(1) Offspring Darislumroma.
Place: In the report room on the Dagerstanteen home planet.
THE NEXT KING of the Dagerstanteens, Darislumroma, marched into the report room. Striding with him was his younger sibling, Quayroot. They pushed through the massive doorway onto the pink tiled floors. Above them, expansive windows offered a panoramic view of their pale peach sky. Thick white clouds rolled by, casting shifting shadows across the pristine, shimmering floor.
“Do you know why we have been called here?” Quay asked, his voice hinting at confusion.
Daris shook his head, his eyes quickly flicking from the numerous maps and star charts to the bold, displayed artwork.
Before he could summon the group conversation in his head to ask where everyone was, Keltrix’s two offspring, Milraylynn and Peltratria, filed in. JP’s young one, Kanesomnola, followed them.
They all headed to the far end of the room, where a small table with five chairs—the zellzer seats—remained empty.
“Where is your assigned guard, Daris?” Pete asked as he reached the table, his tone laced with amusement. “You know Octnavin gets his hackles up when you’re without protection.”
“Did you ditch them again?” Milray snickered.
“It is not my fault that they are inept and cannot keep up with me.” Daris shrugged, dismissing the thought. He wasn't going to give explanations to his cousins.
Behind them, Fenton entered with his offspring, Zarianquinnmo. Zarian took a spot next to him as Fenton sat heavily at the table. The footfalls were a whisper of sound on the Nebos, a stark contrast to the enormous room.
This seemed serious. Fenton was scheduled to meet with dignitaries from the Olkola planet to facilitate negotiations on the Senuta border. It was strange that the Second King would be here.
No one spoke. The tension felt thick and expectant.
Finally, the great leader of the Dagerstanteens appeared, trailing Rhylent’s two offspring, Lexartanoom and Xylonnalme. Bringing up the rear was JP.
All his cousins stood in a taut line, and Octnavin stopped directly before them with JP at his side. He eyed all eight of them in turn, his gaze measuring.
“I summoned you here because each of you has mentioned to me on separate occasions that something is wrong with our planet.”
The sentence surprised Daris, and he fought to keep his expression neutral. He thought that strange vibe was just him. Lately, he’d found himself slipping away from his useless bodyguards to sit alone and ruminate. On many a day, a gloominess covered him like a thick blanket, leaving him melancholy in mind and soul, but he didn’t know what was eating at him. Everything felt desolate and despondent.
“I thought it was just me,” Kane said, voicing their collective realization.
Octnavin, the wise and mighty leader of the Dagerstanteens, paced slowly before them and then stared at the artwork on the wall.
“Where are your assigned guards, Darislumroma?” Octnavin asked suddenly, his voice snapping. The jewels around Octnavin’s neck glittered, the brightness matching the gems woven into the king’s deep blue hair.
“Ditched them,” Pete answered.
“Again?” Octnavin exhaled, a sound of weary exasperation.
“I’m sorry, my creator, but I was…” Daris closed his eyes, as if he could shut out the world and conquer his sadness with the sheer power of his mind. “I don’t know why I’m being like this.” He opened his eyes and regarded his creator. “I am sorry I left my two guards yet again. I have not been focused as of late. I let you down. I am trying to be the next king, learn, listen, and be where I am supposed to be. I’m trying to live up to your expectations.”
“I am not disappointed in you, Darislumroma. I can see that you are struggling. But I get worried when you dodge the specifically selected palace guards that I have chosen for you.” Octnavin’s lips tipped into a slight smile. “But your father said I should be impressed with your ditching guard skills.”
“Sloan and I both think it’s funny.” Quay pushed his limb playfully.
Daris found himself smiling at his dad’s unexpected comment. Sloan would definitely find his disappearing talents entertaining. He smiled, and then his expression tightened into a frown. His eyes went back to the gathered group.
“We can speak of ditching guards later. We have a serious matter to discuss.” Fenton rose from his seat and came to Octnavin’s side. “This has nothing to do with Daris not wanting guards. All of you are stating that our planet is simmering with unhappiness.”
“Yes,” Octnavin agreed with Fenton. “This comment has come from the offspring on more than one occasion. JP thinks you are more in tune with this tremor because of your less cynical natures.” Octnavin turned his head, his attention sweeping over the young. “It has been noted that each of you has exhibited signs of depression that seem to be based on no logical reason that I can identify. It is time we addressed this issue. I can sense this growing disharmony.”
“I don’t know what it is or why I feel like this.” Daris lifted his head and stared into Octnavin’s dark green eyes.
“There is no reason that I can set my limb on. I am happy and like my life,” Pete tossed out with a frustrated grumble.
“And I am trying to focus and be a good leader and learn my position, but it’s like a weight has been placed over me,” Quay explained, his shoulders slumping.
“I have spoken to my siblings, and we are discussing what might be causing the discomfort on our planet,” Fenton spoke again, his voice now crisp and focused.
“You think it is coming from the planet?” Lexar asked, his concern clear. Daris prayed that this strange, heavy feeling could be handled. If anyone could help them solve this, it was his creator.
“Each of you will meet with Fenton, and each of you will be given a task. Something that you can do to help us solve this mystery.”
“I want to help,” Zarian announced immediately.
“So do I.” Xylon nodded, and then, one by one, so did everyone else.
“Darislumroma.” Octnavin turned to him, his expression softening slightly. “I will speak with you privately. All of you will stay and listen to Fenton give you details. JP will read your senses.”
Fenton and JP began to speak to his brother and cousins. Daris trotted obediently behind his creator toward a small cove shielded by Nebos fabric.
As soon as they were alone, Octnavin eyed him intensely.
“JP has a theory that our planet does not like the Panchen Fire.” Octnavin’s voice was a mere whisper, conspiratorial and grave. “Maybe the Nebos is displeased with the new element here.” Octnavin appeared thoughtful as they faced each other. “The fire grows more powerful inside Ike, and though JP’s human is a sturdy container, perhaps the Nebos are not comforted by that fact.”
“If the Nebos is agitated, would this cause this discontent?” The thought had never crossed his mind. Once again, Daris was shown how little he knew. There was much for him to learn.
“It is one theory, and it is one speculation that I want to explore further. The Nebos must be content here. That is part of our responsibility as royalty. You are the next great ruler, Daris,” Octnavin petted a limb over Daris’s head, a rare display of paternal warmth. “And so, I have a task for you, my skilled and talented offspring.”
“What is it?”
“You will go to Albeon and study the Panchen Fire. I have spoken to the queen, and she is delighted. She would like to spend time with you.”
“Why is the queen delighted?” His eyes widened in surprise. Why would Shay care?
“Sloan said that if we were on Earth, Queen Shay would be your grandmother. She incubated me, and I made you. There is a connection in that. At least, Sloan says there is. I think that is why she wants to get to know you on a deeper level.”
Daris didn’t mind this idea. He supposed that he could spend time with Queen Shay and even Princess Lee. It was an okay thought. Also, he could study aspects of their sacred and holy fire.
Daris always enjoyed learning and watching.
“When I come home, I can share my new knowledge with the Nebos. I can impress upon them that the fire is no threat to their well-being.”
“I am hoping your impressions and images will calm the dissonance. Then, I hope that the young offspring will feel peace. The Nebos will be tranquil, and the vibration in the air will return to how it was.” Octnavin paused, his expression solemn. “This is a highly important mission I am placing on your shoulders. You will learn, study, watch, and then go to Nebos Lake and impart your wisdom. This is not something I would trust to just any Dagerstanteen.”
“What if I mess it up?” Daris frowned, the pressure of the mission suddenly heavy.
“You will not fail, and I think that the time away will be good for you. You can spend many hours reflecting and meditating. That will center your mind and body. I know all the offspring are feeling sad, but you especially have been unhappy lately. I think this trip will be good for you.” Octnavin pulled Daris in for a hug. It was rare for his creator to show so much affection, but Daris gratefully took the warm hold. “I did not want to say this in front of everyone, but I am worried about you. I think this vacation will be calming for your psyche.”
Daris contemplated that leaving here would give him time and space to think. Except it wouldn’t be much of a restful experience if he had his maladroit guards breathing down his neck.
“Can I go alone?” Daris asked as he pulled out of the hug.
“Alone?” Octnavin tipped his head to the side.
“I am skilled, my glorious leader. I can take care of myself. I want to do this assignment without a brood of Dagerstanteen guards. And look at it this way, if I go alone, it will look like a peaceable gesture from the Dagerstanteens to the Albeons. It will show that you, the magnificent and powerful leader of the Dagerstanteens, trust them with the next king. That’s a good idea, right? It would help heal the damage from the war.”
“But I do not trust them with the next king.” Octnavin scowled. “I have confidence in Queen Shay, but that is the end of the list.”
“If you wish.” His shoulders drooped in disappointment. “Marvelous.”
“JP and Ike will escort you, but they will give you room to breathe. They will be studying the Albeon court.” Octnavin peeked past the Nebos wall at the cousins. The group still listened intently to JP and Fenton. “And maybe I will not send a brood of palace guards or a team of warriors to protect you.” Octnavin turned, and a small smile played on his lips. “I would not be pleased if you abandoned your poor Dagerstanteen bodyguards on a foreign planet.”
“But it would be highly amusing to do so.” Daris grinned back, his mood lifting.
“I will think about this and speak to Queen Shay regarding your safety and security on the planet of Albeon. I cannot guarantee that you will not have a guard at your side, but maybe you will get some space from graceless and clumsy warriors who cannot keep up with you.”
“You forgot the words lumbering and tactless.”
“It charms me that my offspring is so resourceful and cunning.” His creator chuckled.
“Thank you for the compliment. I love you,” Daris added. Telling his creator that he loved him was always a little awkward, but he liked doing it. He wanted Octnavin to know how much he cared.
“I love you too. Now, my young and beautiful offspring, come.” Octnavin waved his limb toward his family. “We will listen to the rest of this meeting, and then you will sit in on a social function with the leader of Nassar and his entourage. You can watch me make everyone quake.”
Suddenly, it felt as if the weight had been lifted. Daris smiled. He could study the holy fire for the planet, and visiting Albeon was a clever idea. His creator was wise. And now Daris was positive that he would do a good job as the next great ruler of the Dagerstanteens.
