Star Warden 3: CC. Chapter 4

 Family Matters

A meeting of the War Council had been called. One day before the return of the King and Queen to Faerie form. The events in Cullen's Hand were the primary reason but Connor had more than that to discuss. All met in the War Room, carved deep into the trunk of the tree. Light was provided by various plants.

“Something has drastically changed with the enemy's operations,” Connor said. “First we are ambushed and tracked into the roots. Second Cullen's Hand is openly attacked. Lastly, we have gotten reports that our usual areas of refuge have been emptied out entirely of all sapient life. Most likely taken back to Gloriana.” Gloriana being the name of the Kingdom's capital.

“Clearly “King” Falstaff has woken up. Fat sack of lard and excrement like him tend to nap for two centuries.” said one of the Rangers.

“No, Falstaff is not this aggressive or would let the monsters run wild like this. There were also no sightings of the Royal Guard. Only machines and those Minotaurs.”

“Then either Falstaff is under pressure to produce results or he's not entirely in command anymore,” said Sam.

But who was in command was a question with a nearly infinite list of answers at this point. There was also the larger question of why the Domain was taking a more active role in the Unicorn Kingdom. The King and Queen returning was the obvious answer but it was unclear if he was planning to capture or kill them. 

The meeting continued for an hour as they debated over their plans. If Daimos was after the monarchs then they would lie in ambush. Wait for them to make the first move, they would also have the advantage of the cloak of night to make their escape. Connor was the first to leave the meeting once it was adjourned. Sam and Daniel looked at each other.

“Want me to come with you?”

“No. Let me speak to him. At least a few minutes alone.”

Daniel took a deep breath and kissed the crucifix necklace. Praying to God to give him the strength to weather what was to come.

He found his brother overlooking one of the internal gardens from a wooden railing. The Sprites were cultivating the fruits below.

“I'm surprised you're not working down there yourself. When you were younger you would wake up early in the morning to help dad stomp grapes to make wine.”

“Stop with the small talk,” Connor replied curtly. “You have no right to speak to me as if nothing happened. Murderer.”

“Then to business, Brother?”

“You have no right to call me that as well. Now state your business and leave.”

“I came to talk.”

“Then your business is concluded.” 

Daniel sighed. “About the past. I want to apologize. For not being a good brother, for my piracy. Not going to father's funeral. For all of my sins.”

Connor gave him a look of cold disgust. The faerie stood up from the railing and drew a dagger from his hip. He slowly pressed it against his hand and without a sound of pain cut across his palm. Blood dripped from his palm and for each drop, Connor spoke a name. A name from a ship that Daniel plundered or destroyed. Each ship name carried hundreds of others left unspoken; his victims.

“How do you apologize to them?” 

“Do my best to save lives now where I once took them.” Daniel's face was resolute. Truly there was no other way to apologize. No word or gesture could truly do anything for the dead and nothing could be done about the past. Daniel had long resolved himself that only future actions could make up for it.

“Yes, The Dark Lord gave you quite a convenient excuse. But I admit that was a better answer than I expected. It does not absolve you of your crimes.” Even with such admittance, his voice stayed cold.

“It may never will,” Daniel said solemnly. “Forgiveness is not the reason I wanted to speak to you. I only wished to say my piece to my brother before it was too late. I've lost too much family without saying goodbye. How is mother?”

Connor just glared at him. “I know. I have no right to that,” said Daniel. “Just tell her I said hello or pray for her on my behalf.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because if the Powers don't forgive me then she won't see my prayers. If she has indeed passed on.” Daniel turned to leave only stopping when Connor asked.

“Are you aware that you have several outstanding warrants for your arrest and execution?”

“You are free to judge me once this adventure is over. Though you might have trouble explaining it to your sister-in-law and nieces.”

“You have a wife? Does she?”

“Yes,” Daniel interjected. “Every sordid detail. My daughters will too once they are older. All my deeds good and ill will be known and they can judge for themselves. I won't take up any more of your time with my presence.” Daniel left the room.

Sam watched silently as he did. He looked at Connor as he turned back to the railings. He whispered a prayer.

******

In occupied Gloriana the Domain made their own plans. The soul extractors worked overtime creating new servitors to labor away. The sky ports were filled as weapons, vehicles, and machines were being unloaded from rocket ships. The streets were empty as the SWAT-bots and Minotaurs strictly enforced a curfew on the remaining living inhabitants. The few that still remained. 

Inside the royal palace Daimos appeared in holographic form as Ahrimus was giving a report. The Star Warden was in the Unicorn Kingdom as he expected. He laughed evilly. 

"Oh, how I do so love being right. Did he happened to mention anything about the Spellbinder or Cosmic Ring?”

“No, Master.”

“No matter. We will alter the plan accordingly. Inform Lorcan at once.”

Ahrimus openly grimaced but he dare not disobey the command. “Yes, Master. Anything else?”

“Has Falstaff been a bother?”

“No, Master. He's been enjoying his feasts with his “invited” guests. He pays us no mind.”

“Hopefully he stays that way. Carry out your orders. But this time to the letter. If I catch a repeat of what happened at Cullen's Hand. Well, let's just say there are parts of the galaxy that consider Minotaur meat a delicacy.”

The message was loud in clear and Ahrimus bowed. “Yes, Master. I won't do it again.”

Walking down the corridors and ignoring Falstaff's party of sycophants he entered a dark room. He held back his disgust at the stench of death and oil around him and asked.

“Commander Lorcan?”

“What is it,” responded a raspy and synthetic voice.

“The Star Warden is in the Kingdom and we've been ordered to change to the secondary battle plan.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“I will ready the Mark 2s. Dismissed.”

Ahrimus left without another word and he was thankful for it. If only he could put galaxies between him and that..thing. He never wanted to know the means or methods behind his creation. Just thinking about the ghoulish implications was more than enough for him. 

Chapter 5

Chapter 3