The New Men and the New World

By TS Caladan

TS Caladan [aka Doug Yurchey], explorer of ancient and modern mysteries, presents his version, a very different version, of “A song of Ice and Fire.” After 8 seasons of G.O.T., fans of fantasy and D&D were disappointed once again. Now, there’s another ‘Game’ in town. Discover the power struggle on the Joga Islands, between the Family that has always had total control: House Barronatta, and their main rival, House Tarsis. The seven Kingdoms contain legends of Giant Earthworms and Snow Giants. The epic is nothing like what you’d expect or had ever seen before in books or films. A mixture of magic and science/technology, a mixture of primitive times and futuristic times~ Can gifted children transform an empire? Which House will seize control? Will Princess Elizabeth Barronatta wed the Black Prince of Tarsis and end an ultimate war? Future is seen from the past and past is seen from the future. Was “Thrones” planned to go wrong, anger us, get our attention to push us back in time to violent, Dark Age behaviors? Purpose of the book: to generally explain how today’s world turned cruel and upside-down.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TWB Press
• Release date: Aug 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781944045630

TS Caladan

Tray Caladan was born Doug Yurchey in Pittsburgh in 1951. An only child, he retreated into his imagination and drew fantastic pictures. Later, he drew backgrounds for “The Simpsons” and earned a tennis scholarship to Edinboro State as an art major. Afterwards he started the ‘Art Trek’ gallery in Pittsburgh. There he met a psychic (Katrina) who forever changed his life. Her insights sent him on a course to solve great mysteries. Nikola Tesla’s observations helped him solve riddles of Atlantis and ancient pyramids. His articles, videos, radio shows, theories, patent, games, and writings have earned him international acclaim throughout 40 years of researching natural and alien phenomena. His positive message of a ‘New Human Genesis’ pervades his science-fiction and his art, as well. Tray lives in Northridge, California, on sometimes shaky ground, with his cat (Monkie) and a large library of UFO and science books.

Book preview

THE NEW MEN AND THE NEW WORLD

by TS Caladan

The New Men and the New World

Copyright © 2019 by TS Caladan

All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or book reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidences are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any actual person, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Edited by TS Caladan

Cover Art by TS Caladan

ISBN: 978-1-944045-63-0

~ CONTENTS ~

Introduction

ACT I: The Contest

ACT II: The New Women

ACT III: The New Men

ACT IV: The New World

ACT V: The Contest

ACT VI: The New Women

ACT VII: The New Men

ACT VIII: The New World

ACT IX: The Contest

'Game of Thrones' was not a story and why we were compelled to watch

Other Books by TS Caladan

About the Author

Introduction

I only saw the last episode of 'Game of Thrones,' the highly anticipated final episode of the popular HBO show, minutes ago. Since the failure of Season 8 inspired and motivated me to write this book, now was a good time to start the Introduction. The whole reason a spark was ignited under me to take on a tenth novel was because of the avalanche of criticism G.O.T. fans expressed: great disappointment to complete rage because of shortened Season 8. How could writers have messed this up too?

Weren't we disappointed enough with new Star Trek movies, whatever the fuck Discovery was, new Star Wars, 2nd Incredibles and Prometheus sequel? You could go right down the line at total failures for fans: Alita, Captain Marvel, Valerian, Avengers, X-Men, Transformers, Superman, Batman, Spider-man, etc. Even the end of Ex Machina was wrong and absurd. Where does madness end of what we've been forced to accept as proper entertainment for our youth? Deadpool 7? Purge 12? Harry Potter and future incarnations of devil-crap? Gore, instead of great stories? Violence, in place of imagination? Never a pure hero anymore, always ones with dark sides? What happened to creativity and being different? Always witchcraft? Blood-drenched, killer-WOMEN are so in these days. Really? Again? Or. If you thought Cardi B was horrible, wait until you see Cardi C and D!

We deserve a lot better.

I had to write my version of Game of Thrones. No choice in the matter. I could do better. I could write a better story that dealt with generally similar elements and time period, half comatose! But it would be very different. It would be good. And certainly nothing anyone would ever have expected.

There were endless online theories (leaks?) and ideas from fans of how Games would end, possibly. Some ideas connected young Bran Stark with the Night King. Maybe NK and Dead Army were destroyed so early in Season 8, only to return in the finale? My thought, that I saw nowhere on YouTube, was obvious. I was certain the very last frame of last scene would have Bran as boy-King [often suggested], but there would be a closeup of his eyes: They'd turn ice blue and the Devil would return as King of Everything. That didn't happen. I was wrong. But, you know? I like my ending better. At least, I wouldn't have left a Starbucks cup on the table.

They actually added to the TV version, the book: 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' at the end. Shameful. Does 'Thrones' really need another plug? Isn't it forced upon us in about every margin on every computer screen? Why didn't we see 'by George R.R. Martin' written on the book? It was exactly like Bilbo at end of Lord of the Rings: 'There and Back Again.' It's been done before! I think the Simpsons did it! Now. If filmmakers were cool and creative (they are not), they could have written it this way:

Bring in a book, only it was a story to them and history for us. You see, war of 9 Kingdoms was based on the War of the Roses, in actual history. In the 15th Century, the Yorks fought the Lancasters for the throne of England. Yorks won. That's why we have New York and New York City. Lancaster (losers) could only be the name of small towns in the New World. If House Lancaster had won, we'd have New Lancaster and New Lancaster City. Writers should have made the book at end written by Samwise Tarly, who chronicled everything that had previously happened. Only it was an epic story. Tyrion's part would surely not have been left out. And the name of the book would have been: 'The War of the Roses,' precisely what the war was known as in the real world. But...

No. Instead, G.O.T. series we watched had dragons (best parts), way too much blood, too much gore, fire, witchcraft, child-killing and far too many Killer-Women! Sansa (Boy George DNA) is the Dark Phoenix?

Wait until you hear what really bugged me about episode 6. Okay. Jon, rightfully, killed Daenerys, Danny. Someone should have. No more boat-sex. But. How's the man ever going to get away with that in the age of GIRL-POWER? Mother of Dragons was dead. Last dragon left felt it, of course, roared overhead and flew down through opened, collapsed roof. What's the fucking dragon do? What's the fucking (excuse my British) dragon do to that little, rat-bastard that knifed mom in the chest? Nothing? I couldn't believe it. The dragon got all pissy and shot a massive wall of flame everywhere else, but not on Jon? I'm yelling at the screen: Hey, dragon! He's over there! Right there! Get real! Flame on! Computer dragon had all the reason in the world to toast Jon, but doesn't? And I knew it wouldn't; that's a main character. How can they go through all the time, trouble and expense of amazing CGI and make it look vividly real...when actions, insane actions/decisions, completely blow apart the reality? Dragon melted the Iron Throne and broken walls and debris, but never singed Jon? Wouldn't he have been a snack in the real world? Didn't happen. I heard YT videos, blokes with English accents, that tried to justify this. Filmmakers weren't criticized. Instead, they only found it: curious, like the dragon was real? (Ha). And gave reasons the creature might have showed mercy. Maybe the dragon spared Jon because he was sad? What apologists. The beast snatched the dead, mad Queen and flew off with her. Bye. Bye. Unreal. [You know, we might not be seeing a documentary?].

This is how I would have done the scene: Jon stabbed her dead; dragon flew like crazy back and forth, seen overhead. Jon left through a stone tunnel with some dignity. Why waste one, Sorry, Danny on the bitch? Get your ass out of there, Jonny! See? Real. Then have the dragon come down and find her. It would have burnt the broken stones and throne...and Jon made a true escape. No, no.

If you look up 'An Alternative to Game of Thrones by TS Caladan,' you'll come to first two Acts in the book. A part 1 & 2. A few pictures were added. Here was the intro:

"8 years invested in the HBO super-series and it boiled down to this? Little Arya ['Aryan,' ugly Christina Ricci with brows] somehow got through armies of the dead and killed Night King only 3 episodes in? Not Jon Snow? Are you kidding me? Did the dead guy snap her neck? No. He lets her stab him through his armor and he disintegrated? HE'S DEAD! Did you know there's no Night King in the books by George R.R. Martin? They just tossed them in from the 'Walking Dead' shows! Didn't even leave them for big finale?

Speaking of girl-power, how about little Mormont? A Giant crashed through huge doors, then swatted the child away [what is she? 10!] like she was nothing. But. Instead of every bone in her tiny body shattered, she stood up and ROARED! We're not done: Giant picked her up. Did he squish her like the broken bug she was? No. The dumb MAN put her up to his eye. She stabbed his eye and somehow the Giant died?? Didn't it take a hundred arrows to drop one of these guys a few seasons ago? Girl-Power is awesome! You can't make this up, people. You just knew the Giant and the Devil were dead-meat, going down and could never defeat little girls. Please.

Critics have blasted the show, like they should, and also the cast. Emilia Clarke was filmed and sarcastically said: Best season ever! Then actors who played 'Grey Worm' and 'Missandei' laughed.

I will say one good thing: Dragon scenes, Wall coming down, the dragon shot in the sky and fell in the sea. Fantastic. Anyway. I present for fans of Game, something much better. I like it.

~tsc.

ACT I: The Contest

Sire? One of the royal mystics spoke in a low, calm register that did not wake the King. The boy-magician stated the word again, a little louder: Sire?

Old King Nebo, with white beard and in official red/black attire as highest in command, woke. His weary eyes blinked a few times. He brushed aside a golden goblet from his Mead-stained lap. It fell to the smooth, shiny floor with a loud clang sound. King Nebo came to consciousness. He recognized the small visitor to the throne room and saw the usual guards behind the boy. Why do you bother your King, child? You know I need my rest, eh? Especially now. In time of war! What is it, young wizard?

Fair-haired Adrian was a thin, sweet boy, one of the most brilliant 'mystics' the King had ever assembled over his long reign as ultimate Sovereign. The boy always wore green robes. He controlled his excitement and knelt in front of the King. Adrian wasn't a mystic or wizard as the King called him. The youth was a scientist and philosopher that specialized in biology, during a Feudal age or very primitive times. The boy dreamed of technology in a world without technology. He'd been given a laboratory and all the means available to do anything he could. The boy didn't have much at his disposal, but maybe his plan would succeed (as odd as it was) and save the empire in future? And his own neck?

The royal court of the Joga Empire, through extraordinary means, discovered the most gifted youths in all the known lands. The universe fated three extremely special children who were destined to serve the Monarchy at its highest level. King Nebo Barronatta understood perfectly from levels above him: The three gifted children were not children. They were very rare 'vessels,' ancient souls that had powers and knowledge far beyond normal peasants of the empire.

Yet, because of recent events, recent visions of the young female child, the 3 little wizards were on notice...they must produce big results now...or be executed. Adrian, Myaa and young Silvereen were threatened with termination. Each must/had to devise a plan so the empire (the Barronattas) survived a thousand years into the future without being conquered by foreign enemies or collapse from within, such as revolution and anarchy by the masses. Even though the mystic children were invaluable to the empire and Monarchy, each child would be beheaded if they failed to invent SOMETHING that would greatly insure stability and the complete rule of House Barronatta in tomorrow's empire.

Speak up, boy!

Adrian was scared. He'd made it to the throne room of the great palace. As he knelt in front of his Lord and Master, he found that words were difficult to speak. From a pocket in his robe, he pulled out two vials. In one was a light-red solution and the other contained a blue liquid.

King Nebo smiled. He was fascinated.

The guards were curious, motionless, and looked on with interest.

"Obviously, this concerns the Contest. You think...this...will save your life? It better be good, boy. I'll give you this, you're the first one to come up with a final answer. You three wizards still have time, before the deadline. You know what I mean by: DEAD-line? Adrian?"

Adrian answered, nervously, Yes, y-your grace. I...I have a plan. It should work...

Two chemicals? I don't understand. Silvereen quickly offered his gunpowder invention, as well as guns and cannons, in order to win the Contest. My best advisors admitted and accepted the incredible military advancements over spears, bow, and lance, eh? Real weapons that go BOOM! Extraordinary. But as far as the Contest goes, it was still rejected by my council of priests. They, and I, thought...Silver could do much better. Greater Magic. Others will also have the powder in time, they tell me. Now what is this? This better be a much bigger Bomb than what he proposed?

Adrian laughed. "Ha. It is. I assure you, it is. But not exactly what you imagine, sire. It is a different type of explosion that will absolutely insure you and your family's dominance on the world of Joga for many generations to come. If, if executed properly. That is, according to my plan, my Lord."

Both smiled. Each had a twinkle in their eyes with strange expectations, as if on the threshold of fantastic opportunities.

King Nebo was intrigued by the supremely intelligent boy. He felt Adrian's confidence and believed him. He commanded: Tell me more, boy of science. Rise. You may sit on the Queen's throne. She's away, as you know. It's still not as tall and elaborate as mine. Yes? Ha, ha. I want to know every detail of your plan, child. We'll see if you've earned your keep, son?

Adrian proudly marched over to the slightly inferior throne and sat down. [Son?] It felt soft. "I know you will enjoy my discovery, this, this, quite large discovery. You won't believe it; I hardly believe it. But the tests on animals are certain, conclusive. It should work on people..."

You've developed a potion, I see. Red and blue. Let me guess...

A thousand pardons, your grace. Adrian used his hand and appeared to brush the guards away with it, as he sat comfortably. ...But my secrets are for your eyes and ears only, he whispered. They should leave, sire.

Ha, ha! Nebo was impressed by the cheeky child. As well they should. You guards. GO!

Janus, head of the armed guards, had his hand on his sword and yelled: But, your Majesty!

I think I'll be fine alone with him. Leave me now, or I'll have you killed?

As you wish, sire. Captain Janus turned and took his seven men toward the room's large exit.

Faster! the King ordered.

Adrian laughed.

The eight guards ran. Their clanks and bangs were soon unheard.

I was about to guess what the potion does...

Adrian expressed, I apologize...for, for, for assuming...

What?

I don't think...

The King blurted out the first thing in his royal brain: ...When you mix the liquids...a powerful, purple drug is created that, ah, when delivered to subjects, causes total loyalty and obedience to their King. Yes? I'm right, aren't I, dear boy? I thought you weren't a wizard? Nebo's beard widened with a broad smile. An alchemist?

"You are close, sire. I am very impressed, especially since you are not acquainted with the arts of Science. In fact, you've just given me inspiration for another project. Yes, I see it now: a drug to add to the realm's water supply. We, of the court, won't drink it, of course. But...anyway, that's another project for another time and I can I assure you, your grace: it will succeed. This is a different kind of magic, a different kind of spell cast over the masses. The vials here, their purpose, are something very few could ever imagine..."

"Lord Adrian, you should have a title, Lord Adrian...you said explosion, bigger than the black powder bombs that Silvereen offered?"

May I ask you a personal question, my King?

Yes. If it helps explain your discovery to a man not of Science?

The Queen's unborn baby. Your future, your future bloodlines. What has Myaa and the royal seers seen for the soon-born? I could possibly help the situation if you can confide in me and tell me if the rumors are true? Sire?

Then I'll tell you, young Lord. Apparently, my secret is not a secret. Myaa and the prophets are in perfect agreement with their forecasts. The soon-born will not be the Prince I desire to take the throne, but a Princess. The Queen will be damaged during birth and never produce another child. Little Princess will marry my rival Black House for peace, rather than the Houses endure a terrible war and struggle for power. The Kingdom will be greatly divided, weakened. So will my family. This is why you mystics must clearly solve tomorrow's dark problems for our House. How can you help, Adrian?

Ha, ha. Adrian laughed at the next words he'd say: I request your priests should gather all the rats they can collect in the city...

Rats?! King Nebo echoed the boy's word in disbelief. Why? Wait. That does not sound like a job for my priests. Any scumbag can catch rats. Why, ah, why make the high priests do it, boy?

Adrian stated: "That will put them in their place, cut them down to size. The priesthood believes they're better than you, smarter than you, M'Lord..."

Yes. I sense that. They do need a lesson. I have no idea of your rat-plan, but making the priests rat-catchers...I like it. So ordered. I will have guards see that they'll do it. Ah, ha! Wonderful. I may commission a painting of the event. I'll call it something regal. Now. What do you suggest?

Ha! The boy was thrilled with more ideas that flowed into his head. Make it a test. A test of their intelligence, aye? See if they can cage female rats in one cage and males in another? Sire. If your priests can't tell the difference sexing rats, then how intelligent are they?

Nebo was stunned and amazed and thought for a moment. Just marvelous, ha. Lovely. So. You require female rats...?

...In one cage and males in another.

What should they do with the rodents?

Bring them to my lab.

It will be done, little Lord. You have not explained how this will help my family.

The boy stood on his feet, faced the Sovereign and bowed to his King. "The future is extremely complicated. I saw the truth in a dream. It will be crystal clear to you in time. Have faith, sire. I know what I'm doing and I'll win your Contest. I hesitate telling you my visions of the future, simply because it is beyond...extraordinary. No one would believe my discovery, what I've done and already proven, I think. I would be considered quite mad, even demonic. A witch. You, and the priests, have to see the evi...er, proof, for yourself, my King."

Nebo Barronatta poured more fine Mead into another golden goblet and drank. He understood this was no 10-year old child in front of him. His seers were very accurate that the boy had lived in the distant past and remembered it. Did he also know the future? Did the child see the future in dreams even sharper than the many psychic-magicians and astrologers he employed? Or the girl? The King asked, What of the war, in the present? Do you know when the current war will end, and who will be victorious, Lord Adrian? The King smirked.

The boy bowed slightly, smiled and declared: Now. Who is testing whom? Surely you must know we sensitives are well aware of your plan: how your family has maintained its utter dominance over the population of the Joga Islands. Your brilliant idea of creating the war and controlling it. Creating and controlling your phony enemies in the GAME, actually, this theatre, given the masses. It's a stage play. They believe your speeches, your propaganda, your posts, and think your armies are their saviors from the ruthless destruction of vile, wild barbarians in the north/south and invaders from foreign lands. Sire. No one's actions and intentions can hide from true prophets, aye? We keep an unwritten oath. We keep your secrets, King Nebo, abide by your dictates, because, because...

The Monarch finished the wonder-child's sentence: ...Because you want to keep your heads...

Yes, sire.

"I appreciate your honesty, son. And your devotion. If any of your, ah, inventions, from you special 3 succeed and really insures our family as ruling family...then all who are loyal to us will greatly profit, share in the success of our glorious empire."

Adrian, Lord Adrian, smiled a large smile on his small face. He thought he had everything. He'd impressed the most powerful person in the known universe. Then. Suddenly. A twinge of fear struck the blonde boy. He asked his King: If...Myaa, Silver and myself, oh, happen to fail, let's say, and House Barronatta, your empire continues...you weren't serious about the Contest losers, were you, sire? We have value, I mean...it was just INCENTIVE, was it not, my Lord? the curious lad asked.

The little Lord was slapped with the hard truth:

Oh, no, young one. Why would any of you brilliant children fail? If you fail, you die. That's fair. Fair's fair. The King finished another goblet and callously tossed it as far as he could.

[Clang, clang, claaang!].

Adrian's pleased and contented expression completely changed. Oh.

In Myaa's cottage, on royal grounds of Mire Castle in the Barronsland, she entertained the smallest of the child wizards: Silvereen. The boy with long, black hair was the youngest wizard of the court at 8 years old. He sounded like he possessed the wisdom of an 80-year old. They sat within the confines of a lovely room and around a table filled with flowers and fruit.

After her tea, the Kingdom's most knowledgeable person (with the special gift) told the boy in no uncertain terms: You're going to win the Contest. I've seen it.

Silvereen had just ate a peach and finished a light-ale, when he heard Myaa's words. Hilarious! Ha, ha, haaa! he screamed a response. He then calmly said: "One day, I will learn your secret, girl. I know it. Did you know I also shine? My skills are viewing the past and understanding ancient events, like Adrian, but also reading faces. I read faces and thoughts come to me...oh, and I know the future."

Myaa had short, red hair. She usually wore yellow or purple. Her lips smiled. She was intrigued. Oh, really? Maybe you should head the priesthood? What does my face tell you, sir? She smiled more, directly at him.

That you're a fraud.

What? The young girl was shocked by those words from the mouth of Silvereen. How did he know? Her expression became serious. Myaa ordered: Explain.

Silvereen pushed his long hair back from his face a few times. He thought he'd control her with: I'll explain later when I precisely discover what your secret is. I will expose you; keep that in mind, Myaa. Now. Back to the Contest. Of course, I'm going to win. I don't need to see it to believe it. I just found my final answer. I'm smart. Ha. Do you know what that is, great seer? Why don't you tell me what it is, exactly, that will make me win and you two lose your heads? Aye?

The game between them or the war of wizards came to a standstill. Silence. Only birds were heard outside of cottage walls.

Myaa was lost in thoughts.

Silver smiled as if he was way out in front of the other contenders. I see. I knew you didn't know. Do you know this? We've all met in past lives? We've done this dance before, My, when we were much older? Long ago. Huh.

"That, I know. I may have seen the past clearer than any of you. Why do they declare me the highest of the prophets, and unofficial leader of the priesthood. Not old Pias. Me. I do not have all the answers. Yet. But I will. I've only seen pieces to the puzzle. In time, the full picture will be apparent. You think you'll know my secrets? Well, I think I'll know yours first. The race is on, Sil."

The brilliant boy raised an empty goblet and toasted the game within the game. You're on.

Days later, two high officials, one from the State and one from the Priesthood, met in secret. They were far from Mire Castle on top of the wooded escarpment. Pias and Janus were not in their usual uniforms and royal dress. They met in the lowlands of Denimar, inside a pub, the 'Blue Boar.' No one in the closest village to the palace would recognize them. In a candle-lit back room, the two spoke with 100% confidence that they would not be heard.

Ha, ha, ha, Captain Janus laughed at the priest. What went unspoken, now came to surface after a few bitter Meads. It was simply marvelous to stand over you and your boys, in your robes, ha, ha! During, ah, all the...ha...rat-catching! What a brilliant idea. Didn't know you old farts were so fast. HA. Tell me, Pias... Janus joked, looked to the floor and yelled: "There's one now! You missed one. Ha!"

For a half second, Pias believed the head of the guards. The old, bald man said, Fuck off!

Then, then, then...wait. You had to sex them. My bloody God, it was sheer beauty. Ha, oh my, my. I think this should be a required practice for the priesthood. A ritual. What did the King say? If you cannot tell one rat-cock from a rat-twat, then, why the hell are you in royal robes? Janus laughed and slobbered right onto the table. "Ugh. Ah, there is a God in heaven. I had my doubts. My, my..."

Are you done?

Yeah. Sure. Ha. Ah.

Pias confessed: This is a major mystery. Our magicians are clueless. Kidding aside, do you know, Jan? What this is really about? The fucking rats.

Janus replied, I'm sure it involves the three little shits Nebo has been obsessed with. Do you realize what the priesthood looks like, appears to about everyone, with children now ruling the realm?

That's not the case, the priest insisted. He thought about it. In a moment, he asked, What do the people think? What's the word, Captain?

Janus answered, They believe the children have the King's ear and you do not. They now believe the truth. Many see you for the fakes you are. Astrologers, alchemists, psychics who speak to the Great Beyond...all for power plays. Lies. You sway people with your lies, priest. You know it...

There are no lies of State? Hmm? Pias asked a question he knew the answer to. The elder had a spontaneous thought: "Could you kill them? I should ask, could you be bribed to accidentally kill them?"

Thought you knew?

You mean after the Contest, two will be eliminated?

The Captain said, You just proved how stupid and blind you priests are. Thought you're supposed to know the future?

Pias replied, Visions aside. You have orders to kill the two losers? Correct, Janus?

Wrong. After final answers to the Barronatta's problems are cleanly extracted from them...

Huh?

...All three will be eliminated. You didn't know?

Pias, the worst of the priesthood, couldn't believe his ears. My God. What a total waste of, of...

Janus gulped down the last of the drink. "I'm sure the King feels: even they can be replaced. We can all be replaced. They'll find more wonder-children and destroy the ones who think they have power, right? It's the way it's always been. Aye?"

Pias had a glazed look. He concluded, There's a flaw in your logic, Jan. These children are very different than previous ones of the court. It's Fate working its hand here...

Meaning what?

They'll see what's coming for them. They'll know what you plan. They'll see it, far clearer than my boys ever could. They'll be ready and defend themselves, naturally. The King and his guards should be aware of this fact. We don't know much, in the real sense. It's true. But we know power when we see and feel it. Power is not in the Monarchy. It's in the hands of 3 little children who are not little children. I wouldn't be surprised if Myaa knows every step the Family plans, eh? Maybe they'll destroy each other in order to survive?

Janus answered, I'm sure that's what the King has in mind for them. Was there anything else?

Only to say, tomorrow is the day. Deadline for the children. We few, the privileged of the court, will see their reckoning. What gods and monsters will the children produce for us?

Janus touched a hidden sword under his cloak. With bright eyes, he said, The future. The bloody future. Can't wait to see it.

What future? That's the question.

Myaa's female Magic Mirror, that no mystic knew existed, showed her every scene between Church and State in the Blue Boar:

"So you see, child? The Contest will have no winner. Do you understand?" stated a ghost-like wisp of smoke, seen in an ancient reflection.

The 9-year old, ginger girl was a fraud. She wasn't psychic at all. She wasn't a priestess and had no extreme or unusual abilities above the normal peasant child. She'd conned townsfolk, the high aristocrats of the court and the King. How did she know the future? No one else did. Not even the two special boys. How could she have predicted an earthquake when she did? Or the sickness that spread through Denimar, which killed many? How did Myaa arrive at the cure, know exactly what to do and save countless villagers from the epidemic? How did the girl predict an early snow where tons of vital crops were spared the frost? She spooked everyone in town. Superstitious people were going to burn her as a witch for her abilities. Janus saved her from execution and brought her into the court. King Nebo's priests, as well as other methods, directed his Majesty to use the witch, instead of kill her.

But every bit of her magic came from a very old Mirror, now placed inside her cottage home. The sweet, colorful dwelling was given to the orphan as a protected residence within castle walls. She brought her precious Mirror. She understood, and was the only one who understood, that the entity of the Mirror was an angel and the true source of her information. Myaa trusted the 2D visions that the Glass presented to her. They were all correct, so far. This was her big secret. She told as many people as she could of her ideas and pretended the forecasts originated from her special mind. Now, as top seer, she never had to worry, ever again, of violent/superstitious villagers. She only had to worry about high class, violent/superstitious royals of the court that surrounded her.

The palace throne room was the setting and all the players were in place: Janus and 12 of his armed guards, Pias and two of the eldest priests, pregnant Queen Miranda, the King, of course, and three children with their final answers. Other Barronattas were not in attendance, nor were other spectators.

The drama upon the smooth, shiny throne room floor of the prime Kingdom called Barronsland will determine who lives and dies and which way the future moved...

King Nebo commanded, The Contest concludes today! We will have resolution. Long live the Barronattas!

All inside the 'court' room repeated: Long live the Barronattas!

After the small crowd quieted down to faint whispers...

The Queen spoke. From her softer, less ornate throne, she commanded: I want to hear from the girl first, our very special orphan we have royally adopted as one of our own. Step forward, Myaa, dear girl.

She did. She stepped directly in front of Queen Miranda and bowed to both majesties before she said: Your grace. Your grace...

The Queen was a bit confused and asked: "You have nothing with you, child. While the boys, they have, have...things with them. They brought things to court, real things, answers, to desperate problems my Family and daughter will face in future. You've brought nothing but your pretty self. As near leader of the priesthood, show us what you have, child. Your final answer?"

There was a hush. All eyes were upon the girl.

Myaa stood up, confident in her words. She stated: Your Majesties. I present to the court, one more time, an accurate picture of tomorrow. Every prediction and prognostication I've uttered since I could first talk...has come true. I have saved crops and many souls because of the images that have come to me. And I declare, for certain, House Barronatta will maintain its supreme dominance and will never be defeated by any enemy, foreign or domestic, especially the empire's real enemies. More than ten generations of the holy Family will rule, and rule for more than a thousand years...

Marvelous! Queen Miranda exclaimed and clapped her hands. It was just what she wanted to hear.

Myaa added, "I have viewed that Silvereen's plan will succeed. The future is known to me and clearer than crystal. All methods must be employed to insure your Family's rule over the masses. Tomorrow's problems are very real, as seen by your priests. Prime problem is a high growth in the number of subjects in the Kingdom. Not only nearby Denimar, but whole provinces of Elmar, Kaajine, Lemurwood and the uncharted north-lands of magic and mystery. Strange mongols inhabit north regions of Lemaria we know little of. Also the great unknown, southeast. Populations everywhere have grown 20 or 30 times since earliest of records. The world itself is no longer a small, simple, farming community. Not anymore. The Kingdom is massive and getting bigger every day. The future will have cities and unbelievable progress, beyond belief. Believe me, Lord and Lady, eventually, there must be governments. I've seen it! Earth will have millions and millions of people on its surface..."

The King interrupted with: They're breeding like rats. We know. He looked at Adrian.

She continued: "New continents will be discovered, new lands, new people. There's so much more than the Joga Islands on this planet. Much is undiscovered and fantastic. But. Something, certainly, must be done in near future so your Family can rule in the far future..."

Specifically? the Queen inquired.

"I think Silver, Silvereen, should take over the talk? Our projects, oddly coincide. His brilliant idea is key. Truth is...King Nebo and Lady-Mother Miranda, you need our help and we are happy to serve you." Myaa turned to Silvereen, then turned to the highest royals for permission...

King and Queen nodded.

Myaa sat down and Silvereen took center stage in front of the royals...

The tiny boy in black was psychic. He saw