Conquests & Consequences

by Lee Watts

  "Mine," Caedmon answered.

  "But I thought monks didn't-"

  "Think later, move now."

  Reaching into his robes, Caedmon withdrew a palm-sized controller and punched in a command to cause the craft's door to open. In awe of the strict monk who shunned technology secretly having his own ship, Alexander cautiously stepped into the craft. Caedmon was in the pilot's chair and rapidly entering commands into the vessel's myriad of switches and buttons. Lumbering forward, Alexander went to the copilot's chair and ran a hand over his short cut, sandy brown hair. Colorful consoles came to life as the whine of the engine began low, but steadily increased in pitch as long dormant systems powered up.

  "How long has this been here?"

  "Nearly sixteen years," Caedmon answered as he focused on the readouts.

  "This is… is what brought you to Mitsrayim?"

  "Nay," the old man answered. "Tis what brought us."

  "Us?" Alexander asked, but as the ship's whine reached its apex, and the craft lifted from the ground. As Caedmon moved the controls, the thrusters flared, and the ship zoomed forward. Pushed back in his seat by the sudden acceleration, Alexander clutched the armrests as his knuckles turned white. Exiting the tunnel, Caedmon immediately set the ship on a steep incline, and they quickly gained altitude.

  "My apologies," Caedmon said with the surface of Mitsrayim falling away behind them. "I didst fail to engage the inertial dampers." Activating the gravity-countering device, the force of the acceleration was no longer felt. Entering the ominous clouds, visibility became zero.

  "What about the lightning?" Alexander asked with justifiable nervousness.

  "We have no choice," Caedmon answered, his cool grey eyes focusing forward. "We have to get through!"

  The cloud flashed with electricity, and, with a deafening crack, a bolt lurched at them. With a sudden burst of speed, they avoided the high-charged ribbon of electricity that passed harmlessly behind them.

  "Good flying," Alexander praised.

  "’Twas not I," Caedmon replied.

  Hikari, having used a gust of air to push the little craft out of the way, flashed again to become pure energy and resume his battle with the fallen one. Leaving the atmosphere, the sky cleared, and stars filled their forward view.

  "We made it," the younger man beamed in relief.

  "Not yet," Caedmon countered as he noticed the approaching fleet.

  "The invasion force," Alexander noted.

  Two jade-colored fighter craft broke from the primary formation that was heading to the surface and redirected toward their ship.

  "What kind of weapons do we have?" the youth asked.

  "Naught."

  "Naught! What are we going to do?"

  "I am plotting a course so we can engage the lightdrive. We shall be safe once we jump."

  "They're getting closer!" Alexander warned.

  A blast of orange energy bolts barely missing their ship let Caedmon know his charge wasn't overstating the matter.

  "How much longer till we can jump?"

  "We must tarry another half minute."

  "We don't have that long!"

  Two more orange bolts from the fighters emphasized the point.

  "Aye, but it dost not work faster because we need it to, Alexander. I will buy us some time."

  Much to Alexander's consternation, Caedmon's plan for buying time was heading straight for the invading command ships.

  "What in the stars are you doing?"

  "This wilt make our pursuers less likely to fire if perchance they miss us and hit their own ships."

  The old man's gamble was correct. The pilots did lessen their attacks, but they didn't abate entirely. Orange bolts of energy whizzed past the escaping shuttle as it dodged back and forth among the massive capital class ships. Caedmon noticed the star-like icon prominently displayed on each craft identifying them as Hateeg. Breaking clear of the green-hued vessels, the shuttle's navigation computer indicator illuminated and Caedmon hit the controls, sending the ship into the safety of light speed.

  With the stars now steaks of light, the ship sped through the great void. Caedmon leaned back while letting out a breath of relief. Alexander, still tense, stiffly turned to the old man.

  "Is that it? Are we safe?"

  "Aye."

  "Master Caedmon, what… what was all that? How do you have a ship? What was-"

  "Alexander," Caedmon interjected then paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "Alexander, I shalt tell thee all. Howbeit, it may be much for thee to bear. I hoped upon thy twenty-first year to bestow the knowledge, but thou must needs know the truth now. Though this 'tis not the way I intended to reveal thy heritage."

  "My heritage? What do you mean? Guardians, invasion, a hidden ship… This is-"

  "Alexander, as thou canst see I am not a monk, nor art thou an orphan abandoned at the monastery. Thou art the son of Darius and Cheyenne Lyons, sovereigns of the United Realm of Theera-Enty."

  "The United Realm? I've seen their territory on the star maps, but that area of space is lightyears from Mitsrayim. If I'm from there, how did I end up way out here… and you're telling me my parents are... royalty?"

  "Aye."

  "But why would-"

  "One thing at a time, your highness."

  Alexander took a deep breath, rubbed his hand over his sandy brown hair and leaned back in the copilot's chair as Caedmon detailed the revelation.

  "Before thy second year, there were as many attempts on thy life. After the latter, it wast decided to spirit thee away secretly. It would be said thou died, so the assassin wouldst have no reason to try again. Only thy parents, the captain of the royal guard and myself know the truth."

  "My parents? You mean they know I've been here all along? But if they know I'm alive why didn't they at least send some messages all these years?"

  "Because they knowest not thy location. For if they knew they might attempt some communication and unwittingly provide a means of an assassin finding you. I left naught to chance in this and fathom not how the dark ones discovered us."

  Upon hearing this, Alexander realized the only way for his location to be discovered was when he spoke with the scientists researching the obelisk. He was about to confess it was his choice to disobey that set this all in motion, when another thought occurred to him.

  "But… it wasn't an assassin who found us. It was a…"

  "A Ka Tchar - Soul Seeker," Caedmon answered. "The dark ones seek thy life for another reason. It is prophesied the descendent of Jeramon of Theera will usher in the new age for the glory of his god. Thou art the last of the line of Jeramon; doubtless the dark ones seek to stop the prophecy. The person who tried to kill thee as a babe had other, more terrestrial, reasons."

  Stunned with the revelation all Alexander could manage was, "So... I'm a prince?" Caedmon nodded, and Alexander's expression dropped as something occurred to him.

  "Wait a minute. If I'm a prince why have I spent my life tending grounds, sweeping floors, and waiting tables?"

  "Because I wast charged with thy training, and if thou art to lead thou must first learn to serve."

  "So, I'm a prince, and you're not a Tishbian monk?"

  "I am Tishbian, but no monk. I am the royal vizier to their Highnesses, King Darius, and Queen Cheyenne."

  "My… parents?"

  "Aye."

  Alexander was still full of questions. Caedmon smiled at his young charge letting him know to relax a bit. Reeling from the day's events, Alexander quieted and tried to let the reality of the situation sink into his mind.

  "What now?" he eventually asked.

  "Thou wast not to return to the Realm till thy twenty-first year, but I have instructed thee in all thou needest know to rule."

  "Rule! I don't anything about ruling! I don't know anything about the politics or technology of the United Realm. I don't even-"

  "Technology is unimportant, and politics is but understanding human nature, and that is unch
anged since time began. All thy life have I taught thee history and the Holy Codex and therein is the knowledge of all humanity. Be strong, and of good courage. Thou art destined for much my prince, and I have confidence in thee."

  "At least one of us does. But what if I get something wrong?"

  "The test is not the problem; the true test is thy reaction to it."

  Alexander sat back in his chair, trying to absorb all that had happened to him that night. They flew for a great while without speaking. Caedmon let the young prince sort out his thoughts and feelings.

  "Where are we going anyway?" Alexander asked in breaking the long silence. "Another hiding place?"

  "Nay. Thou art ready to take thy rightful place. Our heading is the capital system of the Realm. I have sent a coded signal to Merrick, the captain of the royal guard letting him know of our return. Of all the souls thou wilt encounter, his is one thou mayest always trust."

  Upon learning of the prince's soon return, Merrick immediately informed the king and queen. They spent the time in joyous anticipation. When word was publicly announced of Alexander's survival, the person who contracted to have Alexander killed as a child contacted the assassin's guild to renew the contract. The remuneration for Alexander's confirmed demise was set at a level befitting a prince.

  CHAPTER 6

  "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

  The approach control station cleared a vector for the timeworn shuttle nearing the twin worlds of Theera and Enty. Seated next to his mentor, Alexander beheld for the first time the home planets of his future kingdom. His bright brown eyes widened as the blue and white worlds grew larger in the view.

  Whistling softly in awe of the globes' proximity to each other, Alexander asked, "Are there many such systems, Caedmon?"

  "Nay, Sire," answered the gray-bearded man in the flowery dialect of his native planet Tishbia. "Two life-bearing planets in such close orbit of each other is extremely rare."

  "I want to make a good impression. How do I greet the king and queen? Since they're family should I hug them, or bow, salute or what?"

  "Obeisance is always a good beginning, but thou wouldst do well to follow the king's lead. Remember what I have taught thee when entering palace life." As Caedmon guided their shuttle into the blue haze of the upper atmosphere, the holy man tried to impart a last bit of wisdom to the well-intentioned, yet inexperienced, youth.

  "My Prince," began the steel-eyed man, "since a boy have I taught thee. Thou wast sheltered from the influences which now will beset thee on every hand. The trials and testings will be many, some subtle others not. In these, call to memory not only the lessons of history, science or courtly conduct befitting a prince, but hold fast the words of the Holy Codex. In it is true power and wisdom. Remember, the troubles ahead of you are not as strong as the power behind you."

  Taking a deep breath, Alexander steadied himself.

  "You're right of course, and I'll try to make you proud of me."

  Caedmon smiled, hopeful in the enormous potential of his ward. The old man knew the prince was his last hope to see the ancient promise fulfilled in his lifetime.

  "We left Theera because of assassins. What if there are more attempts?"

  "Fear not. Naught but thy parents and Merrick knowest the time or place of thy return, and each would surely lay down their life for thee. With surety, the place of our arrival is well hidden.

  On Theera, massed in the large plaza surrounding the royal palace, thousands of people gathered, anxiously awaiting the return of Prince Alexander Lyons. A week prior, a proclamation went throughout the worlds of the Realm declaring he was alive but for security reasons was in an undisclosed location all these years. However, this day, he was at last returning. The news was of particular consternation to the one who contracted for the boy's supposed demise years ago. Upon learning he survived, not only did she issue a new contract on Alexander's life, but also one on the failed assassin. The assassin's guild was renowned for its vicious extermination of those who tarnished their reputation by failing a contract.

  ***

  On the planet Enty, in the middle of a remote forest, Caedmon's craft lowered to the ground. The engines caused twigs and leaves to whip wildly through the air. The secluded location was the idea of Merrick, captain of the royal guard. Merrick commissioned his second in command to secure the Theeran site before bringing in the royal family.

  Powering down, the shuttle's engines began to quiet, and Alexander rose to head for the hatch. Queen Cheyenne, desperate to see her son, painfully restrained herself from running. As the shuttle door opened, Alexander gestured for his mentor to exit first.

  "Nay, Sire. Thou proceed."

  The prince smiled at his long-time teacher and friend.

  "Thank you, Master Caedmon… for everything."

  "Fulfill thy destiny, my prince and twill be thanks enough."

  Alexander smiled then took his first steps into the sun of his home system. Tears of joy streaked his mother's face and welled in his father's eyes. Controlling it no more, Cheyenne ran to him. Clutching her son, she cried uncontrollably while all but squeezing the life out of him.

  "My son, my son, my son," she repeated through tears of joy and anguish at so long a time apart from her only child. King Darius wrapped his arms around them both, and Alexander replied in kind.

  The only witnesses to the royal reunion were Merrick and Caedmon. A thin, lengthy walking staff aided the slender Caedmon as he emerged. Though sixteen years had passed, Merrick still appeared as though in his late forties. The royal guard wore a close-shaven beard that, like his black hair, was peppered with gray. He went to greet his friend, who hadn't aged as well.

  "Welcome back, Faithful Voice," Merrick heralded Caedmon with his title. "How goes it with you?"

  Seeing Caedmon moved a little slower than when he left, Merrick chuckled as he spoke.

  "Did the boy wear you out?"

  With a look of playful annoyance, the grayed man frowned at his seemingly ageless friend.

  "I didst wear him out on occasion."

  Merrick smiled.

  "What of thee?" Caedmon asked. "I see the king and queen are in health. Were there no more attempts against the crown?"

  "No, and while that's good, it doesn't add up. There's more to this than has been revealed. Things have been… busy in your absence." Drawing closer so he could speak quietly, the guard seemed wary that even the trees might have ears. "Things are not as they once were, Caedmon. How much have you heard in the time you were gone?"

  "Virtually nothing. We were, how they say, 'off the grid,' and I dared provide no opportunity for the foe to locate us."

  "Wise - you never know who to trust – especially nowadays." Pausing to brace Caedmon for the news, the royal guard added, "My friend, the Ramillie… have returned."

  Caedmon's eyes widened, searching his friend's face for a hint of insincerity, but finding none. Knowing the prophecies surrounding the ancient enemy's foretold emergence, Caedmon was in shock. Letting out a long, slow breath, he considered all this meant.

  "… It is released," he whispered in a mix of fear and astonishment. "The age ends. When didst The Cloud collapse?"

  "That's just it," Merrick answered in shock of his own report and adjusting the light armored breastplate he wore. "The Cloud remains, and that's the part I don't understand. Time is unfolding much different than we always believed it would."

  Caedmon considered alternatives to the Ramillie truly escaping the nebulous cloud imprisoning them for so long. Once ruling the known galaxy, the entire Ramillie population vanished in a single day, and an impassable cloud appeared around their core systems. No one could prove how or why this happened, but theories abounded. While each religion posed its own explanation, only one was correct.

  "Perchance 'tis but a ruse or rumor only. Knowest thou surely?"

  "Yes. There is a Ramillie embassy on Theera even now."r />
  "On Theera!" Caedmon blurted in astonishment. Realizing his volume, he quieted his voice as he continued. "How can this be? Why wouldst the king permit such a thing?"

  "He allows much these days. A new openness prevails in the Realm. The path of the Elder is but one among many now. There were protests; factions demanded their paths be given equal standing at Theon and all public temples of the Realm. The new vizier advised the king to 'champion tolerance.' Pressure from the Council and Assembly of Worlds also weighed heavily on the decision. At the heart of it, I believe it was mostly done to appease the Hateeg."

  "The Hateeg?" Caedmon said in confusion, curious why the Realm would placate the theocratic confederacy. "But why? Hateeg are not nigh to the Realm. The Pelerties are betwixt us. The Hateeg haven't power for hundreds of years."

  Again, Merrick was the bearer of unpleasant and startling news.

  "I wish that were still true, but a few years ago the Hateeg launched a new 'holy crusade of liberation.' More than a dozen systems have already fallen, and they're securing new resources and attracting more followers every day."

  "’Twas the Hateeg who invaded our refuge."

  "So far they're sticking to liberating the worlds of their old empire. If you'll remember, during the height of the Holy Imperium, Theera and Enty were only one sector from the Hateeg boarder."

  "Dost the Realm face invasion?"

  "For now, no. The Pelerite Consortium is still intact, but I fear it's next on the Hateeg's 'liberation' list. The Hateeg are far stronger than anyone expected. Some say they've been stockpiling ships and supplies for decades in preparation for this expansion, but I don't think so. Someone's aiding them, but for some reason, they want that a secret."

  Caedmon agreed saying, "Yes, they were always too impatient, and eager to strike to wait for decades. But who dost aid them?"

  "I'm not sure."

  "Perchance the Ramillie?"

  "I don't think so. Their ideologies are too far apart. Besides, if the Ramillie wanted to invade, they wouldn't need the Hateeg to do it for them. They were a constant thorn in the Ramillie's side before the abduction. I can't see why they would work together."