The Schinderlings

By Mykee Steen

The Schinderlings follows Samoht and Leahcim, who happen to be modern-day princes, as they venture out to navigate various countries, politics, and the supposed mythology from which they stem. The brothers up until now have managed to live low-key lives in the U.S. under their protective mother, but once they get to Europe the air seems to pulse with the awareness of their royalty.
Samoht and Leahcim try to stay incognito but are soon recognized, forcing them to flee to the small nation where their father is king. Nostalgia has little time to take hold as the prejudiced attitudes of their father come to light and impending war is sparked. Not wanting anything to do with their royal duties, Samoht and Leahcim leave to distance themselves from their father's power. However, the young men soon stumble upon a group of wisdom seekers who fervently believe in the tales that tell of the god-like nature of the Schinderlings’ bloodline.
Amidst building tensions between their father's kingdom and the outside world, the long-running and confusing disappearance of thousands of animals points to a disturbance that will affect the entire globe. This motivates the brothers to seek out unusual mentors who promise not only make them great heroes, but necessary leaders. Samoht and Leahcim are soon catapulted into the cross-hairs of a complex network of danger. But if it is their place to intervene, then how can two people of their status do so without causing more harm?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mykee Steen
• Release date: Aug 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370777686

Mykee Steen

Mykee Steen likes to watch Prince Ea videos and meditate.

Book preview

Prologue

Siblingues Schinderling

In Europe there exists a small country by the name of Schinderlingslyvokiaslyvania (*Shin-dur-ling-sliv-ak-ee-ah-sliv-ane-ee-ah). It is told and widely believed in this land that the blood of the Schinderling family is not just royal, but also divine. Their creation story tells that some time before the S.S.S. Kingdom emerged as a nation there was a small clan that first carried the Schinderling name. Four brothers led this nomadic group, travelling and seeking justice by what they perceived to be natural and right in the world, and not by what any gods or kings told them to do.

In their travels looking for a place to rest for the night, the clan came upon a village that was under siege by a vehement monster. The four brothers engaged this mountainous creature and fought the beast to the outskirts of the village, suffering many serious injuries along the way. They kept striking the beast but it would not cease. Finally, they received assistance, but from an unknown source. A bright flash appeared and a figure fell from the stars. It took the form of something between a man and a bird, and then with a magnificent green staff of stone it gave the daemon one swift, heavy blow. The beast shattered into dust and rose to the skies. Afterwards, the mysterious hero turned to the four brothers, slit its own finger, and touched its bleeding extremity to a wound of each brother, making contact between their blood and its own.

Then it said, I must not continue to make appearances in this world. I have now bequeathed unto you a tremendous power to abolish evil beings, much like the one you have just encountered. It is appropriate that you have the strength to match your courage. All of your children and the ones they share blood with will have this gift. Live well.

With that, the incognito being shot back up into the sky, creating another flash of light, and returned from whence it came.

Though this makes for a great tale, much of the world thinks of it as arrogant banter to boost the egos of the Schinderlings. But the family has always been shrouded in mystery, keeping to their castle in their secluded land, ever causing the common person to wonder. Wonder that is, until recently.

One

Vlack sta Tinyonk

Castle of Cards

Samoht and Leahcim Schinderling were running through the halls of their extensive home. Their caretakers tried to contain them, but they could not corral the five and ten-year-old princes playing a game of hide-and-go-seek within a castle so vast. Samoht, the elder brother, came running heavily around a corner and paused. He was just about to pull the curtain to a large outer window when yelling was suddenly heard down the hall. Samoht turned to listen to the raised voices. Leahcim jumped out of the curtain in an attempt to scare his brother, and was confused to see Samoht looking in the other direction. The five-year-old listened too.

The boys crept into the hallway beside the Schinderking’s Meeting Chambre and rested their hands on the ancient, stone doorway. From this vantage point, the two youngest heirs witnessed the argument between their mother and father. Mahlonik, the Schinderking, yelled through his thin accent. They spoke English, given that the boys’ mother, Jan, was American. Both were swarthy in appearance, but their mother’s skin was much darker, pointing to her upbringing on a Sioux reservation. They stared at each other with passion and pleading respectively, their pupils lost in the darkness of their irises amid the light of the fireplace.

This is the only way to ensure the safety of my country. I have that responsibility! Mahlonik screamed.

Yes, but the production of these weapons will not ensure safety, it will invite danger. said Jan.

We have the right to defend ourselves... and attack if necessary. The Schinderking said becoming more frustrated.

I am your queen, Mahlonik, but I strongly advise against this. You already have a strong military. I know from my time as an ambassador to this country that the U.S. and U.K. will see this as an immense threat. Diplomacy with them will be more difficult than ever, this IS NOT WISE!!!

The Schinderking slapped his wife across the face and she fell to the floor.

He spoke through his teeth, I don’t need permission from another nation to run my own properly. If you are going to uphold your allegiance to those imperialists, you might as well depart from my soil!

Jan stared at the floor watching the drops of blood and tears fall on the crimson carpet, becoming lost, like her love and respect for her husband. She stood, grabbed a staff from the pendent rack on the wall and swung upward, catching the Schinderking under his chin. He staggered back and fell on the table in the center of the great chamber. Mahlonik looked up at Jan surprised.

She spoke, "That is the best idea you’ve had in my time of knowing you. I am leaving, and I am taking what is mine with me!"

Jan was about to turn but stopped and faced Mahlonik again, suddenly quite collected, For the sake of your people, I still urge you to heed my advice. Only small men must shout to the world that they are large.

Jan walked to the archway where she caught sight of her sons. Her hand quickly shot up to her mouth where she stifled a gasp. She knew that what they just witnessed would be with them forever. She then knelt to their level and took their small, tan hands into her larger brown palms.

Jan tried to smile as she spoke,Run along and pack your favorite things into your backpacks, okay boys? Daddy is making this country a bad place, and we are going to live where Mommy’s from.

You mean the Great Plains? Samoht asked, excited but still stiff from shock.

Jan touched the sides of the boys’ faces, Yes, now hurry along.

The boys scurried down the hall and were soon gone around the corner. The Schinderking in a moment came out of the chamber and supported himself on the archway, still dizzy from the blow he received.

You cannot take my children from me. Mahlonik said.

Jan turned back and her gaze looked beyond him. She lifted her chin, pointing down the hall with it. I’m not taking them all.

Mahlonik looked down the hall and saw his three other children from his previous marriage. Sanid, Viktis, and Craigor had been attracted by the commotion also, and now stood with curious pale faces in the dimly lit corridor. Sanid, the eldest who was well into her twenties, gripped her battle staff and looked on Jan suspiciously. The three of them never quite welcomed Jan into the place their own mother left open when she died. But Jan wouldn’t be a problem for them much longer.

In silence, Jan turned away from Mahlonik for the final time and disappeared into the network of hallways. Mahlonik wiped the blood from his face and stood up straight.

You can’t take them!!! You mustn’t!!! Mahlonik yelled, his voice ringing through the halls and slowly falling still among the stones.

Two

O Journeae Beginiks

A Journey Begins

11 years later

Above the Badlands of South Dakota a mansion floated in the sky. Jan had inherited the odd abode from her father, who was an inventor, and it suited her goal of anonymity. The house sat upon a large mass of rock and dirt that hovered thanks to a machine deep within the structure that used magnetism to oppose the force of gravity. A plethora of greens surrounded the home in an abundant garden, and many more plants filled the greenhouse connected to the house proper. The sunlight reflected off of the shiny metal side panels of the mansion, always telling passing airplanes of its presence. Despite the roaring wind at this height, voices could be heard from one of the lower levels in the kitchen area.

Oh, come on! said Leahcim.

No, it would not be proper for me to let you do this! said Jan.

Mother, I don’t care about proper. No one is going to judge you for letting me go on a little trip around the globe.

Little? Jan said.

And besides, Mom. Since when did you ever care what people think of you?

Jan looked at Leahcim with a stern frown, raising her voice, Leahcim, I’m not having this conversation again. Just drop it. I’m not going to change my mind. I have too much going on right now to be worrying about you in places I can’t protect you! Jan said as her phone rang. Jan’s dark eyes looked back up from her phone and she pointed her finger at her son who was a full head taller, Drop it. I mean it. Jan then took a deep breath and walked out of the kitchen to answer her phone.

Leahcim was perturbed by the phone call his mother had received. He was used to it by now, for her work as a U.S. Senator often followed her home, but this time it had given her an excuse to shut him down right when he felt he was about to reach her.

Leahcim grabbed an apple squeezing it as hard as he could, digging his light brown thumb into its green skin. A little juice now ran down his hand. Feeling warm in his head, Leahcim walked out of the kitchen going down the hallway that led to the main entrance of the mansion and took the circular staircase upward to the higher levels. After climbing two stories he turned down the hall that faced north and walked into the first room on the left. Even though he had been secluded, walking to the front door, or anywhere in the house for that matter, had provided him with enough exercise to make a cardio routine quite unnecessary.

He sat down at his desk and turned on his laptop, then reached in one of the drawers and pulled out the proposed itinerary for the upcoming trip. Leahcim had always dreamed of being able to travel and observe different ways of life. He spent most of his free time reading books about different countries and learning other languages. He was bilingual to begin with due to his S.S.S. roots; however, the language that originated there, known as Lingskeo, had not been widely spoken for a while. By the time Leahcim was born, the royal family predominantly spoke English because of trading and diplomatic reasons, and most of the country followed the Schinderking with full faith. One would have to venture into the more rural parts and find a village to encounter a person who still used Lingskeo as their first and only language. So Leahcim had only retained basic phrases and understanding of his native tongue. However, through study he became proficient in a few other European and Asian languages, and on the whole he could reconstruct his understanding of Lingskeo if need be.

Leahcim’s older brother, Samoht, would not be glad to hear their mother hadn’t been swayed in regards to the trip. Samoht had been inventing for years but he was barely making it through his engineering credits in college because his unorthodox ways of thinking were considered insane. He was seen as a bit of a mad scientist, but Leahcim knew his brother to be a true genius. With little progress through conventional schooling, Samoht decided to travel the world and observe how technology could and should be applied to better civilization. All Samoht wanted to do was introduce new technological ideas that would ensure the security and sustainability of mankind. So he planned a trip across the planet in hopes of finding something that could point him in the right direction. Samoht would be traveling through different countries, and since his own brother was a bit of a polyglot, he thought bringing Leahcim along would be a great idea.

Leahcim gladly accepted the invitation, but getting their mother to agree had proven to be the biggest odyssey of it all. Leahcim was beginning to think it wasn’t going to happen at all. But he knew that he had to stay hopeful, and if he pretended it was going to happen, it surely would.

He opened a browser on his computer and started to search the countries they wanted to pass through as well as the major cities. The duration of the trip was to be about six months, which is why school was part of the concern with his mother. Leahcim wasn’t worried though; he could travel for two years and begin college with people his own age, which he preferred to do.

Leahcim brought up a map of Europe, tracing the beginning of this quest. Their first stop would be London, England. He zoomed in closer to the mainland and caught sight of the borders that signified the territory of Schinderlingslyvokiaslyvania. He wasn’t sure if they would be passing through, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to do so. Leahcim had mixed feelings about his homeland. He knew his father loved Samoht and him, but he was distant, literally. Leahcim had always used the excuse that his father was too busy running a country to worry about how he did on exams or to talk to him about the birds and the bees. Leachim didn’t take great interest in the S.S.S. Kingdom either. Aside from being a member of the royal family, there was nothing very exciting to note about the country. There wasn’t much that was unique about their culture aside from Lingskeo as a language and the many legends told about the Schinderling family, which to be honest, made it sound as if they were gods. Leahcim never liked thinking of himself as being better than other human beings. If the Schinderlings were ever truly deity-like, they had lost whatever made them so praiseworthy.

Leahcim felt a rumble and heard the familiar roar of his brother’s flying vehicle. It was an SUV that was given a few adjustments so it could really travel off-road. It ran on electricity gathered from solar and hydrogen energy. It flew with a simple collaboration of wings and propulsion, but Samoht was working on ways to make it more complex. Leahcim saw it as an example of how his brother was going to change technology for the better. Samoht called the machine Roke Ard, which translated from Lingskeo as speed demon.

The Roke Ard flew over the mansion and came back in a large arc, passing right through the view of the sun. It approached the house decreasing in speed until it met the short runway stretching perpendicular to the front entrance of the house. The Roke Ard rolled to a stop and the wings folded into the metal frame. Samoht opened the driver’s side door and jumped out in his green jumpsuit that he always wore.

Leahcim had made his way outside and was standing at the runway, the wind wisping his short dark hair across his forehead.

What did you learn today? Leahcim asked.

You kiddin', Cimmy? I already know everything! Samoht replied.

Well, I bet you didn’t know I’m still not going to accompany you on your little quest. said Leahcim.

Well brother, I bet you didn’t know that one way or another I’m going to make you tag along. Samoht said in a stance with an inflection that mocked Leahcim’s good posture and articulation.

Alright Smart Aleck, it’s not like it’s difficult to convince Mother or anything.

No seriously, nice job! You’ve been doing well debating with the great politician. But what you have yet to learn, lil bro, is how I manage to get what I want from Mom. I am the favorite, true, but one needs finesse when talking with her. You need to pull at her heartstrings. Samoht said as he slammed the vehicle's door shut and walked closer to his younger brother, who was a few inches shorter than him.

Samoht then rubbed his big growling belly and stretched his back,What’s for supper?

Leahcim was placing silverware on the long table in the the dining room. It had been built to seat 12 people comfortably, but it had always just been the three of them. Leahcim was glad he didn’t have to set the whole table, but he had a sudden yearning for it to be full. To be able to talk with a multitude of people. He finished placing things in the proper way he had been taught when Jan entered with the main dish of food.

The two of them made eye contact for a moment and Jan spoke in a pleasant manner, Leahcim, could you please grab the mashed potatoes from the kitchen? She seemed reserved and slightly awkward. It had been the first time they had spoken since their discussion earlier.

Sure… Leahcim said, It’s just about all I’m going to eat anyway.

Leahcim brushed past Jan, not looking directly at her, fuming. Jan knew that Leahcim’s angst didn’t relate to his vegetarianism. She set the dish on the table and stared at one spot in the corner for a moment, thinking. As Leahcim came back in the room and set the mashed potatoes down Jan reached out, lightly grabbing his arm, Thank you, dear. She said.

At the contact Leahcim looked over and down at his mother’s face. As he looked at her they shared a silent moment, and Leahcim’s slight frown lessened. But before she could tame his attitude too much Leahcim turned away and called for Samoht.

Food!!!

The call was soon followed by the sound of Samoht running heavily down the stairs all the way from the third level. As he was almost to the ground level Samoht leaped over the banister, making it creak as he forced his weight over it.

Upon hearing this Jan snapped out of her calmness and spoke freely with volume, putting some base into her voice, SAMOHT! I TOLD YOU TO STOP JUMPING OVER THE RAILING! You’re going to break it one of these times and go tumbling into my China closet!

As Samoht entered the dining room he ran to the table and pulled out Jan’s chair for her. Something he never did.

I’m sorry, Mom. But you know, If I did break it I could just fix it. I did take Wood Shop.

Jan kept a glare pointed in his direction as she sat down, trying not to encourage Samoht’s use of humor to escape repercussions. Though she did find the chair thing amusing. As they all took their seats Leahcim starting dishing up with the sides of potatoes and green beans. Samoht reached directly for the roast, but then paused. He glanced at Leahcim.

Eh-em. He coughed, Uh, Leahcim, don’t you think perhaps we should say thanks?

Leahcim stopped in the middle of what he was doing and glanced back, …Yes. Mother, thank you for preparing this meal. We very much appreciate everything you do for us. Leahcim spoke with no sarcasm and vitriol seemed to be absent from his voice.

Jan was relieved to hear Leahcim speaking in such a kind tone. Perhaps he is over it. She thought. Jan smiled and washed her sons with a loving expression. Of course. Jan spoke, We certainly all have a lot to do, but that’s no excuse to not have a good meal. You’re welcome.

Samoht then began filling his plate and reached for Jan’s to fill hers for her. Jan looked at her eldest surprised. As he handed it back she smiled, thinking he was still trying to make up for the banister incident. Soon they were all eating, utensils in hand. Samoht kept his eyes on his plate as he spoke, with just a little food in his mouth, So, Mom. You still have an international outlet adapter, right? Because I have one, but Leahcim still needs one for our trip.

At this Jan dropped her fork with a clank that filled the room. Her lips tightened and she stared at Samoht, Not this again, Samoht. I am not going to debate you on this anymore.

Leahcim chimed in, You know, in order for it to be a debate there does have to be truth to both sides.

Leahcim. Was all Jan could muster , exhausted by the subject.

This is a chance of a lifetime, and I haven’t received much from life yet. Leahcim said.

What do you mean? Jan asked, almost appalled.

Mother, for the first five years of my life I was cooped up inside a castle under constant guard. Since we moved to America, it’s been the same, only now we live on a piece of real estate a quarter of a mile above the rest of the Earth. I have no friends. I mean, what parent in their right mind would let their child go play at someone’s house if they risked the possibility of falling to their death?!? Next month I will be graduating valedictorian of my class at the age of 16. You may say that I am a genius, but the reason for my extreme academic success is probably because of my social and physical isolation. I have done nothing but work, now please… let me have some fun.

Jan sighed.

Leahcim continued, I’m surprised you even let me attend public school, I mean-

Jan interrupted him, Okay! I understand I have sheltered you a bit. But you two don’t quite understand my responsibilities as your mother. I not only have to worry for your safety as my sons, but also as potential assassination attempts.

Leahcim quickly retorted, Mom, no one even cares about royalty anymore. Most people don’t think it’s even a real thing because so many royals are just figureheads.

Yes, no one cares in the U.S., but I don’t know if you have fully grasped your father’s position in the geo-political spectrum. I can’t have you running around out there, not with your family ties to the S.S.S. throne, which, mind you, does not have a parliament running things for it. It is the real deal.

Samoht leaned on his elbows, Well, you know, Mom, that at a certain age every Schinderling is expected to travel the world to take in new ideas and see what is out there. In a way, you’re holding us back from our tradition. Plus, usually one goes it alone. This way, we won’t be if we’re traveling together.

Jan tilted her head, Samoht, that custom is also meant to result in you bringing home a partner to join the royal family. Are you telling me you’re ready to get married?

Samoht sunk back into his seat, he knew his point had been severely undermined.

But Leahcim did not give up, Mom, at some point you have to let us go, right? Or do you expect us to just live here for the rest of our lives like a couple of deadbeat adult sons who live soley to serve you? Are we going to be allowed to choose our own vocations, or do you have that planned for us in a bubble too?

Leahcim… Jan could feel him getting the upper ground now, You two can be anything you want to be. I’ve always said that.

Leahcim leaned forward with his eyebrows forming an arch on his forehead, creating a heavy pleading expression on his face, Then let us be a couple of average young men for once. Let us have a little trip and come back a little more worldly.

Jan looked down at her hands. She then gave a quick survey of her sons. I think that perhaps I have let fear hold me back from giving you two certain experiences. I don’t doubt that it would be good for you to see more of the world. I just…I just want you two to be safe. But I don’t want to stifle your growth, and if this is part of it… Jan then let out a heavy sigh, …I will give my permission.

Leahcim smiled widely, YES! Thank the gods! No, thank you, Mother! THANK YOU!

But…Leahcim, you will be back by Fall to attend college. The one of your choice, of course. And Samoht, you’ll be changing your reservations to be under my maiden name. She added.

Leahcim, elated, looked at Samoht and back at his mother, I think we can manage that. Leahcim’s smile was wider than his face could handle. Samoht nodded to assent to what his mother said and started eating again comfortably, now that the wait was over.

Jan poked at her food and began eating again as well, feeling happy she had finally placated her sons. But she couldn’t help the sensation in her gut that she had made a dire mistake.

It was a Sunday. Leahcim sat below the sign that read Congratulations Graduate! Leahcim watched the slideshow being projected on the wall. Each picture consisted of his mother, Samoht, and himself. No friends. The setting of the reception reflected that of the photos.

There were a few non-family members, but most of them were politicians that Jan knew, and a couple of teachers who were quite fond of Leahcim. The teachers didn’t stay long and the politicians hung around talking with Jan while taking full advantage of the free food and only occasionally uttering an empty Congrats in Leahcim’s direction. However, all of the people who came were quite generous with their gifts, and Leahcim was grateful, though he was not a materialistic person.

He also appreciated that the reception was taking place on the ground in an event center, even though that didn’t help the attendance at all. As for the family, it wasn’t surprising to Leahcim that it was just his mother and Samoht present. Jan’s side was never really spoken of to Samoht and Leahcim. Most of what they knew was that their grandfather, Jan’s dad, had built the quasi-futuristic mansion that they lived in and he invented the machine that made the land it rested on hover. Leahcim was disappointed to find the Schinderlings didn’t come, but he hadn’t expected them. Samoht walked over to him.

This is an awesome party, the food is great! he said.

Yeah, it’s too bad no one is here to enjoy it. Leahcim responded.

Oh come on, at least your big brother came.

Leahcim stared at the slideshow stoically.

Samoht continued, Look, friends may come and go, but your family will always love and accept you.

Leahcim turned from the slideshow to face Samoht, Now, I know Mother told you to say that instead of her so it would sound less cliché.

Yeah…okay, she did. Samoht said, he continued after shoving some cake in his mouth. Do you know why you don’t have any friends?

Leahcim sat there waiting for the punch line.

Samoht continued, It’s because you haven’t given many people the chance to see your worth. Now, it’s not exactly your fault, and you have kicked ass academically, but now you’ll venture out there with me and find meaning, and maybe a new path. One where people will look to you for friendship.

Leahcim smiled, moved by his brother’s sincerity. He then asked, "Do you think we’ll