6 Chapter 5

The following day, it's far less joyful.  Even the skies weep for the loss for someone like them.  In the headquarters for the Honor Guard of Premderia, Kalsor and his companions continue to get ready.  The mood is quiet and sad but try to remain strong for their people who are loyal to the old ways.

They put on their formal uniforms consisting of black pants with a gold line down the seem.  Their black boots stop just below the knees.  The shirts they wear are red.  Over them they wear black coats that go down to the ankles with golden tassels on the shoulders. 

As Kalsor finishes his preparations he notices a few empty lockers.  Kalsor's friend watch as he goes over to them and puts his hands on each one of them.  For all three there is a presence that makes him feel relief but empty at the same time.  It becomes more haunting when hearing their voices call out. The sounds of gunfire and explosions from a battle not long ago lingers deep in Kalsor's mind. Bodgar puts his hand on Kalsor's shoulder.  His baby brother hold his head down on the last locker he touches.

"They are gone and there is nothing you can do to fix that, my friend."

"I was their Commander.  They were my responsibility.  Especially her."

"They knew the risk when they took the oath.  As well as you," Bilor tells him as much as he hated being serious when it comes to the matter.  There is no choice but to give Kalsor the harsh truth that he has given him before.  "You have to let them go."  Bilor pats his brother on the back once more before leaving him.  "You have to let her go."  Kalsor is quiet and stands alone in silence.

The funeral for Brenna is held.  Everyone gathers outside of the city. Already there's to nicely stack pile of wood over twenty feet high. Thousands gathered for the sad day, and most come for Brenna. Far from the number expected for the princess. Many never have even met the princess or have done so briefly but come.

Among them are the leaders of the regions.  No more than politicians and know nothing of being a true warrior.  They are far from loved by the true warriors that serve Premderia.  It is the overpopulation of idealists that believe Premderia needs to change to more modern ways is what got them into the office.  One of the older ones has the nerve to bump shoulders with Kalsor while he has an arrogant smirk.  Kalsor stops for a moment and slowly turns around, knowing what happens if he takes action.  It's Bodgar who grab him and turn him around.

"Why they exist is beyond me."

"It is not that simple," Bodgar says but find another to interrupt them.  "Besides, he is one politician that is too well connected and makes puppets out of his people, because they are too blind otherwise."

"Typical of you. So eager to pick a fight with all of them. It is amazing how people think of me as the brainless one between us."

"You should be in treatment."

"Such a thing as this is far more important than me sitting in a medical pod for five days," he says before coughing and spit blood with black spots on the grass. The loud cough gains the attention of many politicians who whisper among themselves. "Even in this condition I could easily best all of you," he tells them loud enough so they can hear him. "Insects."

The people go silent and it draws their attention.  They watch as Andor leads a wagon pulled by two Drazgov's carrying his daughter. She is covered in black clothing with the crimson star stitched on the upper left side of her top. Her body is handled carefully and carried up a stairway, where Andor waits with a torch.

"This day we mourn the loss of one who was so loved.  For my daughter, there is not much to say that you don't already know.  Her spirit always shone wherever she went and bring joy to those she comes across.  Those that were unfortunate to be on her bad side, I am sorry for what she did to you," he says which gets a small laugh from those gathered especially among their family.  "I only wish they could be here to watch their daughter grow and accomplish great things like this old fool was able to see with them." He tosses the torch under her and walks down the steps, taking his leave.  "May their bodies burn but may their spirits roam freely across sacred Premderia. May they live forever."

"May they live forever," every pure-blooded premderian says in a sad tone.

Everyone bow their heads in silence while the flame rises high up and burn bright, nearly touching the sky.  A symbol of how strong Brenna truly was.  As they watch on, Kalsor takes notice of Codrius far off in the distance.  He watches from one of the towers along the wall of the castle alongside Bruldock and Hylig.

"Codrius is here," Kalsor whispers to Bodgar.

They look to Kalsor and he motions to where he is in the distance. For a good reason, he keeps a distance from the crowd. He stands there taking out a bottle and pouring some on the ground before taking a sip then putting it back.  Andor sees him and nods by the sight of him from afar.  With the acknowledgment, he put out his cigarette and walk away.

While everyone continues watching as the flames consume Brenna, Codrius makes his way to the doors that lead into the throne room. Two guards stand by the door. Neither of them budge or look in the direction of Codrius. Codrius stands there and looks at both guards for a moment. Neither of them move out of the way.

"Boy's I strongly recommend you move," Bruldock suggests to them.

Codrius looks at them both before taking his hands out of his coat pocket. Their eyes look down at them and see the Premderian steel claws on the tips of his black gauntlets. Even after seeing them, they stand firm. Codrius takes his right hand and places it on his sword covered by its sheath. Their eyes see the handle and one begins to have a small drop of sweat run down the side of his cheek. Before either guard has the nerve to speak they stand at attention from Kalsor marching up.

"Stand aside," Kalsor orders and the guards do as instructed by the sound of the voice.

"Kalsor," Codrius says with small enthusiasm while watching the veteran honor guard march up to join him and give him a welcoming embrace.

"Unfortunate circumstances seem to be a theme this year," Bruldock says as he embraces Kalsor as well.

"It is, brother," Kalsor agrees before looking to Hylig. He grips him on the shoulder. "You have sprouted over the year kid."

"Thank you, sir," Hylig says with a slight stutter.

"Still no facial hair though," he jokes before slapping him on the cheeks. Kalsor then turns his attention to the guards. "He is with me," Kalsor tells the guards and they opened the doors.  "Sorry that I am late."

"It is alright," Codrius replies before turning to his two companions. "Stand by at the ship. Just in case we need to make a quick escape."

"Will do, Captain," Bruldock tells him and the two take their leave.

The two make their way down the halls. The Honor Guard inside the palace spot Codrius but did not move. Not just because of Kalsor walking with him. It is the presence he gives off. As they walk, The two touch on the matter.

"It was definitely him alright."

"Brenna took a group of her best warriors to try and kill him, but Gormaur proves too much for them.  None survived."

"With all that we have seen there is very little surprising about this to me." Codrius' words make Kalsor think about it for a moment. "Things will get worse, Kalsor. It doesn't matter what we do to stop it. This is something that has been coming for a long time."

"Perhaps it is for the best it does," Kalsor tells him as they round the corner and Codrius grabs him.

"At the cost of innocent lives?"

"I didn't say that, but something has to change."

Both come to the entrance where guards on duty step aside and open the doors.  Kalsor goes in first which makes Codrius wonder why he'd go in with him.  Kalsor gives him the answer before he could ask.  "My son is getting his treatment right now."

Kalsor goes down one hallway while Codrius goes another.  He comes to Omarin's incubation chamber.  Codrius watch as Omarin slowly opens one eye, sensing the presence of his uncle.  He takes a moment in sensing the great power within Omarin.  As for Omarin, she senses a connection with Codrius. 

The two continue staring at one another until Codrius places his hand on the glass.  His hand starts to glow with crimson energy.  Omarin acts hesitant but Codrius nods to show he's one to trust.  Omarin places her tiny infant hand on the glass as well and has a crimson glow as well.  Through that, they are connected so none could hear Codrius speak.

"I sense both your parents within you.  That is good."

Codrius removes his hand as did Omarin, then leave the infant premderian to continue resting.  He looks around at all the other premderians sensing others with incredible strength yet none equal to what power he feels from Omarin.  Not until he comes to where Kalsor stands.

Kalsor has his hand on Joran's pod. Codrius walks up and sees have his eyes closed but under his breathing mask, it's obvious he's smiling.  While Kalsor has a good time laughing with his son the doctors continue to monitor his readings. They watch as Joran clenches his fists.

"He is fighting in his dreams."

"He tries to be better than you. He is a wild one, just like you."

"A scary thought. I hate doctors. They said he would not live but a couple of days from his birth.  Now here he is with a thirteenth about to be on his arm.  All they know is statistics and never go with instinct.   It is a shame though that he can't follow in the footsteps of a Rideran and become an honor guard or soldier.  Not even the Federation will let him join because of that cursed disease despite him being worth a hundred of theirs at least.  On top of it, they will not let him compete in the Fight League," Kalsor add before taking notice of Codrius absent from his side. He turns around and watches him head for the door from which they came through. "Leaving already?"

"I will see you in a few."

"The pirate life never ends, Kalsor tells him still showing joy, while Codrius stops and turns to give him a response.

"A free life.  But there is one last stop we need to make before I go."

In his quarters, Andor looks at a picture of his younger years. It's a picture of him when he is only twelve.  With him is Kalsor, Bodgar and several others that are Premderian along with different species.  Bodgar takes out a flask and offers it to his King but refuses.  He takes a few large gulps, before catching his breath. 

"I am sorry about the circumstances."

"It is alright.  Sleeping in those pods for five days only reminds me of the wars I have lived through.  Seeing the faces of both friend and foe when I can't wake up to stop it is more unbearable.  Not as torturous as Federation politics.  I hate politics.  Every time you make me travel to the Federation Capital for those dam meetings I have the urge to shoot myself in the foot.  My job is to train warriors," Bodgar tells him before touching on another subject.  "Your granddaughter seems quite strong."

"You worry as much as me," Andor replies with a smirk.  "I understand your concerns. We have to do what we must and make sure she is ready."

There is a knock at the door.  Bodgar gets up and opens the door.  He finds Kalsor standing there. By his side is Codrius standing with his back turned and his arms crossed.  He looks over his shoulder, long enough to bow his head for Andor.  The King motions for both to come inside and take a seat.  Kalsor embraces each one like family.

"I couldn't part without seeing you, your majesty," Codrius tells him and hug the King with a small smile. "That and Federation soldiers are sniffing around in your Kingdom. So I figured I kill some time and have a drink."

"We are glad that you came today. It means a lot to me, Captain."

"Seeing the Federation have eyes looking everywhere is always entertaining. I just wish I could have visited under better circumstances."

"These are dark times, your majesty. The gangs are yielding to The League of Outlaws. War Lords of the deep space regions in the northeast quadrant are gathering. Still, this is an odd move for Steron.  We haven't heard whispers about him in years.  Not since..."

"A year ago," Kalsor comments as he brushes his hair back with his fingers.  "Quite a long time."

"A bold move indeed, but we all know Steron is more clever than what he is.  No doubt he thought Omarin was a small threat to his ideals," Andor explains before taking out four shot glasses and pouring a strong alcoholic beverage in them.  He gently pushes one toward each of them.  They each take one and touch them together.  "To the end of an era," he says and they all drink them.  "Let us hope it is not too soon."