Starblazer- Through the Black Gate

by Reiter

  A total of four bodies were atop the large bed, though only one of them was male and actually belonged in the chamber. One of the maidens, fair-haired and green-eyed, looked up and quickly reached for the sheets to cover herself. The other two continued trying to please the Prince, as it appeared they were nearing their objective. To lessen the disgust of the moment, Ernestan put his eyes to the floor. He also took note of the face of the young, female Nalyik that was his student. She was not at all comfortable with this scene.

  “My Prince, I have pressing news!” Ernestan announced in a very official sounding tone, causing a cessation of all euphoric measures. Looking at the three women, Ernestan allowed his mind to picture himself with them instead. Even in the midst of his fantasy, all parties were clothed, enjoying food, drink, mirth, and music.

  “What?!” Valwonn said as his head came up from the foot of the bed, his long golden-blonde hair mussed all about his face. Ernestan had assumed a reversed body position and the Prince’s brow registered his surprise. “Oh, it’s you!” he sighed in disgust as his head fell back to the bed. “And you, why did you stop?” he asked of the fair-haired female. Her pale skin, which was very close to the complexion of Ernestan, and her shorter eyebrows marked the young female as the only Vohlbred in a chamber of Vohlterrans and as such, was something of a surprise to see. She was exceptional, even in the company she shared, but Valwonn was hardly ever found outside the self-assigned limitations of his pursuits; he considered it to be less than his station to be in the company of the Vohlbred.

  “Forgive me, my lord, but–” Valwonn sat up quickly and slapped the woman hard across her face. She fell out of the bed, taking the sheet with her.

  “My Prince!” Ernestan shouted.

  “You will mind your place!” Valwonn barked before he lost sight on the room and his world. His soft orange eyes turned white and his body convulsed as he lost the ability to breathe.

  “Will I, my liege?!” Ernestan hissed, a soft white light rising up from the center of his light brown eyes. So very quickly and easily the Star Gaper’s mind had engaged ThoughtWill, seizing the functions of the Prince’s brain. “Would that be the place you think you command, or would it be the place where I promised my service to the sanctity and safekeeping of the Throne? One that has, time and again, dedicated itself to the service of its subjects… one of whom you struck after she insured her place in the annals of history as one of the most undemanding women of all time! So tell me, of which place do you speak, you witless insect?!”

  “Master,” Kannadi said softly, touching her fingertips to her master’s right arm. His head snapped to glare at the young female who quickly lowered her head. “If your righteous wrath must be visited upon anyone, destroy me before you continue to harm one of royal station.” The light in Ernestan’s eyes faded before he closed them and Valwonn fell off the bed.

  “Guests of the young Imperial Prince, it is time to take your leave,” Ernestan commanded as he sighed, reaching back to put his hand on the top of Kannadi’s head. “All save you,” Ernestan said, pointing at the woman who had been struck. “Guard!” the man called out, releasing his protégé after giving her head a soft caress. With the doors still open, the guards entered the bed chamber quickly. “Please take all of the women to the Healer. See to it that the Royal Seed has not been passed. But then, take the Vohlbred woman to my chambers.” The three women moved quickly to grab their clothes.

  “I would ask that you keep a watchful eye on the Vohlbred woman, Kannadi,” Ernestan requested as softer eyes looked upon the young female. He smiled at the young woman as she brushed her red-brown hair out of her face. She was young and incredibly polite, but Ernestan knew that if she had felt so moved, she could have lifted the man and thrown him across the room. “Fortunately, as we infest you with Terran shortsightedness, your Nalyik honor remains intact. Forgive my earlier tirade.”

  “There is nothing to forgive, my Master,” Kannadi bowed once more as she spoke. “And the honor you attribute to my blood I attribute to my Master in his defense of those who cannot fend for themselves.” The young Nalyik woman assisted the women in gathering their things and ushered them out of the room, closing the doors behind her.

  “You will bleed for this, kibitzer,” Valwonn moaned as he rolled over on his chest. He was telekinetically lifted from the floor and made to stand up.

  “I prefer the sobriquet of seb-man if I am going to be insulted at all, Your Majesty,” Ernestan said, finally releasing the Prince and allowing him to stand under his own power.

  “Well, it fits. You are a starry-eyed bastard.”

  “I am many things, my Prince,” Ernestan said, looking at the nightstand on the right of the bed. The top drawer was opened and an injector was lifted up and made to float over to the Prince. Valwonn snatched the device from the air and quickly gave himself a dosage. He closed his eyes as the elixir moved rapidly through his body. Soon, he would feel no pain in his body at all, left with only a throbbing sensation in his brain. “… but for one who can set his eyes upon the stars and read the Fates to not know who his father is or was would be a true waste of material.”

  “I will never see what my mother sees in you,” Valwonn said softly.

  “Neither will I, as it was your aunt who requested my talents in this capacity,” Ernestan reminded the Prince. “You recall your mother’s sister, do you not? She too tries to love you, but even I cannot see why.”

  “Why are you here?!” Valwonn snapped. Ernestan looked up, the softly glowing light returning to his eyes, and Valwonn braced himself for the pain.

  “Careful, my Prince,” Ernestan warned, “‘fore I take thy voice as offensive to another of the Emperor’s subjects!” Ernestan made the Prince cringe in anticipation for a moment longer before he released his hold on ThoughtWill.

  “You have entered my chambers uninvited. I would have the reason for this.” The Emperor’s third son and fifth child slowly relaxed his body and walked to put on his robe. “I cannot say that I am too trusting of your kind and their supposed skills.”

  “You allude of my predecessor,” Ernestan replied as he walked to the couch to take a seat. “The one you had tucked away at Stulte-Locus. How much did you lose on that wager she guided you to make?”

  “Three-quarters of a million,” Valwonn admitted bitterly.

  “And how much have you regained since her imprisonment?”

  “She was wrong in her sight!” Valwonn pressed.

  “Mayhap,” Ernestan returned as he sat back and allowed his body to relax. “Mayhap she viewed that if she misguided you, she would be removed from your service. Missing the details of what shape that removal might take was her only true error.

  “One who is of the Stars is among us in the Rims,” Ernestan reported in a very straight-forward tone. As angry as the Prince might have been, he did not receive the words lightly. Pleased to have at least gained the Prince’s attention, Ernestan took in a deep breath before continuing. “I did not feel its approach nor its true face and form.”

  “Do you know its location?” Valwonn inquired.

  “Unfortunately, I–”

  “Useless!” Valwonn declared. “All of you seers are utterly useless!” Valwonn tightly tied his robe down and walked to the doors of his room. “Why is it only now that you can see this?!”

  “Because I have been busy looking into the affairs of Lady Tramull, per your request, Your Majesty.” Ernestan knew what was about to unfold, but it was just as well; he had seen to his duty, now he would see to keeping his word. “Only yesterday did I view her in the arms of another lover.”

  “What?!” Valwonn barked. “What is his name?! Or have you failed to see this as well?”

  “Her name is Cynthali,” the Star Gaper reported, and Valwonn allowed every ounce of his shock and dismay to register clearly on his face. “You remember your sister, don’t you? It would seem that the Lady Tramull sought your sister’s counsel in regards to your advances. The resolve
of the Princess was, well… let’s just say it was unexampled!”

  Valwonn had little recourse and he knew it. Cynthali was First Born. Though she was not heir to the throne, G’Dalior had never missed an opportunity to put her on a pedestal. The resentment the First Prince and Regalion had for his youngest sibling, however, was a matter of public note.

  “And this is all you bring me?!” Valwonn spat. His fury had to be delivered to some port of call, and the PsyondaR Geelmus was readily available. “What am I supposed to do with this so-called approach to being informative? Return when you have something more fulfilling.

  “And Ernestan,” Valwonn said softly as the Star Gaper stood up. “… if you ever enter my chambers, unannounced and uninvited again, I shall have you executed. Do I make myself very clear, or will you need to consult the Stars?”

  “There are many fates to be read, Your Majesty,” Ernestan said as he bowed. “I shall endeavor to improve my capability.”

  “You do that!” Valwonn said, opening the door. “Good morning, my lord.”

  “Good afternoon, my Prince,” Ernestan said as he took his leave. Valwonn slammed the door behind him and Ernestan allowed himself a slight smile as he walked down the corridor.

  “My Lord,” a soft, young female voice called to him and he stopped, slightly surprised. Whoever had called him had veiled their mind and he was unaware anyone was within his perimeter of awareness. “My Lord Ernestan Geelmus, how are you this fine day?” The round PsyondaR turned to see the very lovely Princess Maradothia walking toward him. Like the rest of her family, she was Vohlterran and quite comely; but there was something to her that seemed to set her apart, making her even more attractive to the eyes of many. Perhaps it was that, like Regalion G’Dalior and their mother, her hair was a glistening white which seemed to sparkle like precious stones against her soft mocha complexion.

  “I feel as if I have been blessed with a second sunrise, Princess Maradothia,” he said, bowing low and with deliberate grace.

  Quickly taking his arm, the Princess spoke in hushed tones as she resumed her walk down the corridor, pulling Ernestan to accompany her. “I prefer Chanyelle, your lordship. I would ask that you call me that.”

  “Your Majesty, it is not my pla–”

  “Lord Geelmus, we are hardly in the chambers or in the presence of the Throne,” she said with a slight smile.

  “You are the Throne, Your Majesty,” Ernestan replied.

  “And that position needs friends just as it needs subjects, does it not?”

  Ernestan took in a breath and smiled as he sighed. He was not going to win the argument, but he would not mind this loss. “As you wish then, Chanyelle. You are obviously away from your studies.”

  “Even the scholars of the Galena Barony are given to taking a respite now and again, Lord Geelmus,” she replied.

  “My lady, Ernestan, if you please.”

  “Very well then, Ernestan, I am home on leave from my studies,” her light yellow eyes smiled up at him and the man found himself calling upon his discipline to maintain his composure. Maradothia had reached that age where she was beginning to embrace adulthood. Many found themselves competing for her attention, but she was more or less engaged in either the status of the Empire or her scholarly pursuits. Ernestan could not be sure which she was seeing to at the moment, but she quickly lost her smile and looked up and down the corridor before speaking again. “Do you see them, or do you hear them? The Stars, I mean!”

  “It would seem I am to contend with both of her listed ambitions,” he thought.

  “Sadly, neither, dear Chanyelle,” Ernestan answered. “You give me too much credit. What I am able to see are images of events that are unfolding at the moment of my viewing. On certain occasions I am able to see into the events to come. Those visions, however, are quite rare.”

  “And what have you seen most recently?” she asked.

  “Really, Chanyelle, I–”

  “Cannot expect my younger brother to take you seriously,” she interrupted. “He does not think highly of your talents, unless it is to improve the station of his coffers or his bed. My aunt is no fool, Ernestan, and I know you agree with that. If she has asked you to assist us, there is good reason for her request. I would see to it that her efforts are at the very least acknowledged.”

  “Very well,” Ernestan replied, curious as to where this might lead matters. “I have viewed one who is One with the Stars. This creature’s touch with the celestial lords, I fear, is greater than mine.”

  “How much greater?”

  “To the point of communing with them directly,” he answered and awe shined in the face of the Princess. “But when I try to see this person, I cannot make out their shape or size. I am blinded by what appears to be an inner light I have never seen before, not even when I have viewed my masters!” Ernestan watched as Maradothia took it all in, weighing each word she had received. The smile did not come back to her face, but there was no fear in her eyes, just wonder and contemplations.

  “Ernestan, you must continue your vigil! Report what you wish to my brother, but make sure you reach me with every fact you gain. Before I return to the Prism Baronies, I will see to it that no less than three transmission channels are established. That should enable you to contact me while I am on the other side of the Black Gate.”

  “As you wish, Your Majesty,” Ernestan replied as he patted her hand.

  “I will consult G’Dalior on this matter and let him say if we are to take it any further,” Maradothia decided. “Forgive me, but I will take my leave of you now.”

  “There is nothing to forgive, Your Maj- Chanyelle.” The young woman smiled before giving him a slight bow. When she turned to walk away, Ernestan noticed her gait was not the sort typically demonstrated by one of Royal Station. She meant to cover the distance in a short period of time.

  “Now I will see to my guest,” he thought, remembering the girl Valwonn had struck. “Not all things to be viewed necessarily come from the Stars!”

  The essence of parenthood is to make children think that they are the most handsome, intelligent, brilliant person in the world.

  Maurice Saatchi

  Dungias initiated nothing in the way of conversation. He wanted Borsidia to take in every facet of each construct around her. For every question, he had an answer, but after the information was delivered, he lowered his head and became as close to invisible as possible.

  As for the would-be Chancellor of the Astral Realm, Borsidia had very few questions pertaining to the construct. She had known this day would eventually arrive, though by her standards it was still all too early.

  “Perhaps Nes is right to have concerns about this one,” she thought. “For nothing could have prepared me for this!

  “This is your work, yes?” she asked.

  “No,” Dungias answered quickly as he stepped closer to the Prel’Dethiak female, taking hold of one of her six hands. As it was the way with her people, physical contact triggered a telepathic response.

  “He remembers our first meeting!” Borsidia thought, reeling in the wave of thoughts and emotions that were involved in the making of this spacecraft. Her people seldom spoke, as words were often misapplied or improperly received. The Prel’Dethiak were telepathic, but the application of their talent was restricted to physical touch. One could say the Prel’Dethiak were truly a hands-on people, and they delighted in many exchanges. Dungias’ grip was quickly applied, but there was nothing but softness in the way he had moved. He had been prepared to share the making of the ship… she could taste eagerness and anxiety in the delivery. It had been made abundantly clear Dungias held to a much different perspective. It was also obvious to her that he had been well-practiced in telepathic sharing. She saw nothing outside the making of the ship and the living machine which had been given the name Satithe.

  “Oh my!” she exclaimed as the final strokes played out in her mind. The culmination of years of hard work, study, and refabricating; he ha
d even trusted Satithe to edit his designs, and he had learned from her. “You have been busy since our last visit!”

  “Because of our last meeting, I have had very good reasons to be diligent,” Dungias replied.

  “May I?” Borsidia requested and Dungias was confused. He nodded to the affirmative and was surprised when she moved to embrace him. His body moved without error or hesitation as his arms wrapped around her highest set of shoulders. He closed his eyes at the sensation, and his body just relaxed. At least his body did. But there was more to the Traveler than the body. “You have done well,” she whispered in his ear. “Be proud, because I am proud of you!”

  “Thank you, Borsidia,” he replied, applying his training to the tone of his voice.

  “I am shadow-trekking,” Dungias thought, feeling the mental equivalent of pulling up the hood of his cloak over his head. “But I do not know why. It was not initiated until Borsidia embraced me. Physical contact for a second time, but I am not trying to send anything to her mind… I am open to receive.”

  “Thank you, Dungias,” she said before stepping back from the Traveler. “And most especially, thank you, Satithe.”

  “It has only been a pleasure and an honor, Chancellor,” the computer replied.

  “Nonsense,” Borsidia quickly returned. “You will call me Borsidia and nothing else.”

  “Master?” Satithe asked and the six-armed viceroy looked to the Traveler in great surprise. He quickly nodded ‘yes’. “As you wish… Borsidia,” Satithe said.

  “Most impressive, but this cannot be the end of the tour,” she said as she stepped back from him.