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

by Robert Iannone

  The entire village lay ruined amongst the fallen branches, burnt out trees and swirls of steam and ash. The mournful sound of crying children and distraught parents filled the air.

  Aeri’elle lay dazed on the ground. Her head hurt where she had been hit by a falling branch and she had burns on one of her wings. Slowly, and painfully, she raised her head to look for Megg . . . but there was still too much smoke to see clearly.

  “M’egg . . .,” she squawked. “Megg . . .”

  “Lie still.” said a voice that sounded familiar. “You are injured.” The dragon turned to see Azure kneeling behind her.

  “I’m alright . . . thanks,” she lied. Have you seen my friend?”

  Azure looked at the young dragon and slowly shook her head. “I am terribly sorry . . .”

  Not understanding what she was being told, Aeri’elle replied, “It’s not your fault. It’s Mobius’.”

  She didn’t know who Mobius was but that wasn’t what she was talking about. “No, dear one. I am sorry about your companion.”

  Still too groggy to understand, the dragon asked, “What are you talking about?”

  “Your sister was hurt very badly.”

  “WHERE IS SHE?” screamed the girl.

  “She has been taken with the other injured to be treated. But . . . ”

  “BUT? What do you mean BUT?”

  “She suffered a blow to the head and severe burns to her face.”

  “Oh no . . . oh no . . . oh no . . .,” wailed Aeri’elle. “I need to see her. Please help me get to her.”

  “You need medical attention. I am no expert on dragons, but I am on wings. And yours will require medical attention and time to heal.”

  “Forget about me . . .,” she cried not caring how rude it might sound. “Just take me to Megg.”

  “I will in a moment. I must make sure the others who are more seriously hurt get attention first.” She hesitated then added, “You and your sister were magnificent. In your efforts to save our people, you both showed a total disregard for your own well-being. The two of you managed to save seven Wind’dancers that might otherwise have died. I am so grateful.”

  “Did . . . did you lose anyone?”

  “There are a dozen or so with serious burns and three or four with broken legs or wings . . . but nothing that can’t be healed.”

  “Thank goodness.”

  “I am terribly sorry about your friend,” she repeated. “We will do what we can to make her comfortable, but you must expect the worse.”

  The only thing Aeri’elle could think about was the warning they had received from the Myst Tree . . . “One of you will not return.” Then the enormity and gravity of the situation finally hit the dragon and she screamed, “YOU CAN’T LET HER DIE. I WON’T LET HER DIE.”

  Azure looked at the injured dragon and tears fell from her eyes. She knew that the other girl was in very grave condition. And even if she lived . . . which was far from certain . . . she would carry the scars of this day with her forever.

  Aeri’elle read the expression on the woman’s face and cried “NOOOOO.”

  “She will not die.”

  They turned to the source of those words . . . words that were not spoken yet words they could still hear.

  And standing there, staring down at them with large black eyes and golden skin was an alien-looking female.

  “I am Spirit.”

  Chapter 10 – Thought Weaver

  Again, the words were not spoken, but each person could clearly hear them in their minds.

  Poor Azure was really operating beyond her limits. All of this should have been handled by her husband and clan leader. But he asked her to stand in for him while he was gone . . . and she intended to do just that.

  So putting aside for a few seconds the fact that her village lay in ruin, that she had a dragon and a wingless girl who were here under hospitality and were injured, she now had to face another alien. With her nerves all but gone, the best she could do was a very undiplomatic . . .

  “Sweet Zynnia . . . what are you?”

  “I am a Thought Weaver.” That wasn’t an answer that would help a Wind’dancer.

  “What do you want?”

  “She’s here to help us,” said Aeri’elle, who was so mesmerized by the other girl’s appearance that she momentarily forgot about Megg.

  “Kindly take me to the Princess.”

  “What Princess?”

  Aeri’elle explained, “My friend is a Princess from the planet Aerianna.”

  Wow, this was all too much for the clan leader’s wife to absorb. “I still don’t know who or what you are. Or how you got here.”

  “I would be pleased to answer all of your questions. Or, if you prefer, I could help heal those that have been hurt.”

  Azure stared at the strangely beautiful face of the alien girl. “Please, help the injured. They are over here. ”

  Spirit turned to the wounded dragon “You are Aeri’elle. I will help you first.”

  “NO,” blurted the girl. “You have to help the Princess first and the others. My injuries aren’t so bad.”

  Spirit smiled and nodded her head ever so slightly. “You are very worried about your sister,” she said. It wasn’t a question. “Come with me. You may watch as I mend her injuries.” She extended her long arm and touched Aeri’elle ever so softly. And the strangest thing occurred . . .

  Her finger tips seemed to melt right into the dragon’s injured wing. And as that happened, Spirit’s eyes began to glow an eerie red. A heartbeat later, she withdrew her hand.

  “Can you stand?”

  The girl was about to ask for help because any strain on her wing was painful. But then she realized with a start that there was no pain. She examined her wing and was surprised to see that it was healed. Well, the injury from the fire was healed but there was still an angry scar where she had been burned. She flexed it slowly . . . and sure enough, it felt like new.

  “You did that?” exclaimed Aeri’elle in utter amazement. “How?”

  “I am here to help.” Nice sentiment but it didn’t really answer the question. “Come, let’s attend to your sister and the others.”

  Led by Azure, the three made their way to the other side of the village where the injured had been taken. As they walked, every Wind’dancer stopped and stared at the alien-looking girl. Spirit didn’t seem to mind . . . she just held her head high and stared straight ahead.

  “How is it that I can hear you even though you’re not speaking?” asked Aeri’elle.

  “I am a telepath. I can project my thoughts directly into your mind.”

  “Can you read my mind?”

  “Ah, there is the Princess,” and Spirit quickened her pace leaving the dragon wondering about the answer to her question. In fact, she realized that the newcomer really hadn’t answered any questions.

  *****

  Somewhere between the Wind’dancer and Nauti Village

  Egg spotted the Wind’dancer over Zynnia’s Passion – those red and orange colored hills. She swooped down and alongside the man.

  “Hi Zephyr”.

  The man nearly fainted at the sight of a wingless girl flying next to him. His eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open.

  “You probably should close your mouth otherwise you’ll swallow a bug or two. Take it from me, that’s really gross.”

  The clan leader finally found his voice and his wits. “Who in Zynnia’s universe are you? What are you? Where are your wings? How can you fly with no wings? What do you want?”

  Egg smiled at the torrent of questions. “My name is Egg and I’m a friend of BreeZee’s. I came with six others to help rescue some friends. I can fly because of this suit . . . it’s the only one ever made. Did I answer all of them?”

  Zephyr relaxed knowing that this young girl was no threat. “You missed the ‘what do you want’ question.” He tried not to smile but a teensy grin escaped his lips.

  “It’s a long story but the short
version is that a really bad guy from my planet crashed landed on Zynn-Zaz’zia. He’s taken over the Nauti and you’re headed into a trap.”

  “I was told someone in a spaceship had landed. Supposedly, he’s a brilliant scientist willing to share his technology with us. I’m guessing that’s not true.”

  “Bingo.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Sorry. I mean you’re right. Anyway two of my sisters – we’re called the Hameggattic Sisterhood – went to your village to warn you of the danger. When Azure said you were going to visit the Nauti, I came to stop you. Will you come back with me?”

  He thought about that for almost a minute. “Well, your story is way too bizarre for you to be lying. Whether it’s true has yet to be proved. But to be on the safe side, we’ll go back.”

  “Terrific. Here, take my hand.”

  “Why?”

  “Cause I’m about to show you the difference between sailing and flying. Hang on.”

  *****

  Wind’dancer Village

  M’egg opened her eyes but they were out of focus making everything look blurry. She put her hands to her face to rub away some dirt but someone said, “Your skin is still sensitive from your injuries. I would avoid rubbing it for at least a couple of days.”

  She put her hands back down, then used them to help herself sit up. “What happened?” Her mind was as out of focus as her eyes.

  “We both got conked by a falling branch. But you got the worse of it. Luckily, Spirit was able to repair our injuries.”

  Megg’s eyes were beginning to clear and, after blinking away some soot, she was able to see three faces staring at her. She smiled at her sister then turned to the newcomer and said without showing surprise at the girl’s appearance, “You must be the Thought Weaver. Thank you for coming to our assistance. ”

  “You are most welcome. How do you feel?”

  Now the princess stared. She had heard the words but the other girls lips never moved. So, she was either a ventriloquist or a telepath. Megg assumed it was the latter.

  “I am fine, thank you. Aeri’elle . . . what about you?”

  “Umm . . . had a little problem with my wing, but Spirit fixed that to.”

  “Really? Are all Thought Weavers healers?” she asked intrigued.

  “If there is nothing further I can do for you, I should attend to the others.” Aeri’elle noted that the girl had avoided answering yet another question.

  “I am so sorry. Please, do what you can for them.” The princess turned to Azure and asked, “Were there many injured?”

  “Some, but none as seriously as you. Thanks to you and your sister, you saved seven of my clan from certain death. We are all in your debt.”

  “Nonsense. You would have done the same thing had the situation been reversed.” Then, for the first time since she had opened her eyes, she took in the destruction around her. “Oh my gosh.” She turned to Azure and said “I am so sorry . . .,” but she didn’t know what else to say. Her words seemed hollow and woefully inadequate to express the depths of what she was feeling.

  Then, despite her best efforts, she started to cry . . . not for herself, but for these innocent people who were suffering because of Mobius. And because of that fateful decision made on Aerianna to cast him off into space. It was a measure of personal growth for her to feel, and show, such emotions. Aeri’elle said nothing, but was deeply moved.

  *****

  After they were gone, the dragon had to break the bad news to her sister.

  “Megg . . .”

  “Yes?”

  “About your injury . . . Spirit was able to heal the wound, but she could do nothing to restore your skin to its natural condition.”

  At first, the girl didn’t understand what she was being told. But then it hit her. “I am scarred?”

  “Yeah.”

  She gingerly put her fingertips to her face and felt the rough ridges where the tissue had been healed. She slowly traced them . . . from her mouth up to her forehead. Apparently the entire left side had been badly burned.

  Aeri’elle watched the girl intently . . . afraid that she might become hysterical. The old Megg had been very vain about her looks.

  “I was gravely injured, wasn’t I?”

  “They weren’t sure you would live. In fact, if it hadn’t been for Spirit, we might have lost you.”

  The girl gave that some thought. “She saved my life . . . and for that I am very grateful.” Then she lifted her head and asked, “How bad is it?”

  “Truthfully?”

  “Of course.”

  “It’s not so good.”

  “I see.”

  “Maybe the doctors back home can do something.”

  “Perhaps.”

  “I’m sorry, Megg. But . . . and this may sound strange . . . you’re even more beautiful now than before you became a Hameggattic Sister. A few scars can’t change that.” She hesitated but found the courage to say, “Don’t let this change what you’ve become . . . please.”

  Megg started to cry again. Never had anyone ever cared so much for her well-being (if you didn’t count her family). “Thank you Aeri’elle.”

  “You’re a Hameggattic Sister, always and forever. And you’re my Princess and someday you’ll be my Queen. You can always count on my love and my loyalty. Always.”

  Megg leaned over and gave the dragon a hug. Aeri’elle returned the favor, but refused to let go until she was sure that the other girl had regained her composure.

  When they finally stepped apart, Megg said, “What do you think of this?” and she took her green scarf and swirled it around half her face and over her head, completely (almost) covering the injured skin.

  “I think you look beautiful . . . for a human.”

  “High praise, indeed,” and they both tried to laugh.

  After a few seconds to enjoy the moment, Aeri’elle asked, “Megg, what do you think of Spirit?”

  “I am glad she is a healer as well as a Thought Weaver.”

  “Actually, you asked her if she was but she didn’t answer you. In fact, she hasn’t answered anyone’s questions since she’s been here.”

  “Really? What other questions did you ask her?”

  “When she told me she was a telepath, I asked her if she could read my mind.”

  “And?”

  “She ignored me and ran off to find you. And Azure asked her some questions and she said she could either answer them or heal the wounded. Naturally she told her to go heal the wounded.”

  “Well, maybe once she gets to know us, she will be more forthcoming. In the meantime, I owe her my life. As far as I am concerned, that means she gets the benefit of any doubts we might have about her.”

  “Agreed.”

  “Perhaps we should go find her and Azure. Maybe they could use our help.”

  *****

  Egg and Zephyr landed amongst the burned out trees of what was once the Wind’dancer village. The clan leader surveyed the damage and nearly wept. “Sweet Zynnia . . . what happened?”

  Azure had seen him land and came running over. She threw her arms around him and told him of the F’yre Dragon attack.

  “Why would it attack us?”

  “He does what Mobius, that space guy, tells him to do. His name is Bl’udd,” answered Egg. She had never felt more helpless in her life as she took in the carnage around her.

  “Who are you? Never mind. You must be with the other two.”

  “My name is Egg. You’re BreeZee’s mom.”

  “Yes.”

  Then Egg realized that her sisters must have been here when Bl’udd attacked. And knowing them, they probably tried to prevent it. “Where are my two sisters? Are they alright?”

  “They were both injured . . . the one you call the Princess quite badly.” She turned to her husband. “They were magnificent. They sacrificed themselves to save our people. We owe them seven lives.”

  But Egg wasn’t listening . . . she was looking around fran
tically for her injured friends.

  Realizing that she had not told the girl everything, Azure said, “I’m sorry. They were injured but a very alien girl appeared out of nowhere and healed them both. They are in no danger.”

  “Oh my gosh. Thank you.”

  “Alien girl? More alien then her?” and Zephyr pointed at Egg.

  “Yes,” was all his wife said.

  Just then, Aeri’elle and Megg appeared out of the heavy haze that still hung over the village. Zephyr was speechless at the sight of a dragon.

  Egg ran up to Aeri’elle then to the Princess and gave each a hug. She noticed Megg’s scarf around her face but said nothing. “Zephyr, this is Princess M’egg-Alynnia from the planet Aerianna. And this is Aeri’elle . . . she’s a dragon. They are also Hameggattic Sisters.”

  “May I join you?”

  “Oh my gosh”. Egg shouldn’t have been surprised at the girl’s appearance since she had seen her in a dream. But here in real life, the girl was even more exotic looking. The fact that she heard the words in her head was less shocking since that was the way the Myst Tree communicated.

  “My name is Spirit.”

  “Hi, I’m Egg.”

  “An honor and a privilege.”

  Egg forced herself to turn back to the clan leader. “What can we do to help?”

  “Right now, nothing. But thank you.”

  “I’m sorry our warning didn’t come in time.”

  “It wouldn’t have mattered. We have no weapons. We couldn’t have stopped that beast from destroying our trees.” Realizing he had insulted Aeri’elle, he added, “Forgive me.”

  “No apology required. Besides, Bl’udd is a beast.”

  Zephyr took a deep breath and hugged his wife. When he had his emotions under control, he asked, “How are you going to deal with that lunatic spaceman?”

  “We’re going to trap him in time . . . in his past.”

  “You’re going to do what?”

  “We’ll explain later. Anyway, that’s why Spirit is here . . . to help us trap Mobius. Right, Spirit?”