Europa Awakenings

by P. R. Garcia

Terrance continued to search through the items he found in his father’s room. In one of the journals he came across a reference he had not noticed previously, a note regarding a book written by a local Native American about a race of shape-shifters his ancestors had known. Next to the reference his father had written “shape-shifters –Waters?” Why would his father think the Waters would have something to do with shape-shifters? He scanned the next few pages but could find no other reference to the book. Grabbing a slip of paper, he quickly scribbled the author’s name and book title and headed to the local library.

  To his delight and amazement, the library had a copy of the book in their reference section. He quickly retrieved the book, sat down at one of the library tables and began to skim through the pages. The book was a collection of tribal stories passed down through the generations. One short chapter relayed a story that had been passed down from over three hundred years before. It was about six fair skinned, very tall foreigners who appeared at the edge of the ocean one day. Having never seen white men before, the natives believed them to be Spirits of the Water and invited them into their camp. Several days after the strangers’ arrival, the chief’s only daughter was taken by a neighboring warring tribe. Fearing for his daughter’s life, the chief asked the six Water Spirits to use their powers to defeat their enemy and save his daughter. Valuing the tribe’s friendship, the strangers agreed to help and left the camp. The next day the chief’s daughter came riding into camp on the back of a large white stallion, accompanied by five other horses. As the daughter dismounted, all six horses transformed into the strangers and confirmed the tribe’s belief they were Water Spirits, shape-shifters. The daughter recounted the story of her rescue, how the strangers transformed into beings of light that swam through the air to attack the village and how, with a mighty blast of their hand, slew their enemy. As reward for saving the chief’s daughter, the Water Spirits’ leader asked they be allowed to settle on the vanquished enemy’s land, a meadow set high on a cliff by the ocean. The chief and elders agreed, but with the stipulation one of the spirits would marry his daughter and remain with the tribe to protect them for all time. The strangers became known as the Light Walkers, since it was believed they were born of the sky and water. There was no mention of their names or where the land was they settled on.

  Terrance knew many native cultures had stories regarding shape-shifting, so he wasn’t sure why this particular story interested his father or how he could have made a connection to the Waters. He looked at the publication date to see if the author might still be alive. It was published in 1972, which meant the author could be alive and, hopefully, living in the area. Carrying the book, he proceeded to the front desk.

  “Excuse me,” he said, trying to get the librarian’s attention.

  “Can I help you, sir?”

  “Yes. I was wondering if you knew anything about the author of this book.” Terrance laid the book on the counter so the librarian could see it. “A Mr. Thomas Dark Feather. The jacket states he lived in this area when the book was published. Do you know if he still resides here?”

  “Yes, he lives out on the reservation.”

  Terrance’s heart began to beat faster. Perhaps this Mr. Dark Feather could give him some answers about what his father was doing, why he was interested in the Waters family. “Do you know how I can get in touch with him? I really would like to meet with him and discuss one of his stories.”

  “My uncle seldom leaves the reservation,” the librarian said, smiling when she saw the surprised look on Terrance’s face.

  “It’s very important,” Terrance said, trying to quickly figure out what he could say to get her to ask her uncle. “I think one of the stories in his book may have a connection to the Waters family.” Terrance thought of telling the librarian it concerned Mrs. Waters’ death but decided against it, thinking she might think he was crazy or something.

  “You know the Waters?”

  “Yes, I’m a close personnel friend of Europa’s. I met Mrs. Waters at Europa’s birthday party the other night.”

  “I am seeing my uncle tonight,” the librarian said, her curiosity peaked by Terrance’s mention of the Waters family. “I will pass on your request. What is your name?”

  “I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Terrance Landers.”

  “If my uncle agrees to meet you I will call you and advise you where and when. But I must warn you, Mr. Landers, my uncle seldom talks to outsiders. But since you are a friend of the Waters he may make an exception. How may I get in touch with you?”

  “I’m staying at the inn. Here’s my phone number.” Terrance scribbled his phone number on a piece of paper and handed it to the librarian. “Please tell your uncle I REALLY need to talk with him.”

  “As I said, Mr. Landers, I will pass on your request.”

  “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it,” Terrance said, holding out his hand to shake hers. Terrance returned the book to the reference shelf, then left the library to return to his room. He hoped the author would agree to see him and shed some light on the ever growing mystery Terrance had stumbled upon.

  ____________

  That night, as Europa slept, the Orb in Medaron’s attic began to glow and hum softly. As it grew in brightness, the amulet around Europa’s neck also began to glow a lavender light. Europa’s dreams filled with beautiful, luminous beings floating through a sea of lilac waters, strands of different colors swirling though the liquid. The beings were long and slender, with three sets of translucent wings, the middle pair overlapping the other two. The upper section of the body consisted of an oval shaped head containing two large, oval, lilac eyes and a smiling mouth. In lieu of hair, strings of white glowing pearls cascaded down from the top of the head and framed their face. She noticed two of the creatures wore amulets like the one she wore around her neck. Although she did not see their lips move, she could hear them speaking to each other in an unknown language. Abruptly, the beings vanished and were replaced with a hideous brown face with two red glowing eyes. Startled, Europa woke up, frightened, but not sure why. The Orb in the attic went silent and stopped glowing, as did the amulet around her neck.

  _____________

  Terrance was awakened by a phone call the next morning from the librarian informing him her uncle was willing to meet with him that morning at ten in the inn’s dining room, if he was available. Terrance looked at his watch – nine-fifteen. He told her he would be there. He quickly showered and dressed, grabbed some inn stationery to write on and dashed down to the dining room. When he arrived, he saw the librarian already seated at a table by the window with a gray haired, older gentleman. He assumed the man with her was her uncle and the author of the book.

  As Terrance approached the table, the librarian saw him and gestured for him to join them. “I’d like you to meet my uncle, Thomas Dark Feather.”

  Terrance held out his hand to shake the older gentleman’s. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dark Feather. My name is Terrance, Terrance Landers.”

  At the mention of his last name, Terrance saw Mr. Dark Feather’s eyes narrow as he scrutinized the young man. “Yes, my niece told me your name. By any chance, are you related to Jeffrey Landers?”

  “Why, yes,” Terrance answered, astonished Mr. Landers would know his father. “He’s my father.”

  “Come, Maria, we are done here,” Mr. Dark Feather announced to his niece, as he stood up and began to walk away from the table.

  Not knowing why he was leaving, Terrance quickly ran after the author. “Please, Mr. Dark Feather, did I say something wrong?” Terrance looked at the librarian, his eyes pleading to her for an explanation. She looked at him and shrugged her shoulders, indicating she did not know either why her uncle had decided to leave. “Mr. Dark Feather, if I could just have a moment of your time,” Terrance stated, in the most polite voice he could summon. “I would like to talk to you regardi
ng the Waters’ family and one of your stories.”

  Mr. Dark Feather stopped, turned and looked at Terrance. “Since you are a friend of the Waters I will give you a moment.” He walked up to Terrance, put his hand over Terrance’s heart and closed his eyes. As had happened previously when Mrs. Waters held his hand at Minnos, a wave of warmth quickly raced through Terrance’s body, then retreated. After a few moments Mr. Dark Feather opened his eyes and smiled. “I can see your heart is pure, that you are on a quest of knowledge.” His smile turned into a frown as he said, “Your father’s heart was dark and angry. I would not tell him what he wanted to know. Has he sent you here to trick me into telling you?”

  “No, Sir,” Terrance stammered. “I swear this to be true. I haven’t spoken to my father in months. He has no idea I asked to meet with you or that I even know of your book.”

  “Why did you ask to meet me, Mr. Landers?” Thomas Dark Feather asked, his face expressionless as he studied the young man before him. Unexpectedly, a feeling of importance coursed through Thomas’s body, a feeling that this man had an extremely important part to play in the scenario soon to unfold. He needed to proceed cautiously and try to grasp the meaning of this feeling and determine the importance of this young man.

  “I have been trying to connect with my father, but we keep missing each other. Could you tell me when you saw him last?” Terrance asked, picking his words carefully so as not to upset Mr. Dark Feather.

  “I never met him in person,” Mr. Dark Feather replied. “We talked briefly on the telephone. VERY briefly.”

  “I see.”

  “What question do you seek an answer to, Mr. Landers?” Mr. Dark Father asked, the feeling of Terrance’s importance growing stronger.

  “I came across a reference to your book in one of my father’s journals. One chapter in particular intrigued him, as it did me.” Terrance explained, hoping he would return to the table. “Won’t you please sit back down, Mr. Dark Feather? I would really like to discuss this with you.” Terrance waved his arm toward the table. To his great relief, Mr. Dark Feather walked back to the table and sat down.

  “You want to know about the shape-shifters my ancestors spoke of, do you not?” Mr. Dark Feather asked, looking directly into Terrance’s eyes to detect any sign of deceit or nervousness.

  “Yes, how did you know?” Terrance asked, amazed Mr. Dark Feather already knew the reason for his visit.

  “That is what your father asked about,” Mr. Dark Feather answered. “He wanted to know about the shape-shifters and the luminous beings in my story. And he especially wanted to know where the land they settled on was and about the people who live there now. I would not answer his questions. He became very angry and threatened to drag the truth from my broken body.”

  “Way to go, Dad. Thanks for possibly ruining my chances,” Terrance thought to himself. “I truly apologize for my father’s behavior,” Terrance said sincerely. “He sometimes becomes overzealous in his search for information. But that is no excuse for his behavior. It was wrong of him to treat you that way.”

  Terrance thought for a moment he saw a smile start to appear on Mr. Dark Feather’s face, but if it had been there, it disappeared swiftly. “I understand you think my story is related to the Waters family. I can assure you that is not a possibility. I do not understand why you think my story about a legend of shape-shifters would have anything to do with that family.” Mr. Dark Feather looked again at Terrance, trying to determine what part he would play in Europa’s protection. “But I see you search for truth. What is it you wish to know, My Son?”

  “In your story you spoke of foreigners who came to your ancestor’s lands. Do you know when that was or where they were from?”

  “It was hundreds of years ago, before any white man had entered our lands. I do not know where exactly they came from, but the story my grandfather told me said they came from the sky and water. They had fought a great war with an evil one who had pursued them across the skies. The war was over and they sought peace in our land.”

  “By any chance do you know their names?” Terrance asked, hoping it was not Waters.

  “They were known as Light Walkers. That is the only name I ever heard my grandfather call them.”

  “By any chance, do you happen to know where the land is?”

  Mr. Dark Feather did not answer. The tribe had always protected the shape-shifters and he was not willing to say anything which might bring them harm. He was preparing to end the conversation when he was suddenly seized once again by the knowledge this man was important. But this time, the feeling had more clarity. Europa and Earon would never reach Saint’s Isle without this human’s help. He was necessary for their survival. “Why would you want to know where the land was?” Mr. Dark Feather asked, still trying to determine what part Terrance would play.

  “Mr. Dark Feather, I have told no one what I am about to tell you and I ask that it remain between us. My father studies ancient civilizations and their descendants. His passion for years has been the search for some lost royal family from Egypt. I found several written notes in that same journal that mentioned your book, which led me to surmise he may have believed the Waters were descendants of that ancient family.” Terrance saw the suspicious look on Mr. Dark Feather’s face. “I know it sounds preposterous, but once he gets an idea in his head he can become obsessed with it and will go to any ends to discover the truth. I fear that, in his overzealousness, he may have inadvertently caused Mrs. Waters’ accident.”

  “Her accident?” Mr. Dark Feather asked, now totally intrigued by this young man. Keeping his face expressionless he asked, “Why don’t you find your father and ask him if he is responsible?”

  “I wish it were that simple, Mr. Dark Feather. As I mentioned, we keep missing each other. The day he returned to the inn was the day I was out at his camp.” Terrance stated, debating if he should tell this man his father was missing. If he was a friend of the Waters he certainly did not want Jeanip to know his father’s whereabouts were unknown. He also feared Mr. Dark Feathers would know if he was lying and end their meeting; thus he faced a dilemma – how not to tell the truth without lying. “We were supposed to meet the other day but he evidently got delayed in the field. When he did return from the field, I was sitting out at the gate to Minnos hoping to get inside, so I missed him again. I spent two days at the gate waiting for someone to let me in and, when I returned to the inn, I discovered my father was gone. I should have already left to join him, but I can’t go until I make sure he didn’t have anything to do with Mrs. Waters’ death. Plus, I must see Europa and make sure she’s okay. I was hoping if I knew where the original settlers lived, I might be able to determine what my father’s part was in all of this, if any.”

  Terrance watched Mr. Dark Feather contemplating the words he had spoken. After what seemed like forever, he said, “A deer stepped into the road and caused Mrs. Waters’ accident. So, unless your father can turn himself into a deer, I do not believe he was responsible. As for the location of the property, I am afraid I cannot tell you where it is. It is tribal ground and the people who now live there have it protected by security fences.”

  “I could ask for permission,” Terrance added. “I feel I could find the answers to my questions if I just knew where the property was.”

  “Permission would not be given. Now, if you have no more questions, I have somewhere I need to be.” With that said, Mr. Dark Feather rose and signaled to his niece it was time to leave.

  “Thank you, Mr. Dark Feather, for taking the time to speak with me. Might I ask you one more question, please? Do you have any information about Europa? I’m very worried about her.”

  Mr. Dark Feather could see Terrance was genuinely worried and cared deeply for Europa. He would have to tell Jeanip to allow this young man access to Minnos, that Europa’s future depended upon it. “I assure you she is unharmed. If you are truly the
friend you say you are, someone from Minnos will be in contact with you no later than tomorrow afternoon and advise you when you may see her.”

  Terrance breathed a sigh of relief when he knew Europa was okay. Plus, Mr. Dark Feather indicated there was a possibility he would be able to see her soon. Hoping to dispel any doubts the author might have about him, he give Mr. Dark Feather a Waters’ greeting. “May the Waters bring you long life and good health.”

  Mr. Dark Feathers stared at Terrance, astonished he knew the greeting. Now, more than ever, he knew it was imperative for this human to be allowed onto Minnos and be at his sovereign’s side. “May the Waters guide you on the path they have put your feet upon.” He turned to leave, then stopped and turned to look Terrance in the eyes. “Trust in your heart, Young Terrance, for it will save you all.” Without another word, he walked out of the hotel, his niece rushing after him, leaving a very confused human pondering his words.

  ____________

  Thomas Dark Feather thanked his niece for the ride and walked into his house. As soon as she was out of visual range, he walked out the back door and down to the ocean’s edge carrying a small bucket of herring. He casually strolled out to the dock and down the eight feet to its end. Sitting down, he dangled his feet in the water, placing the bucket of fish a few inches away from his side. After looking around to be sure no one was watching, he reached under the dock and pressed a button that sent a specific high-pitched sound out into the ocean. He did not have to wait long before Jack and Jill came swimming up to the dock.

  The two bottle nosed dolphins raised their heads above the water and looked at Thomas. “You have need of our services, Chancee?” Jack silently asked, as he chattered, encouraging Chancee to throw him one of the herring.

  “Yes. I need to get a message to Jeanip right away,” Thomas silently replied, as he threw several herring into the water for the dolphins. The feeding of the dolphins was a deception Thomas had been doing several times a month for many years. It enabled him to keep in touch with other Oonocks via the various dolphins. Plus, at times like this, it allowed him to send emergency messages out without attracting any attention to himself or the dolphins.

  “We can do that. What is the message?” Jack gave several squeaks and whistles to show his excitement over the herring, copying the behavior of real dolphins to maintain the deception.

  “Tell Jeanip I talked to a Terrance Landers who says he is a good friend of Europa’s. It is important this young man be allowed access to Minnos and Europa immediately. I don’t know how, but this man is important to Europa’s future and her existence and has a key part to play in her surviving. He is her quanish, her love protector. The love his heart holds for our young monarch is strong, strong enough to defend her against any danger, even against JeffRa himself. His love and presence is needed if Jeanip hopes to defeat JeffRa. Without it, I’m afraid she will not survive the journey to Saint’s Isle.”

  Jack and Jill saw the seriousness in Thomas’ face. Amongst the natives he was known as a spiritual man; but amongst the Oonocks he was known as a keetont, one who could foretell events.

  “Tell Jeanip this young man says his father is searching for a lost Egyptian royal family and, in his eagerness to discover them, may have done something that contributed to Medaron’s death. It deserves investigation. His father may know something about the Terrians or their plans. Tell him also the Hunting Lodge is ready.”

  “Do you really think he’s back?” Jill asked. “Could he really be alive after all these years?”

  “I am sorry to say I do,” Thomas replied. “Medaron said it was him on the road, and I have no reason to distrust her recognition. She, above anyone else except Enok, would recognize him even after this many years.”

  “So he’s returned to complete his vow of revenge,” Jack stated, remembering the toll his revenge took the last time they warred. “Do you think it will come to another war?”

  “I hope not,” Thomas answered. “A war now would certainly expose both of our existences to the world, something not in either of our best interests. I fear the humans would pay a heavy price in casualties and losses as they are caught in the middle of our war. Plus, there is the possibility that, in their ignorance, they would believe us hostile and assume a defensive profile. Mankind has always had a history of annihilating anything they fear and that fear would destroy them this time. If they attempt to attack us, or especially the Terrians, I am afraid their kind would be eliminated from the universe. The Terrians would have no qualms about annihilating their race and taking Earth for their own planet. Hopefully, JeffRa has only a few followers who have survived over the millennia and he is unable to wage a large campaign against us. If that is true, we should be able to eliminate them without any humans knowing.”

  “I pray you are right,” Jill added.

  “Here now, finish this fish,” Thomas said, as he threw the last few pieces of herring in the water. “Hurry and deliver my message. Time is critical.”

  Jack and Jill quickly swallowed the herring and raced off to the cave to deliver Thomas’ message. When they neared the entrance, they submerged under the water and covertly swam into the outlet, transforming into human form when it was safe. Jack lifted himself onto the walkway and walked over to the silent alarm. He pushed the purple button mounted on the wall which produced a silent, high-pitched alarm throughout the cottage and turned on a light panel in the kitchen.

  _____________

  Misso was preparing lunch in the kitchen when she sensed the special alarm. She quickly looked over at the wall and saw the light panel flashing, indicating Jeanip was needed in the cave. To her relief, Triton trotted into the kitchen to investigate the reason for the alarm.

  “Triton, go get Jeanip. Tell him he’s needed in the cave,” Misso silently said. She opened the back door and Triton ran outside to the barn to retrieve Jeanip. Earon quickly returned with him, wearing a dirty overcoat. When they entered the kitchen Jeanip walked over to the light panel and entered his code to cancel the alarm. Then, without a word, he walked into his quarters, closing the door behind him.

  “I am going to go get some decent clothes on,” Earon said, looking down at the filthy, torn overcoat he had grabbed in the barn to put on. “Remind me, Misso, to put a change of clothing in the barn for occasions such as this.” Misso laughed as she watched Earon follow Jeanip into his room, already scratching as a result of the overcoat. He quickly changed, then followed Jeanip through the secret door. He hurried down the stairs to the secret cave where he saw Jeanip talking with Jack and Jill. “What’s wrong?” Earon asked.

  “Good day, Your Majesty,” both Jack and Jill said, as they slightly bowed their head and raised their right hand to their forehead.

  “Chancee asked us to bring Jeanip an urgent message. He said he talked with a Terrance Landers who says he is a friend of Europa’s.”

  “Yes, that is true. They’ve actually been an item for several days,” Earon said.

  “Chancee said this Terrance must be allowed access to Minnos immediately, that he is her quanish. He is important to Europa’s future and her existence and will play an important part in her surviving the next few days. Without his help she will not live to see Saint’s Isle.”

  “What’s a ‘quanish’?” Earon asked.

  “A ‘quanish’ is someone whose love is so strong they can defend the person they love against anything,” Jeanip stated, thinking Chancee must be mistaken, yet knowing he is never wrong.

  “Chancee said he must be with her. He said Mr. Lander’s love is strong enough to defend Europa against any danger, even JeffRa himself.”

  “He’s certain?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is that the entire message?”

  “He also said young Mr. Landers’ father is searching for a lost royal family from Egypt. He believes his father may have inadvertently done something that contributed to Medaron�
�s accident. Chancee said it warrants checking into it, that perhaps his father knows Terrians.”

  “If he is connected to the Terrians or JeffRa, knowingly or not, should we allow him on the estate?” Earon asked, concerned over the possibility of Terrian involvement.

  “Chancee said he MUST be brought here,” Jill repeated. “Immediately.”

  “Chancee would do nothing to endanger Europa. He must have good reason to insist Terrance be brought here, even if there is the possibility of Terrian involvement. But you are right, Earon. Possible Terrian involvement does complicate this situation. I will have to think this through before allowing Terrance access to Minnos. Did he say anything else?” Jeanip asked.

  “That the Hunting Lodge is ready for you.”

  “Thank you. I need to get back inside.” Jeanip turned and climbed back up the stairs. Jack and Jill slipped back into the ocean and swam out to continue their protective watch.

  ____________

  Europa woke the next morning a little unsettled by the previous night’s dream of luminous beings and the thing with the red eyes. But she did not have time this morning to dwell on its meaning. She remembered something her mother and Jeanip had both said – she was now the leader of their people, she was their queen. That meant Jeanip had to obey the orders she gave him. And she knew exactly what her first order would be.

  She quickly showered and dressed, then walked down the hallway to her mother’s room, trailed by Triton. She tried the door knob. It was locked, as she feared. Jeanip had told her to stay out of her mother’s room. Again, she wondered how he know she had been in there. No one had seen her leaving the room except Triton. But how could he have told on her? Europa looked down at the canine waiting at her feet, the feeling Triton could not be trusted again materializing inside her head. Frustrated her mother’s room was now locked, she turned and headed down to the kitchen to confront Jeanip and present her demand.

  As she entered the kitchen Jeanip stood at the table, but did not say a word. This was her first time to come downstairs since their confrontation over her confinement to the cottage and he did not want to say anything which might upset her and send her back to her bedroom.

  “Europa, I am glad you decided to come downstairs for breakfast,” Misso stated, upon seeing her. “What would you like for breakfast?”

  “Nothing right now, Misso. I am here to see Jeanip,” Europa replied. She walked straight to Jeanip and stood before him, looking at him with glaring eyes. “Jeanip, why is my mother’s room locked?”

  “Your mother has a lot of important documents in her room. Until I can go up and secure them, her room is off limits.”

  Europa wanted to argue the point that, since she was now the sole owner of Minnos, she had a right to be in that room. But she had more important issues to discuss with him.

  “Jeanip, as I understand it, my mother’s passing made me the Supreme Monarch. Is this correct?”

  “Yes, “Jeanip replied.

  “And, as your monarch, you are subject to my rules and orders, is that not correct?” Europa watched his expression, expecting to see nervousness or stress, but there was none.

  “To a certain extent,” Jeanip said. “There are specific security procedures in place your parents made. They are unretractable and cannot be overridden.”

  Europa thought for a moment. She had to word her orders correctly if she wanted to bypass her parents’ procedures and obtain her goal. “As I told you last night, I am willing to remain for the time being in the house where I am protected. But I want the front gate unlocked and the security fences turned off. If you feel it necessary, you can post someone at the gate to question anyone wishing to enter – this will still keep the estate safe. Plus, the other gates will still be locked to keep someone from entering without your knowledge. I want someone to drive into town and bring back Anna, Suzie, Rannie and Terrance out to see me.”

  “Not four at once. You can start with one, and then we can try two,” Jeanip answered. He had already reflected on Chancee’s message and had decided to allow Terrance access to Minnos. Jeanip knew the tremendous power a quanish possessed, as well as the rarity and importance of such a bond. He had seen few quanish relationships in his lifetime, but the ones he had seen were unstoppable, beyond explanation and totally undefeatable. The strongest had been Enok and Medaron’s. If Terrance’s love for Europa and hers for him was even half as strong as Europa’s parents, then he could ask for no stronger protection. He knew it was imperative for Terrance to come out to Minnos immediately and had been trying to determine the best way to approach the subject when Europa’s request for company gave him the opportunity he needed. She would believe it was her decision for Terrance to be brought out and Jeanip was simply following her orders.

  Europa almost smiled. She was hoping Jeanip would not agree to four people coming onto the estate the first time, but that he would compromise and agree to one or two. Since Jeanip did not specify the gender, she knew he left the door open for Terrance to be the one.

  “Then I want Terrance brought here,” Europa stated, looking Jeanip directly in the eyes.

  “I’d prefer if it were one of the ladies,” Jeanip said, not wanting Europa to know she was doing exactly what he wanted her to do.

  “No, they can come out later. Terrance will be the first to come.”

  “I will obey your order on one condition, Europa.” Seeing an opportunity to begin to rectify some of the past, Jeanip hurriedly created a condition to Terrance’s arrival that he knew Europa would agree to. “I would like for you to come downstairs and join your family as their monarch. If you agree to eat your meals here at the head of the table, then I will send someone to bring Terrance here this very morning.”

  “Misso, I’m ready for breakfast now,” Europa said, sitting down in her usual seat. “Oatmeal and coffee, please.” She looked at Jeanip as she said, “I am willing to be your monarch and sit at my rightful place at the head of this table. But I cannot sit in her place quite yet. I ask, Jeanip, that you allow me more time to adjust to her being gone.”

  “Agreed,” Jeanip stated. He understood how hard it would be for Europa to sit in her mother’s chair, to completely accept the fact she was gone. He knew with time she would heal and accept her rightful place as monarch. Without another word he turned, walked to the back door and rang the bell for Sunam. When Sunam came to the porch Europa heard him instruct Sunam to unlock the front gate and go into town and bring Terrance back.

  “I have one more request, Your Majesty,” Jeanip stated, as he returned to the table. “I would like to leave the fences electrified. Turning them off would allow someone or something to go over them and have access to the property. Even though we have motion and security detectors throughout the estate, I no longer trust their accuracy. We have recently discovered a number of devices purposely deactivated to prevent us from seeing activities being conducted in a certain section of the property. We have repaired the devices and the grid shows everything is working as it should but, until I can run a complete diagnosis of the system and develop a more sophisticated grid, I believe we should not trust what the grid is telling us. Therefore, we need to leave the fences electrified to keep out anyone trying to get in. Leaving the fences on will not interfere with the front gate being unlocked during the day.”

  “Make it so,” Europa replied, as Misso sat before her a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee.

 

  TERRANCE VISITS