by K R Sanford
“Your Majesty,” said Hector. “If you think I can take her mind off her memories for a little while, I would be more than happy to entertain her.”
“Hector,” replied Devin. “Enjoy yourself, it’s not formal. Have a good time. Her name is Mary-Beth. You can’t miss her. She has raven hair. She is working down stairs.”
“Mary-Beth, you say?” said Hector.
“That’s right,” said Devin. “I sense her tortured heart. So, take is slow. It takes one to know one. You’ll be fine.”
Hector, gave Devin a gracious nod. He turned then walked up the steps leading to the back of the castle.
Chapter 7
______________________________________________________
THE EMPEROR LEGION
So Honey Now!
Take Me into Your Loving Arms . . .
Kiss Me under the Light of a Thousand Stars.
Place Your Head on My Beating Heart . . .
I’m thinking out Loud!
Maybe We Found Love
Right Where We Are . . .
– Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, 2014
“Thinking Out Loud”
“This is my favorite part of the day,” said Lady Lucia. She brushed her long fair chestnut hair away from her porcelain skin. The slow warm wind of the late afternoon held her hair like angels wings. Her face felt the last golden rays of sunlight. She fell quiet under the spell of the evening twilight. She was like the lover whose trembling lips surrendered to coming shade of darkness.
“I don’t mean to interrupt, Lucia,” said Marco. “If you want to get a good seat, the drums are going to start.”
Lady Lucia baulked. “Can’t you see I’m busy?” Her face twisted like an onion spurt in one of her eyes. “I’m in the middle of my sunset muse.”
Marco winced, “Sorry,” he said.
“We’ve known each other way too long,” she replied with disgust.
Marco shrugged, “Yeah, I have a head ache
“No wonder," she chided. You started drinking that ale far too early.”
“That’s true,” said Marco. “You’re stressing about this evening’s dinner.”
“The Emperor’s arrival, Marco,” she replied. “And, the Amedans are buzzing around the Shrine with a lot more excitement than usual.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” said Marco. “Lao sure did a number out on the lake today.”
“That was out of this world,” she said. “I didn’t think water could do that. And that rainbow thing, using the sunlight was breathtaking.”
“Yeah, something is different this year,” he said.
“Are you feeling any better?” she asked. “Would you rather take a rest up in the castle?”
“No, I’m fine,” he said. “I want to hear the drums give respect for the day. I like that. Then I’ll go upstairs for a while.”
“Good Idea,” said Lucia smiling. She took Marco by the arm and they walked back across the game field. They reminisced over the highlights of the day.
“The Marillians and the Vallians are giving the day’s salutation this year," said Lucia. "It looks as if the orchestra and the village drummers are going to play together.” “They are set up to go all night.”
“This year, it wouldn’t surprise me,” said Marco.
“There’s Grantham and Clorissa.”
Lady Lucia waved at the smiling faces of the Governor and the tall Ziltairian goddess.
They greeted their friends. Marco reached out and kissed the back of Clorissa’s velvet hand. “Beautiful as ever,” he said. “Good to see you, Clorissa. Have you been enjoying the festival?”
Clorissa smiled. She beamed at her former Captain with yellow eyes. Her golden main flowed down her spine. Her hair draped over her red leather body suit. She crossed her leg toward Marco revealing the muscles in her thigh. At her knee, gold fur folded over the top of her red boots. “It has been interesting. Is that fair to say?” she said.
“Very interesting,” replied Marco. “We were commenting on the differences from last year. There has been an uptick.”
“Yes, an uptick,” chimed Grantham, “Much like a change in the weather.”
“Maybe,” said Lucia. “And, the festival isn’t over yet.”
“True,” said Marco.
“This is a paradigm shift,” said Clorissa.
They nodded for the sound of the stringed instruments from the orchestra. The first violin struck the notes of the Blue Danube Waltz. The crowd stilled themselves to silence. The orchestra played the classic waltz of Johann Strauss. The orchestra captured the audience. From the crowd danced a couple in the formal attire of nineteenth century Vienna. They stepped out onto the white marble floor below the orchestra pit. They moved with the sound in perfect timing. They lead the elegance of mystery and poetry. A second couple joined the first. A third and a fourth couple appeared until the dance floor was a labyrinth in motion. They twirled effortless around on the marble floor with grace and harmony. It mesmerized the crowd. When the orchestra came to the finale, the crowd was on their feet. The standing ovation melted the conductors face.
A reverent interlude transpired. The hushed voices brought reason and presence to the days near end.
Meanwhile, the Marillians and Vallians gathered at the side of the orchestra pit. They assembled in full battle dress. Without warning the war drums struck. The beats primitive, thanked the spirits of Ameda for the gift of the day.
“Wow,” said the Governor. I wasn’t sure if they could make it work, but the Marillians and Vallians are a hit.”
“There are a lot of affiliates here today from all parts of galaxy,” replied Marco. The locals will sign up with the big cruise ships and come back with enough credits to retire.
“The Amedans encourage outside businesses to trade with the locals,” said Clorissa. Ambassador Gaff says it is profitable for Ameda to work close with interstellar businesses.” said Clorissa.
“Yes,” said Lady Lucia. “The Amedans know what they are doing. They take time to establish trust with the Earthmen and others like the Ziltairians.”
“We like the Amedans because they are not pushy like the Earthmen,” said Clorissa. “It’s the Emperor that gave us concern because of our news sources. Whenever our people hear news of your Emperor, someone was killed. Or put on trial without cause then killed. It's always someone gets killed by the Emperor.”
“Right,” said Lucia, “This is an old conversation. We all know where those stories come from. Most of them are true. He doesn’t get involved unless something serious happens where death strikes.”
“It is pathetic how people blame the Emperor, and they are not even from this star system,” said Grantham.
“Some people think he’s a god and controls everything,” said Clorissa. “What people imagine can get silly and ugly when fear gets played. Fear gets spread to control the masses.”
“He’s making his list and checking it twice. He’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice. Santa Clause is coming to town,” said Marco.
“There’s a creepy story,” said Grantham. “One of your Earth scare stories for the children?”
“All wrapped up in pretty paper, Governor,” replied Marco. “And the story gets even better. Only, I’m getting tired. If you will excuse me; I’m going upstairs to take a rest before dinner. I will see you all later. Governor, Clorissa, it has been a real pleasure, very delightful, thank you.” With Lady Lucia at his side, they got up, walked to the back of the castle and sauntered upstairs.
The entrance to the ball room was blonde cherry wood from floor to ceiling. Simulated bronze medieval torches hung on the side walls. A single bronze chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling. To one side of the foyer sat a podium made with the blonde cherry wood. A large digital guest book lay open on top. Tildanfin, Master-at-Arms, stood with Saralil organizing the touch screen.
Through the foyer was the multi-level ball room. The room was complete with private booths for fine di
ning. In front of the dining area was a rose marble dance floor and orchestra pit. Stepping up was the stage and the theater-in-the-round, which doubled as the choir loft. From the ceiling, baffles mounted to a computerized turret. The baffles muffled the hard echoing sound from the orchestra.
“What a difference these baffles make,” said Tildanfin. “I don’t get the head aches anymore from the music bouncing off the back walls.”
Saralil, nodding in affirmation, “People seem to like them,” she said. “The guests will be arriving in a few minutes, how do I look?”
“You look ravishing,” said Tildanfin. “The soft yellow always makes you look so very lovely.”
“It’s pastel,” she said. “Do you like the way this material moves?”
“Like a delicate flower in the breeze,” he said. “You are going to make the other ladies jealous.”
Saralil smiled again raising a cautious eyebrow. “Is something troubling you?” she asked.
“No, I’m curious why no one is down here yet,” he said.
“It’s still early,” she replied. “Would you like some hot coco?”
“Yes, I would,” said Tildanfin. “Let’s go and see who’s in the kitchen.”
Entering the kitchen they found two people. Tildanfin smiled saying, “What a relief, the hot water is full. Would you like a cup of coco, dear?”
“Sure,” said Saralil. “Hello, Hector. Hi, Mary-Beth. How was your day?”
“We’re good here,” said Hector.
“I was able to get some air most of the afternoon,” said Mary-Beth.
As if mesmerized by the couple in black, they looked back and forth. Then they looked to each other. Then it was back to Hector and Mary-Beth.
At last, Hector spoke. “You know, we're the best looking couple at the festival this year,” he said.
Tildanfin leaned forward puckering his bearded chin. He broke out in uncontrollable laughter. Saralil, seeing the spell was broken, laughed at herself as much as Hector’s audacious remark.
“We will find out why the Amedans have been buzzing around the village this year,” said Tildanfin. “Did you see Lao’s water wall?”
“They are all talking about the mad Amedan’s water show, as if he had a change in personality,” said Hector.
“You don’t think someone can have a change of heart?” replied Saralil.
“No, he is apologizing for his tough leadership style,” said Hector. “It’s his way of displaying the policy for peace in the Corsi Star System.”
“He is showing he can be thoughtful, and at the same time, still be powerful,” said Mary-Beth.
“I like that, Mary-Beth,” said Saralil.
Hector smiled and nodded.
Tildanfin, folding his arms, “I would like to think it true; but we have gotten fooled before.”
“By the Amedans?” said Saralil.
Tildanfin unmoved replied, “I recall before we all came here to Ameda, an earthman.”
“Yes, Tilly,” said Saralil, “Not the Amedans.”
Tildanfin walked over to the hot water pot. While he filled his cup, the kitchen door swung open. Devin walked in. “Hello," he said. "What ya all talking about?”
“Lao’s water show,” said Hector.
“Oh, what about it,” said Devin with piqued curiosity. “Is something wrong?”
“No one can agree on his reason for making the wall of water across the lake,” said Mary-Beth.
“I don’t know either,” said Devin. “Someone will have to ask Lao when he gets here. I got the impression he was blowing off steam after arresting General Hodges. Maybe he was celebrating. Someone needs to ask. Is there anymore hot water?”
“There might be, if Tilly will. Tilly!” said Saralil.
Tildanfin startled, “You don’t have to shout, I’m standing right here.”
Saralil, scrutinizing Tildanfin brooding at the hot water pot, spoke out. “Devin is looking for some hot water, Tilly.”
“Oh for star’s sake, the hot water is right here,” said Tildanfin. “I’m going to check on our guests.” Tildanfin retrieved his cup and walked out of the kitchen in a low boil.
“The caterers are bringing the dinner to the tables and our staff will help serve,” said Devin. “That way, everything gets put away and no one is out of the dance. Except the caterers, they will eat later but they will be back in half an hour.”
“Sounds like you thought of everything,” said Saralil.
“Yeah,” said Devin in a melancholy tone.
“Don’t worry about Tilly, Your Majesty,” said Saralil. “He can be suspicious about a sunny day. That’s what makes him a good Master-at-Arms.”
“Oh, I know, he’s great. It’s not him. I’m just bored between events,” said Devin. “I get that way. I don’t know why.”
“That’s how boredom works,” said Hector. “It functions like a wave. Like a surfer out on Emerald Sea, for example; they catch a ride on one of those turquoise waves. They ride in for a quarter of a mile. When the wave runs out, they turn around and paddle back through the breakers. Then, they reach the yawn between swells. At this point, they are getting tired. To add to their struggle; the current pushes them toward shore. They feel like there is little progress. So they rest and their mind starts to wander. They imagine something underneath hunting, looking for their next meal. They imagine sea monsters studying their arms and legs. They think of their own legs dangling off the sides of their surfboard. They imagine the monster doing what they do best, attacking without warning. They imagine themselves in the middle of a feeding frenzy. They imagine themselves attacked by cold mindless killers. They tear into one of their legs. The monster pulls off a foot. It bits at their knee. The water gets red with their blood. But they snap out of it in the nick of time to catch the next big wave. They feel grateful. They are finally moving high on the crest of the wave. They are out of the reach of the giant eel or worse yet, a flesh eater. But then it happens. In a flash you get pulled to the bottom of the sea. You are in their mouth with teeth bigger than your head. You have been their guest for lunch.”
“Oh, that is provocative. I am never going near Emerald Sea again,” said Mary-Beth.
“I’m never going anywhere, Hector,” said Devin. “I’m trying to have a cup of hot coco here in peace and quiet, for crying out loud.”
“That was the worse story I have ever heard. And in the kitchen before dinner,” said Saralil shaking her head in disgust. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Hector.”
Devin and Saralil walked out of the kitchen without saying another word.
Mary-Beth walked over to Hector and patted him on the shoulder. “We know who to call when the room needs cleared out, don’t we?” she said.
“I wasn’t hoping for things to go that way,” said Hector.
“What were you hoping for?” asked May-Beth.
“I was hoping to give Devin my understanding of the temporal condition of boredom,” said Hector.
Mary-Beth replied. “Some, like Devin, want the feeling of boredom because it means everything is okay. And, the boredom can allow the peace and quiet they need before things get crazy again. It means, for Devin, no one is chasing him or demanding his time or wasting it.”
“No, I get it,” said Hector. “That’s a good point. Let’s take a walk outside before dinner starts.”
“Do you want to walk through the garden?” asked Mary-Beth.
“Yeah,” said Hector. “That sounds good. You lead the way, Mary-Beth. You know the grounds better than I do.”
“This way, Hector. I love the garden lights along the path. It makes this side of the garden a private sanctuary. Oh, someone is here.”
“Where?” whispered Hector.
Mary-Beth replied, “Standing between the bench and the palm trees. I don’t recognize him. Let’s go say hello.”
“Sure,” said Hector. “He’s a tall one. He must be from the Mastodon.”
“Hello, Hector. Hello, Mary-Beth,
” replied the tall one.
“You know our names,” said Mary-Beth. “Your voice is very familiar.”
“I am Legion, Emperor of the Many,” he said with a slight bow. “I have made myself into human form. You remember me with a spherical body. My appearance is acceptable?”
“You look great, Emperor," said Hector. You wear a beautiful suite. This is fine material. Is it silk and linen?”
“You have a good eye, Hector. It is silk and linen. Gretel made it for me,” said the Emperor. “And the shoes are goat skin.”
“Very nice, that has got to be comfortable,” said Mary-Beth. “If I may, from a woman’s point of view, you look like a tall Aryan model. Can you dance?”
“Ha, ha, ha, of course I can dance, Mary-Beth. Why do you ask?”
“It’s an ancient custom for the one bold enough to ask. Save the last dance for me,” she said.
“Mary-Beth, if Hector doesn’t mind, it would be my honor. The last dance is all yours,” said the Emperor with a warm glowing smile. I need to excuse myself. I am intruding. And, I still have more to do.”
“Oh, you’re not intruding, Emperor.” said Hector.
“Thank you for saying that, but I must go.” He turned to go then turned back around. He said, “An ancient custom; is that right, Mary-Beth?”
“A very ancient custom, My Lord,” replied Mary-Beth with a whimsical grin and a twinkle in her eye.
“Ha, ha, you found a good one there, Hector,” he said. “Hang on to her.”
“I will, Your Majesty.”
They watched as the Emperor saunter down the garden path beside the blue row of lilies. He faded into the shadows of the banana trees at the corner of the castle.
“It’s not every day the Emperor of the galaxy stops by and says hello, you know,” said Hector.
“I’m speechless. What a nice guy,” said Mary-Beth.
“You weren’t speechless when you were talking to him. I’m giddy. You get bold and I get giddy,” said Hector. “You have a dance coming, girl.”