The Distant Kingdoms Volume Ten: The Sounds of a Distant Upheaval

PROLOGUE

The building was tall. In fact beyond tall, it was an immense structure of glass and steel reaching up towards the distant sky. Most of the animals and bird life of the local region avoided the structure as though they instinctively knew it was somehow wrong; a monument to disease: And especially at night. Night was when they came out to hunt the lands around their hive. These creatures, a nightmare from a distant past, and a distant world, would scour the land in search of prey to sustain their seemingly unquenchable apatite and thirst for blood and flesh. Anything they fell upon became a meal; animal, bird or even people. All were consumed in a ravenous orgy of sadistic gluttony where flesh was ripped from the bone while the victims screamed as they perished, drowning in their own freshly spilt blood.

Once the sun finally set, they burst from out of the building, their new home. Their numbers easily counted in the tens of thousands as they swarmed across the surrounding terrain in the continuous search for sustenance. When they had sated their hunger and the sun once more threatened to put in a greatly dreaded appearance, they ventured back to their colossal hive. Most of the immense structure, located far from any forms of human settlement had already been colonised by these creatures. Only the upper ten floors and lower areas remained without change. No eggs sacks or any other signs of their abominable life were to be found on these floors. Such an absence was not out of any undue reverence for these few remaining levels of the building. Their entrance from the upper most part of the new nest had been simply barred by some seemingly impenetrable barrier that none of their kind had yet been able to breach.

Day in, day out, their urge for survival of their species continued. They somehow knew this was a place different from their old world. On the creatures’ former abode, their numbers had been hunted almost to the brink of extension. In this place, their traditional two-legged enemies appeared capable of inflicting serious casualties on their number. Now they waited almost as a single entity in the impossibly tall structure. The collective sense of their hive had long ago come to the realisation that in a short time their mass would be a formidable force to the point of becoming an unstoppable wave expanding across the expansive green land.

Once the swarm reached such an increased number they would finally emerge to hunt and devour those animals that would otherwise destroy their kind. And soon they would be the dominant life on this world.

CHAPTER ONE

THE HAMMAFORTH KINGDOMS

THE NATION OF HAMAFORTH

THE CITY OF VALDERHIEN

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Sinar Thellon the First sat on her designated throne, her face held in an expression of mild bemusement. Despite having ascended to the position of reigning monarch of all of the Kingdoms after the tragic abduction of her husband and both sons, she had never once ventured onto his Majesty’s throne while attending to matters of state. Instead, she always remained in her former, slightly smaller throne while Entell Thellon’s seat of power remained notably vacant at her right side. At the time, her Majesty was listening with the utmost interest as a short, bearded man politely recanted the events leading to his audience with her.

This individual, who referred to himself as ‘Belgian’ had become the official ambassador to the admittedly limited number of off-world people who had mysteriously turned up across the continent. The man, Rennie Rochester, had some experience back on his home world in regards to matters of diplomacy and was, on occasion, required to intervene in an official capacity for these so-called "Beyonders’. Many of these strangely spoken people had long since left the city to aid another of their kind, Colin Bourke to rescue the captured members of the Royal Thellon family. A number of the off-world people, mainly from the planet they referred to as ‘Earth’ or ‘Gobbor-Den-Ittar’ were still to be found either in Valderhien or in other parts of the nation of Hamaforth proper. On occasion, some of the Beyonders had the unfortunate habit of attracting no small measure of trouble. In all honesty, it appeared to her Majesty that these unusual people appeared to attract trouble by simply standing in one place for too long.

Once the Beyonder ambassador had finally finished speaking, he fell silent, respectfully waiting for the Queen to remark on the business at hand. He stood his ground before the podium to the rear of the Royal Assembly Hall while around him were a number of other dignitaries, officials, bureaucrats, courtiers and the regular consignment of other such hangers-on. About the hall were a large number of soldiers acting as security for this member of royalty, along with the usual handful of Dearnian guards.

Her slightly rotund face relaxing as she gave a great sigh, Sinar Thellon leant closer to the short, well-dressed man. So you are telling me, Ambassador, that this Beyonder wanders into this city after stealing everything he can put his hands onto – including a horse, then proceeds to rob a major bank in the financial district, injures two of the security personnel in the process, sets fire to the building to conceal his escape then beats a passer-by half to death then steals his horse and attempts to flee. Her Majesty took a deep breath. Then, this miscreant sets fire to even more buildings while escaping, almost kills two passing soldiers, attempts to barge his way out of Valderhien through the main gates, injuring even more soldiers then he gives up only after realising he is surrounded by half the military forces in the city. Is that about it, Ambassador?

Rennie Rochester nodded. Yes, your Majesty.

And now he is claiming some sort of diplomatic immunity from prosecution due to the fact he is not originally from this world and had no way of knowing these things he had done were possibly against our standing legal code?

That is correct again, ma’am.

Sinar Thellon shook her head in dismay. Unbelievable! Are there really people that incredibly foolish on your world?

The Beyonder ambassador nodded some more. I can say this without fear of contradiction, your Majesty; On my old world we have a seemingly endless supply of stupid people, all running around, doing particularly idiotic things!

And just what do you suggest I do with this person?

There is a saying on my former world: ‘lock him up and throw away the key’! He looked to the woman in her mid-thirties standing nearby. Is this not so, Edith Bonaparte?

Quite correct, Rennie … I mean, Ambassador Rochester, Edith Bonaparte responded. Oh, and it’s ‘your Grace’, she kindly corrected him.

Your Grace, he retorted, flashing a smile.

Queen Sinar gave yet another sigh before concluding this particular matter: This man must have realised at least some of his actions in the city were indeed a complete breach of the law. It is my wish that he be immediately escorted to the courts and tried by a proper magistrate. The judge’s ruling shall be strictly adhered to in this case, as is proper and fitting!

Thank you, your Majesty, the Beyonder ambassador remarked.

Rennie Rochester was exceedingly grateful to hear this official ruling. The man in question was obviously deranged to the point of being a public menace and deserved to spend a great deal of time locked up in some horrid, little prison cell.

Now that this business was finally settled, he could return to his apartment a couple of streets away from the Royal palace and put his feet up and relax. Despite willingly taking on the duties and responsibilities as the official representatives, the little Belgian occasionally regretted his decision. Most of the time there were no problems to speak of in regards to other Beyonders within the Hamaforth Kingdoms. Those couple of off-world people scattered about the place generally behaved themselves and fitted in with the local community. On the odd occasion some half-wit appeared and seemed to hold the strange notion that they could do any damn thing they please without fear of retribution or lawful incarceration. The recent intruder into the city was a prime example. He would now undoubtedly spend a great deal of his life incarcerated in the city’s maximum security prison.

The single worst aspect of Ambassador Rochester’s new-found position however, always revolved around the Appor tribe, or what little remained of this group of people who did not originate from Earth. Almost on a daily basis, the Beyonder ambassador was the displeased recipient of a number of usually quite generous offers from people wishing to purchase one or more of their incredible flying horses. The ambassador often went to great pains to point out to these overly eager would-be purchasers of these near mythical animals, that to begin with he had no way of contacting the Appor and even if he did, they had always refused to so much as discuss the possibility.

Much to the Belgian’s distress, most of the people attempting to acquire an Apporan horse just did not wish to accept any excuse that prohibited them from gaining ownership of one. On some occasions large, angry-looking men would turn up at his residence or office and insist their employer be provided with one of the incredible white, winged horses. In one instance, the Queen herself had become involved, ordering a military incursion onto the estate of one businessman in an effort to persuade him to completely drop his idea of having a number of the animals in question.

Thankfully, once the rich – and quite powerful man’s homestead had been burnt to the ground and his private army rounded up, he appeared to forget all about his quest for these horses. When last heard of, he was literally running for his life, fearful of having his head removed on her Majesty’s personal command.

Once he had excused himself from the Queen’s presence, Rennie Rochester bid Edith a good day then made his way from the sparsely populated chamber. A good afternoon nap keenly awaited him and hopefully there would be no further interruptions to his life – at least for the rest of the day. Life within the capital city of the entire Kingdoms was good – most of the time. The food was rich and fresh, the people polite, friendly, conveniences easy to find and numerous stores and retail outlets held practically every available item a person could wish for under, even these highly unusual circumstances. So long as the fools left him alone, the Beyonder ambassador’s existence in the city was quite gratifying.

Edith Bonaparte watched the middle-aged man wander from the area. She had taken quite a liking to him and now thought of him as a good friend. On some occasions, he even minded the boys, who likewise enjoyed his company. She looked back to the monarch positioned above her by no great distance.

Was there anything you wanted from me, your Majesty? she inquired, politely.

In fact, yes, Edith, Sinar Thellon replied, remembering that the Beyonder people often only used each other’s first name. I was wondering if we might not watch another of those ‘movie’ plays sometime this evening?

Are you sure? Edith inquired. The last one scared you.

Yes, I remember it quite well, the Queen admitted from her throne while giving a mild shudder. I still cannot grasp the concept of anyone making one of those movie things about something possessing some poor girl and making her say all those vile things

It scared me too!

I know! I was sitting right beside you during all the screaming!

It wasn’t a good idea to let the boys watch it, Edith stated, wrinkling her nose in regret of the event in question. Ernest junior still has bad nightmares about it. She shook her head of light auburn hair. Dreadful movie!

The Royal Protectorate, Thalamin, cousin to the past two men to hold the position within the Royal court merely shook his head as he listened to this conversation. Anyone would think her Majesty had nothing better to do with her official time in court than gossip about those foolish Beyonder entertainments displayed by the device Colin Bourke had brought into the palace. He had been present while both women and the unfortunate children had observed the movie-play. Personally, he was under the opinion if someone wished entertainment of that nature, they would be well advised to go and see a proper play over in the entertainment district near the lake.

Her Majesty smiled: I liked the movie play where the unattractive man slapped the unfortunate, little man with the creepy expression!

The Maltese Falcon.

Perhaps we could watch that one again?

It had to be noted at this time that the Duchess Edith Bonaparte was absolutely the only person anywhere at all in the Hamaforth Kingdoms who could refrain from using the Queen’s title when speaking with her. Anyone else making such liberties with palace protocol would be on the receiving end of a serious vocal remonstration from any number of people within the royal court – including her Royal Majesty.

We’ll check on the selections if you want, Edith suggested, helpfully. Around her, other members of the court were looking on at this seemingly pointless discussion. They all wished her Grace would leave; so more important matters could be discussed with the Queen. What they failed to fully comprehend was that the Beyonder woman’s presence generally put Sinar Thellon in a positive and generous frame of mind.

Certainly, your Grace, the reigning monarch surmised. So, I will see you some time after supper this evening.

Edith Bonaparte smiled then left the assembly hall. Both of her children were supposed to be participating in their studies under the tuition of the teachers responsible for lecturing the royal prodigy. She wanted to make certain both Joseph and Ernest junior were not taking up their favourite past time of late: Doing everything possible to avoid their studies.

Next to speak to the Queen was the ambassador, Irran Olin who was representing the nation of San. The diplomat was the very model of the typical features to be found on the people of that eastern country. He was tall, thin and possessed light coloured fawn hair and green eyes. Generally, he was a pleasant enough sort of person for a member of the royal court. He did not take himself too seriously, unlike many others around him in the palace. Although since the mass assassination of the Inbet family about half-a-season ago, the ambassador had become quite withdrawn and almost reclusive.

Sinar Thellon had been meaning to speak to him about his attitude – in the kindest possible way. Unfortunately, events of late had prevented such a conversation. Thankfully, they had found a common purpose in life, a goal so profound it had given the ambassador a new lease on life after such tragedy and heartache.

Ambassador Irran Olin stepped up to the podium, gave a curt bow as the standard sign of respect then smiled up at the seated woman in her official gown, robe and crown. Her Majesty looks most uncomfortable this morning!

She dramatically rolled her eyes. This wretched crown is so heavy, I am always fearful of it snapping my poor neck!

Perhaps you should have a new one made? Irran Olin suggested. Something delicate and befitting your stature.

Thalamin rolled his own deep blue eyes. If there was one thing he truly detested while on duty in the Royal Assembly Hall, it was pointless banter between her Majesty and the numerous flunkies who seemed to crowd the palace. He just wished they would get on with business as promptly as possible.

I might just take over that interesting idea, your Excellency, she informed him. Plans were already traversing her keen mind in regards to having a new, more befitting crown produced.

Err, the San Ambassador murmured. About that other, rather secret business we were working on?

Sinar Thellon peered down at him. Oh, right. That business! I have already sent the party in question a written command to proceed as instructed. She should be receiving the letter in question sometime this morning.

Are you certain she has not already been given the command, your Majesty?

Ambassador, she smiled back at him. Virtually everyone present about the podium was staring at these two individuals, wondering just what was going on? Did you happen to hear a shrill scream of outrage any time earlier this morning?

No, Irran Olin remarked. I heard no outraged breaches of the peace anywhere in the Royal palace.

Queen Sinar Thellon smiled. Believe me, when she does receive the letter, her screams will be heard from one end of the Kingdoms to the other. Make no mistake about it.

Everyone within the Royal Assembly Hall continued to stare in frustration at her Majesty. What was going on? Business continued as usual with the Queen and yet no answers were provided over this ongoing mystery between the San ambassador and the current reigning monarch of the entire Hamaforth Kingdoms.

***

The only royal progeny remaining within the massive confines of the Royal palace, her highness, Paura Thellon was in her official quarters within the most heavily guarded sector of the complex. There had been far too many attempts on the lives of the Thellon family and now all of those members remaining; both of them, were heavily protected at all times, day or night. Right at this moment there were no less than ten Dearnian guards and a full complement of soldiers; double that number, scattered about the corridor just outside her room. The princess was only surprised a number of the Dearnians were not presently hiding beneath her bed positioned to one side of the spacious chamber. Personally, she thought the entire matter was blown well out of all proportion. Certainly, the numerous assassination plots and the fact at this time her Royal father and both brothers were being held captive over in the accursed city of Terrimorter did hold some sway over her thinking. The tall girl paused to stare at her own refection in the mirror of the dresser. The two blue eyes regarded her with a mild interest. She silently wondered just what was taking place with those long absent members of her family. She missed them dreadfully – even if they could be something of a great nuisance from time to time.

The princess of the Thellon line did have other titles. These were ones she was not familiar with – and if knowledge of them ever became common place, there would have been trouble in copious quantities. These additional titles tagged to the tall girl with her dark blonde hair included such mockeries as; ‘her Royal Pain-in-the-Rear-end’, ‘Princess Spoilt Brat’, ‘her Highly-Strung Princess Pandemonium’, ‘her Royal Wretchedness’ and ‘her High-and-Mighty Princess Paura’. These people really did not know or understand the girl at all. She could indeed be quite headstrong to the point of stubbornness and sometimes blunt with her opinion to the point of rudeness. However, there was an underlying strength to her character which had seen the princess battle off a great melancholy after witnessing her guards and friends perish under brutal circumstances during the battle in the rolling hills of the Vin Halle region. She had demanded Colin Bourke’s immediate release and achieved his pardon for unjust criminal charges. She had stood by her mother’s side during the attempted coup by Lord Perorn from the country of Phornimiren (who was still languishing somewhere deep beneath the Royal palace in a cell) and all through the turbulence created by the power vacuum once her father, the King and both brothers had been abducted by Ruler Jom Azzer’s forces. These stances by the princess took a great deal of courage and valour and strength of character on her part.

There was a knock at the door to her bedroom.

Please come in! she called to this mysterious visitor.

The door immediately opened as no less than four Dearnian guards, none of whom she recognised, piled into the room. Once they had pointlessly searched about the chamber with its delicate tapestries, art works, silver and gold sculptures, they deserted the premise. A small man late in his life nervously stepped through the open doorway. In his thin, wrinkled, visibly shaking hands, he clutched at a single envelop.

Paura Thellon turned around to calmly regard this intruder. She was quite certain she had never met this person before, although there were so many staff and soldiers and bureaucrats within the complex the fact was not all that surprising. She continued looking over at him as he stared back at her in abject terror. Finally, the girl noticed the letter in his frail hands.

Is that for me? she inquired.

The delivery man’s eyes widened to the point where his head exploding was not entirely out of the question. He shakily nodded his near bald head.

Well, may I have it, please.

The elderly man staggered across to where the princess remained seated, one hand outstretched to receive her mail. He placed the red envelop into her waiting hand, bowed then virtually scurried out of the room.

Now left alone, although the door remained open … One of the Dearnian guards appeared at that instant, closing the door.

Thank you! she called, tearing open her prize. On finally unfolding the communique, the princess was quite surprised to discover a single page containing some of her own mother’s elegant handwriting. She remained seated at the dresser, her eyes flittering across the page. It seemed rather peculiar that her mother would write to her and not just drop by to speak in person. The girl ceased reading the few lines contained on the letter; which was, in fact, more of an official memo. She read the message again. This could not be correct. The message on the page made positively no sense at all. The entire matter must obviously be some sort of confused jest on her Royal Majesty’s part. Next, her slightly shocked eyes ventured further down the page to see, much to her distress the official seal in fresh wax.

The matter on the page was not a joke.

It was an officially recorded fact.

The Princess Paura Thellon flew into a rage the likes of which the entire planet of Perencore had never witnessed before in its entire existence.

Standing bolt upright, Paura Thellon kicked out at her chair, sending the hapless piece of expensive furniture flying clear across the quite large bedroom. She then proceeded to enact a venomous diatribe against her very own mother and in doing so breached quite a number of serious criminal legislations.

That miserable, evil old woman!

(Defamation of a reigning monarch, broaching treason)

I am going to personally strange that interfering bitch with my own two hands!

(Threat of death to a member of the Royal family, broaching treason)

Paura Thellon threw a hairbrush with enough force to shatter her own mirror.

(Destruction of property of Royal domain, broaching treason)

She is completely incompetent and has obviously lost her mental faculties!

(Treason – plain and simple)

My mother has obviously gone senile in her old age and needs to be replaced on the throne!

(High treason)

By all rights the Princess Paura now had no less than five death warrants hanging over her head. If any of the Dearnian guards or soldiers on sentry duty had reported any of the girl’s words to the proper authorities (her mother) there would have been terrible repercussions for these breaches of the legal system in place to protect the reigning monarch.

Thankfully, those men and women gathered in the adjoining passageway in that sector of the Royal palace merely looked to one another, giggled a little bit then went back to performing their assigned duties for the day. These duties within the Royal palace basically comprised of standing in one spot, staring across at nothing much at all. Unless, naturally, some unbecoming disturbance occurred in the vicinity and then they could deal with the matter as they saw fit. At this time on this day, it appeared a disturbance of sorts was now emanating from the enraged Princess of the Royal Thellon line.

The door of the nearest room burst asunder as her Highness charged into the passageway. She was currently dressed in a long white frock with matching blouse and woollen jumper. Apparently, her Highness had enough presence of mind, despite her ever-mounting fury, to remove her slippers and place more reasonable footwear on both feet. She glared at the nearest Dearnian guard whose name she could not remember. Take me to see her Majesty at once!

The tall, blonde woman gave a slight bow. Yes, your Highness. Please follow me.

Paura Thellon thought she heard some snickering in the corridor. She turned with the utmost dexterity in an effort to catch out the perpetrator of this unseemly act. Unfortunately, all of the people gathered along the walls of the passageway were still at attention, staring directly ahead as if the very models of innocence.

The Dearnian guard left her post with the enraged princess in tow. They trailed through the Royal palace in search of the Queen. Personally, the Dearnian guard was thrilled to pieces over the assignment. She really wanted to witness the upcoming exchange between the Princes Paura and her Royal Majesty, Sinar Thellon.

***

The doors to the Royal Assembly Hall were hauled open to their full width by two terrified-looking soldiers. These lads in their immaculate military uniforms hastily moved to one side, allowing two figures to march into the mighty chamber. Once done with the duty, the sentries swiftly closed the doors, making sure they stood on the opposite side. They did not know exactly what was going on – nor did they wish to find out. Those persons standing before the Royal podium all turned in one motion to witness the cause of this unseemly commotion. Some people were surprised to discover the individual responsible for this upheaval was none other than her Highness, Princess Paura Thellon. Any number of people present in the chamber were not really all that surprised by this development. They honestly believed her Highness to be a spoilt brat and that these types of displays by the impetuous girl quite inevitable.

Paura Thellon and her Dearnian guard marched half-way along the deep blue carpet runner leading from the main entrance to the podium. Finally fed up with the process, the princess ceased walking, holding up the note from her mother. May I ask what is this?

Her Majesty leaned forward in her throne, peering awkwardly at the piece of parchment her only daughter was holding aloft. I am not entirely sure, your Highness, Sinar Thellon commented. You are a long distance away and my eyesight is not what it used to be.

The remark created a brief flurry of chuckles about the gathered crowd. They ceased all sounds and displays of mirth on witnessing the princess’ angered stare in their direction.

Could you please come a little closer, my dear, the Queen requested, with the utmost politeness.

She glanced down at the San ambassador, Irran Olin and smiled at him. This business was proceeding far better than either of them could have hoped. Her Highness had made a huge tactical blunder by presenting herself in public. Dealing with the angered girl in private would have been difficult at best. Now she had nowhere to run or hide.

Paura Thellon marched directly up to the podium to face her mother. Despite her high level of fury, she did still present her Majesty with a brief curtsy.

Your Highness has such lovely manners, Sinar Thellon murmured, still presenting the court and her daughter with a false smile.

Soon it would be time to act in the best interest of the Hamaforth Kingdoms as well as the people. At such time there would definitely be no smiling: Some moaning, yelling and tears, but definitely no smiling.

Paura Thellon continued to wave the letter about the warmed air as if fully anticipating such an action would cause the wretched item to vanish from sight. I would politely request an explanation for this … Thing? she blurted, angrily.

Thing? the Queen repeated, as if confused by such a simple term. What a strange name to call your official marriage proclamation.

I have no intention of getting married! Paura Thellon retorted.

But, your Highness, you must be, her mother responded in the same friendly tone. After all, a Royal proclamation has already been dispatched to the far reaches of the Hamaforth Kingdoms.

What!

The single word tore through the assembly hall like an invisible plague.

We are going to have such a lovely time of it when you and his Lordship, Irowan Inbet become wed! Both of you will make such a handsome couple.

I have no intention of being Irowan Inbet’s wife! the princess shrieked.

The Queen frowned. But, I thought you liked Lord Irowan Inbet?

I do.

Your Royal Majesty, Thalamin corrected the lapse of Royal court protocol.

Your Royal Majesty, Paura Thellon added, between gritted teeth while glaring across at the Royal Protectorate. Was it her imagination or was he smiling at her?

Then I do not see what the problem is, your Highness, the reigning monarch insisted.

I also like horses, however, I would not consent to marrying one!

That was enough.

The smile was swept from her Majesty’s features in an instant.

This is the situation, Paura Thellon, her mother announced for all to hear. Despite our very best efforts to retrieve your father and brothers, the tragic fact remains they may never again be in our presence … Her Majesty fell strangely silent for a short time. She sat upright and continued: The continuation of the Thellon line now rests solely with you, your Highness. Even as we speak, his Lordship is packing his bags in preparation of coming here to have you as his bride. Once done with this business, you will both remain here in Valderhien to fully adjust (she really did not wish to dwell on the finer points of the upcoming marriage) before travelling to the city of Junnee where you will be a loving and dutiful wife. She grinned down at her mortified daughter. But, more importantly, you, Paura Thellon will produce many, many fine, healthy children, one of whom will possibly sit on this very throne to command the entire Kingdoms in our name! So, if you have any further objections, please feel free to bother someone else with them! My time is very valuable and I certainly have none of it to waste on some selfish girl who would place her own well-being before that of the people of these lands! You are dismissed, your Highness!

The girl stood as if frozen to the floor by her feet. She continued glaring in outrage up at her royal mother. Finally the sheer, unadulterated rage, along with no end of typical youthful rebellion, became too much for her to bear.

I will do nothing of the sort! the princess bellowed, her voice blasting throughout the hall.

Queen Sinar Thellon stared down at the princess. She remained silent for a moment, maybe even two then finally spoke: Thalamin, take her Highness away to the dungeons.

Typical of most of the Dearnian guards, nothing seemingly ever really surprised the Royal Protector. Not violent encounters or strange beasts or unusual people managed to cause them the slightest concern. At this time, Thalamin stared at the Queen, mouth agape, eyes blank, the confusion of her latest sentence having somehow overloaded his mind.

I … I do beg your Majesty’s pardon?

Her Highness has committed a serious offence and she will be taught to respect my authority, Sinar Thellon responded in an even voice. So, I want you to personally escort my daughter down to the dungeons and leave her there until such time that she can show me some proper and due respect.

Are … You really sure about that, your Majesty?

Quite sure, Thalamin, she coldly assured him. Unless you feel incapable of carrying out my commands. In which case I will have no choice but to relieve you of your role as Royal Appointed Protectorate and find someone capable of following my instructions. Now, please do as you are told.

His mind still reeling from the implications of these events, Thalamin, the Staff of Office in one hand, stepped across to where the princess stood. Your Highness, you will have to come with me.

Paura Thellon stared up at her mother, her mind likewise having unprecedented difficulties in coming to terms with this repercussion of her refusal to obey a direct command. She sort of felt the Dearnian guard take a gentle hold of her right arm before leading her away.

All within the Royal Assembly Hall were stone silent. They watched with shocked thoughts and confused expressions as the tall Dearnian man led Paura Thellon from their midst.

***

Joseph Bonaparte and his younger brother, Ernest junior, were currently to be found in the menagerie of the Royal palace. Both boys just loved being in this part of the complex with its impressive array of animal, bird and fish life. There was just one minor issue with this arrangement; they were not supposed to be here. They were supposed to be in some stuffy school room deep within the superstructure, learning a wide variety of topics from the written word to the Hamaforth Kingdoms’ intricate history. Unfortunately, as with all small children, the mere thought of being in school and learning something important filled their minds and hearts with an inexplicable, deep-seeded dread. Also, like most children, they were quite adept at evading any form of schooling. In this instance, both boys had insisted to their lecturer that they were ill and fled the room. Now they could enjoy the bright morning sunshine, even if it was a touch chilly outside and play amongst the displays.

The only other people to be found at this time within the menagerie were a handful of the ever-present keepers who fed the animals and maintained the displays. These people moved about the spacious courtyard without taking any real notice of the two children. They certainly knew of their identities, but the boys were not of their concern; so long as they did not perform some incredibly stupid stunt and get eaten by any of the displays as a direct result.

Right now Joseph was standing near a bird aviary, silently observing the numerous brightly plumed birds as they cavorted throughout the mesh enclosure. Behind him, he could hear his younger brother cheerfully singing to himself. Much to his surprise, Ernest junior actually possessed quite a melodic voice for such a young child. One of the keepers walked past, looked to the singing child and smiled before continuing his duties. During this interval, a chill breeze blew through the area, causing Joseph to involuntarily shiver. This was supposed to be the end of the cold season of whatever they called it around here. The city of Valderhien’s streets had often been clogged with fresh snow drifts and ice sheets that drifted across the great lake. Thankfully, these climatic conditions were now a thing of the past as the warm season approached with an undeniable persistence. The appearance of the snow and ice had made both children believe it was Christmas time. Unfortunately, they had no way of knowing when this holiday might be listed. Their mother had only recently promised them they would indeed celebrate once their father returned home – from wherever he might be.

Someone entered the courtyard, causing both boys to turn their attention towards this intruder. Much to their great disappointment the most recent arrival into the menagerie turned out to be their mother.

Edith Bonaparte did not appear at all impressed to discover her offspring lounging in this private zoo. A number of people had been sent in search of the wayward children once the boys’ mother had been informed about their truancy. She stormed across the grassy ground directly towards them.

Should we run? Ernest junior asked his brother. He really, truly hoped the answer to his fearful inquiry would be a resounding ‘yes’. Much to his immense disgust, the elder boy merely shook his head.

She’s already seen us, Joseph grumbled, moving away from the aviary.

Just what do you two think you’re doing out here? Edith furiously demanded, frightening most of the animals in the process. You should both be at your lessons!

We are, mom, Joseph cheerfully responded in a desperate, last ditch effort to placate his enraged parent.

Ernest junior immediately fell silent, though he nodded in complete agreement with the bold statement and obvious lie. If his elder brother could not get them out of this trouble then no one could.

Explain to me how sitting around here, staring at some animals counts as being in school? Edith demanded.

We’re learning about the local wildlife! Joseph explained.

Both of you are grounded for two days! the furious woman announced.

Does that mean we have to go stay in our rooms back on Earth?

Ernest junior’s mouth dropped open. Despite being the brains of the outfit, his elder brother sometimes opened his great, big mouth and said some really stupid things. Unfortunately, whenever Joseph was in deep trouble, he also somehow ended up sharing the punishment.

What was that, mister! the boy’s mother exclaimed, folding her arms.

That was never a good sign.

Nothing, ma’am, the eldest boy mumbled under his breath.

Well ‘nothing’ means you can both stay in your rooms – here in the palace for three days! You both attend school and then go straight to your rooms! Is that clearly understood?

Yes, mom.

She glared at the youngest child.

Ernest junior nodded his head while maintaining his silence. He wanted nothing stupid to come out of his mouth and make matters even worse.

Another person stepped into the menagerie via the nearest entry. This individual turned out to be none other than the Royal Protectorate, Thalamin. On most occasions this tall, blue eyed, blond-haired man in his traditional white robe was the very image of stern control. Right at the time, he appeared strangely out of sorts, almost as if he had terrible news.

On first viewing this imposing figure, Edith Bonaparte’s heart skipped a heart. Did the Dearnian guard have horrible news for her this late morning?"

Thalamin stepped across to where the vast majority of the Bonaparte family were currently concentrated. Most of the nearby keepers working in the area looked at him with a mixture of fear and awe. However, they all quickly returned to their duties that required them to be elsewhere in this part of the palace grounds.

Is everything okay, Thalamin? the Earth woman nervously inquired.

The imposingly tall man halted before her. There is a serious issue with her Majesty and the princess, he informed her