Lives of Future-Past (The Chronicles of Max Gunnarsson Book 1) (29 page)

     The main hall was already filled to maximum capacity when Max arrived, wearing his tailored suit of leather, which garnered him looks of admiration from not only single females but also assorted soldiers. As he descended the stairs from the mezzanine he scanned the crowd, looking for Jennie and his grandfather. He then looked at the end of the hall and saw Draagh, seated at the high table with Krynos and Donus, with them all obviously enjoying a conversation of some sort. Resigning himself to take a place among the quickly disappearing seating on the main floor, he suddenly heard Krynos call out to him.
     “Max, my son! You are to sit at the high table this evening. Please! Come!”
     Max looked up to see Draagh also motioning him to approach, so he made his way to the slightly elevated stage and bound up the small number of stairs, graciously taking a seat at his grandfather’s side.
     “King Krynos, when does the celebration officially begin?” asked Max as he looked out over the crowd, still not seeing Jennie anywhere.
     “My boy, in but moments. We only wait upon two more who shall join us.”
    
Two
more
?
     His thoughts were interrupted as Jennie and Liliana entered the hall, wearing matching, single shoulder pink dresses, beautifully tailored, with the older one’s outfit tightly hugging the perfect curvature of her body. Liliana’s dress, although equally beautiful, was more fit to the innocence of a child. The little girl’s face was drawn into a look of awe, as her eyes darted around the room. It was not often that a youngling was invited to a celebration of any sort, and more certainly not orphans, as they had no sponsors to escort them.
     Seeing the two girls enter, Max’s jaw dropped, with the girls eliciting a similar response from both Krynos and Donus. Draagh sat at the table with a grin as he played a bit with his long, braided mustache, his cherished pipe at the ready, watching as all of his plans came to fruition.
     As Jennie and Liliana walked down the main aisle, soldiers and females alike came to a hushed silence. All were aware of their good deeds, and everyone had a great deal to be thankful for.
     Approaching the stage, Jennie and Liliana bowed to their king, and then to Donus, Draagh and Max. Liliana then delicately curtseyed while wearing a giant smile, trying not to look around too much at the massive throngs of her older lycan brothers and sisters.
     Krynos slowly stood to speak, causing the hall to become quiet, as everyone saw his massive frame rise up from the high table. The king then motioned for the two lovely lycans to join him at his side, prompting Jennie to lead Liliana up the stairs, hand in hand. After the two had taken their seats (with Liliana poking her head up in order to get a better view), Krynos began to address the crowd.
     “My brothers and sisters. Tonight we celebrate the victory of The Battle of the Blood, as I have named it due to the copious amounts of vital fluids that flowed within the castle walls - some of it sadly coming from our own. Although we were attacked during our monthly hours of weakness, against insurmountable odds we defeated the forces of Vladros, who could only invade while hiding behind a veil of cowardice. In the past we have had many battles, and during those battles we have suffered losses – sometimes losses so great we believed we might never recover, but we forged on. We regrouped, improved our defenses and became yet stronger than ever before.”
     Surveying his beloved brothers, sisters and subjects, he felt his eyes water a bit, but picked up his golden goblet and continued.
     “Seventeen normals that had volunteered to defend their king and castle were sadly taken from this world. Tomorrow I shall travel to their village and meet with their families, and as is stated in the law, provide them with an honorarium of gold that should keep them comfortable for the rest of their lives. Further, a beloved sister betrayed us, although she did so unwittingly, and for that we are extremely sad, but the law states that there must be a punishment for betrayal. As king, I must uphold our laws, as they are just. A nation without laws is simply a nation of men – men who can change the laws to fit their needs, and this always leads to tyranny. As king, I am also charged with meting out the punishment for those violations, and so, as Alea was such a beloved sister, and due to the fact that she committed her dastardly act while not being of right mind, I chose to banish her from our lands instead of terminating her existence.”
     After having watched and listened to every word coming out of the lycan king’s mouth, Max leaned over to his grandfather and whispered, “Hey Draagh, Alea’s going to be ok, isn’t she?”
     Max’s grandfather patted the young man on the back, and responded to his grandson, “My son, she will be just fine. In fact, I believe she has already found another home – and a chance to atone for her errors.”
     Krynos continued with his speech while raising his goblet, to which everyone in the hall followed, also raising their drinking vessels.
     “To our sister, Alea. May she find that which she seeks, and hopefully a better life elsewhere.”
     Everyone in the hall raised their goblets of mead yet higher, and a rumbling murmur sounded out.
     “To Alea.”
     Then, when everyone had taking sufficient swallows of their mead, Krynos looked at the guests at the high table, where he first addressed little Liliana, who sat with wide eyes and a giant smile, expecting nothing but appreciating everything.
     “Young Liliana - you who have been with our family for but a few, short years. You whose parents were so tragically taken from you – you have shown skill, bravery and wisdom beyond your limited time among us. I thank you, my dear child, as your precocious mannerisms prompted you to disobey the monthly hiding and seek out your new friend and protector, while saving many lives in the process.”
     Krynos looked away from Liliana, and out on to the crowd as he continued, “My brothers and sisters, although stories have already been passed on of this girl’s bravery, I would like to tell you a bit about what she did, and how she possibly saved this kingdom. You see, she snuck out of her kennel, and then, navigating through the maze of ventilation tunnels in the castle, made her way down into the sub basement and used magic to assist both Max and Jennie, bringing them to their forms of reason so that they could enter into the fray of battle and help to defeat the enemy. Not only that, I heard that she has become quite skilled as a pseudo-mage, and managed to nearly incinerate the egg sack of a particularly wicked vampire.”
     The crowd roared with approving laughter and broke out into applause, as Liliana blushed slightly and waved to the cheering masses. Krynos put up his hand to silence the crowd, and turning to Liliana, continued, but this time speaking directly to the child.
     “Dear Liliana. It is with the utmost gratitude that I thank you. I have spoken with my brother - our brother - Draagh, and he has assured me that you will receive magical training of the highest order. Further, as soon as your small frame shall allow, you will be placed in training to learn the arts of battle. I do believe that the time has come for us to increase our ranks with those of the fairer sex. Your friend Jennie has most certainly shown us that it is something that needs to be done.”
     He turned back out to the crowd, and with a kind smile said, “Now that we all know of her great deeds and service to the kingdom, I should ask if there is anyone who would claim this child, as she is most deserved of a family.”
     Liliana, the orphan child, who just days prior had no one and nothing to look forward to in life, except for maybe becoming a castle servant, looked out to the crowd, her little mouth open in awe, as nearly everyone in the hall slowly stood up and raised their arms. Numerous couples stood together, holding hands, wanting to accept the girl into their family. Some already had pups, and others had yet to procreate or were simply barren. Liliana would have a family, no matter the outcome.
     Max leaned back, and looking behind the backs of everyone at the high table, whispered to the young girl, “Hey Liliana. I told you that you had a great family!”
     She looked back at Max as a tear rolled down her small cheek.
     Then surprising everyone (except possibly Draagh), Jennie suddenly burst up out of her chair and loudly and forcefully proclaimed, “I claim this child. I claim her as my daughter.”
     Max leaned over to his grandfather and went to speak, but Draagh silenced the young man with a hand on his shoulder and a meaningful glance.
     Then, looking down at the little girl who was barely able to see over the top of the high table, Jennie reached down and picked her up, standing her on her overly large chair.
     “Liliana. Would you choose me? You have all of these great people to choose from, but I honestly cannot see going through the rest of my life without having you in it. I want to be your mother. Please, be my daughter.”
     Liliana was frozen in place, stunned. She just stared at Jennie for a moment, and then tears started streaming down her small, round face. She gazed up into the older woman’s eyes, seeing a hopeful expression, when she threw her arms around Jennie’s neck and whispered to her.
     “I dreamed of you being my mother. Yes Jennie, I would only choose you, and I will try to not say those swear words anymore. I promise.”
     The crowd broke out into cheers and applause, as the two girls hugged each other closely.
     Their bond had been initiated by the child’s good nature, and strengthened by her fearless actions during the night. But it had been sealed with a tiny pink ribbon on a door.

     Krynos put his hands up, silencing the crowd, and began to speak yet again.
     “Excellent! Now, that we have taken care of that, I would like to address the beautiful warrior, and now mother, standing by my side. Jennie Escalante – you came to us to learn, but have already taught us much. Your valiant efforts, as well as your excellent skills in battle have brought new hope to our kingdom. We have much for which to thank you, and as I stated before, the stain you created in the mezzanine where once lie the mashed skull of an enemy most insidious shall forevermore be cordoned off, and left as an example to those who would bring their vile filth inside these castle walls.”
     Polite applause mildly interrupted the lycan king, most having heard of Jennie’s decisive defeat of Ryder Johnson.
     “Jennie, while I did not witness the fight, I was told that the speed in which you liquefied your enemy’s brain was most impressive. I would only ask that you train our warriors to do the same. And, as I am aware that you and your companion Max must eventually return to the world of your birth, please know that this is also your home, and that you are welcome here – always.”
     Expecting a verbal response from the stunning lycan woman, who was looking unusually delicate in her modern, pink dress, Krynos was surprised as the two girls turned and threw their arms around his massive trunk, hugging him tightly. At first slightly set back with an astounded look on his face, he wrapped his massive arms around them both and lowered his head with a gentle smile. The girls then moved back slightly to their chairs and Jennie addressed the crowd. She was not really one to give speeches – she was more prone to action, but the overwhelming collective emotion of the event prompted her to bring words to her lips.
     “Um, everyone… I really want to thank you all. You see, I come from a place where things are different. We don’t have to build fires, or fix tables, or even make training targets. We have little machines that run around and clean up our floors. Before coming here I had never seen a broom in my entire life. People in my world call themselves
advanced
. We fly among the stars in the sky, protecting our four worlds from anything that would seek to destroy our way of life. Coming here, I have found this way of life more advanced than any technology can provide. The truth is that I really, really love this place – and appreciate the things we must do to help each other. Plus, I like beating up the bad guys.”
     The crowd cheered loudly and would have started in the revelry of throwing various objects, had it not been for the fact that Jennie had not finished speaking.
     “I have made new friends, and new family – family I never had before, and for that I am most grateful.” Then, turning to Krynos, she said, “My liege, as time permits I shall be honored to assist in the training the of soldiers of the Rhönen. I thank you for your most kind gesture of offering me yet another home. Liliana and I will return frequently, as I have a feeling we will be able to use the skills of a certain young lycan mage to facilitate our travels.”
     Looking down the table at Max, she smiled and gave him a wink while crowd broke out into applause, with Krynos again trying to quiet them.
     “Thank you, Jennie, my dear girl. Nothing pleases me more than to hear your words. However, in order to train our forces, one must have a military title, and so I hereby commission you as Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Escalante, of the Rhönen Dominion Special Forces Group.”
     Jennie bowed deeply to Krynos while Liliana bounced in her chair, clapping her little hands. The two then took their seats, and Krynos looked over to Max, who was seated on the other side of his grandfather.
     “Maximilianus Xavier Gunnarsson – he who terminated the line of Vladros, and along with his intrepid allies helped to save the Rhönen Dominion – I only have one question to ask. Did the sharks really rend Vladros into halves?”
     Laughter filled the main hall as a smiling Max nodded his head, looking around awkwardly.
     “My boy, my son, my brother. Thank you so much for your unwavering support. Since your arrival to our kingdom we have witnessed feats of battle skill and magical wonders never before seen emanating out of one man at the same time.  Your grandfather has informed me that you shall be a truly powerful mage one day, and that goodness reigns in your heart. As I offered to Jennie, I also offer to you – a place in our kingdom to call your home - and also a title, so it is with the greatest pride I hereby grant you the commission of the rank of Commander of the Rhönen Dominion Special Forces, to serve at will along side your lovely companion, Jennie.”
     Max smiled and stood up before the crowd, but before saying anything leaned back and looked to Donus, as he mouthed, “
Commander
?” to which Donus grinned and replied, “Oh, I also received a promotion, young lad, but it is your night. Enjoy the festivities.”
     Max looked out at the quickly hushing room and spoke to the Dominion.
     “King Krynos, with immense gratitude I accept your commission. As Jennie had stated before, we are from a distant world, but this one suits me better. Much better. I don’t know if it was fate or destiny, but at this very moment I could not be happier. Thank you, everyone - thank you.”
     The crowd jumped to their feet and gave Max a standing ovation, which caused his usually awkward face to break out into a blush, as he was such a modest individual. Always putting others first, Max was being appreciated for who he truly was – a hero. Looking down the table to where Jennie and Liliana were seated, he saw the beautiful dega blow him a kiss, giving him butterflies in his stomach. His relationship with Jennie was difficult, and even though they now depended on each during times of battle, he couldn’t help but think she viewed him more like a sibling than anything else.
     “Brothers! Sisters! Let us begin the feast!” cried out Krynos, as Draagh stood up and slammed his staff to the stage floor, this time having made sure that his cantuses were in proper order.
     Everyone was suddenly provided with meats and delicacies saved for special occasions, and even wines from another world - specifically malbec - a red wine from a variety of grape grown in Argentina of Old-Earth and reinstated on the European continent some centuries later.
     As everyone dug into their food, Max noticed that Jennie was eating with a fork and knife, apparently having mastered the utensils, and Liliana watched her with rapt interest as she tried to copy her adoptive mother.
     “Draagh - Grandfather, thank you. Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say besides that. I guess one day I’ll find a better way to show my appreciation.”
     “My dear son, it is I who should thank you, but we do have to one day leave this world and take care of business on Azul. However, you shall be able to return here at any time of your choosing in the future.”
     “Why did you stop me when I was going to say something about Jennie claiming Liliana? Is there more I should know?”
     “Well, the girl will need a surname, and the law states that children must take the surname of their father - and as she has no father, I figured it would be best to let it, how shall I say, rest for the time being.”
     Max got a slightly confused look on his face, and simply went back to eating his dinner. Just because he had a genius-level intellect didn’t mean he would always see what was staring him directly in the face. Sometimes the most obvious things are hidden in plain sight.
     Nibbling away at some particularly delicious grouse, he saw a hand slide a shot glass in front of his plate. Looking over, Draagh was smiling, holding Max’s half-empty bottle of Glennfidich in his hand.
     “My son, would you mind if we shared this with Krynos?”
     “The whisky! I forgot all about it…  and no… not at all. I mean… you could simply conjure another one up as needed, right?”
     “Yes, my boy, but this one is special, as you discovered it at the beginning of this most wonderful adventure.”
     Max then lifted his shot glass, and looking over at a smiling Krynos, threw it back in one swallow – that first shot of the evening always bringing on a warm sensation in the stomach, followed by a delicious dulling of the mind.
     The party started to really ramp up, beginning with the usual tabletop game,
Lycan Jenga
, as Max had named it. He even joined in, deftly avoiding being smashed in the face by using combinations of quick movements and cantus shields. As medieval-style music played, Jennie and Liliana danced together, prancing around in circles, while waving long, trailing red ribbons through the air. Krynos, Donus and Draagh laughed boisterously as the main hall shook with the massive stomping of lycan soldiers who were performing a type of synchronized line dance, particular to the Dominion. Max worked the room, visiting with tables and recounting the tale of the Battle of the Blood on demand. After a while, Jennie approached Krynos and asked for permission to change the music up a bit, to which the king readily agreed, remembering the tango dance at Donus’ birthday celebration.
     Looking at Draagh, she gave him a sweet smile and said, “My Lord, if you could play a particular song, I would greatly appreciate it.” She then ran up and whispered the song name in his ear, causing him to smile and nod approvingly.
     Conjuring an infoscreen, he changed the music most suddenly (and much to the surprise of the small musical group), causing everyone to stop in their tracks. Some expected, and hoped for, another tango dance, but Jennie had something else in mind. As the stunning woman approached the semi-cleared out area in the middle of the main hall, Draagh pushed out both of his hands, and then separated them, lightly prompting everyone to take their seats (those seats which remained, as
Lycan Jenga
tended to deplete furniture rather quickly).
     Jennie sauntered out to the center, as a mirrored light ball magically appeared, rotating slowly and projecting reflected light throughout the room. Liliana looked at the lights with an almost silent “
ooooo”
, and the crowd quieted down. A beautiful song, accompanied by a rich symphony of instruments, began to play over invisible speakers at perfect volume. Jennie looked over to where Max was standing, as he had been caught amidst a large group of rather demanding soldiers, all desiring to hear the story of Vladros’ defeat over and over again.
     “Commander Gunnarsson… would you dance with me?”
     Max stood where he was, shocked, and then slowly approached the girl waiting for him within view of practically the entire Rhönen Dominon.
     “This is unexpected,” he said softly, “a slow dance?”
     “Mmmhmm. You got it, boy.”
     He gently placed his right hand around the small of her back and clasped her right hand with his left, expertly guiding her through the melody of the song, which was quite famous in Old-Earth of the late twentieth century.
     As they slowly spun about the floor, Liliana mischievously started making sparkles at the high table with Jennie’s wand - now hers - as Draagh looked on with great interest, seeing a bit more than
pseudo-mage
in the youngster.
     Leaning over to Krynos, who was watching the attractive young couple dance, he asked, “My Lord, tell me about Liliana’s parents. They were both lycan, were they not?”
     “Yes my friend. Quite a sad tale, also - they were the very last to murder each other in their death forms before we implemented the system of phase-detecting locks on the cells.”
     “Hmm, and neither had magical skills?”
     “No, but the father of the mother of her mother was a mage. However, this did not pass along to his offspring. Why do you ask? Does it appear that the girl has some innate skills?”
     “It would appear so, but I must work with her further in order to truly know. Anyway, thank you, my friend.”
     The two powerful men then sat back and shared some more of the delicious Scotch whisky from Old-Earth of the 29
th
century.
     Jennie had wrapped her arms around Max’s neck near the end of the song, each of the two simply looking into the other's eyes. When they first met she tried to shoot him in the face with her stinger. Now she couldn’t imagine ever hurting him in any way. She had come to the conclusion that he truly was a wonderful man, and she was glad she gave him the chance to show her the errors of her ways – and opinions.
     “You know, Gunnarsson, I am really super glad that this all happened. I mean, we have a lot more to do, but I think my life has changed for the better. How about you?”
     “Yeah - best life ever, Jen. Best life ever.”
     As the dance ended to polite applause, with the attendees being unusually well behaved, Max looked up to Draagh and thought out to his grandfather,
“Hey, can I choose some songs now? It’s time to get this party rolling.”
    
“Of course, my son. The infoscreen is yours.”
     Max reached his hand out, and Draagh’s glowing infoscreen, which had been floating off to his side, shot through the air and stopped at Max’s fingertips, causing some
oos
and
aahs
in the crowd. Then, looking at Jennie with an impish grin, he said, “Let’s watch these guys move.”
     “Oh God, Max, what are you going to do?”
     Her question was certainly rhetorical, as throughout the weeks she had come to know the more mischievous side of his nature. Max then called out to the audience while waving his hands, his blue leather suit shining impressively in the sparkle of the disco ball lights.