Summary

Valerian and the other men continue their training, then load up the flogum and make final preparations for battle. One of the men tells Valerian that the queen will soon come by. Valerian asks if she is pretty. The man says she is beautiful. The men stand in awe as she arrives. She is heavyset with folds of skin below her chin. She is dressed in armor and Valerian is obviously not impressed with her beauty. The men chant, “Long live Klopka the Exquisite” (33).

The battle will take place in the air. The forces of Malka take off with their leader in the front of the formation. Emperor Alzafrar is in the rear of the military force from Valsennar. Some women on his ship serve drinks as he and the other men prepare to watch the battle. As the flogum explodes during the...