Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

Crossroads, a Cantrell Chronicles Reset update- Chapter Twenty-Five

 

 

King Joseph decided to throw a banquet to mark his first year on the throne on New Year’s Eve. He had the servants hang a TV on the wall between the arches to the throne room. As a group, they watched the countdown to midnight. He was delighted to hear so many take part in the merriment.

 

A minute after midnight, the king began to work the room. He had a great conversation with the Marquess Enzo Alto. “Enzo, can I persuade you to join in alliance with House Cantrell?” he asked once he learned the Marquess’ favor leaned toward the people. The monarch was pleased, as he finally felt his groove in ruling. His own insecurities falling to the wayside.  Joseph the Second, also quickly discerned the man was a Player, and would have to keep a sharp eye on the females under his own roof.

 

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

 

The late Sunday afternoon air was warm for once. First day of Spring. Erik stripped off his suit jacket once they left the church.  He invited Kayleigh to sit on the bench out front to observe the clouds, while they waited for the others for the ride home. “Something on your mind?” She asked after several quiet moments passed. Watching him carefully she said, “Would you like to talk about it?” 

More silence ensued before he said, “What do you do when you find yourself at a crossroads?”

 

Kayleigh could tell by the sound of his voice, he was serious. “Crossroads? I don’t know what you mean.”

Turning toward her and gesturing with his hands, he said, “How do you know when what you’ve desired for your whole life and is now unfolding before you, is the right path? That you haven’t made a serious mistake. A miscalculation?”

 

“Erik?” she said, gazing earnestly into his troubled face. “I thought being a musician is what you’ve always wanted to be, so what, exactly is the problem?”

Taking in a deep breath and sighing he said, “I love writing and playing my music for others, I enjoy performing, but this whole fame thing. The expectations others have put on me. I . . . I just don’t know about it.”

 

“Oh, honey, I was afraid this would happen. The nobles have infected you. Thiago is still a B-Lister with seemingly no ambition to go any further, as if it’s some kind of silent mandate, or something.” 

 

Putting a hand on his leg, she went on, “There is nothing wrong with what you do. In fact, you have a God-given Gift and I’m pretty certain that which God gives us, we’re supposed to share— So long as you don’t lose your head over it. So far you haven’t. When you win tonight, just know it’s your Gift that’s being honored. You are merely the vessel. Sorry if I sound preachy.”

 

“Those sharing this nomination are better than me. I stand in awe of what they do.” Frustrated, Kayleigh shook her head at him.  “No, they’re not, that’s where you’re wrong. I admit you’re in very good company with the other nominees, true enough. They’re each very good in their own right, but there is something intangible about what you do that gives you an edge over them. Please don’t ever sell yourself short. I don’t know what it is, I just know your music speaks to my soul. I’m guessing others feel it, too.”

 

With that Erik perked right up. He even smiled. “See? This is why I love you,” Erik said, as he got off of the bench. “Come on, the others have come out, time to go. I hope I still have time to participate in another tournament. I've done three so far. Helps to ease my tension.” 

“You and your constant swordplay,” she grinned.

 

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

 

After he won the Regional for a second time, he came home and took a soothing shower. Alfred was there to help him dress, as usual. “Are you ready for tonight, sir?” he asked.

 

“You’ve been talking to my fiancée, haven’t you. Yeah, I’m as ready as I can be. Nothing like walking into the lion’s den.”

“I do think you exaggerate, sir.”

“Maybe. But I’ve got lyrics going through my head, so win or lose I get something out of it, right?”

 

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

 

Once Erik was all ready to go, he sought out Kayleigh once more.  Taking her by the hand, and the waist, he held her, gazing into her eyes. He had it in mind to give her a suave kiss, when she suddenly said, “You’re shaking, are you okay? When did you eat last?”

 

“Other than Communion, the Feast, last night. I can’t eat before these things —”

“I don’t like to see you in knots over this. Were you like this the first time?”

 

“Yeah, I’m afraid so. It’s far easier to sing before millions, than to speak before a large group,” Erik said. “Despite having done it a few times. It never gets any easier, I’m afraid.”

“Do you have your speech?” She said. Erik let her go, reached into his jacket, a look of terror on his face. 

“I forgot to write it!”

“It’s okay, Erik, just breathe. In and out.”

 

“Why don’t you come along? Just knowing you’re there . . .”

“Of course I’m coming. Honey, you’ve got this. Listen to me, it’s okay, you’ve got this,” she said, gazing into his eyes. “Just speak from here,” she said, placing her hand over his chest. “That’s where the music and lyrics come from, trust me.”

 

“I don’t think it’s deserved, not by me. I stand in awe of the other four nominees.”

 

“Oh, no? All three of your albums have soared to the top in sales. We’re talking Gold-pressed Latinum. Feast on that one for a moment. Now, go get ‘em, Tiger.”  Erik kissed her quick and taking her hand, they took a turbo-lift to the underground garage.  Once they arrived in Del Sol Valley, Erik skillfully steered the craft into the underground parking facility there and stepping out of the lift, they stood with the group milling around out front for a short time.

 

Breathing slowly and evenly, he could use a Mindful Walk about now. Sadly, there was no time. So, letting out his breath quietly, he took her by the hand and together they made their way up the very long staircase. This will have to do. Breath, Captain, breathe.

 

As they ascended and walked through the double glass doors, he found the next staircase just on the right. With Kayleigh’s reassuring words in his head, he squared his shoulders and took them one step at a time until they were finally at the top. Just stay focused.

 

Once in the room set up for the awards, Erik noticed how different it looked. There was still a stage behind a railing, but the backdrop behind it was decked out totally differently. Oh, maybe it’s just that he hadn’t noticed last year. Everything was pretty much a blur at that time. Not too unlike how he felt, now. Already the evening took on a different tone. Feeling the presence of his mother, if only imagined, with Kayleigh at his side, they found seats. His private torture descended to his belly, and he prayed he wouldn’t be sick. Why is it worse this time around?

 

Finally, all five nominees were listed. “And the winner for Song of the Year, 2277, is,” the Host, Bruno Baumgartner, said, as he tore at the stubborn envelope until the card inside slipped out through the pre-slit opening and flitted to the stage floor. “Oh, guess it was prepared. Hm.”  With a swift movement he retrieved it. Smiled, shrugged and then read the results. “This year's recipient is none other than Erik Cantrell— for his Daybreak. Congratulations!”

 

Standing up Erik gripped the hem of his jacket, giving it a tug to straighten it, then made his way through the roped off walkway that led to the small stage. Taking up the Accolade, he stood, eyes closed trying to center himself.

 

“Forgive me, if I get all human on you. I grew up on Vulcan where a show of emotion is considered in poor taste. Sincerely, this is something I never even fantasized about. Being here for this a second Quaver, I am overwhelmed, humbled and oh, so very thankful for the chance to share my music the way I do. That’s what I want to do, write my songs and share them with all of you. I consider it a privilege to do so.”

 

“It is my hope I can live up to this auspicious honor, bestowed upon me this evening. Thank you to my wonderful Fans, whose constant support has raised me to this position. To my marevelous parents who did their utmost to nurture the talent they perceived in me. To my many siblings who put up with me, all of those years while I was discovering the guitar, piano but most especially the violin. I do believe I owe each of them a new set of eardrums. I do feel fortunate they each still talk to me.”

 

“Last but by no means, least, I want to thank the Starlight Academy for the nomination, the Committee for their votes. Taygeta Studios and Orion Entertainment, Limited, whose promotional concerts helps boost my record sales. One thing I have learned in this short time, is the artist isn’t alone. So many and so much goes into each song. Each album. I, by no means, stand here alone. This is for all of Team Erik. Most especially for a certain girl who is my rock. My Advisor and my Fiancée. She knows who she is. Thank you, and good night.”