The Golden Edge

4 - Something Golden This Way Comes

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Arriving in the city of Cairo, Egypt, the dune buggy would screech to a halt. Veronica, Samuel and Mr P would climb out, peering towards an airport. With a smile on the couple's faces, they'd hold hands as they peered towards their escort. Nodding towards him, they'd follow his directions.

Heading to a gate beside the entrance of the airport, Mr P would hold it open for the pair to enter. As they passed, V and Sammy would skip as they looked around. Not many people could be seen, just the usual workers. As the group made their way over the runway, they'd inch closer to their destination.

Standing before them was a rusty-looking plane, seeming not safe for flight at all. Starting to feel uneasy, the couple would continue to venture forth. With Mr P still behind them, the trio would arrive at the aircraft. Stepping towards the entryway, the gentlemen would pull open the door. Nodding towards Veronica and Samuel, the two would climb aboard.

Spotting some seats beside each other, the couple would sit down. Meanwhile, Mr P would close the door before making his way to the cockpit. V would watch the man as he disappeared into the front of the plane before turning to her lover. Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, she'd happily lay her head on his shoulder.

"Our baby's finally safe." She smiled. "Your family won't get ahold of her now!"

"I know, it feels like weights have been lifted off our backs." Sam would speak as he began to caress her hair. "I still can't believe my parents though. Threatening to kill our child, I don't understand why they'd do this!"

Quickly V would sit up.

"You don't understand?" She'd giggle. "It's basically Romeo and Juliet dear. I'm from another tribe, plus I'm carrying Metallo royalty. As the war comes to an end, all we can hope is that they leave us alone..."

Nodding to his soul mate, he'd pull her in for a kiss. The pair would share the romantic setting for a few minutes before the speaker above them quickly crackled to life.

"Attention lovers, this is your pilot. Get yourselves ready, because the next stop is... Mississippi!"

As the engines of the aircraft would begin to wake, the couple would clap. Spluttering as they powered on, the plane would slowly begin to move. Rolling down the runway, the aircraft would begin to pick up speed before suddenly lifting into the air. Finally, they were about to leave Africa!

---

Sitting alone in her study, Ivy would seem stressed. Bookcases and drawers surrounded her, with important documents filling nearly every one. Tapping a pencil on the table as she thought to herself, the Priestess would be looking down towards a piece of paper. With the name of each tribe written onto it, the lady was trying to think of any way to bring them together. But anything she thought of suddenly would have too many cons. The tapping of her pen would get more repetitive as she slightly leaned backwards.

"I have no idea!" She spoke to herself. "The world could use these refined methods to do so much good. But how do I convince them!"

As she shook her head with annoyance, the door to the room would suddenly open. Ren came charging in, looking directly toward his leader. Marching over to her side, he'd look down at her. To a surprise, the head knight would raise his hands before taking off his helmet. Revealing a beautiful, perfect face, his bright blonde hair would seem to flow without any need of a breeze. Having bright green eyes and just the most handsome smile, it seemed his looks were his best distraction. 

But quickly, his smile would turn to a frown. Placing the helmet down, he'd soon go on one knee. Peering at The Golden Edge, an apologetic look would grow on his face. Holding his hand toward the female, she'd place hers into it.

"I'm sorry Ma'am..." He'd sigh. "But, I have some news..."

"W... What's happened, Ren?" She asked, getting worried.

"I... It's Natalia... She's... She's dead..." He'd look down.

Ivy's face would turn to one of shock. Instantly jumping out of her chair, she'd run to the side of the room to grab her staff. With the royal weapon in hand, she'd turn back to Ren. A tear started to form in her eye. Pointing the staff towards him, she'd squint.

"Take me, now!" She ordered.

Placing his helmet back on his head, and marching through the palace, Ren and Ivy would head towards the entrance of the structure. Opening the grand door to the outside, a dozen knights would quickly be seen. All standing around and chatting, they'd suddenly go silent as they spotted their leader. As she stomped toward them, she'd quickly freeze as she saw the crime scene.

On the ground was the corpse of the head maid, being covered by a white sheet. With a giant puddle of dark red blood surrounding the body, the blanket would already be absorbing it. Taking on the bloody colour, The Golden Edge would gag. Holding her free hand over her mouth, she'd stumble backwards. Tears would stream down the Preistess' face as she studied her dead friend.

Placing his hand on her shoulder, Ren would attempt to comfort Ivy. Without a second's notice, she'd spin around before pulling him in for a hug. The man would be surprised at first before settling down. Knowing human contact was one of the main ways to comfort someone, Ren would hug her back. Allowing the Priestess to cry in his arms, he'd begin to sniffle.

"It's alright, I'm here." He softly spoke to her. "What do you want to do?"

After a few minutes, she'd pull away. Turning toward her knights, she'd nod.

"Bring the maids together... We need to break the news..." She frowned.

A while later, The Golden Edge and her staff would gather in the atrium. With maids, cooks, knights and many other workers, they'd all watch their leader. Among the maids stood Jocasta, smirking as she waited around. Smiling as the workers watched, Ivy would begin to inform them of the news. As she told the terrible tale, employees would gasp and cry. 

Nat had worked within the palace for years, making friends with many people over that time. She'd been a mother to her maids, fed the knights when they needed it and even guided Ivy when she was first crowned. 

Turning to the maids, The Golden Edge would try to fake a smile.

"Girls, we sadly now need a new head maid. I want to see who can speak up and speak for themselves. So, who wants the job?" She'd ask.

The maids would all look between each other, most of them covered in tears. As mumbles could be heard, only a single girl would step forward. With a smile on her face, Jocasta would peer at Ivy.

"I believe I have what it takes Ma'am!" She exclaimed. "I have worked directly under Nat plus I can lead a team with a strict but professional approach!"

Nodding to the unknown villainess, The Golden Edge would gaze between the other maids. Awaiting to see if any of them would too speak up, she'd tap her foot; but none would. Sighing slightly, she'd look back at Jo. Smiling towards the maid, she'd tap her staff onto the ground.

"Well then, Miss Astor." She'd announce. "You are now the head maid at The Metallo Palace!"

Workers would clap for Jocasta through their sadness, congratulating her on the new promotion. Smiling wickedly, the sneaky maid would bow. Turning to the other maids, she'd smirk at them.

"We're going to have a lot of fun!" She giggled.