 
# PRINCESS ANYU RETURNS

## By Laurel A. Rockefeller

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Copyright © 2015 Laurel A. Rockefeller
Princess Anyu Returns is a work of fiction by Laurel A. Rockefeller set on the planet Beinan. All characters are works of fiction without direct reference to any real person, living or dead. While inspired in part by the real-life challenges faced by historical persons, any names or characteristics similar to any person, past, present, or future, is purely coincidental.

There's more to the Peers of Beinan Series than the three principle novels! Discover the backstory behind "The Great Succession Crisis" with the prequel novella "Good-bye A672E92 Quintus;" and discover the backstory behind Central Nan-li Healing Center in "The Poisoned Ground" and its extended version "The Poisoned Ground and the Healer Consort."

The history of planet Beinan and evolution of Beinarian society is yours to explore in "The Complete Data Files."

Listen to original music from the entire Peers of Beinan Series when you visit www.laurelarockefeller.co.uk.

Love this book? Share the love of this book and the Peers of Beinan Series by kindly reviewing this book on your blog, website, and on major retailer websites. Your review not only offers this author your feedback for improvement of this book series, but helps other people find this book so they can enjoy it as well. Only a few sentences and a few minutes of your time is all it takes to share the love with those who want to enjoy it too.

### Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One: Journey to Another World

Chapter Two: Enter Anyu Wen

Chapter Three: I Love New York

Chapter Four: Princess Anyu Returns to Beinan

Chapter Five: A Tale of Aisin and Rhisiart

Chapter Six: Journey Back to the Palace

Chapter Seven: Resistance is Not Futile

Chapter Eight: Tyranny's End

Chapter Nine: A Revolutionary New Era

Epilogue

Data File One: Beinarians and Aliens of Princess Anyu Returns

Data File Two: Laws and Regulations Governing Beinarian Society

Data File Three: Comprehensive Glossary

###  Prologue:

"Computer, begin recording and transmit to coordinates 23978 by 29458 by 5492," commanded Queen Anyu.

"Confirmed," replied the computer.

"This is Anyu, Queen of Beinan, transmitting to my friends and allies across the known universe. It has been six beinors since my initial transmission concerning the Great Succession Crisis and two beinors since I sent my second transmission concerning the fall of Beinan to Lord Yelu. This is my third and final transmission to all of you, though I hope through some act of divine providence I may yet retain my friendships with you across the remaining yen-ars of our lives for I value your wisdom and insights greatly. Many of you are part of the story I shall now tell, a story that begins with the first xiao-shirs of my escape from planet Beinan.

"On BE 6961, beinor 152 I celebrated my thirty-fourth natal beinor, my last on Beinan, B345A15 Quartus, in the Beinarian Era. Only a few shir-ors later, my mother publically announced in court she was sending me on a mission of exploration. She did not mention, of course, that the last time a woman named Anyu left our solar system she was never seen again, perishing on an alien world.

"This was a clever political move, of course by my mother who feigned ignorance of the growing power of Lord Yelu. Mere xiao-shirs after it was believed I left the throne room to prepare for my mission I witnessed Lord Yelu's first open declaration of defiance against us, a defiance that frightened me greatly, though in hindsight I have learned that my mother was well aware of Lord Yelu's activities for no less than twenty yen-ars and probably longer.

"With Lord Yelu openly declared I headed for the star craft Liltaél and launched without ceremony. Before I reached even the outskirts of Hejing, communications and short-range scans displayed by the Liltaél showed the massive armed forces across Beinan Lord Yelu somehow recruited and trained without alerting anyone who might have intercepted and engaged them. Almost from the xiao-shir of my launch, the Liltaél streamed and recorded palace security camera feed, its computers programmed to monitor the whereabouts and welfare of each member of my family. With horror I watched and heard Lord Yelu rape first my sister Leonora, and then my mother the queen, a humiliation both endured to give me my one chance at escape.

"Not until I was free of Beinarian tracking systems on beinor 157 did I lose my final remaining link to the palace and my mother. Watching her endure Lord Yelu's humiliations and lust from the safety of the Liltaél frightened and angered me. How could any man be so evil towards a woman, let alone a queen? Words cannot describe how I feel, even this xiao-shir, about my mother's suffering. With all that has come to pass since my feet first felt space beneath me, I weep at the thought, the images of Yelu's atrocities against my mother burned forever in my mind. Sadly, they would not be the only ones my family and I would suffer during the yen-ars called the 'Great Revolution Era.'"

### Chapter One: Journey to Another World

"Now within range of B345A15 Sextus," announced the computer aboard the star craft Liltaél.

"Computer, scan planet Beinan B345A15 Quartus, for energy spikes, anything out of the ordinary," commanded Princess Anyu.

"Energy surges located," replied the computer.

"Location?"

"Three anomalies located. First anomaly at Temple of Abka Biya in Bira Hecen. Second anomaly at Ten-Arian monastery 100 li 里 west of Hejing. Third anomaly at west wing of palace in Hejing," declared the computer.

"Computer, analyse readings. Triangulate with data from my laboratory at the palace."

"Confirmed."

"Display data," commanded Lady Engineer Anyu. In compliance, the computer lit up a projected display. Armies moved across every corner of Beinan – from small towns to major cities. Touching the display over the projected map readout for Hejing, Anyu's eyes widened: three million soldiers and sailors displayed Lord Yelu's personal heraldry: a schlager sword slightly overlapping the sacred book of house Shem on a field of blood green-yellow. Each concentration of troops flashed the heraldry repeatedly. From the global map view it looked like most of Beinan was flashing. How did Yelu manage to amass so many into his service without alerting anyone on the Great Council?

Or was that the point? What did it take for him to recruit and train this force of his, a force more than three times larger than the queen's? In all her yen-ars growing up, it never occurred to the princess to make use of her mother's access to security camera recordings and planetary intelligence. If she had been less busy and more attentive to the Great Council, could she have seen or prevented this?

Or was that too the point from her mother's point of view? A princess might have security clearance on these matters – but not an engineer of Xing-li. Did her mother know and yet keep all of it secret?

"Now leaving B345A15 system," reported the computer. "Long range tracking system engaged." The flashing detailed map of Beinan disappeared in favour of a long distance navigational display.

"Computer, alert pilot when pre-set coordinates are reached."

"Confirmed."

Princess Anyu left the cockpit, confident in the autopilot, and headed for the passenger section. Folding out one of the chairs into a comfortable bed, she opened the door to a small wall compartment where bedding was stowed. Spreading the blankets and her pillows to a comfortable arrangement, she lied down and let sleep take her.

"Now arrived at pre-set coordinates," alerted the Liltaél's cockpit computer with a large flash of Beinarian characters over the main view screen. From her bed in the passenger section, Princess Anyu hesitated to stir from her deep sleep. In her dreams she saw what seemed to be a large gathering in an open-air temple. At the center of the massive plain filled with broken concentric rings of megaliths stood a flat topped altar carved out grey-white stone that twinkled in starlight. She felt herself standing at the altar, her eyes metallic blue and her hair – was it hair – of jet metallic black? A silver-like bowl of something like water set into a carved depression at one end of the altar. In her dream she gazed into the mirror-like bowl and saw her face – but was it her face? It looked like her and yet it was not her – but it felt like her somehow. Tossing and turning from the puzzling dream, she thought she screamed – yet no sound was detectable to the computer. Finally, after fifteen point three two xiao-shir-ors of persistent repetition by the klaxon, she was able to open her eyes and rise from her bed.

Feeling dizzy, Princess Anyu sat down at her seat in the cockpit, "Computer specify current coordinates."

"Current location in B345 galaxy. Nearest system is B345B60," reported the computer, displaying the Liltaél's exact position on the far side of Beinan's B345 galaxy relative to Beinan.

Satisfied it was now safe to set final destination coordinates, Anyu confidently commanded the computer, "Computer, set course for coordinates 23978 by 29458 by 5492, designation D425E25 Tertius, and engage engines at 0.8 of maximum speed."

"Confirmed"

Suddenly a video projected out of a small camera projector on the right side of the cockpit controls, the image of a man she had never seen in person: the Liltaél's designer and her father, Lord Engineer Kian of house Xing-li, "I am Kian, prince consort of Beinan and astro-engineer of house Xing-li. This is a pre-recorded message made on BE 6927, beinor 150. If you are seeing this, then I am dead now. By how many beinors or yen-ars, I will never know. I have programmed the systems aboard the Liltaél to show this message only to a child of my beloved wife, Queen Constance, a child who now must be piloting the Liltaél out of our B345A15 star system and to a system on the edge of known space called D425E25 Tertius. This destination has not been chosen by accident, but by careful design. It is a primitive world from which no Beinarian has ever returned, a reputation that should discourage pursuit by the forces of Lord Yelu.

"Yes, I know of this Lord Yelu. He will no doubt be fully or partially responsible for my death. This has been foreseen. Grieve me not. I went to my death with eyes wide open to the danger.

"The Liltaél has already become more than I ever dreamed of thanks to the help of two whose expertise in science and engineering is millions of yen-ars beyond us. They operate in secret, of course, for we have long ceased to be worthy of open dialogue with their race, an ancient race said to be one of the oldest in the universe still in existence. Like us, their world of origin died out long ago; their star went nova eons before the B345 galaxy evolved out of that singular moment when this cycle of time and space was born, probably in the LL region of space. They, like us, must migrate from star to star and galaxy to galaxy as their worlds are born, mature, then die. This is the life cycle of the universe; we must accept it.

"Through their aide, my star drive design has been re-calibrated to travel faster than our technology, at its height, ever could. Upon reaching the speed of 0.82 of maximum, a quantum gravity well is programmed to open into a controlled and very stable tunnel, moving the Liltaél through space-time at a rate far in excess of what we are capable of. The Liltaél is programmed to display relative data between our star drive capacities and specifications and what the Liltaél is and can do. Read this data and learn it; you may require a full understanding of the Liltaél's star drive and specific technical capabilities should a star craft from Beinan pursue you.

"The purpose of this recording is not technical, but personal in nature. As I record this, my dear sweet wife is heavy with child; her labours expected to begin at any time. You may be that child; I do not and cannot know. If you are, then you have presumed across your life that I am your father, especially if you have followed in my footsteps and pursued engineering in accord with a younger-daughter's prerogative. Legally you are my child. But biologically you are not.

"Though it is true that I have loved your mother deeply and actively pursued the pleasures and responsibilities that are part of service as prince-consort, I know without question that your mother has also pursued her royal prerogatives, taking an official lover as is her right as the queen of Beinan. Sixty beinors after confirmation that the queen was with child again, I looked at medical data supplied to me by Lady Healer Darah. Nowhere in your helices is my genetic material found. You are not my daughter, but his. This I have known and kept secret in my heart across your mother's pregnancy, claiming you as my daughter before the court so vigorously, I doubt your father knows he sired you.

"This must remain a secret if you are to ever to win back your mother's throne. Yet I suspect I know who your father is. Search in your heart and you will feel it too. For you are the daughter of Lord Knight Corann, son of Lord Knight Elendir of house Ten-Ar. This is important, my dear princess because I have seen the same security recordings as your father concerning the death of your grandfather, King Kendric. This Lord Yelu is your father's older half-brother, conceived through drugs and deceit and born of the Lady Elita of the line of Janus, the same Janus who attempted to seize the throne by attempting to rape and impregnate Princess Anlei. This was prevented by your forefather, the man Anlei married soon after: Lord Knight Corann, son of Lord Knight Cariadoc and Lady Priestess Cordelia. Lord Yelu the Bastard is your uncle, a man who knows how to exploit the illegal continuation of the Gurun dynasty after the reign of Queen Isabelle. He is dangerous, ruthless, and violent, willing to use religion to trick honest Beinarians into serving him. Let us be clear on one matter, princess: the overwhelming majority of worshippers of The Shemai, both within and outside of house Shem are peaceful, charitable, honest, and humble Beinarian citizens. Only a few like Yelu use religion to excuse their malice and malcontent with life. Beware of those who merge politics and religion for personal gain – on Beinan or across the universe.

"To that end, you must find a way to survive and thrive on D425E25 Tertius, to learn new skills and improve yourself in that alien and hostile environment. Do not treat your exile as permanent, princess, but as a time for preparation and study. Endeavour to return to Beinan. This will not be easy; you may readily be called upon to fight a battle no Beinarian has fought since finding our home on B345A15 Quartus. But if you can find the courage within, I have every confidence you shall triumph. Allies are likely to come to your aid. Expect them when you see them." Slowly, the projection of Lord Kian faded away, leaving Anyu shell shocked and hyperventilating with bewilderment, grief, and dismay.

Five xiao-shirs passed in which Anyu sat in silence; her mind racing at the shocking revelations made by the man she presumed all her life was her father. Lord Yelu was her uncle – by her father who was not Prince Consort Kian as she and the entire court supposed – but Lord Knight Corann? How could her mother keep this information from her and why? Did she really suppose that something terrible would have happened by being honest with her and if so, what? Tears flowed from Anyu's eyes. Her world was in chaos – literally and figuratively now. As if in answer, a second message beamed out of the computer's projectors, displaying the image of Lord Knight Corann, her biological father, "My dearest child. I must confess it feels strange beyond words to call you that, even to the Liltaél's recording system. Yes, Anyu, I know that you are mine. This morning, beinor 152, your thirty-fourth natal beinor, your mother told me. I was in the dark, I swear, all these yen-ars. Your mother – oh how do I begin with this? I would tell you to your face, but the classified data your mother has shared with me shows a large force of militia closing in on the palace. As much as I want to sit down with you and talk with you as my child, I know that I dare not. It could put your life in danger and with it, all of Beinan. Forgive me for communicating with you this way. I am myself in shock. Truly, I never dreamed you were mine; I too always presumed the talented and brilliant Kian sired you as he did your half-brother and half-sister.

"Now that we both know the truth, we must move forward. Shortly after your birth, Lord Morlong prophesied to your mother concerning the danger that has exiled you from our once beautiful world. For this reason were you and your siblings trained in self-defence. As a knight of Ten-Ar it pleases me beyond words to see you excel with a schlager sword, just like both of your grandfathers. You never met your grandfather, King Kendric, for Lord Yelu slayed him when your mother was still young, but he was a formidable man, strong and wise. My father, Lord Knight Elendir, was King Kendric's best friend. He has spoken to me of how much you have inherited King Kendric's talents, both intellectual and martial. Now you must pull all these gifts together towards your survival. You are the last hope for Beinan, Anyu; the best the rest of us can do for the next few yen-ars is survive and seek for ways to resist Lord Yelu's ruthless tyranny. As you pass the next yen-ars on that primitive world that is your destination, seek always to not only survive, but cultivate whatever resources you may towards make your return. Do not forget Beinan, Anyu, but always hold your home close to your heart." Suddenly an alarm sounded behind Lord Knight Corann, lights flashing around him, "Forgive me, Anyu! I must go. Your mother's sensors have detected the first, secret wave of invasion. Yelu thinks he is taking Hejing by surprise. I am thankful he remains ignorant so far of just how well your mother has prepared for his coup. I must go then. Be safe; be strong; survive. I love you." The recording faded, leaving Princess Anyu alone with nothing more than the assorted computer sounds of the Liltaél to keep her company.

"Computer, increase speed to 0.82 of maximum," commanded Anyu. As the star craft surged slightly faster, a quantum gravity well opened a scant 65 li 里 from the Liltaél. In a heartbeat the star craft fell into the brightly lit tunnel and into the unknown.

"My lord, it is time," bowed Lord Morlong from aboard the star craft Nimamur.

Lying atop a soft white mattress in a bright white, sterile room, a young Beinarian opened his grey eyes, "How long was I in stasis, Lord Morlong?"

"Five hundred seventy yen-ars," replied Morlong simply, his metallic blue eyes twinkling in the bright white light.

"I cannot move," noted the young man.

"A natural side effect of prolonged suspended animation. When your systems have adapted, your voluntary muscles shall respond. Take it slow, my lord. We will reach D435E25 Tertius in four of your beinors with plenty of time to acclimate to the planet before the princess arrives," smiled Morlong.

"What is the date, Morlong?"

"BE 6961, beinor 160," answered Morlong casually. Bowing, he exited the medical chamber and headed for the Nimamur's cockpit.

"Computer, what are current coordinates?" asked Princess Anyu from the passenger section of the Liltaél, her breath heavy from her workout.

"Now reaching D425 galaxy," reported the computer.

"Estimated time of arrive to D425E25 system?"

"Five point six three beinors."

"Computer, medical scan. What effects has the long journey made on my body?"

"Processing," chirped the computer for two xiao-shirs, "Scan complete. Muscle mass down by fourteen point three four percent."

Anyu drew her sword, "Computer, activate simulated opponent, level three. Adjust program for available space."

"Confirmed!" From the ceiling, the computer projected a holographic knight holding a Balistrian sabre, a weapon heavier and less flexible than her Gurun schlager. With a respectful bow the simulation attacked. Princess Anyu parried and riposted expertly. The simulation counter-parried and lunged. Anyu deflected the blow easily in a circling dance of self-defence and martial skill. For almost a full shir-or she battled the simulation, working her under-used muscles. She would need her strength once she landed to survive, mindful that not one Beinarian had ever returned from D425E25 Tertius alive. As the first stars on the outer edges of the D425 galaxy disappeared from view, Anyu felt a sudden urgency to prepare herself for the reality of her exile and the desperation of her plight on that hostile world.

"Now approaching D425E25 system," announced the autopilot in what sounded like a distant voice from the passenger section. Still half asleep, Princess Anyu struggled to rouse herself from her bed. "Now approaching D425E25 system," repeated the computer.

With a sigh and a groan, Anyu forced herself to open her eyes and raise her voice, "Computer, slow to 0.2 of maximum speed."

In compliance, the background hum of the Liltaél quieted as the star craft drifted out of the quantum gravity well and into normal space, "Confirmed! 0.2 of maximum speed. Estimated time to D425E25 Tertius two xiao-shirs."

"Computer, do you have pre-set coordinates for landing?"

"Confirmed. Landing coordinates set to 285 by 125 by 364. Destination: mountainous region near northeast section of continent coming into view."

Still groggy and wishing for some fresh kelan juice and piping hot Belarian waffles, Princess Anyu rose from her bed, throwing her blankets aside carelessly; she could always straighten up upon landing. Thumping into the cockpit chair, she tugged at the full skirt of her kirtle until she was comfortable while she watched the Liltaél descend into the tiny planet's atmosphere, its land masses growing larger and larger. A large ocean loomed close to what appeared near their coordinates. Descending, the star craft shifted its course westward, away from the ocean and closer to a mountain range 910 li 里 west of the great ocean.

"Landing cycle commenced," announced the computer.

"Computer, continue landing while I prepare to disembark."

"Confirmed."

Nervously, Princess Anyu headed for the bank of storage compartments located between the passenger section and the engine room. Gently, she pulled out her sword in its jewelled sheath and girt its belt over her pale green bliaut, being careful not to catch its gossamer sleeves. Inspecting the sheath's two hidden pouches, she pulled out a small hexagonal device from each pouch and inspected the mechanisms with the practiced eye of an engineer. Satisfied both were in perfect working order; she returned them to their hiding places before pulling out the jewelled heraldic necklace given to her five yen-ars ago on her thirtieth natal beinor. With a heavy heart, she fastened the necklace and carefully arranged its Xing-li star pendant to touch her skin before pulling out the pendent broach given to her on her thirty-fourth natal beinor, the last natal beinor spent on Beinan and perhaps ever. Carefully she pulled the magnetic back plate away from the main pendant and fastened it near the center front of her bliaut's neckline, its Beinarian sapphires sparkling in the light. An inner light flashed briefly, indicating the mechanism was now activated. To this she also pulled out two cuff bracelets, each adorned with Xing-lian stars. With the Beinarian silver against her skin, she touched the two stars together with her wrists. Both stars flashed for a split xiao-shir as their mechanisms activated. Satisfied, she pulled a pair of elbow length black gauntlets over her hands, wrists, and forearms as the Liltaél glided into a hidden cave as its landing gear touched the ground for the first time. After more than a yen-ar in deep space, the sound of the star craft on the ground felt deafening as the craft slowly reduced power, its star drive no longer engaged.

Disembarking from the Liltaél proved to be a greater challenge than Princess Anyu could anticipate. Even with a full yen-ar travelling through the gravity well, she found herself ill-prepared for the burning sensation on her face as bilast seeped into her pores with the opening of the Liltaél's hatch. Tears flowed over her face from the irritation. Struggling to breathe, Anyu found herself closing the hatch and rushing to the lavatory to wash her eyes. All her research and the computer's own scans indicated D425E25 Tertius was a bustling planet with over 4.4 billion human inhabitants and quadrillions more in flora and fauna, including insects and marine life. But bilast breathing life? How could such a planet support so much life when clearly bilast was so obviously deadly?

Unexpectedly, a small drawer opened up under the sink filled with small boxes. Opening one, Anyu found several pairs of contact lenses, the writing marking them indicating they were to be used to shield her eyes from toxic gas. Her hands shaking from the pain surging through her face, Anyu steadied herself, trying to apply the mental discipline she was taught when she while learning fencing. After a few xiao-shirs, she found the calm she needed and carefully put first the left contact, then the right, over her eyes. A small sheet of instructions indicated the rules governing her contacts – when to wear them, when to discard them, and the benefits of wearing them.

Reading the instructions helped calm her fears. Lady Healer Darah of house Gurun designed these contacts, improving on those created by Lady Abbess Cara and Lord Healer Liam of house Ten-Ar in the early yen-ars of Nan-li Central Healing Center hundreds of yen-ars before in the reign of King Gareth I. This was the same Darah whose parents worked with Lord Healer Devon, Lord Elendir's father, before terrorists destroyed Nan-li Central Healing Center, killing Devon while Darah and her parents were able to escape.

Still, it was obvious even just skin contact with bilast could be a real problem. Searching the lavatory for more supplies, she found a cylinder of yellowish-looking powder. On the label, the manufacturer instructed her to mix three korns of this powder with two quentchen of a local arnile-bilast or arnile-dilast liquid compound. Once applied to the skin, the label informed her that the resulting protectant would shield her from the toxic effects of the alien atmosphere, an atmosphere completely devoid of nirlar.

But where would she find an arnile-bilast or arnile-dilast compound?

Putting the new supplies into the outer sleeve of her rolled up blanket, she entered the sequence near the star craft's hatch to open it completely and let down its entry ramp. Carefully she stepped outside, her protective shoes sinking slightly into dry alien soil. Testing the ground for a moment, she pulled out her computer and scanned the area. Apart from the alien atmosphere, the area was reasonably safe and free of life forms, though some sort of small invertebrate climbed the cave ceiling 0.6 zhang 张 from her position. Tentatively she took a deep breath, testing her ciphers' functionality. In less than 0.001 xiao-shirs, the ciphers converted the bilast and dilast in the air into nirlar in an invisible cloud radius of 0.7 cun 寸 around her body slightly diluted by the high levels of nítrigine in the air, an element found only in compounds on Beinan.

Satisfied at last, she unloaded more supplies from the Liltaél, carefully arranging everything onto a lightweight yet strong frame. With the touch of a button, an anti-gravity field surrounded the load – and her body – enabling her to carry everything on her back. The power supply on this field was not limitless; in time she knew she needed to secure more argene, or at least a native ore containing it. Remorsefully she pressed a hidden keypad near the hatch, closing it and maintaining minimal power – just enough to re-activate the engines remotely if urgent need required.

"Arnile-bilast compound found!" alerted Princess Anyu's computer.

"Location?"

"One point zero three five zhang 张 from current position," announced the computer, displaying local topography to her. The source flowed just outside of the cave. Stepping into the light, Anyu looked upward towards the local D425E25 star, the atmosphere turning it into a yellow white flaming inferno. Penta-chromatism protected her eyes, allowing her to look almost directly into the star from the ground, even make out some of the sun's features. How different it was from Beinan's own B345A15! Opposite the descending sun, a single blue-silver moon, slightly waxed from its first quarter phase, crept above the horizon.

As an engineer, Anyu knew that some planets had no moons, some had one, some had three like her own world, and others had many more. But seeing it for herself with her own eyes made this world seem all the more alien, even more so than the odd yellow-white of the sun. A faint trickling sound drew her attention back down to the ground. Looking ahead she noticed a small stream laughing over polished stones. Cautiously, she knelt, dipping her hand into the liquid and studying it as it poured over her still unprotected skin. Clearly this was the arnile-bilast compound indicated by her computer. How odd that bilast in the air could hurt her yet mixed into this compound with nirlar produced by her cipher, it was harmless!

Pausing to take a tentative drink and filling two bottles with the arnile-bilast she rose up, shifted her pack, and headed into what was to her an alien wilderness, frightened yet determined to survive.

Princess Anyu walked into the alien wilderness until the local sun started to set. Hunger set in. Spotting a grove of grey-barked trees and with sore feet, the princess altered her course for the heart of the woods. Finding a small, sheltered clearing, she gently removed her pack from her back, her muscles aching almost as much as her feet and her stomach. Touching the bark of the nearest tree, a chill penetrated her gauntlets, hinting of the cold ground beneath her. Two zhang 张 away, a shallow snow drift hinted to her about the cold; clearly this was not the best time to sleep outside. Unable to walk further and feeling weak from so much walking on so little food she sighed, pulling out her sleeping bag and attaching the removable hood to its top edges. Over the nearest tree branch above her she threw a protective tarp and staked the sides into the ground as shelter with the heat attracting side facing the outside to gather in whatever solar warmth it could capture. Beneath this, she laid a floor of similar material, tying the pieces together with a strong, efficient knot. In this assembly arrangement, the shelter was designed to maximize heat and repel strong storms.

As Anyu positioned her sleeping bag to provide as much warmth as possible she suddenly felt grateful to come from such a stormy planet filled with upper atmospheric hurricanes. By all reports, the weather here was not nearly as hostile as Beinarian weather, the wind speeds of D425E25 Tertius rarely equalling the typical winter storm in Hejing – let alone in Olos-Mir. Moving the rest of her belongings into the narrow shelter, she fished in her pack for some rations and a bottle of arnile-bilast. Pulling out a small cup, she carefully measured the arnile-bilast and mixed it with 0.5 quentchen of a red powder, stirring gently with her finger before taking a drink of what was supposed to pass for kelan juice, her nose crinkling slightly at the taste.

Finding her ration packets, Anyu tore open the tab on a pouch, watching the pouch heat up a bit while she pulled out a camping fork. Opening the larger of the two pouch food compartments, she dipped her fork into a meat covered with gravy and took a bite before opening the smaller compartments containing three small Nan-lian rolls which tasted better than they sounded. Grateful for the meal, she soaked up the gravy with the rolls, wasting not even a korn of her food. Finally, she took out a small shovel and dug a hole, burying the food packaging designed to quickly bio-degrade into food for kol-based plants before slipping into her sleeping bag, finishing her 'kelan' juice, and settling down for the cold night.

One shir-or later, dawn broke over the horizon, filling the trees with an odd rosy-golden light. The cries of native birds filled the air. Some sounded deep and booming. Others sounded high and frantic. All sounded alien. Casually a blue and white bird 9 cun 寸 long flew to a branch just opposite the branch supporting her shelter, letting a loud joyful call. The bird's mate quickly joined him, cawing with delight and curiosity at Anyu. Anyu smiled and watched them, shivering a little from the morning chill before locating her tablet computer and a ration that claimed to be a breakfast sandwich consisting of a breakfast roll, omelette, and some sort of unrecognizable breakfast meat, Anyu ate quietly. The taste was acceptable, but by no means as flavourful as the breakfast prepared by palace chefs. Ignoring her meal as best as she could Anyu focused her attention on atmospheric readings flowing across her screen. Another snow storm looked probable, her computer estimating its arrival in 2 shir-ors. With a few clicks, Anyu hacked into data streams from twelve nearby orbiting satellites. Running much faster than any computer system on D425E25 Tertius, her computer quickly mapped out her location, area topography, and other details gained from the satellites. In three xiao-shirs, the computer found the easiest and most efficient route towards the nearest settlement with an estimated time of arrival of just one shir-or – if she could keep up the pace.

Resolved to make it to shelter before the snow storm, Anyu broke camp, restoring all her belongings to the pack which somehow felt heavier than the day before. Picking up a long sturdy stick from the ground and using it to help her trek the unpredictable topography, she marched along the path set by her computer.

From sun up to sun down, Anyu marched, rarely taking breaks to rest or for a bowel movement. Instead, determined to make it to better shelter before the arrival of the coming storm, she pushed her body hard, grateful now for Lady Knight Aldris' intense training designed to increase her stamina – and ability to win in a prolonged duel.

Just as the sun's bottom edge touched the horizon Anyu breathed a sigh of relief. In front of her stood a green sign with white lettering which she could not read signalling, based on its artwork and context, her arrival on the outskirts of the town. A row of houses filled her view, most of them with some sort of large building structure standing two or three zhang 张 away. Cautiously she headed for the one that looked most sturdy and easiest to get into.

Inside she found several large animals, all of them smelling very bad and making very strange sounds. A large white bird ambled towards her, clucking happily before flying up to a second level loft filled with hay. Locating a narrow flight of stairs up, Princess Anyu climbed into the loft, locating a suitable camping spot for the night. Spreading first some straw beneath her, she laid down her shelter floor before decompressing her sleeping bag with its hood.

Without warning, a middle-aged man with grey-flecked sandy brown hair wearing blue jeans and a heavy winter coat entered the barn, bringing food for the cattle nestled beneath her. Anyu watched him cautiously from behind a bale of hay, carefully moving her sleeping bag and shelter floor out of sight.

After ten xiao-shirs he walked up the steps, filled two wooden hoppers full of chicken food, and then promptly left for the warmth of his house. Relieved, Anyu moved a bale of hay, rebuilding her shelter and positioning her sleeping bag to take advantage of the new position. A petite chicken with ivory and tan feathers flew up to the highest hay bale overlooking her, staring at the princess inquisitively. Anyu smiled at the bird before opening a meal ration and digging in. Another amber star hen flew up, curious at what her sister found, followed by three Rhode Island red hens, all of them clucking joyfully at the sight of the princess – and her food. The first hen jumped down, sticking her head into Anyu's sleeping bag. Laughing, Anyu reached out to pet her soft feathers. The chicken clucked sweetly, begging for a taste of Anyu's rations. Anyu frowned, "Sorry! I would love to give you some, but this food might hurt you to eat and I do not want to do that. You do not have a cipher." The chicken lowered her head disappointedly even as the sound of wind howling outside filled their ears. All too aware the wind might penetrate into the barn; Anyu stuffed her meal packaging deep into the hay bale. Almost at once, the packaging started to break down, creating some heat – though not nearly enough to set fire to anything – in the bale, warming Anyu as she slipped into the sleeping bag and went to sleep.

At three in the morning local time, heavy snow fell, persisting for one point five shir-ors and dumping 8 cun 寸 of snow and creating drifts 16 cun 寸 deep. With no real sunrise to alert her to local time, Anyu slept comfortably through the entire storm.

One point six shir-ors later Princess Anyu woke to a dark sky filtered through frosted window panes. Kerosene lamps flickered around her, casting eerie shadows onto the white walls of the room. A man appeared with a plate of local food, "Are you hungry?"

Anyu listened for her translator to interpret his question. Though the word form sounded rather different from anything in the Beinarian databases filling the translator, its algorithms deduced the man's meaning and translated the question into Beinarian. "Yes," answered Anyu, the translator interpreting her Beinarian and emitting her answer in English.

"I thought you might be. I know it is not as good as I might otherwise give a guest, but my wife is in London so I had to cook tonight," apologized the man, putting down the plate of roast beef, potatoes, and mushroom gravy over whole wheat bread, along with a fork, butter knife, and spoon.

Anyu picked up a fork and tried some of the beef, "This is very good, whatever you call this food."

"Roast beef sandwich. Don't they have roast beef sandwiches where you come from?"

"Not like this, no," answered Anyu truthfully. Whatever this 'beef' was, it tasted different from the meats served at the palace in Hejing.

"This beef I raised myself – the cattle you saw there in the barn. True, I don't have many, but then again, it's not like a got a big farm either. I sold most of my land to the town so they could grow out this ways."

"What town is this?"

"You're kidding, right?"

"No – I am lost; I would not be camping in your barn to get away from the storm if I were not. I am sorry I trespassed."

"It's okay. I am glad for the company, actually. My name is Mike."

"Anyu."

"Anyu – that's a pretty strange name for a white person," remarked Mike.

"I am sorry, I do not understand."

"Well there are plenty of folks in town with funny names like that – but theyze got yellowish skin and brown eyes. Youze got pretty brown hair and light eyes," declared Mike, studying her. "Come to think about it though, your clothes look really funny too. Are you one of those silly costume folks from Nithgaard?"

"Silly costume?"

"SCA! That is what they call it. They dress up kinda like you and pretend it is the middle ages again."

"I am sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Well then, it makes no matter. I guess if you want to dress like you live one thousand years ago, that is none of my business – just expect people to stare at you unless you change into something else."

"What if I do not have any other kinds of clothes?"

"How would you not have any other kinds of clothes?" asked Mike, utterly confused.

Anyu put down her fork uneasily, "I-eh-left home rather ah suddenly."

"Whyze that?"

"My mother she – I do not really want to talk about it."

Mike pursed his lips. Obviously this girl was in some sort of trouble and needed help, "I cannot say I know what kind of trouble you are in, but I think it must be pretty big. Tell you what: I cannot give you anything my wife has around; she's not your size anyway; but I can give you some money and drive you out to a place where you can buy a couple new things. Would that help?"

"Yes. Yes thank you."

"Well you really should keep eating. You need your strength. Do not worry about no one out here. I got my shotgun in case any trouble comes looking for you."

"I do not think your – what is that – will help much if anyone from home comes looking for me. But I thank you."

Two days later the yellow-white local sun emerged, warming the snow-buried ground. The temperature outside swelled to eight degrees Celsius, causing the deep snow to melt and compress seventy percent until it lay just 2.5 cun 寸 deep, more than adequate to continue her journey. Packing her belongings tightly, Anyu readied herself for the next stage of her journey – whatever that may be.

"So are you ready?" asked Mike as he came back inside his house from the barn.

"As ready as I ever will be."

Mike led Anyu to blue pickup truck, its bed filled with melting snow. Jumping up into the bed, he shovelled the bed clear, carefully brushing out the residual flurries lovingly before hoisting Anyu's pack into the bed. Offering her a hand up into the truck, he handed Anyu eighty dollars in the local currency, "This is not much, but it should be enough to get you something to wear that does not make people think you are from outer space. People here are friendly; just ask for help and most of the time someone will help you."

Anyu studied the strange paper currency, a little surprised at its primitive and fragile nature, "Thank you."

Closing the passenger side door, Mike opened the driver side door, slid comfortably into his driver's seat and fastened his seat belt. Watching him, she located the safety belt on her side and secured herself as Mike turned the key. The truck roared to life with a sound that startled Anyu. Casually Mike pulled the truck into reverse, then drive, and onto the highway leading into State College.

Thirty minutes later, Mike pulled into a huge parking lot in front of a rather large commercial structure. Over one entrance read "Hess's" in big red letters that seemed to dominate over the other signs over other entrances.

Mike pulled up close to the department store doors, "This is a store called Hess's. It's one of the oldest department stores and one of the best. You will find anything and everything you need. My wife does all her shopping here."

Retrieving her pack from the back of the truck, Anyu smiled at Mike, "Thank you for your hospitality."

Mike pulled out a small basket from the back, "I do not know if you have any food with you; my wife likes to make those kolaches and made me more than I can eat before they go stale. I also got some cheese for you and some hard boiled eggs. It's not much, but I hope it helps you out."

Anyu took the basket from Mike's hand, "You are more than generous! Thank you!" Anyu watched as Mike pulled away and headed back to his little farm. There was nowhere to go but forward and into this very strange world.
Chapter Two: Enter Anyu Wen

Anyu plunged herself into the department store entrance. Immediately around her racks of clothing swarmed in ordered chaos. As alien as she found the strange animals – what did he call them? Cows? This garish display of clothing and other items re-enforced in Anyu's mind that this was D425E25 Tertius – not Beinan!

A well-dressed teenager with pink highlights in her hair and a mesh-style hair ribbon matching her drop-waist pink lace dress approached Anyu, "Welcome to Hess's; can I help you find something?"

"A – a dress please."

The clerk's eyes rolled over Anyu's pale blue bliaut, "What costume party did you just drop in from? Oh wait! The shire of Nithgaard just hosted East Kingdom University, right? Are you from Debatable Lands or Ostgardr?"

"What?"

"Oh! I am saying it wrong! That must be it! Well, Penn State is not exactly Columbia University, but we got a killer football team!" rambled the clerk. Anyu stared. What was 'football?' Sensing Anyu's confusion, the teenaged-clerk shifted back to business, "So what can I help you with?"

"A dress," repeated Anyu.

"Ah right! What kind of style are you looking for?"

"I do not know. What do you think would look good on me?"

"Hmmm," puzzled the girl, walking around Anyu to assess her figure. "I do not know. How about I find a variety of choices and you can try them on until you find something you want?"

"Fair enough."

The girl walked Anyu to a dressing room, "Okay, wait here and I will be right back with something for you to try. If it is too small or too big, just tell me and I will get you another size, okay?" Anyu nodded, taking a seat on a pink padded bench placed close to a bank of dressing rooms. After fifteen minutes the clerk re-emerged holding numerous skirts, blouses, pants, and dresses, "Okay just go in here and have fun trying things. If you need help, just press this little button," the clerk pressed the button to show her how it made a ringing sound, "and I will come as soon as I can."

Anyu nodded. Setting down her heavy pack in a corner of the spacious private cubicle, she organized the clothing systematically before pulling off her bliaut and kirtle.

After half an hour, Anyu emerged in a pale blue cotton dress with a dropped waist, shoulder ruffles, and full skirt, "What do you think?"

"It's pretty – and it's on sale."

"What is this on sale?"

"Wow, your daddy must be loaded if you do not know what a sale is!"

Anyu frowned, "My what must be what?"

"Never mind. I like the dress. Definitely a keeper."

Nodding an acknowledgement, Anyu disappeared into the dressing room once more. Two more items remained. The last of these was a blue and lavender rose floral garden party dress with a white background to the print. A shawl collar dominated the tailored full skirt with its built in petticoat, minimizing the waist. Deciding to buy both dresses if her money allowed, Anyu unzipped the pretty new dress and put back on her kirtle and bliaut. Emerging at last and restoring her pack to her shoulders and the basket of food onto her forearm, Anyu held out two piles to the waiting clerk, "These I do not want, but I would like to buy both dresses if I have enough money."

"Okay, come with me," motioned the clerk, leading the way. Passing a group of racks for discarded clothing items, she set the items Anyu did not want onto one, and then resumed her efficient trek to her register. Efficiently she scanned the barcode on the first, blue dress Anyu showed her before, "Okay, this one is on sale for just fifteen dollars." She scanned the second dress, "And this one is on clearance for twelve dollars. With tax that will be twenty eight dollars and thirty five cents."

Anyu pulled out the strange paper money Mike gave her: three twenty-dollar bills and two ten dollar bills. Not knowing what the writing meant and having no clue how much money she had she handed the clerk one of the twenty dollar bills, "How much is this paper worth?"

"You really do not know?"

"I – never used money like this before, always a payment card."

"Well we accept credit cards if you prefer to pay that way," offered the clerk.

"I left at home," lied Anyu, equally aware that Beinarian currency would be useless on this strange world, "Please tell me how much that paper is worth?"

"Wow, what a ditz! Okay, that is a twenty dollar bill. I need eight dollars and thirty five cents more if you want both dresses."

Deducing the two remaining bills that looked like the one she handed to the clerk must be the same value, she offered one of the two ten dollar bills in her hand, "How much is this one?"

The clerk took the bill, "That is a ten which is just fine. Let me give you your change." Entering in 'thirty dollars' into her register, the machine opened the drawer for the clerk to put in the two bills, then pulled out a one dollar bill, two quarters, a dime, and a nickel along with the receipt, "Your change is one dollar sixty five cents. If you need to return either dress after you get home and before you wear it, just bring back this slip of paper to prove what you paid." The clerk expertly folded both dresses and put them into a decorative box lined with tissue paper and slipped the box into a paper shopping bag with a sturdy twine handle, "Thank you for shopping at Hess's. Please shop with us again!"

Anyu strode out of the department store, glad to be away from the clerk. Unable to read the local language, she wandered until she found a strange looking sign to a corridor marked with a symbol that looked like a female. Pulling out her computer as discretely as she could, she scanned the area, deducing from the readings that the sign indicated some sort of private chamber filled with plumbing – a lavatory perhaps? Walking down the private corridor she noticed a door with the same symbol and a strange sign marked "Ladies Lounge" in that strange local language she found incomprehensible. Pushing the door and entering the room, her hypothesis proved correct as she found herself in the first of two chambers. In the first chamber in which she stood, a bank of connect mirrors reflected over a counter top. Opposite this stood three plush chairs, a couch, and glass-topped table. Off to the side stood a sterile counter with supplies, including a large bottle filled with baby powder, baby wipes, and disposable towels designed to fit neatly between the countertop and a baby.

Two steps upward led to the second chamber with its sinks and lavatory stalls. Cautiously Anyu stepped up into the larger chamber. Choosing the largest stall, she put down her pack, the basket of food, and the bag with the new dresses before pulling off her kirtle and bliaut and carefully unfolding the blue dress. A sales tag of some sort remained, attached to the fabric by a thin plastic loop. Digging into her pack, she found a small utility tool designed to produce her choice of twenty small tools. Setting the dial to a narrow laser knife, Anyu cut the plastic loop, picking it out and disposing it in the small trash can next to the toilet. Turning off the tool and replacing it in the pack, she unzipped the dress, slipped it over her head, then zipped it back up before using the lavatory for its intended purpose. Adjusting the new dress and stashing her gauntlets into her pack, she picked up her belongings. Washing her hands in the strange arnile-bilast liquid emitted by the sink, she applied some more skin protectant against the burning effects of atmospheric bilast before heading deeper into the shopping center with its strange sights, sounds, and smells.

Music filled Anyu's ears as she wandered the mall, light, rhythmic and sweet with the familiar sound of shawms and flutes. As if in a dream of the home she knew existed no more, Anyu drifted towards the sound. In the center of a large open space near an escalator, a small troop of performers dressed very much like Beinarians danced and played the sweet music. Recognizing the dance, Anyu put everything down and joined the forming circle. Memories swelled. Her feet knew the steps, transporting her and surprising the performers while the crowd of shoppers applauded. As the song ended, she disappeared, collecting her belongings once more. One of the dancers, a man with brown eyes, jet black hair, and apricot skin followed her, "Who are you?"

Anyu turned and faced him, "I beg your pardon?"

"You appeared and disappeared as if from nowhere. I have never seen you before, yet you knew the steps to our dance."

"Everyone knows that dance," remarked Anyu casually.

"Not in this time and place, they do not," countered the man.

Comprehension filled Anyu, "Ah! You must be of this Society for Creative Anachronism that people told me about!"

"I am. My name is Seo-jun."

"Strange name."

"It suffices. So what are you doing here?"

"Shopping. New dress," motioned Anyu at the fabric of her dress.

Seo-jun raised an eyebrow, "With a heavy pack like that and a basket of food?"

"Sure, why not?"

Seo-jun's eyes changed from brown to metallic blue, his voice lowering, "You are not from around here. As a matter of fact, you are not from anywhere near here – not even this galaxy."

Anyu tensed and instinctively raised her hand to her hip, forgetting for the xiao-shir that her sword was buried in her pack, "Who are you?"

Seo-jun grabbed her arm, "Let us take a walk, Princess!"

Seo-jun dragged Anyu to the parking lot outside of the mall. Forcing her onto the back seat of his black two door Ford Fiesta sedan, he threw her belongings into the car hastily, spilling out one of the kolaches from its basket. Suddenly a dark-haired and grey-eyed man wearing white trousers, a white t-shirt, and white linen blazer leapt out from behind a nearby station wagon, his laser épée humming fiercely, "Let her go!"

Seo-jun laughed, "Why? You cannot harm me!" To prove his point, Seo-jun concentrated; the doors on the sedan locked with a loud click. Anyu tried to pry open the locks; they would not budge.

Understanding her life was in danger she quickly found her sword and drew it from her pack as the man stepped towards Seo-jun with his laser épée. Closing his eyes and controlling his breath, the locks flew open. Anyu rolled onto the ground to safety. Lifting a finger, the stranger threw all of Anyu belongings out of the car including the stray kolache which rolled in its protective plastic sandwich bag until it hit Anyu's pack as Anyu found her feet.

The man with the épée advanced on Seo-jun, "You will leave this world, Seo-jun."

Seo-jun sneered, "And who will make me? You?"

"If I must," confirmed the man, raising his épée and planting his feet firmly to attack.

"Your powers of mind are limited. Your powers of flesh are even more limited. When can your kind ever defeat us?" guffawed Seo-jun.

"Perhaps I will die trying," offered the man.

Anyu raised her sword, taking a defensive position with her strange benefactor, "If he dies, he does not die alone!"

"I did not come here for you, Princess. But if you wish to die too, I can arrange that. Pity though; you are worth so much more to me alive – unlike your friend here," frowned Seo-jun.

"Come now, what would Lady Laela think if she heard you talk that way? You cannot simply dispose of her favourite pet without provoking her wrath!" cried the stranger sarcastically, his feet instinctively falling into the ritualized martial arts forms of the knights of Gurun. Anyu smiled, recognizing the steps from countless lessons by Lady Knight Aldris of the knights of Gurun, her feet gliding into complimentary forms in accord with the Gurun style of fighting. Their two swords – one heritage and one modern – seemed to dance joyfully as they met each other's eyes. Two complete strangers yet suddenly comrades in arms.

Undaunted, Seo-jun rolled his eyes, half amused at the irony of a man from the past wielding the modern weapon while the adolescent daughter of Beinan's conquered queen wielded a heritage sword. It was, from a larger perspective, downright comical while being, from another point of view, rather heroic. "You both surely must realize how useless both your weapons are against me."

"That has yet to be seen," challenged the stranger. "I have never actually attacked one of your species before – but since you obviously are intent on taking one or both of us to Lord Yelu, I see little incentive to not at least try." In affirmation, the stranger lunged at Seo-jun with his blade, much to Seo-jun's annoyance.

Seo-jun deflected the blade with a wave of just one finger, "I am no longer amused." Anyu, unaffected by Seo-jun's telekinesis, glided closer, cutting her blade down and slicing ever so slightly into his shoulder. A few drops of black blood spilled onto the ground, sizzling against the payment acidly. Seo-jun faced her, his eyes like blue flames, "Unwise!"

Just as Seo-jun was about to throw Anyu into a nearby car with his mind, he observed several native humans approaching their position, obviously attracted by the noise. A man wearing the navy blue uniform of the State College police department approached cautiously, his firearm drawn. Seo-jun's eyes changed back to their brown disguise. Stepping back towards his sedan, he opened the door, "Very well then, since this place is far too crowded for my taste, let us defer this conversation for another beinor. I trust you will make peace with your goddesses by then. I would hate to see your soul trapped around this world." Sitting down in the sedan, Seo-jun closed the door, engaged the internal combustion engine, and drove away.

Relieved, the stranger stepped out around a car to turn off his laser épée out of sight of the police officer. Anyu pulled her sword sheath out of her pack, "What just happened?"

"I would think that would be obvious," answered the stranger as the police officer reached them.

"State College police," announced the officer. "Are you okay?"

Anyu looked at the officer and offered a respective bow, "Yes! Yes we are – thanks to you!" The police officer tipped his cap politely before turning back, unwilling to get more involved than absolutely necessary. Anyu turned once more to the stranger, "Well, now that's over – did you know that Seo-jun creature?"

'I do; I did," admitted the stranger as he re-joined Anyu.

"Who is he? Perhaps more importantly who are you?"

"That is a long story – to both questions. I am not entirely certain I know who you are – except that you are not of this world. Why did he call you 'princess?'"

"I do not know how you know I am not of this world – but he called me 'princess' because I am the daughter of my people's reigning sovereign queen."

The stranger took off his watch, "This looks like an ordinary multi-function time piece such as local men of wealth wear – but it is not." Demonstrating, he tapped the surface of the timepiece rapidly three times. The display changed. "As I hope you know, all life on this world is kol-based, not silizium-based like we are. This function scans for silizium-based life. That is how I found both Seo-jun and you, actually. All three of us are silizium-based. But beyond that – all I can tell is that Seo-jun appears to be after both of us – not just me."

"That name – Lady Laela – sounds familiar. Who is she?"

"Assuming these readings are correct and you come from B345A15 Quartus, also known as planet Beinan?"

"Yes, that is my home world."

"Mine as well. Have you ever been to the castle temple of Abka Biya overlooking the Amba Mederi Ocean in Bira Hecen?"

"Yes.

"Do you remember a strange woman with metallic blue eyes who takes care of the temple's observatory?"

"Vaguely – she did something – scanned me perhaps? I came to the temple to seek refuge from strange dreams I was having. She said I was seeing someone I knew in another life – someone named Janus who I later came to recognize as the same soul as this Lord Yelu the Bastard who has no doubt overthrown the Gurun dynasty."

"Precisely. That is Lady Laela."

"You know her?"

"Better than you do – and so does Seo-jun."

"Who is he?"

"A very dangerous person from an ancient race – Lady Laela's race actually. We first met them – we call them 'The Amur' – during the Great Migration. Woe to all Beinarians that beinor ever came."

"My name is Anyu – Lady Engineer Anyu."

"You are both a princess and an engineer?"

"Yes. You find that strange lord..."

"The locals call me 'Christopher.'"

"That is not your name."

"No."

"Why give me an alias?"

"I will tell you my birth name – in time. This is hardly the place to discuss our world."

"Agreed."

"I have a home in town where we can talk more privately – it is not far from here."

"Lead the way!"

Two-hundred xiao-shirs later, Christopher opened the exterior door to his apartment building just outside of downtown. Beautiful Victorian architecture dazzled Anyu's eyes as Christopher led her up a flight of stairs to his apartment, the middle of three apartments made from what was once a huge Victorian house. Once inside his apartment, Anyu found a squared foyer 0.5 zhang 张 long opening into a spacious kitchen on the right and a comfortable living room straight left and a little to the left. Eighteen cun 寸 into the living room a hallway lead to two bedrooms divided by a shared bathroom. Cosy reddish-purple carpeting that looked to Beinarian eyes like Ten-Arian crimson covered all but the bathroom and kitchen floors which were instead covered with stain-resistant blue linoleum flooring. Putting the basket of kolaches onto the kitchen counter, Christopher picked up Anyu's pack and led her to the guest bedroom, "Welcome to my humble home. This will be your room for as long as you stay with me."

Anyu peered into the bedroom cautiously, "Does anyone else use this room?"

"No."

"Then why do you have it?"

"One never knows when an ally from home might turn up."

"How long have you been here?"

"Not long; maybe a yen-ar or so. I lost track of Beinarian time several beinors into my stay. What I do know is that it takes three of their years to reach a single yen-ar on our world and more than five of their days before a single beinor passes back home. It is a," Christopher paused, trying to find the right word, "challenging transition."

"Will I lose track of time as well?"

"Unless you make a special effort – yes. Your body will shift to the movements of this world and this solar system. It is inevitable, I suppose."

Anyu sat down on the bed prepared for her, "How did you come to this world, Christopher?"

"Star craft – how does anyone come to this world not born of it?"

Anyu glared at his sarcasm and his evasiveness, "You know what I mean."

Christopher paced the small room, "Yes I know. But not knowing you, I am not certain how much to reveal."

"You could start with your name," suggested Anyu.

"No – no that would be a very bad place to start, actually," considered Christopher. "Hmm. Hmm. Well I guess I can say that I am older than I look; I left Beinan long before I am guessing you were born."

"But you cannot be a beinor over seventy or eighty."

"Suspended animation does that, I suppose. I am actually much older than that. For you see, I departed Beinan when I was one hundred two yen-ars old on the star craft Badatel not long after my sister became high priestess. After a time, I no longer remember how long, my star craft was overtaken by the star craft Nimamur and brought aboard. The Nimamur is like a large city travelling between the stars – with a range and speed that enables it to cross galaxies quickly and easily using quantum gravity wells."

Anyu thought about her own journey to D425E25 Tertius, how at 0.82 maximum speed, a quantum gravity well opened up and swallowed the Liltaél, transporting her billions of light yen-ars in just a matter of beinors, "Something similar happened to my star craft when I hit 0.82 of maximum speed. It is most peculiar; I thought my studies in astro-engineering from house Xing-li were comprehensive."

"They were, more likely than not. Our own people cannot generate quantum gravity wells; we simply do not know how to create them. Rather, we must travel across space – not tunnel through it. No – this technology is not Beinarian – nor is the Nimamur a Beinarian star craft."

"Then whose is it?"

"The Amur. As I said, the Badatel was taken over by the Nimamur and brought on board. There I saw the Amur in their natural state – or something close to it."

"What do they look like?"

"They are bigger than us – by far. Some of them have metallic blue eyes just as you saw – but not all. Instead of skin, they are covered with very fine scales so protective that they can endure the vacuum and coldness of space – without any sort of adaptive or protective technology."

"How can they breathe?"

"They do not – at least not as we understand it. But remember, even between galaxies there is always SOME light, SOME arnile. As best as I can figure out, they are able to breathe in arnile as it radiates from stars. This of course gives them enormous advantage over nirlar breathers like us. It makes sense from one of the older races in the universe, an adaptation that has helped them survive for so long." Christopher sat down beside Anyu, "Once aboard the Nimamur I found myself taken to a small, bright white room. There I saw Morlong, Laela, and Seo-jun, each talking in their own very strange language and arguing over some sort of writing that appeared as three-dimensional cubes. Morlong and Laela I knew on Beinan. But this Seo-jun was a different creature of a very different temperament. I wish I could explain or describe him better."

"How did you come to meet Morlong and Laela?"

"That, Your Highness, is an even longer story. What I can say is that I met them when I was ten yen-ars old. Both of them shaped my childhood – and the way I treated my sister. In hindsight I wish I had listened to them less and trusted my own judgment more – but like most children I was very impressionable. It never occurred to me that they might have ulterior motives for what they said and did."

"My mother, I think she had something to do with them. I encountered Morlong once when strange sounds woke me from my sleep. I tried to find the source of the sounds, wandering through the palace until I encountered Morlong guarding the Liltaél and saying strange things to me," remember Anyu.

"That sounds like him. As I said, I have known him a very long time," confirmed Christopher. "It was Morlong and Laela who, after a time and a fashion, put me into suspended animation until they were ready to use me for their purposes. They brought me from our B425 galaxy to this world, hiding the Badatel in a mountain range on the other side of this planet, in a place called Zhong Guo 中国 before using their powers to bring me to this continent. They set me up to survive on this world, even provided me with currency and language resources and helped me rent this apartment. But, as I found out, there was a price to be paid for their apparent patronage and generosity."

"What price?"

Christopher rose, "Another time. Right now I would like you to make yourself at home. No doubt you already have experienced several adventures."

Anyu agreed, "I have. Thank you.

Christopher picked up a cube measuring ten cun 寸 on each side. Pressing some buttons, it hummed with a green light along its based, "I have filled this natrium-nirlar electrolysis box with what the locals call 'salt.' If you prepared for your journey, you no doubt have one as well among your belongings. This one is much larger than we typically carry. It has enough natrium-nirlar compound to enable you to go without either of your ciphers for three or four shir-ors. I am sure you understand I have never tested this, not for more than two shir-ors at a time. No sense dying over an experiment." Turning the cube, Christopher showed her a set of numbers displayed digitally, "This top set of numbers renders the date and time as it passes on our world. This second row of numbers renders the same information in local time. You can set an alarm to wake you based on either type of time and date combination. Now relax, you are safe here."

"Thank you Christopher."

"If you need me, I shall be around the apartment somewhere. No intentions of leaving for at least another two shir-ors." With her acknowledging nod, Christopher turned and left.

The next morning by local time, Anyu rose to find a sweet and very pleasant smell filling the apartment. Putting on a robe and being careful of her pendant-broach cipher, she wandered, finding Christopher cooking in his kitchen. On his dining table lay two silver-edged white plates on grey placements, each with a kolache on it. "Good morning, Anyu. Please sit and eat. Kelan fruit do not exist on this planet, but I have something that tastes similar if you would care to try it. I also have a local version of what they consider cocoa; it's a bit bland, but with time I learned to adjust to it. Would you like to try it?"

"That would be most kind of you – I will try this version of cocoa. I suppose it is too much to ask the locals to make Belarian waffles?"

Christopher heated up a pan filled with cocoa and heavy cream on his stove, "No, but they have a version that is less nourishing but almost as delicious. I do not have any right now; we want to eat the food the native gave you before it spoils."

"Yes – this is all quite unexpected – and most kind."

Christopher stirred the still heating cocoa, "Agreed. You have done well so far, Anyu."

"So what is next? After the morning meal, of course."

"Next I help you learn the native language. Although I am certain your translators are helping, there are certain gaps in the programming that are best filled by learning to speak, read, and write the area languages on your own. Our science is sophisticated, but the best computer program is only as good as the content put into it. Reality is that our data is woefully out of date. As you probably know, the last explorer from our world to reach this planet landed on the continent they call 'Asia' in BE 6251. She was largely successful in collecting the sought after data the short time she lived here, but only for a very specific region of this world."

"BE 6251? That was seven hundred eleven yen-ars ago!"

"Yes. Two thousand one hundred thirty-three local years ago. In that time, the planet has changed dramatically. Empires have risen and fallen. Entire societies were wiped out in wars. An upstart and obscure religion called Christianity conquered the planet, sweeping away much of the religious diversity of its societies and helping to drive imperialist conquests with far reaching impacts that remain to this very moment. A recent industrial revolution has harvested the fossilized remains of ancient trees and plants, spouting kol-bilast into the air so thickly that some areas are barely habitable for the smog. This concentration of kol-bilast has already devastated countless ecologies; changing planetary weather patterns and melting ancient polar glaciers. If this planet does not stop this pattern soon, Anyu, there will be only a handful of species left alive. Humanity on this world will go extinct."

"Unbelievable! How can a species be so reckless?" puzzled Anyu, half amazed and half horrified.

"As far as I can tell? Politics. It always seems to boil down to that, does it not?" observed Christopher. "Which is another reason I want to work with you to learn the area native language. The sooner you do, the sooner we can create an alias you can use among these people."

"Why do I need an alias?"

"This is a society that seems to love bureaucracy; everything has to be recorded and kept in neat little files. It is truly ironic that their technology is so far behind ours yet they demand exponentially more record keeping. We have the advanced technology, but we do not strangle each other with records, hassling each other over trivia. This being the case, we need to put you into their computer systems as soon as possible. I told you that the locals call me 'Christopher.' My full name among them is 'Christopher Gurun.'"

"You are house Gurun?"

"Yes."

"How can you be brother to the high priestess then?"

"Because our mother is or rather was house Miyoo while she lived. Surely you know that house Miyoo renders its membership by the female line, creating dual citizenship for many."

"I actually did know that, but do not typically think about it. Very well then, what alias do you suggest for me?"

"You seem an inquisitive lady," contemplated Christopher. "What about 'Anyu Wen?' It is a name that easily renders in the language of the largest of the nations on this world, making you sound foreign, but not alien."

Anyu thought about it, saying the name repeatedly aloud and in a variety of pitches, "Anyu Wen? Anyu Wen. Anyu Wen. Hmmm. Hmmm. Yes, maybe. Yes, that will do."

Over the next two beinors, Christopher taught Anyu the native language called 'American English.' At times, the irregularity of the verbs frustrated her, as did the many words that sounded identical and had to be deciphered entirely from context. Though Anyu quickly picked up on the simplicity of the characters used in writing, characters far simpler than Beinarian characters, the irregular spellings confused her, especially when the pronounced word differed from the way the word was written out.

To make things even more confusing, Anyu observed that when watching the local video communications channel that English was not a single language spoken the same everywhere like her own native Beinarian language. Instead, it was a very specialized language with a staggering number of geographic dialects – both across countries and within them.

As confused as Anyu felt, Christopher noted significant progress in her learning – enough to test her by taking her into the world beyond. Dressing himself nicely in a trendy blazer and slacks emulating the style of one of the bigger television celebrities and being careful to conceal his pendant cipher and wrist cipher, he smiled as Anyu emerged from her room wearing the same pale blue dress with shoulder ruffles and a full skirt that she wore when they first met, the Beinarian sapphires and diamonds of her necklace cipher sparkling around her collarbone regally. Bowing politely as if they were both in Hejing, he offered his arm chivalrously to Anyu before plunging her into the larger world beyond.

Three blocks and ten minutes later, Christopher opened the door to an inviting-looking diner frequented by students of the nearby university called the Nittany Cub. One zhang 张 from the entrance stood a counter behind which stood a rather handsome dark-skinned college student with black hair and brown eyes. Anyu's eyes widened. She had heard of brown-eye syndrome, of course, but never expected to see it on this alien world. How did this creature function in life with such a terrible disability?

Aware of Anyu's discomfort, Christopher put his arm around her waist protectively, "Hey Daryl my man! What'sup?"

The brown-eyed creature Daryl commenced some sort of ritualized hand movements with Christopher, each more baffling to the princess, "Just chillin' ya know. Pop is out for the day gettin' some stuff for the dinner rush later, so I'm in charge of the whole kit and caboodle. This a social call?"

Christopher motioned in Anyu's direction, "Just taking my cousin Anyu to lunch. She just arrived; never been to State College before and still learning English."

"Anyu – that's one of those oriental names, right?"

"She's from Hejing, if that is what you are asking," confirmed Christopher.

"Is that like Beijing?"

Christopher laughed, very much aware that Beijing was the name of the capital city of Zhong Guo, "You got it! So um is my usual table available for lunch right now?"

Daryl picked up two menus and two sets of cutlery wrapped in a paper napkin, "Sure is. Come-on, let's get you two some lunch!" Leading the way to a secluded table, Daryl set the table efficiently, "Can I get you two something to drink?"

"A blackberry breezer spritzer for my cousin and I will take an English ale if you still have any left after the party last night."

"What that crowd? They only drink American beer – cheap stuff too – but lots of it! You and the professors are the ones who like imported ale. What is it about English ales that you guys like so much?" puzzled Daryl.

"Quality, my friend! You drink the cheap stuff when you want to guzzle down a pitcher to get drunk. A fine English ale is for savouring with your meal – or good company."

"Gotcha! Well then let me get your drinks for you while you two look over the menus." With a wink and some hand gestures Daryl thought made him look cool, he headed to the kitchen for their drinks.

Christopher opened his menu, watching Anyu copy him, "Well then Anyu, time to practice English in the real world. Scan the menu and tell me any words you are uncertain about."

"Surf'n turf?" asked Anyu.

"Ah yes – this is a common expression for a meal consisting of seafood and the steak of a common large land animal highly valued for its food value. Exactly what kind of seafood is included will vary geographically and sometimes by the preferences of a given dining establishment. But this is a dish that always mixes both types of food."

"I do not know what most of these foods are; we do not have them on Beinan."

"Yes – and no. Lobster, crabs, and shrimp are similar to the raks of the Amba Mederi Ocean. Different ecology and certainly these are kol-based like all other life here. But I think you will find the taste close enough to what we consider normal to enjoy it. I actually order this surf'n turf dish quite often; the ale I ordered tends to add to the flavour almost as well as a fine Beinarian mead – almost!"

"No kelan juice, I assume."

"No – but that blackberry drink I ordered for you tastes close to a slightly fermented version of kelan juice. There's arnile-bilast in it, same as any mead, wine or ale, but I find the taste acceptable."

"Since I do not know native food very well, I will try whatever you are having."

"Fair enough," acknowledged Christopher as Daryl ambled up with their drinks. "Thank you! We've decided to both order the surf'n turf with rice. Ranch dressing on the salad, no onions on either."

Quietly Daryl wrote down the two orders before disappearing again. Anyu looked at Christopher, her eyebrow raised with bewilderment, "Why no onions – whatever that is?"

"It's a plant, one our ciphers cannot detoxify if we ingest it, making it quite poisonous to us," explained Christopher, rubbing his bottle of ale between his hands, his reflection staring back at him in the glass. Just then he noticed another shape appearing in the glass, "Anyu! Get out of here – quickly!"

"What?"

"Just DO IT!" shouted Christopher, pulling out and activating his laser épée suddenly as he rose from the table. A high pitched sizzle pierced the air as the still unseen opponent fired three times, Christopher barely catching each plasma blast with his épée to ricochet into the carpet. Uncertain quite what to do, Anyu flattened herself against the nearby wall. Christopher glared at her as he scanned for where the plasma fire originated, "I said get out of here!"

"Where? How?" called Anyu.

"There's a back door to the restaurant around the corner. Head that way. I will join you when I can!" cried Christopher as another volley struck his épée.

Carefully Anyu inched her way towards the back door, her eyes fixed on Christopher. As the door opened, she found herself suddenly enveloped by Seo-jun's strong arms – far stronger than they looked, "Going somewhere, Princess?"

"You! You are an Amur!"

Seo-jun laughed evilly, "Yes! Yes I am. Told you, did he? Did he also tell you that he's Morlong's protégé? Sly, disobedient creature! Your mother – now she knows how to respect those older and more powerful than she is!"

"How do you know who my mother is?"

"And here I thought you were an intelligent member of your species," mocked Seo-jun.

"I am," smiled Anyu as she slipped out of Seo-jun's grasp, suddenly grateful for the yen-ars spent studying Gurun-style martial arts. Aware that her opponent was not what he seemed to be, Anyu scanned the alley around her in search of her best escape route. With a sword, she knew, she might easily be able to fight her way out of this – but without a weapon? Was there any way to defeat Seo-jun in hand-to-hand combat? Sizing up the situation, Anyu realized that her best chance of escape was to evade Seo-jun long enough for Christopher to come to her aid – or secure a proper weapon herself.

Aware that the strategic advantage was still his, Seo-jun stalked his prey deliberately, putting Anyu into an increasingly defensive position. As he advanced, Anyu retreated deeper into the alley, careful not to allow Seo-jun to cut off her escape. Seo-jun raised his right hand. Telekinetic fingers grasped at Anyu's throat – but this time she was ready. Focusing her eyes deeply into his and with controlled breaths she concentrated her thoughts like a laser beam against Seo-jun's telekinesis. Slowly, deliberately, she felt his grasp weaken. Seo-jun pursed his lips into slight smile at the unexpected defence.

Anyu backed down the alley, inching her way closer to the street. Behind her plasma fire sizzled close to her. From what seemed like thin air Christopher leapt between Anyu and the plasma fire, his laser épée humming as he counter-parried each volley from the now visible four legged, black-scaled creature firing at them, its massively long serpentine tail tipped with four webbed fingers and wielding the plasma pistol. Seo-jun advanced on them, "You cannot escape. You are my prisoners. Lord Yelu will pay me handsomely for your return – though which one of you he will pay best for I cannot say. Long have you been a thorn in his side, Your Highness – long before her latest re-incarnations as Keelia, Fëawen, and Anyu."

Christopher taunted back, his free hand clasped around Anyu's waist protectively, "Fortunately for me, I learned from the best. In his current form, Yelu the Bastard is diminished. Shame the way you Amur cannot maintain your illusions for yen-ars on end without resting in your native state periodically, that the only way you can sustain a Beinarian physical form is to abandon your own and become as weak and mortal as we are."

"Ah, but with the powers of the line of High Priestess Anlei and High Priest Corann, who needs immortality? You fragile humans barely know the Sight and the Gift exists at all! In every way we are superior!" asserted Seo-jun.

"Really?" laughed Christopher, activating an energy shield which enveloped both him and Anyu even as he deactivated his laser épée. The creature fired; its plasma bolts bounced harmlessly off the shield. Christopher and Anyu advanced closer to the street until they were less than a zhang 张away from it. The creature changed shaped, assuming the form of Lord Morlong which Anyu recognized at once. Christopher offered the Ten-Arian salute of respect sarcastically, meeting Morlong's eyes, "Nice to see you looking more human, Morlong." With a laugh and still protected by the shield, Christopher and Anyu headed back into the Nittany Cub until he was certain they were safe. Deactivating the shield, he high-fived Daryl as they returned to their table to finish their meal, "Hey Daryl my man!" Daryl stared intently but said nothing as Christopher and Anyu sat back down, picked up their forks, and tried the salad as if absolutely nothing just happened.

Three weeks later an unmarked manila envelope slipped into Christopher Gurun's mailbox. Opening the envelope cautiously and scanning it for hazards with one of the functions on his watch, Christopher climbed the stairs, opened, the front door, and poured its contents onto his kitchen counter as Princess Anyu carefully tested the machine she was building. With a hum, the beginnings of a laser sword flowed out from the device. Anyu looked up at Christopher, "What is that?"

"Your official forged documents," answered Christopher as he rifled through the contents, handing each one to her. "This is your social security card. This is your state identification made with a photo I took of you with the camera on my watch—deleting your cipher from the photograph, of course." Christopher held up a small booklet with a navy blue cover marked with the seal of the United States of America, "And this, this is your passport from the United States of America. Congratulations, Anyu Wen, you are officially a citizen of the United States, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York."

"What is Brooklyn and why am I from there?" asked Anyu, taking the passport from his hand and flipping through it.

"Brooklyn is a city of nearly four million people that is part of an even larger city called New York City. It is a county, city, and borough of New York City all at one time with a diverse population – diverse enough that no one will question your name or your looks."

"Have you ever been there?"

"Yes – twice. It is a good place to hide when you are in danger, actually. Perhaps in light of our recent encounters with Seo-jun and Morlong we would do well to abandon State College and take up residence there. My lease here expires in a couple months. If you feel ready for the journey and if you think you will have your laser schlager finished by then, I am willing to leave here," offered Christopher.

"What about my star craft?"

"I have a program that can re-activate it remotely and bring it to us should any emergency arise."

"How can you do that?"

"I was Morlong's protégé for a very long time; I learned much of their technology – even if they do not know I know how it works – and how to replicate much of it. I know the secret to their cloaking technology; with your permission I can install a cloaking device into your star craft that will render it invisible to all Beinarian technology—and most Amur technology as well. Then we can store most of our belongings in there – until we are ready to transfer them to our new home in Brooklyn. Would that be satisfactory?"

Anyu nodded, "My star craft is your star craft."
Chapter Three: I Love New York

The next three yen-ars passed quietly and without incident. Living on Ocean Avenue in the Sheepshead Bay neighbourhood in Brooklyn all seemed peaceful, a quiet vacation from the cares and concerns of Beinarian politics and the mysterious agendas of the Amur. Gone was all thought of the Great Revolution back home. Gone were all of Anyu's questions regarding Christopher's identity.

As beinors turned to weeks and yen-ars turned to years in Anyu's perceptions she found herself emulating Christopher's own assimilation of the external environment, putting aside not only Beinarian clothing, but all but the most essential Beinarian technologies required for her to survive.

Along with these adaptations came employment. Just twenty-two beinors after Anyu and Christopher moved to Brooklyn, both secured employment as software writers and engineers in Manhattan with Broadway Bytes, a technology and software firm located in Manhattan's famous Flatiron Building at 175 Fifth Avenue near 23rd and Broadway, servicing the technology needs of New York City's many Broadway and off-Broadway theatrical productions.

"You asked to see me, Ms. Doyle?" asked Anyu Wen, knocking on her boss' office door.

"Call me 'Anne,' and yes, please come in," instructed Anne Doyle. At five foot six and with an unexpectedly athletic build for an engineer, Anne's flaming red hair blended with her emerald eyes and pearly skin. Rising, she beckoned Anyu to sit, "Please, make yourself comfortable." Anyu sat down obediently. Anne continued, "I wanted to ask you about this software proposal you submitted last week. What makes you think there is any future in digitizing music?"

"Why not? Rumour has it that Steve Jobs is working on something top secret relating to music technology."

"This is Broadway, Anyu! No show worth watching uses pre-recorded music!" scoffed Anne.

"But what about when a musician becomes sick? Do most companies have the means to fill in empty chairs with substitutes – or do they simply let the music thin out those nights? What about when a nor'easter hits and not everyone can get to the theatre? Can our clients really afford to cancel shows over weather?" challenged Anyu.

"You really think you can not only create this technology and software, but get our clients to buy it?"

"Absolutely. We are on the verge of a new technological revolution. Why shouldn't Broadway Bytes lead the way?"

Anne re-read Anyu's proposal, "Very well then, I will green light this. But if at any point I see this not working out to the company's best interest, I am pulling the plug. Do you understand?"

Anyu rose, "Yes – thank you!"

After work Anyu walked with Christopher to catch the downtown F train to West 4th Street for their transfer to B train home, "Can you believe these idiots? Why can't Ms. Doyle see that digital music is the next logical technological step?"

"She's a native to this planet, Anyu! It's not like she's ever seen a touch screen computer nor seen a three-dimensional projection of the person she speaks to during a call. Technology is still very primitive here. Oh sure it's advanced over yen-ars we've been here. But they are a long way from leaving even their own solar system, let alone traveling to another galaxy!"

Anyu started down the steps at the 23rd Street F train station, "Three yen-ars and what have they learned?"

Christopher swiped his metrocard payment card through the turnstile separating the track platform area from the outside public space, "Remember how we filed your documents when you first arrived? That was done with typewriters, taking advantage of the lack of centralized government computers."

Anyu swiped her metrocard, joining Christopher as both headed towards the front of the platform until they spotted an empty bench, "I barely remember – so long ago. I barely recall what a yen-ar is anymore."

"Lucky for us."

"It is easy to forget about home, isn't it? We live like normal natives – except for our natrium-nirlar boxes and our ciphers. You never did tell me your real name."

"Well, to be fair, I have not called you by any of your titles."

Anyu rose as she noticed the F train pulling into the station, "It is not the same and you know it."

"Is there really a need to know my name, Anyu?"

The doors to the F train opened with a chime. Anyu stepped aboard and headed for a nearby seat, glaring at Christopher as he sat down beside her, "Why the secrecy?"

"Because I prefer our enemies to never know I am still alive."

"We are millions of light yen-ars away from home. What on D425E25 Tertius makes you think anyone from home is ever going to know anything about either of us?" scowled Anyu quietly.

The train chimed, closing its doors, "Stand clear of the closing doors, please."

Christopher paused as the train pulled out of the 23rd Street Station, "Can we really take that chance?"

Anyu looked away from him, riding in silence. The train chimed again, "This is West 4th Street. Transfer to the B train." As the doors opened, Anyu hastened across the platform.

Christopher followed her, barely catching her as the B train pulled into the station and opened its doors, "Look, I am not doing any of this to hurt you or frustrate you. I want to protect you, Anyu. I know I've done some pretty slimy things to you in the past – but only because I love you."

Anyu stepped onto the B train, sitting down before meeting his eyes, "I do not understand."

Christopher sat down beside her, "I knew you before I left Beinan – when you were Princess Anlei." The train chimed again before lurching forward, speeding its way down to the Manhattan Bridge.

Not knowing what to say, Anyu stayed silent as the train pulled up onto the bridge, the South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan visible down below from outside the window, "Princess Anlei? I—none of that makes sense! Are you saying because of these Amur you were alive during the Great Succession Crisis?"

Christopher hesitated before answering, "Yes. I witnessed all of it – and loved you far more than you ever realized. I still love you, even if you do not remember me," remembered Christopher wistfully.

Without a further word Anyu listened to the roar of the subway train as the train reached first DeKalb Ave, then Atlantic Avenue stations. "What? Are you saying I knew you in a past life – which happens to be the same life you are living right now?" asked Anyu with disbelief.

"Yes," replied Christopher quietly as another long silence stretched between them.

"This is... Kings Highway. The next stop is... Sheepshead Bay," announced the B train.

Princess Anyu stood up as the train pulled out of Kings Highway, "You do not trust me enough to tell me who you are!"

The B train sped past Avenue U as Christopher stood up to join her, "You would not believe me even if I told you."

"Try me!" exclaimed Princess Anyu as the train pulled into the Sheepshead Bay station. The subway train doors opened. Anyu stepped out onto the platform, searching for the nearest stairs.

"Not here," answered Christopher in Beinarian, joining her. "But perhaps I can make things a little clearer to you; I do have some tokens from home I never let you see. Will that please you?"

"Perhaps," frowned Anyu as she hurried down the stairs and out of the station to the street below.

Christopher followed her, walking fifteen paces behind, only closing the gap on the stairs leading up to their apartment.

Anyu plopped down onto the couch in their living room, "Well, we are home."

"So we are," acknowledged Christopher with a sigh. Disappearing into his bedroom, Christopher pulled out a small chest 20 cun 寸 by 15 cun 寸 by six cun 寸 high. Carefully he lifted a delicate white konyn wool shirt with narrow ruffs, the Gurun heraldic charge expertly embroidered by hand around each sleeve ruff. Unbuttoning his long sleeve collared shirt, he changed into the Beinarian shirt, gently lacing it at the neckline and fastening the neckline ruff before adjusting the sleeve ruffs to lay properly. A Gurun-red sleeveless doublet lay at the top layer of the chest. Carefully he layered the doublet over the shirt and fastened it.

In his storage chest his eyes caught a glimpse of the red piping adorning the white konyn wool trousers he last wore while piloting the star craft Badatel, a small decorative detail common to formal men's clothing on Beinan. Unwilling to dig through his chest further, he closed the lid before rising and putting the chest back in its hiding place. Opening one of his closet doors to reveal a full length mirror, he gazed nostalgically at himself, seeing the Beinarian in him for the first time since his initial days on this alien world. Had all this time really passed? Was he really six hundred seventy-eight yen-ars old? Five hundred seventy yen-ars in stasis not only prolonged his life; it seemed to have reversed some of his aging as well.

Knowing Anyu waited for him impatiently on the couch, he closed the closet door to open a new, more metaphorical door as his real self.

"Well? What do you think?" asked Christopher, emerging into Anyu's view.

Anyu rose, stunned by the sight of Christopher in his doublet and formal shirt, "Only an heir to the Gurun throne is allowed to wear those ruffs!"

"Yes," acknowledged Christopher.

"But you said you knew and loved Princess Anlei who was the only heir to Queen Isabelle!"

"Not the only heir; well, not originally."

Anyu faced half furiously, "That is not possible. You say you knew Princess Anlei. Your clothing says you are an heir to the Gurun throne."

"Yes."

"That is not possible!"

"Princess Anlei—High Priestess Anlei was not the only child of Queen Isabelle. She and her husband had two sons as well: Alastair was born BE 6290, beinor 12 and—"

"—Prince Anwell born BE 6288, beinor 58," finished Princess Anyu. "Are you? Who are you?"

"History shows my brother Alastair died of mysterious causes in infancy."

"Making you Prince Anwell," deduced Anyu.

"Yes," acknowledged Anwell.

"Why? Why this deceit all this time?"

"What choice did I have? The Amur are dangerous creatures, Anyu. I told you I've seen them in their natural state. What you experienced with them at Nittany Mall was a tiny sample of what they can do. In truth Seo-jun did not try very hard to abduct you. You were not his target; I was."

"But why?"

"I know them; I worshipped them nearly all of my life. Knowledge is power, Anyu. These creatures do their best work when no one knows they exist, when they can convince everyone they are stuff of mere legends and not flesh and blood. Do not get me wrong, they are not all bad. But they are very old and tend to have very long memories. They hold grudges and are willing to make great sacrifices in pursuit of revenge once crossed. Your soul crossed the person now known as Lord Yelu and known in my time as Lord Janus, though you were enemies thousands of yen-ars before the start of the Gurun dynasty. He gave up his de facto immortality in his natural state in order to pursue his revenge, becoming a mortal Beinarian just as you became a mortal Beinarian. But yours was a noble cause; his is quite otherwise," explained Anwell.

"When I was on board the Liltaél I had strange dreams of my face that did not look like my face. I had metallic blue eyes like Morlong and Laela's. I stood before some sort of altar in some sort of temple. I never could understand the meaning of those dreams," recounted Anyu.

"Those were less dreams and more memories, Anyu. You used to be an Amur—one of their high priestesses, actually."

"How do you know?"

"Your life as Princess Anlei was not the first time I knew you. Far from it. Eons ago I was Amur too, back when the A672 galaxy was young. You and I were... close."

"How close?"

"How close can two beings be? I told you I love you, even though you do not remember."

"How gifted are you with the Sight, Anwell?"

"With High Priestess Wehe as my grandmother?" Anwell looked down before meeting her eyes, "Let us just say that High Priestess Anlei and High Priest Corann were not the only spiritual prodigies of that generation. They never really learned how to fully tap into their abilities; I did."

"That is how you could...?"

"Yes. They trained me under the assumption that abandoning our native form entirely crippled me in some way—and blinded me so I would serve them. They never expected their own creation to wise up and rebel against them."

"So what happens now?" asked Anyu.

"That is up to you, is it not? You know who I am. What do you choose to do about it?"

Anyu sighed, plopping back into onto the couch casually, "I do not know."

Anwell sat down next to her, "Well, what do you think about me?"

"What should I think about you?"

"We've lived together for more than two yen-ars, Anyu. Surely you have formed some opinion of me."

"Lately I try not to."

"Why?"

"This whole thing is bizarre to me, Christopher—Anwell—what should I call you?"

"Publically or in this room? In this room I suppose either will do. But out there? We have to remain Anyu Wen and Christopher Gurun. You must never think either of us are truly safe! Complacency kills more readily than any laser épée!"

"Fair enough."

"Anyu, do you not understand I love you?"

"Right now I do not understand anything! Can we not go back to where we were this morning when we went to work? At least until tomorrow?"

Anwell rose, "As you wish."

The next morning Anwell dressed himself in his native suit and tie, his Beinarian clothing stowed once more it his chest. At breakfast, he remained cordial, but mostly silent, quietly emptying the pure natrium from his electrolysis box into a small glass bottle and sealing it up before putting in his pocket. Leaving in advance of her, he found a small patch of bare ground. Pulling out a utility tool not unlike the one Anyu used at the Nittany Mall, he activated a small laser digging implement, creating a hole in the ground 20% larger in volume than he needed for the natrium he carried. Kneeling carefully to avoid soiling his trousers, he gently dumped the natrium into the hole, covered it up to prevent obvious contact with the air, rose, and headed for the subway station.

Work at the office continued quietly with Anyu remaining more distant than usual, as if compliance to her demands to know his identity made the sometimes tense situation between them worse and not better. Was it really so difficult for her to believe that she was once an Amur like Morlong, Laela, and Seo-jun? Were not her dreams and her emerging Sight not evidence enough to the truth he revealed?

Sensing Anyu's mind and mood, Anwell spent the day designing a new set for the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast while Anyu commenced her work on digital music technology, working well past their traditional twelve-thirty meal time. Saddened that Anyu would rather work than dine with him, Anwell lunched alone at a fast food restaurant near 23rd and Broadway across the street from Madison Square Park instead of enjoying a more nutritious meal at one of the area diners.

The ride home from work fared no better. Though Anyu sat beside him on the F train and B train, she said nothing to him. Not even the demands of cooking dinner together in their apartment could nudge a word out of her. It was as if by knowing he was Prince Anwell he had totally disappeared from her universe, a pain that hurt so badly he was tempted to not refill his electrolysis box, to simply let the atmospheric bilast around them poison him to death in his sleep. With the door to his bedroom closed, Anwell let tears fall from his eyes, each drop burning holes into his blankets where they fell with wisps of steam.

For six beinors, from new moon to new moon, Anyu maintained her silent distance, keenly aware her silence hurt Anwell. At night her dreams validated Anwell's words. Flashes of distant places and strange faces filled her dreams, faces that while alien felt like those she knew and remembered in this life. It felt as if she was surrounded by enemies, all of them intent on either killing her or torturing her. The face of Janus floated before her. In her dreams she saw a grand ball. A man was close to her—Corann? Lord Knight Corann? A conflict between Corann and Janus! A box—with a bracelet in it? In the dream she heard Janus' voice, "What could be dangerous about such a lovely bracelet? There are no symbols on it, just jewels. The perfect gift for the perfect princess."

"It IS beautiful," Anyu heard herself reply as Janus fastened the bracelet onto her left wrist. The moment the bracelet fastened she felt herself – was it her or this Princess Anlei life – suddenly shift consciousness, as if deeply drugged? The room spun around her. Suddenly she was on her bed, a necklace of betrothal around her neck and this Janus poised to – dared she remember, even in her dreams? And what of this Morlong? Who was he really and what role did he have to play in this apparent vendetta between the soul once known as Janus and now under the name of Yelu?

Half asleep and still very much confused, Anyu rose from her bed at four o'clock in the morning, opened the door to Anwell's room, and curled up beside him in his bed, waking him in the process. Anwell put his arm around her, "I thought you hated me."

"I've never been kissed before."

"Anyu... do not tempt me! Please, I beg you!"

"Maybe it is time you stop being such a royal gentleman."

"You do not know what you are saying!"

Anyu propped herself up on one elbow to face him, "Yes, I do. For centuries you held yourself away from me – first as my brother and now, now as whatever it is we are to each other."

"Even without Morlong's constant controls, I really could not act on my feelings with you back then. There are some things that must never materialize between brothers and sisters."

"But you could have been my friend!"

"Do you feel I failed you in my efforts to protect you? I knew you were meant for Corann, even if he was a 'mere' Beinarian, gifted though he was, and not possessing an Amur soul as we do."

"Corann resented the way you treated me, even after you hinted that not all was as it seemed."

"A proper husband will do no less," replied Anwell simply.

"I want to find out what that is like," confessed Anyu.

"What? Like this?" puzzled Anwell.

"Yes. I am ready now."

Bewildered Anwell rose from his bed, his athletic build now pleasingly obvious to Anyu. Pulling out his secret chest, he found an ornate heraldic bracelet consisting of Gurun and Miyoo heraldry in alternating linked sections. Climbing back onto the bed he offered it to her, "Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes."

"You know what happens after I put this on you?"

"Yes."

"And you agree to all it means?"

"Yes."

Anwell took a deep breath as he opened the bracelet to fasten it on her left wrist, "Princess Anyu, daughter of Queen Constance and Lord Knight Corann of house Ten-Ar, will you marry me and seal yourself to me?"

"I will," smiled Anyu as he fastened the bracelet around her wrist. Anwell kissed her lips, a sweet touch. Unlacing her nightgown at the neck, he pulled her close, daring now to do what he had only dreamed of for countless yen-ars. Anyu closed her eyes and enjoyed each new sensation as Anwell sealed their sudden betrothal, his mind flooding into hers as their bodies mingled. "I love you," she heard herself say for the first time. She would never be the same again.

Dawn broke two hours later. Was it all a dream? Looking at her wrist Anyu realized it was not, nor were the strange sensations in body. Now much more in touch with the Sight, Anyu remembered feeling like this before – the night Corann sealed their betrothal centuries before. But Anwell was not Corann. Corann – where was he? Was he still on Beinan? What happened to him? Did it matter anymore? She was Anyu, not Anlei. And the man that sealed her that she was now bound to – her former brother? Somewhat dazed and half asleep, a question escaped her lips, "Anwell, were you ever with anyone before? Did you marry before you left Beinan?"

"Did I ever love anyone besides you? No."

"That's not quite the question I asked."

"Sweetheart, I am six hundred seventy eight yen-ars old! That is not quite the same as if I were seventy yen-ars old and born in your time."

"Does that mean there were others?"

"It means that it is not reasonable for you to expect me to come to you untouched by anyone before you." Sensing Anyu's insecurity, he caressed her and kissed her, "I do not want to hurt you with my answer, Anyu."

"I was never angry at you for telling me the truth, Anwell, only for pretending to be someone else!"

Anwell sighed, "Very well then. Yes, I was with one other: Laela. She used her favours to control me as a young man. Remember that Morlong and Laela are in our native Amur forms; they appear to be Beinarian but are physically still Amur and with full access to their mental and spiritual powers. You and I both gave up most of those powers when we decided to become Beinarians back on A672E92 Quintus, our original home world."

"You remember that world as well?"

"I do."

"Do you remember any of the names you went by?"

"Yes. I was Lord Engineer Cariad of house Gurun, an astro-engineer involved in the search for the new home world. You were Lady Priestess Brigid."

"Brigid? As in house Brigid?"

"The one and the same. I remember these because Lady Laela stimulated those memories in me even as she used me physically, taking advantage of my adolescence. We were acquainted during those yen-ars, Anyu."

"When was the first time you...?"

"I was a boy of just thirty yen-ars, already much more experienced sexually than you were when Corann sealed you. There was no legality to it, of course, and I was way below the age of the consent, as if either Morlong or Laela concerned themselves with Beinarian law or even just basic morality. Does it not speak volumes to you, my love, that they would do this to me in order to seal their control over me? I did not understand what was happening to me. They stimulated my physical maturity early so I could be capable of – please! I do not wish to remember more!"

"Did you get her with child?"

"I actually do not know. Certainly she was capable of manipulating things so that could happen – perhaps even giving birth while I was in stasis. I simply do not know!"

"I am sorry I was so mean to you – back then and in these yen-ars on this world. I – I did not know!"

"How could you know? Many shame women abused thusly. But for a young man or a boy to be so used and taken advantage of – the stain on my honour has been more than I can bear. I ask you to please never tell anyone. I am so tired of hiding who I am from you. I never want to do that again. But I am still a prince and I am still Prince Consort Bevin's son. I have my pride. Please honour and respect me on this?"

"One condition."

"What?"

Anyu smiled, "Make love to me before we leave for work?"

Anwell smiled back, "With pleasure."

With Princess Anyu now officially betrothed to Prince Anwell, the couple found their working relationship as Christopher Gurun and Anyu Wen flowed much more smoothly. Though no one at the office recognized Anyu's new bracelet as anything more than simply a new bauble that she presumably found at the Manhattan Mall in Midtown, the restoration of their friendship allowed everyone to relax and enjoy their work more and allowed each of them to work more effectively as individuals. Upon the successful completion of Anyu Wen's digital music project, Anne Doyle took Anyu out for lunch at Sammy's Noodle House in Greenwich Village as a reward for a job well done.

"Would you like some tea, Anyu?" offered Anne as soon as the waiter brought the steamy steel pot as both perused their menus.

Anyu nodded, "Thank you. I am a bit puzzled why you wanted to take just me out to lunch. The rest of the staff deserves it more than I do."

"I confess to some small ulterior motive, Anyu. Truth be told, I wanted to talk to you privately."

"Is there a problem?" frowned Anyu.

"Woman to woman," clarified Anne. "I am bit puzzled by your relationship with Christopher."

"What does my relationship with Christopher have to do with my effectiveness as a programmer and engineer?"

"Nothing – directly anyway. But you two seem to impact the entire office. When you both get along, the entire office is at ease, almost festive. But that month when clearly there was tension between the two of you – I don't know how to explain it – it was if the entire office was mirroring whatever was going on outside of the office. Any idea why?"

Images from Anyu's dreams flashed in her head in rapid succession. Could the Sight inside her have an impact on others? Not willing to reveal anything Beinarian to her boss, she shook her head simply as she took a sip from her cup of hot tea, "No clue."

"Why do I get the feeling you are lying – not just about this, but a great many things as well?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," denied Anyu.

"Are you in trouble? Perhaps I can help," offered Anne as the waiter arrived with a selection of mixed dumplings, two bowls of hot and sour soup, and two plates of shrimp with tomatoes over brown rice.

Anyu picked up two dumplings with her chopsticks and moved them to her plate before dipping her Chinese spoon into the hearty soup and tasting it, "This is delicious, thank you!" Enjoying a bite of shrimp and tomatoes, she met her boss' eyes, "Seriously I am in no more trouble than anyone else at the office who is seeing someone."

"Are you dating Christopher?"

Anyu looked down at her betrothal bracelet, "Not exactly; it's complicated."

"Love always is," smiled Anne.

"This whole thing with Christopher came on rather suddenly. I was mad at him for a month – you were not imaging that. Now, this morning – things are different.

"Did he give that to you?"

"Yes."

"May I see?" asked Anne, leaning over to look at the bracelet in greater detail. The triple moons in the Miyoo heraldry stood out at once to Anne, "Are either of you Wiccan?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"This symbol is often used to represent the Wiccan religion."

"No, no! It's heraldry. It represents one of the noble families that are part of my heritage."

"Heritage? Where is your family from? I know a bit about history and heraldry; my mother taught history at University College in Dublin before the Irish Republican Army killed her."

"Terrorists killed many in my family too," confessed Anyu quietly as she continued to eat.

"Ireland?"

"I am sorry Ms. Doyle—I do not want to talk about it. My mother is a prisoner to terrorists right now. If I speak something worse may happen to her."

"Is she still alive?"

"Last I heard. But that was before I came to New York City. I do not really know right now if she is alive or dead. Please, please respect my wishes. If any of the terrorists were to find out where I am they might..."

"...do something to you like they have to her?" asked Anne simply.

"Yes."

"Anyu, if you need help..."

"There is nothing you can do, Ms. Doyle."

"Maybe not right now—but that may change." Pulling out a business card, Anne wrote her cell phone number on the back and handed it to Anyu, "This is my cell phone number. If you need help, call me—day or night no matter where you are. I will do my best to help you. I lost my mother to terrorists, Anyu. If there is a way to help you or your mother avoid the same fate, I want to. I owe that much to my mother's memory."

"I thank you, Ms. Doyle."

Two beinors passed uneventfully. At work, Anyu continued to systematically adapt her knowledge of Beinarian music technology to the primitive tools around her even as Anwell submitted his final draft design for the new set piece for Beauty and the Beast. At home, Anwell and Anyu behaved more as roommates and friends than the newly betrothed couple they were. It was as if Anyu's sudden change of heart towards Anwell had more to do with her dream-memories than what her present feelings. Still, under Beinarian law they were both committed—if they ever made it home alive to be accountable under Beinarian law. With each passing shir-or both Anwell and Anyu grew more certain of the probability of a forthcoming attack by one or more Amur adversary. Who, when, or how neither could anticipate; only that some sort of attack must be imminent.

Finally, seven beinors after Anyu accepted Anwell's marriage proposal, the beinor they both dreaded came – with consequences neither could imagine.

Prospect Park glistened in the spring sunlight. As Anwell and Anyu exited the Prospect Park subway station on Lincoln Road, the sound of wrens, sparrows, starlings, and buntings filled the air with excitement, welcoming the Beinarian prince and princess as they followed the park signs and headed towards the famous Prospect Park Boathouse. Crossing a bridge over a narrow stretch of lake water, they watched as swans, ducks, and Canadian geese paddled the lake noisily in pursuit of breakfast. Following the path several yards, they navigated hand in hand to a spot favoured by birdwatchers to take in the morning music from the birds around them. A bluebird burst into flight from a nearby tree with a chirp. Anyu looked up at the bird and smiled, "It's been a long time since we came here, Christopher."

"Well in light of recent events, it seems appropriate," acknowledged Anwell gently.

"In all the chaos and worries it felt like you did not care about our betrothal."

"Never, Anyu. I have always loved you, so much so I suppose that it seemed prudent to let you come to me. Yes, we are betrothed. Yes, it is binding on us—but only if we both return home. If you wish to be released, there is no one on this planet to gainsay your choice."

Anyu caressed his brow, "I do not want to be released. I chose you. I meant it then and I mean it now."

Anwell took her hand and kissed her palm, "I love you—no matter what happens."

"What could possibly happen, my love?"

"Funny you should ask that question," sneered Seo-jun, the tip of his plasma pistol suddenly digging into the back of Anyu's head.

Anyu turned to face Seo-jun, her body obscuring Anwell from Seo-jun's view. Taking advantage of Anyu's concealing frame and her tea-length A-line native dress, Anwell pulled out his laser épée as Anyu taunted, "Well if it is not the mighty Seo-jun."

"Glad you remember me, Princess Anyu—or is it just Anyu Wen now? Finally wised up to the fact you will never rule Beinan?" countered Seo-jun.

Anyu clasped her hands behind her back, enabling Anwell to put into her hands the laser schlager she'd built while still in State College. Feeling the sword in her palms, she fixed her eyes on Seo-jun's, "I will return to Beinan, Seo-jun. Perhaps over Lord Yelu's dead body—but I shall rule as queen when my time comes. I have little reason to believe either my brother or my sister are alive, after all."

"Your brother is dead; that I can assure you. But Princess Leonora, well, she is too good sport to kill now isn't she? While you've been gone Lord Yelu has quite enjoyed sport with her. I suppose congratulations are in order, Aunt Anyu," sniggered Seo-jun.

"My uncle will regret ever setting foot near my sister by the time I finished with him!"

"Uncle? Well that is a bit of a surprise isn't it? Your mother whoring with her knight protector?"

"No! That was Lady Elita's game now was it not? Drugging my grandfather, forcing him to sire Lord Yelu? Oh yes, I know all about that. There are advantages to being the third child of a queen!" challenged Anyu as she activated her laser schlager and stepped closer to Seo-jun.

"Finally told her who you are, Anwell?" taunted Seo-jun.

Anwell activated his laser épée, "Not just who I am, but who your precious Morlong and Laela are. Oh yes, Anyu knows your crimes. At least Morlong and Laela's I can understand—but not yours. What is in it for you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" asked Morlong from behind Anwell. "I suggest you put your weapons away. Surely you know you cannot really hurt us!"

Anwell backed towards Anyu until they touched, "Oh, you can be hurt. Killed? I cannot say, but hurt certainly!"

Morlong stared at Anwell. Anwell's laser épée flew out of his hand and onto the ground, "Resistance is futile, Anwell. When you chose to follow this rabble into mortality, you lost far more than you gained."

"If mortality is such a curse, then why did Lord Yelu give up his Amurian body?"

"You know why."

"Yes, I do! Because for all the power and prestige of our race, it still has limits. You cannot stay long in human shape—not unless you are willing to make that sacrifice. Humans refuse to bow to monsters like us! If you want to rule them, you must become one of them! Lord Yelu has always wanted servants and slaves. When he failed to win them by killing Anyu's Amurian body eons ago, he found more fertile ground among humans—weak though you suppose them to be!" mocked Anwell as his mind summoned his laser épée. The sword ignited as it reached his waiting left hand.

Angrily Morlong focused his metallic blue eyes. A plasma bolt flew out of his right hand towards Anwell who deflected it expertly with his sword. Seo-jun threw a similar plasma ball at Anyu, testing her as she deflected hers. Working together Morlong and Seo-jun threw plasma at both with increasing velocity and ferocity until the two separated to address their individual attackers. Morlong sent a mental signal towards one of the bushes. Lady Laela appeared, stepping between Anyu and Anwell; touching both she erected a separating force field, immobilizing them, "Now, now no reason to injure them Morlong! Especially since there are so many more entertaining things to do to our prisoners!"

"What do you mean? What do you want with us?" demanded Princess Anyu.

"You will see!" taunted Laela. "You will see!" Touching a button on her belt, a sonic weapon sounded within each force field. In less than one xiao-shir both Anwell and Anyu collapsed like dolls onto the cold ground.

Two hours later Anyu and Anwell woke to find themselves together on a mattress on the floor of a room five zhang 张 by seven zhang 张 in size. Two windows twelve cun 寸 wide and nine cun 寸 high provided sunlight. Across the room lay another similar mattress large enough to accommodate both of them. A single loveseat chair rested against one wall. Rope lighting placed at the seams between the ceiling and the walls added a green artificial light. Inspecting their bodies, both felt relieved to find their ciphers still in working order. Whatever the Amur wanted, it was obviously not to kill them—at least not yet. As both expected, Morlong and Laela took the precaution of disarming both of them—yet curiously not removing anything else from their clothing or bodies, not even Anwell's timepiece. Standing up and walking around the room, Anwell tapped the touch screen on his timepiece, activating its sensors, "This is strange."

"What?"

"Three Amur life signs located directly above us in some sort of adjacent room."

"Why should that surprise you?" rose Anyu.

"Because otherwise the room is shielded; I cannot tell what is in there."

"You said they have technology far advanced to our own."

"Yes, which is why I should not be able to detect anything." Turning towards Anyu he smirked playfully, "I am not an engineer, you know."

"I do not think my skills as an engineer of house Xing-li are any good to us here."

"Not yet, but they may become so." As he paced Anwell noticed three cameras discretely placed in three of the room's corners near the ceiling. Anwell looked straight into one camera, "What are you up to?"

As if in answer, the door slid open suddenly. Laela stepped into the room, "So good of you to separate yourself from your princess." Pressing a button, a force field appeared suddenly around the princess, "Resist all you want, Princess Anyu. You shall not escape your cage—not until we want you to!"

Anwell glared at Laela, "What do you want with me?"

"The same as I wanted with you when you were a boy. You will comply!"

Anwell shook his head, "You cannot control me! I am a grown man now!"

Laela slithered up to him, touching his hair playfully, "I do not have to control you to get what I want!" Laela's hands drifted to his wrist ciphers, "You can come with me either with these or without these—your choice!"

"You will never get away with this!"

Laela took him by the wrist, her fingers covering his right wrist cipher, ready to pull it off if he showed resistance, "I already have. You simply are not aware of my accomplishments!" With a smug smirk, she half dragged Anwell out of the prison cell and into what waited for him above as she released the force field around Anyu.

Two hours later Seo-jun threw Anwell back into their cell, the buttons off Anwell's native shirt ripped off so it would not fasten close. On his arms just above his ciphers fresh bruises hinted at the tortures he endured. Bloodied and exhausted, Anwell collapsed next to Anyu.

Anyu knelt beside him, "What happened?"

"Their plan is worse than I thought, Anyu. This is not simply a quest for revenge against us for our alleged crimes of eight billion years ago but—" Anwell turned at a suddenly noise fearfully.

"What is wrong?"

"I—I do not know. Anyu, you must escape before they come for you. They will come for you, at least Morlong will. They did something to me in their lab—I do not want to hurt you!"

Anyu caressed his brow, "I am sworn to marry you, Anwell! You cannot hurt me, not if you tried!"

"Do not be so certain of that!" snapped Anwell with terror.

Anyu kissed him tenderly, her fingers slipping beneath his open shirt, "I am yours, Anwell. No torture, no drugs, no war, no distance will ever change that—even death! Come now to me, my love!"

"What? Here?"

"We are alone."

"How do you know I will not do something dreadful to you?"

"Ask me that after you are done," flirted Anyu.

Anwell shook his head with disbelief, "You are crazy to want this now."

"Indulge me!" toyed Anyu. Knowing that resistance was truly futile Anwell kissed her and melted into her passionate embrace.

Fifty-six xiao-shirs later Anyu rested contently with Anwell on the bed, her dress now somewhat wrinkled, "Do you still think this was a bad idea, Anwell?"

"Yes. I cannot imagine why they would have left us alone like this unless they benefited in some way from what just happened between us."

"You could have said no."

"I did; you seduced me, remember?"

"Are you saying that at your age a woman can get what she wants out of you just by asking nicely?"

"No. I am saying you can get what you want from me by asking nicely," corrected Anwell contentedly. "Something terrible is about to happen to us, Anyu. I know it with all my heart."

"Then why not interfere in our affections?"

"Because I think that is exactly what they wanted. They wanted us to make love, Anyu. Why? I cannot say—but they wanted this. We both just played into their plans."

"Do you regret it?"

Anwell held her closer, "No! It may be the last thing I ever do with you. Before I die I want you to know how much I love you."

"What did they do to you?"

"Torture—of a kind you have never seen before. I do not think any of us have. So strange, Anyu. When we were King Malvyn and Princess Consort Brigid travelling the stars at the dawn of our great migration we thought so innocently of the Amur we detected with our star cruisers. House Xing-li was so proud of its military might! Do your abilities allow you to remember Lord Admiral Horatio of house Xing-li? He was a fierce star warrior if I ever saw one!" mused Anwell.

"You were trained by the Amur to use the Sight; I cannot imagine ever seeing as clearly as you."

"You are also High Priestess Wehe's descendent Anyu. Do not forget that! You have the power too!"

Just then the door opened. Morlong stood proudly in all black, his satin cloak glistening in such a deep black it looked almost silver, "Noble words, Prince Anwell. It really is a shame you chose the wrong side in this conflict. You were once such a staunch supporter of our cause—until that thing seduced you into following her into death and into these feeble re-incarnations."

Anwell rose, "I chose the right side. What did your rebellion against Chuàngyì really gain you? Such pride! Such arrogance! The Amurian home world did not need to be destroyed. You brought this onto all of us! You and your unholy league! Now what are we but legends? You and the others have killed so many out of revenge, revenge exacted because you would rather blame others for the consequences of your pride and evil than accept that you are the reason the Amur must live as we do!"

"Chuàngyì never existed and you know it!"

"I know no such thing, Morlong. But one thing I am certain of: your quest for revenge will end soon. When that happens all the universe will rejoice for good defeats evil every time!"

Morlong erected a force field around Anwell, "We will see how brave you are after your true love suffers for your refusal to see things our way." Stepping over to Anyu, he met her eyes, "You will come with me now, Princess."

"And if I refuse?" challenged Anyu.

"You will come anyway—and suffer much more!" chuckled Morlong. Regally Anyu acquiesced, stepping away from Anwell and towards the door.

"Anyu, no!" screamed Anwell. With a gleeful glare Morlong looked back at him, then turned back to Anyu to escort her to what awaited.

Morlong led the way through a black-painted hallway, the same rope lighting that lined the prison cell offering its only lighting. Navigating a poorly lit flight of stairs upward, Morlong led Anyu to the laboratory both she and Anwell deduced existed. In the laboratory sophisticated computers lined the walls. On the far line rested two medical diagnostic beds looking somewhat similar to the ones Anyu grew up with at the palace healing center.

As Morlong pushed her towards one medical bed, her well-trained engineer eyes observed key differences between these medical beds and Beinarian ones, though clearly they were meant to look the same to a non-engineer, an application of technology far beyond Beinarian. Studying as closely as she could before Morlong forced her to lay down, she observed some writing that looked very similar to a script she half remembered, as if she'd seen it before, perhaps in one of her dreams. Was this Amurian language?

Before Anyu could analyse her surroundings further Laela appeared as if from nowhere, "Welcome, Anyu. I have waited many yen-ars for this moment!"

Anyu met her metallic blue eyes, "Why? What tortures do you have in store for me?"

Laela grabbed her right wrist, securing it into a binding energy field that only permitted the princess to move her arm no more than fifteen cun before grabbing her left wrist and doing the same, "You will see!" Touching a scanner control on the side of the bed, Laela smiled at the readout, "Ah! Excellent!"

"What?"

"Your body is freshly filled with the prince." Looking down, Laela observed Anyu's heraldic bracelet from Anwell, "And you are betrothed! How proper of him! More than you deserve, of course. A pity; I had hoped he'd deflowered you without such legal protections. As it is though we can still achieve our aims even with this complication."

Slipping her hand under Anyu's skirt, Laela raised the skirt just enough to place a dermal patch onto Anyu's inner thigh, close to her womanhood. In less than a xiao-shir the patch absorbed into Anyu's skin, becoming invisible to the naked eye. Anyu jolted as the first korn of the drug coursed through her body. On the computer bank nearby, a readout displayed the drug's results as five ovum quickly matured and burst from Anyu's ovaries. Laela inserted a tiny device into the skin of Anyu's thigh, the device painfully raising her skin as it worked its way through the skin and into Anyu's womanhood. After a xiao-shir, the device beeped. Laela touched a computer control, materializing the small device back into her palm.

"What is that?" asked Anyu, half in terror.

"Your body just released five ovum. This device is an improvement on those used over the last three hundred yen-ars to help deliver newly released ovum to the highest concentrations of sperm cells. It captured all five, releasing two among the millions of waiting sperm and keeping the other three which it still contains, ready for use later. Normally Beinarian semen carries 10 million sperm cells per release. But your system is currently contending with specially modified 45 million sperm cells, all looking for the ovum we just triggered inside you."

"Why?"

"You are scientist. Surely you know how babies are made!" mocked Laela.

"Not my question and you know it. Obviously you would not be triggering fresh ovum from my body if you were not intending to make use of my intimate time with Anwell."

"Smart girl! Yes, this stimulation was necessary; at your young age your body ovulates only once per yen-ar until you reach forty-five. That is why your menses are so rare and why pregnancy is so unusual in Beinarian adolescents. Evolutionary precaution I suppose; you are capable of sex and driven towards sex long before you becoming viably procreative.

"The drug I administered has now countered that. Any xiao-shir from now both your ovum will be bombarded with our genetic modifications. You will not leave this bed until you are fully and absolutely with child from your prince."

"So why collect the other three ovum? What do you need with them?"

"Mercy! Oh we certainly discussed letting Morlong have his way with you to fertilize the other three naturally—until we came up with a far better torment for you. Now, as it stands, you will never feel or know the children you give him—but I will! Along with the other three I bear your prince!" revealed Laela evilly as she laid down on the bed next to Anyu.

Morlong appeared from the shadows. With a smile he took the small device from Laela's hand, putting it between her thighs. Morlong and Laela's clothing appeared to disappear, an illusion no longer necessary for Anyu's benefit. With a grunt, he mated with Laela, their black scales glowing brightly as their mating intensified. As Morlong finished, he watched Anyu's reaction, "Jealous I mated with her instead? It's been billions of yen-ars since last you were properly mated with. A shame you will never know what you just missed!"

"Mating with an alien is not my idea of pleasure, Morlong, least of all with a villain like you!"

"Villain am I? Is that the way to respond to mercy? Perhaps I should give you what you missed after all!" threatened Morlong.

Laela stopped him, her illusionary dress reappearing, "Not yet! We are not finished here and you might trigger an unwanted result. After we release her back to Anwell, then you may make sport of her if you like—but not until."

Morlong restored his illusionary clothing, "As you wish, my love." Touching a computer control, he analysed the results of his mating. "Excellent—the three ovum from our princess are now fully fertilized. You are now carrying six offspring—three by you and Anwell and three by me and Anyu. Applying the hormonal accelerant now!"

Anyu's eyes widened at the revelation, "What do you mean she carries three offspring from Anwell?"

Laela rose from her medical bed, touching a medical device that surged hormones through Anyu's body, "What do you think he was here for? Before he bedded you, he bedded me—quite satisfactorily. Thanks to the drugs we gave him, he needed another outlet for his enhanced state—which is exactly why you practically begged him to make love to you! Now we are both carrying his children—like royal breeding machines you might say. Oh, dear princess, you are quite disgraced now! What will the court think of his infidelity after you took such care to lawfully betroth him?

"I will not have this child!" swore Anyu.

"Children—fraternal twins actually. Sorry, princess but you are not leaving this room until you are far too far along to abort," mocked Laela as she administered a growth accelerant. Before Anyu's eyes she watched what should have been a pair of microscopic fertilized eggs quickly mature into two foetuses growing vigorously and healthily inside her womb. "Now, for one final component to our plan!"

"What are you going to do?" asked Anyu suspiciously.

"Give you back to Anwell, of course!" slithered Laela as she pressed another injection into Anyu. Releasing the force fields from the bed, she bound Anyu's wrists together, walking her out of the laboratory and back to her cell, Morlong following closely behind to ensure Anyu did not attempt to escape.

As Laela opened the door to her cell, Anyu met her eyes, "You will not get away with this!"

"I already have!" guffawed Laela as she pushed Anyu into the cell and fastened her wrists to the bed closest to the door. Laela pressed a button. A strange smoke filled the room as she closed the door.

Anwell rushed to Anyu, "Are you alright?"

Anyu coughed as she inhaled the smoke, "I do not understand. Why bind me to this bed?" As if in answer Anwell removed his shirt and kneeled over her. Unfastening his remaining clothing, he hitched up her skirt. "Anwell? Anwell, what are you doing?"

Anwell positioned himself over her, "My job!"

"No! No! Anwell! You must not! Do not give into this!" cried Anyu as she felt Anwell continue. "No! No! Please! Anwell, we love each other!" Without a word his body struck its target. Against her will Anyu felt her body respond with pleasure. Tears fell from her eyes as Anwell continued until he was finished, "So this is the torture Laela promised!"

Morlong appeared in the doorway, "Well done, my boy! Go rest now and watch as I finish with her." Obediently Anwell dressed, then sat down on the opposite matrass. Morlong's illusionary clothing disappeared. With an evil laugh he straddled Anyu and mated with her as Anyu wept with both emotional and physical pain, "Now you are broken!"

Rising and returning his illusionary clothing, he released Anyu from her bonds. As if without a will of his own, Anwell rose and joined Morlong, dropping something onto the floor. Anyu struggled to her feet, "Where are you taking him?"

"Home!" replied Morlong as Anwell disappeared from her view. Marching the drugged Anwell out of the building and to a back alley, Morlong sent a psychic call. Anwell's star craft, the Badatel descended from above. Morlong threw Anwell into the star craft's passenger section as he sat down in the pilot's chair. With a roar, the hatch closed and the star craft ascended vertically. After five xiao-shirs the star craft escaped planetary gravity and headed for the de-cloaking Nimamur. As the Badatel landed and its hatch opened, Morlong marched Anwell out of his star craft, "Welcome to your forever home, Prince."

"Not this time!" screamed Anwell with a flying kick guided by his spiritual senses. Noticing his laser épée and Anyu's laser schlager on Morlong's belt, Anwell sent both weapons flying towards him with a mental command. Rolling on the floor, he captured both weapons, igniting them with a hum. Morlong smiled, watching Anwell stoically rather than fighting him. Cautiously Anwell backed away, waiting for Morlong to counter-attack before turning, disengaging his weapons, and running back into the Badatel. Closing its hatch Anwell threw the weapons onto the floor as he sat down in the pilot's seat and engaged the star craft's launch sequence, surprised that no force field or other defence blocked his path. Aggressively Anwell piloted the craft to evade the much larger Nimamur before setting the engines to 0.98 of maximum speed. A quantum gravity well appeared, enveloping the Badatel with a blinding flash of light.
Chapter Four: Princess Anyu Returns to Beinan

Now alone in her prison cell, Anyu wept. Anwell was gone; would she ever see him again? Looking at her ciphers she contemplated escape. Would dying hurt if she removed both of them? Caressing her necklace cipher, she played with its clasp, ready to remove it. Suddenly light burst in from the window and onto a small card that somehow fell during all the excitement. Stooping she picked it up and read it in the light beam. "Anne Doyle, Broadway Bytes Limited" it read with the 212 office phone number and Anne's own 718 cell number. Pacing, Anyu's foot brushed something. Kneeling she picked up an object: Anwell's cell phone. Had he dropped it intentionally? Not sure what to think, she unlocked the phone and started to dial 9-1-1 before realizing how the scene might look to the local authorities. Hanging up the phone she started again with Anne's phone number.

Anne answered the phone, "Hello?"

"Anne! By the goddess I am so glad to hear your voice!"

"Anyu Wen? Is that you?"

"Yes! Remember how you told me once to phone you if ever I was in trouble?"

"Yes! Yes! Anyu, where are you?"

"I do not know exactly. I am a prisoner somewhere, a basement of some sort. I do not know if I'm in Brooklyn or Manhattan. I was captured in Prospect Park."

"Okay, let me start a trace on the call. Keep talking; I will find you!" reassured Anne.

"I do not know what to say!"

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"Does rape count?"

Tears filled Anne's voice, "Yes! Yes it does. Anyu really I do not know what to say except I will find you and get you free from wherever you are. Is your attacker nearby?"

"He's not in this room right now—I do not know how long I have."

"I only need another minute, Anyu. So far the program I am running puts you in Brooklyn."

"What are you going to do?"

"I do not know; I will try to help myself, but if I cannot, I will call the NYPD to get you free of there."

"Anne, I am frightened."

"I understand that. A few more seconds. Ocean Avenue between Avenues B and M. Come-on! We can narrow this down! Please!" begged Anne as she watched the display on her computer, "Got it! You are in a vacant house on Ocean Avenue between Avenue H and Avenue I near Brooklyn College! Hold on, Anyu! Help is coming!"

"Anne, there are security cameras everywhere. I cannot be seen being on the phone!"

"Put it down. Do not hang it up. We will find you!"

Half an hour later, Anyu heard pounding in another room, "Police! Open up!" A ring of shots from primitive firearms discharged. An officer banged on the prison cell door, "Is anyone in there?"

"I am!" shouted Anyu.

"Stand away from the door," commanded the police officer as she heard some sort of object crash into the heavy door. Two officers wearing bullet proof vests plunged into the room as the door broke suddenly.

Anyu picked up Anwell's cell phone and closed it, "My name is Anyu Wen. I was kidnapped I do not know how long ago."

"Is there anyone else here?" asked the leading officer.

"There was—they took him I do not know where!"

"Search the house," commanded the lead police officer.

"Be careful, Officer! They are very dangerous. They belong to a group that is holding my mother and sister overseas."

"Terrorists?"

"Yes."

"You are safe now, Miss Wen. Your friend Anne is waiting for you outside," affirmed the officer as he helped her out of the room and out of the house.

Anne raced to Anyu's side as she appeared in the open air, "Oh thank God you are safe!"

"They still have Christopher, Anne. They left with him; no idea where they took him."

"We will get him back, Anyu, I promise."

"Not if they are already overseas. All I know is they had a star—a boat waiting nearby," explained Anyu clumsily.

"There is something else, isn't there?" asked Anne.

"I cannot say more—not here."

"Well since there is no one here besides you, I think I can convince the police into skipping the usual rounds of reports—at least with you. Shall I take you home now?"

"Yes, please, but if I may ask—will you stay with me at home for the next couple days? I do not want to be there alone and I need many of my things close to me," requested Anyu.

Anne nodded, "Sure, of course. While the police continue to investigate the crime scene we can head over to my apartment, collect a few things, and then I can stay overnight with you if you like."

"Thank you, Anne!"

One hour later as the sun started to set Anyu put a couple frozen steaks into the microwave to thaw. Anne raised her eyebrow, "We should order in; you should not cook dinner tonight."

"I am used to cooking for two."

"And you will again! Anyu, we will get him back."

"No, we will not. I have a good idea where they took him: they took him home."

"We live in a modern age, Anyu. There is no place any terrorists could take Christopher that our satellites cannot reach and find him!" reassured Anne.

"Christopher is not on this world."

Anne half laughed with surprise, "What? Like aliens from another planet? Really, Anyu you are too smart to believe in little green men from Mars!"

"Little what? The only life on Mars died out billions of years ago, what are you talking about?" Suddenly realizing Anne used an idiom with her, Anyu corrected herself, "Ah! You mean I am too smart to believe there are people from other worlds on this planet."

"Yes," affirmed Anne.

"Remember how you asked me about my bracelet? I played dumb at the time because telling you the truth would endanger my life. But seeing how I just escaped danger... Anne, I am not what I appear to be."

"What?"

"I am not Anyu Wen. I do not have a family name, not like that. At home I am known as either Lady Engineer Anyu of house Xing-li or, more precisely, Princess Anyu, daughter of Queen Constance of house Gurun, heiress to the Gurun dynasty of planet B345A15 Quartus, better known by its residents as planet Beinan."

Anne plopped down on the couch, "What is this planet Beinan? Where is it?"

"I cannot pinpoint the location using the messier system. It is not visible from here; M31 obscures it."

"Let me guess: class M planet?"

Anyu pondered the reference for a xiao-shir before she realized Anne referenced Star Trek, "No, no! If I understand your reference correctly, class M planets are Earth like. I look like you, but biochemically I am not at all like you. Your body breathes bilast which is deadly to me. You wondered why I always wear this broach and this necklace? They disguise a technology that converts lethal elements like bilast and dilast and makes them harmless to me. They also convert my body's waste products into compounds harmless to your environment. Do not test this, Anne. A single tear from me will burn you!"

"Burn me?"

"I breath nirlar."

"What is nirlar?"

Anyu went to the cupboard and pulled out a box of sea salt, "Nirlar is here—in these crystals."

"That looks like salt."

"It is. Every night I fill an electrolysis box to extract nirlar from salt and into the air around me so I can breathe easier. When all the nirlar is used up, I bury the soft metal that remains so it does not hurt anyone; that metal explodes when exposed to what you call water."

"Pure sodium explodes when exposed to water vapour. Salt is sodium chloride. If you are being honest with me, then this nirlar is chlorine gas?"

"Yes! That is the word!" affirmed Anyu.

"This sounds crazy, Anyu."

"I know. But it is true. If you let me, I will tell you stories beyond your imagination. I take great risk in this, but you deserve to know the truth."

"You have obviously experienced a lot today, Anyu, so I will listen and indulge you. But do not think for a minute that any of this makes any real sense to me."

"It will," promised Anyu.

A week passed during which Anyu told Anne many stories, "So you see the entire Great Succession Crisis could have easily been avoided if Lord Knight Corann had simply agreed to allow King Ejen and High Priestess Wehe to adopt him as their heir. He decided to decline their offer because of course he honoured and respected Princess Isabelle and felt she would make a great queen. She was—but when her only surviving son Prince Anwell abdicated his claim to the throne, the existing law forbidding women from inheriting their titles and powers from their mothers created the greatest crisis of royal succession in Beinarian history," explained Princess Anyu as she finished her glass of white Moscato wine.

"So no daughter can inherit any sort of title or power from her mother – but she can from her father?" asked Anne, taking a sip of wine from her own glass.

Anyu refilled her glass from the open wine bottle in front of her on the coffee table, "That is correct. Our ancestors were suspicious that women could lead, so they placed this limitation on female inheritance."

"That makes no sense to me. Why allow women to rule at all?"

"Men cannot always produce sons, let alone educated, healthy, and wise sons. Any child of a king can inherit the crown; the gender limit only comes into play with sovereign queens: then she must produce a son able to assume the throne."

"I noticed when you were telling the story that your eyes widened when you spoke of Prince Anwell. Why?"

"He was a pivotal figure in the history of the great succession crisis."

Anne put down her glass, "What are you not telling me Anyu?"

"Volumes!" laughed Anyu. "Really I do not know how to best tell these stories. Your planet's history is vast and fascinating to me. Tell me more about the heroines of your home."

"Well, as you know my family is from Ireland, though one of my great-grandfathers was English. That did not go over very well with the rest of my family. For centuries the English abused many Irish. About one hundred fifty years ago the English Queen Victoria let the interests of wealthy landlords in Ireland, most of them English and not Irish, created a devastating plague –or at least made it worse. Victoria could have stopped the mass starvations of the poor, but she did not choose to. She let profit guide her leadership instead of doing what is right for everyday folks. Millions died in what is called the Potato Famine. Those who could escaped by immigrating to the United States where they were often treated as less than human, just as they were in Ireland," explained Anne.

"But you are not from America, are you?"

"I was not born in America, no. After my mother died, my father and I moved to New York City. I attended junior high school at IS 281 on 24th Avenue and then Midwood High School on Bedford Avenue before winning a full scholarship to Brooklyn College where I majored in engineering and double minored in theatre and in history."

"Theatre, history, and engineering? Why do I get the feeling that is atypical around here?" asked Anyu.

"Because it is. Most engineers are not curious about set design and how to advance the technology used in live theatre. I always found the technical aspects –lighting, sets, music—so much more fun than getting up in front of people and performing. As you saw working at Broadway Bytes, theatre is more than just actors saying memorized lines. Behind the scenes dozens of people make each show look flawless. For me, that is the exciting part," explained Anne.

"I was always interested in astrophysics. In my home city the clouds are typically so thick most of the time that you never really get to see the stars with your naked eye. I spent many summers apprenticing in a city close to the north pole where the skies were much clearer, where I could see stars and work at finding new ways to touch them," reminisced Anyu as she drained her glass.

"Sounds cold."

"But the view was spectacular! Nothing quite like seeing the stars with the unaided eye—not just the first magnitude stars you can see on a clear Brooklyn night!" laughed Anyu, her gaze starting to drift.

"What is wrong?"

"What do you think? I was thinking about home, wondering if Christopher is okay. Anne, I really cannot afford to stay here anymore. I need to find him. I need to go home. Will you help me?"

"Help you? How?"

"I have a means of going home, but no means to move my belongings to my star craft."

"What do you want to move?"

"Nothing huge – clothing, some food, and a few precious items."

"Will they fit in my car?"

"Yes, probably. The rest of my belongings I must leave behind in your care. Christopher and I are fully paid on the rent for the next six months. I would like to sign the place over to you."

"Are you sure you want to do that?"

"In exchange for your help, yes! I will leave you with the means to reach me after I depart. May I count on you to help?"

Anne nodded, "I said I would help you any way that I can. Tomorrow morning before work we will head to your landlord's office to sign the papers. I will bring you back here to pack or wherever you need to go to prepare for your journey while I go to work. I do not suppose American currency is much good where you are going."

"No, it's not. I will close my bank accounts and convert that money to something more tangible that I can bring home. Donate whatever you owe me for salary to one of the local food banks," suggested Anyu.

"Food for the hungry; a noble gesture to remember you by."

The next morning Anyu busied herself with preparations for the journey home. After signing her apartment over to Anne Doyle, Anyu took the #5 train into Manhattan to the upper east side to shop for fabric and craft supplies needed to provide for her twins. Choosing heavy terry cloth for diapers and thick fleece for blankets, Anyu wondered how she could provide clothing for her children during the long voyage home.

As if in answer, Anyu noticed a pair of soft woven baskets in a shop window. Encumbered by her existing purchases, she struggled to open the shop door. An NYPD police officer walking nearby noticed her struggle and opened the door for her with a smile before continuing on his rounds. As she entered, a clerk approached her, "How many I help you?"

"Anyu set her purchases onto the ground and pointed to the basket, "What is that?"

The clerk went to a nearby display and picked up two of the baskets, "Portable bassinettes for new-borns up to the age of one year. They are soft sided to be lightweight and easy to carry and made of organic bamboo grown in Oregon. Normally $35, but we have a sale going of two for $60 if you are interested."

"I—just found out I'm expecting twins."

"Congratulations! How far are you along?"

"I do not know actually."

"Are you just starting to shop for your babies?"

"Yes. My parents are dead; I do not have anyone to guide me on this," confessed Anyu, lying about her parents.

"And you are taking the subway with all of your purchases, I can see!" deduced the clerk.

"Yes."

"Well, you can start with a couple pieces of simple clothing –these are called onesies and they are designed to provide warmth without needing to remove them entirely to change their diapers. Start small, simple, and inexpensive and then work from there. This doesn't have to be difficult, not if you take a deep breath and take things one step at a time," reassured the clerk as she helped Anyu shop. Thirty minutes later and $150 lighter, Anyu emerged from the store with two baskets and some basic clothing and supplies for her baby. Hailing a taxi, Anyu felt relieved as she put everything down and enjoyed a long, expensive ride back to Sheepshead Bay.

Arriving home, Anyu was surprised by a large package in front of her door. Fiddling with her keys, she first put her purchases into the foyer before picking up the package, locking her door, and opening it. Inside she found flattened boxes of various sizes, packing tape, and a packing slip indicating the purchase came from Anne Doyle. Relieved, Anyu poured herself some cranberry juice before assembling the boxes and beginning the hard work of packing everything she designed to bring with her back to Beinan.

Three hours Anne knocked on the door before using the key Anyu's landlord issued her to let herself in, "How is it coming?"

"Not as far along as I had hoped; it took me a while in Manhattan. I found a couple baskets I can use for the babies when they arrive."

"All this to go back to Europe?" asked Anne.

"You do not believe I am actually from another world, do you?"

"No, I do not," confessed Anne.

"Understandable. The place I am asking you to drive me and all this stuff to is a field in New Jersey. By all means drop me off with all my belongings and leave. There is no reason to be there when my transportation arrives."

"As you wish. Would you like some help packing your things? I can put your non-perishable food in this box if you like!" offered Anne.

"Thank you! Any help you are able to offer would be greatly appreciated!"

Two hours later, Anyu found herself more than 90% packed with only a few stray items –like a couple of coffee cups and the perishable food—remaining. Anne celebrated the milestone by ordering in sushi from a nearby Chinese-Japanese restaurant along with some salads, coca colas, and steamed dumplings. As dinner finished, Anyu surveyed Anwell's room to see if there were any final items needing to be packed and to seal off the room so she would know everything was ready. Opening Anwell's closet she spotted a small electronic device that escaped her attention before. Picking it up and surveying it closely from his bed she discovered a hidden control panel which she opened, revealing the device's nature: an interstellar transmitter that could be set to send and receive or only receive signals. Tinkering a bit she programmed the device to scan for and record Beinarian transmissions beginning twenty weeks from the current date and continuing its scan and broadcast for as long as power allowed it to remain active. Satisfied, she brought the device out of Anwell's room and placed it on top of the living room television set.

"What is that?" asked Anne.

"Nothing—a programmable wireless cable tuner. I want you to have this after I'm gone. I programmed it to record broadcasts from my home starting in twenty weeks."

"Good idea!" approved Anne. "Well, if that is all, I suggest we head to bed early, then load up the car at dawn so I can still get to the office by 9 am."

"Excellent idea," agreed Anyu.

The next morning Anyu quietly dressed herself in her Beinarian kirtle and bliaut. Pulling out the utility tool she first used in State College at the Nittany Mall, she sent a remote signal re-activating the star craft's computer systems from their long slumber. Tapping the controls again, she activated the low altitude thrusters and entered the coordinates for the empty field just outside of Jersey City, New Jersey chosen for her escape. Sliding on the gauntlets she first wore when she arrived over three yen-ars ago, she slipped the device into her right gauntlet and out of sight before helping Anne load up the remaining boxes, including all her perishable food and leftovers from the night before. Within the hour they departed. Anyu would never see Brooklyn again.

One hour later, Anne's SUV pulled up to the vacant field Anyu chose, the waiting Liltaél cloaked from Anne's Irish eyes. "Are you sure this is the place?" queried Anne with concern.

"Yes! Help me unload the car and I will be on my way," affirmed Anyu.

"And someone will pick you up? We are not near any bus or rail lines."

"I will be fine. Thank you!" reassured Anyu, handing over to Anne the last of her local currency and other small items she no longer needed as she and Anne unloaded her car.

"What if you need a taxi?"

"Trust me; I won't," beamed Anyu.

Reluctantly Anne returned to her car, engaged the engine, and drove away.

Relieved to be finally rid of Anne, Anyu removed her utility tool from her gauntlet and tapped the touch screen three times. As if from thin air the Liltaél descended beside her, opening its hatch the moment it touched ground. Looking around for any possible enemies, Anyu hastened as she put box after box just within the entrance of the star craft, each xiao-shir on the ground more dangerous than the next.

Certain she left nothing on the ground, Anyu walked up the ramp with the final box in her arms as the Liltaél klaxon cried out a warning. Swiftly Anyu closed the hatch door before heading to the pilot's chair, "Computer! Evasive manoeuvres. Launch when ready!"

"Five enemy atmospheric craft approaching," reported the computer as the Liltaél surged upward at an evasive sixty-degree angle, steep enough to tumble boxes across the passenger section.

"Identify!"

"Unable to comply. Insufficient data."

"Capability?"

"Short range attack at up to three times the speed of sound in this atmosphere."

"Increase angle of ascent to seventy-five degrees. Increase speed to three times what they are capable of. Get us out of their range!" Activating the main display Anyu watched as three supersonic aircraft attempted to follow the Liltaél as it accelerated in its ascent. For zero point one four xiao-shirs the aircraft struggled to keep up with the Liltaél, then slowly lowered altitude in defeat.

Now free of all hindrances, the Liltaél hit escape velocity, bursting beyond planetary gravity. In zero point three four xiao-shirs the star craft passed D425E25 Tertius Primus, the planet's only moon. Setting a course forty degrees away from D425E25 and all its planets, Anyu piloted the Liltaél clear of the solar system at zero point three of maximum velocity.

After four hundred sixty nine xiao-shirs the Liltaél reached a stellar clearing between the binary D425E12 and D425E13 system and the dying D425E14. "Computer, set course for B345A15 Quartus. Speed: zero point nine of maximum. Let's go home!" Complying, the Liltaél sped forward as its engines generated a quantum gravity well two li 里 away. In three xiao-shirs the star craft disappeared from normal space for the long journey home.

Ninety beinors passed during which Anyu sorted through the many belongings she and Anwell accumulated during the exile. Was she wrong to remove all of his belongings and take them with her? What if he escaped and found the apartment empty? Apart from the communications device she intentionally left with Anne Doyle, Anyu had with her every Beinarian artefact, clothing, and device she could locate. Nothing remained in that apartment that was not purchased during the exile and usable by a native resident.

As Anyu looked through the boxes she found herself surprised at how many artefacts from her exile she managed to bring along, most of which were of little or no use to her either during her intergalactic star trek or on Beinan itself. Would she ever wear the two dresses she bought at the Nittany Mall ever again or the suits that she wore most days to Broadway Bytes? Broadway Bytes! Her digital music project remained unfinished! Would anyone there have the technical ability to finish it? Did anyone even care about it besides her? And what about Anwell's work? As she sorted through the boxes and mused she felt a kick inside her. Not knowing anything about pregnancy or childbirth she called to the computer, "Computer, activate comprehensive medical scan and identify physical abnormalities."

"Scan complete; no abnormalities detected."

"Estimated gestational time remaining before delivery?"

"Twenty beinors."

"Estimated beinors to B345A15 Quartus?"

"Thirty beinors."

"So I will give birth ten beinors before arrival?"

"Confirmed."

"Computer increase speed to maximum. Estimate beinors remaining at maximum speed."

"Nineteen beinors, four shir-ors."

"Query: can star drive sustain twenty beinors at maximum velocity?"

"Confirmed."

"Lock in maximum velocity," commanded Princess Anyu.

Across the remaining beinors of her voyage home Anyu prepared vigorously for the birth—just in case the twins decided to arrive earlier than expected. As the final three beinors arrived, she found herself increasingly restless from the nightmares that plagued her mind, memories of the torture experienced at Morlong and Laela's hands ever present in her dreams.

"Approaching B345A15," alerted the computer. "Slowing to zero point three of maximum speed and engaging cloak."

Anyu rose from her bed, "Explain." As if in answer, the computer projected a full size hologram of Prince Consort Kian. "Prince Kian?"

As if in answer the recording seemed to meet her eyes, "I am Lord Engineer Kian of house Xing-li, consort to Queen Constance of the Gurun dynasty. I have programmed the Liltaél to slow to zero point three of maximum speed upon reaching a distance of one light yen-ar from B345A15 Quartus. If all goes according to plan, the Liltaél should now be cloaked using a technology borrowed from a race called The Amur. What house Xing-li has concealed for thousands of yen-ars from other houses is the role these Amur have played in the advancement of our technology, particularly weapons technology. This cloaking system is one such technology. Upon playing of this message, the Liltaél is programmed to open a special compartment containing Amurian technology. Use these to keep concealed from your enemies and safe from danger."

Puzzled Anyu searched the star craft. Walking through the short corridor separating the passenger section from engineering she noticed a panel now open that she previously never noticed before. Kneeling to access it she found three small pieces of technology whose purpose she could not immediately discern just from looking at them. One looked like a simple box three cun寸cubed with flashing purple, blue, and green lights on it. The second device looked spherical with a strange crimson ribbon of light embedded at its equator. The third device was a plain silver octahedron with no apparent writing, buttons, lights, or other functions.

Deciding experimentation from nearly one light yen-ar away from home might prove lethal; Anyu returned them to their hiding place, "Computer, estimated time of arrival."

"Two hundred xiao-shirs."

Anyu headed back to the pilot seat, her twin's shifting position making walking difficult, "Scan for planetary transmissions and intelligence. Display on screen."

In compliance the computer displayed the position and strength of Lord Yelu's forces, his personal heraldry seeming to cover the planet like a plague. Fires burned across the planet unchecked. Hejing itself looked half destroyed, including An Men Ten-Ar Healing Center, birth place of her paternal grandfather, Lord Knight Elendir of house Ten-Ar. As the computer displayed the ruins of the healing center, Anyu's heart sank. Tears flowed from her eyes. How many were dead? How many were enslaved? And for what? Revenge by one reincarnated Amur over something that happened billions of yen-ars ago?

"Computer, scan Bira Hecen and the island of Ben-Ar for human life."

"There are three hundred thousand human life forms in Bira Hecen."

"How many humans are on Ben-Ar?"

"None detected."

"There is no one left alive on Ben-Ar?"

"Unable to confirm. Communications disrupted on island of Ben-Ar."

"Set course for the temple of Abka Gahun. Retain cloak until we are landed."

"Confirmed! Landing thrusters engaged. Atmospheric engines at zero point four atmospheric velocity."

"Come in as indirectly as you can; even with the cloak, I prefer to not draw attention." Slowly the Liltaél descended, piercing the thick upper atmosphere. As the ground seemed to come up to meet the star craft the devastation of the last five yen-ars became more and more apparent. What happened here while she was gone? Did Lord Yelu do all of this to conquer the planet?" As Anyu contemplated the data in front of her, the Liltaél glided gently to the ground. "Computer, scan for human life signs within thirty zhang 张 of our position."

"No human life signs found."

"Scan temple of Abka Gahun for life."

"Twenty life forms located."

"Specify location."

"Life signs centred in and near main sanctuary."

"Computer disengage cloak. Maintain power in standby status until further notice," commanded Anyu as she removed King Kendric's heritage sword from storage. Belting on the sword in its sheath she remembered the last time she used it. Had four yen-ars really passed since Seo-jun first attacked her at the Nittany Mall? Since she met Anwell? Looking down at her bracelet she remembered the first moment she looked into his grey eyes. She was betrothed—but had her beloved survived?

Cautiously Anyu opened the Liltaél's hatch and crept down its ramp, drawing her sword as her feet touched down onto Beinarian soil. Furtively she slithered towards the temple entrance and opened its massive wood door. A silent alarm sounded as she crept down a corridor. Behind her Lord Narvan appeared, his laser rifle aimed at Anyu, "Halt! Who are you?"

Anyu turned slowly, "Lady Engineer Anyu of the engineers of Xing-li."

Narvan blinked with surprise, "You have returned from D425E25 Tertius?"

Anyu sheathed her sword, "Yes. It is me. How is my mother? Does she live?"

"No one knows, Your Highness. No one has seen her in public since she gave birth to your half-brother by Lord Yelu," motioned Lord Narvan as he began to walk through the corridor.

Anyu followed him, "I have a half-brother?"

"Yes, Prince James! Much has happened these past five yen-ars—to all of us."

Anyu followed Narvan up a flight of stairs clumsily, "So it would seem. Preliminary scans indicate mass destruction planet-wide. How is this possible?"

"How do you think? When Lord Yelu declared himself emperor and dictator with the forcible marriage to Queen Constance the Kind, those of us who remained free organized a resistance movement. This temple stands only because the island of Ben-Ar is regarded as a religious retreat and temple. If Lord Yelu knew it was a resistance movement base, he would have destroyed it long ago.

"Please tell me Laela and Morlong know nothing of the resistance!"

"Of course they do; I sought Lady Laela out as soon as Yelu's allies banished me from the Great Council. Why do you ask?"

"They are not our friends."

Narvan stopped and starred at her with disbelief, "That is crazy. They helped us organize the resistance. They are the reason so many of us are free. They are our greatest friends and allies!"

"No, they are not," countered Anyu as her water broke, sending a disorienting wave of labour pains and vertigo through her.

"Come! Just a little bit further!" beckoned Narvan. Helping her into the sanctuary antechamber-turned-healing center, he guided her to a makeshift medical bed.

Lady Abbess Althea rushed over to her, "Anyu?"

"Aunt Althea!" grimaced Anyu through her labour pains.

Althea draped a surgical blanket over Anyu's belly before initiating a medical scan, "You are far too young to be pregnant, much less delivering right now. Why your body is not in a protective coma right now defies all reason and explanation."

"Perhaps her highness' pregnancy is not a normal Beinarian pregnancy," offered Lord Healer Elden of house Miyoo as he stepped into the healing center from the sanctuary.

"What are you doing here, Elden?" glared Althea.

"I observed Princess Anyu's star craft as it landed," volunteered Lord Elden, his jet black hair reminding Anyu of Morlong and Laela's.

"You look familiar, but I do not know how," observed Anyu.

Elden leaned close to Anyu and met her eyes, his own Beinarian grey shifting for a xiao-shir into the metallic blue of the Amur before turning back to Beinarian grey, "Do not be afraid. I am your friend and ally."

"I have no friends among the Amur!" glared Anyu.

"But you do! My mother is evil; I wish to undo that evil," offered Elden. Taking Anyu's hand, he noticed her betrothal bracelet. "I am your stepson," whispered Elden. "He is my father; I was born of my mother's evil—but I am my father's child!"

"I do not understand," whispered Anyu.

"You will. For the xiao-shir, let us simply say that I know something about the unique quality of your pregnancy. I know how to help you deliver without injury, things my sister and brethren healers do not. May I use what I know to help you?"

"Yes."

Satisfied, Lord Healer Elden closed his eyes for a moment of concentration. The first child, a daughter, materialized into his arms. Picking up a towel, he wiped her clean and handed her to Lady Abbess Althea. In a xiao-shir, the baby wailed her first breath. Turning his attention back to Anyu he concentrated again, materializing Anyu's son into his arms. Handing him to Althea, he assisted with the preliminary health tests on both children before Althea signalled permission for him to hand both children to their mother. Elden lowered his voice as he handed them to Anyu, "Your children are both healthy—and mostly Beinarian."

"What do you mean?"

"Their helices indicate you are the mother and my father is their father—but with some modification. They are not completely Beinarian; obviously some sort of genetic modification was made; my mother's work if I had to make a guess. Parts of their helices have a distinctively Amurian quality to them. Like me they will be different," enlightened Elden. "This is not the first time Morlong and Laela experimented on other races."

"Do you know what they are after?"

"I can guess, but I prefer to wait until the environment is more private. I am not accepted here," signalled Elden.

"Understood," nodded Anyu.

"After you deliver the placenta and we get you cleaned up, I will help you with lodging—and securing your star craft from enemy eyes."

"Thank you," agreed Anyu.

### Chapter Five: A Tale of Aisin and Rhisiart

True to his word Lord Healer Elden located a room for Anyu and her babies. Going to the Liltaél, he transferred all of Anyu's belongings to the temple before piloting the star craft into a hidden docking space inside temple walls. As Anyu rested in her modest Beinarian bed she found herself unwilling to remove her ciphers, even though she no longer needed them. Trying to nap from the rigors of childbirth, she heard Elden enter her room with the bassinettes and blankets she made, "Thank you for helping with all of that."

Smiling, Elden pulled both bassinettes up to the side of the bed along with the baby blankets, "You are strong, but you just gave birth. The least I could do was bring your belongings to your room for you."

Picking up her daughter resting comfortably under the blankets with her, Anyu wrapped her in one of the blankets before handing her off to Elden to place in her bassinette, "This whole motherhood thing is so sudden. To be honest, Elden I am a bit overwhelmed."

Elden gently lowered the baby in her bed, covering her with a second blanket carefully arranged to keep her warm and comfortable, "Understandable. You did not plan for this—maybe not ever."

Without waking him from the comfort of her chest, Anyu wrapped her son in a blanket, "I did not think to become a mother at all until I was at least one hundred twenty; it was just never something I thought that much about. My mother had me training so hard with Lady Knight Aldris..."

Elden helped Anyu lower her son into his bed, "She prepared you as best as she could, no doubt on Morlong's orders. Shortly before my mother left Beinan I was able to see Queen Constance at the palace; as a healer and as brother to the new healer in chief at the palace I had special access."

"You have a brother or sister?"

"Yes. My twin sister is Lady Healer Freya of house Miyoo."

"But the healer in chief of the palace healing center is required by law to be of the same house as the sovereign!"

"Yes! The only reason why she is healer in chief is because she's Laela's daughter."

"What is Lord Yelu's connection to the Amur?"

"Difficult to explain without telling you an abridged history of the Amur." Against her will Anyu grimaced. "What is wrong?"

"Something feels wrong in my breasts... painful."

Elden pulled out a medical scanner, "Your system is having difficulty creating proper nourishment in your breasts for your babies; my guess this is a side effect to whatever Lady Laela used on you to stimulate ovulation and accelerate your pregnancy. You gave birth more than fifty beinors early from what I can tell; the strain is hitting your body hard. I have a treatment to compensate and enable you to produce the right nourishment for your partially Amurian babies if I may dispense it."

Anyu nodded. Yes! Please!" With a nod, Elden went to the room's dresser upon which he found his portable medical kit, along with a strange looking box he switched on. "Elden, you said you saw my mother?

"Yes," he replied as he filled a transdermal syringe.

"How was she?"

Elden administered the first injection, "Broken; Lord Yelu was quick to use Amurian technology to do to her what obviously Lady Laela did to you. She was visibly heavily pregnant the last anyone saw her at court – for her wedding to Lord Yelu—creating much gossip and a stain of shame upon her as a sexual wanton. He did to her what Janus originally intended to do to Princess Anlei. The irony of history of course is that just as Princess Anlei's true love was Lord Knight Corann, your mother's true love was Lord Knight Elendir's son Corann."

"Corann was my father, Elden; there was a recorded message on board the Liltaél."

"That makes sense; lest you think I forgot about your star craft – I hid it well where few can find it—but from whence you may pilot it safely away from here should the need arise."

"Do you think my father is alive, Elden?"

"I have not seen him; he is certainly presumed dead. But then, everyone assumes Prince Anwell died centuries ago and we both know that is not the case."

Tears filled Anyu's eyes, "The last time I saw him Morlong was marching him out of our prison cell after some sort of gas filled the room. Anwell then raped me while Morlong watched and laughed. When he was finished, he sat on a bed while Morlong—"

"—finished the job."

"He did not even bother to look humanoid when he did it, Elden! He was this terrible alien creature grabbing me, prodding me painfully in ways I cannot describe. He hurt me physically and yet my body also responded as if I wanted him to!"

"Morlong knows that when a woman is being violated sexually her mind will often close itself off from her body protectively. By stimulating part of your body to respond with pleasure, he bypassed that defence, forcing all of you to be in that moment of both extreme pain and extreme pleasure, a sensation you are unlikely to ever forget."

"Why is he doing all of this? Why capture me and torture me on so many levels?"

"He is punishing you."

"For what? What did I ever do to him to merit this?"

"Objectively? Nothing. But he holds you responsible for something that happened a long time ago."

"What happened?"

Elden sent a mental signal into the mysterious box on the dresser. The box activated, projecting three dimensional images from his mind, "At the dawn of all things were the goddess of many names and her consort. Together their love produced the big flash from which all things that exist now came. No one knows their real names. As their love sped in all directions away from them, they gazed into each other's souls one last time before that flash tore them apart, scattering their minds and souls throughout the forming universe into thousands of subconsciously linked pieces.

"As the first star systems formed and gave birth to life, one piece of the goddess came to rest in a cave near the top of a lofty mountain. Frightened and alone, unaware of who she was or what she was, the goddess fragment hid in the cold for a long time before venturing forth into the young sunlight, drawn by a sudden presence, a spark of spiritual life she felt near her.

"Climbing the mountain, she felt the location of that spark: a village in the woods where a mother struggled to raise her four young. One was green and brown like her and preferred the woods. One was blue and preferred to be in water. Another was red and preferred to dance in the fire. The youngest was silver-black and needed to be where it was cold. These were the four ancestors of the common race to which the Amur originally belonged.

"One beinor the mother found the silver black baby missing and went up the mountain to its snowy peaks to find her. Curious about the intruder, the goddess piece found herself watching over the child, waiting for the mother to retrieve her. No one knows what was said in that first meeting except that not long after, the goddess piece became known as Aisin for her golden colour and that she changed her form to match that of the mother and her children, growing a long delicate neck, a serpentine tail, arced horns, large powerful wings, and dexterous five fingered hands. With the help of the child she first met, she built a mighty temple to the goddess the Amur later named 'Chuàngyì 创意'along with a less primitive home for herself where she could feed, like her friend, on the rays of the sun if she extended her wings to capture the light. Following the temple's completion, Aisin found herself serving as high priestess, teaching the young and guiding her adopted people in the ways of wisdom, though she still did not know who or what she really was.

"For hundreds of millions of yen-ars Aisin lived in friendship and harmony with her people, in time falling in love with one silver-black male named Rhisiart. Rhisiart married Aisin in the great temple and consummated their love on the great altar stone, triggering a vision, a prophesy which foretold of a great war among the people that would destroy the planet and force them into a never-ending migration through the stars. The vision also showed her people killing her on the great altar even though death by natural cause was rare and murder unheard of. Telling her husband about the vision, he swore to stay ever at her side, even unto the ends of the universe."

"That is a lovely story, Elden, but what does it have to do with what Morlong did to me, let alone what it has to do with Lord Janus and why so much of the planet is in flames?" questioned Anyu.

"Aisin's visions proved true. Only ten thousand yen-ars later, the four races that had first evolved from that first mother found themselves divided. The silver-blacks came to call themselves the Amur. The Amur built great cities made of ice and crystal, lofty universities where intellectuals from all four races came together to debate and study with one another. At the greatest of these universities taught a professor named Surt. Surt distrusted Aisin and her teachings, believing them forged of ego and a relentless quest for personal power. He organized a mighty army which he used to confront Aisin in her temple. When Aisin refused to back down from her teachings, Surt and his followers surrounded her, using the force of their numbers to slay Aisin on her altar, just as she foretold. Grieved, Rhisiart petitioned Aisin's most devout followers, asking for their help to defend the honour and integrity of her teachings, beginning the great war Aisin knew would come.

"It took only one hundred yen-ars for the war to take its toll. During that time, the wisest built huge star craft. Yet for their efforts, only ten million across all four races evacuated in time from amongst the planet's one billion residents. Grieved for his great loss, Rhisiart took Aisin's body into the star that gave their world birth, committing suicide in the process.

"Surt for his part continued to blame Aisin and, to a lesser extent, Rhisiart for the ravages of war on their world. He vowed to find and punish Aisin's soul, no matter where in the universe or in what form she appeared. As just one million Amur escaped the dying world in the star craft fleet they built, Surt chose to stay, perishing among the smoke and flame, certain that he would find Aisin and Rhisiart reborn among the Amur.

"He was wrong of course, but it took him over seven billion yen-ars to realize his mistake. For Aisin, being one of the pieces of the mother goddess, instinctively understood that her new place was among the younger races. Surt would not find her again until seven thousand yen-ars ago, during the Great Migration."

"The Great Migration? As in the Beinarian Great Migration?"

"Yes. On A672E92 Quintus Aisin found her soulmate, a piece of the father god in a man named Lord Malvyn of house Balister. When she met him, she quickly fell in love with him, though it terrified her at the time. At Malvyn's insistence, Aisin, now called Lady Priestess Brigid, was made high priestess. Following the birth of their son Tristan, the Great Council made Lord Malvyn the first king, crowning Brigid a ten beinors later as the first princess consort. Despite her new position, Brigid continued her hands-on interest in helping her people find a new home world. While investigating a possible new home world, she and the six scientists who came with her fell into some sort of anomaly that transported them to the galaxy we now call D425."

"D425? As in the barred spiral galaxy I just returned from?"

"The one and the same. It took yen-ars to figure out that the Amur were behind it, let alone that the Amur had transported them not only across vast stretches of space, but also time."

"How is that possible?"

"No one really knows outside of the Amur. Brigid herself might have perished if not for the help of a star craft allegedly allied with D425E25 Tertius."

"D425E25 Tertius? They will develop interstellar capabilities?"

"According to the reports made by Brigid and those with her—yes.

"There is more to this story than you are telling me, Elden. What is the significance of this first encounter with the Amur?" probed Anyu.

"During the adventure, High Priestess Brigid touched Surt's mind and saw all of the history I just described to you. She remembered being Aisin. She remembered the experience of Surt and the other rebels killing her. And—"Elden paused for a moment to word his thoughts carefully, "—she recognized one of the scientists with her, Lord Engineer Cariad of house Gurun, as the reincarnation of Rhisiart."

"Anwell told me he was Lord Engineer Cariad of house Gurun!"

"Yes! That makes perfect sense then."

"What do you mean?"

"Not knowing if they would ever return to the fleet, Brigid and Cariad fell in love, consummating that love while prisoners of the Amur. Surt recognized both Brigid and Cariad as the nemeses he sought to destroy, but before he could kill them, the aliens snatched them away from his clutches, returning everyone back to the fleet. Surt followed them.

"Consulting with his younger brother Morlong and his wife Laela, he hatched a new plan. Feigning an aggressive attack again the Beinarian fleet, he provoked Lord Admiral Horatio into "killing" him. No Beinarian weapon can kill an Amur, of course; Surt's death among the Amur was a carefully concealed suicide designed to provoke hatred for Beinarians among the Amur. This suicide enabled his vicious soul to be reborn the following yen-ar to a woman from house Croften, safe from the Sight of house Miyoo elders."

"And he's been with us ever since," concluded Anyu. "So much pain and sorrow over something that happened long before B345 even formed?"

"I wish I could tell you otherwise, but I cannot."

"There is more you are not telling me. After Brigid and Cariad returned to the fleet what happened? Did she leave King Malvyn for Cariad"

Elden touched her hand softly, "No. Nor did she end her love affair with Cariad. Loving both of her soulmates, she could not choose between them nor did either ask her to – just as your mother did not choose between your father and Lord Kian."

"But my mother is or was the sovereign queen and therefore entitled to a sovereign's privilege of both a consort and an official lover," protested Anyu.

"In the Balistrian dynasty both the sovereign and consorts were permitted official lovers without political or religious sanction. The tradition of keeping the sovereign's and consort's living quarters separate dates to the reign of Malvyn and Brigid, enabling both to more easily manage their sexual affairs without injury or hurt to the other – just as I expect you will when your time comes," foretold Elden.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that just as you found Rhisiart and Cariad in his current incarnation as Prince Anwell, I believe you will find Lord Malvyn's reincarnation as well. This is for the best, Your Highness,"

"That is if Anwell is alive!"

"He is; I can feel his presence."

"Where?"

"I do not know; all I know is that he lives still and is, or soon will be on Beinan," sensed Elden, much to Anyu's confusion. Aware that little of this made any sense to her he added, "Any time a sentient comes within a certain proximity to her or his soul mate, there is an instant feeling of connection and desire which transcends all logic, all understanding yet nonetheless compels you into an intimate relationship. Sometimes that intimacy involves sex and physical contact; sometimes that is not possible. But the emotional and spiritual intimacy—that always manifests itself as intensely as gravity holds planets in orbits around their stars. You hold such a bond with both Anwell and whoever King Malvyn chose to be reborn as. It is critical you embrace both connections if you expect to defeat Lord Yelu, to put an end to this Great Revolution Era and bring this world into a New Era."

"How is that even possible? If I understand correctly Morlong and Laela have stayed loyal to Lord Yelu across every incarnation! If the Amur have the ability to transport people across millions of light yen-ars in a blink of an eye... is not resistance completely futile?"

"No, Your Highness, it is not futile at all! You have allies, many of them you do not know about. Together, we will finally put an end to Surt's rebellion once and for all. You have the means to kill Morlong and Laela, you know." Anyu gave him a puzzled look. Elden read her expression, "The devices you did not dare to touch that Lord Kian hid on the Liltaél. You have the means to kill an Amur – and the means to trap Lord Yelu's soul so he never bothers anyone again."

"I am not sure trapping a soul is the right answer."

"Unless you want him to continue to kill billions of innocent lives, Your Highness, I do not think you have a choice. I do not know what Kian did exactly to obtain the technology he gave you. My best guess is there are some among the Amur who still honour the teachings of Aisin, that the religion, the mythology that sprang up around her still holds true. Someone wants you to win this war."

"What happens now?"

"Now I think it is time for you to name your children."

"Yes of course," replied Anyu absentmindedly, her mind whirling as she tried to find suitable names for the babes who somehow managed to sleep through the entirety of Elden's story. "Elden?"

"Yes?"

"Before I switch my focus onto names, please answer something for me? I understand this whole revenge thing. It makes more sense now. But why did Morlong and Laela sexually violate us? Why imprison and torture us?"

"Because it drives a wedge between you; separate you are both weak, unable to really reach your full potential—with or without any sort of psychic abilities or Amurian powers. But together, both of you find control and strength. Should you find and join with your counterpart, the piece of the creator god to which you were joined as High Priestess Brigid, the three of you as a trinity are absolutely unstoppable. You, Anwell, and the reincarnation of King Malvyn are a holy trinity far stronger than the unholy trinity of Lord Yelu, Morlong, and Laela, even with their apparent advantages of Amurian bodies."

"Do you think King Malvyn's reincarnation would mind if I named my son Rhisiart and my daughter Brigid?"

"No; I think he would be pleased, just as he will be pleased when the three of you are together again at last!"

Twenty beinors passed in the safety and relative solitude of the temple. As Anyu's body healed from the strain of pregnancy and as she grew more accustomed to the responsibilities of suddenly being a mother she found herself settling into a form of routine; keenly aware that the longer she stayed at the temple, the more likely Lord Yelu would detect her presence. Finally, on the twenty-fifth beinor Lord Elden prepared a low altitude shuttle for her and her babies.

"Are you certain you must go?" asked Lord Narvan of house Miyoo.

"Everyone will be safer once I leave. I do not want Lord Yelu targeting the temple. As long as he believes it is still neutral, we still have a fighting chance," affirmed Princess Anyu.

"Where will you go?"

"Bira Hecen, at least for a few beinors. The address you gave me before for the Tiantang Jiudian 天堂酒店 is still safe?"

"Yes. The owner, Kevin Wit of house Plover lost his wife when Lord Yelu's patrols saw her talking to a priest of house Miyoo on the street. She tried to explain to them that the priest was her nephew, but they did not care; they gunned her down in the street right outside the hotel and in front of her family. Since then, Kevin has stayed officially neutral, but he can be counted on to not ask questions—or answer them—if someone from the resistance patronizes his establishment," explained Narvan, handing her a triangular payment card, "Here is your payment card re-programmed under the name Gillian Chapman of house Skeinera. Lord Elden managed to encrypt all references to your existence in government computers so that as far as the law is concerned, Queen Constance's only children were Prince Caranden, Princess Leonora, and your half-brother Prince James. Congratulations, Your Highness: you officially do not exist!"

"What do we know about the Ten-Arian monastery?"

"Abandoned; no one in the resistance deems it safe anymore. Much of it was destroyed during Lord Yelu's coup d'état," answered Narvan simply.

"Really? I would think that fact makes it the perfect hiding place for us. Who decided it was not safe for the resistance?"

"Lord Morlong."

"Morlong raped me on D425E25 Tertius! He is not human, Narvan. In fact, he is a most dangerous enemy!" countered Anyu.

"I still do not understand how that can be the case, Your—Miss Chapman."

"Few things are what they seem. I seemed perfectly normal on D425E25 Tertius once I dressed the part and learned the language—but without my ciphers I would have asphyxiated in the bilast-rich atmosphere. Evil only seems evil when it can instil terror; otherwise it is quite seductive if it goes noticed at all!"

"A wise perception," observed Elden from behind her right shoulder, startling the princess.

"Where did you come?"

"I arrived before you did; I can cloak myself whenever I wish—and another person if she stands near enough and I mentally project the veil around her," smirked Elden cunningly. "I am coming with you." Meeting Narvan's gaze, his eyes flashed annoyance, "I find it interesting, Lord Narvan that so many members of the resistance, including Lady Abbess Althea herself are suspicious of me yet not my mother and stepfather!"

"You are obviously not human!" snarled Narvan.

"My father was Prince Anwell of house Gurun, sired before he left Beinan for what lies beyond. That makes me Princess Anlei's nephew and house Gurun. I may be a child of rape—but I am a child of this world!"

Puzzled, Anyu let her mind unfocus. Images flashed in her voice along with strange voices. Something did not make sense, something everyone else, including Elden, kept missing. In her head she heard a strange language that sounded low, guttural, and dark. Instinctively Anyu stepped closer to the shuttle, almost unconsciously drawing King Kendric's sword. Using the practiced steps drilled into her by Lady Knight Aldris she crept close to Narvan before flashing her blade close to his neck, "Who are you?"

Narvan blinked, "I am Lord Narvan of house Miyoo, brother to Her Grace, High Priestess Aina."

"NO! You are not!" raged Anyu.

"What do you mean?" asked Elden.

"He's Amurian—full Amurian. I can feel it; the language in my mind matched Morlong's when he violated me. What have you done with the real Lord Narvan?"

The creature still wearing Narvan's face and appearance sneered, "Dead! Lady Laela killed him right after he asked for her help creating the resistance! I took his place."

"And my great aunt Althea?" pressed Anyu.

"Oh she's in Lord Yelu's prison; she makes great sport you know. Yelu rather enjoys his harem," implied the Amurian.

"Oh I am sure he does. Rape is easy when the victim's arms are bound to the wall or floor by force fields!" snarled Anyu. "To think, Amur used to be so noble. Now what are you? Ragtag wanderers without a home world and unable to make a home world for yourselves? Pathetic, evil, and disgusting!"

"You know that sword cannot hurt me!" mocked the Amurian.

"You cannot use your powers out where they can be observed –lest everyone know what you are! No, you will not risk that! Three yen-ars fighting Morlong, Laela, and Seo-jun taught me a few things about you."

"Well then, princess, I wish you luck!" scoffed the Amurian as he disappeared.

Lord Elden looked at Anyu with surprise, "That was unexpected. You really heard Amurian in your mind?"

"Yes. All my life I had these strange dreams about being Aisin; I guess it took me a little while to really process and understand what you told me about the destruction of that world. I recognized the voice in my head—he was one of the Amur who helped Surt murder me on that altar. He is billions of yen-ars older than Morlong and Laela and much more powerful. The perfect spy."

"That would explain the harsh treatment I received here; your great aunt does not know I exist, let along that I am Laela's son. It is was him all the time, using illusions and techno-magic to conceal that neither Althea nor Narvan were ever here."

"Elden, if you would consider coming with me, I think that might be wise."

"I agree. I can set a warning beacon remotely using technology that is already in the temple, alerting them to the presence of a spy who can appear to be anyone. That should lessen the damage done," suggested Elden.

"Help me secure Rhisiart and Brigid in the shuttle; I think it is time we leave the Island of Ben-Ar—for now at least!"

### Chapter Six: Journey Back to the Palace

"By all that is holy, what happened?" cried Princess Anyu as her eyes glimpsed the ruins of the Ten-Arian monastery. Originally a city-sized campus of thirty two buildings built over the span of six thousand four hundred sixty-seven yen-ars, only twelve remained completely intact. At the heart of the campus laid what remained of the monastery's oldest building containing its temple in the center rotunda crowned with an intricate mosaic stained glass roof. Around the temple rotunda stood the remains of its four symmetrical wings carefully laid out in BE 500 to align precisely with the north, south, east, and west. Of these wings, only the east wing remained intact. The south and west wings lay in complete ruin; a debris field pockmarking what was once a beautiful courtyard practice space. One wall from the north wing still stood; its beautiful stained glass windows completely blown apart. A memory flashed in Anyu's mind: the section of wall still standing once sheltered her, Prince Bevin, and the newly elevated Lord Knight Corann from a raging storm outside while Bevin and Corann sparred in a martial arts practice room inside, the light of its window filling the room with natural light.

Between the north wing wall and the half destroyed healing center first built in BE 1253 laid what used to be the primary Ten-Arian archery range. Landing the shuttle close to the wall, Anyu found the remains of two heritage longbows. Almost jumping out of the shuttle, she bent down to pick up the nearest bow and drew its string to her ear. Somehow, almost miraculously, the bow held true and strong. A heavily cloaked man two hundred yen-ars old strode out from the shadows, his face concealed by the cloak's hood and a long cane guiding his steps on the uneven ground, "Surprised the bow survived?"

Anyu put down the bow, regretting she did not bring a weapon with her, "Who are you?"

"A friend."

Anyu backed towards the low altitude shuttle defensively, "I have heard that before."

"You have nothing to fear from me," answered the man simply.

Anyu grabbed her heritage sword from the shuttle, drawing it from its sheath, "How do I know you are not lying?"

"I have no reason to lie; you can put away King Kendric's sword, Anyu."

"How do you know that is King Kendric's sword?"

"Because I was there the beinor he received it," smiled the man, pulling the hood away from his face, revealing dark tinted glasses in front of his brown flecked grey eyes.

"ELENDIR?" gasped Anyu. "I thought you were dead!"

"I am dead; even my son and wife do not know I still live."

"Your son, Lord Knight Corann—does he live?" asked Anyu nervously, sheathing her sword.

"He was the last time I saw him a yen-ar ago; I cannot speak to if he lives now. He was able to escape the palace before Lord Yelu's bombs destroyed half of it if that is what you are asking."

"He left a message for me in the Liltaél's computer. Do you know about it?"

"No. I left the palace as soon as you launched."

"Did you know what Lord Yelu had in mind?"

"It was not hard to guess. He is my son, after all, imposed on me just as you were imposed on your father, Lord Elden."

Anyu gazed back and forth between Elden and Elendir, "You know each other?"

Elden stepped out of the low altitude shuttle, "We have not spoken for many yen-ars, but yes! I know your grandfather, Anyu."

"Grandfather?" queried Elendir.

"Corann is my father; that is what the recorded message was about; apparently my mother only told him a beinor or two before I launched," explained Anyu.

Elendir approached her to embrace her, "Well then we are family after all."

Anyu accepted his embrace, "Yes! It would seem I am both your granddaughter and Kendric's!"

"I think Kendric would be pleased about that had he lived. He was a good king, Anyu. He suffered greatly of course, but he was a good man," remembered Elendir.

Anyu picked up Rhisiart, "Do you think he would like his great grandson?"

Elendir's eyes widened at the sight of the baby as his arms reached out to hold him, "You are a mother?"

"Morlong and Laela's evil," clarified Elden as Anyu handed Elendir his great grandson. "They kidnapped Anyu on D425E25 Tertius and used technology to force her to conceive. Rhisiart and Brigid's helices are only seventy five percent Beinarian; genetic modifications to make them less alien that they no doubt learned from the experiments that created me."

"Are they Beinarian—or half Amurian?" asked Elendir cautiously.

"Based on what Lady Laela said at the time—they are fully Beinarian. I was not the only Beinarian on D425E25 Tertius, my lord. Their best student, Prince Anwell was there too, sent down to the planet surface after they released him from suspended animation. They expected him to be their puppet, especially after Laela humiliations on him while he was studying with her in Bira Hecen and on Ben-Ar at the Temple of Abka Gahun," reported Anyu.

Elendir looked at Anyu's betrothal bracelet, "Did you seal yourself to him of your own free will?"

"Yes. Not long after we were captured, Laela took him first and experimented on him before returning him to our cell. We made love. After that she took me into her laboratory. I am certain you can guess the rest," remembered Anyu quietly.

Elendir held Rhisiart close to him affectionately, "I am sorry for your pain, Anyu. No one, female or male should endure what you and Anwell endured, especially at your age." Elendir stroked the boy's red hair, "You are innocent, all of you. But I would be lying if I said I was displeased to find myself a great grandfather. Your babes are a gift, Anyu, even if the sorrow from their making fills your heart. Laela's evil has imposed two sons and two daughters on Prince Anwell—but what blessings all four of you are!" As if in agreement, Rhisiart cooed and smiled even as his sister suddenly wailed. Thunder roared as a sudden upper atmosphere hurricane moved overhead, triggering a sudden downpour of rain.

Instinctively Anyu stiffened, her emerging psychic abilities no longer feared, "We must get out of here!"

Elden stopped for a xiao-shir, allowing his Amurian senses to reach out, "I think you are correct! But how does Brigid know already? Did she trigger this sudden storm?"

"She is her father's daughter," hinted Elendir, putting Rhisiart back into the low altitude shuttle.

Anyu checked on the restraints securing her children in the shuttle, "Do you know a safe place we can get to quickly?"

Elendir sat down in the pilot chair, "Follow me!"

"Father! Good, you are back!" exclaimed Lady Narwen as Elendir lead the way into what was once Lady Abbess Althea's office and now regional command centre for the resistance.

"Father?" asked Anyu, two paces behind, her daughter Brigid in her arms.

Elendir turned to Anyu, "Anyu, this is your aunt, Lady Narwen, twin sister to Lord Yelu."

"I do not understand," puzzled Anyu.

Narwen stepped forward, "It is quite simple: my mother and my brother are some of the most evil Beinarians ever born. Outwardly I am loyal to my brother and serve as one of his chief advisors while using my authority as his sister to guarantee the survival of our family.

"That evil has grown our family, Narwen," hinted Elendir. With a glance Elendir signalled to Elden to hand him his grandson, "This is Rhisiart and his twin sister Brigid."

"Morlong?" asked Narwen.

Anyu nodded, "Yes. Born of rape and violence but still loved."

Narwen smiled curiously, her attention drawn towards her grand-niece, "That seems to be a recurring theme in this family. I was conceived to control and disgrace my father using these methods. My brother was engineered to destroy house Gurun. Only my half-brother, your father Corann was made from love –and you of course from him and the queen. If your children were conceived out of one of Yelu's designs to destroy you, then certainly they must be hidden; their identities never known while he lives. He must not know he succeeded!"

Elden stepped forward, "We were hoping you might help us with that, Lady Narwen. Is there sanctuary for them? The longer they stay with the princess, the more likely they are to become pawns in his web."

"I agree," concurred Narwen. "What arrangements have you made to prevent my brother from learning of Princess Anyu's return?"

"I encrypted all records relating to the princess and replaced the old records with a new identity in the computer. Henceforth I do not think we should call her highness by her proper name and title. She is Gillian Chapman of house Skeinera now," briefed Elden.

Lady Narwen nodded while she walked over to her central computer, "Excellent start, lord healer – and wise. My brother assumes all members of houses Skeinera, Plover, and Croften are loyal allies and subjects. It may be difficult for us to avoid using the 'l' word, but it is absolutely essential for this plan to work. Absolutely no one outside of those of us in this room should know to the contrary—not even our closest operatives in this cell."

Elden stepped closer to Narwen, "Even that identity may not be fully secure, my lady. An Amurian taking the guise of first Lord Narvan, then Lady Abbess Althea met Anyu when she first arrived. She or he even helped me with Rhisiart and Brigid's delivery. She recognized the princess immediately!"

"Does Seo-jun have a mate that we know of?" asked Anyu.

"Who is Seo-jun?" asked Narwen.

"An Amur on D425E25 Tertius. He was with both Morlong and Laela."

"But Morlong and Laela have been here on Beinan the whole time! They never left!"

Elden put his hand to his chin pensively, "Have you forgotten the strange anomaly that negated the bombs at the temple of Abka Biya during the coup? That was nothing for the Amur. When I was very young my mother brought me aboard their star craft Nimamur. I saw the Amur in their natural state. They shape shift to look humanoid when they want to, when they walk among us; they simply cannot do it for more than a yen-ar or two at a time. They have abilities no Beinarian will understand. I see a dozen very plausible explanations for what happened, all of them worrisome."

Elendir stepped forward, "It is quite likely that our cell is no longer secure, that this Amur knows all our secrets."

Anyu touched Elendir's arm, "Not all! It does not know about you – or Anwell who calls himself Christopher Gurun now."

"Regardless, the children cannot stay here; we must get them to safety, even with the security risk."

"I have a thought, though it could be dangerous," mused Narwen as Elendir sat down at the nearby conference table with Rhisiart. "What if the safest place for the children is with Prince James and the other children my brother fathered from his prisoners?"

"You mean to take them to the palace?" asked Anyu as she joined Elendir at the table to rest Brigid on her lap.

"I mean for you and I to take them to the palace," corrected Narwen. "I can make you one of the caretakers of the children—no problem at all. You can watch over them and look for opportunities to free the prisoners from there."

"But if Lord Yelu sees me, he will know who I am!"

"Not unless your mother tells him—which I doubt. She would die before she revealed that secret," reminded Narwen.

"I can help you with that further, Anyu. I can cloak your visage—without surgically altering you," offered Elden. "It will not hurt and will only last as long as I want it to. I can interface with your latent telepathy to project an image into the minds of anyone looking at you that is different from your actual appearance."

"What do I need to do?" asked Anyu, handing Brigid to Elendir who now played with both infants on his lap happily.

"Quiet your mind from all distractions. I will do the rest. It will not be a conscious connection; you will not hear or feel my presence in your mind. I will simply plant a visual image that your own nature will automatically project so strongly and simply that only an attentive Amur will be able to see past it; not even those of us in this room will be able to recognize you by sight until you and I remove it." Looking at Narwen and meeting her eyes he added, "We will do the work alone, Lady Narwen. Until then you will forget everything you saw and heard since our arrival."

For five xiao-shirs Lady Narwen stood frozen like stone. Anyu and Elden slipped quietly out of the room while she remained entranced, her mind obeying Elden's command. Finally, blinking she turned to Elendir, "What happened?"

Lord Knight Elendir smirked, "Nothing! What do you remember?"

"I—nothing except you came in this room with that boy. How are there two children with you when you were carrying one?" asked Narwen blankly.

"She was in the corridor while you were busy."

"Who are they?"

"Orphans rescued in our last mission in Bira Hecen. We thought you might know a proper hiding place for them where Lord Yelu will not be able to touch them—the palace nursery perhaps? Is Lord Yelu still keeping the children he fathered on his prisoners in the old nursery?" proposed Elendir.

"Yes! Yes, his sons and daughters are there. What makes you think these war orphans would be safe there?"

"Is there any chance he would torture or harm his own children?"

"No—he needs them as political pawns."

"How close is he to them?"

"He is not; he sends me to parent them; he has seen Prince James only twice since his birth and the others only once since their births."

"Are you the only caretaker for the children?"

"No; that would impossible. Besides, I cannot care for so many!"

"So what is two more?" offered Elendir.

"I would have to hire another caretaker for the children," pondered Lady Narwen. "The problem is that no one wants to work anywhere near Lord Yelu lest they find themselves at his mercy—and further sport for him."

"Well I know someone from house Skeinera who I think is willing to help. She joined the cell to help us when the last mission started to falter. She is trustworthy, kind, and recently lost her own young children to this war."

"Who?"

With perfect timing, Lord Healer Elden walked in with Gillian Chapman two paces behind wearing a dark blue tunic dress with square cut sleeves and a slitted neckline extending from her collarbone to the base of her breasts neatly laced together in white. A white belt cinched the waist; it was a dress with no ornaments, embroidery, or decorative trim, the very emblem of simplicity and poverty. In her hand she concealed her betrothal bracelet which she slipped unnoticed to Elendir's lap. True to Elden's plan her long auburn hair now looked jet black, its braids coiled up matronly around her head. Dark brown eyes peered soberly against her jaundiced-looking skin. Princess Anyu was gone; replaced by Gillian Chapman.

Humbly, Gillian curtsied before Lady Narwen, "Are you Lady Narwen, sister to the almighty Lord Yelu, emperor of Beinan?"

Narwen nodded aristocratically, "I am. Are you the one my lord knight spoke of?"

Gillian bowed deeply, "I am Gillian Chapman of house Skeinera."

"Lord Knight Elendir tells me you recently lost your children to this war."

"Yes."

"Are you able to nurse from your breast?"

"Prove it!" commanded Lady Narwen regally.

Gillian looked around her, her eyes obviously starring at first Elden, then Elendir, "Here?"

"Yes!" ordered Narwen. With a deep breath Gillian sat down and unlaced her dress. Elendir handed her Brigid who immediately recognized her mother, unaffected by the deeply planted illusion. Contently Brigid nudged her way to her mother's nipple and started to nurse. Once satiated, Brigid let go in favour of her brother who took hold of Gillian's other breast to nurse. Aware of Narwen's test, Gillian tolerated the lack of privacy, though a part of her raged against it. Finally as Rhisiart finished and Gillian laced back her dress, a few drops of milk absorbing into the fabric, Narwen's gaze softened, "Very well, you may take these infants to the palace with me and nurse them along with the others. The job requires you feed all of the infants in the nursery without preference for any. Is that understood?"

"Yes," answered Gillian.

"Very well; we leave in the morning. Take your rest and nourishment; Lord Elendir and Lord Elden will show you where. This is not an easy job. Much will be demanded of you physically. But you will be safe there," assured Lady Narwen.

"That is all I ask," agreed Gillian.

The next morning Gillian followed Lady Narwen into her luxurious mid-range shuttle with Elendir and Elden chivalrously walking behind with Brigid and Rhisiart. Walking up the short ramp into the shuttle, Princess Anyu marvelled at the technology in front of her. Before her exile, Lady Engineer Silmira familiarized her with every known star craft, star destroyer, low altitude shuttle, executive shuttle, and even experimental designs owned by house Xing-li. She was trained in how to pilot, maintain, and repair every single system across all of them. But this design was different, alien to her, creating the sort of surprise and wonder consistent with a simple spinster, "What kind of craft is this? I have never seen anything so big, so luxurious!"

Lady Narwen sat down in the passenger section and motioned Gillian to sit nearby. Elendir and Elden placed the infants on the floor next to Gillian, both resting in the same bassinettes Anyu purchased on D425E25 Tertius. With a bow Elendir left the shuttle. Elden closed the hatch, and then sat down in the pilot's chair, "We are ready to depart for Hejing on your command."

"Launch!" commanded Narwen. Silently Elden obeyed, sending the shuttle into the upper atmosphere before setting his course for Hejing. "This mid-range shuttle can do much more than the low altitude shuttles you see around Bira Hecen. It can travel into space within our solar system—or deep into the Amba Mederi Ocean if I wish," explained Narwen.

"Is that how Lord Yelu concealed his forces from the Great Council and from Queen Constance?" asked Anyu, hoping the question would not betray her even as her training detected the fast ascent well above the regular traffic lanes.

"Yes! We built our fleet in space with the help of the Amur. When the shuttles were ready, we concealed them in the argene mines across Xi-Nan Fang; my mother's idea, actually!"

"But there are no engineers among houses Skeinera, Croften, and Plover!"

"Who needs commoners when there are plenty of engineers among house Shem?" laughed Lady Narwen.

"Are you house Shem?"

"Yes and no. I am not very devout. I actually believe that belief in the Shemai is consistent with the broader held belief in the triple goddess, Ainisil I believe she was called back on A672E92 Quintus."

"Must I believe in The Shemai to work in the palace?" asked Anyu.

"I would not point out any lack of religious devotion to The Shemai to Lord Yelu—unless you want him to play with you."

"Does he readily play with women who disagree with him?"

"When it suits him. If you do not wish to be one of them, I would stay as invisible as possible," recommended Narwen. "He does rather enjoy sport with as many different women as possible. The thrill of sexual conquest; he thrives on the pain he causes when he's imposed his body on a woman; it is like a drug to him. The more pain it causes, the better he likes it."

"What do you think about that – as a woman, I mean?"

"I have mixed feelings, Gillian. On one hand, I despise him for it. Yet the fact remains he is my twin brother. I love him; how can I hate him, no matter how evil he is or what he's done?"

"We all make mistakes, I suppose. My children's father made many mistakes."

"Do you forgive him?"

"Yes."

"Where is he?"

"I do not know; I have not seen him since he was arrested."

"On what charge?"

"They never said," answered Anyu truthfully as she felt the shuttle surge downward at a eighty-degree angle.

"Three xiao-shirs to the palace," reported Elden. As if in response, Brigid wailed. Anyu picked her up and comforted her tenderly. Swiftly the mid-range shuttle descended, as if falling out of the sky before turning and landing in the palace docking port, parking in the very same spot where Queen Constance's royal shuttle once rested.

Disengaging the atmospheric thrusters, Lord Elden helped Gillian carry Prince Rhisiart and Princess Brigid down the ramp and into the docking port. As their feet touched the ground he observed Lady Narwen as she commanded the imperial soldiers now surrounding them. Following Narwen's lead, Elden and Gillian walked through side corridors once used by palace servants to move directly to the palace's inner chambers. After five xiao-shirs Narwen stopped in front of a door, "This is the palace nursery. You will find bedding for the orphans, and then you will come with me to see Lord Yelu."

"Is that necessary?" asked Gillian.

"Only if you want the job."

Gillian rolled up her sleeves and picked up Brigid from her bassinette, "Very well. Please grant me a few xiao-shirs. Will you wait here or elsewhere?"

"Speak to the guard at this door; he will show you where to go from there," commanded Lady Narwen as she turned and headed down the corridor, leaving Elden and Gillian alone together.

Elden opened the heavy wood door for Gillian before picking up Rhisiart's bassinette. Dutifully Gillian entered the strange outer rooms, one of the few she never bothered to explore as a child. "How are you feeling, Gillian?" asked Elden.

"Nervous. Should I feel otherwise? I feel like I have just walked into a trap."

"You are well trained my lady. It may not feel like it now, but you know what to do and how to best protect those you love."

"I do not want to see Lord Yelu!" confessed Gillian as she meandered from this exterior room used for visiting the children to a nearby side room. There she saw ten small beds. On the headboard to the nearest bed laid a name sign reading "James," the bed's four yen-ar old black haired occupant sleeping peacefully under a crimson konyn wool blanket. Next to James she noticed three little girls ranging in age between seventy beinors and three yen-ars, the oldest named Ecter and the youngest of them named "Keelia." Keelia? As in Lord Knight Elendir and Lady Abbess Althea's long dead mother?

Finally she walked up to two of the empty beds. Laying Brigid into the first one, Gillian tried to enter the child's name into the monitoring computer. The computer beeped back, "Access denied."

"I can fix that," responded Elden as he laid Rhisiart onto the adjacent bed. Tapping a code into the monitor over first Rhisiart and then Brigid, Elden smiled as the computer accepted both names into its systems.

"How did you do that?" asked Gillian.

"I have full security clearance; I can get us into any computer system, even overriding some of Lord Yelu's commands and lockouts."

"How can you?" puzzled Gillian.

"Sometimes it helps to be half Amur, to be partly alien. There is no system on this planet I cannot control if I need to."

"So why not do more? Why not use the computer access to alter the government?"

"Two reasons. First, something like that would most certainly attract the attention of the Amur concealing themselves in the B345A15 system – to all our detriment. But second and perhaps most importantly, I have no interest in embracing my mother's culture and ways. She conceived me by raping my father when he was only thirty, below the age of consent of thirty five yen-ars! She forced his body into premature puberty in order to carry out her scheme. I have no interest in behaving like her, even if there are times when being part Amur works to my advantage."

"Understandable. So what happens now—after I report to Lord Yelu?"

"I will assign myself to the palace healing center. With a bit of luck I will be able to become the supervising healer in charge over the nursery. We will need to be careful about spending too much time in each other's company, but I believe we shall succeed in finding way to protect all the children while making progress on our mutual quest."

"All rise for his imperial majesty, Emperor Yelu of house Ten-Ar!" cried the court herald as Lord Yelu, clothed in Ten-Arian crimson processed into the throne room, a coronet featuring his personal heraldry sitting easy on his head as he swaggered to the dais and sat down in Queen Constance's throne. Three paces behind him strode Lady Narwen who confidently took her seat in the consort's throne beside him. Narwen turned to her brother, "Today is a happy day, brother!"

Lord Yelu laughed, "Indeed it is!" Motioning to a nearby servant, two prisoners marched towards the throne, both heavily pregnant, "I am a father again!"

Concealed in the crowd Anyu gasped as she recognized the prisoners as none other than Queen Constance and Lady Abbess Althea. Elden touched her hand and her mind, 'Do not reveal yourself. Do not cry out. Only death can come of it. I know you want to. I know you want to rescue them. The time is not yet. It will come. I promise; it will come. Stay the course and remain concealed. You are their last best hope for freedom.'

Anyu turned her mind to Elden, 'I am frightened – for them and for us.'

Elden clasped her hand, 'Do not let fear enslave us all. Remember: your stepfather left you the means to defeat him—when the time is right.'

Anyu met Elden's eyes, nodding reluctantly before fixing her attention on Lord Yelu and Lady Narwen once more.

"Tell me, Brother, how did you manage to achieve this so soon? Keelia is only sixty five beinors old!" remarked Narwen.

"Where there is a will, there is a way!" smirked Yelu. "Is that not correct, my dear Althea?"

Lady Abbess Althea glared at him, "You will not get away with this, nephew. I do not know by what power or advanced technology supports you, but it shall not support you forever. You are a mortal man. Sooner or later you will die!"

"Still expecting your precious brother my father to rescue you from his grave?" taunted Lord Yelu as he climbed down to her, kissing her viciously on the mouth.

"Not to discourage you from your fun, Yelu, but I have someone I want you to meet," mentioned Lady Narwen.

"Lady Narwen calls into this court Gillian Chapman of house Skeinera," declared the court herald loudly.

Uneasily Anyu let go of Elden's hand and emerged from the dense crowd. Passing the queen and the abbess, she met their eyes before falling to her knees before the dais, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I am at your service."

Lord Yelu smiled, "Pretty thing! A gift for my bedchamber?"

"If you wish, but that is not why I brought her here. By your supreme virility, our family continues to grow. The Shemai blesses us thusly. So great is The Shemai's blessing that the health of your children suffers from lack of suitable nourishment and attention, nourishment this one is able to provide them," explained Narwen.

"Are you certain she is capable?" asked Yelu, his interest still more on bedding Gillian than hiring her for the nursery.

Narwen nodded, "I have tested her, just as you ordered. She fed two infants of your blood before me. She can be trusted, though not perhaps if you make sport of her first."

"What about when she can no longer perform those duties?" pondered Lord Yelu.

"Should that time arise, I have no doubt she will comply with your exalted wishes most obediently," predicted Narwen.

Yelu crouched in front of the still kneeling Gillian, "Very well then. Do you swear yourself to my service, Gillian Chapman of house Skeinera? Will you give your very body and life to me if I demand it and however I demand it?"

"I swear," answered Gillian.

Lord Yelu kissed her lips fiercely, "You are mine!" Rising he signalled to the guards, "Guards, take Gillian Chapman to my bed chamber. I will be there shortly."

As the guards seized Gillian, her eyes met her mother's fearfully. Narwen glared at him, "I thought we agreed she was not here for that?"

"I want her anyway—just once. It is the best way to know if I can trust her with my children!"

Ten xiao-shirs later Anyu found herself thrown into the sovereign's apartment once belonging to her mother. Looking in a mirror and seeing only the illusionary self, Anyu felt reassured the projection was working as planned. So why was she here? Did Yelu's Amur soul recognize her as his archenemy Aisin?

Before she could ponder further Lord Yelu appeared, throwing his cloak, doublet, and shirt off and onto the bed, "Do you know why you are here in this room?"

"Yes. But I do not understand. I was tested!" protested Gillian.

"I will test you myself. If your vow is true, you will comply with my commands here and now. But if you are a spy, you will resist instinctively, your own eyes will betray you and I will know what to do with you."

"I cannot enjoy a stranger; I was married and I gave my vow to him."

"Enjoyment is not required of you; only your obedience."

Anyu knelt, lowering her head and eyes, "What is your command?"

"Unlace your dress," commenced Lord Yelu; obediently Anyu unfastened the lacing. Stepping behind her and forcing her to her feet he put his hand into her dress and massaged her left breast. "Good! Now take that belt off." Taking a deep breath, Anyu complied. The white belt fell to the floor with a thud. "Turn around. Now pull your dress off over your head." Gasping Anyu complied, refusing to meet his eyes as she felt his eyes on her nakedness. "Excellent!"

"Now what?" asked Anyu, raising her eyes to meet his.

"Now we play!"

The 'play' with Lord Yelu lasted far longer than Anyu expected and across more than one round, her uncle determined to prove her a spy by provoking her. Did he know or suspect the truth? If he did, if he knew he had just achieved what he as Janus had attempted to do to her as Princess Anlei he gave no obvious sign. After the third round Gillian cuddled up to him deceptively, "Are you satisfied my lord emperor that I am your loyal servant here only to serve you as best I may?"

"You handled yourself well, Gillian—or shall I call you Lady Gillian?"

"I do not understand!"

"Only a noblewoman behaves like that, with such control. Who are you really?"

"A bastard," declared Gillian. "My father was house Ten-Ar."

"Ah, so you bear noble blood but not the nobility?"

"Yes."

"Then it makes sense."

"Are you displeased, your majesty?"

"No; quite the reverse. You proved yourself. I will not ask his again of you, though I do reserve the right to watch you feed my children. Your breasts are extraordinary!" purred Yelu gently as he slipped one hand onto her breast and caressed it sensuously. "I took you out of lust and the need to conquer. I failed; you conquered me."

Anyu thought hard—about her mother, her aunt Althea, and her sister Leonora, "I will come to your bed again if you will grant me something in return."

"What do you want?"

"My great lord, you have already proven yourself against your enemies. Will you not release some of your prisoners from their torment? The prisoners you brought to court this beinor, they cannot hurt you further. Will you not release them?" bargained Anyu.

"And if I release them, you will give me more of this? You will grant me unlimited rights to play with you? Will you be my consort?"

"For as long as the prisoners remain free and safe of all harm, I will grant you this, even accepting the imperial crown in court and binding myself to you legally if you desire," promised Anyu.

"Very well! Dress yourself. We have prisoners to release."

One hundred xiao-shirs later Anyu found herself dressed in a beautiful royal kirtle and bliaut. As Lord Yelu entered she twirled with apparent delight, "Whose dress is this, my love?"

"It belonged to Princess Leonora," smiled Yelu. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" feigned Anyu. "Thank you, my lord!"

"I am feeling generous right now; you may release any five prisoners you desire."

"Any five? Who are my choices?" asked Anyu slyly.

"Let us walk to the cell block and find out. Remember, you may release only five, so choose carefully!" warned Yelu warmly.

Lord Yelu walked through the cell block gaily as if he were in a garden of beautiful flowers, Anyu clinging to his arm. Stopping at the first cell he opened the door, "This is Constance, former queen of Beinan"

"Release her please!" asked Anyu with a smile.

Compliantly Lord Yelu stepped inside the door, revealing the queen in humble dress and smouldering eyes, "You are released; your presence here no longer serves my ego or my interests."

Queen Constance rose, "And what of the bastard you imposed on me?"

"Bear it wherever you wish, as long as you never set foot in Hejing again. You may even kill it if it suits you, but you are too 'kind' I think for that. I have my royal son. James will succeed me when it is his time," declared Lord Yelu. Touching a panel on the wall, he deactivated the force fields limiting her mobility.

"Why?" asked Constance.

"You are replaced; Gillian will wed me as soon as your exile is confirmed."

Constance met her daughter's eyes, "You traded your life for mine, Gillian?"

Anyu cuddled up to Yelu flirtatiously, "You are my greatest rival for his bed; I will not have that! I want you gone –you and your bastard!"

Nodding her consent Constance brushed past her on her way out of her cell, "Thank you, whoever you are!"

As Constance disappeared out of the cell block, Lord Yelu took her to the adjacent cell, "This is Princess Leonora, the queen's daughter whose gown you wear."

"Release her; she no longer deserves to live in such splendour!" commanded Anyu. Obediently Yelu released her in the same fashion he released the queen. Shocked at the sudden release, Princess Leonora stared at the strange dark woman responsible for her release before hastening out of the cell block.

Stepping to the next door, Anyu felt a familiar presence trying to sense her, "Who is here?"

"This cell holds three prisoners, all of them great enemies of mine. Do you wish to release all three?"

"Without knowing who they are? That is quite a gamble!" guffawed Anyu.

"No greater gamble than I already made by releasing my two royal prisoners," reminded Yelu.

"Is Althea one of them?"

"Yes."

"Then release them all!" giggled Anyu, stepping inside the door as Yelu opened it. Inside she found Lady Abbess Althea, High Priestess Aina, and Lord Knight Corann of house Ten-Ar. "By the Shemai! You are generous, my love!"

"Do these three please you to release now then?"

"More than I can say! You deserve every bit of pleasure I promised you!"

"Excellent," responded Lord Yelu as he deactivated the force fields on the prisoners, "Your freedom is purchased. Leave Hejing and never return. If any of you – or the queen or the princess enters this city again, I will know it and I will kill you with my own hands—and my lovely new bride shortly after!"

Corann stepped forward, "Do you know what you have done, my lady?"

Anyu touched her father's hand softly, "I do. Go! Live out the rest of your life in freedom and peace. Abstain from the great matters and all shall be well again."

"Thank you, my lady!" acknowledged Corann, a single tear from his eye falling down his cheek. "Thank you, brother! I did not expect this, but I am grateful."

"I do it for this one's favours in bed; not you," clarified Yelu quietly as Corann, Althea, and Aina departed their cell and joined up with the princess and queen.

Watching them go, Anyu turned to Yelu, "Sweetheart, your children must be hungry; I really did come here to care for them. May I take my leave of you to attend to them?"

"No, I will come with you to watch. Your breasts are delightful; I want to watch you perform your duties."

"So mote it be then," agreed Anyu.

### Chapter Seven: Resistance is Not Futile

Lady Abbess Althea as she walked with Queen Constance, Princess Leonora, High Priestess Aina, and Lord Knight Corann down an ancient path through the town of Luton, its thick stone walls rising in sheer cliff faces all around them. Three thousand yen-ar old cottages pressed up against the town walls on one side of the street. On the other stood three story tall commercial buildings only one thousand twenty four yen-ars old, their exterior walls weathered by wind and rain. Forty zhang 张down the street a sign read, Luton Town Jiudian. Instinctively Althea headed for it.

Queen Constance stopped her, "Are you certain that is safe?"

"We have no identification, no money, no computers, or even the barest of necessities beyond the clothing on our bodies. We have little choice," reminded Althea.

"What if we are recognized?" worried Princess Leonora.

"What are they going to do? Hurt us? How can they do anything worse than we experienced in the palace cell block or in Lord Yelu's bed? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Who knows, we may even encounter someone from the resistance."

Lord Knight Corann stepped forward, "I agree with my aunt. As far as we know, my father is still free. Assuming that is the case he will use his authority and connections to help us any way he is able to. Help may be only zhang 张away!"

"I propose a compromise: Her Grace will go into the Luton Town Jiudian with Lord Corann while the rest of us stand guard here on the street. That way if there is a trap, only half of us will be caught," suggested High Priestess Aina.

"Fair enough?" asked Althea.

"Yes," agreed Queen Constance.

The matter now settled Althea and Corann ambled the remaining zhang张 to the pub and opened the heavy thick door. Inside they found the packed pub bustling with activity; the space sharply divided by contrasting lights with the outer sitting spaces brightly lit and the inner sitting spaces closest to the bar counter lit only by ambient candlelight designed to cloak patrons and their activities. Against one wall stood private snugs, each able to accommodate up to eight patrons. Along one wall in each snug hung a small touch screen computer terminal which could also respond to voice commands for ordering food and drink, ensuring further privacy.

Finding the last open table in one of these snugs, Althea sat down clumsily, the weight of her unborn child making her dizzy. After attending to her comfort, Corann walked up to the bar counter. The bartender greeted him, "How may I help you?"

"My aunt and I require assistance," alluded Corann.

"Certainly, how may I help?"

"Come with me," motioned Corann.

Reaching the snug, the bartender sat down across from Althea as Corann sat beside her, "You look terrible, my lady."

Althea eyed him cautiously, "It is 'your grace' actually."

"Your grace? There are only two people I know addressed like that!" exclaimed the bartender. "Were you in prison?"

"Until two shir-ors ago, yes. He let us go exactly as you see us – we two and our companions who wait outside."

"Without any resources to secure food, drink, or transportation to your homes?"

"Some of us will be killed if we go home; his orders."

"Of course! My name is Charles."

"Do you know any who might help us?"

"Yes. My brother-in-law Kevin Wit runs the Tiantang Jiudian 天堂酒店 in Bira Hecen. He used to be quite loyal—until his wife my sister perished innocently. Now we both harbour certain resentments. "

"I grieve for your loss. I am prepared to resume my duties as healer in chief—but first we must restore that which we lost," hinted Althea.

"Agreed!" Touching the computer terminal on the wall, Charles ordered two non-alcoholic nara berry meads for them free of charge, "I cannot offer you much right now, but if you will bring in your companions, I can at least provide you all with food and drink without need for payment or identification. There are people in this room sympathetic to your needs and your cause. If I were to act more directly, well, there are certain risks I simply cannot take."

"Believe me we understand. Are there any small healing centres here in Luton Town who might at least attend to her grace and our female companions?" queried Corann. "As you might guess, the cells in the palace are not exactly places designed to promote the well-being of their occupants."

"Food first—then I will introduce you to those of your mind and cause," asserted Charles.

Slipping out of doors, Corann quickly found Queen Constance, Princess Leonora, and High Priestess Aina standing exactly where they stood before. With a bow affirming the safety of the situation inside, he led the trio to their snug. One man sitting at a nearby candlelit table gasped, "By the goddesses, do you know who that is?"

"Who?" asked his three cohorts.

"The queen!"

"She lives?" asked his nearest companion.

"Look!" pointed the man.

"I know that girl with her! She is the queen's eldest daughter, Leonora! I made her breakfast nearly every beinor for twenty yen-ars! It has to be! One does not work in the palace in Hejing without knowing more than a few things!" blinked the companion, rising up from the table. Kneeling he entered the snug, "Your Highness! You are alive! I am Becker of house Ana, do you remember me?"

Leonora smiled, "Of course Becker!"

"Where have you been, Your Highness?"

"The palace; we were not able to escape. We were... let go this beinor."

Becker stammered, "D-d-did they do that to you in prison, Your Majesty?"

"Yes. We need help, Becker," nodded Queen Constance. Charles arrived with five large mugs of non-alcoholic nara berry meads, steamed rak tails and legs, a type of seasoned buttered bread, and an assortment of cheeses, minced fruit, and berries, including kelan, nanla, and nara berries.

"I do not have much, but I do have a local bakery business. I have a delivery to make in the morning out in Granta near the Ten-Arian monastery. It is only one point four three shir-ors from here and I am understaffed for the delivery. If the five of you will help me with the delivery, I can transport to the heart of the city—or the Ten-Arian monastery if you feel that is more helpful," offered Becker.

"There is a healing center for house Ten-Ar on Addenbroke Road in Granta," added Lady Abbess Althea. "If you can get us there, I think we will be able to take it from there."

"Not a problem; the Granta-Kensington Healing Center on Addenbroke Road is where I am making my delivery to!" smiled Becker. "Do you have lodging for the night?"

"No," replied High Priestess Aina as she took a bite of cheese.

"Let me speak to Charles and see if he can offer you a room upstairs. The jiudian was once used as a brothel two hundred yen-ars ago and still has some rooms which can be rented by patrons. I can pay for the rooms if he will not simply offer them. Given who you are, however, I think it is in everyone's interest for him to help you out of the kindness of his heart. It may not be much of a resistance, but it is something we can and should do," offered Becker.

Princess Leonora smiled at Becker, "Thank you, Becker. Once more we are in your debt."

"Just you get back to where you ought to be and start running things right! I do not know if I can ever bear to come back to work in Hejing; my business is doing really well now, but if you ever need help, you just let me know!"

The next morning at shir-or 5.0 Becker met Constance, Leonora, Aina, Althea, and Corann in front of the Luton Town Jiudian. Though it took some pleading and cajoling, Becker succeeded in getting Charles to provide the rooms in exchange for two hundred assorted pastries and desserts from his bakery for the pub instead of asking for money from his guests. Pulling up his large low-altitude shuttle specifically designed for transporting baked goods and staff, Becker helped Althea and Queen Constance carefully board the craft so as to not disrupt the many trays of cakes, pastries, Belarian waffles, slatkos, and breads filling the shuttle along with complimentary assorted sauces, jams, and syrups. After ten xiao-shirs, they were on their way.

Ahead of schedule at shir-or 6.05 Becker's low altitude shuttled pulled into the enclosed docking port at Granta-Kensington Healing Center just as an upper atmosphere hurricane descended, flash flooding the entire town of one hundred eighty thousand residents. Thankful for the shelter, Becker instructed each of his new friends on what he needed them to do, each one humbly helping as best as she or he could. Pleased with the assistance, Becker bowed deeply as each thanked him before setting off into the rain and towards the Ten-Arian monastery.

"Why did you ask Becker to bring us to the healing center if that was not our final destination?" asked Queen Constance as the group trudged towards the Ten-Arian monastery.

"I erred on the side of caution," replied Althea whose pregnancy granted her the boon of feeling a little warmer than the others. "Maybe he was safe to confide in, but maybe he was not. I was not about to gamble the core of the resistance movement against whether or not he is trustworthy. At least at my office we know one trustworthy ally will help us."

"Who do you expect to find at the monastery, Your Grace?" asked Leonora.

"An old friend," replied Althea simply.

"Who?" asked the queen.

"You will see when we get there."

"Why not tell us now?" pressed the queen.

"Why are you so interested in knowing before we get there?"

"No reason," lied the queen.

"Her grace is correct, Your Majesty. You do seem unusually curious on the matter. Not at all the trusting friend of the family we all know," observed Corann.

"A wise observation, knight!" guffawed Queen Constance, her shape suddenly changing into a four legged, black-scaled creature, its massively long serpentine tail tipped with four webbed fingers.

Corann glared at it, wishing desperately he had a weapon, "Where is the real Queen Constance the Kind?"

"DEAD! Dead a long time ago. After she gave Lord Yelu his son he tortured her and killed her. A pity he would not let me help. He wanted to keep our real nature a secret," slithered the Amur.

"Who are you?" asked Aina.

"Laela, sister-in-law to Surt who gave up his immortal life to pursue his revenge against one of us who walks among you as a natural born Beinarian!" proclaimed Laela proudly.

"Surt? Who is Surt?" asked a stunned Leonora.

"No one of consequence. All you need to know is that your pathetic attempts at resistance are utterly futile! We will have our revenge. You will be our slaves forever!" cackled Laela with delight. Raising her right hand, she enveloped Corann, Althea, Aina, and Princess Leonora in a force field, "Now you know what I am, I can hardly allow you to live; best of all your operative now thinks you are all free; she will serve his bedchamber nicely as his queen and slave and never know it was all futile, all in vain!"

Suddenly out of seemingly nowhere and with a blinding flash to conceal his point of origin appeared Lord Healer Elden, "I would not count the resistance dead if I were you, Mother!"

"So Elden you are now helping out these... rabble, eh? Are they making good sport for you?"

"Not as good as my father was, Mother."

"You have grown since last I saw you."

"I am six hundred forty-eight yen-ars old now, Mother! I am hardly a child!"

Laela laughed, her tailed coiling with irritation, "By whose standards? You will be dead before you come of age among the Amur, child!"

"Yes, I am mortal, the one gift you gave me of any value. I am blessed with long life, but not the curse of immortality! What did it take for Surt to become mortal in pursuit of she who was once High Priestess Aisin? The firepower of the entire Beinarian star destroyer fleet? No wonder you, Morlong, and the others control house Xing-li so tightly; the last thing you want is for Beinarians to regain the technology you took from them after they landed on this world!" Meeting his mother's eyes, Lord Healer Elden waved his fingers in a circular motion, releasing the Beinarians from the force field. "Go my friends; he is waiting for you. I will keep my mother occupied."

Twenty xiao-shirs later Lady Abbess Althea, Princess Leonora, High Priestess Aina, and Lord Knight Corann reached Althea's old office and headquarters to the resistance where Lord Knight Elendir monitored reports. Corann froze as he saw his father, "Father?! You are alive!"

Elendir turned, dropping everything he was doing, and embraced his son tenderly, "Corann! I thought you were dead!"

"I would have died if not for Lord Healer Elden. He found me in the burning west wing of the palace; I do not know how he got me out of there or healed my injuries! I operated in secret for a long time in Hejing; one yen-ar ninety beinors ago Lord Yelu's troops discovered my location; I was arrested and thrown into the cell block. When Aunt Althea tried to use her position as abbess of Ten-Ar to secure my release, Lord Yelu double-crossed her. We were together in prison for over a yen-ar, I think!" explained Corann.

Elendir open his embrace, beckoning his sister, "I owe you everything for trying, Althea!"

Althea kissed his cheek and joined in the group hug, "We are family; what else could I do?"

"Our family has grown since last we spoke," announced Elendir.

"What do you mean?"

"Corann is a grandfather."

Corann broke the embrace, "What? What are you talking about?"

Elendir's brown-flecked grey eyes met his, "Your daughter was raped on D425E25 Tertius, Corann. You are now the grandfather of twins Rhisiart and Brigid. Princess Anyu arrived just xiao-shirs before she went into labour."

"Where are they, Father?"

"In the palace—with her. She is undercover."

"So that was not my imagination! That girl with Lord Yelu—black hair, dark brown eyes, and jaundiced skin, that was my daughter?" asked Corann, trying to put together the pieces.

"Lord Elden's skills as a healer are matched only by my lady abbess," smiled Elendir.

Leonora stepped forward, "Wait! Are you saying my sister is alive and returned to Beinan?"

"Yes. Congratulations, Leonora. You are an aunt!"

"If only I had known or guessed!" pondered Leonora.

"It was the only way," mused High Priestess Aina. "For her disguise to work we all needed to believe it; if we had not, Lord Yelu surely would have killed her—and the babies. Now that we all know the truth about her return and her presence in the palace, it becomes essential that none of us steps anywhere near the palace."

"Lord Yelu threatened to kill her if any of us entered Hejing, remember?"

Lord Elendir broke the embrace with his family, "Heed that warning; he has access to all planetary defences and technology. How he did not detect the Liltaél on its descent is still a mystery to me."

Lord Healer Elden strode up behind them, "Simple: he did not detect her star craft because I did not want him to! I can blind the computers when I need to; without anyone knowing that is what I am doing. But as I told Anyu right before I left her, I cannot do these things too often without drawing the sort of attention we cannot afford. I can hold my own pretty well against my mother; killing me is against her self-interest and against whatever plan is behind my birth. But a group of Amur? All at once? Impossible to defeat them. No; the only way to survive this war is to avoid direct confrontation with them whenever possible."

"So how do we win?" asked Leonora. "Surely this is impossible! If these aliens are as powerful as you suggest... maybe it is time to resign ourselves to living with Emperor Yelu as our ruler!"

"And abandon our race's long history of autonomy, democracy, and a limited monarchy? Do we really want to give up on everything that makes us Beinarian and live at the whim of this tyrant?" gasped Althea. "I would rather die than give up our liberties! I do not care if this is a no-win situation or not! I am and shall be abbess of house Ten-Ar until I die, even if no one is there to replace me in my office."

"All of us are descended of Princess Anlei and Lord Knight Corann," affirmed Elden, "Even me. This plot, this coup d'état was in their minds ever since the Great Migration when they encountered our people. When Surt committed suicide to incarnate among us, this yen-ar was already in their hearts. That evil trinity—Yelu, Morlong, and Laela—will not stop until they have utterly destroyed our species, down to the last one of us."

"Even you, as half Beinarian, half Amur?"

"If it comes to it; yes. I think even my sister and I are expendable though I think we exist for another purpose. Unlike the rest of them, we are completely mortal; at some point both of us will grow old and die, something the Amur cannot do. They can kill each other, they can kill themselves by throwing themselves into intense enough heat, but they cannot die of old age."

"What do you suggest we do? If we cannot defeat the Amur, how is there any hope for our world?"

Elden paced, his minding searching for a solution, "We must find Amur sympathetic to our cause. I was not broadly introduced the last time I was aboard their star craft Nimamur, but I do know they have some sort of government. Perhaps there are those among the Amur who object to what Yelu, Morlong, and Laela have done to our world. Perhaps all they need to intervene is the request of someone from this world."

"I think I should go," volunteered Elendir. "I was King Kendric's dearest friend. I am also Lord Yelu's father, even though that honour was imposed on me against my will. If only there was some symbol or token I could present to them to prove who I am!"

"What about the Bow of Balister?" asked High Priestess Aina.

"The Bow of Balister is just a legend!" argued Elendir.

"No, it is not! I have seen it in my dreams. King Kendric kept it in a secret place," countered Aina.

"Is there a way Princess Anyu could secure it for us?" asked Aina.

"That could be dangerous!" reminded Elden.

"No one knows the palace better than my sister," affirmed Leonora. "Not even our mother knew it as well as she does. If there are hidden paths, she is certain to know about them. The trick would be to pass off the Bow to someone trustworthy before Lord Yelu discovers her."

"I can teleport objects within a zhang of my location to another nearby location in the area, the nearer the better of course. If a cloaked star craft or mid-range shuttle were to hover over the palace at the right time, we might be able to secure it. It would be very dangerous for everyone on the mission –the princess most of all—but it might be possible," considered Elden.

"Can you teleport people as well as objects?" asked Elendir.

"One at a time, yes; I do not have nearly the powers my mother does. I actually used my powers to help with the delivery of Brigid and Rhisiart."

"And you can cloak yourself?" asked Elendir, a plan spinning through his mind.

"Yes."

"I think it is time to recall Anyu and her children from the palace. Teleport both of the babies to our best star craft. Speak to Anyu; find out where the Bow is; I will retrieve it while you get her to safety," ordered Elendir.

"Father no! You must stay aboard the star craft. Anyu is my daughter! Allow me to secure the bow and get her to safety! I have not done a father's duty for her; it is time I fight to protect my daughter and grandchildren," insisted Corann.

"You could be killed, Corann."

"So could you, Father. The woman I love is dead; I owe it to Constance to help her!"

Elendir nodded, "Very well then! I will stay aboard the star craft while you and Elden rescue our family and secure the Bow."

"The star craft Liltaél is at our disposal; I hid it carefully on the island of Ben-Ar. There are weapons aboard which Prince Consort Kian stowed away in case Princess Anyu needed them to fight her way back home," mentioned Elden. "Your Grace, Your Grace, Your Highness, we will need you to stay safe here at headquarters. Both Elendir and Corann are knights of Ten-Ar; they were trained to fight in operations like this if called upon. I of course have many of the abilities of the Amur. We three are best qualified for this mission; please, I ask you, stay where you are safe."

"Agreed," affirmed Lady Abbess Althea.

Seventy beinors passed. Anxiously Lord Knight Corann paced the halls near his aunt's office, his black cloak swirling as he moved. Nervously he grabbed his laser bow, plasma arrows, and quiver full of heritage arrows, concealing the beneath his cloak. Finally, at shir-or 6 the Liltaél descended into a nearby open space. Corann rushed outside to great Elden, "What took you so long?"

"I had to make sure I was not followed and that no one could deduce the purpose of my return to the Temple of Abka Gahun. I also took the opportunity to obtain news. While we have plotted and planned, Lord Yelu has taken Anyu as his empress and consort; the coronation was three beinors ago at shir-or 9. No doubt she has been busy in Lord Yelu's private chamber with him ever since. I suspect getting her out safely is going to be the most dangerous part of this mission!" described the silver-cloaked Elden.

"Blosh!" cursed Corann. "What are the chances now we can get her out of there safely and with no loss of life?"

"Do you really want to know?" queried Elden.

"No, come to think about it, I think the odds might be upsetting," confessed Corann as his father emerged, ready to depart.

Elendir handed Corann a heritage crossbow and a dozen quarrels, "Do you still remember how to use this?"

Corann glared at his father playfully, "I can still out shoot you!"

"And I can still best you with a blade—modern or heritage, lad!" toyed Elendir as he helped Elden prepare the Liltaél for launch.

"There is one other weapon aboard the Liltaél we are bringing down," added Elden. "King Kendric's schlager sword; Princess Anyu inherited it. She may need it to get away. I will carry it for her and put it in her hand myself." Smirking playfully he turned to Elendir, "One curiosity, my lord Elendir?"

"What is that?"

"Who is better with a sword – you or her?"

Elendir laughed light-heartedly as he helped Elden with the final pre-launch preparations, "You know in all these yen-ars I have never sparred with her, never tested her skills with a blade. That, my friend, could be interesting—if we all survive to see that beinor."

"Two xiao-shirs to Hejing, my lords; engaging cloak," announced Elendir as he adjusted the Liltaél's course towards the palace. "I will land on the banks of the Amur river just long enough for both of you to depart before taking position zero point seven li above. Once you are ready to start teleportation send me a signal through the computer and I will lower the star craft as close to the ground as I can. I assume you can find my location based on the computer signals?"

Elden put the hood of his cloak over his head, "Yes. The nearer you are, the faster and easier this becomes. Stay as close to the ground as you can without compromising your safety, please. We only get one shot at this!" Elden turned to Corann and met his eyes, "Ready to rescue your daughter?"

"Always!" replied Corann fiercely as the Liltaél landed. With a dash he and Elden headed for the exterior palace walls furtively as the hidden Liltaél ascended. "Do you have any clue where this Bow might be hidden?"

"No; Anyu is the only one who might know where to begin looking," conceded Elden in a low voice.

"Where do you suggest we start?"

"There are three likely places we will find her: the throne room on the dais with Lord Yelu, in the nursery with her children, or in the sovereign's apartment though she could be in the consort's apartment as well. Since teleporting the children is first priority, I will head to the nursery."

"Then I will check the apartments and their offices. Hopefully we will not need to search the throne room."

"Whatever happens Corann, you must get away; this is no time to play Ten-Arian hero!" cautioned Elden as he engaged the personal cloaking screen on his belt, rendering him invisible.

No longer able to see Elden, Corann felt alone as he clandestinely crept through the palace's ancient corridors ever grateful for Constance's demands they pursue their love affair in secret instead of making him her official lover. As his mind drifted into the past it occurred to him that technically Anyu herself was a bastard, her claim to the throne based entirely on Prince Consort Kian's insistence that Anyu was his child and not Corann's. Did Lord Yelu know this? Was this why Lord Yelu killed Kian on the floor of the Great Council? Nothing felt certain anymore—except his love for Queen Constance and his grief at her murder.

As Corann crept close to the sovereign's apartment, the sounds of sex filled his ears. He knew that woman's voice. Only Anyu's voice sounded like that.

Suddenly he felt an arm grab him from behind and a hand clenched over his mouth. His assailant turned him around, "How are you here?"

"Who are you?" whispered Corann.

"Christopher Gurun," answered Corann's attacker.

"Who?"

Anwell eyed him, "Never mind! What is your business here?"

"The Bow of Balister."

"Ah! Yes, of course, that makes sense. Prince Consort Bevin used to lay rhosod at its hidden shrine," mused Anwell.

"Who are you?"

"A friend; that is all you need to know."

"We need the Bow to secure an alliance; do you know how to get to it?" asked Corann.

"There are two paths to it; one goes through the heir apparent's office; the other through the sovereign office."

"Can you get me unnoticed to the heir apparent's office?"

"Yes! Come with me!"

"Hello, Rhisiart!" cooed Elden as he picked up his half-brother. "Are you ready for a trip?" Elden felt a question in his head, "Do not worry; I am here to help you!" Concentrating Elden searched for the Liltaél. Finding it he met Rhisiart's eyes and watched him disappear. Picking up Brigid and meeting her eyes, he concentrated on the Liltaél and watched her vanish. As he readied himself to leave, Elden felt despair behind him. Approaching the source he saw Prince James standing in his crib, very much aware of what just happened to Rhisiart and Brigid. "Do I dare take you, little one? Will it endanger your sister if I do?"

"No! Me come!" demanded James.

Elden took a deep breath, "Very well then!" Concentrating he teleported Prince James before leaving Leonora and Althea's children alone.

Anwell led the way to the heir apparent's apartment taking direct paths Corann found impossible. How did this stranger know the palace so well? Quickly Anwell entered the office, pressing three small buttons on the side of a picture frame hung on the far wall. A small, narrow door running floor to ceiling appeared, opening. Anwell glided through the passage with Corann trying to keep up. Suddenly a small alcove shrine erupted from the wall. In the dim light, Anwell found the shrine's relic: a tawny, heavily carved bow well over eleven thousand yen-ars old. Grabbing the bow, Anwell handed it to Corann, "String it!"

"It will not break?"

"Only if you do not know how to string a bow," quipped Anwell.

Corann swiftly strung the bow, surprised at the strength of its ancient bow string, "How did you know?"

"I know a knight of Ten-Ar when I see one; my late father was a Ten-Arian knight. My mother chose him actually because she believed she was safest with a knight of Ten-Ar than a politician chosen by the Great Council."

"Who are you, Christopher Gurun?"

"Someone who loves Anyu very much. Come, we must hurry. By my estimates Lord Yelu should be finished with his latest round upon her. Now is the time to rescue the woman we love."

"How do you?"

"Quiet, you fool!" hushed Anwell as he crept down the other corridor towards the sovereign's apartment.

Cracking open the secret door, Anwell gasped as he saw the naked, disguised Anyu. Bruises covered Anyu's face and arms. Blood gushed from a cut above her forehead. Her milk laden breasts bled slightly. Despite the illusion, Anwell saw only the reason woman he loved. A tear fell from his eye as he heard her sob, "Why, my lord? Why?"

"You hesitated when I demanded you. You live because I want you to! Do you understand that?" snarled the fully dressed Yelu.

"Yes!" wept Anyu. "I do not understand! I gave you what you wanted!"

"You are not pregnant; I want you pregnant!" snarled Lord Yelu, beating her.

Corann crouched against the door to watch as well, "Blosh!"

"It cannot be helped, my lord!" pled Anyu as another blow landed on her face.

"Oh? And why not?" shrieked Yelu as he drew his dagger.

Corann pulled an arrow from quiver. Anwell stayed his hand, "You must not! You must get the Bow out of here! It is irreplaceable!"

Corann trembled, "So is my daughter!" Opening the door he fired at Lord Yelu. Yelu ducked, evading the arrow which punctured a nearby pillow. Anwell plunged into the room, destroying Corann's aim as he attempted to fire another arrow. Rolling onto the ground Anwell found Anyu's kirtle and threw it to her. Anyu caught the dress and rolled away from Lord Yelu evasively.

Anwell rose, putting himself between Yelu and the still naked Princess Anyu, "Behind me!" Anyu feverishly pulled the dress over her head to cover herself, staining it with the blood from her head and breasts.

Deactivating his cloak, Elden rushed into the chaotic room. Consumed by his blind rage Corann fired again. Elden snarled at him, "Corann, the Bow!" Suddenly aware of his actions Corann backed towards Elden and handed him the bow. "My lady! You must come with us!"

Anyu met Anwell's eyes, "Not without you!"

"Go! I will be fine. I will get out of here!" yelled Anwell.

"Corann, we must go!" signalled Elden.

"No!" shrieked Corann venomously. "Not until he pays for what he just did!" Pulling his laser bow from his cloak, he notched a plasma arrow into its string.

"No, Corann! No!" cried Elden as Corann fired, setting off the alarm. Four guards plunged into the room, firing their volley of laser spears.

Anwell rushed Elden, "You have a plan for getting out?"

Elden handed Anwell the Bow, "Yes!" Concentrating, he teleported Anwell up to the Liltaél.

"So, Lord Knight, you came here to die!" cackled Lord Yelu.

"You killed my wife and raped my daughter!" cried Corann as his spirit left him. With a tear, Elden cloaked himself before materializing back onto the Liltaél.

In a blink of an eye Elden appeared in the passenger section. Tears fell from his eyes. Anyu rushed up to him, a look of bewilderment on her face. Focusing his mind, Elden dismissed the illusion altering her appearance. Shimmering, the brown eyes and black hair melted into Anyu's auburn brown hair and grey eyes. Elden knelt before her sadly, "My lady, your father is dead."

Elendir set the computer on a course outside of Hejing airspace. With a banking turn, the star craft nudged upwards at a sixty degree angle towards the upper atmosphere. As the computer took control, Elendir rose from the pilot seat, meeting Elden's eyes with shock, "My son is dead?"

"I do not think he wanted it any other way, my lord! He provoked the situation, made it far more dangerous than it needed to be. He jeopardized the Bow—and his daughter's life!"

"Revenge. But why? My mother is safe!" exclaimed Anyu.

"No," informed Elden, "Yelu killed her long ago; the woman you saw was Lady Laela impersonating her. She showed her real self the xiao-shir we avoided her questions about the resistance."

"Laela is here?" asked Anwell.

"Yes. What I concealed from everyone in the resistance is this: my sister Freya embraces her agenda. She chooses her Amur half. We may be siblings, but we could not be more different," added Lord Healer Elden.

Anwell looked at Elden cautiously, "My lord, who are you?"

"I am Elden, son of Lady Laela and Prince Anwell, born BE 6392, beinor 29," acknowledged Elden.

Anwell crumpled to the floor, "How is that possible?"

Elden's eyes widened, "You are Prince Anwell?"

"Yes. You said you have a sister?"

"Yes. Her name is Freya but she is no heroine like Princess Anyu."

Anwell turned to Anyu, "Why were you in the palace, my love?"

Anyu picked up Brigid, "Our daughter Brigid and her twin brother Rhisiart. The safest place for them was right under Lord Yelu's nose. I went undercover to protect them—and give the resistance a fighting chance."

Anwell trembled, "I left Beinan on BE 6391, beinor 3 a pawn of Laela and Morlong. Now I return to find myself a father of four children by two mothers?"

"Sweetheart there is more. When I was in Laela laboratory on D425E25 Tertius she collected five ovum from my body, implanting three into herself. Morlong mated with her as soon as she did so. I think it is likely she is surrogate to three of my children sired by that Morlong creature."

Anwell touched her arm, "She did something similar with me – conceiving three more between her and I. Sweetheart, what is she up to?"

Elden's eyes widened, "Blimy bloch! Now it all makes sense! She and Morlong are not just interested in destroying our race: they are creating a new hybrid race!"

"A hybrid race? But why?" asked an incredulous Anyu.

"The old story about Rhisiart and Aisin was true! It had to be!" exclaimed Anwell. Anyu looked at him, the yen-ars he lied to her about his identity still present in her mind. "When I was Laela and Morlong's pawn, they told me the story about their race, the Amur. For a very long time I was their confident, not guessing I was really their pawn. Never once in my youth did I question their teachings; I had no reason to. Blimy! No wonder Lord Yelu killed your parents, Anyu. The Amur do not tolerate any questions to their authority. My guess is that once Yelu started treating the queen cruelly and once she realized the connection between Lord Yelu, Morlong, and Laela she ceased to be of any value to them. Her son is legally heir to the Gurun dynasty, even if conceived under duress; our laws never demanded a betrothal be entered into willingly. That is, I must conclude, why Janus tried to force Princess Anlei into a sealed betrothal in the first place during the Great Succession Crisis. Fortunately my training with Lady Laela helped me recognize the psychic control Janus put on Anlei – allowing me to quietly warn Lord Knight Corann so he could stop Janus from sealing the princess and by that effectively giving him the throne."

Listening intently, Elden's eyes widened as memory flashes from another time filled his mind. In front of him Janus slapped Anlei vengefully, "Deny me, will you? I will show you. You are mine."

"Elden? What is it?" asked Anyu, noticing his distraction.

"I was there!"

"Where?"

"In Princess Anlei's room when Janus tried to seal her forced betrothal by raping her. I was... I was Corann," realized Elden simply.

"Yes! Yes! It makes sense," confirmed Anwell. "No wonder your mind felt familiar!"

Elendir strode forward and gave Anwell back Anyu's betrothal bracelet, "I believe this belongs to you!"

Taking hold of the bracelet, Anwell unfastened its clasp before kneeling before Anyu, "Dearest princess! On D425E25 Tertius, you accepted my offer of marriage never knowing if either of us would ever reach home again. Now, in front of these witnesses, I ask you again. What we did there shall remain there if you wish. But if you love me still, I ask you simply: will you marry me in accord with the customs and laws of our world?"

Anyu smiled at Anwell, "I will!" Smiling Anwell fastened the bracelet back onto her wrist. Pleased, Anyu turned to Elden, "But what about you, Elden? I loved Corann with all my heart; I still love him."

"That was another life, Your Highness," answered Elden, casting his eyes down and away from her.

"Must it be?"

Anwell looked at her, "Anyu, what are you asking?"

"When Elden told me the story of Aisin and Rhisiart, he spoke of Lord Cariad of house Gurun. When we were on D425E25 Tertius, you confessed to me that you were Lord Cariad, the astro-engineer I, as Lady Brigid encountered on that survey mission to find a new home world after we left A672E92 Quintus. From what I can tell, Elden was King Malvyn whom I loved with equal passion and loyalty," revealed Anyu.

"A holy trinity," concluded Elden.

"Elden, I want you to ask the question I can feel is in your heart," insisted Anyu.

"Anwell is my father, Anyu! How can I? Besides, it is illegal!" protested Elden.

"Says who? A government that no longer exists? Lord Yelu? Laela and Morlong? The old ways are gone! I am not saying that there should be no rules governing our world. But who is to say what is right and wrong between consenting adults? Who is to say what kind of family is best or how people should run the most private parts of our lives? I say that love transcends all things! Who you love and how you love needs to be a personal decision made only with those involved and no one else! Elden, I am willing to consent to what I know is in your heart—if my lord Anwell can love me enough to consent to this as well," proclaimed Anyu.

Anwell rose and put his arms around Anyu and Elden, "I love you, Anyu. How can I say no to what will bring you the greatest joy? If this is what you want, then I want it too. My son, I think you should ask her the question I feel in my mind you desperately want to ask but are terrified to."

"What say you, Lord Elendir?" asked Elden.

"I think Princess Anyu is ready to be queen. By the old rules, she is entitled to have both of you if she desires," agreed Elendir.

Elden fell to his knees and took Anyu's hand, "Princess Anyu, will you marry me as your husband, granting to my father the title of Prince Consort and granting to me simply the title of husband, knowing that any children between us will not be and cannot be fully human?"

"I will," consented Anyu as Elden kissed her hand humbly. "Our holy trinity must still be sealed of course. But once we do this, I know in my heart that no darkness, no evil can come between us. This Great Revolution is at end; we three will stop it, even if it costs us our lives. Resistance is not and never shall be futile!"

### Chapter Eight: Tyranny's End

Five hundred xiao-shirs later the star craft Liltaél descended onto the Ten-Arian monastery campus. Shocked and surprised to see the star craft so quickly returned, Princess Leonora approached the craft as Princess Anyu, Lord Healer Elden, Prince James, and Prince Anwell walked down the ramp, Brigid and Rhisiart in their parent's arms

"What—who—is this?" asked Leonora.

"Sister!" laughed Princess Anyu. "I want you to meet my daughter and your niece, Princess Brigid!"

"You are a mother?" puzzled Leonora, her arms wide with eagerness to hold her niece. "How is that possible? You are far too young!"

"Nothing is impossible for the Amur," remarked Elden. "I believe you know your brother James?"

"Yes! I cared for him a bit; part of Lord Yelu's tortures. He said I would never see my own child by him, but insisted instead I play with my half-brother. Tell me—is my daughter still alive?"

"She was when I teleported your brother, your niece, and your nephew. I am sorry, Leonora; time was of the essence; I could not empty the nursery. As it was I arrived just in time to stop Lord Yelu from killing Princess Anyu," apologized Elden.

Leonora paced, "This sounds terrible, but that child is better off dead, or at least raised by someone else. I cannot forget what he did to me. In another life, I raised the daughter he forced on me; times are different. My mother, sister, and I were all raped and tortured by the same man! That is more than I know how to deal with!"

"Believe me, I understand," empathized Anyu. "If I were older, Lord Yelu might have succeeded in getting me with child; the only reason I have Rhisiart and Brigid is because Lady Laela used Amurian technology on me! That was, in the end, the reason he gave for torturing me; I was not pregnant, no matter what drugs he gave me or how he treated me. The best of our technology cannot force a young woman under forty-five to conceive!"

"Truly a blessing, Anyu! I was not quite so lucky; I was barely forty-five when Lord Yelu quickened my womb."

"I grieve for you. You deserve better!" sympathized Anyu as she passed Brigid off to Elden to hold her sister tightly.

"Anyu, I feel so lost!"

"All will be well, Leonora. We were successful in retrieving the Bow of Balister!"

"Then why are you here?"

"The children; I do not want to take them anywhere near an alien star craft or destroyer! I was hoping you and Lady Abbess Althea would do us the kindness of looking after them—even our brother. It is not his fault how he was begotten nor what happened to our mother. Like the rest of us he is innocent. Will you help me?" requested Anyu.

"Yes of course, I will do whatever I can."

"Thank you!" smiled Anyu appreciatively, taking hold of Anwell's hand. "May I introduce you to my intended and father of my children: Prince Anwell, son of Queen Isabelle and Prince Consort Bevin."

"You are betrothed?" Anyu blushed romantically. "Obviously you have some explaining to do, Anyu! Come! Tell me all about it over dinner!"

Anyu met Anwell's eyes. Anwell bowed in understanding, "Elendir and I will join you as soon as the Liltaél is secured from prying enemy eyes. Go! Catch up with your sister, Sweetheart!"

Fifteen beinors passed. Confused by the delay, Anyu fidgeted. Concerned for her mother, Brigid wailed. Anyu picked her up to comfort her, "I am sorry, Brigid! Are you picking up mummy's feelings already?"

Anwell entered their room, "Of course she is. Elden tells me the children have some Amur traits in their helices, no doubt to enhance the natural psychic abilities they inherit from each of us."

"Where were you the last four beinors? I was so worried."

"I needed to retrieve the Badatel from its hiding place; it was too dangerous to leave it where it was. I came to the palace the shir-or I encountered your father in order to gather intelligence; my own resistance if you will. I knew if there was a way for you to return, you would try."

"So you had no idea when you helped my father that I was there?"

"I had nothing concrete, if that is what you are asking me, Lady Engineer Anyu! But I did feel you close by. I did not know exactly where, but I knew you were in Hejing, yes."

"So now the Badatel is out of enemy hands, when do we launch in pursuit of the Amur?"

"We do not."

"What? But that was the entire reason for going to Hejing, for retrieving the Bow of Balister!"

"I am not saying we abandon the plan to contact them; I just realized there is a better and safer way to do so."

"How?"

"Do you remember the observatory at which you first met Lady Laela?"

"Yes of course."

"It is more than just a sophisticated astronomical observatory able to penetrate the thick upper atmosphere. I believe it is a hidden telecommunications transmitter and receiver tuned to the frequencies used by Amur star crafts. If we can access its computers, most certainly we can embark on our mission without leaving the surface of B345A15 Quartus."

"Are you suggesting we bring the Amur here?"

"Yes, sweetheart that is exactly what I believe will provide us our best chance at securing the alliance and the freedom of our people."

Twenty beinors later Princess Anyu, Prince Anwell, Lord Healer Elden, Lord Knight Elendir, Lady Abbess Althea, and High Priestess Aina journeyed back to Bira Hecen on board the Ten-Arian executive shuttle called the Lasta. As they approached the city, all were filled with wonder at the lasting beauty of the Temple of Abka Biya, its spires rising poetically from the promontory cliffs from which its glory arose. The tallest and most organically designed of these spires rose up from the cliffs, many of its windows facing the Amba Mederi Ocean below even as its transparent roof marked it as the home of the temple observatory.

Landing the Lasta, Lord Healer Elden bowed courteously to High Priestess Aina, "Your Grace we await your pleasure as high priestess. Permission to enter the temple?"

"Granted," affirmed Aina formally as she touched the control opening the hatch.

Leading the way, Aina took her companions through corridors rarely used by non-initiate priestesses and priests, a labyrinth of short staircases and ramps that took them through hidden places carved from solid rock. After every fifth or seventh turn, windows provided light and fresh air filled with the sweet smell of the ocean below, its green-violet foam erupting at the top of its waves. Steadily and without the use of any technology more advanced than their own legs the group climbed high and higher, the ramps turning sharply around a central inner wall as they climbed. Finally, after two hundred forty six xiao-shirs they reached the observatory, its light blinding after such a long climb in relative darkness. Filling most of the room stood a massive concave reflector on a pedestal. As the group filed into the observatory, Elden moved to the control panel located on the pedestal while the others gazed into the reflected image in front of them. High Priestess Aina reverentially drew a sacred glyph across her head and chest as the stars wheeled across the reflection. Following his intuition, Elden pressed three seemingly unrelated keys on the control panel. The stars disappeared from the reflector, replaced by chaotic swirl of purple, red, yellow, orange, and green.

The lights answered Elden back with sometimes melodic, sometimes guttural speech, "Who calls upon the elders of the Amur?"

"We are the Peers of Beinan, descended all of us from High Priestess Wehe of house Brigid. We represent the peoples who were once free and yearn to be again," proclaimed Lord Elden.

"What is your business with us?" interrogated the voice.

"An unholy trinity enslaves us; we come now to you to negotiate for your help in freeing our world," answered Princess Anyu.

"Why should we listen to you, Peers of Beinan?"

Anwell raised the Bow of Balister, "Behold, the Bow of Balister carried by King Malvyn at his coronation as the first king!"

Suddenly and with a flash the group appeared on board the Amur star destroyer Laoch Réalta encircled by five Amur appearing in humanoid form with black hair and metallic blue eyes, their metallic black raiment twinkling in the ambient starlight. A female Amur stepped forward, "Welcome back Elden."

Elden bowed to her chivalrously, "Many thanks, Grandmother."

"Have you decided to wed one of us after all? Your sister Freya has already accepted a proposal of marriage from one of the youngest among us," hinted the Amur.

"Respectfully, Grandmother, my heart has finally found she whom my spirit always seeks. Behold: Aisin is reborn!"

The Amur processed around Princess Anyu expectantly, "You are our high priestess reborn?"

Anyu kneeled, "I was. I am. As it was during the reign of King Malvyn of house Balister so it is this beinor. The holy trinity is reborn. The holy trinity stands together once more."

The Amur looked at Anwell, "Do you agree with this, Prince Anwell?"

Anwell stepped forward proudly, "I was Lord Cariad, Rhisiart reborn even as Elden was King Malvyn. My heart is true; my blood is true. The holy trinity is re-forged."

"Very well then, we will hear you," pronounced the eldest of the males.

Lord Knight Elendir stepped forward, "My lords and my ladies, we come to ask for your help freeing our world from the unholy trinity of Lord Yelu, Lord Morlong, and Lady Laela."

Taking her turn, Althea stepped beside her brother, "By ourselves, we cannot free our world; no human can defeat any of your species—by force of arms, mind, or soul. We concede the youth of our race and the apparent superiority of yours. Yet surely these three are the worst of the Amur and not representative of your society!"

High Priestess Aina bowed deeply, "Even if we could kill them, the problem would not be solved; they would simply return in another incarnation over and over again until our race ceased to exist, just as Surt did, his current flesh now known as Lord Yelu."

Elden took hold of the Bow of Balister, "Grandmother, Esteemed Elders, without your help we are a doomed race. Please, I ask you do not permit their evil to continue!"

"Evil to we Amur or evil to you humans?" asked a third Amur sceptically.

Elden met the challenging Amur's eyes, "The highest law of the Amur states 'thou shalt not rape; neither shalt thou compel another into matrimony nor impregnate or conceive without the free consent of all involved.' This is the eternal law and rightly so!

"We six stand here before you as either the victims or product of the crimes committed by Lord Yelu, Lord Morlong, and Lady Laela. As the son of Prince Anwell and Lady Laela I accuse the unholy trinity of breaking our most sacred law!"

Elden's grandmother met Anwell's eyes, "Prince Anwell, is it your testimony that your son Elden and your daughter Freya were conceived in violation of the law cited by Lord Elden?"

"Yes, my lady! I was a boy of only thirty yen-ars when Lady Laela raped me and conceived in herself my first-born daughter Freya. But her evil did not stop there. In BE 6391Morlong and Laela captured my star craft Badatel, bringing it aboard the Nimamur and putting me in suspended animation until they released me on or about BE 6961, beinor 160 in the D425E25 system so I could do their bidding. On BE 6966, beinor 123, after pledging myself to wed Princess Anyu we were both captured on that world and tortured in some sort of medical experiments in which Lady Laela raped me and impregnated herself with my seed. After she and Morlong conducted similar tortures and experiments on my lady Anyu, they used drugs to force me to rape the love of my life after which I was forced to watch Morlong rape Anyu in front of my eyes. I therefore accuse both Laela and Morlong of multiple counts of rape and forced conception and impregnation of both myself and Princess Anyu."

"Princess Anyu, do you agree with the testimony of Prince Anwell?"

Princess Anyu nodded, "Yes, my lady! In her experiments, Lady Laela forced me to ovulate even though I am too young to bear children. Using Amur technology, she forced me to conceive twins from my beloved Anwell which I gave birth to only xiao-shirs after my return to Beinan. She also took three additional ovum which she implanted into herself right before mating in front of me with Lord Morlong, most likely conceiving with all three and giving birth to my children with Morlong.

"After these atrocities I was returned to my cell with Anwell. A drug-filled smoke filled the air and before I knew it, Anwell raped me after which Morlong took his turn to rape me. I therefore accuse both Lady Laela and Lord Morlong of multiple counts of rape and forced impregnation."

"Truly this is grievous," conceded another Amur. "Yet you accuse all three –Yelu, Morlong, and Laela—together. What evidence is there against Lord Yelu himself?"

Lord Elendir raised his voice, "Lord Yelu is my son, created out of deceit and against my will by the Lady Elita who drugged me and forced me to impregnate her."

"Irrelevant; those created by rape are not responsible for the sins of their parents!" sniped one of the male Amur.

"Then look in the nursery at the palace," suggested High Priestess Aina. "There you will find my daughter by Lord Yelu, along with the daughter of Princess Leonora and of Lady Abbess Althea. He raped all three of us across our imprisonment. 'Sport' he called it."

"There is more," added Althea, "In our care under the watchfulness of Princess Leonora is Prince James, son of Queen Constance the Kind whom he murdered after he no longer held use for her. Under pain of death, Lord Yelu forced the queen to marry him after already raping her many times. If you doubt this, simply scan the helices of the prince in our care. The evidence clearly shows Prince James is son of Lord Yelu—not the queen's beloved Corann whom he also killed when we came to rescue Princess Anyu."

Elden's grandmother stepped closer to Anyu, "Princess Anyu, have you charges to lay against Lord Yelu?"

"I do."

"What say you then?"

"I was forced to marry Lord Yelu in exchange for the lives of my sister, my mother, and the ladies standing here with me. He lied of course about my mother; I did not know until we reached the Ten-Arian monastery that Lady Laela impersonated my mother as part of the coercion. Across my captivity, Lord Yelu raped me many times each beinor, drugging me often. But he used Beinarian technology, not Amurian, and therefore could not force me to conceive. Once he realized this he beat me and would have killed me if not for the timely intervention of Lord Elden and Prince Anwell. I therefore accuse Lord Yelu of multiple counts of rape, forced marriage, and attempted forced impregnation," charged Anyu.

"Lord Yelu possesses the soul of Chancellor Surt. Yet his flesh is still human. Furthermore, for all his crimes, our laws grant him a measure of grace for the unfortunate nature of his begetting. Therefore our laws forbid us from intervening directly with regards to Lord Yelu. Yet do we grant use of our technology to you to deal with his crimes and prevent him from ever haunting your race again," declared the grandmother. Holding out her hand a box three cun寸cubed with flashing purple, blue, and green lights on it appeared, "This box was given to you and hidden aboard the star craft Liltaél. Lord Engineer Kian never knew its purpose, of course. Tap these three buttons thrice in this order and you will capture Surt's soul. This must be done to Lord Yelu while living or within forty-five xiao-shirs of his death—or he will reincarnate among you to continue his malice among you—until your species no longer exists. Elden, I am burning the full instructions on how to use this into your mind until you no longer need to know this information."

"What of Morlong and Laela?" asked Anwell.

"No longer your concern."

"With all due respect, it is our concern. Defeating Lord Yelu, trapping his soul will not free our people, even if we can get that far without Morlong and Laela intervening!" cried Princess Anyu.

"Fear not, princess; we will deal with them in accord with our laws. Give us ten beinors, after which we promise you, neither Morlong nor Laela will ever bother any human in any sector of space again, not while this cycle of time persists."

Ten beinors later the thick upper atmosphere turned completely clear planet-wide, filling the night side of Beinan with starlight. The three Beinarian moons of Biya Eldengge, Biya Gealach, and Biya Xiao-Yue glowed majestically like pearls. Across Dong-Bei blue-white light touched the ground unfiltered for the first time in Beinarian history. It was an awe-inspiring sight, an omen filling everyone whose eyes looked upward with wonder.

From the ground Princess Anyu watched expectantly, "Elden, the sky! This is the time the Elders specified our world would be free from Morlong and Laela. Do you think this means they kept their word?"

Elden held Anyu's shoulders from behind her, kissing her neck sweetly, "Yes! It is the sign. Before I reincarnated as Lord Malvyn I saw them do this with another world."

"Why were our lives as King Malvyn and High Priestess Brigid the first time we ever met? If the legends are true and I am a piece of the mother goddess and you are a piece of father god, would not we have been together eons before?"

"No. It does not work that way, Anyu. Any piece of god could have met you and married you. For all I know, another awaits you. But this I do know: there are many more pieces of the god than the goddess. Anwell might be one, actually."

"You do not know if he is or not?"

"Know? No, but I suspect he is."

"Why did you leave that part out when you told me the story?"

"Self-interest; I want you to be in love with me, Anyu. I want to be special to you. You fell in love with him first. There is a tiny part of me that wishes that honour belonged to me. I have only been in your orbit a short while cosmologically speaking. How can I compete with your soul's first love?"

Anyu kissed him tenderly, "I love you! Do not doubt this!"

Elden kissed her back, "I love you! Being part of the whole that made all things does not remove us from our feelings. Oh I know there are some worlds where the mythologies teach we exist outside of creation; most congregations worshipping The Shemai believe that. But the truth is that in living as part of what we collectively made, we possess thoughts and feelings very similar to theirs; kinder, more benevolent, more life-affirming, yes, but just as powerful and sometimes just as selfish. There is nothing wrong with being selfish, as long as that selfishness affirms life and is filled with love."

"Am I selfish for choosing both of you?"

"No! In fact I think that was most generous of you. I have no difficulty sharing you with Prince Anwell; when the time comes, he will be a great consort. He could have been king, you know!"

"Ah yes! I called him 'Anwell Unready!' I was a fool."

"No, sweetheart; you were an older sister!"

"I was still a fool!"

"You were forty-five and five yen-ars away from coming of age. You had no way of knowing that you were already an aunt and that your brother was dealing with some very serious psychological issues by that time. In this life you understand the way that rape hurts, but back then you were blissfully innocent. Do not chide yourself for that innocence. It is a quality that marks us for what we are; no matter what happens to us, we always retain a child-life playfulness, a pure and innocent heart undaunted by sorrow, a heart incapable of despair. That unique quality to our souls enables me to look past the surface and see you as the soul you are rather than the trappings of the flesh you wear."

"Thank you!"

Elden smiled, "You are most welcome. Now, sweetheart shall we join the others for lunch before we conference to discuss the liberation of our world?"

"Lead the way!"

Two beinors later Anyu, Anwell, Elden, and Elendir quietly sailed a small Cashmarian river boat through Hejing, their identities masked by their simple, hand-spun Skeinerian tunics and cloaks. Underneath her cloak Anyu wore King Kendric's schlager along with a laser epée and laser shield. Lord Knight Elendir carried two laser epées, one for each hand. Inside one pocket in his cloak Elden carried the strange Amurian sphere with its ribbon of crimson light. In the other pocket he carried the cube with which to capture Surt's soul. As they sailed, the palace grew larger and larger as they neared their target. Nervously Anyu took first Anwell's hand, then Elden's hand.

After forty-five xiao-shirs they reached one of six different riverbank landings located within a li of the palace. Gently guiding the boat to the landing, Anwell carefully reached over to a small computerized mooring post, activating it and engaging its force field chains securing the boat. A ramp extended from the river bank to the boat, making it easy for all four to exit the boat. Casually the four stepped onto the riverbank promenade, as if simply a group of friends enjoying the unusually beautiful weather, the sky still crystal clear from whatever the Amur Elders did. A family of five passed them on the promenade. Anyu smiled and bowed slightly in greeting as they passed knowing that the best way for them to stay safe was for no one spotting them to guess their intentions.

Still following the Amur River, the pathway turned sharply to the right, revealing the ruins of the west wing straight ahead. The pathway circled to the right, away from the west wing. Anwell activated his wrist scanner, the same scanner he used on D425E25 Tertius, "Anyu, look! If these readings are correct, there is no security force, not even a force field protecting the remains of the west wing. How odd! In my time the west wing was fiercely guarded by both humans and technology." Anwell mused momentarily, "I remember going down the secret passageways to get out of my lessons; when my mother found out she was furious at me. She used to remark that she was queen of the entire planet—except her son!"

Elendir pulled out a tablet computer, "I think Prince Anwell is right; now we are here, the west wing seems the best approach—if the old passageways remain open."

"It could be a trap!" observed Anyu.

"Yes, perhaps, but then any approach we take may be filled with such dangers. I say we use our intimate knowledge of the palace to our advantage and try," voted Elendir.

"Agreed," confirmed Elden, taking the lead and charging onto the well-manicured palace lawn. As much as possible Elden, Anyu, Anwell, and Elendir followed the palace walls until they yielded to rubble. Picking their path carefully around the fallen ancient stones they made their way deeper and deeper into what was once fully enclosed corridors. A pair of fabku perched happily on the top of one wall, watching a young falco albus picking at something on the ground. Being careful of the sacred bird, Anyu's eyes widened as she realized the raptor feasted on a recently killed human—house Gurun by the looks of his clothing.

Seven zhang张 ahead the ruins yielded to an open tunnel with polished stone floor. Stepping inside, Anyu realized they were walking through what was once the secret shuttle hanger where Lord Knight Kian perfected the Liltaél. Through the darkness she spotted the remains of engineering computers and construction equipment, along with two dead droids. The partially open door dividing the demolished hanger-laboratory stood three zhang 张 away. One by one Elendir, Elden, Anyu, and then Anwell sprinted to the door, the others providing cover in case their movement triggered a hidden danger. Nothing; not one defence blocked or tried to obstruct their path. As the four followed the secret hallways they knew led to the throne room they each grew more and more uneasy at the lack of apparent defences; not even a single camera marked them. But why? Why leave this part of the palace, such an obvious approach for attack, so completely open?

As they neared the throne room they heard the noise of a packed throng. Lord Yelu raised his voice, "I have called all of you here this shir-or with grievous news: my mentor and once brother, Lord Morlong is dead, killed by the resistance. Yet fear not, my people! For Morlong left behind heirs who will grow to guide us. In the glaciers near Olos-Mir under the care of my own twin sister Narwen lives Morlong's heirs and children—three fine sons as beautiful as he was!"

Nervously Anyu whispered to Anwell, "Sons? I have three sons?" Tears started to fall from Anyu's eyes. Against her will her knees gave way.

Anwell raised her up and steadied her, "Sweetheart, you must ignore it; if it is true, we will journey to Olos-Mir and deal with them."

Elden's eyes widened, "Father, Yelu is only telling half of the truth; I sense from him grief; the Amur killed Laela as well—after she also gave birth to three daughters of your blood."

"At least we know why the palace seemed empty; everyone is here!" whispered Elendir as the group pressed themselves into the throne room.

From the top of the dais and pacing somewhat in front of the thrones Lord Yelu continued his speech, "...yet despair not, my people! For I have the perfect answer to their murders!" Laughing Yelu pressed a button. The ground shook beneath them, throwing half of the people onto the floor. "Behold, I have destroyed the royal apartments! If these resistance fighters think they can take me, they will have to stride through the bodies and the blood and the wreckage. I have destroyed this palace, this symbol of tyranny just as I destroyed the Ten-Arian monastery and the foul death camps house Ten-Ar called 'healing centres!' Now you will all evacuate this place! Leave and never return! I will not suffer the symbols of monarchy to stand any longer! Though our great ones are gone, it is their legacy not that of house Gurun with its foul rulers descended of Princess Anlei the people shall remember!" Laughing, Lord Yelu signalled for his seven most elite guards to appear out of the shadows, their laser spears glowing blood yellow-green, "Go! All of you! Before my guards kill you all!"

Screaming, throngs of courtiers and others civilians fled, the guards' laser spears firing at them in warning. Anyu, Anwell, Elden, and Elendir hugged the wall, falling into a side alcove. Turning briefly defensively, Elendir's eyes widened as he realized where he was: the memorial alcove dedicated to King Lyr III! Here, on BE 6904, beinor 198 at shir-or 7.0 Princess Constance found her father and Elendir's best friend, King Kendric murdered by five crossbow quarrels, the very sword Anyu carried now enveloped in his blood that poured out on the very hallowed ground where they stood.

Pleased at the crowd's fear, Lord Yelu sat down casually in Queen Constance's throne as the last of the civilians evacuated. Princess Anyu drew King Kendric's sword and stepped out of the shadows, "Hello, my name is Princess Anyu. You killed my grandfather; prepare to die!"

Cackling, Lord Yelu stepped down off the dais, "What did you say?"

Anyu stepped closer, drawing her enemy closer and enabling Elendir, Elden, and Anwell to fan out unseen into a circle from behind, "Hello, my name is Princess Anyu. You killed my mother; prepare to die!"

"What is this? A joke?" giggled Lord Yelu.

Princess Anyu approached, now taking the precise and careful circling steps drilled into her by Lady Knight Aldris of the knights of Gurun, "Hello, my name is Princess Anyu. You killed my father; prepare to die!"

"Princess Anyu is dead!" shrieked Lord Yelu as his guards abandoned him and disappeared.

"Hello, my name is Princess Anyu. You raped me!" roared Princess Anyu. "Or did you not know? I was Gillian Chapman, your empress!"

"I knew there was something wrong with you!" sneered Yelu as he pulled out a hidden laser épée and activated it. "Not so smart are you, princess? No heritage blade is a match for a modern weapon!"

Anyu sheathed Kendric's sword, replacing it with her own laser schlager, "You can die any way you like this shir-or, uncle. But you are still dead!" With a flick of her wrist she activated the blade gleefully. "You and I go way back, Surt! I am not a vindictive creature. What I do now I do for the good of all Beinarians. But I would be lying if I said the thought of beating you in the first fair fight between us does not offer me a certain glee!"

"You have not killed me yet!" challenged Yelu with a charging plunge Anyu easily deflected, her schlager cutting his back as she riposted. Yellow-green blood poured out of the wound, soaking his tunic.

Counting her steps in her head Anyu elegantly danced around Lord Yelu to his annoyance, easily landing a blow to his left thigh. Yelu glared at her, "You are cheating! Your dress conceals your legs! I cannot tell where you will attack from!"

"And here I thought you rather loved my legs!" toyed Anyu as she landed another blow, this time to Yelu's right pectoral muscle.

"You cannot beat me!" shrieked Yelu.

"If I wanted to beat you right now you would be already dead! I want you to feel pain! I want you to know, if only for two or three xiao-shirs something of what you inflicted on others!"

"You call yourself holy! You are no better than the rest of us!"

"That world is dead; Aisin is dead. I am Anyu and I am Beinarian!"

Yelu screamed, charging at her. Anyu parried, her sword plunging through Yelu's body. Elden's fingers danced across the box he now held in his palm. In blink of an eye a column of light burst from the box, drawing Yelu's spirit into its confines. With a jolt Elden dropped the box, allowing its light to intensify and grow.

Anyu turned off her weapon as a blinding flash filled their eyes, concealing the approach of Elden's Amur grandmother, "Elden, Anwell, Anyu quickly: form yourself in a triangle around the box. Now calm your minds and focus your thoughts on one desire: the desire to see his evil ended forever!"

Following her instruction, the holy trinity focused. Over and over their minds chanted their intent to end Surt's evil once and for all. One xiao-shir passed, then another. Finally the box exploded, taking Surt and Lord Yelu's body with it. Anyu's eyes widened, "What just happened?"

"You fulfilled your destiny, Aisin. Your holy trinity killed his soul. You could not do so when you were one of us; it was beneath you, even knowing the danger. No, my lady, you needed a greater motivation, a personal grievance before your heart could do what you knew needed to be done. Surt will harm no one again, not while this cycle of time remains," explained the Amur.

Lord Knight Elendir stepped forward, "Then it is over!"

"Your enemies no longer exist and cannot return to haunt you or any other species ever again. But that is not the end, only the beginning that allows you to reclaim your world."

"What of the children imposed on us by Morlong and Laela; Yelu said they are in Olos-Mir?"

"That is for you to decide; they are as mortal as Elden. Do you wish for Freya to raise them as hers—or do you choose a personally more difficult path?"

Elden nodded, understanding, "Those created by rape are not responsible for the sins of their parents."

"Yes!" agreed his grandmother as she disappeared, never to be seen on Beinan again.

### Chapter Nine: A Revolutionary New Era

"So," asked Princess Anyu, "when do we leave for Olos-Mir?"

"Immediately," answered Lord Knight Elendir, "unless your majesty objects."

Anyu nodded her consent, "Very well then, lead the way!"

Anwell put his hand on her shoulder, "You are queen now, Anyu. Duty requires you to stay in the palace and rule while we investigate in Olos-Mir."

"I can fight!" protested Anyu. "Besides, no woman has ever inherited her mother's throne! It is against the law!"

"What law?" asked Elden. "Lord Yelu dismantled the Great Council while you were on D425E25 Tertius. We have no government now. You are the surviving daughter of Beinan's last legitimate ruler."

"But Anwell's claim to the throne is stronger!"

"No, sweetheart, it is not. When I abdicated my claim to the throne in compliance with Lady Laela's orders, I became ineligible; never mind the fact my mother died generations ago. No, Anyu, I am a relic of the past; the future belongs to you," insisted Anwell.

"But how can I govern? What will I do?" panicked Anyu. "I was never groomed for this; my brother was!"

Lord Elendir hugged his granddaughter before kneeling to her, "You do not do this alone. Contact the Beinarian Central Broadcasting Network. BCBN will help you take care of things here in Hejing while we investigate in Olos-Mir. This is how it should be, my queen. Remember who you are and whose daughter and granddaughter you are."

"I am your granddaughter! That is all I want to be!" pled Anyu.

"And so you always will be, Anyu," reassured Elendir. "Right now I need you to be Kendric's granddaughter, young though you are! Okay?"

Anwell kissed her, "Do not worry, my love! We will be back soon—with our children."

Sadly, Anyu nodded her consent as her family left her alone to rule.

Uncertain what to do, Princess Anyu strode through the palace, looking for a working telecommunications computer equipped with a secure channel. Passing near the nursery she noticed its doors oddly ajar. Peering inside she walked through the intact antechamber to where the children slept, to where Lord Yelu's daughters by High Priestess Aina, Lady Abbess Althea, and Princess Leonora remained, this inner room also untouched by the detonated bombs. Yellow-green blood oozed across the floor. A terrible stench filled Anyu's nostrils. On the floor Anyu noticed the mutilated body of Lady Narwen, daughter of Lord Knight Elendir and Lord Yelu's twin sister. Behind Narwen and still in their beds laid what remained of three young bodies killed by a laser épée. Shocked and grieved, tears flooded her eyes. Weeping she stumbled out of the nursery and into the outer hallway beyond.

"Are you okay, my lady?" asked a little boy who suddenly ran right into her.

"What?"

"Are you okay?"

"Who are you?"

"My name is Thomas; my father serves in the palace, you know!"

"How old are you, Thomas?"

"Fourteen! I am not a baby! I do not care what anyone says. I am not a baby!" insisted Thomas.

"No, you are a boy, not a baby," agreed Anyu.

"You look lost! Do you need directions? I can help!"

"I am lost, but not the way you mean. I have been to the palace before. But I do not know where there is a working communications device that will open a secure channel. Do you know where one is? The only ones I know about were in the offices adjacent to the royal apartments."

"Lord Yelu had one in the throne room!"

"Do you think it still works?"

"Yes! Come come! I will show you!" scurried Thomas, taking Anyu's hand and pulling her down the hall until she almost stumbled right back to the same spot where Lord Yelu died. The boy looked at the blood, "What happened here?"

"Someone died."

"Who?"

"Lord Yelu."

"Then why is there no body?"

"You ask many questions, Thomas."

"I know!" giggled Thomas.

Hearing his voice one of Yelu's former guards returned to his post, "Thomas! What are you doing?"

"You are his father?" asked Anyu.

"Yes. He is a very bad boy today. I ordered him to go home when Lord Yelu commanded the gathering; obviously he did not listen," explained the father.

"I understand; I was not very obedient to my mother; I did not know who my father was until just before he died."

"Who was your mother?" asked the guard suspiciously. Anyu drew King Kendric's sword. Seeing it, the guard fell to his knees, "Have mercy on me, Your Majesty!"

"Who is that, father? Why are you kneeling?" asked Thomas.

"I kneel to the queen of Beinan, Thomas. This is our new queen!"

"What is your name, sir?"

"Andrew Wu of house Croften, Your Majesty."

"Where are you from?"

"Dong-Nan Fang; I was a biologist before Lord Yelu threatened my family and forced me into his service. My late wife was Ten-Arian—a healer," explained Andrew, his voice breaking from sorrow.

"I am also a scientist, Andrew, an astro-engineer of house Xing-li. Believe me; I understand. If I may impose, I have service to ask of you."

"Name it!"

"Can you contact the Beinarian Central Broadcasting Network? Lord Yelu is dead, but only a handful of people know it. I need to send a planetary wide message, but I need the initial contact with the press handled discretely or I risk someone loyal to Lord Yelu coming here to terminate my life," explained Anyu.

"Lady Elizabeth from BCBN used to cover the palace for Lord Yelu," offered Andrew. "I can contact her and ask her to come here; she will not ask questions until she arrives; she learned not to under Lord Yelu."

"Please! Whatever you can do, I would appreciate!" requested Anyu as she stepped onto the dais. "One more thing, Lord Andrew..."

"How may I be of service?"

"Your son spoke of a working secure telecommunications device is here in the throne room; will you show it to me and inform me of any special settings or modifications he grafted onto it? I could trouble shoot the device myself, but I have no time for that, not if I can avoid it."

Andrew stepped up to the throne and nodded, "It would be my pleasure to reveal all of Lord Yelu's secrets."

One shir-or later Lady Elizabeth of house Slabi arrived in the throne room. Spotting Princess Anyu still in her plain Skeinerian dress she headed straight for her, "Excuse me, I was told to report here for what is supposed to be a very important interview—but I cannot seem to find the person I am here to talk to. Do you know where he might be?"

"You do not recognize me, do you?"

"Should I?" asked Elizabeth.

"I am the person you are here to meet."

"Oh? Oh! My apologies; I thought I was here to talk to someone important in the government," explained Lady Elizabeth. "My contact did not tell me I was here to interview one of the servant girls!"

"I am not quite certain if that works out to be a complement," commented Anyu wryly as she ascended the dais to her mother's throne and sat down, "I am Anyu, daughter of Queen Constance the Kind."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I am Princess—Queen Anyu. Lord Yelu is dead, deposed by myself and the leaders of the resistance. I summoned you here to assist me in bringing that news to the people in hopes that my presence here is sufficient to melt away Lord Yelu's servants."

Embarrassed, Lady Elizabeth kneeled, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I am not queen until the Great Council meets; the old law stands. Only they can elect me queen, establishing a new dynasty, a new era for Beinan."

"Most of the members of the Great Council are dead, Your Majesty, killed in Lord Yelu's barrage of bombs across our world."

"I want you to summon the survivors to meet with me in this room. Tell them their queen commands it. Together we will form a new government, one less vulnerable to the manipulations and corruption that grew under the Gurun dynasty. I also want you to put a call out to the leaders of houses Croften, Plover, and Skeinera. I have a proposal for them I believe will be to their liking."

The next morning the throne room buzzed with the sounds of chaos and courtiers—music to Anyu's ears after her duel with Lord Yelu. At the front of the hall Lady Elizabeth and her crew from BCBN prepared to make their live broadcast. Standing at the back of the room watched Lady Abbess Althea and High Priestess Aina. Catching everyone off guard, Anyu rushed to meet them, "Aunt Althea! Your Grace! You came!"

Althea hugged the princess warmly before kneeling, "It is a pleasure to welcome you home, Queen Anyu."

"I am not queen yet; not unless we form a new government consenting to what I have in mind!" reminded Anyu. "Speaking of which—where is my sister? Where are my children?"

"Leonora is still at the Ten-Arian monastery with the children; until it is official she felt it best you be the only royal in this room," explained Althea.

"Does my brother James have any idea of what is going on?"

"No, not that I am aware of; BCBN only broadcast about the bombing in the palace and that they would update this breaking story as more details emerged," reported Althea.

"There is one more danger you we should make you aware of, Anyu," added Aina. "Lord Yelu killed off the most loyal members of the Great Council during his reign of terror; most of the representatives in this room are likely to be his allies."

"Naturally!" sighed Anyu. "Come! I want you in front as I address the council."

Leading the way Anyu headed for the front of the throne room. As she walked she observed the crowd parting in front of her with reverential bows. Princess Anyu stepped up upon the dais, the BCBN cameras following her every move and every word. The group hushed. Anyu looked straight into the cameras, "I have called all of you here to make an announcement: Lord Yelu the Bastard is dead and his alien allies are removed from this world. But we are not yet free, not while those who ally themselves with Lord Yelu remain faithful to his government. I call upon all of you –from the cities and commercial centres of Dong-Bei to the mines, factories, and villages of Xi-Nan Fang and every corner of our world between and betwixt these—to join with me in creation of a New Era for B345A15 Quartus, our beloved Beinan. In this New Era we shall throw aside the violence, tyranny, and corruption of both Lord Yelu's reign of terror and of the Beinarian Era itself. With your help we will find new ways to resolve our conflicts and new ways to govern ourselves and choose our leaders.

"I cannot do this alone. I need you and I need a new Great Council to help me govern. In the past, houses Croften, Skeinera, and Plover were disenfranchised, forbidden from representation in the Great Council. Rather than pursuing the obvious course of granting admission to the new Great Council, I propose formation of a judiciary whose purpose is to interpret the law, dispensing justice on the local and regional levels. But, more importantly, this judiciary will search for corruption in our government and our businesses. It will protect consumers from unfair trade practices, create and enforce better standards in the workplace, and remove those leaders from both the private and public sectors who engage in corruption—including the members of the Great Council itself. Finally, this judiciary will elect each new sovereign queen or king based entirely on merit from both members of the previous sovereign's immediate family and from eligible candidates deemed most qualified to lead our government.

"It is my firm belief that we need these measures to protect the life and liberty of our people, that this is the best way ensure the future of our world so that when our current B345A15 sun begins to die, as it most certainly will, we will be ready to go once more into the stars and beyond.

"I therefore call upon each house to, in accord with its own customs and traditions, elect new representatives to lead them in the new Great Council. Before any new representative sits in the Great Hall Assembly, a committee of three members each from houses Croften, Skeinera, and Plover must ratify and approve the assignment. I believe this is the best way to guarantee policies that conform to our values of freedom and equality for all people of all houses.

"I ask you all to join with me. Though fires still burn across our world and much needs to be done to rebuild it, I know that together we can achieve anything. All we need to do now is believe in one another and in ourselves."

Nine beinors later Lord Knight Elendir, Prince Anwell, and Lord Healer Elden arrived at the palace with Princess Leonora and all the children. Being careful the debris and rubble that filled the residential north wing, Princess Anyu received them at the gazebo in the garden adjacent to the dishevelled royal apartment. "At last! You are returned!"

"Yes, my queen!" affirmed Elendir. "On our way back to Hejing we saw the report on BCBN: you are officially queen-elect. Congratulations!"

Leonora hugged her younger sister, "A long time coming and well deserved! Ninety seven percent of eligible voters from among the adult populace chose you!"

"And three percent voted for you," reminded Anyu.

"I never wanted to be queen. I never wanted any of it—except to marry well and raise a family," reminded Princess Leonora. "Speaking of which, allow me to introduce you to the children. Our brother James you know. Obviously you know your twins Rhisiart and Brigid. But I believe you have not met Anwell's three sons by Lady Laela: Daniel, Bevin, and Malvyn. The girls are your daughters by Lord Morlong: Debora, Lorraine, and Anlei."

"What about Lady Freya?"

"Dead—suicide," reported Elden. "We found her body poisoned with a plant that grows on Biya Gealach. Apparently when she learned of our mother's death she decided it would be prudent to take her own life. For this I am...thankful."

"I went into the nursery shortly after all of you left; all three children were murdered; Lady Narwen's body I found in front of them. It will be some time before that room can house another child," reported Anyu.

"That is okay, Queen Anyu. I do not want to be in the palace ever again!" declared James.

Anyu knelt to meet his eyes, "Why not?"

"My father was a very bad man. He did bad things. I do not want to live where he lived. I never want to know anything about him ever!" insisted James.

"If not in the palace, where do you want to live?" asked Anyu.

"With big sister Leonora! And—if I may ask this—I want to be like a big brother to all the babies. I think when they are older and can play more they would be fun!"

Anyu turned to Leonora, "What do you think? If you take on that responsibility, you are dealing with seven young children all alone, most of them half Amur!"

"I will not be alone, Anyu—not for long. Love will find me and I will get married," reassured Leonora.

"Will you come to the coronation?"

"No, Anyu. I will not; not that I do not want to. I think my being there would be a reminder of the past right when we all need to focus on the future. Everything you said in your speech in front of the entire planet was absolutely correct. Right now the best way I can serve is to keep the spotlight on you and your plans for the future. Your coronation is not until beinor one when the New Era officially begins, but already you have proven yourself, at least to me, as the most able of queens!" declared Princess Leonora.

"Anwell, what do you think about Leonora's plans for our half Amur children?"

"Logical, sound, Beinarian. Let we three raise Rhisiart and Brigid in the palace and at court; the rest of the planet needs not know about Daniel, Bevin, Malvyn, Debora, Lorraine, and Anlei, not until we decide they should know. Telling a planet recently ravaged by two Amur and one reincarnated Amur that a new hybrid race is out there does not exactly seem politically sound," answered Anwell.

"I agree with father," confirmed Elden. "Though I am sure someone will know I am half Amur, one half Beinarian/half Amur is hardly a threat to them; seven on the other hand could be constrained as a threat or conspiracy."

"What about when they find out?" asked Anyu.

"By then, my lady, no one will care. I will make sure my public service guarantees that!" winked Elden.

The next morning Queen-Elect Anyu put in the finest gown to survive the Great Revolution. With the aide of her new political droid and lady in waiting RM76, Anyu carefully braided and pinned up her hair, putting into it a comb of fresh rhosod. Boarding the Ten-Arian executive shuttle Lasta piloted by a squire forty yen-ars old, Anyu sat quietly in meditation as the Lasta brought her to the first of the many rituals she knew awaited her.

The wedding of Queen-Elect Anyu and Prince Anwell glittered with simple splendour. Jointly-presiding over the wedding service stood High Priestess Aina and Lady Abbess Althea. As both Anwell and Anyu partaked of the traditional rituals of each house, both remembered brightly their respective parents. At the altar Anyu placed a small nosegay memorial rhosad upon which was bound a star sapphire representing her father, Lord Knight Corann of house Ten-Ar. Upon this she placed a pendant featuring the Cashmarian heraldic sailing ship, a remembrance of her mother's love of sailing and the sea that Queen Constance the Kind inherited from her mother, Princess Aurnia, King Kendric's second wife and truest love. At the altar Anwell honoured the memory of his father, Lord Knight Bevin of house Ten-Ar with beautiful Ten-Arian dagger. Queen Isabelle he honoured with a heraldic triquetra, symbol of house Brigid to which the queen, like her mother, secretly belonged. Saying their vows and drinking nara mead from an ancient chalice that somehow survived the Great Revolution, Anyu and Anwell welcomed the official start of their new life together with joy.

Two beinors later in the Temple of Abka Biya in Bira Hecen, Anyu kept her vow and wedded Lord Knight Elden as her second husband. Finally, after sealing this second marriage, she felt ready for the New Era to begin.

As beautiful and glorious as both her weddings were, nothing compared to the coronation ceremony at the royal palace in Hejing. While Anyu celebrated her marriages, engineers and builders from across Beinan worked furiously to repair the palace and make the royal quarters in the north wing as habitable as possible in the nine beinors that remained in the Beinarian Era. As Anyu and RM76 readied her physically in her apartment, she could not help noticing the smoke still steaming out of her office, the smoke so thick she could not tell from a distance if anything survived Lord Yelu's final palace bombing. Wearing her ciphers to protect against the bilast streaming out of the office, Anyu felt suddenly grateful for her exile on D425E25 Tertius, an exile that felt far longer because of the speed of that planet's rotation and revolution around its sun that it actually was in Beinarian time. So much planning, so much preparation! And yet, she finally understood, the entire point of it all had not been her protection—but to guarantee Lord Yelu's revenge upon her and all she loved. In removing her to a distant world, Lord Yelu gained free rein over Beinan while the remoteness of that primitive world enabled Morlong and Laela to conduct their experiments and create hybrid Beinarian-Amur like her husband Elden.

Finally, at shir-or 5.0 Prince Anwell came up to her from the consort's apartment wearing the same white royal shirt with embroidered neckline and sleeve ruffs, and Gurun-red sleeveless doublet he wore on D425E25 Tertius to explain who he was to her, along with the white konyn wool trousers decorated with red piping he had not bothered to change into at the time.

Anwell marvelled at the beauty in front of him, "My bride is even more beautiful this morning than she was at our wedding!"

Anyu turned in front of mirror to look at her Gurun-red corseted gown with its flowing full split skirt and white konyn underskirt. A sheer chemise protected her torso from the consort worn over it, veiling slightly the peak of cleavage created by combination of corset and low, squared neckline. White pearls beaded into a floral pattern ornamented the neckline, waistline, and hem. A farthingale created a smooth, A-line silhouette, masking somewhat the change to her figure created by early childbearing. Pleased, Anyu put her hands around Anwell's neck and kissed him, "Are you pleased with her our official sealing?"

"I did not marry you for the favours of your bed, Anyu. This was always about love, not lust. All I ever want from you is your love and your companionship!" With a kiss, Anwell unfastened Anyu's cipher from her neck, "You no longer need this—nor do you need your wrist cipher. We are home, Anyu!" Putting down her ciphers, Anyu pulled a necklace out of his pocket and put it around Anyu's neck, "I want you to wear this. My mother wore it at her coronation. It is an heirloom of house Gurun as precious to our family as the Bow of Balister is to house Balister."

"What happened to the Bow?"

"I returned it to house Balister; it belongs to them; not us. How better to make a new start in the New Era than by showing faith and trust in all the houses?" explained Anwell. "Now, my love, are you ready to be crowned queen?"

"I am!"

Stately Anwell escorted Anyu to the packed throne room where over three hundred Beinarians waited anxiously for their new queen. Near the thrones stood watched ten cameras, each of them broadcasting the ceremony across the every corner of Beinan. Shawms and harps played as Anyu and Anwell processed hand in hand through the massive hall, Lord Elden gliding just three paces behind. In front of the dais stood High Priestess Aina, Lord Knight Elendir, and Lady Abbess Althea.

"Great is the time

of Sacred celebration.

Freedom at last!

Your reign we now endorse.

We are your people!

We are your friends!

Rise up for Beinan now until the end!" sang the people jubilantly. As the hymn's last note faded a few unseen members of the crowd cheered.

Anyu looked backward and smiled before turning her attention to High Priestess Aina. "This beinor we welcome not only a new yen-ar, but a new era for our planet. For seven yen-ars our people were enslaved by Lord Yelu the Bastard, the culmination of centuries of quiet erosion of our liberties and securities we now realize came from just two or three aliens. We Beinarians are also alien to this world and will be alien to another world when our B345A15 sun dies. It is the life and death cycle of the universe our culture embraces. In this new era we will find our wings again, begin exploring again. For the queen we have chosen to rule us is none other than Lady Engineer Anyu, daughter of Queen Constance the Kind. Princess Anyu, please kneel!" Complying Anyu knelt prayerfully with her eyes cast upward. Light from the once beautiful stained glass window behind the throne, now a mere shadow of its former glory found a way to sparkle a little as she knelt. "Anyu of house Gurun, do you swear to uphold the laws and customs of our people? Will you guide us from this xiao-shir forward and until death takes you or it is your turn to pass your crown to another? Will you consent to the watchful advice of your privy council and abide by the rulings of the judiciary created this beinor by your will and ratified by the people in the election that brought you your throne?"

"This I so swear!" proclaimed Anyu.

Lady Althea stepped forward, "Anyu, daughter of Queen Constance the Kind, do you swear to apply your learning to helping the weak, empowering the powerless, and healing the divisions among our people? Will you rule with wisdom and virtue from this xiao-shir forward and until death takes you or it is your turn to pass your crown to another?"

"This I so swear!" repeated Anyu.

Lord Knight Elendir stepped forward, holding aloft the royal crown of the new dynasty, a simple circlet one cun 寸 wide consisting of one row each of pearls, star sapphires, and star rubies on a base of Beinarian platinum. Gently he placed the royal crown upon her head as High Priestess Aina confirmed, "Anyu, by the power vested in me as high priestess of Beinan, I crown thee queen of Beinan. Rise, my queen!"

Rising with the help of Prince Anwell, Queen Anyu turned to face her people to thunderous applause and cheers. After a xiao-shir she turned to Elendir and took from him the consort's coronet, "Prince Anwell, son of Queen Isabelle, please kneel." With a bow, Anwell complied. "Anwell do swear to serve our people as prince-consort, representing me in the Great Council and across Beinan as I have need? Will you serve me and all our people through your official duties in public and your familial duties in private as my consort? Will you be there for our children, nurturing them when my duties as queen forbid my presence among them as their mother? Will you serve with love, kindness, and virtue for all the yen-ars of my reign or until death do us part?"

"This I so swear!" declared Anwell.

Grinning, Anyu lowered the coronet onto his brow, "Then by the power vested in me as sovereign queen of Beinan, I crown thee Prince Consort Anwell." Rising Anwell kissed her passionately and publicly with a round of applause from everyone, including Elden. Together, the queen and her consort ascended the dais. As Anyu sat in the sovereign's throne in the middle, Anwell sat down in consort's throne on her left. With a bow to confirm consent, Elden followed them to sit at Anyu's right. Anyu raised her voice, "My people, allow me to introduce you to my lawfully wedded second husband, Lord Healer Elden of house Miyoo. Gone is the era of official lovers with their connotations of dishonour and disgrace. Instead I hereby restore the custom of our ancestors: let love be love, free to express itself however the heart desires and with whomever the heart desires. As long as love is true and marriage is by consent of all involved, it is honourable, right, and good! Not just for myself, but all who live on this world and beyond. So mote it be!"

Two beinors later Anyu dressed herself in the garden party dress she bought at the Nittany Mall on D425E25 Tertius. Lord Knight entered her apartment, his eyes showing his shock at the alien dress, "You sent for me, my queen?"

"Yes! I want to send a transmission from my office. Will you help me?" asked the queen.

"Yes, yes of course," affirmed Elendir as he opened the office door for her. "Your Majesty, are you sure you want to do this?"

"What else can I do?" replied Queen Anyu as she carefully navigated the dangers of her half-destroyed royal office adjacent to the sovereign's personal apartment. Against her will her hand caressed the remains of the same conference table her mother Queen Constance so often sat at and where the queen gave permission to her to study with the engineers of house Xing-li, training that saved her life even more than the countless shir-ors mastering fencing.

At length, the noble Elendir whose own journey of loss and pain in this war exceeded hers managed to activate the interstellar communications system. Finding a single chair among the ruins, he dusted it off for her and helped her sit down, "Is there anything further I may do for you, Your Majesty?"

"Wait a shir-or, then send for my husbands and children, please," commanded Queen Anyu politely.

"You do not need to send this message now, Your Majesty. There is so much that needs to be done. We do not even know how many are dead yet!"

"We will mourn, Old Friend. But right now I owe those who preserved my life an explanation. Maybe I did not have a choice – or not much of one – but I still lied. Allow me to make amends. I will never see these people again; I do not wish to part without telling the story to them."

Lord Elendir nodded, his own heart heavy, "As you wish." Bowing, he left the queen to attend to taming the chaos around them.

Saying a small serenity prayer in her mind, Anyu steadied herself before raising her voice to the computer, "Computer, begin recording and transmit to coordinates 23978 by 29458 by 5492. This is Queen Anyu to my friends and loyal allies throughout the known universe. My greatest apologies for not writing sooner. Many of you know of some of my adventures during my exile. Few of you know what happened after I returned home nor of the history behind my story. Forgive me for my many deceits during my exile. If I had revealed my true identity my life most certainly would have been in greater peril than it ended up being.

"Much has happened to me since my return home. Much remains to be done. But one thing is for certain: with hard work and determination we shall rebuild and restore the beauty of Beinan to its former glory. The road is long and hard. But now I have ascended to my mother's throne, I have little doubt the lessons of my exile will serve my people well...."

###  Epilogue

On NE 1, beinor 3 Queen Anyu sent the first of three transmissions to D425E25 Tertius, a world she never knew the natives called "Earth." Four beinors later on NE 1, beinor 7 she sent her second transmission concerning the fall of Beinan to the ghosts of the past. Finally on NE 1, beinor 9 she sent her final transmission regarding her exile on Earth and how she came to be queen. Under Queen Anyu a new golden age was born, the queen herself living to the age of four hundred thirty four yen-ars and dying on NE 393, beinor 50. Her twins by Anwell, conceived out of so much sorrow and pain during their captivity at the hands of Morlong and Laela, succeeded Queen Anyu after her. On NE 375, beinor 1 Queen Anyu crown her son King Rhiasart and her daughter Queen Brigid, the twins ruling as co-sovereigns for over six thousand yen-ars thanks to Laela's genetic modifications.

Meanwhile in Olos-Mir thrived the half Beinarian-half Amur Lord Daniel, Lord Bevin, Lord Malvyn, Lady Debora, Lady Lorraine, and Lady Anlei, the pain and sorrow of their making transformed by the wise and steady guidance of their guardians, Princess Leonora and her husband Andrew Wu, the same Andrew Wu once forced to serve Lord Yelu as his body guard.

But that is another story....

Data Files

### Data File One: Beinarians and Aliens of Princess Anyu Returns

In order of appearance:

Princess Anyu:

Daughter of Queen Constance exiled to D425E25 Tertius.

Prince Consort Kian:

Queen Constance's deceased husband and prince consort. An engineer of Xing-li. Designer of the star craft Liltaél.

Lord Knight Corann:

Son of Lord Knight Elendir and Lady Priestess Aisling.

Lord Morlong:

A mysterious figure in Ghosts of the Past, Morlong is one of Anyu's archenemies among the Amur.

Seo-jun:

An Amur bounty hunter seeking to capture first Christopher, then Anyu.

"Christopher Gurun:"

Dark-haired and grey-eyed, Christopher is a mysterious Beinarian from house Gurun who slept for over five hundred yen-ars in stasis before arriving at and settling on D425E25 Tertius.

Lady Laela:

Lord Morlong's wife among the Amur.

Anne Doyle:

Daughter of a medieval history professor, Anne moved to the United States following the murder of her mother by the Irish Republican Army. Co-founder of Broadway Bytes in Manhattan.

Lord Narvan:

Older brother of High Priestess Aina. Later, a representative from house Miyoo on the Great Council.

Lady Abbess Althea:

Lord Knight Elendir's younger sister and abbess of house Ten-Ar.

Lord Healer Elden:

One of two children conceived out of Lady Laela's forced sexual relationship with Christopher Gurun during his youth on Beinan. Half-brother to Anyu's twins Rhisiart and Brigid. Half Amurian and half Beinarian.

Elden's name means "light" in Manchu.

Princess Brigid:

Red-haired and grey eyed, Princess Brigid is Anyu's first born and twin sister to her brother Rhisiart. Brigid is named after first princess consort High Priestess Brigid.

Prince Rhisiart:

Anyu's son by Christopher Gurun. Named after Anyu's first love among the ancient Amur who sacrificed himself after Surt murdered her. Red-haired and grey eyed, Rhisiart is the Welsh form of the name Richard meaning "Brave power."

Lord Knight Elendir:

Anyu's paternal grandfather and best friend to her maternal grandfather, King Kendric.

Lady Narwen:

Lord Yelu's twin sister and daughter of Lord Knight Elendir.

Prince James:

Queen Constance's son by Lord Yelu

Queen Constance the Kind:

Princess Anyu's mother.

Princess Leonora:

Princess Anyu's older sister

Lady Abbess Althea:

Abbess of Ten-Ar and Lord Knight Elendir's younger sister.

High Priestess Aina:

High priestess of house Miyoo and the head of Beinan's dominate religion.

Lord Knight Elendir:

Father of Lord Knight Corann and best friend to the late King Kendric.

Lord Yelu the Bastard:

Lord Knight Elendir's son by the Lady Elita.

### Data File Two: Laws and Regulations Governing Beinarian Society

Beinarian Society is ruled by laws and customs that guide everyday life. Here are some of the most important rules governing life on A672E92 Quintus (aka "old home world") and B345A15 Quartus (aka "Beinan").

Childhood, Adolescence, and Legal Adulthood

25-35 Yen-Ars: Beginning of Adolescence

Depending on the individual, puberty strikes between the ages of 25 and 35 yen-ars. During this time, adolescent females ovulate only once per yen-ar until reaching the age of 45, a biological adaptation designed to reduce pregnancy in young women. Sperm counts in adolescent males are likewise low at only one to two million per seminal emission compared to the 10 to 15 million average among adults 50 to 200 yen-ars old.

30 Yen-Ars: Age of Inheritance

No Beinarian under the age of 30 is able to inherit property, titles, or authority of any kind. In the event of the dead of a ruling sovereign before any heirs reach the age of 30 yen-ars, the crown automatically passes to the chosen adult candidate of the Great Council who may represent either the same house of the deceased sovereign or a different house thereby beginning a new dynasty if the Great Council chooses.

35 Yen-Ars: Age of Sexual Consent

35 yen-ars is the youngest age a Beinarian can legally consent to sex. It is considered rape to engage in any form of sexual contact with a young Beinarian prior to the 35th natal beinor, even when the sex is consensual.

45 Yen-Ars: Sexual Maturity

At 45 yen-ars, Beinarian adolescents complete the sexual maturing process and are able to fully procreate as adults. Though pregnancy before the age of 60 is riskier, most Beinarian young women between the ages of 45 and 60 are able to give birth to healthy infants.

50 Yen-Ars: Legal Adulthood.

Young Beinarian is able to marry, bear or sire children without stigma, hold positions of authority within one's own house, and be granted full membership in guilds, professional associations, and so forth within one's house.

60 Yen-Ars: Electability to the Great Council

Although legally an adult at 50, the rules of the Great Council forbids admission as a house delegate before the age of 60 yen-ars. Beinarians between the ages of 40 and 60 are eligible to serve as aides to elected council members as a form of apprenticeship before running for office themselves.

200 Yen-Ars: Middle Age

Beinarians are not considered middle aged until the age of 200, regardless of the age of initial child-bearing.

300 Yen-Ars: Old Age

Beinarians over the age of 300 yen-ars are considered elderly and are expected to resign any offices or authorities in favour of younger Beinarians. This is the gold age of retirement and considered a celebrated age. Beinarian women enter menopause at 300 yen-ars.

House-Specific Sumptuary Laws

Each house distinguishes itself from its allies and rivals through specific regulations on dress and heraldry. While all Beinarian healers use the star ruby as a badge of the healing office, healers from Ten-Ar, Gurun, Miyoo, and Xing-li identify themselves by the exact colour of Beinarian ruby. These are:

Gurun: crimson

Ten-Ar: scarlet

Xing-li: cadmium

Miyoo: rose red

### Data File Three: Comprehensive Glossary

In alphabetical order.

Integrated data across all three transmissions

Abbess of Ten-Ar:

Title held by the healer-in-chief of house Ten-Ar, typically by election from her peers. The "surgeon general" of Beinarian society.

Advocate:

A legal representative or attorney, almost exclusively from house Slabi, whose job is to mediate on behalf of disrupting parties, both inside and outside of the court system, though advocates from houses Skeinera and Croften practice across Xi-Nan Fang and Dong-Nan Fang.

Amba Mederi (Ocean):

Literally translated "great sea/ocean" the Amba Mederi is the largest of Beinan's oceans. The Amba Mederi separates the northern continents of Dong-Bei and Xi-Bei from the southern continents of Xi-Nan Fang and Dong-Nan Fang.

Amba Narel:

A small mining town in Xi-Nan Fang located two hundred sixty seven li 里 from the city of Nan-li and just thirty three li 里 from the Amba Mederi Ocean.

An-Men Ten-Ar Healing Center

Located in the An-Men district in the capitol city of Hejing, An-Men Ten-Ar is one of the biggest and most successful healing centres in all of Beinan.

Argene:

The synthesized form of argun ore, argene powers the Beinarian civilization. Highly radioactive and dangerous, argene and argun ore trigger dangerous mutations in Beinarian DNA and cells. The most aggressive forms of cancer on Beinan are contracted from long term exposure to argene and argun ore. In the nomenclature of Earth, argene is better known as thorium 232.

Argun (Ore):

Argun ore, along with its synthesized form, argene, is extremely radioactive and dangerous. In and near mines and mining towns in Xi-Nan Fang, argene pollutes the air, soil, and water as the evitable consequence of extracting it from the ground. Chemically, in the nomenclature of Earth, argun ore consists of titanium 49, thorium 232, silicon 30, sulphur 36, strontium 87, and krypton 84.

Arnile:

Consisting of fifty percent of the Beinarian atmosphere, arnile is a highly reactive gas. On Earth, arnile is known as hydrogen.

B345A15:

The proper name for the Beinarian sun.

B345A15 Quartus:

The proper name under Beinarian astronomical notation for planet Beinan.

Beinan Era (BE):

Abbreviated "BE," Beinan Era designates the yen-ars since completion of the Great Migration and establishment of Beinarian society on Beinan. The yen-ar count begins with yen-ar "1" and excludes "zero" between it and the Great Migration yen-ars.

Beinarian Central Broadcasting Network (BCBN):

The largest of Beinarian media networks. Founded by a grant from the Great Council and run independent of all government agencies, Beinarian Central Broadcasting Network employs Beinan's top journalists to provide superior news broadcasts to every corner of Beinan. Houses Slabi, Ana, Shem, Cashmarie, Croften, and Plover constitute the bulk of the journalists at BCBN.

Beinarian Silver:

Consisting of 70% silver 109, 20% platinum 198, and 10% titanium 50, pure Beinarian silver is stronger and more lustrous than silver and silver alloys on Earth. Strong and durable for both jewellery and industrial uses, this naturally alloyed silver is typically heated and tempered to improve molecular bonds, increasing its natural durability further.

Beinor:

The Beinarian day or one rotation on its axis. A beinor is equal to twelve shir-ors. There are 197 beinors in one yen-ar (Beinarian year). In Earth terms, a beinor is equal to 5 days, 3 hours, 13 minutes.

Belarian waffles:

A famous and popular sweet breakfast waffle from the city of Belarn in Dong-Nan Fang known for its high fiber and high protein content and typically served with simple fruit jams and sometimes a Beinarian version of whipped crème. A properly made Belarian waffle is over one cun thick.

Belarn:

A major agricultural city on the coast of Dong-Nan Fang. House Cashmarie controls this port, shipping foods from Belarn to cities across Xi-Nan Fang. Belarn is famous for its innovative cuisine and exceptional, while modestly priced, restaurants and tourist lodging facilities. Home to the original Belarian-style waffle.

Ben-Ar:

A small island in the Amba Mederi Ocean just off the coast of Bira Hecen in Dong-Bei. Named for a similar island on original home world, it is home to the Temple of Abka Gahun which is located on a high cliff overlooking the Amba Mederi. Most of the island is undeveloped outside of the temple complex and its low attitude shuttle parking and boat launches. Outside of the temple, Ben-Ar is maintained by its priestesses as a wildlife preserve, particularly for birds.

Bilast:

Similar to dilast, bilast is a lethal nerve toxin to Beinarian humans and mammals. Popular for euthanasia, bilast kills most Beinarian mammals and humans within five xiao-shirs. On Earth, bilast is known as oxygen 16.

Bira Hecen:

A coastal city in Dong-Bei located 10,000 li 里 from the capitol city of Hejing. Bira Hecen is well known for its healing centres as well as its house Cashmarie trading districts. Rich and prosperous from trade, it is one of the largest cities on Beinan. Bira Hecen is most famous for its grand temples and is the seat for House Miyoo on Dong-bei. The island of Ben-Ar with its Temple of Abka Gahun is considered part of Bira Hecen, even though it lays two li 里 into the Amba Mederi Ocean.

Biya Eldengge

The largest and brightest of the three Beinarian moons, Biya Eldengge orbits planet Beinan once every seventy beinors.

Biya Gealach

The second largest of Beinan's three moons, Biya Gealach is the closest of Beinan's moons, orbiting the planet once every 50 beinors. Roughly the size of the planet Mars, Biya Gealach has a luminous blue surface as seen from Beinan created by its toxic bilast-nítrigine-kol atmosphere. Approximately 2 million species of kol-based plants and animals inhabit Biya Gealach.

Biya Xiao-Yue

The smallest of Beinan's three moons, Biya Xiao-Yue is tiny, crater-covered world roughly three quarters the size of Earth's moon. With an orbital period of 121 beinors and highly elliptical orbit, Biya Xiao-Yue is best seen at perigee at which time it deceivingly appears only half the size of Biya Eldengge.

Bliaut:

A style of over gown popular during the European middle ages and across Beinan. Bliauts are recognized by their close fit across the under bust of the abdomen, their full, often voluminous skirts, and their long, typically bell-shaped sleeves. Earth style bliauts often feature horizontal bodice pleating. Beinarian bliauts often but not always add decorative pleating across the gown and may or may not wear the gown over a foundational kirtle. When worn alone, strategically placed pleats are used over key portions of the breasts and hips for modesty.

Blosh:

A Beinarian curse word analogous to "bloody hell" expressing anger, surprise, and frustration.

Bow of Balister:

The heritage bow carried by King Malvyn of house Balister, the Bow is considered a legendary weapon and heirloom to the descendants of the Balistrian dynasty.

Brown Eye Syndrome:

The "Brown Eye Syndrome" (abbreviated BES) is the popular Beinarian term used for the eye disorder caused by prolonged exposure to argene, the radioactive and highly toxic argun ore dust generated by mining in Xi-Nan Fang in particular where argun deposits are richest.

Sufferers of the "Brown Eye Syndrome" see better on alien worlds such as D425E25 Tertius than they can on Beinan because of the different colour spectrums involved, an effect of the thick upper atmosphere altering the structure of normal Beinarian eyes. BES Beinarians lose two of their colour preceptors in their eyes, becoming merely tri-chromatic from the normal Beinarian penta-chromatic retinas. This also shifts the colours seen by those affected somewhat, creating a form of "colour blindness."

Cara (Lady – Great Succession Crisis):

Sister to Lord Knight Culain and head of the medical center at the palace in Hejing, Lady Cara is an expert Healer of Ten-Ar charged with the medical needs of the royal family, government staff working at the palace, and all support staff to the royal family.

Cara (Abbess, Princess – the Poisoned Ground):

Born on BE 5434, beinor 3, Lady Abbess Cara is the founder of Nan-li Central Healing Center in Nan-li City. The foremost researcher on the effects of argun ore mining in Xi-Nan Fang, she married King Gareth I on BE 5547, beinor 1, taking Lord Healer Liam as her lover after the king forbad her work at Nan-li Central Healing Center following two miscarriages tied to dilast poisoning.

Cara (Lady, Abbess – Ghosts of the Past):

A matrilineal descendant of the same-named Cara charged with the health of Queen Isabelle, Lord Prince Bevin, their staff, and family, Lady Cara is the head of the Healers of Ten-Ar at the Ten-Arian monastery from BE 6750 to BE 6850.

Central Nan-li Healing Center:

See Nan-li Central Healing Center

Choire Ar Cerridwen:

A secret cave on the outskirts of Amba Narel in Xi-Nan Fang founded by Lady Priestess Ecter and her daughter Lady Priestess Miriam and used by house Miyoo and other followers of Beinan's goddesses as a temple, archive, and sanctuary.

While Beinarians typically prefer digital media, the tradition of keeping certain books in velum, parchment, and paper remains. The Choire Ar Cerridwen maintains many long forgotten government, genealogical, and house specific records. In English "Choire Ar Cerridwen" means "Cerridwen's cauldron."

Chuàngyì (创意): The Amurian creator-goddess.

Cir Calen:

A port city in Xi-Bei primarily run by house Cashmarie, Cir Calen is home to the third largest ship yard on the planet. The caravel Nenel was built and sailed primarily from Cir Calen.

Culain (Lord):

Born BE 6201 beinor 125, Culain is the son of a knight of Ten-Ar and the Lady Firamodor, a great healer known across Beinan for her skills in healing both the gravely sick and injured. A powerful knight of Ten-Ar in his own right, Culain is a close friend of Lord Bevin and mentor to Corann who he took as his own squire, training him until Corann was ready to take his vows as a knight. A descendant of King Llewellyn, Culain is a distant cousin to Queen Isabelle and is fiercely loyal to House Gurun.

Cun 寸:

A cun 寸 is a Beinarian "inch" which equals 1.25 (English/US) inches or approximately 3.175 cm. The Beinarian cun 寸 is slightly smaller than the Chinese cun 寸 which equals 1.312 English/US inches or approximately 3.333333 cm.

De filiis Domini Eques Cariadoc:

"The Descendants of Lord Knight Cariadoc," is a book containing a detailed genealogical record of all of the descendants of Lord Knight Cariadoc of house Ten-Ar (natal house) and house Shem (adopted house) by Lady Priestess Cordelia and Lady Jebez. Copies of this book are kept by elders of house Shem. Five copies were secretly transcribed by priestesses of house Miyoo and hidden in Bira Hecen in Dong-Bei, Belarn in Dong-Nan Fang, Nan-li City in Xi-Nan Fang, and in the Choire Ar Cerridwen in Amba Narel, Xi-Nan Fang. In addition, a copy is kept in the king/queen's personal office in her/his apartment in Hejing as a reference manual.

Dilast:

A highly reactive and toxic gas to Beinarian humans, dilast is known in the nomenclature of Earth humans as oxygen 18 which consists of eight percent of the Beinarian atmosphere. Many plants on Beinan synthesize dilast into nirlar.

Dong-Bei:

The north eastern continent on Beinan. Dong-Bei features several major Beinarian cities, including the capital city of Hejing.

Dong-Nan Fang:

The south eastern continent.

Droids:

A common artificial life form created by Beinarians to perform a wide range of duties to supplement human workers. Droids perform tasks requiring precise memory, dexterity, and sometimes firepower. Civilian droids such as those created to serve nobles and assist with protocol and legal matters, are unarmed in favour of more sensitive personalities and social programming designed to navigate Beinarian politics and law. Protector Droids are built with versatility in mind with mid-power lasers, power ciphers for off-world use, and flexible programming for a wide range of applications. Survey droids are used in space exploration to collect data and, at times, repair damage to space vessels.

Lord Elden:

One of two children conceived out of Lady Laela's forced sexual relationship with Christopher Gurun during his youth on Beinan. Half-brother to Anyu's twins Rhisiart and Brigid. Half Amurian and half Beinarian.

Elden's name means "light" in Manchu.

Executive shuttle:

A specialized Beinarian vessel blending the abilities of low altitude shuttles, mid-range shuttles, and star craft. A quasi-military craft, executive shuttles like the Lasta are armed and protected with the best defensive capabilities known to humankind and are outgunned only by Beinarian star destroyers.

Fabku:

A small Beinarian songbird known for its tight pair bonds and beautiful song. Beinarian gardens often include birdfeeders filled with its favourite seeds and fruits in order to attract them. Fabku tend to be brightly coloured.

Fafiku:

A small Beinarian songbird similar to the fabku also known for its tight pair bonds and lovely songs. Fafiku are duller coloured than the fabku, but possess the ability to learn the songs of other birds and often humans as well, making them popular companion birds. A popular cliché on Beinan is, "what is good for the fabku is good for the fafiku" meaning "what works for one person/group usually works for another."

Falco Albus:

Large white long-winged birds of prey native Dong-Bei and Xi-Bei continents and revered as the face of Abka Gahun by followers of the triple goddess Abka Biya, Banumu Hehe, and Abka Gahun. As sacred birds, they are fiercely protected with sanctuaries on the island of Ben-Ar and across the Dong-Bei in particular.

Biologically very different from Earth birds of prey, they resemble huge white morph gyrfalcons to Earthling eyes. Wingspans on the larger females range from 114.4 cun 寸 to 122.215 cun 寸. Male wingspans range from 76.86 cun 寸 to 81.25 cun 寸. By comparison, the largest eagles on Earth rarely possess wingspans over 100 English inches or 80.0 Beinarian cun 寸.

Fiscere square:

The light rail station stop in Nan-li City right before Central Nan-li Healing Center Old Complex light rail station.

Firamodor (Lady):

A renowned Ten-Arian healer, Firamodor is also a 4th cousin to King Ejen, through the royal Gurun habit of choosing Ten-Arian consorts. She, like her children Culain and Cara, is a descendant of King Llewellyn of House Gurun and maintains close loyalties to the royal house.

Granta:

A town of roughly 180,000 residents located three li 里 from the Ten-Arian monastery in Dong-Bei, Granta is home to numerous Ten-Arians, including married knights and healers, along with residents from other houses who work at the Ten-Arian monastery.

The Granta-Kensington Healing Center on Addenbroke Road is the town's healthcare center, often employing newly minted healers of Ten-Ar to service its residents.

Great Council of Beinan:

Typically referred to as simply "Great Council", the Great Council of Houses changed their official name to "Great Council of Beinan" in BE 1, after completion of the Great Migration and the colonization of the planet Beinan. Twelve of the 98 sitting council members perished in BE 1 during the planetary transition as the Beinarian people adjusted to differences in climate, temperature, and micro-biotic conditions on Beinan compared to those of original world.

Great Council of Houses (Clans):

Original name for the Great Council of Beinan, the Great Council of Houses was founded in OW 45000 to prove a permanent and lasting end to house warfare and house-based feuds. It is also sometimes referred to the Great Council of Clans. The first Council convened at a mansion owed by the head of House Ana.

Great Migration (GM):

Necessitated by the impending death of the star around their original home world, the Great Migration was a period when Beinarians transitioned between their original home world and Beinan, a span of 109 yen-ars.

Led by first King Malvyn of House Balister, more than 5000 space craft launched from A672E92 Quintus, beginning the Great Migration. The Great Migration is considered a separate era in Beinarian history, designated by the abbreviation "GM". There is no gap between yen-ar OW 48920, the last yen-ar Beinarians lived on their original world, and GM 1.

Hejing:

The capitol city of the planet Beinan first built in BE 5 is located on the continent of Dong-Bei. Hejing lies on the banks of the Amur River whose green waters (from the perspective of Beinarians due to the thick upper atmosphere) provide the city with ample drinking water. Since BE 125, the city has maintained a population of no less than 2 million Beinarians and as many as 25 million Beinarians as of BE 6900. The palace in Hejing lies on the banks of the Amur River in the heart of Hejing. Two li to the east of the palace lays a massive freshwater lake known as Zhonghai.

The palace itself is considered the "center" of the city, even though geometrically, the actual center lays 0.27 li 里 east of the palace. Important to the history of the city is its original city walls which were built 3.3789 li 里 from the palace, forming a precise heptagon from its exact center near the palace. In BE 762, settlement began along its western gate (An-Men), a district later known simply as An-Men District. After population growth lead to the tearing down of much of the original city walls, the remaining sections came to be recognized as historical landmarks. An Men District is considered the most famous of these historical districts. House Ten-Ar built one of their biggest teaching hospitals in An-Men district.

Investigator:

The Beinarian version of a police detective.

Istoricar Arhivar:

A renowned archivist and historian from house Slabi who lived from OW 24702 to 25104 responsible for copying into vellum and parchments many of Beinan's oldest books and establishing the tradition of maintaining physical copies of important records.

Kalar (Lady):

Chairperson of the Great Council of Beinan and head of House Cashmarie in BE 6328 who worked with Queen Isabelle to resolve the Great Succession Crisis.

Kara Berries:

Resembling a cross between a blackberry and a blueberry, kara berries are notorious sweet and used extensively in breakfast breads and desserts across Beinan.

Kelan Fruit:

A fruit found in Xi-Nan Fang and Dong-Nan Fang noted for its sweetness and high nutritional value and tasting like a cross between a black berry and a lingonberry. Due to the high levels of argun ore pollution across Xi-Nan Fang, it is often imported from Dong-Nan Fang to reduce argun ore poisoning. To the natives of Xi-Nan Fang, the fruit appears bright red; to other Beinarians, it looks red-black in colour.

Kirtle:

A style of shirt, tunic, or gown that may be worn by itself or under another type of garment such as a doublet or bliaut as the basic foundational garment against the skin. Women's kirtles, especially when worn alone, are typically close fitting around the abdomen with flowing, full, circular skirts that may extend into a sweep train. Beinarian women often add strategically placed pleats over key portions of the breasts and hips on those kirtles designed to be worn alone. Sleeves on kirtles tend towards a narrow fit between the elbow and wrist and may be laced or buttoned close.

By contrast, kirtles worn by Beinarian men tend towards a looser fit with the shirt typically ending between the base of the hips and just above the knee and may have gathering or pleating on the sleeves to create a voluminous effect.

Konyn (plural, konynen):

A Beinarian rodent ranging from 15 to 18.5 cun 寸 long. To Earthling eyes, konynen resemble a long-haired version of European hares, but with a squirrel-like tail averaging 6 to 7 cun 寸 long. Domesticated konynen are often white or a pale grey in colour with fur growing to up to nine cun 寸 long before sheering for wool. Wild konyn, by contrast, tend to be black, brown, or dark grey with fur rarely growing more than six cun 寸 long.

Wool spun from konyn fur is considered the finest and most luxurious among Beinarian fibres, making it a popular status symbol. Konyn wool is the only fabric that dyes into reds that appear red to both regular Beinarians and those afflicted with tri-chromatism. The natural predator of all konynen are falco albus. House Miyoo regards wild konynen as messengers from the goddess Banumu Hehe and therefore a positive omen.

Korn:

A korn is a Beinarian unit of weight equal to 1/10th of one gram. There are 100 korns in a quentchen.

Lan-xing Ulen:

A popular hotel and resort located in a 2000 yen-ar old section of old Nan-Li city in Xi-Nan Fang, Lan-xing Ulen's amenities include a docking port for hotel guests and more than a dozen different hotel room sizes and options.

Laoch Réalta

Literally "star warrior" in Irish, the Laoch Réalta is an Amur star destroyer and home to over one million Amur, including their governing council simply known as the "Elders of Amur."

Lasta:

The Ten-Arian executive shuttle used by the abbess of Ten-Ar and master knights when travelling on official business. The name "Lasta" is Irish for crimson.

Law Enforcers:

A collective term for non-military enforcers of Beinarian laws. The term may be applied to any level of law enforcement – from private security forces to planet-wide investigation units.

Li 里:

A li 里 is a Beinarian "mile" which equals 0.333333 English/US (Earth) miles, 586.66608 English/US yards, or approximately 0.536447 kilometres. The Chinese li 里 unit varies somewhat in length between 0.30 and 0.33 English/US miles or between 528 English/US yards and 586.67 English/US yards, making the Beinarian and Chinese units within difference threshold.

Llewellyn (King):

Born BE 5606, beinor 127, is the great –great grandfather to Lady Firamodor and King Ejen and therefore the great-great-great grandfather to Lord Culain and Queen Isabelle and therefore the common ancestor to both. Llewellyn married Lady Firamodor (Lord Culain's mother is named after her) of house Ten-Ar on BE 5728, beinor 2.

Łosoś:

A type of Beinarian freshwater salmon most abundantly found in Xi-Nan Fang.

Low Altitude Shuttle:

A generic term for planet-centric craft used for intra-planetary transportation. Low altitude shuttles are typically small, energy efficient, and very manoeuvrable. Operating at 0.68 li 里 above the ground, they operate above pedestrian and commuter rail traffic and have the ability to fly over Beinarian oceans when desired.

Lyr (King, IV):

The first born son of Lord Knight Corann and Princess Anlei, Prince Lyr ascended the Beinarian throne on BE 6400, beinor 2. He and his wife, Queen Eleanor, had three children: Elaine, Pellinore, and Gareth (II).

Mid-range shuttle:

A small to medium-size multi-purpose transport designed to operate within the B345A15 solar system. Unlike star craft which are designed for primarily interstellar voyages and low altitude shuttles which are designed to operate within the lower atmosphere only, mid-range shuttles can readily move within and across all Beinarian atmospheric, aquatic, land, and intrasolar environments.

Nanla Fruit:

A dense fruit six cun 寸 long known for its mild tartness. To Earth human eyes, nanla look like a cross between an Earth apple and a kiwi fruit. Grown extensively in Dong Nan Fang, it is a favourite in jams, syrups, and in desserts for its texture and compatibility when cooked with other Beinarian fruits.

Nan-li Central Healing Center:

Also known as "Central Nan-li Healing Center," Nan-li Central Healing Center is a major regional healing center and research hospital located in the city of Nan-li in Xi-Nan Fang. Originally created by Lady Abbess Cara (BE 5434, beinor 3 to BE 5838, beinor 5), the healing center serves the poorest and most disadvantaged of Beinarians on that continent as well as serving as the key research healing center combatting the effects of brown-eye syndrome and radiation-based cancers.

Nan-li City:

Located 300.384 li 里 from the coast of northwest Xi-Nan Fang, Nan-li City is the fourth largest city in Xi-Nan Fang and home to the largest healing centres in northwest Xi-Nan Fan, including Central Nan-li healing center and its successor, New Nan-li Healing Center.

Nara Trees:

A tree famous for its delicious berries and tawny-white wood. Nara trees are the lightest and strongest of Beinarian flora, coveted as much for their lumber as for their fruit. They are widely favoured across cities and towns in Dong-Bei in particular by private citizens, businesses, and municipalities. It is the most popular tree species for lining boulevards, filling parks, and decorating private lawns and gardens. Nara trees convert more toxic dilast into nirlar than any other tree species. A prolific fruiting tree, it is a staple of food forests across all corners of Beinan. Resistant to pests, disease, and argene. Reduces area argene toxicity when planted in groves of at least thirty trees once each tree reaches 100 yen-ars old.

Natal beinor:

The beinor of one's birth or celebration of the celebration of one's birth. The Beinarian equivalent of a "birthday."

Natrium:

Relatively rare on Beinan, natrium is a soft, highly reactive metal that binds readily with other elements.

On D425E25 Tertius, natrium is much more common, though explosive in its pure form.

In Earth nomenclature, natrium is known as sodium.

Nenel:

A caravel sailing ship made of nanla wood. Its home port is Cir Calen.

New Nan-li Healing Center:

Built 1.389 li 里 from the ruins of Central Nan-li Healing Center, New Nan-li Healing Center is a thirty-story regional research hospital staffed by many survivors of the original healing center destroyed by terrorists.

Nirlar:

Critical to the sustenance of life on Beinan, nirlar constitutes twenty percent of the Beinarian atmosphere. In Earth nomenclature, nirlar is known as chlorine gas.

Nítrigine:

Found only in compounds on Beinan, nítrigine dominates the atmosphere of D425E25 Tertius. In Earth nomenclature, nítrigine is known as nitrogen.

Old World/Original World (OW):

The original or old home world of the Beinarian civilization properly known as A672E92 Quintus and located in a lenticular shaped galaxy some 90.8967 million light yen-ars from Beinan. Beinarians left A672E92 Quintus when A672E92 showed the signs it was within two hundred yen-ars of expanding into a red giant, necessitating an evacuation of the planet.

Old World/original World as an era is abbreviated "OW" and begins with yen-ar 1, ending in yen-ar 48920. OW 1 is the first yen-ar of recorded history for Beinarians.

Olos-Mir:

An artic city located 14385.92 li 里 northeast of Hejing and 81.4 degrees north latitude. Home to the house Xing-li headquarters called Xing Jishi, the thinness of the Beinarian atmosphere over Olos-Mir makes it the preferred location for scientific and engineering research laboratories.

Penta-Chromatic Retinas:

Retinas with five colour receptors or penta-chromatism. Among Beinarians, all five receptors take the form of retinal cones instead of the rod-cone system endemic to Earth humans. A single, specialized cone in the Beinarian retina responds to neutral hues such as black, white, and brown. The thick atmosphere of Beinan requires that Beinarians adapt to their unusual colour spectrum. Over time, they evolved from their original tetra-chromatic retinas into penta-chromatic retinas that allow them to see better in the filtered light of Beinan and retain full acuity despite the stronger radiation of Beinan's blue-white star from the yellow star of their original home world. Penta-chromatism is responsible for exclusively light-coloured Beinarian eyes. In "Brown Eye Syndrome," the retina loses two of its five colour receptors and shapes the colours seen somewhat.

Perigee:

The closest point a moon reaches to its planet in its orbit.

Precinct 12:

The law enforcement precinct covering the Fiscere Square district of Nan-li City, including the sites of both Central Nan-li Healing Center and New Nan-li Healing Center.

Quentchen:

A quentchen is a Beinarian unit of weight equal to ten grams. There are 100 korns in a quentchen. Ten thousand quentchen equal one zentner.

Rak:

A Beinarian crustacean with twelve legs resembling a cross between a lobster and a crab. Most adult raks average from 10 to 16 cun long, but deep ocean raks can grow as large as 24 cun from head to tail. The raks most commonly noticed on Beinarian beaches reach 12 to 14 cun long as adults. It is against the law to harvest a rak smaller than 11 cun long as the smaller raks are typically immature.

Rhosod:

Beinarian roses

Sacerdos:

A priest of The Shemai religion.

Sacerdos Maximus:

The title of the high priest of The Shemai.

Seng Morgenmad:

The name of a bed and breakfast located one li 里 from the heart of the village of Amba Narel in Xin-Nan Fang.

Shir-or:

The Beinarian "hour", a shir-or is a subdivision of one Beinarian rotational period (day). There are approximately 12 shir-ors in one beinor. In Earth terms, there are 2.337 shir-ors in 1 Earth day, making one shir-or 10 hours 14 ½ minutes long.

Slatkos:

Resembling Italian-American cannoli, slatkos have baked pastry tube shells filled with a fruit filling. As with cannoli on Earth, slatko pastry shells may be iced on the edges, dusted with candies or sprinkles, or made in any number of different flavours. The filling on slatkos may use any number of different fruits and combination of fruits representing the breath of Beinarian agriculture.

Star rubies:

A type of red corundum included with titanium dioxide (rutile) creating a six rayed star across the surface when cut and polished into cabochons.

Subcriptio nativitatis:

A book of birth records and genealogies kept at Choire Ar Cerridwen. The name literally means "registry of birth."

Surt:

The name born in Lord Janus'/Lord Yelu's first incarnation. The name means "black" and originates in Norse mythology.

Tai-or:

The basic monetary unit on Beinan.

Trilar:

Trilar is known in the nomenclature of Earth as sulphur 36.

Xi-Bei:

The north western continent, Xi-Bei is heavily populated with both heavy agriculture and industry. Aquaculture, animal husbandry, falconry, and aviculture all flourish in Xi-Bei with its many inland seas, fields, and woods. As a culture, Xi-Beians are excellent managers of natural resources, second only in agriculture to the stewards of Dong-Nan Fang. Of the four continents on Beinan, Xi-Bei is the largest in land mass, constituting about 39% of the total land area of Beinan. Houses Cashmarie, Balister, Xing-li, Slabi, and Ana constitute 75% of the population, with the remaining 25% of the population belonging to the other houses.

Xi-Nan Fang:

The south western continent and southern-most continent on Beinan, Xi-Nan Fang is especially rocky and full of minerals, the location of much of the mining operations on Beinan. Most of the argene on Beinan is found on Xi-Nan Fang where it exists in its raw form, argun ore, both of which are highly radioactive and toxic.

Xiao-shir:

The Beinarian "minute," a xiao-shir is one one-thousandth of one shir-or or 0.001 shir-ors. One xiao-shir is equal to approximately 36.87 seconds on Earth. Like the shir-or, xiao-shirs are often rendered in both whole and decimal units. 0.1 xiao-shirs are equal to 3.687 Earth seconds. Larger xiao-shir units (such as 850 xiao-shirs) are often rendered in shir-ors (e.g., 0.85 shir-ors).

Xing Jishi:

Headquarters to house Xing-li, Xing Jishi is located in the arctic city of Olos-Mir which its research facilities dominates.

Xylise:

Consisting of twenty-two percent of the Beinarian atmosphere, xylise is very reactive to other elements. In the nomenclature of Earth, xylise is known as fluorine gas.

Yen-ar:

The Beinarian year, a yen-ar is the amount of time it takes for the planet to revolve one full cycle around its star. A yen-ar is 197 beinors 3 shir-ors long or 197.26 beinors as Beinarians prefer to say.

Zentner:

A zentner is a Beinarian unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms. There are 10,000 quentchen in one zentner.

Zhang 张:

A zhang is the Beinarian "yard" which is equal to 100 Beinarian cun 寸 or 3.47222 English/US yards (125 English/US inches) or 3.174997 meters. A standard Chinese zhang 张 equals 3.6453 English/US yards. There are 168.959939 Beinarian zhang per Beinarian li 里.

### Also available by Laurel A. Rockefeller:

Fiction

The Poisoned Ground

Good-bye A672E92 Quintus

The Great Succession Crisis

The Ghosts of the Past

Princess Anyu Returns

The Complete Data Files (companion book)

Non-Fiction

Boudicca: Britain's Queen of the Iceni

Catherine de Valois

Empress Wu Zetian

Mary Queen of the Scots

Queen Elizabeth Tudor: Journey to Gloriana

Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, the Warrior Princess of Deheubarth

Empress Matilda of England

Preparing for My First Cockatiel

Many titles are also available for the stage. Perfect for backyard play, community theater, and educational use.

Select titles also available in audio edition.

## About the Series

The Peers of Beinan Series began in November 2010 with the first drafts of what would become the Legacy of Princess Anlei Trilogy, the core novels at the heart of the book series. Originally imagined as fan fiction to the 1983 television series "Benji, Zax, and the Alien Prince," the first draft originally told the back story to how and why Prince Yubi left Antars for exile on planet Earth. Some of this story remains in the unpolished draft chapters for "The Great Succession Crisis" and "Ghosts of the Past" that is found in the companion book "The Lost Tales."

But the original idea was not meant to be. As the story outline expanded from one book to three, a universe wholly different from Joe Camp's canon for BZAP emerged. The fan fiction idea was abandoned and the Peers of Beinan came into its own with tales of paranormal romance grounded in the author's extensive background in medieval history along with tales of murder and terror that hallmark "The Ghosts of the Past."

Original music, themes of hope in the darkest of situations, and the particularly vicious quality of Peers of Beinan villains all reflect the author's formative years growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska USA. Those interested in the largely private details of the author's biography should look to the second half of "The Poisoned Ground and the Healer Consort," and the entirety of "The Ghosts of the Past," and "Princess Anyu Returns" where those years are most intensely reflected in the plot and villains.

Through all the darkness, there is always hope and light. All it takes to break free of the most difficult times of your life is the belief that you will do so and the persistence to see it through until all that is sorrow and pain melts away into beauty, joy, and love.

Bright blessings to you and yours today and for all the days to come.

\--Laurel A. Rockefeller
