Europa Awakenings

The next morning Terrance rose early, showered, dressed, then decided to go downstairs to the dining room for breakfast. He had been skimping on his meals lately and realized he needed a good meal to boost his stamina. He chose a table by the window, which gave him a good view of the street so he could see the girls if they came with more news.

  After ordering, he began to go over in his mind his conversation with Mr. Dark Feather the day before. Although he did not directly say it, it was evident the land the foreigners had purchased was Minnos. That also meant the original Waters who settled there were the shape-shifters in the story. It seemed the more information he collected, the more mysterious and unbelievable his father’s actions and the Waters’ history was becoming. Once again he wished he could talk with Europa. Perhaps she could shed some light on the subject.

  Suddenly, he realized there was a person walking toward him, calling his name. He was shocked to see the person was Sunam. He quickly rose and walked as fast as he could without breaking into a run to Sunam, relieved to see a face from Minnos. Perhaps he was finally going to find out how Europa was doing.

  “Sunam, what are you doing here?” Terrance asked.

  “Jeanip sent me to bring you back to Minnos at Ms. Europa’s request,” Sunam replied, as if it were an everyday occurrence to be invited out to Minnos while it was on lock down. “If you are available, I will drive you out to the estate right now. Or, if you have business to attend to first, I can wait for a short time.”

  “No, I can leave now,” Terrance replied. “Is Europa okay?”

  “She is as well as can be expected,” Sunam responded. “If you would come with me, please.”

  “Are the girls coming also?” Terrance asked, delighted and amazed Sunam was going to take him to Europa.

  “No, just you.”

  After tossing a ten dollar bill at the greeter to cover the expense of his undelivered breakfast, Terrance ran out of the inn to the car. He was finally going to see Europa after so many days and he was getting to go by himself. He had so much to tell her and her friends would definitely have compromised their discussion of what he found in his father’s room. But most of all, he was finally going to see for himself that she was truly alright. It was a thirty-minute ride to the estate, all of which was driven in silence. When they neared the bend in the road where the accident had occurred, Terrance began to see countless bouquets of flowers lining the road, tributes brought by the town’s people to display their love for Mrs. Waters. Sunam slowed the vehicle to a crawl as they passed the scene of the accident, raising his hand to his forehead and bowing his head in respect for his fallen sovereign until they were past the scene. Terrance wondered if he did this every time he drove through.

  As they neared the gate Terrance saw more flowers and cards lining both sides of the roads a few inches from the fence. Mrs. Waters was truly loved by the town people.

  “Go right in. You are expected,” Sunam said, as he parked the car in front of the cottage.

  Terrance bounded up the steps, having a hard time believing he was about to see Europa. As he came through the door he saw her standing there waiting for him. She ran to him and threw her arms around him, holding him tight.

  “I have missed you so much,” Europa said.

  “I’ve been crazy with worry about you,” Terrance replied. “I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s accident.”

  Terrance noticed Jeanip standing behind Europa. Holding Europa in one arm, he extended his other hand to Jeanip. “Glad to see you again, Sir. Thank you for allowing me to come out and visit with Europa. If I can be of any help in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.”

  “Thank you, Terrance. I may have need of your help in the future. For now, I am just glad you were able to come for a visit. Europa has been becoming a little tense being confined to the house.” Jeanip shook Terrance’s hand. “It will be good for her to have someone besides Triton to talk to. By the way, did your father ever return?”

  “Yes, he returned the next day. He has already returned to Michigan with some fantastic findings about the Red Rock sparrows,” Terrance lied. He did not want Jeanip to start investigating why his father had never appeared. Until he could determine if his father’s actions had anything to do with Mrs. Waters’ death, he needed Jeanip to believe his father was back in Michigan.

  “I’m glad to hear that. And you are staying on longer?”

  “Yes. I couldn’t leave until I was sure Europa was okay,” Terrance said, smiling at her. Looking directly into her eyes he added, “I was going to wait as long as it took for that damn gate to open.”

  Jeanip could see the young man truly did love Europa. He began to think Chancee knew what he was talking about when he referred to Terrance as her quanish. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have some work out back that needs attending to. Your Highness, I take my leave of you.” With that said, Jeanip turned and walked out the back door toward the barn.

  “Mr. Landers, so glad to see you again,” Misso greeted. “Would you like some breakfast and coffee?”

  “Just coffee, please. I’m too excited to eat.”

  The two young humans sat at the kitchen table drinking their coffee, holding each other’s hand and saying very little. Neither could take their eyes off of the other, fearful if they looked away they would discover this was a dream. When they finished their coffee Europa led Terrance to a small sitting room off the front living room, Triton following close behind. Fearing Terrance might say something in front of Triton, Europa hugged him saying, “It is so good to see you,” then quickly whispered in his ear, “I have much to tell you, but we cannot speak in front of Triton. Do not say anything of importance in front of him.”

  Terrance gave her a confused look. Why couldn’t they speak in front of the dog? Who was he going to tell? Then he remembered Mr. Dark Feather’s account of the shape-shifters’ legend. Was it possible Triton was a shape-shifter? He quickly dismissed the idea, realizing it was too preposterous to even consider.

  “I will explain later,” Europa added, as she and Terrance sat down on the settee.

  Europa told Terrance what she knew of the accident, her anger at Jeanip for burying her mother without her and the fact she would not be starting college as planned. She told him she was glad his father finally arrived and very glad he had chosen to stay behind. Terrance told her about the few times he had seen her friends, how worried they all had been when they could not contact her and the countless bouquets of flowers and cards he saw at the road’s bend and in front of the fence.

  Misso brought in a tray with cookies, coffee, tea and orange juice in case Europa and Terrance were hungry. Europa thanked her and asked her to let Triton outside for a while. Triton looked at Europa and did not move. He did not want to leave the couple alone. But Europa insisted he go outside for some exercise. Reluctantly, Triton followed Misso out of the room and headed for the side door.

  As soon as Europa heard the side door open and close, she moved very close to Terrance. “We don’t have much time. Triton will not remain outside for long.”

  “Why can’t we speak in front of the dog?” Terrance asked, bewildered.

  “I know this sounds very strange, but I don’t trust him. Jeanip has known things about me only Triton could have told him. Since dogs don’t talk, he must have a transmitter on him or some type of listening device so Jeanip can track my movements.”

  “Europa, I lied to Jeanip,” Terrance said, barely hearing a word of what Europa said, as a look close to terror spread across his face. He knew if Jeanip discovered his father was still missing there would be hell to be paid. “My father never returned from his field work. I haven’t seen him. When I cleaned out his belongings in his room I found some strange things – pictures, a journal, a copy of this property’s deed and more, all relating to you and your family.”

  “My family?” Europa asked in surprise. “Why would your fat
her have things related to my family?”

  “I don’t know. The only plausible explanation I’ve been able to come up with is he thought your family was somehow associated with a lost race he has been searching for since before I was born. He came across a reference to this mysterious race years ago while doing research in Egypt and became obsessed with finding them.”

  “But how would my family be connected to a race from Egypt?”

  “I have no idea.” Terrance knew Triton could return at any moment and he wanted to hear what Europa had to say. “But we can talk about my father later. You said you had something important to tell me.”

  “Terrance, something is going on in this house, some kind of secret is being kept. I was in my mother’s room the other day and discovered a secret staircase that led to an attic above her room, an attic I never knew existed. There are all kinds of stuff up there, stuff that’s hundreds, maybe even thousands of years old. And, now that I think of it, there were a number of Egyptian golden statues.”

  “Egyptian?” Terrance asked in disbelief. “You’re kidding!”

  “That is really strange. Your father is searching for an Egyptian family and my mother has Egyptian statues,” Europa said, taking Terrance’s hand in hers. “Terrance, I found other things too: pictures of my parents that are hundreds of years old, a map of Minnos and a huge diagram of a habitat with really strange writing on it.”

  “Europa, my father had pictures of people from hundreds of years ago also. One of them looks just like your mother.” They both sat there staring at each other, both realizing they had found similar items in the parent’s rooms, both wondering what it all meant, wondering if their parents were connected and how.

  “Terrance, I found something else, something really strange,” Europa stated, drawing even closer to Terrance to whisper in his ear. “I found my mother’s diary. On the day I was born she wrote that I was born human.”

  “Human?” asked Terrance, perplexed. “Are you sure she wrote human? You didn’t read it wrong?”

  “Yes, she wrote human. I read it several times to make sure I read it correctly. What else would I be? There is also an entry regarding my brother and that he will remain human until I am born.”

  “I didn’t know you had a brother,” Terrance stated, astonished at this bit of information, wondering why Europa had never mentioned him. “Does he live around here?”

  “No, he does not because I do not have a brother, at least not that I know of. But you are missing the point – why would he not be human AFTER I was born? What difference does my birth make?”

  “Europa, this is really weird.”

  “Tell me about it. And it gets weirder. My mother made an entry a few days before my birthday. She said I did not know who I really was. It scared me because that would mean my whole life has been a lie.”

  “Did you ask Jeanip about it?”

  “No, I do not feel I can trust him or anyone except you, Terrance. Everyone here was loyal to my mother, and still are. They will never break her confidence, even though she is gone. They will take her secrets to their graves. ”

  “What are you going to do?” Terrance asked, concerned for Europa. “Do you think Annie, Suzie or Rannie might know anything or be able to help?”

  “I do not believe they know anything, but even if they do not, I feel I cannot trust them either,” Europa said to Terrance’s surprise. “If Jeanip was to question any of them about things I told them, I do not believe they could keep my secrets. Jeanip has a way of getting people to tell him things just by looking at them. No, you, Terrance, are my only ally in this.” Europa took a sip of coffee before she continued, “I was able to smuggle some of the smaller items from my mother’s attic into my bedroom and I have them hidden in my bathroom. But I can only look at them once a day when I am supposedly taking a bath because Triton is always at my side. Plus, I have to get back into that attic somehow so I can explore more. There are more secrets up there. I just don’t know how to get away from Triton long enough.”

  “Drug him,” Terrance said nonchalantly.

  “What?” Europa said, removing her hand from Terrance’s, startled at the suggestion.

  “Drug him. Put him to sleep. Haven’t you ever heard of dog tranquilizers? You can knock him out for several hours. Trust me,” Terrance said, taking Europa’s hand back. “They won’t hurt him. He’ll just get a good sleep.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m positive. My dog back home gets car sick whenever we travel. Our vet gave us tranquilizers for him and, believe me, it has made a world of difference. I give him two pills and he sleeps until we arrive at our destination. He’s happy and I don’t have a mess to clean up in the car.”

  “But I do not believe we have anything like that here. And if we did, it would be under Jeanip’s control.” Europa looked at Terrance, knowing once again he would have to be her salvation. “Terrance, could you buy some in town and bring them to me tomorrow? I will make sure Jeanip allows you to return. In fact, I am going to make sure you come back every day.”

  Still having much to tell each other, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a loud yelp outside. Europa ran to the side door, recognizing Triton’s cry. She saw Tinderoon carrying Triton up the stairs, blood dripping from one of his paws, while Jeanip ran toward them from the barn.

  “What happened?” Europa asked, as Terrance opened the door so Tinderoon could carry Triton inside.

  “He’ll be okay, Miss,” Tinderoon answered. “Just a little cut. It looks worse than it is. It appears he stepped on a piece of glass out in the yard.”

  Jeanip came bursting through the door, worried there had been another attempted attack. “What happened?” he asked, worry clearly sketched across his face. “Is everyone okay in here?”

  “Triton stepped on some glass out in the yard and cut his foot,” Tinderoon answered. “That’s all. Everything is secure.”

  “Take him into the kitchen so I can have a look,” Jeanip ordered, the worried look diminishing. “Put him on the flower arranging table. It has the best lightening. Misso, bring me a pan of warm water and a cloth. Tinderoon, there’s some peroxide and bandage wrap under the sink in my room. Would you get them after you put Triton down?”

  Tinderoon placed Triton gently on the table, then went to retrieve the peroxide and bandage wrap from Jeanip’s room. Jeanip switched on the overhead light and carefully lifted Triton’s paw. He washed away the blood and examined the paw, seeing a shard of glass imbedded in one of the foot pads. He carefully grabbed the shard and pulled it free. Triton yelped in pain.

  “Is he going to be alright?” Europa asked.

  “I believe so,” Jeanip replied. “This might sting a little, boy,” he said to Triton, poring peroxide over the wound. Triton flinched, but did not cry out loud. Jeanip reexamined the wound to determine if stitches were needed. Luckily, the glass shard had not penetrated too deep. Jeanip wrapped the paw and lifted Triton down to the floor. “There you go, boy. That foot’s going to be sore for a while.” Jeanip turned to face the worried Europa. “Don’t worry, Your Highness, he’ll be running around the yard again in a few days. He just needs some extra rest and should avoid the stairs. He will need to remain downstairs for the next few days to give the cut a chance to heal. I’ll keep an eye on his paw to be sure it doesn’t get infected.”

  “Thank you, Jeanip,” Europa stated. “As always, your service is very much appreciated.” She reached down and petted Triton’s head. “You need to be more careful out there in the yard.” She turned, took Terrance’s hand and walked back toward the sitting room. As they passed the door, Terrance suggested they go outside for a breath of fresh air. After her fright over Triton, Terrance thought it would do her good.

  “I am sorry, but for now I am not allowed outside,” Europa said. “I must remain behind these walls.”

  ??
?What do you mean you’re not allowed outside?” Terrance asked, suddenly very concerned Europa was being kept a prisoner in her own home.

  “It is for my own protection,” Europa said, seeing the concern on Terrance’s face. She realized he couldn’t comprehend why she was confined to the house. “It is okay, I have agreed to it.”

  “Your protection? I don’t understand, Europa,” Terrance confessed. “You’re telling me you’re a prisoner in your own home and you’re okay with it? Europa, that’s not right. I need to get you out of here right now.” He took her hand and began to walk her toward the front door. He didn’t know how, but somehow they were leaving, even if they had to walk all the way to town.

  “Stop, Terrance,” Jeanip ordered, as he and Tinderoon rushed forward to prevent Europa from leaving. Both immediately took positions in front of the door, preventing the two from exiting. “If you choose you may go outside, but Europa must remain inside.”

  “So she has told me” shouted Terrance, now more determined than ever to get Europa out of there. “You can’t keep her prisoner. I won’t allow it. “I’ll . . .”

  Europa placed her hand on Terrance’s shoulder. She smiled at him and relished in his desire to protect her. “Come back to the sitting room with me, Mr. Landers. I will explain what is going on.” She turned to face Jeanip and Tinderoon. “It is okay, Jeanip. I will explain to him why I cannot go outside. I am in no danger. You may return to your duties.”

  Jeanip looked at Europa, then at Terrance, then back at Europa. “As you wish, Your Majesty,” Jeanip said. “We will return to the barn and finish our work.” He looked directly at Terrance. “If you wish to remain visiting, Terrance, do NOT try anything like that again.” Having said that, he and Tinderoon walked into the kitchen and out the side door.

  Europa took Terrance’s hand and started to walk toward the sitting room. “I have a short tale to tell you about whom I am, or at least who I think I am. I believe after you hear it you will understand why I have agreed to remain inside the cottage.”

  “I doubt that!” Terrance replied, as he followed, thinking there was no reason acceptable for keeping her sequestered.

  Once seated, Europa began to tell Terrance the remainder of the story she had begun that day they visited the rookeries. She reminded him about her being of royal blood, then proceeded to tell him about the years of war her family fought, their enemy’s oath to annihilate every member of her family and lastly, the possibility her mother had been assassinated when mistaken for Europa. “This assassin may still be out there waiting for another chance to end my life. So you see, Terrance, I must remain behind these walls. Here I am safe. No harm can come to me as long as I am protected behind Minnos’ walls.”

  Terrance just sat there, not saying a word. He knew the assassin might be his father and he debated about telling Europa his assumptions. He wanted to tell her the truth but, at the same time, he did not want to be barred from Minnos again. He knew Jeanip would not hesitate to throw him off the property if he knew what Terrance suspected. Terrance reminded himself he had no positive proof it was his father, just the journal and the picture of Europa’s truck.

  When Terrance remained quiet Europa took his silence as him having trouble believing her again. She wondered why he could believe everything they had both found but he couldn’t believe this simple truth. “Terrance, I know it sounds like I’m making this up, that I am fantasizing, but it is the truth. Luckily, I can prove it.” Before Terrance could reply that he did not doubt her story, Europa rang for Misso. Misso immediately came to see what she needed.

  “Yes, Your Majesty, did you need something?” Misso asked. “Something to eat or drink?”

  “Nothing to eat or drink right now, Misso. I need for you tell Terrance whom I am the daughter of.”

  “You are the daughter of Enok and Medaron Waters.”

  “And who were my parents to you, Misso?” Misso looked nervously at Europa. She wasn’t sure how she should answer. “It is okay, Misso. I give you permission to tell Terrance who my parents were and who I really am.”

  “Your parents were the leaders of our people, the sovereigns of our nation. You are the daughter of the Head Monarchs of the royal family.”

  “And why am I not allowed to go outside of the cottage?” Again, Misso looked at Europa, obviously very nervous about telling Terrance some of the family’s secrets. Misso wondered where Europa was going with this line of questions. “It is okay, Misso. Tell Terrance why I cannot go outside.”

  “Your great-great-grandparents fought against an enemy who swore an oath to eradicate your family – both current and future generations. It is now believed some of their descendants have discovered your family’s location and are trying to fulfill their ancestor’s oath. They killed your mother, believing it was you in your truck, and are probably out there planning another attempt to end your life.” Tears started to fill Misso’s eyes as she recanted the story, reliving Medaron’s death. “Is there more you wish me to tell him?”

  “No, Misso, that is all,” Europa said, suddenly realizing the sadness she caused Misso in reliving the past weeks. “I did not mean to bring you such sadness. I apologize for that.” Misso did not say a word, but simply turned and left the room. Europa and Terrance could hear her crying in the kitchen.

  “I did not mean to make her so sad,” Europa softly said. “Had I known, I never would have asked her those questions.”

  “It’s my fault,” Terrance replied. “I should have stopped you and told you I believed what you told me and there was no reason to question Misso. I can see Misso loved your mother dearly and has been traumatized by her death.” Terrance pulled Europa into his arms and held her tightly. “I am truly sorry, Europa. I’m sorry you didn’t think I believed you again.” Europa laid in his arms, warm and secure, the horrors of the recent past gone, at least for a few moments. She felt Terrance’s hand lift her head and then felt his soft lips on hers, kissing her so tenderly. She kissed him back, not wanting this moment to end – it was the first moment of happiness she had experienced since leaving Terrance in the Inn’s dining room. When the kiss ended she put her head back on Terrance’s chest, feeling his heart beating as he said, “So you’re really a princess just like you told me the day we went to the rookeries?”

  “Well, I was a princess,” Europa answered, wondering how Terrance would react to the next part of her statement. “When my mother died I actually became the queen.”

  “Oh great, like that makes it better. I was in love with a princess; now I am in love with a queen!” Europa’s heart skipped a beat when she heard Terrance say he was in love with her. Had he realized he had said it? Should she say she loved him back? Before she could determine what to do she heard Terrance say, “And someone might really be out there trying to assassinate you?”

  “That is what Jeanip believes. And that is why I remain behind these cottage walls. Here I am safe, completely shielded from anything outside which may which to harm me.”

  “Is there the possibility the accident was just that – an accident? Could someone have unintentionally caused her death by accidentally scaring that deer and causing it to go into the road?” Terrance asked, still hoping his father had not purposely killed Mrs. Waters.

  “All evidence points to the fact my mother was purposely killed, assassinated. And because of that, our time to discover what is going on is very limited, Terrance. Jeanip feels I am no longer safe here and is preparing to move me to a location where he can assure my safety. He said my parents built it before I was born just in case our enemy reappeared and my life was in jeopardy. Once I am there I may never be able to discover the truth.”

  “Leave? To where? When?” Terrance was frantic. He had finally been able to enter Minnos to see Europa and now she was telling him she would be leaving soon for an unknown location. He could not lose her again. Plus, if someone was
trying to kill her, he needed to stay with her, to protect her.

  “I believe just as soon as he can make the arrangements, probably in less than a week.”

  “Less than a week! Terrance repeated, dumbfounded by the possibility he only had a few days with Europa remaining. “Did he say for how long?”

  “No, only that I would have to remain there until he could be sure there was no longer a threat on my life. I imagine we are talking at least several months.”

  “Or YEARS!” Terrance screamed, as he jumped up, realizing the possibility of their separation. They might only have days to discover the truth about what each had found, to uncover the truth about who their parents were, who they themselves were. He hadn’t even had a chance to tell her about his meeting with Mr. Dark Feather and the tale of the shape-shifters. “This is totally unacceptable, Europa. I cannot allow it. I . . .”. Terrance stopped when he saw Triton limp into the room and stare at him. Terrance realized he had once again raised his voice and may have caused some apprehension on Triton’s part. Seeing there was no trouble, Triton walked over to Europa and laid down at her feet. Realizing Triton was there to stay, and remembering Europa’s warning about the possibility Triton was wearing a listening device, Terrance was upset with himself for becoming so emotional and raising his voice. Now he and Europa would not be able to continue their discussion and they had much more to talk about.

  Unable to discuss anything of importance, Europa and Terrance spent the afternoon talking about the accident, the concussion Europa suffered and her lying unconscious for five days and other known facts. Just as they were running out of general conversation, Triton stood up and hobbled into the other room, heading toward the kitchen. Europa heard the side door open and close, making her believe Triton had gone outside. She scooted closer to Terrance so she could tell him more of what she found in the attic.

  “Terrance, I need to tell you what else I found in the attic before Triton comes back. There is a larger version of the amulet I wear suspended in the air. I put my hands on it and it began to hum and glow, sending out strands of light. It . . .”. Just then Misso appeared at the doorway to announce dinner was ready. Europa sighed, knowing her story would have to wait until later.

  They entered the kitchen to see Jeanip and Earon already seated at the table. Both stood up as Europa entered. Earon raised his hand to his forehead and bowed. As he bowed Europa was stunned to see an amulet identical to hers hidden beneath his shirt. Only the royal family supposedly wore the amulets, so why did Earon wear one? She quickly moved her eyes up to Earon’s face so no one would notice she had seen the amulet.

  “Earon, I am glad to see you again. I thought perhaps you had left without saying goodbye.”

  “It is nice to see you again also, Europa. I told Jeanip I would stay for a while to help around the estate.” Earon diverted his gaze from Europa to Terrance. “This must be Terrance,” he said, holding out his hand.

  “Terrance, this is my cousin, Earon,” Europa said, as Terrance shook his hand. “Earon, this if my friend, Terrance.”

  “It is nice to finally meet you, Terrance,” Earon said. “I have heard so much about you.”

  “You have?” asked Europa, wondering how Earon heard about him if Earon had just arrived a few days before.

  “Yes, Jeanip has been telling me about him,” Earon said, looking directly at Europa. Turning his gaze back to Terrance he added, “You evidently have made a good impression on Jeanip. If you knew Jeanip better you would know, Terrance, that is some accomplishment.” Out of the corner of his eye he saw Jeanip give him a scowl.

  “Earon, did you get hurt? I see your hand is bandaged.” Europa asked, noticing Earon’s left hand was wrapped in a bandage. She immediately looked around for Triton, but did not see him anywhere. At that moment it occurred to her that whenever Earon was around Triton was not, and vice versa. She also thought it strange Earon’s left hand was bandaged just like Triton’s left paw was. Could there be a connection between the two? Was it possible that Earon and Triton were the same person and he was the brother her mother spoke of in her journal? Could he be her lost brother?

  “Little accident. Nothing to fret about. Seems like I cannot cut an apple without stabbing myself,” Earon chuckled. “I should have left the slicing to Misso as she suggested.”

  Jeanip shifted slightly in his chair, cleared his throat and looked at Terrance. “Terrance, Europa explained to you why she is required to remain within these walls?”

  “Yes, Sir, she did.” Terrance replied. “And I totally agree, Jeanip. If her life is in danger she needs to stay behind these walls where nothing can harm her.”

  “I am glad to hear that. Did she also tell you her mother’s death may have not been an accident?”

  “Yes, Sir, she told me that too.” Terrance replied, concentrating as hard as he could not to show any sign of emotion. He knew Jeanip would be watching for any change in his expression or demeanor to signal he knew something or was withholding information. He quickly hid his thoughts that his father may have caused the accident.

  “Did she also tell you she may have been the true target, that her mother was killed in error?” Jeanip asked, as he fought to keep a tear from sliding down his cheek.

  “Yes, Sir.” Terrance prayed Jeanip would stop this line of questioning. He knew he could not hold his composure for much longer. And if he broke, it would be all over – Jeanip would never allow him to see Europa again.

  Chancee had suggested Terrance was her quanish. If so, this was the perfect opportunity to solicit his help. Jeanip asked, “As her friend, Terrance, are you willing to help us keep her protected?”

  “Yes, Sir. There is nothing more important to me than her safety.” Terrance turned and looked at Europa, taking her hand in his. “Just let me know what I need to do and I will do it.” Turning back to face Jeanip, he added, “I am licensed to carry a weapon so, if you’d like, I can purchase one in town and start carrying it.”

  “That won’t be necessary, Terrance, but thank you for the offer. There are currently enough armed guards on the estate, but I will keep your offer in mind if things ever change and necessitate another armed guardian. The biggest help you can give me is to stay with her and keep her company, keep her entertained throughout the day and, most importantly, be sure she does not go outside.”

  “I can do that, Jeanip,” Terrance replied, delighted to know Jeanip trusted him enough to solicit his help.

  “You are a man of honor, Terrance. I welcome your help’” Jeanip said, giving Terrance a smile. He did not look at Europa to see the smile on her face, but he felt it. “I do have one more favor to ask of you, if I may. I was wondering if you would mind staying out here for a few days. You could bring your things with you tomorrow morning. Or if that’s not convenient, I can have Sunam drive in and bring you back each morning and take you back to the inn each night. It’s up to you.”

  Terrance and Europa looked at each other. Neither could believe Jeanip was asking Terrance to come and stay on Minnos. It was more than Europa dreamed of. Perhaps Jeanip was trying to make up for his past actions.

  “It’s no inconvenience at all, Sir,” Terrance quickly said, barely able to remain in his seat. “I would love to spend a few days on the estate. In fact, I have been trying to figure out a way to bring that very subject up. I was going to ask if I might be allowed to stay out here and help protect her. If there is someone out there trying to hurt her then my place is at her side.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Jeanip replied. “I’ll have Sunam and Birea prepare the guest room in the bunk house. Now, let us enjoy this meal. Earon, would you please give the thanks.”

  Everyone bowed their heads as Earon gave thanks. “May the Waters bless this food we are about to eat and guide us on our journeys. May they keep our dearest Europa safe and guide us in our endeavors to accomplish this task.” H
e wanted to add “And for Jeanip allowing Terrance to stay at Minnos and keep my little sister happy and content”, but knew that was not possible.

  Once Europa had taken the first bite, the four enjoyed the wonderful meal Misso had fixed. Jeanip thought Europa seemed much happier. He was glad he had agreed to let Terrance visit and he would be a part of her protection. Plus, if Terrance’s father did have a part in Medaron’s accident, be it intentional or not, having Terrance on Minnos gave Jeanip the opportunity to keep an eye on him and, if involved, bring any possible Terrians out of hiding. He hoped to find time to talk to Terrance about his father.

  After dinner, they moved to the living room for coffee and berry cake, one of Misso’s specialties. All too soon for the young couple, Jeanip announced it was getting dark and time for the front gate to be locked for the night. It was necessary for Terrance to return to town so his driver could return before it became totally dark. Security protocol demanded that no one, even the farm hands or Jeanip himself, would have access to Minnos through the front gate once night’s cloak shrouded the area. Terrance and Jeanip agreed upon a time when Sunam would pick him up the following day to return to the estate. Europa walked Terrance to the front door, then turned to see if Jeanip and Earon were watching. To her relief, they had stood up with their backs to the young couple, giving them what privacy they could. The two said their goodbyes, sealing their blossoming love with a goodnight kiss. Scurrying to the window, she watched Terrance walk down the stairs and over to the car where Sunam waited. Just as he disappeared inside he turned and waved to her. She waved back, then watched the car back up and head toward town.

  When she could no longer see the tail lights, Europa bounded up the stairs, feeling as if she were floating on clouds rather than walking on wooden floors. Who knew a kiss could lighten one’s heart so much? Adding in the fact that, starting tomorrow, Terrance would be staying at Minnos instead of in town, she couldn’t be happier. As she reached her bedroom she looked around for Triton to assure he entered the room before she closed the door. Then she remembered he had hurt his front paw and was confined downstairs. This day was just getting better, she thought. She would be able to really study the articles she brought back from her mother’s bedroom, possibly even sneak back inside and visiting the Orb again.

  Just as she went to close her door she heard a creak on the top stair and Jeanip’s voice. “Europa, one moment please.”

  “Yes, Jeanip?” Fear seized her as she thought Jeanip might have changed his mind about Terrance staying on the estate. Or he objected to Terrance kissing her in front of him and Earon. Open displays of affection were not common in the family. To her delight, she was pleasantly surprised by his reply.

  “Since Triton is confined downstairs you do not have anyone to guard you in your room tonight. I know Birea sleeps in the room next to you, but I was wondering if you would like her or Misso to sleep on a cot in your room? Or, if you would prefer, I could post a guard outside your door for the night? I can even be the one to stand guard, if that makes you feel safer.”

  Europa knew for Jeanip to offer such a lowly task as to stand guard outside her room was a great honor and a show of how much she meant to him. She could recall no memory of him ever standing outside her mother’s door. He must truly be worried about her safety.

  “I do not think that will be necessary, Jeanip” Europa answered. “As you said, Birea sleeps right next door to this room. I will make sure my door is left open and she will be able to hear me if I need anything. Besides, with the upgrades you made in the security system, I do not believe anyone could get into this house, let alone my room.”

  “As you wish,” Jeanip stated, removing a weapon from his belt and lying it on the night stand beside her bed. “I will leave this here beside you just in case it is needed. Good night, Your Majesty.”

  “Good night, Jeanip,” Europa replied.

  As he walked down the hall, he noticed Europa closed her door. “Europa, remember, your door needs to be open.”

  “I will make sure it is, Jeanip. I planned on staying up and reading for a while. I did not want the light from my room to disturb Birea. Once I am done reading I will reopen the door. I promise.” Europa looked at Jeanip, trying to give him her best confident and honest look. She needed to keep the door closed in order to explore the attic items. “Say okay, say okay, say okay,” she kept repeating over in her mind.

  “Don’t forget,” Jeanip said, as he began to descend the stairs.

  With a smile on her face, Europa watched Jeanip walk downstairs. Thinking she should say something about him allowing Terrance to stay on the estate, she quickly said, “Jeanip, thank you for allowing Terrance to visit today and for the invitation that he stay out here. It means a lot to me.”

  Jeanip stopped on the third step down and turned to face her. “I like your young man, Europa. I am glad you are friends. If you have no further need of me I will take my leave of you, Your Highness. Sleep well.”

  “You try to sleep well also,” Europa said, knowing Jeanip would be up most of the night planning for her departure and her continued safety. As she closed the door her smile grew until it stretched across her face. She felt like jumping and bouncing around the room she was so excited. “Jeanip accepts him. He approves. Hurray!” Europa shouted, and then realized she might wake Birea. To avoid Birea rushing in to see what was wrong and staying forever to chat, Europa silenced her words and did a merry jig around the room instead.

  As Jeanip descended the stairs he heard Europa’s shouts of joy. For a brief moment he allowed himself to feel the warmth her words brought to his heart. He relished in their joy and comfort, the first he had felt since Medaron’s death.

  “Looks like our girl might be in love, Triton.” Jeanip said, as he passed Triton at the bottom of the stairs.

  Triton looked up at him. “I believe you are correct,” he silently said. “You made her very happy tonight. I believe she has remembered how much she loves you and has forgiven you for burying Mother without her.” He laid his head on the rug in preparation for a night of sleep.

  Jeanip smiled and tucked the joy of Europa’s happiness and Earon’s words behind his heart. Straightening his shoulders, he returned to being the Commander in charge of keeping his people’s two monarchs safe.

  THE ORB