Chapter 7: Kingdom of Cards

  Lord Talidor was pleased to see his son, his stepson, and the guest that they have brought from Naku.

  “Father,” Xander said in a booming voice, “Allow me to present Aisling Vizerdaughter, the sole survivor of the massacre of Naku Eden.”

  Hoo?

  The Ruler of the Universe looking puzzled, “Xander, this Aisling appears to be made out of solid Gemmantium, how is this possible?”

  Tott-Za stepped up to address his stepfather, “Lord Talidor, allow me to explain what we discovered in the Elvish Capital.”

  Lord Talidor did not expect Tott-Za to speak up in open court; matter of fact, Tott-Za had never spoken on issues in the GX Court or otherwise. The King God was impressed with this growth. He then humored his stepson.

  “I shall permit you to speak on your and Xander’s experience on Naku.”

  Tott-Za explains to Lord Talidor he and Xander’s findings on what is left on the planet, including the discovery of Aisling, and the fact she is constructed out of the last Gemmantium on Naku.

  Lord Talidor was deeply concerned over the fact that all the Gemmantium had been used to save via create Aisling, “It does my heart good to see both my son and stepson returned to me. However, the fact that no other survivors could be found on such a valuable and long-standing ally is deeply troubling. Also, we no longer have Gemmantium weapons, ore, or other resources we can utilize.”

  The Ruler of the Universe wondered if any of the gods and demigods could melt Aisling down. It is well known Gemmantium cannot be reset once the ore has been shaped and fitted into a weapon or form. Perhaps Lord Talidor or another highly skilled god could shut her down and study her to determine her value in the war effort.

  Xander spoke on Aisling’s behalf, “Aisling is a very capable warrior Lord Talidor, she has proven her value on combat. The Metal Goddess defeated demons on our behalf and were it not for her, your heir and stepson would not be alive.”

  Lord Talidor nodded his head, “Then allow me on behalf of all Gneox and Ragnar?k treat her as the honored guest she is!”

  Aisling smiling and approaching Lord Talidor’s throne, “Thank you for the kindness and hospitality, Lord Talidor.”

  Lord Talidor stood up and addressed Aisling, “It is my hope young lady you will allow myself and my scientists to study you, determine your status and what you are capable of.

  Aisling was a bit taken back by this request; she did not know how to respond.

  “To be fair, Lord Talidor I did address Aisling to you as the Metal Goddess. That is more than a title, it cannot just be given, it must be verified,” Xander concedes, adds, “In that case Tott-Za or I will accompany Aisling to any diagnostic or function check that occurs on Aisling.”

  This gave Aisling a sense of calmness that one or both of her friends are willing to ensure her safety.

  “Lord Talidor,” Xander firmly addressing his father, “Tott-Za, Aisling, and I discovered this device, it was designed and created with the specific purpose of sealing the demons and Warmongers in Hell for eternity.”

  Tott-Za reaching into his satchel extracts from the bag a red and pinkish crystal in shape of a pyramid. Kneeling, Tott presents the Crystal of Power to his stepfather.

  The Ruler of the Universe takes the crystal and gazes at the red and pinkish crystal, “How does it operate Tott-Za, do you or Xander know how it functions?”

  Xander responding, “The crystal needs to be powered. It was designed to be used and fully powered by the God of Gods, your father and my grandfather Ragnor.”

  This revelation piqued Lord Talidor’s interest, it had been a long while since anything regarding his father had been discovered.

  Tott-Za once again was speaking to the undisputed Ruler of the Universe in his throne room, “My Lord, from the instructions it has to be filled with power from both you and Warr-Za.”

  Xander adding, “The device will then become one with the GodSlayer sword and somehow seal the deities of Hell away forever. The GodSlayer must be used by its one true owner at the time.”

  Lord Talidor only had one word to describe what he was being made aware, “Remarkable! So Warr-Za and I will fill the crystal with all our might, and Xander, you, or I will use the sword to seal Hell?”

  Xander shaking his head, shooting a glance at his stepbrother, “No father, the GodSlayer’s one true owner at this time is Tott-Za.”

  Lord Talidor was very concerned and apprehensive over Tott-Za’s role in the entire plan, the Ruler of the Universe was not certain his stepson was up to such a task. Notwithstanding the reaction his mother Warr-Za was going to have, a negative reaction at best to Tott-Za’s key role in such a grand task.

  Very curiously and a bit flabbergasted, Lord Talidor asks, “Why can you or I not just wield the sword, Xander are we not the direct bloodline of the God of Gods, of Ragnar?k himself?”

  Aisling answering for Xander, “Lord Talidor, the GodSlayer sword was created through a means that gave the weapon semi-sentience…”

  Lord Talidor interrupting, “The sword is alive?”

  Aisling shaking her head, “No, my lord not in the traditional sense, but it is aware who wielded and survived all the trials to gain the Crystal of Power. Only one person who survived the trials can use the GodSlayer to its full potential; including sealing the gates of Hell.”

  Lord Talidor dismayed with the answer, “Xander, why would you allow Tott-Za to engage in such trials to begin with!?”

  Tott-Za answering his stepfather, “The trials would only operate for the current owner of the sword, and the blade acknowledges me as its rightful owner!”

  Lord Talidor studying Tott-Za for a moment could not help but notice the change in the young man. Tott-Za had greater confidence and self-esteem; Lord Talidor also noted a physical change as well. The Prince of Phantomlor had grown and become more muscular in the few short days he had been gone. He had unsheathed the GodSlayer and presented it levitating in the air horizontally. The sword no longer appeared too large for Tott-Za, and moreover he seemed confident in his ability to wield the legendary weapon.

  Lord Talidor spoke to his servant bot, the GneoxBot Bently, “Bently, send a notification to Warr-Za that her presence is required in the throne room immediately, Xander and Tott-Za have returned!”

  The servant bot quickly responded, “At once my lord, I shall inform Lissa, she is with the Goddess now.”

  Warr-Za arguing with Lissa and as much as she is training and working out, finally retorts, “Are you to be my punishment for all eternity!?”

  The GneoxBot retorts, tilting its head while smirking at the Goddess, “I am not a punishment my lady I am here to serve you and be your confidante!”

  “Confidante? Confidante!? What in Phantomlor would I tell you robot! You are always at my side! I have no use for such a person real or fake!”

  “I have noticed your lack of companionship; you did execute the two servants who were closest to,” Lissa’s wit once again infuriates the Goddess.

  Warr-Za even angrier now retorted, “I will have you turned into scrap metal!”

  The GneoxBot once again getting the better of the Goddess, “You cannot intimidate me my Queen, I am not alive. You would have to explain to your husband why your gift was destroyed!”

  Warr-Za quickly regaining her composure, very much aware that her marriage and possible ascension to Lord Talidor’s throne was at risk if she was not careful. As the Goddess was less working out and more priming and posed in the mirror, did not respond to her servant bot.

  Suddenly the GneoxBot’s eyes started flashing, this was not something Warr-Za had seen happen before, asked indifferently, “What is occurring to you, is it a glitch? I would hate for you to be shut off and be replaced!”

  “Unlike you I don’t glitch,” GneoxBot Lissa retorted, “I am simply receiving an urgent request from Lord Talidor.”

  This piqued Warr-Za’s curiosity and gave her pause for concern. Lord Talidor had only recently uncovered her adultery, and the Ruler of the Universe seemed less than pleased about her attempt making amends.

  Could this be him summoning her to the throne room to divorce her in public? No of course not.

  “What does the message state, metal trash?”

  Lissa answering her Queen, “Very drool Goddess, it states that you are to report to the throne room as soon as possible. Xander and Tott-Za have returned to Ragnar?k my Queen.”

  Warr-Za hurried to the throne room accompanied by the GneoxBot Lissa. The Queen Goddess had almost completely forgotten about Xander and Tott-Za. She had more important matters on her mind; the Goddess’ Ascension Day, her fling with the servant Kosmo, Lord Talidor’s own infidelity, etc.

  The Goddess thought if she could have arranged for Xander to have an accident on Naku, Warr-Za most certainly would have. The Queen must be more cautious with her plans and machinations. If Xander were to be out of the way, then Tott-Za or herself would be next in line for the throne of Gneox and Ragnar?k.

  “Metal trash, do you have any more information about the mission Tott-Za and Xander just returned from? Did they happen to find Gemmantium weapons or Gemmantium ore?”

  The Goddess was fanatical about gaining Gemmantium ore and weapons. Not for the execution of a war plan or to defend Phantomlor or Ragnar?k, but for her own personal gain.

  “No Goddess there is no mention if they completed the mission parameters or not. I must point out that you did not ask about potential survivors of the massacre, aye!”

  “I am the Queen Goddess of two dimensions, metal trash, I cannot concern myself with small details! I must stay focused on the bigger picture and the result!”

  Warr-Za had not even considered survivors; the Warmongers never left survivors and quite simply put it was unimportant to her. The Goddess considered the fact the mission could have been a total failure, that not only Xander and Tott-Za had managed to live through the experience on Naku, but also failed to retrieve any Gemmantium weapons or ore. Given the last few days that would be Warr-Za’s luck now, as the Goddess and GneoxBot Lissa entered the throne room, most of the royal court had already arrived.

  As the Goddess and her servant bot Lissa entered the throne room, the first to catch Warr-Za’s eyes was Lord Talidor as he was sitting high upon his silver and gold throne. Her eyes shifted to her stepsons; Xander, the God of War was a regal figure, even Warr-Za had to admit he stood tall and had a presence. Next to him was her adopted son Tott-Za, the young man who always made a mess of things. But Tott-Za seemed to have changed somehow, appearing larger and more muscular. There was also an air of confidence surrounding Tott-Za that had not been there before. Not that any of the matters concerning Tott-Za he will still make a mess of things, he always has, and he always will. The odd creature standing in-between Tott-Za and Xander appears to have the form of an Elvish female, but is constructed out of metal? It is Gemmantium! This monster is made from solid Gemmantium, how in the Seven Deadly Realms of Hell did this happen!? The Gemmantium ore and weapons belonged to Warr-Za, and not anyone else!

  “My love I see a celebration is in order! Our sons have returned to us, and both are alive and well!”, Warr-Za says to Lord Talidor as she approaches her gold and silver throne which sits directly to the right of the Ruler of the Universe. Warr-Za walking with purpose and elegant strides, she gazes on Xander, Tott-Za, and especially the metal woman that stand in-between both.

  The Goddess takes her throne next to Lord Talidor, “It does my heart good to see my children have returned home and with a weapon! Though there has been an unnecessary increase in robots in the GX Court as of late, I am certain the robot will be a welcome addition to the war effort! How did the children return, did they manage to find a ship on Naku?”

  Lord Talidor answers her last question first, “Xander and Tott-Za were returned to Ragnar?k by my power and grace my Goddess. The trio were in dire straits and would have surely perished if not for my intervention!”

  Warr-Za was stunned by the Ruler of the Universe’s confession; Lord Talidor had promised to not interfere in Xander and Tott-Za’s mission! The Goddess had hoped one or both would not return and allow her to be the grieving mother or the shoulder for Lord Talidor to lean on with the death of his son. She held her tongue and did not show her displeasure with the King God’s actions; the Queen Goddess was keenly aware that her marriage was still on shaky ground.

  “It does my heart good to see you take a proactive role my love in assuring our sons returned to us!”

  Lord Talidor simply nodded in agreement with the Queen Goddess as he took her hand for all the GX Court to see. Tott-Za spoke up on behalf of Aisling to Warr-Za, “Mother, this is Aisling, she is a living being made from the last Gemmantium on Naku. Were it not for Aisling’s discovery, Xander and I would have surely died!”

  Goddess Warr-Za pauses on the current situation, Tott-Za had just referred her as “mother,” he knows he is not permitted to speak to her in such a way, the prince is only to refer her as the Queen Goddess. Warr-Za glances over at Tott-Za with a wicked eye, she would take care of this insult in private. The more important matter at this time is this robot, suggesting this is a living being then it cannot be conscripted into the war. Lord Talidor would never force a being into servitude.

  “My love, I would like to ask this rob…excuse me…Aisling questions in regard to Naku, Vizer, and how she managed to survive.”

  Lord Talidor quickly answered, “That is Aisling’s decision my Goddess.”

  Xander and Tott-Za both stare at each other, knowing this could prove disastrous for Aisling. The Metal Goddess responded to her request, “It will be my honor to allow the Queen Goddess to understand my origins, she was not present when we discussed that issue.”

  Warr-Za responded to Aisling granting her request, “Excellent, as co-counsel on the war effort I need as much information on our ally as possible!”

  As the throne room clears out with Lord Talidor holding a banquet in the nearby dining room to celebrate the return of Xander, Tott-Za, and the arrival of Aisling. Tott-Za turned and looked back as Warr-Za and Aisling remained in the throne room. Warr-Za and Aisling are to join the rest of the court after Warr-Za interviews Aisling. The Prince of Phantomlor was very hesitant to leave his newfound friend in the clutches of his savage stepmother. He was fully aware what his “mother” was capable of physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

  Tott-Za as well as Xander did not want to leave Aisling alone with Warr-Za.

  “Xander, do you think Aisling will be able to withstand the Goddess’ interrogation?”, Tott-Za asked with concern for his friend as he and Xander walked to the banquet area.

  “I do not know, Tott-Za. Your stepmother is certainly one of a kind. Though Aisling is quite capable of holding her own against anyone!”

  Tott-Za simply nodded, but his face betrayed him as he had concern in his brow. Warr-Za and the GneoxBot Lissa along with Aisling were the only beings remaining in the immense throne room.

  The Queen Goddess sitting high upon her throne, looking down and thumbling her nose at Aisling, “Machine, you can stay right where you are, this should not take long.”

  Warr-Za’s demeanor quickly and violently changed when Lord Talidor and the rest of the GX Court had departed for the banquet hall. The Goddess had dropped all pretenses and manners of which were put on full demonstration in the presence of Lord Talidor. Aisling noted that Warr-Za was no longer addressing her as a person, the Queen instead was referring her as a thing, a machine, and nothing more.

  “You must tell me everything I need to know, you must answer all my questions creature!”, Warr-Za had stood up from her gold and silver throne and began to walk down and confront Aisling!

  The Metal Goddess was curious about what Warr-Za’s intentions are and how this was going to play out. Aisling did not want to insult Tott-Za, Xander, and Lord Talidor by being rude to the Queen Goddess. She was also not intimidated or fearful of Warr-Za, the Goddess could not affect Aisling in such a manner.

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  “Everything,” Aisling stated with a matter-of-fact conviction, she did not want to mention Warr-Za’s stepson asking about sex or orifices.

  Warr-Za now standing directly in front of the Gemmantium framed young Elf, and having moved down her throne with purpose and wanted to be eye-to-eye with Aisling, “Is there any Gemmantium left? Xander and Tott-Za indicated that you are all that exists, is this true?”

  Aisling swiftly responds to the Queen Goddess’ question, “I am all the remains of the last batch of Gemmantium ore from Naku.”

  It was as War-Za feared, the Gemmantium had been wasted upon this creature.

  “Why were you created creature?”, Warr-Za asks, harsh with her questioning, “What possible reason would an expert forger and metallurgist waste such time and Gemmantium ore on you?”

  “I was created as a means for Vizer to ensure that his daughter, me, would have a chance to lead a full life without fear of the disease that struck my Elvish body.”

  Warr-Za viewing such an act as a weakness she would not tolerate, to save a loved one for no benefit was illogical to the Goddess.

  “What are you capable of from a military and combat perspective? What weapons and powers have you demonstrated?”, Warr-Za was very curious as to the military applications that Warr-Za could inflict upon the demons and Warmongers, even possibly Lord Talidor and Xander!

  “I am capable of flight, my body is resistant to virtually anything, demons and Warmongers have a weakness to this shell, and I have destroyed several demons with ease. I do not know all of my weapon systems or what my full power is capable of just yet,” Aisling answering the Goddess very openly and bluntly, with a hint of arrogance, almost inviting the Queen to strike her.

  The Goddess maintained her composure, moved on to the other list of questions she had in mind for Aisling. As the Queen asks her questions, she makes her way around Aisling, looking at her Gemmantium form from top to bottom. Warr-Za then placed her hands on Aisling’s shoulders and began to slide down her arms in an almost sensual motion.

  “After all creature, I need to know what you are capable of, I need to know what I am dealing with,” the Queen Goddess said with a devilish smirk and twinkle in her eye, Warr-Za’s hands slide down her arms, inspecting the new body Aisling possessed. Both of her hands lastly end up on Aisling’s hips, as Warr-Za leans in and whispers into the Elvish girl’s right ear, “Lastly, is there anything else I should know about? Any secrets that were uncovered on this mission?”

  Aisling maintained totally still as Warr-Za attempted to create tension and friction between herself and the young demigoddess.

  “Yes, there was a secret that was uncovered during the exploration of the temple,” Aisling said in a monotone voice to the Goddess of Phantomlor.

  Warr-Za’s eyes grew extremely large, she must know this secret, “Tell me what this secret is creature! I am the Goddess of Phantomlor I need to know this information!”

  Aisling quickly responded with, “No, I promised I would not reveal it to anyone.”

  Warr-Za then demanded that she be told now, and Aisling continued to retort no, “I’m sorry, Xander asked I not reveal it, my Goddess. As such I will not do so.”

  “I demand to know! Did Xander ask you not to tell me!? Is that it, is the boy hiding things from me!?”

  Aisling smiling as she looked down to answer the Goddess who was now standing directly in front of her and shouting, “I made a promise to Xander Talidorson and I intend to keep it.”

  As Warr-Za stormed out of the throne room she made her way to the banquet hall to reunite with Lord Talidor and the rest of the GX Court.

  The questioning did not go as the Goddess had intended with Aisling, “Come metal trash! I wish to speak to my stepson Xander about a topic!”

  “Aye!”, Lissa the GneoxBot that is accompanying the Queen Goddess to the celebration, “That did not go well, did it my Goddess? Apparently Xander elected not to share information with you, that shows what he thinks of you! Why do you not just ask Tott what it could be?”

  Warr-Za ignoring the servant bot’s initial comments, thought about what else it had said, “Hmm, I doubt Tott-Za is aware of what it could be!”

  Aisling trailing behind Warr-Za and GneoxBot Lissa, shaking her head at her mistake. She should not have mentioned who she made the promise to. Xander is now at risk from Warr-Za due to Aisling failing to withhold who the secret was for. She quickly learned that the GX Court was filled with political intrigue, and it may not be the right place for her.

  The banquet hall was full of music, loud talking, laughter and joy! The gathering of Gods and Demigods all welcome back Xander and Tott-Za, this was no new experience to Xander who had many celebrations from successful missions. Though Xander did not outwardly show it, he was in no mood for celebrations and banquet halls. Xander’s mind was still on the StarGazer, his crew, and Nia-Tuk. Those losses will weigh heavily upon his mind and will for a very long time. Tott-Za had never experienced being the center of attention like this, much less for completing a so important mission. The young Prince of Phantomlor had members of the GX Court whom he had never spoken a word to him, congratulating him a job well done! Many of the Gods and Demigods were also commenting on the change in Tott-Za’s appearance, he had become more muscular, and it was noted.

  Wow Tott-Za, you have really come into your own!

  Look at those new muscles! You are going to steal a woman’s heart!

  Xander pulling Tott-Za to the side, “Do not let this all go to your head. The members of the GX Court will praise you now but curse you tomorrow.”

  Tott-Za nodded to Xander; The God of War understood the Gneox Court politics much more than Tott-Za. Still, the young man was going to have fun! Lord Talidor had already started indulging in the strongest mead and wine that was being served.

  “I am so proud of you Tott-Za! You exceeded my expectations for you! You are an excellent addition to my family!”, Lord Talidor placed his arm around Tott-Za, while taking another drink of the strong alcoholic beverage as the Ruler of the Universe staggered.

  GneoxBot Bently attempted to quell the Lord of Ragnar?k.

  As festivities raged the banquet hall, Warr-Za abruptly opens the doors into the large banquet hall and enters like a force of nature.

  “Everyone get out, get out now! I would like to have words with Xander!”

  The members of the GX Court of Ragnar?k and Phantomlor, the servants, and the other dignitaries all left the banquet hall. Tott-Za wished to remain with Xander, but the God of War motioned his head toward the door at Tott. Xander did not wish to cause more strife between Tott-Za’s relationship with Warr-Za, Tott-Za was the last to leave; Xander completely ignoring the Goddess, resumes eating his meal and does not acknowledge Warr-Za’s presence.

  Before Warr-Za could confront the God of War; Warr-Za noticed now the crowd has emptied that Lord Talidor was passed out over the large marble-top ceremonial table!

  Quickly reverting to the caring wife, “Wait, what is wrong my love!? Have you been poisoned!? Xander, what a horrible son you are, your father’s lifeless body is in front of you, and you dine!”

  The GneoxBot Bently was hovering over next to Lord Talidor’s inebriated form. Bently addressing the Queen of the Universe, “My Goddess, I strived to stop Lord Talidor from consuming so much and so quickly, but alas he enjoys his drink.”

  Warr-Za now knowing her husband can no longer bear witness to her behavior, returned to her whirling dervish persona, “I should have known Xander you could not be trusted with such an important mission! You have compromised everything by thinking with your dick! What secret did you tell your mechanical whore, you told her to keep information from me!? Me!”

  Xander calmly took a drink of wine from his goblet and then placed it back on the table, there was an unsettling silence in the immense banquet hall.

  “I lost my ship, my crew, and my lover on this mission. There was no Gemmantium ore to be found and there were no Gemmantium weapons left on the planet. All things considered, the mission can still be considered a success; Tott-Za and I came back alive with an essential soul. Aisling the Metal Goddess is the last daughter of Naku Eden and may be one of the few beings in the universe that can stand against Hell’s monsters!”, Xander now growing angrier and angrier with each word; the God of War unknowingly began to shift to his Source Divinian blue aura, “As for the secret you have become so fixated upon which has nothing to do with you! It is a personal matter, and it is none of your fucking business! You dare question my loyalty to my father, my people, and Ragnar?k with your petty nonsense! If you wish to challenge me in single combat my Queen, I accept!”

  Warr-Za’s big brown eyes were widened, and she stood frozen in shock to Xander’s response. No one had ever challenged the Goddess like this before, never! She nearly accepted Xander’s challenge, but it is one thing to verbally confront Xander in front of his passed-out father; it would be quite another thing to slay the boy with Lord Talidor in the room. The Goddess seeing no point in continuing this argument, turned her back to Xander and walks away.

  Xander, as Warr-Za was leaving, had to dig into his stepmother before she left the banquet hall, “Goddess, nothing gives me more pleasure than to bring your son back to you alive and unharmed!”

  Warr-Za briefly glanced back at Xander noticing that he was still in his blue aura form, as she was looking at Xander he raised his goblet to give her a toast!

  **

  Tott-Za meets Aisling outside the banquet hall, Aisling did not even have a chance to enjoy the celebration before Warr-Za ended the festivities prematurely.

  “What happened between yourself and Warr-Za? The Goddess canceled the banquet hall celebration and wanted to confront Xander,” Tott-Za expressing concern to Aisling and fearful of his stepmother’s behavior towards Xander.

  “Warr-Za desired to know information that I refused to give her due to a covenant I had made with Xander,” Aisling stated matter of fact to Tott-Za.

  “You must be careful Aisling! Warr-Za is a very dangerous woman, she will destroy you in any way possible!”, Tott-Za knew this to be true; Warr-Za was not a woman to be underestimated.

  “But I do not fear Warr-Za, she can do no harm to me physically. There is nothing she can attack me with emotionally or psychologically as well. My father is dead, my planet is destroyed, I am all that is left of Naku Eden. The only leverage Warr-Za has to use against me is my friendship with yourself and Xander.”

  Tott-Za fatigued from the mission, the trials, and from dealing with his mother who could not even behave for an evening upon her stepsons’ return, “I will show you to your headquarters, Aisling. Before Lord Talidor went on his bender, he assigned you a highly desired ambassador suite.”

  Aisling pondering this responded, “That is very kind of your stepfather, though I no longer need to sleep, eat, or drink.”

  Tott-Za smiling at Aisling, “We know that Aisling, but you are an honored guest, and Lord Talidor wants to treat you as such! It would be considered an insult to decline the suite.”

  Aisling, smiling back at Tott-Za, slightly bowing, “I will accept the accommodations and thank Lord Talidor for me please Tott-Za.”

  Tott-Za holds out his arm and asks, “May I escort you to your quarters my lady?”

  As Aisling reaches to take Tott-Za’s arm, Warr-Za grabs Tott-Za by his right ear, “Come with me now Tott-Za, we have much to discuss!”

  Tott-Za more in shock than in pain, “OWww, Warr-Za what are you doing? I am escorting Aisling to her quarters! It is manners for a GX Court member of the royal family to escort an honored guest to their suite!”

  Having forced Tott-Za to walk away from Aisling, “That creature, that machine is not worth a royal escort. It is nothing more than a bread warmer, nothing more, nothing less! Now come we have much to discuss this secret between Xander and Aisling!”

  “What secret are you babbling about Warr-Za, don’t you have a life? I know nothing nor do I care about some stupid secret!”

  Tott-Za continued with Warr-Za into a nearby empty chamber along with Lissa the GneoxBot that’s been assigned to the Goddess.

  “What the hell is going on here Tott-Za, you and Xander are gone for weeks, and you return not telling your mother everything!?”, Warr-Za almost throwing Tott-Za in an ornate chair in an empty room.

  Tott-Za now looking up at Warr-Za from the chair, with a confused look upon his face, “I do not know what is going on between yourself, Xander, and Aisling! I know nothing about a secret between the two of them, and NEVER put your hands on me again mother! I am the Prince of Phantomlor and Ragnar?k, to put your hands on me in front of members of the GX Court lowers my standing!”

  Warr-Za had been insulted one too often over the last several days and she now reached her boiling point.

  “YOU DARE BOY!!!”, Warr-Za’s right hand backhands the left side of Tott-Za’s face! The blow was so powerful that it was enough to knock Tott-Za and the chair over, “I am the Queen Goddess, Ruler of Phantomlor and Ragnar?k and YOU are simply a pathetic child that I rescue as to entertain me! You are only prince because I gave you the title, your real parents were nothing but petty warlords and failures as rulers! They died on their knees begging for their lives! You’re just a human!”

  Tott-Za was bleeding from the mouth due to his blow from Warr-Za, she had done this before to Tott-Za, so this was not a real shock.

  “Well, boy, do you have anything to say to me!?”, as Warr-Za stood over the bleeding young man.

  This no longer intimidated Tott-Za who picked himself off the ground, using his left hand to wipe the blood coming from his mouth, and smiled at Warr-Za.

  HehHehHeh…

  “It is going to take a lot more than this to cause me to betray my friends!”, Tott-Za began to walk out of the chamber, but before he left, “Good night mother!”

  Tott-Za did this because Warr-Za despises him calling the Queen Goddess mother!

  **

  Xander sat in the large empty banquet hall, with only his loudly snoring father and the recently created servant bot, as known as a GneoxBot named Bently, as the God of War’s dining companions.

  “How much wine did my father consume in the banquet Bently?”

  The GneoxBot responds, “Lord Talidor drank much more before he returned you and your companions from the sandstorm.”

  Xander speaking to the robot, “How did my father have to drink before we returned? What has transpired that would cause Lord Talidor to drink so heavily?”

  The servant bot almost disheartened and looked down.

  “Much has transpired Xander,” informing the God of War on the events that have occurred during his long absence.

  While the servant bot was speaking, Aisling decided to see the inside of the banquet hall and sat next to Xander at the large ceremonial table, “I wanted to see the interior of this chamber before going to find my quarters, Xander Talidorson.”

  Xander taking a large drink of wine from his goblet, “How did your conversation with Warr-Za go? I see are still in one piece, so it must have gone well.”

  Aisling answering Xander’s question, “It was very educational. I learned that being completely transparent in the GX Court is not in my best interest. The Goddess kept wanting to know about what I have promised you.”

  Xander glancing over at his under the influence father and GneoxBot, “Bently, could you please wait outside the door? I wish to talk to Aisling alone.”

  The servant bot responded, “It is highly irregular that I leave Lord Talidor’s side, but I have been programmed to take orders from you Xander in the event that the King God is incapacitated or unavailable.”

  Xander was a bit surprised by this, “Why not Warr-Za, why me?”

  Shaking his head, GneoxBot Bently states, “Alas, I do not know, it was what Lord Talidor desired. If I were sentient, I would suspect he does not trust her.”

  The servant bot places his right arm and slightly bows and takes his leave.

  Xander staring at Aisling states to her bluntly, “You do not like it at Ragnar?k so far, do you? I can understand why, you have been here a day yet have been threatened by the Queen Goddess and the King God is passed out drunk in front of you!”

  As if on cue, Lord Talidor snores loudly enough to cause Xander to sly smile.

  Aisling placing her hand on Xander’s thigh, “It is a very different place than I anticipated; not the majestic utopia that one would imagine. I understand why you spent so much time on missions, you do not like it here much either, do you Xander Talidorson?”

  Xander shaking his head, “I do not enjoy the toxic environment it’s become now; Ragnar?k was a very different place before Warr-Za. What this place once was is what I miss, a beacon of hope throughout the universe!”

  Aisling contemplating everything that Xander just said her, “Why did you ask me to keep the secret we uncovered on Naku? It does no harm in allowing Warr-Za and others to know.”

  Xander answers her question quickly, “It is for this reason; myself, my father, and the entire universe have been told how great Ragnor was, how he brought the universe together. If that was truly not the cause I need to investigate this more thoroughly and to have a private conversation with Lord Talidor to discuss this issue, to determine what he knows about the God of Gods.”

  “I understand the need for patience and to determine the truth without having so many outside influences such as Warr-Za,” Aisling stated, while smiling at Xander as she inches closer.

  “You have the flesh and blood,” Xander moving closer to Aisling, “Do you have her memories and personalities now?”

  “No,” the Metal Goddess shakes her head, “I am Aisling Vizerdaughter; I am her and she is me. I have her brainwaves, her memories, her loves, her dislikes, her experiences, only I am her in this new form now.”

  “I see, you are a female Elf now? You know I am part Elf myself!”, Xander stated this as he moved even closer to Aisling.

  “Yes, you are Xander, a very attractive male Elf at that!”, Aisling to move in to kiss Xander, and the God of War nearly kisses her, but pulls back.

  “Forgive me, Aisling, but I am still grieving my paramour Nia-Tuk, also I know Tott-Za has an interest in you as well. You need to have a conversation with Tott-Za and discuss what you want to do with him. I need time to get over my recent loss, but we can stay here for a while. I do not wish to go to my chambers yet either.”

  Aisling nodded and both sat together, waiting for the start of a new day.

  Xander remained in the banquet hall long after Aisling had departed to her chamber. The God of War had other matters he wished to discuss with his father. Lord Talidor eventually awoke an hour after the sun rose in Ragnar?k, making an incoherent noise as he awoke.

  “Xander! I must have over indulged, what time is it my son!”, Lord Talidor said rubbing his back and stretching out his limbs.

  The God of War’s eyerolls as he helped the Ruler of the Universe to his feet, as he continued to stretch out his limbs, cracking.

  “It is not like you took keep a vigil over someone Xander, what is on your mind?”, Lord Talidor said to his son as he stared at Xander through his battle-scarred owl mask.

  Xander moves to sit on the table his father had just awoken from, as Lord Talidor sat next to him, “Father I have issues to discuss with you.”

  Lord Talidor just nodded and told Bently to wait outside the chamber door.

  Yes Lord Talidor, it seems I am spending my whole time outside the chamber door, leaving the chamber as Xander’s eyes follow the GneoxBot’s frame out of sight, “Interesting little creature you have created father, I see you gave him personality and wit.”

  Lord Talidor chuckles, “You should see the one I have constructed for Warr-Za! That little bot irks her to no end, it is quite entertaining to observe!”

  Xander sighing, noticing the gold cracks on his owl mask, “Father what happened to your mask? It appears it has been broken and repaired with gold.

  Lord Talidor lied to his son, “The mask was damaged in the thrills of passion with the Goddess! It was then repaired by Warr-Za who added gold to the mask. I enjoy the new look of the mask; it makes me look even more regal; do you agree my son?”

  Xander simply nodded, he did not know if he believed his father’s reason for the damaged mask, but he accepted Lord Talidor’s excuse. The God of War did not wish to involve himself in Lord Talidor’s relationship with Warr-Za.

  “Father, since you brought Warr-Za into the conversation, your queen has been harassing and threatening Aisling.”

  Lord Talidor with his hand on the back of his head, “Oh, what caused this friction between the two of them? They have not known each other for very long, surely your robot could submit to the Queen Goddess.”

  Xander observing his father closely, “Aisling was keeping a secret for me, for you, and for the family.”

  Lord Talidor now having his interest piqued, “What such secret would be worth to seek the wrath of Warr-Za my son?”

  Xander slowly begins to tell his father the tale of the temple and the discovery of the gem. This also includes the ancient Elvish writings on the temple walls. The hieroglyphics including the crimes and cruelty of Ragnor, the God of Gods, Lord Talidor’s father and Xander’s grandfather. Xander was no fool, he knew that history was written by the winner. But this was cruelty for the sake of cruelty, enslaving whole populations, if Elves or other races could not meet quotas then Ragnor would slaughter entire cities or even world populations.

  Lord Talidor listened intently to every word the God of God had to say about the discovery made in the temple of Naku. This news horrified and saddened the Ruler of the Universe, as this information was spoken of in rumors when Lord Talidor was a child.

  “Xander these are very serious allegations against my father and your grandfather. If this were to be true it would rock the very foundation of Ragnar?k and the very universe. I have studied our history since I can recall. There are no mentions of the God of Gods being anything other than a uniter, a leader who galvanized other Gods and races to side against Hell itself!”

  Staring at his father, not certain if Lord Talidor even believes what he’s saying, “Father, I would like to investigate this further with the assistance of Aisling, she is aware of what was written on the temple, and she has proven herself to be quite resourceful and trustworthy.”

  Lord Talifor taking in all his son’s words, answer’s Xander, “No my son. I am sorry but we cannot spare the resources, not when our realms are at stake. I need to stay focused on defeating the Warmongers and leading the forces to victory. I fear that delving into this would distract you and your new ally from achieving victory! “

  Xander was very upset at being denied the opportunity to discover more about his family history and thus his past, “Lord Talidor, do you fear what I might stumble upon where Aisling and I research?”

  Lord Talidor now very angry with Xander refusing to let this go, “I am ordering you as your Ruler to drop this issue Xander! The focus needs to be on the war effort! This would be a wild goose chase that would utilize resources that we cannot spare on, best left in the past where it belongs!”

  Xander, in a bit of shock, was not familiar with his father behaving in such a manner. Lord Talidor was known for being well-mannered and rational, much less to Xander in private conversation. Nonetheless the God of War concedes, “As you command my liege, I am yours to command.”

  Written by KR Kraken with Ryan D. Cox, Robert Kenneth, and David J. Lincoln

  Based on the Knightmare characters created by KR Kraken