Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

The Order of Things, a Cantrell Chronicles Reset_Chapter Five

 

 

The funeral had yet to take place. Erik found himself more and more confused. If his father was truly king, then why delay the coronation? He asked a series of important and relevant questions. Joseph having been a Mentor Teacher, smiled patiently at his son, glad he was taking a real interest in their family’s new situation. Heading toward the dining table, he offered Erik a cup of hot tea, before he sat across from the young man.

 

The long day was finally drawing to an end, the others had already gone to bed. Only a few staff remained awake. Erik noticed they saw to the domestic duties, sweeping, dusting, putting objects back into their proper places. The teen couldn’t help but admire how efficiently and more importantly how quietly they went about these chores. 

 

Twirling the tea in the porcelain cup, Joseph began, “Each monarch arranges their own funeral. From beginning to end. Your uncle Joe wanted to have his last tour through each neighborhood in the kingdom. To lie in State in the center of each for a period of time so his subjects, note the language, could pay their last respects. The new monarch must wait until a funeral or memorial has taken place before they are ‘sworn in’ to their new office.”

 

“So, and please don’t take this the wrong way,” Erik said, placing his hand on Joseph’s arm, “is Uncle Joe now done with his farewell tour?”

“Yes, I’m told his coffin will be at the cemetery by tomorrow morning. The service is to be held at ten AM.”

“Was that by your planning or his?” Erik made his way to the front door, shrugging into his coat.

 

“And just where re you going at this late hour?,” Joseph said, smiling at his second son.

“I have to package and then release my album if I expect to climb ever higher on that star-studded ladder.”

“Okay, just get back home in time to get some sleep. Tomorrow is likely going to be a long, emotionally charged day.”

 

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

 

Of Kings and Princes Cemetery was privately owned by the Cantrell family. In looking around, Erik found it peaceful, beautiful, and in its own way calming. After he got his first album, Just Erik, out the door, he slept like a baby. Today, however, he was concerned that his father looked a tad more haggard than the day before. Made him wonder if his father was just full of grief, which Erik had witnessed, or if the looming coronation was also on his mind.

 

Waiting outside watching the looming dark clouds fill the sky, he noted the group that made their way around to the gate. In retrospect, Erik wondered why there was only one gate and that on the far side. Both came off of roads. Wouldn’t it be easier to have assess on each side? Then his mind lept to the possibility of some screwy regulation, enacted by a King while in a bad mood. 

He did ponder what the

 

day held for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture of the group on the other side of the cemetery

 

Besides the weight of governing, Joseph also had to keep their dynasty in order. And then, there was Her Royal Highness Alexandra to consider. She had made it more than plain, she was the legitimate monarch and how dare Joseph show up out of nowhere and usurp her reign. Yes, she was angry, as his father suggested she would be. 

 

Actually, she was more than that. She was a pain in just about everybody’s side, but her own. Erik rarely took a dislike to people, but there was something about his auntie that stuck in his craw. He continued to be gracious, to hold her chair for her, to pander to her as much as any man dared, to no avail. She was . . . well, the best way he could put it, politely, was Alexandra was Alexandra.

 

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

 

Crown Prince and Heir, Joseph took his pl

 

ace at the podium and called everyone to their seats. “Today, we put King Joseph to rest,” dropping his head down, he drew in a ragged breath. 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture (eulogy)

 

“While I spent time training in the military and getting my higher education, Joe, as we all called him, acted as regent for Ondarion. And while I have as yet, to go over the books for this nation, he seems to have caused no major damage. I can say the treasury is full.  Moving on. Joe used to distract us kids with some of the most outlandish, outrageous stories I have ever heard. Whatever could be said of him as a ruler, as a caregiver, he was attentive, kind and gentle. He took care of scraped knees, bruised egos, and gave serious hugs when a heart was broken. A job he stepped into without hesitation, nor experience having never been married, nor ever having had a child of his own. For that alone, he was a very good man. And this is what I hope we all take away from today.”

 

 

 

 

 

Picture (23)

 

With that Joseph turned and walked over to the closed casket, placing his hand on it. “Please join me in a moment of silence if you will.”

 

 

 

 

Joe’s back to chairs, (21)

 

As more and more people joined in, the room was so silent, it was eerie.

 

 

 

 

 

Picture (26)

 

 

 

 

Picture (58)

 

“Thank you very much,” Joseph said, at last. “And now I pour out this cup signifying your life has come to an end.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture (30)

 

“And as a symbol of the Light you must follow home, I ignite this candle that you may find your Way.”

 

 

 

 

 

Picture (15)

 

The group solemnly went outside into the rain that had started mid-way through the service and now came down in torrents. Gathering into a tight group between the porch steps and the porch itself, “As befitting a man of your station, however you came by it, I shall set off this small canon.” Sadly, the only thing that emerged from the small artillery was a weak puff of gray smoke.

“You can’t get anything out of a canon if the black powder is wet, don’t you know anything?” Prince James said.

“I do hope your style of rule won’t be as impotent,” Prince Reginald said.

“Disrespect doesn’t become either one of you, my dear little brothers. If you will forgive me, I have yet another task to attend.”  

 

Walking down the row of tombstones, Joseph took a moment to pray over each one, beginning with the newly interred King Joseph Alistair Cantrell, the First, toasting him and then releasing his spirit.  

Finally, he reached his father, King Aaron and his wife, Joseph’ stepmother, Queen Julianna. He prayed for the release of their spirits, too. Michael his next younger and only full brother, whom he sorely missed.

 

Shortly thereafter Joseph dismissed the guests. Donning jackets and coats, the new royal family went home.  All of the kids ran indoors to get out of the weather, leaving Louise and Joseph to themselves.  He smiled at his very pregnant wife and turning, he tapped his cheek. “Oh, Joseph you’re being so silly.”

“I thought you liked it when I was silly,” he defended.

“But you weren’t a king then, as you are now.”

“True but being a king doesn’t mean I have to stop being human.”

 

“Point well taken,” she said, as the two walked arm-in-arm into their ancient abode.

 

 

 

A Twisted Fate, part two, Cantrell Chronicles Reset, Chapter Four

[Minor revisions]

 

Later, after he’d gotten himself dutifully washed up and dressed for bed, Erik pulled on his street clothes and a coat and found his father on the upper floor of the stables.  “Dad?” Joseph, who was busy refreshing his sword skills, turned around, resting the tip of the golden blade on the floorboards.

 

“Yes, sir, I was. But I got to thinking . . . Is it too late for me to reconsider my membership? I think I was just overwhelmed, not understanding all that’s involved.”

“You were busy weighing whether or not you can balance your would-be music career, no doubt verses the ‘other things’ which likely set your hair on fire.”

“How did you know?”

 

Joseph tapped his head. “I was young once, too. And I’d like to think that I know my children, particularly you, Erik.”

“Yeah, you’re my family, and, well, suddenly I felt like I was on the outside. A feeling I didn’t much like. It occurred to me, too, that you are relying on all of our support. You did come back to resume the throne. Not an easy task, I’m sure. How can I disregard that?”

“Well certainly, son. Consider yourself a member. I’m so glad you changed your mind. This makes me very happy.”

“Oh, and just so you know, I’m on the edge of becoming a B-Lister.”

“Two point something stars and you’ve made it. That is exciting news to hear. What else is on your mind?”

 

Erik took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  “I took a look at that song you said was a winner, so many years ago now.”

“It Hurts Both Ways, is the title as I recall. And it is good. You’re showing real talent.”

“Well, I took it out dusted it off a bit and did some tweaking. I can play it if you like, and you can tell me whether or not I just ruined it, if you would.”

 

“Sure, I’d love to hear it again.”  Joseph waited as Erik tuned his guitar and began to play and sing the song that poured straight from his heart.

“If it is at all possible, those little bits you added to the melody make it even better. I particularly like the run you inserted, giving it a dramatic flair. So, when are you planning on sending it off? Licensing is important, you know. Protect your intellectual property, and all.”

 

The Quaver is the first Sunday of Spring. I plan on sending it off just after Christmas, so it gets there in time for consideration. They do have strict guidelines —”

“That’s my boy. Going for the Big Four, I see.”

“Well, since you said college is next, and I have a mind to join the Noble Career, too, I didn’t want to overload my plate.”

 

“No, that begs for indigestion, to be certain. You must have taken quite a shower, to get all of that sorted out since supper.”

 

“Guess I should head off to bed, then. Oh,” Erik said, turning to glance back at the king, “do you think in between your stuff you have to do you could mentor me in in swordsmanship? Maybe even in archery? I think Aaron was just goading me to try harder at these things. He’s always so competitive, and I think he wants me to give him more of a challenge. It must hurt him every time my arrow smacks the ground near my feet.”

 

“Ah, you have a nocking problem. Absolutely, I would be very happy to mentor you. Okay, good night, son. Get some rest. I will be a persistent coach. Just so you know.”

 

“Okay, thanks. And I shall strive to be a worthy student.” Maybe this won’t be as hard as I imagined. I think, just maybe our family is up to this. This certainly is a beautiful place to live.

 

 

 

A Twisted Fate, Cantrell Chronicles, Chapter Three

[minor revisions]

 

“Gather around, children,” Joseph said, as his family grabbed a plate of food,  prepared by the Cook, unaccustomed as they were to being served, unless at a restaurant. They took seats on the side of the long table closest to the kitchen door. For a moment or two, as if uncertain, seventeen-year-old Aaron, having been informed he was the Heir-Apparent, set his plate at the head of the table, since his father didn’t take it. He just stood there. Waiting to be directed.

 

Picture of the family at the long table

 

“That’s all right, Aaron, just take a seat, so we can get started.” After Joseph led them in prayer thanking God for their meal and safe interplanetary journey.  They sat in eerie silence, eating their repast, concentrating on their food. Until Louise initiated a conversation. “So, are your rooms adequate? We tried to convey each of your likes and dislikes and allowed the Staff to fill in the rest.”

 

“Can’t complain," Aaron said, "for the first time in my life I have a room to myself. Yes,” he shouted, his yelp echoing off of the stone walls. “That was quite a reverb,” he said, sheepishly, slinking deeper into his chair.

 

Picture of Aaron’s room

 

“Sure, mine’s great. Glad to have a roommate,” Erik said, nodding at his next younger brother. 

“At least maybe I can get some sleep, “Joey said. “Place sure is spooky, though.” 

“Well, I don’t know what vibe you’re picking up, but I like it here. It’s homey in its ancient, poetic way.”

 

Picture of the Boys’ room

 

Picture of Bree’s room

 

After some animated cross-conversation, for which he was glad to see his children acting more like themselves, a smiling, Joseph took the hilt of his Sterling silver butter knife and gently clinked his crystal glass to get their attention.

 

Glancing up at them, he gazed at each of their faces. “Listen up, please. It’s time for me to explain the circumstance that drew us here, as I promised. I have been made aware, most of you are clueless, which was in fact by design. You see, having been brought up a royal with all of the tedium, the pomp and circumstance, the duties, that go along with it, and lack of personal freedom, regarding one’s choices in life, if you will; I wanted you to have a normal upbringing, to know you were liked simply because you were you, and not merely for your title, which can be very disconcerting. Of course I let your mother know. She agreed to marry me anyway.” 

 

At this a bit of laughter filled the large room. “And, yes, as it’s also been brought up, I dutifully registered each one of you at birth. That means the title was passed down and not forever lost, as suggested.” With this revelation Aaron nearly choked, spewing his drink across the highly polished formal dining table. “What? Are you suggesting you were shirking your duty?  Hiding out on Vulcan all of this time?”

 

“Never. Why would I do this? Everybody knew where I was. You met your aunt and uncles, after all. However, your Grand Uncle took the throne, citing my apparent immaturity at the time; leaving me to pursue my own life. That was then. This is now. Joe had no heirs of his own, so he rightfully made me his heir ---

besides I am in the proper line of succession.”

 

“But I’ve read where heirs who are too young have a regent. What happened with that?” Joey said. “Did uncle Joe just up and steal the throne right out from underneath you? How could he do that?”

 

“Yes, I suppose you could say that. Sadly, palace intrigue does happen, sometimes. This allowed me the freedom I craved. To have the life I always wanted. I do suspect he knew that, too. Let this bird out of his cage. Let’s look at it this way. If I hadn’t gone into the military, I could never have afforded my higher education. I met your mother at Britechester-U. Despite being fifteen years older than she, we married right after graduation. You kids came shortly thereafter. If things had been any different, none of you would exist.”

 

 Louise smiled at her husband, and gazed around the table at each of her children. “Your father allowed me to continue my life as an artist. Fame came quickly, almost as quickly as you kids. We struggled for a good long time, financially. It was only when Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan paid your father a visit offering him the chance of a lifetime, that things finally turned around.” Louise sipped her glass of Von Haute Estate Meloire and fell silent.  

 

 Joseph also took a sip of his, “Now that we’re here, however, in our rightful place, I can promise you, this won’t be an easy life, not as before. It can be trying, having to be so proper all of the time. I wanted something better for you children. I fully expected things would fall into place, when the time came. Please forgive me for being remiss. . . since it’s fallen upon all of us so much sooner than anticipated. Had your grand uncle been ailing . . .”

 

“It’s all right, Dad,” Erik said, gazing across the table at his father. “It is what it is. Life sometimes seems so completely random.”

 

 Joseph ran a hand down his beard. “Yes, it does. Thank you, son. Oh, and I have begun the journey required to become a Noble. I had to join in order to claim the vacant rank. I am now actually considered the king of Ondarion. Your mother, the Queen, is undecided on whether she should join the noble career. She may up and quit working to take care of this new baby, which is completely acceptable. Oh, she’ll have a few royal tasks to attend, as will you all.  I also have tasks to complete, but all of you now have the Title of Lord and Lady,” He nodded toward his only daughter. 

 

He found himself both surprised and amused that his own family reflected that of his late father, King Aaron.  Four sons, (the sonogram showed the baby- to-be, was another boy), and one daughter. “Any questions?”

 

Once again, his family fell into a jarring silence. The only thing that filled the air was the sounds of a cellphone going off. “Sorry, sorry,” Erik said as he grabbed his phone from his back pocket and sat staring at it in disbelief. “I just got pinged on my phone informing me I have class tomorrow. What is that about? I have already graduated high school. Do I have to repeat it all again?”

 

Joseph frowned. “No. Attend for the one day, then opt to graduate early.  That way you have time to pursue your music, among other things . . .”

Erik sighed in relief, dragging his shoulder-length blond hair back from his forehead. “Phew, thank you. I thought you had changed your mind.”

 

Sharing a glance, Joseph and Louise knew their second son was special and not just for his musical prowess that emerged from a very early age, but also for the fact he was conceived on Earth, but was born in space, just outside of Vulcan jurisdiction. He was actually a citizen of Nowhere. So when the family left Vulcan to attend to the business of Joseph’s uncle, leaving him his true legacy; throne, castle, dynasty, et al, they also had this problem to resolve. 

 

He attended to it promptly. Turned out, according to all involved, that since his parents were already citizens of planet Earth, and with his birth registered, Erik was a citizen, too. More importantly of Bellacorde, where they now resided, and so therefore, Ondarion.

 

Tentatively raising his hand, Joey said, “Ah, are we to call you your majesty, your highness, or what?” Joey asked.

“Dad and mom will do when we’re here together without outsiders. When in public, however, your majesty is in order, just to be clear.”

 

“This is crazy-insane,” Aaron said. “What about this dynasty thing?”

 Joseph spread his hands wide, then said, “I have been inserted, rightfully, as the head. Sadly, your aunt Alexandra is very angry.  I shall have to work extra hard to get back into her good graces, I’m afraid. As for you kids, are you willing to be a part of it?”

 

What Joseph got back was three yeses and one no. Erik was the lone holdout.

Aaron shook his head. “So like you, Brother, only ever thinking about yourself, and your silly notion you can make a career out of music. What a farce. You are a royal now, whether you like it or not, so please do your best not to disgrace the family. Got it?”

 

“What I got, was an overbearing older brother who insists he’s the one in charge.”

 

“You’re just afraid I’ll prove better than you at archery. I’ve always been better athletically than you. I've always been better than you.  I promise, I will hit you where you sit with an arrow repeatedly until you get in line. Whilst your arrow continually un-nocks and falls haplessly to the ground.”

 

Before the argument could escalate any further, and thus damage the dynasty, disrupting it all together. Joseph banged his open palms on the table as he stood up. “Kroika, enough of this. We must hold to our high standards. Meanness isn’t one of them. Aaron, I have given Erik permission to pursue his dream, it’s not up to you. We are all to use our God-given gifts to their fullest. Each one of you.” Leveling a forefinger at Aaron, he said. “You, young man, are showing all the ear-marks of being an absolute Autocrat. Tyrant comes to mind. I may have to rethink my choice of heir. Got it?”

 

“Did it suddenly get icy in here?” Aaron said, slumping further into his seat.

“It’s late,” Louise said. “Upstairs with all of you. Wash up and go to bed. We’ve had a big day and obviously you’re all exhausted. Good night, children.”

 

 

 

Welcome Home, Cantrell Chronicles Reset,  Chapter Two

[minor revisions]

 

Come the new day, Joseph began the business of resigning his post as director of the human school in The Province on Vulcan, and formally withdrawing Aaron, Joey and Brianna from school, securing their records for transfer. Since Erik had already graduated, his last task was to contact High Counselor, T’Lar, as she expected Brianna to return to the Temple upon her seventeenth birthday, so she could sit the time-honored Test, the K’Matra; which would be the final assessment of her control over her skills; how far she could project her thoughts, if she could truly mindmeld with another, along with her ability to control her psychic impulses. These were crucial tests. Bree would be the very first human to do so.

 

T’Lar who had been amazingly accommodating to this human family, secured Joseph’s oath that he and his daughter would return upon Brianna’s seventeenth birthday. He obtained a Realtor and listed the house for a quick sale. Within two weeks, the family was on their way back to Earth.

 

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

 

“I have to say, that was a rather pleasant, and short trip,” Louise said, rubbing her well-rounded belly, “I had shades of giving birth to a second child in space,” she said, winking at Erik.

“I told you at that time, two months was the norm,” Joseph said, looking at his wife suspiciously, as if he were missing a crucial signal. “Taking the family business ship, Freedom this time helped. It’s all about Hyper Space, you see.  Ah, here’s our Hovercraft.”

 

The Hovercraft resembled a stretch limousine with a shiny black surface with gold filagree over the wells. The center doors were adorned with a gold-framed Coat of Arms, with a deep blue background and two shiny broad swords crossed near the end of the sharp-looking blades. “Wow, that’s so nova,” Joey said, letting his mouth gape open.

 

“Come along kids, our chariot awaits,” Joseph said, putting a finger underneath Joey’s chin to gently close his mouth. “Slide into the back two seats. I’m anxious to see what the old place looks like.”

 

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

 

“Hm,” Brianna said, “looks remarkable considering its age. When was it built again? Fifteen hundred-seventy-four?”

“Exactly seven hundred Standard Earth years ago, that’s right. Joe took care of it. He always felt that was his mission, after your grandpa died. The lot always goes to the eldest son.” Turning in his seat toward his eldest son, Joseph looked at Aaron “That means you. I always told you there were perks to being the firstborn.”

“But it’s so big and cold looking.” The red-haired teen slumped into his seat looking as disinterested as any teen could.

 

“Solution,” Erik said, sitting in the opposite bench seat, “get married and have children. That should fill the ole place up in no time. I think it's beautiful.”

“Fine, then you take it. I don’t even know if I like kids.”

Joey shrugged, “No worries, I can just move in, wife, kids et al.”

Erik waved his hand under his nose, “Joey, if you don’t learn to bathe more often, I doubt you’ll even get married. Let alone get physically close enough to make babies.”

 

“What are you saying?” Joey said. “I may be fifteen, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get the obvious. I do plan on being a physician one day.” The vehicle stopped at the curb and the family debarked. Servants all dressed in their neatly pressed uniforms lined the stone steps all the way to the double-wooden doors. Two white-gloved male servants, dressed like butlers, but without the tails on their jacket, gathered up the family’s luggage and took it inside.

 

Upon reaching the porch, the doors swung inward. Following their parents, the Cantrell children all stepped into a large foyer.  “Wow, look at this place, it’s like a moment out of time,” Erik said, eagerly crossing to the tall archway ahead and slightly to his left.  “Is this? Can’t be . . . a throne room? An actual throne room?” Coming up beside his second son, Joseph placed his hand on the youth’s broadened shoulders.

 

“That’s exactly what this is. I remember watching as your grandpa would hear the People’s Petitions. Sometimes, the job seemed interesting.” Walking back out again, Erik noticed another archway just to his right as he returned to the Grand Foyer, as he heard it referred to. “Another archway, now where do you suppose it leads? Shall we find out?”  In a flash he darted through it and finding a set of stairs just beyond the opening, he descended. Must be to the dungeon, he supposed.

 

Halfway down the stairs, the automatic lights rolled back the darkness. To his right, in the far corner, was a magnificent golden grand piano with all kinds of carved adornment at the sides and back. “Dibs on the basement!” he hollered up the staircase.

 

“Come on, Erik, we want to finish the tour, and we don’t have all day.” Aaron once again behaving as a resentful older brother.

“Yes, we do,” Louise said, giving her firstborn the eye. “This is home.”

“I’m coming,” Erik said, reluctantly climbing upward, even though his fingers itched to tickle the ivories, if only for a moment. The most he played shipboard was his guitar, his treasured violin carefully packed into the hold for safekeeping.

 

Moving through the foyer stepping through another tall archway, they came into a large room furnished with two long tables, two servers and a bar. A delightful wallpaper covered the stone walls.

“Grand Hall,” Joseph said, as if making a mental note.  “For entertaining dignitaries.”

“And where do we eat?” Erik asked, rubbing his belly.

“Here, of course,” Joseph smiled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture of Grand Hall

 

“And here we find, a door. Anybody wish to guess what’s beyond it?” Pushing it open, Erik led the way inside. Again, automatic lights illuminated the room.  “This place has been modernized without losing the Medieval charm. Good job, Uncle Joe.”

 

 The kitchen had been gutted. All that remained was the burnt stove with black smudge markings on the walls above it.  Joseph caught his breath, “Mr. Noel wasn’t kidding. I guess, Louise, you get the pleasure of redesigning the layout.”

 

“What’s that black stuff on the stones?” Joey said, pointing upward at it.

“First off,” Erik said, “those are bricks not stone. They don’t catch fire, hence the use of them in fireplaces. Hm,” he reached up and touched a smudge then rolled his forefinger against his thumb as if testing a theory.  “Soot.”

 

“Spooky, you mean this is where Uncle Joe died?” Joey said, as he stepped away from the stove.

“It’s okay, he’s not here,” Brianna said, utilizing her Psychic Abilities. “He was a steadfast Believer, and he has gone to his reward. This place is not haunted,” she told Joey in no uncertain terms.

“If you say so, but I’m not sleeping here.”