Chandeera

by Wolf Golan

  “Yes!” Alex jumped. “Thank you J.T.! Partner in crime!” She smiled gleefully at him and he smiled back.

  Ryan looked away in anger and waved his head.

  “The 'No's' have it so far.” David said. “But Max's vote can tip the scale. I'm just going to vote now. I think we can make an effort to find the shard, so I vote to find the Shards.”

  “Thank you David.” Alex got up and hugged him.

  Dallas came back through the door. “He said he's not comfortable staying longer, but he cares about us and wants to support us, as well as Alex, so he voted `No'.”

  A feeling of love and comfort shot through Alex's body and made her glow, she wanted to kiss Max right then and there.

  “Well I'm turning the sucker on and leaving with or without you guys.” Ryan said standing up angry.

  Alex turned sour at Ryan's comment and decided to stand up against him. “Ryan we're all scared! But this is the right thing to do!”

  “I'm not scared!” he retorted.

  “You spineless space bug, you can't dictate your will on all of us, we're in this together.” Alex replied in anger.

  “Yeah! We're all in this together?” Jenny replied trying to show her support.

  “We can bring destruction to this planet if we turn it on Ryan.” David explained. “We all know how the Grod Empire protected Earth under the United Galactic Code until we discovered Jump Technology in the 22nd Century.”

  A silence fell upon the group as they continued to ponder.

  All could be heard were pans and bowls clinking from the kitchen.

  “I say we tie him up right here.” Jenny said jokingly. Alex and Dallas laughed. Ryan got up.

  “Screw you folks.” He walked out.

  “I hope this doesn't get bad.” Dallas said to David.

  “I'll check up on him afterwards,” David replied.

  “We're also forgetting one very important thing,” Jenny said looking around at everyone's faces. “Kraakon and those bastards killed Alberta, Hubertus, and Jerald. Are we just going to let that go?”

  “No we're not!” Alex said almost yelling.

  “Yes!” Dallas added. She put her hands on the table and turned to Alex. “Alex I'm going to work with Paedrin about locating the shards.” Dallas told them. “I'll ask him about whose guarding it, and then Max can work on infiltration and retrieval.”

  “Yeah sure absolutely, I'll talk to him when I get back to my room.” Alex replied.

  “Okay if anyone wants, we can meet with the King about this.” David replied, “Let's meet with the King and get started.”

  “I'm going to meet with Paedrin and get started David,” replied Dallas.

  “Okay Dallas,” David continued. “This meeting is adjourned.”

  Everyone got up and started out.

  “Wait!” Terry yelled getting up.

  Dallas, Jenny, J.T., David, and Alex stopped, turning to her. “I change my vote to No. Let's get them!” She waved her fist in the air.

  “Yeah!” Donald added standing up behind her.

  The girls laughed, and David soon joined them.

  “Now we see the King,” David replied.

  ###

  “I agree with your friend Ryan. You need to go home. I already feel greatly responsibility for the deaths of your three companions by my brother.” King Laedin answered with a disconcerted look, as he slouched in his throne. “Luthrick and Kraakon are our problem, not yours.”

  “With respect Your Highness,” Alex replied, bowing to him. “You people have housed, fed us, and have risked the lives of your men for our safety. We would not feel right leaving you. We are militarily advanced and can help you retrieve the Shards. Dallas our young companion, has already gone to meet with Paedrin to make plans for a Quest.”

  King Laedin raised his eyebrows, startled at the news. He started to think, twisting his lips. He covered his mouth with his hand and rubbed it. He then rubbed his back, not answering.

  Queen Ai'na got up and walked down to the crew of Star People.

  “They seem bound to their decision Laedin.” Queen Ai'na said turning to him.

  King Laedin turned back to them, but still concerned.

  “If you made the decision together, then I cannot undo it.” Laedin answered. “Even a King doesn't have the right to say 'No,' to a committed heart.”

  The crew looked up captured by his words, happy and inspired.

  “If there is one thing our Holy Teachings say, it's that.” He said.

  They smiled in response.

  “I, myself, am against your decision, but as King of Chandeera I cannot say 'No,' so I welcome your help.” He smiled.

  Queen Ai'na gave them a benign look to counter the King's uneasiness.

  The crew looked at each other assuredly and glanced at the King with glowing faces of inspiration.

  “You may go,” he said, smiling but still unsure.

  Chapter 18

  Max felt his bangs pushed aside.

  He slowly opened his eyes to Alex's gentle smile. Its peacefulness almost soothed him back to sleep.

  “Hi,” she said softly.

  “Hi” he said smiling, opening his eyes.

  She continued stroking his bangs.

  “How are you?” Max asked quietly.

  “I'm fine and I love you.” She reached down and kissed him. Max didn't know what brought the strong affection, but he liked it.

  “What's going on?”

  “I'm proud of your vote.”

  “So how did the rest turn out?” Max asked, sitting up and curious.

  Alex sighed and looked away raising her eyebrows at the heaviness of the question. “Well, we voted to stay and fight, but I think Ryan is bound and determined to get off this

  Planet. He might try to turn on the Distress Signal.”

  “I hope he doesn’t.”

  “Me too,” Alex said resting her head on the bed. “Good News is that they fixed most of our ship, but they don't have the special fuel to power the Jump.”

  Max squinted with confusion.

  “I guess this Rock everyone is talking about has some kind of magic to create any liquid and Dallas believes it's our only hope.” Alex explained, sounding a little skeptical.

  “Can you get up now?”

  “Yeah,” Max answered sitting up and sliding his legs off. Alex started to the dresser and Max stepped out onto the cold stone floor. He walked to the chair, took off his pajamas, and started slipping on his pants. Alex stood before him and he slipped his shirt on and turned to her.

  “Can we go out? It's stuffy in here.” Max asked.

  “You're still wet, you might catch a cold.”

  “I still want to leave for a little while.”

  “I'm not sure. We should stay just until you dry up. We can lounge together.” She suggested.

  “Okay,” Max replied.

  He laid down on the bed and she laid on his chest. They fell asleep and awoke sometime later, as it neared evening outside. Max checked his watch and saw that it was 6PM Earth Time. Alex rubbed her eyes and Max knew she was awake too.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey,” she replied. “You want to check out the ship? I know where it's at.”

  “Yeah, definitely,” Max answered getting up.

  They quietly and slowly made their way out the door down the cold stone hall, across the red carpet of the Great Hall, to the Grand Stairwell and slowly, descended into the city once again, arm-in-arm.

  As they entered an alleyway, Max saw some ragged children playing and thought of his little Waywong friend Wadda rin.

  “I miss the Forest Folk, the Indigenous Waywongs. I wouldn't mind visiting them sometime, if I can.”

  “Sure,” Alex replied. “But let's see about this Quest first though.”

  “Yeah,” Max replied.

  They continued down another alley. Max looked up to Baelyin women hanging wet clothes out the window, men sweeping their front steps, and bird flocks g
oing by. A small buggy came toward them, and it snapped Max out of his daydream. They stepped aside, it was a Baelyin farmer and the praide hoofs sounded loud clicks everywhere.

  They continued down the alley into a line of huge buildings that looked like medieval warehouses. They walked pass a couple of more buildings, until they reached the barn. They neared the large wooden entrance and made out workers inside, walking to-and-fro.

  They came before the entrance and Max saw the big ship on a raised platform. Baelyin blacksmiths held onto blocks and tackles fora suspended engine, being lowered onto a board.

  Max noticed the lofty ceiling gave the ship good space, it fit here. Max saw J.T. flapping his hands at the Blacksmiths, as the engine came down to a resting spot beside him. It landed. J.T. gave them a thumbs up with his dirty glove.

  J.T. noticed them at the barn door. He took off his gloves, jumped down, and ran to them.

  “Hey Max Man! It's good to see you back on your feet!” He smacked his hand against Max's shoulder. Max hid the pain of it.

  “Thanks,” Max said, he nodded toward the ship. “Good job you’re doing.”

  “Thanks we're just about done.” He glanced up at it.

  Max spotted Dallas on the platform in pitch black wielding glasses. Her wielder sent a blinding light, as she mended a piece on the ship. She noticed them and switched off the wielder to wave and smile at them through her dark glasses. Max and Alex waved back.

  Dallas turned it back on and continued.

  Max rubbed his eyes and yawned.

  “We're going as fast as we can.” J.T. said.

  “You're doing great J.T.! We couldn't ask for a better engineer.” Alex assured him.

  “Thanks Alex,” J.T. replied with his blemished smile.

  They stared at their starship for a moment.

  “Sir Maxwell?!” Said a youthful voice from behind, they turned and saw a skinny Squire running up from outside.

  “Yeah?” Max replied.

  He stopped in front of him and panted.

  “General Ryzen would like to see you Sir. He is in the Dining Hall of Densmere, awaiting you.” He said between his pants.

  “Okay, I'll be up.”

  “Sir!” He bowed and ran away.

  He turned back to Alex and J.T. as they returned blank stares.

  “The General? Big man now huh Max?” J.T. said impressed.

  “It’s nothing. I just helped out here and there and I suppose someone noticed.”

  “I would say so,” Alex added.

  “Listen to this guy being so humble!” J.T said hitting Max's shoulders again and Max tried not to respond in pain again but looked down to hide it.

  “Well I got to get back to work guys. You two have a great day!” J.T. said jumping up and rolling onto the platform.

  “Max?” Alex said.

  “Yeah?”

  “I don't want you to take this the wrong way.”

  “Oh no,” Max tensed his eyes.

  “But King Lae'din wants me to accompany Prince Cornigan to another city called Bogon. He needs company. I don't have a choice.”

  Max looked away annoyed.

  “What do you mean you don’t have a choice?” Max sneered.

  “I knew you were going to take it hard.” Alex shook her head down. “I spoke with him already.”

  “You saw him already?” Max replied, appalled. “What else have you been doing behind my back? While I’ve been healing in the tub!”

  “Max! Listen!” She snapped.

  Max looked and saw Ryan and other workers staring at them, but they turned back to their work.

  Max turned to Alex who sunk her eyes at him in sadness. It got to him a little and started feeling bad.

  “I told you earlier that I love you and I am not interested in him. I want to leave with you honey. I really do.” Alex replied.

  Max gave her another strong stare, and only heavy silence followed. He turned to Dallas, she stared at them through her dark glasses but soon turned back to her work and continued.

  Max turned to her.

  “It looks like I don't really have a choice do I.”

  “I'll be faithful to you. You got to trust me, or our relationship will never work.”

  Max only returned a solemn stare, not having an answer.

  “Look… I can't keep the General waiting.” Max said, implying he wanted to leave.

  “I have to leave soon with the Prince.” Alex replied.

  “Then we have our roads ahead of us I guess.” Max turned and started walking speedily away.

  “Max don't be that way!” Alex yelled after him.

  He continued without looking back and 'felt' her folding her arms, as he continued down the alleyway back to the castle.

  Max walked into the Dining hall with a scowl about him but tried his best to look happy for the general. The Dining Hall appeared five times larger than the South Dining hall, which looked more like a small throne room with windows toward the city. Max noticed it lied above Throne Hall with the training yard to the right.

  A Knight in a crimson cloak came up.

  “Hello Max, I'm Lieutenant Bak Retgor.”

  He shook Max's hand with a smile. He gestured toward a burly Knight sitting at the end of the table. They approached him and Lt. Retgor introduced him.

  “This is General Trahl Ryzen, High Commander of the Densmere Army.” The General lifted his chalice to Max with lips shimmering red with wine. His mouth encircled by a huge beard, strands of white in them.

  The General had on a black cloak with gold lined velvet surcoat over his mail. He had on the accustomed greeves, cruisse, and knee guards.

  Max sat down across him.

  A near empty decanter sat on the table before the General.

  “Good day to you young Max,” Gen. Ryzen said smiling at him with red wine still between his teeth. “I'm General Trahl Ryzen.”

  “It’s an honor General,” Max replied, standing and bowing. “I'm Maxwell Wilks.”

  “He just got back from the Woodlands.” Lt. Retgor commented.

  “I've heard of you.” General Ryzen extended his hand. Max shook it not knowing how to feel. “The Waywongs tell me you fought off the Rourd army at Ru lee and helped them get to safety. Then Tywor tells me you helped him by sending Tyang'gesh and his warriors to help him.

  The Woodlands is safe because of you and we owe you a great debt.” Gen. Ryzen said.

  “You’ve made me too much General, I'm no savior.” Max replied blushing.

  “I also heard of your humility.” He smiled and took another drink.

  “No it was nothing another soldier could've done in my place.” Max said. “I just saw people in trouble and did what I could.”

  “No, I commanded soldiers and you are more than a Soldier Maxwell Wilkes.” General Ryzen explained. “You are aware and good.”

  Max decided to ask questions of his own.

  “What of Yems? Lord Broglin?”

  “Bring some wine!” Gen. Ryzen yelled to the Servants. A Servant nodded and went through the kitchen doors to get some.

  General Ryzen took another gulp of his ale as a glass of wine was placed in front of Max. Max took a drink and gulped it slowly and quietly.

  “Unfortunately most of the town was destroyed by the time I got there.” Ryzen answered downcast. “A lot of the peasants fled, Knights killed, and the rest held out in their small defenses.” He caught his breath and continued. “We couldn't find Magistrate Broglin. We didn't see his body, so we believe Luthrick might have taken him. Luthrick kidnaps Lords so he can ransom them.”

  Max slowly nodded squeezing his eyes in concern.

  “That’s terrible.”

  “It is my sorrow to say we're not the only ones who know you’re fighting skill, Kraakon and Luthrick know of your skills at war, and your technology.” General Ryzen said.

  Max raised his eyebrows.

  “There are rumors that they've put on a bounty on you.”

&n
bsp; “Really!” Max said, lowering his head in shock and disbelief.

  “Yeah, you are a treasure to both Kingdoms.” Lt. Retgor explained, attempting to make light of it.

  “No concerns Max, we shan’t let the Dark Lords harm you.” Ryzen smiled in reassurance.

  Max smiled back, poorly hiding his doubts.

  Ryzen continued with his report.

  “When I arrived, General Tywor and Tyang'gesh had successfully held off the Rourds in the Woodlands. I brought two Commands and did a full assault. General Tywor's Army joined me with Tyang'gesh and Rilat's Warriors. We drove them back through Ru lee and all the way to the coast. We kept them at the coast and had a standstill.”

  “So the Waywongs are okay?” Max asked.

  “Yes, they gathered at Noouu where the defenses are strong. I posted a small band of Knights at the coast.”

  “Good,” Max said, nodding in relief.

  “Well!” General Ryzen hit the table, fastened his belt, and slipped on his leather gloves. “I better say my farewells to my family, grandchildren. I have to get back to the Droe Lines.” He looked at Max. “In the morn, come to the North Platform, I'll be waiting for you.”

  He smiled.

  “I shall take you to the Battlefront.”

  “Yes, General,” replied Max.

  General Ryzen nodded lightly and started out the door with Lt. Retgor following him.

  ###

  “WAR!” Alex yelled.

  She almost dropped the shirt she was sowing.

  Max stood before her at the bedchambers, hands resting on his hips wondering how he was going to calm his girlfriend down.

  “Alex, I don't think I'm going into battle. I might be just helping the General with strategy.”

  “It's a bad idea!” She shouted. “You don't need to go!”

  “Yes I do.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s what men do.”

  “Puh!” She shook her head then sunk her eyes.

  Max turned it on her. “What happen to politics? You said you `have' to go to Bogon with Cornigan because of politics then you cancel yours too!”