by P. R. Garcia
SAFETY
After the wall of water knocked JeffRa over the cliff, it receded back into the pool it had emerged from and reshaped itself back into Medaron. “Mother, is that really you?” Europa asked, staring at a form of her mother totally made of lilac water. “How can this be?”
“Yes, it is me, Europa,” Medaron answered. “When I flowed out into the ocean I became part of her. The power of the Orbs, combined with my love for you three, has enabled me to reassemble the essence of who I was into a water creation of myself in order to protect you and end JeffRa’s reign of terror and revenge.”
“Will you be able to stay with us?” Earon asked.
“No, I am only able to take this form for a very short time. But know I will always be in the ocean and in the lilac waters of the pools.”
“But what do I do now, Mother?” Europa asked. “JeffRa killed Father and Jeanip is gravely injured. I am not able to summon the Orb’s power to heal him again. Plus, when JeffRa fell he took my backpack with him and the key to get inside Saint’s Isle. How can the three of us survive here alone?”
Medaron looked at her daughter and smiled. “Your father is not dead, My Beloved Child. We knew of JeffRa’s plot and it was necessary for JeffRa to believe he had killed his brother. Enok fell over on purpose so he would be ready to seize JeffRa when I pushed him over and take him somewhere from where he can never return.” Medaron turned to look at the stairway. “See, here is your father now.”
As the three young travelers moved their gaze from Medaron to the stairs, they saw Enok walking toward them. Europa and Earon ran to their father, dropping into his outstretched arms. He held them tightly, kissing each on the head. “I’m sorry I scared you,” he said. “I had to make JeffRa believe I was dead in order for our plan to work.”
“Is he really gone?” Europa asked, tears flowing down her face.
“Yes, My Dear Sweet Child,” Enok said. “JeffRa will never enter our lives again.”
Enok released his hold of his children and walked over to the water formation of Medaron. “Thank you for your help, My Most Beloved.” He raised his hand and gently touched her cheek, being careful not to break the water’s surface. “I could not have succeeded without your help. JeffRa’s execution has been carried out; something I should have done that day on Europa.”
“It is hard to execute the death sentence on someone you love so dearly.” Medaron placed her hand next to his on her cheek. “You are and always will be my only true love. I wait for the day when you will join me, but for now care for our children and live on, My Love.” Enok watched as the form of Medaron began to dissipate, her shape melting as the water flowed back into the pool it had come from. She was gone once again, returned to the lilac waters from which she had emerged.
Enok hurried over to the crumbled Jeanip and knelt down beside him. Terrance, Europa and Earon were already at his side, Europa having his hand inside of her own as she held the Orb. He was badly injured and was having difficulty breathing, a pool of purple blood growing in size beneath him.
“Father,” Europa said, looking into her father’s eyes. “I cannot make the Orb work in order to heal him. What am I doing wrong?”
“I do not think you are doing anything wrong, Europa,” Enok answered. “You used so much of the Orb’s and your power to keep the protection shield up you drained it, along with your own energy. You both need time to regenerate.”
“Is there nothing we can do for Jeanip?” Earon asked.
“Do not worry about me, Your Highnesses,” Jeanip weakly said in a low voice as he looked at Earon and Europa. “I accomplished my mission. I got you here and you are alive. I am ready to join the others in the ocean.” Jeanip raised his eyes to look at Enok. “Your Majesty, might I impose upon you to take me down to the ocean so I may complete my journey and flow into the Waters of Life.”
A tender look filled Enok’s face. “Jeanip, it would not be an imposition. It would be my honor to assist you. But today is not that day. I will take you down to the Ocean Complex where you can receive all the care and rest you need.”
“Enok, this is one order I cannot obey. I do not have the strength to transform into a sea creature to make the trip. And I cannot go in this human form.”
“My Dearest Friend, I will not allow you to die,” Enok said. “I have the box you brought Medaron in twenty years ago waiting for you. You will travel down to the Complex inside it in human form where a medical team is already waiting for you.” Enok reached up and lifted Medaron’s necklace with her amulet from around his neck. He had been wearing it along with his own since the day Jeanip had given it to him. Knowing Medaron’s amulet contained more power than all the other amulets put together, he tenderly lifted Jeanip’s head and placed it around Jeanip’s neck. “The power and magic inside Medaron’s amulet will keep you alive until I can get you down there,” Enok said.
“No, Sire,” Jeanip protested, his voice even weaker. “That is Medaron’s amulet. Only royals may wear the amulets.”
“So they may,” Enok said. “And, as of this day, you are a member of the royal family in recognition of your accomplishments over the past few weeks. You have saved the royal family and our future.”
Jeanip could think of no words to say to express the great pride he felt or the love and respect he had for Enok.
Enok reached out and took each of his children’s hands and asked them to put their free hand upon Jeanip. All closed their eyes as Europa somberly spoke the ancient healing words, “Ennay Benu Carif”. Immediately, the amulet around Jeanip’s neck began to glow, as did the ones around Enok and Earon’s necks, while Europa’s remained dark. Strings of light began to radiate outward from Jeanip’s amulet and enter his body, cascading through his veins and arteries, restoring his life force. The amulet was not powerful enough to heal Jeanip, but it would keep him alive until Enok could get him to the Complex.
Seeing Jeanip was breathing a little easier and his bleeding had stopped, Enok scooped Jeanip into his arms and carried him down to the cove, followed by Terrance, Europa and Earon. Graybin and Runbee were waiting there with the transportation box which would carry Jeanip to the Complex. Enok gently placed him inside, trying to make him as comfortable as possible. Graybin knelt and gave him an injection of the lilac water to help sustain him.
“Thank you for everything,” Europa said, knelling next to the transportation capsule, leaning forward and kissing Jeanip on the cheek. “Get well soon and hurry back. Remember, I still need you.”
“Same goes for me,” Earon said, likewise kneeling down to kiss Jeanip on the forehead. “I still have a lot you need to teach me.”
Terrance looked at Jeanip, wondering if he too should kiss him, then decided against it. Instead, he just said, “Thank you” and gently touched Jeanip’s shoulder.
Too weak to talk, Jeanip looked at his three charges, two tears escaping their hiding place in his eye and sliding down his cheek. Europa gently wiped away his tears with her fingers, then bent over and kissed him once more on the forehead. “I love you,” she whispered. She moved back from the capsule and raised her vision to her father’s face, nodding an affirmative to let him know he could close the lid. Enok shut the cover, then checked to see the oxygen-enriched atmosphere was working correctly and all seals had engaged. He then jumped into the water, ready to take Jeanip home.
“I will be back in two days,” he told the three. “You three wait for me in the house. Be sure to withdraw the walkway once you are in side.”
“Father, we have no way of getting inside,” Europa stated. “The key inside mother’s diary was in my backpack. JeffRa took it with him when he went over the side. How do we get in?”
“I have it,” Terrance announced, reaching into his backpack and retrieving Europa’s mother’s diary with the golden ship. “I didn’t like the way Cimbor, I mean JeffRa, was always hanging arou
nd you, wanting to carry your backpack. There were too many important things in there for us to lose. Plus, I didn’t really trust him. So, to ensure they were safe, I took your things out and put them in my backpack. I hope you’re not mad; I just wanted to be sure they were safe.”
Europa ran to Terrance, grabbing him in her arms, giving him a big hug. “Angry? I could kiss you for doing that.” And then she did. She kissed him deeply on the lips, forgetting for a moment her father was watching her. She broke the kiss and looked at her father, trying to figure out what he was thinking. “Sorry, Father. I got a little carried away.”
“No need to apologize, Europa,” Enok said. “If I was not already in the water I’d probably give him a kiss too.” Everyone laughed, even Terrance. “But, as Head Monarch, I must remind you it is not appropriate for the future ruler of the Oonocks to display such affection toward someone who is not her life’s mate in public.” He then winked at Europa and dove beneath the water, taking Jeanip with him.
Graybin and Runbee did not transform and follow Enok below, but remained in the water inside the cove. “Your Highnesses, we will remain here until we are sure you are inside,” Runbee said. “Once we see the walkway retract and the door close, we will exit the water and clothe ourselves.”
“Jeanip has explained to us the need for clothing when we are in human form around you,” Graybin reported. “Although we still do not understand the reasoning behind it, we will comply with Europa’s wishes.”
“Once we are clothed we will bring up the supplies from your boat,” Runbee continued. “We will advise you when we have everything outside the door and need entry inside.”
“There is no need for you to stay,” Earon said. “We will be fine, now that JeffRa is no longer a threat. We can bring the supplies up later.”
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but we cannot do that. Security protocol states an Oonock may not leave you unprotected when outside a secured environment,” Graybin stated. “JeffRa may be gone but there may still be dangers out there. With Jeanip gone it falls upon us to fulfill the obligation of protector. And the carrying in of supplies is not something monarchs are expected to do.”
“Since I’m not royalty, perhaps I can help you,” Terrance offered.
“You may not be royalty, Terrance, but you are Europa’s companion and her very abled protector. Your place is with her, so we ask that you go inside with Europa and Earon.”
“Thank you, Graybin,” Europa said. “You too Runbee. We welcome your protection and delivery of our supplies.”
“Remember, do not reopen the door until we tell you to,” Runbee said. “And I must insist on one more precaution. JeffRa was able to transform himself to look like someone else and we have no way of knowing if any of his followers might also possess that ability. Before you allow me entrance into the house you must ask me a question only I or Graybin would know.”
“Do you want me to tell you what the question will be now?”
“No, ask me when I am ready to enter,” Runbee replied. “That way you will know for sure if it is I or an imposter. Remember, I must answer your question correctly the first time. And do not open the door until after I have given you the correct response. Behind the doors you are unreachable; with the doors open you could be targeted. Do you understand, Your Majesty?”
“Yes, I understand.”
Turning to face Earon and Terrance, Runbee asked, “Earon and Terrance, do you understand these instructions and the necessity of Europa assuring our identity BEFORE the doors are opened?”
“Yes,” the two responded in unison. Terrance leaned over to Earon and whispered, “I think he may be worse than Jeanip was!”
“Do you really think we could still be in danger?” Europa asked, not sure if she could withstand another attack.
“That is not for me to decide,” Runbee said. “Only Enok can say when it is safe for you to be outside the protection of the house. For the moment I must proceed as if you are still in danger. Now, if you please, Your Highnesses, I ask that you go inside as your father requested.”
The three reclimbed the marble stairs and soon were standing outside the double golden doors to their home, a chasm barring their way. Terrance handed Europa her diary and she removed the golden ship broach pinned to the inside. She walked over to the keyhole in the column, taking a second look at the lilac pool her mother had occupied, hoping perhaps she was watching. She placed the key in the lock, took a step back and waited for the walkway to extend. Nothing happened. She looked at Earon, hoping he might know what was wrong.
“I do not know why it is not working,” Earon said. “I have never been here before either.”
Terrance took the diary from Europa’s hand, opening to the page where the golden ship had been. “Europa, there’s a notation here that reads ‘All must stand together before the stones and announce their arrival for permission to enter’. Do you remember when Jeanip told us to go inside? He said something too about the door asking us to announce ourselves. Maybe we have to tell it who we are before it will let us in.”
“It is worth a try,” Europa said. “Earon and Terrance, come stand next to me. Then say your names.” Terrance walked over and stood next to Europa. Earon followed and stood on her other side.
“I am Terrance Landers,” Terrance said, feeling a little silly at talking to a golden door.
“I am Prince Earon, son of Enok and Medaron, monarchs of the Oonocks,” Earon said.
“I am Queen Europa, daughter of Enok and Medaron, monarchs of the Oonocks,” Europa stated. “We ask for permission to enter.”
“Permission granted,” came a voice. They heard a low rumble sound, then the sound of turning gears. The ground began to tremble slightly beneath their feet as they saw a walkway begin to extend across the chasm. The double, golden doors slowly swung open to allow access to the house.
Upon stepping onto the walkway they heard a voice say, “Welcome Queen Europa and Prince Earon, offspring of Enok and Medaron Waters. Welcome Terrance Landers, companion and protector of Queen Europa and Prince Earon. You are invited to enter.”
Europa reached over and removed the golden ship from the keyhole and, together, the three walked across the walkway and entered the house. As they stepped onto the landing the walkway behind them disappeared once again. Earon and Terrance pushed the doors closed and watched as another keyhole appeared on the inside of the left door. Thinking it might be a lock, Europa placed the golden ship inside the keyhole and watched as the security bolt descended across the doors, securely locking them inside.
The three turned and stepped into what they believed was the entrance to the house. The spectacle that met their eyes was astonishing. The room was massive, with a large fountain of lilac water in the middle of the room made of white marble with a seat of soft yellow cushions circling the fountain. On each side of the fountain were curved white marble staircases leading to the second floor. The walls were a soft lilac, the floor a mosaic of lilac, purple, yellow and blue hues. Overhead, the ceiling was a giant aquarium filled with all kinds of marine life, some of which the three had never seen before. Somehow the water-filled ceiling reflected a warm light that bathed the room in soft illumination. Tall green palms and ferns were pleasingly placed around the room, as were several couches and chairs which looked as if they were the most comfortable furniture every made.
“This is unbelievable,” Terrance said, surveying the room.
“You can say that again,” Europa agreed. “Is this what the Complex looks like?” she asked Earon.
“It is pretty spectacular, but nothing like this,” Earon said. “Remember, the Complex is a water environment, not an air environment. We have furniture and plants, but totally different than those here.”
As they began to explore their new home they heard Graybin’s voice vibrate through the air, “Your Majesties, this is Graybin. We are ready to bring in the suppl
ies. Please open the door and extend the plank so we may enter.”
As they turned around to face the door they were startled to see that, although the door was still there, they were able to see Graybin and Runbee standing at the chasm with two loaders of supplies.
“How do we reopen the doors?” Europa asked.
“Try taking the key back out of the keyhole,” Terrance suggested. “But don’t forget to ask the security question first.”
Europa walked over to remove the golden ship from the door She heard Graybin and Runbee announce themselves to the house just as they had. Then she heard: “Queen Europa, do you wish to verify Graybin’s and Runbee’s identity?” It seemed the voice came from the door itself.
“Yes.”
“Please verify.”
Looking through the door at Graybin and Runbee, Europa asked, “As a small child of five I had a special ring I would toss you when we played in the ocean. What was the ring made of and what color was it?”
Without hesitation Runbee answered, “It was a bracelet you wore around your right wrist. It was made of puka beads and shells.”
“The shells were alabaster white and the beads were lilac. You had a matching necklace that you also wore sometimes,” Graybin added.
“Is that correct?” Terrance asked, hoping their answers were correct and this was not another attempt by the Terrians.
“Yes, that is correct,” she replied to Terrance. In a loud voice she stated. “I, Queen Europa, daughter of Enok and Medaron, true monarchs of the Oonocks, verify these two beings to be Graybin and Runbee. Please allow them to enter.” She removed the key. Slowly, the doors swung open and the walkway extended itself once again. Graybin and Runbee maneuvered the supply loaders across the walkway and into the house. Terrance and Europa stared at the loaders as they realized they were floating above the ground, void of any wheels. Once Graybin and Runbee were inside, the walkway again disappeared. Graybin and Runbee closed the doors and Europa replaced the golden ship back into the keyhole.
“Your rooms are on the second floor,” Graybin announced. “A room has already been selected for each of you, but if it is not to your liking you may select another one. The eating room and kitchen are off to the right of this room. To the left is a flower garden with a pool, if you wish to go swimming. There is a library on the second floor where you can do some reading while you’re here. After I put some of the supplies away, I will prepare you something to eat. I’m sure you must be hungry. I’ll have coffee ready in about five minutes and will bring you each a cup to your rooms. When dinner is ready I’ll announce for you to come downstairs.”
The three looked at each other, perplexed at Graybin’s announcement. “Are you not returning to the ocean?” Europa asked.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, I thought you understood,” Runbee said, lifting a box off the loader. “We will be your house help until Enok can arrange for a replacement for Misso and Jeanip.”
“Is there anything special you would like for dinner?” Graybin asked.
“No, anything will be fine,” Earon said, grateful he would not have to try cooking something to eat.
“Then upstairs with the three of you,” Graybin said with a big smile. “There are fresh towels in your bathrooms if you wish to freshen up.”
The three exhausted travelers climbed the marble stairs to the second floor. They anticipated there would be elaborate rooms to choose from, but they were not prepared to see each of their names engraved on golden plates mounted on three separate doors.
“Looks like this room is mine,” Earon said, placing his hand on the door knob of the door bearing his name. “This should prove interesting. Would you two like to see what someone thinks I might like?” Earon turned the door knob and opened the door. Upon stepping through the door, the room lights were raised automatically. He stopped as he surveyed the large room, astounded at the sight before his eyes. “I do not believe this,” he said in amazement and awe. “This is my room from the Ocean Complex.” He turned to face Europa, a shocked look clearly written on his face. “These are all my things I left down there twenty years ago. Look, here’s my old geezba,” he said, picking up a weird-looking musical instrument. He strummed the strings and a not-so-beautiful sound emerged from the instrument. “It is meant to be played underwater. Believe it or not, it really has a beautiful tone to it. I will take you two out to the pool one day and play you a song underwater. I guarantee you will be impressed.” He paused for a minute as something else caught his eye. “You have got to be kidding me,” Earon said, as he ran and jumped on the bed. “This is just like my bed at home, I mean the Complex, except it has been changed to exist in air instead of water. And that is my table too.” Earon said, continuing to look around the room, recognizing more and more things of his. “Come on, we have to go check your room out,” he said to Europa, as he grabbed her hand and ran with her to the door bearing her name, Terrance right behind them.
When they reached her door the three travelers stopped. Earon dropped his sister’s hand and anxiously awaited for her to open the door, eager to see what her room looked like. Europa reached out to turn the door knob then stopped, as if frozen in time.
“Is something wrong?” Terrance asked, wondering why she hadn’t opened the door.
“No,” Europa answered, staring at the door in front of her. “My room and all my belongings, along with Mother’s, were destroyed when Minnos was. There is no way any of my things can be inside.”
“Come on, Sis,” Earon encouraged. “After some of the things we have seen these past few days, anything is possible.”
Europa turned the knob and slowly opened the door. As she stepped inside the lights rose just as they had in Earon’s room. Earon and Terrance heard her gasp and then she took a step backwards. “This is impossible,” she said, almost in a whisper.
“Go in, Europa,” Earon said, eager to see what she saw. “I want to see what is inside.”
Europa entered followed immediately by Earon and Terrance. Again, none could believe the scene before their eyes. Europa’s room was an exact copy of her bedroom at Minnos, the bedroom that had been destroyed in the explosion several days earlier. Her bed contained the same pillows, the same stuffed animals and the same coverlet. On her dresser was the music box her mother had given her on her thirteenth birthday. She walked over to the closet and slid open the door. Duplicates of her lost clothing hung in the closet, along with another red backpack. It was if she had never left her room.
“Look, Europa,” Earon said, pointing to two nails on a blank wall. “There are even the nails where you had hung those ugly Dumbo Octopus pictures.”
“How is this possible, Earon?” Europa asked her brother.
“I do not know,” he answered softly. “I know our technology is far superior to humans, but this is far more advanced than anything I have ever seen.”
“Well, after your two rooms I can guarantee you my room is going to be a letdown,” Terrance said.
“Let us go see,” Earon said, eager to see what the house had to offer for Terrance. “If Europa’s room is her room that no longer exists, I am sure your room was a breeze to create.”
The three walked down to the door marked ‘Terrance’. Terrance opened the door and stepped in, expecting to find a nicely furnished room. He too was shocked at what he saw. “What is this place?” Terrance asked. “Are you guys magical or something?”
“Why do you say that?” Europa asked Terrance, looking around at the very nicely furnished room, although a little rough for her taste. “It is a very nice room. It suits you.”
“It should,” Terrance agreed. “It has suited me for ten years. This is a replica of my bedroom back in Australia.”
“Australia?” Earon said. “There is no way anyone could have known what your room looked like back there.”
“This is freaky,” Europa said, now a little uneasy abo
ut the house.
“Remember I told you we are telepathic,” Earon said, trying to come up with an explanation for the rooms. “Perhaps someone was able to read Terrance’s mind and simulate his room.”
“Well, that makes me feel better,” Terrance stated, now thinking he might have to worry about people reading his mind. “I could have gone my entire life without hearing THAT suggestion.”
Just then they heard Graybin coming down the hall with a cart containing three trays of coffee, condiments and a few cookies. She pushed the cart up to Terrance’s door, lifted one of the trays off the cart and carried it inside, placing it on a small table. “Are you rooms not to your liking?” she asked, seeing the odd expressions on their faces. “There are other rooms if you would like to select something different.”
“No, they are fine,” Europa said. “We are just a little, well, shocked at how they look like each of our rooms at home.”
“A lot of care was taken to provide you with a room you would feel comfortable in,” Graybin explained. “Jeanip was able to give us the details on your room, Europa, several days after your mother died. And Enok supplied us with your things, Earon. Both of your rooms have been ready for over a week. Terrance’s room was a bit harder to accomplish.”
“Please don’t tell me someone read my mind,” Terrance said.
Graybin looked at her curiously. “Terrance, we don’t read people’s minds,” Graybin said, wondering why he would think such an odd thought. “Although that would have been easier. The reality is, two Waters went down to Australia and visited your mother and recorded detailed notes of what your room looked like.”
“They visited my mother?” Terrance asked. “Might I ask what excuse they gave for visiting her?”
“Actually, you supplied the excuse,” Graybin said. “Your letter to your mother stated you had joined the Secret Service and would be gone on a top secret mission. They told her they were there to do a final background check on you. She accepted the story with no hesitation.”
“My letter? But I just wrote that three days ago. There is no way it could have reached her already,” Terrance stated, unable to comprehend how his mother could have already seen the letter.
“We Oonocks do things rapidly,” Graybin answered. “She had your letter the day after you wrote it. We talked to her that same evening. Your room was furnished last night.” With that said, Graybin turned and left his room, pushing the cart down to Europa’s room. She removed another tray from the cart and stood waiting for Europa, feeling her explanation of Terrance’s room was more than satisfactory. “Your Highnesses, if I might have you return to your rooms,” she said. “Or if you are not ready, may I have your permission to enter?”
“Yes, please feel free to go in.” Europa turned toward Terrance and said, “Are you okay?”
“Except for the fact I think I’m about to pass out, yes, I am fine,” he replied. “We’ve been through some really freaky things these past few days, but I have to admit, having an exact duplicate of my room may be the freakiest of all.”
“It is weird,” Europa agreed. “Do you want another room?”
“No, I’ll keep this one. If it gets too uncomfortable staying in here then I’ll try another one.”
“That sounds like a good plan,” Europa responded. “I think I am going to freshen up before dinner. I will see you downstairs.” She turned and walked down to her room. Graybin had sat the tray on the desk and was pouring Europa a cup of coffee as she entered.
“Would you like me to run you a bath?” Graybin asked. “The water here is very refreshing.”
“Perhaps later,” Europa answered. “Graybin, may I ask you a question?”
“Anything, Your Highness,” Graybin answered.
“Does everyone who stays here get a room that is modeled after something from their past?” Europa asked, intrigued by the possibility of what the other rooms might look like.
“Other people?” Graybin inquired, a little perplexed at the question. “You three are the first to ever stay here.”
“No one has ever stayed here before us?” Europa asked, not sure she heard correctly.
“No,” Graybin replied. “Saint’s Isle was built for you and your brother. It is a sanctuary for the royal family. Your parents ordered it built the day they discovered your mother was carrying you. They were never willing to take a chance JeffRa was dead, so, to protect you, they had this place built where JeffRa could not reach you.”
“But what about the caregivers? Don’t they stay here on the property?”
“Caregivers? There are no caregivers.”
“But who takes care of the gardens, the fish and the house?”
“No one, Your Highness. It takes care of itself.”
“I see,” Europa said, trying to imagine how that was possible.
Graybin stepped back into the hallway and picked up two items from the cart. She carried them into the room and laid them on the bed. “I took the liberty of bringing up your Mother’s paintings of the Dumbo Octopus. I will leave them here on the bed for you. If you have no further need of me, I will take my leave of you,” Graybin stated. “I still have Earon’s coffee to deliver and dinner to complete. Dinner will be ready in two hours.”
“Yes, by all means,” Europa said, gesturing her hand toward the door so Graybin would know it was okay to leave. “Thank you for bringing up the paintings and your information.”
Graybin pushed her cart down to Earon’s room and carried the last tray inside and placed it on the large blue speckled rock next to his chair. Earon walked in behind her. Graybin immediately poured Earon a cup of coffee when she saw him enter.
“Would you like me to run you a bath before dinner?” Graybin asked. “Or would you prefer to wait until later?”
“I’ll wait until after dinner,” Earon replied. Graybin thought how alike the two siblings were.
“Then I take my leave of you, Your Majesty,” Graybin stated. “Dinner will be served in one hour and fifty-six minutes.” She turned and left the room, closing the door behind her. She pushed her now empty cart over to the elevator and returned to the kitchen to complete dinner.
____________
The three explored their new rooms, then got ready for dinner. As each stepped into the hallway, they heard Graybin’s voice announce dinner was ready. They looked around to see where the voice was coming from. It was almost as if her voice floated on the air. Unable to determine where the voice came from, they descended the staircase, hand in hand, and headed toward the kitchen. As they entered the kitchen, they thought how much it resembled the one at Minnos. There was a large fireplace at the far end with a sitting area. A large wooden table covered with dishes of food stood in the middle of the room with ten chairs; four on each side and one on each end. Several overhead lights hung above the table while a large bouquet of flowers in a lilac crystal vase adorned its middle. The cupboards were made of oak with white marble countertops with waves of lilac swirled through them. The wall opposite the stove and cupboards was made of glass, allowing one to see the gardens and the cascading waterfalls.
“Please have a seat,” Graybin stated, as she dished up the last few food items. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I made a variety of things I hope suits your palates. Once I learn your likes and dislikes I can customize the menu for you.”
Europa and Terrance sat down on one side, Earon sat down opposite them. They looked over the massive array of food gracing the table. Graybin had prepared hamburgers, chicken, fish, sushi, several vegetables, French fries and mashed potatoes with gravy. There were plates of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, several types of breads and two kinds of salad. Several bowls were filled with fresh fruit with a side dish of caramel and chocolate dipping sauces. Pitchers of milk and water were on the table plus two containers of coffee. Several delicious deserts sat on the far counter for indulgence after dinner. Graybin had tr
uly outdone herself. The last bowl of food she carried to the table and placed it next to Earon. “Here you are, Earon. This one is just for you.”
Earon looked at it curiously, thinking how much it resembled dog food. He lifted the bowl and took a smell. It even smelt like dog food. “Graybin, would you please tell me what kind of food this is.”
“As I mentioned before, I wasn’t sure what you three preferred to eat,” Graybin responded. “And I knew you lived the past twenty years as a canine, so I thought perhaps you preferred this round, hard nuggets to human food.”
“I assure you, I preferred human food over this even when I WAS a canine,” Earon said. He looked at Europa, who was trying not to laugh. But when she met Earon’s eyes she began to laugh hysterically. Earon too began laughing, then Terrance joined in. They were laughing so hard Terrance actually snorted, which made them laugh all the harder. All the stress, anxiety and fear of the past few days that had been held inside them broke free as the sound of laughter filled the house. Perplexed, Graybin and Runbee looked at each other. Humor and laughter were part of an Oonock’s character, but neither of them could understand what was so funny.
“Did I do something wrong?” asked a very confused Graybin, staring at the three laughing youths.
Unable to answer due to the laughing, Earon waved his hands in the air and shook his head negatively.
“Oh, my sides are hurting,” Terrance laughed. “Will you two please stop?”
Finally the siblings were able to get their laughter under control. They debated about explaining to Graybin and Runbee what they were laughing about, but just the thought of telling it started them laughing again.
Europa gave a deep sigh, finally able to stop laughing for the second time. “Oh, that felt good,” she said. “Mother always said laughter was the best medicine for what ails you.”
“And she was right,” Earon added. Turning to look at Graybin, he added, “Let me assure you, Graybin, you did nothing wrong. In fact, you could not have done anything more perfect.”
“Then we’ll leave you to your dinner,” Runbee said. “If you need anything please let us know.” Runbee followed Graybin to the kitchen sink to start cleaning the pans and skillets she had used in preparing the meal.
“Aren’t you going to join us?” Terrance asked, unaware helpers seldom sit at the table with the royal family.
“Yes, please do,” Europa said. “I know it is against royal etiquette, but we, I mean I, would really like some company. With Jeanip at the Complex and Mother and Misso gone, it seems so terribly lonely here at the table with just us three. Would you please indulge us tonight and join us like we were a real family?”
Seeing the loneliness in Europa’s eyes, Graybin and Runbee agreed to dine with them. “We seldom eat human food,” Runbee said, “but we would be honored to sit and dine with you.”
“Thank you,” Europa said. “It means a lot. Before we start, I would like to give thanks for surviving and making it here to Saint’s Isle. And for Jeanip’s quick recovery.”
“And for Mr. Dark Feather’s,” Terrance added.
“And for Mr. Dark Feather’s,” Europa repeated, glad Terrance remembered to add his name to the blessing. “If you would please take the hand of the person next to you.” Everyone reached over and held the hand of the person seated next to them and lowered their heads. “Thank you for watching over us these past few days and helping us reach safety. Please watch over Jeanip and Mr. Dark Feather. Help them get better quickly. Help the medical personnel find a cure for my father so he can join us here. And please watch over the Oonocks, especially Graybin and Runbee, and bring them long life and happiness. Amen.”
“Amen,” Terrance and Earon said.
The food looked and smelled delicious. The three travelers sat for the next hour with their two guardians enjoying each other’s company and the delicious food Graybin had prepared, talking about the house, its gardens and the beautiful ocean. Thus began their first night on Saint’s Isle, safe and secure.
