by Wolf Golan
King Lae'din turned to his family. “Where are the courtesies of a King?” He laughed. “This is my family.” He gestured to them. “My wife Queen Ai'na Redoren and my only son Prince Cornigan Redoren,” Queen Ai'na and Prince Cornigan bowed.
“Nice to meet you Queen Ai'na,” Max and Alex said. They turned toward the Prince. “Nice to meet you Prince Cornigan,” said Max as he and Alex bowed to him as well.
“It is my honor as well.” Cornigan quietly replied.
Max and Alex remained bowing.
David stepped forward. “My King, the crew have been talking about our crashed ship in the South Woodlands. We would like to retrieve it, if you could help us.” David asked sincerely.
“No need, we sent a wagon some morns ago, it should be at your ship now. James Timothy will be flown there with one of our Airships. He will guide the wagon back to Densmere. There is a barn in the city you can place it.” King Laedin replied, as he made his way back up to this throne.
“Thank you sire,” David bowed.
The King sat back down on his throne. He turned his attention to Max.
“I would like you to assist General Ryzen at the Battlefront sometime Max,” Laedin asked.
“It'll be my honor Sire.” Max replied closing his eyes and bowing.
King Laedin slowly nodded his head and turned to the others smiling.
“Thank you your majesty.” David said moving out with his head down. The group slowly followed and made their way out.
Max and Alex followed.
Chapter 14
Max was still in wonder, turning his head around at the colossal Baelyin Kings sitting above him-stone giants. He stood awaiting the crew at the palace entrance.
“So whose gonna go with J.T.?” David asked, and no one answered. David turned to Max, “Max?”
“The King wants me to travel to the Droe Plains,” Max looked around at them. “I can give J.T. my gun and show him how to use it.”
“Yeah! Cosmic!” J.T. replied, appearing like a little kid.
“I'll go with you J.T..” Ryan said from the back.
“Okay, cool,” J.T. nodded.
“As you wish,” David responded. “Well, we can't do anything until Ryan and J.T. return with the ship, so rest at ease people.”
They disbanded when Max stopped David before he walked off. “Wait! Did anyone test for diseases?” Max stomped his feet in anger at the realization. “Son of a bitch! I hope I didn’t spread something among the Wood folk!”
“I never thought of that either, burnical!” Alex looked at Max worried.
“No! No worries guys!” Dallas replied. “We're clean! I tested us. Chandeeran’s have immunities to most earth diseases and germs. They've evolved in close contact with domesticated animals, so they're immune to most our diseases.”
Max sighed in relief and saw a look of relief on Alex's face as well.
“You guys!” David said shaking his head.
Max and Alex looked at each other smiling.
“By the way, Did you two get briefed on Chandeera's history?”
“Ahhh... no,” Alex replied.
“See Paedrin, he'll get you up to speed.” David said.
David gave them directions to Paedrin’s lab. After he finished, he glanced at the door. “I got to run take care kids.”
David walked off.
“Bye,” Alex weakly replied.
Jenny hopped to Alex.“ Alex, you should check out Densmere Square with me, it's far out! You can meet creatures from all over the world and meet up with the Wangs too! Do you want to go?” She asked excited.
Alex had a clueless expression as she slowly turned to Max and back to Jenny, “Yeah maybe later Jenny, I have to accompany Max to Paedrin. That sounds fun though. Meet me later.”
“Okay.” Jenny hugged her. Jenny lightly punched Max and walked off.
###
They made their way up onto the roof, then south to the Tower. They asked directions from a Robe walking by and soon found Paedrin's lab in the corner tower of the South wing.
As they made their way there, Max asked Alex a question. “So where were you this morning?”
“I went for walk.”
“Where?”
“Outside.”
“Oh.” He continued walking down the hard-stone floor and she followed. They entered an archway toward a door.
“I met the Prince on my outing this morning,” Alex said from behind. Max became silent and expressionless as he reached the door.
“Before we met him in the throne room?” Max asked turning to her.
“Yeah,” Alex replied.
Max's expression got a little troubled. “So what was that about?”
“He came up to me and I didn't know who he was, and I almost broke out my self-defense moves, but found out who he was. That was all.”
Max quietly stared downward for a moment, before giving her a weak smile and knocking on the door.
There was no answer.
Paedrin soon opened the door and tilted his head at them, sizing them up. It made Max and Alex uncomfortable. Paedrin smiled and gestured them in.
“Come in,” he said walking in.
Max and Alex slowly entered.
Max turned to his right to see a pier with a cauldron clamped on top by two metal beams. Above them, a sky dome releasing smoke from the fire. Beyond the pier on the wall was a window with a shelf beneath topped with bowls of herbs, small flasks, vials, retorts, paper rolls, and small unfinished projects. At the end of the wall was a shelf of books and scrolls.
On the left was another desk piled with scrolls and papers. The wall on the right had a big window to the sea with a lot of plants stacked on top; and on the other end, a fireplace below a mantle of pots, chalices, and a couple books. Above the mantle was a map of Chandeera. It was the same map Broglin showed them.
Max walked over, and Alex quietly followed.
They examined it.
“That is our world Chandeera. The best our ancient Scientists were able to chart.” Paedrin said.
“It’s a beautiful map,” Alex whispered.
Max spotted Dens'mere on the Western coast of the huge landmass that was Chandeera. The only separate landmass was the small continent of Nah Koo with the Keedah Desert on its northern section.
“Our world hasn't broken up like yours yet.” Pae'drin said smiling at them.
“David and the gang told you about our world?” Max asked turning to him. Alex turned to him too, both wide-eyed.
“Yeah, J.T. showed me a map on his Computer Tool.” Paedrin replied, grinning and measuring a flask.
Max and Alex looked at each other in amazement before turning back to the map. They heard the popping of the embers and decided to sit.
They turned to Paedrin and sat on two wooden chairs facing the fireplace. “So David said you can bring us up to speed on Chandeera?” Max puts his foot on his leg. Alex crossed her legs and arms and leaned back.
Paedrin put a small stick in the fire and carried a small flame to his pipe bowl to light the leaf. He puffed it and sat on a big cushioned chair facing the fire.
He began:
Three Ages ago, what you would know as millenniums, our Lady Freena was all that stood in the way of Kraakon and the Dark Forces. She made a Rock to destroy Kraakon and the Dark Forces, when she was betrayed by her sister Dreesil who gave the Rock to Krackon. He killed Dreesil and broke the Rock into 8 Shards and spread them throughout his Kingdom. Freena assisted by King Drogin, stormed Kraakon's Fortress defeated his army. Freena destroyed Kraakon.”
Alex interjected her question, “Is that sculpture of her by the fountain?”
“Yes, she waits for the day when someone will piece together Freena's Rock and topple Kraakon's Kingdom and send him into the abyss forever.” Paedrin answered.
“What about the two King statues at the entrance?” Max asked.
“Those are the Great Kings of Chandeera. King Drogin who assisted Freena in des
troying Kraakon in the First Great War and King Fade Wen who defeated Krackon in the Second Great War.” Paedrin answered emptying his pipe.
Max and Alex listened quietly with only the embers cracking.
A thousand years ago, a 3rd Great War was fought. The Densmerian Army beat back the invading Groargons and ran them into the Great Wasteland, where Kraakon's castle sits. Kraakon has not fully gained consciousness in 3000 years since Freena destroyed him, but he awakes every millennium, building his army. This Moon Cycle, he will have enough strength to launch his Dark Armies on Chandeera.
There has been three Great Wars since the time of Freena. Every thousand years, the Groargons come out of the ground and try to take Chandeera. Kraakon has awoken ten Moon Cycles ago…years. King Laedin believes this time their forces will be too great, and time is running short. We have to make a plan.”
Max and Alex were enveloped by the story, dead with wonder and shock.
The fire crackled, as Paedrin took a puff and stared at the embers.
“That's why the King wants my help? To plan a worldwide defense?” Max asked.
“Correct.” Paedrin replied.
Max sank a little in his chair, rubbing his chin. The new responsibility crushing him.
“Paedrin?” Max leaned forward.
“Yes?”
“I don't know if David told you, but we're trying to get home.” He gestured to Alex, but she seemed a little troubled that he brought up the topic. “We've been having meetings. When J.T. and Ryan wheel the ship back to Densmere, they’re going to repair it. If they do, then we're going to leave… does the King know this?”
“Yes, he knows.” Paedrin answered.
“We're debating on whether or not to turn on a signal to bring in a passing ship too.” Max said. “But if we turn on the signal, we can bring the wrong people here and it could mean more trouble for your world.”
Paedrin nodded.
Max turned to Alex who seemed troubled.
“Some of us want to stay and help.” Alex interjected. “You all have shown us such hospitality and generosity and some of us feel we can't just leave you in a time of trouble.” Alex said, attempting to reason.
Paedrin smiled and nodded to them. “I understand young ones.”
He emptied his pipe on a small bowl on a stand by his big chair, then turned to the fire. “David told us everything we understand, but the King would like your help planning a defense Max.”
“Of course it'll be my honor.” Max replied and bowed a little.
“Okay then,” Paedrin got up. “If you'll excuse me I have work to do.”
“Thank you,” Max got up.
“Thank you,” Alex followed.
Paedrin walked to his study and Max and Alex made their way out. They gently closed the door behind them and made their way down the South wing.
Max walked down the long flight of steps with Alex behind. They made their way to the Great Hall. Alex came up to Max. “Maxy it's a lot to take in isn't it?”
“You got that straight.” Max shook his head in disbelief, as they descended onto the floor.
They stood there on the carpet watching the Chandeerans walking and speaking amongst each other. Max rested his hands on his hips twisting his lip thinking. He turned to Alex. “Was that an indirect request to join their war?”
“It kinda sounded like it.”
“Yeah,” Max replied.
They looked up to the lofty arched ceilings with its brown stone banded with black mold.
Alex turned to Max. “They seem like they're in need of great help. If we're still here by the time the Dark Lord Attacks, we should help.”
“Yes of course,” Max replied.
“I’m still tired, come let's take it easy this afternoon.” She started to the staircase. Max put his hands in his pocket and followed.
They made their way to their bedroom and spent the day relaxing.
###
Max and Alex were rested up by the evening, so they ventured down to the South Dining Hall. It was empty, so they enjoyed a quiet dinner together and then retired back to their bedroom. They slept into the night until the next morning. It was the most relaxing day Max had in the new world.
The next morning, they decided to take the day off. They wondered about the castle to sightsee. Max hardly ever set foot in a castle, let alone explore one, so it was new.
They walked along the south wall staring at the sea and then wondered the hallways. The amount of space impressed them, and they soon gave up on a couple of sections, too much walking. They decided to see the highest tower and asked directions, one person after another directed them, before they finally found it and climbed it. They entered a small winding stairwell and walked up and up until they reached a latched door and knocked.
“Who is it?” A Guard yelled from outside.
“We're visitors staying in the castle and wanted to take a look.” Alex asked in an innocent voice.
“Only for a short time my Lady,” He replied opening the door.
“Okay!” Alex gently yelled back.
They heard the door unlock and a Guard appeared above them stepping aside.
They saw white strands of clouds in the milky blue skies and knew they were on the tower. They stepped onto the stone floor. Two Guards looked at them and then looked away with cold expressions. The circumference was fourteen feet and Max saw a horn flushed to one of the battlements, an alarm.
A cold wind blew, and Alex's hair flew across her face, as she attempted to look around. She held it aside, as Max's hair blew across his face as well. They looked over the ledge and saw miles down, Max got a little vertigo, as he stepped back to right himself. He was not afraid of heights though. Alex seemed relaxed with heights, as she leaned over with her feet dangling and her hair hanging.
“Whoa! Look at the 'whole' castle Max?” She said from the side.
Max looked over and cocked his eye in astonishment, the roof of the Throne Hall. He saw the top of the other towers with Guards walking among them too. Beyond the towers, the entire city spread out from the castle far below and vast open crop fields stretched farther out still. He looked farther and saw distant hills, a giant mountain range at the horizon.
Max walked over to the other side, as the Guard sat still on a stool leaning on his pike staring at the floor. They continued to the other side and saw the vast ocean. The late afternoon light wasn't the best, but it was still beautiful.
The ominous sound of the waves crashing on the rocky coast and distant squeaks of gulls. Max looked north to the coastline, rocky cliffs, and forests beyond. A few sea stacks dotted the north coast and farther up, were distant snowy mountains.
Alex leaned her head against his chest. “Beautiful is it?” she whispered.
“Yeah,” Max whispered back.
He looked to the north wall and spotted small lines of smoke coming from deep woods outside the city walls.
“Excuse me Sir.” Max asked the Guard.
“Sir?” The Guard replied looking up.
“What is there where the smoke rises in the Forest?” He pointed to the smoke.
“The Doon Village, they live in the trees, Forest Folk,” He answered. “They make clothes, honey, wood crafts.”
“Oh,” Max said nodding and frowning. Alex frowned with tired-astonishment too.
“One more question, how do you guard against Kamptaurs?” Max asked.
“We don't, Buk can sense them approaching and has hundreds of birds who peck at them if they come near Dens'mere. Also the guards have good slings, if they get pass the birds.” The Guard replied.
“Wow, cool.” Max replied. “So it’s summer now?”
“Harvest Season, Sunland.”
“Sunland is that what you call the season without snow right?” Alex asked again.
“Yes.”
“Fall?” Max added. He realized he wouldn't understand the word. “You mean the time right before snow arrives?”
“Yes, w
e call it Harvest season or Storage season.”
“Oh okay, thank you.” Max replied.
Alex smiled at the Guard.
The Guard nodded and walked away.
Max stared out to sea.
To the south, he saw the estuary they had come out and beyond it, dense forest and southern coastlines with cliffs, and more sea stacks. Tiny ships slowly made their way out and one huge ship waited outside the cove anchored.
Alex bent over again on the south side and this time, Max bent over a little more to look down. The castle walls dropped into sea cliffs going miles down.
“Wow that is far.” Max said bending back up.
Alex jumped back up and seemed to be in a goofy mood. Max smiled at her.
“What are you so happy about?”
“Nothing it's just exciting. We're on a different planet.” She said staring out.
“Yeah,” he said trying to share her enthusiasm.
“Max?”
“Yeah.”
“You know something funny?”
“What?”
“We haven't talked about our people since we got here?” Alex said cocking an eye.
Max gently sunk his head at the statement, then, squinted at the sea. “There's not much to talk about…they're doing their thing.”
“Doing their thing?” Alex repeated, taken aback.
“What do you want me to say?” Max asked a tad bit annoyed.
“I don't know, something in the line of ‘you’ve been thinking about them,’ ‘missed them’ or anything more sentimental than just 'doing their own thing’!” She said sinking her eyes at him in dissatisfaction.
He sighed.
“Okay, yes, I do think about them. They're doing their ritualistic activities: summer fishing, fall hunts, cultural programs, activities, dog races in the winter, my aunt is running the church, probably praying for us and our return, and tribal resort runs its Tourist Traps in the summer.”
“I miss my people.” She said staring at the sea.
“Washington State?”
“Yeah,” she looked down.
Max rested his arm on the parapet.
“Let's head back down, I'm starving.” Max asked.
“Okay.” Alex calmly replied.