High Lady Naleiya D'Ordeley!” King Eldos boomed.
The crowd cheered as all Makhi present swept forwards, joining those already at the front, all facing the stage.
“High Lord Larkel Dios!” High Makhi Jensula called out. “It has been an honour and privilege to serve under you. May your future be prosperous.”
