by K R Sanford
Pawdell was again saddened. He knew he must leave the beautiful city in the clouds with its rolling hills and its vivid splendor. And most of all, he would turn away from his connected fellowship with all he had surveyed. He felt it worthy of himself to return through the dirt and strife of a confused galaxy. He would set his infinite utopia aside and take up the challenge of the ages. This, he thought, would be his own answer the Emperor Legion’s most difficult riddle:
What is everyone’s?
And what is no one’s
And has the power to generate a Universe?
Pawdell knew that upon his return to his galaxy he would have earned the right to call upon the stars. The Infinite Guide bid Pawdell farewell. Its mission was complete. Its place among the stars was with the Spirit of the stars.
Pawdell felt sadness once again. He would be separate from the beautiful city for only a short time. The revelation was more than enough for the journey that lay ahead.
As the city in the clouds lifted away, he watched as it returned to its place in the starry night. Finally, the stars that gave the city their bright illumination shined in unison one last time. It was if to say; their unbroken goodbye would be the power to bring them back together.
Pawdell looked on. His heart leapt in his chest. Then as if a silent call went out, one third of all the stars in the celestial theater fell away after great city.
Pawdell began his descent back to Planet Ameda. As he did, he felt a great loss. He did not realize the stars had the conscious power to make him feel so many things.
The stars left him far behind. Pawdell began to lose his supernatural insights and his telepathic powers. His instinctive knowledge of the universe began to fade from his mind. Pawdell felt disadvantaged. Still, he had his experience, and that was certain enough. What else he would retain from his vision, only time would tell.
Then as he held the vision clear within his mind. The words of the Emperor Legion came ringing in his ears. He would Know, when he heard The Sons of Thunder. Pawdell heard The Sons of Thunder as he had seen the clouds rolling with magnificent sublime. And, he knew what to do with the balance of his time.
Pawdell sat in the chair beside his bed completely refreshed. His infinite clothes were gone and his work uniform was back on as before. He was mortal once again.
As dawn broke, he showered and put on fresh set of clothes. He went down stairs for a plate of whatever looked pleased his eye.
The dining room was already full. The main table with its four and twenty chairs got taken by the crew and soldiers of the Flagship Mastodon. Pawdell would have to sit at one of the side tables against the wall.
Before he got through the dining room door, King Devin poked his head out of the kitchen and waved Pawdell to come over. “I need you in the kitchen, Paw.” He said with an abrupt snap of his fingers. He ducked back inside the kitchen door without another word.
This could only mean two things, he was in big trouble or something was going on and he needed to keep his mouth shut. Pawdell decided to get inside the kitchen without fooling around. He acted as if he owned the place. He marched across the dining room floor with his nose in the air and without making eye contact, he did as the King. He disappeared through the kitchen doors without a single word.
“You look magical, my dear,” said the King handing him a bowl. The bowel had strawberries, blue barriers, goose berries, and elder berries. Pawdell smiled. Devin leaned in close. “The truth will get known about our guests at table. The girls made them their favorite blue berry pie.” Devin winked.
“Oh, the favorite blue berry pie?” whispered Pawdell with raised eyebrow. “Let’s hope they like the pie. Have you seen Shanna?”
“Yes, I have. She ate something then went off to the Inn already,” replied Devin.
“They are leaving for the flagship at eight bells,” said Pawdell. “I’m going to go over to the Inn and find out what I can. I’ll be back after a while.”
“Good thinking,” replied Devin. “You better hurry; it’s seven bells already.”
“Right, see you later.” said Pawdell swallowing the last bite of fruit from the bowl. He set the empty bowl in the sink then slipped out the back door.
Dawn for Shrine Lake Castle was a busy time during festival. The sound of hammer and saw mingled with the cheerful songs of the construction crew. It was eight bells and the King stood on the back patio assessing the work.
Marco’s shuttle was first to liftoff above the tree tops. The King could see the sleek silver shuttle hover at one thousand feet elevation. It was as if they spied the festival grounds with a bird’s eye view. The shuttle rotated three-hundred-sixty degrees then climbed vertical in a slow ascent. At thirty thousand feet the shuttle flashed. A perpendicular blue halo appeared, leaving a white streak of light.
A few minutes later Colonel Stiller’s shuttle followed. The takeoff protocol observed an impressive arched ascent. At thirty thousand feet, the blue halo flashed. The black military shuttlecraft vanished leaving a trail of white light. The King smiled when he went back inside the castle.
His guests required his attendance. He would host the afternoon games.
“Your Majesty, there are horses out front,” said a raven haired maid. “It’s Gonquin and the mountain riders.”
“Thank you, Mary-Beth,” replied Devin. “I was hoping they would arrive early. Tell them they can water their horses in the west corral, and come inside for some food.”
“My Lord, the soldiers are still in the dining hall and the pie is having a proud effect,” said Mary-Beth.
“That’s okay, my dear,” replied Devin. “The mountain folk will ferret out these black birds quick enough. Speaking of quick, let’s not keep Gonquin waiting a moment longer. I will attend to our guests at table.”
“Oh, very good, right away my Lord,” she said turning for the front door.
Devin walked past the dining hall doors and into the hallway with Pawdell’s clocks. He checked the time when the pie got served. He said to himself “Give it a few more minutes,” and he walked upstairs.
Mary-Beth scurried out the front door and down the steps to the horses grazed on the bailey. She sighted Gonquin’s red plumed helmet holding Faragorn next to the castle steps. Gonquin immediately faced Mary-Beth, “Mary-Beth,” he said. “What’s the hurry?”
“Oh, Gonquin, the Earthmen from the ships are in the dining hall with Devin. We served them the magic pie with their breakfast and they are feeling the shrooms.”
“Good, good, let’s not spook them, my love. How many are there?”
“Four and Twenty, my Lord,” she said.
“Two dozen, okay Mary-Beth,” said Gonquin. “I’ll tell you what you do. Stay outside until we secure the castle. We are going in slow to make them feel at home. The pie has already given them promise of that. So, don’t worry.”
“They seem nice,” she said.
“I’m sure they are, my love.” Gonquin smiled at Mary-Beth and gave her a wave goodbye. He turned to a group of warriors and sent them around to the side of the castle. He instructed them to enter through the kitchen door. He led a few select Vallians through the front door. They infiltrated through the dining hall securing the down stairs floor.
“I see you are all getting acquainted,” said Devin. “The kitchen is getting started so don’t be shy about asking for seconds.”
“How about more pie, are there limits on the shrooms in this pie?” said a thin white haired Sergeant Major pointing to his empty plate.
The King replied enthusiastically, “Now that is a question. Sergeant Major, what is your name?”
“Hobbs, Your Majesty, Sergeant Major Lucius Hobbs.”
As a matter of fact, Sergeant Major Lucius Hobbs, the theme of this year’s festival is ‘Let it Happen’. Anyone partaking in the sacred shrooms would be wise to keep the episodes natural. So, for those who desire a vision guest; they can do so with clarity and respect. Especially if you ‘Let it Happen’ and not pu
sh it, if you take my meaning.”
“I do take your meaning,” said Sergeant Major Hobbs. “I’m less vulnerable to materialism when I’m on a healthy serving of shrooms.”
“Aren’t we all, Sergeant Major; take as much as you want. All you, this is a fine year’s harvest.” replied Devin looking over the Earthmen.
The Vallians entered single file from the kitchen.
The dining hall was dead quiet. The room was now filled with Vallian and Earthmen alike. The King sniffed the air. Except for an Army Corporal slurping his last drop of ale, you could hear a pin drop.
“Give a compliment to the cooks in the kitchen when you get a chance,” said Devin. “No, second thought, bring ‘em out here. These ladies have done a fine job. Gonquin, help them in here, please. Say, the King wants to give them thanks for their wonderful talents. That’s a good lad. And bring in another pie for Sergeant Major Lucius Hobbs. Anyone else, yes, I see that hand. Make it two, Gonquin.”
The ladies of the kitchen were a welcome sight. The appetites of the Vallians and Earthmen alike were not nearly full for the pretty faces of the ladies. Laughter filled the dining hall. An immediate bond between the elite and outcast warriors formed. King Devin, satisfied with the quality of the favorite blue berry pie, he left his dining hall guests in the hands of Gonquin. He retreated upstairs to his quarters. He would prepare for the opening of Festival at Noon.
The shuttle craft returned from the Flagship Mastodon. General Hodges was being escorted to the surface of Ameda. Captain Marco Miller and Governor Grantham took charge of transportation. High Council Lao and Ambassador Gaff represented the Corsi Star System. General Hodges was under house arrest by order of Emperor Legion. As such, was beyond contestation.
The shuttle craft touched down on the baily in the front of the castle. Colonel Stiller and Vito disembarked and joined the others on the front steps. Gonquin opened the door and invited Vito and the General to their rooms on the second floor.
“How many rooms does the castle have?” asked Vito.
“One hundred twenty guest rooms and eighty-five bathrooms,” replied Gonquin. “The rule is; if the room is vacant, you lock the door behind you and keep the key at all times. Or, turn it over to the key master in the front office.” Gonquin jabbed his finger toward a door at the front of the castle.
“Well, thanks Gonquin, I can manage from here,” said Vito.
“That’s the idea, replied Gonquin. “Everything on the castle grounds is self-serve, like a home away from home. Unless you’re sick or something, injured like, then folks here will always find you some help.”
Vito nodded but said nothing.
An electric guitar played a series of minor harmonic scale licks. The drummer joined in with that funky beat. A cymbal crashed, a timpani drum rolled crescendo.
“Wow,” said Vito. “That got my attention.”
“That’s the signal,” said Gonquin. “The festival will get announced in a few minutes. Let’s head out to the game field, you coming, Vito?”
Vito replied in anticipation, “Oh yes, I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
Chapter 6
______________________________________________________
THE FESTIVAL
Seems like everybody else is having fun
I wonder if I’m the only one
Whose broken hart still has broken parts
Just wrapped in pretty paper
Another year has gone by, just one more that I, couldn’t make it home
And they always say, “Have a happy holiday”
And every year I sincerely try
Oh, but Festival, it always makes me cry: ‘(Hmm mm . . . Always . . .
− Kacey Musgraves, 2016
King Devin and Queen Elsinor stood side by side in the regalia of Sovereigns of the Realm. The King raised a hand center stage amid the musicians and dignitaries. He gazed out over the game field to the thousands of spectators and participants. The crowd fell silent. Devin froze where he stood.
He paused for what seemed like an eternity. The crowd sensed something amiss and began to stir. Queen Elsinor turned to the King and spoke a silent declaration.
“Yes,” he said. “Forgive me. As I look out and see all you here today, I am humbled indeed. My soul weeps for the many sacrifices. There have been many sacrifices in preparation for this year Festival of the Shrine. For those who have been able to carry on through great adversity and trial, I say, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Your perseverance has been a great inspiration to me and I know to Queen Elsinor as well. From all us here, we say thank you.
We honor our guests from Earth. We honor our guests from the Middle Corridor, and from the Vega System, welcome. Not to mention our own Marillian brothers and sisters, and of course my own family the Vallians. With a hearty: High Ho! We welcome you now to the Ten Thousand Eleventh Annual ‘Festival of the Shrine’; High Ho!”
The crowd cheered. And, The King raised his hands again saying, “Without further ado. And in those immortal words: Let the Games Begin!”
The band blew the trumpet. The horseman positioned themselves at the starting line. The starting gun rang out. “And they're off.” sang the announcer. A cloud of dust rose in the back forest on Castle Road. Vallians and Marillians were racing down Shrine Village Main. They were heading for the first turn onto Shrine Lake Road and the long stretch around the lake.
“What’s going on?” asked Chris Thacher, matron of Environmental Services.
“The horsemen are off on a grueling four hour race around Shrine Lake,” said Captain Clairy. “The winner receives a gold cup and breading rights for large sums of credits. First place is a big promotional deal all over Ameda.”
“I understand the Vallians and Marillians have been racing for the last ten years?” said Chris.
“Yes,” replied Clairy. “The planet has come into its own, since they started working together.”
“Could they use an environmental service?”
“I’m sure of that,” replied Clairy. “You can make your base of operations here and do very well,”
The crowd erupted on the opposite side of the game field.
“Tomas, what’s happening in back of the bleachers?
“The combat events," said Clairy. "We can make our way over if you have a taste for blood sports?"
“Blood sports,” said Chris. “This sounds different.
Elsinor chimed in. “What’s going on over there, Devin?”
Devin replied. “It looks like the Earthmen have a champion to fight against a Marillian.”
“This is unexpected,” she said.
“In what way,” Devin asked. “Come, let’s walk over and watch?”
“Yes, I want to see this,” replied Elsinor. “I believe they want to settle a labor dispute.”
“Hmm, I’m going to send for Tildanfin and the Royal Guard. I haven’t seen the Amedans.”
“They are gathering at the Shrine,” she said.
“My, my, Elsie, you stay informed,” said Devin.
“Not really dear,” replied Elsinor. “We spoke on the flagship.”
“Oh, how did that go?” said Devin.
“It was more than pleasant,” she replied. “They all wore silk gloves. These men acted polished and polite but spoke very exacting in their terms. General Hodges had no wiggle room. Lao was assertive.”
“He would be,” said Devin. “He represents the leadership of the Corsi Star System.”
“They asked about the Emperor Legion,” said Elsinor. “But, Lao insisted the matter is in the Corsi domain. The Earthmen still wanted to meet with the Emperor.”
“Careful what you ask for,” he replied.
“We know that,” said Elsinor. “The Earthmen want proof. Lao said they will assemble in the Shrine until the Emperor makes his appearance.”
“You amaze me, Elsie,” he said. “You were right in the thick of things.”
“Well, Lucia was with me,” she replie
d. “Lucia said she needed something to get her heart pounding.”
“Looks like somebody got stirred up on the combat field.” Tildanfin said stepping across the game field.
“A lot of Marillians are there,” said Marco.
“And Earthmen,” replied Grantham. “If I’m not mistaken, these Earthmen are corporate. These are the ones who worked for Kiterage. I recognize those two standing at the corner of the combat ring. Grantham pulled himself to his full seven foot height. He cocked his head to one side. "What other surprises do they have planned for us?”
“There’s Hector and Commander Ryan, let’s go ask them,” replied Marco. “They see us.”
“We’re not hard to miss,” said Vito. “What with Grantham in his governor’s robes, Tildanfin in his war armor, and General Hodges with his new escorts. Has anyone looked to see who is following us?”
“Oh my stars,” announced Tildanfin. “The King and Queen and the entire village.” He waved back at Devin and Elsinor smiling. “Where are the Amedans when you need them?”
“Let’s hope we don’t need them,” replied Grantham. “That’s why we’re going out there.”
“Amen to that,” said Tildanfin.
“I didn’t know you were religious,” said Marco.
“I’m not,” replied Tildanfin. “I like the word.”
Grantham laughed. “I like the word,” he repeated shaking his head.
“Hector, what’s up?” said Marco.
“Hey man,” replied Hector. “At first, it looked to me like both sides wanted to blow off some steam. But then it turned into a grudge match.” He continued through clenched teeth. “Now, it’s definitely more than that. It looks like the Marillians got a vendetta going.”
“These corporate thugs came here to bully the Marillians. I want to get closer,” said Tildanfin.
Marco pointed to the bleachers in front of the combat field. “Over here before the seats fill up,” he said.
