In King of the Moon, the second book of the Methridia Chronicles, two worlds collide: Jonas Christianson’s adopted home inside the Methridia Cavern and the world he thought he left behind on Earth’s surface. Jonas’ father, an entrepreneur and something of an adventurer in his own right, follows his son’s path underground, bringing with him a veritable boatload of trouble. Set at cross purposes, father and son find themselves on a collision course that seems destined to lead to dire consequences at journey’s end.
"Father, what I'm about to tell you must remain between us," Jonas said. "Absolutely no one must know, not even Mother, until such time as I release you from your promise. You have no idea how much trouble you would be creating for me. Do I have your word on it?"
Christianson had never lied to his son. If he gave his word, he would live up to it. Whatever Jonas had hidden up his sleeve must be important, indeed, for him to make such a request.
"Yes, Jonas, you have my word on it," he said.
Jonas walked to a nearby window and drew open the drapes; the soft light of evening filled the sky beyond. Here and there, false stars twinkled in the night.
"Methridia is a place of untold wonders," Jonas said. "There are things that I scarcely believe even though I've seen them with my own eyes. The present inhabitants of this valley aren't the original tenants. They've been here for centuries, but the cavern's history goes back far, far beyond that. Father, the truth is that the science behind almost everything that exists in this cavern did not originate on this planet."
Christianson's reaction surprised Jonas. The expression on his father's face and the words that came from his mouth were totally unexpected.
"I knew it," he said. "I knew it. There are civilizations out in the cosmos. Have you met them?"
"No," Jonas said. "Although, I've seen a dead one-"
"And you want my help in organizing an expedition to go out there and find them?" Christianson asked. "Is that it? Of course. Of course, Jonas. I'd give anything for an opportunity like that."
"Not exactly," Jonas replied. "The fact of the matter is that there's a lifetime of work to be done not far from here. Relatively speaking, that is. Father, I've been to the moon. There are things there that you have to see with your own eye to believe. Even then, you'll be convinced that you're dreaming."
"You'll take me up there with you?" Christianson asked. He could scarcely contain his excitement. "How soon can we leave?"
"It's not going to be as straightforward as that. You certainly haven't started off on the right foot. We need to get permission from the queen," Jonas said. "I told you a little of how Miren and I came to know Her Majesty and Brem Edat, and I feel that I can persuade them to let you go, but there will undoubtedly be conditions. That's what I need to discuss with you."
"The moon-" Christianson said. Even though he knew full well that he was standing in a house sealed in a cavern deep beneath the Earth's surface, he walked to the open window and peered out. The illusion was perfect. It was just like looking out on the night sky on a calm English evening.
And that was that. Jonas felt a slight pang of guilt in that he had mislead his father into believing that the path to the moon was not entirely free of obstacles and, of course, nothing could be further from the truth. The way was as unobstructed as a walk across the room.
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