"We should head back. It seems the transporter comet is nearby." Zyric says as he leads the way.
When they reached the control deck, a crew member saluted the commander and bowed to the princess. "Commander, we are gaining on the comet."
"Perfect. Let us take our stations then." Zyric says and then escorts Elzilaura to be seated. He led her from the door then turns to the left and takes a step up the dais and seated her on an ornate chair. Kanunia was seated to her right.
He then steps down and moves forward to what was seemingly an airplane cockpit. He takes the center seat. Beside him was Harrion on his left and another soldier on his right. Behind them were three other stations one occupied by Alednos at the far left behind Harrion while the middle and right stations were by two other pilots. Below the cockpit were rows of passenger seats where the rest of the crew are seated.
"Prepare for docking." Zyric commands. The flight engineers check on the engines while the first officer releases the docking gear. The ship's pilot guides the vessel closer to the surface of a huge comet until it makes contact. "Docking complete," Zyric affirms.
When it was past the solar system's vicinity, it glowed even brighter. A wormhole opened up ahead and the whole comet entered it. Zyric again commands his team. "Ready for the navigational latch." The navigator then creates the coordinates of Planet Akara. "Coordinates ready." He affirms as the system's lights turn green.
"Latch commencing." Zyric commands. The second officer then allows a probe that comes out of the vessel's bottom to drill deep down underneath the comet's surface. The probe then leaves a crystal-infused disc containing the coordinates of Akara.
The whole comet glows revealing metal light markings all over looking like a motherboard. The disc lights up and blinks. All of a sudden, the comet speeds up until it disappears completely from the point of origin. In a split second, they travel through the wormhole.
The other end of it led them to another part of the universe. Soon, the planet Akara was visible to them. Approaching the planet, Zyric contacted ground control for landing permission. However, unstable volcanic activity reported by scientists delayed all entry into the planet. Not for long, the volcano returns to normal and landing clearance was granted to them soon enough.
The Fliskan team lands on an island where a settlement-turned-city called Naruya is located. The island is deemed to be a tropical paradise but its lone volcano the island, the most active volcano on the planet, poses a threat to their everyday living yet the locals seem to favor its presence. As legends say, it is a holy site saving them from an invading force hundreds of years ago.
The city itself was a mix of modern vintage. The houses were made of stone shaped into bamboo and straw. Not far from the city were pristine beaches to the south and a canyon to the north which separates them from the volcano.
Upon reaching the designated tarmac, they first notice some of the locals. Some were dressed in garb resembling ancient togas of Greeks and Romans while others were clad in contemporary tunics over trousers. Not for long, men in uniform lined up in two straight lines and saluted them. Then, a nobleman came forth and welcomed them.
"Welcome to Planet Akara. My name is Ovded, Duke of Inva. I've been looking forward to meeting you all."
Zyric steps forward. "I am Lord Zyric, Prince of Craiine and leader of this retrieval operation. Thank you for accommodating us."
Ovded was older than them but a few years younger than Queen Azestina. He was a rough but refined gentleman with an intense stare. Something about him was appealing.
Ovded smiles. "Yes, you are most welcome. I trust the volcano did not give you much trouble upon landing."
"Well, before we arrived, reports said it was unstable but it seems to favor us," Zyric responds positively.
"Yes, it does seem to know you are allies. This volcano has protected us for many years from visitors who wish us ill. They get burned by unexpected volcanic activity." Ovded informs them.
"It seems luck truly is on our side maybe because we have a lucky charm." Zyric then presents Elzilaura. "It is my honor to introduce to you Princess Elzilaura of Fliska, our future Queen."
Ovded responds to Zyric first. "Indeed, she is a true palladium and a beautiful one too."
He then steps forward and kneels before the princess. "It is my greatest pleasure to finally meet you. We, Kalinians, are deeply honored to be graced by your highness for we are rarely visited by Fliskan Queens or princesses." He also points to the surroundings as well.
"The pleasure is all mine. I'm so glad to finally meet the Kalinians and you Lord Ovded. We have heard so much about you. Please rise." Elzilaura gleefully responds.
"Thank you. I hope what you heard about me is pleasant."
"Of course, my Lord." The princess assures. "Now, I see everything nice I've heard is true so far." Ovded blushes.
"Well, thank you, your highness. It is not every day a lovely princess compliments a simple man."
Then, a servant informs that the ministers and ambassadors are waiting for the Duke of Inva.
"Forgive me, your highness. I must attend to certain matters that can no longer be delayed but it won't take long. You may go on ahead."
The nobleman bows and then part ways with the princess and her party. He proceeds to a building complex shaped into a Colosseum.
The Kalinian soldiers lead them inside Lord Ovded's palace.
Upon entering, the spacious entrance hall had candelabras shaped like trees at the sides. The area looked like a forest with brightly lit candles. In the middle of the hall was a doughnut-shaped chandelier. Despite the numerous candles, the room's brightness and temperature were just right.
For a moment, Elzilaura admires these candelabras and the chandelier. The servants share with the guests that these are the works of art students whose scholarships were granted by the Duke of Inva. Afterward, they reach the doors of the dining hall. Not long after, Lord Ovded with a few companions catches up with them.
"My princess, I would like to introduce you to Ambassador Acklea of the Selcia Continent and Ambassador D'bn Umbatu Aka Ania from the Sh'l D Argakani archipelago. They are our nearest neighbors and most trusted allies together with their respective interpreters."
Both of them looked like different species. The former and his companion looked like a centaur while the latter together with his comrade looked like a large reptile. The two ambassadors spoke their salutations and Elzilaura responds with their conversation interpreted by their respective escorts.
"The Selcians have given us aid in modernizing our transportation and communication lines while we all trade with the Sh'l D Argakani. They are the largest exporters of food on the planet. I have appealed to them regarding the status of your home planet and they wish to help you by providing food and medicine once Fliska has been restored."
"On behalf of my people, I wish to thank you all. It means a lot to us in these most trying times."
The interpreters then translated and responded to the Fliskan Princess. "You are most welcome."
"Come now, I'm sure you are famished. Let us eat." The Duke of Inva leads the way.
There was a buffet on a long table. The guests start taking food and drink. They sat on the tables and then started to give what was on their plates to their companions.
Ovded guides Elzilaura to the tables after the princess has filled her plate. The rest follow behind. "When we first came to this island, our ancestors faced a shortage of food. The first leader who emerged from among us convinced the people to share their meals and everything they could for survival. When our settlement became established and the first Duke of Inva came to power, we commemorate the kindness and camaraderie of our ancestors by sharing meals in the most important of our feasts."
"It's a lovely custom. I thought your dining practice is eating quickly and praising the host as a courtesy." Elzilaura comments.
"That was in the old days," Ovded says. "It is still practiced by our soldiers and some communities that adhere greatly to old traditions but most civilians no longer adhere to it."
The Fliskans follow Ovded's lead. They too shared the food on their plate with the person beside them and even across. Ovded raised his glass in honor of his guests and everyone followed him once more.
The guests were pleased and Duke Ovded continued to converse with Princess Elzilaura.
"I hope that our feast is to your liking." The duke inquires.
"Yes, it is. " The princess responds. "Some of the dishes are like that of Fliskan cuisine."
"Well yes because our ancestors are Fliskans."
"I know but I have only learned about you in our history books. I have never been to the Kalinian cave attractions. Tell me more."
"I have never been there either Princess but I will tell you more about us." The duke affirms. "I will tell you through this." He waves his hand and soon the lights dimmed and right in the middle, a translucent-like screen projection depicted the history of the Naruyans.
The Kalinians came from Fliska. They were once prisoners pardoned by one of Fliska's queens. Since no one gave them a chance to start over, they lived in the undergrounds of Fliska for centuries. Their world was known as Kalin. Hence, the people are known as Kalinians.
When one cruel monarch, Queen Ralmida, ruled Fliska and discovered their existence, she used the crystal cross and sent them far away. They sought refuge on planet Akara. The Akarans allowed them to stay but were made into slaves. That is why they isolated themselves on the isle of Naruya. They kept most of the traditions of both the Fliskan people and the Kalinians who lived below the Fliskan surface.
When Queen Ralmida died, her sister, the new Queen Alana, opened the portals and sought the exiled Kalinians offering repatriation. Some returned to Fliska fully accepted by society but most of them preferred to stay in their new home world in Naruya.
The Kalins was no longer inhabited but Queen Alana maintained the subterranean world as a museum. In these restoration efforts, she and her men found the ruby ring. She gave the stone to the Kalinians to honor them. The Kalinian chief was then linked to the gem and he became the Duke of Inva."
The film ended and the lights turned back on. Ovded then holds out his hand showing the ruby ring to all those who are present. It was of the same size as the Crystal Cross and the Sapphire Sphere.
"Thank you, Lord Ovded. It is very informative and also inspiring." Elzilaura says.
"I'm glad you are pleased princess and delighted for your kind consideration even if I'm not noble born." The duke replies.
"My Duke, I understand your humble beginnings but you have always been noble. Just like you, my ancestors originated from heroes who defended our land before being crowned. What we consider noble is not just about a royal title. My mother used to tell me, what makes you noble is the values and principles you stand for." Elzilaura smiles.
Aside from being the hero of Naruya, you are also my hero for giving us refuge. Harboring us could endanger you and your people yet you did not hesitate to help us."
"Thank you, Princess Elzilaura. You honor me so well. How I wish I met your mother. We meet only through communicator correspondence. She must have been as kind as you."
"Not only kind. She was wise and she would have loved meeting you in person. She must have felt your kindness during your correspondence. I somehow believe that she perhaps wanted to send me here via the Crystal Cross when she opened the portal but was led elsewhere."
They were interrupted when the doors opened. "May I introduce our fair and kind High Priestess Crina."
She bowed before them all and rose immediately. "It is an honor to meet your royal highness and all of you from Fliska. I am here to help in the preparations for the linking process, the trial of light."
"Oh, I see. I was told you do have a sacred pool. When can it be ready?" Elzilaura was curious to know.
"Anytime you are ready."Ovded replies.
Before they could converse more on the subject, a servant interrupted. He brought a message from Craiine. Ovded opened the envelope and it automatically flattened on the table like a place mat. It became a screen in which Zora appeared and spoke to them in a recorded message.
She announced that their evacuation has been complete but Craiine has fallen into the hands of the enemies. Luckily, the Fliskans and Craiinians who were evacuated before the fall of Craiine were asylums by the planets they reached.
Prince Ocvon and his forces managed to escape. They were heading for Ludin but when the duke's health was failing, they sought refuge in Planet Seravdi. The duke overused his strength and used the full power of the sapphire sphere that he is now very weak and his condition worsens with each passing moment. Zedon assumed the duties of their father as regent though Ocvon has not yet turned over his titles and the Sapphire Sphere to his eldest son.
Zora also informed them of more perils. Those who are in control now of Craiine are loyal subjects of Kyron. They take orders from Kyron's most trusted, Lady Mortezia of Vezar. She holds a stone similar to Kyron's Blood Basalt called the Shadow Shale.
They say it is the Nybian counterpart of the Sapphire Sphere. According to rumors, she is of Fliskan ancestry. That is why Kyron trusts her and that she is part of those who carefully conceptualize the Fliskan attacks. Kyron linked her to the stone and made her more powerful. She is one of the most feared in Nybos for possessing the of power stone and a great army.
With this information, Ovded suggests that Elzilaura undergo the trials soon. They agreed to perform the rite as soon as she finishes meditation.
Just before they could conclude, they were under attack.