Chapter 19 Exploring

An excerpt from The Guardians Book 1: Formation of the Guardians

Maegin, Boe, and Greg were busy loading the flying ship. Many of the other Guardians were standing by and watching them. People held their breathe once the trio was ready to take off.

The ship lifted off vertically from the launch pad. Slowly, it rose into the sky. On board, the trio was calculating their approach. Greg was piloting the ship.

Maegin called Forni to let him know they were on their way. Forni nodded and made sure they could locate him. He also kept an eye on Melodi.

It would be a matter of hours before the ship arrived. In the meantime, Maegin and Boe took lots of notes. They were working with the ship’s computer and the satellites. They were able to look out the windows and see what the readings meant.

They were excited, even though their route would keep them away from any settlements. The two laughed as they worked.

Greg was quiet and focused on flying. He had to maintain a balance between not being too high in the sky and not being too low to hit any trees or mountains.

It wasn’t easy, but the ship was doing well as he was. He heard Maegin and Boe, but remained quiet. They reminded him of how he and Hugo were when they were together. Greg wondered when they would get around to getting married.

**********************

Forni sighed. He wasn’t sure what had happened to him, but the world was different. It seemed to have something to do with Melodi. She was still sad, but she had made a friend with a centaur.

It looked as if she would be at home with the other Guardians. But when would she smile again? Forni shook his head. He wanted to talk to Merlaen as soon as he was back home. If anyone would know what was wrong, it would be her.

Until then, he was busy looking after Melodi and waiting for the flying ship. He wasn’t sure what to expect for the ship, but it was probably another good invention from Greg.

Forni had grown up with lots of new inventions from Greg, who was now a legend among the Guardians. No one could guess what he would design next. But whatever it was, it would always be something good.

Forni smiled. He didn’t remember his parents, but he did remember Jazmin saving him that night long ago. He was scared and there were other orphans. She was quite a sight even when he was still just a child.

Perhaps she was the reason he became a guard and a scout. In some ways, he was glad the bandits did come that night. Not only was he able to grow up and became what he wanted to be, but she and the others were also free to choose their own paths.

Many Guardians were happier than the villagers were. Some joined because they were simply too unhappy where they once were. Still it wasn’t a perfect system, but no system is perfect for everyone.

Forni was lost in thought when he finally heard the flying machine. The centaurs warned him and Melodi as it was landing. Greg landed the ship just outside of the forest.

Maegin and Boe walked off the ship and greeted Forni. Forni greeted them back. Melodi stared at the flying ship.

It was unlike anything she had ever seen in her life.

“It’s time for us to leave, Melodi.”

“In that thing?”

“Yes, in that machine. It should be fine. It was already tested before they came here.”

“Oh.”

“It’s okay. Guardians have a lot of technology that most people would never ever dream of. It can take some time to get used to it.”

“You centaurs don’t seem to have much technology.” Melodi noted.

Faedin smiled. “We do use some. Most centaurs prefer to live in the forests and take care of the animals and plants that are here.”

“Oh, you do have those portable communicators. What else would you have?”

“Other than portable scanners, that’s about it for us. We don’t care for the other things. We are pretty simple for most Guardians.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“You can reach me on channel 5.”

“What?”

“You’ll get your own communicator once you get to the main hold.”

“Oh. Then I’ll be able to talk to you after I’m there?”

“Yes.”

They hugged and Melodi followed Forni onto the ship. She looked around. Maegin took over the ship controls. Greg moved to the co-pilot position. Boe went back to his seat. Melodi and Forni sat in the back.

Soon they were taking off. Melodi gasped.

Forni looked to her. “This is my first time in this flying ship.”

Melodi tried to smiled.

Maegin smiled. “It will be a few hours before we get back. It will probably be dark. We’ll probably miss dinner, but don’t worry, we’ll still be able to get something to eat.”

“How is that possible?” asked Melodi.

“Some of the domestic staff works overnight and everyone knows we’re out. It shouldn’t be a big deal.”

“I heard that I would be able to sew and embroider again.”

“Yes, of course you can. We need people on the domestic staff to do that sort of work.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

“I’m a scientist.”

“Really? I thought only men could do that.”

“We Guardians believe we shouldn’t waste our talents by using a rigid division of labor based on sex. Some members of the domestic staff are men.”

“Oh, that’s different. You sound happy as a scientist.”

“I always was happy with this sort of work.”

“Are some of the guards women?”

“Yep and they’re quite talented as guards.”

“It sounds like you Guardians wouldn’t necessary fit in well in a regular village.”

Maegin laughed. “I left my village because my parents wanted to marry me off once I reached puberty. I had heard the rumors about what had happened to my friend, Boe and I decided it was time to leave. I am glad I did leave. I’ve been much happier since then.”

“So not everyone leaves the hold? Some prefer to just stay there.”

“Yes, they do. That’s fine too. Many members of the domestic staff are quite happy to stay put. Without them, we would be lost. They grow and cook our food. They make our clothes and they clean. Many are happy to do so and we appreciate them for it.”

Melodi thought. “Then I guess I’ll be alright with your people. I wasn’t sure at first, but if it’s the way you say it is, then I’ll be happy to live there.”

“I bet you will be happy.”

**********************

It was dark once they landed. All five got out and were greeted by Lady Penelopi. She made sure they all had food. Lady Penelopi served them and sat down with them.

Melodi was tired and hungry. “Lady Penelopi, I am told you head the domestic staff and I want to join it.”

Lady Penelopi smiled. “Oh? What skills do you have?”

“I can sew and I was the best at embroidery in my village.”

“I take it you’re talking about all hand sewing?”

“Yes.”

“Are you willing to learn how to use a sewing machine?”

“You have sewing machines?”

“Oh, yes. I’d be happy to teach you how to use one.”

“I’m willing. Is it hard to learn?”

“No. It works in a similar way to hand sewing.”

“I can start tomorrow morning.”

“Wonderful. We can start after breakfast.”

*************************

The next morning, Lady Penelopi sought out Melodi. Melodi was feeling a bit nauseous and dizzy, but didn’t say anything as she followed Lady Penelopi to the sewing room.

It had been a while since Melodi had done any sewing, but she was still able to do all her stitches. The machine wasn’t so hard to learn. She was doing well for sometime.

Then she collapsed. When she came to, several people were watching her.

Lady Penelopi was holding her hand. “My dear, what happened? Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”

Melodi looked up at Lady Penelopi. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. I feel nauseous and couldn’t eat much at breakfast this morning.”

“Can you stand? We need to get you to the clinic. Our healers can help you.”

“You have healers?”

“Yes, my dear. There are enough of us here who can carry you, if need be.”

Melodi tried to sit up. She put her hand to her head. “I still feel dizzy.”

“Okay, let’s just carry her to the clinic.” Lady Penelopi made some motions and several people picked up Melodi.

They were gentle as they carried Melodi to the clinic. They set her down on an empty bed. Bernard was sitting at his desk. He stood up and walked over with his portable scanner.

Lady Penelopi said, “Bernard, we’re not sure what’s wrong. Lady Melodi says she dizzy and nauseous. She passed out when she was trying to work.”

Bernard nodded. He held the scanner over Melodi. “Ah, Lady Melodi is pregnant and is experiencing morning sickness.”

Melodi’s eyes widened. “No! I don’t want to be pregnant.”

“I can help you with that, if that is what you really want.”

Several people gasped.

“Really? You know how to stop a pregnancy?”

“Yes, I’ve done it before. I will have to stick instruments inside you, right between your legs.”

Melodi nodded.

“No, Bernard, you shouldn’t give her an abortion.”

“It’s her decision and hers alone.”

“Wait, what if it’s Forni’s child?”

Melodi shook her head. “No, it’s not Forni’s. It’s the Knight Pol’s, whom Forni killed in a duel. I don’t want to have Pol’s child. He was awful.”

“My dear are you sure?”

Melodi nodded at Lady Penelopi. “Forni didn’t do anything to me. He never touched me like Pol did. Forni didn’t even try to kiss me. I think he’s still a child.”

Bernard smiled. “Actually, he’s an adolescent and probably has no idea what he was supposed to do with you.”

Melodi dropped her jaw. “You mean, he’s just innocent?”

Bernard nodded. “Yes. I know he flirted with Lady Merlaen and she was flattered by it, but he hasn’t done anything else. He never asks for birth control.”

“You have birth control here?”

“Yes, we have it for both men and women.”

“You Guardians have a lot of things.”

Merlaen walked in. “I heard all the noise. Am I to understand you will be performing an abortion, Bernard?”

“Yes, Lady Merlaen, unless Lady Melodi has changed her mind.”

“No, I still want to end this pregnancy.”

“Okay, Lady Merlaen, please prepare the patient by examining her. I’d hate to start only to have to be careful of any injury.”

Merlaen nodded and approached Melodi. Melodi sat up and went with the older woman to the bathroom.

“Okay, everyone else, except for Hugo, please leave. The patient needs some privacy.”

The domestic staff nodded and went back to work.

Hugo walked over to Bernard and looked down. “What do you need me to do?”

“Just stand by in case of complications. We need to sterilize the instruments.” Bernard and Hugo prepared the instruments and scrubbed up.

Merlaen and Melodi came out. Merlaen helped the young woman lay down and get comfortable.

“She fine now. You shouldn’t have problems.” Merlaen held Melodi’s hand.

“Alright. This Nurse Hugo. He’s married to Greg, who you met yesterday.”

“Oh, yeah, the fairy.”

Hugo smiled.

“Let’s begin. After this is over, you will probably bleed more than you usually do.”

“I don’t have anything to deal with that.”

“Don’t worry, Melodi, I just ordered some supplies from the domestic staff. They should be here by the time the operation is over.” Merlaen smiled at the young woman.

“Thanks. Okay, guys, do what you need to do.” Melodi had tears in her eyes. She squeezed Merlaen’s hand. It was uncomfortable. She stared at the ceiling.

**********************

Melodi recovered without a problem. She was relieved even though she learned she could have taken care of the child and no one would have looked at her in disgust. She was also working again. People loved her work. She was smiling and eventually she sang while she worked. Forni would pause and sigh whenever he heard her when he was practicing.

He couldn’t take it anymore and went to talk to Merlaen. “Milady, do you have a moment?”

“Yes, of course, Forni.”

“I’m not sure what’s wrong with me.”

She smiled at him. “You’re not flirting with me anymore?”

“Oh, I can kiss your hand, if you like.”

“It’s Melodi, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Merlaen grasped his hand. “My dear, things are different for you. I am happy for you. She has had a hard time, but given time, she is doing better now.”

“It’s hard to concentrate when she sings. She is happier now. For that, I am glad.”

Merlaen laughed. “Forni, you’ve fallen in love with her. I see you are also growing out of your clothes again. I bet your special occasion outfit doesn’t fit anymore. You should go ask for a new one to have in time for Maegin and Boe’s wedding.”

“Oh, yes, that would be a good idea. But what do I do about Melodi?”

“Be patient. You should go and ask for the outfit now before you get back to work.”

“Okay, I will. Thanks for listening, milady.”

“Anytime.” She let go of his hand.

Forni went straight to the sewing room and approached Lady Penelopi. “Milady, I need a new special occasion outfit.”

“You look like you need a new work outfit as well.”

“Well, yeah, that too.”

“Let me take your measurements.” Lady Penelopi took all the measurements and wrote them down. “Your special outfit will be ready in time for the wedding. Your other clothes may not be ready quite that fast, but it doesn’t look like you care about that.”

Forni smiled. “Yeah, I’m a little distracted. I better get back to work. I have guard duty tonight.” He nodded to her and left.

Lady Penelopi smiled.

Melodi walked over to Lady Penelopi. “Milady, I’d like to make his outfits.”

Lady Penelopi turned to Melodi. “Oh, okay. Here are his measurements.” She smiled at the younger woman.

Melodi looked at the paper and looked back at Lady Penelopi. Melodi smiled. “I’ll get started right now.”

*********************

The day of the wedding arrived. Forni rushed to the sewing room. Lady Penelopi was there as was Melodi.

“Milady, is the outfit ready?”

Lady Penelopi smiled at him. “It’s right here, Forni.”

“Ah! Wow, I didn’t expect such details. It’s beautiful.”

Lady Penelopi whispered to him, “Melodi made it. She’s making the rest of your outfits.”

“Oh! That means… Lady Penelopi I need to make sure she and I have a home together.”

“Do you need a small house by yourselves?”

“Yes, I think that would be best.”

“That can be arranged. I’ll let Greg and his crew know.”

“Thank you.” Forni took the outfit and went back to his quarters to put it back on. Minutes later he was out in the courtyard waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Melodi walked over to him and curtsied. She was wearing a matching outfit to his. Forni bowed and smiled at her.

“Thanks for making my outfit. I love it.”

She smiled at him.

“I hope you will dance with me today.”

“I will.”

After the ceremony Forni and Melodi danced. They were quiet, but happy as was everyone else.

Lady Penelopi told Greg about the small house request. He and his crew built it and presented it to both Forni and Melodi. Melodi hugged Forni. She was so happy she almost couldn’t believe her dreams had finally came true.