In Harmony We Trust, Ryan Matthew Harker [rooftoppers .txt] 📗

than he could remember.
“O-eemani forunitun tui,” Jin intoned. The stones behind them sealed as merc and monk turned to follow their friends and comrades to freedom.


Quite a few miles away a lone horseman hung back from his fellows.
Viewed from a hilltop the glow of many fires burned as a signal of the demise of a great edifice of sanctity to human kindness and compassion. Swallowing the lump that threatened to rise up in his throat Commander General Jeshux added the wanton destruction of the Midnight Monastery to his ever growing list of atrocities perpetuated by the Dark Lord Harmony and his minions. Jeshux then renewed his vow that the vile sorcerer would be made to pay retribution for all of his horrible crimes.
Then he swiftly turned his steed back to the road and followed his compatriots into the drowning twilight.


McAriicoys and his men- the entirety of Jeshux immortal mercenary force whom were not abroad- reached the massive gates that guarded Dirsellia just as dawn drew away the concealment of dark like a blanket from the distant horizon, cleaning it away with bright rays of pure light.
It had been years since they were last seen at these gates but the imperial guards had been sent in anticipation of their arrival, dispatched to receive with a hero’s welcome, these tired and war weary soldiers of fortune as they finally staggered home. None hesitated at their approach or showed the least bit of suspicion that these warriors were anything other than they appeared. If Harmony could have conceived it this homecoming would have been the perfect ruse to initiate infiltration.
After more than sixty years not only away from home but away from their very planet, the mercenaries were barely able to contain their excitement at arriving not only to the splendor of the capital but also the much needed rest and relaxation that such an a circumstance promised. So after the gloriously splendid greeting from the multitudes of people cheering and yelling their admiration, amidst banners exulting the mercenary’s bravery, and a seemingly endless stream of costumed entertainers parading for the soldiers return, McAriicoys was only too glad to dismiss his men to their well earned vacation and follow the captain of the guard to a snug and quite private bed secreted away in an unused corner of the city barracks. The city captain had insisted most fiercely that he be allowed to escort McAriicoys directly to the palace where he was awaited and would surely be offered much more luxurious accommodations. McAriicoys, being the simple officer that he was, adamantly refused these offers and no sooner had the door to his barracks room shut than his head hit the pillow and he was asleep.
An irritating rapping invaded his dreams and drew him awake well before he was ready. Sitting up McAriicoys discovered the source of the sound came not from his dreams but from the other side of the door. Muttering glumly he swung his legs off the bed, stood up, and went to answer the summons.
Pentooli stood in the hall looking refreshed and positively radiating rest. In her hands were steaming cups of black brew, one of which she offered McAriicoys with a smile.
“You look like hell, sir,” she said with her usual forwardness.
Waving his hand for her to come in, he took a drink of his coffee and said, “Dispense with the formalities Pen, we’re both on leave.” McAriicoys had to admit the sight of her was more refreshing than the coffee.
“Yes, sir,” she said with another smile.
McAriicoys shook his head and asked, “What’s the deal with you? You’re remarkably chipper this morning. Not like your usual self at all.”
“Just glad to be home I guess.”
“That’s understandable, after so long abroad I’m surprised there wasn’t a mutiny.”
Pentooli frowned. “Sir, you’re not serious? Are you? I mean we’re all volunteers. Jeshux never forced any of us to stay and we were well aware that we could leave at any time.”
McAriicoys laughed at her sudden seriousness. “No, no, of course not, I’m well aware of the nature of things. Every one of us understands the seriousness of the situation with Harmony and almost all of us have been harmed by that madman in a personal manner. It’s just,” and here he hesitated unsure how to proceed. He had not admitted these feelings to himself, let alone to someone else. “It’s just that after too many years a person gets tired of fighting and longs for something else, a peaceful existence… maybe a family.”
Neither one of them said anything for a few minutes, just sat and sipped their coffees. Then Pentooli said, “You know McAriicoys, you’re not the cold, stick in the mud, robo-warrior the troops say you are.” And then she laughed and it was a sweet musical sound.
Jeshux second in command arched an eyebrow and squared his shoulders, assuming more of his military bearing, and said, “And you, Pentooli Adamschild, are not nearly the uncaring ice queen men take you for.”
For an instant he was afraid that he had gone too far as a glacial hardness crept into her gaze and her mouth tightened. Then her features softened and she laughed her sweet laugh again. “No, I guess I’m not,” she conceded. “But it takes the right man to defrost me.” And she placed her hand on his.
Before McAriicoys had time to grow uncomfortable there was another knock at the door. He pulled his hand from hers, cleared his throat and once more became a grizzled military veteran.
“Yes, who is it?” he barked.
From outside the door came the muffled voice of the captain of the guard. “I’m sorry sir but the King requests your presence immediately!”
“I’ll be right there,” he answered before he tossed back the rest of his coffee and handed the empty cup to Pentooli. “Well, vacation’s over. But maybe tonight we can resume this conversation? Say, over dinner.”
She beamed her radiant smile at him and said mock serious, “Yes, sir! I’d like that, sir!” And then before he could say anything else she stood up and slipped out the door.
That woman, McAriicoys thought as he quickly put on his boots and jacket. Smiling ruefully he shook the hair out of his eyes and exited the cramped room that, for one night anyway, he had called home.
At McAriicoys sudden appearance the captain of the guard snapped erect and threw him a salute. “Good morning, sir. I’m sorry for the disturbance. I didn’t realize you had company.”
“Don’t worry about it Captain, and none of the formalities. I’m not your superior in any way. In fact right now I’m more of a civilian than anything.”
“Yes, sir,” The captain said. “Well, if you’ll follow me I’ll take you as far as the castle and then the royal guard will escort you to the King’s audience.”
“Well then let’s get to it,” McAriicoys rumbled still somewhat irritated.
The city captain spun on his heel and soon the two men were out of the barracks and winding their way down the city streets towards the castle. Everywhere they went McAriicoys was recognized as one of the brave mercenaries that made up the forces of Jeshux Immortals, as they had been dubbed. People waved, young men and boys saluted, and small children ran about laughing. It was an inspiring sight for the weary mercenary to see all of these people who had counted on him for their safety appreciating the time and effort that he had invested on their behalf. It really brought meaning to all of those years that he had spent away from home, fighting and McAriicoys resolve was renewed at seeing the public’s displays of respect and affection. By the time the city captain left him at the castle gate and in the hands of the royal guard, McAriicoys was feeling rather good about himself, all of the depression and irritability having evaporated.
Another ten minutes of travel through the hustle and bustle of the castle hallways found McAriicoys standing in front of the same ornate door which led to the same chamber where Jeshux had met with the King just over a month earlier.
At the guards nock on the silver and gold gilded door the King’s voice reverberated from the chamber with a resounding, “Enter!”
Upon entering the room McAriicoys was greeted with a friendly hug and a, “McAriicoys, my man. How are you?” from the King.
Released from the friendly embrace McAriicoys said formally, “I’m well your highness. And how are you?” The King looked tired and definitely seemed to have aged somewhat in the sixty or so years since he had last seen him.
“I’m well, McAriicoys. Tired of this business with Harmony but, well…,” the king disclosed.
McAriicoys nodded his agreement and said, “As are we all, your highness, as are we all.”
“And unfortunately this business is exactly what I’ve called you here to discuss. What news can you give me from the war front?”
McAriicoys had waited for this and was glad the King had got right to the point. He took a deep breath and began to relate the details of the campaign against Harmony from the moment of the mercenary’s harashna crossing to Earth. Even though he had most of this information already from Jeshux the king listened patiently as he considered having the perspective of things from McAriicoys equally important. After more than twenty minutes though his face was even older in appearance, his features grim, and his complexion pale.
“And we’re certain that the first place he’ll come is here,” McAriicoys finished after describing what he had learned of Harmony’s new ordnance and military power.
“This isn’t good,” the King muttered.
“I’m sorry sir,” McAriicoys said solemnly. “But that’s not all.”
The king groaned, “There is more?”
McAriicoys nodded, “There’s more.” And he proceeded to describe the arcane energy bomb that was only the size of a soccer ball.
“Your highness, you need to organize the city’s defenses immediately. Harmony’s foremost goal may be to come here but it is insanely likely that first he’ll unleash this weapon and he doesn’t have to, nor would he want to be, anywhere close to here when he does it.”
The King’s face paled further but his eyes narrowed and he asked, “What do you suggest that I do?”
“I don’t know,” McAriicoys heaved a weary sigh and wished that Jeshux were here to advise them both. “But it would probably be advisable to bring in the support of your top mages and technicians. All I can do is tell them what the weapon does and how it does it, anything to do with how to stop it or defend against it, well sir I’m only a simple military man and that kind of speculation is beyond my field of expertise.”
“Yes, of course it is,” the King sighed. “I’ll do so immediately. Is there anything else?”
McAriicoys stood up, troubled, and began to pace the room. “Your highness, I would like to suggest the help of one of my own as well, to help with both the scientific and the arcane aspects of this dilemma. Her name is Pentooli Adamschild and she has experience in both departments. She’s our head security advisor and technician, the best in her field.”
“Excellent!” the King exclaimed. “She will be a welcome addition among my own advisors. We need to assemble this team ASAP.”
“Agreed, your highness,” McAriicoys stopped pacing and faced the still sitting monarch. “And so, with your leave, I’ll go and fetch Pentooli, unless I’m needed elsewhere?”
“No. You’re free to go. Just have this lady come to the castle gate and I’ll have an escort awaiting her arrival.”
“Yes, your highness,” McAriicoys saluted and turned to go.
“One more thing McAriicoys,” the king said before he could open the