Talokta was escorting his esteemed female guest from her quarters down a twisting dimly lit hallway that to Kate would make the little white cottontail in Alice in Wonderland giddy. Nevertheless, she was in extremely good spirits and could not for the life of her work out why. It was just a state of being she decided. Her arm was firmly grasped under Talokta’s and it reminded her of the old fashioned etiquette that gentlemen used to perform for women, like tipping their hats and opening doors. She considered her host most gallant. It never occurred to her that he could be supporting her.
They arrived inside a beautiful, candle lit dining room that looked more like a chamber out of the medieval era. Four armed guards flanked the open double door entrance and four flanked the inside.
Talk about overkill, she pondered amusedly.
In front of them was a fully laden, long wooden table with a proud candelabrum in the center. As she studied the room, it seemed to resemble the Great Saxon days from Earth. Along the walls were Anglo Saxon type weapons: shields, swords, helmets, axes, and spears. That part would have made a “normal” Kate feel eerie, as the message was very clear–masculinity and power ruled. But in her state, she just smiled. Two male servants were hastily setting out steaming dishes that made her mouth water.
What a feast!
It was all food that she recognized–roast pork, beef, duck, potatoes, pumpkin, and every colored vegetable she could name. There was enough here to feed a small army. Where the hell did all this come from so far way from home? Was this an illusion? God, I hope not!
Talokta guided her to a seat adjacent to himself at the head of the table. It was ridiculous, a huge table, and only two settings. She noticed how formal and stiff Talokta seemed.
Perhaps someone stuck a wire brush up his ass, she laughed and snorted. She caught a look of horror from him, and quickly mumbled an apology.
While Kate helped herself, Janta, Talokta’s manservant appeared with a gourd of wine and set it before his master. As Talokta poured for them, Kate inquired, “So what are you going to do with me now? I assume you have plans. Otherwise, I’d probably be dead?” she giggled, unable to control herself. What the hell is wrong with me?
She was trying her hardest to stay focused on what brought her to this situation, but the drug had floated her concentration out the window.
Talokta smiled knowingly as he scanned her unguarded, scattered mind. Her thoughts were controlled by the drug’s effect, and her pupils were heavily dilated. She had overdosed.
“I told you, Kate, we are not your enemy. I am taking you to my master, Kalvich, the Supreme Ruler of the Trimadians. He is very anxious to meet you.”
“That’s nice. Why?”
“I think he will be able to tell you everything you need to know.”
“So you are babysitting me. Keeping me out of trouble?”
Just then, a guard entered.
“Pardon the intrusion, my lord.”
Talokta signaled him to carry on.
“A vessel from the Empyream Fleet has signaled and demands to speak with you.”
Talokta, almost imperceivably raised his eyebrows. “Very well, signal back I will grant an audience in a short while.”
“Yes, my lord,” and the guard bowed and backed out. It reminded Kate of the days where you never turned your back on royalty as that could result in losing your head!
She giggled hysterically. She just could not help it.
Talokta looked at her and made a decision. “You are welcome to finish your meal and my guard will escort you back to your quarters.”
“Fine with me,” Kate replied, busily guzzling her wine and getting dreadfully pissed in the process! She was just simply living for the moment.