Chapter 2 To Maldeos

In infinite space, glittering with immortal stars, and filled with planets of life, each unique in its own way, a giant ship bearing a neutral symbol - two abstract blue and white circles intersecting, crossed space and headed for the colossal artificial planet of Maldeos.

Inside the cruiser, elite guards worked dutifully in a huge operating room. A guard working on a giant screen caught the attention of the ship's captain.

"We are 6,000 octius from the planet Maldeos, sir." He announced in a neutral, professional voice. "We will be landing in half an hour."

The captain nodded.

"Good. I'll go inform His Majesty."

But instead, he stared blankly for a moment the depthless space, bleary-eyed before turning and walking solemnly to the back of the room, dissipating in a cloud of glittering dust to the highest level of the ship where the Imperial suite was located.

The commander soon appeared brightly in the private room and walked deferentially toward the being, nonchalantly seated on a huge chair.

The chief of the personal guards bowed slightly and prepared to speak when the distant, melancholic, almost inaccessible expression of his sovereign stopped him. The latter was wearing a shimmering white suit, perfectly cut, which brought out the contrast between his short and ashen hair and his slender and firm body. His lean face, neither handsome nor charming but attractive and respectful, bore almost invisible spell marks. His icy blue eyes remained vague for the time being, but his subordinates, including the commander, knew full well that they could become as cold and unbearable as the icy territories of the Venezian Empire. He was a recent ruler, for he was the youngest son of a wise, strong and generous brother who had been emperor before him. But when the latter died, his brother finally had the duty to fulfill his imperial destiny and to ascend the throne in his turn, thus obtaining all power over Yzvalthes and the destiny of a great people. Jiide was aware that he was more rigid and intolerant in his leadership of the Empire than his predecessor had been. It was obvious that in doing so, he was unabashedly showing his desire to prove himself and earn the respect of his people. He didn't know yet if this was really the case, but he was nonetheless happy to see that, despite the considerable shadow of his brother who continued to rule over him, this brother who had aroused such devotion from all Yzvalthes, he possessed the ability and stature to lead a nation. At least, that was what winning the centennial event they would soon celebrate on Aedor meant to him.

"Your Majesty?" the commander finally called, hesitantly. But when he received no answer, he felt he had to insist. "Your Majesty! Your ... Majesty!"

Jiide Jeugolk, his head resting on the back of his throne, also gazing out into deep, bright space, sighed and finally answered.

"Yes? Forgive my reverie. What is it?"

"I apologize for the inconvenience, your Majesty, but I wanted to inform you that we are less than thirty minutes from Maldeos. We can even see it already, your highness, the fifth planet to the right, the gray one, the one wonderfully illuminated by the Garvo symbol."

"I see," nodded the ruler, his face altered.

Jiide Jeugolk intensely observed the bright spot indicated by the captain, intensely illuminated by the great Garvo symbol - a dodecagon, with each corner representing a magical element surrounded by five circles, was a sign created by a legendary rebel bearing that name explicitly signifying a sign of peace and will.

"So this is the point of no return," he continued sweetly and bitterly.

Suddenly, an intense and sublime glow surprised Jiide and the commander, and made them turn their heads. A huge comet passed by them, emitting waves of bluish light and extraordinary sparkles in its astonishing and irresistible course.

"Magnificent," whispered Jiide Jeugolk, transfixed.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," admitted the commander, who was equally captivated.

The emperor followed the formidable trajectory of the flaming star with a thoughtful look, then spoke as if to himself.

"Do you know that my nephew likes comets, Commander? And besides, he controls them so easily that sometimes it makes me sorry."

After making this remark, the ruler remained silent for a moment, as if a dull pain was gnawing at him before concluding.

"But I have a feeling he won't do that again. And.... I'm sure that despite the righteousness of my intentions, I have doomed us both."

Not understanding the root of the problem, the commander did not know what to say in response and preferred to remain in a cautious silence, only nodding politely, continuing to watch the comet that was already beginning to disappear as it melted into the dark mantle of the universe.

"Thank you for the warning, Commander. You may leave now."

And before the latter could retort, he dismissed him.

"Your Majesty," the commander bowed and slipped quietly back to the back of the room, dispersing again in a cloud of glowing dust.

Jiide Jeugolk paid no attention to his faithful knight's departure. Already he was looking toward the door that led to another room where something infinitely valuable was located. Rising to his feet, he walked over to the door engraved with very special moving spells and opened it.

The next second, Jiide Jeugolk entered a large room, three quarters of the walls of which were made of glass, offering a splendid view of the space. It was a room specially designed for the happiness of a child. Well, normally, because at that moment, and to the great surprise of the sovereign, it was completely empty. A large room where only silence and abandonment reigned.

"But what's going on here?" the emperor asked himself as he cautiously advanced into the room, looking carefully in all sides.

"Oh, astonished, are you?" Asked an amused but somewhat mournful voice.