by DP Scott
Chapter Seventeen
“Now remember Hete, no one but Detis knows you were in the space pod with me. If anyone challenges you, you must act like you have just been away for a few days. Gondee has communicated with the Urites working in the kitchen and one of them will have a package ready for you to bring back to me. I’ve asked for your uniform to be in the package, but it will also hold Peep, so please handle it carefully! While you’re gone, I’ll prepare a work station and start creating our plan to retake the castle.”
“You can count on me, Saturna, I’m very good at tunnel work,” replied Hete, thinking mostly about his growling stomach as he started off toward the east end of the Vaulted Room, looking for the concealed doorway.
“…and don’t forget to count the number of Veectoreze sentries you see,” called Saturna, running after him. She watched him disappearing down the dark passageway before the door magically closed.
Hete scurried quickly down the tunnel, ducking and weaving around the many cobwebs, which had gathered on the grey brick walls. The only thing on his mind was what he was going to have for lunch. He would have to remember to bring back food for Saturna and snacks for later in the day. Perhaps he would pack another picnic basket? Arriving at the kitchen sooner than he expected, he listened at a crack near the doorway before he pulled on the lever to open the door. This was a tactic Detis had taught him--always try to find out what is on the other side of the door before you open it.
Most of the Urites were busy preparing meals, while some were serving the few Veectoreze guards on the other side of the large room. Although the Urites were well aware that Hete was in the kitchen, there was no greeting or change of pace. A simple meal was placed in front of him as he sat at his usual table. Hete was so engrossed in his food, because he had not eaten for many hours, he didn’t notice the burly Veectoreze sentry heading his way.
“And where did you come from, my little Kievil?” he asked, reaching out to grab a piece of Hete’s shirt.
“Unhand me, on the order of Queen Detis!” snapped Hete as he stood, tearing his shirt out of the sentry’s hand. “Do not touch me again, my friend, or you shall pay. I am Hete, the personal assistant of Queen Detis!”
“Forgive me dignitary Hete, I didn’t know,” the sentry replied, suddenly remembering Detis had a pet Kievil.
“Well now you do,” said Hete, straightening his shirt and feeling incredible power. “I’m in charge of the castle until our Queen returns from Veectors and you would be wise to make the other sentries aware. I won’t tolerate this type of mistake again! Now leave me in peace to enjoy my meal!”
Backing away with his head down, the guard returned to the table from where he had come. Hete noticed the other sentry at the table avoided looking his way, having heard the altercation. Good, let it be a lesson for both of them, thought Hete. Extremely proud of himself, he sat down to finish his meal and forced himself to maintain a stern appearance. He had found the courage to stand up to a giant Veectoreze guard--usually he was terrified of them. Overflowing with confidence, Hete now realized he would have to get the sentries out of the kitchen to get to the secret tunnel and back to the Vaulted Room.