The old man had been driving for half an hour when he pulled into a used car lot and parked in one of the empty spaces. He turned the truck off, left the keys in the ignition, and started walking in a completely different direction. The cold air did not seem to bother him at all. It was good that by this time of night, most people were already fast asleep in their beds because the sight of an elderly man seemingly walking towards nowhere would’ve looked very odd indeed.

But the old man did have a destination in mind.

Ten minutes later, he was standing in the driveway of an exquisite all-brick house, with an address on the mailbox that read: 1240 Montague Lane Ct.

Then there was a quiet swooshing noise, and a man and woman suddenly appeared out of nowhere to stand in front of him.

The woman was tall and thin with long gray hair braided down her back. She was wearing a white dress and had on silver gloves that were covered in sequins. The man was even taller and had a smooth bald head that reflected in the streetlight, as well as a gray goatee sprouting from the bottom of his wrinkly chin. He was wearing a navy blue uniform that was decorated with an array of medals, and a purple sash across his chest. In his left arm, he was cradling a small bundle wrapped in gold cloth.

This man’s name was Antonius Dumeka.

Aside from the fact that they’d appeared out of thin air, these two people looked very much out of place.

“You’re late Helenus,” said a sharp voice. It belonged to the woman. Her name was Katsina Callahmore.

Suddenly, the old man seemed to melt away, and two seconds later standing in his place was a person much younger, who appeared to be in his late teens. He had wavy blond hair, bright blue eyes, and was also wearing a uniform, except his was black, and had none of the medals, or splendor of Dumeka’s.

“My apologies Dean Callahmore,” the man called Helenus began. “But I’m just coming back from the hospital—the edoe fainted and was taken there.”

“Yes, I know!” snapped Katsina Callahmore, casting a disapproving look toward Helenus. “The edoe being admitted to the hospital was not part of the plan! You and Cassandra were instructed to stall him until Dumeka and myself could arrive on Earth and—”

She stopped speaking, looking very frustrated. Her eyes were puffy as though she’d been crying recently. Now staring at his boots, Helenus continued to apologize.

“That will be all,” said a soft voice.

It was coming from the man called Dumeka. As he stepped forward (making sure to carefully hold the bundle in his arm) there seemed to be an aura of power and confidence radiating from him as he addressed Callahmore and Helenus.

“While it’s true we are a little behind schedule, I expect the edoe will be on his way back here as we speak.”

Dumeka scratched his goatee before finishing:

“Do not forget the reason why we are here, Katsina.”

“But General, regardless of Helenus and Cassandra, look!” said Callahmore, pointing upward with her bony index finger. “Did you know the sky has been dark all day in this country? And look at those purple stars and that ridiculous constellation! What fool was irresponsible enough to do that? We share the same sky with this world so the edoes noticed everything!”

“Katsina, please keep your voice down,” replied Dumeka softly. “Although I have set up an invisibility force field around this house we still do not want to risk being heard by anyone nearby. Naturally, with the coronation occurring today in our world, the celebration was in full effect. As such, I think many of our kind may have gotten carried away, and the purple stars and constellation—” he too pointed towards the sky, “—are the result.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Aris Stacey were behind it all,” Dumeka chuckled, resting his hand on Callahmore’s shoulder. “Bewitching every star into the color of royalty and plunging the sky into complete darkness just to show off his constellation of the new king and queen on their coronation day—would all seem like things he and his team would find appropriate for a celebration.”

He sighed.

“You must try and understand their joy. After twelve years of war—for it all to finally be over.”

At this, Callahmore burst into tears, though she was very careful to keep her crying low.

“Celebrating,” she sniffled. “After what happened tonight?”

“Yes, well the constellation and stars were created before the coronation began,” said Dumeka quietly. “But as news has surely spread throughout the kingdom by now, I expect things will soon go back to normal.”

“I’m s-sorry Helenus,” said Callahmore through muffled tears. “I shouldn’t have blamed you and Cassandra.”

“It’s okay Dean Callahmore,” replied Helenus, also trying to comfort her, but looking confused as to what the news was. “Peace in Avahnair has been a long time coming.”

“Speaking of Cassandra, where is your sister?”

“She’s coming,” said Helenus. “Since we used spells to interfere with the edoe’s car, he thought it was destroyed. The edoe woman told me she was going to have it inspected in the morning. Of course, that’s not going to be necessary, because after I went with them to the hospital, Cass stayed behind to perform the counter spells.”

“Well I’m sure he’ll be pleased to discover his car is functioning properly again,” said Dumeka with a smile.

“Yes, very much s-Ah! There she is,” said Helenus, pointing in the far-off distance. Dumeka and Callahmore looked as well.

To anyone else, there would have been nothing there, except for the occasional owl hunting for prey, or the ever-present constellation. Helenus however was not focused on those things, and his eyes never left the spot where he was indicating, until a few moments later there was a soft scrape of concrete as though an invisible pair of boots had just landed to his right.

“General Dumeka set up an invisibility force field Cass, so you don’t need to have your concealment bangle activated,” whispered Helenus. “Just make sure to keep your voice down.”

“Oh right!” replied an invisible voice enthusiastically. “Sorry.”

There was a soft clicking noise and a young woman appeared out of thin air to join the trio. She was very pretty and had the same bright blue eyes, thin lips, and curly blonde profile as Helenus. Flipping her long hair as she stood beside her twin, she brandished her left hand in front of the group where a thick silver bracelet was latched around her wrist.

“Man I hate using these bangles,” she complained. “They drain so much of my spirit energy, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could stay hidden.”

A few feet away, a stray cat nosed hopefully at Mr. Tolliver’s open recycle bin, as the young woman shrugged and said loudly: “Anyway, how is everybody?!”

The spooked cat took off down the street as Callahmore shot her an annoyed glare, and Helenus, who was wearing a bracelet identical to that of his sister, whispered quickly: “Shhh! I told you to keep your voice down!”

“Sorry bro,” she whispered back, grinning sheepishly. “But it’s not like edoes have the greatest hearing anyway—I mean c’mon Helenus we’re half edoe, and you can’t hear to save your life.”

“So Cassandra,” said Dumeka, smiling warmly. “I assume your flight was smooth then?”

“Yes, sir it was fine, thank you. I would have gotten here sooner, but it took me a really long time to reverse the damage we did to the edoe’s car. I guess I still need more training on casting counter spells.”

She seemed rather insecure about this and began fidgeting with her feet.

“It takes time sis,” offered Helenus encouragingly. “I still have trouble with it also.”

“Yes, it does,” said Dumeka. “However, were you able to get the car back to normal?”

“Yes sir I was successful,” said Cassandra, perking up at once.

“Helenus and Cassandra, I must say that earlier today when I instructed the two of you to come to Earth, find the edoe named Terrance Tolliver, and stall him from returning to this house, I had no idea you would go as far as you did,” said Dumeka, still carefully holding the gold bundle. “Locking and unlocking the car door...hiding the mobile device...masquerading...” he stared at Helenus, “as an old edoe passing by.”

Both twins squirmed as Callahmore nodded in agreement.

“And don’t forget,” she added sternly. “About the stolen vehicle he was masquerading in.”

“But we didn’t steal it,” pleaded Cassandra. “We only borrowed it—Helenus took the truck back.”

She looked desperately at her brother for support.

“Well you see sir,” Helenus hesitated. “Being that we just graduated we hadn’t had an opportunity yet to test our powers in a real life setting…and on an edoe at that. So we just…just wanted to have a little fun with him.”

Callahmore looked positively furious.

“Yes indeed,” said Dumeka, still sounding pleasant. “Although to avoid any more fainting incidents in the future, I would remind you there are certain things edoes are not used to seeing—like their vehicle starting on its own for example. So next time you will want to be a bit more careful about when and where you use spells. I would also remind you that even though you and Cassandra have the extraordinary ability as shapeshifters to change your appearances at will, this ability is only a gift if used correctly. Remember part of the responsibility of a summoner is knowing the depths, as well as the consequences of your powers.”

“And the same goes for those concealment bangles as well,” added Callahmore sharply, pointing at the silver bracelets Helenus and Cassandra were wearing.

“Now hand them over.”

Without a word, they took the bracelets off and dropped them into her waiting palm.

“You would both do well to remember that using concealment bangles is a privilege,” said Callahmore, pocketing the jewelry pieces into a seam in her dress. “And being able to become invisible is not a game or something to be taken lightly.”

“We’re sorry,” muttered the twins in unison, now squirming so hard they looked as though they were dancing.

“There’s no need to apologize,” said Dumeka, again keeping his tone light. “No serious harm was done, and the two of you did succeed in preventing the edoe from coming home—and thus bought Dean Callahmore and me the valuable extra time we needed. If you hadn’t I fear our plan would have failed so...well done.”

At these words, the siblings seemed to perk up a bit, although Callahmore still looked stern.

“Extra time you needed?” repeated Cassandra. “Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, what is that in your arm? That bundle?”

Helenus also looked at the thing wrapped in gold cloth that Dumeka had been holding the entire time. Between the steady dose of telling-offs and apologizing to Callahmore, he’d completely neglected it.

“This,” said Dumeka, and for the first time all night he stopped smiling, “is part of the news I have to share with both of you and also the reason why I called for us to have this meeting here. It is most unfortunate.”

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There was a twitch in Callahmore’s face as Dumeka spoke, but she remained silent.

“I know the two of you were very confused by my rather cryptic message telling you to prevent the edoe from coming to this house for as long as you could,” said Dumeka, inclining his head toward Mr. Tolliver’s home. “And I know you were even more confused by the fact I gave you no explanation as to why I wanted you to do that. But I had my reasons. You see, time was of the essence, and I had to set things into motion. I hope you both understand that.”

Dumeka closed his eyes.

“It is precisely for this reason that I can’t be too stern with you in regard to your antics today. I’m sure had you known the severity of the situation, you both would have treated your mission as such.”

“Sir, what’s going on?” asked Helenus anxiously.

“As you are both aware, today was the coronation of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Avahnair, during which time, they were to ascend the throne as the new King and Queen—”

“Oh yes we know, how was it?” interrupted Cassandra. “I’m sure the palace decorations were so beautiful! We missed the coronation because of Paxcaster training—”

“BE QUIET CASSANDRA!” snarled Callahmore, completely losing her patience now. “YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED!”

“Please do not yell Katsina,” said Dumeka, but Callahmore, who didn't seem to care anymore about waking people in the surrounding homes, continued to shout.

“You gave these two simple instructions, and they couldn’t even do that right! You’re getting too soft on them Dumeka! I know they’re your favorite pupils, but this is completely unacceptable! Everything is a joke to them!”

“Everything’s not a joke!” snapped Cassandra, as she drew herself up to her fullest height.

“I was only asking a question Dean Callahmore! Why do you keep speaking to us like we are still your students?”

“I will speak to you however I want!” spat Callahmore, her voice quivering with anger as bedroom lights could be seen turning on through the curtains in many of the nearby houses.

“Shhh! We must keep our voices down!” whispered Helenus desperately.

“There was an attack at the coronation,” said Dumeka.

Silence immediately fell upon the group. After a few tense moments, the lights went off again one by one.

“That was what I was trying to tell you both earlier,” he continued, cradling the bundle tighter.

“An attack?” said Helenus, looking frightened as Cassandra clapped her hands to her mouth.

“But how? What kind of attack? In the royal palace? Was anyone hurt?”

Dumeka sighed, his aged face looking sober and tired.

“Yes, I’m afraid hundreds of people were killed today, and many more were severely wounded. They are being tended to as we speak.”

“But the survivors will be okay, right sir?”

Dumeka sighed once more.

“Our medics will do their best to heal the wounded, but I fear the injuries will be too severe for even our most powerful. They will all soon die…if they are not already dead.”

“But sir,” said Cassandra. “How could something like this even happen? And on the day of the—”

Then looking horrified she clapped both hands over her mouth again.

“Unless he—but it couldn’t be—him?”

“It was,” murmured Callahmore.

“It was—Roidaiku?”

“Yes, and his army,” said Dumeka.

“The Azure Alliance?” said Cassandra quickly. “He was leading the Azure Alliance again? But I thought they had all been captured?”

“But,” spluttered Helenus, looking even more terrified than his sister. “Roidaiku was killed weeks ago! I mean it was all over the news! He was killed by the King!”

“Yes, well it would appear he was very much alive,” said Dumeka grimly.

“But where is he now? Still attacking?”

“Roidaiku’s terror is finally over—for good this time,” said Callahmore as she wiped her eyes. “All thanks to His Majesty.”

“Once we arrived at the palace, the few witnesses that had been able to stay hidden during the attack informed us of everything,” said Dumeka.

“But sir, I thought you were at the coronation?”

“On the orders of the King,” chimed in Callahmore, “General Dumeka and I were not present at the ceremony. When word reached us of the massacre taking place at the palace, we rushed as fast as we could to help fight, but we were too late.”

She took out a handkerchief and blew her nose.

“All those poor innocent people,” sniffled Cassandra, as she dabbed away tears. After a long pause, she then said stiffly: “You haven’t said anything about the other members of the royal family? Did Roidaiku go after them as well?”

Callahmore slowly nodded her head.

“So, Queen Maria and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess—were killed?”

“Yes.”

“And what about His Majesty?” said Helenus.

“The King is dead,” said Dumeka flatly.

“King Henry is…dead?” gasped Cassandra. “But that can’t be! H-He’s the King of Avahnair!”

“Was the King of Avahnair,” Callahmore corrected her.

“During the battle, the King sacrificed himself to finish off Roidaiku,” said Dumeka, rubbing his chin as he stared at the sky.

“And to think, he was stepping down from the throne today in favor of the Crown Prince—only to die at his own son’s coronation.”

There was another long silence before Helenus said in a low voice:

“Sir, you said all of this had to do with that gold bundle in your arm?”

“Ah yes, please come closer,” said Dumeka, beckoning for them with his free hand. Huddling together with Callahmore, the twins looked down at the bundle to see a small nose and mouth that had been left uncovered. Watching with bated breath as Dumeka slowly unwrapped a piece of the cloth that was covering a pair of eyes, Helenus and Cassandra finally saw what had been hidden the entire time. It was a tiny sleeping baby.

“Sir, I don’t get it,” said Helenus. “What does this baby have to—?”

But he stopped short, and after glancing at Cassandra could tell she too had come to the same realization, because her mouth was wide open as she stared at the sleeping infant.

“This baby…is this Jistun and Tamia’s—?”

“Yes,” said Dumeka firmly. “This is their son. His name is Michael.”

“Oh my!” cried Cassandra. “But how? Where did you find him?”

“Sleeping in Tamia’s lifeless arms,” said Callahmore, caressing the tiny baby's cheek with her finger. “She must’ve died running away…trying to protect him.”

“We found Jistun’s body several feet from them,” said Dumeka. “He must’ve died—”

“Fighting Roidaiku,” finished Cassandra, a slight whimper in her voice as she leaned in closer to the baby.

“Poor thing, he has no idea what he’s been through today.”

“But sir, how could he even survive?” said Helenus, as a large tawny owl perched itself on Mr. Tolliver’s chimney, a freshly captured mouse between its beak.

“Surely with what happened, Roidaiku would’ve—”

“To be honest, I have asked myself that very question,” said Dumeka gently. “But I don't know…I wish I could tell you.”

“There had been so many rumors about his birth, but no one knew for sure,” continued Helenus, as he looked up and saw that the great constellation (as Dumeka had said it would) was beginning to fade away.

“That’s why I was really surprised when I saw that the constellation also included a baby. But it looks like the rumors were true.”

“The truth was known only by myself, General Dumeka, and a few chosen others,” said Callahmore. “He was supposed to be officially presented for the first time tonight, at the coronation. He was born exactly three months ago today.”

“Three months?” asked Cassandra, a skeptical note in her voice. “They kept it a secret for that long? Are you sure?”

“You forget Cassandra,” said Dumeka, quickly intervening before Callahmore could respond. “I was one of the chief advisors to King Henry. Naturally, I was present at this boy’s birth.”

Silence fell over the group once again, as the soft rustle of fallen leaves could be heard in the background. The tawny owl, apparently satisfied with its late night snack, took flight once more.

“I can’t believe the King and Queen are dead,” said Cassandra faintly. “And Jistun and Tamia as well—it just doesn’t seem real.”

“Sir,” said Helenus. “You still haven’t told us why we’re here? At this house?”

Dumeka remained silent. Brow furrowed, he appeared to be in deep thought now as his eyes darted back and forth between the tiny baby in his arms and the front of Mr. Tolliver’s home.

“Wait a minute,” whispered Cassandra. “Sir, surely we aren’t going to…we can’t…”

His expression heavy, Dumeka looked at her but continued to say nothing.

“Please sir, we can't.”

“We must,” sighed Dumeka finally. “I have no other choice.”

“But sir, not…here?” said Helenus, examining 1240 Montague Place Ct. with a hint of disgust in his voice.

“This is the only place Helenus, there is nowhere else. The edoe man the two of you followed around today is Tamia’s elder brother. He is also the godfather to Michael.”

“I didn’t know she had any brothers or sisters,” said Cassandra.

“She kept it a secret,” said Dumeka. “Actually, it was a secret on both sides. You see, her brother has no knowledge of her life in our world.”

“He doesn’t?!” gasped Cassandra, looking mortified.

“No he doesn’t,” said Dumeka simply. “It is my understanding that when Tamia married Jistun, she distanced herself from her brother. It shouldn’t be too difficult to understand why…as the war raged on in our world, I believe she did so to protect him from Roidaiku. Can you imagine what would have happened if he had found out she had an edoe brother living on Earth? He would have taken him hostage or killed him immediately. Nevertheless, the edoe you two followed today is the godfather to this baby, and Tamia made me promise that should anything happen to her and Jistun, I would put their son in the care of her brother. This is what she wanted. I must respect her wishes.”

“But sir!” burst out Cassandra, clearly unable to believe what she was hearing. “What about who he is and his future? Look at his hands—he has the markings.”

At this, all four looked down at the sleeping baby. On each of his tiny hands and palms was what looked like a small blue tattoo in the shape of a star. This same star marking was also on his chest and feet.

“Sir, you know what those markings mean! How can you—?”

“Oh Cassandra for the last time be quiet!” snapped Callahmore. “Has it not occurred to you that the General has already considered all of that? Do you not think he is very much aware of this boy’s future, and this is a last resort?”

Cassandra’s face fell at once.

“I'm sorry…I didn't mean to be disrespectful…I just don't understand why here.”

“This is what must be done,” said Dumeka evenly.

“But—”

“It is not safe for him in our world at the moment. With what happened at the coronation he will be targeted, and for the time being, there are very few we can trust. But if Michael is in this world, he will be protected. Thanks to the two of you, I was able to ensure that.”

“But how will he even know who he is?”

Dumeka hesitated for a second before saying:

“When the time is right. He will know when the time is right.”

It was well past two in the morning now, and the cool breeze that had accompanied the night air had all but stopped. The stars were no longer purple. The constellation was gone.

“Well,” said Dumeka finally. “You three should get going. I can sense the edoe…he is near.”

“But what about—?”

“I will stay behind and explain everything to him," said Dumeka, carefully handing the baby to Callahmore. “I can sense his fiancé is not with him, so I will be able to speak to him alone.”

He then pulled a pen and a fancy piece of paper from his pocket and started to write.

“But don’t you think it would be better if we all stay—?” began Helenus, but he was cut off by Dumeka.

“Katsina, I would like for you to give this letter to the King of Gennark for me. Queen Maria was his sister…however I will speak with him personally when I get back to Avahnair…for now this will have to do. Helenus and Cassandra will accompany you.”

The twins exchanged apprehensive looks, as Dumeka continued scribbling, mouthing the words silently to himself. Cassandra also glanced at Callahmore, who was rocking from side to side, cradling the sleeping Michael in her arms. She wanted to continue voicing her disapproval, but in the end, decided against it.

“There,” said Dumeka five minutes later. “That should explain everything.”

He then held out his right arm (where a long black glove was on his hand) in front of Mr. Tolliver’s doorstep. Suddenly, a golden bassinet appeared out of nowhere.

“Perfect,” said Dumeka, taking Michael and walking to the bassinet. With the others following two steps behind, he placed the baby down, and after covering him with the gold cloth, rubbed Michael’s tiny hand with his thumb.

“The edoe is nearly here,” said Dumeka, as he handed the letter to Callahmore. “It’s time for you three to go.”

At this, Cassandra broke down, sobbing quietly before being comforted by Helenus.

“Don’t cry Cass, we have to be strong for Avahnair.”

“I know...I...just...I...” she sniffled.

Dumeka turned to Callahmore.

“Are you ready Katsina?”

She nodded and grabbed both Helenus and Cassandra before closing her eyes. Dumeka held out his gloved right hand in front of them, and the trio instantly vanished. He then turned to the sleeping baby in the bassinet.

“Are you ready Michael?”

From the corner of his eye, he could see the yellow taxi carrying Terrance Tolliver slowly approaching up the street.