“Mmm…” Lham droned as we sat.

We had gathered in the prayer room beneath the prince’s palace and it seemed as though something was troubling everyone.

“Now that the King and Prince are both active, our duties here may become… redundant.” Lham said.

“Indeed. We could always go back to serving the people, but…”

Everyone let out saddened hums.

I knew everyone had their concerns about the current situation but I turned my attention to something I had neglected quite a bit.

I needed to find a way back to earth and I didn’t want Adia and I to suffer through five hundred years of existence just to get to earth to find everyone and everything we knew gone.

I knew that space magicians could teleport things and people pretty far, but across worlds…

I didn’t even know what solar or galactic system Edenton was in.

I rubbed my temples as such thoughts flooded my mind.

“You probably shouldn’t worry too much, Zuri, since you are pretty close with the prince.” Lham said.

“Mmm?” I sounded.

“You looked rather distressed and I just wanted to assure you that your place will probably remain by his majesty’s side.” He said with a weak smile.

The other Hands let out hums in agreement but all I could do was smile in response.

I wasn’t even thinking about that but it was nice to see that they were worried about me.

I returned to my thoughts as Lham and the others reminisced.

Space magic required that a person knew where they are going and I was pretty sure no one on Edenton knew where Earth was.

I droned while tapping my feet as my thoughts raced-

The Moon King!

My eyes narrowed as I came to a sudden realization.

If anyone possessed the wisdom to help Adia and I, it was he who built Lanceberg itself.

As an immortal being, he probably knew about many methods of transportation.

I needed an audience with him but I was a lowly hand.

Talking to him would be near impossible.

I would need to win his favour.

I would need to help.

“Umm.. May I excused?” I asked.

“Oh- go ahead. We will be here, should you need us.” Lham said.

I nodded before making my way to the prince’s chambers where I grabbed a certain book that detailed the kingdom’s state.

The book, a thick document filled with all manner of notes, was actually written by four different people.

Grandmaster Ferrum, High Priestess Kulea and High Priests Deag and Ranak.

I knew nothing about military strategy and so I ignored all of the Grandmaster’s notes. Kulea specialized in dealing with the more religious and cultural aspects of the kingdom, so I skipped her notes as well. The last thing Lanceberg needed was religious advice from me.

The last two sets of notes were from the other High Priests and their work was rather practical. They managed resources, the courts, policing and more.

I… didn’t really know how I could help them and it seemed as though Ranak had his hands full with both Medelona and Aurenia.

Perhaps I could help with things in Aurenia somehow.

I’d need to talk to Caligo about this and so I read while awaiting his return.

.

..

“Mom?”

I heard a sweet voice call.

“Zuri!”

I opened my eyes to find Adia standing by my side. His small body illuminated clearly by the light of the full moon that blared into the room from the countless windows above.

“W-what did you just call me?” I asked and the boy lowered his eyes.

“I said Zuri. I called you a bunch, but you wouldn’t wake up. Are… are you OK?” Adia asked and I smiled in response.

“I’m fine. Thanks for watching over me.” I said while ruffling his hair.

“I was talking to the others and… they said that they want to become knights when they are older. I know knights are cool and everything, but I said I’d rather be a high Priest or something. I mean, It’s a lot safer in the golden spire, right?” Adia asked and I nodded I response.

“True. Actually, it’s nice that you said that. There is a different role for everyone. Whether it’s cooking, building, slaying dragons or even watching over people the people as a High Priest, everyone has a place somewhere.”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“Ah… crap. I forgot that knights get to fight dragons.” Adia said while tapping his chin.

“Mmm… if being a knight wasn’t so dangerous I’d definitely pick it. I just wanted to see if you were ok.” Adia said before rushing back towards the door.

I waved him goodbye and he waved back before disappearing into the door.

I then looked out of the window next to me and peered out into the starry sky.

I wondered where Caligo and the Helma were but just as those thoughts surfaced, a knock came from the door.

I opened the door to find Sidus standing with his head lowered.

“What’s wrong?” I asked while closing the door behind me.

“The prince… is refusing to leave the King’s Palace.” Sidus sighed.

“Mmm? How come?”

“He… threw a fit saying that he would not leave his father’s side. We tried everything apart from actually dragging him out of his father’s chamber, but he would not listen.” Sidus reported.

“What now?”

“I… don’t know. The King’s orders still stand. The prince and Grandmaster have ten years to rebuild the kingdom but…” Sidus’s voice trailed off as he spoke.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” I asked but Sidus frowned at this.

“What do you mean?”

“Do you not want to help the people somehow while Caligo… sorts things out with his father?”

Sidus scoffed before backing away.

“I am a Helma, I swore an oath to protect the prince and only the prince. I wish there was something I could do to help the people, but my duty remains.” He said bit I offered him my hand.

“I know about your duty, but what I want to know is whether you want to help the people. What comes after will be for us to discover.”

Sidus’s eyes glowed a little.

He then accepted my hand before sighing.

“I have always wanted to help. I have watched smoke rise from the kingdom for many centuries and so anxious did I want to dash to the aid of the people, but the prince was far too vulnerable in his sleeping state and so here I remained.”

“Ah-ha… but Caligo is awake now, no?”

Sidus’s eyes widened.

“What do you propose I do?”

“I think that we should ask for permission. Permission to lend a helping hand to those in need.” I said with a smile.

Sidus chuckled at this.

His chuckle then turned into full blown laughter.

“Haha! Amazing! Come. Let us return to the Lunar Hall at once!” Sidus declared and I let out a small yelp as he carried me out of the palace.

We then made our way to the platform and were teleported back to the Lunar Hall where Sidus led me to the doorway behind the throne, but standing in our way were the Helma and the Yilon.

“Why did you bring her here?” Astír asked after tapping her Lance on the ground.

“I have brought her to speak with his highness the prince.” Sidus said with a smirk, but Astír glared at me in response.

My heart trembled with fear but I remained standing. My head raised and my eyes steady.

“It’s for the sake of the people of Lanceberg.” I said, but Astír’s eyes narrowed scarily.

“And what would you know about the plight of our people, otherworlder?” She hissed.

“Don’t you think she at least deserves to be heard?” Sidus asked.

“And who is she, exactly?” The silver knight, Gregar, asked while looking at me with uninterested eyes.

Sidus explained my relationship with Caligo and our intentions.

“Mmm… the last time powerful knights acted on their own, the capital burnt. How can we be sure that this… plan of yours will not lead to even more suffering for the people you claim to care so deeply for?” Gregar asked.

“May I speak?” I asked and the knight nodded.

“That’s the reason we came here. To talk about everything. I know very well that this isn’t my home world, but I want to help regardless. But I don’t think we’ll be able get anything done of we wait for his majesty to leave his father’s side-“

Astír suddenly raised her Lance and placed it on my neck, cutting my skin a bit.

“Why do you doubt his highness so completely then? Are you that certain he will never emerge and wouldn’t that be exactly what you needed to enact your suspicious plans?” She asked but just as my body began trembling with fear, Sidus and Cento pointed their lances at Astír who’s eyes widened extremely.

“Captain… what are you doing?” Sidus asked. His voice a cold whisper.

“I…” Astír stopped as she looked at my neck.

Even I could feel the blood the fell from the cut she'd made.

“Lower your weapons, all of you! The woman is right. It would be best if we talked everything out, rather than behaving brutishly as you all are now.” Gregar said.

Astír clicked her tongue before glaring at Sidus.

“To think that you would point your weapons at your captain-“

“To think that you would cut the skin of his consort.” Sidus hissed.

Astír’s eyes began glowing brightly, but it seemed as though Gregar was tired of what was going on and so he placed his hand on the hilt of his silver sword.

“Leave. All of you. Return only when you decide to become civilized.”

“Yes, Sir. Sorry, sir.” Sidus said before we all left the Lunar Hall.

Cento then walked up to Sidus before tightly grabbing his wrist.

“Sidus… I want you to think very carefully about what you are about to do.” He said with an expression that looked like a mixture between anger and concern.

“My feelings have stewed for centuries. I want to help the people of our beautiful nation. That is all.” Sidus said with dull eyes.

Cento nodded before letting go of Sidus’s wrist.

“Have you chosen insubordination as well, Cento?”

“Why do you speak as though any of their words carry malicious intent, captain?” The Helma known as Solas asked.

Astír sighed.

“Are we not the Royal Guard? Is it not our duty to protect the royal family? Would it not be extremely irresponsible of us to just allow anyone into the King’s bedchamber? I am simply being… cautious.”

“And we understand your concerns, but this is Zuri we’re talking about. And besides, it’s not like we’ll abandon our duties upon granting her audience with his majesty. If it does turn out that she’s our enemy, we will deal with her swiftly.” Sidus said with a raised nose.

“But what if we’re too late?” Astír asked with a pained expression but Sidus burst out into laughter.

“Haha! Now you’re just being stubborn. Anyway, I hate to sound like a rogue so let us put it to a vote. Who agrees that Zuri should as least be granted an audience with the prince? All in agreement should raise their lances.” He said as he raised his Lance.

Cento joined him and it wasn’t long until all but one Helma had heir Lances in the air.

Astír groaned before raising her Lance as well.

“It is decided. Now all we need to do is convince Gregar.” Sidus chuckled before opening the grand doors allowing us to re-enter the Lunar Hall which was lit only by a few bright orbs along the roof which kept the dark of night at bay.

We then approached the three Yilon and Gregar raised his brow after crossing his arms.

“We have all agreed that Zuri should be granted audience with his majesty.” Astír said.

Gregar nodded before looking me over.

“I’d honestly be grateful if she managed to at least get him to talk. Alright, go ahead. Astír, accompany her.”

Astír nodded before leading me into the hallway.

We quickly arrived at the grand door where Astír crossed her arms.

I took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

“Caligo?” I called.

A moment passed in the silence of the palace.

Then another.

My heart then shook as the door opened, albeit slightly.

Caligo looked at me with dull, saddened eyes.

“Oh… Zuri. Is there something through needst?” He asked softly.

“Yes. I wanted to speak with you about the Kingdom.”

Caligo’s eyes widened but just as he opened his mouth to speak, the door was seemingly forcefully opened further, allowing me to see the Moon King sitting comfortably on his bed.

Littering the room were countless books which were in tall stacks. Some of which even reached the roof.

“And who art thou to discuss such important matters with mine mule of a son?” The King asked and I promptly fell to my knees.

“She is… the woman who would have mine heart. She is also from earth, father. Our home world.” Caligo said.

“WHAT?” The King exclaimed.

“Let her in and close that damned door!”

Caligo and I exchanged puzzled glances but he let me in before closing the gigantic doors.