Box Set #5: Nemesis: [The 4 book 5th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood] Read online

  Nemesis

  Boxed Set #5

  Another Adventure for

  Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood

  ©Copyright 2016 by Robert Iannone

  All rights reserved

  (Book & Cover Illustration)

  Table of Contents

  Book 1 – The Librarian

  Book 2 – Po

  Book 3 – M.A.G.E.K.

  Book 4 - Xara

  Book 1 of Nemesis – The Librarian

  ©Copyright 2016, by Robert Iannone

  All rights reserved (Book & Cover Illustration)

  `

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1 – The Blue-Footed Booby

  Chapter 2 – The First Day of Tomorrow

  Chapter 3 – Bound for Spell ’Bound

  Chapter 4 – Amber Heart, the City

  Chapter 5 – Once Upon a Time

  Chapter 6 – The Order of the Obelisk

  Chapter 7 – The Archive of Lost Knowledge

  Chapter 8 – On Being a Friend

  Chapter 9 – Amber Heart, the Necklace

  Chapter 10 – Jax’x of Heart

  Chapter 11 - What a Kr’eep

  Prologue

  Egg liked the sound of what she had just heard. Her instincts told her this person was someone they could trust. “Fair enough. Now, who are you and how can we help?”

  “I am . . . I am the Librarian.”

  “That’s your name?”

  “No, it is what I do. I am in charge of all the printed words of this world. Sadly, much of what was once written has been destroyed. It is my job to catalogue and preserve that which is left.”

  Serenity spoke up. “You found something . . . something in those documents, those books. What is it?”

  The possessed Meggy smiled in appreciation of Serenity’s deduction. “I found that it is not magic. It is M.A.G.E.K.”

  The girls looked at each other not understanding. Egg asked, “What exactly does that mean?”

  “It means that there is a way to rid this world of the evil ones. They are not witches, warlocks, or magicians. Their power comes from a machine built centuries ago . . . knowledge, of which, was lost over time. We all think that these people can conjure up anything with their minds alone. That’s not true. They need the machine called M.A.G.E.K.”

  “Okay. I think I understand. So, how can we help?”

  The answer was totally unexpected. “I need the Hameggattic Sisters to find this machine . . . and turn it off. If you can do that, it will save my world . . . and my people. Please.”

  “That doesn’t sound like much of a challenge . . . flip a switch?”

  “You could not be more wrong.”

  Chapter 1 – The Blue-Footed Booby

  [From the Epilogue of Heart and Soul]

  “If I may?”

  “Ben’Edikk, this is neither the time nor place,” hissed Meggy.

  “Of course it is.” He turned to Egg and said, “I am sure you have not heard . . . Molly has decided to return to Earth.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “She feels that the life she now leads does not reflect who she really is. She wants to live on Earth to see if she can make a go of it on her own . . .” but his sister cut him off.

  “Benny, you fool. That’s not why she is leaving.”

  “But . . . she told me that when she broke our engagement.”

  “Men,” she sighed. “I thought their insensitivity and inability to understand us women was unique to Aerianna. Apparently, it is a universal weakness.”

  “Meggy, what are you talking about? For that matter, what is he (pointing at her brother) talking about?”

  “I am sorry to say that Molly overheard a conversation between my brother and me.”

  “Which conversation?” asked the blue-skinned young man.

  “You fool . . . the one where you told me that you were unsure about marrying the poor girl. You said . . .”

  “Oh, good grief, no.”

  “Oh, good grief, yes. She heard you say that you were in love . . . with Egg.”

  “Oh my gosh.”

  *****

  Egg blushed but was too stunned to say anything else. The room went deathly silent . . . all eyes turned towards her or the Prince waiting for one or the other to speak. The uncomfortable silence ticked on until his Lordship spoke out. “My son, if you have something to say to Eloise, I suggest you take her somewhere private and do so. I think now would be an excellent time.”

  “NO,” yelped Soo. Everyone turned to look at the serpent. “Oops, sorry,” she mumbled. “This is none of my business.”

  “Nonsense,” replied Rose. “Speak your mind, Soo’nami.”

  “I . . . um . . . well, I kind of wanted to hear what the Prince had to say. After all, Egg is my sister. In fact, she’s actually my kid sister seeing that I’m older. Kinda have to watch out for her.”

  “Ha, you lying lump of lizardry. You’re just a nosey rosy,” teased Bl’azzz. Realizing she might just have insulted Rose’Alynnia, she quickly added, “No offense, Dazzle.”

  “None taken. However, as much as we (and she emphasized the word) are all curious, I reluctantly must agree with my husband. This is a very private matter between my son and Egg.” Everyone groaned in disappointment. “Ben’edikk, you two have our permission to retire to someplace private,” said the Queen Mother.

  “I . . . um . . . well, I mean that is . . . um,” stuttered the young man.

  “Wow, he sure knows how to sweet talk a girl,” Soo whispered to Bl’azzz.

  “I always thought it was just male dragons that got tongue tied. Apparently, it happens to all men. How sad.”

  “Must be a genetic defect. But you’ve got to admit, they’re so cute when they mumble, stumble and crumble.”

  “Yeah. You can’t really trust a guy who can smooth talk his way out of a jam. And I think Benny’s about knee deep in it.”

  “Would you two keep quiet,” shushed Sylvia. “This is an epic moment.”

  “Epic? Not you, too?”

  “This really is epic. If she marries Benny, she becomes a princess. That’s every girl’s dream. Well, at least on Earth.”

  The Prince finally found his voice. To his parents he said, “Should I not ask Mr. and Mrs. Graystone for their daughter’s hand before I talk to her?” The Graystone’s exchanged eyebrow-raised looks. Grammy put her hand over her mouth to hide her grin.

  Before anyone else could speak, Egg jumped up. “No. No. No. No,” she blurted. “No parents. No hands. No thank you.”

  “But dearest Egg . . . um, Eloise . . . will you not hear my words before deciding?”

  “Benny, you don’t even know what to call me. For the record, only your dad can call me Eloise.” She turned to Serenity and added with a smile, “And no one can call me Gracie . . . ever.” The other girl had done just that through her Mysteria avatar.

  “Egg,” called her grandmother.

  “I know. I know. Be polite and let him say his peace.”

  “Yes, dear one.”

  She grabbed the flustered Prince and began to pull him out the door. “Okay . . . but I have no intention of giving these busy-bodies the satisfaction of hearing what you have to say. Let’s go.”

  “Not fair,” yelled Tee’ka as her friend left the room. “How am I supposed to learn about this stuff if you people do it in secret?”

  “If you have any questions, sweetheart, you can always ask me.”

  �
�Thank you, Grammy . . . but I think I’d rather hear it from a handsome man. Would you loan me your husband sometime?”

  “Oh no dear. That will never happen,” and everyone laughed. Ezra had the good grace to blush.

  *****

  They found a private room and closed the door. Egg released Ben’edikk’s hand then turned to face him. “Are you crazy?” she demanded.

  Sometimes when a young man grows up in the presence of strong women (like Rose’Alynnia and her daughter), they seek the same traits in a wife. The Prince had never met a young woman like Egg . . . someone who was an equal to his mother and sister. Quite frankly, he found it irresistible.

  “Dearest Elo . . . Egg, my heart has been yours from the moment I first laid eyes on you. I know you feel the same way. Remember our little sojourn to Sighing Whorl?”

  “Of course I remember. And no, I wasn’t in love with you. Not then, not now.”

  “I may not be the most experienced man in the ways of women, but I clearly recall your enthusiasm when we kissed.”

  “Oh, please. I was kissing a Prince . . . a handsome Prince at that. Of course, I was a teensy-weensy bit thrilled. But it wasn’t love.”

  “You consider me handsome”? The young man’s chest expanded with pride.

  Time to take him down a notch. “Not nearly as handsome as your dad . . . but I guess not too bad all things considered.”

  Unfortunately, the young man was in love and heard what he wanted to hear. “Coming from the Heroine of Aerianna, I take that as very high praise. I am deeply honored that you feel as you do.”

  “Oh my gosh, you blue-footed booby – you need to get out more.”

  “I am uncertain as to the reference.”

  Egg shook her head in frustration . . . but she softened her attitude. “Listen Benny. First off, I’m not ready to get married. I’ve waited five years to get the Sisterhood back and I intend to do as much good in this galaxy as possible.”

  “That doesn’t preclude our marriage or at the very least, our engagement.”

  “Yeah it does. I’m not in love with you. I hardly even know you. And you don’t know me.” She raised her hand to stop him from answering. “Forget the history books or the stories from your family . . . they don’t count. For instance, what’s my favorite flavor ice cream?”

  “What is ice cream?”

  “Oh. My. Gosh. It’s chocolate but never mind. All I’m trying to say is that we would have to spend a lot of time together before we . . . or at least I . . . could fall in love. But, like I said, I’m taking the Sisterhood to look for wrongs that need to be righted. I won’t be around very much.”

  “What little time you did have, we could spend together. Could we not?”

  “Maybe. But I need to visit Earth to see Syl and my family. I have sisters here on Aerianna that I want to spend time with. I just couldn’t commit to anything.”

  “I believe you overstate the obstacles. I am sure we could find the time to get to know each other. For instance, I could go to Earth with you. I would love to see where you grew up.”

  Egg shook her head. “Not going to happen. Now with your blue skin.”

  “Why would the color of my skin be a problem?”

  “Stupid, right? But that’s just how it is. Anyway, there is still one other thing. You hurt Molly. I can’t forgive that. She may not be a sister, but she and her mom are very special to me. She doesn’t belong on Earth; she belongs here on Aerianna.”

  “What if f I could convince her to stay? Perhaps introduce her to one of my friends? She is a beautiful young woman and I know for a fact that more than one of them has a great interest in my former fiancée. Obviously, that interest could never be overtly expressed before. But now . . .”

  “I’ll tell you what. If you could somehow pull off a miracle and patch things up with Molly and convince her to stay . . . and introduce her to someone she could fall in love with . . . then maybe I’ll spend a little time with you.”

  “Oh, Egg . . . you have made me the happiest man in the world.”

  “Not so fast, big guy. I’ll say it again . . . I don’t love you. I’m not ready for marriage. And I’ll be away from Aerianna a lot. The odds of you and me being . . . you and me . . . are slim to none.”

  “But not impossible.”

  “Oh my gosh. Men!”

  *****

  As they were walking back to the others, the Prince tried to take Egg’s hand. “Hey, no hand holding.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because we are not a couple. I don’t want to give the others the wrong idea. For that matter, I don’t want to give you the wrong idea.”

  Ben’Edikk smiled. “I predict that one day, and soon, you and I will be walking arm in arm. And, if I may be so bold, perhaps a little more.”

  Egg turned red. “Benny, I’m already beginning to regret this.”

  Realizing he was pushing harder than he should, the Prince backed off. “I am sorry Egg. I did not mean to imply anything improper. We shall proceed at whatever pace you find comfortable.”

  Egg stopped and looked at her companion. “That’s the most considerate thing I have ever heard you say. Thank you.” So impressed with his show of maturity, she almost gave him a kiss on the cheek. Luckily, her mind screamed “NO” just in time.

  They reached the other room and the Prince opened the door for his companion. Everyone immediately went silent as all eyes turned to stare.

  “What?” snarled Egg.

  “Soooo (she stretched out the word) – how’s everything?” asked Sylvia in a sickeningly sweet voice dripping with pretend innocence.

  “Spill it,” yelled the not-so-subtle Soo.

  “I need all the details,” pleaded Tee’ka. “All of them.”

  “You people need to get a life.”

  “Egg, if I may,” offered Ben’Edikk.

  The girl rolled her eyes as if to say, “If you have to.”

  “I am pleased to announce that Egg of Earth has agreed to be my wife.” Egg’s head snapped around just in time to catch a quick wink from the Prince. Not surprisingly the crowd went crazy . . . at least a hundred conversations started at once. No small feat since there were only a couple of dozen people in the room.

  Egg let her friends and family babble excitedly for nearly a minute. She finally raised her hand and everyone quieted down to hear her speak. Letting the silence drag on for a few more seconds than was necessary, she said, “Now that I’ve had some time to think about it, I’ve changed my mind. Sorry, Benny.” She was impressed with the Prince’s sense of humor – it was a side of him that she had never seen. Her interest was piqued and she wanted to see how far he could take this little charade. “No hard feelings?”

  “But my dearest . . . why? I thought you said you loved me?” He put his hand to his forehead for dramatic effect.

  “You’re really not my type,” came her response – while shrugging her shoulders.

  “How so?” he begged, apparent hurt evident in his voice.

  Before this little act could play out any further, Sylvia stood up. “Enough, you two.”

  “Syl?” questioned Serenity.

  Sylvia knew her best friend better than Egg knew herself. “They’re just pulling our collective legs.” Turning to her best friend, she said “have you no shame, girl?”

  “Me? How about all of you?”

  “Egg,” asked her mother who was thrilled with the idea that her daughter would be a princess, “he’s so cute . . . are you sure you don’t want to marry him?”

  “MOTHER.”

  “Well . . . you could do a lot worse.” Nevertheless, she looked away in embarrassment.

  “Listen up – all of you. We’re not engaged, we’re not a couple, and we’re not. .”

  “A couple of what?” interrupted BreeZee.

  “What?”

  “A couple of what?”

  Sylvia spoke up to explain. “It’s an earth expression meaning that two people are dating.”


  “Oh. Sorry.”

  Egg took a deep breath and continued. “Benny and I are friends. If he can fix things with Molly, then maybe I’ll see him if and when I get the chance. That’s it. Nothing more. Nada. Zippo. So don’t ask.”

  “Egg and I have reached a mutually satisfactory understanding,” added the Prince. “We would both appreciate your respect for our privacy.”

  “Thanks, Benny.”

  “You are most welcome . . . Gracie.” He emphasized the name and everyone laughed. Even Gracie.

  *****

  The next morning, Mr. and Mrs. Graystone met up with their daughter. Both were ready, though not eager, to return to Earth. They had said their goodbyes to one and all. However, they had spent an unusually long time with the Queen Mother and her husband.

  “Alright you two, what’s going on?” asked Egg suspiciously.

  “I have no idea what you’re referring to,” replied her mother.

  “Yeah, right. It didn’t have anything to do with me and Benny, did it?”

  “Sweetheart, please don’t force me to lie.”

  “Then don’t.”

  “Egg,” interrupted her father, “we are overwhelmed by all of this. We couldn’t be prouder by what you’ve already accomplished. And we have no doubt that the story of Flying Girl and the Hameggattic Sisterhood is just beginning. But, we are your parents and no matter what anyone says, we’re going to worry about you. God only knows what trouble you’re going to encounter out there,” and he pointed skyward. “We have every confidence that you and your friends will succeed . . . but until you give up roaming amongst the stars and battling evil, we’re not going to sleep all that well. However, the one thing we have to look forward to, we hope, is you eventually settling down and getting married and having kids of your own. You can call us old fashioned or old school, but well . . . we are. Having said that, marriage will never be your goal . . . and with your abilities, it should never be. There are probably a billion people out there that need your help. But maybe marriage – along with all the good you’re going to do – will be your reward.” He shook his head. “Sorry . . . did that make any sense?”