Redpath's Journals: Amazons and The Curse of Visions (23)

Kestrel’s arrival had us all in the foyer to meet him and Cole. The mischievous grin of mirth on Cole’s face and simple smile on Kestrel’s face already showed how well the meeting had went in his favor. I only listened to brief clips of the events that had taken place noting only a mystical war in Asia and locking down any escape routes. The lack of worry in Kestrel’s words when speaking about Princess Sherena had me knowing she was safe. I quick glance to Meli and Sert told me they shared my belief of her safety. Cole was unreadable with only the mirthful smirk and glowing mischievousness in his eyes showing on his face.

Kestrel and myself moved to the garden allowing me to quickly report to him. The mild shock that Munin’s concubines through their leader worked at avoiding bearing his children was odd to me. I avoided mentioning about Depression but did regaled him with the ghost tale she had caused to exist. We shared tea during my report and I notice he would glance at me as if I held something back which I was but did not know how to explain it to him. I finally reported Deas words to him. He nodded with a grim face but said nothing more about it. This lead us into a normal day of sparring all together while taking our turns upon the field. We shared the evening meal in the garden which has become a normal event where we could talk and relax together. I did pull Cole aside before he left after the meal.

“You were right about Lady Shala’s prevention of other heirs.” I whispered to him in a purr. He smiled and nodded. “The other concubines are in agreement to doing this.” I added gaining myself a stunned look. I nodded to him with a smirk. “None wish to allow his bloodline to continue flowing from him.” I added quickly. He chuckled and thanked me with a bow before departing last from the garden.

It was a quiet night as well. A quick and easy discussion with Shal and Siren, a chance meeting with Prince Bryan and Deas sneak back into the dormitories to prevent using the excuse letter signed by the four Captains of the Royal Guards. He was having extra lessons and sparring sessions with a mix team of the Royal Guards which lasted longer than planned. I did not see nor smell Depression but felt her eyes upon me a few times during my late evening patrol. I did drift by the Queen’s chambers to get spotted by Miss Hope. She repeated the direct examination of my eyes before speaking.

“You might have spent too much time with Lord Kestrel.” she whispered to me. “You are gaining his eye color.” she added before waving me off. I did not replied. I had no words nor a chance as she disappeared back in the Queen’s tower. I sighed as I started my return to my garden perch to sleep.

The squawk from above had the larger older kestrel landing before dawn. The small one that stayed near me hopped down to detach the message capsule letting the older one fly away. It’s golden eyes looked up at me and it released a single whistling-caw. I jumped down and open the capsule holding a message for Lord Kestrel. I rushed it to him. He read it out loud calling his team into action. As with the fairy incident, Cole was the runner for the Council, Sert was the runner for the Throne, and Meli was assigned to be the go-between with the Royal Kitchens. He gave me a look and nod as I knew I would be with him as his lone private guard. I smiled nodding back to him.

We arrived where the dock met earth looking at the two rows of she-wolves and she-bears lined behind their respective Captain. The Leviathan was slowly drifting towards the dock and from here I could hear a woman screaming orders. I had barely looked away from Kestrel to suddenly notice him standing between the two Captains. The crack of the hull colliding with the polished wooden dock had me shivering. I saw Kestrel exchanging quick words with the Captains before stepping forward to look t where the ship and dock had made contact.

“Not even a scratch, captain Lockey!” he screamed at the ship. A dusky skinned woman as tall as Atlantians moved to the rail above him.

“Good!” she interjected loudly. “I need to make haste from here to return to my normal job.” she added down to him in another scream. I noticed the gangplank coming down for disembarkation of the Amazons’ Ambassador. More quieter word were exchanged as I watched the gangplank.

“Good hunting!” Kestrel called out. At that moment three pairs of feet started slowly down the gangplank while the fourth member leapt from the deck to land gently upon the wooden dock. The trio caught my eyes easily noting two male and a lone woman joining the one that had jumped to the dock. This impatient woman stood straight nearly as tall as Atlantians. Her skin shined off her deep dirt colored skin that I later learned was typical for those that lived in Africa.

“Make haste captain, and good hunting!” the woman screamed towards the ship. She turned to face the Captains with, what I could see from this distance, was a sneer. The twin lines of troops straightened ready to act. More words were exchanged between this woman and Kestrel. The scent of anger and aggression rose from the two sets of Guards including their Captains. This had me nearly missing the departure of the Leviathan that shimmered before disappearing in a warped section of air. More discussion as Kestrel returned to stand by the Captains and this woman. She had to be the Ambassador from the Amazons how they all reacted to her. I started drifting closer.

“I do not need guards to be safe!” she snapped suddenly. I moved along the far edge of the troops to get closer both with stealth and speed. “Should I simply prove myself as a true Amazon warrior to them?” she grunted back. Her hands had already moved to the hilts of her swords that hung at her hips. I heard the sighing whisper from Kestrel.

“Just accept one group as your guards since they might surprise even you with their qualities.” he stated more casually and louder. “Plus it will protect others from you.” he added deeper. I saw the Captains tensing as they glanced from him, to her, and to their line of troops. The background low growl from the twin line of Guards showed they were getting annoyed by this delay.

“Stand at revue position!” Rez ordered in a deep rumble. He stepped aside allowing the Amazon to inspect his line troop. I took this opportunity to move to Kestrel’s side. Captain Ent sighed stepping aside repeating the call to be reviewed to his troops. I notice that her eyes were on me not on the troops or their Captains.

“A pet?” she whispered without looking away from me. A small smirked formed on her face in the silence before turning back to the two lines of Guards. “At least one of the men here is willing to let me make my own judgment.” she stated taking a step forward in the space between the troops. She started with the stony faced bears with only their upper fangs showing in their closed mouth. The wolves had more a snarl on their face trying to look menacing during their review. The rest of the small ticks of body language and my feral knowledge showed ambivalence from the bears while indignation emanated from the wolves.

“My private Honor Guard.” Kestrel finally answered her once she was done her inspection. The smirk was back on her face as she moved to inspect me in the same way she had the others. Even standing perfectly straight, I was still the shortest being here. I did not grimace nor show aggressiveness but simply smiled proudly at receiving the same evaluation as the others.

“I will take the bears since those dogs do not show a good attitude.” she announced casually. She was still looking only at me. My undulating tail lashed in quick curls showing my nervousness under her eyes. “When can I get one of these?” she asked quietly.

“When all of Atlantis is willing to bow to you out of respect and not childish fear.” Kestrel retorted. His patronizing tone and smile gained a dark glare of anger from her as the Captains chuckled at this turn of event. I turned to Lord Kestrel signalling that I wished to speak. I had made sure that the Amazon had seen my signals. With a nod from Kestrel, I turned to face her and waited for her permission to speak. Her smirk became a smile as she motioned me to speak.

“Since there are very few of my clan upon the central island, it would be nearly impossible to gain one to guard you, Lady Nightingale.” I told her politely. I was happy I had remembered the name Kestrel had mentioned to us in the predawn morning. “Lord Kestrel has this honor since I am named for him and for all his noble deeds he has performed for Atlantis.” I explained calmly. I ended this with salute of the Feral Royal Guards to her. I took a step back to be closer to Kestrel’s side. Her quick glance from myself to Kestrel and back again multiple times had my tail twisted around my leg with nervousness and fear that I hide. Her smile was radiant in her dark skinned face as she looked back finally upon me.

“So your name would be Kestrel?” she asked in a soft deep voice. I nodded my answer to her. “How odd to find a cat named after a bird.” she added.

“You may get a chance to see him in action if you visit during one of our household sparring sessions.” Kestrel stated teasingly. My mind remembered the tales of Sert’s Amazonian wife and his daughter, Lady Serya, of the mixed Guards of how his wife was interested in him like this amazon seem interested in me. “You might be surprised how well he moves.” he continued making me feel more nervous by the minute. “He is trying to earn my name the hardest way possible.” he concluded with a soft chuckle. I was happy that my nervousness had my muscle tightly set as his hand landed on my shoulder.

I barely had a moment before I had to grapple Kestrel’s arm and the Captains had moved in to help lower him to the surface of the dock. His eyed had rolled back showing only white as his body convulsed from what I could only believe was a vision. I had one hand at the collar of his armor to hold him in a sitting position as the Captains knelt on each side of him with a hand each on his back. The unintelligent mumbles form his vision were beyond my understand. A glance to each Captained prove they did not understand his mumbles either. I felt a hand on my shoulder making me turn to discover Nightingale close to me looking worried at Kestrel. His eyes snapped back in place and I saw them focus upon mine. Lady Nightingale had waved away the Captains to hold Kestrel’s back as realization showed in his eyes. His hand covered mine as tears filled his eyes. The color of his eyes did perfectly match mine. The scream and push had me scurrying back as Captains moved back to stand beside him. A slurring mess of multiple languages beyond any thing I had heard so far streamed out of him in guttural screeches and squawks. Lady Nightingale had moved to block my view of him with firm hands upon my shoulder.

“Stand back little one.” she whispered to me. One hand remained on my shoulder as she petted the side of my face trying to comfort me. “He has just received a most disturbing vision.” she explained softly. I felt her pull me tight to her body. Her scent was as wild as the jungles tinged with the sickly sweetness of blood. Under all of it, I smelt fear all around me even from myself. “You did nothing wrong little one.” she whispered in my ear. Her deep tones were calm and soothing but the smell of fear was growing as Kestrel’s multilingual screams continued. “Give him time to return to himself.” she added moving me towards the Wolf Guards still standing at attention. She yanked the first one forward.

“What are you...” the she wolf growled before noticing me tightly held against her.

“Have your group take him home, wolf sisters.” she stated. It was worded as an order but spoken as a begging request. The Guard nodded taking my arm and hurried me away from the events taking place. As they closed around me rushing me homeward, I could still hear Kestrel’s screams halfway to our residence. I glanced back seeing Lady Nightingale and her Honor Guards of bears slowly following the same path before turning towards the Ambassador’s section of the city. Once I was in the foyer, the Wolf Guards remain by our doors to prevent any of us to rush out while Kestrel was still in the throes of his maleficent vision. Sert returned first closely followed by Meli who both were surprised and shocked by our new door guards and my presence alone in the house.

”Kestrel's Journals: Lady Nightingale” (23)

“Best you calm yourself, young Lord.” I whispered to him. “You would not want to cause and incident by crushing Lady Nightingale’s hand when greeting her.” I added. A quick elbow showed I was teasing him nearly as much as the sight of the tall dusky well built woman that did not use size magic to be as tall as the Atlantians.

“Lady Nightingale of the Amazons.” the invisible Scheneshal bellowed. “You are meet with honor within our royal house.” it added before going silent once more. She moved forward in a slow march stopping to be greeted by the gathered nobles. I could easily see she was sizing each one up as she interacted with them. Her and Ent growled at each other without shaking hands, but smiled at each other quickly showing no real rancor stood between them. Rez mostly hid the smirk as they shook hands in the warriors style. As she eventually reached me, she performed an elegant and intricate curtsy to me. I responded in the Amazonian free man’s deep bow to her gaining a soft giggle from her. She moved in to lock arms with me smiling brilliantly.

“I am happy your moment has passed, Lord Kestrel.” she whispered to me. Bryan glanced from her to me at her words.

“The more livid the vision, the more it takes out of me as you already know, Lady Nightingale.” I replied softly. “I introduce to you Young Lord Bryan, Prince of Atlantis.” I told her. Bryan missed the wink I gave her. She turned toward him and he froze as her hand clasped his forearm to greet him as a warrior. Her hand slide down to his wrist in the Amazon’s warrior salute and greeting.

“I am surprised not seeing your sister beside you or sitting upon your shoulder, Lord Bryan.” she commented. She smiled and tilted her head facing him. He sighed softly still smiling back to her.

“She is viewed as too young still to be exposed to all the nobles that enter Atlantis, unfortunately.” he informed her. “But I am sure an exception could be arranged for a small visit without fanfare.” he continued in nearly a whisper to her. “It would require you losing the dozen or so weapons hidden upon your person.” he added in a full whisper. A quick nod showed he would say nothing if she did not use them. I chuckled as Aurora’s face turned shocked, stunned, and then impressed as being caught by a Prince. A sheepish smile flourished on her face as she brought a lone index to her lips with a shh sound.

“As you wish but only because you asked like a noble warrior should, Prince Bryan.” she replied I saw his shoulder straightened even more as his nodded to her. She then turned to face the Queen. She stepped forward to stand before her dais and curtsied with the same fluid grace she had shown when curtsying to me. “A gift from my Queen to the Queen of Atlantis.” she stated. The ornate box appeared out of nowhere in her hands which she held out on open palms to Annianka.

“This is not needed.” Annianka answered cautiously. “”But in respect to your culture, I accept your Queen’s gift with my own hands.” she added. She rose to step forward with only Miss Hope at her side not interfering her selected action. The other Royal Guards looked confused but accepted this as the Queen’s right. She lifted the box from Nightingale’s open hands and stepped backward to return to sit upon her throne.

“Wisdom and knowledge is shown by your actions, your nobility and your respect is present in not turning your back on a guest.” Nightingale stated still holding the offering position. “One less to remove.” she interjected towards Bryan with a wink. He nodded calmly not revealing the mirth I felt within his mind. She returned to her feet and moved sideways to face King. “Lord Munin.” she greeted him plainly with only a nod of her head. Both Bryan and myself sensed the rage boiling just under the surface.

“Must I remind Lord Munin that they are a strict Matriarchal society?” I asked out loud to him. I had given him all the help I felt my duties as a Royal Advisor afforded me. I knew all he wanted was more than such a plain greeting. I did expect a screaming match to start where I would have to interfere if Shal did not take the floor even if she would die for nothing. I saw her a few steps behind Munin, holding up empty hands for me to see.

“Our society is based on equality in all things including power and rank between women and men.” he stated to her with forced calmness. All he was now seeking was to be called ‘King’, bow to, or anything to show a hint more respect than she had shown him so far.

“A man must earn that in my society even if it is not easy to accomplish.” she returned calmly. He stared blankly at her. “Lord Kestrel has earned it many times over the many times he has crossed path with the Amazons.” she explained slowly. “A few have earned a passable respect like your Captains.” she continued. “A kitten and your own son earned true respect with a few proper words.” she told the room getting many eyes now looking in shock at Bryan. The smirking smile on Deas' face, standing in the back sides away from the greeting lines, showed his merriment. “I wonder who taught him that since you seem to lack such subtlety.” she concluded glaring at him. She was acting patient but it was actually her way of challenging Munin to attempt either to be a King or asked to be killed.

Munin’s face had reddened at her last words but remained silent. I was amazed how he held his rage in a tight controlled grip. My hand on Bryan’s arm stopped him from answering her question leading into Munin exploding at everyone in the hall. I could see the King taking deep breathes as he reigned to rage before speaking.

“I will have to try harder during our next meeting Lady Nightingale.” he returned forcibly smiling. “You are welcome upon Atlantis, but please do not challenge every male to prove themselves to you.” he concluded with a wry smile. I doubt anyone heard the chuckle that slipped out as he let go of his anger.

“I will try to control myself as well as you have, King Munin.” she answer with a smile. She now curtsied towards him before turning to slowly head towards the doors. I few nobles moved to speak trade with her allowing their wives to speak and act as an equal partner to them.

“Well played, King Munin.” I said casually. “And thank you.” I added with a deep bow to him.

“I sensed she was more fearfully deadly than you had mentioned in your reports.” Munin replied to me. He looked at me directly and I saw fear and not anger in his eyes. His eyes turned towards Annianka. “What gift did she bring you, my wife?” he asked softly. She opened the ornate box slowly allowing Munin to see what it held in shocked silence. The look of appreciation and amazement crossed his face as he nodded slowly at this gift. She turned it for Bryan and myself to gaze upon the remarkably crafted knife.

“A warrior’s blade among the Amazons.” I informed them. Bryan gazed in wonder at this beautiful weapon. The delicate curves and adornments did not hide the pure functionality and strength of this knife. “I hope you realize what that little gift means when received from an Amazon, especially their Queen.” I stated casually. Annianka’s eyes went from me to Munin and back as confusion showed in her eyes. I chuckled stepping a half step back. “It is a Queen’s blade, my Holy Highness.” I added bowed to her. As I turned to walk away, I noticed Bryan at my side and Deas beside him by the time we exited the Royal Court.

Aurora waited outside with her trio standing behind her and the misty cloud of Honor Guards floating around them. She took a plain wooden box from the other female’s hands and held it out towards me. I smiled as I carefully took it from her hands with Bryan and Deas waiting nearby. I flicked open the lid to reveal a much less ornate dagger with multiple vicious hook-shaped blades. I closed the box and quickly hide it within my hip-pouch. I bowed deeply at her to thank her of this gift. She nodded to me with a deep husky giggle before moving away to her residence.

“What was that about?” Bryan asked in a whisper.

“A gift for all my work for them in the past.” I answered still smiling. “It is known as ‘the pain blade’.” I continued softly. “It is made to cause much damage but not kill instantly.” I explained to them. “A gift reserved for a King within the Amazons society.”

“Would this suggest that you are seen as royalty to the Amazons?” Bryan asked in awe.

“A match to the Queen’s blade?” Deas whispered looking directly at me.

“Only for the Amazonian King.” I replied with a soft chuckle.

“But would that show you as her King or their King?” Bryan returned a little shocked. Both of them stood wide-eyed over this little gift.

“Yes, but it is honorary because of all my dealings with them.” I lied easily to them. It was the match to the blade gifted to Annianka but it also showed my rank within the Amazons being equal to their Queen.

“So they do not see you as King here like most Atlantians do?” Bryan commented in a whisper. I gave him a dark glare.

“Never say things like that outside private secured places, young Lord.” I replied icily in a hissed whisper. “It is not proper for the Prince to speak words that could be seen as treasonous where others might hear.” I explained bluntly to him. I turned to walk away with one hand on the hidden wooden box in a tight grip. The four Guard Captains prevent Bryan and Deas to follow me as I walked away. Once clear of the open central wide way of the Royal Court building, young Kestrel appeared at my side.

“I know you have seen something dark.” he whispered to me. “Whatever you must face,” he paused, “we all stand at your side, sir.”

“Thank you.” I returned softly. “But it is not what I must face.” I admitted. “And none will stand other than an enemy at that moment.” he concluded sadly.

“No enemy can stand against you, Lord Kestrel.” he remarked confidently. I could not help but laugh sadly at his words.

“Only one enemy that I cannot defeat because I do not have it in me to kill her while she would be pleased to end my existence.” I replied to him.

“Then Sert or I shall kill her for you.” he returned easily.” Then you can save all of us once she is dead.” he added. No doubt existed in his word or in his mind.

“You find it all very simple.” I commented back to him. He smiled with a shrug to me. “I thank you for everything you have done for me so far and what you might be forced to do for all in the future.” I concluded in a whisper.

“It is my duty as I learn true honor from the one that all see as the most honorable in existence.” the feline returned still smiling. I could hear the soft purring in his voice as he walked calmly at my side. I shook my head unable to hold back a smile on my face as we proceeded in silence only marked by his background purring. Sert was at the door of our residence to escort us directly into our inner garden. Meli had tea prepared and waited for us with a warming brassier to keep the tea at the right temperature. I knew from this forced relaxation event that they had heard about my vision. I sat on one bench while Meli and Redpath shared one and Sert sat upon the ground near me. The silence grew between us as we simply sat sipping tea in the garden. They who had not been present for my vision stared at me worried and tense with curiosity.

“Will you tell us what the vision was about?” Meli asked suddenly. The anxiety in her voice and her eyes. Young Kestrel sipping from his cup seemingly calm after I did not push him away during our walk home. Even his tail, the most tell-tale sign of his emotions, slowly undulated behind him calmly.

“It had nothing to do with you.” I replied directly to Meli. I glanced at Sert showing it was those two I spoke to. “It had to do with me and what I may need to face.” I continued trying to calm them. “Nothing for either of you to worry about.” I added smiling at them.

“But why did they escort Redpath home?” Meli insisted. She glanced at the calm feline who smiled at her but said nothing.

“Because I pushed him away to prevent him being caught in my seizure and speaking multiple languages at the same time.” I answered calmly. My eyes meet young Kestrel and I looked away. “I am more worried about how Prince Bryan will arrange a meeting between Lady Nightingale and Princess Sara.” I stated changing the subject.

“I think it is a good idea since Princess Sara is not happy about being ignored during visits of the foreigners on Atlantis.” young Kestrel reported. I chuckled remembering the last time she had been in court and stole the show away from everyone in the room.

“I do not see King Munin or our Holy Queen Annianka giving her another chance to make a scene.” I commented through my chuckle. “Even if I agree, I do not see them as allowing it to happen.” I clarified my thought to them.

“I am sure young Lord Bryan will find a way of making it happen.” Sert remarked. “If anyone tried, other than yourself, he can accomplish it.” he added with a little smirk.

“And I am sure I will be the one attempting to explain it to his royal parents.” I supplied with another soft chuckle. We finished the tea in silence until our meal arrived from Chichi with a visit from Aurora. She joined us in the garden while Cole was still absent from the many trade deals being passed through the Council. Her Honor Guard and trio retinue remained in the foyer even if offered a meal in the dinning room.

“I must say that I am very impressed with this little island, so far.” Aurora stated casually to me. “I am still wondering if that knife will stay out of Munin’s body.” she sighed out. “I am still unsure if giving it to her was a proper idea.” she concluded. Her eyes were locked with mine while my people silently watched and followed our discussion.

“You did what was needed, sweet Nightingale.” I returned easily.

“How can you be confident about this?” she retorted without anger.

“Why hand me the King’s blade of pain, instead of handing it to Munin as your Queen would have suggested.” I replied with a small smirk. Teasing the Amazon Queen playing a lowly Ambassador was priceless for me. Her eyes met mine hard and dark.

“Because it is your right, Kestrel!” she answered with a bluntness that had my team’s eyes grow wide.

“Then the Queen of Atlantis deserves to receive the true warrior’s Queen’s blade as is her right.” I concluded calm but firmly.

“I have received word from young Lord Bryan that has arranged an accidental meeting for me with Princess Sara.” she told me with a little grin. “After supper he will bring her with him to inspect the troops.” she informed us.

“We told you he would find a way.” Meli mentioned with a smirk. Nightingale placed down her cutlery and turned to face Meli directly.

“I still must ask forgiveness for the actions against you while upon our land.” she stated sadly to Meli. A small box was handed to the healer bearing the emblem of the Amazon Queen. “It contains herbs of my land that have curative properties that are not indigenous to Atlantis.” she explained to my healer. “Plus a weapon for the hands of an herbalist such as yourself.” she added bowing her head to Meli.

Meli open the box to see many small pouches of herbs, packets of seeds, and a sickle of a quality that rivaled Atlantis’ quality. She looked up from the box to stare at Nightingale while her mouth moved silently.

“Seeds from the elderberry, the willow birch, and night blooming jasmine?” I asked with a cruel smile.

“It may be of use in the hands of a skilled and noble healer-herbalist.” Aurora returned with a shrug.” Night blooming jasmine is less poisonous than other nightshade plants.” she explained casually.

“So long as the doses are small, it should be fine having in your kit.” I told Meli. She was not shocked but looked confused at why she had received this specific plant. “A bit more would be a strong sleeping aid but it does remain in the body much longer than most other plants of that nature.” I continued my brief explanation.

“And the fourth seed packet?” Meli asked softly to us.

“A mystery to myself, best to be researched in Atlantis than abroad.” Nightingale admitted in a whisper.

“I do not recognize the seed type.” I admitted more openly. “I would keep them well separated from all other plants until we have a better idea on what it is.” I cautioned her. Young Kestrel took the packet gingerly in his padded finger. He sniffed at it with closed eyes.

“They smell of fruit and excrement.” the cat purred out. “They were collected from a beasts waste or their intestines after the kill.” he reported from just a simple sniff at them. “Do you believe it caused the beast’s death?” he asked to Nightingale.

“Yes, that is our fear.” she answered softly. She turned towards me with an amazed smile. “You are far too lucky Kestrel having found such a great asset as your little guard cat.” she whispered to me.

“Oddly he found me because we share a name.” I replied out loud. “And as my Squire, sister Pestilence.” I mentally informed her. Her eyes went wide understanding what this revelation truly meant. I nodded to her before we continued our meal. “I am presuming the other offer for forgiveness was considered to bloody for a healer?” I asked softly.

“Envenom’s head and femur bone daggers sit on display before Queen Aurora Nightshade’s tent to remind others that her word is law.” she retorted with a vicious smile. “If Lady Melkiliean wishes, she is the only one permitted to collect them, as is her right.” she added giving Meli a grin and nod. My healer smiled back at her showing her new fangs.

“I have received what I deserved and fitting in my case.” Meli returned winking at her. I had not heard Aurora laugh so deeply and truthfully as she heard Meli’s words.

“Our own overprotective mother bear.” Sert commented. And the meal ended in laughter and mirth but it did not end with the Amazon’s Ambassador surprise visit.

Kestrel's Journals: Sister Pestilence, Truth, & Prince Bryan (22)

My return to the residence had me explaining to my household about the rushed Council meeting and later receiving the report from young Kestrel. I knew he hid something away from me but I did not pry about it. At the right time, he will inform me what he is hiding from me without me picking it out of his mind. The rest of the day was passed in quiet daily routines of sparring sessions, evening meal shared in the garden, and an early bedtime for most of us. I knew the feline would be out until late to meet with his allies and informants. I ended my day in my room mentally reviewing the reports from young Kestrel.

I was only mildly shock that Shala, Munin’s lead concubine, had arranged to prevent the King’s bloodline to spread in this world. The comments on how viciously she berated him to others had me smirking and feeling sympathy for her. I had read a small message from Khën regarding the mixed blood Guard, Siren, upon her being accepted by the Ferret Captain and their multiple clans as a fox kin member. Things moved beyond my sight which young Kestrel had discovered and help my see the growing picture about Atlantis.

Discovering how the quiet engineer, kitchen assistant, and friend of Prince Bryan did not have a problem killing the King was troublesome but understandable. The closeness that had formed between Deas and Prince Bryan was encouraging giving him a good friend and a trusted advisor. The ideas young Kestrel had put in their mind was not the best but correct if a good outcome was to happen with Munin’s death.

A hint of a familiar scent sat upon his shoulders which I knew he had met someone else during his nightly excursion. This was directly linked to what he did not wish to tell me about. He did relate a ghost story that was more funny than frightening but something about it sounded familiar in the ghost’s description. I waved away the first and only real possibility that Depression was visiting Atlantis as a ghostly visitor, but why would she do so. I put it all aside and drifted to sleep.

Word arrived that the Leviathan had arrived into port that morning. It sat waiting to dock with Captain Ent and Captain Rez standing on guard with a squad of each their troops. The Ambassador from the Amazon was arriving and the Captains had arrange a fully female only detail of troops to act as her guards while in Atlantis. We could hear Lockey screaming orders to her sailors with a hint of anger in her voice. The hull thumped hard against the dock gaining a series of multiple language swears making the sailors cringe in fear.

“She seems a little annoyed today.” I stated standing between the two Captains. I saw how the troop of soldiers glanced around trying to discover how I passed all of them unseen. I got a nearly casual glance from the two Captains and a growled agreement. I was also happy they had not spotted young Kestrel hidden where the docks and earth met. He was the only member of my retinue present today while the rest had other duties toward the Council, the Royal Court, and the Royal Kitchens keeping them occupied.

“I still would like to know how you do that.” Ent growled at me.

“Smoke and mirrors.” I whispered under my breath to him. I moved forward to check the hull that had impacted with the dock. “Not even a scratch, Captain Lockey!” I screamed up to her. She came to stand above me on the edge of the deck.

“Good!” she interjected still mildly annoyed. “I need to make haste from here to return to my normal job.” she yelled down to me. Her sailors had gotten the gangplank in place for Sister Pestilence to disembark. “Rifts are opening up all over the Asian coastline because of their mystical war.” she added. I expected this might happen as the war progressed and became more violent.

“Good hunting!” I called back. “I wish I could go with you but my duties hold me back.” I added with a wave to her. Aurora ignored the gangplank jumping down to dock landing with only a soft thump. The three members of her retinue walked down quickly carrying her belongings. It was mildly odd seeing two men and only one women forming her retinue.

“Make haste Captain, and good hunting!” Aurora screamed up to Lockey waving her to go. She turned to face the Captains with a smirking sneer on her face. Their troops stood at attention in silence behind them. “Is this the point where I challenge them or do I just bow to men that have that many women backing them?” she asked me. The mischievous gleam in her eyes told me she wanted to challenge them.

Ent tensed at these words and I saw that same gleam in his eyes. Rez let slip out a deep rumbling chuckle with a toothy smile at her. All the troops tightened ranks behind their Captains. They all bared their teeth as a low rumble of growls came from them. Aurora stared with a smirk at them. She was waiting for them to stupidly try attacking her but they remained immobile behind their Captains. The gangplank had barely been pulled in as the Leviathan jumped forward. Tracer of lights appeared in their wake as it shot through the simmer space that portalled them into the fray of battle. Less than a handful of the Guards glanced at the empty space once occupied by the hunter ship Leviathan.

“Lady Nightingale?” I stated calmly. I slowly moved to stand by the Captains. “May I introduce you to the Captains of the Lupus and Ursus Royal Guards, Ent and Rez.” I told her. “These Guards with them are to form your Honor Guard handpicked by their Captains, to keep you safe while in Atlantis.”

“I do not need guards to be safe!” she retorted angrily. “Should I simply prove myself as a true Amazon warrior to them?” she hissed back. Her hands had already moved to the hilts of her twin swords.

“No bloodshed required.” I sighed out. “Just accept one group as your guards since they might surprise even you with their qualities.” I continued casually to her. “Plus it will protect others from you.” I added with a darker tone. The two Captains glanced from her to me and to their troops trying to understand the situation and how they should act.

“Stand in revue position!” Rez ordered. He stepped to the side allowing the Amazon Queen to walk and inspect his troops. At this point, young Kestrel decided to come stand by my side. With a sigh, Ent stood back repeating the order for his troops. Aurora’s eyes had found something more interesting than the troops in my feline name sake.

“A pet?” she whispered to me. “At least one of the men here is willing to let me make my own judgment.” she stated. She slowly walked down the line scanning each of the bear-women that stood immobile in perfect military stance. A serious stony face was on all of them with only a hint of their sharp eyeteeth showing. The wolf-women stood with the same stiff precision but they held a snarling scowl on their faces while being reviewed.

“My private Guard.” I answered as she returned to where the Captains waited. With a smirk on her face, Nightingale moved to inspect my panther Guard. Young Kestrel stood with the same posture but was shorter by a head to the others. A smile was on his face beaming with pride and happiness at being reviewed as the others.

“I will take the bears since those dogs do not show a good attitude.” she announced casually. Her eyes were still on my feline companion missing Rez’s chuckle and Ent growl. “When can I get one of these?” she asked quietly.

“When all of Atlantis is willing to bow to you out of respect and not childish fear.” I remarked with a patronizing smile. She glared at me while the Captains chuckled under their breath at her. Young Kestrel glanced back at me signalling that he wished to speak. I nodded to him as he turned to look at the Amazon waiting in silence. She smiled and motioned him to speak.

“Since there are very few of my clan upon the central island, it would be nearly impossible to gain one to guard you, Lady Nightingale.” he stated politely in a mildly purring voice. “Lord Kestrel has this honor since I am named for him and for his noble deeds he has performed for Atlantis.” he continued easily. He concluded with a quick salute to her. He stepped back to be at my side. She glanced from him to myself a few times with a true smile on her face. I saw he had listened to all the times we had discussed the Amazons and their culture around males. He waited to receive her permission to speak as well as mine, showing great respect to her.

“So your name would be Kestrel?” she asked in a soft voice to him. He answered with one quick nod. “How odd to find a cat named after a bird.” she added thoughtfully.

“You may get a chance to see him in action if you visit during one of our household sparring sessions.” I suggested knowing I had peaked her interest. “You might be surprised at how well he moves.” I stated. This was bait she could not refuse for long. I placed a hand on his shoulder. “He is trying to earn my name the hardest way possible.” I added with a soft chuckle.

The vision crushed down upon me. I felt Redpath and the Guard Captains quickly grappling me to prevent me from falling hard upon the polished wooden dock. The last moments of Atlantis filled my mind, vision, nostrils, and along my skin making it truly feel real. I saw that, as the turmoil dragged the island under the ocean waves, I faced the one being I could not harm to stop her. Short of killing her would not stop her from shattering the Heartstone and releasing the darkness within. The roar that filled my mind was deafening as black blurs of claws lashed out mercilessly attacking her. The Ley'ä'Luna’s light blade, a manifestation of the pillar of light they exist within, appeared in a black clawed grip. The blade tip darted out with a speed far beyond anything in this world, including myself, to drive deep into her chest and immortal soul’s heart. Words were exchanged that I could not hear as her eyes grew wide in true fear before the power of this sword burst forth in the brightest white flames to consume her, body, mind, and soul. I had watched Genia’s death at my next set of hands.

As my mind was allowed to return to the present moment, a black furred clawed hand was clamped at my collar holding me in a sitting position. Lady Nightingale had pushed back the Captains to knell at my other side. I reached up to place my hand upon young Kestrel’s paw like hand at my armor’s collar. I stared up to glance directly in his eyes. Amber colored feline eyes met mine like a warped mirror reflection of my amber raptors eyes. The scream tearing out of my throat had him scurrying back. The litany of swears that poured out to the heavens contained languages long gone that were even older than the progenitors of the Ancient and Old Ones. Pestilence face paled as she quickly pulled Redpath aside having recognized the swears in the language of her own true original people.

“Stand back little one.” she whispered soothingly to him. “He has just received a most disturbing vision.” she explained softly to him and the two Captains. I could see young Kestrel eyes upon me, feel his worry, and smell the fear from all present, including Sister Pestilence. “You did nothing wrong little one.” she whispered in his ear. From passing glances between my hoarse screams, I noticed she was petting his head and I barely heard the cooing she soothed him with. “Just give him time to return to himself.” she added between the cooing.

She pulled young Kestrel away as she continued speaking to him in whispers. Ent and Rez were left to watch over the swearing mad-man that had taken my place at this time. I did noticed, while in my seized state of swearing, that the wolves escorted young Kestrel away while the bears took Lady Nightingale to her residence upon Atlantis. Over an hour passed before my senses returned under my control. Was this the Ley'ä'Luna’s way to show me who was the best to replace me or simply the one they chose replace me once I fell into true death. He was too young to be my replacement with so little time left to prepare him fully to bear the mantle as the protectors of the Fallen Ones, the humans. If this vision held true, he could prevent the cataclysm which I could not stop.

“Better now, Lord Kestrel?” Ent asked gruffly but kindness laced his words.

“No.” I interjected. I slowly rose to my feet brushing off the dust upon my clothing with both shaking hands.

“Best you get better soon, we do not want to miss the head to head between Lady Nightingale and our King.” Rez remarked with a rumbling chuckle.

“Thank you old bear.” I returned with a smile forming on my face. “I think that thought has made me feel much better.” I added. We moved as quickly as my slightly slower pace still shivering from the vision and my release of anger at the only proper decision I had before me. We did banter while moving towards the Royal Court especially how many ways Munin could put his foot in his mouth while facing this imposing woman. I knew I would need to face young Kestrel and try explaining to him what had truly happened but, somewhere in the dark hidden sections of my mind, whispered that he already knew in his heart.

Our arrival at the Court was impeded finding Lady Nightingale still waiting to enter the Royal Court. Her Honor Guards was spread out loosely around her to protect Atlantians and others from her than actually tightly guarding her and her trio of servants. Her dress was very subdued than that of a Queen as she played this lesser role because of my request. It did not change the menacing look in her eyes and the deadly amount of weapons that were hidden upon her personage along with the twin swords at her hips. The small smile on her face showed that this arrangement by her Guards made her happy to see.

“Something seems a foot!” she called out to me. She touched her ear and pointed forward to the Royal Court chamber. I gave her a quick nod as Ent, Rez, and myself marched forward. The mixed group of Atlantis’ both set of Guards was already clearing us a path to enter as the shouts started to be heard by us. The scene we walked nearly into involved Prince Bryan, red-faced, facing off with his father, King Munin, that appeared as angry as the boy.

“I will not excuse myself for going to visit Lord Kestrel instead of checking on your health, father!” he bellowed at Munin. Deas stood at the edge of the crowd where I now stood. One glance at his eyes showed he would kill the King if given a chance. He realized I was there and he shifted to fit in with his calm mask. I gave him a quick nod on understanding.

“You are seeing more in this innocent action than you need to do, husband.” Annianka stated with a hint of annoyance in her voice. “Plus you are delaying the greeting of the Ambassador of the Amazons.” she added vehemently. This pointless delay to argue with his son was the core of her annoyance at him. She glanced at me pleadingly as I simply pointed toward Prince Bryan.

“I wish to understand why my own son would turn to Kestrel when I was nearly killed, oh murderess wife of mine.” he crowed back angrily.

“You did not die and I needed counsel about what your death could have caused to Atlantis.” Bryan snapped back. He glanced back and a smile formed on his face noticing my presence in the room. “He is the Royal Advisor after all.” he added bluntly.

“See husband just a matter of seeking the proper counsel in this case.” Annianka continued from Bryan’s words. “Now can we move on to our prestigious visitor?” she added firmly.

“You should have been placed back in your prison for such an act that only Lord Kestrel’s presence aborted your attempt on my life.” he snapped back at her.

“Should I repeat it?” she snarled back. I had to stop this or everything would turn into a blood bath as bad as the one caused by the Usurper.

“And I wonder why the Royals bicker like school children or a very old married couple?” I remarked out loud in the room. I strode forward to stand by Prince Bryan. “Berating your son for seeking counsel from the one you have assigned as the Royal Advisor should not occur.” I chided Munin. “And my Queen should learn to keep a tighter hold on her temper.” I stated, glaring at her. She looked away unable to face me. “Why do you rage at your son seeking to understand the turmoil that would be caused by your death at your Holy wife’s hand?” I concluded. My glare meet Munin’s neither ready to stand down.

“And what did you tell him to have him not check on my situation?” Munin asked me. His glare was as direct as his anger for his son.

“That you were fine and I would put things in place to prevent it happening again.” I replied casually. I let his anger slide off me ignoring it fully.

“What else since he believe that he and Sara would be taking the throne?” he bellowed at me. A raised eyebrow and confused look was on my face.

“Which would be the only option for Atlantis to continue in a mostly peaceful state.” I replied still looking confused at him. “He is old enough to sit as reagent upon the throne until Sara is trained to be the Queen of Atlantis, as is her right.” I explained slowly while his anger wavered. “It is that or the Council would select a Reagent to run Atlantis until they are both prepared to ascend upon the throne.” I concluded easily.

“You would allow the Council to chose a reagent!” he retorted at me.

“If they could not see the reason in placing Bryan as King Reagent, Atlantis would have to suffer that action.” I replied calmly. “Then Atllantis would rebel and everything would destroy itself in this little island of bliss.” I concluded. I saw Bryan in my peripheral glance at me with a sad smile before turning to nod at his father.

The anger dribbled out of King Munin his mind started working its way through my words to him. All present could see his mind working through all the nuances of events his death would cause. His eyes suddenly grew wide as I read in his mind he review my words about the turmoil. I must say Bryan has learned to speak at the proper moment with the right words.

“I am sorry that I misjudged your actions, my son.” Munin stated mollified.

“I do understand your feelings as well, father.” the Prince replied calmly.

I could see his hands still balled into a fist while his face showed none of the deep seething anger he still held firmly against his father.

“Lady Nightingale is waiting to be introduced.” I reminded everyone softly. This got the nobles moving to form the greeting lines for her. A little smirk showed on my face while I slowly took my place nearly at the front of the line at Annianka’s side of the room.

“May I stay to meet her?” Bryan asked politely. “I am thinking it might be prudent for me to start meeting the Ambassadors and other dignitaries that come to Atlantis to be of aid to my sister, Princess-Heir Sara.” he added gaining a slow nod by Munin. Annianka simply motioned him to stand at my side being the last greeted but the closest to Annianka’s throne. I could see the pride shining on her face as she watched him take his place at my right.

Redpath's Journals: Being a Helpful Cat and Odd Meetings (22)

Over three hours had passed before Meli and Kestrel returned home. The grimace on her face made me avoid her as Kestrel had done. I did follow him to the kitchen noticing what he did for the healer of our group. I had watched Meli preparing tea before but Kestrel seemed to be more random in his selection of herbs to blend in the tea. I did not understand why their tea preparing style was different but both were skilled tea makers. I shrug and went to the door of our bathing area to gently knock.

“Occupied.” Meli called from within.

“Lord Kestrel has made tea for you, Meli.” I stated back through the closed door. “I can bring it and slide it into the room without peeking.” I informed her and waited.

“Is it set to stay warm on the hearth?” she asked.

“Yes, and will be steep to a stronger flavor.” I replied. I had to mention this showing I had been learning from her comments to herself while making tea. I heard a soft giggle from her.

“Leave it but thank you for letting me know I have tea waiting for me.” she returned sounding less annoyed already. I heard the water splash softly as she slipped into the large water basin. “I will visit you in the garden later to tell you about our trip.” she added.

“I will try to be there for your storytelling, big sister.” I remarked before walking away purring. I went to the training field to continue sparring with Sert. Kestrel entered a few moments later as if he had been moving very slowly around our home. I had barely warmed up but could keep up with Sert’s speed easily and perceive his attack lines as we continued sparring. As Kestrel watched us, I felt he was not truly watching us but thinking. He scratch as his chin and tapped his feet in a staccato rhythm which I learned was his pensive traits. He finally asked for the battle to stop informing Sert he had a sparring session with Chichi. My purring chuckle whispered out as I walked with them to the foyer. I went to the garden to climb up in my tree. The kestrel still sat silently on it’s branch possibly sleeping. It did not even turn to look in my direction as I settled onto my branch. I do feel like calling it my nest but kept stopping myself before saying it.

To my surprise, Prince Bryan, Deas, and Kestrel entered the garden. Deas stood at the side of the door inside the garden without following while Prince Bryan sat with Kestrel near the middle of the garden on the stone benches. Using the trees as a pathway, I dropped down by Deas gaining a shocked smile for the shy man. He silently nodded at me but looked away afterwards. His body stood stiffly as he looked into the garden center where Lord Bryan sat with Lord Kestrel.

“He seems angry.” I whispered to Deas. He simply nodded slowly as I listen to bits of the conversation. “He is smart but lets his emotions rule his thinking.” I commented in my purring whisper. Another wordless nod. “You are worried he will take the wrong path because of his strong emotions.” I continued my whispering conversation. A silent nod answered me again. “His passion is not misplaced but may blind him to the larger reality Lord Kestrel will show him.” I added to receive another slow nod.

I sighed and climbed the closest tree to make my way back to my perch as the discussion ended. Upon their departure from the garden, I bounced to the wall and down to the street below. I followed in the shadows escorting Prince Bryan and the silent Deas returning to the Royal Enclave. Barely a quarter way had them talking out loud to each other.

“I know he is right and that you were right, my friend.” Bryan stated. A soft chuckle came from Deas like a whispering wind.

“I knew if I could not convince you, Lord Kestrel would since he is trustworthy to all of us.” Deas replied in a soft voice.

“Thank you for no simply calling me a fool.” the young prince replied. Without looking at each other, their hands shot out in fists to tap against each other. It was something I had never seen before in the Atlantian nor human world. I simply smiled and filed this special greeting they shared in my mind. “Is it wrong that I wish my own father’s death?” he added quietly. I thought it was mostly asked to himself but the reply was not what I expected from the shy and silent Deas.

“No, he is no King, has no nobility, nor a soul within him.” Deas replied bolder. “I would find a way to have his head on a silvered platter for you, if asked.” he stated bluntly. My step faltered at his conviction and direct statement. They froze and slowly turned to gaze in my direction. “Yes, Feline, I am not always nice.” he remarked to the shadows I hid in. With a sigh, I stepped into the light.

“Being nice does not always mean being honorable.” I replied calmly. I knew I could have slipped away in the shadows but had decided revealing my presence. “Prince Bryan.” I greeted him with a fluid bow. “I am Kestrel of the Redpath clan, servant of Lord Kestrel.” I introduce myself to him.

“An escort from the Royal Advisor?” Bryan suggested doubtfully.

“I was out to patrol the city and decided to be your shadow for your own safety, Prince Bryan.” I answered truthfully. “And Deas is a friend of our household.” I added with a half shrug. Deas chuckled that windy laugh.

“I am not happy that Lord Kestrel might hear of my violent thoughts.” Deas stated softly. “But I feel he and his retinue would agree in this case.” he added calmly.

“It is which hands that dispatches him that keeps him alive for now.” Bryan remarked.

“An unfortunate accident away from Atlantis, would easily be overlooked and not questioned.” I admitted in a purr.

“Or you advising me on how to proceed?” Deas asked with a more dark whispering chuckle.

“No, he is admitting what could make his death overlooked and keep peace upon Atlantis.” Bryan returned quickly. He glanced at Deas then back at me. His grin held a hint of feral viciousness without evil. Deas’ grin matched the prince’s as they both looked at me.

“Atlantis must be absent during that time to be an effective outcome for Atlantis.” I reminded them. “With his aggressive and abrasive personality, it is only a matter of time before it happens.” I stated in a deep purring-growl. Prince Bryan laughed for a moment before Deas joined. The laugh was soft and held no more of the angry vengeful feeling their grin had held. “But you should be returning to the dormitories of the Officers’ Academy, sir.” I added as a gentle reminder to him.

“Even the Prince is not above the rules of the scholastic dormitories of Atlantis.” Deas pipped in. They turned to start walking as I followed visibly with them. The rest of their conversation was left to them and their privacy while I watched over them. Only my soft purring let them know I followed while soft growls warned them to change their chosen subject. None would hear or know the questionable subjects they might attempt discussing in public with my growling help. Once they were in their dormitory, I continued on my way knowing I would be too early to stumble upon Siren and Shal. But I did stumble upon someone I had not expected meeting.

The dark ephemeral being blinked into existence a few feet before me. As its form solidified, the face was recognizable to me as the Holy Queen Annianka, but her dress was dark and her scent held the hint of corpses and dirty. I froze in the shadow I stood in to watch her as she came into focus but was still partial diaphanous. She glanced around slowly as I heard the silken fabric of her black dress crinkle as she moved. Her eyes finally rested on me directly as pale hands moved to cover her mouth. I looked closer at her face with stunningly cold dead eyes, skin as pale as fine parchment, and, as her hands moved away from her mouth, bluish-black lips. She looked like a corpse walking Atlantis, a ghostly visitor, that matched the Queen in features and in form but drained from lively colors. She smiled sadly at me before giving me a quick wave and fading back into nothingness. I did not know what I had seen but a chill crawled along my spine and down my tail. A pair of delicate hands on my shoulder had me freeze once more. I glanced towards them seeing hands the color of the moon upon my night black fur. I finally noticed the black manicured nails upon each of her pale skinned fingers.

“You saw nothing.” the deep husky voice whispered in my ear. The touch to my mind paused then recoiled quickly. “You know Alal? Hope’s little kestrel?” it asked softer but more animated. I barely realized I was being spun to face that pale copy of Queen Annianka’s face. “I am her sister and not her who sits upon the throne here.” she admitted quickly. A soft glow of life was now shining in those cold dead eyes. “She is sister Hope, while I am sister Depression.” she added with a smile that showed bright white teeth sporting sharper canines.

“I am Kestrel...of the Redpath...clan.” I answered haltingly. “I am confused.” I admitted still frozen in place.

“You even share the name Hope gave him.” she remarked examining me closely from ear-tips to tail-tip. I shivered even if I tried to act brave before her. “And you are in my favorite color as well.” she added in a deep giggle. Her voice and giggles sounded too deep to come from such a delicate formed being. I glanced down nothing her feet, still transparent, did not touch the ground. She floated and her height match humans with a slim nearly emaciated body loosely wrapped in a black silk dress.

“That does not explained anything.” I retorted as she continue her minutia inspection of my form with her eyes. “Holy Queen Annianka is your sister Hope, correct?” I asked quietly. She nodded still focused on my furry body. “How many sisters does our Queen have that bare her likeness?” I continued quicker. “And why is this not known to us in Atlantis?” I added. Her cold dead eyes snapped back to meet mine.

“Oh!” she interjected. Her hands were back at her mouth as her eyes went wide while staring at me. “We are four and the world in general is not suppose to know we exist.” she explained still hiding her mouth. “Wisdom, Joy, Hope, and me, Depression.” she told me softly. “But those Ancients that brought us into existence say one is missed which is name Balance.” she added.

“And you reveal all this to me so candidly but I do not understand why.” I replied with a soft purr. I let my eyes note the minor differences she held with Holy Queen Annianka. “Why did you appear in Atlantis at this moment?” I asked in a purring whisper to her. She giggled before moving her hands back to her side. Outside the unearthly paleness of her skin, cold dead eyes, fanged tooth smile, and dark color of her clothing, she was a perfect smaller match to the Queen.

“You serve the Dread Bird Kestrel, Alal, which makes you part of our secret existence.” she returned with a crooked smile. “I visit here from time to time to enjoy the silence and the ghost within the old court.” she continued easily. She tilted her head and I noticed another difference. A line of crud stitches ran around her neck usually hidden by the wide collar like choker she wore. “They love the chance to talk to someone again until it is their time to be reborn.” she added. She noticed where my eyes rested and she shyly moved her choker to hide the stitches once more.

“Then why did you stop to...” I started, paused, and continued, “...discuss with me like this?”

“To erase your memory of seeing me at first until I say him in those memories.” she answered. Her deep tones had risen slowly as we talked. Her voice was still too low in tone to be confused with the Queen’s higher pitched voice. It was more pleasant than jarring now as her first words had been. I stayed not out of frozen fear but curiosity now. “You asked questions, I answered, and it became a better moment for me.” she admitted avoiding my gaze. “I should let you be on your way while I am going on mine.” she added with a sudden jolt in her body. She touched her forefinger and index finger to her lips and touched mine with them as blush gave her cheeks a more lively complexion. She rushed away floating in and out of shadows while I stood watching her disappear in the distance.

“That was an odd event.” I told myself out loud before turning to follow the path closer to the Royal Residences where I might find Siren and Shal. My mind reviewed the short meeting with this strange mirror image of the Holy Queen of Atlantis. I had slipped so deeply in my thoughts that I nearly missed Siren stepping out in front of me. I was able stop but she still had a pawed hand firmly placed on my shoulder to prevent us crashing into each other. “Sorry, I was lost in thought about...”I started explaining before looking back along the pathway, “someone I met.” I felt like I was going to spot her, Depression, but saw empty streets.

“Someone?” Siren asked in a soft whisper. “An intruder?” she added sniffing at the air.

“Not exactly an intruder but an oddness.” I told her. “It might have been just my cat mind dreaming while I am awake.” I added to dismiss this line of discussion. She looked around still tasting the air but eventually nodded to me.

“Shal is still occupied and might not be in a mood to talk tonight.” she informed me quietly. “The other concubines have discovered what she has been adding to the tea.” she reported in a soft tight voice. “They all agreed Munin deserves no other heirs since Bryan is already there and truly honorable and noble to stand by little Princess Sara.” she concluded her report on this matter.

“And none of them are Atlantian but show our wise honor regarding the King.” I remarked with a toothy smirk. She did not simply giggle but laughed at my words while nodding. “Have you ever noticed the Queen out at night but dressed in black?” I asked on an odd gut reaction.

“The phantom of the lost Princess?” she asked as her laugh soften into more of a chuckle. “Many report seeing someone that appears as Her Highness floating above the ground but seeming so small and frail.” she told me slowly. The hint of doubt in her voice was not hidden away. “Dressed in funeral garbs forever mourning the forceful passage of her parents.” she continued with a wry smirk. “I have not witness her but have heard many stories in my life.” she added.

“So I met the lost Princess or had a waking dream.” I stated to her with a quick nod. I held back the conversation I had and information I had learned from this dark mirror version of the Queen. She looked at me tilting her head. She placed both hands upon my upper arms to force my eyes to look into hers. “It is nothing and should be forgotten.” I lied to her. She sniffed at me and her snout crinkled as if it smelt something bad.

“The smell of deep dirt and the dead has touched your shoulders.” she retorted before stepping back from me. “You actually saw her and she touched you.” she said bluntly. “Is it truly a ghost or some ill omen?” she asked in a whisper. Her tail was wrapped around her leg, her ears had flattened against her skull, her eyes showed the white outer ring, her nose twitched, and she shivered. The scent of fear came from her at this moment.

“Whatever it is, it is not here to harm others.” I assured her. “Simply ignore her and look away if you see her.” I suggested from my meeting with her. “But most of all, do not fear her.” I assured with a soft purr and smile. “Anything else to report?” I asked more casually. It took a moment before she returned to standing casually but I did notice her nervous glances to the area surrounding us.

“Nothing to report but I doubt I could keep fear from me meeting this ghost.” she replied mostly calmer. A forced chuckle had me smiling and purring a truthful chuckle back at her.

“It will not be easy, but I believe she would be happier not being feared outright.” I returned softly. I bowed to her before taking a step back and returning along my pathway to go home. I was in the shadows approaching the main doors of the Royal Kitchen as I spotted Kestrel carrying Sert over his shoulder. I gave them space as I followed silently home. While Kestrel carried Sert upstairs with Meli worriedly following him, I went to collect the healing herb packs, a bucket of warm water, and a rolling mortar to carry up to Sert’s bedroom. I silently entered to place everything in neat piles where Meli could easily reach them. I left once I was done without being notices by her.

“Thank you kitten!” I heard her call behind me. I pounced down to the floor of the foyer from the second floor landing. I moved silently to enter the garden and quickly place myself in my perch to sleep. The small kestrel had not moved from its perch until I was curled up in the bowl made from trio of branches. It moved to a branch just above my sleeping spot. It looked down at me cooing before settling into a sleep posture. My purring breathing slowed as sleep took me as it had taken my kestrel companion. It was an odd thought but I felt this kestrel being mine as a companion and feathered friend and not just another creature living within our garden.

Sunlight woke me as much as the sound in the foyer. I moved to join them in the dining room for breakfast. I did put some food aside for the creatures of the garden while listening to the discussions. Kestrel and Cole both sounded annoyed while Sert jerked away from the meal bowl that had a spatula to serve it. It is only after Kestrel and Cole left that I discovered what had happened to Sert. I sat with Meli in the garden over tea as she recounted what she had learned from the warrior. I held back my laughter even if she giggled under her breath. I mentioned to her how Sert shied away from the bowl holding a spatula gaining an actual laugh from Meli.

“Little Chichi only used a wooden spatula to harry him into unconsciousness during the four hour of their sparring session.” Meli revealed still laughing. “I believe he will fear spatulas from this moment on.” she added. I looked at her suddenly understand how funny it was that a strong skilled warrior feared a normal kitchen spatula. I let my laugh escape me as I looked at her. The rest of the day was spent to help out around the house waiting for Kestrel to return and discover why the Council had called upon him so suddenly that even Cole did not know about it.