by DP Scott
Chapter Twenty-one
The strong smell of dust and plaster was apparent when Yuko arrived at the Queen’s chambers. The Urite workers were removing the secret doorway Detis had used to gain entrance to the royal suite, sealing it permanently with stone. It was very early in the morning and the green sun had just peeked over the distant mountains yet Saturna was already working diligently at her desk.
“My Queen, your servants have been accounted for. All except Hete, who we believe may have escaped into the forest with the other Kievils. The non-army inhabitants have returned to the castle and Gondee is in his quarters, as you requested, now recovering.”
Small peeps could be heard coming from the little castle in Saturna’s chambers. The realm had quickly, it seemed, returned to normal.
“Thank you, Yuko. As you can see the entranceway used on the night of my kidnapping is being sealed, although I can’t say I agree with your assessment. These are the same passageways which helped me regain the castle.”
“Yes Your Majesty, however it is only one entrance way, the most dangerous one because it leads from here to the outside wall and into the forest.”
Saturna frowned and changed the subject. “What still needs to be done for the arrival of Detis? She’ll be on Zard in less than four and a half hours.”
The plan Saturna decided on with advice from Yuko, Oron, and Anton was simple. Zard as commanded by Veectors would hold a receiving party for Detis. They would not inform anyone of Saturna’s safe return, and hopefully with a little push from Saturna’s faithful servants, Detis would incriminate herself in front of all the inhabitants. Detis expected a royal reception and so they would give her one. Zardites and Urites from the town and surrounding area had been invited for the arrival celebration, most unaware of the Veectoreze siege.
“The Urites have worked all night to complete the preparations, yet there is one issue we must address. Detis will be expecting some dignitaries from Veectors to greet her when she arrives. I have discussed this with Anton and he suggested Thor to head the group. In regards to his title as General of the Camp,” he paused for a moment, “I have not reinstated the rank, even though he did apprehend Pont before they were both stunned by the laser.”
“What do you advise as the best measure?” asked Saturna, recalling her conversation with Thor in the Grand Dining Hall.
“Extending our hand to Thor would be the first step towards peace with the Veectoreze. If he will again join us, we could have six or seven trustworthy Veectoreze sentries of Thor’s choosing on the landing strip, and put Thor in charge of them. Seven Veectoreze sentries in full uniform would be enough I feel, to put Detis at ease. And depending on how Thor does with the assignment should determine whether or not he regains his title.”
“So be it, Yuko. Please make the arrangements,” commanded Saturna.