The Gift of Volkeye

by Marque Strickland

  Luckily, Asha shook her head and said, “No, Tesh...use the boots. Focus.”

  At this, Teshunua looked to his feet, concentrating. Transform…transform…

  The change started at the top, above the knee, circling all the way down until his legs no longer resembled a black, metal skeleton. They now appeared as fashionable, heavy-looking boots, lavishly decorated with metal.

  Excellent! Teshunua thought as he let his pants legs down. Though his feet made loud clunking sounds with every step, eliminating all possibilities of stealth, he didn’t mind. He knew that if he ever needed to sneak up on anyone, he’d scale a wall towards them, or simply reach one hundred feet into the distance, and snap their neck from behind. Simple as that.

  “Thank you, Asha. You’ve got quite the imagination…you’re as talented as Zynathian!”

  “Hah!” Zynathian yelled, disputing the statement. “Woman, don’t you dare think of agreeing with him!”

  “I may not be as smart, but I’m definitely better looking, you old beastly fart!”

  “I second that motion!” Khyetarah Vyx Mune spoke up, defending her. Everyone laughed.

  They wove their way through the ships in the arena, finally making it to the exit. The shield rose and, before them, was an immensely long hallway, enclosed in weatherproof glass. As they entered, they looked through the glass into the distance, finding Mechs still working on projects on either side.

  They walked along, pulling off their winter garments, as they were now unnecessary it was so warm here. Over the last couple of weeks, Maugrimm had learned to deal with the warmer temperatures when up and about during the day. He was glad, too, as it appeared that Belch had modified the temperature of the entire complex to match that of human’s taste. Now he merely needed frigid temperatures in his private quarters in order to sleep well. Maugrimm supposed he’d have to sleep outside while they were here, unless Belch kept accommodations for him in mind.

  They came to the shield that would bid them entrance to the new Igloo. It slid upwards, and no one could withhold his or her awe. They had entered a plush sitting room with a bar, several couches, reclining chairs, and tables. There was over a dozen people playing cards, smoking cigars, or enjoying their drinks. For the first time ever, they could see the ceiling. There were no ice stalactites, but thousands upon thousands of colourful rocks, which Zynathian knew were natural stones. He was curious as to where the Mechs had traveled to find such pieces.

  The bartender stared at them. “My god, have you all escaped from Mashyuvah?” he asked in a panicking voice.

  “No, not quite. However, we do know all about the situation,” Zynathian answered him. “I’m Zynathian Volkeye.”

  The entire room went silent, and one man even dropped his glass of whiskey in surprise. He and the other two at his table watched everyone rise to shake Zynathian’s hand. Even the bartender came from the around the counter to greet him.

  “Bless you, man! You’re a god amongst us humans, and we’re all deeply in your debt!”

  “I’ve been wondering for years whether or not you were real…it’s a blessing to see that you do exist. I’m honored, Master Volkeye…we all are.”

  “I merely did for you what was important to me as a human being, that’s all,” Zynathian answered, looking about the room and nodding with satisfaction. “I’m pleased that you all find these living arrangements to your liking. It’s our first time seeing it anew.”

  “Well, we must show you the place then, eh?” the bartender said. “Somebody give ‘em a tour!”

  They all jumped at the idea. Zynathian was flattered. “I take it you all are from the Trio? Which towns?”

  “I’m Sundry, from Dohrm.”

  “Elliot, of Mheep.”

  “I’m Bobo, the bus driver…Rhylix. I transported some from my town to these parts, including Annie and her mother, Sam.” He looked to the girls, giving his unforgettable, toothless smile. “How you ladies doing? Remember me?” They each came forward and gave him a warm hug. “The trip wasn’t easy, but we made it all right.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bobo,” Zynathian said.

  They’d now met everyone in the room, except three standing off to the side. The man who’d dropped his whiskey came forward. He was young, perhaps only mid-thirties.

  “I’m Alex, and I’m not from the Trio. I’m actually from Mashyuvah. Before leaving the city, I sent a message to my cousins to let them know of everything that was happening.” He paused a moment, smiling and scratching his head. “It’s funny how small the world is…turns out, they know you,” Alex said, motioning his cousins forward.

  Tears welled up in Zynathian’s eyes as he saw the first of them. The life changing events that day at Beazul’s market quickly flashed before his eyes.

  “Nigel!” Zynathian said, embracing him. “My god, it’s been twenty years, mate! I thought I’d never see you again!”

  “I told you if I ever found out you needed me, I would come running. Here I am,” Nigel said. He looked over and found Maugrimm twenty years older, yet he hadn’t aged a day!

  “How ya’ doing there, matey?” Maugrimm scooped him up in his arms, cradling him. “I’ve missed you all this time. Where ya’ been?”

  “We settled far across the Mashyuvian Ocean…the other side of the world. I wanted to be someplace where I could watch over my daughter and never be bothered again. I did well enough, selling my share of the market to my partners. We’ve had more than enough to live on ever since.”

  They all turned and found Reena (now thirty-two-years-old) and Zynathian staring at each other. He was overwhelmed to see how well she looked after nearly dying on him. However, he was slightly nervous to ask about her spirits, as he didn’t want to be improper. Exactly how do you ask a woman how she’s coped with life after having her vagina split open by creatures?

  “How are things? Are you well?” Zynathian asked tactfully.

  “I’m well enough,” Reena answered, sobbing.

  From her vague answer, Zynathian concluded that although he’d healed her body, he could never heal Reena emotionally.

  He was right. Never in her life had Reena taken a male lover, though she’d had many pursue her. She wanted nothing at all to do with the male species, being distant with most of them, except for her father and Zynathian, of course. It was female lovers that suited her. In fact, Reena was engaged to one, a woman named Lux, who trained her in medicine. (Lux was presently looking to the man that lost his arm to a Karnov in the attack on Mashyuvah.)

  Reena was still sobbing as she embraced Zynathian, never having forgotten his kindness to her. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said.

  “You look wonderful,” Zynathian replied.

  “I am wonderful. I’m with a beautiful woman, who takes good care of me and even trained me in medicine.”

  “Your field is medicine? Good! I have great need of people like you!”

  “That’s why I’m here. I am no warrior, but if it comes down to a fight with Phyllamon, Lux and I can help take care of the wounded. Father has given his word that he’ll lend a hand with the patients as well.”

  “Excellent!”

  “So where’s Ya Minj?” Nigel asked from behind. “God, I miss that woman! Smart as whip, she was!”

  Zynathian’s head fell slightly. “She passed.”

  Nigel and Reena’s mouths dropped open, gasping in horror. “I’m so sorry to hear that, friend,” Nigel said, as his heart sunk.

  “It’s all right…she died of a worthy cause. It happened while she was giving birth to that good looking, little rock head there,” Zynathian said, pointing out Khyeryn.

  Khye’s ears and cheeks flushed red.

  “Bloody hell, ya’ look just like your mother, come to think of it! It’s a pleasure to meet you!” Nigel said.

  “Likewise…I’m Khyeryn,” he replied.

  Alex, Nigel, and Reena introduced themselves to the rest of the family and led them from the room to explor
e the many wonders of the complex. The place was buzzing with life, with strangers greeting them everywhere they looked. They found that in addition to the things that Zynathian had ordered, the Igloo housed: a magnificent nursery; a giant playroom with a jungle gym; smoking rooms; several lounges; soundproof studies and music rooms; a library; art studios; classrooms; and other wonders that were far too numerous to count.

  They’d now come upon what would be their favourite addition to the Igloo, and the family burst into laughter when the host spun around to greet them.

  “Hi, welcome to the Igloo Cafe! My name is Belch, and I’ll be your host. How may I be of service?”

  “Hah, hah…excellent!” Zynathian exclaimed.

  “Belch, you devil, this place is brilliant!” Asha said.

  “Why thank you, Asha.”

  “You really have done a hell of a job. What did you do…sit down and write a list of all the cool things I forgot as soon as I left?” Zynathian laughed.

  Belch looked undeniably guilty and shrugged. “Well…yes,” he said, smiling. “You’re all looking quite well.”

  “We’ll look even better once we have some food in our bellies!” Zynathian said.

  “Say no more…right this way!”

  Belch seated them at a large table with the best view of the restaurant. He set their plates and utensils down then poured them all large glasses of water. Alex, Nigel, and Reena declined to eat with them.

  “Belch made us a wonderful breakfast, not an hour ago...but you all enjoy yourselves,” Nigel said, bending over to hug Zynathian. “We’ll talk later, mate.”

  “Certainly. It’s so wonderful to see you both again,” Zynathian said to Nigel and Reena. “Nice meeting you, Alex. We’ll get further acquainted later.”

  Alex nodded. Then they were off.

  They looked about, inspecting the place, trying to take in every single detail. This portion of the Igloo was designed specifically to match the decor of the Frozen Teeth and Toenail Cafe. The only difference was that there were no cauldrons here, because the complex was heated perfectly well. Intermittently spread about were floor-to-ceiling pillars with detailed artwork etched into the stone. It was the same with the surrounding walls, on which entire stories were told through images.

  Belch led them to the culinary entertainment area, which had a cooking station jutting outwards from the wall. Guests could watch the chef at work and see their meals being prepared here. However, the station was presently empty. Belch directed Zynathian and family to a large table just beside it.

  They sat with content, highly impressed with Belch’s efforts. His eye for detail and nitpicky personality yielded impeccable results. Even with all the work he oversaw, he didn’t forget to accommodate his best friend, who now sat in a Maugrimm-sized throne at the end of the dining table. Mawg leaned back in his personalized chair (which also had his name etched into the back) and smugly put his arms behind his head. But then he noticed something.

  Just beyond their seating area, there was a short stairway leading to a lower level of the restaurant. Next to an empty dance floor there was more dining area, and two of the seats were occupied. Mawg rubbed his eyes, wondering whether or not he needed glasses, but upon further scrutiny he realized he’d not been deceived.

  Why me? Is me such a terrible person that me warrants this kinda’ injustice? Of all the rotten luck in the blasted world…

  “Sorry, everyone, but me gots ta’ be runnin’ along. See ya later! Oh, and um, Belch…you gots some serious explainin’ to do, matey!”

  At this, Maugrimm tore out of the cafe with Khyetarah and friends under his arm. Speechless, everyone glared about with his or her mouth hanging open. Belch, however, wasn’t surprised in the slightest. He knew he’d have to come clean with Maugrimm sooner or later.

  “What the hell was that about?” Zynathian asked, astonished at his friend’s behaviour.

  “Oh, nothing…it’s just that ever since I changed the location of my restaurant, my clientele has followed me. Some of that clientele is—”

  Belch lost his thought as his best employee arrived one hour before he was due to be on the clock.

  “Little Nick...great! I’m going to take a break now, seeing as you’re early for your shift.”

  To all of their amusement, Rosa Lee’s son, Little Nick, was the cook! He was laden with an apron, a chef’s hat, and his laser pistol, strapped to his side.

  Nicolas greeted the family with enthusiasm. “Hey you all, you made it!”

  “This little one is my secret weapon…a wonderful cook! Eventually he’ll be better than me, and I thought I’d never say that about anyone!” Belch remarked.

  “Oh my goodness, Nick, when’d you learn to cook?” Lyn asked, making a mental note to scold Annie for not mentioning that he was one of the chefs in the restaurant here.

  So this is where she’s been staring at him! I wonder if she mustered the courage to speak to him last night, like we discussed?

  “I used to help Mom at home all the time. Now, with the few tricks Belch has taught me, I’m a master. Watch closely if you wanna’ learn something. Nicolas, the gun-toting grill man is at work!”

  He had the family in stitches with this.

  “How is Rosa Lee?” Asha asked.

  “Mom’s great…she’s still sleeping.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Nicolas saw the pretty redhead approaching Lyn from behind. That girl was a shy one. She’d been staring at him for the last two weeks, but had yet to speak!

  Annie surprised her from behind. “Hey, Lynnie!”

  They exchanged kisses. Annie greeted everyone at the table and then took a seat next to Lyn Sha, whispering in her ear. They’d begun another of their conversations involving subject matter that they should’ve been far too young to know anything about. If any grownups had been listening in, they would’ve been appalled at the depth of their knowledge with adult matters (the benefits of reading too many PoisonTongue stories beyond one’s age level!).

  Wanting to impress Annie, Nicolas was now showing off. He threw two insanely large pieces of meat in the air with his spatulas, did a three-sixty spin, caught them, and then slammed them back on the grill on their opposite sides. He received thunderous applause for this.

  “Lyn, look at the way Nick handles his meat…he’s sooooo hot!”

  Lyn Sha spat up all of her water, laughing.

  They watched him, a young master with spatulas and butchering equipment, slicing and dicing the meat into square chunks, tossing the pieces about.

  “You gotta’ wonder if he’s that good with all his utensils,” Lyn said.

  She and Annie stared at each other, blushing. Then they leaned on the table and buried their faces in their arms, laughing heartily. Everyone looked at them, wanting to be let in on the joke. However, they did not share.

  Annie was actually very hungry but too shy to speak up and order anything. Lucky for her, Nick was a considerate chef.

  “So what’s it gonna be for you guys?” he asked, everyone.

  “Lot’s of pancakes!”

  “And sausages!”

  “I want scrambled eggs!”

  “With cheese on them, please!”

  “Got it,” Nicolas answered.

  Nick was so talented that within several minutes he’d already prepared one serving. He thought he might use this as an opportunity to meet the redhead.

  “Hey, Lynnie, who’s your friend? We haven’t been properly introduced.”

  Everyone else understood what was going on now, for Annie was far too obvious with her blushing. This both amused and puzzled the girls, as she was quite a ‘take charge’ person with regard to serious matters. However, when it came to boys and crushes, she was a lost cause.

  After being elbowed by Lyn Sha about ten times, Annie slowly walked over to the kitchen with her head down. She was petrified.

  “I’m Annie,” she whispered.

  Nicolas heard but pretended that he didn’t. “Sorry
, I didn’t catch that.”

  “Annie,” she said, finally managing to look him in the eye. Her face was redder by the second.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Nick.”

  “I know.”

  “I made something for you…you hungry?” he said, sliding the plate across the metal counter to her. “It’s on the house,” Nick said, winking at her.

  Wide-eyed, Annie went back to the table with her plate, joyously skipping. Though she really had no way of knowing if this little gesture was Nicolas just being nice, or if this implied that he meant to ask for her hand in marriage, she assumed the latter.

  “Lynnie! Lynnie! He made me pancakes and eggs! I’m in love!” she said, flopping down at the table. Annie looked as if she were ready to melt and slide through the seams of the chair cushion. The others broke up with laughter.

  Meanwhile, Nicolas was contemplating his next move. Flowers? A promise ring? Why not? After all, he knew Annie was the one.

  Pouring several fresh circles of pancake batter on the grill, Nick went back to his meat and scooped the massive pile of cubes into two separate bowls. “Hey, boss, this meat is done…who’s it for?”

  “It’s for two of our favourite customers downstairs.” Belch pointed.

  Nick sat the bowls of diced meat on the countertop. Still elated from having just met his future wife, he was nearly singing, as he yelled downstairs to two of their regulars.

  “Beatrice, Bertha...you’re up!

  2

  By early evening, the entire Igloo knew the story of Zynathian Volkeye and family. Most had sought them out to express their gratitude and to get to know them better, or to see these unique talents that they’d heard so much about. The kids were all too happy to put themselves on display, and many of the refugees followed them outdoors.

  Bahzee brought one of the now-useless cauldrons outside and had a great time portraying herself as a human freak show that could lift a gigantic cauldron filled with squirming, noisy children without breaking a sweat. She was a big hit, and as soon as the kids were tired of the cauldron trick, she became a jungle gym for them to climb upon (ten to twenty kids at a time). They frolicked about in the snow, trying to bring the super strong she-beast down. None of them could do it.