The Conspiracy of Hearts and Daggers

Chapter Two

"Mer-Man has failed you master! What punishment shall you use against him?", Beastman sadistically asks Skeletor.

"Silence fool!" Skeletor says, blatantly scolding his servile henchman.

For once to Skeletors chagrin Beastman does not sit idle upon command as he pleads with his master," At your command Skeletor, I will go out of Snake Mountain in order to unleash a surprise attack on the Goblin army! I will lead the Skelcons to victory!"

"You will do nothing of the kind!" Skeletor vehemently says in disagreement," Furthermore, if you do not remain silent it will be you whom I punish! Now be silent!"

Beastman sensing that he has pushed his master to far cowers in fear of what Skeletor might do to him!

In a twist Mer-Man speaks out in defense of Beastman," I do not blame your lackey for wanting to lash out!" As unflattering as he is defensive of Beastman, it is the ocean warlords' truer purpose of getting back in the good graces of Skeletor.

" I want to lash out at the Eternians on the Golden Island of Kaiva-Tay. As I am sure you do." Mer-Man presumes.

"Why? So, you can fail yet again?" Skeletor scoffs, "No, my plans are changing dew to circumstances beyond my control. I am leaving the Eternians fates on the Golden Isles up to my operatives there. You along with Beastman can sit on the sidelines for a while as I concentrate on the matters at hand." Skeletor was of course referring to his discourse with Tataran.

Mer-Man while boiling with animosity for the way in which Skeletor spoke to him remains cool under pressure for the time being. Instead, Mer-Man accepts Skeletors instruction as he bows in compliance.

Skeletor promptly returns his attention to his guest Tataran," You wanted to investigate Snake Mountain on the account of some power that Damon told Harkan about. Well, I am the sole power that resides here! I now give you two options Goblin, play along with me to gain the rank of General in order to lead your Goblin army or upon leaving this chamber, you will become compost along with that army outside."

There was of course a third option which was stay and fight, but Tataran was far outnumbered. So, for Tataran his choice in the matter was made instantly as he gives his answer, "I will become your ally for two reasons, the first is the benefit of my army down below while the second is to obtain the rank of general."

"I will deliver on both." Skeletor promises Tataran.

"So, what do you need from me?" Tataran blatantly asks now that the formalities were over with.

"Who do you confide in, Tataran? Who is it amongst your Goblin army that is the most trustworthy to you? While General Harkan has his wizard Damos, who does Tataran have at his side?" Skeletor inquires.

"Kronis." Tataran speaks the name without hesitation.

"What is about Kronis that makes you trust him? Is he useful to you? What purpose does Kronis serve in your Goblin army?" Skeletor pryingly asks.

"We go back a long way." Tataran briefly states.

"Tell me about Kronis, convince me that he would be someone with whom I could speak with as you are." Skeletor asks rather beguilingly.

"I encountered Kronis on a raid on an Eternian outpost. During the raid, my Goblin patrol found Kronis already captured by the soldiers of Eternia. As it turned out, Kronis was a fellow Goblin, called a Katnik. After rescuing Kronis, my jet pack was struck by laser fire! The laser fire struck the propulsion rocket, which damaged it. Kronis as it turned out was a tinkerer with machines. When the Eternian soldiers were almost upon us to capture the both of us, Kronus after tinkering with my jet pack was able to use it as a weapon on the soldiers! The now volatile jet pack was aimed and fired at the soldiers of Eternia by Kronis who bathed them in the flames from a now boosted jetpack! Then Kronis re-adjusted the thrusters to carry both of us over the ridge to join up with the rest of my patrol."

After recounting his tale, Tataran beaming with pride told Skeletor," I chose Kronis to take the lead tank on our mission to Snake Mountain. He is invaluable to the Goblin army because of his mechanical skills."

"Does General Harkan know of the bond between you and Kronis?" Skeletor leaning in asked.

"Harken the Heartless as he is sometimes referred to as knows nothing of loyalty. I doubt he knows or even acknowledges such kindships within his army."

"Good. Then he will never see it coming." Skeletor affirms.

"Tataran, can you communicate with Kronis from inside here?" Skeletor then asks.

"I have not tried since entering Snake Mountain. I don't know if the frequency on my communicator is strong enough from so high up." Tataran admits.

"Try anyway." Skeletor prompts.

Tataran proceeds to tap a small box like device built into his chest armor. The box on the upper part of Tatarans armor plating then begins too static.

"Come in Tataran...I read you..." It was another voice automatically answering Tataran as if the signal was isolated between the both of them.

"It is good to hear your voice Kronis...don't try and reconnect the signal...I will contact you further when needed...out..."

As Tataran turns off his transmission, Skeletor informs the Goblin," I have a plan to corral a portion of your Goblin soldiers to my side. Though before I make the attempt, it is Damon that I must meet on a different kind of battlefield."

The Majestic was resting on the dock of the island called Kaliva-Tay. The ship's Captain Zarek was looking over the area stoically over the point of the silver tipped bow. Zarek had opted to not make land instead he would rather wait for two whole days on his ship along with his crew. For Zarek, his time aboard the Majestic was precious as he very seldom sailed much anymore. As most of Zareks time was spent at the Royal Palace as a Consul with fellow Consuls Duncan and Ari. In his heart, Zarek was a sailor and designer of sea faring vessels like his beloved Majestic. When the Majestic was attacked by Mer-Mans Sea creature during the voyage over to Kaliva-Tay his heart sank at the notion of his ship being torn apart by the beast. Fortunately, his ship was spared as well as his prince returned after it was snatched from the deck by that terrible sea creature. Though Zarek was most thankful that his good friend Duncan had been secretly following the Majestic's trip to the Golden Isles. The thoughts of Zarek now also extended to his friend Duncan who was coping with prince Randors recovery, along with his guilt of having helped caused the princes injury. Of course, both Zarek as well as Duncan knew that the situation was unavoidable as Randor had to be carried upwards from the depths of his imprisonment under the sea. Duncan had to sacrifice his very own submarine just to escape the Octobeast, that terrible pet of Mer-Mans.

In Zareks mind, it was time for reflection and recovery for everyone on Kaliva-Tay the Island of Life where it's very waters sooth the body of those who bathe in it. The prince will make a full recovery as Kaliva-Tays waters heal him, Zarek had no doubt, though it will take a bit more time for Duncans worry to go away.

The golden palatial estate of the Aqua life-Terrace was where Consul Ari resided on Kaliva-Tay. Though Consul Ari immediately handed of the injured prince Randor along with his entourage of Duncan, Malcome, Glenn and Drusilla to a tall white-haired man named Mensa. Under the care of Mensa, along with his fellow healers, the ailing Randor and company were carried off by a deluxe sized golden carriage driven by four brown runty horses who were extravagantly dressed in green garments with golden patterned shapes on them as well as caps of gold and green bristles adorning their heads.

As it happened the ambulatory carriage which rode off belonged to Consul Ari himself. However, Ari waved it off due to the more immediate emergency as he along with Powers and Scopes stayed at the port in wait for its return.

The same golden falcon who had been following the Majestic since they left the Royal port was watching the three as they waited for Aris carriage to return. The falcon's eyes were locked onto them from up high atop the branch of a large green palm tree.