Ashes of the Realm - Juliette's Dream (30 page)

“They are responsible for their actions.”

“How many Madeline’s will die if we allow that to happen?”

“There was only one Madeline.”

“That you know of, Grang. Are you willing to allow that to happen?”

Grang looked at the floor and said, “No, I guess not.” The three archers sat and waited in silence for the two to express their pain.

Michael sat and wished there was something he could do for Carrie. He sighed and waited with a heavy heart.

After an hour, Carrie sat up and wiped her tears on her sleeve. Wesley was too weak to stand. He looked at Scotty and said, “After my wife died, I didn’t want to go on. But I had Carrie to think about. King Talben came to June’s funeral and his daughter came with him. She took time to comfort me and seemed to understand my pain. She later invited me to her planet and there she seemed to show sincere interest. When Talben suggested a marriage to unite our kingdoms, I agreed. Now I can see all the manipulations that were done to rope me in. Carrie warned me, but I was blinded by the compliments.” Wesley looked at Scotty, “What do you mean kill millions of my subjects?”

“What do you think Talben will do if you kill his daughter and grandson?”

Wesley thought and Carrie said, “He will come in force and take control of our planets. The only reason he hasn’t done it before is because of that Searcher we had in our fleet. I’m sure he knows we lost it, and Maranda’s grab for power was the first step in annexing us into his kingdom.”

Scotty looked at Wesley, “How important are those under your rule to you?”

“Extremely.”

“Then why the brutality being used against your citizens?”

“What brutality?”

Scotty shook his head, “How long has it been since you visited your colonies?”

Wesley sighed, “I’ve not gone anywhere since June died. Maranda has insisted I stay here with her.”

“Weren’t you afraid of her father’s fleet?”

“No, we discovered that Searcher Class ship and he didn’t have anything to stand up to it.”

Scotty was silent. “Scotty?” he heard from his com.

“BC, I was wondering if you had something to say.”

“I was wrong.”

“And now, where are your loyalties?”

“They are with you, but Wesley should know the truth.”

“Who is that?”

“That is the former Searcher you had in your fleet.”

“What does it mean, ‘I should know?’”

“I was sent here by King Talben to infiltrate your fleet and assist him in conquering your kingdom.”

Wesley was shocked, “How is that possible? I discovered you three years before June died.”

“I’m sorry, your Highness, but he’s been making plans to take your kingdom for more than ten years. He actually used a subordinate to put the plan in Maranda’s mind. He determined that he couldn’t force her into a marriage. It had to be her idea.”

“BC, why did you assist him?”

“I didn’t want to see billions die. His plan would have taken control and there would be little loss of life.”

“You mentioned brutality on Wesley’s planets. That was being done by Talben’s men?”

“Yes, Scotty. It would have made the transition easier. I know you have cause to doubt my honesty now. But I’ve seen that you are the only one I can follow and keep my principles.”

Carrie looked at Scotty, “What are you going to do? If you have that Searcher in your fleet you can conquer us.”

Scotty smiled at Carrie and said, “You, out of everyone, should remember.”

Carrie furrowed her brow. Michael said, “He promised your father’s safety until this issue is resolved. Obviously, our target is not your father, but King Talben. Until he is resolved, we are sworn to protect your father, and his subjects are included in that promise.”

Carrie looked at Scotty and he nodded. “I learned something. I made a promise when I didn’t have all the facts. I won’t make that mistake again. However, Michael is right. This issue won’t be resolved until I deal with Talben. That means your father is safe until that happens.”

“And then?”

Wesley looked at Scotty, “When the Zord entered my mind and examined my memory, I asked them why they were your citizens. The big one showed me. You could have destroyed the ships I sent to their planet. Why didn’t you?”

“If I removed your fleet, I thought anarchy would break out on your planets. I was given false information by BC.”

“I am so sorry, Your Majesty.”

“You are going to have to work to make up for that, BC. However, you are forgiven. You were doing what you thought would save life. I understand your reasons.” Scotty looked back at Wesley, “I do not condone loss of life when it can be avoided.”

“I saw your bravery defending the Zord against those animals. I’m ashamed that I have not protected my own subjects. I’ve just stayed mired down in my sorrow.” Wesley looked at Carrie and then said, “Can you protect us from Talben?”

“BC, you know what he has to use against us. What do you think?”

“You can defeat him.”

“But?”

“There will be huge loss of life on Wesley’s planets. Talben’s fleet is much larger than King Varner’s. Plus, he has ten of the ancient Ultraships that can jump in close to a planet.”

“Are they kept together in one place?”

“No, they are scattered around his kingdom. He also knows the risk of a facing a Searcher.”

“What do you think he will do if we attack?”

“He’ll send those Ultraships to ten of King Varner’s planets, and threaten to kill every inhabitant if he doesn’t surrender. It was that tactic that made me decide to help him. I can’t get all ten before they kill a planet.”

“Then we have to make him come to us.”

“How do we do that?”

Scotty looked at Wesley and said, “You’ve got to make a call to him and tell him that you were kidnapped and taken to the Zord’s planet. The creatures read your mind and then came and took Miranda and her son. You have got to act distraught. Tell him you are planning an attack on the planet and should he assist you in the rescue.”

“Why would he do that?”

“He won’t. He thinks the Searcher was destroyed. If you leave here with your fleet, he will come to seize control of your capital. Tell him you’ll leave a few ships in the outer system and take the bulk of your fleet to rescue his daughter and grandson.”

“What makes you so sure he won’t go to rescue them with me?”

“He won’t take his ships where he might face something that destroyed a Searcher. No, those that lust after power are consumed by it. He’ll weep for the loss of his daughter and grandson, but he’ll do nothing to save them. Not when he can conquer your kingdom so easily.”

“You could just as easily conquer us if we leave.”

Scotty shrugged.

Carrie said, “You don’t care if we refuse your help. You’re hoping we do, don’t you?”

Again, Scott shrugged.

Carrie turned to Wesley, “He will not conquer us, Father. We should follow his plan.”

Wesley and Scotty were both shocked by her statement. Carrie looked at Scotty, “You believe in the old principles of the Ancient Realm. You made a promise to protect us. If you violate that promise, you turn your back on honor. The Zord would not choose someone with such a lack of honor. You will defend us because you have to.”

Wesley looked at Scotty and said, “That’s why you did not run from the giant animals. You would have lost your honor.”

Michael said, “He is placing the Zord in jeopardy to keep his promise to you.”

“Why do you say that?”

Scotty said, “Because you are going to have to take your fleet to their system. I’m certain the good King has informers in high places in your fleet. He’ll know if you don’t go. I trust you to not harm my citizens.”

Wesley looked at Scotty, “I would never harm them after having seen them. However, what would you do if I did?”

“This planet would be blasted into rubble along with every other planet in your kingdom. It would be a lesson to those that consider breaking their promise to me and endanger those I serve.”

Michael looked at Scotty, “Are you serious?”

Scotty looked at Michael with a hard expression, “The reason the Holy Realm left was because they didn’t have the courage to make the hard decisions that should have been made.” Scotty looked at Wesley, “I have no desire to conquer your kingdom. You can keep your domain and do with it as you please. I will only accept those that act honorably and stand by our core beliefs, even when it’s most difficult. I will ignore you unless you threaten those that are part of our community.”

Wesley and Carrie looked at Scotty, and Wesley knew he was being honest. “Are you planning to create another Realm?”

Scotty smiled, “Yes, and unlike the last one, we will only accept those that beg to be a part of it. Only those that live by our principles will be allowed to join us. You’ve seen the Zord’s mind. They’re a part of our community because they live their honor every day. I’ve seen very little honor in most of those I’ve encountered in your kingdom.”

Wesley lowered his head, “I lost my honor when I ignored what was happening to my subjects.”

“There is no greater dishonor than to turn your back on those you are supposed to be serving.”

Wesley looked up, “I may not have actually killed the Zord, but their deaths happened on my watch. The Zord are wrong. I am to blame for what happened.”

Scotty stared at Wesley and said, “Now you’re seeing things as a ruler should. There might still be hope for you.” Wesley took a deep breath and Scotty said, “Make the call.”

“Before I do, do I get those two back when this is over?”

“Have you lost more than the Zord?”

Wesley hung his head, “No.” He looked over at his communication panel and said, “Do you have any suggestions before I contact Talben?”

“Yes, Carrie needs to be yelling at you to not make the attempt.”

Carrie was startled, “Why?”

“Because Talben knows you don’t like his daughter. If you act any other way he will be suspicious. You also need to tell Carrie to stay behind and handle things in your absence.”

“Why would I do that?”

“He’ll have a hostage to use against you.”

Wesley shook his head, “How did you know my daughter didn’t like her?”

Scotty looked at Carrie, “Because she has a pure heart. Of all those present, she is one that will keep her promises. She would see through that bitch of a queen faster than the Zord. You should have listened to her.”

Wesley looked at Carrie and said, “I wish I had.” He turned to his communication panel. Carrie had tears in her eyes. She went to Michael and put her head on his chest and waited for her father to make contact with a very evil person.

Michael felt his heat beat faster and he embraced her, “Everything will work out, Carrie.”

She looked up at him and said, “As long as you’re here, I believe it will.”

Scotty looked away and smiled.

Grang saw Scotty’s smile and wondered what he was doing. He shook his head and wondered who would get his next arrow.

Jingo sat on the ground with the two prisoners sitting in front of him. Maranda and Jimmy knew the huge creatures surrounding them could read their minds and know they were responsible for the hunting lodges. Jimmy had soiled his pants and the smell was getting bad. That’s why Jingo had moved away from them.

Bleath looked at Jingo and said, “We should administer justice to these two criminals.”

Jingo looked up and said, “What were my instructions from Scotty? You can read my mind.”

The giant Zord was impatient, but he knew White Hair had said to wait until he arrived. He could taste his desire for revenge. Then he thought about Grang and found himself bothered by the memory of how White Hair had spared him. Bleath felt shame. He looked out at the barely restrained warriors and said, “Your Royal Ruler has decreed that we wait. We will do so even if these two die of old age.”

The warriors felt the power of Bleath’s thought and settled back on their four legs and waited. Maranda and Jimmy hoped he would take his time.

Kreej walked over to Maranda and said, “I am sorry for causing you to come to harm. It was not my intention to do so.”

Maranda looked at the young Zord, “It’s a little late for apologies!”

Zreeg took a deep breath and said, “Yes, I suppose it is. I just think it’s ironic that you suffered the same crime as your current husband.” Kreej turned and started walking away.

Maranda whipped around and said, “What do you mean the same crime?”

Kreej turned back and said, “I looked in the mind of that guard who was assigned to protect you. You know, the big one next to the throne?”