Chapter 6
Snake Slayer Legion
Royal palace*
Man-at-Arms stood in front of the third group of regiment containing 200 soldiers, the whole legion made of 600 people donned in white mech armour with an symbol of a sword going through an S shaped snake in gold on a red circle inspired by He-Man's Snake armor and armed with plasma discharge blasters it was an experimental start but the numbers could increase as the need arose before the snake men threat was completely neutralized. His mentor and friend Dekker stood to his left and Stratos the Avion master to the right. "Thank you, for coming out of retirement and helping train them Dekker, without you we couldn't have pulled it off." said Man-at-Arms to his old mentor, "No need for formalities Duncan, we all do what we can to keep everyone safe." listening nodded Duncan looking at the regiment doing their training. Stratos said "But I don't think the king had made a wise decision this time, there is no need for this parade we need to be effective not decorative arts to put on display." Duncan looked at Stratos and explained. " No Stratos, I think it is necessary. The snake men had been inactive for months but recently there are more sighting of them and all those attacks on small rural villages are increasing day by day and people are scared again and they need to know something is being done to keep them safe, so this parade of Snake slayer regiment is indeed needed." Stratos nodded in understanding and said. "I hope it all works out." , "We all do Master Stratos, the snake men are using hit and run tactics they attack fast and small and retreat before He-Man or the Masters could reach them, having this many soldiers with the right equipment to keep watch and respond would help." Said Dekker.
"Yes the plasma blasters I designed has the ability to effect the snake men on a cellular level and penetrate their skin since normal weapons find it difficult unless it's their neck, stomach or ankles. This blaster would give the soldiers a wide surface area on the target and still cause considerable damage." Said Duncan. Stratos added. "And it would ease the Masters to be ready whenever Skeletor attacks." A guard came running and informed them. "The King demands Man-at-Arms at his study, sir." Duncan dismissed the guard then turned to them both. "Dekker, Stratos if you would take over." They both nodded and Stratos said. " We'll see to it Duncan you go see the King." Duncan gave them a nod and made his way to meet the king.
Duncan made his way to the King's study and knocked and got the reply to come in he went in and greeted the King. "Your Majesty." then bowed. The King gestured for him to take the chair and said. " Out with the protocol Duncan only we both are here." Nodding Duncan asked. "What did you send me for Randor."
"Nothing Duncan just wanted to ask about the new Legion and tomorrow's parade, Not just because it'll give hope to people and reduce their fear but also because the Council of Eternia has to be satisfied. You know that they have volunteered their people for this program and put in as much effort as we have, so they would want to see the results." Finished Randor.
"I know Sire but don't worry, the first two regiments of the Snake Slayer Legion has already been dispatched as we speak, the first one Alpha is sent to Subternia to assist the Caligars and Sepealians because we suspect snake men might be hiding there and the second one Beta regiment is posted near the places where their attacks are common and their possible next attack targets so they could respond faster and the third Delta regiment as you know is ready for the parade tomorrow and preparations for the parade are also almost complete, and after the parade Delta regiment would either be posted where needed or remain as backup forces to either assist Alpha or Beta regiments if the need ever arises, Dekker and Stratos leave tonight to lead Alpha and Beta regiments respectively, so that covers all." Concluded Man-at-Arms.
"Good, good that's nice and I'm happy with the new defences of the palace, the early warning sensors can even detect doomseekers so our palace is mostly spy proof." said Randor. Man-at-Arms raised an eyebrow and asked. "We spoke about the palace defences a month ago already, why did you call me here Randor." the king sighed and replied. "It's about Adam." Duncan put both his arms on table then inquired. "What about Adam?", Randor looked troubled then complained. "I wanted him to join tomorrow's parade in one of those Snake slayer armours to show the people their Prince is there for them, but he refused and wouldn't give me an straight answer why." If only you knew the armour itself was inspired by your son's armour. Mused Duncan while the king continued. " I know he has been careless and never showed interest in anything, I thought it would pass and when I heard he blocked Skeletor and his goons alone to buy time for the Masters to arrive I was scared but also proud, even his image in the court was beginning to change and I was beginning to believe he has finally understood the seriousness of the situation we are facing and would take up responsibilities but nothing has changed, sometimes I think it would be better if he was more like Teela." then he looked down in disappointment. Duncan smirked at that and said, "Trust me you wouldn't want to go through it if he was like her." they both chuckled at that. Then Duncan became serious and said. "I get what you are saying Randor but Adam isn't as bad as you think, he is a good kid and I'm sure he'll come around to realize his responsibilities in time."
The King's eyebrow creased at that he got up from the chair and said in frustration." Being good and being responsible are two different things Duncan. He is the future king for Elders sake! How are people going to obey and respect him if all he knows is running from battles and goofing around, I spoke to him as a Father many times and even let Marlena speak to him...but nothing so far seems to get to the boy. Do you know what types of rumors are going around in nobility about him? Speak to him Duncan, I know he is close to you then I am get some sense into the boy." then he looked down and breathed heavily to control his anger, Duncan just waited silently giving his friend a stare, Randor looked at him and sighed again then continued. "I am sorry Duncan but things are getting out of hands, I'm afraid if this continues I have to talk to him as a King." Randor said shaking his head indicating that he, himself didn't like the idea. No, I am sorry Randor to put you and Adam through this but it's necessary, lamented Duncan then he got up from his chair placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and said. " I'll speak to him, but don't make hasty decisions based on rumors and your frustration that you would come to regret later, he's your son try to have some trust in him despite what you see." Randor just nodded at that silently. "I'll take my leave now." said Duncan and left, the King rubbed his face with his hands and sighed deeply.
Duncan was on his way to Adam's room now, finding out through secure com-link which only both of them had that he was indeed in his room. Duncan entered his room locked the door and took seat on the chair near the bed Adam who was lying on his bed got up and sat on the bed, Man-at-Arms didn't waste any time and came straight to the point but asked gently. " Son, why did you deny your father's request to participate in the parade tomorrow?" Adam sighed, Duncan had to stop a smile seeing the similarities between him and his father. "You more than anyone know Duncan the snake men are constantly attacking helpless villagers and they are being smart about it this time, what if that happens tomorrow elsewhere and I can't transform and go to their rescue? Innocent people will lose life because He-Man was busy waving his hands at a cheering crowd when he was needed and I won't be able to take it if that happens." confessed Adam.
Duncan remained silent for sometime thinking over what Adam said then replied. "I am proud of you kid you have taken your responsibility seriously and you put your heart into it but the Beta regiment is already positioned on places of possible attacks and we have to have faith in them to do their job and don't forget Skeletor's streak of attacking special occasions he's been quite lately but if the snake men are making their move I guess Skeletor won't be far behind, what if he attacks the crowd at the parade? wouldn't He-Man be needed then and besides your Father is right, seeing you the people will feel the support of the Royal family regardless of your created image. I get it you are on your toes but you don't need to over think every single detail it'll only hinder you and you are making things far more difficult between you and your father, I know it's difficult for you but you have to find an equal ground with your father."
"You are right Duncan. Over thinking I have been doing it more lately. First I was feeling anxious with no attacks or threat and now I'm growing helpless that the attacks have started, I should take things as they come."
Duncan smiled sympathetically and patted Adam's knee and said. "I know Adam it's getting hectic for you now a days any normal soldier wouldn't be able to take what you are taking everyday, not to mention my daughter's daily arguments and fights. This only shows why only you can wield the sword." Adam looked down and rubbed the back of his head and said hesitantly. " I have been avoiding Teela for the past month and tomorrow she will be there by my side all day as my bodyguard, how am I going to face her Duncan if I go to the parade?"
Duncan laughed so loudly that he was shaking, then after sometime he stated smiling ear to ear. "Most powerful man in the universe... fights with ancient powerful beings... but he's scared of my daughter." Then he started laughing again. Adam covered his face with the pillow and said through it. " Stop it Duncan it's not funny!" then removed the pillow and said glaring at Man-at-Arms. "By the way He-Man is all that and I'm Adam, Prince of Eternia who has a red headed dragon for a bodyguard."
Duncan laughed some more then when he sobered up he offered. "No promises but I will try to talk to her about taking things easy on you." Adam lay back on the bed and said. "Thank you that is all I ask Duncan." then cover his face with the pillow again and said. "Close the door again while going, I'd like to get as much sleep as possible before tomorrow morning." Duncan nodded regardless of Adam saw it or not and said while walking towards the door. "Rest well, kid I'll tell the guards not to disturb and send your dinner to your room." and closed the door. He had laughed and distracted Adam for the time maybe some sleep will help his mind for the anxiety. Now he had to find his daughter to convince her not to go hard on Adam. Sighing he signaled his daughter through the com-link.
Thank you for reading and reviews are welcome and I'm trying hard to not make the next chapter too long and in that attempt might make it smaller than necessary so I hope for your tolerance. Have a nice day.
