Chapter 36: Desdan
Not for long, the Omoreu or the Rain Forest Nebula becomes visible. Indeed, it was a sight to behold. It looked like a waterfall pouring down a lake-like developing star. The whirling gases around it were shaped like trees and plants.
It was indeed a beautiful sight but also there was danger. There are rumors that the said nebula can damage ships when it enters its vicinity. The term nebula is a misnomer because it served more like a black hole than a nebula.
The crew tries their best to prevent the space vessel from being pulled in. Luckily, the vessel detects a transporter comet nearby. The crew tries everything to reach it so they can safely travel to their destination. Soon, they caught up with it and once they latched with the comet, they traveled through the wormhole instantly. Not for long, Desdan was in sight.
They enter the atmosphere and behold a vast ocean lying before them. Desdan was a planet rich in bodies of water. The oceans here are way larger than that of planet earth. There were cities on land and underwater. The shores are considered borderlands where the sea people and land people do their trade and commerce. All of them submit to an overlord who is the revered ruler of the planet.
Desdan is rich in natural resources most especially marine life. Since they have large bodies of water, they were considered the aquatic people of the star system they belonged to.
"Welcome to Desdan, Doctor Sabaria," Elzilaura says. The healer is amazed at what she was seeing. Zyric was just behind their comments.
"Glad to be back. It's been a while since I've seen my cousins."
"Cousins, my lord?" Sabaria asks.
The Crystal Princess then shares with the doctor how Desdan came to be. Her uncle told her the tale.
"Long time ago, the Duke of Craiine's daughter and her entourage crash-landed on Desdan, a planet with a newly established kingdom and a very small population. The Ruler of Desdan and his household treated the injuries of the princess and her companions. For his hospitality, the princess pledges to help the ruler in whatever way she can.
During those times, the Lord of Desdan was faced with a strange problem. The sea levels were rising and islands were being reclaimed one by one. This caused the people to panic.
The princess insists on aiding the investigation team. In doing so, she discovered a power gem. She returned to the Desdanin ruler and showed him the gem which caused these erratic disturbances. She also informed her father, the Duke of Craiine, who also reports the incident to the Queen of Fliska.
The queen and the duke arrive at Desdan humbly asking the Desdanin to hand over the gem only for safekeeping. However, they refuse to do so. Even if the Queen explains to them the possible dangers that the gem could have in untrained hands, they still insist on letting the gem remain with them.
The Queen then comes up with a solution. The princess took the linking process to make her worthy of the gem making her the first wielder of the turquoise triangle. He then married the son of the ruler and aided him as he inherited the leadership from his father.
That is also why the royal family of Craiine considers the royal family of Desdan as their relatives because of their shared origins. To add to this, Zyric and Zedon's grandaunt married the ruler of Desdan a long time ago. This is why they are often invited by their beloved cousin and have improved relations between our kingdoms so far."
When their vessels land on the surface, escorts bring them to Pandorias, the capital city of Desdan. The architecture resembled the Greco-Roman style with modern touches. The cities glistened under the sun with shades of white and blue all over.
Soon the grand palace was in sight. It looked like a white hill carved into columns, domes, and towers lined with beautiful waterways filled with fountains. When they arrived at the steps, Yonanes, Ruler of Desdan, awaits them. Within the planet, the ruler is called Bealyx, and his wife, the Bealyxelle.
"Your highness." Yonanes reaches for her hand. "It is an honor to finally meet you. Welcome to Desdan."
"The honor is mine, your majesty," Elzilaura responds.
Scanning him, the Crystal Princess sees the Bealyx having a strong but subtle presence. He was manly but he moved with ease and grace like flowing water. He is just about the same age as Ovded. He was wearing a long half-open purple gradient cape with ornate trimmings. It made him stand out from the rest. His clothes underneath were traditional Desdanin but in the shade of Teal.
The Bealyx then moves to Zedon and his family. "We meet again cousins. Let me express my deepest condolences for the loss of your father." Yonanes had been introduced to Zyric and Zora previously in a goodwill trip the family made years ago. Yonanes and Zedon meet several times before not only in Desdan but in other places as they both were sent to goodwill missions as heirs to their respective states. Being an elder cousin, Ocvon's children looked up to him and held him in high regard.
They refer to each other as cousins because of their family histories. They were able to converse and greet the ruler of Desdan in the vernacular as the Desdanin language is very similar to an old Craiinian language taught to the royal family and nobles serving the overlord of Craiine.
"On behalf of the family, I accept your condolences." Zedon remarks. "Let me introduce to you my wife, Princess Soradina, Duchess of Craiine."
"Oh yes, we haven't met before," Yonanes speaks again in a language that all could understand. "Your gracious highness, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine, your majesty." Soradina smiles and tries to curtsy.
"No need for that my dear," Yonanes says. The duchess blushes because of her mistake but the Bealyx assures her there is no need to worry.
"It's all right my dear. We will guide you along. I get confused with protocol all of the time." He chuckles.
"While waiting for the dining hall to be ready, let us have a brief meeting and discuss important matters," Yonanes explains
"Your majesty, shouldn't we return to help our allies?" Elzilaura worries for the support team.
"But they have notified us, Princess. The enemies have retreated and they are all coming to Desdan soon."
"Come. Please follow the servants who will lead you to your rooms. You may rest for a moment while we wait for the others to arrive. My men informed me that Lord Ovded and Prince Jarin will be arriving soon. The Ludinians and their allies are coming in as well. Queen Monandra is arriving tomorrow but will join our meeting via a communicator."
The guests entered the vestibule which led to the spacious and grand halls. The waterways also flowed into the palace merging into the fountains just after the vestibule. It reminded Elzilaura of Atlantis, a legendary city on Planet Earth.
The palace staff wears the traditional garments of Pandorias. Men and Women alike were clad in long skirts with slits revealing their leggings or fitted trousers underneath. The men were in structured and sleeveless tops while the women wore midriffs. They all bear a triangular marking on the lower left side of the cheek touching the jawline. It was a symbol of their allegiance to the Bealyx.
While they were walking, Yonanes stays by Elizlaura's side.
"Your highness, I have heard of your journey to Earth. How are the people there? What I meant is that are they open-minded enough to receive us?" The Bealyx asks
"Unfortunately, your majesty, they are not yet ready. In time, both their technology as well as their mindset will be at par with ours. " Elzilaura answers
"It would have been something my people would look forward to. I presume you know the legends."
"Yes, your majesty. I am aware of the legend about the ancient city of Atnalis. According to your legends, it is pretty much the same as that of Earth's Atlantis. The only difference is that there is no physical evidence about Atlantis but artifacts from your oceans confirm Atnalis existed a long time ago."
"That is true. Certain tribes trace their ancestry back to the Atnalians and their technology evolved into what the port people use today. Plus, excavations by the Sea People of my planet also found the graves of King Atnalis and his brother, King Atlantis. The scientists have confirmed."
Elzilaura was astonished. "So, the legend is true!"
"Here in Desdan, it is part of history, not mythology." Yonanes grins.
"In our culture, Atlantis and Atnalis are children of the sea queen from an ocean planet far away. Both brothers traveled across the universe to establish their cities. Atlantis arrived on a planet called Earth while Atnalis landed here on Desdan. Both of them succeeded in creating highly advanced and well-built cities.
Unfortunately, Atlantis lost his city on the day he revealed his true self to the humans he had come to trust through the years. They resented him thinking that he was a demon and blaming him for the natural calamity occurring on Earth's surface during that moment. As his city was engulfed by the sea, he escaped and traveled in search of Atnalis. Sadly, he died during the long journey.
His body arrived in Desdan escorted by his wife, Queen Nereida. Upon arrival, Atnalis grieved for his brother and arranged his burial in a hidden site. Years later, Atnalis' city also collapsed into the abyss as disturbances in the ocean occurred. Fortunately, the survivors of Atnalis evolved into the sea people and the port people."
"So that is why you are planning to visit planet Earth," Elzilaura concludes.
"Yes, and we could bring our scientists to investigate further. We can help the Earth people find the remnants of the legendary city." Yonanes affirms
"It is a lovely gesture on your part but not for now. In the future, it might be possible and I am most willing to aid you." Elzilaura says.
"Gratitude in advance, Crystal Princess." Yonanes' grin widens.
When all his guests have arrived and rested, the servants notify them that the Bealyx is waiting. They all gather in a large hall that was Yonanes' office. When all of them were seated, he opens the communicator so Queen Monandra can join them. Afterward, he soon speaks.
"My troops gathered information regarding Lenron, Kyron's cousin, and Bartava, one of his men. It seems that both men's forces are awaiting orders from Kyron to approach Seravdi via the Desdan planetary system. Since we have gathered here now, I believe the enemy knows we are ready to face them. By now, they are heading for my planet.
Lenron holds the Misty Marble while Bartava keeps the Grease Granite. These power stones were discovered by Kyron. The Misty Marble was found on a remote harsh planet with the help of Lenron and the Grease Granite on Zelkar, one of Nybos' moons. Kyron awards his loyal allies with the power stones that he discovers."
He flashes images of these Power Stones on a screen while he narrates. The assembly reacts from time to time.
"We also have news regarding Mudrogos Vel. Their RAXA technology has completed mutated beasts infused into colossal killing machines called the Ordosai. They are composed of mutant-infused robots called the Daris, Sogros, and Avdam which can combine into Darsodama. Their robot designs were copied by spies from Solcorp a long time ago.
Solcorp was trying to beat Galacore in creating a super robot. With the recent merger of two companies, they are now united in improving designs to create a better version of what RAXA tech developed.
Most recently, Galacore and Solcorp are doing the best they can to accelerate the process of finishing their longtime project which will be their response to RAXA tech's latest venture. Solcorp's farthest base in planet Tergiel 9 houses three Galaxy destroyers with the ability to morph into three robots called GLX-1, GLX-2, and GLX-3. These robots could merge to form one super robot called Galaxis."
"Finally, they have finished the project," Zyric commented. "The project was halted before as Tergiel 8 has been bombed. Since the Tergiel set of planets is artificially created, the planets are designed to split into quadrants. Luckily, they immediately used the planet quadrant that housed the robots as an escape pod. It's a good thing they continued the project."
'So you have an idea of this Lord Zyric?" The ruler of Desdan asks.
"I was informed a few years back by my comrades in Minthria. Some of them accepted work for Solcorp and Galacore." Zyric explains. "I was offered a position of piloting these robots. I turned it down when I went home to see my ailing mother."
"I see," Yonanes says. "Do you have more info?"
"All I know is that it is a series of projects. This is the first venture finally completed but there are more to come. The other projects are also super robots meant to safeguard the galaxy. I will gather more information from my comrades."
"That's good," Yonanes says.
"Now, according to my spies, Kyron is regrouping. Let us use this to our advantage. Let us rethink our strategies. This gives us time to replenish as well and be ready for combat."
"Yes," Ovded says. "It was decided that we engage the enemy at Nozate your farthest moon."
"Oh, this was during the meeting I am unable to attend," Yonanes concludes. "I don't have any objections but let me alert my men first to clear the area if there are inhabitants. Let me secure the safety of all before we engage the enemy. The Gaulani Alsuva suggests the barren moon Gladys as well. That could also be an alternative battlefield but our scientists believe the moon to be unstable. Let me meet with my council and hear what they have to say on this matter." The assembly agrees with him.
When the meeting was over, Yonanes invites his guests for dinner. He requests them to follow him. Jarin approaches his fiancé and inquires about her well-being. When the princess assures him that she is all right, he offers his arm which she gladly takes and they leave the room together following the assembly
Zyric allows all of the men to pass before him, especially Jarin and Elzilaura. As he tried to avoid the couple, his communicator sounded off. He stops in a corner and opens to see Defense Minister Joll Ascop-Parr and Admiral Norchee Mirtaz.
They inform him that Pardim Horro died of his injuries sustained from the sabotage by Mudrogos Vel. Even before his demise, evidence found him guilty and cleared the name of his brother whose identity he stole. Mohori Horro decided to seek early retirement after being cleared of charges. He lives with his wife and stepson and mourns the passing of his daughter Haxialle. Zyric requests them to relay condolences and well wishes to the bereaved Mohori Horo.
Yonanes leads his guests to the dining hall where Yonanes' family was waiting. "My honored guests, this is my wife, Bealyxelle Polini."
The lady moved with such ease and grace. She too flowed like water just like her husband. She had that mystic and intriguing appeal. Like her husband, she was also in a cape that resembles that of her husband but hers had a triangular brooch on her chest. Unlike the others in the palace, she did not bear the traditional mark on her face.
Upon seeing them, she slightly nods while touching her chest. "Forgive me for not being present earlier. In our custom, the men welcome the guests in the home. The women invite the guests to the dining hall."
"It's all right your majesty." Zedon struts forward to greet her. He offers her arm. "I hope no one takes offense in me for escorting you to the dinner table." The Desdanin smiles.
"No harm done." Queen Monandra simultaneously says. "In Ludin, we have more customs that would shock you. Thankfully, we are not required to practice them with foreign guests."
"Thank you so much for understanding." Her happiness emanates. "Please follow me." She shows the guests to the seats and signals to the servants to bring in the food. After dinner, the Bealyx invited the men outside for some entertainment. The Bealyxelle invited the ladies for a short tour of the palace before they all headed to their rooms.
As the two Fliskan princesses prepared to return to their rooms, they could not help but notice the commotion outside. The soldiers from Desdan, Galmar, and Fliska have gathered cheering for their leaders.
The gentlemen were having an archery contest. The Galmarans were cheering Jarin and his partner for the games, Harrion. The other team consists of Igira, a skilled Desdan soldier, and his teammate Sdense, Yonanes' nephew. The small crowd cheered for them.
When Jarin and Harrion won against the natives, the two men raised their weapons in elation. However, Zora who was with her siblings tells the crowd that her brothers will challenge the winners. The Fliskans knew that the Craiinian brothers are skilled warriors. They cheer on their Duke and his brother urging the siblings to compete.
Yonanes sees the two princesses and invited them to join him. He was seated at the front. He requests his servants to pull up two chairs for the ladies.
As the two teams fought, their scores were racing. In the middle of their feud, Yonanes comes in and makes a suggestion. "Let there be one representative from each team as a tiebreaker to determine the winner and he gets a chance to tie the ribbon on the wrist of their guest of honor, Princess Elzilaura. He holds the ribbon high for all to see.
This gesture was an act of love in the Desdanin culture. In ancient times, lovers would propose to their loved ones by tying ribbons on their wrists. It was then incorporated into the games when the victorious athletes would be given the honor of being celebrated by the muses of the games. This was also a way to glorify the most beautiful women on the planet.
Jarin and Harrion decided that the former should take the spot as his fiance was the prize. He most definitely deserved to win. Zedon deemed it best to step aside for everyone knew that Zyric was a skilled archer. He never misses a target.
Elzilaura's heart raced as he watched the two men prepare. Yonanes sees her reaction in his periphery and grins. "Don't worry my dear. I'm sure your true love will win." He says while winking at the princess. Elzilaura slightly nods politely at the Bealyx but tries to appear nonchalant as the tournament continued.
The two men stand side by side. They start to shoot and continued. Soon Jarin was leading. The Fliskans were quite disappointed at Zyric's performance. Zedon then calls for a break.
"What are you doing?" Zedon says. "You have to do better. We all know you can win this."
"I can't brother." Zyric replies. "She's not mine to have."
"You're not stealing him from Jarin so why must you lose?" Zedon looks at his brother and sees right through Zyric's eyes. " I see." He claims. His energy tones down and moves away from his brother. " Do what you want but I'm just reminding you it's a game and not a battle for love. Fight fairly and Jarin will understand. I don't think he will wage war just because of an archery contest."
He then steps up and gives his best shot. Soon, he surpasses Jarin and is declared the winner. Everyone was shocked. Yonanes eyes begin to widen. Elzilaura's thoughts went blank for a moment but deep in her heart, she was happy Zyric won.
The Fliskans rejoice upon seeing Zyric's true prowess. Yonanes hands him the ribbon and the Bealyx of Desdan takes the Crystal Princess towards him. The crowd cheers. Zyric begins to speak.
"I am deeply honored to be the champion. This is for all my Fliskan companions most especially for our Crystal Princess. Your Highness, I have upheld Fliskan honor in your name." Zyric bows in the direction of Elzilaura. "But the honor of tying the ribbon to our muse is not mine as the lady belongs to another." He talks while moving towards Jarin. He then hands the ribbon to the Prince of Galmar. The prince thanks him and then approaches his fiancée tying the ribbon on Elzilaura's wrist.
The crowd is pleased with Zyric's gestures. They applaud him and the future royal couple. After the excitement, Yonanes recommends that they all retire as the days ahead shall be filled with great challenges for all of them.
Zyric then opens his communicator back in his room. Earlier that day, he searched the Navaris regarding Ranued's words but could not find so. He seeks help from Merus aided by Schiva, a Techton scientist who is also into mysticism. Schiva translates the words of Ranued and the lady scientist explains that the amulet is the omnipotent orb.
Upon learning this, he heads to Elzilaura's bedchambers. He knocks on the door and the princess receives him. He then explains to her the amulet. He takes it from his wrist and places it on hers. He notices the ribbon tied on Elzilaura's wrist was almost unlaced. Jarin did not know how to properly tie it.
Zyric fixed the ribbon making the right Desdan knot as he is most familiar with Desdanin ways. Elzilaura watched him gleefully as he gladly demonstrated the Desdanin method until the ribbon is secured perfectly now. He bids her good night and takes leave.