Box Set #2: Zynn-Zaz'Zia: [The 4 book 2nd Adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood]

by Robert Iannone

  “Bl’udd,” gasped Bl’azzz. The thought was so unsettling that she burped and the gas ignited with the now all-to-familiar ‘whoosh’ sound. “Sorry.”

  “Bl’udd,” repeated the Princess in wonder. It was all so extraordinary. The two most notorious characters in Aerianna’s history had improbably reappeared to cause more trouble. The thought that she would be involved in battling these two villains alongside the infamous Hameggattic Sisterhood gave her a tingling sensation. She knew she shouldn’t be so excited by the thought . . . but she couldn’t help herself. Her mother had done this and now so would her daughter. She turned towards Egg. “Is this not good news? You now know the enemy is the same individual that you have already defeated.”

  “Meggy, you don’t know him like we do. There is no way he’s going to let seven girls beat him again. In fact, when he finds out it’s us, he’ll probably be downright ecstatic. It’s his chance for revenge.”

  “Oh, fiddlesticks.”

  Everyone turned to look at Sylvia. “What’s wrong?” asked her friend.

  “If he makes the connection between his hostages and us, things are going to get really, really ugly.”

  “Why is that?” asked Zazzi.

  “He’s got K’ssss’ dad, Megg’s dad, Aeri’elle’s dad and Sassi, who is one of our sisters who helped defeat him the first time.”

  “That is not good,” said the serpent stating the obvious.

  “No, not good at all.”

  “So what do you want to do?” Aeri’elle asked Egg.

  The girl shook her head. “Well, for one thing – this sure isn’t like the Quest. Back then, we knew we had to get through the seven lands. We even had that obnoxious cat to help lead the way.”

  Six of the girls involuntarily looked around to see if a head with a hat would appear. They were half hoping it would.

  But no luck and no J’azzz-min.

  “May I offer a suggestion or two?” asked M’egg. She wasn’t quite sure how to proceed since she was the newest member with the least experience.

  “I’m all ears,” answered Egg.

  But before the Princess could say a word, Soo hissed, “That’s it. No more.”

  “What are you talking about?” asked Bl’azzz.

  “All ears? All ears?” she repeated. “High Fives? The Lava was ‘too cool’. No more, I’m telling you. These exceedingly exasperating expressions from earth are going to make my head explode (serpents didn’t have ears like humans, nor hands to high five, and ‘too cool’ should never describe boiling, gazillion degree lava).

  When they realized she was kidding (sort of) they all started to giggle . . . except Zazzi who was completely befuddled.

  “I would like to laugh with you, but you must first tell me what is so funny?’

  That turned the giggles to laughs.

  “H’sssss. You said something funny.”

  “I did? What?”

  K’ssss could not have answered that question in a million years. Not wanting to sound dumb in front of Zazzi, she replied, “I can’t tell you. You’re not a Hammygatic Sister.”

  “Oh.”

  When things quieted down, Egg turned to M’egg and said, “What are you thinking?”

  “I do not wish to talk out of turn.”

  “M’egg, we’re in this together. You’re a Hameggattic Sister, after all.”

  “I am” she said and smiled at the sound of it. Then she blushed and hurriedly finished her thought. “First of all we need to know where he is hiding the hostages. There is at least a chance that we can rescue them without a confrontation.”

  “Good thinking. What else?”

  The Princess smiled at the small compliment. “We also would be well served if we can intuit what his grand scheme is ultimately devised to accomplish.”

  That was a little too confusing for K’ssss. “I’m sorry . . . in to what?” She looked like she wanted to cry for having to ask the question in front of you-know-who.

  Before any of the girls could explain that intuit meant to understand, Zazzi zipped in for the save. “I believe your friend was clumsily trying to convey that she would like to understand what plans the evil Mobius is devising so that you and your sisters can find a way to stop him from succeeding.” He then turned towards M’egg and the others and gave them a glare that said, “I dare you to disagree.”

  Soo was about to say something sarcastic when Egg whispered, “Bite your tongue.”

  Now that was an earth expression even a serpent, with their enormous tongues, could appreciate. “Excellent, Egg-o. That one I like,” she whispered back.

  Then it was Sylvia’s turn to whisper to her friend. “Oh, right.” Flying Girl turned back to Zazzi and asked, “Um, Zazzi, M’egg is right but it would be much easier if you would help. Will you?”

  “I cannot be involved in any violence regardless of the cause. Zynnia does not permit it.”

  “That’s okay. We wouldn’t ask you anyway. This is our fight not yours.”

  “It is my world . . . not yours,” he replied.

  “Oh, right. Anyway, we still could use your help.”

  “I will gladly do what I can . . . but on one other condition.”

  “Which is . . . ?”

  Now it was Zazzi’s turn to whisper into Egg’s ear. He swam up to her, leaned close and said his piece.

  Egg’s eyes went wide and she quickly put her hand over her mouth so no one else could see her reaction.

  “It’s a deal. Shake . . ., ” she said and put out her hand without thinking.

  Zazzi looked at it in confusion.

  Soo shook her head sadly. “Good grief.”

  Chapter 2 - Evil Genius

  A Month Ago

  Howl and his wife stared in horror as the winged, fire-breathing beast and the ugly man upon its back flew from their ship and headed straight towards the Nauti. He knew they could never escape . . . the sea breeze was too gentle for he and Gale to pick up much speed.

  There was only one thing to do. He turned to his wife and said, “Go. Hurry.”

  “I’m not leaving you.”

  “Sweetheart, get out of here and warn the village. But tell them under no circumstance should they attempt to help me. Just hide the young ones and prepare as best they can. Now hurry.”

  “I love you.”

  “And I love you. Go. Please.”

  So reluctantly, Gale sailed away as fast as she could. It took all of her will power not to look back. When she finally made it to the village, she was sobbing hysterically.

  *****

  “Enough of the fire. Those two are sufficiently impressed.”

  Bl’udd did as he was told. “Now what?”

  “Land in front of them. But do be careful that you don’t swat them with your wings. I need them uninjured.”

  As the dragon began his descent, he saw the female start to fly off. “Hey, one of them is getting away.”

  “That is actually a good sign. These creatures are obviously sufficiently advanced that the male is trying to protect the female. He is also sending her to warn the rest of his kind while he does his best to stall us.”

  “And that’s good why?”

  “Oh, just shut up you imbecile.”

  Bl’udd rolled his eyes at yet another insult and landed where he had been told. Mobius slid off and landed quite gracefully for such a big man.

  “I am terribly sorry if we frightened you,” he yelled to the Nauti. “But I could not be sure if you were hostile or friendly.”

  Howl looked down at the two alien beings and made a quick decision. He could never beat these two in battle so he might as well try to be friends. Well, not friends but friendly . . . at least until he understood what kind of threat they posed to his people. He glided down and landed a few feet from Mobius.

  “My name is Howl.”

  “And mine is Mobius. This large fellow behind me is Bl’udd. By your reaction, I surmise you have never seen a dragon before.”


  Howl stared at the creature. “First time.”

  “Bl’udd, do not be rude and greet the nice man.”

  “Hi.”

  “And to you.” Howl turned back to Mobius. “Who are you? Why are you here?”

  “Ah, right to the point. I like that. Idle chit chat is so annoying, do you not agree?”

  Howl just stared back. If first impressions meant anything . . . and they meant everything . . . he didn’t like, or trust, this person. In fact, he knew he was about to be lied to.

  “My companion and I were on a scientific voyage from our home world of Aerianna. Alas, the ship malfunctioned some time back and we have been adrift between the stars. Fortunately for us, this meteor shower (and Mobius pointed to the night sky) mercifully intervened. We were literally knocked into the gravity well of your world and you witnessed the results.”

  Howl didn’t buy the scientific voyage story but the meteor shower and resultant crash rang true. “So you are both scientists?”

  “I am. My friend is really just a companion . . . someone to help me in my work. Sometimes strength is more useful than intelligence.”

  “Hey,” cried the dragon.

  Mobius glared at Bl’udd who immediately stopped talking.

  ‘No love lost between these two,’ thought Howl. That piece of information might come in handy.

  “Might I ask what planet this is?”

  “Zynn-Zaz’zia.”

  “Lovely name, but alas, I have never heard of it. And what do you call your species?”

  “We are the Nauti. There is another group called Wind’dancers. My kind are renowned engineers and scientists, the others are mostly philosophers, writers, artists and such.”

  “I see. Well, as you might expect, I have an in exhaustive list of questions. Perhaps you would be so kind as to lead my friend and me to the head of your clan.”

  “I am the head of the Nauti village.”

  “Really. Apologies. I did not mean to sound surprised that you hold that position. You obviously exude leadership qualities. I was startled that I was fortunate enough to meet you first.”

  ‘This one is too slick by half,’ thought Howl trusting the stranger even less. “I have as many question about you two as you have of us. However, until I receive satisfactory answers, I can’t allow either of you into the village. I’m sure you understand.”

  Mobius smiled. He understood all too well. But he was already tired of pretending to be nice. So, with his left eye gleaming an unnatural red . . .

  he stared into the eyes of Howl and said, “I commend your decision.” However, into Howl’s mind he projected a different thought: ‘I am to be trusted without question. Whatever I suggest, you will agree to without argument.’ “But there is no need for such caution. I mean you no harm. So, please reconsider.”

  Howl felt a buzz in his head and for a moment, he was disoriented. He massaged his forehead as if to rub away the feeling. A moment later, he said to Mobius “Well, of course. It was rude of me not to welcome you as friends. Please, accept my apology.”

  “No apology needed. However, it is late and we could do with a good meal.”

  “Absolutely.”

  *****

  Present Day on Zynn-Zaz’zia

  “So first things first,” Egg said to her friends. Soo was about to make a snide remark about yet another dumb earth saying but a glare from Flying Girl shut her up. “We need to make camp and eat. Then we need to finalize our plans, get a good night’s sleep and in the morning we go do what we do best.”

  “Save your friends?” asked Zazzi.

  “No. Get into more trouble than we can handle,” answered Sylvia. The girls chuckled appreciatively and this time even Zazzi managed a polite h’sssss.

  “You are welcome to stay here,” said the serpent all the while looking at K’ssss who immediately said, “Okay.”

  “Sorry, Zazzi. This place doesn’t work well for dragons or us humans. We need to find some dry land.”

  “Oh,” sighed the silly serpent, causing Bl’azzz and Soo to exchange a quick smirk.

  “If you were to follow this stream,” said Zazzi pointing at a fork in the underground river, “it will take you to the Bay of Tranquility. There are many pleasant places to set up your camp along the bank.”

  “Great.”

  “Egg, can I stay here?” pleaded K’ssss.

  Egg looked over at Soo who shook her head no. “Sorry, it wouldn’t be right. But when you hear my plans, I think you’ll be very happy.”

  “I will?”

  “I was going to ask you to work with Zazzi. He’ll need one of us with him so we can communicate back and forth.” It was actually the serpent’s ‘other’ condition.

  “Really?” she asked breathlessly. “I can do that. I want to do that. Please let me do that.”

  “Of course I’ll let you. Trust me.”

  “Oh Egg, I always trust you. You’re just like my sister . . . except you’re not a serpent and you have hands and feet and wear clothes and don’t eat eels.”

  “K’ssss, you wonky whack-a-doodle, she is your sister. Remember . . . Hammygatic sister?”

  “Oh. I forgot. Sorry.”

  “What is a wonky whack-a-doodle?” asked Zazzi. He didn’t like the sound of it.

  “Um,” responded Soo embarrassed. But the Princess cut her off before there were any hurt feelings. “It is a term of endearment that my people use on Aerianna.

  “I see. Then perhaps I might call you that, K’ssss . . . should it please you?”

  “No, no, no” interjected a red-faced M’egg-Alynnia. “It may only be used on my world. For you to use it on Zynn-Zaz’zia would be a royal insult.”

  “Oh. My apology. Then I most certainly won’t use it.”

  “Thank you. I am sure you can create your own terms of endearment.” Then she quickly added “. . . should that become appropriate.”

  “Nice going,” whispered Soo. “Thanks.”

  “That is what sisters do, is it not?”

  “Yeah, it is.”

  *****

  They found a really pleasant cove. It had a grassy patch of flat open land bordered by trees on one side and shallow water on the other. K’ssss and Soo would enjoy sleeping in their natural element while the three human girls were excited with the prospect of washing their hair.

  The sun was just setting behind the hills and the whole area was bathed in breathtaking hues of red and orange.

  “It really is beautiful,” commented Sylvia. “I wouldn’t mind coming back after we take care of business.”

  “Yeah” said Egg without enthusiasm. “That taking care of business part has me worried.”

  “Something specific, Egg?” asked Aeri’elle. “Or is it just the whole Mobius thing?”

  Egg let out a deep breath. “It’s getting dark. Why don’t we set up camp first, and then make dinner. Afterward, we can talk it out.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” said the ever-hungry Soo. “Me and lover girl will check out the bay. Maybe we can scrounge up a fish or two.”

  “And eels?” asked a hopeful K’ssss.

  “And eels. Come on, you love-sick sea snicker-doodle.” Both serpents dove into, and disappeared under, the water.

  “Bl’azzz, can you go find some wood so we can make a fire?”

  “Gotcha”.

  “Oh, this time try and stay out of spider webs,” teased Aeri’elle.

  “Spider webs?” asked M’egg.

  “Back in the Seven Lands, after she was bitten by the P’xxxies, I took her with me look for firewood. She ended up in a giant spider’s web and Soo had to save her.”

  “Were you not bitten by that spider?” the Princess asked the F’yre Dragon remembering something from Egg’s diary.

  “Oh, yeah. That was one of the reasons Egg sent me home. I couldn’t walk.”

  M’egg felt goose bumps on her arms. First, because of the idea of giant spiders and second because she was now part of this famous siste
rhood that had braved so much to save her mother and her world. It was like living a fairy tale. “Perhaps I should come with you.”

  “Why?” Bl’azzz asked a little defensively.

  “I have never seen a dragon stuck in a spider’s web. I think it would be very amusing,” she teased.

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  M’egg looked over at Aeri’elle and winked. She turned back to Bl’azzz and said, “Well, of course, I am teasing.”

  “Then let’s go.” After a second, she added, “I’ll be right behind you.”

  M’egg looked quizzically at her fire-breathing sister.

  “Just teasing.”

  So the two sisters walked off into the woods each holding a light stick. Within seconds, they were gone from sight.

  “She’s okay,” said Aeri’elle to the other girls. “Once again, I was wrong. I’m glad she’s with us.”

  “Me, too. So let’s get our tents up and . . .,” but Egg was interrupted by a blood-curdling scream. “Come on,” she yelled to her two friends as she sprinted into the woods. Her heart was pounding . . . because that was definitely not a dragon screaming. If anything happened to the Princess, how would she ever face Dazzle?

  *****

  A month ago

  Bl’udd, with Howl and Mobius on his back, landed in the center of the village. The clan leader slid off and yelled up to the treetops, “It’s alright. They’re friends.” After a moment, a few heads peaked down from the Sun-Seeker Trees.

  “Please, don’t be rude to our guests. Come down and greet them.”

  So with great reluctance and trepidation, the villagers glided down and landed, forming a circle around Howl and the two strange creatures.

  “Howl?”

  “Come here my love and meet Mobius and Bl’udd.”

  “Why did you bring them here?”

  “Gale, please. You’re insulting my friends.”

  “Friends? You just met them. I don’t understand.”

  “Madam, my name is Mobius. You are Howl’s wife, I take it?”