Page 24 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

“I had assumed the Royal line went dead with the last Empress. Apparently my people have
reinstated the traditional title structure. I believe it means she is a noblewoman of the court,
responsible for the upkeep of the court. Females dominate our society, with males taking figurehead
roles. Or that is how it used to be.” She explained “Grarh and Huluth were the principle dignitaries
under the Empress and her Consort. They took care of the day to day matters. Every… what is your
Terran equivalent... Ah... Prime minister and Chancellor have taken those names as titles of their
office. The entwined Chalice being the symbol of that office” she added. She retreated deep into
thought as they entered the Bridge. Jicklac was standing at a console with a tall figure dressed in a
hooded robe. Both turned as Meorr and Fenton entered. The tall figure looked like a younger, but
male, version of Meorr. His eyes widened as he caught sight of her.
“Mistress of Leon; my humble apologies at not recognising your Pride name. I am Furrem-Laxis out
of Hurran of Kimeer. I am sent to guide you to the compound. The Pride is in mourning for the
passing of a Furlax, the last of his generation. Strangers are usually not permitted, but with your
prides’ stature…” the male Lemurr said as he went down on one knee.

“Please rise Hurran, and just call me Meorr. The Terran, Fenton Briggs is with me as a representative
of his Council. As a visiting dignitary, he would be most welcome I’m sure. This Furlax, what was his
pride?” Meorr said in such an authoritative manner it threw Fenton for six.

“His pride is Jermaxia, from the Buraxin sector colony. His name was the same as his ancestor, Duran
of Jermaxia third of the Vulax Triumbrate mistress” Hurran replied returning to his feet. That was
when Fenton noticed the uniform he was wearing, Black Velvet-like material with gold coloured
brocade swaging. He was wearing sandals of the type worn by the Ancient roman legions of Old
Earth.

“He must have been a great age; does anyone claim his title and estate?” Meorr asked

“His relation from Atraxis has agreed to take on the decadency. He is much younger, but highly
venerated. Mistress Catrah bade me make haste, she awaits your council on some other related
matter” He stiffened and did a strangely effeminate sort of salute.

“Very well; Jicklac, it looks like we with be parting your company. May I thank you for your gracious
hospitality” she said as she took his arm in a two handed shake. Jicklac winced at the force but
recovered enough to respond.

“It was my honour Milady. Your presence graced us, your smile warmed us and your parting saddens
us. As we say in our own tongue, Shivla ‘a’ Kumshar. Tukluk sheloh. Roughly translated, May the
creator shine the way to safety on the path ahead” Jicklac bowed slightly.

Pleasantries over Hurran guided them to a strange looking Howdah atop an even stranger
looking beast. Looking like an overgrown Ox it was laid down with its legs folded like that of a cow
resting. They boarded the Howdah and, once seated, the driver gave a short signal and the animal
rose up. Full height it stood about as tall as an Indian elephant. Unlike any Ox Fenton had viewed in
history files, the sounds this creature made sounded more canine than bovine. It would bark and
growl as it struggled with rough terrain. Presently the rough ground gave way to vast prairie. In the
distance were the outlines of the settlement. It was more like a small city than the kind of
settlement Fenton had imagined. Meorr had explained that the Furlax were evolutionary cousins of
the Lemurr. They were a spiritual race, more like the Buddhist Monks of Old Earth their society was
ordered on religious grounds. They were excellent mediators, accountants and scribes.