by Saxon Andrew
Madellee started chuckling and Elena asked, “What do you find amusing.”
“How did you sign it?”
Gregor raised his shoulders, “I signed my name and made a cut under it with my sword to underline it.”
Madellee turned to Elena, “And you signed it as well?” Elena nodded.
Gregor’s eyes narrowed, “Why are you asking this?”
“Gregor, that Arepian doesn’t have a son. He does have two-daughters, but he obviously misled you about having a son, so you would sympathize with him. Understand that this is a planet of rabid historians and historical artifacts are the most valuable things on it. That helmet, the both of you signed, is probably worth a hundred-million-Cartian credits.”
“GET OUT OF HERE!!!”
“No, Elena, it’s true.” Madellee touched the top of her desk and a monitor appeared and she said. “Auction for helmet signed by Gregor and Elena.” She stared at the screen and chuckled, “Here it is. The bidding is currently at sixty-million-credits and still climbing.”
“That’s outrageous!!”
“I know, Gregor, and he’s holding out because he knows the Central Government will be forced to step in and purchase it for our archives.”
“Why is it so valuable?”
“Gregor, our Council of Historians have designated you as a Shaper. Anything to do with you will be almost priceless.” Gregor was silent and Madellee said, I’ve been authorized to make a trade, if you’re interested.”
“What kind of trade?”
Madellee touched her desk and a sword scabbard appeared. Gregor’s eyes flew open as he exclaimed, “THAT SCABBARD COMES FROM THE ORIGINAL SETTLERS!!” Madellee nodded. Gregor lifted the scabbard and pulled the sword half-way out. He looked at the marking and suddenly his eyes turned wet.
“What, Gregor?” Elena asked.
Gregor was staring at two-letters on one side of the sword surrounded by wildflowers that grew on Bellingham. Gregor looked up at Madellee, “How long have you had this?”
“More than fifteen-hundred years.”
“Do you know what it represents to my people?”
Madellee hesitated and nodded, “We’ve been struggling with having it in our possessions since Duncan Muir’s sword was returned.”
Gregor’s tears were falling, as he turned to Elena, “This is Annalee’s sword; she was Duncan Muir’s wife.” He looked at Madellee, “It belongs on Bellingham next to Duncan’s sword.”
“I will trade it to you, Gregor.”
“What do you want in return?”
“I want your sword signed by you.”
Gregor looked down at the sword in his hands and fought to control his emotions. He used his free hand to unbuckle the scabbard over his chest and handed his sword and scabbard to Madellee. I should sign the scabbard. The metal will not hold any form of writing material.”
“Are your initials on your sword?”
“They are; they’re super-imposed of top of an image of Bellingham. My sword is the only one with that image on it.”
“We doubted that you would make this trade. We know how important a sword is to a Bellingham Warrior.”
“Somethings are more important, Madellee. This is one of them.”
Madellee turned to Elena, “Will you also sign Gregor’s scabbard?”
“I’ll do you one better.” Elena removed her sword and handed it to Madellee.
Madellee’s eyes grew moist as she stared at the two-swords. She looked up at Elena and smiled softly, “One day, these two-swords will be the most priceless items we have.”
Madellee touched her desktop and a writing instrument appeared. Gregor took it and handed it to Elena. She bent down and hesitated, she smiled and wrote, “The Witch Archer, Elena Oliver.”
Gregor took the instrument and signed his scabbard, “Gregory MacGregor, Warrior of Bellingham.” He looked up at Madellee, “I signed that helmet Gregor, this is my full name.” Madellee smiled and Gregor turned to Elena, “We’re not done.” Elena tilted her head. Gregor took the pen and picked up the globe on Madellee’s desk. He sighed it, “To Madellee, with the grateful thanks of the Warriors on Bellingham, “Gregory MacGregor. He handed it to Elena and she signed it under his name. Gregor looked at Madellee, “This globe is your personal property?” Madellee nodded. “You will not allow it to be taken from you. This is yours to do with as you wish.”
“Gregor, you don’t have to do this!”
‘You persuaded the Council to make the trade, didn’t you?” Madellee lowered her eyes and nodded. “This is not just from me; it’s from everyone on Bellingham and it’s only intended for you.”
Madellee looked into Gregor’s eyes and lifted a small datacube off her desk, “This is the contents of our electronic library.”
“I’ll return it to you.”
“I know you will Gregor. You understand the importance of important things. I wish you good fortune in your search and pray you will not be harmed.” She smiled softly and said, “Averel.”
The young Cartian appeared at the door. Gregor and Elena turned and walked out of the giant office. As soon as they disappeared, Madellee grabbed the globe and hugged it to her chest. She wept for what she was holding and knew that its current value was nothing compared to what it would be one day. But she would never part with it. And she knew her ancestors would keep it far into the future.
Chapter Nine
Gamgel looked at Gem and smiled, “We’ve intercepted a message from the Insectoid King calling off his assassins. I can’t get used to seeing you change bodies so much.”
“Thankfully, the bath was ready immediately after I was hit by the blasters.”
“I must admit that took some bravery I don’t possess. I’d never have run that risk.”
“You would if it meant protecting your family. It couldn’t be a doctored video, they would have uncovered it.”
“How much did it hurt?”
Gem shook his head, “You really don’t want to know.”
Gamgel stared at Gem and sighed, “I still didn’t trust you but you’re coming up with the idea to fake your death convinced me. No one would have done it, if they were not driven by love.”
Gem smiled, “So now I’m going to have to stay away from my family until enough time has passed.”
Gamgel shrugged, “If you an Ana are seen together, so soon after your imaginary death, it would cause some suspicions.”
“That’s a price I’ll have to pay.”
“But it wasn’t your fault.”
Gem chuckled, “Hey, that’s my line.”
“Well, I can use your help in building the new ships. Perhaps time will pass faster if you’re busy.”
“I’ll be ok, as long as Ana still loves me.”
“I don’t think you have a problem there.”
Gem smiled, “I think you’re right.” Gem paused and asked, “Did she have any issues with using teleportation technology in Gregor’s ship?”
“No, it’s the only one that will have it installed. She doesn’t trust letting that technology loose again. Gregor won’t be here, and she agreed because of that.”
“He’s going to need to be supplied.”
“That’s why I insisted we put it in the ship,” Gamgel replied.
“He’s not accepting my calls.”
“Give it time.”
“I think I’ve lost one of my best friends because of my actions.” Gamgel looked away and knew Gem was probably right.
• • •
Gregor landed on Bellingham two-miles from the edge of the clearing and the Computer asked, “I can get us closer, Gregor.”
“Annalee’s sword deserves the proper distance be observed, Computer.”
“I understand. I apologize.”
“Don’t. You are part of getting it back where it belongs.” Gregor lifted the sword and scabbard and held it out in front of his chest with both arms. He exited the small port and stood at attention. Elena stood behind hi
m at attention and then, Gregor started walking toward the community with measured steps.
Some of the people in the community were standing at the edge of the clearing talking when the ship landed, and they waited to see who would emerge from this strange looking vessel. One of them lifted a scope and yelled, “It’s Gregor and he’s marching with a sword held out in the scared manner!”
Several of them immediately rushed to the Clan Leader’s house yelling and he came out shouting, “ONE AT A TIME!!”
Montgomery spoke first, “Gregor has returned, and he is bringing a sword in the sacred manner, Clan Leader.”
The Clan Leader yelled, “SOUND THE SUMMONS!! SOUND THE SUMMONS NOW!!”
A few moments later, the bagpipes began wailing and the entire community rushed out their homes and out of the fields as the bagpipes wailed louder, as more and more began playing. The Clan Leader rushed to the edge of the clearing and pushed his way to the front of the rapidly increasing crowd. He saw Gregor walking in measured steps holding a sword scabbard in front of his chest and he wondered what he was bringing.
No one rushed out in the clearing. The proscribed distance for the ceremonial march could not be trespassed on. By the time Gregor and Elena arrived, every citizen in the community was gathered at the edge of the clearing. The crowd extended all the way back to the first houses and beyond.
Gregor walked up in front of the Clan Leader and he saw Gregor’s tears flowing. “What have ye brought to us Gregory MacGregor?”
“Annalee Muir’s sword, Clan Leader.”
The Clan Leader’s eyes flew wide open and the crowd around him fell to their knees in silence. “Where is ye sword?”
“We traded our swords for Annalee’s sword, Clan Leader.”
“That sword was made specifically for ye, Gregor!”
“I know,” Gregor sobbed. “But our swords insisted.”
The Clan Leader looked at the ancient scabbard and said, “It was a fair trade.”
“I know.”
Gregor pushed the sword out to Wallace and he lowered his head, as he said, “Please do the honor of placing it where it belongs, Gregory MacGregor.” Gregor’s eyes widened slightly, and he started marching through the giant gathering with Elena marching behind him. The crowd was on their knees and they moved out of Gregor and Elena’s path as they marched toward the Clan Chamber. Kaylee came rushing up and saw Gregor carrying the sword. She moved in behind Elena as the crowds stood to follow them, “Where’s Gregor’s Sword, Elena?!”
“We traded our swords, Kaylee.”
“WHY?”
“To bring Annalee Muir’s sword home.” Kaylee’s tears immediately started falling and she fell in behind Elena. The closely packed crowd moved and made room for her, as they followed in silence.
Gregor marched up to the huge wooden building and walked up the steps. The Clan Leader turned to Elena and Kaylee, “Ye should go with him.” Elena’s eyes widened, as he continued, “Ye took part in bringing her home. Kaylee belongs with Gregor wherever he goes.” The Clan Leader went to his knees as the giant gathering joined him.
The two honor guards at the door opened them and went to attention. Gregor walked through the two-huge doors and marched toward the back of the room. He arrived in front of Duncan Muir’s sword and held out the sword he was carrying. Elena and Kaylee went to their knees as Gregor said, “You led us in our darkest hours and brought us together. You saved us from ourselves and taught us everything that has made us what we are. I am humbled and honored to bring you back together after such a long time.” Gregor raised the sword and placed it in two empty brackets directly below Duncan’s Sword. He bowed and remained silent for several minutes. He finally stood up and walked to the doors, as Kaylee and Elena stood and bowed their heads to the two-swords, before following him out. He arrived at the entrance and the Clan Leader came to his feet and yelled, “THE SWORDS ARE TOGETHER!! SPREAD THE WORD AND START THE CELEBRATION!!”
The Clan Leader went to Gregor, “I know what giving up your sword cost you.”
Gregor nodded, and Montgomery MacGregor said loudly, “I will forge him and Elena a new sword that will be the greatest blades ever created!”
Gregor and Elena turned to the Metal Smith and smiled. Gregor said softly, “Thank you, Monte.”
Kaylee hugged Gregor’s waist for a short moment before the crowd snatched him and Elena off their feet and carried them out into the cheering thousands. She wept for the happiness of the Muir Swords being together again. Now their spirits could rest. Kaylee finally got her arms around Gregor and kissed him. He smiled, and she said softly, “I have always been proud to be your wife, Gregor. But I have never been as proud as I am at this moment. I honor your commitment to Bellingham and our family. I know that the return of Annalee’s sword is the thing I needed to support your search. Go and know that I will be behind you and loving you every moment you are gone.”
“I love you, Kaylee.”
“I know that to the depths of my being; Gregor and I find I love you even more than before. This search must be done.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Annalee’s sword came back to show me.” Gregor smiled and pulled her close.
• • •
Two-weeks later, Gregor sat on the Dragon Fly going over the tutorial again and heard the computer ask, “Why are we sitting around here?”
“I can’t leave without my new sword and it’s not ready yet.”
“I guess it would feel like going out naked without it.”
“Something like that.”
“How much longer do you think it will take.”
“Computer, as long as it takes, and Elena has also insisted that she won’t leave without hers, either.”
“Warriors and their swords. I don’t know if I’ll ever understand that attachment.”
Gregor looked up, “Would you go out without your blasters installed.”
“OH, HELL NO! But that’s different.”
“How.”
“Uhhh…it just is.”
“Your blaster is your weapon and you’d feel insecure at not having it. We feel the same way about our swords.”
Gregor turned back to the tutorial and, after a few minutes, the computer said, “I think I understand, now.”
Gregor smiled, “Life is just one big learning experience.”
“Oh, so now you’re a philosopher.”
“Always have been, computer.”
“Yes, I guess you have.”
• • •
A week later, Montgomery sent a message for him and Elena to come to the Clan Chamber. Gregory arrived with Kaylee and Deuce, as Elena arrived with Sam, Angel, and Sammy. Gregor smiled at Sammy, “I’ve not seen you for a while.”
Sammy smiled, “You know how warrior training goes, it’s never done right.”
“How old ae you now?”
“I’ll be thirteen, soon.”
Sam smiled, “They grow up too fast, Gregor.”
“Tell me about it. Let’s go take a look at our swords.”
• • •
The-five Clan Leaders were in their chairs and the Wallace smiled, “Come forward and take ye swords, Gregor and Elena.”
Montgomery had the two-scabbards extended, and Gregor and Elena pulled the swords out, as the brilliance of the blades reflected light in all directions. Gregor and Elena’s eyes immediately narrowed. Montgomery looked panicked, “You don’t like them?”
Gregor and Elena swung the swords and Gregor said, “They’re perfectly balanced and they…I don’t know what it is…I sense something in them that wasn’t present in my former sword.”
Elena nodded, “I feel it too.” Everyone saw they were troubled.
Montgomery glanced at the Clan Leaders and said, “I removed a small piece of Duncan and Annalee’s swords and put them in the metal of your swords.”
Gregor’s anger was instant, “THAT’S ABOMIDABLE AND SACRELIGIOUS!!”
The Clan Leader
stood up, “GREGOR!” Gregor turned to him. “The Clans took a vote and every citizen on Bellingham approved those parts be included in the forging. If Duncan and Annalee were here, they would insist on it being done. You brought them back together and they would want to reward you for making it happen. You will not tarnish the will of our people and the Muirs by your stubbornness!”
Gregor stared at the Clan Leader and fell to a knee, “It’s not stubbornness, Clan Leader. I am undeserving of this honor.”
“EXAMINE YOUR BLADES!” the Clan Leader ordered.
Gregor pulled his sword and looked at the markings; the MacGregor clan mark was on one side. He turned it over and saw his initials superimposed over the globe of Bellingham. He looked closer and saw two-crossed swords directly below the globe and spelled out in fine script under them were the words, ‘Sword Bearer’.” Gregor lowered his head and felt the sword seem to change in his hand. He lifted it and it felt like it was an extension of his body. He looked at Elena and saw she was experiencing the same thing. The Clan Leader smiled, “That’s Duncan and Annalee you’re feeling. They will be with you to protect you from all harm.”
Gregor stood and went to Monte, “Thank you and please forgive me for not respecting the fine product of your work. It’s amazing.”
“Are you sure?”
Gregor took his free arm and hugged Monte, “More than I can express.” Elena rushed up and hugged Monte and smiled, “I agree, it’s a fine sword.”
Wallace announced loudly, “The Markings on your blades will never be used again except for your mates.” Monte turned around, picked up a scabbard, went to Kaylee, and held it out to her, “I made this one for you.” Kaylee took the scabbard reverently and pulled her sword slightly out of the scabbard. She saw the globe and her initials on the blade, as well as the crossed swords. But under it was inscribed, “Bellingham’s Love.”
Kaylee looked up, as the Clan Leaders all rose to attention, “You saved our children from the Earth attack and we all love you for fighting for us. You are the heart of our greatest warrior and we love you for making him what he is today. He wouldn’t be what he is without you entering his life. One day, your two-swords will hang on the wall with Duncan and Annalee’s swords.”