Chapter 35; Heading Home
From all over the valley, Paronese personnel were called to their HQ. The word bounced from mind to mind, “Come to the cathedral. It is the only room that will hold us all.” They poured in and sat anxiously. Zeer and Paris sat in the center of the front row. The whole room was abuzz with thousands of minds chattering at once. Finally, Praseer, followed by his cabinet, came to the center of the stage.
In true Paronese fashion, he spoke to them mentally. “I have the best news. We are going home. I ask that, as soon as you can sell your holdings here, to make yourself ready to go home.”
(howls)
“We are going to need billions of credits to get everyone home at once.”
People cheered or howled. The noise was deafening for a moment. Praseer held up his paws. “I want to speak just to all Guardians for a moment. Regardless of stations or task, you are to put in for an immediate transfer back to Paron. All of you will be pooling all resources by converting all Quallium stores, lands, and goods to credits so we can pay passage for everyone going home.”
(louder howls)
“The training you received here will equip you to be of service to the new government. Hurry! We have been granted the chance to govern our planet. The non-Paronese Holy Roman Imperial troops are leaving our home world. All positions in the new government will be converted to Paronese personnel. Thank you.”
Throughout the great hall, cats danced in the aisles, hugging and kissing each other. Praseer put his hands up for quiet. “I wish to introduce the man most responsible for this chance, Baron Zeer MacTarn, ruler of the Emerish Planets. Come up here, Baron.”
The cats howled Zeer’s name as he came up onto the stage. Praseer knelt before Zeer, “You have done a great thing here, Preacherman. The House of Wa pledges our undying loyalty to the House of MacTarn. Your friends are my friends. Your enemies are my enemies.”
Zeer pulled him up, “Get up, little brother! You bow to no one! You are a King again and forever.”
Howls drowned him out. He waited for some quiet to return. “You need only kneel before the Empra now. Thee are no longer King of a dream. You have awakened a new nation this day. Be Blessed!”
Praseer put out his hand. Zeer knew where this was going. He had seen the blood oath many times between these people at their weddings. He also put out his hand. Praseer’s Uncle Grigo cut across his hand and across Praseer’s hand. They clasped their palms tightly. “Our blood mingles with the House of MacTarn.”
Paris put her hand over her husband’s. They said together. “Our blood mingles with the House of Wa.”
All three said, “Our Houses are one house. We have but one heart!” and they all howled like banshees.
Preacher Man Page 58