Chapter Thirteen: "Turn of the War"

Marlena stood at the balcony, looking out upon her city. Her kingdom. She closed her eyes, thinking about it. She was now the queen of Eternos, without its king. She was now in charge of this place, this kingdom, this land that she had now inherited.

Three days since her husband was captured by the Horde. It took her the previous two days to go through the scenarios, the jitters, the fears, the anger, the sadness, and to work through all the emotions. Today, she was still full of fear and doubt, but she knew that for the sake of her children and the kingdom itself, she must be in control.

"What are leaving out, Duncan?" asked Marlena.

Duncan perked an eyebrow as Teela cooed in his arms. It was still morning and Marlena had had a suspicion that there was something that Duncan had left out in his initial report.

"I'm not sure I understand what you're saying, your highness."

Marlena sat down in front of him and rubbed her stomach. "Duncan, I spoke with both Stratos and Buzz-Off last night. They told me Hordak and one other person took Randor. You told me it was only Hordak. If I'm going to take command of Eternos, I need things to thorough. You were there. Who else was with them?"

Duncan shook his head. "I'm not sure if I can . . ."

Marlena straightened her back. "As your queen, I am ordering you to tell me what you were leaving out."

Duncan was surprised by this stance. He nodded. "Hordak's apprentice. We were aware that he had one, but we didn't know of his identity."

"Do you know it now?"

"Yes."

"And what is it?"

"I am vowed by King Miro and Eldor not divulge that information."

Marlena furrowed her brow. "What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. I can not tell you."

"So you know of this apprentice?"

"Yes."

Marlena slouched. "Okay. All right, Duncan, I'm done. I'm sorry. I just . . . I'm worried about Randor and I'm trying to be as . . . objective about it as possible."

Duncan nodded and touched her hand. "I know. I understand. But there are some things I'm just not allowed to talk about."

She sighed. "Duncan, I'm scared."

"We all are, your majesty. But your husband is tough. He can handle this. He's been in tougher situations than this."

Marlena perked an eyebrow. "Has he?"

Duncan didn't answer. A few silent seconds later, there was a knock on the door, and then Susannah entered.

"Your highness? The Royal Council, Man-At-Arms, and Captain Dekker needs to see you in the Situation Room right away."

Marlena nodded. "Come with me, Duncan. I'll need your help with this. Susannah, can you take Teela?"

She smiled and nodded. "Of course."

Duncan gave his baby daughter a small kiss and then handed her off to Susannah. He then followed the pregnant queen down towards the Situation Room.

Three days in isolation and Randor had a lot of time for thinking. He had seen nor heard anyone during his time in the closed off cell, but was completely sure that he was being monitored. Without anyone to talk to, Randor took his time. He relaxed; he thought of Marlena, and names for the children; Duncan and Teela, and just how much they probably missed Teelana. He didn't even think about escape simply because he didn't know where he was. He had a vague feeling he was on the Dark Hemisphere, but that was simply an assumption.

He did think about Keldor. A lot. He thought about just why Keldor was by Hordak's side. Why he was helping the Horde. Why Keldor, once the crown prince of Eternos, was blue, muscular, and one of the greatest enemies to the world. He had thought about all this long and hard and in the end, the answer was one he really liked.

Keldor (it was so obvious) was trying to restore his place in Eternos by becoming an ally of Hordak and later assassinating him. Or perhaps just spying on Hordak. This was all well and good because it meant (A) that Keldor was still alive and well, (B) still cared about Eternos, and (C) would allow Keldor to return to grace.

It all made Randor smile and it was on those facts (assumptions, really, but how could they be wrong?) that assured him that of his eventual escape (which would be by the hands of his brilliant little brother). After reaching this conclusion, Randor didn't even bother considering that he may just die here. He was concerned for the kingdom, but Marlena was in charge and the core of his military was fairly smart. With Marlena's own experience in military affairs, surely nothing could go wrong. Plus, Johanna and Stephan could help her (and they would be so excited to hear just what their youngest brother was doing to help against the Horde).

He worried about Eternos, but trusted that Keldor wouldn't allow Hordak to get that far. That much made sense. His concern for Marlena was quite strong though remained his main worry. Randor wasn't quite sure what stress did to an Earth pregnancy. It concerned him.

Randor was pondering just what he would choice for a girls name when there was a sound outside his small, cave-like cell. The large iron door came unlocked and the door opened slowly.

"Hello dear brother," Keldor said mockingly.

"Keldor!" Randor shouted and got to his feet.

Keldor was taken aback by his brother's excitement. He was absolutely confused when Randor came over to give Keldor a big hug. Keldor kicked him back and Randor went flying into the rock wall. Keldor marched right over to Randor. Randor smiled.

"I understand," Randor whispered. "You have to beat me up so it looks like you're really working for the Horde. I'll play along."

"What . . .?"

"Exactly."

Keldor punched Randor in the gut. Randor crumbled to the ground. "OH! Keldor! That hurt!" he yelled out in perhaps the worst acting voice Keldor had ever heard. "My own brother! Beating me up after I just found him! What a cruel world!"

"Randor, shut up!" Keldor cried and smacked his brother right across the face.

"Sorry. Too much, right?" Randor replied quietly.

"I have no idea what you're . . . wait a second." Keldor looked at Randor's dumb smile and then shook his head. "You idiot. You stupid ass. You actually . . . hahahaha! You actually think I'm not a part of the Horde!"

"Oh, I know you are," Randor said, then winked (hoping no one was watching).

Keldor roared into laughter. Randor started to join in, and then started to realize that Keldor was laughing at him for thinking it. It was . . . Randor was wrong. Completely wrong. Dead wrong.

"Oh, Randor, you foolish naïve little man. You don't understand, do you? I am truly Hordak's apprentice. He is my master and I serve him in this war. Hell, Randor, it was my idea to destroy South Eternos!"

"Yours . . .?"

"Yes! Randor, what did you think? That I just painted my skin blue and started spying on him?"

"Keldor . . . why?"

"Because you drove me to it! Because you shunned me my entire life! You took my weakness and made it who I am! You ignored me, put me down for my passions! And now, here I am, ready to destroy that which was so denied to me!"

"Keldor, it's not too late. Come back to Eternos. Father is gone. I can let you return. I can help you find redemption for what you have done."

Keldor sneered. "I'm not looking for redemption. I am looking for revenge. I am looking for power."

Randor's anger was building. "You're a fool, then, Keldor. You always were and always shall be."

Keldor slammed his fists into Randor. He beat the living crap out of Randor. It wasn't until the beating stopped that Keldor realized with sudden surprise that Randor didn't even fight back.

Marlena sat down - fairly hard too - in the chair at head of the table. All eyes were on her as the Royal Council and core military leaders prepared themselves.

"Go ahead," she issued.

Man-At-Arms nodded. "We have devised a tactical plan to attack the coast of the Mystic Mountains. It would involve a large troop contingent attacking key areas in the southern sections of the Horde held coastland."

Marlena nodded. "How many troops?"

"500, maybe 600."

"Isn't the same place the Cats struck with 200 warriors?"

"Yes your highness."

"Three hundred more will make a difference?"

"Certainly."

"Why? How?"

"What's that?" Thomas asked.

"How will it make a difference? More targets for the Horde to shot at?" Marlena leaned back in her chair, arms folded across her chest.

"Your majesty with all due respect - " Thomas began.

"One minute, Thomas," Marlena cut in. "I'm afraid I need to use the restroom real quick."

Marlena heaved herself up and left the Situation Room. Marlena made her restroom stop, then paused before she returned. She took a deep breath, attempting to build up her confidence. She exhaled, then entered. Everyone was apparently speaking while she was gone (probably about her, but that was okay) because some of them had guilty looks on their faces.

They doubt me, she thought regarding the Royal Council. They doubted before Randor and I married and they doubt me even more now.

Marlena stood at the end of the table and didn't sit down.

"Listen to me and listen to me well. I am your queen. Until my husband returns, and he shall, I am in command. Do not doubt that for one second and I am personally asking you not to doubt my ability to command either. I flew into space three times, twice commanding crews in life and death situations. I was willing to sacrifice my own life in the name of science all three of those times. I understood the idea and ideals of life and death. I am your leader and you will treat me with the respect I deserve. Understood?

"Now, I am also pregnant. I am also an alien here. I am also no military expert. My husband is missing and in case anything else happens, I am suddenly going to be thrust into a position I'm not sure I can handle 100. I need your full support and cooperation right now or pretty soon, you'll be living under Horde rule, you get me?

"Man-At-Arms, Captain Dekker - if you will please make a full report of this tactical plan of attack and have it sent to my quarters. I will have an answer for you by 8:00 this evening. Any more news, have sent to me immediately. If I am needed her, make sure I know it. If you have a problem with this, you can speak to my husband. He'll be home soon."

Prahvus and his 2,000 Horde Troopers went marching forward. It was a full load of Horde Troopers, half of which were created just for this mission, the other half stationed along the coast. He would need every single one of them, simply because of the size of this mission.

They marched for hours, on course with their coordinates - Darksmoke Mountain, capital of the Dragons and Trolls. It was a lofty goal, but Prahvus had all the confidence in the world. He had 2,000 Horde Troopers programmed for some of the best combat scenarios in this part of the galaxy. A victory like this would surely get him a promotion.

The Horde Troopers halted at the base of Darksmoke Mountain. With a smile, he shouted his demands.

"Granamyr, king of Dragons, hear me! I am Prahvus of the Evil Horde! We command you to lay down your arms and surrender your lands to the Horde Empire! Come forward and discuss your terms of surrender!"

There was a length pause and then . . . Granamyr came swooping down from the top of the mountain. Prahvus sighed, disappointed that there would be no battle. Whoever heard of a Dragon surrendering?

"I am Granamyr, Prahvus. Quite an army you have here."

"What are your terms, Dragon?"

The huge beast, whose scaly green body was capped off with a helmet, took a deep breath. "These are my terms."

He opened his mouth . . . and issued forth a mighty burst of flame. Prahvus was incinerated in a matter of seconds. Granamyr then craned his neck and roared. Hundreds of Dragons came soaring down, laser fire doing barely anything to their thick hides.

From behind huge walls along the mountain came Trolls, who ripped into the Horde Troopers that the Dragons may have missed.

Prahvus was right. There would be no battle. There would only be a massacre.

Two hours after the Horde was destroyed, the Dragons took flight. They headed east. Towards the coast.

Marlena looked at the file folder once more, hoping that her decision to send Royal Soldiers into the southern coast was a good one. She was hoping for a good nights sleep too. Between her pregnancy and her worries about Randor, she had become a bit of an insomniac.

There was a brief knock on the door.

"Come in."

The two people that entered were not who Marlena was expecting it to be. Stephan and Johanna entered, giving their sister-in-law warm smiles. Marlena launched herself off the chair and embraced them both.

"Look at you," Stephan stated, patting her bulge.

"I know. I still have a few months to go, too," Marlena replied, smiling at them. "What brings you two here?"

Johanna looked briefly to Stephan, then walked over and put her arm around Marlena's shoulders. "We need to have a little talk, the three of us. Duncan spoke to us earlier about some questions you were asking. About the man that was with Hordak when Randor was kidnapped."

"Yes. He was making a big deal about it," Marlena replied.

"That's because he's not supposed to talk about it," Stephan said. "But we are."

"Marlena, what we are about to tell you is something that has been kept secret in our family for nearly three years now," Johanna began. "It is about our youngest brother, Keldor."

"The one who died?"

Stephan shook his head. "No, that's just it, Marlena. He didn't die."

Hordak took a long drink of the wine, savoring its sweet taste. Now things had taken a turn for the worst. Reports were coming in regarding the attack on Darksmoke and it had been a disaster. That meant that Prahvus was dead, which was an added to the Three as one of the greatest casualties to the war.

It put him in a poor mood.

"Keldor," he began, "what good do you think your brother is to us?"

"None at all," Keldor replied, smiling wickedly.

"Kill him, then. I doubt he has any new information."

Keldor's smile turned into a laugh. He rushed out of the Throne Room, leaving Hordak alone. Hordak took another deep sip of his wine.

Right around midnight, Batros neared the coast after a lengthy time spent at the Santalucia Mountains. The cloud cover was thicker than Batros had expected and he was hearing very odd things as he came ever closer. He dove down beneath the clouds . . . and halted in mid-air.

The base was aflame. Dragons circled the coastal base, periodically unleashing streams of flame upon it. Explosions lit the night sky, revealing the tattered and crumbled remains of the once expansive Horde encampment.

Batros immediately turned around and fled, moving as fast as he could.

". . . as near as we can tell, Keldor has been Hordak's apprentice throughout the war. There has been intelligence regarding a man in a cloak who, when Hordak is around, stands by his side."

Johanna continued on from her brother. "Before we spoke with Duncan, we didn't even know he was still alive."

"But he is. And he's kidnapped Randor."

"Yes. We have no idea what is going to happen."

Marlena's face had drained of color. She glanced at the clock. 12 Bells or 12:00. Midnight. No sleep for her tonight, she would be spending too much time trying to figure out what exactly Randor's crazy little brother was going to do to him.

There was a sudden knock on the door.

"Enter," Marlena commanded.

Duncan came in. "There's been a situation. We need you all in the Situation Room."

"What is it?" asked Johanna.

"There's been a development on coastline."

Marlena, Johanna, and Stephan all followed Duncan as he hurriedly led down into the Situation Room. As soon as the four of them entered, they could tell that the whole place was in chaos. Papers and books were laid out all over the center table. Monitors were being adjusted. People hardly had time to stand up before Marlena allowed them to.

"What is going on here?" Queen Marlena asked.

"Dragons, your highness."

"What?"

"From Darksmoke," Man-At-Arms filled her in, looking very tired. "From what we can gather, the Horde attempted to attack Darksmoke and failed. The Dragons, in retaliation, came out and are currently blasting the living shit out of the Horde-held areas along the coastline."

"What about our boys?" asked Marlena.

Thomas was confused by this term. "Our wha - oh, the Soldiers. Um, yes, they're holding position."

Marlena nodded. "I want some input here. I've heard that Dragons don't care for us, is that right?"

"That right," answered Stephan.

"Then I want Captain Dekker to hold his position until sunrise. Keep low and keep safe. In the morning, I had him and his men to scout the area and fish out anyone that's left. The Horde must be pushed out of the area completely."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Good. All right, then. Let me know if there are any more developments throughout the night."

Marlena walked out of the Situation Room and before heading back upstairs, she paused and turned around. Instead, she walked into the Throne Room. She looked up at Randor's throne.

"How was that, sweetheart?"

Hordak let out a horrendous sound. It was a howl of pure rage and anger. He threw his bone-hewn throne across the chamber. He slammed his fists onto the table. First the Three were gone. And then Prahvus was killed. And now, the coastline had been decimated.

"Keldor!" shouted Hordak.

"Yes, master!"

"You better kill your damn brother tonight or I'll do it for you!"

Keldor smiled. "Oh, I'll do it."

The former prince of Eternos pulled out a vile and placed in a syringe. "Toxin of Tashon."

"Good, good. Just kill him and get it over with."

Keldor walked out of the throne room, giddy despite Hordak's mood. After coming down a few levels, he arrived at where he stashed Randor. Beast-Man was there, watching the king struggle against the iron chains.

"What a dummy!" Beast-Man laughed, pointing at Randor.

"Indeed. Oh Randor, I have something for you."

Keldor retrieved Randor's crown and Honor Sword. He placed the sword in Randor's hand, then cast a limp spell on it, meaning that Randor couldn't lift it. The crown was put on his head.

"I figure, dear brother, if you're going to die you might as well die with your crown on. Mock dignity and all that."

Randor sneered. "What is it you want me to tell father?"

Keldor paused. "What?"

"Father? When I die, what do you want me to tell him about you? That your deluded sense of placement with a man who has murdered millions? That you yourself are now Eternia's greatest enemies?"

"Father isn't dead."

"Maybe. But I was thinking that maybe you killed so many, he may have been caught in the crossfire. How many innocents have gotten in your way? What was the name of your first kill?"

"Shut up, Randor."

"I think I know who it was."

Keldor gritted his teeth. "You didn't."

"It was Mom, Keldor."

Snarling, Keldor plunged the needle into Randor's neck. Immediately, Randor felt like his blood was on fire. Everything around him went dark . . . and silent. With one last, gasping breath, he spoke to his brother.

"I . . . never believed you . . . killed her . . . until today . . ."

Keldor slapped his burning face hard. "Just die, Randor."

"I never . . . never gave up . . . hope . . . for you . . ."

Keldor turned away and walked out of the room.

"You should have."

It was the last thing Randor heard.

Had he heard more, he would have heard the sound of an eagle at the window. Its screech as Beast-Man tried to stop it - only to be bested. He would have seen the ground below as he was taken to safety and away from the place that he would later wish so much he could remember.