The Summer Vacation
Chapter 4
By Rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

Brin wakes up and groans. “Ughhh, What happened?” He tries to open his eyes but all he sees are white spots. He moves his hand to shield his eyes and sees they have not disappeared. Then he decides to keep his eyes shut. “Where did that blinding light come from?”

Soon one of the crewmen walks over and bends over his body. “I don't know sir. I just woke up a few sub-clicks before you did. I just finished a preliminary check of the ship. All main power is depleted. We're operating on reserves only for life support and system monitors. Your vision will come back. Just give it a few moments.”

“Thanks, Mal-tor.” I keep my eyes closed; soon my vision is back to normal in a half-click. “Let's get the others to their beds and check on their vitals.”

“Yes, sir.”

Mal-tor and I walk to the other crewmen and pick them up and place them in their beds and turn on the monitors.

“Good, there is nothing wrong with them. They're just unconscious. Look at their eyes, Mal-tor.” I open an eyelid for Mal-tor to see. “The eyes are normal and clear.” Then I close the eyelid.

“Yes sir, that is a good sign.” My mind is telling me this world is very rare. I hope it's true what I think it is.

Soon an indicator starts beeping on the monitor. Mal-tor and I both look at the monitor. Mal-tor smiles, he then walks over to the other bed to check on the other crewman.

“Good, Tran is starting to come around. The awareness sensor is being activated.” I look down at Tran and see his eyes begin to flutter. “How do you feel?”

“Ughhh . . . What happened? How do I feel? I feel like I got ran over by a freight tram. Besides the room feels likes it’s spinning when I am trying to look around. But those white spots are blocking my vision.”

“That's normal. We experienced the same thing. Give yourself a moment and rest. Once your vision comes back and you’re feeling all right, go ahead check out the rest of the ship.”

“Yes, sir.”

Soon everybody is up and checking the scout ship out. Once satisfied, they come back in and sit at their stations.

“All right, let's turn on the monitors and the external sensors. We should still be behind the furthest moon.”

Once the display is turned on, they get the biggest surprise of all.

“How is this possible? It shows we're in a cave on the planet surface.”

At the cave entrance it shows on the 3-d monitors, three large creatures blocking the way out.

“Tark, I need a visual. Open the blast shields a little bit. I need to take a look.”

Tark opens the blast shields about a head width for Brin to look out. Soon one of the creatures sees the movement. He comes down in front of the window and snorts some fire and smoke at them. 'Fwooosh'!!!

“Agghh . . . Quick, fire weapons!” As Brin jumps back into his seat, wide eyed and with a cold sweat on the brow. “They're huge winged creatures that breathe fire!”

Tark closes the blast shields quickly.

“We can't fire, sir. I just checked the laser banks. They're discharged as well. The main engine power cells are discharged also,” verified by Mal-tor.

“Go inspect the hand-held weapons. We need to defend ourselves.”

Tark gets up and walks over to the weapon’s locker and check on the hand-held laser guns. That's odd, but these are discharged as well, including the spare packs. I better check the heavy ordinances to make sure. He walks back into the control room and sits down a few moments later. “I am sorry, sir. All of the hand-held laser guns are discharged, including the spare packs. The only weapons we have available are the small heavy ordinances.”

“Thank you, Tark. Sighs . . . We'll keep the ordinances there. We might need them to blow up the ship if we have to. Since they have not made any advances on us, we'll just have to remain calm.”

“Fortunately we’re on reserve power for now. But that is not enough to lift off or use the main laser weapons on board. We need sunlight to power the solar cells.”

“Brin, there is some sort of energy field around the ship. I cannot open the doors. We are sealed in.”

“What? How is that possible Tran? It can't be from those creatures out there. Someone must have put an E/M bubble around us.”

“Well whatever it is, it's not an E/M bubble. The sensor analysis is coming back blank, sir.”

“It’s coming back blank? That can't be, there must be . . . ”

“Sir, there is someone walking up and stopping in front of the ship.”

“Reopen the blast shields; let's see what these inhabitants look like.”

Tark opens the blast shields again. “There is just one, sir. Perhaps we can capture him to learn more about this planet.”

“That is an excellent idea, Tran. Once we learn what we can, we will turn him against the others on this planet.”

“Yes subterfuge has always been one of the best traits that we excel in. It allowed us to conquer the other worlds that were stubborn and tried to fight back.”

Once the being stopped, three more walk out from behind him and come up and stand shoulder to shoulder looking at the ship. Each one has a medallion around his neck and hanging down in front of their chest. The four crewmen cannot see their faces directly, because they are partially hidden by their hoods and the shadows in the cave.

“How did they do that, sir? My sensors only showed one of them.”

“I don't know Tran. But it must be some sort of trick or sleight of hand to do something like that.”

“Could they have cloaking capability?”

“Maybe Tran. Huh, what's this? Now what is happening?”

Then all four men raise their hands and face their palms toward the ship. Then they start speaking in a strange language.

“Arrggh . . . What is happening!” I put my hands to the sides of my head.

All four have their hands to the side of the head trying to relieve the pain. They're twisting and squirming in their chairs with their faces doing the same thing.

“They just asked me some questions in my head. They want to know who we are and why we have come.”

“Quick, shut them out. Remember our training.”

“I'm trying Brin. It's too strong . . . I feel like I am going to pass . . .”

Soon all four men slump in their chairs or fall to the floor unconsciously.

Mean while outside the small space ship.

“Did you find the key to open the door, Wizard Thaygard?”

“Yes I did, Wizard Eldwin. I was able to memory tap one of them. The door key uses a four-tone melody to open the door.”

“Good, please go and open the door, Thaygard.”

Thaygard walks over to the side of the ship. He puts his finger tips together as though he is holding a ball. He recites a short incantation. Soon a spherical misty blue ball appears in his hands. When a four-tone chime sounds out, the side door opens.

Master Eldwin creates a hole in the sealing spell at the door entrance with another spell.

Then four knights come walking in to assist with the delivery.

“Quickly, let's get them outside. We each take one and bring them to the designated castles and kingdoms. We need to split them up. Who knows what damage can be done if they are together.”

They bring them out and lay them on the ground. He recites the sealing spell to reseal the space craft and closes the door. He turns around to looks up at one of the dragons. “Thank you, Belgaron.”

“You're welcome , Master Wizard Eldwin. You should have seen his face when I snorted at him. He had a big surprise,” chuckling while smoke comes out of his nostrils.

Chuckling along with him, “Yes, that is good thinking, Belgaron. It will give them second thoughts who they are dealing with.”

“When will the Outside Helper come?”

“Richard arrived this morning. He will be here in two days to discover what he can inside the ship to help save our world.”

“That is good. We will keep the space craft whole and safe.”

“Be well, Belgaron and your clan.”

“You too, Wizard Eldwin.”

The four knights bend down to hold the hand of a captive. They put their other hand onto a wizard's shoulder. Then all four wizards recite their own transport spell and they all vanish with a captive each.

When Thaygard arrives at his King's castle with the prisoner, he sees there are four guards waiting for him. “He is unconscious. Quickly let's get him in one of the special holding cells.”

Two of the guards walk forward with a litter. They put it on the ground next to the captive and place him on it. The third guard opens the door. The fourth one walks out the door with the litter and two guards behind him. Walking behind the litter carried by the two guards is Thaygard. Then the fourth one closes the door. They all walk down the hallways and ramps, single file to several lower levels. They make a turn and see a guard at a door. He opens for the group to enter in.

Walking down the crystal lighted hallway, they see doors on the left-hand side with small windows. Beside each door is a small ledge. It’s big enough to hold a crystal sphere.

On the right-hand side they see some colored blocks in four corners. If connected, it would out line a door. To the right of this 'door' is a small ledge to hold a crystal sphere. One guard stands on the left side while the other one stands on the other side of the 'door'. Along the top seam at the wall and ceiling is a series of small square openings, this allows light and fresh air to come into the room, but these square openings are hidden inside the room. Inside the room is a mattress and a stoned carved bowl that only a half of it is set in the wall. In one corner of the room is a stone-carved box with a stone lid and a hole in the middle of it. It too is magical. It is the lavatory. If used, the prisoner's excrement goes to a special place to be burned. The spell on the box only accepts body waste, there is no way for someone to try to make an escape or put something else in there. The spell also detects any living being trying to do so. There is no other metal or wooden object in the room. All six sides are magically sealed.

The two guards holding the litter come to halt and put the litter on the floor of the hallway.

One of the guards by the door takes out a crystal sphere from his pocket and recites a short incantation and an image appears of the room inside. He places it on the small ledge.

Thaygard kneels down and places his hands outward, the remaining two guards place their hands on this shoulder. Then one of the guards places his other hand on the prisoner. Thaygard recites the transport spell and all four appear in the special holding room. The guards pick him up and lay him on the mattress.

Thaygard comes over and touches his head while he touches his own forehead. He recites a spell to read his mind and learn his language. He is amazed to find that there are two minds at war with each other. But one is louder than the other. The smaller voice is trying to be heard but is ignored and drowned out. But at least he heard his name.

“By the Twin Moons; I don't believe it.”

“What's wrong, Wizard Thaygard?”

“I sense two completely different voices. One is louder than the other. Hopefully the Outside Helper will help us in solving this puzzle. But I can tell you this, the man's name is Tran.”

The other guards nod their heads.

“Come let us leave him here. He has water in the basin. We will begin with that. Let me know, if he asks for solid food. There is a spell on the water basin to be replenished as he drinks from it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Thaygard walks over to the wall; the two guards follow and put their hands on his shoulder. He recites the transport spell and all three vanish and then reappear in the hallway with the other two guards.

“I know you four are on rotation in guarding the prisoner for the day. When the others come in for their shift at night, relay what you have seen and heard among yourselves if he does anything. Keep me, the Chamberlain, the Commanders and the King informed of any changes or situations. As I told them in there, the man's name is Tran.”

“Yes, sir.” The four knights reply at once.

“I am going to King Keltan now to inform him of the current situation.”

Two of the guards follow me back out while the other two remain stationed at the special holding room.

~~~000~~~

The Chamberlain leads us up some stairs and hallways. Soon we arrive at a door with the King's symbol on it. He opens the door to lead us in.

The room is the King and Queen's private library. The King is seen reading a book. The Queen is doing a sketch on an easel; the subject is a glass vase with flowers on a table. When done then she will paint a scene to go with it. In the room are several chairs and sofas. There are carpets and wall hangings to make the room quieter. There are several light crystals mounted on stands with shades to make the room more comfortable as well. The window is open to allow fresh air into the room.

“My Lord and Queen, Renard, Trianna and Richard are ready to talk to you.”

The King and Queen both look up as we walk into the room.

“Thank you, Drexton. Please help and bring some chairs in so that we are more comfortable.”

Drexton, Renard and I help in bringing in chairs from the wall and arrange them in a circle in front of the unlit fireplace.

Once we all sit down. Drexton leaves the room and closes the door.

“So what is this news you need to tell me, Richard?”

“My Lord . . . these words are a bit hard for me. It has been two moons since I saw you last.”

“We haven’t seen you for about a year now.”

“One moon ago, my parents and two brothers decided to take a vacation in the mountains. They were supposed to be driving to a small town where our family cabin is located. For some reason they decided to fly in an aircraft and land near the town that they have been going to for about twenty years. They thought they had clear weather approaching the runway. Then a thunderstorm rolled down the mountains unexpectedly. This sudden change in weather caused the plane to crash.”

All gasp and have tears going down their eyes, as well as mine. Renard and Trianna each take my hand. I look at them both and try to smile, they smile back.

“The worst happened. All perished on the plane. There was another twenty people on board as well.”

“At least they are with the Maker now. How are you holding up Richard?”

“As well as I can be expected, my Lady. I do miss them terribly. But that is not all my Lord.”

“Go on.”

“I received the call while in school about several weeks before the semester would end. I flew home to take care of the burial details. When reading the Will to see what my parents left me, we had a surprise video. That would be like the recording and replaying that message you gave me Renard to come here.”

Everyone nods to that.

“In the recording my parents told me that I have a complete set of female sex organs as well.”

The King and Queen gasp. “Oh my, how is that possible Richard?”

“It is known on my world that a small percentage of the population can get this condition. On my world we have more than three billion people. They're divided over the 150 countries. There are about six major skin color groups, from fair skin to dark skin. But the languages can be just as varied among the countries. So, with that many people, there are variations among us. Generally we are male and female like everyone else.”

“How do you find agreement among such diversities?”

“It is very slow going. First is finding someone who can speak in multiple tongues. There are some who could speak in seven tongues. Then there is the understanding the different cultures. Like here for instance; I have to be careful what I say or it will get misunderstood. Then that person could be angry at me for my ignorance.”

“That is very true here on our world. I can only imagine the way it was for our ancestors when they tried to bring peace to our world. The last war we had was with our great grandfathers.”

“Yes, but I don't want to bring our problems here to have it multiplied again and again.”

“So what happened after you discovered your dual gender?”

“Well, I was examined by our doctors. They told me everything is fine. The female side is in quiet mode. I must keep myself from being injured severely in the groin, then it’s possible they can get turned on. The size is smaller than normal with my age. Also, the vaginal opening is currently closed.”

“Then you would experience a great inner conflict of emotions?”

“That is right, my Lady. But I need to remain calm and have a clear head. I try very hard to keep from getting stressed out. I get enough stress from my studies in school. It doesn't need to be compounded with my other self.”

“When do you think they knew you were special?”

“That's a good question. They first learned when I was about six years old.”

“You mean they did not know this when you were born?”

“No, they did not. The doctor at my birth kept it hidden from my parents. They were just as surprised as anyone else.”

“So what happened for them to discover the other self?”

“Do you remember the story I told you about the bullies when I was younger and walking a girl home from school?”

“I do. Were Renard and Trianna helpful in dealing with this memory?”

“Yes my Lord. They are like true friends that I can count on. After talking it over with them when I was here last, they gave me some pointers so that I can deal with it.”

“That is good to hear.”

“Yes, I was able to go to my college's health center and seek some more help. It turns out that their advice was practically the same thing that Renard and Trianna suggested. Just find some friends to talk about it. Once talked out, don't dwell on the pain itself, accept that it happened, it was not your fault and move on.”

“Do you need a short sleep spell? I sense the loss of your family has really affected you.”

“It has. It has made it tough to find people to talk to sometimes. When I get back to my world, I will be staying in our family mountain cabin. I'm going to be with several friends there for the next three moons. So, that part will be taken care of. However there is some good news concerning those four boys who hurt me a long time ago.”

“What is it?”

“About twenty days ago or so, those four boys showed up to hurt me again.”

“I don't see you hurt.”

“No, Renard. In fact, Josh formed a gang after that first time. After twelve years or so, nine men and three women showed up. Josh claimed he wanted to hurt me again. So, the original four thought they could beat me up. Do you remember what I did to those four knights in Evenshard?”

Everybody smiles upon remembering that incident.

“I remember it very well, Richard.”

“Well, I did the same thing to them.”

“Hopefully, they learned the lesson, Richard.”

“I hope so my King. Josh who is the leader came after me with a knife. I was able to defend myself, disarm him and break his finger in the process.”

“That's good, Richard.”

“I did a new move on Josh. I applied pressure point hits on his limbs. This caused his limbs to shake uncontrollably. While that was going on, the three women kicked him in the groin. He lost his testicles.”

“Ouch, I'm sure he is having nightmares.”

“I hope so, my King. Then the police showed up and arrested the entire gang. Hopefully, I won't hear from them for a long time.”

“That's good. You knew you needed help. Now that you are here to help us; let us help you to take a short nap to clear your mind.”

“Yes, I'm ready.” I close my eyes and draw in some big breaths and expel the air slowly. Once I feel the heart beat go slower, I nod my head. “I'm ready, Trianna.” I open my eyes and I see smiling faces from everyone. I smile as well.

“Walk over to the sofa and lie down.”

I get up and walk over to the sofa and lie down. I close my eyes.

Trianna comes up and raises her hands over me. Her left hand is above my head; her right hand is above my stomach area. She recites the sleep spell.

Soon I am asleep. In my dreams there are good memories of seeing my family and friends. I see myself doing things that I've done in the past. I even dreamed that I would see Brianna again someday.

After sleeping for a few marks, I slowly wake up. I look around and see no one there. They must be elsewhere, but nearby if I need help. But then I realize I am not alone in the room. Sitting on the arm of the sofa is a fairy. I remember her; she was one of the fairies who came to the meeting this morning. In fact she sat on my shoulder.

She smiles at me as I wake up.

“Good afternoon.” I try to smile.

“Good afternoon to you too, Richard,” She gives a big smile.

“I am a little surprised to see you here. Do you have a name? You have the prettiest amber color for eyes.”

“We have names for ourselves, but they are hard to say in your language. But I like the color name you just said. What is it again?”

“Amber.”

“Yes, you can call me Amber.”

“Thank you.”

“Well I was perplexed most of the day after I sat on your shoulder this morning.”

“How is that?”

“I sensed a beginning of a new spirit within you.”

“A new spirit? What kind of spirit, Amber?”

“I couldn't tell because your male spirit is very loud.” She smiles and gives a giggle.

“My male spirit is loud? What was it trying to hide?” I give a weak smile guessing where this is going.

“I think it was trying to hide a female spirit that will come forth someday. But, I thought to myself. How is this so? Can a human being have two gender spirits? I went to Avel after wards and we talked some about Earth’s past.”

“Avel told me to come back to the castle and meet Trianna. She has the insight into this question.”

“You met Trianna here at the castle?”

“Yes, I met her in the garden area about two marks ago. Trianna and I talked for about a mark. She explained to me your uniqueness.”

“So what do you think of it?”

“Well it does make you special.” She smiles at me.

“How so? I don't even know where to begin in understanding it.”

“Maybe not now, but you will someday. Is this condition rare on your world?”

“To a degree yes, percentage wise that is. Our world has many people, more than three billion people. It is usual for it to happen. But there are certain countries and people who accept it and some do not.”

“That is sad to hear. But, I am very glad you are here, because the Maker sent you to help save our world. So that makes you extra special.”

“Thanks, Amber. For that reason I will do my best in helping here. I guess someday I will need help when the time comes.”

“We all need help at one time or another. Does your world have an Outside Helper?”

“I don't think they do. First they think they're the only ones in the universe. There were instances of previous outside contacts, but they could not be proven. Some people are searching the cosmos to determine if Earth is alone or not using very strong . . . hmm . . . Seeing Stones. But, right now if you were to show up, I think you would be locked away in a cage and not be seen again. You would be asked questions, tested and probed. You would not like the experience.”

“I'm sure I wouldn't. I remembered Avel telling us you had First Ones on your world at one time.”

“We did. We even had wizards and magic at one time. But the Maker removed the magic because it was being abused for the wrong reasons. But they were so long ago; they are just myths and legends now. There are still reports of hidden First Ones in some of our deep waters and forests. If there is any left, they are hidden from our eyes. Now that I’m looking at you and the First Ones here; I know some of them came here.”

She smiles and her eyes brighten up, “Well, that is good to know.” She flies over and hovers in front of me and nearly touches my nose with hers. She then flies around me three times and then sits on my shoulder. “Everything will be all right. I know you miss your family. Think of us as your extended family and friends.”

“Thank you. I already consider you all as my extended family. I guess it will take some time now that I know about my other self.”

“Think of it as you need both sides to complete you.”

“That's a nice thought. I will keep that in mind, Amber.”

“You’re welcome, Richard. When you get some free time after this crisis please, come into the forest and we'll give you our biggest thanks.”

“Thank you. But I need to concentrate on the problem first. Right now I need to get ready for the trip to King Keltan's Kingdom. Renard and Trianna are planning a big day for me tomorrow to get me acclimated to your world.”

Then the door opens to the chamber and my hosts walk in. I get up and walk over to them. Amber flies off my shoulder and hovers nearby.

“I’m glad to see you're awake now, Richard. How are you feeling, any better?”

“Yes my Lord. I’m much better. Thank you for the rest. It helped me to relax my body, soul and spirit.”

“You’re welcome, Richard. We know you carry an extra burden, but remember you have friends here to help you.”

“Yes, I will remember that.”

“Come, it is time for the evening repast. Renard and Trianna will need to get you ready for the trip tomorrow. You will be leaving very early in the morning at the beginning of the fourth watch tomorrow night. They're about four marks ahead of us to the East.”

“Well, I need to get bed early then. I am not exactly a good morning person.”

They all chuckle, “Well we'll make sure you get enough sleep. You will need it after we are done with you tomorrow.”

“Gee thanks, Renard, I think.”

They all laugh some more.

“Can Amber come and watch me? She helped me put some issues into perspective.”

The King looks over at Amber hovering nearby and smiling. “Yes she can. She can help in relaying some news to the First Ones.”

Amber smiles again and gleefully spins around and dances in the air around all of us. “Thank you, King Tierion and Richard.”

“You're welcome. Come let us gather to partake of the evening meal.”

We all leave the room and walk down to the main hall. We soon enter in the dining room and see a long table set up for us.

“Chef, please set a space for Amber the Fairy here. She is joining us this evening.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

The Chef proceeds to bring out a small draped table that is the same height as the main table. On the table is the same stone-carved seat that was used this morning. Also, a glass of water is placed there with a plate and a napkin for her size.

Soon we all take our places with the King at the head of the table. Renard gives Thanks to the Maker for providing great fellowship and the bounty of the harvest. The conversations are freely given as we eat. I heard the latest news in the Kingdom and around the world. I was even asked to give the latest news from my world. The food is fabulous and very delicious. It was just like the noon meal. It is amazing to see Amber eat all that food. But I guess being a Fairy you do burn a lot of energy.

Afterward we watch the Sun Setting. It is gorgeous as the colors change and swirl around us. They are just like ones on earth in some ways. But the color schemes in the air are different because of the Ethereal Space. They reminded me of the Aurora Borealis on Earth. I was told the last time I was here that the Ethereal Space is generated from within the planet, but it is the Twin Moons that creates the boundary space limits as they circle the planet. The Twin Moons help concentrates the Ethereal Space to make it more sensitive. This is what allowed the First Ones and Master Eldwin to detect the intruder so quickly.

“If I remember from your stories last time; you have these types of light shows’ as well Richard?”

“We do my Lady, but ours are weaker and only found near the northern and southern poles of our planet. The only time they get lit up is if the sunspot activity is high enough and emits enough solar matter out into space. When it reaches our world, the magnetic field will display these lights as it gets charged. That's the scientific explanation. They have been seen for thousands of years. But there is no magic created from it. The people would create fantastic stories surrounding them. Some of the stories became myth and legends that it is the gods who created them. Some people associated magic with it. But again, The Maker made sure it did not contain any magic. If it did, He removed it before that beauty became abused.”

“So with the magic removed, you have to create mechanical marvels to do certain tasks?” He was just confirming what I told him the last time for the benefit of the others.

“Yes Renard, but it was not always so. We started out with moving goods via horse and cart. But it was very slow. It would take months to traverse one of our bigger continents. Bridges were built to span the most difficult obstacles. Eventually water craft was invented to sail in boats. That helped shorten the time to travel around the world and the rivers. Countries were no longer isolated. Those modes of transport remained the standards for several thousands of years. It was not until the last five hundred years that mechanical marvels were started and being created. Electricity was discovered in relation to the lightning storm. More and more knowledge were added. But it came with a price. Our life expectancy has doubled in five hundred years. Understanding our bodies and using medicine to prolong life caused our population to boom. It is common now to live close to ninety years. Fortunately our max age limit is about 120 years if you live right and take care of the body.”

“I take it your world had its ugly share of wars and battles.”

“Yes, many lives were lost over the centuries. I am talking millions of people. Nations were conquered and disappeared over time. But then those countries and nations would collapse from their own internal problems or get conquered by another group of people when they became weak. But the knowledge also created more weapons that became more devastating for a particular generation. I am surprised that we all have survived this long. There are still some groups who hate other groups. There are still some who want to conquer the world. But there is always a check and balance to keep one humble. Some see it. Some don't. Some recognize the Maker. Some don't. Some follow imaginary gods without realizing they don't exist. That has been going on for thousands of years. We had a major reduction in our population starting about eighty years ago. In a span of thirty years our population went from seven billion to 3.5 billion people, my King.”

“What happened?”

“Well it was a combination of several factors. But you could say it pointed to the Maker to get our attention. We had several major natural disasters with earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, etc. That occurred more than thirty years. That reduced the population by the millions directly. The worst loss in life came from diseases and famine, especially associated with the wars and the natural disasters afterward. That reduced the population the quickest. Most of those deaths occurred in poor countries with their large populations. There were some diseases that became very strong and spread around the world quickly. It took years before it tapered off with advances in medicine to find the cures.”

“It is incredible, Richard, how the Maker shaped your world over the centuries. Obviously He is not done in bringing your world to an alliance like we have with other star systems.”

“Yes, my Lord. Until we solve our own problems, we are not ready to join an alliance such as yours. It has been dreamed on our world by some people with the vision. But it will take time. When? I do not know.”

“We have talked enough Richard. The stars have come out. You will need a good night sleep for tomorrow.”

“Yes my Lord. Good night, King Tierion. Have a good night, my Lady.”

“Good night, Richard.”

Renard and I walk to our rooms. Amber follows Trianna to her room.

Renard and I disrobe and put on the night shirts provided in the drawers of the dressers. Then we get ourselves cleaned up before going to bed. I take the gift items out of my satchel and put them in a drawer.

“Good night, Renard.”

“Good night, Richard. Remember to stay calm and clear headed. It will go easier tomorrow.”

“Thanks for everything and the hospitality. Thank you for being a good friend as well.”

“You're welcome, Richard. That is what friends are for; to help each another. See you in the morning.”

“Good night, Renard.”

“Good night, Richard.”

Soon we fall asleep in the comfort of King Tierion's Thryson Castle. All is safe for now. Tomorrow begins the task of being prepared for the challenges ahead to help save their world.