Day 11

Tẽra Trazzie barely slept. The image of all the dead bodies and the smell haunted her dreams. General Nathan’s simple ‘your enemies have the stomach to kill’ played over and over. She wondered how many people had died because of her? Her mind was plagued and she wished she had someone to talk to, someone who knew the truth and she could bounce things off of them. She wished Nikki hadn’t gone hiking in the mountains and that she was there. Able to save the day like in the jungle.

Tẽra got up and paced the floor. She had no idea how many people would be arriving and if enough rooms were prepared for them.

She bathed and dressed and went to check on the wounded.

Sugar was awake and doing stretches.

“Who are you?” Sugar asked uninterested.

“I am the one who sent for a healer to help you. I also had you brought here.”

“How do you speak English?” Sugar asked, she stopped doing stretches.

“I am from earth like you. Since the queen is missing, I am now acting queen and I plan to bring peace to this land.”

Sugar laughed.

“You crazy girlie, playing queen.” She laughed again “How have they not seen right through you?”

“I can speak their vernacular?” Tẽra said unimpressed by Sugar.

“I walked in here and killed the queen’s tigers and took the queen hostage. I was indeed surprised to wake up in the castle alive and not tied down. But now I see what happened. When I took the queen, you took her place and so no one knew what I had done. So that is why I am alive, but it doesn’t explain why I am here?” Sugar pieced together.

“Joe told me about you. I am looking for a way back to earth and so I was planning to offer everyone from earth a roll in the castle until a way home is found. Including you.” Tẽra said.

“You trust me not to just kill you and use your head as a way out of here?” Sugar said.

Tẽra looked concerned for a moment.

“Yes, I do. If you were going to kill me you would have. Also, I believe you are a loyal true woman who wants to go home. Work for me, help me. Not matter what you decide you are a free woman. I will not hold you captive. But if you leave and a way home is found, how will I find you to tell you?” Tẽra asked.

Sugar smiled. “I see why they believe you are queen even without the cruelty the real queen has. You speak with authority and you are a good spokeswoman. I also think they choose to believe you are the queen because you are nicer.”

“The queen Tiffany didn’t let anyone look at her, so it was easy no one could tell I wasn’t her. I told everyone I have decided to honor my father’s memory after an assassination attempt on my life was made and the chamber maid who raised the queen agreed to help me as long as I don’t harm the real queen once she is found.”

“Neat!” Sugar said “You really got everyone going.”

“It is nice to know what happened to Tiffany. Is she still alive?” Tẽra asked.

“I think so, I fell ill and I can’t tell you want happened, or where I was. But I remember a kind man feeding me soup and cleaning my wounds that magically disappeared.” Sugar laughed “I thought Joe would have told you what happened to the real queen. She was here last night.”

“Apparently that is part of the Mystic Healers abilities. Even scars from long ago can disappear. An earth girl Fiona has befriended one and he healed you.” Tẽra said “I have not seen Joe this morning.”

“Earth girl getting it on with an alien? How…”

Tẽra interrupted “They are not getting it on.”

Sugar didn’t seem to be convinced but she dropped it.

“So, what do you want me to do while you find a way home?”

“Teach my army to fight.” Tẽra answered “I heard you and Joe killed fifty of the queen’s men. Teach only men loyal to me, teach the people from earth and teach me. So, we can defend ourselves.”

Sugar pondered this.

“No cleaning, not laundry, just teach people to fight? I will take it.” She added “I like you, queenie.”

“Not queenie. No one can know I am from earth. I have delegates arriving today for a peace conference tomorrow.”

“Who can understand me?” Sugar asked shrugging.

“There is a tribe that can know everything you know with a kiss. One of them is running around the castle. He kissed an earth girl and now he speaks English and bit of Spanish he also knows everything she knew at the time he kissed her.”

“That’s cool… and creepy!” Sugar said.

“He has lilac eyes and white, paper white hair he may not kiss you. Oh, please don’t kill anyone, especially from earth.” Tẽra said.

She walked over to Chris’ bed. He was sleeping away. He was chained to the bed as no one trusted him.

“This one” Tẽra said to Sugar “Sold Rachael as a slave, she got a branded by the slave traders. She has been having a really hard time since. Angry and self-destructive. Do not free him without my say so.”

“So basically, everyone must do as you say when you say?” Sugar asked.

“Yes, others opinions are appreciated but I am the queen and what I say goes.” Tẽra checked Sugar out “Is that doing to be a problem?” Tẽra asked.

“Nope.” Sugar said “But where is Joe?”

“You may not kill her or fight with her. I don’t care what happened on earth let’s work together to get home.” Tẽra said.

“What if we never got home?” Sugar asked.

“Then you are friends with the queen.” Tẽra stated.

Servants were now getting up and starting their work. Tẽra looked out the window. She hoped they would get home and that the lost heir was real but she couldn’t rely on it. She needed to ensure a possible life for herself and everyone else. She had a chance to make a difference in a world on a world-wide scale.

Tẽra found General Nathan in the kitchen.

“General” Tẽra greeted.

“My queen” he replied “A messenger has been sent out to call Zazo back to the castle without Black Beard’s head.”

“Thank you General.” Tẽra said.

“My queen what will happen if they kill you tomorrow?”

“That will not happen. You don’t need to worry, I am protected.”

General Nathan tried to smile but he seemed worried.

Tẽra checked on the rooms and the preparation being done to make them ready for the honored guests. Fifty-seven rooms had been prepared. Tẽra instructed them to prepare more. A hundred rooms needed to be ready. Food and bedding baths and more. Tẽra then checked on the stables. All the stalls which could be prepared were. But Tẽra didn’t think it would be enough.

“My queen” a stable boy said looking at the floor “Please do not be angry that I dared to speak to you.”

“On go say what you want.” Tẽra permitted.

“Have you planned for the dragons?” he asked.

Tẽra looked at everyone in the stables.

“How does anyone prepare for dragons?”

No one answered.

“Speak up!” she moaned.

“My queen we have an enclosure for the gogobeasts. But we have nothing for dragons.”

Tẽra looked at them all.

“How many dragons are expected?” she asked.

“Three maybe four” the boy spoke up.

“What do we need so we can hold dragons safely?” She asked.

They looked at each other.

“We don’t know how to keep dragons.” One finally said.

“Neither do I. Is there someone who does know that we can sent for?” Tẽra asked.

They looked back and forth.

“Maybe the crazy lady down in the hollow. But it is possible she just says she kept dragons because she is crazy.”

Tẽra left the stable, she was on her way to find General Nathan when she saw a group of five people getting lined up for an execution.

“What is this?” Tẽra demanded.

The executioner looked at the floor.

“My queen, this is the morning execution. The dungeon is full.”

“Who decided these people were to be executed?” Tẽra demanded.

“You my queen, if a prisoner has been in the dungeon fourteen days he is to be beheaded.”

Hodge was there recording.

Tẽra marched over.

“Why did you not tell me about this?”

“It is impossible for me to tell you everything that is why you asked to read the records.” Hodge defended himself.

“There will be no execution day. Today we prepare for the peace conference.” She ordered.

“We have prepared a group of twenty thieves and murderers for an execution tomorrow to open the peace conference.” The executioner said hoping this would make the queen happy.

“There will be no executions during the peace conference. Not one without my say so.” Tẽra barked.

She was angry that people were being beheaded and she didn’t even know about it.

“How many people have been killed this week?” Tear asked.

“Thirty-five my queen excluding all Black Beards men that were killed in the castle yesterday.” The executioner said.

Tẽra anger was obvious. A prisoner reached out and touched her arm.

“Spare me” she pleaded.

Before Tẽra knew what had happened the executioner took off her head. Blood sprayed and some splashed on Tẽra’s face.

Tẽra wiped the blood with her finger.

There was silence like death as everyone held their breath.

Then the executioner’s assistant ran him through with a sword. The big man slumped over and bled out.

“We apologise my queen. Shall I behead all these to pacify your anger?” the executioner’s assistant, now the new executioner asked.

“No!” Tẽra said “No more executions.”

Natrica Woods was walking in the courtyard when she saw what was happening. She saw Tẽra wipe blood from her face and the big guy get killed.

She ran down the stairs and hurried to Tẽra. But by the time she got there Tẽra was in no mood for company.

“Are you ok?” Natrica asked.

“No! No, I am not. But that doesn’t matter as I have a peace conference and no were to put the dragons.” Tẽra paused and walked quickly.

“Thirty-five people have been beheaded this week alone that I didn’t know about and that doesn’t include Joe and her murdering spree.”

Tẽra wiped the rest of the blood off her face.

“Natrica I can’t do this. I can’t stay on top of everything. I don’t even how what everything is.”

Once they were on the stairs and no one could see them. Natrica hugged Tẽra and held her tight.

“You are going to make me cry.” Tẽra said trying to pull away.

“No, not done yet. It’s ok to cry.” Natrica said.

So, Tẽra cried quietly on Natrica’s shoulder. She wiped her eyes and straightened up.

“How bad do I look?” Tẽra asked.

“Bad.” Natrica answered.

“We will get you to your room without anyone seeing you.” Natrica reassured.

Natrica took her scarf and wrapped it around Tẽra’s head and part of her face.

“I feel silly.” Tẽra said.

“No one will know it is you.”

So Natrica walked Tẽra to her room. Were a bath had been poured for her and a selection of jewellery laid out on her dressing table.

“You are a better queen then the one they had. It will take time to fix a broken country. But you can do it.” Natrica encouraged.

Otchulissa ran over to Tẽra and wanted to get picked up.

“Even animals know you have a good heart.” Natrica added.

Natrica went to the dining hall. For the first time she realized there were three dining halls. One for royals, one for soldiers and one for others. Kitchen servants ate in the kitchen.

Hannah came over

“I think an outfit to greet the delegates would be appropriate and I have put out a few ideas. They could arrive at any time. If one gets dirty another of your choice will be ready. Tiffany’s mother’s crown has also been put out and other options too.”

“Thank you, Hannah.” Tẽra said “I have heard that the queen Tiffany is alive but no one has said where.”

“Wring it out of them.” Hannah said.

“They have already told me everything they know. Patience is required. I just wanted you to know she is alive and I will not harm her as we agreed.”

“Thank you.” Hannah said remembering her place.

* * *

Josephina Jujitsu got up and did her morning warm up. She watched Rosaleighm sleep, it was nice to see her so peaceful. The child slept at Joe’s feet every night. Soon the child would just be climbing into the bed. At this point Joe didn’t mind.

Joe woke Rosaleighm and they went to bath. Joe liked the bath under the castle. The hot springs that no one seemed to know about except for a few servants. That were born in the castle.

Rosaleighm was getting over her fear of water. If Joe was in the water, then Rosaleighm would get in but if Joe was not in the water, she didn’t want to get in.

Joe got dressed as a warrior and she liked how well they made her clothes. Rosaleighm had a similar outfit which she wore as if she was a warrior. Joe kept her knives and her sword in the sheaves made for them on her person. She was going to be Tẽra’s body guard for the peace conference. Zazo had not yet returned and so that meant Joe was it. Even if Zazo had returned Joe was the more skilled killer and even though no one said it she knew it.

Rosaleighm stood in front of the mirror. Then she looked at Joe. She wrapped her arms around her hugging her as tightly as her under nourished body could. Joe hugged her back.

Spice knocked on the door.

“Come in” Joe called.

Spice slowly opened the door.

“What is it?” Joe asked.

Spice had been learning the language and she was a quick learner. But even so they still used arms and gestures to communicate.

Spice was all dressed in a blue dress that had black embroidery on it. Pretty flowers decorated her dress.

‘Come with me’ Spice gestured.

Joe followed her to the sick room. The bodies had been piled up in the corner the day before.

Sugar was out of bed exercising.

“What’s up stranger?” she asked.

“Your better!?” Joe was surprised.

“Queenie said you gave me a shining recommendation and got me a job in the castle. Unexpected but thanks”

“I think Tẽra read between the lines and added to my words.” Joe replied.

Sugar stopped and stood in front of Joe.

“White flag until we are back on earth?” she extended her hand.

Joe looked at it then grabbed her forearm in a hand shake of agreement.

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“What job did Tẽra give you?” Joe asked.

“Training the troops.” Sugar replied.

Joe smiled.

“Remember to make sure you don’t teach them how to beat you.” Joe said.

“This is Spice she is the castle doctor, and this is Rosaleighm.” Joe introduced.

“Yeah, I remember Spice she was hovering when that guy healed me. So, when do I get to meet everyone else from earth and have someone explain how I am not on earth?” Sugar asked.

“We don’t know how we got here, but here we are in Chayim and it’s another planet, world, whatever you want to call it, and as for meeting everyone I think breakfast is the only real meeting place. There are fixed times for food, don’t miss it.”

“Food, I could eat.” Sugar walked out the door.

They went to have breakfast, Joe sat down. Everyone came in over the next five minutes.

Tẽra addressed them all.

“If someone speaks English and you do not know them do not engage. We do not know if someone will use this peace conference to spy on my kingdom. No one can know we are not from here. Let me know and I will investigate if you hear any earth languages.”

“So, we just walk around and say nothing?” Sugar asked.

“For now, yes.” Tẽra replied.

Tẽra asked the servants “Has James and Kerri–liana returned yet?”

She found out that they hadn’t but the blue birds she had ordered to be sent where on their way and should arrive at the famers later that day. James’ letter to her was clear, he was very diligent in recording things.

Keimoni entered the room

“My queen, may I join this table to eat?” he requested.

“Who’s that?” Sugar asked.

“Keimoni, don’t let him kiss you.” Joe said.

“Yes, you may.” Tẽra answered Keimoni.

Keimoni sat next to Rachael. He gave Joe a death stare.

“Made friends already” Sugar jested.

Everyone glared at her and the silence was deafening.

“I will send clothes for all of you. Please wear the clothes I send you. Your clothes project your status and will allow you access to me. Please be on your best behavior. This needs to work. If it fails, we will not have the time or resources to find a way home.”

Tẽra took a deep breath

“I have decided to marry the prince of the dragon Riders to ensure this peace. I gave three days for an heir to found and no one has come forth. So, I will do what I need to do to ensure our safety and a chance for the rest of you to go home. Also, Keimoni is giving a lesson on proper greetings for each tribe. Learn it well.”

“I am?” Keimoni asked.

Tẽra looked at him

“I am.” He said again with assurance.

Tẽra had Otchulissa sitting with her on her lap while having breakfast.

“You don’t have to marry for us.” Natrica spoke up.

“I have asked all the advisors and they all believe the peace conference will fail. When I asked if a marriage would increase the chance for success, they said it would be a sure thing if I married the prince of the Dragon Rider’s. So that, I will do.”

“What if he is a horrible man, who tries to kill you once you give him a son?” Natrica asked.

“That is a risk I will have to take.” Tẽra replied.

“What if he is dog ugly and old?” Rachael asked.

“If you have a better idea that will bring peace I am listening.” Tẽra opened the floor to suggestion.

But no one had any ideas. They all sat there looking at one another in silence.

After everyone had eaten, Joe went with Tẽra and Rosaleighm followed. Everyone else gather in Natrica’s dance studio.

Keimoni taught them how to greet a prince and his wife. A princess and all other royals.

Then Sugar was shown to her room by Rachael.

“What happened yesterday?” Sugar asked.

Rachael looked around.

“I’ll tell you inside.” She replied.

So, they entered Sugar’s room. There Rachael explained that Joe went crazy protecting her peasant friend and killed anyone who was loyal to the man who escaped the dungeon and wanted to hurt Natrica. Rachael mentioned how Joe killed women, children and men, forty-six in all. Any who might give Black beard information, and then how she cut off Keimoni ear and made him help her find out who was loyal to the escaped prisoner. But Ranger healed Keimoni so he still has an ear. Sugar found this very interesting.

Natrica found Rachael in the entertaining hall.

“I am sorry about yesterday, hitting you and saying those horrible things.” Natrica said.

Rachael looked her up and down.

Keimoni came in.

“I am glad you are alright. I am sorry you went through that.” Natrica said to him.

He knew Natrica was.

“I accept your apology. You are not the one who hurt anyone, and I know you didn’t want harm to come to anyone.”

Natrica smiled at him. She was also wearing a blue dress like Spice was wearing. Rachael was also wearing one.

“Nice dress.” Keimoni said.

“Really?! It’s the same as all the other women like we are all part of dance team or a sad movie.” Rachael moaned.

“Then wear something else.” Keimoni prompted.

“My dresses for the show tomorrow are lovely and different.” Natrica said “I am going to fetch them now, we can do a last practice in then.” Natrica went to fetch the clothes leaving Rachael and Keimoni alone.

Rachael was tempted to change her clothes but after seeing Tẽra last night she decided to just keep the ugly uniform dress.

“I don’t want Tẽra to be more stressed, we agreed to help lighten her burdens so if wearing a uniform makes her happy, I’ll do it.” Rachael said.

“I am surprised.” Keimoni said “I thought you wouldn’t do it.”

“If you are going to be a bad influence you need to leave.” Rachael glared at him.

Keimoni brought his hand out from behind his back, holding a lilac flower. He gave it to her.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“For you.” He replied.

“Why?”

“To make you happy.” He replied.

Rachael smiled. She was tempted to make a kiss me and die remark but it seemed in bad taste.

So, she kissed his check instead.

Making eye contact she moved close as if she was going to kiss him again, but then she whispered in his ear.

“That will never happen again”

“We will see about that.” He replied pulling her in close so close their noses touched.

Chase the Lovac came in. He looked at them with disgust.

“I was hoping to have an audience with the queen.” He said.

“Why are you here again?” Keimoni asked.

“I am representing the Lovac tribe at the peace conference. My name is Chase.” He replied.

Keimoni saw an opportunity.

“Please come with me. We will have you settled in a room and presented before the queen.”

“Finally.” Chase said arrogantly.

Keimoni organized him chambers suitable for a representative of a tribe. Then Keimoni organized a bath, and clothes for Chase so he didn’t look so… unkempt when he went before the queen.

Unknown to Chase the Lovac people sobered up and sent the oldest among them to represent the Lovac tribe.

Tẽra greeted Namir and Melisande the ambassadors for the Lovac tribe. Joe stood at Tẽra’s side saying nothing but the greeting for the ambassador.

They were taken to the room prepared for the Lovac tribe and found Chase the boy who hadn’t returned laying on their bed.

“What are you doing here?” Namir asked annoyed.

“I am representing our tribe in the peace conference tomorrow with Autumn the woman who saved us all from dying in the mines.” Chase replied even more annoyed.

“Where is Autumn?” Melisande asked.

“She is busy.” Chase said.

“Well four of us can’t be representing out tribe. So, who will it be?” Namir asked.

“Autumn” Chase said coldly. He added “You both can be her help.”

“What are you?” they asked angry at that remark.

“The lover!” he sneered.

“So that also makes you the help.” Namir stated.

Chase was offended and since he and Autumn has not bonded, he was hoping his lie would not come out and bite him.

“She made me her second, and if for some reason she is not available to speak I will speak for our people.” He said.

Tẽra and Joe stayed near the main gate. So that if Tẽra was needed to meet and greet she was nearby.

Tẽra had worries that the stabled would not be sufficient so she sent someone to hire a nearby stable and prepare it for just in case.

The next group of delegates arrived from the village Fish.

Tẽra went and greeted Prince Nix and his wife Brook the heirs to the royal seat in the Tskhali tribe dwelling in the village Fish.

Then Fen and Rain were their bodyguards and Kawthar the advisor.

Tẽra hid her look of strangeness about their blue hair. Their skin was a golden brown and their eyes were blue.

She had them escorted to their rooms. Each room was assigned a servant to see to the needs of the occupants.

“Two tribes, many more to go.” Tẽra said.

“I wonder if it is normal to send your son and not come yourself?” Tẽra pondered out loud.

It was mid-afternoon when Zazo arrived back at the castle with Autumn and Lakisha alive.

Tẽra’s face lit up.

“You are alive. I was told you were dead by my men sent to find you. James will be so happy.” Tẽra exclaimed.

“My queen, why have you called me to return to the castle when I have not found Black Beard?” Zazo asked.

“Zazo, I need you here and Joe killed everyone loyal to Black beard in the castle forty-six people. It was horrible.”

“My queen so many loyal to another, I can only imagine what you must have gone through.” He replied.

Tẽra remembered that she couldn’t just tell Zazo that it was the killing that bothered her.

“I want you in the castle by my side.” Tẽra said putting up her brave face.

“Yes, my queen” Zazo said comforted that he had not failed her.

He then stood just in sight but not in the way.

“What was that?” Lakisha asked.

“You can hear all about me, after you tell me what happened to you?” Tẽra said to Lakisha.

Autumn cleared her throat.

“My queen, about our arrangement. Land for my people.”

“I have already looked at land for your people and there is land in the north that has jungle and plains which your people may have. But are you not representing your people in the peace conference tomorrow?” Tẽra asked.

“I wasn’t planning to.” Autumn said.

“Is that why Namir and Melisande are here?” Tẽra asked.

“Who?” Autumn asked.

Autumn was annoyed that her people had sent someone else to represent them.

“I will represent my people.” Autumn said.

“I am glad to hear it.” Tẽra said.

She had a servant take Autumn to her room. Which she was sharing with three other people.

“You seem busy, you really have become queen.” Lakisha said “Where is James?” she asked.

Tẽra explained the bug problem and how James and Kerri-liana had gone to find a solution and how James had found one. She also told her that she had sent guards to bring James and Kerri–liana home safely.

“So, what happened to you?” Tẽra asked.

So, Lakisha explained her story.

She had been chased by a man and she tried to swim across the river to get away from him but instead he chased her more. But the river was too strong so she couldn’t cross instead she went over a huge waterfall and drowned. But a boy with blue hair that glowed and shine that shone pushed air into her lungs and brought her back. He then took her to a city that hovered above the swamp water. He gave her food and clothes and his parents let her stay. He taught her new words and played with her hair. It was odd that when he was dry his skin was golden brown but when he was wet it shimmered like fish scales and his face, hands, shoulders and hair would glow and created enough light to see even under swamp water. But then she was sent away with this woman who dragged her alone by the arm everywhere.

“My arm really hurts” Lakisha complained.

“Who are you?” Lakisha asked Joe.

“I am protecting Tẽra during the peace conference. Her personal bodyguard.”

“I was asking for your name. I don’t think we have met.” Lakisha said.

“I am Joe, we have met on the way to the castle remember, when we met Autumn.” Joe reminded.

“Joe is a man’s name, what is your full name?” Lakisha asked.

Joe just gave her a look.

“Don’t poke the bear.” Tẽra said quietly to Lakisha.

Tẽra had food served in all three dining halls for each rank. Tẽra however had food brought to her in the garden. She didn’t feel like being asked questions. Her nerves were eating her already. Zazo and Joe sat with her and ate.

A commotion in the courtyard got everyone moving. Tẽra saw dragons in the sky coming in for a landing.

Her heart pounded.

Joe felt that maybe she was not a good enough bodyguard anymore. She had never slain a dragon.

They presented themselves to the ambassador.

Tẽra greeted Prince Drake the first-born son heir to the throne on the dragon riders. Then Yair.

“You have brought an army. Are you expecting to fight?” Tẽra asked.

“My queen, this is just a traveling party.”

The prince was nice to look at and he didn’t have a wife.

“I am afraid I was not expecting twenty-two dragons and therefore I am unprepared to host your beasts.” Tẽra said hoping that Drake had a plan for his dragons.

“I will send them with a man to sleep in an open field.” Drake said.

Tẽra had servants take them to their rooms. She had not expected twenty-five people to arrive.

The two rooms would not be sufficient. She was glad she had requested more rooms to be made ready and available, for just in case. This was just in case.

So, Drakes was given his own room. Yair was to share with some soldiers. Shane, Jessica, Pragya and Caelin were given a room to share. So, the dragon riders took up seven rooms.

“Isn’t this awesome!” Jessica said spinning around.

“We are in a real castle with a real queen.”

“Now what?” Shane asked.

“Now we speak with the queen.” Jessica said as if it was an easy thing.

Keimoni had been hanging around. Watching seeing and taking in everything.

Tẽra was called as Nikki and Fiona with Ranger and a new person had arrived.

Tẽra ran to meet them.

“I have missed you” she said to Nikki.

“This is Glisson, he helped us out when we got trapped in a storm.” Nikki said.

“Welcome Glisson, there is a room for you.” Tẽra said.

“Wow, thanks.” Then he froze.

“Um my queen.” He looked at the floor.

“Don’t be silly, you helped my friend, look up and enjoy the rewards.” Tẽra said.

“Ranger and Fiona, it is good to see you.” Tẽra said.

“Viola come by and left again. I believe she will return to the castle. She just had somethings to take care of first with some new friends.” Tẽra told Fiona.

“I am glad my sister is well. Is she still looking for me?” Fiona asked.

“I think she is but I told her you were safe and on a trip with a friend to the mountain. She should return any day now.”

So, Nikki told Tẽra all about her adventure and the funny gold people. She also mentioned how they tried to drown them and how their houses were all gold. Nikki told her everything including running from the guards and getting lost in a storm and how Glisson, shines in water.

Tẽra was happy. The day was ending well. Her friend was home and Lakisha was alive. She had her friends eat in the royal dining hall with her.

The royals all sat so stiff and quietly that Tẽra almost felt it would be rude to talk but she couldn’t help it.

Tẽra made small take with everyone there. She was busy hearing about the village Fish when she was called out.

When Tẽra got there a man holding a purple James knelt before her.

“My queen we confess, please spare out families. We made him drink a magic translator elixir and now he is ill and dying. We found this seal and knew we were done for.” Captain Hork confessed.

“Bring me Ranger.” Tẽra ordered.

Dinner was once again interrupted and Ranger and Fiona left the room. Now the royals started to feel offended and followed.

When Ranger and Fiona got there a purple James lay on the ground and men all knelt before the queen.

“Please can you heal him?” Tẽra asked Ranger.

Ranger knelt down next to him.

All the royals watch with disbelief as they saw the genuine concern for someone’s life. They also had never seen a purple man before.

Lakisha ran over.

“James! James!” she started crying “Please don’t die.”

Zazo made the royals leave before Tẽra saw they were there.

Ranger used all his strength and healed James but in turn he passed out.

“Ranger?” Fiona worried.

She felt his heart beating.

“He will be ok. But let us take him to my room so I can keep an eye on him.” Fiona said.

“Would he not be in better hands with Spice our physician?” Tẽra asked.

“No, he heals quickly. I have seen this type of thing before. Take him to my room.”

So, they did.

The men dared not look at the queen. But stayed on their knees. Gizer however did not leave the ship nor did he reveal himself.

Tẽra looked at them on their knees.

“Get up. You were right to bring him here. Thank you. You may go in peace.”

“My queen?” Captain Hork inquired.

“You are free to go, unless you wish to stay?” Tẽra said.

She was not going to offer them a reward as they caused harm to James but they brought him to the castle where his life could be saved.

The men looked at one another they didn’t want to hang around and have the queen change her mind.

“Thank you, my queen.” Hork gathered his men and departed in a hurry.

Tẽra returned to the dinner table. The royals looked at her with strange looks.

“My apologies, a friend was in serious need and I had to attend to the matter. Please eat, drink and rest well. For tomorrow we will talk about living in peace.” Tẽra said with grace and authority

The royals were very confused.

Tẽra picked up Otchulissa and left the hall.

The royals talked among themselves.

Tẽra was on her way to her room when Shrew came scurrying over.

“My queen the women you sent with me have gone missing. We looked for them for a day but we could not find them. They are gone. Send men to look for them and kill anyone who does not help find them.”

“They are both at the castle and safe. However, you will no longer approach me without being called upon and if you do I will though you in the dungeon. If you want to see me, speak with Zazo and request an audience.” Tẽra said.

Over the past few days, she had grown into her role as queen.

“Is he bothering you?” Joe asked.

“Yes, but he won’t be anymore.” Tẽra answered.

Shrew stood stunned as if he didn’t understand what had just happened.

He gathered himself. If the queen was going to cast him out, he would wait until she needed him before telling her what he had learnt.

So, he slipped away dissolving into the darkness waiting for Black Beard Gruff’s plans to come into action. He knew what Black Beard planned. But he was not going to tell the queen who had discarded him. Shrew left the castle so he would be safe.

Tẽra went and found General Nathan.

“James has returned unwell and without Kerri-liana. Please sent a trusted tracker to find her.”

“My queen, forgive my forwardness, but you have the best tracker here in the castle. Autumn the Lovac woman. Ask her to send one of her people. My men will take days but a Lovac will find her before I can even ask a man to go.”

Tẽra thought about it. She hadn’t thought of Autumn as the peace conference was in the morning. But one of Autumn’s kin could go and be back with Kerri before anything bad happened to Kerri.

“Thank you General you have pointed out a valid option.”

General Nathan smiled and tried not to look her directly in the face.

Tẽra, Joe and Zazo went to Autumn’s room.

Zazo knocked on the door.

Autumn opened it.

“Oh, it’s you. What do you want?” Autumn asked.

Zazo hid his dislike of how Autumn spoke to the queen.

“I need to ask a favor of you, I will hire one of your kin to find someone.” Tẽra said.

“Another dead friend?” Autumn asked.

“No, an alive one. Her companion arrived in a flying ship very ill and unable to explain what happen. He is still unconscious. A woman named Kerri–liana Jones is missing. Please name your price and send someone to find her and bring her back safely.”

“What if she is dead already?” Autumn asked.

“Then bring her body and belongings.”

Autumn looked at Joe and Zazo.

“I need to speak to you alone over there.” Autumn said.

She walked down the passage a little with Tẽra.

“I don’t like you and I don’t want to become your go find person. So, you need to get yourself sorted.” Autumn said.

“So, is that a no?” Tẽra asked ignoring the rest.

“Just because you are not the real queen who burned my people as fuel for your fire doesn’t mean you are not evil.”

“I get that you don’t like me. You know I am not the real queen and you could tell everyone and make things difficult for me, etc. etc. Will you help me? I am asking for help to possibly save someone’s life. I am not asking you to be my best friend and try on my clothes.” Tẽra said.

Autumn eyed her. So far, this queen had kept her end of the deal. She found land and freed her people, honoring the other queen’s deal before Autumn had even finished the job.

“Why am I doing this?” Autumn moaned out loud.

“Because you are more reasonable than you pretend to be.” Tẽra replied “What payment would you like as payment?”

“I will get back to you on what I want?” Autumn said.

Tẽra wasn’t sure if she liked that. Autumn’s prices were very high. Find Lakisha cost land for her people. Find two others, freedom for all her people. Find this one…

It was going to cost a lot and be for all her people. Which is why Tẽra wanted her to represent her people.

“I will grab some things and leave now.” Autumn said.

“No, please send someone else, you need to represent your people tomorrow.” Tẽra said.

Autumn looked curious “You surprise me. Maybe on another world I would like you.” Autumn said.

“Maybe on another world, I wouldn’t like you.” Tẽra replied.

Autumn and Tẽra exchanged a smile.

“I will send someone.”

And Autumn did. She entered her room which she was sharing with three others and asked Chase to find Kerri and bring her home safely. Chase didn’t want to go. But Autumn persuaded him. Who else could she trust?

Natrica took some warm water to Fiona’s room.

“How are you doing?” Natrica asked.

“I am good.” Fiona replied.

So, they sat and talked and caught up on current affairs.

“When we all go home, are you going to stay with Ranger here in this world?” Natrica asked.

“It’s a big decision, but I think I will.” Fiona said.

“What about your family?”

“I am in the U.S. Air force. They knew there was a chance I would die on the job. Plus, there are grievance counselors available.” Fiona replied.

“Would he not be willing to join you on earth?” Natrica asked.

“And learn all those languages and if discovered he would he killed or dissected. No one will harm me here, so why put his life in danger.”

“What if he doesn’t love you back?” Natrica asked.

Fiona looked at Ranger laying on her bed.

“He does.” She said very sure.

* * *

Jessica left the dining hall she was hoping to catch the queen as she came out of her dining hall. But when she got there, she could see something had happened and there was no queen. Jessica walked to her room wondering how she could get to see the queen.

Then a man with lilac flame eyes walked past. Jessica feeling sad and thinking that it would be pointless to even ask as he wouldn’t understand her said “I don’t suppose you understand me and could get me to see the queen?”

Keimoni stopped in the passage.

“Yeah, I thought not.” Jessica said all glum.

“Actually, I do understand you and I can ask for you to see the queen.” Keimoni replied.

Jessica’s face lit up.

“You speak English!” she exclaimed so excited “I knew coming to the castle was a good idea. Oh, I can’t wait to tell Shane.”

Keimoni knew he was not allowed to kiss anyone who was in the castle that knew the queen and spoke English. But this woman had never met the queen and the queen didn’t know her.

He walked up to her and kissed her on the lips.

“HEY!” Jessica pulled away very upset.

Then she saw Drake, he had seen the kiss, he was coming down the passage.

Jessica’s heart sank.

“Why would you do that?” she was angry.

Keimoni saw Drake and understood.

“I am a Viden. This kiss will not ruin anything between you.” He replied.

Jessica wanted to speak to Drake, but he went into his room and did not say anything to her before he closed the door.

“I want to see the queen and I will make your miserable life so horrible if you don’t get me an audience with the queen now.”

“I am connected to the queen, threatening me will not get you anything.” He replied.

Jessica was so angry about the kiss and his refusing to help her that she tazzered him.

Keimoni lay on the floor twitching.

She then kicked him for good measure.

“You shouldn’t have kissed me.”

Jessica went to her room all in a huff.

“What happened?” Shane asked.

So, Jessica explained what had happened and how this freak kissed her and he speaks English but he wouldn’t let her see the queen. So, she tazzered him.

“You What?! Take me to him.” Shane said.

So, Jessica took Shane to check up on Keimoni. He was still laying on the floor. Shane examined him.

“He has burn marks.” Shane scolded.

“He deserves it.” Jessica said.

“He is like Yair, who knows everything after kissing you. So now he knows about earth and Drake and you and Pragya and everything I know.”

“Still not a good enough reason.” Shane moaned.

Zazo was doing a patrol when he found Keimoni laying on the floor with two strangers hovering over him.

“Get away from him!” Zazo called.

“It’s ok I am a physician in training.” Shane replied.

“I am telling you get away from him!” Zazo ordered drawing his sword.

Shane told Jessica to step back.

The commotion cause Yair to come out of his room to investigate.

When Yair saw Jessica, he was not surprised.

“Has this woman caused you offense?” Yair asked Zazo.

“They have done something to Keimoni the queen’s Viden.” He replied.

Yair was intrigued

“The queen has a Viden?” he asked.

“And they have done something to him.” Zazo accused.

Yair spoke to Jessica.

“What happened?” he inquired.

“This horrible man kissed me.” She said “No warning, didn’t ask! Just kissed me. So, I tazzered him.”

“Tazzered him?” Yair asked.

“Yes, used my thing here to shock him like lightning.” Jessica answered.

“Drake saw him kiss me.” She objected.

Yair really didn’t care.

“Will he be alright?” Yair asked.

“Yes, give it a minute or so.” Shane answered “He will be very sore. But he will recover without the need for any medication.”

Yair told Zazo that Shane and Jessica are guests of the first prince and that Keimoni will make a full recovery.

While Yair was talking, Keimoni began to wake up.

When he saw Jessica, he yelled.

“Help! Help! Guards!”

Zazo stood next to him.

“This woman used magic against me. Struck me with lightening.”

“It’s a tazzer.” Shane said.

“You know what that is since you kiss her without permission and if you really think about it you got off easy,” Shane told him.

“I will expose your lies. Everyone will know who you are.” Keimoni said offended.

He stood up and touched his burns.

“Please do, maybe then the queen will see me?” Jessica retaliated.

Yair eyed Keimoni.

“You are the disgraced son the one cast out for being over emotional. I now see why.” Yair said with no emotion.

Rachael came around the corner and saw the gathering. She didn’t want to speak and give away that she was not from around there. So, she did the general greeting.

“Night good.” Shane replied “Goodnight.” He tried again.

“They are from earth.” Keimoni told her.

“Oh well that makes things easier. Hi I am Rachael and your wig is terrible.” She said.

“It’s the best they had.” Jessica replied.

“She tazzered me.” Keimoni wined.

“Really!? Why?” Rachael asked defensive.

“He had the nerve to kiss me. Out of no were. He is a sexual offender” Jessica stated.

Shane rolled his eyes

“Would it be possible for us to see the queen at some point? We would like to go home and we are not even sure how we got here.”

“That makes all of us. I also have no idea how I got here or how to get home. But the queen is busy now. So maybe I can arrange for you to meet her when they take a break to eat tomorrow?” Rachael offered “Oh, please don’t tazzer people, it won’t help you make friends.” Rachael added.

“Then they mustn’t kiss me uninvited!” Jessica said strongly.

“Keimoni” Rachael said with a sigh “Here I thought you were saving yourself for me? But those lips really get around.”

Rachael walked off without looking over her shoulder.

Yair went and told Drake everything that had happened.

Jessica went to her room with Shane.

“I am glad we met Rachael.” Jessica said.

“Why?” Shane asked.

“Because she is going to get us an audience with the queen. And” Jessica paused “It would be nice to have a girl to talk to about stuff. She likes and alien as well.”

“So, you admit you like him.”

“I do, I don’t want to but I do and we can return to the palace with Drake if the queen can’t help us.”

“What if she can?” Shane asked.

“Then we go home and put back the pieced of our lives.”

“You will just leave?” Shane asked.

“Yes. I don’t belong here. I am battling to learn the language and I just made enemies.”

“I am sure you do that on earth too. But there the law protects you sometimes.” Shane said remembering that they met because she broke into his father’s house.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

Jessica asked the door.

It was Yair.

“Am I in trouble?” she asked Yair.

“Please come with me.”

Yair led her to a beautiful garden in the castle grounds not near the lower town.

Drake stood in his shining armor; the moon shone off him in an attractive way. He passed her some purple flowers.

“Thank you” she said in his vernacular.

Drake put out his arm and Jessica took it. Yair was dismissed.

Drake and Jessica walked together with her arm hooked in his around the garden. It was a beautiful garden, with flowers that glowed in the dark and candles that lit up the path. They came to a stone bench with strange animal heads in stone on either side. They sat down.

“I wish you understood me.” Drake said.

Jessica looked confused.

Then Drake got down on one knee and gave Jessica a beautiful set of earrings. A set of studs shaped like a dragon. With red gold, white gold and yellow gold making up the tiny intricate bits of the creature. The craftsmanship was amazing.

“It’s so pretty.” Jessica said “Thank you!”

She looked at him kneeling down on one knee like a marriage proposal.

Was he asking her to marry him? She wasn’t sure she was ready for that kind of commitment. But if she was going to stay on a strange world having a prince around was a good idea. But then it meant putting up with his family.

Her mind raced.

She looked at his expectant face. Like he was waiting for something.

“Ummm, I like you too” she said.

Drake made a gesture and Yair appeared.

Of course he did.

“Prince Drake is asking you to engage in a formal courtship with himself. He wants you to accept by wearing the earrings, or decline, by giving them back.”

“So how many other people have worn these earring?” Jessica said.

“None, they were made for you.” Yair said.

Jessica quickly put the earrings in. Drake smiled and stood up. Jessica stood on her toes and kissed him.

“That is not appropriate” Yair said.

Jessica pulled away.

“Sorry”

But this time Drake kissed her.

Yair discreetly left. Leaving them alone in the garden.

Drake walked Jessica to her room. He then went to his own room. He lay on the bed thinking about everything. It had been a busy day.

He had planned to arrive early and ruffle the queen to see her intentions. But she had been expecting him. Also, he was not the only one to arrive a day early. The extinct Lovac tribe was to his surprise alive and represented.

Then there was Jessica…

* * *

Lakisha lay next to James. She was worried about him.

James woke up he was refreshed and no longer had a stomach ache or any pain. He felt great.

“Hey” he said “I was worried about you. Tẽra promised she would find you and she did.”

“Yeah, she sent some crazy lady who brought me here.” Lakisha dried her face “I thought you were going to die.” She tried not to cry.

“I am not dying. You don’t need to worry.” James reassured.

“Where is Kerri?” he asked.

“We were hoping you knew she has not yet come back to the castle.” Lakisha said.

“We got separated in a storm and I was…. on a flying ship with a crazy wizard…. who was going to kill me.” James said remembering what had happened “I was sick, I turned purple. No that must have been a bad, very real dream.”

“It wasn’t, Ranger healed you. You were purple and sick, dying.” Lakisha said.

“I am fine now.” He said hugging her.

* * *

Chris lay in the bed, tied down and unable to do anything for himself. He sang songs to the wooden ceilings and contemplated how he would kill them for what they had done to him.

“Life sucks for you?” Sugar said.

“Company that speaks.” Chris said “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“What is your freedom worth to you?” Sugar asked.

“A lot. But what are you wanting in exchange?”

“Well” Sugar beat around the bush “I think that there is the potential for a mutually beneficial relationship.”

“Honeygal, free me or name your price?” Chris demanded impatiently.

“I don’t trust you enough to free you. You have to do something for me first.”

Chris wondered what he could do for her while tied up.