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STAR CHILD
RETURN TO THRAE
CHAPTER FOUR
"Look a yonder my youthful spirited boy
See the night star of pleasure and joy
Oh hi Oh hi the Sword our soul
Oh hi Oh hi the Star Child our life is whole
To the south over the mount of gold
Thru woods and past the well of cold
A light afar, beyond our reach,
A stretch of black sanded beach
Oh hi Oh hi the Star Child of magic
Oh hi Oh hi the Sword is tragic
Away with you, to hide and stay
By Jerico's kin will it only sway
For the sake of Thrae, it was concealed
Of gryphon and unicorn shield
Oh hi Oh hi the Star Child our soul
Oh hi Oh Hi the Sword of Magic
Oh hi Oh hi the Star Child our life is whole
Oh Hi Oh Hi the sword is tragic
Oh Hi Oh Hi
Oh Hi Oh Hi
Look a yonder my lovely boy
To Thrae's great future and joy
Oh Hi Oh Hi
Oh Hi Oh Hi."
Puck, Dango and Ash all stared as Otto sang. Ash tried not to laugh, but the sight of this large autonoid singing was just too funny.
"I am glad that you are amused." Otto said with a hint of irritation to his voice. "I heard this song from the villagers for centuries. I believe that Jerico Soldaat, Ash's ancestor gave this secret to them for a reason.." Otto smiled to himself.
"Jerico hid the Star Child away to protect it from evil hands, right." Ash added, letting everyone know he wasn't completely ignorant of Thrae history.
"Yes, during the Brood War, Houses of Salvane began to collect magical items for supremacy, the Star Child was the ultimate power and Jerico knew it had to be hidden away." Otto explained.
"Wait a minute."Dango interrupted. "Why give Gulru the song, it's a nothing village, filled with pig farmers and blushing virgins. Why would Jerico trust them with the secret location of the Star Child?"
Otto snickered. "There was a boy who won Jerico's heart in the village. I believe the song was for him. And who better to trust with a secret than those who know nothing of the secret?"
"So what can we decipher from the song?" Puck asked.
"See the night star of pleasure and joy, obvious refers to the star Tenus. It is the star of Happiness or so legend says." Dango said wrapping his arm tight around Puck. "It is above the west horizon, so we need to travel west."
"I agree. In the verse; To the south over the mount of gold, I believe it means the Maelstrom Mountains, it is the first city of the dwarves and famous for the amount of gold mined from there. Once we make it to Maelstrom we then go south, Thru woods and past the well of cold, or through the Sovesti Forest to the Caverns of Erland." Otto interpreted.
"But what about the part that talked about the light a far or something like that?" Ash asked.
"A light afar, beyond our reach, A stretch of black sanded beach; this part is a mystery to me, perhaps once we trek to the Caverns of Erland the obscurity of the song will be solved. Since this is the only clue we have, then I suggest it is our single course of action." Otto said as he thought deep on the musical phrase.
"I would agree, King Verloren once told me about the legend of Jerico, the only clue he had was about a light from above and the black beach. I'd say that Otto's song completes this mystery. We will get some sleep and at first light begin this journey to recover the Star
Child." Puck stood up and started cleaning the table. "Ash will you help me with the plates?"
"Sure." Ash grabbed up the remaining plates, glad that his old friend still treated him normally. He would have hated it, if Puck started think of him as a Prince.
The back area of the house was cluttered with cabinets of all shapes and sizes, the counter space had dishes and goblets piled across it, Puck had to make room for the additional plates that he and Ash carried.
"Damn Dango." He muttered putting down his plates. "Are you okay?" He asked turning his attention away from the mess to Ash.
"I can't say I'm all right with all this, but I don't think I'll be freaking out or anything." Ash cleared his throat and grinned foolishly. "Can I ask about your clothes?"
"Oh. I." Puck looked down at himself and quickly adjusted his sash. "The loincloth is called an H'Orla; it's not usually worn except for ceremonial occasions. I thought you'd be a little more comfortable if I had it on." Puck explained.
"Are you telling me that normally you wouldn't be wearing anything?" Ash said trying not to giggle.
"The Eller see nudity as purity in spirit. Um. Ash I suggest you forget about all the social restrictions on Earth, most don't apply here on Thrae." Puck cocked his head and stared hard at Ash. "So what do you think about Otto?"
Ash smiled as he thought about the tall autonoid. "He's sweet. Do you know he insisted on dressing me." Laughed Ash. "He may look tough, but he's really just a big teddy bear."
"I'm glad you like him, because he's going to be with you like a twin. Now you'll have to promise me not to go anywhere without Otto, okay?"
Ash shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever." He didn't want Puck to know that the idea of Otto being with him constantly was very appealing. He did like the autonoid, maybe too much for someone he had just met.
Otto was already waiting for Ash as he entered his room. The autonoid was once again standing at the window looking out.
"I like to sing." Otto said without turning away from the window.
"You. you have a good voice." Ash said quickly. "Otto, I hope I wasn't rude to you when you sang that song. you're just such a fierce looking man, it was strange to see you sing." Ash tried to explain.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to imply I was insulted. I was just thinking aloud. Are you ready for bed?"
Before Ash could answer, Otto had turned and was removing Ash's shirt.
"Do you like to sing Ash?" Otto asked as he removed the boy's shoes.
"Never really thought about it. I guess it's okay. Don't have a singing voice though."
"I'm sure you have a lovely voice. someone so handsome must also sing beautifully." Otto helped Ash slip off his shorts and boxers. Ash sat nervously on the edge of the bed, he's just a computer with legs, Ash kept telling himself. It didn't help that Otto called him handsome and the fact that he couldn't take his eyes off the autonoid. Ash climbed into bed, but forced himself not to cover up in the quilt. New world, new rules he told himself. Otto returned to the window.
"Are. are you going to stay there all night?" Ash asked.
"I do not require sleep." Otto said simply. Ash closed his eyes, but opened them instantly.
"I'm not sure I can sleep with you just standing there.it's kind of weird." He said sitting up.
"I could take a seat in the chair, if that would make you more comfortable." Otto suggested with a smile. Ash looked over at the chair next to the bed and frowned.
"Man that would be even weirder. What if you just lie on the other side of the bed and pretend to sleep." Ash suggested, the thought of Otto staring at him all night was just too creepy for Ash, he knew he' d be up all night staring back at him.
"If that will help you sleep." Otto agreed. Ash waited as the autonoid removed his huge shoulder guards, the sword strapped to his side, the gauntlets, his hip plating, belt and boots. Finally, he lay down next to Ash. It was like having a block of concrete next to him. Ash struggled as the bed sagged in, rolling him on top of the large man.
"Sorry about that." Ash giggled and with Otto's help slipped back to his side of the bed. They lay there in silence and listened to Puck and Dango in the next room.
"Come to Papa Puck. You've been a bad boy since I've been gone."
Ash heard his friend Puck say through the wall.
"Papa Puck?" Ash laughed.
"It makes sense." Otto said. "After all Puck is a lot older than Dango. Thus, I believe the phrase 'Papa' can be applied without error. On the other hand, perhaps it is just something said during loving making. While buried, I overheard many such names used by the villagers. for example; Honey Muffin, snuggle bunny, schmoopy, sweet pea and pookieboo. There were other nicknames, but I refrain from saying them, as you may find them offensive."
Laughing so hard Ash had to grab his side to help him catch his breath.
"You .are. hilarious .Otto!" Ash managed to say between laughs. He kicked his legs over on Otto's stomach and giggled out a yawn. His being nude wasn't that big a deal, a computer with legs could care less if he was nude or not. He loved how comfortable he felt laying with Otto. It was as if they had known each other all his life.
"Good night Otto."
"Good night Ash, sweet dreams."
Ash closed his eyes and began to wonder about Puck. How old was he really and what kind of spell had he cast on him to make him see Puck and him age together? Ash decided that Puck and he needed a serious talk tomorrow.
Fylgiar the Cursed strolled into the Misset Castle without a care in the world. With his constant companion Boy, at his side there wasn't much in the world that worried him. He loved the looks the servants of Misset gave him and Boy. Part of being a bounty hunter was having the look and he and Boy most definitely had the 'Look' down to an art. On his back, Fylgiar had a seven foot sword, it was his pride and joy, but not as impressive as the four foot 75 mm Rifle in his left hand. This weapon from ancient times could take down a castle in three shots. Fylgiar in his titanium-laced uniform was a very intimidating character and he loved it. Of course Boy got just as many looks as Fylgiar, if not more, he was a fright to see, though Fylgiar saw him as beautiful. Boy was a Pre-X1 model, created not for combat, but pleasure. The motorized kid had seen more action than Fylgiar would in his lifetime and his body wore the scars for it. Boy's right arm was missing its exterior completely, exposing the inner mechanics of his metal skeleton. Boy's abdomen had been blown off during a hunt for a renegade hippogriff, leaving a vicious opening, revealing his metal spine and ribs. However, beneath Boy's wounds and dents, there was a loving companion. It was his one fault, the only thing he loved, but he also knew he would sacrifice Boy if it would serve to help him finish his job. And Fylgiar hated himself for that.
"Time to put on our game face." Boy said as they approached the main chamber. "Lord Aero is a notorious backstabber. I suggest we let him do all the talking, feel out where he will benefit in this new job and see how we can use that to our advantage."
"Please stop mothering me." Fylgiar whispered. "Aero is a whiny bitch, we can handle him."
"Fylgiar!" Lord Aero screeched joyfully as they enter the room. Fylgiar quickly eyed the autonoid standing behind Aero.
"Lord Aero, it is good to see you have survived this inhuman invasion that has plagued our country."
"Watch it Fyl." Boy whispered. "The auto is Prime, highest precautions are advised."
"Rating?" Fylgiar asked. He and Boy had a system of numbers to rate their adversaries; it was a game they played during intense situations.
"I would say 10." Boy said very seriously, which shocked Fylgiar. Boy had never rated anyone over an eight before.
"Why have you called me here Aero?" Fylgiar asked, scanning the room for hidden dangers and all possible escape routes if needed.
"I've called for you because you are the best hunter in Thrae and I have someone who I want hunted." Aero turned and gave Prime a nervous smile. "You will lead a unit of my monks to find Prince Asrais of the House of Soldaat, he must be returned here. alive."
"Prince Asrais? According to rumors, he disappeared several years ago. It was thought that he had died, killed by an assassin's hand." Boy whispered to Fylgiar.
"Alive will cost more Aero, plus I work alone. Keep your fucking monks away from me and I'll do the job."
"You will be paid handsomely for your service bounty hunter." Prime growled. "And as for the 'fucking' monks. take them or leave them, it doesn't matter to me. All I need is Prince Asrais."
Aero turned a deep red as Prime spoke, his narrowed eyes turned slowly from Prime to Fylgiar. It was all too apparent to Fylgiar who was in charge here and he didn't like the idea of an autonoid in control.
"I will pay whatever you ask Fylgiar, just bring Asrais here." Aero said through gritted teeth, giving Prime a detestable look. "His trail begins at Pallatora with an Eller named Puck. and need I tell you that time is a factor?"
"I have no information on an Eller named Puck." Boy informed. Fylgiar put his hand on Boy's shoulder to let him know that the details weren' t important at the moment.
"We'll take the job. But remember I work alone and don't need someone watching over my shoulder, so keep your monks away from me."
"Excuse me." Prime took a step forward. "I find it very interesting to hear you say that you work alone. Is my little brother there not going with you?"
Fylgiar looked down at Boy, and back to the maniacal autonoid.
"Boy goes wherever I go." Fylgiar said slowly.
"But you do not include him in your speech? It is always 'I' not 'we'. Little Brother is this not an insult to you?" Prime stepped up to Boy and caressed the side of his face and shoulder. "You are better than these humans, Little Brother. Why allow yourself to become his slave?"
Boy tried to shrug his shoulder free of Prime's grip, but the autonoid held on tightly.
"We are a partnership, when Fyl.Fylgiar says 'I', it is used to describe us both. If this was a serious question and not one to boil discontent between us, then I hope you accept my answer."
Prime smiled, it was a grin not of happiness, but completely wickedness.
"Of course I accept your answer Little Brother. And I hope you accept my apology and when you return from this mission, perhaps you will allow me to repair your outer casing. Enjoy your adventure Fylgiar; I will be anxiously waiting for your return." Prime released Boy and calmly walked out of the large room.
"Mother fucker." Fylgiar spat, leaning down to look at Boy's shoulder. "That piece of shit Prime punctured your skin."
"It's all right Fyl, he didn't hurt me." Boy said running his finger over the small hole on the back of his shoulder.
"Aero." Fylgiar growled, trying his best not to let his anger explode. "I'm not sure what arrangement you have made with the devil, but I hope you live long enough to pay me when I return with Prince Asrais. Come on Boy; let's get the hell out of here."
Fylgiar and Boy walked out of the large chamber and away from Misset Castle, their assignment was clear and as far as Fylgiar was concerned, it would be swift. The quicker he found Asrais, the quicker he could leave Salvane. With Prime free to roam, it wasn't going to be safe for anyone. Moreover, he wasn't going to be caught up in a realm war for survival, there was no profit in that.
Ash woke up feeling that he had had the best sleep in his life. He was so comfortable that he grumbled 'crap' knowing that he would have to get up.
"Are you awake?" Otto whispered. Ash lifted his head and gasped, he was sprawled across the autonoid as if he was a mattress.
"Oh. I'm sorry." Ash said quickly and rolled off Otto. He was horrified to see that he had an erection. Ash glanced over to Otto to try to read his reaction, had the autonoid noticed his arousal?
"It was fine, you were sleeping so soundly I hated for you to wake
up."
"..shut up! Geeze Dango." Puck stopped talking as he entered into Ash' s room. "Um. good you're awake. Get dressed we need to get moving." Puck almost blushed as he looked at Ash's stiff erection, which Ash quickly tried to hide.
"Of course, we will be ready in a moment." Otto said standing up and gathering up his things. "Can you get dressed by yourself?
"I think so. been dressing myself for years now." Ash laughed tensely, wishing his rigid penis would disappear.
It was a quick breakfast of cold ham and cheese, which seemed to irritate Puck more than anyone else. Once that was finished and cleaned up, Puck announced a visit to the local market was needed. Ash was very excited about this news; it meant he would get to see a real live Ellers community and the bonus of seeing their naked bodies, that was if Puck hadn't been telling him the truth.
"Puck can we talk?" Ash said quickly as Puck rushed around the house.
"Sorry Asrais, can it wait. we have a lot to do before we leave. Dango. we're not taking that crap! Don't you dare flip me off. God why did I teach you that?"
Ash frowned, being on a new world, wasn't the only change Ash was experiencing. Puck wasn't Puck any longer. He wasn't the kid he use to be, Puck was a man in this world, a homeowner with responsibilities. Ash did his best to stay out of everyone's way as they packed for the long trip.
The heat wasn't as intense as it had been to Ash, of course it was still early in the morning, so he was trying to prepare himself for it to get hotter. He mentally reminded himself to ask Otto about the seasons on Thrae, with a sun so large he doubted it saw much of a winter. Pallatora was an impressive city; buildings with high-pitched roofs lined the stone roads, some with wonderfully adorned signs in front, announcing their profession. They past a bakery with seductive smells of freshly cooked breads, there was a glassworks where Ash stopped to watch the Eller's blow amazing designs out of the syrupy hot glass. There was also a jewelry shop, a blacksmith and many more little stores filled with items so interesting, Ash could have spent hours in each store drooling over their product. However, the most appealing thing about the streets of Pallatora was the people. Nudity was indeed the most popular attire for the populace. Red haired childlike Ellers went about their business completely naked, Ash tried not to stare, but they were all so beautiful. Wearing nothing more than jewelry to decorate their arms, calves and arms. Apparently the more jewelry one wore, the higher they were in the social ladder. Puck who again had decided to wear his ceremonial H'Orla was getting some strange looks from his fellow Ellers. Ash didn't know what kind of ceremonial event was needed for the H'Orla, but it seems that it was a social blunder to wear it during the wrong season. He felt bad for Puck, knowing that he had worn it for Ash's comfort.
Ash heard the marketplace before he saw it. A narrow canvas covered street was filled with a multitude of booths and carts, merchants called to customers peddling their product with seductive songs or rhymes that made the place feel like something out of the musical 'Olivier'.
"This place is wonderful." Ash whispered.
"The Ellers have a great love for life and it shows in everything they do." Otto said almost sounding envious.
"Wait here while I collect supplies we'll need for our journey." Puck instructed.
"Sure thing Papa Puck." Ash teased, which got him a vicious glare from his friend before he disappeared with Dango into the crowd.
"I don't believe he liked your little joke." Otto said looking a bit worried.
"Oh he'll be all right. Puck never had much of a sense of humor."
"Is there something you see that you would like?" Otto asked sweeping his massive arm towards the colorful booths around them.
"You have money? I have ten dollars, but something tells me that Earth money is pretty much worthless here." Ash pulled out his wallet and showed Otto his ten-dollar bill.
"I have seven goldions, twenty silvions and fourteen coppions. Plenty for anything you may like to have."
"Um. goldions, silvions and coppions? Okay I guess that's a lot of money huh?" Ash wandered over to the nearest booth, filled with an odd collection of jewelry.
"Little Master."
Ash looked pass the booth to see a naked old man sitting on the ground; he appeared to be human with straggly long white hair and beard.
"Little Master, please sit." The man gestured to the ground in front of him. Ash looked to Otto to make sure he also saw the old man before he walked towards him.
"Hello." Ash said as he knelt down next to the man.
"Greetings Little Master. greetings." The old man drooled slightly as he smiled. "I've been waiting for you to return."
"You've been waiting on me?" Ash asked smiling at the apparent senile man.
"Oh waiting and hoping. Hoping and waiting." The man patted Ash's knee eagerly. "Bad times have befallen Thrae. bad times."
"What do you want old man?" Otto asked harshly, which made the man quiver.
"No harm to our Little Master, I promise." The man said grabbing hold of his wrinkled penis. "I just wish to talk."
"Then talk, we must be leaving and don't have time for you foolishness." Otto growled. Ash frowned; he'd never heard Otto talk so cruelly.
"It's all right Otto. What can I do for you sir?"
"Such a gently Little Master, kind Little Master. unlike his mean guardian machine." The old man said still holding onto his penis as if it was his anchor. "I see the past, I witness the future Little Master. your future is a difficult one. I have cried for you many a time."
"What do you see?" Ash wasn't sure why he cared what the old man was saying, but as he looked into his eyes, he could see a clarity that almost scared him.
"I see a journey beyond that which you will travel. It has a beginning but no end."
Ash smiled politely, wishing now he had just ignored the man's call.
"Beware the endless cold and beware the machine with and without a conscience."
"Ash. stop playing with that old man and let's go." Puck appeared and pulled Ash to his feet.
"The machine will hunt you down without question. "The old man started to scream. "He will use that which you most love; nothing is beyond his vile touch! I am Rio, companion of the Waymaker and friend of the Ellers. please heed my words! Danger is within the magic, a light that does not guide!"
"Hey. shut up!" Dango interrupted. "And really. nudity works for the Ellers. but you man. put some clothes on. I mean really." Dango swept his hands up and down gesturing to the man's body. "This look isn't good for you; it's not good for any of us. I just ate."
"Leave him alone!" Ash yelled and pushed Dango away from the old man. "He's not hurting anyone."
"Ash stop. we don't have time for this foolishness. It's obvious the human is insane." Puck grabbed Ash's arm. "We have a serious quest ahead of us. it's time you start thinking like a Prince and not a spoiled brat."
"Oh now you've done it." Ash snarled and jerked his arm free. "You have been pretending to be my friend all this time, when in fact it was just a babysitting job for you. how many spells did you use on me to make me like you? I didn't ask for any of this shit! Do you think I wanted to come to this world? You've still got that shard thingie right? I want to go home NOW!" Ash regretted everything he had just said as it slipped out between his lips, but he couldn't stop himself. He knew he was indeed acting like a spoiled brat, but there was something the old man had said that scared him deeply. Before he knew what he was doing, Ash was running through the crowd, pushing surprised Ellers out of his way. He didn't know where he was going, all he knew was that he had to get away.
"Ash wait." Otto yelled his voice powerful and soft at the same time. "Wait, please."
Ash managed to stop himself from running.
"I'm an idiot." Ash cried. "I just don't know what I'm doing here. What does everyone expect from me? I'm searching for a sword that I don't even know what can do or what I'm expected to do with it once we do find it. There's a crazy robot who wants me dead and I don't know why. there's an old man telling me prophecies of my life and my best friend is really an old elf who never bothered to tell me who I really am."
Otto put a gently hand on Ash's shoulder.
"I'm sorry that this is all so overwhelming for you Ash. It wasn't fair for your parents to send you away and keep you in the dark of your heritage." Otto began; ignoring all the strange looks, the Ellers were giving him and Ash. "I promise there will be no secrets between us, you may ask me anything and I will tell you as truthfully as I can."
"Ash." Puck walked up looking like he had been beaten. "Ash, going back to Earth isn't an option. I wish."
"Don't worry about it Puck." Ash said shamefully. "I was just acting stupid. Can we just forget what I said?"
"Sounds good to me." Dango cheered. "I've said things I've regretted before."
"No really?" Puck said sarcastically.
"Oh shut up Papa Puck, I'm trying to be helpful here. If you don't watch yourself, you'll have to find someone else to lick the sweat off your balls."
"Geeze Dango. do you think maybe this is one of those things you shouldn't have said?" Puck said slapping his forehead. "And please no more Papa Puck either."
Dango reached down and grabbed hold of Puck's bare bottom. "You are just so damn cute when you're upset. See Ash, you need to find yourself a soft little Eller and get laid, cures all illness. trust me." Dango laughed and gave Ash a wink.
Ash shook his head and smiled, though they fought constantly, he knew Dango and Puck loved each other deeply. He looked over their small group, such an odd company. How exactly they were going to finish this quest for the Star Child, he wasn't really sure. Ash was scared, scared of his past and frightened of what his future would be, he just hoped he wouldn't disappoint his friends.