by M. L. Ryan
“What about your gift that keeps on giving?” I inquired. “Since I’m here, they must know you left some magic behind. Is that a problem?”
“I suspect one of the reasons this hasn’t been publicized is the reluctance of the Glyzimutitch Zolmere to reveal that aspect of our association.”
Alex nodded thoughtfully and added, “There is a small faction of Courso that find any mixing with humans abhorrent. The existence of a human with even a small amount of Sebastian’s power might prove too provocative. Elections are coming up soon, and none of those seeking another term would want to open up that can of worms for fear of alienating one side or the other.”
So the trial was closed to the press and the public to prevent controversy in an election year. “Nice to know politicians here have the same lack of conviction as the human ones,” I muttered derisively. In fact, only a very few were aware that Sebastian was even arrested. Most of the Xyzok knew, but they were sworn to secrecy. All I was expected to do was explain what happened and confirm that I had no hard feelings about being possessed. Piece of cake.
“Your testimony will be required on the first day of the proceedings, which if all goes well, should be the only day necessary,” Sebastian declared. “So, unless there’s some unforeseen problem, you’ll be in court the day after tomorrow.”
After dinner, we lingered over coffee for a while and talked about more pleasant topics. Tannis suggested that since I had tomorrow free, Alex should take me sightseeing, and ticked off a list of places that shouldn’t be missed. Not having the benefit of Fodor’s Guide to The Other Dimension or What To See When You’re In Coursodon, I let them build the itinerary.
While they debated the merits of various attractions, a middle-aged – at least in appearance – couple stopped at our table. At first, they just stood there, silent and awkward. Eventually, the woman cleared her throat and squeaked out something in Courso. Whatever she said, it seemed to be a request of some kind, one she appeared somewhat embarrassed to ask. Alex nodded, but his forced smile revealed his reluctance to accommodate them. With a resigned sigh, he scooted his chair close to Tannis. The man quickly moved behind them and crouched down so his head was between theirs. They all grinned as if they were posing for a photo, although there was no camera anywhere that I could see. The woman extended her arm and a three-dimensional representation of the trio appeared in her upturned palm. She beamed at the image, then switched positions with her companion, who repeated the process. They both gushed obsequiously, bowing as they walked backwards from the table.
“What the hell was that all about? I blurted once they exited the establishment.
Alex moved his chair to its original place, but didn’t make eye contact with me right away. Tannis seemed surprised that I was surprised, and kept glancing between me and Alex, hoping for answers. Oozing “I-told-you-so,” Sebastian leaned back in his seat and shook his head slowly, clucking his tongue to emphasize his derision.
It seemed no one was capable of speaking, but I reasoned that Sebastian was my best bet for answers. With barely contained irritation that would have made any annoyed parent proud, I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. “Sebastian?”
“Well my dear,” he began slowly. “Alexander and Tannis are a bit…famous.”
“Famous? In what way?”
“They are from a very prominent Courso family, and therefore, well known in many circles.”
Sebastian’s response was obviously carefully crafted to give only as much information as absolutely necessary. Through clenched teeth I spat, “Kardashian famous or Kennedy famous.”
Eyes sparkling with amusement, he snickered, “Funny you should put it that way.”
Alex shot Sebastian a dirty look and finally turned to face me. “Tannis and I are members of one of the royal families of Coursodon.”
That explained why the couple was practically genuflecting with servility. “And you never thought to bring this up before now because…?”
“Honestly, the only time I ever think about it at all is when I’m here. One of the reasons I joined the Xyzok and spend so much time in the human dimension is because I want nothing to do with the mindless pomp surrounding the aristocracy. I think it is beyond ridiculous that someone should be afforded respect or deference based solely upon the family into which they were born. The entire concept is anathema to me.”
He seemed genuinely contrite. In fact, he looked kind of adorably stricken that I might be mad. I wasn’t; just a little hurt that I was kept in the dark, but I’d get over it.
“It’s okay,” I said reassuringly. “But I would have preferred not finding out because two nobility-groupies wanted to have a visual record of eating in the same restaurant with the Grand Duke and Dukette or whatever it is you are.”
“Actually,” Tannis began sheepishly, “we are second and third in line to the Northern Courso throne.”
Well shave my legs and call me grandpa. I’m sleeping with a prince.
~14~
Now that I knew Alex was, in fact, one of the most recognizable people in Courso, I was acutely aware of people staring. Everywhere we went, someone noticed him. On our way back to the inn, two women almost became apoplectic just being on the same sidewalk as he and Tannis. This must be what Prince William has to put up with, I thought, although British royalty probably don’t mingle with “the common-folk” as we were.
With all the “shock and awe” of the townies, the couple at the restaurant were the only ones who actually spoke to him, however. Sebastian explained that it was considered ill-mannered to approach a member of the royal family uninvited. Alex complained that was precisely why he thought the entire concept of monarchy was archaic and absurd. For the most part Alex, Tannis and Sebastian seemed able to disregard the attention. Gawking strangers made me uncomfortable, but then again, they weren’t looking at me.
Back at the inn – Sebastian had secured lodging there as well – we said goodnight and went to our respective rooms. As the door recognized Alex and swung open, I rushed past him and executed a theatrical and overblown curtsey.
My voice dripping with feigned obsequiousness, I murmured breathlessly, “Your highness.”
Alex shot me an only moderately amused smirk. “Unless you’re planning on playing The Prince and the Naughty Chambermaid, please never do that again.”
I rose from my position of profound reverence. “Hey, I’m just yanking your chain. Although I gotta say, the naughty chambermaid scenario sounds interesting.”
Leaning against the now closed door, Alex let out a long sigh. “I hope this means you are not angry that I was less than forthright about my position in Coursodon society.”
I moved closer and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Not angry, just surprised. I could believe Sebastian was highborn; he’s definitely imperious enough to be imperial. You, however, aren’t nearly haughty enough to be a royal.”
“How would you know how royalty acts, you’re an American,” he teased.
“It’s only been a couple hundred years without a king or queen, no time at all. Don’t you know that while we are constitutionally bound to anti-monarchical leanings, deep down we still have some potentate envy.”
“Is that anything like penis envy?” he inquired with a smirk.
“Not at all,” I answered, dismissively waving my hand. “Besides, the only time women have penis envy is when they’re out in the woods with no bathroom.”
We walked hand-in-hand deeper into the room; I plunked myself on the bed and Alex went to open the balcony doors to let in some of the lovely night breezes. It’s amazing how fantastic the air smells when there is no automobile exhaust.
Propping myself up on the many pillows at the head of the bed, I said, “So your parents are the king and queen?”
Alex stretched out next to me and stared up at the ceiling. “Yes. They rule Alenquai, what you call North and Central America. Although they don’t really rule. Alenquai is a constitutional monarchy. The
re’s a king and queen, but the Glyzimutitch Zolmere actually make the laws.”
“So, I assume that there are other kingdoms?”
“Yes, there are seven others: Clovistaxi, which is basically South America, Jjestri, the equivalent of northern Europe, Surjjestri, southern Europe and northern Africa, Masitai makes up the rest of Africa, Zylexai, Oceania and parts of Southeast Asia, Nyqui, the rest of Asia and Drryxi, which is roughly the Middle East. Surjjestri and Nyqui are the only true kingdoms left, all the others are like Alenquai – purely figurehead royalty with some kind of parliamentary government.”
It seemed odd that the world was split into only eight geo-political divisions. That’s a whole lot of territory under the control of a limited number of people. “How does everyone get along? Is it like our world, where there is always some conflict going on somewhere?”
Rolling to his side, Alex scrunched up one of the pillows beneath his head to face me more comfortably. “There haven’t been any wars for over 450 years. In the past, there were hundreds of separate territories, and constant upheaval as one would try to take control of another. About 500 years ago, there was a world-wide conflict that left much devastation and death. At that point, it became clear that the status quo was unsustainable. Eventually, everything was divided as it is now and after the inevitable few decades of conflict, it’s been peaceful ever since.”
I had to ponder that for a bit. I couldn’t picture humans agreeing to that kind of solution, much less having it actually work. We were way too ethnocentric and spiteful to live as one with people who had once invaded us. There were folks in the south that still refer to the Civil War as the “War of Northern Aggression” and that was settled in 1865. Incredulous, I inquired, “And that successfully ended global discord?”
Alex yawned. “The Courso are, in general, much less aggressive and power hungry than humans. Once the majority came to realize fewer boundaries meant less justification to find differences, people were pleased to be able to live without the threat of war and carnage.” He said the last part with his eyes closed.
“You should go to bed, you’re already mostly out,” I murmured softly.
“Hmmmm,” was his only reply, but he did get up and shuffle to the bathroom. When he returned, he settled in under the covers and kissed me goodnight. Within no more than five seconds, his respiration changed to the rhythmic, deep cadence of sleep. I surveyed him with a sort of wonder. It never ceased to amaze me how freakishly fast he could fall asleep.
I was wide awake, but then I had a nice long nap earlier. I went out on the balcony where I found two small, metal chairs and a matching table. I sat down and took in the quiet serenity. The only sounds were some crickets chirping and the tinkling from the fountain on the other side of the inn. No hums of electrical machinery, no jarring sirens, no teenagers blaring ear-splitting bass from their hopped-up autos. Even the occasional passersby spoke in muted tones, as if they didn’t want to ruin the stillness with loud conversation. It was like being in the middle of nowhere, except I was, in fact, in the middle of a city. Beautiful, friendly, quiet. What’s not to like about Coursodon?
Fatigue finally overtook me about a half-hour later. I went inside and got ready for bed, and as I nestled under the covers, the combination of the tranquility, Alex’s warm body and steady breathing, and the awesomely comfy mattress lulled me quickly into slumber.
I awoke to the heady scent of freshly brewed coffee. Sitting up, I noticed a large, silver tray on the table next to the armchair, loaded with a matching coffee service, a basket stuffed with baked goods and a bowl filled with berries. Alex was already up and enjoying breakfast on the balcony. I got out of bed, threw on a sweater, grabbed some grub and a big cup of joe and joined him.
The pastries were all the fancy, flakey, buttery things you get in a French bakery and the coffee was strong and hot. The berries were a mixture of blueberries, strawberries and the illustrious oxyntberries, which looked like a purple raspberry. All the fruit was perfectly ripe and deliciously sweet. Heaven. Between my frequent moans of culinary ecstasy, Alex gave me a rundown of the planned itinerary for the day.
“I thought we’d start with a little sightseeing and then visit the Museum of Human Concerns. It chronicles the history of Courso-Human affairs.”
I nodded, but had to swallow the last of my second croissant before I could answer. “Sounds great. I’ll get dressed as soon as I have another cup of coffee.” That was a gross under estimation – I needed two more cups and had to sample a peach-filled, strudel-like confection before I was ready to take a shower. It took me longer than usual to get ready too. Normally, I would have just my braided my wet hair and thrown on whatever. But if Alex was going to attract the kind of attention he garnered last night, I wanted to put in the extra effort to look half-way decent. When I was properly hanging-with-a-princefied, we headed out into town.
Wjxsintiz was, more or less, the county seat of the northwestern region of Alenquai. The trial was being held away from the capital in an attempt to keep the details of Sebastian’s alleged crimes from becoming public knowledge. I could understand why. When the nefarious Otto Kashanian found out what Sebastian had accomplished, he wanted to exploit the technique to sell immortality. That young, healthy people would have to die in order for the enterprise to work was of no concern to Otto. He saw only the vast amount of money he anticipated making.
We walked around a lot, and used marqizoborta a couple of times to cover more area faster. As we exited the second marqizobaz — a modern, round, glass structure — a thought popped into my head.
“I know you all use the marqizoborta to flash about because the concentrated energy there makes it easier and safer. But if you can transport yourselves wherever and whenever, what stops people from breaking into homes or businesses to steal stuff? It doesn’t seem like a dead-bolt would keep anybody out.”
“Most other buildings have a thin layer of what you call praseodymium added to the foundation. This prevents ‘flashing,’ as you so colorfully put it and, with proper locks,” he continued, “the threat of thievery. It’s a bit like transcommutational kryptonite.”
I wrinkled my nose at his crack about my terminology to describe magical self-transporting. “Fine. Transcommuting, not flashing.”
Alex chuckled and explained, “It’s just that every time you use the word, I get the picture of a marqizobaz full of trench coat-wearing Courso exposing themselves to unsuspecting travelers.”
“Now I won’t be able to see a marqizobaz without imagining that,” I replied, stifling a giggle.
We walked another block or so to the Jystanita Lobyxira Yumanixa — the Museum of Human Concerns — a stately, marble building that looked a lot like the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. Thirty-two stairs climbed to the two-story high, elaborately carved wooden door at the entrance, which was guarded by towering columns that formed a covered portico along the front. Once inside, we were in a massive skylit room, lined on three sides with arches and columns that led to smaller rooms that housed specific exhibits.
Through the millennia, the barrier between the dimensions was robust, with occasional thin spots, generally in isolated, remote areas, which were the only places where the Coursodon could travel to our side. Because only the most powerful magically inclined could maneuver through these breeches, they were utilized as a means to exile criminals until it was discovered that, contrary to popular belief, there were actually civilized Courso-like beings — us — that existed in the other dimension.
The museum was intended to make certain the Courso never forgot their misguided approach to banishing the lawless and how it affected humans. When they realized their mistake, the Coursodon powers-that-be immediately stopped the practice of off-loading their miscreants to the other side. Unfortunately, some of the ones they had already stranded had a habit of continuing the bad behavior that got them in trouble in the first place. Many of our legends concerning vampires, werewolves and ghosts began wi
th encounters between humans and Courso who used their magic in unsavory ways.
When you think about it, it makes sense in a twisted sort of way. Change your appearance so you look like a wolf or some fanged, undead creature, do something dastardly, change back to look human again, and then go about your business with no one suspecting you were the culprit. The ghost thing was perpetuated by the widespread habit of squatting in human homes using magical obscuring tactics. Usually, humans never realized that they were sharing their living space, but occasionally, someone could sense the Courso presence. And when they did, the most reasonable conclusion was that their house was haunted. I guess ghosts are easier to contemplate than beings from a parallel dimension.
The first rooms were dedicated to why the Coursodon of years past thought there weren’t sentient beings in the human dimension. Whenever a particularly powerful Courso popped over to check out the other side, all they saw was some desolate spot, completely devoid of humans. So naturally, those early explorers assumed there wasn’t anyone like them anywhere, and it would be perfectly fine to allow antisocial Courso to languish on the other side.
On a map that showed the original places where the barrier was crossable, I noticed that the crossing point in North America was west of what is now Las Vegas. That part of Nevada has no water and the vegetation consists of a few scrubby bushes. Three or four hundred years ago, you’d have to be nuts to settle there. There was a spot high in the Andes, another in the middle of the Sahara, and one in northern Scandinavia. No wonder they thought the whole dimension was deserted.
“Even if they thought they weren’t unleashing baddies on an unsuspecting populous, didn’t anyone object to the idea that they were expelling those Courso to a barren wasteland where they might not survive?
Alex guided me to a display discussing that very topic. “It wasn’t just our ancestors’ ignorance about who was or wasn’t living in the other dimension that is appalling. There are plenty of scholars who contend that at least some of our ancestors knew perfectly well that Coursoid peoples existed on your side,” he stated sadly. “But they also had no compunction whatsoever about abandoning people they thought were problematic to a harsh or unlivable environment.”
