by Lee Watts
"No, but I obey."
"That is all that is required," Yilib replied and left.
Confused and conflicted, Timotheus went back to the center of the room. His eyes fell to the small statue of the supreme mediator, leader of the Sect of the Elder. Kneeling in front of it, Timotheus prayed.
"O Supreme Mediator, hear me and present my plea to the Manifestation and Elder. I am naive. Show me the way I should go. I want to do your will but am confused. Help me to understand the greater wisdom of my mediator. This I ask in the name of the holy sect, amen."
Quietly weeping, face buried in her hands, Cheyenne sat alone at the end of the long table in the royal conference chamber as Yilib entered with the tray.
"Your Highness, sorry to intrude. I thought you could use a cup of tea."
When the Council resumed, Cheyenne sat in her silver and blue throne that was adjacent to the intricately designed and now vacant chair at her right. Darius was king long before he married her. Disinclined to politics, she preferred taking a back seat in such matters. Facing such an important decision without him made his absence feel all the more pronounced to her. For a long while she sat quietly, the Councilors remained in respectful silence to their queen. After several moments, she addressed them.
"You've all heard the debate, but before the vote is cast, I will say this: no race, no power, no world will I allow to take such things from the Realm and go unpunished."
Emotion built in her voice and tears began to well while the sobs came stronger as she continued. "They have robbed us, have left us with a hole that cannot be filled. So, I say let our fury be poured out. Let the Chinix learn what it is to feel loss, and hurt, and pain."
Voice quivering, she struggled to keep from breaking down again but failed. Yilib took a few steps forward.
"Councilors, this is more of a burden than one person should have to bear," he remarked. "Vote for what you believe best serves the Realm, your queen, and your fallen king and prince."
A short while later, a simple message came across the computer in Admiral Balin's office, Conquest. He lowered his head in sorrow, said a silent prayer then began laying plans for war.
CHAPTER 14
"Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good." - Ecclesiastes 9:18
Lord Canton's shuttle lowered to the private portion Enty's main spaceport. Vivica, the Councilor's shapely, twenty-one-year-old daughter, stood with a group of officials beyond the landing pad. Wind from the engines tossed Vivica's long, blond hair while she held a hand over her crystal blue eyes, shielding them from the flying dust.
As the engines shut down, Vivica, in a graceful rush, went ahead of the officials and embraced her father. Despite him being the one to survive the Chariot's destruction, he had to console her as she buried her head in his chest and wept.
"It's alright," he comforted.
"I was going to be a princess. A princess! Now he's gone. What am I going to do?"
"It's for the best, Sweetheart."
"For the best? How can you say that?"
"Haven't I always made sure you always had everything you ever wanted?"
She nodded.
"And I'm going to take care of you through this too. Don't worry. You're a beautiful, vibrant woman like your late mother was. You'll make it through this."
Vivica stared at the sizable stone of the engagement ring she still wore, her last tie to Alexander and the title she so desired. Pulling back from her father, Vivica wiped her eyes. Taking her father's arm, she escorted him to the waiting mass of journalist eager to learn more of the attack on the Chariot.
As soon as Edric arrived at his mansion, he immediately contacted the moon of Shinar. In contrast to Edric's haggard conscious, and visage, when Ambassador Yorin appeared on the screen, he seemed at peace and more confident than ever.
"Ah, Lord Canton. At last, I was beginning to worry."
"Stop it, Salazar! This is a secure line so start talking. What in the name of the twin worlds do you think you're doing? We had an arrangement!"
"Yes, and I lived up to my end. Darius and Alexander are out of the way."
"Yes, but you mentioned nothing about killing everyone else on the ship. In fact, I was lucky to escape with my life!"
"Koraden was provided to ensure your safety. By the way, I haven't heard from him yet. Is he there with you?"
"No, he didn't make it. Your 'protection' was more of a detriment than a help!"
"That is a shame, but what of the bracer? You have it I trust?"
"THE BRACER? Whatever you want that for is too bad. I was lucky to get off of the ship before the Ramillie blew it to pieces. Your precious bracer was incinerated when the Chariot exploded. It's floating space dust somewhere in the void between here and Shinar!"
Salazar cursed vehemently.
"You idiot! That was the one thing I said had to be accomplished! Now it's gone! I don't even know if there is another!"
"I don't care about some glorified bracelet! You've gone too far. First thing you're going to do is-"
"Shut up, Edric."
"How dare you take that kind of tone with me!"
"Do you think Darius is the only person I can have eliminated? It's you who better watch his tone. You are the one who lied to the Council saying it was a Chinix attack, and you are the one who didn't fulfill his part of the bargain. It's your hands that are bloodied, not mine."
Salazar held up his hands gesturing his innocence; one was bandaged.
"No Edric, you will not issue orders to me. In fact, if you want to be a part of the new order in the Realm, you will do exactly as I require. Remember, this all part of our plan."
"Our plan?" Edric huffed. "And what of the queen? I saw her on the broadcasts. She may be overcome by emotion now, but that will pass. You know she has the same policies as Darius. If she-"
"I believe you will notice her mental state will not improve but worsen. Soon it will be evident the strain is too much for her."
"And what of the war? If-"
"Fear not, Councilor. I have many friends, and when the time is right the war will end, and when it's over, I will rule the Realm."
"But the Realm Charter prevents…never mind. How will you-"
"Just see to the matters we discussed. Soon the Realm will have the leadership it needs to survive and flourish in this troubled time. We have many allies in this endeavor. Don't worry; I've planned for everything. Together, we will accomplish our goals. Are you still with us?"
"…Yes."
"Good. Remember, we're protecting the people and furthering the role of Enty. We'll talk more when I arrive for the memorial service. Long live the Realm."
Dispassionately, the Councilman grumbled the traditional echo.
"Long live the Realm."
As the screen went blank, Edric, wary of the deal he had made, leaned back in his chair and stroked his full grey beard. He mused over how to gain leverage or some kind of insurance. Believing if Salazar no longer found him useful Edric would one day see himself eliminated, the Councilman considered his resources.
I've got to keep him hungry, wanting something. Something only I can give... someway to keep us connected... Eventually, a smile crossed his face as it came to him. Ah yes, two birds - one stone.
***
Eager for reports from the first engagement with the Chinix, Admiral Balin waited with other top military strategists in the high command's main conference room.
"They're past due," Balin groused to Field Marshall Tulin.
"Not to worry. I'm sure something will-"
"Field Marshall," called a young officer, "we're getting a signal from the battle group."
"About time, put it through."
"We're getting a visual signal only, Sir. It's an emergency drone."
Projected above the large circular table in the center of the room, was a holographic image of the strike area. Scorched chunks of shattered Realm hulls floated aimlessly, and lifeless bodies drifted in and ou
t of the view. Silence hung heavily in the room as the screen showed the aftermath of the slaughter. The totality of the defeat put the observers in shock.
"SIR," a startled officer called out. "The detection net is picking up a massive incursion from the Chinix border!"
"Size?" Balin asked.
"Checking…one hundred fifteen capital ships."
"Send out a fleet-wide signal," Balin ordered. "Code Zulu, Zulu, Zulu."
Tulin interjected, "Admiral Balin, I know this is bad, but you're overreacting. That's an emergency distress signal for all ships to rally at the home system. I hardly-"
"Where do you think that fleet's headed, Field Marshall? There's a reason no one has gone to war with these people for centuries. Because throughout history everyone who did lost! Their military was asleep, but we've awakened it."
At a significant cost of ships and lives, a rallying of Realm forces was able to stave off the counterattack. It was the first battle of what became a long and grueling stream of bloody conflict for the Realm. What began as a war of conquest quickly became a fight for survival.
CHAPTER 15
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:6
As dignitaries quietly filled the main hall of the palace for the memorial service, Cheyenne watched from a concealed vantage point on the second level. She didn't want to endure the emotional drain of a ceremony, but Yilib convinced her it was important for the people to have closure.
"Highness," Yilib softly called. "It's time. We should go down to the main level."
Cheyenne nodded then stopped.
"Wait," she said. "That woman… the one with Ambassador Yorin… is that the Duchess?"
"I believe so."
"Well, I want her out of here! How dare she show her face at a time like this."
"Majesty, if I may plead with you - Duchess Yorin also had a child with the king. It's only appropriate we allow her to show her respects."
"Respects? Her, her father, Lord Canton, and that whole clique of Enty nobles are nothing but a constant source of aggravation. And now…" her voice trailed off as a disturbing thought occurred. "Yilib, with Alex gone it means Salazar is next in line for the throne doesn't it?"
"Majesty, I don't know if now is the best time to think about this."
"I'm sure they've thought about it. Oh, this can't be allowed. What will become of the Realm? They've been trying to undermine us for years. If Salazar gets the throne… but… what of the prophecy?"
"Consider, Highness, Salazar is also a son of Darius. So the prophecy can still be fulfilled. The Codex says a promise was made to Jeramon that his seed would sit on the throne when the age would end. And his seed will usher in the new age for the glory of his god. With Salazar, there is still hope. I didn't want to mention this so soon, but I've discussed it with the Supreme Mediator himself, and he blesses this and acknowledges it as the will of the Elder. Who are we to stand in the way? We must set aside our desires and pride and take the path the Sect, and the Elder layout for us."
"You think I should abdicate?"
"Do as you feel led, Highness. We all feel the sorrow of this tragedy, perhaps this is an opportunity to put aside the differences with the Enty nobles and come together. My counsel is to publicly acknowledge the path the Sect has blessed and welcome Salazar to the palace. You remain on the throne, but such a move would show you are open-minded and willing to move from the rigid past to a better, more accepting future. I know it's hard, but sacrifices must be made for the good of the Realm."
Several moments passed in silence. Cheyenne, studying the room below her, and her focus came to rest on Duchess Yorin.
She's sure aging well, Cheyenne thought. A little too well.
Mara, body trim, face without a hint of a wrinkle, and not a strand of gray showing, looked no more than thirty. Cheyenne wondered if the woman's seeming agelessness was genetic or something more artificial. She suspected... and hoped, and it was the latter. Breathing deeply to strengthen herself, she headed downstairs for the memorial service.
***
Two months had passed since the crash on Acatus V. The group was far leaner, but with each passing day were becoming better and finding fruit and hunting game. Cale seemed to be doing better than the others in keeping on weight. Moving deeper into the island as they left the coast, the air grew thicker and made progress far slower. Professor Didymus' age forced them to take more breaks than they wanted. Knowing it was all the older man could do, everyone except Cale kept their frustrations to themselves. The Acatus sun beat down hard, so they were relieved to find a river and opportunity to refresh themselves before tackling the obstacle of crossing it.
"How we gettin' across this thing?" Marcus asked looking at the wide, fast-rushing water before them. "Maybe a raft?"
"No good," Payton replied. "The current is too fast. And look at those rocks."
The group agreed with his assessment.
"Finding a way around could take us off course by days or even weeks," Cale grumbled. "And there's no guarantee we'll find a way across even if we do waste time looking."
"We're not going to waste time," Merrick decided in ending the discussion. "But maybe we won't have to go all the way around. We'll head upstream. Rivers get narrower as you get closer to the source. Maybe we can find a narrow path to cross, or maybe some rocks close enough together to walk across."
Without a viable alternative, they started following the riverbank, but the waterway seemed to have no end, and its path only narrowed a few meters. For the following three hours they followed the watery channel. Their route took them to high ground, the river ranging from ten to fifteen meters below them. At last, they came upon a possible means of crossing, a dilapidated rope bridge.
"I guess that answers the question if this island is inhabited," Alexander stated.
"Not necessarily," countered the professor. Look how old that bridge is. It's not been used for... years. The locals may have moved on to another island."
"Old or not, it looks like that bridge is our way across."
"Are you crazy?" Cale protested. "The thing's half rotted. There's no way it will hold our weight."
"It might if we cross one at a time," Alexander insisted. "Like you said, it might take days to find another spot to get across. I think it's worth trying. As a show of faith, I'll go first."
"It is worth trying," Merrick said. "But it's too great a risk for you to attempt it first, Sire. One of us will go, and if the bridge holds, then you follow." Merrick's tone made his insistence clear, and Alexander knew this was the best deal he was going to get, so acquiesced.
"I'll go," Cale huffed. "If I'm going to die here then I might as well get it over with."
Creaking and swaying, the bridge moaned as Cale's weight was applied. Gripping the ropes, he carefully edged his way farther onto the rickety link to the other shore. Water splashing the rocks below sprayed at him during the crossing. Losing his footing on the wet cords, Cale slipped. Grabbing wildly as a drowning man, he managed to catch the soaked rope with one hand, barely stopping him from plummeting into the rushing waters. Alexander moved to help him, but Merrick held out a hand restraining him.
"No, Sire! The extra weight will snap the ropes; it'll ruin his only chance to make it."
Alexander nodded, knowing the captain of the guard was right.
Cale strained as he was suspended over the rapids by a single, tenuous grip. Reaching up, he grabbed hold with his other hand and pulled upward. Managing to get back over the ropes, he climbed his way back onto the bridge. Panting from the strain, he carefully stood again.
"YES," Alexander exclaimed, the group sharing in the triumph.
With great care, Cale resumed the crossing, at last safely making it to the opposite bank. Alexander was next to attempt the crossing.
Easing onto the vines, they swayed as Alexander stepped out. The bridge wobbled more than he anticipated, causing the prince to almost lose his balance
in the first few steps. He stopped as he fought for motion control. Growing accustomed to the way the bridge moved, he slowly resumed the crossing, advancing at a slow but steady pace.
Cale, watching from the other side, contemplated the irony of working with the man he once conspired to kill. Now, he stood alone on the far shore as the isolated prince reached the halfway point. Then, all of a sudden, Cale withdrew the primitive hatchet he'd formed and in one chop severed one of the vines of the bridge sending Alexander into the rushing, rock-filled water.
Busting from the tree line lumbered a meter-high gray-haired, white-striped beast. Running on four legs, it had a human female rider. The creature roared as it ran along the riverbank parallel to Alexander. Taking his eyes off Alexander for a quick second, Merrick shot a glance at the rider. She was young; he guessed about twenty. Deeply tanned, with chocolate hair in a single braid whipping behind her, she expertly guided the speeding animal over the rough terrain.
Leaping from her beast, the woman deftly tied one end of a rope to a tree the other end to a spear then cast it toward Alexander. Almost within reach, Alexander clawed for the lifeline and caught hold. Redirecting the beast to move backward, she reeled in Alexander. At first, Merrick was relieved, but then it occurred to him he had no way to get to the prince before the native could take him away, or maybe kill him on the spot.
Desperate, he did the only thing he could by grabbing for the lone rope still connecting the shores. Dangling over the rapids, he started across the watery chasm. Muscles burning, he made his way hand-over-hand to the far edge.
Reaching the other bank, he rushed toward the beast and rider. He saw Alexander lying motionless with his back upon the ground. The girl knelt beside him and placed a hand on the prince's chest to check if he was breathing. Gently brushing the hair from his eyes, she studied his face. Alexander's vision was blurry from his watery ordeal, and at first, he thought he might be waking up in Paradise because there was this beautiful, almost angelic-looking creature staring down at him. As Merrick approached, the girl's beast roared loudly as it slammed its substantial front paws into the ground.
