Saber Rider and Voltron characters belong to their specified animation and branding companies. Please don't sue me. All OCs belong to me. Do not use my world or OCs without my express permission. I sincerely hope you enjoy this story.
Special thanks to DrowningBlonde for being a sounding board for this story. Without your help, I'd still be stuck creating the world. Thanks for all the support!
Life has gotten in the way of writing lately. I am now only two chapters ahead of where I'm posting. I hope to start working on and completing this story soon. Thanks to those who are sticking with it. I hope you feel it's worth the wait.
"Here you go, Daddy," April says as she sets the stool down. "That man who doesn't like us is mad that you allowed us here is berating the Tywysoges."
Richard helps the Commander sit down just as he hears raised voices. "I'll be back," he says with an edge to his tone. He heads briskly towards the temple, where a small crowd is building. Gawain and the Offeiriades are heading in the same direction, all three pushing their way through the crowd.
"Why is someone berating her?" the Commander asks.
"The man seems to think women should be beneath him," April mutters quietly.
"If he has a problem, he should speak with us," Colt says hotly as he stands up to start towards the crowd.
"Hold on, Major Wilcox," the Commander says, holding his arm out. "Us trying to intervene may only fuel this guy's ire. We wait unless called upon. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir," Colt says with gritted teeth as the crowd goes silent. He looks over and sees a few return to the commons, and the rest head into the temple. "What the?" he says as he goes past the Commander towards the temple, despite being called back.
Angus steps in front of Colt as he enters the corridor to the temple. "Go back to the commons, or to your quarters. You are not permitted into the temple."
"What is goin' on, Angus?" Colt asks. "Is the Tywysoges alright?"
"There was a disagreement. It is being dealt with. Only those who were witnesses directly were permitted to attend. That is all you need to know. Now go back, please."
Colt sighs. "Fine," he replies and heads back to where others are gathered.
"Well?" April asks.
"Angus said they are mediating a disagreement. Only those that saw what happened can go in."
"Because of me doing what the Morair asked me to?"
Colt shrugs. "Dunno. Maybe that's part of it, but the little bit I heard sounded like more than that."
A few others head towards their small group.
"May we sit with you?" A woman asks, obviously unsure.
"Of course," Colt replies. "Have a seat."
The woman takes a seat, and slowly others make their way to the group. Conversations slowly start as nothing else seems to be happening around the temple. Soon people are eating and drinking again.
Pidge comes rushing in looking very excited. "I got a reply!" she says excitedly.
"Oh? From whom?" the Commander asks.
"Arus. Coran, I think. He said that they have been scanning and they are unable to find us. They had a scout ship that caught the ship that they think fired on us, and it left our space after a few weeks. It apparently went to Keplar after the ground froze over. They didn't try and provoke it."
"If the ground is frozen, we can't land a ship to evacuate us," Hunk states.
"That is correct. They said since we're safe, to stay put. They will check in once a week, unless there's an emergency. The council at Cavalry Command was relieved to hear that most of your people made it. They asked for a list of your deceased so that letters can be written."
The Commander nods. "We can work on that while we're here."
"I'll work on getting a list of our people to send to Coran," Hunk says just as Gawain enters the commons, looking extremely angry.
"Be right back," Colt says as he gets up and heads for him. "Gawain? What's wrong?"
"I need a favor, an' I've decided I can trust you enough t'do it."
"Anything," Colt replies.
"Stay an' guard th'temple. No one goes in, includin' you, unless you're summoned. Also, please ask Ms. Robin to keep an eye on Elin. I may be gone a day or two. Get someone else like Scott to guard with you. I have to go."
Colt nods. "Will do. Be safe."
Colt goes to Scott, who is chatting with a couple other guards and some women. Their conversation ceases at his approach.
"Blessed Samhain to you and yours Major Wilcox," Scott says in greeting.
"And to you an' yours as well," Colt replies with a nod. "Gawain asked me an' you to stand guard at the Temple. He has gone on some errand. He says no one in unless summoned."
"Sure. Craig, you an Alban hang close in case we need ya." Scott replies as he downs the rest of the drink in his hand. The two men give a slight nod. "Sorry Lass. We'll have t'meet up later," he says with a wink to the woman beside him. She smiles and he turns towards the temple.
"I'll be right there. He also wanted my wife to keep an eye on Lady Elin for him," Colt says.
"Alright. See you in a tic," Scott replies as he heads to his station.
Colt heads back to his group. "I've been asked to guard th'door with Scott until th'meetin' finishes up. Gawain asks that we keep an' eye on you, Lady Elin. He's says he could be gone a couple of days."
"Let me know if you need anything," Robin says to Elin with a smile as Colt heads to his assigned post.
"Aye, I will," Elin replies.
"So, what d'ya think that's about?" Scott asks indicating the closed temple doors they are standing in front of.
"I think it started when th'Morair had April get a stool for her father. That Elder...what's his name went to confront her. Told her she had no right t'be in th'temple. The Tywysoges intervened an' told April to go on. An' then I heard raised voices an' a thud. Then some were shooed away an' others led into th'temple. I dunno what he said, but it must've been bad for them t'keep others out."
"Bloody Hell. I didn't even know that Seamus was in line t'be an Elder. I thought Lady Lainie would have taken th'helm if somethin' happened t'her Mum."
"He doesn't give off a friendly vibe does he?"
"Nay," he replies quietly with a slight shake of his head. "An' some of th'women folk that came in his group are tryin to seek refuge here. Some are willin' t'become attached, just t'stay. So somethin' gotta be off."
"That seems mighty odd, don'tcha think?"
"Aye. It does indeed." A silence falls between them as they both try to hear what's happening, while trying not to look as if that's what they're doing. "It sure is quiet in there."
"I was thinkin' the same thing."
"Maybe I should take a look."
"Gawain said not to. We shouldn't go against his wishes. He actually trusted me. I don't wanna screw that up."
"I suppose you-" Scott goes to reply when the door opens.
Several weary, troubled looking people begin to exit the temple. None saying much of anything.
"Please show us to our quarters," One man says quietly.
"Aye, of course," Scott replies as he leads the line of people down a far corridor away from the commons.
The line goes quietly, the mood somber. Colt watches as they slowly fade down another corridor and turns his attention to the few remaining in the temple. The priestess sees him and gives him a slight nod, permitting him to enter. Colt enters the temple and stops before the priestess and goes to kneel when she holds out a hand.
"There is no need, Major Wilcox," she says sounding fatigued.
He gives a slight nod and looks around. "Where's the Tywysoges and Morair?" he asks noting their absence.
"Consoling a young woman," she replies as she heads to a nearby bench and indicates for him to sit as well.
A few acolytes walk through, straightening the tables around the altar before making themselves scarce leaving Colt and the priestess alone.
"Is the Tywysoges alright?" he asks after a long silence.
"I'm not sure, at least not in the present. I think she will be, eventually. She has Richard, who will support her and console her. She is stronger when he is near her. And I asked her to help with the young woman as a distraction from her own problems. She should not be under this amount of stress. It isn't good for her."
"Why?" Colt asks.
"We have trouble on the horizon. If she is seen as weak, the people may not follow her," the priestess replies simply.
"That makes sense, I suppose," Colt concedes. "Arus replied. They have let Cavalry Command know of the attack and the losses and wounded. They told us to hang tight until the thaw. Said that unless we have a dire emergency, it is safer to wait. As it is no longer safe to land a ship. They also said that the ship that attacked has left the planet and gone to a nearby planet."
"Good to know. It gives us some time to get ourselves together and prepare. We may end up fighting each other if things continue the way they are currently."
"Is there anything we can do to help, Offeiriades?" Colt asks.
"I'm not sure, presently. I need to call an assembly day after tomorrow after breaking our fast. Make sure all of your people are present. I will not be accused of trying to hide anything. We are still creatures of free will, which makes us all susceptible to falling short. I want your people to understand that we are more alike than some wish to believe."
"I'll make sure to get the word out, Offeiriades."
"Thank you. Be sure all are present after breaking their fast, if someone is to be exempted, I must give the consent."
"As you wish," Colt says, mimicking the phrase he's heard others utter when given an order, bowing his head slightly.
"I must go tend to a few things. Please pass the word to a few of the guards. Tell them it is my directive. They should be compliant then."
"Yes, Offeiriades," he replies as they both rise and part ways.
The priestess enters a darkened tunnel. Even from her current position, she hears Seamus's voice echoing off the walls.
"Release me, you mindless twits!" I am equal to your precious Offeiriades. Soon she will learn that a woman's place is on her knees or flat on her back."
"You son of a-"
"Stop Finn, he's goading us," Angus says in a soothing tone.
"How dare he-"
A grunt is heard, then Angus says, "Easy brother. You are doing just what he wants by reacting. Ignore him. He may not shut up, but we know that he has no power."
"Follow me and I will give you power. Women. As many as you want. Young, old, any you want for whatever purpose you want," Seamus says, still trying to entice one or both men.
"Look you bloody bastard, my loyalty is to the Maker, the Offeiriades, the Tywysoges, and the Morair. You are severely misguided," Finn replies nearly seething from anger.
"We will remain true to the Maker's plan," Angus says barely containing his anger.
"Then you too will perish," Seamus says coldly.
"Enough!" the Offeiriades says as she enters the cavern. Finn and Angus snap to attention. "Day after tomorrow, you will be subject to the court of peers, Seamus."
"I have no peers," he snarls. "Certainly none here, where they permit a weaker species to govern the people into witless lapdogs."
The priestess turns to the two men guarding him, "I can get someone else to remain here until the time of judgement. You should not be forced to listen to him all night."
Angus laughs. "Offeiriades, I know how to tune him out. I will gladly stay and let him talk himself hoarse."
"Are you certain?" she asks.
"Aye, Offeiriades. I have four sisters, I know how to tune out mindless chatter."
The priestess allows him a small smile, then a firm nod. "Very well. Finn, come with me. I think you should rest for a while. You've been up since last evening's supper."
"Aye, Offeiriades," Finn replies and the two head out of the corridor not speaking until they reach the door of the small temple. "I am sorry that I let him get to me," Finn says quietly.
The priestess places a hand on the young man's shoulder. "It's alright, Finn. You reacted to what you felt was someone speaking against your beliefs. It is a natural reaction. One Seamus wanted to have happen. He was hoping you'd get angry enough to strike him, then he'd have to be tended to, thus getting him released from the holding cell."
"Had Angus not restrained me, it would have worked."
"So we learn and move on, Finn. There is no use of dwelling on it. I need you to get some rest. I will have a guard stationed at the end of the corridor so that if he manages to get free, We have others to stop him. We will have a day of rest and remembrance, then hold court right after breaking our fast the morning after. I expect you there. You may need to recount what he has said to you."
"Aye, Offeiriades," Finn says with a bow before heading towards his quarters.
A door opens and Richard looks to see Merida looking out at him. "I'm calmer now, Love," he says quietly.
"I can tell," she replies. "She has settled as well. She's sleeping now. Come in," she says as she opens the door further to allow him to enter.
Richard gives a slight nod and enters the dimly lit room.
Merida closes the door after him and indicates to sit at the small table, taking a seat herself. "I'm sorry, Rick."
"There is no need to be, Love. I understand."
Merida gives a slight nod, but doesn't trust herself to speak. She watches him, seeing his concern for her and the young woman to the other side of the room. Bringing the night's events back to the forefront of her mind. Hearing the girl whimper she turns and watches her, aware of his eyes on her.
Sensing her fear, he doesn't speak of the events, deciding she will speak of it when it's not as raw. He notices she is reverting back to how she was after she was attacked and his anger starts to flair and he takes several breaths to keep it reigned in. She turns when the girl whimpers and his eyes remain on her. He sees her tense and contemplates what to say to her. The silence making both uncomfortable. "How are you doing?" he finally asks.
Merida ponders her answer as she turns back to face him, "It was...unsettling. But I know that I am safe. That you will protect me. I cannot imagine how her father must feel. To know that she was...exposed to such monstrous behaviour."
"Aye. And the guilt," Richard replies. "The girl has a lot of guilt for what she did, but it was a mercy."
Merida gives a small nod as she briefly glances once more at the girl's sleeping form. "So what will happen now, I wonder?" she muses. "Who will lead Doolin?"
"I don't know what the precedence is in such matters. I do hope that Seamus will have to face justice."
"As do I. I hope that you get to be the one to dole it," she replies fiercely. "Perhaps then, it would show that you truly are one of us to any who still harbour doubts."
"There will always be those that doubt, Love," he replies simply. "Just by virtue of my birth. It is what it is."
"Well stated, Morair," the Offeiriades says as she fully enters the small quarters. The couple go to rise, and she waves them off with her hand as she takes a seat. "How is she?"
"Better, but traumatized," Merida replies. "She has been through a lot. So far as I can tell, she was not sexually violated, though I doubt that would have been the case much longer."
"Aye," the priestess replies grimly. "We should give her some calming tea when she breaks her fast. She may yet need to face what happened again when we hold court on the morrow."
"So who will lead Doolin?" Merida asks. "If the court finds Seamus guilty, of course."
"We could offer up a vote to the citizens, or appoint someone who has shown they have the town's best interest at heart. I feel we need to find all that have been poisoned by Seamus and his views before doing anything permanent."
Richard nods his agreement to waiting and the priestess stands up, the couple doing the same.
"You two should get some rest. I will stay with her until she wakes. The coming days will be difficult for everyone I fear."
"You need rest too, Offeiriades," Merida replies obviously concerned.
The priestess smiles, "I shall sleep, Merida. The settee shall suffice for me. I give you my word that I will rest, so long as you promise to do the same."
"We shall," Merida replies firmly, despite the fatigue in her tone.
"Aye, Offeiriades. We will rest," Richard confirms.
The three part ways, all dreading what was to come the next few days.