Medaron tossed and turned in her bed, unable to sleep. That strange feeling had gotten stronger and was plaguing her thoughts. Plus, she kept thinking about the deer the girls and Europa spoke of, particularly about the part of it having strange eyes. She no longer could contribute her uneasiness to the simple fact Europa had turned twenty and would soon be leaving for college. Or would she? How could she possibly let Europa leave the security of Minnos and move hundreds of miles away with the possibility of a Terrian shape-shifter out there stalking her? Finally, emotional exhaustion overcame her and she was able to fall asleep, but her sleep was not restful. Her dreams were tormented with memories of the war with the Terrians and the day Enok almost died and her son killed. All too soon she awoke, exhausted and frustrated. Knowing sleep was not attainable, Medaron decided to go downstairs and try to get some rest on the side porch. As she descended the stairs, the feeling seemed to grow even stronger, making her hold onto the railing to steady her walk. Why couldn’t she remember what this feeling was? She knew she recognized it, but it was buried deep in her memory. She switched on the light as she walked into the kitchen, wondering why it was so dark and where Misso was. Then she remembered the time and the fact Misso was still asleep. She turned the coffeepot on and grabbed a Danish to eat while she waited for her favorite drink to brew. When it was done she poured herself a cup, grabbed an afghan from the back of a chair and walked out to the side porch. She sat down on the porch swing, pulling her legs up on the seat and snuggled under the afghan. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, breathing in the ocean smells. This part of the porch overlooked the ocean and she could hear the waves crashing against the rocky cliffs below. This had always been her favorite spot to sit and think, probably because she spent most of her pregnancy out there so she could be closer to the ocean and Enok. She had designed this section of the porch as a place she and Enok would spend many hours together, hours which never occurred. Taking a sip of coffee, she looked out at the ocean. Enok was out there, his essence floating in the ocean’s waters. She believed he could hear her thoughts when she spoke to him and wished he had a way to talk back to her, to advise her.
“Enok, I wish you were here. I need your help in protecting our daughter. Last night I learned of the possibility a Terrian still lives and Europa may be in danger. Jeanip has everyone on high alert and has increased the security grid. He assures me nothing will happen to her and I have full confidence and trust in him and his decisions. But Enok, if I lost her . . .” Medaron closed her eyes, fighting back the tears. Very quietly she whispered, “I could not survive losing another child, Enok. Losing Tiree that day almost destroyed me, and it would have if it had not been for you and your love. You brought me back from the hell I was in. But you are not here to save me this time. If Europa dies I will die with her.” She paused for another moment, collecting herself, trying to focus on something positive. “Oh, Enok, you would be so proud of our daughter. She has grown into such a beautiful woman. I see a lot of you in her, especially her love of life and nature. She would have made such a wonderful Supreme Monarch. JeffRa stole much from her, from us. I miss you SO much, Enok. I still love you, now and forever.”
“Up a little early this morning, aren’t we, Your Majesty?” Jeanip asked, as he stood in the doorway to the side porch, holding a canister of coffee and a cup for himself.
“Jeanip, how long have you been standing there?” Medaron asked, a little startled, but not surprised, at Jeanip’s sudden appearance. She should have known her early rising would not go undetected by Jeanip; nothing happened in the cottage he did not know about.
“For a few minutes. I thought you might like some more coffee and perhaps some company. Or perhaps just coffee.”
“I would love some company. Please sit down, Dear Brother.” Jeanip filled Medaron’s coffee cup, then sat down next to her. He poured himself a cup and sat the canister on the floor beneath the swing. “Are you okay?” he asked, noting the worried and tired look upon her face. He knew Medaron was an early riser, but it was very unusual for her to have risen before Misso or himself. This uneasiness was beginning to have an effect on her. Plus, he heard what she said about not surviving the loss of Europa. He was determined she would never, ever experience that loss. He had almost lost her once. He would not chance losing her again.
“Yes I am fine. I just did not sleep well last night. For some reason I kept dreaming about the Terrian wars, particularly the day Enok was injured. And I could not stop thinking about that dang deer.” Medaron noticed the concerned look on Jeanip’s face. “And yes, the feeling is still there.”
“An uneasiness that could probably be contributed to the fact Enok was not here to help celebrate Europa’s most important birthday. That, added into the talk of that deer, made for the makings of a very restless sleep,” Jeanip added, knowing how much Medaron still missed her mate.
“That too,” Medaron replied. “It was bad enough JeffRa robbed her of her heritage, but the fact her father was not here to help celebrate the occasion made it almost unbearable.”
“I too have concern over that deer, Medaron,” Jeanip confessed, noting the concerned look appear on his sister’s face. “The security grid picked up the deer on the road inside Minnos. Adding in what Europa’s friends said about his eyes, I thought it pertinent to take the men out to hunt for it this morning after breakfast to determine if it is friend or foe. I am sure we will discover it is just some misplaced deer curious about its surroundings.” He thought it best not to inform Medaron about the malfunctioning section of the security grid until he went out and determined the cause. He did not want to contribute to her stress until he had all the facts.
“Let us hope so,” Medaron quietly said, trying to hide a yawn. “Might I ask a big favor of you, Jeanip?”
“Anything, Your Majesty.”
“Skip breakfast with Europa this morning and take the men out at first light. I will feel better once I know the truth about that deer – be it good or bad.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.”
Medaron pulled the afghan tighter around herself and snuggled up to Jeanip’s shoulder. He raised his arm and placed it around her, pulling his beloved sister and monarch into the cradle of his body. Medaron rested her head on his chest and soon was fast asleep, feeling more at ease now that she knew Jeanip would track the deer down. Jeanip carefully reached over and removed the coffee cup from her hand and sat it on the swing next to him. He looked down at her, delighted in the knowledge that, at this moment, she was safe in his arms, just as she had been when they were kids, before she married Enok and became his queen, before JeffRa’s reign of terror to destroy all she loved. Now, more than ever, he wished he could tell Medaron the truth about Enok’s existence and his death, for she needed Enok’s strength. But that was not his decision to make.
____________
The four friends had stayed up half the night talking about Europa leaving for college, boys, shopping, how handsome Terrance was and if he and Europa were an item. Even with little sleep Europa awoke early, eager and excited to see Terrance. She quietly rose and silently began to get dressed, wanting to allow the young ladies more time to sleep. As she slipped her new birthday sweater over her head, the clasp of the necklace became caught and she became trapped in her sweater.
“Hey, can one of you guys help me? The necklace is caught on my sweater,” she called out to the girls, regretting she had to wake them.
Suzie woke and came over to try to free it, but was unable to. She poked Anna with her foot, arousing her from her sleep. Anna came over and tried to free the clasp. As she tried to pull it free the clasp broke, causing the chain and amulet to fall to the floor.
“Europa, I’m so sorry. I was being very careful. It just kind of fell apart,” Anna apologized, sickened by the fact the necklace had broken in her hands.
“Don’t worry about it, Anna,” Europa said, as
she stooped down and picked up the broken chain and the amulet. She examined the clasp to see if it was repairable. “This appears to be something easily repaired. I am sure the jeweler can fix it with no problem and in a short amount of time. I will go into town later and take it to him. My mother will never know this ever happened.”
“She was so excited when she gave it to you,” Anna replied, still obviously shaken by the experience. “I wouldn’t want her to get upset with me about breaking the clasp.”
“Anna, my mother would not get upset. She understands accidents sometimes happen. Besides, it was my fault the clasp got caught in the first place, not yours.”
After waking Rannie, the girls went downstairs following the smell of bacon and coffee, a tired Triton following behind. He was not surprised to see Medaron and Terrance already seated at the table enjoying coffee, but did wonder why Jeanip was not amongst them. It was not like him to miss breakfast when they had company.
“Good morning, ladies. I hope you four got some sleep last night. Please have a seat,” Medaron greeted the four, as she gestured toward the table.
“Good morning, Mother,” Europa greeted, kissing her mother on the cheek before taking her place at the breakfast table. “Good morning, Terrance.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Waters,” the three friends said in unison, as they too took seats. “Good morning, Terrance.”
“Good morning, ladies,” Terrance replied, as Misso began to carry plates of food to the table.
Triton looked at Medaron and silently asked, “Mother, what is wrong? Where is Jeanip? He would not miss this breakfast with Europa and her friends unless some security issue required his immediate attention.”
Keeping her eyes on her coffee cup, she replied, “Both Jeanip and I have some concerns about what was said last night about that deer, especially the part about his eyes. Such eye distortion could mean a shape-shifter. To determine if it is one or an ordinary deer, Jeanip and the males have gone out to find it.”
“A shape-shifter?” Suddenly Earon realized what Medaron was suggesting. “You think it might be a Terrian! After all these years? It cannot be possible.”
“Probably not, but we need to be sure, Your Majesty,” Misso silently stated, as she refilled Medaron’s coffee cup. “If there is to be another war, we need to know so we can prepare.”
“War?” Earon asked silently, as he stared at Misso, then turned to look at Medaron in disbelief. “Mother, do you really think war is coming?”
“It is always a possibility,” Medaron replied. “We have only survived the pervious wars by being prepared.”
Unaware of the silent conversation taking place, Europa leaned over and asked Terrance, “Were you able to get any sleep last night? Did the men keep you awake?”
“I slept surprisingly well,” Terrance stated. “The bed was very comfortable and I never heard a peep out of the men.”
“I am glad to hear that. You definately got more sleep than I did. These three kept me up half the night talking about you.” Europa tilted her head toward her three friends sitting across the table. They gave Terrance a look of “Who, us?” “I hope my mother and Jeanip have not been giving you the third degree this morning,” Europa stated, as she turned to smile at Medaron and Jeanip. It was at that moment she realized Jeanip’s seat was empty. She has been so absorbed at seeing Terrance she had not noticed Jeanip was not joining them this morning.
“Is Jeanip okay? It is most unusual for him to miss a special breakfast.” A look of disappointment was clearly visible on Europa’s face.
“Pressing estate matters,” Medaron replied. “He asked me to give you his apologies and regrets for missing breakfast with you and your friends this morning.”
“I would love to stay and visit more, Mrs. Waters, but I really need to get going,” Terrance stated, as soon as breakfast was finished. “My father is returning this morning from his field study and I am supposed to meet him back at the inn.”
“Are you girls staying around for lunch?” Medaron asked, visibly tired.
“Actually we need to be heading out too,” Rannie answered. “My mother is expecting me to watch my little sister while she goes to the doctors this morning.”
“Well then, I will say my goodbyes,” Medaron replied. “Thank you all again for sharing in Europa’s celebration.” She looked over at Europa. “I did not sleep well last night, so I think I will go upstairs and take a small nap. Europa, be sure to stay inside the cottage this morning until Jeanip is able to resolve that estate issue.”
“Okay, Mother.”
The three friends hurried upstairs to get their overnight bags while Europa gave her mother a kiss. As she stepped back from her mother, Medaron noticed Europa was not wearing the chain and amulet she had given her. “Europa, where is your amulet?” she asked, looking directly at Europa. “Did you not hear me say that once it was placed around your neck it was not to be removed?”
“Yes, Mother, I did. I did not intentionally remove it. You see, I had a slight accident this morning while getting dressed.” Europa pulled the broken chain from her pants pocket and placed it inside her mother’s hand. “I am sorry, Mother. While I was getting dressed this morning the chain got caught in my sweater. When we tried to unsnag it, the clasp fell apart. I planned on getting it fixed when I went into town later this afternoon.”
Medaron took the broken necklace from her daughter’s hand and examined it. “I purposely bought a new chain so that this would not happen. It must have had a faulty clasp. Jeanip and I will go into town later and have the jeweler replace it.” She looked at Europa, who had a worried look upon her face. She reached her hand up and placed it on Europa’s cheek. “Do not worry, Europa, I am not mad; at least not at you. I am disappointed the jeweler sold me a faulty necklace. And I am sorry if I sounded a little forceful. I know you do not understand, but now that you are twenty, it is very important you wear the amulet at all times. You must NEVER be without it. Promise me that.”
Europa looked at her mother. Medaron was right. She did not understand why it was so important for her to always wear the amulet. “Yes, Mother, I promise.”
“I believe there is an old silver chain in the china cabinet that will suffice until I bring back a replacement.” Medaron walked over to the antique china cabinet and opened one of the drawers. She picked up a worn cigar box and raised the lid to reveal several forgotten treasures inside. She sorted through the items until she found what she was looking for – an old silver chain. She slipped the amulet onto the silver chain, dropping the broken chain into her pocket. “There, as good as new.” Medaron walked over to her daughter and placed the amulet once more around her neck.
“Thank you mother,” Europa stated, as she felt a slight tingling sensation pulse through her body as her mother returned the amulet to its place around her neck.
Medaron heard the girls returning from upstairs. “Remember to drive safely. And keep an eye out for that deer. It sounds like he has a habit of walking out into the road at the most inopportune moments.”
“We will,” the girls promised. Medaron turned and retreated upstairs to the comfort of her bed. She was so tired she forgot to remind Europa again not to leave the cottage.
“I wish your mother hadn’t asked you to stay inside,” Terrance stated. “I was hoping to take you with me to meet my father. It’s probably the only chance you will get to meet him.”
“I do not think she would mind if I went,” Europa said. “Besides, she will be asleep and will not even miss me.”
“I don’t think you should go against your mother’s request,” Terrance stated.
“As of last night I am a queen and can therefore make my own decisions. I will leave her a note telling her I went into town with you and will return shortly.”
“If you are sure it is okay,” Terrance replied, still uneasy about Europa defying her mother. “Ma
ybe you should let Misso know you’re going.”
“I see no reason to inform her,” Europa said. She knew Misso would have objections to her leaving since her mother told her not to. Europa quickly wrote a note stating where she had gone and placed it next to the coffee pot where her mother was sure to see it. With any luck, she would be back before her mother awoke.
“Come on, Triton, we are taking a quick trip into town,” Europa announced, as she and her guests headed toward the front door. To her surprise Triton just sat there and gave no indication he intended on going. “What is wrong with you? I said we are going, so come along.” Again Triton just sat there. He knew it was not okay for Europa to leave the security of the cottage, especially after their mother had told her to remain inside. “I am going with or without you, Triton, so make up your mind.” Seeing he had no way of stopping her, and not wanting her to go without him, he followed behind her, huffing along the way to show his disagreement.
Europa and Rannie rode back with Terrance while Anna and Suzie followed in their car. At nine thirty-two Terrance pulled up in front of the inn, giving him twenty-eight minutes before he was to meet his father. Europa gave Rannie a hug goodbye as they exited the car and she turned to walk home. She and Terrance waved to Anna and Suzie as they drove past them, then hurried into the inn’s dining room, Triton reluctantly tagging along behind. Terrance surveyed the room but did not see his father. Evidently, they had arrived before he did. The two decided to wait in the dining room and selected a table with a good view of the entrance. After ordering coffee, they chatted about the night before and waited for Terrance’s father. Terrance glanced at his watch and saw it was ten after ten.
“You know, that is a pretty rough drive,” Europa stated, as an excuse for Mr. Lander’s lateness. “He is just a few minutes late. It might be taking him longer than he thought it would.”
“Or he got caught up in his study, like he often does, and forgot about the time,” Terrance said, a little annoyed his father had not arrived.
____________
Ten minutes after they left, Medaron returned from upstairs. Misso walked into the kitchen right behind her. “Unable to rest, Your Majesty?” Misso asked.
“Too many thoughts racing through my mind,” Medaron said.
“Would you like some coffee?” Misso asked, as she headed toward the coffee pot.
“No, thank you, Misso. I think I will call the jeweler and let him know about the clasp.” Medaron walked into the living room and called the jeweler while Misso went upstairs to gather the laundry. “Hi, Mr. Hatfield? This is Medaron Waters. The gold chain I bought from you must have had a faulty clasp because it broke this morning. I was wondering if I could bring it by later today and exchange it for a new one.” (Pause) “Yes, the one I bought for Europa." (Pause) “Yes, thank you. I understand these things happen sometimes.” (Pause) “We should be there around two.” (Pause) “Oh, I see. Then I will be right down to pick up a new one. You said you will be there until noon?” (Pause) “I’ll see you shortly.”
Medaron hung up the telephone and walked back into the kitchen. She was glad to see Misso had returned with the laundry. “Misso, do you know where the extra keys are to Europa’s truck? Mr. Hatfield has to go out of town today and will be closing the store at noon. I need to go into town right away if I want to exchange the chain.”
“But, Ma’am, Jeanip isn’t here to go with you. You know security protocol states he must accompany you whenever you leave the estate,” Misso reminded Europa. “Plus, Jeanip stated you, Earon and Europa were to stay behind Minnos’ walls for protection until that deer incident is resolved.” She knew it was not okay for Medaron to go into town, especially by herself.
“Yes, I remember but, if I do not go now, I will have to wait until Monday. It will be too late to go when Jeanip returns. Besides, I will be fine,” Medaron reassured her. “I will just run into town and come right back.”
“Then I must go with you.”
“You have too much to do here. I am a big girl, Misso. It may have been many years since I fought in the war, but I remember how to defend myself. Europa has the shotgun in the truck if I would need it for any reason. Do you know where the keys are?”
Misso thought of lying to her and saying she did not know, but she could not knowingly lie to her monarch. “They are in the desk drawer. Are you sure it is necessary to exchange the broken chain today? The silver chain looked very nice around Europa’s neck and I am sure it will be sufficient until Monday. But if you are intent upon exchanging it today, then I cannot allow you to go alone, Your Majesty. My work can wait until we return from town.”
Medaron walked over to the desk drawer, opened it and removed the keys. “Thank you again for offering, but, for some reason. I feel this is something I must do alone. Besides, a nice ride along the coast would be enjoyable.” She saw the deeply concerned look on Misso’s face. “Do not worry so, Misso. I promise to go straight to the jewelers and come right back. I will be back before Jeanip returns and he will never know our little secret, I promise. I will not be gone long.” She left the room and headed outside.
Misso saw the note by the coffee pot just as she heard Medaron start the truck. She read Europa’s message and quickly ran after Medaron to tell her Europa had left the estate, but she was too late. Medaron was already half way down the driveway and on her way to town. A chill ran through Misso’s body as she realized both her queens and Earon were off the estate without Jeanip’s knowledge while they were under a high security alert. She hoped Jeanip would return soon to resolve this situation, yet at the same time she feared how angry he would be that all three monarchs left while she was on duty.
____________
The deer entered a small grove of trees thirty feet from the estate entrance, watching as the two cars left the estate. He had no way of knowing if she was in one of the cars. While contemplating his next move he was surprised to see her truck pull out of the estate and head toward town fifteen minutes later. He calculated the time it would take her to go to town and return, wondering if he should ambush her at a different location. After considering various locations, he decided his original choice of the wooded area, where the road curved, was still the best location for an ambush. The trees prevented much sunlight from lighting the area and both sides of the road were heavily overgrown with bushes and plants. Concealment was good there. He could surprise her before she even knew he was there. This was the chance he had been waiting for. Today would end the Water’s dynasty. Today she would die and another part of his revenge satisfied.
____________
Medaron enjoyed the thirty minute ride into town. She couldn’t remember the last time she had driven alone. As her guardian, Jeanip always accompanied her whenever she left the estate. “This was nice,” she thought. “I may have to do this more often.” She drove straight to the jewelers and exchanged the chain, checking the clasp before she left. She said her goodbyes to Mr. Hatfield and thanked him.
She slowly drove home, enjoying the beautiful day. There was a slight breeze coming in from the ocean, bringing with it the smell of saltwater. Wildflowers of every color carpeted the landscape. She could hear seagulls fighting over a fish that had washed up onto the shore below. The sky was cloudless, the color of light blue.
As she rounded the bend in the road she suddenly saw a large, antlered deer walk onto the road, not far in front of her. “This must be that deer they were talking about,” she thought to herself, as she applied the brakes. Suddenly the deer’s eyes turned a penetrating, glowing red as he stared at her. The strange feeling she had been experiencing flooded through her and terror filler her as she finally recognized it; it was the feeling she experienced when JeffRa had killed her son and seriously injured Enok. It was a feeling she had buried deep within her subconscious so she would never feel it again.
“Today I avenge my
family and my people,” she heard a voice shout in her mind, as she stared into the deer’s red eye.
“JeffRa!” she screamed. “It cannot be.”
“Medaron? Where is your daughter?” JeffRa asked, totally surprised it was Medaron in the truck and not Europa.
“For my daughter I give my life to end yours,” Medaron said, pushing the accelerator to the floor, picking up as much speed as she could to crash into the deer and kill her mortal enemy. Not expecting the move, JeffRa was not able to jump out of the way to prevent being hit. The truck struck him full force and flipped, rolling over several times. Medaron screamed as she was thrown from the truck just before it rolled down an embankment onto the rocks below, smashing and bursting into flames. Pain throbbed through her body as she hit the ground. Blood began to flow into her eyes from a severe cut on her forehead, making it hard for her to see. She quickly wiped the blood away while struggling to see where JeffRa was. At last she saw him lying in the road, still transformed into a deer. He was not moving and she could not determine if he was breathing or not. Desperately needing to know if he was dead, she dragged her broken body over to the deer carcass, picking up a piece of broken glass from the road as she went. If JeffRa was still alive, she would use the glass to cut out his heart. He had meant to kill Europa and she knew he would not stop until he fulfilled his quest. After several agonizing minutes, she reached the deer and saw his chest rising, confirming JeffRa was still alive. Summoning all the strength she had, she raised the piece of glass into the air and plunged it into JeffRa’s heart. Then blackness engulfed her as she passed into unconsciousness.
____________
Terrance, Europa and Triton continued to wait in the dining room for Terrance’s father. Another hour passed and still no sign of Mr. Landers. Terrance looked down for the tenth time at his watch, becoming more frustrated and annoyed. “I don’t understand where he is. He told me specifically ten o’clock. I’ll go check with the front desk to see if perhaps he arrived before we did. I’ll be right back.” Terrance got up from the table and proceeded directly to the front desk. Europa saw the clerk shake her head negatively. Evidently Terrance’s father had not arrived early. As Terrance walked back toward her a strange feeling engulfed her. It was so powerful she almost lost her breath for a moment. She didn’t know what, but something was wrong, something terrible. She heard Triton whimpering and looked down to see him standing, looking toward home. He looked up into her face and whimpered again. Europa almost thought she heard him say they had to go home immediately, that something had happened.
When Terrance returned, Europa stood up and said, “I have to go.”
“I’m sure he’ll be along shortly.”
“No, I have to leave NOW!” Europa interrupted him. “Something’s wrong. Something’s happened at the estate.” The look of fear on her face, and the way Triton was acting, convinced Terrance something was indeed wrong and Europa needed to leave.
He quickly threw some money on the table to cover their coffees. “I’ll just go inform the clerk to tell my father we had to leave and we’ll go back to Minnos.”
“No, you wait here. I don’t want you to miss him again,” Europa said. “Can I take your car? I can have one of the girls bring you out later to get it. Or perhaps you can come out with your father.”
Terrance lifted the car keys out of his pocket. “I don’t mind going with you.”
“Stay,” Europa said, as she ran from the inn, Triton right next to her. They jumped into Terrance’s rental car and Europa sped down the road, driving as fast as possible; but even at the accelerated speed it seemed like an eternity getting to the estate.
____________
Jeanip and Sunam walked into the kitchen carrying broken parts from the security devices they had discovered while looking for the deer, which was nowhere to be found. Jeanip slipped his ring of keys from his belt and removed a red key and handed it to Sunam. “Get enough parts to fix those broken devices and put them in the back of the pickup,” Jeanip instructed Sunam. “As soon as I apprise Medaron of what we found, we’ll go back out there and repair the grid.”
“That’s strange how only certain ones were broken. It was not random, but a deliberate pattern to prevent us from seeing that section of the land. Someone did this deliberately.”
“Yes, that’s what has me worried. Someone wanted the lands behind the house unsecured so we would not know he or she was out there. Add in the deer report, along with Medaron’s recent uneasiness, and I would say it is very possible we have a Terrian in the area.”
“After all this time, do you really think at least one Terrian is still alive? And he is preparing to carry out JeffRa’s vow of revenge?”
“Yes, I do, Sunam. All evidence points to it, especially the way the security grid was sabotaged. Call Mintoo and Ebar and let them know we have a problem out here and need their help. We’ll get the security grid out there working properly and then we’ll start patrolling that section by horseback. I’ll meet you in the pickup as soon as I inform Medaron of what we found.” Jeanip did not relish the thought of telling Medaron there was a security breach. He was glad he had informed Medaron that she, Earon and Europa were to remain inside until he returned.
Hearing Jeanip’s voice, Misso came running. Seeing the look on her face Jeanip asked, “Misso, where is Medaron?”
“She’s not here, Jeanip” she answered, as she neared Jeanip. He could clearly see the fear on her face.
“What do you mean she’s not here? Where is she?” Jeanip yelled, fear now starting to creep into his being also.
“The chain Medaron bought for Europa’s amulet broke. She went into town to get a new chain from Mr. Hatfield.”
“How? “
‘”She took Europa’s truck.”
“By herself?”
“Yes,” she replied. “She wouldn’t let me go with her.” Holding Europa’s note in her hand, she added, “But that’s not all, Jeanip. I found this note from Europa stating she went into town with Terrance to meet his father after Medaron specifically told her to remain within the cottage. Medaron does not know she is gone.” The look of anger that suddenly flashed across Jeanip’s face almost frightened Misso more than the thought Medaron, Europa and Earon could all be in danger.
Jeanip ran out of the cottage, straight to his pickup. He jumped in and pressed the gas pedal to the floor, sending dirt and rock flying as he drove out of the yard. He headed straight for town.
Sunam was just coming out of the bunkhouse with a burlap bag containing the needed parts when he saw Jeanip’s pickup racing down the road. He immediately dropped the bag and ran into the house, fearing something had happened.
“Misso, what’s wrong? Where is Jeanip going?”
“He’s gone after Medaron. She took Europa’s truck and went into town alone. Europa’s gone into town too, without permission.”
Sunam ran as fast as he could toward the barn, fear coursing through his body. “Tinderoon, there’s trouble” Sunam yelled, as he entered the barn. “Saddle up. Hurry.” He quickly grabbed the bridle and saddle from the rail outside his horse’s stall and opened the gate. He saw Tinderoon running toward him, bridle and saddle in hand. They saddled the horses in record speed and took off after Jeanip. Tinderoon did not know what the crisis was and there was no time to ask. He followed Sunam, hoping by some chance nothing major was wrong.
_____________
As Jeanip neared the bend in the road a wave of dread swept over him. Somehow he knew something was wrong with Medaron. It was the same feeling he had felt when Enok was almost killed during the war. As he rounded the curve he saw her broken body lying on the road. He slammed on the brakes, stopping just inches from her motionless body. He jumped from the pickup and ran to her, seeing a large pool of purple blood beneath her.
“Medaron, speak to me! Medaron!” He called to her as he dropped to his knees, gently
lifting her into his arms. Her face was covered with blood, originating from where he could not tell. The position her left arm laid indicated it was broken in one, or possibly two, places. Her clothes were drenched in blood. He could see through the rip in her pant leg a large gash in her left leg. Blood also soaked the right leg. He placed his hand on Medaron’s neck, hoping to feel a pulse. He held his breath as he searched. “Please, Medaron, don’t die on me.” Finally he felt a faint pulse. She was still alive.
She moved slightly, trying to open her eyes. “Jeanip?” she barely whispered.
“I’m here, Medaron. Just lie still for a moment while I wipe the blood from your eyes so you can see.” He removed a handkerchief from his pants pocket and carefully wiped the blood away from her eyes. He tilted her head back slightly so that any new blood would not reflow into them. “You’re going to be alright. Just lay still.” He surveyed the area, suddenly realizing there was no sign of Europa’s truck. He then noticed the scraped dirt and broken brush at the embankment and wondered if the truck had gone over. “What happened here?” he asked.
The silence was broken by the approaching sound of galloping hoofs on the pavement. He reached inside his jacket and quickly removed his pistol from its holster. Holding Medaron in one arm, he raised the gun and took aim with the other arm. If the approaching sound was foe, it would not reach Medaron. As the horses rounded the bend, Jeanip saw it was Sunam and Tinderoon. They quickly jumped from their steeds, grabbing their rifles from their holders as they dismounted
“Sunam, get some water for Medaron from my pickup. Tinderoon, get the rifles and bring extra ammunition.”
Sunam and Tinderoon did as ordered and returned. Jeanip took the water from Sunam and slowly poured a little into Medaron’s mouth. Sunam took one of the rifles from Tinderoon and laid it at Jeanip’s side. Barely glancing at Medaron, the two males took positions around Jeanip and Medaron with guns raised, standing guard against anything which might come. They would allow no one to harm their beloved monarch or Jeanip.
“The deer, Jeanip. The deer is not a Terrian, it is JeffRa,” Medaron whispered, terror filling her eyes for the first time Jeanip had ever seen.
“What?” Jeanip asked in disbelief.
She grasped Jeanip’s hand and repeated. “It is JeffRa. He is the deer everyone has been seeing. He did not die that day he went over the cliff with Tiree.”
Jeanip looked around. He saw neither a deer carcass nor any sign JeffRa had been there. “Medaron, are you sure? I don’t see any sign of him.”
“He was here, next to me. I was not able to kill him with the truck, so I drove a piece of glass through his heart.”
Jeanip looked and saw lying next to her a piece of glass covered in blood. “Tinderoon, get the blue flashlight from my pickup. I need to see if this blood belongs to a creature from Earth or a Terrian.” Tinderoon ran to the pickup and quickly brought back the special flashlight. “Shine it on the piece of glass next to Medaron and the surrounding area.” As Tinderoon clicked on the light, the blood on the glass and the area under it glowed a distinct sparkling bluish purple. That meant only one thing – Terrian-Oonock blood. Medaron was not mistaken. JeffRa had returned. But where was he now?
“Sunam, Tinderoon, Medaron said JeffRa was here. Fan out. See if you can find a dying deer or any other creature badly injured. JeffRa has been a Terrian for so long we can’t be sure what will happen when he dies or what his transforming capabilities are. He may remain a deer or transform back into Terrian when he dies. Although unlikely, there is even the chance he still retains enough Waters’ DNA to allow him to flow out, so look for an unusual wet spot or pool of liquid.” Immediately the two males began to search the area for their enemy, the Oonock whose life’s mission was to eradicate the royal family and them.
“I found Europa’s truck,” Sunam called back from the top of the bluff. “It went over the side. It’s burned and smashed to pieces. Perhaps he is under the truck. Do you want me to go down and see?”
“No, if he went over the bluff with the truck the fire would have erased any sign of him. Continue your search up here.” The two continued to look but were unable to confirm if Medaron had killed JeffRa or if he had escaped once again. Returning to their guard positions around their queen, Sunam handed Jeanip an oval purple stone.
“I found this,” Sunam said, as he handed the object to Jeanip.
Jeanip took the stone. He recognized it immediately and was not surprised to see an etching of Medaron carved into it. This was the power source to a special weapon JeffRa had constructed to be used solely for the purpose of killing the royal family. Staring at the stone, he stated, “I guess this confirms what Medaron said.”
“JeffRa is alive and he’s back,” Sunam said, barely able to believe his own words.
Their thoughts were broken suddenly by the sound of another car approaching, this time from the direction of town. Preparing for a possible assault, they watched as the car neared them, slowed and then stopped. For a moment the car sat there, its driver remaining inside. Sunam and Tinderoon aimed their rifles at the car in preparation for whom or what was inside. Finally, the door opened and out stepped Europa, followed by Triton. Europa looked as if she was in shock, not believing the scene before her. As much as he wanted to go to his mother, Triton stayed with Europa, surveying the area for potential threats. Even before Jeanip could give the order, Sunam hurriedly ran to his princess and brought her into their circle. Triton raced to his mother’s side, laid down next to her and gently rested his head on her.
Medaron placed her hand on top of Triton’s head and whispered, “My Son.”
Tears flowing from her eyes, Europa knelt down beside Jeanip and looked at her mother being held in his arms. “Mother,” was the only word she could speak.
“Europa, I’m sorry. Give me your hand”. Europa did not move, but just sat there staring at the broken and bleeding body of her only parent. “I need to give myself to you.”
“Medaron, no. You don’t know if she can take the transfer,” Jeanip objected, terrified at losing Europa too. “It could be too strong for her. It might kill her.”
“It must be done,” Medaron said. “It is the only way to keep her safe. Please, Jeanip, I don’t have much time.” Hearing the desperation in Medaron’s voice, Jeanip laid his gun on the ground and took Europa’s hand, gently placing it in Medaron’s.
Using what strength she had left, Medaron took her daughter’s hand and held it tight. “I give to you all that I am. From this day on you are the Supreme Monarch of our people. Ennay Benu Carif.” The amulet around Medaron’s neck began to glow and a soft hum could be heard. The amulet’s glow grew brighter as strands of lilac began to emanate from it and encircle Medaron’s body until her entire body was encased in the lilac glow. Jeanip watched as the glow of energy in Medaron’s body started to flow down her arm into her hand, then crossed into Europa’s hand, up her arm and into her body. In a mixture of sorrow and joy, he saw the glow in Medaron’s body diminish, as the energy transferred to Europa until only Europa’s body was encased in the glow. Then, it too began to fade as the strands of color receded into the amulet around Europa’s neck. Europa crumbled onto the ground, shaking violently, then laid motionless. Just as Jeanip feared, the transfer was more than Europa’s human body could handle. Jeanip looked down at Europa’s chest to see if he could see any sign of her breathing. To his great relief, he saw her chest rise as she drew air into her lungs. Somehow she had survived the transfer.
Jeanip looked down at the broken body of his monarch in his arms. “Medaron, she survived. She now possesses all you were and have been.”
Medaron looked up into Jeanip’s eyes. “As it should be,” she silently whispered. She was so weak Jeanip could barely hear her. “Jeanip, take me out into the ocean. I do not wish to flow into this earth. Take me to the water so I may become one with it and E
nok. Hurry, Jeanip, I cannot hold on much longer.”
Jeanip carefully stood, holding Medaron in his arms. He looked down at Triton, who was lying next to the unconscious Europa. “Earon, I need your help. I need for you to transform into a human, for your sister needs Earon now, not a guard dog. Stay with her and protect her well. JeffRa has returned. He has fulfilled his promise to end your mother’s life, even though it was Europa’s life he thought he was ending. We cannot determine if he is dead or not, although your mother says she killed him. Take Tinderoon with you and take Europa back to the cottage. I will meet you there shortly. Sunam, you come with me to keep guard while I take Medaron out into the ocean.”
Without another word, Jeanip turned and carried Medaron down a small hill opposite the bluff, across the beach and into the ocean. Sunam followed, remaining on the beach keeping guard, rifle ready to fire if JeffRa returned.
Triton immediately transformed into Earon, a young human male. He quickly scooped his sister into his arms, holding her gently against his heart. “Tinderoon, if you would be so kind as to drive us home.” He walked over to the car Europa had arrived in and paused for a moment, watching his mother’s final minutes as a human as Jeanip carried her out into the ocean. “May the Waters take you home,” he softly spoke. “I love you and I will miss you, Mother.” Tears freely flowing from his eyes, he carefully climbed into the back seat while holding Europa securely in his arms. Giving the surroundings one last security look, Tinderoon slid into the driver’s seat and took the siblings back to the cottage.
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Jeanip waded out into the ocean until the salty water surrounded Medaron’s almost lifeless body. He held her head above the water as the waves began to wash the blood away. Within moments, Jack and Jill, along with the other dolphins, surrounded Medaron and transformed into human beings. Crying lilac tears, they raised their hands to their foreheads and bowed deeply to their monarch as they placed their other hand upon her body.
Jeanip looked down at his beloved monarch and sister. He barely heard her whisper, “You must take her to FarCore. There she will be safe.”
“I will, Medaron. I promise I will keep her safe.”
“Thank you, Dearest Brother, for all . . .” Medaron closed her eyes. She did not finish her sentence. Her breathing became shallow, then ceased. Jeanip and the transformed Oonocks watched as her body began to glow as she transformed back into her true self. The radiance grew brighter as her skin became transparent until all that remained was the light. Then the cohesiveness of her skin began to break down, allowing the glow to spread itself out onto the ocean waters. It spread itself further and further, until it became so thin it too disappeared. Jeanip looked down and saw all that remained in his arms were the clothes his dearest sister had been wearing. She had gone home, returned to the waters from which she came, forever a part of the salty waters of this planet.
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Sunam slowly drove Jeanip back to the cottage with the two horses tied to the tailgate of the truck. When they reached the cottage, Jeanip exited the truck and slowly walked into the cottage without saying a word to Sunam. Today he felt his age and every step seemed like an eternity. Upon entering the dwelling, he heard Misso crying in the kitchen. Earon stood waiting for him at the bottom of the staircase.
“Is Mother gone?” Earon asked, trying to fight back his tears. “Has she returned home? Is she now one with Father?”
“Yes,” Jeanip whispered. “Is your sister safe?” Jeanip asked in the voice of a beaten man as he reached out to hold onto the staircase banister to keep from collapsing.
“Yes, she is lying in her bedroom. Birea is with her.” Earon replied, falling down onto the stairs, no longer able to contain his sorrow. He lowered his head and cried openly as grief consumed him.
“Send a message to Evonic that we need him immediately,” Jeanip instructed Misso. “He will know how to treat Europa. Have the men lock the front gate and electrify the fences. No one is to enter.”
Jeanip looked into Earon’s eyes. He placed his hand upon Earon’s shoulder, thinking how much he resembled his mother. Earon returned his gaze and feared Jeanip was going to collapse before his very eyes. Never had he seen Jeanip so distraught, so much in agony. Jeanip had always been the superior, unemotional soldier, no matter what happened – until today. Seeing Jeanip in such a condition of weakness made Earon realize his sister’s assassination was a definite possibility and, for the first time in his life, he felt fear. Jeanip removed his hand and walked through the house without another word, his head hung low, his shoulders drooped as if from a tremendous weight. He went straight to his room, closing and locking the door behind him. He sat down at his desk, placed his arms upon its surface and lowered his head to rest on them. Then, for the first time in almost nine thousand years, Jeanip cried. He cried for the loss of his queen, he cried for his failure to keep her safe, but most of all, he cried for the loss of his beloved sister.
LOCKED GATE