Midway through the journey, Jarin receives a call from his generals informing him that a Nybian fleet has been encountered near Galmaran territory. They are requesting backup.
Even the contingency belonging to General Iv and General Orik was blocked by the enemy. Jarin explains to Elzilaura that he must go help his people and the latter understood perfectly. The Prince of Galmar with his men immediately boards a different space vessel. The Galmarans then temporarily switch courses so that they may help their allies. Ovded then volunteers to help Jarin. The two fleets change course rushing to aid their comrades.
The Fliskans continue on their course until they arrived at Marhanika, one of Seravdi's moons. Their ships stayed on the moon base set up by their allies. They shall be entering the planet via special carriers. Some men stay behind to guard their ships while the majority head out to the special carriers.
Seravdi is a gas giant a whole lot bigger than planet Jupiter. Unlike the gas giants of the solar system where planet earth belongs, Seravdi's shape is irregular cloud-like instead of circular. They enter into the atmosphere of multiple colors swirling all around giving the planet a marble-like appearance. As their space vessel flies on, they see hundreds of space colonies bigger than most terrestrial planets floating in an endless sea of gas.
These colonies are powered by the windstorm of gases which enter their power turbines with the unusual mechanism of converting the flow of gas into energy. Some of the gases are deposited in refineries and traded with aliens. These colonies housed governments called Gaulans. Each Gaulan is ruled by a Gaulani.
These Gaulans may coexist together but they are not united as one nation. Some of them are not on good terms. Some are allies of Patara while some support Mudrogos Vel Empire. One Gaulan is a Fliskan ally while one Gaulan at the far end of the planet was allied with Nybos.
They arrive at one Gaulan called Carandessa and was welcomed by its ruler, Alsuva, son of Betari and husband of the late Vineia. Carandessa has been an ally of Fliska since the time of Queen Maurelin, Elzilaura's great-grandmother.
On the tarmac, a Fliskan soldier rushed in to aid the Fliskan princess and the rest of her companions. He leads the party into the hall where Alsuva and Lyna-Kyre, Dazifae's elder sister, await them.
Dazifae rushes to her sister and the siblings embrace. "My sister, it's been so long. How are you? I missed you." Dazifae says as she tightens her embrace.
"I am quite all right. I missed you beloved Dazi." Lyna-Kyre says. She was the eldest daughter of Queen Azestina's sister, Princess Kyre. She was the eldest among the royal cousins. Lyna-Kyre was sent to different places by Queen Azestina as a special envoy aiding Fliskan ambassadors in their work.
In her assignment in Carandessa, she was required to join a medical mission wherein she met her husband. Their marriage was short-lived as he died defending Carandessa from Mudrogos Vel attacks. Lyna-Kyre chose to stay in the gaulan after being widowed and became the Fliskan ambassador.
Both sisters release their grip on each other and giggled while looking at each other. "At long last, we're together again. Let's do some catching up later my beloved." The eldest sister kisses her younger sister's cheek and the latter tugs on the former's arm like a little girl.
Lyna-Kyre then bows to her royal cousin. "Congratulations on completing the trial of light, our Crystal Princess."
Elziluara helps takes her cousin by the arm and helps her up. "You honor me deeply my beloved cousin." The princess claims as they share an embrace. Lyna-Kyre is her favorite cousin whom she always looked up to. The Fliskan lady was a warm and gentle girl who was indeed a beauty. Nobles at court wanted her as a wife. She recalls the late Princess Kyre having to review proposals from various lords all hopeful to be chosen. "I am so glad the first face I see here is yours," Elzilaura claims. The lady grins while fixing her hair that was blown by the wind.
She then moves sideways and extends out her hand motioning to the Gaulani. "It is my honor to introduce the Gaulani of Carandessa, the most gracious Alsuva, son of Betari and husband of Vinea."
The Gaulani extends his hand to approach the princess. "It is an honor to meet you your highness and a great pleasure to be amidst the most beautiful of Fliskan royalty." Elzilaura lets out a soft laugh. "You honor us so well, Your excellency. Thank you for the warm reception."
The Gaulani smirks. "Indeed, it is literally and figuratively. The weather here is quite arid even when windy."
"Oh, I didn't mean that," Elzilaura explains
"I know I'm just kidding." Both of them laugh. Elzilaura then introduces Dazifae. "This is Lady Dazifae, Lyna-Kyre's younger sister." The Gaulani bows his head in reverence. "It is a pleasure to meet you too, my Lady. You are as lovely as your elder sister. What gorgeous women the Fliskan royal family has." Dazifae gleams as she thanks the Gaulani for his flattering remark.
Meanwhile, Lyna-Kyre extends her hand to Kanunia inquiring about how the elder Fliskan princess is. The latter responds by saying she is doing well. In truth, they are best friends even though the royal court rumored them to be rivals. Lyna-Kyre then returns to the Gaulani and the Crystal Princess to introduce Kanunia and the rest of their companions.
Alsuva then invites them all to come inside so they could see Duke Ocvon. They follow the Gaulani as he leads them to where the duke was resting.
Ocvon lay in his bed stiff. His health was deteriorating day by day. The look on his face was like a mask of death. His family gathered at his bedside. Zora was the one next to her father while Zyric was beside her. On the other side of the bed stood Soradina, Zedon's wife, and Zedon, his eldest son. As the crystal princess came in, they all bowed in reverence and approached her to give their formal greetings and congratulations.
After all the formality, Elzilaura went over to the duke's bedside. The duke was resting but seeing the princess move forward, he mustered all his strength to speak. "Congratulations child. Well, you are not a child anymore. You are our Crystal Princess now." Ocvon humbles himself as a vassal.
"You need not be so formal." The princess speaks. "I have missed you Uncle Ocvon." She held his hand while recalling her fond childhood memories. Away from the eyes of the public, their families were close. The Queen of Fliska and her family take their vacations in Craiine with the Duke and his family.
She recalls entering the royal palace of Craiine and being received by the Duke and Duchess. After brushing cheeks with the Queen, the couple would comment on how she and Kanunia have grown more beautiful every day. Then the royal children would run down the stairs. They bow after forming a straight line but then rush to meet the Queen and kiss her as if she were their aunt. Afterward, they would flock to her and Kania and lead them to play in the gardens while their parents take their tea on the balcony overlooking the gardens.
"Thank you for aiding my sister in searching for me. I am grateful to you and to all of you who've done so much for me. I hope you will feel better soon so we can enjoy having tea at your palace again."
It made the ailing duke smile. " It's a lovely thought but you know that is not gonna happen. I am fading. You all know it." He coughs. "And there is nothing more the doctors can do.
"Don't you believe in miracles Uncle?" Elzilaura asks.
"I have witnessed a lot of miracles in my lifetime." He struggles to breathe and the attendants including his family try to approach but he motions them to stop. "I have created this miracle, especially using the Sapphire Sphere. But alas my time in creating wonders is done.
The greatest miracle is seeing you again and it is now your time." The Duke advises her. He then makes visible the Sapphire Sphere which he was concealing with his hand under the covers. "And that is why I am asking that you give us a blessing as I turn over the Sapphire Sphere to my son. It is now your time and Zedon's. Work together so that our people can go back home and this universe can have peace. You both can make manifest the miracle we are waiting for."
Elzilaura slowly nods. "If that is your wish, then let it be." She looks to the duke's firstborn. "Are you ready?"
"I've been waiting all my life," Zedon claims.
Elzilaura shifts her gaze back at the ailing Duke. "Then it is time. We will have a formal coronation when we retrieve our kingdom but for now, we will have a small informal ceremony. Just the important details. Make your statement Lord Ocvon and then let us hear Zedon's oath. You may begin my lord duke."
The duke then signals to his daughter and Zora then approaches Elzilaura handing over a small crown. The duke then begins to speak. "I Ocvon Dofere Asevo Lischem relinquish my throne and my right as overlord of Craiine in favor of my son Zedon Metleolo Lemathis Dofere as my health is failing. I implore my princess to grant me the right to do so for the good of all."
"And I accept your plea," Elzilaura states. She then takes the gem from Ocvon and calls upon Zedon. "Come forward heir to Craiine and swear your oath."
Zedon moves towards Elzilaura, he kneels before her. "I, Zedon Metleolo Lemathis Dofere, do solemnly promise to the best of my abilities, to uphold the rights of my citizens and all peoples within the bounds of the Dukedom and beyond. I will acknowledge the Queen of Fliska, swear my allegiance to her, and do what is necessary to protect her and her realm. I will perform my duties with fairness and compassion for all.
May your majesty and all here present today take note of what I have said. May you give me your blessing and support as I take on this responsibility."
Elzilaura then hands over the Sapphire Sphere to Zedon's waiting hands. " I, Elzilaura of Fliska, hereby crown thee Zedon, son of Ocvon, as the Duke of Craiine and the outer territories of the realm and keeper of the Sapphire Sphere. May your reign be long and your legacy be great." She takes the crown and places it on top of Zedon's head. "Now rise, Prince Zedon, Duke of Craiine."
Zedon then rises and all applaud. He stands beside the Princess as she chants "Long live the Duke of Craiine." The rest follow suit. They chant "Long live the duke."
"Wait," Zora says. Everyone looks at her. She then brings in another smaller crown. "For our new duchess. Will her royal highness do the honor of crowning the duke's wife?" Zedon smiles at his sister.
Originally, the whole family was against their marriage but as time went by, they accept Zedon and Soradina. Zora was the worst in showing her displeasure towards the lady. Now, she was making amends and the couple was pleased.
"Of course." Elzilaura motions to Ocvon's only daughter to bring the crown to her. Zora follows. "Come forward Lady Soradina."
The simple but beautiful Soradina glides forward and pauses in front of Elzilaura. The latter noticed she is not yet familiar with their coronation custom. The lady needed guidance. Soradina was a commoner from a distant primitive planet which is why the royals of Craiine disapproved of her at first but eventually accepted her.
"Kneel before me." The Crystal Princess instructs and the lady follows. She then takes the crown and places it on the lady's head. "Rise, Princess Soradina, Duchess of Craiine." Everyone claps for her as well. Zedon holds out his hand and his wife moves toward him. Zora joins them and they both express their gratitude and support for the younger sister.
After a while, a servant comes in and whispers to Alsuva. He approaches the Crystal Princess after the servant leaves.
"Your highness, we must go and attend our business." The Gaulani reminds.
Elzilaura nods and whispers "Yes. You may go on ahead. We will follow. Alsuva does as he was told bringing Lyna-Kyre with him.
"If you will excuse me, my uncle, I will steal your eldest from you for a moment. There are matters we need to discuss." The princess says as she went closer to the ailing Duke.
"Of course, Ella." Ocvon smiles. " Bring the other one as well." He looks at Zyric and motions with his head.
"Sure," Elzilaura responds. "Let's go then my lord marshal and my Duke of Craiine. Alednos and Harrion will join us as well. She starts to head towards the door. The two Craiinian brothers bow to their father with their fists pressed on their chests before trailing the Princess.
The leaders settled in a room close by. There they discussed their move against Kyron and his men.
Alsuva's spies report that attack from Kyron's men is highly imminent. They shall be invading as soon as troops are well assembled. Zedon then suggests they should fight as far away from civilians as possible. Since the planet Seravdi now is home not only to its natives but also to Fliskan refugees, they should set a battle far away from inhabited planets.
Alsuva believes that Gladys, a barren moon of Desdan, looks like a suitable battlefield. The farthest moon is also good but the Gaulani thinks conditions on Gladys will be a challenge to the enemy. Alsuva says he shall notify Prince Jarin to proceed to Desdan after his mission. Zedon is doubtful. The new duke claims that the said moon's terrain might also be a challenge to their alliance. Alsuva thinks the Desdanin might have special technology that they could all use. He promises to research and coordinate with the ruler of Desdan on this matter.
When the meeting adjourned, Elzilaura had asked the Fliskans to stay behind.
She delegates tasks with Zedon who is officially the new Duke of Craiine and her second in command in terms of political hierarchy. Zedon gives her his reports as the rest of the assembly hears what he has to say. They spend some time tackling matters that led to arguments and agreements. Their meeting was interrupted when one servant informs the duke is in critical condition. The meeting was adjourned and the Fliskans rushed back to the former Duke's room.
Ocvon's eyes brightened upon seeing them back. He was indeed fading but is trying to fight. Elzilaura held the former duke's hand again and he kissed it. Elzilaura let go and brought his hand to her daughter. Zora pressed his hand tightly. Zyric and Zedon were at the foot of the bed and their faces were blank. Both were trying to conceal their hurt within. In a matter of minutes, Ocvon breathe his last breath and closed his eyes forever.
Zora wept bitterly while Zyric closed his eyes for a minute and greeted his father good night and farewell. Zedon knelt before his father's side and kissed his hand while his wife's hand was on his shoulder. Soradina also bid her father-in-law farewell just after Zyric had said his goodbye.
Elzilaura called for a moment of silence for the former Duke of Craiine's passing which everyone complied to. The silence continued into the night as they ate dinner and went into the hall where Ocvon's body was prepared for public viewing.
They let the Fliskan troops and other allies pay respect to the duke and then they sealed his cryo-coffin. The family together with close friends watched as the cryo-coffin was being sealed.
Elzilaura stays beside Zedon and offers condolences for he is the head of the family now. The new Duke was moved and conveyed his gratitude princess.
Elzilaura thought it best to move on further to Zora and express her condolences as well. The late duke's daughter also thanks the crystal princess for always being with them sharing in their joys and sorrows.
Lastly, she goes to Zyric's side. She asks for forgiveness for keeping him away from his father. The Fliskan marshal says he was just following his father's orders to retrieve the rightful heir to the throne. Besides, the Duke waited for him.
For a moment, Zyric recalls his arrival in Seravdi. Zora led him to their father's chambers. As soon as he steps in, he rushed to his old man's side. Ocvon was so glad to see him. Zyric thanks his father for staying alive until his return. Ocvon claims he did so because he knew his son will succeed in his task. The duke held his son's hands tightly. It was his best memory of his father.
Elzilaura then makes a promise to always be there for him. Zyric nods and thanks her for being supportive of him and his whole family.
When the coffin was sealed, they all leave to rest for the night. After the chamber was emptied, the coffin glows and Ocvon's smiling soul flies upwards into infinity.