Chapter 3
The Only Way
The gigantic banner out front should have told me that, of course, this would be the only path to reach the private section of the mighty queen. And, being mostly planet bound probably added to my utter surprise; but only steps away from the entryway I just crossed what was the most incredible sight indeed.
Stretched out like an ancient rope bridge was a long narrow passageway; completely suspended in midair. If the stand alone metal grating wasn't frightening enough; the lack of guardrails certainly would give even the most daring of warriors pause. The Royal Guards, however, continued marching and I realized the high structure did not give at all under their combined weight.
Taking my first cautious steps, I noticed there were numerous strategically tactical points soaring high above the elevated corridor should anyone attempt an attack on the Awoken. Three ledges decorated the far side wall, as did three more just behind me. They made perfect vantage points for sniping. Running parallel to the main central passageway were two identical platforms that hung slightly higher on either side. Oddly or cleverly enough, neither one ran the length of the gap. They did, however, have safety railing.
I knew this was the only way in so swallowing hard to regain my courage; I moved forward. My boots smacked the grating below me and that's when I noticed the scratches and deep gauges in the metal. They told me the fallen traitors must have tried to breach this area during the uprising, but based on a majority of the indentations at the platform's edge; they didn't get very far.
We were miles above anything solid as the bottom looked to be nothing but deep space. It was nearly incomprehensible. I felt a bit uneasy at the extensive height and could have sworn my escort snickered when she saw my hesitation. Attempting to take my mind off the task at hand, I thought I'd make an inquiry.
"If you don't mind me asking, what is your name?"
"I do mind."
I exhaled heavily, which went virtually unnoticed in the robust winds swirling around us. The gusts were strong enough to push me around a little but not enough to toss me over the side; that is, not without a little help. Ensuring she was at least an arm's distance away, I asked again.
"I apologize for that. But it would be greatly beneficial to acknowledge the one who chaperoned me with such integrity." The bait worked. The leading guard abruptly spun around. "I mean I would like to mention you by name to the Queen, if she were to perhaps ask me how my coming here today was."
Retracting her visor, the guard approached me. Furrowing her brow from an otherwise beautiful face, the blue skinned beauty shot back, "Seetra."
"Is there another name?" There was no answer as she turned back around. "A surname?" Unconsciously getting closer I practically shouted, "No title, no rank? Just Seetra?"
The deadly warrior twisted back around with a defiant stare. "To you guardian – just Seetra."
Taken aback by the unexpected rebuttal, I responded with the first thing that came to mind,
"Acknowledged." And with that, we no longer spoke for the rest of the trip to the observatory.