Gracie - Box Set #6, Part 2 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel]

by Robert Iannone

  I’za’s statement made Egg cringe. “You know what? I think I made a mess of this.”

  No one understood what she was referring to. Bree asked, “In what way?”

  “How can we tell these kids that they weren’t accepted? It’s going to crush them.”

  “How else could we have done this?”

  “We probably should have had a local official do the screening and make a big fuss about each applicant and how tough a decision it was. It wouldn’t have been as painful coming from someone not in the Sisterhood.”

  “Well, now we know for the next time,” offered Soo. “So maybe we can offer some kind of consolation prize.”

  “That’s a good idea,” complimented Bl’azzz. “Any ideas what that can be?”

  “Hey, I did the hard part. Why don’t you contribute the rest, you large, lumbering lizard”?

  “Nice way to talk to your best friend,” teased the dragon.

  “It’s the only way. How else would you know you’re my bestie?”

  Bl’azzz shrugged. “You got me there.”

  Egg smiled at her sisters. At all of them. They had been through so much together – suffered and cried, laughed and hugged. But those adventures were mostly behind them. Even though they were still relatively young, they now had their own families and other obligations to worry about. It really was time to begin training the next generation of sisters.

  “Soo, your suggestion is perfect. But, this ‘consolation prize’ should have real meaning. How about this. We tell the girls that aren’t going to make it that they need to excel at school and at a skill – becoming a resource that the Sisterhood might need to call upon in the future. They must send us a yearly status report on their progress. We’ll put together a database to track them. When they achieve something special, we can invite them to Se’rene to meet the sisters – and maybe to reapply.”

  The idea was met with smiles and head nods.

  “What should we call them?” asked Bree.

  “Ummm? Got nothing.”

  “If I may,” asked Sassi. “Why not the Shades of Day – a play on the Shades of Night that helped us defeat Mobius.”

  “Love it. Absolutely love it,” declared Egg. “Sass, maybe you can come up with a badge for them to wear.”

  “I can do that right now,” replied the woman with a smile. She grabbed a piece of paper and some paint (from a kit she always carried with her) and began to create the image she had in mind.

  While she was doing that, Egg said, “Okay, I’m feeling much better. So, I’za, why don’t you share the best essay with us?”

  “My pleasure. However, this individual presented her submission via voice recording. I thought that was so very clever.”

  “I’ll say. I would never have been so creative. Go ahead and play it.”

  “Okay. However, I’m starting it after she gives her name. You’ll understand why.” She pressed a button on a recording device.

  “My inspiration and determination to join the Hameggattic Sisterhood did not emanate from anything the Sisters have done. Your exploits are legendary and the good you do for those that need help is something I aspire to emulate. However, to dedicate my life in the service to others I will do in large part because of someone who I once called friend.

  I am a Sky’lord of Splendora . . . as was L’elle. She sacrificed herself to save me and my people. Without hesitation or second thought she placed the needs of the many above her own survival. I mean no disrespect when I say that the Sisterhood’s accomplishments pale in comparison.

  L’elle has inspired me to do what I can for those who cannot help themselves. I would ask that the Hameggattic Sisters consider my application in light of my commitment. I intend to make L’elle proud. I believe that if I succeed, I will also make you proud.”

  When it ended, Egg said “Feather?”

  “Yes.”

  “Bree, did you help her with this?”

  “I offered but she declined. She said it was something she wanted to do on her own . . . something she had to do on her own. I’m hearing it for the first time like you.”

  “Well, she’s going to make an outstanding Sister.” Egg realized what she had just done. To the others, she said “Sorry, does anyone have an objection?”

  “I do.”

  “Big Bird? What’s the problem?”

  “She sounds a bit too zealous. I don’t think we want anyone who is so willing to sacrifice themselves. We all were willing to risk our lives but none of us considered that the first option.”

  “Oh really? You and Meggy flying into the fire to save the Wind ‘dancers? You jumping in front of me and right into the arms of AyBee? Sassi pushing me out of the way of the monster in the Maze of Forever? Soo jumping in Switch Swamp then landing on that giant spider to save Bl’azzz? K’ssss and the Ding bat? Jax’x getting shot protecting Sparky? Should I go on?”

  “Um . . . no.”

  “Any more objections?”

  There were none.

  “Great. Let’s get to it and hear the rest of the finalist.”

  “Excuse me. Sorry I’za, before you begin, I’d like to show you the patch for the Shades of Light.” She held up her sketch . . .

  “Wow,” was the general consensus.

  “Can you pass that around so we can get a better look?” asked Soo.

  “Sure,” and she did.

  When it finally got to Egg, she examined it closely. “Geez, you’re good. You drew my Flying Girl silhouette from memory?”

  “I’ve seen it enough time over the years. It wasn’t that hard.”

  As Egg continued to examine the sketch, a smile began to spread on her face. To Sassi, she said “We have an earth saying that you might not like.”

  “I don’t like most earth sayings,” teased her sister.

  “Getting pretty sassy, Sassi. Anyway, the saying is, ‘No good deed goes unpunished’.”

  “You’re right – I don’t like it.”

  “Tough tamales. I now proclaim you the . . . um . . . how about ‘Sister Superior’ of the Shades of Day.”

  “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

  “You get to be the head of the Shades of Day.”

  “Why me? Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea.”

  “Because you are emblematic of what a Shade can accomplish. You were by far the shyest of Sisters. Your special gift that no one could have foreseen as being critical to our success was your artistic talent. Without it, you, I and Syl would still be in the Maze of Forever. I want these girls to know that every skill could prove to be vital, all knowledge regardless of the field of study could be the difference between success and failure, and every personality from fearful to bold has a place in our Sisterhood.” She paused to take a breath. “Did that make sense?”

  “Egg, I have known you for most of my adult life. Yet, you never cease to amaze me. What you just said is inspirational. In fact, it will be the motto of the organization. I would be proud to be this Sister Superior.”

  “Thanks, but don’t you see . . . don’t all of you see . . . I’m the least special of everyone here. Sass, you were shy but you went out of your comfort zone and pushed me to safety while risking your life. That’s special. I just do what comes naturally – nothing that isn’t part of my personality. I’m the epitome of ‘un-inspirational’. But you guys . . . you could inspire a rock to fly.”

  Tee’ka wasn’t buying that. “Egg, I don’t think that’s true.”

  “What’s not true, Tee?”

  “Making rocks fly. I don’t think we can. Oh wait. You can make them fall – that’s kind of like flying, just in one direction.”

  Egg looked at her sweet and innocent sister. “Thanks, Tee. You’re right, of course. Um, can you come over here a second?” The girl stood and went to Egg. “Kneel down please. I want to whisper something to you.”

  “Okay,” and she did. Egg leaned over and said something that only the girl could hear. When she was finished,
Tee’ka gave her hug. “Oh, yes. Thank you. Can Waldo be there too?”

  “No, Tee. That wouldn’t be appropriate. Just you and Benny.”

  “But I can tell him, right?”

  “Sure. In fact, you can tell the rest of the Sisters.”

  “Okay.” She stood and turned to face the rest. “Egg wants me in the room when she has her babies. Because she’s having twins, Benny can only hold one. So, I get to hold the other one.” She smiled ear to ear.

  The others knew how much this artificial life form that was their sister was intrigued by the process of giving birth . . . and how disappointed she was that it would never happen to her.

  “Tee, that’s such a great honor,” said Bree. “Congratulations.”

  The others clapped their approval.

  “Egg, can I tell Waldo now?”

  Her enthusiasm was such that Egg couldn’t refuse. “Of course. We’ll see you later.”

  “Okay,” and the girl started to leave. She stopped, turned around and gave Egg another hug. “Thank you.”

  “No, no. I need to thank you. It makes me feel so much better knowing that you’ll be there to help out.”

  Tee smiled yet again. “Okay,” and she left.

  After the door closed, Egg exhaled loudly. “I have to tell you, I’m so glad she found Waldo. Have you ever watched the two of them together?”

  “It is quite amazing,” offered I’za. “It is truly the perfect match.”

  “Yeah. Sass, one last thing. Tell Ashley and Molly that they have been recruited to help you anyway you see fit. No more free ride for those two. It’s more than time for them to contribute to society – and not to just the men.”

  “That’s great. I know I’ll need the help.”

  “See if you can recruit Jenny, Molly’s mom, and Princess Ss’ong. I know they’re both reclusive, but this is for such a good cause that maybe you can convince them to participate.”

  “I will try. Should I tell them that you asked?”

  “No. I don’t want to pressure them. You can say that you asked my opinion and that I agreed with you.”

  “Will do.”

  Turning to I’za, Egg said, “Okay, kiddo, let’s hear the next one.”

  “Sure. This is from a Klat,” and she began to read.

  *****

  They had just returned to Q’umulus from a visit to the Crystal Mountain . . .

  . . . transported there by Aero and one of his friends. They thanked their ‘rides’ and went into the palace.

  “Lady Meggy.”

  “Yes, Kaylyn?”

  “Can we visit the Myst Tree at Sighing Whorl?” Young girls have boundless energy and an infinite amount of curiosity.

  “I’m sorry but that’s not possible. You see, he left Aerianna.”

  “Why?”

  “He told Egg that his job was done. She becoming the Queen proved that Aerianna was on the right path for the future and his services were no longer needed.”

  “Lady, how did the Tree leave?” asked Arisaig.

  “Egg was there when he transformed into his true self. She said he looked like a scoop of orange sherbet. Then he simply winked out of existence.”

  “What is orange sherbet?” asked Jay’de.

  “And did he die when he winked out?” asked her younger sister.

  “No, he didn’t die. He went back to his own kind . . . wherever that might be. As to the orange sherbet, we will have some tonight at dinner. It’s much like . . . well, never mind. You’ll see tonight.”

  “Lady, we can’t possibly ask for any more of your time. You have been much too kind spending these many days with us.”

  “The pleasure has been mine, Aris.” He had insisted she call him that. However, he politely refused to call her Meggy.

  “Well, since tonight will be out last on Aerianna, I guess we can impose one more time.”

  The former Queen’s heart skipped a beat at that pronouncement. “Must you leave so soon?”

  “Unfortunately, I need to return to my ship.”

  “Oh, Dad . . . can’t we stay for a few more days?” whined the youngest.

  “You have school, young lady.”

  “And guess what will happen when I get back? They’ll make me tell them everything I saw on this trip. So, by staying, I’ll have more to tell them.”

  A perfectly logical argument that caused Meggy to laugh. “It is hard to fault that bit of reasoning.”

  “My daughters are too clever by half.”

  “Your daughters are both wonderful young ladies. If I had children, I could only hope that they would be just like them.”

  “Not if you knew them as I do,” he teased.

  “That is actually a very good idea.”

  “What is?”

  “Getting to know them better. What would you say if I invited them to be my guests for the rest of the week? Then I will commandeer our fastest cutter and fly them home myself.”

  “Oh Daddy, please?”

  “Yes, Father . . . please?”

  He looked from one to the other then to Meggy who was all smiles. “I am man enough to admit that I have been outmaneuvered. In my defense, it is decidedly unfair – three women against one lowly Captain. However, Lady, I will have my revenge.”

  Meggy’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh really. And what did you have in mind, sir?”

  The way she said it – the underlying emotions – sent a shiver through the man. For a moment, he forgot what he was about to propose. Standing there, mouth agape, he just stared at her.

  A few awkward seconds ticked by – the eyes of the man and woman staring at each other; locked in an unexpected intimate embrace.

  “Dad, say something,” insisted Kaylyn.

  Jay’de, though only a year or so older than her younger sister, intuitively understood that there was something ‘grown-up’ going on. She grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled. “Come with me a second.” The girl was about to complain but Jay’de said “Now” in her forceful, big sister voice. The two wandered off a few yards.

  When they stopped, Kaylyn asked, “What are you doing?”

  “Quiet. Something’s happening.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Dad and Lady Meggy – I think they like each other.”

  “Why wouldn’t they?”

  “Not like that, you ninny. I mean ‘like’ the way grown-ups like each other.”

  “Really? Ohhh”.

  The ‘grown-ups’ watched as the two girls walked off. “As I said, they are very special.”

  Aris agreed. “They are my life.”

  “So, Captain, what price am I to pay for keeping your daughters for the week?”

  He didn’t answer her question. Instead, he said, “My wife died a number of years ago. It has been difficult for all of us,” and he nodded to his girls. “It took quite a while to come to grips with her loss. But, we have learned to accept what is. Between my family and my job, I have spent literally no time socializing. These last few days are the first that I have spent in the company of a woman.” He turned red because it sounded terrible to his own ears. “I mean . . . um . . . that is . . .” but Meggy interrupted him.

  “Aris, I understand. Truly. If I have made you feel uncomfortable, I apologize.”

  For some reason, he grinned. “Yes, you have.”

  “Have what?”

  “Made me feel uncomfortable. At first, to be honest, I was put off by your beauty, your nobility, your successful reign as Queen and, most especially, your accomplishments as a Hameggattic Sister.”

  Sorry, as tough and as independent as she was, much like Sylvia when her man proposed, Meggy found every word in that statement profoundly satisfying. “I take it you are no longer ‘put-off’ by me?”

  “In these few days, I’ve come to know a little something about the woman behind the legend. And, I like that person very much.”

  “Really, Captain . . . the word legend is a bit much. On Aerianna, we re
serve it for my dear sister Egg.” Her eyes were twinkling as she said it.

  “Since I refuse to use a lesser adjective, I will count on your discretion to keep this as our little secret?”

  “You are my guest; so I cannot refuse.”

  They stared at each other - neither of them quite sure what to do or say next. Luckily, Kaylyn was close by. “Oh Daddy, just kiss her. What’s the worst that could happen?”

  Jayde was by nature the more cautious of the two. “Dad, don’t listen to her. Meggy was a Queen. You could lose your head.”

  Aris laughed. “That’s not the worse that could happen.”

  “It isn’t?”

  “No. I could lose my heart.”

  Meggy had no intention of letting this moment pass them by. “Captain, I must insist that you show me how courageous you really are.”

  “Madam, I am a soldier. I live to serve.”

  The kiss was tentative and a bit awkward . . . both individuals too long out of practice. “Perhaps we should revisit this at a later time?”

  “I would very much like that, Lady.”

  “Meggy.”

  “I would like that . . . Meggy.”

  Chapter 9 – The Next Generation

  Egg’s Eight Month

  “I’m actually nervous.” Egg was to meet with the winners of the essay contest later that morning.

  “That is the very essence of why you differ from mere mortals. The Heroine of Aerianna is nervous about meeting a gaggle of young girls . . . all others would be terrified.”

  She gave him a dirty look. “News flash, you blue buffoon. The more pregnant I get, the decidedly less funny you become.”

  Benny laughed at his wife . . . his very large wife. “My humor is as witty, droll and amusing as ever. It would not surprise me in the least if our darling cherubs are laughing as I speak.”

  “If they are, they’re laughing at you. My daughters are far too intelligent to find your repartee anything but tiresome.” She held her glare for as long as she could before she burst into giggles. “I’m going crazy. Sorry to be such a crab.”