Mad Queen, page 12
Now, as shadows began to lengthen through the crystalline windows, duty called with increasing urgency. "I'm afraid it's time for us to take our leave," Thomas announced, rising from his seat with obvious reluctance. He had started to sense the pressure of time pushing against the comfortable moment. Six months wasn't long enough to waste precious hours, no matter how much he valued this respite with Iona and her parents.
The statement drew disappointed sounds from around the room, though everyone understood the reality of their situation. Elara's face fell, while Gareth's expression tightened with the necessity of another separation from his family.
"So soon?" Anise asked, more resigned than surprised as her attention shifted from Thomas to Gareth. "I knew this moment would come…” She reached out and took his hand. “...but it feels like you just arrived."
“I know. I’m sorry.” His rueful smile swept her face. “What we do now secures our future. His future,” he said, smoothing his hand over their son’s downy head where he sat, secured between them in a highchair. Both Anise and Gareth chuckled as they watched their tired son wipe his fist up over his face, scrubbing the green goo from around his mouth and cheeks up over his nose and forehead. “I think it’s time for somebody’s bedtime,” Gareth said, wiping the baby’s face off with his own napkin.
Everyone found amusement as the baby showed his displeasure over the cleanup by scrunching his face up and slamming his fist down on the chair’s attached tray. His bowl, with what was left of his pureed meat and vegetables, bounced up and tumbled toward the tray’s edge. Showing her proficiency at dealing with an irritable baby’s tantrums, Anise caught the bowl before it tumbled off the tray.
“Hey, good catch, Anise,” Burl said, clapping.
“Comes with practice,” she said, smiling as she wiped the spilled food off the chair’s tray and got up to take the bowl and dirty napkins to the kitchen. Gareth removed the now crying baby’s soiled bib and picked him up. Little Gareth laid his head on his dad’s shoulder and immediately quieted.
“The joys of fatherhood, eh Gareth.” Kaelithan said, standing up and moving toward his parents.
“It has its moments,” Gareth replied, smiling as he rubbed his hand over his son’s back.
“Indeed it does,” Varieth agreed, clapping a hand to Kael’s shoulder and smiling affectionately at him. “And I know you wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.”
“No, sir, I wouldn’t,” he said, kissing baby Gareth on the cheek as Anise returned, taking their tired son from him. The boy immediately laid his head on her shoulder and rubbed his face against her, another sign he was ready for bed. “I just wish I could have more moments like this,” Gareth added, his voice thick with emotion as he laid his palm on the boy’s head and wrapped his other arm around Anise, leaning in to rub her nose with his, making her smile.
"Whatever happens out there, whatever dangers you face,” Anise told him, “remember you have people here who love you very much. Be safe, and come back to us soon.”
"I will," Gareth promised. “I love you, too. Both of you, so much.”
“I’m sorry we can’t stay longer,” Kael said, embracing his mother with one arm, his father with the other. "But there's too much at stake to delay any further."
"We understand," Varieth replied, his own disappointment evident.
Elara held her son tightly, whispering words of blessing and protection. “You go on now,” she said after breaking their embrace. “You already saved this world. Now go save the galaxy.”
Kaelithan grinned in response to her motherly tone. “I will.”
Nevertheless, this particular farewell was harder for Thomas to watch than any that had come before, especially when baby Gareth reached out for his father as he moved away from them. Thomas could see the pain on his friend’s face, before it hardened into determination.
The others offered their thanks to Kaelithan's parents for their hospitality and warmth, each member of the crew expressing genuine appreciation for the brief return to normalcy.
Thyreon's goodbye to Halvy was just as heart-wrenching as Gareth’s, if only because Thyreon’s presence had brought so much of what remained of the old Halvy back out.
"I'll miss you," Thyreon said, clasping Halvy’s shoulder. "Try to stay safe out there."
"You too," Halvy replied, matching the gesture.
Iona's farewell was quieter, less dramatic than the family partings but no less meaningful. After saying goodbye to Kael, she approached Thomas as the others were making their final preparations to leave.
"Safe travels, Daeardrayke,” she said simply, her eyes conveying much more. "And remember that you always have a home here, whenever you need one."
"I know. Thank you," Thomas replied. "That means more to me than you know." He forced himself to turn away and leave, a definite ache settling in the center of his chest.
The walk back to Quadtree passed in contemplative silence, each member of their group processing the emotions stirred by temporary reunion with normal life. Thomas found himself thinking about the simple pleasures they'd just experienced and wondering how many such moments might remain before the galaxy's conflicts consumed everything gentle and peaceful. He’d never had such connections on Earth. In many ways, he’d since realized how he had given up on ever achieving them. But now that they were present, now that he had felt the warmth of family and friends, he would fight like hell to keep them all.
As they descended through Primaltree's levels and crossed the bridge to Quadtree, they were again bombarded with accolades from Druids who recognized them. Cheers followed their passage, hands reached out to touch them, voices called blessings and thanks. Always uncomfortable with the hero worship but understanding its importance to the people who needed something to believe in, Thomas acknowledged the attention with smiles and awkward waves.
The elevator ride up through Quadtree's levels felt longer than usual, weighted by the knowledge that this might be their last visit to Avalyeth for some time. When they finally reached the landing platform, Thomas expected to find the area relatively quiet, with perhaps a few guards maintaining security around Excalibur's position.
Instead, they emerged to find the platform in utter chaos.
Two distinct crowds had gathered, surrounding the legendary ship. Their raised voices carried across the platform in a cacophony of heated argument. Word of Morgana's decision had clearly leaked from the council session and the revelation had divided the gathered Druids into opposing camps.
On one side stood a group of perhaps fifty angry Druids, their gestures animated as they pointed toward Excalibur with clear hostility. Their voices carried accusations and blame, words like "betrayal" and "doom" floating above the general din.
The opposing group was thankfully larger, their voices raised in defense of Thomas and his crew. These supporters formed a protective barrier around Excalibur, proclaiming gratitude and continued faith in Thomas’ leadership. Thomas recognized some of the Druids who had been working on the cleanup with Iona earlier.
"How quickly they forget who saved them from being overrun by undead," Burl muttered, his usual good humor replaced by bitter disappointment as he surveyed the hostile faction. “A few hours ago, we were saviors. Now we're villains, simply because we kept our word to someone they don't like." The comment drew murmurs of agreement from other crew members.
"Stay neutral," Thomas instructed as they approached the edge of the crowd. "We're not here to take sides or justify our decisions. We just need to reach the teleportal and depart."
Neutrality proved difficult to maintain as they pushed through the masses. Supporters reached out to touch them, their voices raised in encouragement and continued faith. Detractors hurled accusations and demands for explanation, their anger palpable as they pressed closer with hostile intent.
"Daeardrayke!" a middle-aged Druid whose face was flushed with fury and very possibly drink, called out above the others. "How could you let her go? You’ve doomed us all!”
"He did it because honor matters!" another voice shouted back from the opposing crowd. "Because keeping your word is what separates us from the tyrants we fight!"
The arguments continued around them as they made their way forward. The Druid guards on the platform formed a protective escort that helped clear a path through the chaotic scene. Thomas kept his expression carefully neutral, acknowledging neither praise nor criticism as he focused on reaching their destination.
"Sir Dragon!" a young woman called out, her voice bright with admiration. "We believe in you! We know you'll find a way to protect us!"
"He's already failed us once!" came an immediate rebuttal from nearby. "What makes you think he won't fail us again?"
The bitter division was painful to witness, but Thomas forced himself to keep moving forward. Stopping to engage would only make the situation worse, turning what was already a tense confrontation into something potentially violent.
As they finally neared Excalibur's teleportal, Thorgrim moved closer to Thomas, the Dwarf's expression showing concern about what they'd witnessed.
"This division is bad for everyone," Thorgrim observed, his gruff voice carrying over the surrounding noise. "If they can't come together and focus their energy on defense, they'll be vulnerable when Morgana's forces arrive."
Thomas nodded grimly, sharing the dwarf's assessment while feeling powerless to address it. "I agree, but there's nothing we can do about it now. They'll have to work through their differences themselves. We have our own quest to worry about."
They reached the portal. Thomas remained to usher the others through, the shouts from both sides rising in volume in response to their imminent departure. Thorgrim stayed beside him, and surprisingly, so did Halvy, and as such, Norsp.
The presence of the former Flayer only drove the dissidents to greater unhappiness. Thomas could see how Norsp quickly became a focal point for their anger, serving as a visible reminder of their enemy. Shouts of "traitor" and "collaborator" began to mix with the accusations aimed at Thomas himself, while some of the more agitated protesters pushed closer with obvious hostile intent.
"Why is he here?" one angry voice demanded, pointing directly at Norsp with a trembling finger. "Why do we harbor one of the monsters who tried to destroy us?"
Norsp remained perfectly still, radiating controlled power despite the provocation. He tracked the approaching threats with predatory awareness, yet made no move to defend himself or respond to their hostility.
Once the others had all gone through the teleportal, Thomas turned to Halvy. “Your turn.”
“You first, Captain,” he replied.
“Halvy, I know you want to protect me, but—”
“No,” Halvy interrupted. “I need to protect Arthur.” He put his hand to the shard around his neck.
“Even so, I’m still in charge. If I give you an order, you need to follow it. If you can’t do that, then you must remain here.”
Norsp glared at Thomas. Halvy simply nodded, undisturbed by the ultimatum. “Of course, you’re right. Come, Norsp.” He nodded to Thomas and stepped through the portal, the Draconite right behind him. Only then did Thomas and Thorgrim step through, the strange mix of jeers and cheers echoing in their ears even after they were clear.
Merlin, bring up the teleportal, he said silently. We’re all aboard.
Of course, my boy.
“Dwarves like to argue,” Thorgrim commented. “But at least we try to be sensible about it.”
“They’re afraid,” Thomas answered.
“They should be. I don’t know how you’re going to do it, Captain. Six months…” He shook his head.
“I have to succeed. We have to succeed,” Thomas replied. “I meant what I said in the hollow. I believe in the beings of Avalon. I believe I can convince a lot of them to come to our aid. And I also believe some will aid themselves without me. The fire is burning. We just need to fan the flames.”
“Aye. I hope you’re right. We need to succeed.”
“We’d better. Morgana knows the Dwarves are with me now. I can’t guarantee she’ll continue to ignore Ferraden once the six months are up.”
“I’ve considered that possibility. It isn’t one I expected, but Prince—nay, king by now, I imagine—King Tobrin will have to make the decision on what to do about that.”
“There is something else I wanted to speak to you about,” Thomas said. “A thought I had during our meal.”
“A strange time to be thinking of me, Captain,” Thorgrim laughed, “when you had that fetching lass to keep your heart and mind occupied.”
Thomas couldn’t help laughing with him. “Some things are more important right now than any feelings I might have for a fetching lass.”
“Don’t tell her that,” Thorgrim replied.
“In all seriousness,” Thomas said, his grin vanishing after a short chuckle. “I've been thinking about what to do with Klingsor's crystal. Since I need to return you to Ferraden anyway, I'd like the Dwarves to hold onto it for safekeeping until I can return it to the Wastes."
Thorgrim's bushy eyebrows rose in surprise, his weathered features showing careful consideration of the proposal. "That's quite a responsibility you're asking us to shoulder. Are you certain that's a wise decision?"
"I'm certain the Dwarves are the last people who might be tempted to interact with the Death Walker's essence."
"Aye, you're right about that. We've no desire to see that monster free again. If you trust us with such a burden, I’m sure King Tobrin will agree to hold onto it. Except…”
“Except what?” Thomas asked.
“Well, to be honest, the Death Walker killed his parents. Once he has Klingsor’s prison in his possession, he may be reluctant to part with it.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me,” Thomas agreed. “If those are the terms, I’ll accept them. Sinderak’s Vault is likely as safe a place for it as the Wastes. Perhaps even safer.”
“Then I don’t foresee any difficulties in passing along the responsibility,” Thorgrim said.
“Good. I’m heading up to the flight deck,” Thomas announced. “You’re welcome to join me there.”
“I’m confident you can fly your ship without me, Captain. The view through the projection tends to play tricks on my stomach, and since I just ate…”
“Yeah, I’d prefer you didn’t vomit on the flight deck,” Thomas agreed with a fresh smile. “We have to visit Falias first, but we’ll head to Ferraden right after.”
“Of course, Captain. At your convenience.”
While Thorgrim turned aft to reach his quarters, Thomas headed for the inside teleportal at the bow, only to notice Halvy and Norsp waiting there for him. “Is something wrong?” he asked when he got there.
“No,” Halvy replied. “I was keeping an eye on you.”
“Is that something I should get used to from now on?” Thomas asked. “You don’t need to hover over me like a worried grandmother. Especially aboard Excalibur.”
Halvy nodded. “Yes. You’re right.” Instead of going through the teleportal to accompany Thomas to the flight deck, he and Norsp turned to follow Thorgrim to their quarters.
Shaking off Halvy’s strange need to shadow him everywhere, Thomas hurried through the teleportal to the flight deck. The rest of the flight crew were already assembled there.
"Well, that was unpleasant," Gareth said, frowning at him. "I never expected to see Druids so divided over anything, especially you. They love you."
"Fear does that to people," Thomas replied. “I don’t blame them for holding me responsible. Not after everything they’ve been through.” He swept his gaze across the others. “Everyone to your pods.”
They responded quickly to his order, as he made his way to the command pod and stepped back into it. The neural gel flowed around him with eager acceptance, establishing the connection that merged his consciousness with Excalibur's systems. Through the interface, he sensed his crew's collective relief to be returning to space. Even Gareth, despite once again having to leave his family, settled eagerly into the gel, glad to be away from the political complications that had marred their time on Avalyeth.
The platform is clear for takeoff, Gareth informed him. All our dissenters and supporters have moved back.
Thank you, Gareth. Merlin, set wormhole coordinates for Falias.
Of course, my boy, Merlin replied. However, I suspect Lady Aelan won't be any more pleased with our news than the Druid Council was.
No, I don’t expect her to be happy at all, but I’m anxious to hear if she has any insight into what our next move should be. She hasn’t led us wrong so far.
When Merlin had nothing more to say, Thomas opened an external comm. “Avelyeth Flight Control, this is Excalibur requesting permission to lift off.”
“Of course, Captain Drake. May the stars be with you.”
“Thank you, control. Excalibur out.”
Brennan, take us up.
Aye, Captain.
Thomas settled deeper into his pod as Excalibur lifted away from Quadtree's platform, leaving behind the dwindling crowd. Below them, Avalyeth's ancient forests stretched toward the horizon, beautiful but wounded, while ahead lay the cold vastness of space and the monumental task of uniting a galaxy against its greatest threat.
Arthur’s essence warmed him, offering strength, courage, and comfort.
At this point, it was the only thing that could bring him peace.
CHAPTER 14
The crystalline spires of Aelindral rose around Excalibur, their prismatic surfaces catching and refracting the light into cascading rainbows that danced across the walls of the docking tower. Thomas sensed the subtle shift in the engine as they slipped into the tower, enveloped by fields of magical energy emitted by the structure.
Teleportal deployed, Merlin announced through their shared connection.
Well, let’s get this done, Thomas projected to the others. Gareth, you’re with me. You too, Tryvane. I assume you want to see your mother.
