The Conspiracy of Hearts and Daggers

(Chapter Twelve)

Night had fallen over Eternos, concluding the first full day of a seven-day Grande Tour of the Golden Isles decreed by King Miro. The Grand Tour was granted by King Miro to three so-called astronauts from a far-off planet called Earth.

These astronauts themselves were discovered when their spaceship called the Rainbow Explorer crashed near the dark hemisphere using a newly developed guidance system developed by Duncan, the Royal Man at Arms. Glenn was the first to be discovered as her three colleagues had parted from the ship only to never return. Contact was made by Duncan along with prince Randor, Malcome his bodyguard and the Royal Archeologist Melaktha. Of Glenns other associates only Evelyn Morgan Powers and TE Scopes were discovered a day later at the same location, The fourth astronaut, Biff Bestman had remained missing as along with him all of the Rainbow Explorers wreckage had been seized. There were also heavy casualties as Royal soldiers at the location guarding the wrecked spaceship were confirmed dead or dying from being attacked by a band of Shadow Beasts. It was upon that gruesome night that Glenn was reunited by fellow astronauts Powers and Scopes. Malcome and Randor who had brought Glenn back to the area where she had first crash landed soon fled from an attacker later to be named Keldor by Powers as well as the returning Shadow Beasts along with flying creatures called Wolf bats!

Those first two days on Eternos marked only the beginning for LT Marlena Glenn of both friendships as well as heartbreak.

For since her arrival on Eternos till now Glenn has taken in the grand hospitality of the handsome prince Randors home at the Royal Palace as well the kindness of his father King Miro. Only to lose touch with her former colleagues Powers and Scope as they became distant from her as well as secretive to only wanting to be secluded with one another.

Everything changed further for Glenn upon the sudden auspices of Randors father when he charged his son to take all the remaining astronauts to the Golden Isles. Only the seven-day event set over seven days left just uncertainty for Glenn.

Though Glenn in her way was going to take control of her situation which at face value was a holiday adventure. Traveling abroad in a massive ship called the Majestic for Glenn was a luxury that she could not fully except for several reasons. The first being Glenns concern for Randor who during the trip to the Golden Isles was captured by a literal sea monster being ridden by a subversive who she learned was called Mer-Man. Glenn had never learned why Mer-Man was a subversive to King Miro or his empire but nonetheless there you go. During the kidnapping of Randor, the bodyguard of the prince was knocked over the side into the rough waters where Glenn dove in after him only for both of them having to be saved by Duncan who was tailing the Majestic in a small submersible vehicle.

When Duncan went in pursuit of Randor in his small sub, Glenn could only think of his eventual rescue as well as return to her.

The only support Glenn received during her worry of Randor was from Captain Zarek, a very thankful Malcom who promised that he would never let a bad thing happen to her, and Handmaiden Drussila. A heartbroken Glenn had received no support from her fellow astronauts Powers, and it seemed the permanently blindfolded Scopes.

Oh, and Consul Ari, representative of the Golden Isles, was aboard the Majestic. The consul, who seemed a permanent hand puppet of Powers had several residencies in the Golden Isles. Chief being one in Kalive Tay an island where its waters were said to heal both the body as well as the heart. Zarek had told Glenn in private that consul Ari primarily resided in Kaliva Tay after he was cheated on by his former love.

A forever grateful Glenn would always be in debt to Duncan for his ingenuity as well as bravery in saving Randor from the depths of the Eternian Ocean. Of course, Randors rescue came at a cost as he was promptly taken to Kaliva Tay aboard the Majestic. For while Duncan himself had properly prepared his underwater suit for the dark depths below the ocean, Randor was not. In addition, Duncan had to sacrifice his own sub in order to vanquish the sea monster guarding Randor.

Glenn had to leave her prince at a place owned by Consul Ari called the Aqua Life Terrace to recover from his underwater ordeal. Only Duncan who was becoming more like a guardian angel to Glenn was allowed to stay on Kaliva Tay at Ari's estate to keep a watchful eye on the prince.

A full day apart from her prince, Glenn mused as she paused from her journal writing.

Alone in her cabin, Glenn sat on a chair at a small desk looking out a small porthole overlooking the lighted city along the coastline of the island Goshua. The golden light of Goshua shown from the Temple of the Sun out the open moth of Sol-Lon which was told to her from her day tour the Sun Lion God a deity worshiped by the third tribe. Again, as told to Glenn by the islands tour guide, as he too was a descendant of this third tribe once known as the Nibowe hailing from a far-off land called Nibos. The tour guide who happened to be Melakthsa's uncle said that in the far-off land that Nibos, Operon and Targa's kingdoms were in never ending conflict. Tragically, of the three kingdoms in that far off land only Operon and Targa remain today.

The inhabitants of the Golden Islands accepted the Nibowe refugees, and they lived together ever since.

During the day tour on Goshua, Ubol, Maelakthas uncle was part of the Royal Archeologist Society like his nephew and when Glenn mentioned the name of Keldor, Ubol said that he knew of the name as it was associated with one of the most ancient of all civilizations on Eternos.

A civilization that is infamously known as the Gar-Shan Empire which sought to rule not only the Golden Isles but Eternia itself. The Gar-Shan left a great influence on the island of Goshua as they controlled much of the island's inhabitants through manipulation and fear. The Gar-Shan as explained to Glenn acted as benefactors to the many lands that they came to only to subvert the natives' leaders with genetic clones. The Gar-Shan ruled with science after discarding magick many centuries ago. After divulging this information to Glenn, the name of Keldor was brought up again by Ubol who claimed that Keldor was the last great sorcerer of the Gar-Shan who turned his evil magick against the dark city of Morituria. Glenn was told that the island of Anwat Gar was broken in half by Keldor who sank the city of Morituria along with its half of the island.

When thinking if what Ubol said about Morituria, Glenn began to think of the lost continent of Atlantis back in Earth.

Ubol explained how the Golden Isles became part of the Eternian kingdom when King Valnus sent military aide to the Golden Isles in order to fight back against the Gar-Shan. King Valnus perceived the threat of the Gar-Shan could expand to the shores of Eternia. After sending military aide to the Golden Isles, the soon to be king Rayshon the Golden Warrior of Goshua pledged to be an ally to King Valnus and his kingdom.

Glenn did admire the statue of the "Golden Warrior" Rayshon as it was displayed outside the palace where the once king of Goshua reigned. Though in actuality the statue of Rayshons foot planted over the fallen chest of the former king shown that he was triumphant in defeating a fake king cloned by the Gar-Shan. The statue of Rayshon showed the golden warrior upon his defeat of the fake king proudly raising his short sword to the sky, while holding his shield decorated in the bold glow of the sun with its rays extended outward. This same symbol of the sun was displayed on the flag of Goshua as well. Upon the left shoulder of the helmeted Rayshon was placed a golden falcon in order to represent Eternia.

Valnus predecessor, King Freenorn wanted to add the ancient Eternian symbol of the Green Tiger to the tribute statue of Rayshon which caused the relationship between Goshua and Eternia to become strained. This strain continued under the rule of King Freenorn, until the current King Miro inherited an all-out war with Gar-Shan as it tried to reclaim the Island once more. Though because of King Freenorns controversial rule which caused so much tension between Goshua and Eternia, King Miro almost lost an important ally in the Gar-Shan war.

Glenn was anxious to learn more about the mysterious name of Keldor in order to find out the whereabouts of her fourth crewmate Bestman. Whom Glenn would not forget, despite Powers and Scopes having long ago done. No, the rift between her and those two has become as wide as a chasm.

A tear drop formed in Glenns right eye as it dropped itself on the page where she was about to continue on.

The tear drop left a sentimental, soggy circle where she was about to continue her writing. Glenns heart had been cleaved in half by those two.

Inexplicitly a knock came at the door to her room! The voice on the other side was that of Zarek, he informed Glenn," I have just been informed that something has happened at the Aqua-Life-Terrace as well as Consul Aris estate!"

"Is Randor all right?", Glenn desperately asked in alarm.

"The prince is alright.", Zarek reasured Glenn, "Though as of right now the tour of the Golden Isles has officially been suspended. As of right now I am also steering this ship back to Kaliva Tay! I would suggest that you get some shut eye. I know that it might be hard under the circumstances but until we know more...", Zarek suddenly stopped.

"I may as well inform you that...", Zarek continued...," Consul Ari has gone missing along with his servant Mensa as well as both Powers and Scopes."

"What about Duncan?", Glenn cried!

Zarek answered in a low voice, "They do not know...", Zarek went on," I am truly sorry."

"I will assure you that whoever did this has also used Consil Aris own boat. As of this morning Miro had increased the Royal Navies activity in conjunction with local island authorities to search out misconduct. This would include threats from our friend Mer-Man as well as Pirates and may lead us to find the "Sarada"."

Glenn confusingly asked, "What is a Sarada?"

Zarek provided Glenn an answer before departing back to the bridge," Sarada is the name of Consol Aris former wife as well as the name he uses for his vessel."

Glenn sulked after getting the news stating, "How am I going to be able to sleep now?"

As the mighty Majestic set sail to Kaliva Tay once more, the stary night shown over the dark sea had an ominous glow. Glenn laying down in her bed did her best to cast herself adrift only for the turbulence of the Majestic to fret her wandering thoughts.

A swarm of yellow Royal Navy ships circled near Kaliva Tay just near the estate which belonged to Consul Ari. The Navy ships came too late in answer to the distress call sent out to them. A captain of one of the navy ships looked over the bow of his own he declared, "The craft that signal came from is now under the dark waters itself."

"Where to now Captain?", a seaman asked.

In answer to the ensign beside him the captain said," Our craft are far superior to any non-military boat. We have to spread out and find it. Since Moa-Toa is the nearest island, the Consuls boat may have been taken there. Otherwise, we need craft to circumvent this island until it is made clear that the boat we are looking for has departed. Let's go!"

After the captain of his ship makes his way onto the bridge of his ship his instructions are put forth to the other boats," Tigers at my tail...follow me to Moa Toa...the rest of you circle this island until you are sure the Consuls ship has gone!"

All in all, the navy ships split off evenly with three heading towards Moa Toa while the other three begin searching the shores of Kaliva Tay.

Aboard the Sarada, the ship they are after, consul Ari steers it along a narrow inlet. For Powers had instructed her obedient consul to find the most deserted part of the island to dock at. Though so far, the jagged volcanic coastline that the Sarada passed in-between seemed unaccommodating.

Suddenly an enormous rock jutted out from the water in front of the boat! The lights of the Sarada shown what looked like a jagged spike protruding out of the water!

"That is Jakada's Tooth!", Mensa shouted. "It must be averted or e are lost!"

The water was becoming much faster as it swirled around the jagged rockface! Ari was struggling to steer clear of the volcanic piece of dental work when Mensa asked if he could take over.

"Yes! Do it before this boat is impaled!", Skeletor commanded of his prisoner.

Scopes, who was now calling himself Tri-Klops since donning the three eyed visor now permanently bonded to him pulled Ari aside so Mensa could take hold of the steering wheel! Mensa averted a close strike by forcibly pulling the steering wheel a complete 360 degrees! The Sarada spun around in the whirling water circling the rocky tooth! Mensa then shot forth the boat's thrusters against the current!

"I don't think this boat has enough power to fight against this current! The pressure itself could tar this boat apart!", a seated Duncan spoke out from the back of the bridge, where his wrists were bound in rope.

"You crazed fool! What are you attempting to accomplish?", Skeletor chastised the only one keeping them all from crashing at the moment.

"You need more leverage to make it past the rock!", Duncan told Mensa.

The Sarada was starting to tremble badly from both fighting against the onslaught of water current as from the pressure of the current itself.

"I need to cast anchor on the rock when I am in front of it. I would seem the farthest I can bring the ship round the horn is at its bow.", Mensa admitted.

"Maybe I can help.", Kronis the Katnik added enthusiastically.

"Aren't the jets on your wings waterlogged?", Duncan put forth, knowing that it was he who shot him out of the sky to force his portable jet pack into the sea near Ari's home.

Kronis despite being shot down from the sky by Duncan as well as having the front half of his mechanical harness singed from his gassed up micro-blowtorch had been extremely friendly to him during his capture aboard the Sarada.

Perhaps noticing his kindness to Duncan, Skeletor quips, "Whatever it is that you are planning just do it! Do you hear me?"

"Of course, I just have to get on the bow first!", Kronis states as he shuffles towards the rear door leading onto the deck of the boat.

Kronis trepidatiously crawls towards the bow of the Sarad as he holds on desperately to the railing! From inside the boat laughter is heard from the trio of Skeletor, Powers as well as Beastman crouched nervously by hos master at the expense of Kronis who is risking his life to save them!

Kronis after unfolding his wings of his backpack hooks a line to the front of the bow of the ship. Then with a thrust, latches one of his powerful wings to the rock beside the boat!

The Sarada nudges forward, then as Kronis applies more pressure with his one wing the boat is nudged further until the rear of the boat is the only part left beside the rock!

Mensa then thrusts the wheel counterclockwise 360 degrees! This action result in the body if the Sarada being pressed against the rock.

Mensa presses a latch on the control panel where he is to release the mechanical anchor. The trembling of the boat slowly diminishes until it becomes a slow jerking sensation.

"Even keel!", Duncan proclaims," You have placed the boat in the almost perfect equilibrium.",

After Kronis safely re-enters the bridge with his wings folded once more inside his mechanized backpack an eruption occurs!

Powers begins to shake consul Ari by his shoulders screaming at him, "How do we get a shore now? You little lovestruck dolt!"

"Don't you remember....as our passion runs high so does the tide.", Ari tells Powers.

"What?", Powers asks with her eyes about to bulge out from her skull.

"Here is the rest...", Ari tells Powers, "By the twilight of the dawn will the passion return."

Skeletor scoffs at Powers, asking, "What have you done to this delusional fool?"

"I have mesmerized him to the point where he actually believes that I am Sarada.", Powers harshly admits.

Then Powers thinks to herself before stating to Skeletor, "It is no matter, I get his meaning. As we get closer to the dawn this boat will be lowered as the waters recede. Then we can go find a pit to perform my hex onto prince Randor."

A faint cry comes forth from the captured falcon still in its mystically sealed cage. As if in protest to Powers plans.

"The falcon is weak...it may be dying.", Beastman puts forth.

"So, you have empathy with creatures as well as control.", Powers related.

As the hours ticked by Tri-Klops meticulously watched and measured the water around the boat recede.

Powers proceeded to cast a spell on both Duncan as well as Mensa who dropped to the floor as both men were fast asleep.

"Lead on Tri-Klops, where heading out!", Powers commanded.

"I see one of those pits sparking a burgundy glow. I will lead you to it.", Tri Klops told Powers.

"Beastman come along...", Skeletor instructed before turning to Kronis,"You...watch these two."

Then just as Ari seized the back of Powers cape he was cast asleep by her as well.

As the Eternos sun was picking up the three moons hung in the sky. The twilight of the dawn cast over the passion pit made the burgundy water sparkle like wine.

Powers pointed to the scarecrow effigy of Randor which Beastman was able to carry with him onto the shore. Then as Beastman tried to stand it inside of the pool of warm water he found that it was unsteady.

"Just hold it minute will you!", Skeletor ordered his henchman before pointing his thin bony blue finger at it to fire a green ray at it. Then as Beastman slowly let go he found that the wooden scarecrow stood up in the pool by itself.

"Let us now hold hands in the dark union of the dawns twilight.", Skeletor requested of his cohorts.

Then as all four figures cast themselves in a circle around the wooden scarecrow made to represent Randor they linked each other's hands. A bond was formed between all four of them as they focused on the figure in their center.

No longer could Powers use Scopes sight to see her prey as his minds sight was locked to her.

Powers seductive energies throughout her body were not weakening despite the waning moons glow. Instead, Powers was becoming charged up while inside of the passion pit, she was almost intoxicated. Powers now had to reach out to Randors mind.

Inside of his sleeping chambers, prince Randor lay completely vulnerable on his soft bed in the dawns twilight as it shown through his balcony window. Randor was in a deep sleep as the astral form of Powers floated in from the open window of the balcony.

It had been an exhausting day for the prince as Powers began to re-imagine herself for him.

"Are you awake...?", Powers whispers a heavy breath in Randors ear.

Randor did not stir.

"It is me Marlana...", Powers sweetly confided to the sleepy prince.

This time Randor uttered something the name of Marlean in his sleep.

"I am here for you my dear prince.", Powers said in her guise as Marlena.

"Marlena.", Randor moaned as he tried to reach his arms towards her. Of course, Randors arms could not grasp the astral form of Powers.

"I have come a long way to be with you.", Powers told Randor as she proceeded," Though I need you to wake up, so that I can see your beautiful blue eyes."

Randor struggled to wake up, so he could look at his beloved.

"Yes, wake up...so I can see you.", Powers seductively told Randor

Finally, Randors eyes slowly lifted before they fell...lifted...until he saw the adoring Marlena standing over him.

"How Randor...", was about to ask before he was told by Powers," I must confess my feelings to you. Will you let me do that?"

"Please...", Randor was about to beg, until Powers began to lean in to kiss the prince. In acceptance, Randor lifted his head to meet her lips...Powers in the image of Marlena pulled back as Randor opened his mouth.

"I cannot...", Powers teased.

"No, please.... what is it?", Randor asked, "Why do you pull back?"

"If I tell you, it must remain a secret...just between us.", Powers decreed.

"I don't know...", Randor was waking up becoming more rational until Powers interrupted his cogency with two words, "Your father."

Suddenly Randor began to grasp for air as if he was drowning! Powers breathed into prince Randors mouth as he gasped for air! After that Randor gasped and coughed for a couple of seconds.

Then as if Randor was in a delirium he started to fade back to sleep.

"Your father does not want us to be together.", Powers confesses to Randor.

As sweat pierced Randors brow he fought to stay awake. Powers waved her phantom hand over Randors upper chest and neck. A fevered passion began to burn inside of Randor as he groaned in passion!

"Open your eyes once more before I go sweet prince.", Powers pleaded.

Randor struggled to open his eyes once more to see the lovely vison of Marlena once again.

Then once Randor was able to capture with his eyes Marlenas glowing form she spoke told him," In order for our hearts to be as one you must spike your fathers own heart. I tell you because I want to be with you. When the time comes, we will be as one. When I kiss you...then you kill...when I kiss you.... then you kill..."

Powers repeated her mantra until she asked the prince who was trying to fight against her wishes, "Who will you kill for my love...?"

"When I kiss you...", Powers told the prince as his fighting began to fade away from his fatigued state.

One more time Powers said to the prince,"When I kiss you...."

"Then you...", Randor was about to finish when Powers corrected him, "No, not you it is I..."

"Who will you kill for my love?", Powers lustfully asked.

"My father!", Randor shouted dreadfully in his sleep.

In shock, Randor fell back to sleep! though Powers asked while Randor was unconscious again just to be sure her suggestive influence was deeply inside him.

"Who will you kill for my love when I kiss you?", asked Powers

In a low murmured voice Ransdor repeated in his sleep "My father...kill...must kill for Marlena...kiss...kill..."

Finally, though Powers as she blew an invisible kiss towards the weakened prince, it would seem that her instructions were deeply etched inside his subconscious mind.

"Everyone back to the boat! Powers!", Skeletor called out to his witch as she firmly brought the wooden block head up from dunking it repeatedly in the pit of warm water. Powers proceeded to tear off the head from the rest of it wooden body as she went to join in with the rest of her conspirators.