This chapter was a bear to edit. I hope you enjoy! As always, many thanks to my wonderful editor, and credit to Phil Collins and his song "Father to Son" for the story title and all chapter titles.
Chapter Four:
sometimes you may feel you're the only one
They are let into the citadel without issue—the news of Ordon's turn against the Lords of the Crystal has apparently not reached Ha'rar yet. They are taken right up to see the All-Maudra, but they and their paladin escorts are intercepted outside the throne room by Mayrin's oldest daughter, Seladon. Ordon recognizes her, of course. In his visits to Ha'rar, she has been a fixture at her mother's side since she came of age, preparing to someday take the position of All-Maudra. He has not interacted with her beyond a few brief exchanges; his only impressions of her are that she is reserved and dedicated to her training.
Seladon gives a small bow of her head in greeting. "Captain Ordon. What is your business here? Is it about the murder at the Castle?"
He bows respectfully. "My lady, it is a related matter. We need to see the All-Maudra as soon as possible." He gestures to Deet, who tentatively gives an unsteady half-curtsy. "This is Deethra of Grot. She has traveled a long way to give your mother crucial information."
Seladon gives Deet a once-over. Her nose crinkles just slightly. "Is that so?"
Deet nods enthusiastically. "Yes. I was sent by Maudra Argot."
The Vapran gives Deet one more long look before saying, "My mother is...occupied at the moment. You can relay the information to me."
"My lady," Ordon bows again, "I apologize; but it is absolutely crucial we speak with your mother as quickly as possible. It is for the good of Thra."
To his surprise, Seladon draws herself up to her fullest height, raising her chin and arranging her features into a haughty, stern expression. "My mother is very busy, Captain. I am her eldest daughter, and the future All-Maudra. I am sure whatever this—" she glances at Deet disdainfully— "Grottan needs to tell her can be shared with me. If it's privacy you want, you can have it. Leave us, paladins."
When they do, Seladon turns to Deet with a severe expression. "Well, what is it?"
Deet glances at Ordon, unsure. He sighs in frustration, respect for the All-Maudra's eldest diminishing rapidly. "Go on," he says to Deet, thinking that maybe upon hearing Deet's message for herself, Seladon will realize how dire the situation is and fetch her mother.
"Well, it started when I was bitten by a nurloc—" Deet starts.
Seladon interrupts. "A what?"
"It's a giant worm that lives underground. My family feeds them. They—"
The princess visibly cringes. "Your family feeds worms?"
"Yes, we farm them. They're usually very gentle, but this one bit me, and then it chased me into the cave of the Sanctuary Tree. The Sanctuary Tree spoke to me and gave me a vision about—"
Seladon interrupts again, asking, "A tree spoke with you?"
"Yes, it—oh, why don't you just dreamfast with me?" Deet huffs, uncharacteristically frustrated. Not that Ordon can blame her.
"Dreamfast with you?" the princess questions incredulously.
"Yes. You can see my vision for yourself and know that it's true." Deet holds her hand out for Seladon to touch.
Seladon makes a disgusted face. "When was the last time you washed your hands?"
As Deet cocks her head and asks, "Why would I ever wash my hands?" Hup gives a growl in anger—which Ordon can barely keep himself from imitating. What an insufferable—!
He scolds, "Princess Seladon, danger is encroaching Thra. You're going to need to get over some of your more delicate sensibilities." He holds a hand out to her for emphasis, along with one to Deet, who immediately meets it with her own. "This is no time to act like a childling."
The Crown Princess looks as if she can't decide if she is offended or chagrined.
"Come on," he says, jerking his head their direction.
She sighs heavily, and with one last glare, Seladon touches her hands to theirs.
Something like music thrums through his veins, pulsing in his chest like how it feels when the whole of Stonewood stomps in a dance. It's swirling through his mind in a way he can't articulate even in the moment—he's flying and dancing and sleeping all at once. It swells and swells and swells—
And then it stops, and Ordon has the sensation of being back on solid ground. He opens his eyes to near-darkness, stone walls surrounding him. After a moment of disorientation, he realizes he is in the Castle of the Crystal, just outside the Crystal Chamber—which doesn't really help with the disorientation, actually. Through his confusion, he hears voices coming from the Chamber. His heart leaps, sure he recognizes one voice, and he hurries in.
Relief crashes onto him like an ocean wave when he sees Rian. His son is speaking with Deet, both of them almost-but-not-quite reaching for the other. Ordon barely notices, however, too overjoyed to see his son unharmed. "Rian!" he calls, jogging over.
Rian grins. "Father!"
They embrace quickly, and Rian asks, "How did we get here?"
Deet pipes up, "Um, where is here?"
"The Castle of the Crystal," Rian answers, obviously confused.
A new voice answers. "Wrong, brave Rian! Wrong! This is Dream Space!" It's an old crone in a multicolored robe, circling the Crystal, jumping and spinning and tapping her feet. Ordon has a thought—could it be—?
Deet gasps. "Mother Aughra!"
"Yes, gentle Deet! I have returned!" The old crone continues to sway and jump in an almost rhythmic manner.
"What is she doing?" Rian asks.
Deet giggles, delighted. "She's dancing!"
Suddenly Aughra stops and gasps, "Ah-ha! There's the rest of you!"
The three gelfling turn to see the other others coming to meet them. Ordon recognizes Gurjin, of course, and his sister Naia, but he is shocked to see the All-Maudra and one of her daughters—the youngest, he believes. He bows to Mayrin with a gasped, "My lady!"
To her credit, the All-Maudra is calm in the face of the unexpected. "Captain," she greets warmly.
The others exchange a few bewildered greetings as well, before Aughra gives her own. "Welcome, clever Brea. Welcome, proud All-Maudra. Strong Ordon—" his eyebrows raise at the title— "fierce Naia, wise Kylan, and Gurjin."
"Wait, that's it? Just Gurjin?" the Drenchen protests. His sister, Rian, and Ordon chuckle at his expense.