There are many different things a man can say to a woman to elicit a strong emotional response. For Flying Girl, Benny nailed it perfectly if serendipitously. Egg leaned over – the other way – and turned off the light. A few moments later she whispered, “Remember my yellow ducks?”
“Forever etched in my mind. Why?”
“They seem to have gone missing.”
His goofy grin wasn’t visible in the dark. “I grieve deeply at your misfortune. Perhaps I can take your mind off this tragic loss.”
*****
They entered orbit around Aerianna. Egg, Benny, Bree and the Sky’lords were going to transport directly to Q’umulus. Jax’x would ‘park’ the ship at the naval base then she, Tee’ka and Bl’azzz would go to Se’rene. Aero and Grex would begin to prepare for the ship upgrades authorized by the Prince.
“If anyone needs me, I’ll be going to Zynn-Zaz’zia with Bree then on to the university to see Syl.”
“What did you want us to do?” asked Jax’x.
“You can relax anyway you want . . . you’ve earned it. All of you have. But, in your free time, start thinking about what we should do when Mister and Misses Sparky return from their trip. Skotti said this new power source is a game changer. I need you to tell me its best uses. And I need you to figure out how someone could do ‘no good’ if they were to get their hands on the technology.”
“Good thinking. Mind if I get K’ssss to help me?”
“That would be great. I love when the active sisters work with the retired ones.”
“What about me and Goofy?” asked Bl’azzz nodding towards Tee’ka.
“I want Jax’x to teach you both how to make the avatars.”
“Really? Why?”
“I’ll tell you later. Okay, Jax’x, six to beam down.”
“Energizing.”
A moment later they materialized on a balcony of Q’umulus . . .
“Wicked.”
“How beautiful.”
“Amazing.”
The Sky’lord’s reaction was just like everyone else who first visited the floating city. Benny beamed with pride.
“Kon’dor.”
“Yes, Bree.”
“Wouldn’t a floating city be perfect for your people?”
The man smiled from ear-to-ear. “It would be absolutely perfect. Your Highness, may I be so bold as to ask if this technology is something your people would share with us?”
“We would if we could, but we can’t so we shan’t.” Egg giggled while Kon’dor looked confused. “Sorry, one of my wife’s witty sayings. As for the technology, unfortunately, the scientists that created it died a thousand years ago. The know-how died with them.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t try to replicate it,” added Egg. “I’ll get Meggy to invite your best scientific and engineering minds to visit. Together with K’ssss, Jax’x and Serenity, I’m sure you could figure it out.”
Bree added, “That actually might be a really great project for Serenity. She can use some of the remaining nine months in transit to think about it. It’ll keep her busy.”
“Then it’s settled,” proclaimed Benny. “This project will be the first in what I hope will be many more opportunities for shared cooperation.”
TK was getting bored with all the talking. “Lady Egg, can I jump off.”
“Runt, you can’t ask that,” cried his sister.
“Why not?”
“It’s not polite.”
“I’ll tell you what, TK. Only one human has ever done that. We need to get her permission.”
That got Kon’dor’s attention. “I take it this individual isn’t a Wind ‘dancer?”
“No. It was Benny’s grandmother who was ten years old at the time.”
“May I ask how she accomplished such a feat?”
“You may . . . but you’ll have to ask her.”
*****
This social call was treated as a State Visit by Meggy and her parents. Lots of pomp and circumstance. All the royal and non-royal citizens that participated were thrilled by these three, winged humans. The older women tended to congregate around Kon’dor which caused BreeZee to stay very close to his side . . . trying to smile while shooting darts with her eyes.
The two teenage Sky’lords attracted their share of attention from the younger attendees. Feather was loving it while TK was distinctly uncomfortable. That is until he met his first sea serpent. The two then drifted off together laughing at something or other.
*****
The next day the group was ready to travel to Zynn-Zaz’zia via the space tunnel. Benny was staying behind while Meggy was joining Egg and the others. She had not seen her old Wind ‘dancer friends in quite some time and was looking forward to the reunion. Afterwards, she would journey with Egg to the university to meet with Sylvia.
“Where’s your crown?” teased Egg. She was surprised by the other girl’s serious answer.
“Between us girls . . . I am not cut out to be Queen.”
Still trying to keep it light, Egg asked, “Is that because you secretly want to use contractions and earth idioms?”
This time Meggy laughed. “Actually, that is part of it.”
They were interrupted by TK. “Lady Egg, what’s a space tunnel?” The other two Sky’lords turned to listen to the answer.
“My sister K’ssss can explain it in technical terms. The best way I can describe it is that it’s like a hole in space. You walk in one side and instantly come out the other side. The scientists can aim it at any planet . . . but because it consumes so much energy, it can only work with one planet at a time.”
“Maybe that can be the first application of the new power source Sparky is bringing back? We can use it to connect to many planets – like between Zynn-Zaz’zia and Splendora.” Yeah, that was Bree.
“That’s a terrific idea. I’ll send a message to Jax’x and have her discuss it with K’ssss.”
“Does that mean I can come visit anytime I want?” asked TK. “Sluggo and I are best friends now.”
“Who is Sluggo?” asked the Queen.
“That sea serpent I met at the party. I can’t pronounce his real name so he said I could call him that.”
Meggy laughed. “Your friend’s name is Slug’ovavidium . . . and he is actually a she.”
“NO.”
“Indeed. You now have a girlfriend.”
“NO WAY.” Feather just rolled her eyes.
Chapter 9 – A Year in the Life
Zynn-Zaz’zia
Egg had put on her flying suit and she and Meggy were airborne heading for Reven’s castle-turned-university. The meeting with Bree’s parents had been wonderful. Then again, both girls were a bit of an afterthought. All of Zephyr’s and Azure’s attention was on the three Sky’lords, as you would expect.
It was obvious that they were captivated by Kon’dor – a seven-foot hulk of a man with his square jaw, electric eyes, and magnificent pink wings. He literally filled a room with his physical presence and personality.
Like all parents who worry constantly about their daughter’s future, they were imagining what Bree’s children would look like with Kon’dor as their father. You might think they were getting a bit ahead of themselves. Maybe a tad but this was the first man that their little girl had shown any interest in. As far as they were concerned – ‘she done good.’
Egg and Meggy said their goodbyes as quickly as was polite and headed off.
And now they were almost to their destination.
“I can’t even remember the last time we flew together?” said Egg.
“Likewise.” She paused then added, “This is so exhilarating. I do envy you.”
“Yeah. I’ve been so lucky.”
“On a different topic, are you with child yet?”
The girl was so startled by the unexpected question that she momentarily let go of her ‘passenger’ who yelped as she began to plummet. “Sorry,” said Egg as she dove down and grabbed her friend.
“Serves you right for surprising me. And the answer is no.”
“I am glad.”
“Really? Why?”
“You are much too young . . . barely twenty years old. You have much to accomplish before you even contemplate motherhood.” Meggy, in her heavy-handed way, wanted to discourage any decision by her sister that could interfere with Egg accepting her elevation to Queen.
Egg smiled. “At what age should I reconsider?”
“Twenty-five at the very earliest. May I have your word?”
“Do you think I should discuss this with my husband first?”
“Absolutely not. After all, he is but a man – what does he know of motherhood?”
“Probably about as much as I do.”
“Nonsense. For us women, it is instinctual. Furthermore, do be sensible and limit your brood to three or less.”
This time Egg laughed. “Why are we having this conversation?”
Meggy smiled. “Just trying to be a good sister-in-law.” She paused then added, “Have I told you how happy I am that you are part of our family?”
“Hmmm.”
“Excuse me?”
“You’re giving me goosebumps.”
“Truly?” She looked around. “Are we in danger, do you think?”
“No, no. It’s not danger . . . it’s you.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Not sure. All your talk of raising a family . . . you wouldn’t have some ulterior motive in bringing it up, would you?”
“I take offense at the very suggestion.”
Egg smiled . . . as her sister evaded answering the question. Meggy was up to something but she had no idea what that might be.
*****
The three ladies had finished their dinner and were now in a guest suite provided by Aeri’elle. “Are you sure you want me to stay?” said the dragon.
Though Egg initially had not thought to ask her, her sister’s input would be very helpful. “Absolutely.”
They made themselves comfortable then looked to their fearless leader to begin the discussion. “Well, I’ve already told you why I think the Sisterhood needs to change – to evolve.”
“And I think we all agree in principle,” responded Syl. “But that’s easy for us to say since we already retired.”
“That’s just it; I don’t want any of you to retire since you all bring so much to the table. We would be a much more effective organization if everyone stayed involved.”
“Soo is with child, I govern a world, Sylvia is in school, Sassi is a mother and getting on in years, K’ssss is deeply involved in her research, Spirit is back on Paradox tending to her wards . . . who did I miss?”
“The elephant in the room,” replied Egg with a smile.
Sylvia was the only one who understood the reference and laughed. “She’s referring to our hostess,” and pointed at the dragon.
“How silly of me. Sorry, Sister.”
“What’s an elephant?” asked the elephant in the room.
“Not important.” To Meggy she said, “Those things that caused each of you to retire – they don’t exclude you from participating.”
The other three looked from one to another. “I’m your brain,” said Syl, “but I don’t understand.”
“Then let me explain.” For the next few hours she did just that.
With the help of the other three, Egg’s ideas were refined and improved. In the end, they had developed the blueprint for a new Hameggattic Sisterhood. But a general discussion with the other sisters would have to wait until Serenity’s return.
*****
The next morning, Egg said her goodbyes. She gave Big Bird a hug. “One of these days I’d like to talk to you about some ideas I’ve been tinkering with.”
“Is it Splendora? Do they need help in reestablishing their educational system?”
“No not really. Don’t forget that while inside the Glass, time didn’t flow. So, they’ll be able to pick up where they left off. Well, once they rebuild that is. There are some other ideas that I’d like your opinion on.”
“Just let me know where and when.”
“Thanks.” She turned to Sylvia. “When are you and your Mr. Wonderful coming over to Aerianna?”
“I have a semester break in three weeks. I’ll call you and set up a time. By the way, what happened with the ducks?”
“What ducks?” asked Meggy.
“My dearest friend sent me her pajamas . . . the ones covered with about a million yellow ducks.”
“Is there a significance to these creatures?”
“Yes. They are intended to cause any man with a shred of self-respect to scream in horror as he ran away.”
Meggy and Aeri’elle laughed. “Did her plan succeed?”
“Almost. Inexplicably, after I crawled into bed, the little beasties took flight and were nowhere to be seen. My husband’s self-respect was never tested.”
Being Egg’s brain, Sylvia asked, “I hope he was able to find some way to comfort you in your hour of need?”
“Yes. Yes, he did. Twice.”
*****
Meggy didn’t leave with her sister. “Can you manage on your own? I have a few queenly duties which I must attend to.”
“No problem-o.” Egg walked over to a window and opened it. “To infinity and beyond,” she yelled then dove out.
The other three watched until the black dot that was once Flying Girl disappeared into the clouds. “She does have a way about her,” said the Queen. She then turned to face the other two. “I wish to discuss something with the both of you.”
“Shall we sit?” offered their hostess. And they did. “What I am about to say is private and I would ask that you not share it with anyone.” She looked from face to face and each girl nodded. Meggy then went on to explain her idea to abdicate before her term was up and to do everything possible to have Egg succeed her.
“She’d be great at it. And her plans to change the Sisterhood will dovetail nicely with your plans for her. Whatever I can do, just say the word.”
“Thank you, Syl. And you, Aeri’elle, do I have your support?”
To the shock of the other two, their sister said, “I’m sorry. No.”
“May I ask why not?” Meggy involuntarily turned a bit red in the face. She considered the dragon’s reaction to be confusing to say the least as well as disloyal on so many levels.
“It is time for a Dragon to rule. We have waited a millennium to ascend the Throne. It is something I feel very strongly about.” Ever since they had been the first to drop out of the contest with Humans and Serpents, her kind were considered inferior to the other two.
In truth, the other two races felt nothing of the kind. This sense of inferiority was almost completely in the minds of Dragons. Ironically, if there had been any doubt as to their place in Aeriannian society, Aeri’elle and her father Soar’elle, had put that to rest with the creation of their highly regarded university.
Meggy was about to argue . . . not as a sister but as an adversary. Sylvia stepped in to stop what might have become an unpleasant conversation. “Aeri’elle, I’m not from Aerianna but I think I know enough about its history to understand your point of view.”
“Well, I certainly do not,” interjected the Queen.
Syl looked at her sister and shook her head ‘no’. Turning back to the dragon, she continued, “Mind if I ask if you’ve discussed this with your grandfather?” She was referring to the late Storm, of course.
“No. In truth, I have not.”
“Would you do that for me? For us? If he agrees with your position, I’ll withdraw my support for Egg.” Before Meggy could complain, Syl told her, “If Egg knew that Storm, someone she deeply respects, felt as Aeri’e
lle does, she would never accept the position as Queen. You know that as well as I do.”
The idea was a good one and that irritated the dragon. She should have thought of it . . . not this human. She quickly corrected herself – not her sister. “I will. That is a very wise suggestion and I thank you for it.”
“Aeri’elle, I apologize for losing my temper. I was so sure that I would have your backing that I was taken off-guard by your response. I certainly understand your feelings and I will apologize a second time for not having considered them before I came here. Sadly, it is yet another example why I am ill suited to be Queen. The sooner Aerianna has another . . .”
The dragon interrupted her. “Meggy, don’t you dare say that. You have been a wonderful Queen. You’re being much too hard on yourself. You were put in the unenviable position of following your mother all the while having the Heroine of Aerianna capturing the imagination of the populace. No woman could have fared better.”
The other girl fought against the tears welling up in her eyes. “Thank you, sister. Truly.”
*****
A few days later
“I talked to my grandfather last night.”
The Queen held her breath. “May I ask what he advised?”
“He told me to visit the Myst Tree at Sighing Whorl.”
“Really? And when might you be doing that?”
“Tomorrow.”
*****
Sighing Whorl
She hadn’t been back to Sighing Whorl since the battle with Mobius. It was the day that she returned the Crystal Egg to its rightful owner. As she stood there looking at the fog shrouded wood, so many memories came flooding back. She smiled to herself. Of all the accomplishments she had achieved in her life – or would achieve – fighting alongside Egg and her sisters would forever be her proudest moment.
And as that thought came to her, she realized she was wrong. It was not time for a dragon to ascend the throne. It was time for the Heroine of Aerianna to do so.
She turned to leave but the Tree spoke to her. “Welcome, Professor. I would be pleased if you would talk with me.”
“I have already answered my own question. I would not waste your time.”
“Are you afraid that you would be barking up the wrong tree?” Oh no, he was back on his joke-telling shtick again.
Gracie - Box Set #6, Part 2 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 18