In the heat of that very same day, King Stephen, Prince Philip and his father King Hubert gathered with the lords, dukes, earls and knights of Avalon and Beulah. For the space of two hours they discoursed over supper concerning the state of the Princess Bethany. Since the letter had been read, nearly every citizen was abuzz with curiosity and wonder at message from the Her Majesty's "unknown" guardian and hero. The princess had retired with her mother, sister and the strange yet exuberant creature named "morph" to her new chambers while the noblemen sat down to eat and plan. Each man presented his thoughts and arguments concerning the mysterious companion to the princess—and what would be done in recompense to him. Ideas were given and promises offered with willing spirits.
Finally, as the sun began its descent in the sky, King Stephen arose in the presence of his noblemen and addressed them as one. "You are all good and kind and wise from your hearts and minds, my fellow countrymen. And as we have rejoiced at my daughter's return and taken vows to her honor and defense, I do decree that so also must we take due course to see that her future remains as bright and secure as it appears thus unto us this day. Therefore, as to the man whom she claims gave her protection, shelter and mercy where she lacked, I do hereby profess that such a one is of good nature to be even more loyal unto my daughter and, as the Lord wills, the entire Royal Family. Furthermore, I do believe it is reasonable to seek the service and devotion of this young and good soul should he be willing. And if he also be of strong stead for us, I here and now confess my thoughts that we bestow upon him the highest office and position that is surpassed only by the King himself. What is your belief and answer, good men of Avalon and Beulah?" "Aye, aye, aye, aye, aye," came the responses as each nobleman raised his goblet in unison with his voice. "Then it shall be so!" Stephen announced with his arms raised. He motioned to Philip who stood and walked over to hear his father-in-law's command to him.
Jim's eyelids fluttered slightly as he began to rise out of his regained rest. His eyes finally peered through the growing darkness and took in the surroundings. He could see make out wood walls, floor and ceiling from which a simple ship's lantern swung lightly. His ears became attuned to the sound of raucous snoring that seemed to echo out of his past. Then, it stood before his conscience: he was back in the crew quarters of the RLS Legacy and it was the same crew from his very first voyage. Groaning slightly, he gradually slid his legs out from his resting position and onto the floor. As he sat up, he realized that his boots stood guard by his sleeping mattress with a pair of new socks and his old black jacket. These he donned slowly and then stood up. He yawned, stretched his arms and began to shuffle towards the stairs. Outside, the deck was awash with the bright pale luminance of the planet's four moons. And though the stars were very far away and thus faint, Jim was very awed by the night's peacefulness and solitude.
Just then, a sound of footfalls echoed on the deck. Jim turned his head to see a dark figure come out of the shadows near the stern staircase. The human shape continued until Leland was fully visible in the moonlight. He nodded slowly and motioned for Jim to come over. Lowering his head slightly, Jim stepped down the stairs and lightly over the main deck until he stopped a foot away from his dad. "Are you feeling better, Jim?" Leland asked softly. Jim nodded noiselessly and looked around to see if anyone else was nearby.
Confirming their solitude, he turned his head down and stuck his hands in his jacket. He sighed heavily as his face betrayed a slight moroseness. "What's troubling you Son," asked his dad with look and note of concern in his voice. Jim slowly looked up and to his right before answering. "I miss her already...Dad." He sighed again and shook his head. "I've never...met a girl or young lady whom I could...dote on or, you know...be real friends with...I mean, until I met her." Leland nodded with understanding in his features; Jim's reminiscing brought back memories of his young courtship with Sarah so long ago. "Go on Jim. I'm listening." Jim could see the sincerity in his father's eyes so he sighed once more and continued. "I know...I've never...been much of a friend or even friendly with people my age. But...I really...sigh...I really felt so...different around her. I mean...doing things with her and for her made me feel so alive! And the way she looked at me, especially when she was happy...boy...I'd give up my whole career as a soldier if I could live with her forever!"
With this said, Jim looked back towards the east where, somewhere beyond the mountains, Bethany was alive, safe and reunited with her family—where she belonged. With this thought, Jim sighed heavily before shaking his head. "But..." He began. "But what?" asked Leland with a growing parental insight. Jim looked down once more. "I'm...well, I've...done bad things that...disappointed a lot of people—even mom. And she's been nothing but good and pure and noble and...sigh...innocent. And I know...that...she's now a princess and that she...well, has to marry someone with royal blood and a good past and no bad...character. She...well, she deserves someone better than me. I mean, I was a real criminal once and was almost sent to jail for life. And the way I acted when you asked me for forgiveness..." Jim stopped and hung his head as tears of regret fell without opposition. "I...sniff...I just wish...sob...that...I wasn't so...so, sob....heartless or...broken."
Leland was at a loss for words so he just placed his hands on Jim shoulders and raised him up. "Jim, listen to me and listen well." Jim nodded although his eyes still dripped salty water. Leland took a breath and looked his son deep in the eyes. "There is nothing about you that doesn't make you worthy of any young girl: you still got the same goodness in you that you had when you were younger. And I have I told you just how much you're courage amazes me? Well it does. I never imagined how strong and true you could be for anyone—even at the cost of your own life! That's just what any woman or girl wants: someone who'll fight for their lives, for their hearts and for their dreams and hopes! Jim, as far as I've seen, you already have what it takes to be a man and a strong, good and faithful husband!"
Jim's barriers finally came crashing down deep within him and he fell forward into his father's arms. There he sobbed heavily and brokenly as his heart's scabs began to fall away. For nearly the space of ten minutes, both father and son held onto each other as the father's words cleansed the son's soul of the old, unwashed and uncared-for wounds.
Later that same night, another blue lantern light flickered from another hilltop to signal another arrival of peace-comers. About three minutes later, a parade of light pinpoints appeared on the horizon heading for the camp. The night guards quickly sent word to awaken more troops and several of the officers. Gradually, the sight of oil torches and horse whinnies with growing hoof-falls came closer to the camp. At last, out of the darkness curtain, there appeared a formation of horseback riders in medieval garb and armament. "Halt there!!," called out the Lieutenant-of-the-watch, "State your names and business!" The leader of the column, a young man with a bright red riding cape, held up his right hand and the rides gradually slowed to a stop. Then, the young man dismounted from his white-haired, black-maned Arabian stallion and took a few long steps up to the Lieutenant. "Greetings, Sire! I'm Prince Philip of the land of Beulah. I'm here on behalf of King Stephen of Avalon and his daughter, Princess Bethany of Avalon." "I see," answered the officer with a puzzled expression, "and what do you seek here, Your Majesty?" "If you please, Sire," Philip replied, "I seek a young man whose name is given as Jim Hawkins. Can you tell me where he is at this moment?" "Hawkins you say?" spoke up a wiry private rubbing his chin. "Yes," answered the Prince with a light of expectation in his eyes. "Well I believe that there did arrive here this morning a tall, weather-beaten lad by that name. Thing is though, he's under the command of the Fleet admiral who's in charge here; and unless I'm mistaken, they both's got to be in the sack." "But nonetheless, Sire," answered the lieutenant to Prince Philip, "I'll send word to the Admiral and see if he can speak with you about this...Hawkins."
Admiral Creed was sleeping lightly in his tent when a guard entered in and addressed him rather loudly. "Admiral Creed Sir!" The bear-like officer slowly sat up as his eyes gradually blinked open. "Yes," he replied a little perturbed. "Begging your pardon, Admiral, but there's come a rider with a band of horsemen. He says he looking for a certain Jim Hawkins." Admiral Valmer Creed looked up with wide-eyes at this. "Alright, send the man in then." "Yes Sir," answered the guard. "Oh and one more thing," began the Admiral before the aide disappeared, "send for the boy, if you please." "Will do, Sir," and the guard went out the flap door.
About three minutes later, Prince Philip was admitted into the Admiral's tent. "Welcome," spoke the furry leader extending a trimmed paw. "I am Fleet Admiral Valmer Creed, commander of the forces and vessels that you've probably seen here." Philip, who'd never seen any animal-like creature in a human form, nervously extended his and the Admiral shook his warmly. "And...I am...Prince Philip of Beulah, the land not more than ten miles from here.", said the slightly stunned and embarrassed prince. "On behalf of the Royal Interstellar Navy, I welcome you. Would you like something to eat or drink?" "No thank-you, I am well-satisfied as I am now," answered Philip. Just then the guard reentered, saluted and reported. "I've been informed, Admiral sir, that Cadet Hawkins is unable to appear so his parents have been summoned instead." "Very well then, show them in as well." The aide saluted and disappeared just as Leland passed through and held the flap for a shawl-covered Sarah Hawkins to pass through. "Mr. Hawkins, Mrs. Hawkins," Creed addressed them with a slight bow. "Allow me to introduce Prince Philip who, I am told, seeks an audience with your son."
Author's Note: Well, that's one more chapter down; the next is gonna really get things kicking into high gear, just you wait 'n see. BTW, thank's again, "Etherium's Angel" for your reviews and suggestions. And to You too, Janna Hawkins and You as well Little Hawk. WELCOME ON BOARD AND I HOPE YOU LIKE THE REST. savvy???