Pride...Before the Fall

by Pidgerii

He-Man, the Knight of Castle Grayskull is slain at the hands of his enemy. Eternia's few heroes must now band together to defeat the threat of a global war ministered by the evil Skeletor.

1. Default Chapter

Part 1

The muscular figure slumped to the ground, weary. Numerous cuts and slashes adorned what was once a perfectly sculpted body. Blood flowed freely from the many wounds, too much for any one man to survive. The ground all about became stained with the crimson life of the fallen warrior. "Fool!" He thought, "Proud, blind fool!" Like so many men in their youth, he believed his vigour, his vitality, was an inexhaustible well. Like so many throughout history, he had allowed his pride to become his weakness, his ultimate undoing.

He spat on the ground, finding it more and more difficult to breathe. The phlegm sat in a gelatinous heap it too colored with his lifeblood. Struggling, he raised his head to his assailants. Rows upon rows of lifeless eyes looked towards a space somewhere beyond their quarry. That they had no will but what was commanded of them he knew, but it disturbed the warrior deeply that their success meant so little to them. They had slain the greatest hero the world has ever known and there was no joy in which to partake, he was just another mission successfully carried out.

The soul-less swordsmen retreated a few steps to form a circle around their kill. He heard the shuffling of feet on loose gravel as a few stepped asides to allow someone to pass. Well not exactly someone, more like Him! Leather bound feet came to a halt before his face. He tried to look up at this new party but he was now unable to exert what were once simple movements. He did not need his vision to tell him who it was that now stood before him.

The upright figure levelled himself face to face with his fallen opponent. The warrior looked upon the bare features of Skeletor-Master of Chaos, Lord of Destruction. This was the closest he had ever been to the Dark Lord, noticing for the first time the seemingly infinite void of where his eyes should have been. "Unusual" he thought. It was not as though corporeal eyes adorned his skull. Nor could you see behind them. The skull-dome of his prophesied enemy appeared to exist in a place independent of its body.

"We meet again and for the last time it would appear." Said Skeletor, "Funny, isn't it? In every story the hero and villain meet in a final, climactic struggle, a battle of wits and strength. But my friend, this is not a story book world. Here you lay, felled by minions." The hero did not respond; he could not. As it was he was only vaguely aware that he was doing little but staring into space. He felt a hand pry something from his', he felt more grabbing at the fastenings of his breastplate. More intrusive tugging occurred below his waist as he realised that he was being denuded of his possessions.

"What do you want done with him?" A guttural voice asked.

"Feed the carcass to your pets. They shall partake of a grand meal, as will we all at tonight's feast. It shall be a celebration of conquerors." replied Skeletor.

As he was hauled onto the shoulder of furry, hulk of a creature the warrior heard his nemesis command "let the world know of our victory, let it be known…He-Man has fallen. Then all light muted into darkness.

Part 2

Queen Marlena stood anxiously on the balcony of her private apartments. With her hands affixed firmly to the rails she scanned the horizon. Her clear blue eyes openly displaying the worry she felt. Adam had not yet arrived home from an errand he had set out to do over a week ago.

Hearing of a raid on small Kaetorean village, the Crown Prince had taken a band of warriors with him to investigate the disturbance. As always, she was apprehensive whenever Adam went out to face uncertain danger. Yet, she knew had to resign herself to it, Adam had responsibilities far greater than his own personal welfare. It was far worse though, that his soldiers had already returned without him.

According to Captain Haughen, the Eternosii soldiers met with the mindless forces of Skeletor. What Skeletor had sought to plunder from a small village the unfortunate Captain did not know. But during a particularly furious sortie by Skeletor's lifeless warriors He-Man had appeared and ordered that the soldiers retreat to safety. Captain Haughen vociferously protested that the Prince was missing and they must retrieve him but was assured by He-Man that the Prince would be fine, as he would see to his safety personally. Haughen saw no reason to doubt He-Man's words and did as requested.

Randor had flown into a rage, a rare occurrence for the normally stoic King. He had accused the soldiers of cowardice, and ordered them flogged and stripped of rank. As much as open displays of emotion defied the King's usual demeanour, corporal punishment was a sentence even more foreign of him. Randor now sat on their bed, his head bowed. He probably regretted his harsh actions, mingled with his own concern for his son, Randor was a maelstrom of turgid emotions.

An urgent knocking at the bedchamber's door brought both the King and Queen's attention back. Randor stood up and smoothed over his finery with his hands. A handkerchief he had in his possession he now used to dry tears away from his eyes. "Enter!" He commanded when he felt comfortable with his appearance.

A nervous young sentry by the name of Damen entered and quickly dropped to one knee, bowing his head in the process. "At ease son," Randor tried to relax the boy, "speak your message."

"I beg your Majesties pardon, but Commander Duncan asked that you attend the throne room immediately upon urgent business." Said the jittery young man.

"Lead the way then, we shall hear this development." Replied Randor.

As the King and Queen exited their chambers, a group of soldiers formed a protective circle around them. The young warrior led them down a spiralling staircase and down a wide hall, until they reached the side doors of the Throne Room. The two guards posted at here opened the doors to admit the Royal party. The escorts entered first and positioned themselves on either side of the doorway, forming a protective avenue for the King and Queen.

Randor espied Duncan standing to the side of the dais he looked sickened. That sent a feeling of queasiness through Randor's stomach, if something could unsettle Duncan so then Randor was almost guaranteed not to want to hear it. Randor seated himself upon the Royal Throne of Eternia, his wife taking the seat to his left. "What is it old friend?" He asked of his most trusted adviser.

Duncan shook himself a little, as if he were trying to shake off an unpleasant burden. "My Lord," Duncan only used honorifics when they were in public together, "a missive arrived from Gratten Ridge just now. He brings news that may or may not concern Prince Adam." Duncan then nodded towards a man who wore the gait of a horseman. If young Damen had looked uneasy, then this poor fellow looked on the verge of a coronary.

"What news do you bring of my son?" Randor demanded rather than asked.

"Not of your son My Liege," said the terrified rider, "but of He-Man." The messenger moved his gaze towards the floor, perhaps frightened of meeting the desperate stare of the Eternian king, "Word has it, that He-Man has been slain."

A roar of disbelief erupted from those present. Duncan continued to look of into a space beyond the throne room, Randor felt himself on the verge of breaking down and next to him Marlena slumped in her seat. It had all hit them, if He-Man had fallen, what of the man he had sworn to protect?

Part 3

The court was dismissed and Randor and his revived Queen retired back to their chambers. Several of Marlena's handmaidens took her to the washroom to refresh her. "Duncan," Randor started, "I want every available man scouring the countryside for Adam's whereabouts. I also want the peasantry to know that any information leading to his recovery will result in a great reward…"

"Randor…" Duncan interrupted, "…I fear we face a greater threat than the Adam's disappearance."

"What could be more important than finding my son?" Roared Randor, "He is my heir; the future king. Without him, what's to stop this country from sinking into civil war once we're gone?"

"The future is not our only concern." Responded Duncan; "we must also protect ourselves from the present."

"From what?" Randor snapped.

"From Skeletor!" Duncan took a deep breath, "If He-Man has truly fallen, then what is to stop Skeletor from conquering Eternia? Up until now it has been He-Man that has been the difference in our struggle to contain skull face."

Randor collapsed onto the bed and began to cry, "He is my son, my one and only child. First Adora and now Adam. Am I supposed to do nothing?" Randor pleaded.

"You are not doing 'nothing' my King. You are protecting the land you've sworn to protect since you were a child." Duncan swallowed the lump forming his throat; "we have to be resolute in this. I love Adam almost as much as you and Marlena do, but we cannot allow our emotions to blind us completely. Randor, you have to weigh the life of one man against the lives of the potential millions that could perish."

Randor, King of Eternia, looked up at his lifelong friend. Duncan took a step back, never had he seen so much anger in his King's eyes, never had he seen them filled with so much hate. "How can you ask that! How can you ask me to choose between my family and my duty! This crown…" Randor pointed at the golden object sitting on the bedside table, "…is it so important? How can you be so…cold?" More and more the King was becoming furious. He snatched the crown from the table and threw it at Duncan, "If it's so much more important than you take it and you lead the country! To hell with it all!"

Duncan looked upon the King with sadness. "It is not my right to wear the mantle of King. Nor are there others who can claim the burden. Randor, you are all that is standing between Eternia and enslavement. If you don't lead us, who will?"

"I will!" Said a voice emerging from the washroom. Marlena strode out into the bedchamber. "I will command the armies." She looked at her husband, "Randor, I expect you to find our son."

Part 4

Randor struggled hard against his emotions. Whilst he most desperately wanted to find his son, he knew there were great political risks in leaving his wife in charge. She was still mistrusted in some circles as an outsider, a foreigner. There were those that doubted her right to be wed to the Eternian King. Though Randor felt it went against his common sense, his desire to learn his son's fate won out.

"Duncan, you will remain by my wife's side. Though the Lords may not necessarily trust my wife, your presence will prove of great value to her. Your counsel and your reputation will help alleviate the doubts of the other nobles." Randor ordered.

Duncan bowed his head, "As you command My King." Looking back at Marlena he said, "Though I feel most will follow out of respect for their liege, there will be those that will still with-hold their support."

Marlena shrugged her shoulders "then we must use our wits to bring them into our fold. Fear not old friend, I haven't been looking off into space these last twenty years." She said with a smirk.

"No, I don't believe you have Marlena." Duncan then turned back to Randor, "Careful, you might return to find your wife unwilling to part with the crown." He jested.

Randor smiled affectionately at his flame-haired wife, "Ai, I do pity the man who tries to make an enemy of her."

Marlena just stood with her hands on her hips "well all this chatter isn't helping us prepare at all. Randor you need to make ready your plans for the search party. Duncan, we need to put our heads together and decide how we're going to deal with the Provinces. Well, what are you both standing there for? Hurry, move it!" All both men could do was look at each other helplessly.

They decided that though they should make public Randor's quest, that his departure should be a discreet one. It was also agreed that Randor should take with him several of Eternia's greatest champions – Fisto Armstrong the Ranger, whose tracking abilities were second to none; Argus Hamon the archer, also known as Deadeye. Argus also had the gift of long-sight, which made him ideal for watch-duty; Isro Wael, the man of many faces, a gifted actor who could insinuate himself into any crowd. Though his combat abilities were limited; and finally there was Rondor Lightwinch, a member of the Eternian Rescue Force, also known as the Clamp Champ for his uncanny ability to scale any surface with his custom made equipment.

For the Royal Council, Randor, Duncan and Marlena decided that should consist of Teela, Duncan's daughter and second in command; Arataan, Duke of Helvae and Randor's strongest ally; Stratos the winged Avionian ambassador. More would be added once it became clear who would support Marlena and who would not.

They sat up until the early morning discussing their plans. Weary, Randor stood up and declared he would retire to bed, for there were many tasks to be carried out the next day. The other two nodded their agreement, with some apprehension. Tomorrow would be the last time they would be all together for a long time. Tomorrow the search would begin in earnest.

Part 5

Marlena and Randor spent their last night together in love's embrace. They rediscovered a passion they had not before realised they lost. Each kiss, stroke, movement as soft as when they first wed.

In another room, Duncan pored over maps he already knew by heart, though his mind wondered elsewhere. He had looked upon Adam as a de facto son. It was Duncan Adam would turn to for advice or to confide in. Duncan had long ago quietly sworn to protect the young prince with his life, now it would seem he had failed at that task. He should have seen the signs - Adam had been acting more and more erratic as of late.

Perhaps it was jealousy. Ever since He-Man had mysteriously appeared he had caught the attention of Teela, Duncan's daughter and the woman for whom Adam had great regard, a sentiment she did not appear to return. Duncan secretly hoped that Adam and Teela would one day wed, it could give him no greater joy than to see the two people he regarded as children joined in marriage. Now that could never be. Nor could Teela seek the attention of the enigmatic hero she so admired. His failure, Teela's loss, life could be a most unmerciful master.

Elsewhere…the young maiden sat at a simple table. Her head buried in her arms, she sobbed quietly. After hearing the news earlier in the day she had to keep from running out of the throne room, 'He-Man has fallen'. Now here she sat, in the privacy of her dorm, mourning the man she believed she had feelings towards. But the more she cried the more unsure she became of who she cried for. He-Man had appeared to be everything she desired in a man, strong, confident, tall, muscular and handsome. Yet it was not Eternia's mysterious champion that dominated her thoughts, but the less set crown prince. Adam seemed a slighter version of He-Man, and much more irresponsible. But his heart was pure, his intentions were always genuine. It's just his flippancy sometimes infuriated her so much. Try as she might though, she could not shake his image from her mind. She smashed her fists against the table, now she would never be able to tell Adam how she felt.

Randor and Marlena stared at the ceiling in silence, unsure of what to say each had their own fears. Randor feared for his wife, in his absence his allies would prove the depth of their oaths. Would they ring false, would they see this as an opportunity to put themselves in power? How would Marlena deal with opposition?

Marlena wished that they did not have to say their good byes, however temporary. Long ago she had lost her daughter to the foe, a secret held dear by a select few. Now she had lost her son. Would Randor be taken from her as well? She closed her eyes to hold back the tears she felt forming. Oh gods why was she being punished? What sin had she committed to warrant this awful fate?

The first cracks of dawn shone through the drapes. Soon they would assemble the court and announce their plans, for better or for worse. The uncertainty of the future made her sick, why could she not know just some hint of what was to come? Or was it that she did not really want to know? The only way to face the future was head on, and only time will tell the folly of their actions.

Part 6

The throne room of the Royal Palace of Eternos filled with an assortment of nobles and citizens, all eager to hear the plans of the King and Queen. Duke Arataan of Helvae, the foremost noble below the King himself, Count Ohrgustus of Ilandra City the most powerful province in the North, Lord Enthas of Biughaer and Lord Ashram of Medhir. These four men represented the four most powerful provinces on the Eternian continent, and all stood together now at the fore of the assembled throng.

The citizenry lined the galleries in the upper levels of the hall, jammed against the railings all looking excitedly towards the throne room's side doors, from whence the King and Queen would emerge. From every point guards had been posted to keep things in order and to keep an eye out for assassination attempts, for the attendance of so many important guests provided many opportunities for such terrorist attacks.

Teela stood beside the side doors awaiting Randor and Marlena's appearance. She too felt as anxious as those assembled here. She had not been made privy to their plans, nor had there been any time this morning to accost her father for information, not once she had been told of the assembly. She appraised the four powerful nobles, Ohrgustus and Enthas had come as soon as it was heard that Adam had been missing and had thus only just arrived. Medhir and Helvae were neighboring counties and had already guested here a few days.

Teela had little regard for the northeners – Enthas and Ohrgustus. North Eternians secretly desired to be an independent nation, and a few times in Eternia's history had tried several times unsuccessfully to secede from the monarchy. It was ironic, considering that the King himself was of Northern origins. Ashram of Medhir she knew little of. The Medhirians prospered greatly from their locale, directly adjacent to the Il Grando Pass through the Altecom Mountains and thus preferred to remain neutral whenever possible, so as not to endanger their trade relations.

Arataan was a man whose loyalty was unbending. He and Randor were of similar mind, both were compassionate men and driven to appease their constituents. Perhaps the only telling difference between the two was Arataan's more traditionalistic approach to society. But this had never conflicted his relationship with Randor, Arataan had always been a dependable ally.

The doors opened and a brace of guards led by her father came through, followed by heralds trumpeting the arrival of the King and Queen. The heralds lined up on either side of the double doors while more guards made their way through; security was tight. The Royal couple made their entrance flanked by yet more guards. The gallery babbled excitedly at the grand sight, while the various nobles and their retinues remained more sedate, more accustomed to these processions they were.

The King and Queen seated themselves upon the thrones and waited patiently for the hubbub to die down. Teela looked questioningly at her father, who had placed himself by the Throne's dais. He raised a discreet hand to indicate that she should be patient, for all would be revealed in due time. Teela merely had to satisfy herself with focusing ahead and waiting for what would be revealed. Duncan tapped the Royal staff of Eternia on the floor to command silence.

Hush descended respectfully upon the throne room. And all craned their necks to hear what their liege had to say…

Part 7

Teela was stunned, Randor was to personally lead a small group to recover the missing Prince, whilst Marlena would remain behind to rule the kingdom. Randor going out into the field with minimal protection was insane enough, but never in the history of Eternia had the kingdom been ruled by a Queen, as it would be in Randor's absence. Also, Teela had been named to the Royal Council of Advisers, which meant that she was not selected to the search party, whose members were yet to be informed.

The King had also named to the council, her father, Arataan and Ohrgustus. Teela shook herself she wanted no part of this council. She did not want to be sitting idly by while Adam remained at large. For as long as she had been a member of the Royal Guard she had also been Adam's bodyguard. Now, in the only time she had not accompanied him he had gone missing, presumed dead. No, she had a responsibility to help recover the lost Prince, this council would manage without her, she was a warrior not a decision-maker.

She made her way towards the council room for the first meeting with the intention of relinquishing her seat. She walked besides her father who appeared to be in thoughtful reflection. The other council members trailed behind muttering amongst their own company. "Father, this is crazy! Why would the King personally lead a group, unprotected into this endeavor?"

"I too at first thought it madness. But you must ask yourself what you would do if the one you loved were missing?" he explained.

Teela felt ashamed, she had already answered that question, before she had asked it. Yet, it only justified her decision.

Part 8

The council assembled inside the meeting room. One of the guards strolled over to the window to pull aside the drapes his purpose clear as Stratos, the final councillor flew into the room. "Can't help but make a grand entrance eh Stratos?" laughed Randor. Stratos only smiled as he took a vacant seat.

"Alright gentlemen," announced Randor, "let us begin." Many mouths opened at once to voice their somewhat predictable opinions. "Ah, let me rephrase that. Let ME begin!" The noblemen all looked a little sullen at being chastised but quieten down they did.

"I must start by clearing up one little matter. Firstly my party will not be leaving at the beginning of next week as I stated earlier; in fact we depart tonight. As we speak the party members are being notified of their selection." Randor looked around the room, meeting the eyes of each of the council members, "To forestall your question, discretion is of the highest priority. I do not want our enemies staying one step ahead of us, there is too much at stake here to be opposed every step of the way."

"Excuse me Your Majesty," Duke Arataan spoke up, "but of what enemy do you speak?"

"Of our political enemies, those who would seek to further their cause by causing us to fail in our endeavour. But most of all I refer to Skeletor." The room nodded its general assent to that. "He-Man has fallen, I'm sure I don't need to remind you what he has meant in our war against this skeletal fiend."

"Bah!" that was Ohrgustus, "Over twenty years ago we repelled the might of the Horde. This snake we battle now only has a different head. Like the Horde before it we shall drive this villain out of Eternia and back to whatever dark place he came from."

"A noble sentiment Lord Ohrgustus," this time it was Marlena who spoke, "but seriously flawed. Hordak was a brute who tried to flood Eternia in an ocean of soldiers, yet was ultimately defeated by his own arrogance. Thus far, we've seen some brilliant strategy from Skeletor. Ever so slowly he gains ground in the North, battling back our own soldiers. Considering he is camped outside your borders I thought you would've felt a greater sense of urgency."

Ohrgustus had no response to that; it was only the combined might of the Eternian forces that held back Skeletor's army. As much as Teela disliked the Northerner, it was this fact that would ensure his loyalty to the crown. Teela was fast starting to feel like she needed to contribute to this debate, she didn't want to seem benign, "With He-Man out of the equation Skeletor might feel this his opportunity to further press his campaign, we may need to post more soldiers in the North."

Ohrgustus and Enthas like that idea as they nodded their approval, but Duke Arataan soon raised another possibility, "That would be the wisest course of action, providing we could be sure that Skeletor is committed to a ground campaign. Let us not forget his base occupies a coastal region, if he were to build sea-craft it would present us with a new problem. Not to mention leave us vulnerable should we send even more troops to the North."

"Gentlemen," Marlena interjected, "I know you have many concerns, all of which could not possibly be expressed in this first convocation. It's been a long day, I propose we break for the day and convene again on the morrow. In any case our plans at this stage are purely speculation and concern events that may never, may the Gods will it, come to pass. Plus my husband has some preparations to make, I bid you good day."

They were probably offended at being dismissed so brusquely, but tired they were and welcomed the opportunity for repast. The noblemen filed out of the room until all that remained were Teela, the King, Marlena, Stratos and her father. Now was her best chance to plead with the King to join his group.

Part 9

It was near midnight when a knock at her door brought Teela awake. It was the signal to make ready and meet the rest of the group in the stables. Randor and Marlena had been taken aback by Teela's request to accompany the search party. But soon, whether they saw the point of her argument, or caved in to her adamancy, they granted her request.

Hoisting her pack on her shoulder Teela left her room to join the others. It took her longer than normal to reach the stables, the quiet of the castle made her feel the need to sneak about. Reaching the stables she saw the group of men with whom she would be travelling, in addition to the Queen, her Father and Stratos all huddled together in conversation.

She took a good long at her companions – Fisto, tall and muscular. Fisto had a full beard and slicked brown hair. He had a broken nose that almost hidden by the mass of fur on his face. He also squinted a lot. His defining feature though was the over-sized gauntlet he wore on one hand. It was enchanted and allowed him feats of strength above those normally possible. Her next companion Rondor Lightwinch, was almost everything Fisto was not. Short, he said that was good for navigating difficult cliff faces, dark, stocky and beardless. Rondor, sometimes known as the Clamp Champ was a descendant of the Montagro Islands, a cluster of islands somewhere to the north-east of the Eternian continent. He was called Clamp Champ in reference to the great winch he carried with him as part of his rescue equipment. He and Fisto both served in the same division and were even now talking amongst themselves. The third traveler Isro Wael, was an actor of renown, loved by the masses for his ability to mimic popular figures and characters, he was known throughout the land as the man of many faces. He was admittedly somewhat a handsome man, though he was fully aware of this fact, even now he rubbed lotion into his hands to keep them soft and supple. Teela could not understand such foppish behaviour. Isro wore his long, lustrous dark hair in a ponytail hidden beneath his cowl. Her final companion she knew very well, Argus Hamon was an archer in the Royal Army, the finest in fact, they nicknamed him Deadeye for his unerring accuracy. His skill was in part attributed to the single lens he wore over his right eye. Even without it she had witnessed him pluck the eye out of a dead fish at a hundred yards, on horseback. He wore the short clipped bowl-like cut of the military, a hawk's like nose and an easy going smile, which he presented Teela with as she approached. Hamon was not given much to oratory.

"Is that everyone?" inquired Randor. After a quick head count he satisfied himself that everyone was indeed there. "Are we ready then?" everyone nodded assent. Marlena gave her husband a hug as Stratos lined up behind her to shake his hand. Duncan came over to talk to his daughter.

"You be careful out there alright? Don't let your emotions get the better of you, keep a level head. Remember why you are with this group and what your objectives are."

"I will father" she said, giving him a hug, "I'll miss you!"

"I'll miss you too. I can't ever remember being apart from you like this. I don't know what I'll do to cope?"

"You'll be fine father, you'll have the Royal Council to keep you busy."

"Aye, I guess I will. Still, take care my daughter."

"And you too father."

Marlena came over after well wishing the others and hugged Teela. "Good luck, though I hoped you wouldn't leave me as the only woman on the council."

"Oh I'm so sorry," said Teela, "but you'll do just fine, Father will see to that."

"Though that may be, I still need someone I can girl-talk with."

"Oh Marlena stop before you make me change my mind." Teela said almost in tears. "Just remember, don't take any rubbish from those men."

Marlena was crying, "I won't, and don't you take any from these oafs either." She said laughing.

"There are no fears of that." Teela responded.

"Have we all said our good byes?" asked Randor, interrupting. When everyone assented he continued, "then let us gather in a circle and pray to the Gods for safety." After everyone had gathered around he started;

"Oh watchers we pray to you on this night for success and safety in our endeavours. We pray that whatever obstacles we encounter, whatever hurdles we face, whatever trials we endure, we overcome by your grace and the grace of those whom we love. Let us in our darkest hour thread together our hands in unity so that all tribulations are but mere stones in our path to achievement.

We beseech you Gods that as you would watch over us as one, that you would watch us individually as well. To give us each the strength to continue should we falter in our step, fail in our resolve, or lapse in our judgement. We are but mere men in the eyes of divinity, and flawed in your presence and are in need of your wisdom.

On this night, when we must depart one another, we ask that you allow not the dark hand of doubt creep into our hearts. We stand now on divergent paths, each other we will not see for some time. We pray that time not keep us apart any longer than necessary.

This boon we ask of you Watchers, in the name of the Twelve. May peace guide your heart."

The group all stood silently, looking into space, each person a melange of emotions, sadness, anxiety, anticipation and impatience. Silently they stood there, for soon the storm would come and they might never know such peace again.

Part 10

The cold steel blade sat embedded in a block of granite. It's polished steel surface refracted whatever light broke upon its' metal skin. A sinister reflection slid along the smooth surface like an ice cube on a grill. Occasionally a brilliant burst of energy erupted along the blade. Sitting back from his object of fascination, Skeletor pondered the exquisitely carved blade. From its' hilt two tines snaked their way up either side of the blade that curved in time to its' side-pieces, from there the blade came together to form its deadly point.

'So fine' he thought. All around him other artifacts stripped from his mortal enemy lay in indignant heaps on the floor, including that barbaric loincloth. Right now Beastman had taken to entertaining himself with He- Man's cuffs, sniffing and biting them by turns. Next to him lay He-Man's boots chewed near beyond recognition, such was Beastman's bestial nature. Skeletor cared not for those items, it was the shield, breastplate and most of all the sword that had captured Skeletor's attention.

Each article could not be scuffed no matter the origin of the attempt, be it magic or steel. In fact they had absorbed everything Skeletor had thrown at them. The red star affixed to He-Man's plate had first caught his attention. It looked to be an independent piece fused to the metal by some arcane means. It too never showed visible signs of damage. Skeletor had also noticed the same red metal embedded within the shield and that it too mimicked the star pattern on the breastplate. Great power was indeed inherent within these objects, yet they all paled in comparison to that sword. Skeletor had made the mistake of firing a projectile at the sword to see how it would stand up under the intense heat. The sword had deflected the blast and sent it back towards its' author tenfold. So the sword amplified power somehow. These three items held the key to understanding He-Man's power, and perhaps thus, the key to entering Castle Grayskull.

Skeletor sat back in his chair, he picked up and started stroking a skull. It belonged to that of his fallen enemy, picked clean by Beastman's pets. Skeletor brought the gruesome prize to his cheek and nuzzled against it, in a world of so much uncertainty this one cold fact was a source of great comfort.

Evil-Lyn entered the room, the corners of her mouth were quirked so that her pleasure at whatever it was that she carried within her was apparent. Kneeling before him she finally spoke her piece "Randor left the palace late last night with a group of warriors."

The news would have made Skeletor smile had he any lips, the King of Eternia had taken to the field with minimum protection. It sent a shiver down his spine, the King virtually at his mercy, Eternia in the hands of an inexperienced alien woman and the Prince missing, presumed dead. Could the country have been any riper for the picking?

"Where is the Kaetorean Count?" he asked of the woman supplicated before him.

"He is still in Eternos, ingratiating himself with the Queen."

Skeletor felt his phantom grin widen, "Press the Kaetorean front, now is the time to spread our wings. The nation has never been weaker!"

Evil-Lyn nodded her head "I will relay your wish."

Skeletor looked directly at her, "See that you do." He said chillingly.

Bringing the visceral prize back to his cheekbone, Skeletor felt a calm he had not known in years. He had taken the head of the snake and now the corpse was intent on destroying itself, events could not have turned out more perfectly had he planned it that way. Well, there were plans to set in motion, plans that would need him at the helm he could not spend the entire time musing over his new toy. He rose out of his chair and returned the skull to its' new resting place, as the centerpiece of his model of Castle Grayskull-the ultimate prize.

Part 11

The first few days of the search were uneventful. There was still some distance to cover before they reached the site of He-Man's fall and Adam's apparent disappearance. First they needed to ride to the City of Argisport in Helvae, from where they would travel by ship to the North Eternian province of Codestan. From Codestan they would travel south through Injala and Kaetor. It was along the Kaetorean front that He-Man disappeared and where their search would begin in earnest. Though it would be much shorter to traverse the Il Grando Pass, the King had decided to lean on the side of caution and take a path that Skeletor would not think to find them on.

Teela had not realised how soft palace life had made her. She had been raised during peacetime and had never been on a campaign. Always she had only ever needed to be on the saddle a few days at the time and then at the end was a warm pallet. Fortunately she was not the only starting to feel some discomfort, Wael was constantly muttering and complaining about his saddle-sore and neck cramps. Though she could not take too much consolation from that, Wael looked as if he had never been deprived of a bed for more than two nights in his entire life. The rest, Fisto, Lightwinch, Hamon and even the King seemed invigorated by the ride.

In fact Teela had begun to notice changes in the King as they rode out. Despite the look of melancholy he bore with him since being faced with the possibility of Adam's death, he rode with a straighter posture. She had not noticed before that Randor had developed a slight hunch during his reign as King, but since shaking his self free of the responsibilities of the Palace he seemed to sit a little higher. Probably a stark contrast to the way Teela was feeling right now.

Teela had no idea how she was going to control her patience, four days out of Eternos and still they had not reached its' borders. That was at least another two days away. Then they would reach the province of Gammislan, which fortunately was small in its' breadth. Three more days and they would reach the landlocked border of Helvae. Another week after that and they would be in Argisport. Nearly three weeks and they still would not have begun their search, the futility of it made Teela want to scream. Time was slipping away and there was nothing she could do to recapture it.

Part 12

Marlena stood by the window, looking out for what she knew would not yet return. She missed her husband terribly, she wanted her son by her side, all that mattered to her had rudely been taken from her without so much a by your leave. She hoped Randor was fine, this gambit could put everything at risk all that he had fought for could fall down about their ears. Yet, she couldn't love him any more than she did now. What he did, he did as a man, not as a King, a ruler, but a father that had lost his only progeny and would fight the world to regain him. For that she felt more pride at being his wife than she had ever done.

But as much as she loved him for his will to fight, she rued the necessity of their being apart. Here she was, beset by wolves in lambskins and she could not tell her allies from the predators. Each member of court needed, or wanted something from her and she wondered how long their loyalties would last once their desires were granted or denied.

A polite knocking at her door turned out to be Duncan, ready to escort her to the latest convocation of the Council. "Are you ready Majesty?" Duncan inquired of Marlena.

"As ready as I an ever be." She replied. And with that they left the room to face the wolves in the shadows.

Part 13

Marlena reached the meeting room to find the council in full attendance, Stratos, Duke Arataan, Count Ohrgustus and Lords Enthas and Medhir. All stood and remained so until she bid them sit. Duncan took a seat beside the Queen as her most trusted counselor. All eyes were directed at the Queen awaiting her command to begin the meeting. She obliged them quickly.

Stratos took the floor first, he held a report in his hands, Marlena hoped it was good news. "Esteemed members of the council, I have me with a report of Skeletor's latest activity." He scanned the room to ensure he had the council's full attention, "My scouts tell me that a large host is marching down the Jendor and Gelt passes towards the Kaetorean border."

Ohrgustus and Enthas both stood up at that moment demanding the bulk of the Eternian armies be mobilised for battle in the North. Arataan and Ashram both stood up to refute the Northerner's request, so much for good news. Marlena rubbed her temporals, like it or not, Skeletor marching more troops to the Kaetorean Front was an act of war. The Front as it stood now barely held out against the demon's hordes. It had only been the intervention of He-Man that had kept Skeletor enclosed within his own borders. But that hope had been dashed. Skeletor had spotted his opportunity and was now going to seize it.

"Gentlemen!" she half shouted to restore order, "Ohrgustus and Enthas are correct. We cannot allow this turn of events to go unchecked. Skeletor needs to know that no act of aggression will be tolerated." Ohrgustus and Enthas nodded their approval. "However, a full-scale mobilisation of the army is out of the question."

Count Ohrgustus again interjected, "Your Majesty, I feel the need to remind the council that the Kaetorean province is all that stands between Skeletor and the South."

"The council, as I am, are fully aware of Kaetor's importance in keeping the threat contained. However what you propose would leave the South open to conquest should a foray into the North fail." Reprimanded Marlena, "Fear not however, for the Crown has a contingency for should a threat like this occur."

"May I ask what this 'contingency' is your Majesty?" asked Ohrgustus.

"For fear of revealing ourselves to the enemy, I dare not say anything more at this time. But you will be informed of my plans sooner as opposed to later." Replied the Queen, "Caution must be our top priority, I keep secrets not to befuddle or anger you gentlemen, but out of necessity."

"Now unless there is new business to discuss then I declare this council concluded for the day." No one spoke. "Then good day to you sirs."

All the council members filed out of the room save Duncan. "I know to what it is you refer Marlena and under other circumstances I would agree with it. However, we know very little about their reliability. This is not the time take something into battle that may very well backfire on us."

"And normally I would agree with you good friend, but desperate times call for desperate measures. We've had these sitting about for years now and I cannot think of a better time to introduce them. Remember it was I who first expressed reservations about unleashing them onto this world." She looked directly at her first counselor, "Once we introduce these to the world it will be changed irrevocably, but if we don't take the chance and bring them forth now, then Skeletor may very well be responsible for irrevocable change and I believe none of us wants that."

"I know Marlena, but their power scares me. Eternia has never before seen its' like and we have no idea how much change they will herald. But I bow to your judgment, perhaps there is no time like the present."

Marlena knew all too well the destructive potential of these new weapons, she had seen it before. When she crashed on Eternia twenty-two years ago, many thought they had gained a foreign Queen. Soon they would find out, that she brought much more with her to this planet.

Part 14

"Pardon me good Sir." The woman said to the innkeeper, "I wonder if perhaps you had seen a group of my friends ride past here sometime within the past few weeks?"

The innkeeper eyed her up and down, "We get plenty of travelers come past, this is a trading town ma'am." He replied. "Perhaps if you gave me a description of your friends I may remember something?"

"There's six of them, five men and one woman." Judging by the innkeepers wandering eye it was more likely he would have noticed the female of the group. "The woman is a fierce looking sort with copperish red hair, has an arrogant bearing about her."

"Sorry can't say that I've seen a woman like that traveling in the company of five men. It would seem to me that either they've already ridden through the mountains and you've missed them, or they haven't entered the Pass yet."

"Thank you friend." Evil-Lyn said turning away from the innkeeper. She could feel his eyes upon her as she walked away, she would have burnt him to a cinder would it not attract so much unwanted attention. Also, her own attention was lost on the whereabouts of the Eternian King and his small band.

If Randor and his company were going to search for He-Man and the lost Prince, then they would be heading for the Frimswood, where they were last seen. Yet the only way to reach the Frimswood was through the Il Grando Pass, and the Pass ran beneath the township of Gratten Ridge. The party would have to either stay at one of the town's few inns, or camp in the mountain's forests. Well Beastman's pets could not detect any sign of them through the woods, nor did they appear to stay in the town. There was no way they could have beaten them out of the Pass, nor would they have failed to reach the mouth of the Pass. Something was amiss.

She returned to the campsite she shared with Tri-Klops and Beastman. Beastman had trapped three rabbits for their dinner, the shredded carcass of his meal lay tossed lazily aside as the shaggy man-beast now rubbed his back against a tree-trunk. Tri-Klops ate his already spitted hare with his back turned away from his hirsute counterpart, probably an effort to not watch his somewhat primal eating habits. The problem for Tri-Klops was his three hundred and sixty-degree field of vision, he had shielded himself from nothing as his grimace indicated.

"Did you find out anything?" Tri-Klops asked, not even bothering to look up.

"Yes, I found out that our quarrel has not come this way. Randor has found another way through to the North." Evil-Lyn replied.

"There's only one other way to reach the North and that's by ship. There's no way he would take that option, the only port close enough to the Frimswood is Aohre and he's not going to dock in enemy territory." Tri- Klops said.

"Either way we need to tell Skeletor, we need more resources than we have at our disposal to find these fools." Evil-Lyn deduced. "Beastman!" she commanded, "Send a message to Lord Skeletor that the prey have taken a different path."

"As you command mistress." He obediently replied. Beastman held arm outwards whilst looking towards the sky. Within moments a falcon landed on his furry forearm. He murmured to the great bird in that low guttural voice of his and just as quickly as it had flown in, it had flown away again.

"Do those things really make such good messengers?" asked Tri-Klops.

"Yes," replied Beastman, licking his lips, "and good eating too."

Evil-Lyn shook her head, this was going to be an arduous hunt.

Part 15

Marlena sat looking out the window of the coach. She tried to view the scenery but the shaking of the wagon made it nigh on impossible to concentrate on anything. She pondered over what she was about to reveal to the Royal Council. She had a sinking feeling what their response would be, initial shock followed by anticipatory excitement. They would fail, in their eagerness over these new weapons, to see the potential for these very same weapons to be turned against them. Marlena hoped her judgement was wrong, but she had seen the same mistakes made many times before.

Oceanwatch, the seaside fortress rolled into view. There was a time when Oceanwatch was little more than a single tower, a sentinel watching over those who sought to land upon its shores. Marlena remembered the first time she saw the tower she and her crewmates had been fished out of the wreckage of their landing capsule. She had thought at the time that she had stepped into a fairytale, saved by a prince in his timber made warship. Taken to a port guarded by a wooden fortress. Then of course she was taken to Eternos City, whatever romantic fairytale she dreamt she had stumbled across increased tenfold when she saw the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the rustic quaintness of the City and the people itself. Now it all seemed like home.

Oceanwatch had grown since that day twenty-two years ago. What was once a watchtower and a single barracks, had been expanded to include another barracks, a limestone tower and a hangar. It was what resided within the hangar that Marlena had brought the Royal Council to see.

The coach rumbled to halt and Marlena heard a guard exchange a few words with the wagon driver and then the coach resumed its shaky way. It was not long before it halted once more and Marlena knew they had arrived at their destination. Duncan appeared outside the door to lend her a hand down, which she accepted. She looked around to see the other Council members emerging from their wagons, except for Stratos who flew everywhere.

A guard jogged up to where the Queen stood, "You Majesty, I hope your trip was a pleasant one."

"Thank you Lieutenant…"

"Hontras, your Majesty."

"Thank you Lieutenant Hontras, it was, let's just say servicable." Marlena said. "Are they ready?" she asked in reference to the weapons.

"Yes My Queen, we primed them this morning."

"Good, as soon as my companions are ready we will want to see them."

"As you wish Your Majesty."

Arataan, Ohrgustus, Enthas and Ashram soon joined the Queen with Stratos not far behind, he always seemed a little uncomfortable around the rest of the group. "Well gentlemen are we prepared?" Marlena asked them. All murmured their assent. "Fine. Lieutenant, please lead the way." Lieutenant Hontras ducked his head in obeisance and turned towards the hangar. 'For better or worse' Marlena thought, 'there's no turning back now.'

Inside the hangar and the group's reaction was anti-climactic. They looked upon two rows of huge metallic wagons. One lot of the vehicles had canopied cockpits nestled in the middle of a green painted body their wheels were bound by large strips of a unique material, which had raised segments along its strange surface. The other lot had a bulky body adorned with what appeared to be a battering ram. At its front appeared a control panel set between two hand-grips.

"All I see are large chunks of metal!" cried Enthas.

Arataan, who was a little more astute spoke next, "They appear to be armored siege weapons." He said.

Duncan interrupted, "Close Duke, but not quite. What you see before you good sirs, are automated vehicles." Seeing their confused looks he explained further, "Think wagons without the horses." That brought some understanding to their expressions.

"Are you saying," began Ohrgustus, "that these particular vehicles can move without bestial propulsion? Or even human means?"

"Not quite sir." Duncan replied, "These still require human pilots to guide them towards their destinations."

Ohrgustus shook his head, "Impossible, how is such a thing possible?"

"Mechanics sir, it would take me hours to explain here but let me assure you that their means of motivation are all mechanical."

"And these are weapons of some sort?" Arataan asked pointing to the small tubes protruding from either side of the vehicles.

"Eh?" Ohrgustus said, "You couldn't fit an arrow shaft down these tubes, how do you expect these to turn aside the forces of Skeletor?"

It was Marlena who answered, "These are a new type of projectile weapon. No armor, no wall, no defense may withstand its' like." The entire group, save Duncan, looked incredulous at that claim. "Soon gentlemen you will see. Lieutenant Hontras, send in the pilots."

Two guards entered the hangar attired unusually. To the group that was, Marlena had recognised them as the modified suits from her craft. One entered the cockpit of the uniquely shod vehicle, which Duncan proclaimed to be an ATAV-S1, the Attak Trak. The other pilot took control of the vehicle now identified as the A-SWD-01, or the Battle Ram. The hangar erupted into a cacophony of unnatural noise as the pilots brought their vehicles to life.

Everyone covered their ears against the unholy sound, Marlena too had found herself unsettled by the whine of the vehicle's engines it had been two decades since she last heard such clamour. Two huge doors at the far end of the hangar were pulled open and the Attak Trak and Battle Ram began to move slowly from their spots. The member of the Royal Council who had not before seen this spectacle stood dumbstruck. Marlena bade them to follow behind the massive constructs. They walked a ways before they stopped in a patch of clear ground. More guards were waiting in the field, where upon a signal from Marlena they erected a pre-constructed timber wall.

It was the Attak Trak that moved forward first. "Notice how the wheels align with the contour of the ground?" Duncan shouted above the roar of the engines, "This allows it to travel over unsteady terrain, especially rocky and hilly surfaces."

Attak Trak rolled to a halt adjacent the wall. The "guns" of the Attak Trak, as Marlena called them, moved up a little, a little to the left. The sound that followed deafened everyone present, minutes afterwards their ears will still ringing while the crack of the shot lingered in the air. Despite this, they could not help but stare slack-jawed at the section of wall that had been torn to shreds by the projectile. "Gentlemen watch." Marlena commanded. They stood in even more shock when the Attak Trak's guns let out a series of shots in rapid succession that quickly turned the wall into splinters.

Further down the field and they came upon a stone wall standing about fifty feet into the air. It was Battle Ram's turn to demonstrate its' destructive power. After the pilot had driven it into position he quickly abandoned the vehicle and ran to join the watchers. "Anyone directly beside the launcher when the projectile is fired is deafened irrevocably." Duncan explained. A crack louder than the guns exploded into the air as the battering ram was evicted from its' resting place, the Battle Ram itself rolled back several inches from the shock of the launch. The ram tore through the wall, smashing the stone into powder. All that was left in the aftermath were a few foundation stones.

The noble members of the Council began to whoop and holler in celebration of what they had just witnessed. Duncan tried to calm them down, "Sirs please, there is still one more thing we have to show you."

"What more could you have that would possible beat that?!" Count Ohrgustus exclaimed.

And with that Marlena's fears were confirmed. The dogs of war had smelled blood and now bayed to be turned loose to savage its' prey without thought of the consequences. Marlena quietly prayed that her desire to prove herself to the nation would not unleash the violence that had begun to slowly inexorably consume her home world. She prayed that in her pride, she had not set this world on the road to its downfall.

Part 16

More and more Marlena felt she had made a grave error in judgment. The childlike eagerness these grown men showed at the destructive power of the new vehicles. Duncan warned her that once the nobles had lain eyes upon the Attak Trak and Battle Ram they would scheme with the intent of gaining the technology for themselves. She knew, she was well aware of this fact. But she had to believe that this was the only way to combat Skeletor without the help of He-Man, she had to. The only council member, beside Duncan and herself that showed any reservation was Stratos. That was no surprise, the Avionians were mistrusted in some circles because of their avid guarding of their secret of flying. They had even been at war to defend that secret from some ambitious nobles. Fortunately that ended when Avion struck an accord with Eternos for mutual advantage.

The Royal Council was sailing towards the small island of Enteros. Marlena would reveal the last new weapon they would introduce against Skeletor, and she felt that this would cause even more excitement than the Attak Trak and Battle Ram. She thought back on noble's sickening display of jubilation at the demonstration, she hoped she wouldn't have to witness that again. Above deck she heard a sailor let out a cry, indicating the island was now in sight.

After docking Marlena said that the group would rest for the night before the unveiling. Predictably they all protested like spoiled children but Marlena had to establish her authority and reaffirmed that they would indeed rest for the evening. At dinner the noble's bombarded Marlena and Duncan with questions of this new weapon, though they both repeatedly stated that tomorrow would reveal all. After that they babbled amongst themselves, speculating on what could possible best the power of the demonstration they had seen back at Oceanwatch.

Marlena slept fitfully that night, tossing and turning, she didn't think it would be this hard. She had observed Randor during the time they had been together, watched the way he had dealt with people, both noble and peasant alike. She thought she had learned how to lead, however, she had not learned how to lead into war. Marlena knew, it was war they were preparing for. It occurred to Marlena, that back on Earth, that when The Great War broke out, new technology, more powerful weapons were introduced to aid each side in their campaign. The legacy of that was each side created more and more destructive tools of war to best the other side. Eventually this arms race produced the Atomic bomb. Good heavens! Is this what she was unwittingly doing to Eternia? With thoughts like this, was it any surprise she could not sleep?

It was the crack of dawn, time perhaps to feed the dogs. She summoned a guard to awaken the others and have them meet her by the hangar that sat on the island. She should not have been surprised to see that they had beaten her to the hangar. They stood there in anticipation, all except Duncan and Stratos. "Well, I guess we should get this over and done with." She said. Turning to a guard Marlena requested "Could you please summon the pilots?"

"At once Your Majesty." The guard replied. Moments later two 'pilots' came to the hangar and immediately the Queen granted assent to enter the hangar. Inside stood four vehicles of the same make. These differed from the Attak Trak and Battle Ram in that there were no visible means by which these machines could travel; the wheels that supported the bodies were way too small. There were also massive 'fins' that stuck out from either side of the vehicle and one that sat vertically at its rear.

"They must be some sort of sea-craft." Enthas surmised. "The fins either side hold the craft stable while the rear fin acts as a keel. I see that it is propelled by engines similar to those on the other vehicles." He folded his arms and smirked in satisfaction at his own cleverness.

It was Stratos who corrected him, "That's for flying." He said…contemptuously? "What you refer to as 'fins' are wings like those I wear." He looked towards Marlena for confirmation.

"Indeed it is Stratos." She said.

"Machines can not fly!" Ohrgustus exclaimed.

"Would I have wasted your time by bringing you here otherwise?" Marlena asked. "Though I guess it is proof you seek. Very well." She said nodding to the two pilots.

There was a hush as the pilots sat themselves in the cockpits. Once they were in place a canopy slid over their heads and locked into place. "What are these called?" asked Arataan.

"AAV-M001's," replied Duncan, "or we call them Wind Raiders for brevity's sake." And they watched in awe as the engines fired up and the Wind Raiders rolled out of their bays. Moments later, for the first time in known Eternian history, man had achieved the feat of flying. Marlena looked at the stern expression on Duncan's face, the excited and hungry look on the faces of the gathered nobles. Sadly, she noted, she could not tell the thoughts on Stratos' face - he was no longer there.

Part 17

Skeletor sat upon his self-styled throne in contemplation. Randor had not gone through the mountains as he had thought. That could only mean that he had taken a ship up the coast. The logic of that eluded Skeletor, there were no ports of call along the eastern coast until Aohre's Peak and Skeletor doubted he would see Randor's ship pull up in the harbor for a visit. That meant he would have to sail north until he reached Codestan far to the north. That would take him weeks out of his way! Not that it mattered Skeletor would have a little surprise waiting for Randor and his little group wherever they made port, that is, if they survived their journey.

Part 18

Teela could some satisfaction in her misery, her counterparts did not reckon on their lack of seamanship. The big, brave men who stoically endured the long ride to Argisport had lost their legs once they hit the deck of "The Wave King'. Teela at least had sailing experience and she smiled with small malice at their green expressions.

Randor appeared on deck, unlike the others, he had been on a ship many times. He came over to Teela. "You look in higher spirits than I've seen you in weeks." He said to her.

"Being out of the saddle might have something to do with that. One might also say the same of you."

Randor's expression saddened a little, "I have not forgotten why we are here, but by the Twelve I have not felt this alive in years." Randor looked out towards the sea, "When I was a prince I never realised just how much freedom I really had. The responsibilities I had as heir to the crown pale in comparison to the ones I inherited as king. I can't recall the last time I had been able to ride out with a group of friends."

"Have any of us ever really been free Your Majesty?"

"I guess not." Randor answered, "We are each born into this world and soon we grow into a predestined role. Whether we are born pauper, farmer or noble we all have our place in life." Randor's expression took on a thoughtful tone, "I guess that's what Adam rebels against, he's much like his mother in that respect."

"Does he disappoint you?" Teela asked.

"No…he doesn't," sighed Randor, "but I can't help but wonder if I was responsible for sending him to his demise in this."

"You can't blame yourself Your Majesty, I don't see how you can."

"If I didn't pressure him so much to be more of a leader then perhaps he would not have rushed headlong into battle at the Frimswood. Adam is not a warrior, I've known this for some time but haven't been able to accept it, if I hadn't expected him to go against his nature…" Randor trailed off and brought his hand to his eyes.

"I think that you may underestimate Adam, he may not be aggressive but that doesn't mean he is not a warrior. I've trained with him myself and he is more than capable in combat and a lot more resourceful than you might think." Teela tentatively put a comforting arm around the distraught Eternian king. "Don't worry we will find him." She said both fiercely and softly and with that she buried her face in the king's shoulder to hide her own tears.

A violent dip on the ship's port side brought them back to their senses. A deckhand ran to the railing to look at what the cause was. He scanned the side of the ship and the ocean's surface. He turned and shrugged his shoulders as if to say that he couldn't see anything. As he started to walk back a slimy, green arm shot over the railing and dragged him screaming over the side.

"What in Eternia was that?!?" yelled Wael as the ship erupted into chaos. Suddenly the ship dipped on all sides and slick green forms appeared over the rails.

"Merfolk!" yelled one deckhand, "And they're armed!"

"To arms!" Randor shouted over the din. As one the deckhands and the Eternian warriors drew their swords. "Quickly, form a circle!" he commanded. Again they all reacted promptly and formed a circle by facing outwards and standing shoulder to shoulder.

"Should we be letting them swarm the ship like this?" asked Bierven, the ship's nervous captain.

"We've no choice captain, if we take the fight to them they will easily slip behind us with their numbers. This way we don't have to worry about being stabbed in the back."

Teela took a good look at one of the merfolk. They were humanoid in appearance, except for their pale green complexion and frog-like facial features. In between their fingers Teela noticed webbing while their feet resembled fat versions of a duck's pedals. There was one closing in on Randor who spoke "Skeletor send his best regards." It said, warbled really. With that the merfolk attacked.

Fisto soon cleared a space around himself after by taking out a few of the merfolk with blows from his massive gauntlet. Clamp Champ fired his winch at another group, the force of it taking them back and trapping them against the mainmast. Isro, sop that he was, took out enemies by stabbing them whenever they weren't looking. Deadeye had climbed the lines on the mast and fired his lethal arrows at merfolk trying to join the fracas.

Two merfolk came at Teela. The first one swung its sword at her head she deflected the blow to her side and back-swung her own blade at its unprotected skull. She had no time to wrest free the buried sword as the second assailant thrust at her side, she sidestepped and threw her elbow directly into its mouth knocking loose a few sharp teeth in the process. The creature dropped its weapon and staggered back from the blow, Teela leveled a lethal thrust kick at the merfolk's head putting it to rest once and for all. She heard a few screams that were too human to belong to these frogmen and realised that a few of her companions had been slain, as selfish as it sounded she hoped it was no one she knew.

She glanced over at Randor who was fighting with all the vigor of a warrior half his age. The merfolk feel like wheat to the scythe under Randor's blade. Another sea creature rushed her, Teela reacted by falling to her back and using her feet to propel it overhead. Another lunged for her but met only ship deck as she rolled back towards her stuck sword. Wrenching it free she bought it up in time to meet the attack of the ocean creature. This one had a little more skill than its predecessors and met every blow she threw at it. "Aaargh" she cried out as a sword thrust grazed her arm, it's notched edges cutting awkwardly through her flesh. Teela dropped her weapon and the mer-man sensing its opportunity raised its sword high in readiness to bring down upon her. A sword point appeared through its stomach. The creature lost its hold on its sword and fell forward, landing atop of Teela. She pushed the disgusting creature aside to find it was Randor who had run the thing through, already he was engaged with yet more merfolk.

Standing to fight again Teela was pulled back from the fray by Wael, "You're in no condition to continue." He told her.

"It's only a cut for goodness sake, it's not like I've lost my arm." Teela scolded him. But as she tried to pick up her sword she came to the realisation that she must've taken some tendon damage. She took her sword in her left hand instead and hefted it a few times to adjust to the weight. It had been a long time since she had practiced left-handed and the feeling of the sword felt uncomfortable. She looked around; the merfolk's numbers had thinned considerably.

"Everyone! Clear!" shouted Deadeye. Everyone stepped back a few steps to tighten their circle as Deadeye unleashed a volley of arrows. As they struck small satchels of naptha exploded open covering the mer-men and the ship's deck. He followed with a fire lit arrow that sent the covered areas into a conflagration. The amphibious creatures flew into a panic the fire was anathema to their cold-blooded bodies. Garbled screams of flame fuelled agony pierced the salt air. The merfolk retreated for the safety of their ocean home not wanting to face an enemy wielding fire.

As the last of the mer-men retreated, the surviving crewmen ran for water soaked blankets to smother the fires burning upon the ship's deck. Teela took stock of those present, all her companions were accounted for. The ship's captain had survived thankfully. She looked at the deck and saw three human bodies lying inanimate, the poor souls. As she stood there she realised she could feel every rocking motion of the 'Wave King'. It made her feel light-headed the cut in her arm suddenly seemed to come to life, burning like the fire that had defeated their enemies. Swaying, rocking. "Teela? Teela are you alright?" she heard a voice ask. She tried to answer, but as she opened her mouth to speak the world spun into darkness.

Part 19

"So what do we do?" asked Ashram.

"The vehicles need to be refueled periodically, roughly every several hundred miles." Marlena answered. "While we can carry reserve supplies on wagons the fuel for the Wind Raiders need to be transported differently. The land-based vehicles don't travel much faster than horse drawn carriages, they can be refuelled without delaying our cause."

"Why not do the same for the Wind Raiders?" Ohrgustus interjected.

"The Wind Raiders need a runway from which to launch, they need to gather immense speed to enable flight. Thus, we can't drag the Wind Raiders along the ground." Marlena looked around at the assembled council. Stratos was also present but hung back from the group. "The only way we can transport them is by sea. We have two specially constructed galleons capable of transporting two Raiders each. Another two ships will sail with the galleons carrying extra fuel."

Duke Arataan raised his hand slightly. "I've been wondering. Is the Crown going to share this technology with the other States? I mean, with the other provinces working on their own projects that would allow us more of these fantastic weapons to use against Skeletor."

Marlena shook her head, "As it is I reveal these new creations with great reservation. It was machines such as these that have created an atmosphere of tension on my own world. I don't expect you to understand this, but many times our world has threatened to destroy itself with weapons such as these."

"With all due respect Your Majesty, but we are not the people of your world." Reprimanded Arataan.

"It is man's folly to believe he is immune from another's mistake." Marlena had expected such a simple response to her fears. "Tell me, once we all have these advances then what. We eye our neighbours and each other with suspicion and envy, look at their tools of war and set about to build a yet more powerful creation. Where will it end?"

"So let me understand this?" asked Ohrgustus. "It is perfectly acceptable for the Crown to have this, but we are not to be trusted with it, your very own allies? What is to stop the Crown from using the machines against us?"

"Nothing" Marlena replied. "To answer the first part of your question Count, whether you choose to believe us or not, we with hold the technology for your own protection and the protection of the nation." Marlena took a deep breath "If you want assurances that this technology will never be used against you then I'm afraid I cannot give you that peace of mind. It is for the enforcement of peace that these machines were built. If any one were to raise a threat as serious as the one faced by Skeletor then we would have to consider how best to deal with said threat."

She looked at their shocked expressions, she as good as threatened them if they ever fell out of step. Marlena regretted her harsh words. Reflecting upon her verbiage she heard the hypocrisy in them, to threaten violence to quell violence. Back home it was called 'Machiavellian' the necessary evil; the ends justify the means. But did it? In the twenty-two years she had been by his side, she had never seen Randor resort to veiled threats to keep the nobles in line. Yes, they always plotted to their own ends but nothing ever came of them. Randor knew how to make his subjects dance to his tune, he was the consummate politician. Was she becoming a tyrannical leader? More and more she learned to great pain that rule was not easy, God she hoped she was not leading them to doom.

"Perhaps training people from other States would be a suitable alternative?" Arataan's voice broke her self-piteous introspection.

She looked at him "I will take it under advisement Sir."

A hush settled upon the room, the atmosphere had suddenly become very uncomfortable and no person wished to be the next to add to the tension. It was Duncan who broke the silence, "When do we sail Your Majesty?"

"I see no need for delay. We will sail in two day's time." Marlena stood and walked to the door that held the Council in, she paused and looked back at her colleagues. They still appeared to be stunned by her declarations. She wondered, she thought she had loosed the dogs of war, but which was worse? The hounds that called for blood or their master whom had unleashed them on an unsuspecting prey?

Part 20

"Aaaaaaaaargh!" The angry lances of agony tore through her entire body. Teela opened her eyes to find Randor sitting beside her, working on the painful arm with a look of deep concentration. His hands tugged at a thread she soon realised was being used to close the wound in her arm.

"Your Majesty's abilities as a seamstress leave something to be desired. Your stitch is rather awkward." She playfully chided him.

"You took an awkward cut." He responded with a smile. "Those swords were dull and rusted, we were afraid you may have contracted tetanus." Resuming his needlework he said, "Was that a small hint of that famous sarcastic tongue my son always complains about?"

Teela smiled a guilty little smile, she didn't know her verbal sparring with Adam enjoyed such infamy. "Did it really offend him so much? It was only ever in fun."

"Nay Teela, I think his only soreness came from not being able to match you." Randor replied as he continued working on her arm. Teela stiffened with each dip of the needle, "Here girl, have a drink of this rum, it will help dull the senses." Teela took a drink from the bottle Randor offered her, as it burned down her throat she was reminded of why she didn't drink. She was not sure how much time passed before Randor finished his ministrations.

She lay on the cot taking deep breaths, her arm felt as if it were exploding beneath her skin. "How is everybody?" she asked.

"They're fine, well, most of them. Our companions made it without harm, we did lose a few deckhands but the captain and first mate made it through fine."

"Mmm, I saw them before I fainted." Teela said.

"Why ask then?" Randor looked a little bemused.

"I don't know, just to make conversation perhaps?"

"Save your strength is what you should do." Randor stood up, "Which you are not going to do if I stay here blathering with you all night." He turned to leave, "Before you do, there is someone most anxious to know your condition."

Teela had a feeling she knew who it was, "Wael?"

"Aye"

Teela groaned inwardly, she did not feel like talking to Isro right now, though he did her save her life so she owed him that much. "See him in, I guess."

"Yes Your Majesty." Randor bowed mockingly. "Teela, while we're traveling together you really should just call me Randor, there shouldn't be any rank between comrades in arms."

"Whatever you want…Your Majesty." She cheekily replied.

"I pity the man who becomes saddled with the task of taming you."

Teela looked up at the ceiling feeling a little more relaxed than she had since learning of Adam's disappearance. She had never really gotten to know the king, but here, under adverse circumstances she learned that there was more to him than a crown. It was comforting to know that the man you served was a man worth serving.

Isro entered the room, he winced at the sight of her wound. "I just wanted to see how you were doing, you collapsed so suddenly it scared us all."

"I'm doing fine thanks Wael and thank you for saving my life earlier." She said with genuine gratitude.

"Me? I did nothing." He protested.

"If you hadn't have held me back then I would've rushed headlong into my death."

Isro smiled beatifically, "Well I guess…" Apparently that was all he needed to launch into a recount of all the heroic deeds. Teela smiled all through it, she didn't need to pretend, her thoughts were on a man, a very special man.