Flower 11: A Night to Remember

In the heart of the Bodoluu cave, the vibrant beats of drums echoed, intertwining with boisterous laughter that reverberated through the halls. A sprawling fire danced, casting flickering light across the camp, where residents gathered in revelry, sharing food, drink, and joyous camaraderie. For Sister Aggel, the scene was a surprise. The Bodoluu were typically reserved, engaged in their daily tasks without much interaction. The last time Aggel remembered such a gathering was seven years ago when they welcomed her upon her assignment to watch over the prince, ensuring he never ascended into the city atop Olympus. Realization dawned on her, sending her heart racing. She glanced at the three cloaked women accompanying her, silently signaling for them to spread out.

At the heart of the camp, a towering fire cast elongated shadows on the tent walls surrounding it. Amidst the lively scene, Kyan’s laughter filled the air as he drummed in harmony with nine Bodoluu drummers. The giant chief nudged Ryder and offered him a crystal mug brimming with a fermented beverage. Ryder struggled to hold the oversized mug on his lap, accepting it with a grin.

Introducing himself as Suzuko, son of Suzoouko, the chief clinked his mug against Ryder’s with a thunderous roar.

"To good company and dispelling rumors about our great lineage. We, the Bodoluu, traverse the planets of Tucy, enriched by our ancestors’ celestial yearning. Our history runs deep, our story interwoven with the stars. Welcome, Ryder, ‘The Ill-informed’."

The bodoluu tribesmen raised their crystal mugs and growled a guttural word that sounded like, “Grace.”

Ryder couldn’t lift the mug to his lips and huffed. He placed the mug between his legs and closed his eyes. He took four deep breaths with a pause after each exhale. His forehead started to glow and a loud ding filled the cavern. Everyone turned to Ryder as the glow faded and he opened his eyes. His gear shaped irises were still churning and turning as if they were inside a machine. He reached into his trench coat and plucked out a tiny glass vial and crushed it between his fingers. A metal straw appeared in his hand and he plunked it into the beverage. He took a sip of the mead and sighed with delight.

“That’s delicious,” Ryder said with a delighted sigh.

Chief Suzuko looked down at Ryder and squinted at the straw, “What’s the shiny thing ya got there?”

Ryder raised his eyebrow as he slurped the mead and pointed at the straw, “This?”

“Yes, what is that?” Suzuko said, nodding his large head causing the crystals knotted in his mane to clink gently.

Ryder gulped, “It’s a straw.”

Chief Suzuko lowered his massive head to be eye level with Ryder and said, “I want one.”

“Okay,” Ryder shrugged and placed his drink down. He repeated the same breathing process that created the glow and the chime that signaled his completion. He reached into his coat and pulled out a slightly bigger bottle and handed it to the chief. “Just break the bottle and you’ll have one for yourself. I made yours a little bigger than mine.”

Chief Suzuko took the small vial and raised it up to the fire and peered into it. He was confused at first by Ryder’s instructions but his incredible strength shattered the vial and the metal straw began to expand in his hand. He chuckled with delight and dropped it in his beverage. He raised the mug to his mouth and puckered his lips amusingly before taking a sip from the straw. He groaned and his shoulders slumped clearly delighted.

“This is sensational, it brings up the spice and pulp that settles on the bottom,” Chief Suzuko mumbled, he waved his hand over the mug as he inhaled the pungent scent. He took another sip and sighed again.

Ryder finished his mead and agreed, the bottom is better than the top. He asked for another mug and Chief Suzuko clapped him on the back, forcing him on his feet and stumbling forward. He nervously chuckled and felt a bit unsteady, Ryder opened his arms to balance himself and it donned on him at that moment, he was completely inebriated. He started to laugh and said, “Am I drunk?”

”If you have to ask, I think it's pretty clear,” Kyan yelled as he slammed his palms on the drum finishing one song as another began. He handed his drum over to an eager adolescent bodoluu. He walked over to Ryder and Chief Suzuko and said, “Pollu Po’s mead is crazy powerful. I don’t touch the stuff, I’m surprised you finished the mug.”

Ryder hiccuped and swayed side to side, “I’ve got a pretty high tolerance ya know?”

Laughter erupted from Kyan, resonating alongside Chief Suzuko’s booming chuckles as he gestured towards the swaying figure of Ryder. Suddenly, Kyan’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing as he noticed the shadows stirring behind the tents. With swift instinct, he backed away, closing his eyes as he swiftly transformed into a spider monkey amidst a plume of turquoise smoke. As his eyes snapped open, glowing intensely, he darted off in the same direction, his movements swift and purposeful.

Meanwhile, Ryder, overwhelmed by drink, swayed unsteadily and scanned his surroundings. Confused, he glanced from side to side, his words slightly slurred, “Where’d he go?”

Kyan scaled the tent roofs, scanning the area for the source of the shadows he had noticed earlier. A sister in a white cloak with a light gray trim swung a crystal hammer down onto the spot where he'd been moments ago. Swiftly dodging the attack, Kyan landed deftly, only to be confronted by two other sisters in white cloaks—one with a dark gray trim and the other with an off-white trim. Both brandished crystal sabers and moved in for an attack, but Kyan transformed into a pygmy marmoset and evaded their strikes. However, he was quickly captured by his tail.

Sister Aggel lifted the tiny simian to eye level, licking her lips as she spoke, "Your evasive tactics left you vulnerable. You should prepare to counter next time."

"I've always admired your skills," Kyan said with an impish grin. "And encountering Toll, Delia, and Sephima, I knew you'd be the final showdown. I never mind a close encounter with you."

Blushing, Aggel tossed him to the ground and covered her face with her hood, "You're impossible, Kyan!"

In a burst of turquoise smoke, Kyan reappeared in human form, propped on his shoulder and addressing the four women with a smirk, "So, what's the news from the tyrant?"

Aggel replied, "Her Majesty continues her benevolent ways. She only wishes for your well-being and safety."

Kyan rolled his eyes and waved her off, “If you say so.” He stood up and stretched showing off his rippled core. The women swooned and Aggel resisted the urge to touch him. He turned back to the camp’s center and said, “Come, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Aggel said shaking her head, “I honestly wish we didn’t know he was here.”

"He can't remain," Toll said, revealing her tall gray and black bunny ears as she pulled back her hood with the dark gray trim.

Sephima turned her back and a thick bushy red fox tail with a white tip emerged from beneath her cloak with the off-white trim, “I suggest we kill him before he becomes any more of an issue.”

"Reporting him would complicate matters," Delia stated bluntly. "Better to eliminate him outright."

"I won't let you harm my friend," Kyan intervened.

Delia peeled back her cloak with the light gray trim and bared her tiger-like features, her lips curled to reveal sharp teeth. "Your interference won't be tolerated."

Kyan stepped to the woman who was nearly as tall as he was, he smirked and whispered, “What’re you gonna do about it?”

Delia held her breath, she lowered her gaze to compose her resolve before looking back at him and said, “Just because you’ve grown up doesn’t mean we can’t and won’t fulfill our duty as Sisters of Olympus.”

Kyan placed his hand on the tent and leaned closer to Delia and asked, “Are you sure?”

She pushed him away and her hands moved to her face instantly, “You’re truly terrible Kyan!”

Kyan started to laugh as he took a step back and moved out of her way, “All of you know just as well as I do that none of you are going to raise a hand against me.”

Aggel yanked Kyan’s tail again causing him to stiffen and purred, “As brave as ever and still leaving your tail unguarded.”

Kyan recovered a moment later, he grabbed his tail from her and started to stroke it, “I hate when you do that. It doesn’t feel very nice you know?”

Unexpectedly, Ryder stumbled upon the scene, Kyan appearing to converse with thin air. "What's going on?"

Turning abruptly, Kyan scanned the area nervously, then chuckled, "All is well, how ya holding up bro?”

Ryder, clutching yet another mug of mead, hiccuped and inquired, “I think this is my fourth cup, are you gonna have any?”

Kyan looked around one more time before he turned to Ryder and said, “Yeah, I’ll join you.”

***

The communal bath house nestled within the Sisters of Olympus dormitories featured a natural hot spring. The pool-like basin was filled with lush moss, its verdant tendrils creating a vibrant contrast against the surrounding smoothed crystal benches submerged beneath the clear water. A gentle cascade of steam rose from the surface, enveloping the space in a soft, comforting warmth.

“Aye, this be something I could get used ta,” Gunther said as he floated serenely on the pool's surface with his belly stitched up and cucumber slices adorning his eyes.

Meanwhile, Molly's relaxation was less assured as three women pampered her. They sang as they tended to her, washing her hair, trimming her nails, and using a sponge for a thorough cleanse. A sudden splash had her raspberry curls cascading over her face, curling up instantly as she peeked through them to glance at the walls. They were adorned with moving images of Sisters of Olympus in varied colored cloaks, wielding an array of crystal weapons. She couldn't help but admire their beauty and the strength they emanated.

"They say the past Sisters of Olympus bless the present ones here," one of the women mentioned, noticing Molly's captivation.

"Perhaps you'll watch over other lost ones, just as you were," another added, skillfully braiding Molly's hair.

"Enough fussing over the lostling," Lo'Ve interjected as she entered the bath house. "It's almost dinner, and we must prepare her for her cloak fitting."

"Yes, Sister Lo'Ve," the three women responded, bowing respectfully. They resumed their focus on Molly, finishing her bath. Meanwhile, Gunther was unexpectedly dunked underwater, his cucumber slices floating away as he kicked and cursed beneath the surface. When he was allowed to come to the surface he gasped for air and glared at the giggling sisters. Molly stood at the edge of the pool in a lush robe, matching slippers, and her hair wrapped in a towel.

Gunther aimed a stream of water at the closest sister before swimming over to the pool's edge. Waterlogged, he received a tap of apology on his arm before Molly twisted the plush beaver, wringing him out like a towel. He sighed and said, “I needed that more than ya know. Thank ya Molly.”

After a brief hug, she followed Lo’Ve out of the bath house. The animated images of the Sisters seemed to take notice of the small voskia girl as they moved through the halls of the dormitories. She waved at them and most waved back, some bowed their heads.

“The Sisters of Olympus have protected the sovereign since the planet was united over a hundred years ago by the Titan Family,” Lo’ve said. “We serve the monarch, Queen Zeus, may she live long and her life be pleasant. She is our benevolent leader who has created a new regime in which we sisters enforce.” She led Molly out of the building through a courtyard that smelled like lavender and honeysuckle. “You will soon learn to serve Queen Zeus the way all lostlings have. She takes in the girls, trains them, makes them self-sufficient, teaches them to love themselves, and capable of taking down any foe that appears before them.”

Gunther yawned, “That bath got me tired. Did I hear ya mention dinner before?”

Lo’Ve chuckled humorlessly and growled, “Interupt me again and I’ll see how far I can stretch you before you bust a seam.” She cleared her throat and continued, “No man has set foot in the city we protect in the last twenty-five years. No man, since our former king, may he continue to rest with the Goddess in peace forever moving forward, has been allowed to gaze upon the city. Our monarch was betrayed by the man she loved and cast all men from the mountain. The crystal city is one of women, no man shall set foot upon its grass, and you will learn of our history. Tomorrow evening I will show you the crimson tower and you will be given a blank cloak. One you will have to earn your colors for and learn to weave your own patterns.”

Lo’Ve stopped in front of an open door and gestured for Molly to step inside. A large room and brightly lit room spread out in front of her with a large circle bed in the middle of the room. There was a tall window with a small reading nook at the base. On the bed was a fresh set of clothes for Molly, Gunther’s hat and tie were hung on the bed post cleaned and ready to be worn. Molly beamed, she excitedly hugged Lo’Ve and rushed in the room.

“Get dressed, I’ll be back for you in fifteen minutes,” Lo’Ve said tapping her wrist. “We’ll see Sister Balkinka about getting you fitted for your cloak.”

Molly nodded her head as Lo’Ve closed the door to provide her privacy. She picked up the clothes and found they were warm as if pulled from the dryer. She put on the clothes and couldn’t help but swoon at the sweet scent that wafted off them. She freed her hair from the towel and one side of her hair was braided and the other was left out in thick coiling raspberry curls that fell to her lower back. She wore a loose fit maroon jumper with a fitted crop shirt beneath it. She looked at herself in the mirror and twirled her finger in her hair.

“You look really cute Moll,” Gunther said, “But I gotta ask ya, are ya really thinking of joining the Sisters of Olympus?”

Molly turned around and shook her head, she opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out and her hands went to her throat. She frowned and approached him on the edge of the bed. She straightened out his tied before she picked him up and hugged him. She tapped on his arm conveying her truth to him.

“That’s good ta know,” Gunther said, “Once Cap’n Mine’s business is done I’m sure he’ll show up.”

There was a knock at the door and Sister Lo’Ve stepped in. She was happy to see the girl dressed and said, “You look beautiful! Are you going to put on your shoes?”

Molly looked down at her feet, wiggled her toes, and shook her head. Lo’ve nodded her head and said, “Very well, follow me.”

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When they stepped out of the room an odd thing had occurred, all the animated paintings of the sisters were gathered on the walls surrounding the door. Lo’Ve jumped back caught off guard by their gathering and said, “This is indeed an odd occurrence.”

Molly felt a sense of unease as she walked behind Lo’Ve. The voiceless Sisters of the past, like Molly herself, lacked the ability to speak, but their silent images seemed to convey anger and disapproval. They all appeared to be screaming, their forms glaring at Lo’Ve who, to Molly's surprise, seemed amused by their gathered disapproval.

Molly giggled silently as Sister Balkinka, the master seamstress, fitted her for a cloak, tickled by the fizzy burden the woman used. Once the fitting was done, Sister Balkinka escorted Molly to a spacious dining hall, adorned with seven long tables. At the front, a table stretched across the room, and Sister Balkinka took her place among others in orange robes. Directed to a table with two cloakless girls, Molly waved and sat down. One of them had a bald head etched with an intricate tattoo, seeming disinterested in the newcomer. The other girl, with pointed ears and long silver hair fashioned into a massive bun, immediately started talking to Molly. Her words tumbled out so rapidly that even if Molly could respond, she wouldn’t have been able to get a word in.

The prayers concluded and the meal was served. A purple salad adorned with nuts, berries, and a glazed dressing intrigued Molly, but her attention was captured by a colossal steak placed on the table that stretched across the room. With Sus’sa's insistence, the girl with pointed ears, she took a bite of the glazed purple leaf. Unimpressed by the taste, Molly observed as the steak was sliced and shared among the sisters wearing gold-trimmed cloaks. Suddenly, she tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, noticing a purplish-blue plush paw that appeared over the steak, deftly wielding a knife to cut into the tender meat.

“No meat until we hunt for ourselves,” Jar’sy, the bald girl said. She bit into a blue apple and tossed one to Molly. “Goddess, I miss meat.”

Molly caught the blue apple and examined it, she sniffed it and took a bite. She nodded her head in approval and gave her a thumbs up.

“I’ve never had a taste for it,” Sus’sa said, “Most Sisters are vegetarian you know?”

A loud crash erupted at the front table, drawing the attention of the three girls. Gunther emerged from the chaos, a plate perched on his head with a hefty cut of meat. Darting and dodging, he skillfully avoided the hurled utensils, eliciting laughter and cheers from the sisters at the long tables. He halted in front of Molly, bowing as he presented the plate to her. Just as she smiled down at him, a looming shadow fell over them.

"You again?" Sister Idek snarled.

Molly greeted her, and Gunther, perched on the table, expertly carved and served portions of the meat to Jar’sy and Sus’sa. Despite trying to stifle it, Idek couldn't contain the sudden burst of laughter. She quickly covered her mouth, doubling over, setting off a ripple of amusement that spread throughout the entire dining hall.

***

Silver threads formed an intricate web woven throughout the jungle. Mine lounged on a throne crafted from the same silvery material, his leg crossed as he swung the golden needle like a pendulum. The two golems, were bound to the trees with the thread they tried to avoid during their skirmish with Mine. The purple man, suspended upside down, glared at Mine with defiance.

“Whoa,” remarked Trey, sheltered within Nectar’s protective shield. He scratched his head, intrigued by the unfolding events. “I didn’t know what to expect when you brought out the thread and needle.”

Mine chuckled softly. “I’ll expunge your disbelief sooner or later. Rumple is a unique spool, dear. She’s made from a—”

“Release me immediately!” the upsidedown man interrupted, his voice demanding and furious.

“How impolite,” Mine replied, unperturbed. “But worry not, this will be over soon.”

Trey's eyes widened in alarm. “How?”

“By removing this man’s head, of course,” Mine declared, much to Trey’s shock. The man, hanging upside down, heard Mine’s words and visibly struggled, his breaths coming steadier despite his predicament. Tor and Ruby, also restrained, struggled against their bindings, desperate to reach the man they were created to safeguard.

The man managed to clear his throat once he gathered himself and asked, “Who are you?”

Mine perked up at the question, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I have several names and titles, but I'm not inclined to share them with you, dear. Unless, of course, you're willing to introduce yourself.”

The man flashed a confident smile despite his earlier predicament. The atmosphere shifted as he was suddenly released from his bindings, standing once more with Tor and Ruby by his side. With arms wide open, he proudly declared, “I am Royal Montiroux, the covert advisor and personal conjurer to Thessaldonia’s monarch, Zeus Titan.”

Initially thrilled at the man’s escape, Mine's expression changed as the man spoke. He tilted his head, exhaling slowly as his excitement dissipated. Removing his glasses, he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Did you just say Montiroux?”

“I know you,” Trey yelled and started jumping up and down. Nectar’s barrier faded and he rushed over to Mine’s side. “He’s one of the most powerful castors in Tucy. But he went missing twenty something years ago, or at least that’s what my mom said.”

Royal started to blush and a smile spread across his face. He squirmed and finally gushed, “You’ve heard of me? My name lives on?”

Trey stepped behind Mine and watched the man nervously, “I guess…” he looked up at the aggravation that plagued Mine’s face and made eye contact with Royal. “My mom said your disappearance was like losing an entire school of Burden.”

“She said that?” Royal asked, wiping a tear from his eye, “Your mama sounds like a really smart lady.”

“She’s amaz-”

“Enough!” Mine barked and took a deep breath as he put his glasses back on. He twisted his wrist and Nectar returned to his grasp. He twirled it and pointed the orb at Royal and asked, “Can you prove your lineage dear?”

Royal’s head snapped to Mine and he growled, “Who are you to question my roots?”

“Answer me child before I lose my composure and proceed with my original plan,” Mine spat. His anger radiated off of him like a pulsing wave of heat that made Trey step back cautiously.

“I owe you nothing,” Royal snarled.

“I guess there are other ways to find out,” Mine snapped and a giant ax wrapped in bandages slammed into the ground in front of him. He looked up at it and said, “This is one of the few pieces in my collection that I die to use.”

"Is that—" Royal gasped, covering his mouth as Mine removed the bandage, unveiling the weapon. It was a stunning sight: a magnificent purple wood axe adorned with thorns, its pitch-black blade shimmering with blue flowers embellishing its head.

Mine gripped the handle and the thorns pierced his skin, spilling his blood along the handle. His skin started to turn purple the same color as Royal, when he smiled his teeth had become light blue and his eyes became pitch black, “Poinsettia, the crown jewel of the Montiroux family. Care to claim your roots or taste the curse of the family whose name you’ve declared?”

Trey jumped back from Mine as he emitted a sinister aura and scurried over to the bush he was hiding behind before. Royal took refuge behind his golems and tried his best to maintain a calm disposition before the terrifying man. He clenched his jaw and placed his hand on Ruby’s shoulder. She started to glow and transformed into a smooth red circle shield. He took Tor’s hand and she transformed into a trident. He masterfully brandished his armaments and took a stance prepared to fight.

“That’s more like it,” Mine said seconds before he disappeared. He reappeared above Royal and brought Poinsettia down only to be met by the Ruby shield. A shockwave ensued and they were forced apart. Mine flipped and landed with a devious grin. “All it takes is a nick of the blade, dear. There’s no need to involve your beloved golems, they’ll perish if you continue to use them.”

“Hahaha, you’re an odd man,” Royal said as he wiped his mouth he could feel the violent poison that was housed in his opponent's weapon. He tried to sustain his excitement but there was something about it that made him salivate. “You should be more worried about yourself. You don’t look so good.”

Mine shrugged as his body progressively became a deeper purple. He looked at his hands and sighed, “She’s like a fine wine and has gotten more potent with age. Come dear,” He pointed over his shoulder at Trey and the staircase in the distance. “Let’s finish this so I can continue our ascension.”

"You're going nowhere," Royal bellowed as he charged toward Mine, launching a flurry of jabs with his trident. Mine skillfully parried each strike, dropping to a knee and rolling backward to evade the final thrust. Seizing an opportunity, Royal hurled his shield at Mine and lunged with his trident, expecting to catch him off guard. However, Mine didn't evade the shield; he caught it, trapping Royal's trident in the process. Now face to face, eye to eye, Mine swiftly inflicted a small cut, searing pain that tore through Royal's arm, causing his muscles to spasm and contort unnaturally, silencing any attempt at a scream.

“Hmph,” Mine stood up and tilted his head as he looked down at the writhing man. He snapped his fingers and reappeared beside Trey wearing a gray suit with a royal blue tie and accents. He brushed himself off and leaned on Nectar, “You really are a Montiroux.”

“What did…” Royal hissed between clenched teeth, pulsing veins and muscle spasms, “You do to me?”

“Is he dying?” Trey asked as Royal’s body jerked violently.

“No, he’ll be fine dear,” Mine said, smiling down at Trey. “Poinsettia takes less than three seconds to kill anyone.”

“Then why does he look like that?” Trey asked, pointing at the convulsing man on the floor.

As Mine looked back at Royal, a concerned crease formed on his brow. "Why haven't you commanded the poison yet?"

Royal's struggles continued, his body reacting violently to the poison coursing through him. He attempted to speak, but only foam emerged from his mouth. His eyes, bloodshot and desperate, sought answers.

Closing his eyes and crossing his arms, Mine sighed deeply. "My promise was to return Poinsettia to your family, not instruct you on how to wield it, dear."

Trey, moved by Royal's condition, retrieved a vial from his pocket. "He's truly dying," Trey said, his voice heavy with despair. "Please, there must be something we can do."

But Mine cautioned against it. "Using that will only magnify Poinsettia's effect," he warned, his expression reflecting a sense of resigned determination.

Trey glanced at Mine, tears welling up in his eyes, then back at Royal, who continued to convulse involuntarily. "He might help us with Molly's burden," Trey pleaded.

Reluctantly, Mine conceded. "For the girl, then." He moved toward Trey and Royal, crouching down beside them. With a firm grip on Royal's arm, Mine growled, "Home is where the legacy resides. You're free from my grasp now, finally home."

Slowly, Royal's contorted body began to relax. As he sat up, a wave of relief washed over him. He glanced at his hands, now adorned with blood-red markings tracing up his arm. He ripped open his shirt, revealing the intricate Montiroux Family crest forming on his skin. Touching the crest, he looked up at Mine, a mix of awe and gratitude in his gaze.

“Urgh,” Mine said as he noticed Royal’s eyes welling up with tears, “Don’t touch me.” Mine stood up and walked away, “I’ve had enough exercise for today, I’m going home.”

“Mr. Heart doesn’t like being touched,” Trey said as he offered Royal his hand.

“Thank you,” Royal was pulled to his feet by the small boy surprised by his strength. He started to mumble and Tor and Ruby returned to their hominid forms and impeded Mine’s progress. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me.” He clenched his chest and said, “You have no idea how much this means to me but I’m sorry, I can’t let you enter the city.”

“I’ve spared your life, saved your life and you’re still getting in my way from moving forward. My patience is growing thinner by the moment dear,” Mine hissed without turning around.

“If you insist,” Royal said with a defeated sigh, “Please, allow me to escort you directly to Zeus.”

Mine turned to Royal and smiled, “You had a direct route to the monarch? Why didn’t you say so sooner dear. I told you Trey, wherever we end up it’s where we’re meant to be.”

”Can you really take us to see Queen Zeus?” The bright eyed boy asked as he looked up at Royal.

He nodded, “Of course I can, I’m the secret advisor and personal caster.”

”You said that before,” Mine said, he approached and looked down at Royal’s shadow, “Oh and before I forget…” he extended his open palm, "I'll take what’s Mine.”

Royal frowned, confused by Mine’s demand, “What do you want from me?”

Mine smiled up at him and said, “This might hurt a bit, dear.”

“What are-“ Royal collapsed as Mine reached down into his shadow and pulled one of his dolls out of it. Trey was wide eyed as he watched Mine examine the doll in his hands.

“Don’t worry dear, he’s just in shadow shock. He’ll be up in a few minutes.” Mine tossed the doll over his shoulder and it landed behind him and sank into his shadow.

“How’d he get one of your dolls, Mr. Heart?”

“I gave it to the Montiroux’s before I was imprisoned in El Dorado. It’s actually quite nice to know they’ve kept it in the family after all these centuries.”

“What made you doubt him?” Trey asked curiously, “Did you have to fight him?”

"Never had any doubts," Mine said, flashing Trey a mischievous grin. "A bit of exercise keeps the spirits up, doesn't it?" He winked at the boy and strolled off.

"Mr. Heart," Trey chuckled, shaking his head. "My mom would adore you. She's big on training and workouts." He checked Royal's pulse, breathing a sigh of relief.

"I'm sure she would," Mine replied, gesturing for the golems to clear a path.

"Wher’re you going?" Trey asked turning away from Royal as he watched Mine depart.

"Home, dear," Mine answered, already ascending the stairs. "I believe these steps lead to what's next for me."

***

Queen Zeus sat atop her magnificent throne, her presence radiating authority and power. Her personal guard, the Trifects, stood nearby, their expressions solemn and watchful. Doro stood before them, her head slightly bowed, a mixture of guilt and apprehension etched on her face.

The Queen's voice echoed through the grand hall, commanding attention. " Sister Doro, explain to me why Sister Gilda, my daughter, was allowed to leave the castle grounds without my consent."

Doro straightened her posture, her voice trembling slightly as she responded, "Your Majesty, I beg your pardon. I pursued Gilda as she leapt from her window. I knew descending with her would prove to be easier than trying to bring her back.”

“Are you not capable of flight?” Queen Zeus bellowed.

“I thought it best to grant her request under the guise of a brief outing."

The Trifects exchanged concerned glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. Queen Zeus's gaze bore into Doro, her tone unwavering. "You acted recklessly. Gilda's safety is paramount. Your negligence in ensuring her security is unacceptable."

Doro swallowed hard, her eyes averted. "I deeply regret my oversight, Your Majesty. I vow to rectify this mistake and keep Sister Gilda bound to the castle moving forward."

The Queen's expression softened slightly, though her sternness remained. "Ensure her this to be so. The Trifects will accompany you both throughout your daily routines. I expect this to be a bitter pill for my daughter, nonetheless this will be so.”

The Trifects nodded in unison, their commitment to the Queen's command evident in their resolute demeanor. Doro bowed deeply before the Queen, acknowledging her order. "It will be done, Your Majesty."

As Doro turned to leave, the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders, the Trifects followed suit.

“Our daily deeds are done,” Doro said sharply.

“Sister’s Verda, Astra, and Ember will watch over you for the night,” Queen Zeus said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She watched Doro leave and pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.

***

Before presenting herself in Queen Zeus's throne room, Doro called upon Otto to guard the princess in her quarters. The black hound acknowledged with a nod and positioned himself, obeying his master's orders. Gilda, discontent with staying behind, vehemently protested until the Sisters, tasked with watching over her room, reluctantly stepped away from her door.

“Behave yourself Sister Gilda,” Doro quipped, “If you get in trouble on your own I wouldn’t be surprised if she assigned every Sister of Olympus to your personal detail.”

“Fair enough, I’ll be taking a shower,” Gilda said as she dropped her cloak on the floor and pulled her cowl from her head. She shook her long red hair free and pulled it back from her face.

“You lack respect,” Doro huffed as she snatched Gilda’s cloak from the ground. “You’re safest and at your best when your cloak covers your chest.”

Gilda mocked her and disappeared behind a folding screen, “You always say that.”

There was a knock at the door and Doro called out, “I’ll return shortly.”

“Buh-bye,” Gilda shouted. She wasn’t surprised to find her shower room filled with steam and the fragrant scent of lavender permeating it. She sighed and stepped into the pool sized tub and submerged herself. She pushed off from the wall and started to swim. As she bathed Otto lumbered into the room and curled into his usual corner. After her swim she bathed, she washed her hair, and dexterously detangled her braids. She reached up and touched the shaved side of her head and smacked the water in frustration. Gilda started to scream and cried out. “What must I do to please you mother?”

"Just stop trying, dear," Mine said, perched at the pool's edge, his pant legs rolled up to his knees, shoes placed neatly beside him, and socks tucked inside. He pet Otto, fed him treats, and kicked his feet in the water a bit. “From what I can tell she’s very hard to make happy.”

Gilda submerged beneath the water, grateful for the steam veiling her from the man's view. She surfaced slightly, asking, “Who are you?”

“A dear friend of Sister Neblina,” Mine replied, smiling. “Care to show me where I can return this?” With a flick of his wrist, a midnight blue cloak with silver trim materialized around him, briefly resembling Sister Neblina's visage embracing him. He smiled fondly and nuzzled his cheek against the cloak. “You have no idea how much I miss her.”

Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds

By: T. M. Ashley