Box Set #4: Sisterhood's End: [The 3 book 4th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood]

by Robert Iannone

  K’ssss h’ssssed. “Nonsense. That was actually quite amusing. I can see that you and Bl’azzz are going to be particularly close. She shares your . . . highly developed wit.” Then she turned back to Serenity. “Why did you choose an avatar of Egg?”

  “We needed a seventh sister for our upcoming adventure. Having Egg along seemed like the right thing to do.”

  “You did a remarkable job . . . however the color seems a little off.”

  “I was in a hurry.”

  “No matter. What did you wish to discuss?”

  “Quantum sub-space instabilities and neutrino flux in an artificial singularity.”

  “Interesting. My father and brother are both experts in the field. Perhaps I can get them to join us.”

  “That would be . . . epic.”

  And Serenity did what she probably had never done before in her life . . . she got everyone to laugh.

  *****

  The Wind’dancer Village

  It was quite the scene. When BreeZee alighted in the center of the village, the entire Wind’dancer population flew (okay, okay, I mean sailed) out to greet her. The poor girl was engulfed in a throng of well-wishers all talking at once.

  “OUT OF MY WAY,” screamed a familiar voice. And like Moses parting the Red Sea, a path magically opened up between father and daughter.

  “Daddy,” and the girl flew (yes, this time she flew) into the man’s outstretched arms.

  BreeZee had no qualms about her tears . . . the loving embrace of one’s family often does that. Zephyr, on the other hand, was the leader of the clan. One should expect that he could control such silly emotions.

  But he couldn’t and tears of joy slipped down his cheeks. “Oh, baby, it’s so good to see you.”

  “And you Daddy. Where’s Mom?”

  “I believe that would be me,” whispered Azure. She walked up to her husband and virtually pushed him out of her way. “Come here, my love,” and she hugged her daughter.

  “I wasn’t finished,” teased the Zephyr.

  “Yes you were. That goes for all of you,” she called to the villagers. “We’ll have a town meeting in a few hours and Bree can tell you all about her adventures. Until then, a little privacy would be nice.” Like any mother protecting her young, Azure glared defiantly at her fellow ‘Dancers. With a buzz of unintelligible murmurs, the crowd reluctantly dispersed.

  “Mom, are you the new Wind’dancer Clan Leader?” teased her daughter. “I heard the last one got too old and too grumpy so he was thrown out of office.”

  Her father harrumphed. “Nice. You go gallivanting around the galaxy and the first thing you do is give me grief. That was hurtful.” Unfortunately, the large smile on his face ruined his attempt at gaining any sympathy.

  “Oh shush, you big foolish man. Come on, let’s go home. I want Bree all to myself.”

  *****

  A few hours later, BreeZee finished telling her parents about the previous year and a half.

  “Incredible,” beamed her father. “This is the same girl who couldn’t face an Ascension Storm.” He smiled then turned serious. “You are the same girl, right?”

  “Oh, Daddy.”

  “I’m serious. Maybe an alien took control of your mind.”

  “Well that could never happen to you,” said his wife.

  “Why not?”

  “You obviously don’t have a mind. Somewhere along the way you lost it.”

  They all chuckled then sat back and let the contented silence wash over them. On earth when parents lose their only child . . . when they go off to college, or start a career or, heavens forbid, get married and raise their own family . . . they’re called empty nesters.

  For Wind’dancers who for all intent and purpose lived in nests (of a sort) in a big tree, it really was the appropriate description. And it was just as painful . . . though the pain was mitigated by the pride they felt in their child achieving their personal goals.

  “So, where to next?” asked her father. “I assume you’re here for only a short time.”

  It was still hard for BreeZee to accept that she had to live her life as she saw fit . . . without her parents. “Um, some of us are traveling to Paradox to help Spirit,” and she explained what was happening.

  “Egg isn’t going?”

  “No, Daddy. In fact, she put me in charge.” She then explained the why of it.

  Zephyr knew he had to be supportive, but this didn’t feel right to him. As much as he loved his daughter, he didn’t think she was ready to lead a contingent of girls (okay, young women) in battle against a race of mutants. He was also a very wise leader . . . and father. “I couldn’t be more proud of you. For Egg to do that, she must have great faith in your abilities.”

  Bree looked down at her hands to avoid her father’s eyes. “I guess.”

  “Well, I don’t . . .,” began Azure but stopped when her husband glared at her. “I mean to say that Egg was smart enough to put the best person in charge.”

  “I’m not sure she did.”

  Before his wife could say anything, Zephyr asked his daughter, “You’re a little afraid, aren’t you . . . not of the conflict but of letting your sisters down?”

  Bree looked up. “Yes.”

  “What do the other girls say?”

  “They’re very reassuring . . . but that’s just what we do. We’re a sisterhood and we support each other no matter what.”

  “Egg is a pretty unique individual, isn’t she?”

  “Oh, Daddy . . . there’s no one like her in the universe. She’s just so amazing.”

  “In what way?”

  “In every way. She really cares about each of us and knows what to say or do to make us feel better. She is braver than anyone I ever met. She’s not yet fourteen but she’ll stand up to anybody. It she feels fear, she never shows it. She’s willing to sacrifice herself for any of us. Her flying suit is incredibly important to her but she wouldn’t hesitate to give it up if it would help a sister. She always knows what to do regardless of the situation. If her plan doesn’t work, she laughs and comes up with another one. If she doesn’t know something, she asks for help from the rest of us. We always feel like we make a contribution – not just blind followers. Daddy, I can never be like her. Never.”

  “Then don’t.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Be yourself. Try to use your experience with Egg to help guide you. But when it comes to making a decision, do what you think is best.”

  “That’s what Spirit said.”

  “Good advice.”

  “No it’s not. We’re not the Hameggattic Sisterhood without Egg. She’s more than our leader. She’s our heart and our soul. I would dearly love to help Spirit . . . but I don’t think we can.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I promised Egg I would make her proud. I can’t disappoint her.”

  There was an awkward silence while Zephyr gathered his thoughts. “Can I suggest that before you and your friends fly off to Paradox, you come back here and share your plans with me? I’ll invite Howl and the two of us will critique your strategy – offer suggestions if possible.”

  BreeZee desperately wanted to say yes. Instead, she said “No, thank you. Egg would never do such a thing. If my first act as leader is to ask my father for help . . . I might just as well give up my position.” She waited for his counter argument.

  “Getting advice from a more experienced person is never wrong. But, ironically, you would have to have experience to know that. So, I won’t argue that point. However, you are still trying to be Egg. Just because she wouldn’t do it does not mean that you shouldn’t.”

  “Yeah, it does Daddy. Maybe later after I’ve proven myself. Until then, regardless of what they say, they would want me to do just as Egg would do.”

  “Bree, I love you and want to support you in this. But you’re asking me to leave you be. This is not an Ascension Storm where there was no choice. It’s not a trip to the Tea Ke
ttle for a little dangerous fun. This is a life and death struggle. I can’t do ‘nothing’.

  Secretly BreeZee wanted to hear just what her father said. To him she replied, “I’m sorry Daddy . . . Mom . . . but your little girl needs to try. Please don’t be mad.”

  “We’re not mad. I’ll say it again . . . we’re very proud of you.”

  “Then wish me luck.”

  Regardless of what his daughter desired, Zephyr – as her father – had to do something to protect his little girl because that’s what she would always be to him.

  Chapter 3 – Magical Mystery Tour

  After Egg left, Meggy excused herself, returning within minutes with her younger brother. To his annoyance, she had refused to answer any questions . . . this way Sylvia could have the pleasure of telling him.

  As they entered, Sylvia smiled but curtsied. Grammy did the same leaving poor Ezra just standing their staring at the blue-skinned Prince. When he noticed his companions showing their respect, he quickly offered a small bow – feeling very self-conscious about the archaic gesture.

  “Please, that is not necessary. You are family.”

  “In that case . . .” Sylvia went up to the handsome young man and gave him a warm hug. He returned it with equal enthusiasm.

  When they separated, he asked, “Where is Egg?”

  “The Empress sent for her.”

  The young man’s face showed a trace of the anger he was feeling. “These are trying times for my family and my people. I am sorry to have the Sisterhood . . . and you Eloise . . . caught in the middle of this unpleasantness.”

  “Not your fault, your Majesty. May I take a moment to introduce my dear friend? Ezra, this is Prince Ben’Edikk, M’egg-Alynnia’s younger brother.”

  “Your Highness,” and the earthman bowed again.

  “I would prefer a handshake from any friend of Eloise’s,” and he walked forward and extended his arm. Ezra smiled and shook the proffered hand. “Now, was there a particular reason for my dearest sister to commandeer me other than to greet old friends?”

  “Egg would like you to do her a small favor,” answered Sylvia.

  “Indeed. What would that be?”

  “She wants you to escort me to . . .,” and the girl paused for effect, “. . . to Sighing Whorl.”

  The Prince’s face lit up like a little boy who was just invited to visit a candy store. “Well of course I will. When? Now?” That was a very un-prince-like response.

  “Sir, does not the purpose of such a visit pique your interest?” teased his sister.

  “What? Well . . . of course. I mean certainly. Um . . . why are we going?” Still rather un-prince-like.

  “Egg wants to use Sighing Whorl as a meeting place . . . out of sight of the Empress. We need to ask the Tree for permission.”

  “The Hameggattic Sisterhood is to help us? I am so grateful,” and the poor boy couldn’t mask the relief he felt.

  “We’re going to try. Not all of us are on planet . . . I’ll explain on the way.”

  “Then we shall leave immediately,” and he started to virtually jog out the door.

  Meggy cleared her throat loudly and Ben’Edikk came to a sudden stop. He turned around, bowed to the other two guests and said, “I do apologize . . . but I really must be going.”

  “Go, brother . . . and Ben’Edikk.”

  “Yes?”

  “Enjoy your conversation with the Tree.”

  His eyes grew wide at that wonderful prospect. He grabbed Sylvia’s hand and pulled her out the door. The girl smiled over her shoulder at the others and she managed to wave before they disappeared out of sight.

  Meggy returned the smile and said, “A tad eager, if I am not mistaken.”

  “You never did explain who or what exactly is this tree? And . . . and why is the Prince so anxious to talk to it? And what is Sighing Whorl? And . . . and . . . what is going on?”

  “Ezra, since I am to be your tour guide, Eloise and I will be able to answer all your questions. Come . . . first stop is the Galleria of the Hameggattic Sisterhood.”

  *****

  They had flown on the back of one of Ben’Edikk’s semi-royal friends. They landed at the edge of the gray mist that surrounded the valley and disembarked.

  “Py’wackit, you must wait here.”

  “As you wish, your Majesty,” replied the disappointed dragon. To the girl, he asked “Sylvia, was this your first ride on the back of a dragon? It wasn’t too frightening, I hope.”

  Before she could answer, the Prince cried, “Good grief, man. Do you not know the history of the Hameggattic Sisterhood? Of course, she’s flown on a dragon. In fact it was on Soar’elle right here at Sighing Whorl you dunce.”

  “I am sorry but . . . No, never mind.”

  “Please Py, finish,” coaxed the Earth girl.

  “No, it would have been rude.”

  Sylvia laughed good-naturedly. “Let me guess. You forgot I was a Hameggattic Sister because I look so ordinary . . . the furthest thing from a hero.”

  “Of course, he did not,” insisted Ben’Edikk. “Tell her,” commanded his friend.

  “Well . . . I . . . um . . .,” stammered the embarrassed dragon.

  “It’s okay, Py. There were only two of us who ever looked the part. Dazzle when the Tree returned her spirit to her body and Meggy after she was burned rescuing the Wind’dancers.”

  “Sylvia, your fame as Egg’s Feminion is well deserved. And . . . when you refer to the Queen as Dazzle and the Princess as Meggy, it really and truly drives home the fact that you are a Heroine of Aerianna. It has been my pleasure to deliver you to Sighing Whorl.”

  At the mention of their location, Ben’Edikk remembered why they were here. “Yes, yes, lovely speech. Good save and all that. Now, let us not keep the Tree waiting. Sylvia, I defer to you,” and he pointed at the gray fog. He didn’t mention that he was afraid to enter first in case the Tree denied him access.

  “We’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said to Py then gave him a big hug. “Let’s go, Benny,” and she grabbed his hand and pulled him into Sighing Whorl before he could complain about being addressed that way.

  However, Py’wackit had heard and he promised himself he would never let his friend forget it.

  The two followed an illuminated path obviously provided by the Tree. When they reached it, the Tree said, “Welcome Sylvia and you, Prince Ben’Edikk.”

  The poor boy could have cried with joy at being recognized by the Myst Tree. “Thank you, Sir.”

  “Tree will suffice.”

  “Hey, Tree. Thanks for seeing us. I guess you know what’s going on with the Empress and all that?”

  “Indeed. Very disturbing.”

  “Egg would like to be able to use Sighing Whorl as a base of operations . . . some place where Violetta can’t spy on us.”

  “She is very clever. Unfortunately, it will not work.”

  “Why not.”

  “Old age.”

  “I don’t understand?”

  The tree did not answer.

  Ben’Edikk found the courage to ask “Sir . . . I mean Tree . . . do you have any advice for the Sisterhood and myself as to tactics to undo this perilous situation?”

  “You can have no part in what is to come.”

  “I must object . . .,” started the boy but Sylvia tugged at his arm so hard he actually said ‘ouch’. She shook her head ‘no’.

  “That goes for Egg and you, Feminion.”

  “What?”

  “However, when hatred turns to love, anything is possible.”

  “What now?” asked a confused Prince.

  “Remember that knowledge is power. Eliminate the former and you eliminate the later.”

  “And how does one eliminate knowledge?” interrupted the Prince.

  “As you just did, of course.”

  Sylvia knew the Tree well enough from their prior encounters to realize he was finished with his advice . . . whatever the heck it was. “Thank
you, Tree.”

  Typically, this would have ended their communications. But the Tree chose to say one more thing. “Ben’Edikk, you do your parents proud.”

  The young man smiled and stood up a little straighter. “Thank you . . . Sir.”

  “Tree will suffice.”

  *****

  The Galleria of the Sisterhood

  They stood staring at the image of Mobius . . .

  . . . and Ezra’s mouth hung open. “Are you telling me that your granddaughter and her friends defeated him?”

  “Twice actually.”

  “How in blue blazes could they do that?”

  “Well, it was considerably more difficult the first time when he possessed the Crystal Egg,” answered the Princess.

  “Which is what?”

  “An artifact of unlimited power. Let me briefly explain . . .” and she went on to tell the story of Aerianna up until the Myst Tree put her mother’s spirit into the flying suit and was taken to earth.

  Ezra just shook his head in disbelief. “If someone wrote a book about this, it would be considered a child’s fairy tale.”

  “Oh, I do wish Disney’s Pixar would make a movie about it,” answered Grammy. “I can picture it now on the big screen . . . ‘The Story of Flying Girl’. Hmmm, who could they get to do my voice?”

  “Snap out of it woman,” teased Ezra, “and finish the story. How did they defeat such a cretin like this – especially when he possessed all the power in the world?”

  Grammy looked at Meggy and they both giggled.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Egg beat him with a glue stick.”

  “What?”

  “Mobius and my mother were dueling with swords. Though she is an expert at such things, Mobius was just too big and powerful. As he brought his weapon down for the final blow, Egg sprayed him with a glue-like substance from a device she had conceived. The poor fellow froze in mid-swing.”