The alarms on the Weynar Vas sounded throughout the ship. “Unidentified passenger onboard,” ERIN announced. Zoharian troops split into groups to search each floor while off duty crew members scrambled to their stations seeking instructions on how to proceed.
Raynin emerged from her room with her sai. The Royal Guard came to attention. “Follow me.” She pointed at Trent and he drew his sword and followed her. “ERIN, can you detect where the power source is now?”
“2nd floor, Your Majesty. In Engineering. Shall I teleport you there.”
“Nope. I can manage.” Raynin and Trent took off running down the hall. Trent dodged several Zoharians in the way as he flew down the stairs while Raynin used her power to move some of them out of the way as she ran past.
They reached the 2nd floor and split up. Raynin drew her sai and went left while Trent went right. Walking through Engineering, Raynin spotted a hooded robed figure near a set of pipes that ran south. “Looking for something?”
Startled, the figure turned around quickly, knocking her on her butt. Angered, Raynin chased after the person. She used her power and lifted the person off the ground. Slamming him against a wall, Raynin raised her hand to strike him with her sai.
“Stop!” Riley shouted as he and Sierra spotted them. He teleported to her side. “What are you doing?” Raynin lowered her sai but kept the body pinned against the wall. Riley removed the hood. “Cairo?”
Recognizing him, Raynin dropped him on his butt. “Consider us even.”
Cairo stood up and dusted his clothes. “Your Majesties.” He bowed.
“ERIN. The power source has been identified. Turn off the alarms.” The Weynar Vas fell silent.
“What are you doing here, Cairo? Let alone, how did you get on this arávas?”
“I'm a Léyath, remember? I come and go as I please. And I'm here to accompany you on your journey.”
Raynin shook her head. “No. I don't think so. We don't need a babysitter.”
“You don't have a choice. The High Council sent me as a guide. They want to make sure everything goes smoothly and that you don’t run into any unnecessary roadblocks.”
“Great.” Raynin walked away and headed back up the stairs. Trent rejoined her and led the way back. Riley, Sierra, and Cairo appeared in front of them as they reached the passenger quarters. “Move.” Cairo and Sierra stepped out of their way but Riley remained in place.
“Could you guys give us a moment?” The Royal Guard left their post and cleared the hall. “I'm sorry.” Raynin slapped him. “I deserved that.” She attempted to slap him again but he grabbed her hand. “I’ll allow it once, but not again,” he remarked as she yanked her hand from his.
“We're a team Riley. A team. You can't keep secrets. You didn't think it was important for me to know that I wasn't the heir to Zebulun anymore? Or that I am an Anciént Oné? The next High Queen at that!”
“I was waiting for the right moment. I couldn’t simply come out and reveal things like that without there being a scene. Plus, I wanted to be sure and have more to tell you.”
“Look, I understand all of that.” Raynin massaged her temples. “I just don't like being in the dark, Riley. It leaves us vulnerable.”
Joseph stepped out of his room. “What's going on?”
Raynin ignored his question and continued. “What else are you keeping from me?”
Riley looked at Joseph and then back at Raynin. “Well, there is one thing. When I met with the High Council, they mentioned two prophecies that both of us were born to fulfill.”
“Okay. What are they?”
“I don't know. They were tight lipped when it came to giving details.”
“That's what I'm here for,” Cairo remarked as he made his way back to them. He no longer had the hooded robe on, revealing the gray garbs with gold seams he had underneath it. The Royal Guard reentered as well and took up their post.
“I think we should move this conversation elsewhere. Like the kitchen. I'm kind of hungry,” Joseph added.
“Fine.” The Royal Guard surrounded Raynin and Riley. “All of you don't need to come. We honestly don't need the round the clock protection. You guys should get some rest. You'll have plenty of opportunities to protect us when we return to this realm. Trent, you’re with me.”
“Skylar.” Riley beckoned for him to come along as well. “I think I saw the kitchen on the first floor.”
Skylar led the way to the dining area while Trent took up the rear. They passed several rowdy Zoharian troops drinking and throwing out lewd comments as well as a room full of troops talking strategy in hushed voices.
“Interesting bunch.” The group finally reached the dining quarters.
As they entered the room, they were greeted by a young Zoharian woman. “You've arrived just in time, Your Majesties. I've prepared for you guys the most exquisite meal. Unless you would prefer to eat something light?” Her eyes twinkled as she spoke and seated them. “I'm Noriah by the way. Captain Nael's daughter.”
Raynin smiled, unaffected by the girls’ revelation. “It's nice to meet you, Noriah. I'm Raynin. This is Riley, Joseph and Cairo. I think something light would suffice for me and Riley.
However, so your food doesn't go wasted, could you have it sent to Daniel and Ashley’s room and to the Royal Guard? I'm pretty sure they'll enjoy the meal.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“I'll also have what you've prepared.” Joseph's stomach growled as he spoke. Noriah motioned for her servers to quicken their step and carry out the orders that were just given. A plate of food was placed in front of Joseph along with water.
“What would Your Majesties prefer to eat?”
“Fruits good. What else?” Raynin looked to Riley for input.
“Water. That should be good.”
“I will personally bring that for Your Majesties.” Noriah bowed and went back into the kitchen. The kitchen was the only modernized part of the dining quarters; everything else was wooden and old in appearance. The group talked amongst themselves casually until Noriah returned with a fresh bowl of fruit and water. “Will that be all for Your Majesties?”
“Yes, thank you.” Riley piled some fruit onto his plate. “Would you mind clearing the room? We have some private matters to discuss.” Noriah bowed respectfully and left the dining area. “Well, Cairo, you now have our attention.”
Cairo stood up and positioned himself behind Riley and Raynin's chairs. “Time for a journey to the past.” Before Riley or Raynin could react, Cairo grabbed hold of their heads and transported their minds back seven centuries to the time of the first and only High King and Queen. The three of them stood in the inner courtyard of what looked like the palace of Amiriel surrounded by the leaders of the different Anciént tribes and planets. “They cannot see you for it is only your mind that is present.” Cairo led them through the crowd to the front so they could hear and see more clearly.
The High King and Queen, Mari and Zora, entered the courtyard with their spouses and sat down on their thrones.
“They're beautiful,” Raynin said of Zora and Mari. They were both godlike in appearance in comparison to the other Anciént Onés. “Why are we here, Cairo?”
Cairo pointed to the High King and Queen. They were being approached by a man in priestly garbs. “That is the prophet, Thames.”
“Your Majesties.” Thames bowed and then addressed the entire audience. “We all know why I am here. This realm is no longer safe for those of the Anciént race. Allies will no longer be able to protect you from the growing threat. Because of that, all those of the Anciént race will be placed in a slumber, with the exception of a select few who have already been sent away for the time being.”
The crowd began to shout and object to the news. Mari stood up. “Silence!” His voice echoed through the courtyard. “Unfortunately, the decision has been made. It is not up for discussion. Listen to Thames for there is more to this news.”
Mari sat down and motioned for him to continue. “This slumber will come into effect in a week’s time. Start preparing for others to take over your dwelling places temporarily.”
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
“And how long exactly are we supposed to be in this cowardice hibernation?” an Anciént Oné exclaimed from the crowd. He was of a gray skin tone with a distinguishing scar on the left side of his cheek.
“During a time of peril and deceit, the Heir of Mari will arise to right the wrongs of the past thus beginning the Age of Trouble and the awakening of things that lie dormant.”
“The Heir of Mari? What does that mean? Are you saying King Mari is going to die? And that doesn't answer the how long we are supposed to be in slumber.” The crowd erupted in loud whispers.
“I'm not saying your King will die but rather he and Queen Zora will not be present much longer. That however, is not your concern. Remember this though, after what was once two becomes one, the Red Moon will appear in a current known only to few and destroy the foundation from which it came.”
“Red Moon? You talk in riddles old man,” the man from earlier remarked becoming impatient.
“Nevertheless, Count Noir, General Dár will assist you and give out further instructions.” Thames welcomed the white haired general onto the platform. He was aged but still as fit as when in his younger days. He bowed to the High King and Queen and greeted Thames.
“We must go now.” Cairo returned their minds back to their bodies. Not a second had passed in real time when they returned so Joseph and the Royal Guard were in the exact same moment from when they had left.
“Great.” Joseph stopped eating and arched an eyebrow at Raynin. “Cairo mentally took us back to the moment the prophecies were revealed to our people,” she explained.
“Of course, he did.” Joseph resumed eating but remained attentive as Raynin and Riley discussed the details of their journey.
Having swallowed the fruit in his mouth, Riley addressed Cairo who now sat across from him and Raynin. “What I don't understand is the second prophecy. Obviously, it can't be looked at literally. Everyone knows Naphtali doesn't have a red moon. So how does it exactly apply to me and Raynin?”
“That, we don't know. We have no idea what it means and how it concerns the two of you.” The dark circles around Cairo's eyes thinned out as he spoke, making him seem paler to those who observed him.
“You're joking, right? How do they expect us to figure out its meaning when they can't?” Raynin asked with irritation.
“One thing we've learned in the past about prophecies is that they reveal themselves. We can't figure out its meaning because it is meant for the two of you to unveil it.”
“What does the second prophecy say exactly?” Joseph asked finally inserting himself in the conversation.
“After what was once two becomes one, the Red Moon will appear in a current known only to few and destroy the foundation from which it came.”
“Interesting. What do you guys think?” They turned their attention to Skylar and Trent who up until now remained quiet about all that was being said.
“Well,” Trent began. “I believe the “two that becomes one” is referring to Naphtali's half-moons. Or it could be referring to the two of you being together. Or it could be both. The rest I am unsure about. I agree with Cairo. No one is going to know for sure what any of this means but the two of you.”
“The Half Moons of Naphtali. Why didn't we think of that? I mean, it makes sense given the timing. All of it makes sense actually.”
A knock on the glass window interrupted their conversation. Riley beckoned for the soldier to enter. He was dark and mysterious with piercing eyes. He was seasoned yet still young and his body was on the lean side but displayed defined muscles that indicated his strength.
Distracted by his dominate arms and powerful chest, Raynin nearly missed his introduction. “Your Majesties. My name is Strykes. I am the Commander on board. Everyone reports to me. Captain Nael forgets that sometimes. I apologize for him. He's still rather bitter about his history with the Anciént Onés.”
“You don’t need to apologize for him. We handled the situation,” Riley stated. “However, I do have other concerns. Like, if you are in charge, why has it taken you so long to present yourself?”
“Excuse me?” Strykes said amused.
“What he is saying is, can we trust you to do your job? Even more, can we trust you at all?”
“Your Majesty.”
“It’s Raynin,” she said cutting him off.
“Raynin, I can assure you that I am the most loyal person you will encounter aside from the Royal Guard and your friends. I have served the Royal line a lot longer than you would believe. And despite your laws, I married an Anciént Oné so you needn't worry about my allegiance. As for my duty, I believe actions speak louder than words.”
“Very well, you can have a seat then, Strykes.” Raynin cleared her throat and narrowed her eyes at Riley. “I trust him,” he stated. “Unless you find fault with him?” Raynin shook her head and crossed her arms as she sat back. Riley motioned for him to sit next to Cairo. “King Shaul plans to declare war on Amiriel come this Ánuri. We need to be ready.”
“So, what’s the plan? I mean, you don't have an army. And who's to say you even have allies?”
“We have you, apparently,” Raynin interjected. “And the Zoharians are our allies.”
“If I may speak frankly, the Zoharians cannot and will not risk their lives for you especially if you don't have a chance of winning this war,” Strykes remarked.
“You clearly underestimate us.”
“On the contrary. I am fully aware of the extent of your power, however that is not enough to defeat millions.”
“Which is where you come in. Raynin and I can take out more than enough on our own and if you’re the Strykes I've heard about throughout the realms, so can you. Nonetheless, we need allies. We need an army. If we fight alone, we are bound to exhaust our power which means Raynin and I will be too drained to continue fighting for our thrones.”
“And that Your Majesty is unfortunate. However, ...”
Raynin hit the table in frustration. “Tell me Commander, why do you think Zohar has faced no opposition from the surrounding planets thus far? I mean, they don't have a ruler or political regiment to speak for them, so why? I'm quite sure we all know the answer to that. Right?” With glowing red eyes, she looked from one person to the next as they nodded in agreement. “Exactly. So, there is no however Commander Strykes. The Zoharians need us just as much as we need them. And if you are taking refuge there, that applies to you as well.”
Intrigued but not fazed by the sudden display of power, Strykes stood up from the table. “Well said, Your Majesty. Now, if you are finished lecturing me, I do have a job to do. One which you so kindly reminded me of.”
Strykes bowed and withdrew from the room. Riley motioned for the room to be cleared momentarily. “Are you okay?” Raynin cast a confused look at Riley. “You don't feel that?”
“Feel what?”
“Your eyes are red right now and I can feel the power coming from you. It's something I've never felt before. Though, technically I've never felt this connected to you until now. But still, it's different. Can you control it?” His tone changed to one of excitement as he spoke.
“How can I control something I don't feel?”
“Good point. Give it a try, though.” Raynin closed her eyes and slowed her breathing down. As she attempted to control her power, her body began to glow red but then disappeared as quickly as it shone. Raynin opened her eyes to a grinning Riley. “And you thought it would be hard.” Riley stood up and helped Raynin from her seat.
“It worked?”
“Yep. Whatever you...” The Weynar Vas jerked unexpectedly throwing Riley forward and on to Raynin causing them both to fall.
Skylar and Trent burst into the room with Joseph seconds behind them. “Are you guys okay, Prince Riley?”
“Trust me, they're more than okay. I can't say the same for our food however.” Joseph shook his head at the mess and exited the room.
“We're fine, Skylar.” Riley lifted himself off Raynin and then pulled her up from the ground. “See? No bruises or scratches.” Skylar and Trent bowed and resumed their position outside the door. “ERIN. What was that?”
“That, Your Majesty, was our departure from the Qorian galaxy.”
“How much longer until we are out of the Guardian Realm?” Raynin inquired.
“Well, now that we have exited the Qorian galaxy, we have approximately fifteen minutes before we reach the edge of the Guardian Realm.”
“Thank you, ERIN.”
“You're welcome, Your Majesty. Can I be of any further assistance?”
“No, we'll take it from here.” Riley opened the door and beckoned Cairo to come back inside. “Care to entertain our thoughts a bit more with your knowledge?”
Cairo took up his seat across from Raynin and Riley. “Where were we? Oh yes, we were discussing how the first part of the second prophecy refers to the Half Moons of Naphtali or you and Raynin. If that is true, the war coincides with the prophecy.”
“How do we figure out the rest of the prophecy? We don't even know where to begin.”
“Time will reveal the unknown. Until then, explain the first prophecy in its entirety to me.”
“Don't you know it already?”
“Revelation comes only to the two of you. Did I not express that early or were you not listening?”
“Probably the latter. I did object to you being here remember?” Raynin threw back.
“Oh, I just love that you are so honest and straightforward.”
“Seriously? The prophecies. That's what we are talking about, right now. Argue on your own time. The first prophecy only relates to me. It says that I will come and right the wrongs of the past thus beginning the Age of Trouble and the awakening of things that lie dormant.”
“Yea, we know the prophecy, Riley. Explain it though. What wrongs of the past are you supposed to right?”
“Marrying outside of our people, falling into idolatry, and forgetting who created us.”
“Idolatry? Negligence? We acknowledge Elí and serve only Him,” Raynin protested.
“But not like we should, Raynin. In all that's happened, when was the last time you stopped to acknowledge Elí for keeping us or you safe from harm? Since your mom’s death, right? We rely
so heavily on our gifts that we forget that He is the one who gave them to us. Tell me that's not idolatry and negligence.”
“Okay, so how do we correct that?” Raynin asked with conviction.
Riley hesitated. “A sacrifice has to be made on behalf of everyone.”
“And the last part of the prophecy, my lord?”
“War is upon us and our people are awakening,” Riley answered. “Other Anciént Onés. Exciting right, Raynin. Our own people.” Raynin smiled halfheartedly. “Don’t feel guilty, Raynin. We all lost sight of who and what really mattered. That's where Elí’s grace comes in.”
“Where are our people sleeping, Cairo?”
“That, I do not know. They were scattered throughout the realms. When it is time, your people will find you, not the other way around.”
Skylar cleared his throat to make his presence known. “It's time, Your Majesty. We’re exiting the Guardian Realm.”
Riley acknowledged his statement with a nod. “ERIN, teleport all to the Command Center.”
“Your Majesties on deck.” Everyone came to attention including Captain Nael and Strykes. The Twins entered the Command Center followed by the rest of the Royal Guard.
Riley and Raynin approached the pit along with Joseph and the Twins. “Lieutenant, what's our ETA?”
“Thirty seconds till we reach the barrier of the Guardian realm and enter the MoonStar Portal, sir.” Nortus checked his screen. “Trajectory all clear.”
“Say goodbye to the life we used to live guys. It’s only going to get worse from here.”