CH 1-10

Summary

A Beautiful Story Sweat dripped from Williamson’s brow as he held the broadsword stiffly in his hands, bracing himself for the impact of Chief Meelocks’ sword. They had been sparring in the training yard for a good hour and a crowd had gathered to watch Williamson fight against the Palace’s Chief of Security. They were both breathing hard as Williamson watched the tall poodolian, his green hair moving with each deep breath. His red haired tail whipped back and forth in anticipation. Lady Lynn sat on the fence wearing breeches, whooping every time Williamson gained the upper hand. A smile crossed his face as he remembered the day she had given him his first sword. He had never held anything so beautiful in his life. Since her arrival, everything had changed in his world.

Prologue

Sweat dripped from Williamson’s brow as he held the broadsword stiffly in his hands, bracing himself for the impact of Chief Meelocks’ sword. They had been sparring in the training yard for a good hour and a crowd had gathered to watch Williamson fight against the Palace’s Chief of Security. They were both breathing hard as Williamson watched the tall poodolian, his green hair moving with each deep breath. His red haired tail whipped back and forth in anticipation.

Lady Lynn sat on the fence wearing breeches, whooping every time Williamson gained the upper hand. A smile crossed his face as he remembered the day she had given him his first sword. He had never held anything so beautiful in his life. Since her arrival, everything had changed in his world.

Chief Meelocks blasted off a succession of three quick diagonal blows, but Williamson parried each without losing any ground. Then for a split second, Chief Meelocks dropped his left shoulder from exhaustion, providing Williamson with a clear opening. In a matter of mere moments, Williamson disarmed the Chief as he rushed forward, causing him to land on his rear. Williamson leaned forward and pointed the tip of his sword at Chief Meelocks’s chest.

“Do you yield?” Williamson asked the customary phrase.

“Aye, I yield,” came the response Williamson thought he would never hear.

A loud cheer erupted. To Williamson’s knowledge, Chief Meelocks had never been beaten. The crowed milled around Williamson as he clasped hands with several friends and received strong pats on the back. They all congratulated him over the victory as he continued to catch his breath.

“What is all this infernal noise about you bubbling, good-for-nothing dishwashing brutes?!” shouted a voice from beyond the crowd. Instantly everyone fell silent and made way for the stranger.

“Chief Meelocks, why do you lay on the ground gaping like a fish out of water? Get up man!” the stranger said holding out a hand to hoist Chief Meelocks back to his feet. “Now if you please, introduce me to the man who bested you for I would like to shake his hand. Only Kyle, Tristyn and I have ever beaten you and only half the time at that. So whoever left you on your rump must be a real warrior.”

A large grin came over Chief Meelocks’s green and hairy face as his red tail swished excitedly up and down. Chief Meelocks bowed and motioned to Williamson to come forward.

Williamson stared at his dirty boots, remembering his place as a servant and not a member of the guard. He would not look the stranger in the face unless given permission.

“This is Williamson,” stated Chief Meelocks as he backed up slightly to give the stranger full view of Williamson.

Slowly the stranger walked around Williamson, inspecting his build, posture and stance. Crossing his arms, the stranger stood staring at Williamson while the crowd remained silent. “How does it come to be that a slave is trained in the art of the palace guard?” the stranger asked in a straight monotonic voice.

Williamson shot a quick glance at the collective stance of Chief Meelocks, who by his behavior was not going to answer the question.

“Well, speak up lad. Do you have a voice?” asked the stranger.

“Yes, sir. I have a voice,” answered Williamson.

“Well?” probed the stranger.

“It is my Lady’s wish that I be trained to serve and protect her, sir,” Williamson explained.

“Is that so? What could a lady need protection from? An unwanted dinner invitation, perhaps?” jested the stranger. “Meelocks, how come you to teach this slave?”

“By my own misdoing and the will of Lord Kyle,” Chief Meelocks replied, a small smirk crossing his face as he remembered the embarrassing ordeal of gaining four slaves as students.

“Hmm… well that does change the matter. Well then, congratulations for winning the match.” The stranger thrusted out his arm and gripped Williamsons, shaking it vigorously.

“Thank you, sir” Williamson said while still avoiding eye contact.

“Now, please tell me, who is this lady you serve? For I would like to meet the woman that could convince the two most hardheaded men I know to allow her slave to be trained as a guard.”

“Lady Lynn, sir,” Williamson answered.

The stranger froze, and gripped Williamson’s arm even harder. Bewildered the stranger asked “Where is she?”

Williamson finally broke free from the grip and pointed towards the fence outside the sparring circle.

The stranger swung around, and there before them she stood. Within several paces, the stranger swooped Lynn up in his arms and twirled her around, all the while laughing heartily. Lynn’s eyes sparkled with laughter as she stood once more in front of the man she had not seen in some time.

Williamson was so confused at the embrace that he barely noticed that he had drawn his sword. What was this man’s intention? Why would he act this way? Was he going to harm her?

“Williamson, it’s alright. You can put your sword away,” Lady Lynn assured him gently touching his sword arm. “He’s a friend.” Turning to the stranger she continued, “It’s marvelous to see you Dloakar. How are things on Destiny?”

“Destiny is busy as always, but for now we are in port for the Leyente duels. I must say you lasted longer than I had expected you would, Pibbel.”

Lynn smiled softly at her nickname. “It has been some time since someone dared call me ‘Pibbel’. I go by Lady Lynn now.”

“Well tell you what Pibbel, I’ll make you a deal. You let me call you Pibbel and I won’t tell these tired warriors how you got that name.”

Lynn busted out laughing, tears filling her eyes. After she had composed herself, she admitted “You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

“Yeah, how so?”

Lynn’s mood changed as she bit her lower lip. Something that Williamson noted she has been doing more frequently as of late. “Let’s just say it’s good to have a friend around who sees me for who I am.”

“Well in that case, I better go see if I can find this friend,” Dloakar said pretending to leave.

Laughing, Lynn ran after him. They disappeared into the palace, presumably to go talk and catch up somewhere with fewer spectators.

“Well, that was strange,” observed Chief Meelocks.

“I’d say so,” Williamson agreed. “Who is that man?”

“He is Lord Dloakar von Eshod. He grew up with Lord Kyle and Prince Tristyn.”

Williamson tried to make sense of the strange encounter. Never before had a lord come up to him to congratulate him for anything. But before he could give it much more thought, Chief Meelocks interrupted his pondering.

“Williamson, I believe you are ready,” Chief Meelocks proclaimed as he started towards the palace.

“Ready for what?” Williamson quickly followed, curious to know what Meelocks had in store from him next.

“For the ordeal of Delmi.”

“What is that?”

“A test you must complete and pass if you wish to finish your training and become Lady Lynn’s guardian.”

“A test? I’m no good with tests,” Williamson admitted as his courage left him.

“Yes, a test. One that I am confident you will pass. I have already spoken to Lady Lynn and Lord Kyle about this. They both agreed. The test can occur at any time, so you must always be ready to give an answer. You will only be given one chance to accept the challenge, and a single chance to pass or fail.”

“But –”

“Look. I know you don’t like tests but you must trust my judgement. You will do great.”

“But what if –”

“Look here. Do you want to complete your training?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to guard Lady Lynn?”

“Yes.”

“Are you willing to die for Lady Lynn?”

“Yes.”

“Will you take responsibility for her life?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’re ready for the ordeal of Delmi. There is no more that I, or anyone else, can teach you and no more that you can learn at this time. Whether you pass or fail your ordeal, the choice is yours. Remember who you serve. Remember that she has placed her trust in you and all will be well.”

Williamson remembered the only thing Lynn had ever asked of him was to do his best. He could not write as eloquently as Jael, but now he could at least read and write. He did not understand math or mechanics like Marvis, but Williamson knew what he was good at. Something neither Marvis nor Jael could do well. He could fight. He could protect Lynn. No matter what lay ahead, he would succeed.

Chapter 1

The trumpets echoed through the palace announcing the start of Leyente, the spring equinox festival. Lynn hitched up the hem of her blue velvet dress with embroidered golden eagles and skipped down the stairs of the palace.

As she crossed the courtyard to the stable, she shielded her eyes from the bright morning sun. Five months ago to the day, she had arrived on Saldiora as a scared foreigner that knew nothing about this planet. She could hardly believe that she had made it this far, and finally today she would meet Prince Tristyn, her intended, for the first time. Well, her and the 4 other girls that were left competing in the Beauty Gala.

“To your places beauties,” Gustina von Giraldic chirped as she glowered down her pointy nose at Lynn. Gustina was tall and gangly, and always impeccably dressed with her long grey hair secured in a tight bun. “The parade is about to start and I will not allow us to be late.”

Gustina was one of the three tribunal members along with Lord Kyle von Talion and Queen Elanor von Feol. Gustina ran the Beauty Gala like clockwork. Step out of place and she was there to correct the unfortunate beauty who got caught. Thanks to Gustina’s efforts, Lynn had finally mastered how to properly bow and arrange flowers.

“What took you so long?” Kyle asked, sitting astride Brial who neighed in agreement. Kyle looked absolutely dashing in his royal blue uniform. His broad shoulders stretched his white shirt over his muscular chest.

Brial was similarly adorned with the von Talion colors, and looked the part of the nobel Horse Lord. Brial ruled over all speaking, and for that matter non-speaking, horses in the kingdom. He had two offspring, as he’d call them, Robert and Velice. Velice stood patiently waiting on Lynn.

“I got lost,” Lynn said, walking over to Velice and offering her a sugar cube. Lynn chose to ignore the laughter from her friends. The Saldioran Palace was massive with ten separate wings spreading out from the central core. You would be in one wing one moment, and before you could find an exit out of the palace, you’d be in another wing. Lynn always got lost, and was often surprised when she could find her own apartment in the von Talion wing.

A trumpet sounded with three short blasts. The palace gates swung open and the procession started. Lynn ran her hand along Velice’s perfectly braided white mane and then down the straps of her saddle, making sure that her leather bag was secure. In the leather bag she had a bottle of water, her Beauty Gala rulebook to jot down notes about today’s events, and an additional book to read in case she got bored.

Velice hated wearing her armor, but for today’s ceremony, she had conceded that it would be worth looking regal. Lynn mounted and settled down before checking to make sure that everything and everyone was in place. No matter what, she would not allow herself to mess things up today.

Her heart sank like a stone in water when her eyes settled on Marvis who sat astride the black stallion, Robert. “Marvis, where’s Jael? Aren’t you supposed to be at the arena helping Lunu?” Jael was her most trusted friend, who she leaned on to help make many decisions. He was a wonderful storyteller with a knack for the dramatic, which is why he was supposed to be the banner bearer today.

“Not to worry. Jael forgot something at the town house. He said he’d meet us at the arena. Lunu already has everything prepared for your arrival,” Marvis said, struggling to get the Talion banner in position while maintaining his balance with George in a basket strapped to his back. Marvis was skinner than Jael, so the basket was a bit loose and shifted around a great deal. However, George always preferred to ride in a basket, as opposed to clinging to a sweaty horse. George’s green poodolian hair had been washed, brushed and curled for today’s events. His red tail poked out the top of the basket, like a little flag waving to Lynn.

“Do you know what to do?” Lynn asked frantically when George nearly toppled out of his basket. George swished his tail rapidly back and forth, and chittered profusely at Marvis’s ineptitude.

“Yes, Lady Lynn. Jael told me everything,” Marvis grinned mischievously. “I hope.”

“What –”

Kyle placed a reassuring hand on Lynn’s knee, effectively drawing her attention to him. “Calm yourself. There is no need to be concerned.”

Lynn stared into Kyle’s deep blue eyes. Kyle had been by her side since the very beginning. He had kidnapped her from Earth, then locked her in his quarters on Destiny, after which he rescued her from the Juntus not once, but countless times. If it had not been for his presence, she was sure that she would have gone insane by now.

While going through the Beauty Gala, Kyle had always been there to argue for her to stay even though she was an Earthling. He was always her champion, which made it easy for Lynn to accept that the people had chosen him to be her champion in the Leyente duels Lynn knew that Kyle believed with his whole heart that Lynn was the royal heir, and as such would sacrifice his life if it meant that she would be queen. Lynn took a quivering breath and let it out slowly. Placing her hand over Kyle’s she gave him a nod. “All right.”

Kyle let go and sat up straight. He tapped his shirt pocket, and seemed satisfied with what was there. “Are you ready for this?”

“As ready as I’m going to be,” Lynn said as they fell into position at the back of the procession.

“Not to worry. I will protect you,” Williamson said, taking up his station to her left. He was dressed in full battle armor with his royal blue cape draped across the shield on his back. A golden eagle was embroidered on the magnificent cape, signifying Lynn’s allegiance with the von Talion house. Out of all her friends, Williamson had grown and blossomed the most. When he first came to her, he had no confidence and could hardly read or write. Nevertheless, one thing Lynn had learned from him was to never give up regardless of the odds. Williamson now was able to do all of those things, and more as his confidence grew. He was even training to become the chief of her security, the Delmi von Astrium.

Brigieta von Neashop was the first beauty to pass through the palace gates. Brigieta was the worst sort of person, and every aspect of her behavior grated on Lynn’s sense of decency on a daily basis. From the beginning, Brigieta had made it clear that she despised Lynn because she was from Earth. Therefore, she has always looked down on her simply because Lynn was an outsider, someone not born into their customs and way of life. Lynn was appalled that Brigieta even stood a chance to become queen, and shuddered at the thought.

The crowd roared with enthusiasm at Brigieta’s appearance, so much so that in that instance all Lynn could hear was the beating of her own heart. Behind Brigieta marched over three hundred men who had pledged to fight for her honor at the Leyente duels today. They all wore blood red armbands to match the color of Brigieta’s flowing red gown embroidered with golden leaves. All warriors in today’s Leyente duels would wear the colored armbands signifying their allegiance to their beauty.

One of the men carrying Brigieta’s litter stumbled, and nearly sent her sprawling onto the ground. Lynn could not hear a word Brigieta was shouting, but it was clear she had lost her temper yet again. Brigieta’s parasol flailed about as she hit the bald head of the man that had nearly dropped her. Baldy was quickly replaced by another warrior. Brigieta straightened her auburn hair, plastered on a fake smile, and the procession carried on.

Next was Suzea von Talion, who had become a close confidant of Lynn. If Lynn did not become queen, she would want Prince Tristyn to choose Suzea to be queen. Suzea had a kind heart, and because of this Suzea had been able to muster well over a hundred men to fight for her honor today. Suzea wore a lovely yellow dress that accentuated her flattering figure. The men marching behind her litter all carried baskets of yellow daisies that they tossed to the crowds as they marched along the parade.

After Suzea came Faleci von Shustorim and Hummial von Bellwint, both devoted as Brigieta’s followers. Hummial sat up straight and proper on her litter, dressed in an elegant green dress embroidered with golden anvils. The forty men surrounding Hummial wore determined looks, as did she.

“Almost there,” Kyle said as they neared the palace gates.

Lynn politely smiled back and pretended that there was not an ounce of nervousness in her body. The fifty palace guards that surrounded her did not make her feel any more at ease.

Kyle laughed at her failed attempt at composure. “Breath, Pibbel!”

Lynn let out her pent up breath and laughed. “You know me too well.”

Faleci needed twice as many men to carry her litter as the other beauties because of her pudgy figure. Her dress of layered orange silk sailed away from her in all directions, and bounced up and down like waves on the ocean with every inch that her litter crept forward. All of Faleci’s litter bearers were also her champions for the battle. By the time the poor men made it to the arena they would be too exhausted to fight.

And then it was Lynn’s turn.

Robert cantered out of the palace gates, leading the way. Marvis clung to Robert’s back with one hand on the pommel of the grand saddle, the other keeping the Talion flag hoisted high in the air while carrying George on his back. This was Marvis’s childhood dream, to be in a parade heading to the arena. Lynn was glad Marvis was here, and suspected this was why Jael had mysteriously disappeared. Lynn could not have been prouder of Marvis as he led the way. The young boy who had tried to run away, and had taken a beating for it, turned out to be a talented tinkerer who could nearly fix any gadget imaginable. His creativity and wit was apparent in all he did.

The crowd roared when Lynn came into full view. Thousands of people lined the street leading from the palace to the arena. The palace gates closed behind them, making it clear that there was no turning around now. One by one, people started to place blue armbands with embroidered golden eagles on their wrists.

“What’s all this?” Lynn asked pointing to a blue armband worn by a boy in a tattered shirt sitting on top of his father’s shoulders. The boy waved at her. She waved back and the boy beamed a smile at her.

“That’s Sir Doyle’s doing,” came Kyle’s explanation over the crowds’ cheers. “The people wanted to express their support of the people’s choice, and so Sir Doyle made thousands of these armbands. You may only have me fighting for your honor this day, but you have thousands of people who want you to be their queen.” Sir Doyle was a master tailor, and had agreed to solely make clothes for Lynn and not any of the other beauties. Once he had learned how close his deceased son, Juke, had been to Lynn, and that Juke had believed that Lynn was the royal heir, Sir Doyle considered it an honor to work with Lynn and her wardrobe. Juke had died trying to protect her from the Juntus, and now a debt existed between Sir Doyle and herself that could never be repaid. This was just like Sir Doyle to surprise her so.

Lynn gawked at Kyle and sputtered, “But why? I haven’t done anything.”

“You think opening an orphanage, soup kitchen, and medical clinic as well as providing work for half of the townsfolk is nothing? I’d like to know what you think something would be.”

“I haven’t done any more than what should be done.”

“True. But you’re the one that did it.”

“With some help. It wasn’t just me.”

“I have no doubt. But in their minds you’re to blame.”

“For what?”

“For making the city a decent place to live once more.”

Lynn laughed and admitted that for once Kyle may have won their banter.

Halfway to the arena, the throng of people thickened. Kyle staid close to her right and was occupied scanning the crowd and rooftops for danger. On her left, Williamson kept his hand on his sword, watching for anyone who dared break through the barricades and rush them from the streets. Marvis and George closed in ranks, and kept a few paces ahead of Lynn. Surrounding them on all sides were the palace guards who looked as taught as a bowstring ready to fire.

Lynn wished her friends would relax and enjoy this wonderful day with her. There was much to celebrate. She was one of the top five beauties to be considered by Prince Tristyn for marriage. Her friends were all safe and healthy. Her work in town had yielded some excellent opportunities and she had been making a real difference in the lives of the Saldioran people. She could not imagine that any of them could mean her any harm.

“Halt! Don’t come any closer,” Williamson shouted, unsheathing his sword. The procession stopped as everyone turned to see what was going on.

A little blond haired girl in pigtails had broken through the crowd and palace guards. She held a bouquet of blue lobble flowers up to Lynn. Her lower lip quivered as she stared at Williamson’s sword.

Lynn slipped off Velice’s back. “Williamson, I doubt this girl will try to kill me.”

Williamson grunted as he sheathed his sword.

“Come closer,” Lynn assured, waving to the girl, “he won’t hurt you.”

The girl bowed before Lynn and held out the flowers.

Lynn took the flowers and handed them to Williamson who did not know what to do. “Just hold them,” Lynn grinned. She turned back to the girl and pulled her into a hug, spinning her around. The girl squealed with laughter. “Thank you for my beautiful flowers,” Lynn said, putting the girl down.

“Izzy! Izzy, what are you doing?” shouted a stout woman standing next to a flower cart.

“Comin’ mama,” the girl called as she turned and ran from Lynn.

Lynn took the flowers from Williamson. “See to it that the kind woman is paid for these flowers, Williamson.”

“But I’m supposed to guard you.”

Lynn mounted Velice and settled down. “Go on. We’ll wait for you.”

Williamson stalked off grumbling something about how no one respected his duty and honor. He dug into his pocket and produced a golden coin. The woman refused the money, arguing that it was too much. Therefore, Williamson did the next best thing; he gave the coin to the girl and told her to spend it all on candy. “Can we go now?” he grumbled as he resumed his post.

“Of course, my Lord. Whatever pleases you, my Lord,” Lynn jested.

“Humph!” Williamson grunted.

As they drew closer to the arena, the parade moved forward at a snail’s pace. A sea of people milled around them, making everyone nervous.

“What’s the hold up?” Lynn questioned after they had stood still for what felt like an eternity.

“The front of the parade has probably reached the arena. Everyone is trying to enter through the royal entrance which can only hold 3 people standing shoulder to shoulder,” Kyle explained.

“This is all your fault, you know,” Lynn said with a smile.

“And how do you come to that conclusion, my dear Lady Lynn?” Kyle asked, a dimple in his cheek as he flashed her a smile.

“If you hadn’t blown the thingamajig on the shuttle when we had escaped from the Juntus, we would not have been late to the Beauty Gala and I would not have been number ten.”

“What is a thingamajig?”

Lynn rolled her eyes, “Oh, never mind.”

“By the way, we weren’t late, but arrived exactly when I had intended for us to arrive.” Kyle stared at her in all mock seriousness, quoting one of the rules from the Beauty Gala rulebook.

They both laughed. Lynn was glad Kyle was by her side today. When she had first met him, she hadn’t known what to make of the militaristic Kyle who was in control of the crew on Destiny. But after all the numerous times that he had saved her life, she had come to depend on him. Lately, she wondered if there was something more to their friendship. He loved Tristyn like a brother and had made it clear that he believed that she would make Tristyn a wonderful bride and be a worthy queen to his people. He was the one that believed she was the true royal heir, even if she had difficulty believing the truth herself. His faith in her made her want to live up to his expectations.

Lynn remembered when Kyle had told her the truth about her lineage. Blood tests don’t lie. The Juntus had learned that Lynn was a long lost relative that had been living, and hiding, on Earth. Kyle had run his own blood tests and had confirmed this finding, indicating a high likelihood that Lynn was the lost royal heir. For this, the Juntus had tried to kill her several times. This was also the reason for all the extra palace guards and security today.

Lynn had wanted to deny it all. There was no way she could be a princess. Then Grammy had spoken to her in the Queen’s study through an old painting of her young self as Gabrielle von Astrium. Lynn did not understand how it all worked, but she knew it was Grammy by the sound of her voice. “When the time is right you’ll know who you really are. Those who stay by your side will make great sacrifices, some will be rewarded and others will not see the end of the year…a treacherous road awaits, and you’ll need to decide between loyalty and love. In the end you are the only one that can choose…you know the answer to that question, pumpkin.” Lynn refused to think about the part where some of her friends would die; she loved them all too dearly. What had her perplexed was that she had no idea what Grammy had meant with her having to decide between loyalty and love. How could they not be related?

“Are you enjoying this?” Kyle inquired, drawing Lynn out of her thoughts.

Her eyes drifted over the milling crowd. “I’ve never seen so many people in the streets.”

“Yes. Well don’t worry. We’ve taken every precaution to ensure your…” Kyle cleared his throat, “eh… everyone’s safety.”

“That’s not what I mean. It’s strange having so many people cheer me on when I don’t know them personally.”

“But Lady Lynn, they know of you and word of your generosity has spread throughout this great city,” Brial said. The horses had been fairly quiet the entire ride, as they did not trust crowds, but preferred open fields.

“For that they’ve honored you as the people’s choice for the Leyente duels,” Kyle reminded her.

“And you’ve been chosen as the people’s champion. Don’t forget that part,” Lynn said.

“How could I when I’m riding alongside the most elegant beauty of them all?”

Lynn looked into Kyle’s eyes, wondering if they could ever be more than friends.

Kyle returned her gaze and said, “I am honored to fight in your name and will be delighted to present you to Tristyn when I win.”

“You mean if,” Lynn corrected.

“No, I mean when.”

“I don’t see how –” Lynn shrieked as she was torn from Velice’s back and shoved to the ground. Her flowers flew from her grip, as she landed in a mud puddle, ruining her dress.

“What’s going on?” Lynn asked, trying to rise.

Williamson ignored the question and continued to press her to the ground.

Bewildered, Lynn looked around seeking answers. When she found the answer bleeding behind her, she felt anger rage through her. A man lay on his back a few feet from her with an arrow protruding from his chest. His wife shouted his name over and over again. Blood seeped into the cobblestoned street, soaking the wife’s dress.

Chapter 2

“Get off me!” Lynn shouted, as she tried to push Williamson off.

“Stay down!” Williamson barked, refusing to budge as he shielded her with his body.

Lynn could hear arrows pinging off Velice’s armor. It took several long moments for the horses to box them in, forming a protective shield. Each heartbeat was an agonizing moment of not knowing what was going on.

“Williamson it’s safe. Get up,” Kyle ordered as he shoved Williamson aside. “Is anything broken?” Kyle asked as his firm hands glided over Lynn’s body.

“I’m fine, but that man needs help,” Lynn said pointing to the man that had taken an arrow.

Kyle darted out of the protective circle underneath Brial and returned seconds later. “He’s dead.”

“But –”

“There’s nothing you can do for him.”

“What now? We’ve been separated from the parade,” Marvis said, clutching a bewildered George who chattered fiercely, making it clear that he was not happy.

“We’ll think of something,” Kyle said, peeking over Brial’s back and scanning the area.

Lynn got up into a crouched position and surveyed her surroundings. The horses trampled on the discarded Talion banner. George’s basket lay torn to shreds at their feet. Next to it on the ground laid a toragga fruit with a protruding arrow. Her anger returned. The arrow had been intended for her and could be evidence to tell her who was behind this atrocity.

As she reached to pick up the arrow, Williamson grabbed her wrist “Be careful, it may be poisoned.”

“Right.” Lynn tore a strip of cloth from the tattered Talion banner and used it to cover the arrow. Then she undid her leather bag that Velice was carrying and placed the arrow securely inside.

“I’ll take that,” Williamson said, slinging the leather bag onto his back.

Bandits yielding swords, axes and staffs jumped over the barricades and engaged the palace guards. They looked mean and haggard. Some yelled obscenities as they tried to push their way through the guards. One ugly fellow with a huge wart on his nose licked his lips at Lynn.

“Go. We’ll hold them off,” Brial said as he and the other horses turned to face the bandits.

“We can’t leave you,” Lynn protested, wishing now that she had brought her sword. Another arrow whisked past Lynn’s ear and dug into a lamppost.

“It will be safer for everyone if we get you out of here.” Kyle grabbed Lynn’s arm and shouted, “Now run!”

Kyle plunged into the crowd keeping his shield over Lynn to protect her from stray arrows.

George clung to Marvis’s back, who had drawn his knives and followed closely on Kyle’s heels.

Williamson brought up the rear with his sword drawn and shield up. He focused his attention on killing anyone who so much as raised an eyebrow at them.

As they pushed through the crowd, Lynn chanced a glance back to the horses. Several bandits had engaged the horses, though they seemed to be holding the bandits back for now.

“Where are we going?” Lynn asked.

“To the tunnels,” Kyle explained as he dodged a food cart selling fish and chips and headed for the alley between two buildings.

The alley reeked of urine and old garbage. Kyle pushed open a latrine door, revealing a toilet seat secured to a wooden bench. He knelt down, unhooked a latch and tilted the bench up. Stepping back, Kyle pointed at Williamson. “You first. Make sure there are no surprises down there.”

Williamson did not question the order. He swung his shield onto his back, sheathed his sword, grabbed the ladder rungs on the side of the wall and descended. After a few moments, Williamson shouted “All clear!”

“Lynn you’re next,” Kyle ordered, tapping his breast pocket as if he was checking for something.

“You want me to climb down into that muck with this dress?” Lynn ran her hand over the elegant blue velvet dress and cringed at the lecture she would surely get from Sir Doyle for destroying it.

“It’s that or face the attackers.”

“I’d rather fight,” Lynn grumbled as she prepared to follow Williamson.

The smell from the public latrine was nasty. Lynn took a gulp of fresh air and started the decent. Fortunately, the ladder rungs were dryer than she had anticipated.

When she reached the bottom, Williamson helped her onto a narrow ledge. Torches gave off a soft light and it took her a moment to get accustomed to the darkness. She could barely make out the stream that flowed by her feet. A chunk of something was bobbing up and down in the stream as a rat scurried by her feet.

Lynn gagged on dry bile, and had to force her breakfast down again by swallowing hard. Looking up, she noticed that the center of the latrine hole was situated over the stream. Fortunately, the stream had a strong current and refuse was washed away quickly.

Marvis scampered down with George clinging to his back. The moment his feet touched the ground, Marvis once more slipped his knives out from his wrist sheaths.

Kyle closed the secret latrine door, and climbed down to them. Near darkness surrounded them now that the sunlight was blocked again.

Kyle took one of the torches. “We’d better hurry. It’s not going to take them long to determine where we went. This way.”

The ledge they were on was narrow and slippery. The torches were spaced at irregular intervals and provided the barest amount of light.

Lynn held onto Kyle’s hand as they crept forward in single file. Once or twice she slipped, ending with her slippers getting soaked in sewer muck. Each time Kyle would yank her up and kept her from drowning in feces and urine.

A rotted wooden door appeared in the wall. Kyle led them through it and up a flight of stairs into the proper tunnel network.

Here the tunnel was wider and the air was semi breathable. No sooner had they entered the tunnels when they heard shouting come from the sewers.

“They’re behind us,” Marvis whispered.

Williamson unsheathed his sword once more. “We must fight.”

“Shh. No. Keep moving,” Kyle ordered.

They tiptoed in silence, not wanting to give their position away.

A dog barked, followed by the sound of the sewer door being crashed open. A dog on a tight leash barreled through the opening.

“They have a tracker dog. Run!” Kyle shouted.

They wove through the tunnels running at full speed. Kyle led the way, taking so many turns it felt as if they were running in circles.

Weeds grew throughout the old dilapidated tunnels, and chunks of broken rock lay scattered. Puddles of water and little ponds appeared every now and then that forced them to wade through. The tunnels were constructed underneath the water line, causing everything in the area to be damp and slippery. With each pounding step the dog’s bark grew fainter.

“We must stop… I need to breathe,” Lynn pleaded as a wave of exhaustion flowed over her.

Kyle ignored her protests and pushed on through several more turns and tunnels until they came to a rather large pond. Lynn bent over hands on knees and gasped for breath.

“We have to keep moving,” was all Kyle said before he plunged into the water. As he waded through, the water came up to his waist. It was the deepest pond they had yet to cross. Kyle made it to the other side slipping once or twice. “There are loose rocks at the bottom, so be careful where you step.”

It was Lynn’s turn. The freezing cold water came up to her armpits as she made her way across. Although it was the beginning of spring, the water was colder than ever due to the run off from the snow-capped Illinisa Mountains. By the time she reached Kyle, her beautiful dress was fully soaked through with water and weighed a ton. Her teeth chattered as she stood shivering.

Before she was able to catch her breath, Marvis and Williamson had crossed. George had ridden on Marvis’s shoulder, and chittered unhappily all the way at the prospect of getting wet.

Kyle grabbed Lynn’s hand and pulled her forward against her will. They were off again. As they rounded the next corner, Kyle’s hand slipped from Lynn’s. Her momentum carried her straight into a wall. She collapsed to the floor, the wind knocked from her.

“I can’t go on like this,” Lynn protested. She tried to get up, but the weight of her wet dress dragged her down.

“We have to keep moving. They’re not far behind us.” Kyle helped her up and kept going.

Lynn ran a few steps and tripped over the soggy dress. She crashed down on her hands and knees, scraping them. “It’s no use. This dress is far too heavy. It’s soaked through.”

Marvis ran up behind her, knives ready. “Hold still,” Marvis said as he slipped the knife in at the back of the dress where it was laced up. A few seconds later, Lynn stood in her undergarments feeling thirty pounds lighter. The discarded dress lay torn to pieces by her feet.

“Did that help?” Marvis asked.

“Much better. Thank you.” Lynn felt awkward about being near naked in front of them. Until she noticed that Williamson and Marvis were already stripped down to their breeches. Kyle remained in his white shirt and dress pants, having lost his jacket somewhere but still looking insanely dashing for having paraded through the sewers. George clung to Marvis and Williamson still had her leather bag, which he had been able to keep dry.

“Come on,” Kyle demanded as a dog barked in the distance, “they are getting closer.”

Now with the dress gone, Lynn could move faster and they were able to put some distance between them and their pursuers. Despite feeling chilled to her core, Lynn’s body started to warm as they ran.

Kyle stopped short and Lynn crashed straight into him. He caught her and kept them both from tumbling down. His hands rested on her hips, and she blushed as she regained her balance. Their lips were inches apart, causing Lynn to wonder what it would feel like to be kissed by Kyle. But no sooner had the thought entered her mind when she thought about Tristyn. She shook her head trying to clear the cobwebs out of them.

“Why’d you stop?” Lynn asked, the only thing that came to mind while trying to hide her unease about being held in Kyle’s arms.

Kyle looked down at her, and realized he was still holding her. He cleared his throat, let go and stepped away as Marvis and Williamson caught up to them. “We have a decision to make.”

They stood at an intersection. Before them, three tunnels led away from where they stood. Kyle pointed to the tunnel on their right. “That tunnel leads back to the palace. It’s the safest direction for us to go in. The other two lead to the arena.”

“I’m not going back to the palace after all that,” Lynn said, hands on her hips, making it clear that giving up was not an option. She shivered as a gust of wind swept through the tunnel. The wind carried the smell of salt and rotting seaweed.

Kyle pulled off his sweat stained shirt and handed it to Lynn. She grumbled her thanks and pulled the shirt on. It had a distinct forestry smell that she associated with Kyle. He loved to take long rides in the woods with Brial. She felt the shirt pocket, but it was empty. Whatever had been in there he had either lost, or he had slipped it into his pant pockets when she had not been watching. She restrained the urge to question him since they had more pressing matters to discuss.

Kyle shrugged. “The tunnel straight ahead has the safest outcome, but will be embarrassing,” Kyle’s eyes lingered on Lynn’s naked legs. “The one to the left is more modest but also the most dangerous option. There is an iron gate a few feet that way that opens to the beach. However, we have no way of knowing if anyone waits there to ambush us. It’s your choice, Pibbel.”

“What do you mean by embarrassing?”

“Well it leads to –”

“Squeeeak!” George let out a mighty squeal as a dog sailed through the air and bit his tail. Williamson kicked the dog repeatedly in the stomach. The second George was loose from the dog’s teeth, he ran for the tunnel that was straight ahead.

They all chased after George, trying to catch up to him. Kyle scooped George up as he ran past him, and kept running. “No time to stop. That dog will be running back to his master right now to lead them to us. Hurry!”

“Can we still get to the beach exit?” Lynn asked.

“No, that was the last turn off. This is the only way now. Come on, we’ll be there soon. I promise.”

Lynn focused on running, ignoring everything else. She monitored her breathing. Two steps to breathe in. Two steps to breathe out.

Kyle held up a fist, indicating for them to stop and be cautious. Slowly they crept forward. They could hear voices up ahead. Torch light danced on the walls. Lynn was barely able to make out the bandits that stood blocking their way.

“How’d they get ahead of us?” Marvis asked.

Williamson stood ready for battle. “They must have known we would come this way, and covered the distance quicker by using the streets than these twisting tunnels.”

Behind them Lynn heard barking. They were boxed in. “What are we going to do?”

Kyle handed George over to Lynn. “You are going to do nothing but run.”

“But –”

“No Lynn, I won’t allow you to fight. Now please, do as I say,” Kyle spoke in his no nonsense voice; there would be no arguing with him. “We’ll keep these bandits busy. As soon as we’ve got their attention, I want you to run straight through and keep going. At the end of the tunnel there’s a door. Knock on it and someone will let you in.”

Lynn nodded and clung to George who had his thin, hairy arms wrapped around her neck.

“Everyone ready?” Kyle asked.

Marvis stood with his knives in hand and a cheeky grin on his face, “Let’s do this.”

Williamson nodded.

“Charge!” Kyle ran into the midst of the bandits with Marvis and Williamson close behind him.

Lynn hung back in the shadows until all the bandits were engaged. Then she took a breath and ran for it. She ducked, twisted, and leapt over bodies as she went. She had almost made it to the other side of the brawl, when someone knocked her down. Instinctively she rolled to the side, shielding George from the fall with her body.

A brute grabbed Lynn by her hair and pulled her down the dark tunnel towards a ladder.

Lynn let go of George and used both hands to try to pry herself free from the bandit’s grip. She kicked and screamed for help. Without a word, the brute picked her up like a sack of potatoes and tossed her over his shoulder. They started to ascend a ladder.

Just as the brute reached the top, Marvis dug a knife into the man’s calf. He screamed in agony and lost his balance.

Lynn flew through the air and landed on top of Marvis. The brute landed on both of them. Then the brute growled and reached for his sword, ready to strike at the quarry that lay beneath him.

George returned and bit down hard on the man’s arm and didn’t let go as the brute began to swing his arm madly in the air. The brute was about to wrench George free when Kyle drove a sword through the man’s neck. George let go and spat blood from his mouth.

Kyle pushed the corpse aside and helped Lynn up. “Are you all right?”

“I’m… fine…” Lynn gasped. “Marvis broke my fall.”

Marvis laughed as Kyle offered him a hand up, “She’s not as light as she looks.”

“Hey,” Lynn complained.

“But it’s true,” Marvis said, sheathing his knives.

Williamson disposed of the last bandit. “We should go.”

Lynn picked George up and gave him a fierce hug. “Thank you little one. You saved me.”

Kyle mocked his injured pride. “And what about me? I suppose sticking a sword in the brute did nothing?”

Lynn smiled back, “True, but you did not have to bite the nasty man’s arm.”

“Well, there is that I guess,” Kyle laughed. “Come on then. Let’s get you to the arena.”

Finally, they reached the end of the tunnel. A circular staircase awaited them that they hastily ascended. At the top of the landing was a door with keypad glowed in the dark. Kyle turned and looked at Lynn. “It would be best if you stayed behind me.”

“Why?”

“Can you never just do as I ask without questioning?”

“Hmm. Why won’t you just tell me what’s behind that door?”

A dog barked, reminding them that they were still being chased by bandits. Kyle placed his hand on the keypad and the door clicked open. “You’ll find out soon enough, but believe me… you’ll want to stay behind me.” Kyle pulled the door open and walked through it.

The light that shone through the door was blinding. Lynn squinted against the bright sunlight as she entered the room. From her reckoning, only two hours had passed since they had left the palace. However, to her it felt like an eternity.

“What is the meaning of this, Lord Kyle?” A booming, deep voice asked.

Lynn knew that voice instantly. She blushed crimson red as she tried her best to hide behind Kyle. The voice belonged to none other than King Eber. For the most part King Eber was a gentle man, but when he used his battle voice, every one jumped to it without question. The voice he had used now had such a demanding tone. She had just walked into the King’s private suite at the arena in nothing but her under garments and Kyle’s shirt. This was going to take some explaining. Embarrassing, indeed.

Chapter 3

A constant rumble of voices drifted in from the arena through the open doors. Lynn squinted, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight. Someone pulled the drapes and the light dimmed, alleviating her discomfort.

“Did she see him?” Gustina asked frantically.

“See whom?” Lynn asked, feeling disoriented and at the threshold of her patience. “I’m blind from the light after running through those darn tunnels.”

“Watch your tone, Lynn,” Kyle whispered.

Realization dawned on her that they were probably talking about Prince Tristyn, who she was not supposed to see until later. Shiny shoes poked out from underneath the drapes, and she suspected they belonged to Tristyn. She blushed and hoped that he had not noticed the state she was in. This was so embarrassing.

“Explain yourself, Lord Kyle,” King Eber demanded.

Kyle cleared his throat. “Please pardon our intrusion, but we had no alternative, your Majesty. Bandits attacked us on the way to the arena. We were forced to seek shelter in the tunnels and were chased down to your door.”

“That is preposterous. Why would anyone want to attack her?” Gustina asked disdainfully.

Kyle’s shoulders stiffened as he spat out the words, “I know not.”

Gustina peered around Kyle and gave Lynn a cold disapproving look that covered her body from toenail to the crown of her head. “What proof have you? How do we know you did not merely make this up or that it is not one of your notorious outbursts for attention?”

“Are you calling me a liar?” Kyle said clenching his fists.

“Enough of this,” Queen Elanor interrupted, “Can’t you see how frightened she is? Her dress gone, her banner destroyed, and her servants in nothing but their pants. Why would she disgrace herself by wearing nothing but her underclothes in the presence of the King?” Queen Elanor, who was possibly Lynn’s future mother-in-law, had a no nonsense attitude and always saw the practical application of everything. Besides teaching the beauties all about proper etiquette, she had also taught them about court politics and the proper role of a queen. Since Kyle and Gustina were often at odds with one another, Queen Elanor was the one who would break the tie and had the ultimate say in everything related to the Beauty Gala.

Queen Elanor’s words cut like a knife into Lynn’s confidence. She sank lower and lower behind Kyle, until she sat crouched with Kyle’s shirt stretched over her knees, trying to hide as much of her body as possible.

Queen Elanor picked up a navy blue flight jacket that was draped over a chair. She wrapped it around Lynn, pulling her back to her feet. The jacket smelled like lemon and oak, reminding her of Destiny’s captain. He had given her a similar jacket when she’d tried to escape from Destiny, only to learn she was hurtling through space to an unknown destination.

Queen Elanor squeezed her shoulder. “Here, let’s get you cleaned up. The Leyente duels are about to begin and you should all take your places.”

“I can’t allow that. Lynn’s security has to come first. It would not be safe for her to enter the arena. We must return to the palace,” Kyle argued.

“And what about what I want?” Lynn finally spoke up. She had had enough. Everyone was talking about her as if she was a horse to be bargained over.

Marvis patted George’s head, who clung to his leg. “What if that is exactly what the bandits intended?” The room grew quiet. It was not appropriate for a slave to speak if not spoken to. Everyone stared at King Eber to see what his reaction would be.

King Eber laughed jovially and gave Marvis a slap on the back. Marvis nearly toppled over from the impact. “Well spoken, my lad,” King Eber said, “Lord Kyle will fight and you Lady Lynn will present him.”

Lynn placed her hands on her hips. “Have I no say in the matter?”

King Eber grinned wickedly, “Not while I am the King.”

Queen Elanor nodded in agreement. “Husband, they will need a few moments to prepare. Please stall the ceremony.”

With a twinkle in his eye, King Eber wrapped Queen Elanor up into his muscular arms and kissed her passionately, “For you my dear, anything.”

A soft sigh escaped Queen Elanor’s lips as her feet touched the ground. She straightened her dress and inclined her head away from the King. “This way Lady Lynn. Lord Kyle.”

Queen Elanor led them to a side powder room that could have swallowed Lynn’s entire apartment. The soft carpet tickled Lynn’s bare feet. She had not even realized that she had lost her shoes. Lynn sank down into an elegant and comfortable chair. All she wanted to do was curl up and take a nap. She had no dress, no shoes, no banner, and her hair was a mess. There was no way they could make her go out there now with the way she looked at that moment.

Lynn sighed and massaged her achy feet. “What are we going to do?”

Marvis appeared by her side and handed her a sleepy George. “Not to worry. I’ll be right back.”

George yawned, curled up on Lynn’s lap and instantly started to snore. The poor little fellow had had a lot of excitement and she did not blame him for catching a nap. She stroked his green hair, elevating some of the pent up stress in her heart. George’s red tail was curled in underneath him, a sure indication that he did not want to be disturbed by anyone accidently touching his tail.

While they waited, servants brought them some refreshments, as well as a medical kit to help patch up all their bruises and scratches. They scarfed down the food and water, not making apologies for their poor table manners. With each bite, Lynn felt her strength return. Kyle was not allowed to use nanubits to heal his injuries because it would be an unfair advantage. Instead, they had to make due with antiseptic wipes and bandages, at least until after the Leyente duels.

The door flung open as Lunu barged in. “Lady Lynn!” Lunu grabbed Lynn up into a fierce hug. “You’re alive. We were so worried when you did not arrive with the other beauties. We heard that you had been killed on the streets by the mob of people.”

Lynn hugged Lunu back, and hid her tears in Lunu’s dress. George clung to Lynn’s lap, not wanting to budge from his toasty bed. “I’m fine, Lunu.” Lynn sat back and waved at her own disheveled hair. “But I’m a mess.” Lunu had been her chief servant when Lynn had arrived. Lunu had quickly outgrown that role and now was like a sister to Lynn, someone who knew her for who she was, and liked her nonetheless, regardless of how she blundered through all the pomp and ceremony that surrounded palace life.

“And where is your dress?” Sir Doyle asked as he walked in carrying a rather large brown paper wrapped package. Jael and Marvis followed on his heels with more packages. Sir Doyle twirled his red mustache, “Honestly Lady Lynn, I need a raise if you’re going to go through these dresses so quickly.” Lynn was about to protest her innocence when Sir Doyle waived away the argument. “Not to worry. We will have you ready in a heartbeat.”

“And where have you been this whole time, Jael?” Lynn questioned as she finally caught sight of him.

“We both know it was Marvis’ dream to lead a procession to the arena. I couldn’t let that opportunity pass him by. Though after what you endured, I wish I was there to help you escape the bandits,” he explained. Lynn accepted the explanation as she pulled her to her feet.

Quickly and efficiently, Lunu marched them all through the bathroom, making sure they each got the worst of the grime off. There was not much any of them could do about the smell of the sewers that still clung to them, but they tried. Even George got a hasty bath in the sink. He chittered nonstop, whining about being wet for it was no secret that George hated water.

Lynn sat half asleep in the chair after her warm bath, wrapped in a bathrobe. Sir Doyle sat down next to her and opened the package he had brought. Delicately, he removed a pure white gown with exquisite golden lobble flowers woven into it.

Lynn gasped as she now understood what they intended to do. “I can’t wear that,” she said with a quivering voice.

Jael unfurled a white banner with a large golden lobble flower in its center. “You have no choice, Lady Lynn. This is all there is.”

“No. I refuse,” Lynn protested as she folded her arms. “Under no circumstance will I wear the von Astrium colors.”

Lunu held up a golden pair of slippers. “This is the only matching set we have for everyone to wear.”

“We have no time,” Williamson pointed out as he pulled on his white uniform.

“The royal court will not be pleased if they see me parading around pretending to be the von Astrium heir,” Lynn admitted.

“Please be reasonable, Lynn,” Kyle said as he sheathed his sword, Ferial, into its scabbard that hung from a golden woven belt. Ferial had been his father’s weapon that had been handed down to Kyle when he was old enough. His grandfather, Slovicks, had made him promise that day to only use Ferial to defend others and never out of revenge. Lynn knew Ferial was the only thing he had left from his dad, Lile von Talion, who had disappeared into the Greenstin Forest when Kyle was still a child, barely old enough to tie his own shoelaces.

Marvis approached and fastened Kyle’s white cape. “We must go out there looking unified or forfeit. Do you really want Prince Tristyn to believe you a coward?”

Lynn pointed a shaky finger at the abominable dress. “I will not go out dressed in that!” she shouted.

“Enough of this!” Queen Elanor spoke up. Everyone grew silent at once. “Everyone out!” Queen Elanor ordered. When no one moved she said, “Now!” They all jumped and scattered. “That means you to, Master George. Go with Lord Kyle.”

George whined and looked to Lynn for reassurance. She nodded towards the door. George’s tail sagged as he scurried after Kyle and out the door.

Lynn fumed. How had they expected she would react to them forcing her to proclaim to everyone that she was the lost royal princess? Half the populace would think her mad, and the other half would try to kill her.

Queen Elanor picked up a brush and gently started to pull it through Lynn’s black shoulder length hair.

Lynn pulled away. “I can do that.”

“I know, but I’d like to,” Queen Elanor said gently. “I always wished I had a daughter instead of two sons. I would have dressed her up, taught her how to be a strong woman, and would have brushed and braided her hair every night.” Reluctantly, Lynn leaned back and allowed Queen Elanor to play with her hair. “You know I envy you.”

“You do? Why?” Lynn asked dumbfounded that the Queen, who had everything and anything she desired, would envy her.

“Because they love you.”

“Who?”

“Your servants. They would willingly give their lives to protect you. It is clear that they trust you and would do whatever you asked of them. It has been a long time since I’ve witnessed such devotion.”

Lynn shifted uneasily in her chair. Not wanting to correct the Queen, but seeing no alternative, she said, “They are not my servants or slaves. They are my friends.”

“I see.” Queen Elanor finished braiding Lynn’s hair and placed a golden lobble hair clip at the end of the braid. “I’m convinced that what I’m about to say and do will sound treasonous to many, however I can no longer deny what is in front of my eyes.”

Lynn sat confused. It was not like Queen Elanor to talk in such riddles. Then Queen Elanor did something that Lynn would never forget.

Queen Elanor bowed deeply to Lynn. “You are the true heir, your Highness. You are princess Lynn von Astrium and you have returned home to your people at long last.”

“You really think so?” Lynn squeaked out.

“Yes. The blood tests proved it, the people love you, your friends love you and… we love you. The easiest way for you to reclaim your throne is by marrying Tristyn.”

Lynn stood and allowed Queen Elanor to pull her into a tight hug. “I would be honored to have you as my daughter-in-law.”

“I don’t know what to say… thank you.”

Queen Elanor pulled back and wagged a finger at Lynn. “Now, I don’t want to hear any more protests of you not wearing that dress. You’re a von Astrium. Be proud. It’s proper for you to claim your place as the lost princess. Although King Eber and I cannot say so in public, know in your heart that you have our blessing.”

Lynn nodded, not knowing what to say concerning this revelation.

“Good, now let’s get you dressed. I’ll leave you in your friends’ capable hands.” Queen Elanor gave her a last quick hug and left.

Kyle and the others paraded in. “Well, what’s it going to be?” Kyle asked, patting his right pocket.

Lynn sighed and gave in. “Don’t just stand there. Help me get dressed.”

Moments later, Sir Doyle had her dressed and ready to go. The soft white dress flew over her body and the golden thread made the dress glitter when she turned. The golden slippers were also a perfect fit.

The others looked as elegantly dressed as she was. Jael held the banner with the golden lobble flower, ready to lead the parade. She was Lynn von Astrium, and today she would proclaim it to this world. Would they accept her or kill her? Lynn feared it may be the latter, and hoped the support of the royal family would be enough to protect her. Grammy had warned her that great sacrifices would be made, and some people would be rewarded and others would not see the end of the year. Lynn hoped she was making the right decision.

A knock sounded on the door and Marvis went to open it. Dloakar with his square face, buzzed haircut, and no nonsense attitude shoved his way in. The expression he wore was hard as stone. Dloakar, who was Destiny’s Chief Engineer and second in command whenever Kyle was absent, was also one of Lynn’s dearest friends. He had spent hours drilling Lynn on Destiny to prepare her for the Beauty Gala, and ever since had always dropped in to look in on her while planet side. Dloakar glanced at everyone and then his eyes settled on Lunu, who for some reason nodded at Dloakar. Lynn vaguely recalled that they were cousins; maybe it was just their way of greeting.

Dloakar bowed to Lynn. “Sorry I’m late. I came as quickly as I heard about the attack.”

Kyle held a sleeping George cradled in his arms. “Where were you?”

Dloakar raised an eyebrow at the scene before him and barely held his laughter. Lynn had to admit that Kyle looked comfortable holding George, but imagined that most of his men didn’t see him in that fatherly light. Dloakar cleared his throat, “I had to report to… um… the Captain.”

“He’s here?” Lynn asked with glee.

“Of course he’s here, Pibbel. I’m here, aren’t I? So, did you miss me?” Dloakar teased as he picked Lynn up and twirled her around in a hug.

“No more than you deserve, you big oaf. I saw you just yesterday,” Lynn said laughing. “Now put me down, you’re wrinkling my dress.”

Dloakar did as she instructed and deposited her in a chair. He pulled up a chair and sat next to her, taking out an electronic notebook. “Now, tell me what happened?”

“We don’t have time for this,” Williamson complained.

“If we are to catch these perpetrators, I must have this information now,” Dloakar argued.

Kyle nodded his agreement, and so for the next few minutes they told Dloakar what had happened. He listened patiently to all the details, and asked a few clarifying questions. As he finished writing down his meticulous notes, he looked up and said, “That confirms all of the reports I’ve received. The assassin was smart to use a bow and arrow. The satellites would never have detected it as a potential weapon since it does not have a heat signature.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Williamson, where’s my leather bag?” Lynn asked.

Williamson retrieved the leather bag for her. She opened it and cautiously drew out the arrow, still wrapped in a piece of the Talion banner. “I picked this up.” Lynn folded back the cloth and reached for the tip of the arrow.

“Watch out!” Williamson shouted. “It’s poisoned.”

Lynn’s hand jerked back. She chastised herself for not remembering. Too much was happening today, leaving her exhausted before it was all over. She could not imagine how Kyle would be able to face the Leyente duels after what they had just been through.

Deftly picking up the arrow while keeping the tip well away from anyone, Dloakar asked “Why do you think it’s poisoned Williamson?”

Williamson stared at his shoes for a moment. Then he looked up and stared Dloakar straight in the eyes. “Well, sir, one of the arrows struck a man in the chest. He died without making a sound. Whatever poison it is, it’s mighty powerful.”

Dloakar nodded and handed the arrow to Williamson. “You hold onto it then. Kyle, a word with you.”

Kyle and Dloakar headed to the window and got into a heated whispered debate just out of ear shot. “Fine, let it be done,” Kyle grunted as he marched back to Lynn.

“Lady Lynn, do you consent to have Williamson undergo the trials to become your protector, the Delmi von Astrium?” Dloakar asked.

For the second time that day, Lynn sat speechless. What else was this day going to hold for her? Kyle had warned her that Williamson had been chosen by Chief Meelocks to become Delmi von Astrium, her personal knight and guard. Williamson would be tasked with a quest that would pertain significantly to her security. If successful and completed to Dloakar’s satisfaction then Williamson would pass the ordeal of Delmi. No one knew why it was called the ordeal of Delmi, since that knowledge had been lost for some time. However, more important, the question would only ever be asked once. Lynn looked at Williamson, who shook his head ‘no’, his eyes pleading with her to not agree.

Lynn bit her lower lip, and indecision gnawed at her. Then she took a deep, calming breath and spoke the words that broke her heart, “I do.”

Dloakar turned to Williamson and spoke the customary words. “Williamson, are you ready for the ordeal of Delmi?”

“Now? But I’m supposed to protect Lady Lynn today. Can’t it wait?”

“She will be safe, I promise you Williamson,” Kyle said. “Besides, I believe the task that Dloakar has in mind for your ordeal will aid in protecting Lady Lynn.”

“What say you?” Dloakar demanded. He would not ask again.

Williamson’s eyes grew round with fear of leaving Lynn. She wanted to tell him that everything would be just fine, but she was not allowed to say anything to him after the question had been posed. It was entirely Williamson’s decision. These silly traditions irked her, but in this instance she knew she had to respect them, or else Williamson would never become the Delmi von Astrium.

“If this is what Lady Lynn wishes of me, then I will serve to protect her as desired. I will do as ordered and undergo the ordeal of Delmi.”

A tear rolled down Lynn’s cheek as she said, “Williamson, I hereby release you from my service in order to pursue your future. May you bring honor to yourself and to me. Good luck.”

Williamson bowed to her and clung to the arrow. Lynn returned the gesture, and then left the room. She knew not how long Williamson would be gone, or the danger she had just placed him in. For all she knew, she would never see him again. She hoped he would come back to her alive and well.

Kyle held out his arm to Lynn. “Don’t worry. Dloakar will look after him,” Kyle reassured her. “Come, we must hurry or we will never make it into the arena for the Leyente duels.”

Chapter 4

Williamson stared at the closed door through which Lynn and his friends had disappeared. He gripped the poisoned arrow in his hand, struggling against the urge to run after them.

“Lady Lynn has released you Williamson. You are no longer a slave. What are you going to do?” Dloakar inquired, crossing his arms.

“Why did this have to happen now? I’m supposed to be by her side today and protect her. How am I supposed to do that if I must go off to become Delmi von Astrium?” Williamson stomped about the room, and flung the arrow at the wall.

Up till that very moment, he had assumed he would always be in Lynn’s service. Why would she release him? This was not how it was supposed to happen. How was he supposed to pass his ordeal without her support?

Dloakar leaned back against the door and simply watched Williamson’s every move as he paced around the room like a caged animal. “I don’t know,” was the only response Dloakar had to offer.

“It must be a mistake. Perhaps I can change her mind and we can postpone this to tomorrow.”

Dloakar shook his head. “The question of the ordeal of Delmi von Astrium can only be asked once of any person. If you decline now, you will never be Delmi.”

Williamson’s heart ached. He felt as if he had been deserted, just like when his parents had died and he had been sent to the orphanage at age 6. He knew this feeling of loss was silly because he was after all going to become Delmi, but the pain was never the less real in this moment. She had abandoned him. She had promised to always be there for him, and now she was gone. She must hate him, Williamson thought.

But was that really true?

“Argh!!! No, that can’t be it!” Williamson kicked over the chair, and then sunk to his knees. He had to think. Tears streamed down his face. Why was she doing this?

Williamson slammed his fists into his head. Think! “She must be displeased that I allowed her to be shot at today. It was all my fault. That’s why she’s let me go.”

“Why is it your fault?” Dloakar simply asked.

“I did not see the danger soon enough to warn her. A man died because the archer had missed her. She has a hard time allowing others to pay her price.”

“What would Lady Lynn say if she heard you talking like that?”

Williamson considered this. “She would say I am being too hard on myself, and that I am being a fool. She would tell me to keep trying until I got it right, to persevere and never give up.”

A long silence stretched between them. Williamson sank down and leaned his back against the wall, eyes closed, and tried to imagine a world where he was free.

“So what will you do now?”

Freedom meant he could go anywhere. Do anything. Be anyone he chose. But what is it he really wanted? He had only felt this bad once before, the day his parents died and he became an orphan. But then, Lynn was not dead and he knew in his heart that she still needed him.

Williamson stared at his calloused hands. They were good for only one thing, holding a sword and protecting those he loved. Finally, he knew what he wanted, what he had prepared for, and whom he really served.

Williamson leaned over and grabbed the arrow as he clambered to his feet and stood tall. “I will fulfill my oath. I will protect her Highness Lady Lynn von Astrium with my life, whether I am a free man or not, it doesn’t matter.”

“How are you going to do this?” Dloakar asked with one eyebrow cocked.

Williamson reached for the tattered piece of flag, wrapped the tip of the arrow and stuck it into a leather bag that reminded him of Lynn’s. “I have to find whoever tried to kill her Highness. Will you help me?”

Dloakar sighed and a look of relief crossed his face. Dloakar patted Williamson on the shoulder and asked “What did you have in mind?”

“I must find the man who shot this arrow and learn why he would do such a thing. Then when I have found him, I will bring him before the King for justice and reclaim my right to be by her Highness’s side.”

“What if you don’t succeed?”

“I will succeed or I will die trying,” Williamson said with conviction.

“Congratulations!”

“What? Why?”

“You just passed the first phase of the ordeal of Delmi.”

Williamson scratched his head. “I don’t understand?”

“Recognizing your duty to Lady Lynn, and being honorable to fulfill your oath regardless of your status in life, is the first test. Your desire and conviction to continue on is what sets you apart from most any other man faced with the same choice.”

Williamson blushed knowing that he did not deserve such words of praise.

Dloakar flung open the door and marched out. “Now first, we must return to Destiny to analyze the poison on that arrow.”

“What is Destiny?” Williamson asked, hurrying to catch up.

Dloakar gave a mighty laugh. “You will see, lad. You will see.”

Chapter 5

The streets were empty as everyone had either entered the arena or dispersed to the local taverns where runners would bring them constant updates. Lynn shifted uncomfortably in her white dress. The braid of her black hair swayed in the ocean breeze. Soon everyone would know her secret. Everything would change.

Lynn was relieved to see Brial, Velice, and Robert had made it safely to the arena. Someone had already seen to their needs since not a hair was out of place in Velice’s perfectly braided mane, and their armor was sparkling.

“What took you so long? Did you have to spin the thread to make the dress?” Velice nuzzled her white muzzle into Lynn’s shoulders. “I was worried sick. It’s not polite to make your friends wait, without at least letting them know you’re alive. The crowd is growing bored listening to King Eber prattle on about days gone by. The guards have been by a hundred times to ask if you’re still coming, and all we could tell them was that you were stuck in the bathroom. Really Lynn, what am I to do with you?”

Lynn plucked an apple from her leather bag and held it out. “I’m sorry we’re late, but we were a little busy running through the sewers away from the bandits, and then my dress was destroyed so we all had to change.”

Velice blew a puff of air out and shook her mane. “All this I’ve been told. Is that for me?” Velice eyed the apple.

“Only if you forgive me.”

“Don’t I always?”

Lynn laughed and fed Velice the apple as she stroked her side in an attempt to calm the poor horse down from all the excitement.

Kyle rode up on Brial. “Well, come on then or we’ll be really late,” Kyle said giving her his best grin that resulted in a cute dimple on his right cheek.

Velice whipped her tail at Kyle. “Hush you. I’m having a moment with my rider.”

Kyle rolled his eyes and waited patiently until they were done. “Can we go now?” Kyle asked over the wave of restless noise emanating from the direction of the arena.

Lynn gracefully climbed on Velice as Lunu came forward to help rearrange her dress. She handed her leather bag to Lunu, hoping she would be able to use it while watching the duels. She wanted to take notes in her Beauty Gala book, but was starting to wonder how much writing she would get done as she focused on the duels. “A lady arrives exactly when she means to,” Lynn replied as she settled down.

“Well if this lady hopes to still be in the Kings’ good graces by the end of the day, then she’d better hurry up.”

Lynn restrained a sigh. This morning she had been so excited, but now she dreaded entering the arena. All of her good intentions to be on her best behavior had disappeared when that first arrow had been shot. Now she was about to ride into the arena and proclaim to everyone there that she was the lost royal heir, a von Astrium. She dreaded what was to come. But Kyle was right. There was no sense in putting off the inevitable. “Let’s go then.”

Kyle led the way. Lynn followed him with Jael by her side, taking up Williamson’s vacancy and acting as her protector. Marvis brought up the rear riding Robert and carrying the von Astrium banner. George had refused to go with Lunu to the beauty pavilion, even though his basket had been destroyed. So he rode clinging to Marvis’ back. They were an odd bunch of friends, but true and loyal. Lynn could not have imagined anyone else being here with her today.

Lynn could hear the impatient rumble of the crowd and King Eber’s voice booming through the closed main gate. Lynn sat up and stared at Kyle’s back as he passed the gate they were supposed to enter and kept heading around the outside of the arena. “Where are we going? The entrance is over there.”

“Trust me,” was all Kyle would say. Not having any choice in the matter, Lynn followed them. She had no idea what Kyle was up to, but he had not let her down yet.

Twinian guards stood at attention in front of a large rusty iron gate. Kyle rode up to them and with an authoritative voice commanded, “Open the King’s gate.”

The guards stared at one another, and then at Kyle, mouths agape. Utterly speechless at the request.

“Now would be a good time,” Kyle prodded when neither of the guards moved.

Finally, one of the guards cleared his throat and said, “My Lord, the King’s gate has not been opened since the day that the King’s line was broken. No one, not even King Eber, can open these doors. Only one of true royal blood can do so.”

Kyle glowered down at the guard who dared question him. Lynn felt sorry for the fellow, well almost. “Do you know who I am?”

“Yes, sir. I mean, Yes, Lord Kyle.”

“Do you think I do not know who may open this gate?”

“Yes, sir. I mean, no, sir. Ugh! I mean you would know, my Lord.” The guard bowed trying to cover up his blunder.

Kyle shifted his sword belt and gripped Ferials’ handle, making his intentions clear. “Well then I suggest you do what I’ve asked and stop questioning me.”

“Yes, my Lord.” The guard disappeared into the guardhouse.

“Is this really necessary, Kyle?” Lynn asked. “It’s only delaying matters more. I don’t mind going in the same way that everyone else went through.”

“The minute they see you dressed as a von Astrium, every lord and underling in that arena is going to want to kill you. By opening this gate and riding through it, you will keep them from following through on those instincts.”

“I don’t understand. What’s so special about me opening a gate? It’s just a door. Right?”

Jael spoke up, “This is no ordinary gate. It’s the King’s door. Only one of royal decent can open it. You will see. Once the people see you come through this door, they will know your claims are true, since blood does not lie.”

Lynn gulped and shivered. She had hoped to remain inconspicuous until only two beauties were left, and she one of them. Now she had no choice. She almost wished that she would fail the test. Then she would be just an ordinary girl, kidnapped from Earth, and really no one special. But the way things were turning out for her today, the likelihood of the gate not opening was slim to none.

The guard returned with a device that looked like a blood glucose meter crossed with a garage door opener. He handed her a pen, that when pressed would prick her finger.

Lynn pricked her middle finger and pressed the small round button in the center of the garage door opener. A thin tube popped out the front end that sucked up the drop of blood. After several minutes of nothing happening, Lynn asked “What now?” She had to admit she was a bit disappointed as she handed everything back to the guard. Maybe she was just an ordinary girl after all.

“Give it a moment,” Kyle said confidently staring straight ahead at the iron gate.

“This is silly. We could have been inside already,” Lynn protested as more minutes ticked by.

Then a deep rumble vibrated through Lynn’s bones. The sound came from deep below the ground. Even the horses seemed unsure of their footing.

“What’s happening?” Velice asked, bobbing her head in every direction.

A crack ran through the center of the King’s gate. Rust fell to the ground as the two halves of the gate started to swing inward. A loud screech filled the air as the gate rotated open on its rusted hinges.

Kyle looked over his shoulder to say something, but Lynn held up her hand. “I know, don’t even say it.”

His broad smile warmed her heart. He had believed in her all along, and here was his proof once again. It’s just she did not feel like a princess, she felt like… well… herself. Kyle patted his right pocket. Lynn wondered what he was hiding there, but there was no time to ask him for he and Brial were already entering the arena.

King Eber’s speech came to an end and thousands of people filling the arena stood and cheered. As Lynn neared the arena field, those nearest to her gawked at her, and then punched the person next to them before pointing at her. Soon an eerie silence fell over the stands like a ripple of water.

In dead silence, Lynn followed Kyle who led the way across the field straight to the King’s pavilion, where she was supposed to introduce Kyle and then join the other beauties. Everything was going according to plan. That was until the first lordling spotted her. Then the whispers spread like a wild uncontainable fire through the armored men that had assembled on the field. First one, then two, and then all of them drew their swords and faced her.

Kyle stopped, removed Ferial from its sheath and placed the grand sword across his knees. The lordlings grumbled and sheathed their swords. Kyle followed their example. Lynn was not sure what it meant, but the intentions were clear; they would not attack an unarmed Lord von Talion.

Kyle waived for Lynn to join him by his side. “Be careful what you say. Speak the wrong words and even I won’t be able to protect you.”

“What must I say?”

“Do you remember the speech you practiced?”

Lynn rolled her eyes, “You only made me recite it a thousand times.”

“For good reason. You needed the practice,” Kyle said grinning. “I want you to say the speech, but don’t use any names.”

“Why?”

“Do you always have to question me?”

Lynn bit her lower lip. “Only when you make no sense.”

“Now’s not the time to explain. You best go now. The crowed is growing weary.”

Lynn sat up straight. “Come on then Velice. We know how to take a hint.”

Velice snorted her agreement and headed for the King’s pavilion. A sea of men parted for her, and she glanced over her shoulder to make sure Kyle was following. He was right behind her, yet Lynn felt every bit alone with all the attention focused on her.

“Remember to activate the microphone,” Velice reminded her.

“Oh right.” Lynn reached up and pressed a button on the white band that hung around her neck.

Everyone waited on her to speak. Lynn patted Velice’s mane and quieted her mind. “Your Majesty, it is with honor that I stand before you this day as one of the five beauties. My heart belongs to your… son and to him I also pledge my life. Your people have shown me favor by naming me the people’s choice. I am honored that they have also chosen… um… a great warrior to fight on my behalf. I present to you… err… the people’s hand who has pledge his honor with mine.” Lynn dismounted and bowed as Kyle rode up.

Kyle dismounted and kneeled before the King. “Your Majesty.”

King Eber raised his arms and said, “You are welcomed, Lady Lynn von Astrium –”

The sound of a thousand swords hissed as they were drawn. Shouts of anger rang out. Lynn gulped but remained perfectly still, head bowed staring at the dirt by her shoes.

“Enough!” King Eber shouted in his battle voice. Lynn stole a glance and saw those nearest to the King flinch at his order. The noise died down to whispers as everyone tensed to see what would happen. King Eber pointed at the old iron King’s gate. “Do none of you recognize the gate through which they came?”

When no one answered, King Eber continued. “It’s the King’s gate, you fools. Only one of true royal blood can open that gate. That should be proof enough for you. Now put away your swords so we can get on with this.” The men were rather reluctant to obey. “Get on with it then. You’ll have chance soon enough to fight to your hearts content, but not like you are now. Have I made myself clear, my Lords?” He spat out the last words with disgust.

Reluctantly they obeyed, and one by one, the swords were put away.

“Now where we’re we? Oh yes.” King Eber cleared his throat. “Welcome Lady Lynn von Astrium and Lord Kyle von Talion. Please take your places. Let the Leyente duels begin!”

The crowd cheered their agreement. All those who wore the blue armbands took them off, turned the bands inside out, and put them back on so that the white side was now facing outward. Lynn gaped. Sir Doyle sure did think of everything.

Lynn leaned over and whispered to Kyle, “Be safe.”

Kyle nodded and headed off to go face his first duel of the day. Lynn watched him carefully as she rode over to the beauty pavilion to become a spectator of the event.

Chapter 6

Williamson’s stomach sank as the shuttle lifted off. He had never been to outer space. He was excited and nervous all at once, and his stomach did not know whether to hold a parade or flee from battle. Williamson stopped breathing as the sense of weightlessness took him, just before gravity returned. It made him feel like he was going to lose his breakfast. “What was that?” he asked alarmed.

Dloakar grinned. “Not to worry lad. I just turned on the artificial gravitation. This your first time off planet?”

Williamson nodded.

“Well, I suspect you’ll get your space legs underneath you quicker than you would imagine. When it comes to serving Lady Lynn, that would be a good thing for who knows all the trouble she will get you into as Delmi.”

Williamson sat awed as Saldiora became smaller with each passing second. He looked up to see a ship come into view, or he supposed it was a ship. It looked like a gigantic triangle hanging in the blackness of space. The nose was pointy and grew until the backside of it was too big to imagine. Williamson marveled at how it grew bigger as they neared it.

“What is that?” Williamson asked, pointing at the triangle.

“That my lad is Destiny. It’s a space ship, and will be your new home for the time being.”

Williamson gulped. Things were happening too fast. As they drew nearer to Destiny, a door opened and they were swallowed whole, shuttle and all. Dloakar landed the shuttle and soon they were marching through Destiny’s hallways, headed to the bridge.

“So what do you think?” Dloakar asked, waving his arms across Destiny’s bridge and towards the open view of outer space.

Williamson stood taking it all in, staring at a blue and red marble hanging in the black sky. He knew that the planet was Saldiora, but had a hard time comprehending the scale.

“Why can I not see the palace?” Williamson asked baffled.

“Because it is thousands of miles away,” Dloakar explained patiently. He had gone over this before, but Williamson still found it difficult to believe.

“But, I thought I would be able to see Lady Lynn.”

“Ah, I was just getting to that. We have powerful tools that can allow us to magnify what we see,” Dloakar said.

“Magnify? What does that mean?” Williamson asked.

Dloakar just shook his head and ignored the question. “Peter, please zoom in on the beauty pavilion in the arena. Maximum optical strength.”

In response, a large screen in the front of the room changed from black to the image of Lynn. Williamson walked up to the screen and said, “Lady Lynn, I’m on Destiny. Is everything alright?” His fingers lightly brushed the screen, sending a ripple through the image.

“She cannot hear you, Williamson. She does not have her communicator turned on,” Dloakar clarified.

Williamson took one final glance at the screen, satisfied that for the moment Lynn appeared to be safe. Turning his back to the screen, Williamson mentioned, “You promised to help me.”

“That I did. Peter here will show you around and take you to your quarters. You will be bunking with Peter for the time being,” Dloakar replied.

“You promised to help with analyzing the arrow.” Williamson specified the request this time.

“It will take some time to perform the analysis,” Dloakar said in a steady voice, seeming to dismiss Williamson. “It would be best if you get some rest. I will inform you once I know anything.”

“I will wait with you until we have an answer. I will not let the arrow out of my sight,” Williamson said stubbornly, gripping the leather bag that held the arrow. Even now, the site of it reminded him of Lynn and the way she always carried a leather bag with books instead of deadly arrows.

Dloakar stared at Williamson a moment longer, nodded to Peter, and then turned and headed to an alcove at the back of the bridge. “Very well, let’s get started.”

Dloakar carefully took the arrow from the bag, placed it on the table, and erected a force field around it. He explained each step methodically as he went about his business. Williamson did not understand even a fraction of it, but Dloakar spoke to him as Lynn did when she was teaching him something important. As a result, Williamson started to feel more at ease.

Dloakar slipped on a pair of gloves. He then took some tweezers and slowly started to work on loosening the tip of the arrow from its shaft. Williamson stood peering over Dloakar’s shoulder, eager to see what he was doing.

“Do you mind?” Dloakar asked.

Williamson just stared at him puzzled.

Dloakar put the tweezers down, then retrieved a chair and placed it opposite the table from where he was working. “If you sit here, you will be able to see everything.”

“But I can see fine from right here,” Williamson protested.

“Williamson. If you want me to help you with this, you must do as I say. Alright?” Dloakar said, trying to keep the edge out of his voice.

Williamson shrugged. “I guess so.”

“Okay. Then will you please sit here so that I can have room to work?” Dloakar asked, politely patting the chair.

Williamson laughed. “All you had to say was get out of the way Williamson.”

Dloakar’s mouth dropped open as Williamson settled down on his chair. Dloakar returned to the arrow and continued working on the tip. “Are you always so direct?”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, do you always say the obvious? The straight out truth without consideration of how the other person will take it?”

Williamson gave the question some serious thought. “Yes,” Williamson finally answered, just as Dloakar yanked the arrow tip off the shaft.

Dloakar gave a start and nearly dropped the poisonous arrowhead onto his bare skin. Fortunately, he corrected his movement, and instead poured the liquid from the hollowed arrow into a container he had placed nearby.

“Why?” Dloakar asked, placing the container in the incubation chamber and started the analysis by tapping on his electronic notebook.

“Lady Lynn taught me that I never have to say anything unless it is worth telling the truth. Since I have a speech problem, she helped me. I always only say what is worth saying. No more, and no less.”

Dloakar nodded his understanding. “Well, it’s going to take some time for the analysis to finish. Perhaps you would like to get some rest?”

“No thank you,” Williamson said, excitement gleaming in his eyes on how far they had already come.

Clearing his throat Dloakar said, “That was not really a question.”

“Then why did you ask?”

“I was trying to be polite.”

“Oh.” A grin grew on Williamson’s face. “No one has ever cared enough to be polite to me. I am used to being told what to do.”

“Yes, and see that is the heart of it Williamson. You’re a free man, to do as you please with what you have. You no longer have to obey anyone, but yourself.”

“In that case. Could we find out how Lord Kyle is doing in the duels?”

“Now you get the idea. I know just the person to ask about that,” Dloakar said, turning and heading back to the view screen. “Peter, can you reach the Captain.”

“Yes, sir,” Peter said.

“Captain, Dloakar here. I have Williamson with me,” Dloakar said when the face of a young man with blond hair and blue eyes appeared on the view screen. In the background, Williamson could barely make out the arena.

“Williamson, welcome on board and congratulations on undergoing the ordeal to become Delmi von Astrium.”

“Thank you, sir,” Williamson responded through grinding teeth. He would rather be down there protecting Lynn, than up here sitting around on his hands.

“What do you think of Destiny?” the Captain asked.

“Umm… it’s big.”

“Ha! Yes, she is big. So Dloakar what’s the update? Do we have any leads?”

“One. We are at present analyzing the poison from one of the arrows that Williamson recovered from the scene.”

“Very well. Contact me the minute you know something.”

“Aye, Captain.”

The Captain made to leave when Williamson blurted out, “How is Lady Lynn? I mean, how is Lord Kyle? No, that’s not right either. How are the duels?” Williamson said, stumbling over his words. “Oh bother,” he said sinking back onto a chair that was conveniently located in the center of the bridge.

A smile played at the edge of the Captain’s mouth as he quirked an eyebrow. “As far as I can tell, Lady Lynn is safe, and Lord Kyle is doing splendid in the duels. He has not lost a match so far. There are a few more rounds to go.”

Williamson nodded his thanks and the Captain’s image vanished. The screen split in half, one side showing Lynn, the other showing the arena floor where the fighters were dueling. Although it all appeared to be a jumbled mess of arms and legs, Williamson settled down to watch while waiting on the results from the analysis.

Chapter 7

A sword flew hard and fast over Kyle’s head. He ducked, pivoted on his right heel and swung his sword in an arc towards his opponent. Ferial ripped through flesh and bone. Kyle rose victorious, but panting as his opponent surrendered. The faces of all the men Kyle had defeated today had started to blur together, but finally the second to last one was defeated. He was through to the final where he would face Lord Voltaire von Neashop; Lady Brigieta’s champion.

Voltaire had spent much time in his cousins’ presence as of late, and the two were nearly inseparable. Where Brigieta had the brains, Voltaire had the strength.

Leaning on Ferial for support, Kyle saw Jael running to him. Jael took Kyle’s shield immediately in hopes of giving Kyle a break. “Well done, my Lord. Lady Lynn is pleased that you are still alive and winning.”

Kyle gripped Jael’s shoulder and allowed the young storyteller to lead him off the field. There was a brief respite before the final battle was to commence. “Please tell Lady Lynn I live to serve and will do my honorable duty and win the Leyente duels for her.”

Jael had squired for Kyle prior to becoming Lynn’s servant, and so had volunteered to help him today. The young boy had a good heart and an amazing ability to conscribe stories. He led Kyle through the tunnel underneath the arena to a waiting room. He had only an hour to rest and prepare for the final battle. After that he could relax and enjoy the evening with his friends.

Kyle sagged down onto the bench in a heap. Jael brought him a cup of cool water and a plate of bread and fruit, then set about cleaning Kyle’s gear. Kyle nibbled at the food. Too much and he would get nauseated while fighting, too little and he would collapse from dehydration. How he wished for the nanubits that could heal his aches and pains, but he was not allowed to use them until after the final battle.

A knock sounded on the door and Tristyn entered. “Sitting down on the job I see.”

“Ha! I’d like to see you do battle for as long as I have and walk away without your legs crumbling underneath you.”

“True, but that’s why I leave the real work to you.”

“Don’t deny it. You would give anything to be out there battling with us.”

“You know me too well. As a captain it is hard for me to sit back and see one of my own battling it out. However, as Prince I’m supposed to act regal and suppress these urges,” Tristyn sighed. “How am I going to survive this transition Kyle? I’m used to everyone jumping at every order I give them. As Prince, I’m going to have to cater to all the nobles. Oh, how I despise politics. Can we just trade places?”

Kyle clasped Tristyn’s shoulder. “You will survive this like you’ve always gotten through it. One day at a time, with friends by your side. And no. We can’t trade places. I rather like using my father’s sword,” Kyle admitted as he slowly waved Ferial back and forth.

“I heard rumors that Lile von Talion was seen in the city a few weeks ago. Have you heard anything from your father?”

Kyle handed Ferial to Jael to clean. “Not a word since the day he left me standing on the edge of Greenstin Forest, with only his sword Ferial and my grandfather as protection. Since the death of my grandfather, Ferial is all that remains.” Kyle shrugged and changed the subject. “What do you make of Voltaire?”

“He’s stronger than you, but that heavy armor slows him down. It will be interesting to see what wins out, his brute strength or your agility.” Tristyn’s eyebrows drew together as he sat down and crossed his arms. “Now, tell me what happened this morning.”

Kyle knew that Dloakar had briefed Tristyn all ready. However, it was always best to hear the details from a direct source. So Kyle told Tristyn everything he knew and finished with, “I believe there may be a spy in the palace.”

Tristyn shifted uneasily. He always thought the best of people, and Kyle knew that he was not going to like what Kyle had to report. “Go on,” Tristyn said.

Kyle glanced to make sure they were alone. Only Jael was with them and he looked completely engaged in polishing Kyle’s shield. Lynn trusted Jael, and so would Kyle. “Several reports have been made of people claiming to have seen Pel Juntu, the youngest of the Juntu brothers, wondering the halls and talking with servants. The reports started at the beginning of the Beauty Gala. So either one of the beauties or one of their servants, or both, are spies for the Juntus.”

“Who is the spy and what do they want?”

“I don’t know who the spy is, but I do know who it is not, and that may tell us what they want.”

“Well?”

“It is not Pibbel. It appears that Pel frequents the von Talion wing over the weekends while Pibbel is away at the library. I believe he’s after the necklace.”

“Have you given her the necklace yet?”

“No. I’ve analyzed the necklace and believe it is a key to something, but what I cannot tell. We’ve been able to detect the electronic circuits, but have no idea how to activate it in order to run further tests. I think the necklace is important enough that Pel Juntu is willing to risk being caught in order to steal it back.”

“Where is the necklace now?”

Kyle reached into his right front pocket and pulled out the locket. On one side of the locket was an engraved lobble flower and on the other side were inscribed the words Piapish Mishtum that meant Seize Life. “I’ve kept it close, not wanting to risk anyone getting their hands on it. The Juntus want it back and I don’t know to what extent they’ll go to get their hands on it. Whoever is in possession of this necklace is in constant danger. This is why I have not returned it to Lynn. Not until I know that the threat has been eliminated.”

“What do you propose we should do?”

“We need to set a trap for the Juntus. After I win the Leyente duels, I will present the necklace to Lynn at the Leyente banquet this evening. I will tell her about the danger, and will make sure her guard is tripled. She will conveniently forget the necklace in her room tomorrow, and when Pel goes to steal it back, we’ll be waiting to take him into custody.” Kyle hated the idea of putting Lynn’s life in danger, but he saw no effective alternative. Besides, he hoped that she would be able to tell him something about the necklace. It was past time to return the necklace to her. The necklace would go real pretty with the white dress she was wearing today. She had stolen his breath when she had touched his arm as they had left the royal pavilion. Kyle was so consumed by his thoughts of Lynn, that he nearly missed Tristyn’s question.

“You’re assuming the spy will tell Pel about the necklace?”

Kyle shrugged. “If no one comes to steal it, then we probably don’t have a spy. Have you had word from Dloakar?”

“He is still busy analyzing the poisonous arrow.”

“They’re coming up with more creative ways to kill her every day.”

A knock on the door sounded and a page shouted, “Five minutes before battle, Lord Kyle.”

“I’m on my way,” Kyle shouted at the closed door. He rose and dawned his gear. “I shall see you soon.” Kyle left Tristyn to deal with the aftermath of that morning’s adventure while he went to take care of his own business.

“Lord Kyle von Talion fighting for Lady Lynn von Astrium and Lord Voltaire von Neashop fighting for Lady Brigieta von Neashop,” the herald announced, as Kyle stepped out onto the field.

Kyle swung his arms around in circles and stretched his leg muscles in an attempt to loosen up. He wore nothing but his breeches and shirt. More armor would do him no good as he would need speed to win this battle. The lifesaving nanubits would only be administered once a victor was announced. That meant pushing the pain out of his mind and focusing on what needed to be done.

“Lady Lynn wishes you good luck, my Lord,” Jael said as he handed Kyle his shield.

Kyle held the shield in his left hand and with his right drew Ferial from its sheath. “Tell Lady Lynn that she owes me,” Kyle joked as he headed towards the center of the field.

Voltaire stood armored from head to toe. He swung his two handed sword in the air as he walked up to meet Kyle. Where Kyle was swift and agile, Voltaire was rugged and strong. The matchup was a draw, with as many people betting on Voltaire’s success as they were on Kyle.

Upon reaching each other, they saluted one another by placing a fist over their hearts and bending at the waist keeping their legs locked. Then they bowed to the King and beauties, and then finally prepared for their final duel of the day.

The bell sounded. The crowd cheered. The fight began.

Voltaire raised his sword over his head and let out a mighty scream as he charged.

Kyle dropped to one knee, raised his shield and braced himself. Upon impact, Kyle twisted at the hip and dropped the shield to the side.

Voltaire was caught off balance, and ended up face planted in the dirt.

Kyle’s arm throbbed where a bruise was forming. He doubted he could take another direct blow without instant repercussions.

Laboriously, Voltaire rose to find Kyle halfway across the arena. Voltaire grunted and set off after Kyle. Voltaire had only crossed part of the distance when he slowed down. Fighting in heavy armor was one thing. Running to catch up to a foe twice your speed was another matter.

As Voltaire approached, Kyle started to circle. He watched for any weaknesses that Voltaire had. They were terribly few. Kyle would have to exploit them if he hoped to win. A few times Kyle got a little too close as Voltaire swung his sword in broad arcs. Kyle broke off and backed up, drawing Voltaire onward around the arena. The crowd yelled their impatience at the game, but Kyle could care less. Winning was more important than pandering to the crowd.

“Come on quick bones! Take a stand!” Voltaire shouted.

“You too slow to catch me?”

“Aye, that may be, but I warrant you will taste the steel of my blade once I do.”

Kyle closed his eyes and breathed deep. He imagined the arena in complete silence. Then he listened. Voltaire was storming down at him like a train heading for a tunnel. He heard the footsteps pounding on the dirt. He heard Voltaire’s raspy breathing. Kyle stood still and breathed, waiting patiently.

Kyle’s eyes snapped opened. He rolled to the side as Voltaire’s sword sailed past in open air.

Voltaire had put all his force into the attack. Once again, he was caught off balance and landed on his face a second time. Voltaire spat out blood and looked up. Kyle waited at the far side of the arena.

Dusting himself off, Voltaire laughed thunderously. “Twice now you could have ended this. Yet you run. There will not be a third.” Voltaire stood planted and refused to give chase.

Kyle considered his options. He could keep running around provoking Voltaire or face the battle.

Lynn’s face flashed in Kyle’s mind as he recalled her agonizing scream when Chief Meelocks had impaled Kyle’s abdomen with a sword in this arena during one of their mock battles. Chief Meelocks was the Palace Chief of Security, a green poodolian with toned muscles, who was also bonded to the von Talion house. But Lynn had not known any of this at the time of the mock fight and had only seen a green monster try to kill him. She could not have known that here they trained for real situations, and used the nanubits to heal themselves after training. So she had thought they had killed him, and she had even mourned his death. Although he had never told her, he had vowed that day to never put her through such agony again. And now, he would have to keep that promise. He would not fail her.

A dimple appeared as Kyle smiled. “Let’s dance.”

Kyle rushed forward with tremendous speed and agility, throwing Voltaire off his rhythm. Voltaire could barely keep up as Kyle’s swift strokes rained down. After what felt like an eternity, they disengaged to catch their breaths.

“You’ve been holding out on me,” Voltaire snarled. “Why do you fight for such an ugly looser?” The people booed Voltaire’s comment, but undaunted he continued “You should be fighting for the fair Lady Brigieta.”

“I am the people’s hand,” Kyle said, raising Ferial. “Less talk. More fighting.”

Kyle sprung in the air with a roundhouse kick that landed on Voltaire’s chest.

Stumbling backward, Voltaire barely regained his balance before shouting, “Now it ends!”

Kyle swung Ferial low at Voltaire’s knees. Voltaire blocked the parry and stepped onto Ferial, forcing the sword to the ground. Half stooped over, Kyle barely raised his shield in time as Voltaire’s sword hurled at Kyle’s face.

Crack!

Kyle quickly dropped the shattered shield and let go of Ferial. He rolled away just as Voltaire’s next blow came down where he had been moments before. Kyle rose from the ground, breathing hard as he considered his next move. Voltaire blocked him from reaching Ferial. As Voltaire rushed him, something snapped in Kyle’s mind.

The world faded away. His emotions and thoughts drifted away. One goal remained; staying alive. Adrenaline rushed through his system. Kyle grabbed Voltaire’s sword in mid swing at the pommel trying to pry it free. A wrestling match ensued as both fought for control of the weapon.

Voltaire’s breathing echoed in Kyle’s ears. Standing this close, Kyle felt Voltaire make ready to pull the sword away with one mighty tug.

Wait for it… wait for it… only a few more seconds… wait… Now!

Kyle let go as Voltaire pulled, sending Voltaire stumbling backwards and tripping over Kyle’s broken shield. Kyle quickly retrieved Ferial while Voltaire was temporarily distracted.

Piece by piece, Voltaire stripped away his armor until he stood in his leggings, chain mail shirt and cross guards.

No more words were needed. They saved every breath to give them strength. Kyle felt as if he would crumple into a heap any minute. By the look of it, so would Voltaire.

Then Kyle saw the opening he had waited for. Summoning all his reserves, Kyle lunged forward and pierced Voltaire’s side. With one fell swoop Kyle withdrew Ferial and disarmed the stunned Voltaire, who sunk to his knees gripping his side.

Kyle raised Ferial and prepared to strike a deathblow by chopping Voltaire’s head off. A single command dominated his mind kill him.

Over the hushed crowed a crystal clear voice rang out, “No!”

Kyle froze as Ferial reached Voltaire’s neck. Kyle glanced at the beauty pavilion where Lynn shook her head ‘no’. She knew nanubits could not bring back the life of a beheaded man.

“Do you yield?” Kyle asked, struggling against the powerful urge to kill. Every muscle fiber in his body demanded that he carry out his desires.

“Aye. I yield,” Voltaire spoke before he slumped to the ground.

The crowd roared as flowers flew all over the arena in victory. Yet, Kyle could not bring himself to move away.

A cold small hand rested on Kyle’s shoulder and a soothing voice said, “It is done, my Lord. It is done. Your prize awaits.”

Kyle’s shoulder’s sagged as Jael took Ferial. Kyle sank onto his knees, exhaustion overcoming him as the adrenaline dissipated.

Chapter 8

Lynn’s stomach turned as Kyle re-entered the arena riding astride Brial, dressed in the von Astrium colors. He looked exhausted but triumphant. He dismounted and limped up the steps to the royal pavilion. The whoops and hollers from the crowed lifted him with each step. The trumpeters sounded the victory call as Kyle took the final step and kneeled before King Eber and Queen Elanor. The smile he wore on his face was precious.

“Lady Lynn von Astrium,” Marvis announced as Lynn entered the royal pavilion from the adjacent beauty pavilion.

“Lady Lynn it is my honor to present your champion,” King Eber confirmed and a deafening roar broke out from the crowd. Flags waved in the air, flowers drifted everywhere, and an air of jubilation filled the arena.

Lynn bowed to Kyle and recited her lines, “What does my champion desire? If it is within my power to give, it will be yours, for you have fought bravely for my honor.”

Kyle rose and bowed to Lynn, “It is not I who does the asking, but the people.”

“And they have decided,” Queen Elanor said removing a small sealed envelope out of her dress pocket.

Lynn felt the edge of nervousness around her heart as Queen Elanor popped open the envelope and scanned the note. Lynn had no idea what scheme the people would have dreamed up for her to pay Kyle. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth as everyone watched in anticipation.

Queen Elanor deftly folded the note up and returned it and the envelope to her pocket. “Lady Lynn, the people ask that you grant Lord Kyle… a kiss.”

Lynn’s heart skipped a beat as the crowd took up the chant “Kiss him! Kiss him! Kiss him!”

Lynn’s face flushed as she turned to Kyle who stood studying his boots. His ears were blood red of embarrassment. Every now and then he would glance up at her but he could not hold her eyes for long.

“Will you grant the people’s request?” King Eber asked the compulsory question. He too stared at Lynn awkwardly.

Lynn nodded and held out her hand expecting Kyle to be a gentleman and kiss her hand.

Kyle took her hand firmly and pulled her into his arms. Lynn gasped, shocked at finding their bodies so close together. Kyle stared longingly into her eyes. A dimple appeared on his cheek as his smile grew. He leaned forward and his lips were inches away from hers. Lynn froze, feeling her heart thumping in her chest. Softly his lips brushed lightly over her lips. Her whimper of delight and shock only encouraged him, and he leaned in and kissed her with passion.

She struggled for a brief moment as she tried to push him away. But then her body betrayed her. Kyle’s smell of sweat and cedar was intoxicating. Her mind turned to mush and her legs turned to Jell-O as she melted into his warm embrace. Her hands wrapped around his neck and she held on. She wished that he would never have to let her go.

Kyle broke the kiss, picked her up and spun her around. Lynn giggled with joy. She never would have thought a kiss could melt her wits. The world fell away, and no one but she and Kyle existed.

Kyle gently placed her down and whispered, “It is custom for the champion to decide the details of the payment.” He paused as he held her close and brushed a lock of hair out of her face. “You know, I think this is the first time I’ve seen you speechless.”

Lynn nodded and smiled as she stared at him through blurry eyes. Kyle had sacrificed so much for her today, and truly she would never be able to repay him for keeping his promise. Since the first instance they had met, Kyle had been her protector, always fighting for her and ensuring that she was learning what it meant to be a princess.

Kyle took her hand and turned her to face the curtains, from where they could see shiny black boots peeking out underneath the curtains. They looked identical to the pair she had seen when they had burst into the King’s suite earlier.

“Lady Lynn please allow me to present to you Prince Tristyn.” Kyle drew back the curtain with one hand while holding onto Lynn’s hand with the other.

Tristyn walked out and waved to the crowd who were going wild. All the beauties except Lynn bowed; she was too shocked.

“Prince Tristyn, please allow me to present Lady Lynn, whom you meet today for the first time,” Kyle said, giving Lynn’s hand a soft squeeze at his last words.

Lynn stood with her mouth agape like a fish struggling to breath. Before her stood Destiny’s captain, apparently the one and only Prince Tristyn. The same captain she had met several times before. The one she nearly killed trying to escape Destiny. The one who had lectured her on duty to her servants after the incident in rescuing Sir Doyle’s family from the Juntus. The same captain now stood before her as Prince Tristyn.

Lynn turned her face away from her future husband and glowered at Kyle. Anger and disappointment rose like a tidal wave inside Lynn as she finally bowed to Tristyn. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, your Highness.”

Tristyn returned the bow and took Lynn’s offered hand. “The pleasure is all mine.”

The three turned to face the crowd one last time, and then taking a few steps backwards, disappeared through the curtains into the King’s suite. King Eber and Queen Elanor followed, and the soundproof doors shut before anyone was able to blink twice.

Lynn ripped her hands free from the two men and reeled on them. “The two of you have a lot of explaining to do.” Lynn crossed her arms and her right foot furiously tapped away. Her anger boiling, she had a hard time restraining herself from verbally lashing out at them. She wanted to pick something up and throw it at the two of them.

“Is everything all right dear?” Queen Elanor asked, staring from Lynn to Tristyn.

“It will be, Mother,” Tristyn said as he kissed Queen Elanor on the cheek. “Would you please give us a moment?”

Queen Elanor smiled at King Eber, “Come husband, let’s leave these younglings by themselves.”

King Eber walked up to Lynn and bowed. “I’m glad that you won today. I would be honored to call you my daughter-in-law.”

Lynn blushed as she glanced at Tristyn. Then her eyes fixed on Kyle and her heart felt torn in two. Only moments before Kyle had held her in his arms and the world had felt whole and safe. Now, everything was crumbling around her.

“Don’t be too hard on them dear,” King Eber continued. “They were only following orders.” With that King Eber escorted Queen Elanor out.

The silence painstakingly stretched on. Lynn still boiled with anger, and so decided to settle on a neutral topic of conversation. “How’s Williamson?” she asked through clenched teeth.

“He is well. The people really admire you,” Tristyn said awkwardly, turning the conversation again.

Lynn flung her leather bag onto a chair that Lunu had returned to her while she waited in the beauty pavilion.

Frustrated, she started to pace to help release her anger instead of unleashing her fury on Tristyn, who she only knew as Destiny’s captain.

She glanced at Kyle who sheepishly stood behind Tristyn, leaning on the couch. She did not even know where to begin. One moment he had kissed her and her world had been perfect. He felt so right when he held her close in his arms. The next moment she felt guilty for indulging in that kiss because her future husband had witnessed the whole scene. How was she supposed to reconcile the kiss with the knowledge that Tristyn saw it? Would she ever understand Kyle and the things he did? Surely he understood the tough position he had put her in.

“Urgh!” she shouted at the ceiling. “Why? Why did you lie to me? You of all people.”

Tristyn pulled his jacket straight and faced Lynn. “As Destiny’s captain it was difficult to not see you, however part of the Beauty Gala is not knowing who I truly was. None of the beauties have ever met me. Not even the ones that grew up in the City of Asciendum. I was raised with only boys as friends and my picture was never allowed to be taken in preparation of the Beauty Gala.”

“Not you!” Lynn shouted at Tristyn, who took a step back from her outburst. Seeing the shock on his face, Lynn sighed. She was making a mess of things. In a softer tone she apologized. “I’m sorry Captain, I understand why you did it.” Lynn waved a finger at Kyle. “You however, I trust with my life and future. You are my friend, but you lied to me. Why? Why did you not tell me that the Captain was the Prince? Did you think I wasn’t as equally capable to keep this secret? Instead, you left me completely unprepared. Everyone must have seen how shocked I was.”

Kyle stared at Tristyn as if he held the answers.

“You should not blame Lord Kyle,” Tristyn said. “As a member of the tribunal he was obligated to maintain the secret.”

“I don’t care! You hear me?!” Lynn stood on tiptoes and stared straight into Kyle’s blue eyes. “I want to know how you were able to keep this from me day after day, and what other secrets you’ve been keeping from me. Like, what you’ve been hiding in your pocket?”

Kyle’s hand darted to his right front pant pocket. Lynn knew he was keeping something from her, but he stubbornly refused to say anything.

“Speak!” Lynn demanded. “Explain yourself.”

Kyle’s eyes flickered to hers and momentarily softened. He was the Kyle she knew in that instance. But as he looked away he stiffened and resumed his stare at Tristyn.

Exasperated, Lynn threw her hands up in the air and demanded from Tristyn, “Order him to speak.”

“It would be against the Beauty Gale custom. Kyle has presented you to me for first consideration to be my wife. He cannot speak to you again until the banquet.”

“Custom! Is that all you people care about? You would rather uphold custom than allow me to get to the truth of matters? You care more about custom than justice?”

“No, that is not what I meant. I mean… well you see…” Tristyn was at a loss of words. He took a deep breath. “He was right about you.”

“About what?”

“He said that there was no sense arguing with you.”

Lynn stood tapping her foot trying to figure this out. She had no idea what to do. How she wished she could have Kyle answer her. That was it! A wish.

Pretending to be defeated she changed the topic. “What do we do now?”

“Whatever you like. We could go for a walk or sit and talk.”

“And afterwards?”

“Well I suppose we should get ready for the banquet. But you should know this.”

Lynn feigned stupidity, not something that was hard for her to pull off. “I’m sorry Captain, but this is my first time and I am not sure I understand everything.”

“Please, call me Tristyn. What else have you forgotten?” Tristyn said grinning mischievously.

“I know at the banquet I will sit with you and your family, but is that all?”

“No. There is the matter of the gift…”

“Yes?” Lynn said pretending to be surprised.

Kyle cleared his throat. Lynn could tell he knew exactly where her line of reasoning was heading. She shot Kyle a cold stare that told him to stay out of it. Besides, he was not allowed to speak to her.

“Well, as Kyle asked you for a gift and you gave it freely,” Tristyn continued, failing to hide a knowing smile, “so you may ask a gift of me, so that I may show my pleasure in the champion and the beauty.”

“And when does this happen?”

“After dinner.”

“Does it have to happen then?”

“No,” Tristyn turned a shade of grey realizing where the conversation was heading now.

Lynn wasted no time and clenched the deal to win the argument. “In that event I request my gift now.”

Tristyn squirmed underneath her gaze and gulped. “Very well. What do you wish?”

“I would like you to, from this day forth, absolve Lord Kyle from following any customs.”

Tristyn considered and weighed her words. “That was masterfully done, but it is not my place to give you that.”

“Oh, but it is,” Lynn said her shoulders relaxing. “You are bound to grant me my request. You are bound by custom.”

Stunned, Tristyn was left speechless. He crossed his arms and cleared his throat. “I grant you this request… it is as you say.” Tristyn waved an impatient hand at Kyle. “Lord Kyle from this day forth you do not have to uphold any customs unless you choose to.” Exhausted, Tristyn sagged into the chair as Lynn spun on Kyle.

Instantly her anger returned in full. “Now, what other secrets are you keeping?”

Kyle placed a hand in his right pocket and held onto something. “I warned you, Tristyn.”

“That you did,” Tristyn admitted, looking defeated.

“Lynn, I’m sorry that I did not tell you the truth about Tristyn, but it was my duty. Not a day went by that I did not want to tell you. For that I do apologize. But there are no other secrets that I’m keeping from you.”

Lynn shook her head. “Now you lie to me with me knowing of the truth. I can tell you are. If you are not able to be honest with me, then I never want to see you again.”

In two steps, Kyle cleared the remaining distance between them. He smelled like cedar that reminded Lynn of their many rides together in the woods to and from the library. The smell was intoxicating, and she ached for him to hold her and tell her the truth of what he was hiding from her. He reached out to her, hesitated and then dropped his arm to his side. Instead he bowed to her. “Then I will not see you ever again.”

Before Lynn could say a word more, Kyle left.

Tristyn stood and took Lynn’s hands. “He will come back if you ask him to. Though, I think he needs time to think,” Tristyn counseled.

“If you say so,” Lynn said doubtful. “I apologize that you had to be dragged into this.”

“How about that stroll then?” Tristyn suggested.

Lynn blushed realizing she was holding hands with the Prince. She had dreamt about this for weeks, but why did her heart feel so empty? “That would be welcomed.”

Perhaps a walk and chat with Tristyn would distract her before she had to perform like a proper lady at the banquet. She picked up her leather bag, took Tristyn’s arm and headed out of the arena. She hoped the distraction would help as she dreaded the entire Leyente banquet experience to come.

Chapter 9

“Wake up!” A voice rang in Williamson’s ears as someone kicked his legs.

“Hmm. Leave me be,” Williamson mumbled, pulling his legs in and curling up on the chair.

“Williamson, wake up!” came the persistent voice. “Get out of the captain’s chair and get over here. The results are in.”

It took a moment but finally the words sank in. When it had, Williamson bolted from the captain’s chair to find everyone staring at him, while stifling back laughter. Williamson scratched his head; it was only a normal chair after all. No one had said he could not sit there. To him, it was the only open seat on the bridge that gave him a good view of the screen on which he had watched the duels. Apparently he was more tired than he had thought and had dosed off and dreamt about fighting like Kyle to protect Lynn from bandits.

“What have you learned?” Williamson cleared his throat.

“Just a minute,” Dloakar said, frantically waving at Peter.

Williamson caught a reflection of himself in one of the panels and hastily ran his fingers through his bushy black hair to give some semblance of order. It still looked tousled as he sank back in the captain’s chair, stifling a yawn and stretching out his bulky form.

“What do you have, Dloakar?” The Captain’s voice rang clear over the communication system, but there was no picture of him on the view screen.

“The poison in the arrow tip is rather deadly and is meant to kill its victim within a few seconds of impact. The poison is called Castosius,” Dloakar rattled off.

“Do we know who makes it?”

“That is the fascinating part. Castosius is made from a plant called the Aephoscostiuriosus or for short, caddyweed, and can only be found on one planet Drexos. Our intelligence reveals that there is only a single manufacturer on Drexos that makes it. If we could get a list of their clients and cross reference it with our list of known outlaws, as well as who was unaccounted for at the time of the crime, we will have the name of our perpetrator.” Dloakar took a deep breath. “I would recommend we depart immediately.”

“Let’s go,” Williamson agreed, having only understood the part that someone on Drexos made the poison and could tell him who had used it.

“Not so fast. I will return to Destiny and then we can depart,” the Captain said.

“Will that be possible?” Dloakar asked, raising an eyebrow.

The Captain sighed and remained silent. “We will not know till tomorrow.”

“We can’t wait that long,” Williamson protested. “We have to go now. Every moment we wait makes it harder to catch the villain.”

“I will consult with Lord Kyle. Don’t do anything rash until you hear back from us.”

Williamson’s shoulders slumped as Peter led him to their shared quarters. Without even stopping to take off his clothes or to clear off the mess on the bunk, Williamson crawled into a ball and went straight to sleep. There was nothing to do but wait, and so he would use the time to rest.

A loud knock sounded at the door, followed by yelling, “Wake up, you luddox!”

Williamson moaned at the person to go away and let him sleep some more.

“Williamson, wake up now!” bellowed the voice again.

“Alright already. I’m up.” Williamson tried to muffle a yawn as he sat up and hit his head hard against the bunk above him. “Ow!” he yelped and sank back down.

“Williamson, I said wake up!” the voice yelled impatiently.

Suddenly Williamson recognized Dloakar’s voice. Jumping out of bed, he rushed to open the door and started making his apologies.

“Get changed into this jumpsuit and meet me on the bridge in 15 minutes,” Dloakar said, shoving an orange jumpsuit into Williamson’s arms, and then he turned around and marched off without so much as a ‘how are you doing’ or ‘hope you slept well’.

Williamson hastily brushed his hair and teeth before pulling on the orange jumpsuit. Looking at the communicator Dloakar had given him earlier, he realized that it had been less than two hours since they had talked with the Captain.

Pulling on his issued socks and black boots, Williamson wondered what all the fuss was about. Williamson hurried off and in short order stood next to Dloakar on the bridge.

Williamson could tell that Kyle was in a foul mood the moment he appeared on the view screen. He had only seen Kyle like that twice before and each time Lynn had been the root cause. Fearing the worst, Williamson blurted out “Is Lady Lynn all right?” before anyone had said a word.

Kyle forced the muscles in his jaw to relax and answered, “The last time I saw her she was fine.”

Williamson sighed with relief and sank down into the captain’s chair. Kyle cocked an eyebrow but said nothing about it.

“Dloakar what have you found?” Kyle asked.

Dloakar rambled on for a good half hour, and Kyle absorbed every detail.

“Enough!” Williamson shouted, to a shocked Kyle and Dloakar. “Every minute you spend rattling of information is a minute lost,” Williamson spoke sternly at Dloakar. Then turning to Kyle, he continued. “My Lord, the most important thing is that we now know who the sole manufacturer of the poison is and where to find him. It is our only lead and we must act on it decisively right now before he slips away in the time it will take for us to reach the planet.”

Kyle stood a moment, wonder in his eyes. Williamson stood his ground and stared Kyle straight on, something he would not have been able to do even a day ago. However, with his freedom came responsibility to Lynn who he considered family. He would stop at nothing to protect his family.

Kyle pinched the bridge of his nose in consternation. “Dloakar is that true?”

“Yes.”

“I thought so.” Kyle turned and spoke with someone off camera. “King Eber agrees.”

Williamson shot out of the captain’s chair thinking that King Eber was also there. He stood rod stiff, not wanting to embarrass himself or Lynn before the King.

“At ease Williamson,” Kyle ordered, a smile at the corner of his lips. “It is just us. A message from King Eber just arrived. I have already spoken to him and was waiting on these orders.” Kyle hastily read a note and then turned his full attention on them.

Williamson was so tired that he sunk straight back into the captain’s chair.

“Dloakar, you are hereby promoted to captain of Destiny. Congratulations,” Kyle announced.

“But sir, it is not my place. I can’t take the captain’s chair,” Dloakar protested pointing at the chair Williamson lazed in. Williamson squirmed in the chair trying to see what was so strange about the chair.

“You are captain now. This is not something you can argue your way out off or run away from. Until Tristyn can return, you will be Destiny’s captain.”

“But I can’t,” fumbled Dloakar, not able to come up with a convincing argument.

“Captain Dloakar, you can and you will. Your first mission is to find out who is trying to kill Pibbel. You leave for Drexos immediately.”

“That is impossible. Everyone is on shore leave enjoying Leyente. The only ones on board are the cleaning and maintenance crew who have never seen battle. We’ll need at least a day or two to recall everyone.”

“That matters not. The sooner we know who the culprit is, the better off everyone will be. You will set course immediately and leave once we are done. Is that understood?”

“Yes, but I don’t like it.”

“I am not seeking your approval. Just get the job done. Understood?”

“Yes sir.”

“Oh and one more thing,” Kyle said to a panic stricken Dloakar.

“Yes sir?”

“Although you are Destiny’s captain, Williamson is in charge of this mission and operation.” Kyle dropped the final bomb.

Williamson wanted to protest, but one knowing look from Kyle told him he was not getting out of it. Kyle disappeared before Williamson was able to recover his wits.

“Peter!” Dloakar barked.

“Yes Captain?”

“You’re hereby promoted to first officer.”

“What? No way,” Peter protested.

“If I don’t have a choice, then neither do you. Now, you heard Lord Kyle. Set a course for Drexos and engage.”

“Aye, Captain.”

Captain Dloakar strode over to the captain’s chair and yelled “Williamson you blubber head, get out of my chair!”

Williamson made no attempt to rise. Instead he pulled up his legs, leaned back and closed his eyes. He moaned softly, “Let me sleep just five more minutes.”

The crew watched closely to see what Dloakar would do. To their utter surprise Dloakar laughed and returned to his science station.

Chapter 10

Brigieta fumed as the handsome prince, his delusional sidekick and the imposter princess vanished into the King’s suite. It should have been she who was holding Tristyn’s arm, not that miss ‘too good to follow tradition’. Voltaire had failed her, and although she longed to dispose of the lout, she still needed him.

A small hand touched Brigieta’s shoulder. She swung at the imbecile who dared touch her and slapped the servant hard across the cheek. Ulla stepped back dazed, cupping her red cheek with her left hand. Defiance shot from Ulla’s eyes. Brigieta had bought Ulla from her father Hixom on Vahvun before the start of the Beauty Gala, simply because she needed a bargaining tool with the man. Now, the slave was proving to be rather useful, in many ways.

The beauty pavilion grew quiet as the remaining beauties and their servants all stared at Brigieta. She loathed the pitying expressions by some, and looks of triumph by others. Ignoring the setback, Brigieta reeled at Ulla, “Don’t you ever presume to touch me, you flea infested poodolian.”

Ulla bowed and mumbled an apology as Brigieta stomped away. Brigieta did not stop to see if the pompous slave girl would follow, but barreled through the twinians guarding the exit. A guard stood waiting to escort her safely back to the palace through the underground tunnels. They were supposed to be riding back to the palace in grand carriages, but that was probably too much to ask after this morning’s debacle assassination attempt. If only the assassin had not failed, then she would have been in Tristyn’s arms this very moment. Instead she was forced to sludge through these stinky, wet and mildewed tunnels that would be the end of the perfectly custom made dress she wore. Brigieta refused to hike up her dress since it was undignified. She followed the guard as the hem of her dress swished over the mucky cobblestone path.

She stomped into her apartment, flung her bedroom door shut and ripped the smelly dress from her body. She drew a hot bath and sank into it, washing the stench from her pores. Her mood improved slightly as the hot steam soaked into her bones. Before her skin had a chance to wrinkle, she stood, dried off and pulled on her white evening gown over her wet auburn hair. As she picked up a brush to untangle her long locks, someone knocked on her door.

“Come!” Brigieta barked.

Ulla entered twirling her knife blade in one hand. “You know, if I had half a mind I would kill you right now.”

“True, but then you would be forced to serve as a real slave for the rest of your life. I’m sure your dear father wouldn’t want to see scrubbing linens in the bellows of the palace,” Brigieta said ignoring the weapon. She continued brushing her hair.

“Here give me that,” Ulla said, flipping the knife into its wrist sheath.

Brigieta acquiesced and handed the torture instrument over to Ulla. With efficient and practiced strokes, Ulla tamed Brigieta’s long bushy hair and braided it. “By the way, Lord Voltaire is here to see you,” Ulla said as she finished placing the last strand of hair into its perfect place.

Brigieta admired Ulla’s work in the mirror. The braid started at the nape of the neck and ran down to the middle of her back. It made Brigieta look young but perfectly in control, and the look helped her square chin look softer, as two strands of hair had been left loose on either side of her face to tickle her chin.

Although she appeared innocent on the outside, Brigieta was a storm on the inside waiting to explode. She wanted nothing more than to rip Voltaire’s heart out of his chest for always failing her at the most critical times. It all started when he refused to support her at her first ball when she had to interject herself into the conversation to get noticed by Mimt von Feol, the most affluent bachelor. Now she was glad she had chanced the risk, for Mimt had proven a more valuable ally than Voltaire by championing her causes in the royal court. She knew that although Voltaire would take credit for the botched assassination, it had been Mimt’s money that had secured the purchase of the Castosius. Unfortunately, she needed someone who would take the fall for it all, and thus she kept Voltaire around for just that purpose. So she plastered a smile onto her face and floated to the living room where the scoundrel waited.

Voltaire rose stiffly from the opulent leather chair and bowed deeply. “Lady Brigieta, please allow me to apologize in failing you in the duels. There is no excuse for my failure, but that I grew impatient to see you crowned the victor and receiving Prince Tristyn’s favor.”

Brigieta glided into the chair opposite Voltaire. “Please, have a seat. All is forgiven. How do you feel?” Brigieta asked, her words dripping with mockery.

“Thank you for your concern,” Voltaire said flustered. He looked as if he had expected a scolding.

Brigieta smiled, enjoying his stunned look. She sat relishing in her skill to catch men off guard and play them for the fools they were.

Voltaire cautiously lowered himself down into the chair. He held a hand on the side of his rib cage where Kyle had pierced him. He eased his right leg out and stretched it, wincing in pain. That injury had probably came when he had tripped over Kyle’s shield. “I am as well as can be expected. The nanubits are working, and the doctors promise that I will recover fully from my injuries in a few hours.”

“I’m pleased to hear that. Now, do you care to explain why the assassin failed to perform as expected? If he had fulfilled his duty, we would surely not be having this conversation. What happened?” Brigieta’s words cut as cold as ice. She stared intently at Voltaire as he squirmed where he sat.

“I spoke with the assassin after the Leyente duels. He said that everything was lined up perfectly, but then that oaf Williamson spotted him up on the roof and pulled Lynn from her horse just as he loosed the first arrow. Next he tried to hit Kyle, but he had jumped down after Lynn. The assassin loosed a few more arrows, but with the horses and the crowd shielding his targets. He was out of poisoned arrows before they even escaped. He only had a small quiver to start with. You know how expensive the Castosius was.”

“Which is exactly why we couldn’t afford any errors. I knew we should have gone with a laser rifle instead.”

“With the heightened security of today’s event, the rifle’s electronic signature would have been spotted by the satellites even sooner than the bow and arrows. No… we knew the risk, took the gamble and lost.”

“I hope you at least eliminated the assassin.”

“I would have but he has some interesting information that is useful to us.”

“Who is he and why is he even helping us?”

“I can’t tell you yet, that’s part of my deal with him. As for his reasons in helping us, let’s just say I have something of his that he is willing to do anything for.”

“Fine, but what information did he have?”

“He says that he learned that Lord Kyle is in possession of Lynn’s necklace and plans to return it to her tonight at the banquet.”

“We have to get it back. Lynn cannot be allowed to have the key to who knows what. But how? And what has Kyle learned about it?” Brigieta drummed her fingers on the armrest.

“We could ambush him. Knock him out and just take it from him,” Voltaire suggested.

Brigieta laughed. “You are no match for him by yourself. He’ll take you down like he did today. Then he’ll question you and your answers will lead him straight to me. No, we only have one option.”

“Kill him?” Voltaire smirked.

“No, then we won’t know what he has learned about the necklace. Moreover, he may be a useful pawn in the future. No we, or should I say you, and some of your close friends will lay a trap and kidnap him.” Brigieta’s eyes twinkled as she smiled. “Deliver him and the necklace to my uncle Isa on Vahvun, as a sign of my devotion to the family’s interest. Of course, you will make it clear to Isa that I’m buying his silence about the converted paint factory that he has yet to known about. He is not to tell Pel that it’s now a weapons factory, or about how I’m spending that income.” Where Isa was the leader of the Juntu family and a hard man at the best of times to deal with, Pel was her father who still believed his daughter to be innocent. She would do anything to keep her true intentions hidden from her father, as he was probably the only one who could ever stop her.

“I’ll do as you ask. After I’ve completed the business at Vahvun, I will head to Nuelda to complete the next sales. It will be a four to five weeks before my return.”

Brigieta plastered on her most sincere face. “You are too good to me. I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t here to manage all of this.”

Voltaire beamed at her appreciation and then frowned. “Only one problem. I’m to escort you to the banquet. How am I supposed to kidnap Lord Kyle and sit with you at dinner?”

“Don’t worry my dear cousin,” Brigieta spoke as she looked over at Ulla. “I have a plan.”

---

The dining hall was filled to the brim with guests for the Leyente banquet festivities. Each beauty sat at a table with her top ten warriors keeping her company. Faleci and Hummial were both surrounded by adoring men. It was clear that both of them had realized their place, which would never be the throne, so they had moved on to better prospects for marriage and wealth. No matter what lay ahead, Brigieta knew she could count on those two to follow the money and power. It was silly how easily she had manipulated them from the beginning, that now they believed that they were here because Brigieta had ordained it so.

Besides Lynn, the only true competition Brigieta had was Suzea. She was extremely likeable and trustworthy, and almost everyone got along with her. It was pathetic. But those attributes would eventually be her downfall. Brigieta was sure of it. Brigieta took the preferred seat next to Voltaire as a trumpeter sounded.

First, the King and Queen entered and took their places at the head table on the elevated dais. Queen Elanor looked splendid as always and sat to King Eber’s right.

Prince Eldwa entered looking elegant with a tall green hat that matched his green coat. Eldwa gallantly took a seat next to the Queen. Eldwa was currently studying at school to become a physician, or so it had been reported to her. He was known to be reclusive, and besides assisting with the opening ceremony of the Beauty Gala, he had rarely been seen. Eldwa was known for not getting involved in court politics. Brigieta could understand why if his attention was focused solely on his studies. Brigieta wished she could get closer to Eldwa and learn what secrets he kept. Maybe, they could even help each other out. She had been a younger sibling herself after all, and had taken over power by getting rid of her nuisance sister. Brigieta reflected how her sister did not have the backbone to lead the family.

Last came the dashing Prince Tristyn who escorted the power grabbing Lynn. Tristyn sat next to the King, placing Lynn on the end. Tristyn leaned over and whispered something to Lynn, who giggled in reply. Brigieta seethed from the desire to be the one to whom sweet mysteries were being confided in. This definitely set her plan to become queen back by a few weeks, but it was not something that she would not be able to overcome.

King Eber stood and pronounced, “Let the festivities begin.”

Waiters streamed forth from the side doors that led to the kitchens. They carried a wide variety of delicacies, some of which Brigieta had never even heard of. Tonight was a special treat for all of them, and Brigieta was determined to enjoy every minute, despite her disposition.

Voltaire leaned over and asked, “Is everything in order?”

Brigieta laughed as if he had told a joke. “Of course, that’s fantastic.”

Voltaire nodded and continued to consume every plate of food that was placed in front of him. He nearly picked up one of the plates and licked it clean until he caught Brigieta staring at him. “I apologize for my behavior. It’s simply that the nanubits always make me ravishingly hunger.”

Just then Ulla appeared and per their designated que, dumped a pitcher of wine all over Voltaire. The time had come. Everyone was in place. The plan was set to abduct Kyle and the necklace.