Chapter 5: Warning Signs

With her arms crossed tight against her chest, Scylla radiated stark disapproval as she watched Princess Amalthea pack another armful of items into her travel bags. While the Princess only appeared mildly happy in completely her preparations, Scylla knew that the princess was inwardly smirking. For months, she had been trying to evade the security of the palace.

“I wish you would reconsider, my lady,” Scylla said. “At least let me or one of the other Guardians accompany you and Werla on this trip.”

Amalthea rolled her eyes as she turned to face the Guardian of Mercy. “This trip is to intensify my training, Scylla, especially my meditation, which is constantly interrupted here in the palace.”

“But two months without any guard or contact with the palace, Princess Amalthea, is really quite . . .”

“Perfect,” Amalthea interjected. She turned her back on the Guardian and crossed the room, beginning to search through a cluttered dresser drawer .

“Dangerous,” Scylla countered, her irritation growing. She had never witnessed the princess this foolishly obstinate, so complete in her disregard in the opinions of others. “What will happen if you or Werla or both of you become ill or hurt during this journey? We will have no idea of where to begin to search for you.”

Amalthea threw an armful of clothes into one of the bags. “One of the ideas for us traveling is to help me depend on my skills and powers, not to be completely dependent on yours or anyone else’s.”

“My lady, please consider the risk you are exposing yourself to,” Scylla asked, her tone holding a hint of pleading. “You are the Princess of Cignus. You have duties and responsibilities here. Who will fulfill these will something happens to you? Who will take the throne if something were to happen to Adonis?”

Amalthea visibly flinched at the mention of her brother and the throne. “Nothing will ever happen to Adonis,” she replied, her tone bitter. “Dido and my parents will see to that. There will never be a chance for me to rule Cignus.

“My duties and responsibilities to Cignus,” her tone grew cruel with sarcasm, “are remaining within my brother’s shadow.”

“That is not true!” Scylla was shocked that she had raised her voice to the princess.

However, Amalthea appeared smug. “Oh, but how true it is. The Guardians of Cignus are sworn to protect the throne of Cignus first and foremost, meaning Adonis. Dido especially would willingly die for him. Who would do that for me?”

“I thought that answer would be obvious, my lady,” Scylla said softly.

Amalthea paused, studying the Guardian with acute interest. Then, she shook her head. “This whole argument is really futile, Guardian. My father has already given his permission. Now, please leave. I have to finish packing and Werla will be here in a few minutes.”

Immediately, Amalthea turned back to her bags. Scylla stared at Amalthea, stunned at the callousness the princess had displayed. With a mechanical bow, Scylla left the rooms. Amalthea never paused in her packing.

* * * * *

Scylla studied the water of the garden lake, replaying in her mind over and over again. Her greatest fear was being realized before her eyes, and she seemed helpless to stop. She, the Guardian of Mercy, one of the great Guardians of Cignus, was utterly helpless in protecting Amalthea from herself.

She was somewhat surprised to see Dido and Adonis by the lake’s shore. ‘Does Dido realize that Amalthea could ruin her reputation as a Guardian on a whim?’ Scylla wondered. ‘Do they realize what is about to happen?’

Everyone in the palace had been shocked when Cassandra had reported the absolute destruction of the Moon Kingdom. Yet, in their grief over the lost of their brief friends, there had been an underlying sigh of relief that Cassandra’s vision had not been of the arrival of the Child of Darkness.

‘How mistaken we were,’ Scylla realized, leaning against the oak, wishing she could draw additional strength. She needed to discuss Amalthea’s behavior and possible plans of actions with someone before she went to the king and Cassandra.

She headed to the shore, hating herself for disrupting Adonis and Dido. However, she needed them right now to help sort through what was happening to Amalthea. ‘They deserve to know firsthand, anyway,’ Scylla rationalized.

Dido had immediately sensed her approach. “Scylla? Scylla, what’s wrong?” Dido had not seen her twin in this state of crisis before and it terrified her. “What is it?”

“My lord, Dido,” Scylla said in a detached voice, nodding to each, “I have a very delicate situation to discuss with you.” She took a deep breath. “I need your help.”

Dido immediately hugged her sister, giving Adonis a worried look over her sister’s shoulder. The expression on the prince’s face told Dido that he understood the seriousness of the situation. Closing her eyes briefly, Dido prayed for strength.

“Scylla, tell us what happened,” Adonis said softly, squeezing her shoulder as Dido released her.

Scylla recounted the scene that had taken been a few short minutes ago. She knew by the other’s expressions that they too were coming to the same conclusion as she had: Amalthea was becoming the Child of Darkness.

“We have to tell Cassandra and the king. We have to stall this trip with Werla. It is our only chance to save her,” Dido said, looking at Adonis for his opinion.

“Dido’s right,” Adonis said, nodding. “My parents must be told of this. We all know that my sister is unhappy that she is not heir but this behavior is so out of character for Amalthea. We have to go now. She and Werla are scheduled to leave the castle in a few hours.”

* * * * *

Adonis only gave a brief knock before he entered his father’s study, followed by Scylla and Dido. The king and Cassandra were noticeably surprised by the sudden visit. Mutely, the king motioned for Adonis to sit down. Dido and Scylla stood behind him.

“Father, we are concerned about Amalthea. You must cancel this trip with Werla. She did some things out of character for her and we fear for her safety.”

“What kind of things?” the king asked.

Scylla describe the earlier scene in Amalthea’s room. “I have never seen her so cold before, my lord, so callous. We must intervene.”

“Your Majesty, I must agree,” Cassandra added. “Stopping this journey is imperative to stopping Amalthea if she is indeed becoming the Child of Darkness.”

“I fear you are all right,” the king said, rising from chair. “We will find. She should still be in her room or on the palace grounds.”

* * * * *

Scylla used every ounce of strength she had to stop herself from visibly weeping as the last search team returned to the palace. The king and they did not find Amalthea and Werla in the chamber of the princess and they had not been found on the palace grounds. Visibly concerned, the king had ordered units of the royal guard to search the areas surrounding the palace to search for the pair.

Clytie and Hyperion had volunteered immediately, reassuring Dido and Scylla that they would search for Amalthea as thoroughly as they could. The couple were the final search unit to return to the palace, both apologizing for not finding the missing women.

Scylla numbly noticed that it was nearing dawn, the eastern horizon growing orange-red in color. She automatically thanked Clytie and Hyperion and left the courtyard. The Guardian of Mercy was surprised to see Dido and Adonis slightly ahead of her.

Aware of her sister’s presence, Dido turned around and waited for Scylla to approach. The look of Scylla’s face was enough to tell Dido that Clytie and Hyperion had been unsuccessful. Part of her mind argued that the royal guards and more of the Guardians would search tomorrow, but she knew that if they would have been able to find the princess and Werla, they would have done so by now.

Adonis watched the silent exchange between the twin Guardians and felt his last flicker of hope die. He wanted to believe that Amalthea would return in the appointed two months, but he now feared as whom she would return. If she was becoming the Child of Darkness, then he would be the Child of Light. His only power against her would be the promise of one of his descendants defeating her.

However, Adonis was not married, not even seriously involved with anyone at the moment. Should he look for a wife in the hope that one of his descendants would defeat Amalthea? He tried to force the thought from his mind.

Then, he locked eyes with Dido. The great concern for him in the eyes of the Guardian of Compassion made Adonis wonder if she had deeper feelings for him. He looked away, realizing that this was not the time to attempt a conversation of that kind with Dido.

“I am going to my chambers, now, Dido,” Adonis said softly. “Please make sure that you and Scylla get some sleep. I will see you both tomorrow.” Then he looked at the horizon. “Or in a few hours.” Then he left the courtyard.

Dido turned her attention back to Scylla. “We will need all the rest we can get, Scylla,” she said, taking the nearest of her sister’s hands. “Tomorrow will be especially difficult.”

“Are you trying to be Cassandra, Dido?” Scylla asked, a bitter smile on her face.

“I hope not, Scylla. Oh, I hope not.”

With no further words, the twins headed to their chambers, both knowing that sleep would be especially elusive now, no matter how their bodies protested.


Warning Signs With her arms crossed tight against her chest, Scylla radiated stark disapproval as she watched Princess Amalthea pack another armful of items into her travel bags. While the Princess only appeared mildly happy in completely her preparations, Scylla knew that the princess was inwardly smirking. For months, she had been trying to evade the security of the palace. “I wish you would reconsider, my lady,” Scylla said. “At least let me or one of the other Guardians accompany you and Werla on this trip.” Amalthea rolled her eyes as she turned to face the Guardian of Mercy. “This trip is to intensify my training, Scylla, especially my meditation, which is constantly interrupted here in the palace.” “But two months without any guard or contact with the palace, Princess Amalthea, is really quite . . .” “Perfect,” Amalthea interjected. She turned her back on the Guardian and crossed the room, beginning to search through a cluttered dresser drawer . “Dangerous,” Scylla countered, her irritation growing. She had never witnessed the princess this foolishly obstinate, so complete in her disregard in the opinions of others. “What will happen if you or Werla or both of you become ill or hurt during this journey? We will have no idea of where to begin to search for you.” Amalthea threw an armful of clothes into one of the bags. “One of the ideas for us traveling is to help me depend on my skills and powers, not to be completely dependent on yours or anyone else’s.” “My lady, please consider the risk you are exposing yourself to,” Scylla asked, her tone holding a hint of pleading. “You are the Princess of Cignus. You have duties and responsibilities here. Who will fulfill these will something happens to you? Who will take the throne if something were to happen to Adonis?” Amalthea visibly flinched at the mention of her brother and the throne. “Nothing will ever happen to Adonis,” she replied, her tone bitter. “Dido and my parents will see to that. There will never be a chance for me to rule Cignus. “My duties and responsibilities to Cignus,” her tone grew cruel with sarcasm, “are remaining within my brother’s shadow.” “That is not true!” Scylla was shocked that she had raised her voice to the princess. However, Amalthea appeared smug. “Oh, but how true it is. The Guardians of Cignus are sworn to protect the throne of Cignus first and foremost, meaning Adonis. Dido especially would willingly die for him. Who would do that for me?” “I thought that answer would be obvious, my lady,” Scylla said softly. Amalthea paused, studying the Guardian with acute interest. Then, she shook her head. “This whole argument is really futile, Guardian. My father has already given his permission. Now, please leave. I have to finish packing and Werla will be here in a few minutes.” Immediately, Amalthea turned back to her bags. Scylla stared at Amalthea, stunned at the callousness the princess had displayed. With a mechanical bow, Scylla left the rooms. Amalthea never paused in her packing. * * * * * Scylla studied the water of the garden lake, replaying in her mind over and over again. Her greatest fear was being realized before her eyes, and she seemed helpless to stop. She, the Guardian of Mercy, one of the great Guardians of Cignus, was utterly helpless in protecting Amalthea from herself. She was somewhat surprised to see Dido and Adonis by the lake’s shore. ‘Does Dido realize that Amalthea could ruin her reputation as a Guardian on a whim?’ Scylla wondered. ‘Do they realize what is about to happen?’ Everyone in the palace had been shocked when Cassandra had reported the absolute destruction of the Moon Kingdom. Yet, in their grief over the lost of their brief friends, there had been an underlying sigh of relief that Cassandra’s vision had not been of the arrival of the Child of Darkness. ‘How mistaken we were,’ Scylla realized, leaning against the oak, wishing she could draw additional strength. She needed to discuss Amalthea’s behavior and possible plans of actions with someone before she went to the king and Cassandra. She headed to the shore, hating herself for disrupting Adonis and Dido. However, she needed them right now to help sort through what was happening to Amalthea. ‘They deserve to know firsthand, anyway,’ Scylla rationalized. Dido had immediately sensed her approach. “Scylla? Scylla, what’s wrong?” Dido had not seen her twin in this state of crisis before and it terrified her. “What is it?” “My lord, Dido,” Scylla said in a detached voice, nodding to each, “I have a very delicate situation to discuss with you.” She took a deep breath. “I need your help.” Dido immediately hugged her sister, giving Adonis a worried look over her sister’s shoulder. The expression on the prince’s face told Dido that he understood the seriousness of the situation. Closing her eyes briefly, Dido prayed for strength. “Scylla, tell us what happened,” Adonis said softly, squeezing her shoulder as Dido released her. Scylla recounted the scene that had taken been a few short minutes ago. She knew by the other’s expressions that they too were coming to the same conclusion as she had: Amalthea was becoming the Child of Darkness. “We have to tell Cassandra and the king. We have to stall this trip with Werla. It is our only chance to save her,” Dido said, looking at Adonis for his opinion. “Dido’s right,” Adonis said, nodding. “My parents must be told of this. We all know that my sister is unhappy that she is not heir but this behavior is so out of character for Amalthea. We have to go now. She and Werla are scheduled to leave the castle in a few hours.” * * * * * Adonis only gave a brief knock before he entered his father’s study, followed by Scylla and Dido. The king and Cassandra were noticeably surprised by the sudden visit. Mutely, the king motioned for Adonis to sit down. Dido and Scylla stood behind him. “Father, we are concerned about Amalthea. You must cancel this trip with Werla. She did some things out of character for her and we fear for her safety.” “What kind of things?” the king asked. Scylla describe the earlier scene in Amalthea’s room. “I have never seen her so cold before, my lord, so callous. We must intervene.” “Your Majesty, I must agree,” Cassandra added. “Stopping this journey is imperative to stopping Amalthea if she is indeed becoming the Child of Darkness.” “I fear you are all right,” the king said, rising from chair. “We will find. She should still be in her room or on the palace grounds.” * * * * * Scylla used every ounce of strength she had to stop herself from visibly weeping as the last search team returned to the palace. The king and they did not find Amalthea and Werla in the chamber of the princess and they had not been found on the palace grounds. Visibly concerned, the king had ordered units of the royal guard to search the areas surrounding the palace to search for the pair. Clytie and Hyperion had volunteered immediately, reassuring Dido and Scylla that they would search for Amalthea as thoroughly as they could. The couple were the final search unit to return to the palace, both apologizing for not finding the missing women. Scylla numbly noticed that it was nearing dawn, the eastern horizon growing orange-red in color. She automatically thanked Clytie and Hyperion and left the courtyard. The Guardian of Mercy was surprised to see Dido and Adonis slightly ahead of her. Aware of her sister’s presence, Dido turned around and waited for Scylla to approach. The look of Scylla’s face was enough to tell Dido that Clytie and Hyperion had been unsuccessful. Part of her mind argued that the royal guards and more of the Guardians would search tomorrow, but she knew that if they would have been able to find the princess and Werla, they would have done so by now. Adonis watched the silent exchange between the twin Guardians and felt his last flicker of hope die. He wanted to believe that Amalthea would return in the appointed two months, but he now feared as whom she would return. If she was becoming the Child of Darkness, then he would be the Child of Light. His only power against her would be the promise of one of his descendants defeating her. However, Adonis was not married, not even seriously involved with anyone at the moment. Should he look for a wife in the hope that one of his descendants would defeat Amalthea? He tried to force the thought from his mind. Then, he locked eyes with Dido. The great concern for him in the eyes of the Guardian of Compassion made Adonis wonder if she had deeper feelings for him. He looked away, realizing that this was not the time to attempt a conversation of that kind with Dido. “I am going to my chambers, now, Dido,” Adonis said softly. “Please make sure that you and Scylla get some sleep. I will see you both tomorrow.” Then he looked at the horizon. “Or in a few hours.” Then he left the courtyard. Dido turned her attention back to Scylla. “We will need all the rest we can get, Scylla,” she said, taking the nearest of her sister’s hands. “Tomorrow will be especially difficult.” “Are you trying to be Cassandra, Dido?” Scylla asked, a bitter smile on her face. “I hope not, Scylla. Oh, I hope not.” With no further words, the twins headed to their chambers, both knowing that sleep would be especially elusive now, no matter how their bodies protested.


Chapter 6: Waiting Jupiter's Gone