Legion's Riddle Trilogy Box Set

by K R Sanford

  The Liometo appeared relieved and gratified, at the same time, frightened.

  Vito sensed their anxiety. “Admiral Miller will take us through the dome in his shuttle. Each will have a room assigned. Food will be available all week, anytime. Vito smiled. "A dinner and dance will promise you some entertainment. Here you will have a chance to meet suppliers and employers looking for workers. I will be available to answer any questions you have. Did Lao make you any promises or give you information? Do you have questions, anyone?”

  The three Liometo looked at each other but said nothing.

  “No? Okay, let us know if we can be of any help.”

  Thule spoke, “We liked Devin. He is King of the Castle?”

  “Yes, he is,” said Pawdell. “I will take you to him when we land.”

  They gave expressions of relief. Then they became distracted by the massive dome heading straight for them. They looked to Pawdell.

  Pawdell brought Raptor within feet above the surface of the lake. He banked north of Shrine Lake Harbor to where the dome lay yards from the Shrine’s outer walls. He set Raptor inside the ‘Y’ where Shrine Lake Road and Shrine Castle Road intersected.

  Marco pointed. “This archway got plasma sliced from the dome fifteen years ago. This was to allow travel between the village and the guests from space,” he said. “I’m going to the castle if anyone cares to join me. We will use the shuttle in the cargo bay.”

  Marco lowered the two side doors and the shuttle drifted onto Shrine Castle Road. He maneuvered Eagle II through the archway. They were inside the transparent dome.

  The view is magical,” said Marco, “like an optical trick of vision. This structure enhances vision by blocking glare and extending visual wavelengths. The trees, as you can see, are moving. This happens by the aerodynamics of the dome. This is the first time we had the opportunity to get it put back in the right position.”

  The Liometo’s eyes had long since glazed over. What they were seeing was a dream. What Marco was saying was from another galaxy. They were both mesmerized and filled with wonder. The constant themes in the setting of the castle made them peer about like children. They look around like they were dropped into an-other-worldly fairy tale.

  “What is that smell?” said Kavin. “Is this from the landscape?” He inquired, speaking to Marco.

  “Oh, right,” replied Marco. “The fragrance of pine is strong because of the trees.”

  “You can crush the needles and smell the fresh scent,” said Vito.

  Kavin nodded.

  Marco set the shuttle on the baily. He raised the doors and jumped out. He strutted up the castle steps and opened the heavy wood door.

  Marco stepped inside and disappeared. A moment later, Devin immerged on the landing with open arms. “Pawdell, my Harold of Arms,” he said. “Come join me for a drink. And Thule,” he proclaimed waving him up the steps. “Kavin, greetings; Mariah, come this way. I have lovely rooms for all you. First, let’s drink a toast. The porter will be here shortly to guide you to your suites.”

  Marco looked out his third floor window and spied the ladies coming back from their tour. He closed the curtains and sat back on his bed. He leaned against his pillow then rolled over and took a nap. Hours later he awoke to the sound of boots walking by his door. Night had fallen. Marco pulled himself up and dressed for dinner.

  The dining hall was already filled with the workman. Tildanfin was maître d’. He was seating the guests. “They’re back, you know,” he whispered.

  Marco, bewildered replied. “Who’s back?”

  “The Emperor and the others,” said Tildanfin.

  “Where?” said Marco.

  “They joined the convoy and the Emperor took the new people to his court.”

  Marco nodded. “Where’s Lao?”

  “I don’t know,” said Tildanfin sensing Marco’s irritation. “I will ask around if you like.”

  “You’re a good Vallian,” replied Marco. “I want to know what he’s been up to. And, why the Amedans went silent.”

  “Okay,” said Tildanfin. “I heard something about that. I’ll see what I can find out.”

  “I’m staying in room thirty-four if you find out anything,” said Marco.

  “Sure thing,” said Tildanfin. “You can count on me.”

  Marco looked around for a cup of Vallian tea but saw none. He called out. “Do we have tea in the kitchen?”

  “There is some in the banquet hall," said Tildanfin. "Are you all right?”

  “Oh, I woke up groggy," replied Marco. "Thanks, but now that you mention it, I have a touch of space lag.”

  “Space lag?” questioned Tildanfin.

  “That’s right," said Marco. "You don’t travel. Well, it's like when the normal sleep routine gets thrown out of whack.”

  “Of course,” replied Tildanfin. “I get that when I’m hunting for three or four days. My time table gets readjusted by the sun instead of by the hours of the village.”

  “Yes, that’s it exactly,” said Marco.

  Tildanfin smiled. “It’s good to have you back, Marco.”

  Marco nodded. “We made it in time for Festival.”

  Tildanfin snickered. “You’re making this a habit.”

  Marco considered. “This is home.”

  “Yeah,” reflected Tildanfin. “It’s now becoming popular.”

  “Hmm,” grunted Marco. “How do you feel about the dome being here?”

  “Nervous at first,” said Tildanfin. “I like it. It makes me feel safe and in charge.”

  Marco curious replied, “In charge?”

  “Sure,” said Tildanfin. “If the village doesn’t like it, the Amedans will take it away.”

  “Oh,” said Marco with a turn of his lip “Seems simple enough. Have you seen my daughter and the girls?”

  “They went upstairs, Marco. I’m surprised you didn’t see them.”

  “Aaah, no I didn’t see anybody. I’m going to get some tea. See you later, Tilly.”

  “You’re coming back for dinner, aren’t you? I’m sure Shanna is getting ready now.”

  “Yes, Tilly, I’ll be back. I need a minute to clear my head.”

  Marco filled a tall cup of tea from the banquet hall and stepped out to the garden patio. He sat under the lights and gazed across the game field. The field was buzzing with vendors placing last minute touches on their booths. The shuttles respotted along Shrine Road. Amedans were flying in and out of the high spires of the castle.

  “Every year it’s the same thing,” said Marco out loud. “They love to race around the spires on the roof.”

  “It is a pastime and a symbol of wealth,” said a voice on the walkway. “It is an act of inspiration.”

  Marco knew the voice. He turned to spy the seven foot man dressed in the white linen suit. His bronze complexion gave him up as a seafarer more than the Emperor of the galaxy. “Emperor,” announced Marco.

  “Marco,” said Legion. “Look at you, out here by yourself. May I join you?”

  “Yes, please do,” replied Marco. “Tildanfin said you were back.”

  “Did he? News travels fast in the village and on starships,” said Legion taking the chair next to Marco.

  Marco chuckled, relieved to see Legion for his busy schedule. “I’m relieved to see you. A lot of business is unfolding. And a lot of personalities are looking over the possibility of profits.”

  “Yes, the competition,” said Legion. “This is why I commissioned you, Admiral. Let Vito and Kiterage manage commerce. You and I are predators. We will salivate at the spoils war and the threats to our prize. We know who we are. We will make no apologies for our victory.”

  “And Lao?” asked Marco.

  “He is a monster. He is the necessary force to swell the precipice of evolution. And, he will love to split the hive. He will be our agent in the Middle Corridor. He will be tough and relentless, without mercy. He will drive the richest arm of the Milky Way into a terrible sword against our enemies.
You know what I like about Lao the most, Marco?”

  “He’s cunning and he knows when to lay low,” said Marco.

  “Yes, he’s smart. He is almost as smart as Kiterage. We will help him, you and I, Marco. We will all help him. Besides he wants to lead this operation. That’s ninety percent of it. You know?”

  Legion and Marco sat back in silence looking over the game field.

  At length Legion spoke. “We are going to need an exit through the dome. It needs to go out the southern end of Village Main.”

  “That will take them up through Woodland Forest,” said Marco.

  “Yes,” replied Legion, “Passed your house and out to Emerald Sea. Your shuttle is submersible so you can exit under the dome if need be.”

  “Yes, all shuttles can,” said Marco. “I’m not seeing the question.”

  “No question, Marco,” said Legion. “If others want to exit that way, they will be able to do so. I’ll ask the Amedans to take care of that for us. You and Shanna will want to go home one day, I imagine.”

  “Yes,” replied Marco. “Pawdell and Shanna are getting serious. She might want to stay here with Pawdell.”

  “Yes, I heard about their flamboyant escapades,” said Legion studying the roof tops. “They do like to chase around the spires.”

  Marco chuckled watching the Amedans do their figure eights and high speed ellipses. “Yes they do.”

  “Alright,” said Legion pulling himself from his chair. “People to see, you know. Are you going to the dance later?”

  Marco nodded. “I’ll be there.”

  “Fine,” he said. “I’ll catch up to you then.”

  Legion walked in the back door of the kitchen. Marco remained where he was, seated on the north side patio. He followed the sounds of the workers making their displays a reminder of ancient times. He sat back in his chair and sipped his tea. He studied the Amedans at play. These were the same Amedans managing the transfer of the Liometo people to the surface of the planet. His thoughts drifted out the dome and down the road leading to Emerald Sea. This he thought was now the road to the new settlement of the Liometo.

  He pushed his suspicions of Lao out of his mind. With the all-knowing Emperor and the members of the Riddle close at hand, why was Lao so distracting. He was a pain he could do without. The thought was distressing. He felt robbed for not being able to talk to himself out loud. Tomorrow, I will walk through the new opening in the dome and stay at my home where I can think.

  “What are you doing out here?” said Shanna.

  Marco turned with open mouth. He marveled at what she was wearing. He waved her over, but could only say, “You looked like your mother there for a second.” He swallowed and looked to the sounds of the workers at the far side of the game field.

  Shanna took the chair the Emperor vacated. She put her hand on his shoulder. “Is there something out there that is important to you?”

  Marco gazed in her eyes and smiled. “The Emperor is going to make a passage in the dome to open Village Main.”

  “That will clear the road to our house," said Shanna. "I don’t need to stay at the castle now.”

  Surprised, Marco replied, “What about Pawdell?”

  “He’s busy with his new duties with the king. I want to let him get used to being an officer for the crown.”

  “It’s Festival,” said Marco. “It will be difficult to avoid him with so much going on. He might even need your help. Talk to him and let him know you admire his new coat. You can say, you will straighten his hat if need be.”

  Shanna balked, “I’m not sure if you’re making fun of us or what.”

  “You are a very thoughtful person under all that dominance,” said Marco.

  Shanna squinted. “What will you do in that house by yourself?”

  “How long do you think that will last,” said Marco. “Between Lady Lucia and Cybil, I won’t get a moments rest. Then there’s the Liometo 

  “Cybil is gone,” said Shanna. “She 

  “What do you mean, gone?” said Marco irritated.

  “I thought you knew,” said Shanna.

  Marco collected himself. “No, I was not informed. Where did she go?”

  “Then you don’t know?”

  “Come on, Shanna. Tell me what’s going on?”

  “She got taken by Lao and a dozen other Amedans. They formed a shell around her and lifted her away.”

  “Where did they take her? Did they say?”

  “Asher said they will be at court under the Arches of the Amedans.” Shanna lifted herself off her chair.

  “Cybil is a big cat,” said Marco. “She can take care of herself. Still, the office of the Admiralty does not like getting moved on without notice. Cybil is in my custody. And Lao, once again has over stepped his authority.”

  “Are you going after her?”

  Marco stiffened his lip. “Without assurances of her safety I have no choice.”

  Shanna grinned, “Can I go with you?”

  “Yes,” said Marco, “The sooner the better.”

  “I’ll get a wrap,” said Shanna. “It’s cold underground.”

  Marco lifted himself from his chair. “We will go through the kitchen. I will wait for you downstairs. I want to let someone know we are going after Cybil.”

  “I’ll only be a moment,” said Shanna spinning off toward the stairs.

  Marco stepped into the banquet hall. The Emperor was speaking to Tildanfin. They both gave Marco a welcome glance.

  “Why the long face, Admiral,” asked the Emperor.

  “I learned, a few moments ago, the Amedans are holding one of my wards without my authorization.”

  “If you think there is something I can do,” said Legion, “don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty,” replied Marco. “I’m departing for your court in a few minutes to talk with them.

  “Why don’t we discuss this with the Amedan Command?” said Legion. “Cirro is in the library with his staff.”

  “Tilly, when Shanna comes downstairs, tell her I’m in the library. Will You?”

  “Yes of course, Marco,” replied Tildanfin.

  The Library was behind two wood carved doors befitting the castle walls. The door opened inward. Marco pushed his way forward to the stacks of quantum towers. Legion followed behind.

  Cirro hovered in the center of a green luminous ring. The ring rested on a square table in the center of the library. Gold saucers represented the four corners of the ring. In each saucer sat an Amedan on a pillow of white light.

  “Your Majesty,” spoke Cirro, his color resonating with each word. “I have been expecting you; both of you, Admiral. It is good to put a face with a voice.”

  “I have come to enlist your help, Commander Cirro. I need the safe return of my ward. Lao has taken her to Legion’s court.”

  Legion cleared his throat. “Permit me, Admiral. Cirro is Commander of Amedan Military Forces. That makes him a full senior General. He is active duty. He out ranks your General Hodges. Because of his reach of command, he also out ranks you, Admiral.”

  Marco held up his hand. “I am honored we started out on good terms, Cirro. But my main concern is my ward and her safe return.”

  “Yes, you have said, Admiral. Cirro glowed soft blue. He raised himself eye level with Marco. “Am I to understand this is a personal matter between Lao and you, Marco?”

  “Is it?” replied Marco. "It has become a violation of legal authority.”

  “I see,” said Cirro. “My Lord, it is time the Admiral be read-in about the Liometo Elite.”

  “Yes, I agree,” said Legion. “Go ahead.”

  “Very well,” replied Cirro. “There is ongoing dialog with the Liometo Elite, Admiral. We have agreed to work for their expansion. In exchange, they will help in the development of the Middle Corridor.”

  “This sounds wonderful for Elites everywhere," said Marco. "Except, I don’t see how all this brings my ward back to my custody. Kidnappi
ng is still a crime even in the Corsi Star System.”

  “Marco, I understand your emotional ties with Cybil. She has exceptional qualities,” said Legion. “I am looking for a volunteer from the Elite to take her place. That way she will return to you unmolested.”

  “What do you mean unmolested? What does Lao what with her besides being symbiote for the Liometo?”

  Legion replied. “She is cooperating, Marco. Lao will not harm her. He is aggressive and bold, the one we need to lead a new colony.”

  “This style of business is unacceptable," said Marco. "You and Lao can do better. Make the arrangements with the new Elite for someone else.”

  “This will take time to send for replacements,” replied Legion. “One more thing, Marco; she enjoys this business. She gets respect. And, she gets treated like a queen.”

  “If it means so much to you, then use interdimensional transport for your replacement. Use Kiterage’s secretary.”

  “If Cybil agrees to stay with you, Marco, I will take care of the replacement. But understand; this will take a lot of convincing. Lao will lose face if he cannot prove his power to his followers. And, Cybil doesn’t feel you need her as much as the two point three million Liometo refugees. When you see her; you better speak from your heart like you never have before.”

  Marco stood speechless before the Emperor.

  Legion, looking over Marco’s shoulder and said, “Shanna is here to collect you. Go now, Lao is loading the ship for the Middle Corridor, you don’t have much time.”

  Without another word Marco marched out of the library with Shanna at his side.

  The doors of Eagle II sealed tight. They lifted off the baily and flew through the dome to the tunnel entrance. Within seconds they disappeared into the mountain. Down the underground road they went, streaking passed the ballroom and over the florescent river. Through the borehole they flew at blinding speed. They emerged out the other end passing silently beside the darkened City of the Marillians. Mile after mile they flew. At last, the Eagle II slowed under the Arches of the Amedans. They came to a halt on the white gypsum floor of Emperor Legion’s Court.