The Conspiracy of Hearts and Daggers

Chapter Six

In early morning inside the guest house of Console Ari Duncan along with Marlena Glenn, Malcome and Drusilla were already stirring when someone had arrived knocking at the front door. The knocking was rather insistent on their part thought Duncan as he went over to open the front door. When Duncan opened the front door, stood Mensa was on the front deck carrying a pouch that slung over his left shoulder with what appeared to be a shaft with a golden knob shown threw the leather covering.

Duncan did not feel the genuine warmth from Mensa that he felt the day before. Instead, this Mensa was very wooden as he went on to address Duncan who hadn't even properly greeted him," I was sent here to give to you the itinerary that Consul Ari had prepared for you last night. It is imperative that you quickly review your protocols so that I can take you back to your ship."

While rubbing the back of his thick neck Duncan asked in disbelief at being rushed off like this," Are we not having breakfast with Console Ari?"

The deadpan Mensa simply answered," No."

From behind Duncan the voice of Malcome declared," This is deliberately inconsiderate as well as inconsistent to what we were promised from Ari yesterday!"

Mensa seemingly unfazed corrected Malcome," the proper title for the one I serve is Console Ari."

Duncan did not recognize the rigidness nor the scrupulous way in which this Mensa was wording things. To Duncan this Mensa was acting rather peculiar to the one from yesterday.

An angry Malcome not picking up on any of the personality traits of Mensa either now or from yesterday came up beside Duncan to impart some more disagreement," Okay, we are not going anywhere until we speak with your Consul Ari! Is that understood?"

Duncan put a firm hand on Malcome's broad shoulder noting that he should calm himself before noting to Mensa," I'll take a look at that itinerary then, so I can get a better perspective on what's going on here."

As Mensa reached into his satchel to hand over what was a scroll to Duncan a frustrated Malcome insists even before the scroll could be handed over," My duty is to protect Prince Randor, so while he remains at the Aqua-Life-Terrace so will I remain."

"Will you give your stubborn pride a rest for a moment? I would like to travel on my own accord, meaning I don't want to get dragged kicking and screaming off this island.", Drusilla imparted half kiddingly.

The scroll that Duncan unlocked with its magnetic seal was quickly glanced at first then was read more thoroughly. The key details that Duncan was searching for was not necessarily the what but rather the who. To Duncans relief the prince would be allowed a full recovery, though he would be transferred to Ari's estate. That would mean more personalized care from Mensa as well as commination between the prince and console. Then again it also meant that Glenns fellow astronauts could have influence on the prince just as they seem to have influence over Ari. Duncan thought not to tell Malcome or anyone else in the room about the Randors change in living arrangements. Though Duncan became worried that his visitation to Randor would be limited now. What to do?

A concerned Glenn asked Duncan, "What does the scroll say? Do we have to take leave of Kaliva Tay as immediately as Mensa is ordering?"

Duncan answered Glenn dully, "Apparently yes, you as well as Malcome and Drusilla all have to start the Royal tour of the Golden Isles henceforth." Then as quickly stated to Glenn, the impartment on the scroll is rolled up once more by Duncan who then magnetically seals it in the same way that it was initially given to him.

Duncan then walks over to Mensa before offering him back the scroll saying," That is except for me as I was never officially assigned to this royal tour. So, that means I can stay here to commune with the prince."

After he handed the scroll back to Mensa, the scroll was not opened up again in order to be looked over if what Duncan claimed was accurate. Instead, Mensa as if recalling the scroll from memory states, "The declaration of the Royal tour leads in with those chosen by King Miro himself."

Duncan begins to note that during their entire interaction with Mensa the man never once made direct contact with him. It was as if he was looking off into thin air. Mensa then awkwardly hands to Duncan the scroll again saying," You are correct...it appears as if your name was not mentioned at all. Though everyone else must make their way back to the Majestic in order to commence the Royal tour of the Golden Islands."

Duncan would not take the scroll from Mensa saying," I cannot accept the scroll since I am not officially a member of the Royal tour."

Malcome insists," Then Drusilla must take the scroll since Glenn is simply a guest in the house of Miro."

Duncan clarifies, "No, it means that you must take the scroll. I will stay here to look after prince Randor."

Malcome was about to protest this when Drusilla spoke in favor of Duncans decision," Just go along with it Malcome, the prince will be in no better hands than with his closest friend."

"I know that you are right...it's just that I would be neglectful of my duty...", Malcome almost finishes his statement when Duncan concludes it for him," Unfortunately, your duty as of now is to take part in the Royal Tour of the Islands as made official by this scroll."

"Very well.", a discontented Malcome says as he takes the scroll from Mensa's hand.

Inside the estate of consul Ari, the aforementioned Ari was in a highly suggestive state brought on by Evelyn Morgan Powers. The consul who under the influence of Powers would intermittently be questioned about a subject. Already, Powers who had brought over a series of books to the sofa where Ari was sitting as well broaching the consul on such subjects as the culture, customs and history of the Golden Isles. Indeed, Powers had obtained a lot of information about Ari himself, like his interest in astrology, history and archaeology. In fact, Ari was a member of the Eternos Archaeological Society for which he privately funded financially. Powers learned that the Golden Islands main island of Goshua had a Citadel for Archeological learning, and that Ari was not only a student there in his youth, but he is currently on the board of elders. The consul beamed with pride when he mentioned a man named Malektha whom Powers had met early on when escaping the fomented wrath of her benefactor Keldor back near the Rainbow Explorers crash site. As it turned out it was Consul Ari who convinced King Miro to anoint Malektha his Royal Archeologist.

Powers mused to herself that for such a busy man the consul was but a frail old man who's will she had completely dominated.

Then Powers thought of prince Randor's will who she would also soon begin to dominate, or rather infiltrate on a deeper level. The prince's weakened state would expose his more delicate emotions to her. Powers planned a nightly visitation to the prince where she would seduce him in her reuse as Marlena Glenn. The seduction game would begin this very night when Powers tapped into the three moons elemental energies. She just wasn't quite sure which one would suffice as yet. From what Powers was learning the Darkmoon was where she had been drawing most of her magick at night; according to some texts the Darkmoon was renowned for dark magick. The dark purple moon symbolized power, dreams and the meaning of hidden concepts like magick.

Consul Ari semi aware that Powers was reading up on the four moons of Eternos mentioned," the red moon of Mung...fiery passion...Mung..."

"What did you say dear...can you repeat what you said just now?" Powers asked the Consul to repeat what he had said," Mung...the moon of passion..."

Powers was pleased at what she heard though she needed to know more on how to manipulate Mungs energies to gain influence over Randor.

This is when Ari spoke again," The waters of Moa-Toa Island is where lovers embrace...it was where I romanced my first wife..."

"Why don't you take a nap now, dear.", Powers said as she lightly ran her fingers down the consul's face in effect closing his eye lids. The consul had been very helpful but now he was just rambling thought Powers to herself.

So, now Powers looked at the island of Moa-Toa in one of the books. As it happened, Moa-Toa was the closest Island to Kaliva Tay. Then as Powers read on, it only confirmed what Ari had said about Moa-Toa being the island for lovers. Furthermore, there were actual so called 'Passion Pits' on the island where lovers bathed together. The idea being that those who bathed together in the warmth of the burgundy waters only strengthened the love they had for on another. Eureka, Powers thought to herself, this was how she would solidify Randors love for her after he has been deemed ready for her final embrace. A lot of preparation had to be made up until when prince Randor would beg her for relief. For Evil-Lyn in the guise of LT Glenn planned to seduce the prince in such a way that he would be haunted by her both night and day. Yes, Powers once more addressed herself as the name she originally chose for herself, that of Evil-Lyn. Though she had to seduce the prince as LT Glenn for a time.

Unbeknownst to what Powers plans were, Malcome, Drusilla, and Glenn re-boarded the Majestic for another trip on the sea.

The same golden crested Falcon that had watched the three visitors arrive at Kaliva- Tay now watched them depart the island. The golden Falcon was not indifferent to the fact that the three boarding the Majestic were missing two of their original party. So, because of this fact the golden Falcon followed there escort back to his point of return. The golden Falcon recognized the man as the one who originally drove the prince to the health clinic in a horse and carriage. However, this time around, the man was standing while operating an open-air disc shaped hover craft.

Unaware that Mensa was returning to console Ari's estate, Duncan was admiring the outside of the guesthouse he was staying in. The beautifully lush fauna was what Duncan first admired while walking around the guest house. Then when Duncan circumvented the parameter of the guest house, Duncan observed the dirt road that went past. Duncan looked up in each direction that the dirt road ran off in to see if he could spot Ari's estate. The blue tip of what must be a rooftop was spotted by Duncan as squinted out the bright sunlight's glare. Though should he tread off in the estates direction, thought Duncan?

When Duncan began to think about what he ought to do, he came to two conclusions; one was that he could stay where he was or two make himself known to his host. The former decision was probably the more diplomatically safe while the latter decision was clearly invasive. Duncan who was dressed in an orange vest with fur ringed sleeves where his green skintight covered arms, mid rift and leggings shown down to his furry black boots. The helmetless Duncan was without his proper armor for which was back in the guest house. Duncan feeling concerned for his prince decided to arrive without warning to Aris estate because it was what he ought to do for prince Randor's sake. The first concern right now was for the prince's well-being.

Though as Duncan went to get his helmet before leaving towards consul Ari's estate a small disc shaped object was seen hovering over the treetops. Ducan could make out the small silhouette of a man flying the disc right over the steeple shaped blue roof where it then appeared to descend.

Unseen by Duncan, the disc shaped hovercraft finally landed on top of a round shaped platform in back of the estate. The backside of the estate was made to look out over the grand sea. A modest looking boat was seen tied to the mast of a peer which also overlooked the grand sea.

"Are they all gone now?", Powers asked Mensa as she strode out of a sliding door leading inside the estate.

Mensa answered unconditionally, " All but the one they refer to as Duncan, the Man-At-Arms."

An alarmed Powers shouted, "What? Why? Where is he now?"

Mensa was interrupted before he could answer by Powers who shouted at him," So, you left a soldier in our midst! The very same soldier who during our voyage single handedly rescued his prince from a sea monster! Where is he now? I know your looking in his direction."

Mensa calmy answers, "We have three visitors approaching, Duncan from the front, the Falcon from up high as well as someone emerging from the sea."

A bewildered Powers answered, "It must be the one who summoned the sea monster!"

Powers began to panic at losing control of her situation when she had to remind herself out loud," He is an emissary of Skeletor, it has been a while since I was contacted by him. As for the falcon, you must track the bird...do not lose sight of it!"

The so-called emissary of Skeletor with but a single leap, hurtled himself above the walls leading up to Mensa and Powers!

Though Mensa was unstartled, Powers was not as the amphibious Mer-Man touched his padded green skinned feet onto the back deck of the estate!

Powers trying to display confidence at the sight if the menacing looking piranha teethed wide eyed terror holding a tri-pronged trident towards them shouted," Hold! We are undercover! You might jeopardize our operation!"

"I neither care nor do I wish to do that, but your operation means nothing to me!", Mer-Man explains.

"Then why are you here?", Powers hurriedly asks.

"I come here seeking knowledge of just who you two are and your relation to your master Skeletor.", Mer-Man cooly states.

"Waite, the both of you.", Mensa interruptingly says, "The golden Falcon has landed above us...on the branch of the tallest tree which looks over the house."

Mer-Man lashes out at being interrupted," You dare speak of a ...", he then corrects himself, "Did you say falcon?"

Powers answers instead of Mensa, "Yes, a golden Falcon which has been following us since we cast off towards the Golden Isles. It has been keeping tabs on us all this time."

"It is an omen for I will delightfully take care of right now!" Mer-Man proclaims as he begins to shout a silent howl at the sea behind him. Powers as well as Mensa look at Mer-Mans odd behavior in bewilderment.

Mer-Man then begins to point his trident in the direction of where Mensa stated the golden Falcon had perched itself.

Mensa is about to tell Mer-Man to stop pointing so he will not let the falcon know they are on to it when he noticed hundreds of Seagulls approaching from the ocean!

"Gulls, attack! Though I want that bird brought down alive!", Mer-Man shouts out pointing at the falcon in the tree.

The golden Falcon knowing its peril still remains in its perch as the seagulls commence.

Mer-Man violently begins blasting at the hiding place of the falcon with his projectile spikes from his trident!

Immediately, the golden Falcon shoots out from its place of hiding as opposed to being pierced by the sharp spikes!

The golden Falcon now out in the open is besieged by the army of seagulls! Having been forced from its hiding place, the Falcon was not prepared to take flight so quickly. The falcon suddenly is overwhelmed by the enraged seagulls who claw at it relentlessly! The falcon makes a valiant attempt at escape but is forced down by the sheer number of gulls at its throat!

Mer-Man seeing the captured golden Falcon subdued at his webbed feet by a dozen or so gulls' waves of the hundreds more with a flicker of his wrist.

A salivating Mer-Man man looks threateningly at the struggling falcon with his trident pointed in its direction.

"This falcon protected prince Randor from my poisoned trident once, let us see if it can protect itself from what was to have been the princes own fate.", Mer-Man tauntingly says as he threatens the helpless bird.

"Duncan is now at the front of the house.", Mensa tells Powers.

"Where is prince Randor?", asks Mer-Man.

Mensa is about to tell...when Powers interrupts him," The prince has gotten away from us...he is aboard the Majestic heading for Goshua. I had plains to detain him but missed my opportunity...so now we are stuck here at the estate of consul Ari."

"For what reason are you kept here?", Mer-Man skeptically inquires.

"Duncan wanted to separate us for some reason.", Powers lies.

"He probably does not trust you the same way that I don't trust you. Though I am at the moment not entirely interested in either of you having captured this royal omen.", Mer-Man admits.

"If you hurry you can keep up with the Majestic as it heads towards Goshua.", Powers suggests.

"I will do just that, though if I find out that you have been lying to me then I will return here to find the both of you. Then you will suffer.", Mer-Man scolds before briskly making his way back to the sea!

After he is out of his sight, Mensa asks, "Was that wise, lying to Mer-Man like that?"

"It was only as wise as you in allowing Duncan to stay here with us.", Powers says insultingly before adding," Anyway, lets now deal with Duncan as you take him for a visit to the Aqua-Life-Terrace so that he can confer with prince Randor."

Powers then looks down menacingly at the golden Falcon who passed out from both injury as well as the pain it received from its captors. The same captors' who have now lost all seeming interest in their prey as soon as Mer-Man lost interest in them.

"Now what to do with you dear bird.", Powers imparts threateningly to the badly injured falcon as it lay under her boots.

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