Disclaimer: Power Rangers belongs to someone else, not me. Anything that sounds vaguely original may be mine, however. Please don't sue me, I'm but a poor college student.
A/N: This would be my first post ever, so I apologize for any formatting oddities. As for the story itself, for what it's worth, enjoy it or hate it as you will. My only request is that should you choose to review, please no flames, if you have anything to say, please do so constructively. Thank you.
--Random Reader
sigh> Here goes nothin'...
Chapter 6: Use with Caution
Three days following the presentation of the Power Rangers, Queen Brielle sat having tea and playing chess with her old friend and teacher Archmagus Glendan Han Idolain.
The archmage's brows furrowed in frustration. "You've gotten too good, Brielle!" he exclaimed. "You've figured out all of my good moves."
"You're not trying anymore, Glendan," Brielle countered. "I'm sure there's something I've missed."
Glendan scoffed. "You're just extracting revenge on me for all those years you were my student."
The Queen's eyes twinkled merrily. "Master Glendan, do you really think me capable of such things?" She watched with amusement as the archmage fell right into her trap. "Check mate!" she cried happily.
"I should have known better," the former teacher grumbled. Then he smiled, "I suppose I should be proud, after all, it was I who taught you to play." He grinned.
"Yes, Master," said Brielle. "How are your students these days?"
"Arrogant," the archmage replied heavily. "They are talented, yes, but they also think they can wield magic quickly and easily."
"We were all like that at some point, Glendan," the Queen observed. She poured her former teacher another cup of tea.
Glendan Han Idolain fiddled with a pawn. "Yes," he said slowly. "But I cannot help but feel like things are strangely...different as of late. Can you not feel the same?"
Brielle frowned. It was true, something from the Source – that which gave all magic-users their power – was different. "Has the Council gathered?"
"The Council!" Glendan snorted. "They're as bad as the students these days! They're keeping something from us. Think about it, Brielle, if even the novices feel something awry, then something very wrong is transpiring."
The Queen knew the archmage was right. This is the last thing we need, she thought miserably. A shadow was casting upon the House of Caldon, and more importantly, Soloria.
"What is it, Brielle?" Master Glendan queried.
Brielle shook her head. "I don't like the situation any more than you do, Master."
"I'm doing a little investigation of my own," Glendan confessed. "It isn't much, but there are a few things this old mage can find."
"Is that wise, Glendan? Won't the Council suspect anything?"
The archmage laughed good-naturedly. "My dear, I'm too old for them to be concerned about. They'll just disregard my antics as an old dotard's strange fancy."
The Queen was still unconvinced. "I cannot believe or accept that the entire Council of Wizards would be so disrespectful to you, Master Glendan. You are a teacher at the Academy and have aided other magi on more than one occasion whether through spell work or research."
Glendan drank his tea, his expression thoughtful. "I would not argue with you there," he said, at length. "But that does not change the fact that the Council has still made no attempt to discover the nature of this discrepancy. It leads me, and others, to believe that someone is holding something over the Council. And if that is true, then we are dealing with a very powerful opponent."
---
Prince Tiernan sighed heavily as he and his superior officer went over their notes and diagnostics. "Someone had to set this up," he said grimly.
Gareth nodded. "But we don't have enough evidence to convince your father or brother apparently," the commander muttered. He shifted the screen on one of the computers and laid out a map of coordinates. "They will gain most of this quadrant if this continues," he explained. "As you can see, it is bringing them dangerously close to our perimeter."
"Why? Why would they do this?"
"We're still working on that." The knight commander set aside the map and brought out a different report. "And to make matters worse, we seem to be having some issues within the country. I think that these things may be connected some how."
Tiernan rubbed his eyes tiredly. "And then there's the matter of this Rogue."
"You've found nothing?"
"About as much as we have on this suspicious treaty," Tiernan said ruefully. "What do you propose, Gareth?"
The commander paused, regarding his lieutenant carefully. "The Whisperers," he replied.
The Younger's eyes widened. "We have never sent Them off-planet," he breathed.
"Do you have a better idea, Tier?"
Tiernan's lip became a thin, tight line. "No," he admitted. "But, my father will never approve."
"We have to act, your Majesty," Gareth insisted. "This is the only choice we have right now."
"Sending Them will reveal..."
"I know," the commander said quickly. "It's a risk we're going to have to take. And Tiernan," Gareth hesitated. What he was about to request of his lieutenant-commander bordered treason. "You can't tell your father or brother about any of this. If they find out...well, you know what will happen."
The Younger Prince swallowed uneasily. "I am reluctant to agree to this," Tiernan confessed. "But I concede to you, Commander Gareth. You have my support."
The commander smiled regretfully. "Thank you, your Highness. This was a decision not taken lightly."
"I know." Prince Tiernan rose, his face was troubled. "Regardless, Commander, I'm still betraying them."
---
Cassie was never one to gush – that was more of Ashley's field of expertise. And yet, holding the flower in her hand, inhaling its sweet perfume, she was doing just that. It was the third in a series of gifts that the Lord Prince had left for her.
Much to her dismay, these sweet tokens did not go unnoticed by her teammates.
"What have you got this time, Princess?" Carlos was a particular tease.
The pink ranger's infamous temper flared. "Shut up, Carlos," she snapped. "Just because Prince Alandor is being kind to me doesn't make me a royalty."
Carlos laughed, "Whatever you say, Princess."
"Are you done squabbling?" Andros asked. His tone sounded harsh, but his eyes were actually laughing.
The rangers were once again gathered, this time in the black ranger's quarters. Their ear pieces already removed and on the table before them.
"Have you had any luck getting in touch with Connell again?" Andros asked Carlos.
The black ranger shook his head. "He's been pretty busy," he answered. "And it seems to be more than just preparations for Alandor's celebration. From what I've noticed, they're having some trouble with their allies."
"Do you think these instances are related?"
"I can't be sure." Carlos was silent a moment. He had an idea, but he wasn't sure exactly how well it would go over with the others. "Listen," he said finally, "I think we should take after Alandor. We need to get away from the Palace and see an unfiltered Soloria."
He expected his teammates to object. After his escapade their first night, he felt that he should keep a low profile.
"Rangers do not normally resort to such tactics in matters such as this," the red ranger explained. "But I would be lying if I say I've never spied on an enemy."
"But we don't know that they are our enemy," Cassie argued.
"We don't seriously know that they're our friends either, Cass," TJ observed. "We're running out of time, and we need to be certain."
"You seem to have made up your mind," the pink ranger said caustically. "It could be we're wrong."
"Maybe." Andros was doubtful. "But things aren't matching up."
Cassie was about to object, but then stopped. She was letting her feelings take over duty, and she knew it. "Oh man," she grumbled, "I've become a lovesick fool."
Ashley smiled at her friend. "There's nothing wrong with that," she assured the pink ranger. "I think it's kind of cute."
"You would," Cassie returned, but she shared Ashley's smile.
"Actually, Cass," said TJ hesitantly, "if we're playing Alandor's game, we may be able to use this to our advantage."
Cassie knew all too well where this was going. "You're not asking what I think you are, are you?" It was foolish to question, but she had to hear it for herself.
"You know exactly what I'm suggesting," replied the blue ranger. "And I'm not the only one who thinks it," he added, exchanging glances with the Kerovian.
"Is this a command, Andros?" she demanded.
"I could make it one," the red ranger noted. "But I've never been one to issue orders like this. It's really up to you, Cass."
The pink ranger's frowned slightly.
Ashley took her friend's hand. "We'd never ask..."
"If it wasn't important," Cassie finished. She shook her head. "I shouldn't hesitate," she explained, "but I just feel awkward doing it."
"Alandor is a charming guy," Carlos said seriously. If anyone understood Cassie's plight, it was the black ranger. "I would even dare to call him my friend...but even friends have faces they don't show each other."
The others shifted uncomfortably. None of them wanted to think themselves capable of such deception, but deep down, they all knew that it was possible.
"I'll keep an eye on him," Cassie said finally. "I'm supposed to go riding with him this afternoon." She picked up her earpiece and fitted it back into place. The pink ranger smiled at her teammates wryly, "It would not do well to keep royalty waiting."
---
Prince Alandor seemed to light up when he saw the pink ranger arrive at their meeting place. "I'm so glad you could indulge me again, gently lady," said Alandor. He kissed her hand as he had every other time they had met.
"My companions are becoming jealous, your Highness," Cassie said lightly. "And I'm sure the other courtiers are wondering where you keep running off to."
"Such modesty," Alandor remarked.
"I'm just being honest," the pink ranger noted, smiling. "So what's on the agenda this day?" She looked around, suddenly realizing that there were no horses. "I thought you wanted to take me riding."
"I do." The Lord Prince's eyes were mischievous. "Riding does not always imply on horseback. Now, be a good girl and close your eyes."
Cassie complied, feeling a slight rush as the Prince took her hands in his. I can't believe I'm being duped like this!
Finally, after they carefully traversed the grounds for what felt like twenty minutes, Alandor finally indicated to the pink ranger that they had reached their destination.
"Just another minute, dear lady," Alandor explained.
Cassie listened attentively as the Lord Prince shifted and flitted around. She knew that they had not gone through a high traffic area, so the pink ranger guessed that they had gone through the gardens. However, she was unable to know exactly where it was Alandor had taken her and the thought made her uneasy. She quickly dismissed it. He has done nothing to warrant my suspicion!
"You're in for a surprise, lady," Alandor was beside her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, "Take a look, Cassie, I'm sure it will be something you never expected."
Cassie complied and her eyes widened, "Land cycles?"
Alandor feigned disappointment. "You've been on one," he sighed. "I should have known. Well, I suppose we could just go to the stables and..."
"Don't be silly, Alandor," Cassie laughed. "I just didn't think Soloria had such things. I so rarely see anything like these," she added.
The Lord Prince nodded. "I know, it's a wonder what secrets my kingdom has."
Cassie eyed him carefully. Yes, what else are you hiding here?
Alandor walked around the side of the cycles and beckoned her forward. "You're used to this, I know," said the Prince, "but pray, perhaps you could show this old man a few tricks."
The pink ranger couldn't help laughing. It was a joke between them now; when the Prince had first proposed an outing together, he had made the observation that he was seven years her senior. "You're not that old, Majesty," she noted, just as she had then. She reached for one of the helmets. "Shall we?"
"Go easy with me," Alandor warned with mock severity. "I don't know that I can keep up with your vivacious youth!"
"I don't know how vivacious I'll be on this thing," Cassie remarked. "His Highness forgets the fact that I don't know how to start it."
The Lord Prince clapped his hand to his forehead. "How thoughtless of me!" he cried. Alandor gave her a crash course in Solorian land cycles and the pair were soon well on their way.
They eased the cycles away from the Palace along the horse trail they had taken two days ago.
"Not too many people use such contraptions anymore," Alandor explained through the comm. system of their helmets. "I don't want to startle anyone."
Cassie made another mental note to make further inquiries about the true technological capabilities of Soloria.
When they were a considerable distance from the Palace and the better portion of the capital, Prince Alandor speeded up, taunting the pink ranger into a race.
"We'll see about that, Highness," Cassie declared, also accelerating. She flirted with the idea of completely leaving him in the dust, but Alandor had the advantage of knowing where he was going. Cassie did not want to approach this recklessly. She kept him in her sights, however and waited for her opportunity to pass him.
She cried out happily as the two cyclists burst into a stretch of open land. Cassie leaned forward and maneuvered past the Lord Prince.
Neither ranger nor Prince used true competitive tactics to win the race; Cassie refrained due to the fact that the last thing she should do would be to cause the Heir to the Throne harm and Alandor restrained himself because he wanted to be fair.
In doing so, however, the Lord Prince found himself losing out in the race.
"I told you to go easy on me," Alandor noted, as the two came to a halt. He removed his helmet and beamed at the pink ranger. "I shouldn't have held back," he declared.
Cassie was gasping; she hadn't realized she had held her breath. "Teach you to underestimate me," she chided, tossing her hair.
"I'll certainly remember that," the Prince replied.
The pink ranger kept her reaction guarded, but she could not help but note the suspicious tone in the Prince's voice when he made that last statement. Or am I letting everyone else's thoughts influence what I hear? "So what is it you wanted to show me, Highness?" she queried.
"You mean you do not see it?" Alandor asked innocently.
Cassie surveyed her surroundings. The pair was a considerable distance from the Palace, the towering domes and spires were a faint skyline in the horizon. The land opened up into a wide prairie with lush hills a few leagues away from their current location and a forest to the east of them. "It's a lovely picnic site, Highness," the pink ranger observed. "But I highly doubt you had intentions of a picnic."
"My lady is clever." He crossed the space between them and took her hands in his again. "Do you trust me?"
"You've given me no reason not to, your Majesty," Cassie said honestly.
Alandor's smile was satisfied. "Then I want you to see something that not many Solorians see." He guided the pink ranger into the forest, leaving the cycles where they were. When they were several feet into the forest, the Prince turned to her again. "What you are about to see, lady, is not necessarily a secret, but it is not exactly public knowledge either. Can I trust you as you trust me, Ranger?"
Cassie met Alandor's gaze evenly. "On my honor as a Power Ranger," she pledged.
Impulsively, the Lord Prince kissed her cheek. "I'm so glad you said that," he said in a low voice.
The Prince turned away from her then and began to utter words in a language that did not translate in Cassie's earpiece. The words were wispy, but unlike what Carlos described, they were musical, light and mesmerizing. Cassie could not help but be entranced by the handsome Prince...
---
"Are you sure won't take a guide, good Rangers?" The head footman watched the rangers anxiously.
They were once again gathered in the hallway that led to their guest chambers. Carlos, Andros and Ashley were dressed in simple Solorian fashion, the black and red rangers clad in breeches, cotton shirts and tunics, while Ashley donned a functional split skirt, a lady's cotton shirt and vest. Only TJ remained in uniform, having agreed to stay behind and keep an eye on things in the Palace.
Ashley smiled at the older man. "No, thank you," she said politely. "We'll be fine on our own. Prince Alandor has boasted so much about the Market Place, we wanted to see it for ourselves."
"I am uncomfortable letting you alone in the city..." the footman trailed off uncertainly.
"They are more than capable of site seeing on their own, Owen."
The group turned to see Prince Tiernan and his personal guard Rohan coming towards them. They all bowed accordingly.
"Your Highness," Owen intoned. "Is it your judgment that they go about without a guide?"
"They're not children, Owen," the Younger Prince noted, his tone reproachful. He kept his green-hazel eyes on the red ranger. "They are free to go about as they please, especially as Champions of the Realm."
The Kerovian tensed and his teammates watched their leader carefully.
Don't, Andros, Ashley pleaded silently, please don't refute the Prince!
The red ranger turned his attention to her suddenly, a look of bewilderment flashed in his eyes. Then, he returned an even gaze to Tiernan.
"Yes, of course," the footman said uneasily. Owen did not miss the silent exchange between the rangers and the Younger Prince. "Forgive me, Honored Guests, for my impudence."
"There is nothing to forgive," TJ dismissed. "You were just doing your job."
Owen nodded. "If all is settled then," he bowed to the rangers, "by your leave, Honored Guests." The footman bowed deeply to Tiernan, "Your Majesty."
"TJ Johnson, you are not joining your teammates?" Tiernan inquired.
The blue ranger shook his head. "I thought I would stay here in case Cassie gets back before them," he explained.
"My brother has stolen her away from you again, has he?"
"Riding, I think," said Carlos.
Tiernan looked up sharply. "She must be quite the equestrienne to keep up with my brother," he remarked.
"She's a fine rider." Andros didn't miss the look on the Younger Prince's face. What about riding puts you ill at ease? he wondered.
Tiernan gestured for the rangers to follow him. "Since you will take no guide, please allow me to at the very least provide transportation."
The rangers exchanged glances; they had intentions of walking to the Market Square. Andros shook his head briefly and then he and his teammates followed the Younger Prince to the stables.
"You are dressed commonly," the Younger said. "I would have suggested a carriage, but you seem intent on blending in, horses would look less...peculiar." He sighed, "I suppose the common-stock will have to do, even though they are branded with the Palace mark. We'll just have to see that they are covered some how," he added, smiling hollowly.
"Thank you, Highness," Andros returned Tiernan's smile.
Prince Tiernan had three horses prepared, gave the rangers directions and provided them with the name of a reliable stable. "I know you think it might be silly to have mounts making your way to the Market, but you never know what will attract your attention." He regarded the black ranger, "I understand you know a merchant by the name of Alan Wainwright."
Carlos swallowed, "I have made his acquaintance."
Tiernan's lip thinned and he nodded curtly. "I'm reassured then," he said tightly. His face softened and he then turned to TJ. "Since you are to stay here, perhaps you would like to join me on my rounds."
The blue ranger blinked, but quickly recovered. "I would be happy to," he replied.
The Younger Prince smiled, it had a touch of his brother's familiar one, but there was still an underlying distance in his eyes. "Please meet me in the Lesser Library once you have seen off your teammates."
The rangers bowed and Tiernan nodded.
"Uncharacteristic," Andros declared.
His teammates nodded in agreement. "But an opportunity none the less," TJ pointed out.
"Be careful, Teej," the Kerovian cautioned.
The blue ranger smiled lopsidedly. "You too," he returned.
---
Tiernan all but ran to the hidden stable.
"Prince Tiernan, wait!" Rohan hurried to catch up, but the Younger Prince ignored him. He didn't care how it looked to the courtiers, he didn't care who he barreled down in the process. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that his older brother had done yet another reckless thing.
Tiernan pushed aside the false wall and hurried down the next corridor. Alandor, you fool, he thought bitterly. Of all the things to put at risk!
The Prince flung open the door to the concealed stable. The armory hadn't been touched, but the transport units...
Tiernan frantically checked the inventory log. "Dammit!!" He slammed his fist into the console.
"Tiernan!" Rohan gripped the Younger's shoulders. "Tiernan," he said calmly. "Be still, my Prince."
Prince Tiernan was fuming. "He is too close to Regency to be doing these sorts of things," he said hotly. "He's become careless."
"Tier, he's nervous," the bodyguard noted.
He ran a hand through his hair. "The weight of my father's crown burdens him," Tiernan said softly. "Alandor's ready for this, Rohan," he smiled proudly. "He's been ready for this all his life." The Younger sighed heavily, "Forgive me, Rohan, I've lost myself. I know my brother is a good man, he would never do anything to jeopardize what is rightfully his."
"I understand, my Prince," Rohan said. "You, too, are under pressure."
The hard look returned into Tiernan's eyes. "I want this solved before my brother's Ceremony of Regency. Come, Rohan, we have business to take care of."
"And the rangers?"
"Trail them," Tiernan answered. Shaking his head, he added, "They think they're so clever."
"They're cautious, just as we are."
"Their caution may be their undoing."
---
I thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. I regret that my life is officially ruled by getting to know the high school, what with student teaching right around the corner. While I look forward to writing as a nice break, I now have obligations to my students as well. Hence, updates may come even longer than a month at a time. :-( I have a break coming up, though, so maybe with luck, I can get a little more out. Your patience and comments are much appreciated.
Until next time...Happy reading!
--Random Reader