Flower 9: The Fates

At the peak of Olympus, a sprawling city of crystalline structures glimmered and shone under the warm gaze of an emerald sun, perched atop lush clouds. Its inhabitants traversed the stunning city with ease, free from worry or concern. Their perpetual safety was nurtured by the efforts of the Sisters of Olympus and the watchful eye of the benevolent Queen Zeus. Amidst the prevailing peace and flourishing relationships, the days lost the vibrant energy that once defined them. In recent years, only one thing had the power to stir the city: news, the word on the street, gossip, and the day Mine Heart arrived in Thessaldonia, the city was abuzz.

When Doro arrived in the market she was greeted with the usual respect from the patrolling Sisters of Olympus as well as the fond stares of the small girls that heard tales of Sister Doro Zo and her efforts to keep the city safe. She was a legend to many and those who saw her always acknowledged her. On this particular day however, she noticed something else had everyone’s attention. She approached three women conversing amongst themselves near the bakery.

“Beautiful day ladies,” Doro said, the usual greeting amongst the citizens.

“Indeed Sister,” they replied in unison.

“There’s so many quiet conversations today,” Doro said gesturing to the other clusters of women throughout the market place. “Care to drop a word for your sister?”

The three women looked at one another cautiously and back to Doro. One of them piped up and nervously said, “Oh, just city gab.”

“Yeah, Sister Leida is having a girl,” another added.

“Goddess bless her,” the third said.

“May you have a beautiful evening Sister,” the first said before she ushered the other two away.

Doro nodded her head, “Indeed ladies.” She watched the three women leave speaking in their hushed tones. “Just what is this day?”

“One of suspense,” another woman said as she stepped beside Doro. She was radiant beneath her yellow cloak with silver trim, her swollen belly was decorated with intricate yellow markings and a yellow crystal resting over her belly button. “The old crone has been spewing prophecy in the square again.”

“Sister Leida,” Doro said excitedly and bowed her head in respect. “Beautiful Day Sister, Goddess bless you and your daughter.”

“The formalities are unnecessary Sister,” Leida siad, “How is our,” she paused and placed her hand on her chin, “Sister or is it princess? I always forget.” She said teasingly.

Doro’s jaw dropped and she couldn’t help but laugh, “Your tongue is loose in pregnancy sister.”

“It’s always been loose,” Leida snapped, “That’s why Zeus called for me to bear.”

“Queen Zeus,” Doro said nervously, “She is wise in her decisions. We all have a role to play.”

“Uh-huh,” Leida said as she took Doro’s hand and led her toward the square, “You didn’t answer my question so I’m assuming Sister Gilda has continued to be the brat she’s always been. How is the role your playing as her nanny?”

Doro stopped walking and pulled Leida back forcefully, “I’m not her nanny. I care for Sister Gilda because none of you would.”

“It isn’t and wasn’t our place to do so,” Leida snapped, “Her mother should have been the one to care for her. She expects me to care for,” she pointed at her belly and growled, “this one.” Her nostrils flared and she took a deep breath.

“With the help of the Sisters,” Doro said reassuringly, “You re not alone.”

Leida narrowed her eyes and growled, “I’m more alone now than you’ll ever understand. Be happy you cannot bear daughters for your majesty’s sake.” She snatched away from Doro’s grip and walked off. After a few steps she vanished into the crowd that surrounded the fountain in the square.

“The day comes nigh women! A man! He comes! He takes! He leaves us without! We, your Sisters of Olympus cannot protect you. We have not been ready for a long time. We’ve been misled! We must prepare! Bar your doors, cast your spells!” A woman shouted from the center of the crowd. Doro pushed through the crowd to see the woman. An old haggard woman with an worn and tattered green cloak with a black trim spoke through a crystal megaphone that amplified her voice.

“What man?” a woman cried out in the crowd.

The old woman whipped her head around revealing a horribly scarred face and crystals in place of her eyes. She wagged her crooked and gnarled finger at the woman who called out, “He comes from nowhere. Appears he does. He comes! He presence is nigh!”

Three Sisters of Olympus, adorned in black cloaks with crisp white trim, materialized abruptly before the old woman, trailing billows of smoke from their heels. These three enigmatic figures were known as the Fates, a unique echelon within the Sisters of Olympus. Hidden behind their crystal masks, their true identities remained a mystery. They encircled the old woman, and in an instant, vanished from sight. While most of the onlookers dispersed, Doro managed to witness the truth within that fleeting moment. She trembled, unable to steady herself, and closed her eyes, focusing on a series of calming breaths. In her mind's eye, she witnessed the Fates appearing, shrouding the woman in her own cloak before abruptly ending her life and swiftly spiriting her away. Gasping, Doro's eyes snapped open as she scanned the surroundings. The crowd had dispersed, and the women of the city resumed their activities as if nothing happened. Yet, a lingering murmur lingered among the whispers about the man.

Doro made her way back to the bakery, thoughts of Gilda lingering in her mind. She collected her sweet bun but Sister Leida's cutting words stung her deeply. Despite the sting, she managed a grateful thanks to the woman who handed her the bag. Heading back to the castle, her mind raced until she noticed the peculiar gazes from Gilda and Nozu. Putting on her best smile, she decided to set aside her other concerns. Her priority was Gilda, and she was determined to fulfill her duties. After a brief exchange with Nozu about the encounter with the Fates, Doro cheerfully presented the sweet bun to Gilda.

Gilda groaned as she peered out of the window instead of listening to the heavy woman who taught her the history of Thessaldonia. Usually Doro would have prodded her for not paying attention or pretend that what’s being said is actually important. She turned to her best friend and closest confidant and noticed her absent stare. For a change she was the one to prod her, Doro shook her head and smiled at Gilda.

“What’s up with you?” Gilda whispered.

Doro shook her head and pointed to the woman in front of them, “Pay attention.”

Gilda narrowed her eyes and thrust her hand in the air, “Excuse us Sister Benni, I’m not feeling well and I fear I may have gotten Sister Doro sick as well. I wish not to spread this illness. So we’re gonna leave,” she stood up and took Doro’s hand and pulled her toward the door. She was clearly perfectly fine as she bowed her head respectfully with a big smile and said, “May your evening be beautiful Sister.”

Once in the hallway Gilda couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Now I know somethings wrong. You didn’t even try to stop me.”

“I’m sorry,” Doro said, as she allowed Gilda to pull her back toward her bed chambers. “I’m not myself today.”

“Yeah, not since you got back from the city,” Gilda said, “You’ve been acting really weird. You're like a zombie. What happened?”

Doro didn’t know what to say, so much had happened but she wasn’t sure how to address it with Gilda. She stopped and looked her in the eyes and said, “I think I need to speak to Sister NLO-8.”

Gilda’s eyes widened excitedly, she screamed and asked, “Are you serious? The quarry master? Can I come?”

Doro took a deep breath and nodded her head affirmatively, “I’ll tell the guards that it’s a project for history or something. They’ll most likely want to confirm with Sister Benni.”

“Why are we worried about the guards?” Gilda asked.

“How do you expect to get out of the city? There’s no way in or out of the city that isn’t monitored and if we try to sneak out I’m sure we’ll garner more attention than we would if we walked out through the front gates.”

“You’re taking me to the city?” Gilda squealed excitedly, “Okay, okay, okay. I have an outfit.” With a burst of excitement and laughter, Gilda dashed off towards her room before Doro could intervene.

Doro walked over to a window and looked down at the city as everything she ever knew to be true seemed to be tested. She knew the only way to get answers would be to speak to the absolute oldest Sister of Olympus, the perpetual Quarry Master NLO-8.

***

The Sisters of Olympus that went to intercept Mine and the others were left with the small Voskia girl and her plush and none of them wanted to be responsible for her. They argued amongst themselves due to having the same rank none of them could force the others to take responsibility for the girl. It came down to the women drawing straws and the two with the shortest would have to return to the city with Molly.

Sister Akik’ibe let out a heavy sigh as she drew one of the long straws. There was little wait to discover who among them would shoulder the duty they all seemed eager to avoid. Sister Obella, the adept archer clad in an orange cloak with gold trim, and Sister Idek, donning a pink cloak with similar adornments, known as the youngest and brightest talent among the Sisters of Olympus, were assigned to take Molly to Olympus. Sister Sarini, the expert in crystal armaments garbed in a purple cloak with gold trim, set off southward to investigate if the two men and the boy had successfully teleported to the port city alongside Sister Akik’ibe.

Meanwhile, Sister Mas, the formidable and largest among the sisters, the master of defense, wearing a light gray cloak with gold trim, proceeded westward to survey the farmlands. Simultaneously, Sister Zoya, the master of beasts in a brown cloak with gold trim, and Sister Nisha, the burden master, draped in a white cloak with gold trim, soared into the skies to scout the desert terrain.

Sister Idek and Sister Obella looked to one another and back to Molly who quietly kicked her legs sitting on the trunk of the dune buggy.

“She looks about your age,” Obella said teasingly, her wide gap prominent when she smiled. “You should let her ride with you.”

“Absolutely not, she could have bugs or something. She’s not even of this world,” Idek snapped, the small girl turned her face away in disgust.

“You’re supposed to be the smart one?” Obella laughed and brought her bird alongside the dune buggy and looked down at the small girl and offered her hand, “Come little miss, I’ll take you to our queen.”

Molly pulled away from her and shook her head with her eyes tightly shut. Gunther freed himself from her grasp and raised a wooden sword and bradished it before Obella.

“Back ye mistress of death,” he barked at her.

The bird reared startled by the plush beaver and Obella had to pull on it’s reins to calm it down. As Idek approached Gunther whirled his wooden blade on her and raised it ready to defend Molly.

“O.M.F, you are so cute,” Idek said sweeping Gunther up and holding him in the air. “What are you?”

“Adorable,” Gunther said.

Idek swooned and started to laugh, “yes, yes you are. Would you like to ride with me?”

“What about Molly?” Gunther asked gesturing to the girl on the dune buggy.

Idek smiled down at her and asked, “Would you like to come with me? We can get you something to eat, and a bath, and we can probably do something with that hair of yours. What do you think, Molly?”

The girls tone was sweet and genuine and Molly looked up at her and then to Gunther. She nodded her head but reached for the plush. Idek gave Gunther back to her and scooped the small girl up and perched her on the saddle in front of her.

“Told ya,” Obella said as she brought her bird around and said, “Let’s get going.”

Idek cursed under her breath and Molly silent giggle made her laugh, “You liked that huh?” She squeezed her knees and the bird followed its comrade and Sister Obella’s dust trail as they skirted across the desert toward Olympus.

***

Gilda emerged from her room wearing a metal bra and flowing pants. Her midsection was exposed and she wore a chain similar to her mother’s that rested on her hips. She wore a beautiful nose ring that was connected to her earring with a chain that featured three tear drop shaped crystals that dangled beneath her eye. Her hair was pulled back into a single braid that fell to her waist with her cloak draped over her forearm.

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“Cloak on!” Doro snapped, “You know better, a Sister of Olympus is nothing without her cloak.”

“Fine,” Gilda grumbled, “At least acknowledge this gorgeous and impeccable body of mine.”

“Ew,” Doro teased. “You should be more modest.”

“I’m literally twenty-two years old, you have to stop treating me like a little girl.”

“I don’t need you reminding me how old you are,” Doro said smiling fondly at the woman before her. She was right, Gilda was no longer the little girl she was charged with raising. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” Gilda said embracing Doro suddenly, “I’m so excited.”

Doro smiled nervously, “Me too, I hope this works.”

“You know,” Gilda said pulling away from Doro, “I was thinking about that. What if I told you I have a better idea?”

“Oh yeah, like what?”

Gilda smiled deviously and said, “Follow me!” She pulled Doro towards her room and said, “I’ve been training with my sway for as long as I can remember. I think I’ve mastered it to be honest. There’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“Okay, and?” Doro said as Gilda pulled her into the room and closed the door behind her.

Gilda locked the door and asked, “You trust me don’t you?”

Doro narrowed her eyes and said, “I do.”

“Good,” she started to run toward her open window and stepped on the ledge. She turned back to Doro and said, “Follow me.” And she jumped out of the window.

Doro didn’t hesitate and leapt out of the window after her. She pulled a black crystal from within her cloak and squeezed it. It transformed into a broom, she straddled it in her freefall and dove toward Gilda.

The falling princess laughed as she closed her eyes and allowed her body to be consumed by the turquoise fog that billowed from beneath her cloak. Once engulfed in the turquoise fog she swirled around Doro and said, “Thank you for this!”

“Gilda! Are you crazy?” Doro shouted as she steadied her broom and match Gilda’s speed..

“No but sneaking out of the castle couldn’t be more fun than this,” Gilda’s voice surrounded her as she passed through the cloud and they continued their descent from the city that sits adove the clouds.

After a few minutes Gilda sighed, “Why is this taking so long?”

“Did you really think we were going to land in the quarry in a few seconds?”

“I was hoping we would have.”

Doros scoffed, “We reside on the tallest peak in all of Thessaldonia. If you wanted to get down faster you would have maintained your corporeal form until we were a few stories from the ground.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” Gilda said as her physical body slipped through the fading turquoise fog and plummeted towards the ground head first.

Doro angled the nose of her broomstick downward, swiftly chasing after the fearless princess. As they darted through a wispy cloud, the landscape below expanded, the quarry growing larger as they descended. Gilda extended her arms, letting her cloak unfurl like a parachute. Twirling gracefully, a swirling vortex of turquoise fog announced her impending landing in the heart of the quarry. Pulling up alongside the girl on her broomstick, Doro released a relieved sigh.

None of the men acknowledged Gilda or Doro despite their flashy display. They did get the attention of the quarry master and Sister NLO-8 sauntered toward them with her yellow cloak flowing behind her. Her hand immediately went to the red crystal katana she kept sheathed at her side. When she saw the cloaks of her fellow Sisters of Olympus she bowed her head in greeting.

“Beautiful day sister,” Gilda said, bowing her head.

NLO-8 was a towering mechanical marvel, her metal legs were long and clearly built for speed with three exhaust pipes sticking out of her lower extremities. Her torso was compact compared to her legs which was covered by a short dress that stopped just below her pelvis. Where her mouth would be was a speaker and she had a single glowing eye in the middle of her head. She examined both Sister Gilda and Doro and in a surprisingly annoyed human voice she asked, “Why have you come to the quarry, Sister Doro?”

“Doro wanted to talk to you,” Gilda interjected and said, “Can I say that it is truly an honor to meet a Sister of Olympus of your calibur. I’ve read more about you than just about any other sister of your time.”

NLO-8 looked at the girl and her eye returned to Doro, “Speak! I have work to do.”

“What kind of work?” Gilda asked looking around, “It seems to me everything is going well. Is it true none of the men have freewill?” She approached one of the men and waved in his face.

NLO-8’s three fingered hand clasped around Gilda’s wrist and she lifted her in the air, “Leave them be.”

Gilda’s fog wrapped around NLO-8’s hand and she managed to slip out of her grip and rubbed her wrist, “There’s no need to be so rough.”

“Sister Gilda,” Doro said, stepping between them. “You should walk amongst those burdened to work here. Remember, this isn’t a field trip. It’s research for your assignment.” With her back to NLO-8 she made a face that suggested Gilda take a walk. “Fret not Otto will walk with you.” Doro waved her hand in a circle and an emerald green smoke appeared beneath her and a black blood hound with emerald eyes like Doro’s lumbered out of the smoke.

“Otto,” Gilda shouted and pet the hounds head, “Come boy, help me do some research.” She walked away with the black dog at her side.

Doro turned to NLO-8 and said, “I came because I have a question.”

“Ask and be gone with you,” NLO-8 said.

“Before I became Sister Gilda’s care taker, who wore my colors?”

NLO-8 turned away from Doro without answering and said, “There was a man in the quarry today.”

Doro’s eyes went wide, “What do you mean?”

“Fret not, I cut him down before he could ascend,” She reached in her cloak and removed the two halves of Mine’s doll. She handed the pieces to Doro and said, “This was all that remained. I cut the bastard clean in two.” She led Doro to small crystal like structure that acted as NLO-8’s office. Once inside she gestured for Doro to sit down in front of a desk. NLO-8 sat in front of her and waved her hand and several floating screens appeared along the walls. “This way you don’t have to worry about Gilda getting into trouble.” she pointed at Gilda and Otto as they walked about the quarry on one of the screens, “The sister that wore your clolors before you? Hm, that was Sister Emau’Ti . She’s long dead though, she died of Star Flu.”

“I’m familiar with her, may she reside alongside the Goddess,” Doro said.

“Yes, yes, forever moving forward,” NLO-8 said, “Ya not here for Emau-Ti, who’re you here for?”

Doro’s brows knitted together, “I saw a Sister today wearing a green and black cloak. It was old, she was-”

NLO-8's eye made a whirring sound as if she zoomed in on Doro, “What did she look like?”

“She had crystals embedded in her eyes,” Doro whispered.

“Ah,” NLO-8 sighed and said, “That was Sister Ogh, she was Queen Zeus and her sister Neblina’s caretaker when they were young. When Neblina went missing her mind snapped. She was dismissed from her sisterly duties. She was supposed to go to the Island of Sisters. However, the last I heard of her, she beat up her escorts and escaped.”

Doro shook her head, “That makes no sense, this woman I’m speaking of was called the crone by those who knew her. She always spouted nonsense in the square. She was the spark of most rumors in the city.”

NLO-8 said with a fond chuckle, “They could very much be one in the same and I wouldn’t be surprised. Sister Ogh was far from stupid and would avoid being seen by any sisters who would know her. I was assigned this position twelve years after Gilda’s birth. I’m sure that’s when rumors of the crone first began. I was the city sentinel for seventy-two years you know. I’ve seen more than most have forgotten.” She sighed, “I must see Sister Ogh, I’m sure she’s still just as feisty.”

“She’s dead,” Doro whispered, breaking the perpetuals reverent thoughts, “I was witness to the Fates execution of her.”

NLO-8 stood up and walked to the door and locked it, “The Fates appeared in broad daylight? They killed her in front of everyone?”

Doro nodded her head, “Yes, it was the first time I ever saw them. I’ve heard rumor of them but they moved so quickly no one could have followed what transpired unless they were trained to do so.”

“What did Sister Ogh say?” NLO-8 stood by the door and peered out of the window.

“Nonsense,” Doro said, “What’s wrong? Is Sister Gilda okay?”

“She’s fine,” NLO-8 said waving her hand and a screen appeared in front of Doro featuring Gilda as she examined a pile of crystals. “What nonsense was she talking?”

Doro racked her brain and repeated what little she remembered of the woman’s speech from earlier that day. “She just kept saying a man was coming.”

NLO-8 cursed quietly and turned to Doro, “You must be quick and return with the girl to the castle immediately.” She unlocked her door and beckoned Doro to follow her. She stepped into the quarry and shouted, “Before the Court of Sisters!”

”All men bow,” every man in the quarry chanted and fell to their knees and lowered their heads no matter what they had been doing moments prior.

Silence filled the quarry and Gilda stared at Doro and NLO-8 baffled by the men. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she heard a boisterous laugh echo from one of the caverns. Her head snapped in the general direction and her turquoise fog snaked toward the cave entrance rapidly. Otto’s ears perked up and he chased after Gilda. Doro’s eyes widened and she pursued the girl as she disappeared in the cavern.

“Zeus Titan,” NLO-8 said with a wave of her hand.

“For Zeus!” Every man in the quarry chanted, “For Olympus! For

Thessaldonia!” They all went back to work moments later as if nothing happened.

***

Mine and Trey fell to their knees a fraction of a second after the other men in the quarry had. They were both thankful that no one noticed their delayed reaction to NLO-8’s command. Gilda’s fog moved past them with the hound on her heels and Doro pursuing them. When the men of the quarry resumed their work Mine stood up and brushed of his clothes.

“Those women had extremely interesting sway wouldn’t you agree, dear?”

“Who do you think was laughing like that?” Trey asked.

“Most likely Ryder,” Mine said, “He seems like the type to have a hearty laugh.”

“That definitely wasn’t Ryder,” Trey said shaking his head, “He’d be too scared to laugh like that.”

Mine chuckled and looked at his pocket watch, “You really dont think very highly of him do you?”

“He’s a scaredy cat,” Trey said simply.

“You think he’s that much of a coward?”

”Absolutely,” Trey said without a moment's hesitation.

Mine couldn’t help but laugh at the boy’s adamant response, “I’ll just bring him back with a -“

A menacing growl cut him off and they looked down to see Otto, the black hound a few feet away from them. It approached them slowly with its hackles up. Mine raised his eyebrow, he was ready to summon Mae. Trey fell to his knees in front of the hound and offered him some of the leftover bacon he had from Ryder’s rations from Vicky V’s. The dogs entire demeanor changed and its tongue fell from its mouth and its tail began to wag.

“Good boy dear,” Mine pet Trey’s head.

Trey looked up at Mine with narrowed eyes and then turned back to the dog as he nuzzled his head in the boy’s hand, “He really is a sweet guy.”

Mine looked around and plucked two dolls from his pocket and tucked one in the hounds collar and the other in Trey’s pocket. Mine offered him another treat and said, “If you see us again I’ll give you another treat but you gotta be a good boy and not bark.”

”Yeah, yeah whatever you say but I want four treats and I won’t say nothing,” the dog said in a gruff voice.

Mine smiled, “I knew there was more to you. You’re a manifestation of that girls sway aren’t you?”

“You can talk,” Trey whispered, still stuck on the obvious.

“Doro made a bunch of us when she was a kid. The older of us can speak and act independently of her,” the hound said.

“Interesting,” Mine swatted Trey’s shoulder, “I told you.”

Trey waved him off and continued to pet the dog, “Do you know how we can get to the top of the mountain?”

The dog looked up at Trey and rolled onto his back so that he could have belly rubs. As Trey pet him the dog said, “There’s a bunch of ways to the top. There’s a an old set of stairs that lead to the castle.”

“How do you know that?” Mine asked.

“I’m an old dog. When Doro was younger I used to roam freely. Ever since she got assigned to Gilda I’ve been cooped up in the castle. It’s nice to be free to roam for a bit.”

“Hmph,” Mine said, “Care to lead the way to the stairs, dear?”

“Got any more bacon?” Otto asked.

“Yes,” Trey said. He pulled out more rations.

“How much do you have, dear?”

Trey shrugged as the dog stood up and shook his head and body. Otto took the food from the boys hand and said, “I can lead ya ta where ya gonna wanna go. It’s a long way up though.”

“Eh, we’ll get there without much of a hassle,” Mine said as he followed the dog.

As they walked through the cavern Mine asked Otto, “You said you’re an old dog. How old are you?”

“Doro made me when she was 10,” Otto said as if that answered his question.

“How old is Doro now, dear?”

“I’ve spent twenty-four years watching out for her,” Otto said with a trot in his step and his head held high.

“Ah, that means she would have known Sister Neblina,” Mine said.

Otto stopped and shook his head and his tail wagged excitedly, “Sister Nebby? Yes, yes, yes. She always gave the best belly rubs.” He looked to Trey and said, “No offense kid. You were a little rough on the nips.”

Mine laughed, “Ah, very good. Maybe this Doro could assist me.”

A whistle echoed through the cavern and a green smoke appeared around Otto’s paws, “Just up ahead there’s a false dead end and the stairs leading up to the castle.”

“Let Doro know, I’d like to speak with her, dear,” Mine said as the the dog bowed his head and vanished in a wisp of green smoke.

“That was helpful,” Trey said, as he waved his hands through the smoke. “Are we really going to walk all the way to the top?”

“We’ll end up where we’re supposed to, dear. I never fret when I find myself in unfamiliar places. I always tend to appear exactly when and where I need to be.”

“Me too,” Trey said, “My mom says that I’ve got a magnetism about me.”

Mine nodded his head, “The two of us together could change the world.”

“Why not the universe?”

"I was thinking, one planet at a time, dear," Mine remarked, his voice echoing as he and Trey reached the end of the dead end, discovering the concealed hallway beyond. Just as Otto had informed them, a winding staircase led upward within the mountain. The crystal steps illuminated the stairwell, casting a radiant glow, while a melodic hum intertwined with the rush of water resonated from the direction above.

“Sounds good to me,” Trey said, “I just gotta check in with my mom every now and again.” He looked at his watch and shrugged, “Can’t at the moment though.”

Mine smiled warmly at the boy, lifting his hand. With a subtle snap of his fingers, they both vanished into thin air.

Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds

By: T. M. Ashley