Month: June 2025

Experiment KW: Chapter? Cre meets his enemy 08

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I was escorted into the main room of the ship where the queen controlled the ship and her armada of ships. She sat on a tall long dark ebony throne as I entered the flying ship queen’s room. She was dressed in a simple in black dress. A black vail over half her face. Her eyes were dark and plain looking but direct in their stare at me.

She got up flowing to her feet. She was about average height for a female and had slim body but curvy shape.

I bowed to her. “Queen of Dar. I greet you. I am Crescent of the Krull.” I said.

She nodded. “I am Dara of the Dar. I greet you Prince of the Krull. I am sorry we could not have met on more friendly terms before the departure of your cousin.” She said.

I nodded stiffly. “Your Highness ordered his judgement.” I said.

“Yes. I did order the judgement.” She said in calm voice. No apologies or explanations. Just the truth. I respected that.

I nodded. “My Elders and people wish to stick to ourselves and remain neutral. We understand your position over us in power but a joining of our houses would only be the end of people. We will serve you but we wish to remain a people intact to our ways. Is this agreeable to you?” I said.

The Dar queen was quiet as she stared at me. “You are a small tribe but powerful. Few in number and the projections given to me by my advisors say you will die out in less then a century. The dar are a producing race. Joining with my people will increase your numbers and survival.” She said patiently.

I nodded. “True. However, our people do not mix well together. The Dar have their traditions and codes. The Krull have ours. We would not get on well. Eventually you would destroy my race. If the Krull destiny is short so be it. We wish to go out on our own terms.” I said.

The Queen Dar shook her head. “I’m afraid that is not possible.” She said coming closer. She stood near me looking up into my face. “The Krull must live on even if that means they have to be reeducated and converted to our ways. If one or two of your males volunteers to join with Dar females this would ease tensions and help your people. Will this be acceptable?” She said in a whisper soft voice close toward me.

“I will ask them. I will not force any Krull to abandoned who they are. If they agree I think will that be enough to cool the tensions between our people.” I said.

The Dar Queen reached up toward me brushing a hand over my cheek. I felt movement behind and I knew it was one of her guards but I didn’t react. I caught her scent. She smelled beautiful. She stared at me. “Would you like to volunteer?” She asked.

“I prefer to walk alone your Highness. I am of little importance and I am to old to be conformed to the Dar way of life. I am a mere servent of my people. I am no one special.” I said calmly.

She stepped back slowly and sat on her throne. “I want five males to marry five Dar females. I wish you to be one of them. I have the wife fit for you. If not then you must swear to marry no one for as long as you live.” She said.

“On the honor of my ancestors. I swear to not marry or claim a female. The barrior over this planet.” I said.

The Queen Dar stared at me. “Present your male cousins to Lord Max today. The Barrior will go down on their wedding. You may go see the Breaker girl after the weddings to tell her the wedding is off.” She said.

“Your Highness. I gave you my word. I will not see any female from on. The Krull will serve you until we are no more. Thank you for your kindness.” I said.

The Dar Queen nodded and crossed her legs. I focused on her eyes. She was staring at me. “This planet is called the Krull for a reason. Your people made your home here because the world is as you are wild but tranquil. Before the Dar discovered you here no one expected star travelors to be able to live in such a harsh forest planet. The Dar don’t wish or need to claim it. If you wish to make your home somewhere else that is your concern. I would advise it to be on Dar 3. It is not far from here. Lord Max had no evil intentions toward your cousin. He was doing what I instructed him to do.” She said.

I stared at her. “Understood.” I said.

“What do you understand?!” She asked.

“Lord Max was doing what your Majesty told him to do sense my cousin violated your law. My tribe agreed to your laws if and when one of us violated it. The Krull for as long as we exist we honor our word.” I said calmly.

The Queen studied me. “Your people are a valuable alliance to the Dar. You are masters of combat and magical star travel. A true genuine people. One of a kind that pass on your talents by fathers and sons. You are a noble and capable leader.” She said.

I said nothing. The Queen sat in silence. “I will trust you to keep your word. We are short on time however. The wedding will take place now.” She said.

There was a silent command she conveyed to someone in the room. A second later I saw someone appear out from side black door. She was a tall maid dressed in white with white vail over half of her lower face. I knew her.

“You remember my maid Mai of course. She will perform the ceremony between the house of The Krull house.” The Queen of the Dar said.

I nodded my head slowly. I had been with Crowley once when he had met with the Breaker Princess. The maid had stood with the Princess the whole time as her guard.

I looked slowly back at the Queen of the Dar. “You are Moon Dancer of the Breakers. It is a crime of the Dar to impersonate their queen.” I said. This didn’t make any sense.

The Queen shook her head. “Max performs deceptions well to get things done. I prefer blunt truth. Max is a very clever man. In regards to his nation and their future I knew the moment I met Crowley that this would be the outcome.” She said.

I stared at her. “There is no Dar Queen. Max is the real leader.” I said.

“Yes and no. Max holds the power and authority. I was conscripted into his nation to aid in his quest. The nation of Dar needs you Cre for the war that is upon us. A greater threat is coming to both the Dar and the federation of worlds. An old enemy of your kind has been reborn. A threat that only Krull Prince and his queen are able to defeat together.” She said.

I felt a chill went down my spine. “The king of shadows. I see.” I said and I did. I held out my hand to Moon Dancer. She took and the wedding began.

End.

KW 01

KW 02

KW 03

KW 04

KW 05

KW 06

KW 07

Experiment KW: Chapter? An Odd people 07

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KW 01

KW 02

KW 03

KW 04

KW 05

KW 06

Cre greeted Max with a cold curt nod and little show at being surprised to see him again or pleased at the idea. Max for his part was pleased to see Cre still in control of his emotions and people. The Krull were surrounded by Dar Empire soldiers and flying ships.

Yet, Cre was cool as he stood facing Max under the canopy. Max sat at a make shift desk and waved him to a seat on the other side of the desk.

Cre of course didn’t want to sit by he wasn’t much in a position to resist without things getting unpleasant for his people. So he sat straight back and on guard.

Max smiled at him. “Your a long way from the parcel of land we last met and . Where you planning on visiting the Breakers?! Whatever for I wonder.” He said with a grin.

Cre stared at him. “You have put a barrior over the planet meant to keep my people here. Where in my people’s contract with your people was that expressly said that warrented such an action?” He said.

Max laughed slapping a hand down on the desk. He pointed his manicured hand toward Cre. “It wasn’t forbidden in the contract either. This is the world your people chose to make their home. Why would their be a need for you to leave your own homeworld. The Dar Empire has made no plans to Rob you of your home. Again. The Dar Empire wants a marriage an lasting friendship between both people. Your people likes the arrangement until your leader made a miss step. What is the reason you returned the money and left your property.” He said.

Cre stared at him. “It is my people’s business not yours. We are different people. We wish no aggression or trouble with you or your empire or federation of worlds. You push your ways and your will on us. We are a simple people and odd and uppity people as you said once. We see no need to trouble you with any explanations of our desires to be left to ourselves. Let us move past this game. What do you really want?” Cre said.

Max chuckled. “You speak basic trade language well. You also know how to think in a reasonable manner. The short of it is the Queen of the Dar wishes to see you and discuss plans on compensation on your loss of respect and a tribesmen. However, I remember clearly telling you that the reason your cousin had to be judged was because he broke faith with me. He also refused to cancel his up and coming marriage. Do you intend on waking up that old matter. I thought it was settled. There was no need for you to run off.” Max said.

Cre stared at Max. “You wish there to be no marriage between my tribe and that of the Breakers?” He said.

Max nodded. “There will be no marriage between The Krulls and Breakers. Am I understood?” He said.

Cre stared at Max. “We have a deal.” He said calmly.

Max flinched back in his seat. He grimanced at the coolness of Cre’s reply. “On your word.” He said.

Cre nodded. “Of course and on your word as the Diplomate of Dar of course. We have a deal.” He said.

Max shook his head smiling. “What am I agreeing to. Give me the terms.” He said.

“You agree to have your head removed from your shoulders or that there will be never be a marriage between my people and yours for all time. Which is it to be. Will you give me your head or will you agree to there being no marriage between my people and yours the choice is.” Cre said.

Max sat back. “You wish me dead that badly? Come now lad. The Queen of Dar is willing to pay you greatly for your services. I represent the Empire of Dar and her queen to demand my head is to threaten the queen. You must calm your nerves and think reasonably.” He said.

Cre shook his head. “I wish you to leave my people alone. You have demonstrated I should not trust you or your people not to endanger my people or our way of life. But, you stand in need of my people in service to yours. You also threaten my people. I demand a price for that service. What is it to be? What do you expect my people to work for free?! That is not the Dar Empire way of doing business or politics. Nothing is for free. I have named my price.” He said coolly.

Max clapped his hands. “Now we come to a reasonable stance. My counter offer. You will meet the Queen of Dar. You will agree to not marry the Breaker Princess. If you can convince the queen of your request to remove my head you will get your way. If not my head then wealth will be a second best option.” He said.

Cre sighed and leaned back in his seat. “Counter offer. Remove the barrior over this planet and there will be no marriage to between my people and the house of the Breakers and you can retain my people’s hunting services. Nothing more.” He said.

Max chuckled. “The barrior will remain in place until you meet the queen of the Dar. There is no need for you to leave your own homeworld no one is forcing you away. In fact a marriage between your people and the Dar royalty would resolve this imaginary conflict you believe is between our peoples.” He said.

“You taught me once that each side must sacrifice something for a bargin to be reached. There will be no marriage between my tribe and yours. Do you agree to this one point? To gain everything else. It is a small price to pay. Do not tell me that I can’t even get you to abide by your own philosophy.” Cre said.

Max sighed. “No. Listen. Money. Wealth. Honor. I can offer you-” He said but stopped when Cre shook his head and waved his hand.

“Nothing.” Cre said. “If you can not give on one thing then nothing you say means anything. We have no need of your gold. Your lands. Your meaningless words of high praise. You are a empty talking killer. What? Have I offended you?! Are you angry to be told to your face what you are?” Cre said.

Max stared at Cre in utter blank indifference to his insults. He shrugged his shoulders. “No not really. I’ve heard much worse lad and your still being respectful about it. You took to your lessons well on Dar philosophy and trade talk. Your right. All the same I am in the position of power. I say you can’t marry the Breaker Princess. You must marry into the Dar royal family. It would strengthen your survival.” He said.

Cre nodded. “The deal is simple. No marriage between my people and yours forever. This is not about emotion or revenege. This is about respect and abiding by your own philosophy. You could have come to my elders and told them Crowley’s crime. You could have allowed us to handle it. No. You decided to handle the matter with disrespect. Then you demand I respect you and your position?! You have no respect for nothing and no one. I have no regard for you and your worthless people. I value my people. You do not.” He said.

Max stared at him. “Meet the queen of Dar. Talk with her. If she agrees to bring down the barrior on the planet that will be your only shot out but the day you attempt to marry the Breaker princess…it will put your people in a difficult position. She’s waiting in the ship I came in behind you. This is not a threat. It’s politics. The Dar Empire value the skills your people have. You are a one of a kind people in the universe. The Breakers position would rise higher in challenge to the Dar. Crowley knew this and brought on this situation. Furthermore the Breakers breed primarily females. Your race would not thrive and your few as is.” He said.

Cre shook his head. “You are to strange to deal with. I will meet your queen maybe she is more toleratable. I want the barrior removed. Any deals my people have with yours will be minimum at best. You can not be trusted.” He said.

Max shrugged. “My motivations regarding you aline with your survival. That is the mandate my queen gave me. You’re still my best student to be educated on Dar philosophy and trade talk. First lesson I taught you was that it doesn’t matter to me what I feel or want. I have a job to do so I do it for the honor of my queen.” He said.

Experiment KW: Cre’s first trial Chapter? 06

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KW 01

KW 02

KW 03

KW 04

KW 05

It was on our third day track toward the land of the Breakers as I woke up in my tent I felt some power pushing down on me. I had dressed quickly with this foreboding feeling still with me. I had just climbed out of my tent and looked up at the sky. I stared up. The morning sky seemed to have a strange magical shimmering appearance to it.

I stood and the men all came alert and at attention before I said anything. I frowned but I looked at Anders. My elder cousin and Crowley’s youngest brother. He stared at me with an expression of keen alertness that much in the same way others did now.

“The Elders. Where are they?” I asked.

“As Sum. They are awaiting your orders in their tent of meeting.” He said.

I sighed. I looked behind my tent toward the larger tent of meeting. “Elders. May I come in?” I said.

Rolle came out of the tent first followed by our four elders. The men all stood waiting.

I motioned with my hand to the sky. “They are blocking the sky with some sort spell.” I said.

Nolle nodded. “There is also the matter of the spell I cast on our people seems to be fading. They are hunting us and will find us soon.” He said.

I frowned shaking my head. “We are still a days journey or more from reaching the Breakers. How will we evade them moving as we are now?” I said.

Rolle stared at me. He said nothing. He waited. It was the same way he always did when he knew the answer would come to me.

They were going to catch up to us before we reached the Breakers. There was no avoiding it. We couldn’t make the dash run off world as well so what now?

“Rolle.” I said.

“Speak my Lord.” He said.

I ignored his my lord comment. “Rolle. Is it nessary that we reach the Breakers?” I asked.

“It is absolutely nessary for us to seek out the Breakers. They had the means for us leave this world and move on.” He said.

“Pack up what you can. We’re making the Dash for the Breakers domain. Right now.” I said snatching up my tent and putting them up in my traveling bag.

The others rushed doing as I did and with in moments every one of the hundred or so people were ready to go. It had been a month sense we had had to make a full run in to the Dash. We would have to chance it just to get close enough to reaching the Breakers before we were caught by the Dar.

This would be our first group Dash without Crowley setting the lead and guiding us as a group. I knew I would have to take lead to focus us. I set my gaze forward thinking of the Tree ships of the Breakers. Once I had the image in my head. I felt the Dash energy around me as the tribe gathered close.

“Keep close with me.. I’m leading the way to the Breakers.” I said and I knelt down into a running position and rushed foward pushing my body forward with the energy around us.

We ran as a group the full force of the rush and our connection being the generating force pushing us forward as one. Lands. Water. We traveled catching on glimpses of them. I kept my focus for several moments in the rush until I saw several Dar black flying ships blocking our ways in mid air. I felt one of my people being pulled out of the group by one of lost Krull slaved to the Dar Empire. I saw them dressed in black uniforms as they invaded the rush to slow our travel.

I had to bring the rush to a quick stop to keep the remaining ones of us together as we stopped a few feet away from the Dar ships and people. I looked around trying to find Rolle and realized he had been taken out of the group as well.

A small flying boat from one of the ships came down with two Dar guards in it and Lord Max. He waved to me in a friendly manner. I didn’t react to his expression of acting.

When he finally arrived in front of me. Max nodded to me. “We meet again.” He said.

“You block my way and have taken one of my elders. Who have you come to kill today? An old man or the remaining youth of my people?” I said.

Max shook his head. “Oh no. No. The queen is against any of your people being harmed toay. I came to do my job. To talk and negotate with your people about that peace pack and marriages to be joined.” He said.

I shook my head. “You play games. You always play games. Let me speak your in your lanuage. What’s in for me? What do I need to do to reclaim back my Elders and people?” I said.

Max shook his head holding up his hand like he was an innocent man. There was laughter in his eyes. I saw it now. He was always laughing at my people.

“You are heated today Lad. I just wanted to make a deal with you and then we’ll get out of your way. You can go visit the Breakers and their princess. But, first you have to make a deal with me and have a talk with the Dar Queen. Oh we didn’t take your elders. We just asked your people working part time for the Dar to have them sit down a bit from all that running. Not all your people have a dislike for The Dar.” He said with a comical grin.

I shook my head. “My people are the Krull. Anyone that chooses sides against us is not with us. They sold themselves to you and have no part with the Krull. Do with them as you see fit but I want back my stolen Elders. Begin your game of bargins what do you want for them?” I said calmly.

Max stared at me. “There’s no need for that kind energy lad. I just want to talk with you a bit after we come to some agreement then you can be on your way to see the Breakers. I promise.” He said in a honest voice. But the image of him standing over my Prince’s dead body haunted me still.

I shook my head. “Your word is meaningless to me. What else do you have to bargin with for me to entertain your foolish talk?” I asked.

Max chuckled but he nodded his head. “Alright. Alright. Please have a sit down talk with me. We come to some agreement and you can be on your way. As a show of good faith we won’t use your people against you again no games. the Queen wishes their to be friendship between our people. A quick end to conflict between us is my desire.” He said.

I shook my head. “The Krull give you the land, gold and everything you gave to us. We ask in exchange for these pointless talks that you give us all our people in exchange. Right now or there is nothing for us to discuss.” I said.

Max laughed but he clapped his hands. “You’ve made your point. Rolle and the others will be returned to you right now. We go have a talk under my tent and find some common ground on your planet. I believe we can reach an agreement to cool intensions down and return to a friendship.” He said.

I stared at him. “I want all my people back. I promise to talk with you and settle the issues between us.” I said.

Experiment: KW chapter? Cre faced with a choice 05

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KW 01

KW 02

KW 03

KW 04

The moment my foot touched inside the cave I felt a rush of energy and force pushing and pulling me somewhere else. I was transported into another realm entirely. Unlike “The Dase run” that my people had used to travel the stars. This form of travel had been a particular means of instant travel from one point of origin to the next.

I felt the magical heat of raw power all around me. I knew I was a vast distance away from my people and could feel it then urge to go back quickly. I resisted as I followed a narrow path in front of me deeper into the cave.

The cave was cast in darkness with glimpses of color on the narrow walls around me. Every half step I took showed vibrant colors of ruby and Jasmin occasionally coloring the walls.

The dusty ash red path lay before me darkness behind me. I walked on carefully but my steps were with purpose. The urge to find the Lava Tooth and be done with the mission to return to my people was my only desire now.

I traveled on. It felt like hours passed though I sensed time was very different in the micro realm of ancient magic.

I stopped a moment took a breath and just took a leap forward until I arrived center of the core room. A place of living glowing rocks and a pool of ruby magical waters lay before me. I felt presense of a being here. Invisible to my naked eyes but my soul gazed back at the creature.

“Greetings Ancient one. I come to obtain the Lava Tooth to protect my people.” I said.

The ancient being stired in the silence. I sensed silent amusement. It reminded me of Rolle.

“You are a mortal seeking power as every mortal before and the ones that will come after you. Are you any different from Crowley young one? I ponder your words though.” The ancient power spoke with the words. I felt the words in soul.

I bowed to one knee lowering my head. It felt right. Though I was surprised by the ancient power’s mention of Crowley. He had come to this place as well?

“Yes. Yes. Your Lord and Master came here once. He walked the same path as you did. He made the leap here and he spoke to me but he left empty handed as you will. What now?” The ancient power said with no emotion or verbal sound.

What could I say. I was no Crowley. He had been the strongest of his generation of my people. I wasn’t even of his line to rule. I would fair the same as he did. I had failed. Still I wanted to know something.

“What do you wish to know young one. Stand your ground as a man and ask of me what you will.” The Ancient One said.

I stood facing the pools of magical waters. I stared in to the depths. “I wish to know, to know…” I said and then paused. I wanted to ask for wisdom but then something else came to me. I could gain wisdom from Rolle and living my life. There was something I wanted to know. That couldn’t gain naturally. “Who are you?” I asked.

Laughter and life. I felt it in my soul and I felt it all around me in this place of ancient magic. I had my answer. I knelt down by the pools of magical pools. I still needed to have something to take back to my people to encourage them inspite of my failure. “Ancient One. May, I borrow your powers for my Iron Fang knife?” I asked.

“Do as you will. You are a man. You know the path to take. But, be mindful. I am lending you away. You will return to me.” The ancient power said.

I got out my knife and dipped the blade into the pools of magical waters. It came out glowing ruby red in magical energy. This would do.

“Thank you, Ancient One. Until we meet again at the end of my journey.” I said.

The Ancient power’s laughter warmed my soul. “Safe journey.” The ancient one said.

I got to my feet. A hand touched my shoulder I turned and Rolle’s kind face greeted me. I felt a pang of guilty at failing in my mention. I showed him the blade of my knife though. “I have-” I started to say but Rolle shook his head.

“It is time. Let us go fetch your bride.” He said.

Experiment: KW chapter? Cre seeks out the lava Tooth 04

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KW 01

KW 02

KW 03

I paused a moment as we faced the cave entrance. Drake’s Mouth was the right name for the entrance into the magical door way. I felt the heat from the mystic fires with in Drake’s mouth from our position on my face. I could see a little ruby like energy flame inside the cave flicking in the darkness. I wondered what type of weapon I would find inside the moutain or how I would call it forth out of the fires inside the mouth.

Zoom! Boom!

My head went up as my thoughts were jerked back to the Empire as I noticed their flying ships flying above the surface of the ground. They couldn’t see us though they searched desperately thanks to the spell Rolle had cast over our cloaks.

I knew the spell wouldn’t last though. My senses were still actively aware of time and the urgency I felt. I needed to get the tribe away from this planet and as far away and hidden from the politics of the galaxy. Rolle tapped me on the head with his grey staff.

I didn’t yell but I was brought back to the present. I looked at him to see his annoyed grimance on his face as he stared at me. “My apologies Rolle. My thoughts are on finishing the task so we can be on the road again.” I said.

Rolle sighed and leaned against his staff. “You are worried about the Empress’ hunter being on our heels. I told you we will not be found so easily.” He said.

“You are not worried though. I assume. You never seem to worry much about anything Rolle.” I said with a small smile.

Rolle grinned chucking quietly. He shook his head. “You are wondering why they are chasing after us still when we have given back to them all they have given us.” He said.

I shrugged. “It’s simple enough. We were useful slaves to them until they tried to handle us to roughly. Now their sore about it and want to recapture their slaves again.” I said.

Rolle shook his head. “They need us, Cre. Indeed you reminded them that we are much more then useful slaves as you put it. Yes. I believe the Empress will be vastly interested in claiming your favor on her side and most importantly for her future plans.” He said and turned and started walking up to the entrance of Drake’s mouth.

I followed him. “Me? I did nothing to warrent her attention or being special. If I did anything at all it was but try to keep everyone in check until that empirial devil from the Empress left us.” I said.

“One ponders these recent events though.” Rolle said in a thoughtful tone.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Rolle shrugged. “It is a mystery why that assassin took out Crowley as he did. In broad daylight and then he walked away as he did. He was a teacher of yours once, I believe.” He said.

I shook my head at that thought. “He is an Empiralist that his country sent to teach our youth their universal language, customs and philosophy. He used his position to look down on us and hold us to our word while he robbed us of our Prince. He was luckily that we are not the savages as he might have thought.” I said with raising pang of anger at the humiliation I had to endure for my people.

Rolle nodded his head. “Still though. It seemed like he was fishing for something else when he judged Crowley. I think he might have gotten what he got. Sadly. We should have hidden our secrets better. What do you plan to do when you meet the Empress?” He said and surprising me by his train of thoughts.

I shook my head. I had no notion how his mind arrived that idea. “Me? I have no intention on meeting her. I doubt The Empress even knows me or cares who I am Old One. No. I know she doesn’t know me. I plan to keep it that way once we leave this planet. Nothing but trouble has happened to us every sense we came here and first threw our hat into alliance with the Empire and Federation.” I said.

Rolle had a rye smile on his face. His gaze was staring straight ahead but his gaze was distant. He was quietly looking within himself pondering. He nodded his head though finally after a few minutes of silence. “You wish for us too become a hidden nation again. It would be a return to proper form of the old ways during the time I was a boy.” He said.

I frowned at his speech and address toward me like I was in charge of the Krull. “It was not a plan. But an idea I got from you. It is best we disappeared from the eyes of the federation and Empress’ spies. Our dealings with them have stabbed us in the front and lost us our Prince who died childless. I will leave it up to you and the elders to decide though.” I said.

Rolle shook his head stopping. “No. We will do as you say. We will disappear from the eyes of the universe but not before you claim the Lava Tooth inside the cave and the Princess of the Breakers. Go. We will wait for your return.” He said.

Experiment: KW chapter? Moon Dancer’s perpective 03

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I was dancing with in the living waters of the core of the the living tree ship when I felt my father and mother arrive in the ship’s core room. I finished my dance and dove outside of living waters and rolled to my feet. My attendant and nurse passed me my towel first and then after I had dried off I slipped on my robe turned and bowed to my parents.

“A raise, Moon Dancer. We have news to report.” Father said in tired quiet voice.

I got to my feet glancing once at my mother to see her pale and guarded she was watchful of me and sad. Father was dressed in his offical white suit with a black sash across his chest and mother stood beside him bare foot dressed in glimmering white dress.

“Something bad has happened.” I said.

Father stared at me as he fixed his focus on my face. “It is reported to me by Empiral Herold that Crowley Krull was found guilty and sentenced to death. The Krull have also disappeared and abandoned their lands. The Empire is seeking them out to bring them back to their lands and barter a new peace agreement with them.” He said and he studied my face.

“That is bad news. Well we will have to wait see what happens next.” I said carefully. An uneasy quiet followed my words.

My father stared at me saying nothing. I could almost hear his mind turning and thinking on the meaning of my simple speech. He cleared his throat.

“I understand your not interested in his death whether or not you believe it was warranted.” He said and paused. “Was it warrented?” He asked me directly on what I knew happened to him.

I noticed father was looking at me differently again. He was looking at that other side of me. “I’ve met Crowley a few times and I’ve heard a bit of his dealings in business. I believe he possible got himself in trouble for his life to end. He lived dangerously and cost his tribe to be in a bad way with the empire.” I said carefully not investing in giving anything more of what I knew or what I had seen in Crowley and in what the living waters revealed to me.

Mother sighed and I saw she seemed to be more relaxed though still watchful of me. “What do you see…no what do you believe will happened next?” She asked and corrected herself half way.

I clasped my hands together and then I released then let them go. I combed my hands threw my blond hair twice behind my back. I took in a slow inward breath and exhaled out slowly to steady my nerves.

“I believe we should wait for the Prince of the Krull to arrive here.” I said. They stared at me shaken. I smiled to ease the tension in the room. “We made a promise to the Krull to agree on a marriage to join our houses so that we can grow stronger. The Krull keep their word.” I said.

My father straightened his back up and he nodded to me. “Thank you. We will leave you to your duties. When the Krull arrive we will let you know though I suppose you will know.” He said with a sigh but he smiled and he bowed to me.

He turned to leave but mother was still staring at me. “Moon Dancer. When did you know Crowley was going to die? Why didn’t you tell us? We could have saved the tribe more time and married you off to the one who you saw you were going to marry.” She said in rush of words and emotions.

“Mother please. I-I did not know Crowley would die so soon after we finalized the engagement plans.” I said honestly.

“You knew he would die though. You knew he wouldn’t be the one you would give the living waters to. What else aren’t you telling us?” Mother said and then paused. My mother smiled at me but she was still staring at me not seeing me but desiring to know things I couldn’t tell her. It would only lead to her destruction. “You can trust us. You don’t have to hide what you’ve seen from us. We can assist you better in knowing what you know and have seen. I command it of you.” She said holding out her hands.

My heart hammered inside my chest. I could feel where this conversation was going and I knew what I was about to lose her. But, I had to obey her. I opened my mouth.

My father held up his hand toward me and I froze at the sight of his Silver blues staring at me with intent. His gaze made me feel like his daughter again. “Do you feel uneasy continuing this conversation?” He asked.

“Yes.” I said.

Father nodded. “The conversation is over. You told us what we needed too know. You will speak no more of this to anyone. Am I understood?” He asked.

I bowed to the floor before him with my head lowering to the floor. “I obey.” I said.

“Hawks! We need to know. The Empire is against the match. You know they are planning. We need to know the future.” Mother said in a pleading voice.

“Era. No more talk. We leave. Now.” Father said to mother. I heard them leave the room and only got to my feet when I was sure I was alone with my nurse. She was dressed in a white dress with vail over her lower face and turban.

I turned to her and she had her head bowed. “Mai. What do you thinking about? Do you believe I was over reacting?” I asked.

Mai shook her head. “I live to serve you our blessed Princess Moon Dancer. I am not one to question your judgement.” She said in a quiet voice.

I sighed and looked into the living waters that flowed upward from the center of the room. Already I could see visions of Cre on his journey up the mountain. He was an interesting man. Tall. Dark. He had a coldness about him but a deep sense of loyalty and honor were woven in the fabric of his nature and tied closely to his soul.

I saw Cre dressed in leather pants and white shirt with only his Iron Fang knife strapped to his side. He wasn’t alone. Another Krull was traveling him as they worked their way up the mountain. Cre was quiet as usual with the elder of the Krull at his side telling him of the item he would need to seek out in the fires of mountain’s core. This wasn’t the first vision I had seen of him.

The first vision had been the day he had become the Twelveth prince of the Krull on the day of Crowley’s demise.