“Indeed” said her husband. “Perhaps there is reason to hope for a satisfactory resolution to our mutual problem.”
*****
King M’earth never expected E’ssss or S’eeee to tutor his daughter. They were far too busy governing an underwater nation. However, they were tasked with developing an educational plan, delegating it to a trusted aide and monitoring her progress.
Rose again found herself waiting to meet her new tutor. She was in a modest size classroom with seats for humans, perches for dragons and wading pools for serpents.
In the corner was a tank where someone was growing serpent’s crystals . . .
. . . those amazing creations that were the basis for their technological achievements.
She idly stared at the beautiful objects. Lost in her own thoughts, she didn’t hear someone enter using the streams that fed the pools.
“Hey, Ro.” Two eyes peered above the water.
“T’eel! Wow, I can’t tell you how happy I am to see a friendly face. Even yours.”
“I can’t stay but a minute. I was told I couldn’t talk to you except when you go home for visits. But you’re my best friend and nobody is going to stop me from saying hi.”
“I really appreciate that. But you’re right. If they catch you, they will skin you alive. Say hi to Kl’air for me.”
“I will. Whoops . . .” and she dove under the water and swam off. A second or two later another head appeared. Then the serpent stepped out of the pond and introduced herself. “Good morning. My name is K’oral.” The serpent was youngish, perhaps mid-twenties if she were human. “How would you like me to address you?”
“Good morning, K’oral. You may address me as Princess . . .” She stopped embarrassed. Some habits die hard. “Call me Rose.”
“Good enough, Rosie (that made the Princess cringe). Since we will be spending a lot of time together, I thought that we should spend today getting to know each other. There will be no class work – but there will be quizzes.”
“What?”
“Would the Duchess approve of that question?”
“What?”
“Yes, that one.”
Rose’s mouth dropped open and she had to force herself to close it. “You know about that?”
“My response to your second question is the same as to the first.”
“STOP THAT.” She hated being talked down to as if she was an idiot especially by someone not of Royal Blood.
“Is that a command?”
Rose’s eyes went wide - glaring at the silly serpent. “Yes.” She had about enough of this nonsense; it was going too far. Her mother would put a stop to her father’s scheme if she begged her to.
“Why are you so angry?”
Rose stood up tall and straight. Looking down her nose, she asked slowly, pronouncing each word distinctly. “Have – you – ever – been – a – Royal – Princess?” ‘Ha’ she thought ‘that ought to put this impudent sea worm in her place’.
“No”. Then the serpent added, “Have you?”
“How dare you? Who gives you the right to talk to me that way?”
“King E’ssss.”
“I am the Princess Rose’Alynnia and I will not…”
“Rosie, quiet down.”
“Are you crazy? You can’t talk to me like that.”
“Actually I can. Until I say otherwise, or I am commanded to stop, you are my student. I am trying to get you to think, to learn and to appreciate.”
“Oh my gosh.” It was Rose’s pet phrase when she was totally flummoxed (which wasn’t often).
“I am unfamiliar with that human phrase.”
“It means you are giving me a headache.”
“Shall I summon a physician?”
Instead of answering, Rose plopped down on a chair and stared off into the distance, not really focusing on anything. She inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly. “You can do this,” she said to herself. “It’s just another dare. And you haven’t lost a dare ever. Don’t start now.” She stood up, smiled and said “No, thank you. The headache is gone. As to your first question…” she replayed the words in her mind. “I should not have expressed surprise at your statement. I should have asked for additional information.”
“Correct.”
“As to the second question . . . you obviously knew about my visit with the Duchess since you made reference to it. Again, instead of acting surprised I might have either asked you to tell me what you know of my time at Se’rene or simply accepted the statement without such a childish comment.”
“Correct.”
“Yay!” she said sarcastically.
“I am unfamiliar . . .” but Rose cut her off.
“It is not important. Please explain the purpose of testing me on our get-acquainted exercise.”
“I prefer to do that later. It will add to your learning experience.”
“As you wish.”
Rose stood there experiencing an array of emotions . . . all of them negative. Bored, angry and frustrated, what she really wanted to do was to storm out of the room and go home. Since that wasn’t going to happen, she would just have to grin and bear it. However, she made a promise to herself that nothing they taught her was going to change who she really was deep down inside. She would use the knowledge and skills to make her even more formidable than her childish mind thought that she was. The history books would remember her as the greatest Queen it ever had. Or something like that.
Oh, and one more thing. When she became Princess Rose’Alynnia again, she would cut off the tongue of anyone that had the impudence to call her Rosie.
*****
“I am a scientist. I am currently working on inter-galactic cosmic tunnels and the physics of faster-than-light travel.”
“Oh, is that the thingy I saw in Ven’trrr’s lab?”
“Thingy? I am not familiar with that human term.”
“Never mind.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“I have just told you that I am working on a project of literally cosmic proportions and yet you have no questions?”
“No, not really?”
“Time for your first quiz.”
“WHAT? I mean – since you have only spoken one sentence to me as way of introductions, is it not too soon to be quizzed?”
“Not at all.”
“Okay. Ask away.”
“Describe to me the nature of my position and the benefits of our discoveries to the people of Aerianna. Also describe the inherent dangers that this planet could possibly face should we exploit our findings. Furthermore, explain the moral dilemma such knowledge poses for the scientific community and more importantly for the rulers of this world.”
“Are you crazy?”
“My mother had me tested when I was very young. The doctors assured her that I was not.”
Rose just stared at the young serpent.
“Are you not going to answer my questions?”
Rose shook her head and said “I got nothing.”
“That is very poor syntax.”
“Oh my gosh!”
“Another headache?”
“Oh, yes. I would stand back if I were you. My head is about to explode.”
“I do not think that is physiologically possible.”
“Let me ask you a question. Have you ever heard of sarcasm?”
“Yes, but such verbal hijinks are seldom used by serpents.”
“I’ll have my friend T’eel teach you.”
“I look forward to it. In the meantime, what lessons have you learned so far?” Then she added, “Please, think carefully before you answer. I know that you have superior intelligence. In point of fact, you could be a scientist if you so choose.”
That compliment took the sting out of the situation. So she put her mind to the questions and in truth it took her only a minute or so to come up with the answer.
“You mentioned an extraordinary achievement and I failed to question you
to determine the full implications of what it might mean to this world.” She paused a second then continued, “Our ability to visit other worlds would give us an opportunity for cultural and scientific exchanges and the possibility of commerce. However, anyone we encounter might be hostile and could use the opportunity to attack us. Lastly, if we should meet a civilization inferior to ours in social or scientific development, we might very well cause irreparable harm to their society.”
“I am impressed.”
“Yay!”
*****
It took her less than a month to complete her lessons with K’oral. And as with the Duke and Duchess, she found herself excited by what she had learned.
She had always known that Serpent Scientist had no peers; their discoveries and inventions bordered on miraculous. Her tutor took her on tours of lab after lab looking at projects in progress or to the Hall of Scientific Accomplishments to ogle at obscure theories brought to life.
She had seen a translation crystal that would allow the wearer to speak any language and understand any spoken.
There was a device that could make you as large as you wished or as small.
Another device allowed you to control wild animals merely by speaking to them.
One that really intrigued her allowed the wearer to heal another of either physical or mental injuries.
But there was one thing she learned that made her uncomfortable in ways she could not explain. It was the power of the Crystal Egg and the law of unintended consequences.
She and K’oral were lounging at the edge of a pool enjoying each other’s company and talking about whatever came to mind. It was the serpent who brought up the subject.
“Do you wish to hear a heresy?”
“Excuse me?”
“I would like to share a thought with you. I consider you more a friend then a student. And there is something I would like you to contemplate as a favor to me.”
“Will there be a quiz?” asked Rose smiling.
“That is sarcasm, is it not?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“H’sssss”.
“Well, I am your friend and I would be pleased to hear your heresy. It will be our little secret.”
“Thank you. I believe that the Crystal Egg is an abomination.”
“What?”
The serpent looked at her friend but said nothing.
Rose quickly regained her composure and asked, “Please explain how you came to this . . . this unusual conclusion.”
“When the Old Ones gave your father the Egg as a prize for winning the contest between Humans, Serpents and Dragons, they did all of us an enormous disservice.”
Bewildered at the concept, Rose asked “How so?”
“The Egg gives your father – or anyone who possesses it – unlimited power. If he had so chosen, King M’earth could have created the translation crystal with a simple thought. The Crystal Egg would have brought it to life. The same is true of all of our achievements. The only reason we still have a token contingent of scientists and inventors is that His Highness King E’ssss wished to keep our tradition of technological development alive – as part of our cultural heritage, not for our contributions.”
Rose thought about that statement to see if she could intuit K’oral’s reasoning. This time it took her almost two full minutes. “The Crystal Egg takes away our incentive to invent, to create, to innovate. In essence, we become slaves to its power. We, as a people, are actually less for having it than if we had never received this gift.”
“I am impressed.”
She didn’t say yea. Rose just nodded solemnly.
*****
She was again asked to visit with E’ssss and S’eeee. However, this time the seashell was trumpeted when she arrived. Everyone stood, and the King and Queen of the Sea Serpents stepped out of the pond and bowed.
She almost cried.
“Good morning, your majesties” she said.
“Indeed, your Royal Highness. It is a very good morning,” declared E’ssss.
“Your time with us is at an end.” added S’eeee.
The girl had suspected as much and wasn’t at all surprised by the Queen’s comments. “I thank you both for your service to me. I now have a deeper understanding of your people and a much greater respect for all they have accomplished under your guidance. And I especially thank my friend and mentor, K’oral. She has been an exceptional teacher.”
The King and Queen accepted the compliments with a bow.
Then E’ssss said, “Please do not be a stranger to our humble city. You have many friends here and they would be sad if you did not visit.”
“We will miss you. I will miss you,” added his wife.
It was only a single tear – but Rose did cry.
Chapter 4
Queen F’Aerianne, the Rainbow Dragon
Rose didn’t go to Talon’s Perch to meet with Queen F’Aerianne; she decided to go home first. She missed her parents and any excuse not to spend time with grumpy dragons was a good one.
“Well, my daughter, it is good to see you. You are looking well.” The King walked over to Rose and gave her a hug. “Have you seen your Mother?”
“Yes. And my little sister. Ss’ong seems so much older in such a short time.”
“Children grow like weeds.”
“Have I grown?”
“You tell me.”
Rose was torn between the desire to have a verbal duel with her father or to relent and give him the answers he wanted. She decided on a third course – to fall back on an old trick and play the helpless little girl so M’earth would feel badly and give her whatever she wanted.
“I’m just . . . I mean I am just so confused. Being away from you and Mother and my sweet dear sister is just so unbearable” and she sniffed as if trying to fight back tears. “This has been so terribly difficult.” She gave him her best forlorn look.
The King studied his daughter then burst out laughing. “Playing the little helpless girl will not work on me, young lady. I know that act of yours all too well.”
“ACT?” she shouted trying to show shock and hurt.
“Yes, act” he answered calmly.
“FATHER . . .”
“Save it, Rose. It will not work this time.”
“You are a horrible, horrible man.”
He laughed again. “Not really. I am a bit too fat from sitting on my…umm…my throne all day. I have been rightly accused of being much too indulgent of my daughters. And I have not taken your mother on a vacation in far too long. But that hardly qualifies me as horrible.”
Rose wanted to continue playing the hurt little girl but it just wasn’t in her nature. Besides, despite what he was subjecting her to, she loved her father mightily. She laughed and said, “Why not make me the acting Queen Regent so you and Mother can take a nice long vacation? I would be more than willing to postpone my bitter, baseless banishment for a month or three.”
“Now that is the Rose I know and love.”
“Does that mean you accept my offer, Father Dearest?” She tried to sound serious but she just couldn’t.
“I will give your generous proposal all the consideration it deserves.” Then turning solemn, he said, “Now tell me, Your Highness, have you learned anything in your time away?”
“I have learned that being a young girl whose father is King of the World is a great deal more fun than being a Royal Princess and Heir to the Throne.”
“And . . .”
“And I will always be who I am. However, that person may be wiser for this experience.”
“So do you forgive your horrible, horrible father for sending you into – what did you call it – oh yes, into your bitter, baseless banishment?”
“I will give your question all the consideration it deserves,” she said defiantly. Then she giggled, kissed him on the cheek and skipped away in search of T’eel and Kl’air.
*****
The only way for a human or serpent to reach any
of the dragons’ mountain top castle-cities was to hire a dr’egg – a colloquial abbreviation for ‘dragon egg’. Of course, it wasn’t actually a dragon’s egg; it only looked like a giant sized version of one. It usually held four humans or two serpents though some of the larger dragons could haul twice as many.
Occasionally a human would ride on the back of a dragon or a serpent would be carried in its talons. But that was dangerous and few would dare take the risk. So naturally, Rose wanted Kl’air to fly her to Talon’s Perch. But her friend responded to her request with “Are you nuts? Fly up there on my back? Ro, I thought you said you were learning how to be a Royal Princess. You know – somebody with a little common sense.”
“When I’m with my tutors or any of the Royals, I’ll do what’s expected. But when I’m with friends I’ll do as I darn well please.”
“Royal Uppity-Ups aren’t supposed to use contractions” said T’eel innocently while trying her best to irritate her friend. “You just used five.”
Rose rolled her eyes in disgust. “It makes me sound like a machine. ‘Do not’ and ‘I will’ and ‘was not’ . . . who talks like that?”
“Princess Rose’Alynnia?”
“Don’t know her. She must be one of those Uppity-Ups you were talking about,” quipped the girl. Turning to Kl’air, she said, “I saved you from wearing a dress. The least you can do is take me to the Perch.” Then she added with a smile “For old time’s sake.”
“Since you put it that way . . . let’s ride”.
*****
She wasn’t the biggest dragon on Aerianna, but she was the most colorful…
“Your Majesty” said Rose as she bowed deeply to F’Aerianne, the Rainbow Queen.
“Princess, your father has honored me. It is not often that Dragons are asked to teach Humans.” That statement carried a lot more meaning than it might first appear. In the contest between the races, Dragons came in last. Thereafter, it was accepted as common wisdom that they were the least intelligent of the three.
Boxed Set: Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood: [The 12 book 1st adventure + the series prequel] Page 3