Redpath's Journals: My Duties and My Delight (21)

Days seem to flow together while I had midnight meetings with Shala and Siren, some days in the Council Chambers while others days on the training fields with a mix of different Guards. I even got a few more sessions with Cassis who easily was accepted into the Militia Reserves giving her rank while opening new paths for her. Toma made a suggested to her one day as we finished our training session leading to new metallurgical process mixing his fire with her wind. I got to watched them. Even if I could not sense the magic itself, the visual beauty of their synchronized gifts at work showed they were a truly bonded pair.

I heard the door hit the wall of the foyer followed by a few words from Cole before the sound of a body hitting a wall hard. I peeked to witness Cole being lofted up into his room hearing his privacy lock snapping shut. Kestrel strolled up the stairs to his private room. The door slammed shut, the lock clicking into place, followed later by the sound of his ocarina. As I returned to my treetop bower, the sorrow of the music floating around me had tears running down my cheeks. The drizzle that followed increased the sadness having me mewling as I cried uncontrollably. As the retched feeling nearly had my heart breaking, I had a vision like those Lord Death had shown me in Dia’s kingdom.

A great cavern spread out before me filled with children that I felt were truly ancient. Their form were in part nightmarish but amazing beautiful at the same time. Some had patches of skin that appeared like liquid night sky mixed with scales, fur, leaves, and bark covering their child-sized bodies. I floated above them as I notices musical instruments of all sorts hanging from their waist or slung across their backs. I was being moved along the top over them seeing all these children of antiquity as if drawn to something or someone. Near the back of the room stood a lone flame burning white with a smaller see-through humanoid entity flitting around as if patrolling the perimeter. It’s hair was tentacles of purple and blues, a more even separation of bluish-purple scales, and liquid night sky, and eyes glowing of the purest purple color I had ever seen.

“You are the first to notice me.” the young girlish voice came from this entity. “You are a very special feline indeed.” she added before turning to face me. A pair of her purplish tentacles reached out to me but did not touch me. I instinctively reached out my two hands that appeared as shadowy furred in this vision. My palm connect to the under flesh of her tentacles. My hand closed on her tentacles that folded to hold onto me.

“Who are you and why are they here?” I asked in a soft purring voice. Her head tilted as her purple eyes deeply gazed into mine. I knew she was touching my mind but it was such a gentle touch as if searching for the right words or the right thing to compare herself to. “I can feel your mental touch, it is alright if it helps you.” I told her. Minor memories floated up in my mind as she looked quietly into me.

“The one who will be a Kre, the one who is but is not at the same time is allowed to visit me the unborn daughter.” she answered slowly. The musical hints in her voice reminded me of Lord Death and indirectly of Lord Kestrel when he spoke Atlantian. Two more tentacles stretched out to slowly pet my head and scratch behind my ears. “Like you, I am a Kre; KreLey, alive but not alive.” she continued softly. She smiled and giggled as her tentacles slowly touches my shadowy fur. “For you, I will be Kryel but that will be in a much different future.” she added still giggling. Her words were both spoken for my ears and whispered into my mind as we stared at each other floating in this vision.

“And they are?” I asked.

“The Forgotten Ones, imprisoned for being of the mix blood of the Ancient and Old Ones and feared by all the ones that came before except the first true six races and those that brought them, the six, forth.” she replied slowly and softly. “You walk with the one that was not imprisoned here.” she explained with a sad smile. “Passion would never let them remove her son from her.” she continued with a giggle. “His sorrow falls upon the twin lights in this world for those trapped here he cannot save himself.” she told me. “Stay by him since he will know soon the path that must be taken, Kre.” she added.

Her tentacles pulled back and felt myself pushed back through dizzying darkness to be back in my body in the tree. I realized the music had stopped and my fur was damp from the tear-like drizzle. I looked down to see Kestrel had returned and sat discussing softly with Meli. His words repeated what Kryel KreLey had told me about what my eyes saw during my vision. The second half of the discussion had my ears perked up, listening intensely.

“We will be leaving as soon as I rest for the Amazons territories.” Kestrel warned Meli. I mostly ignored the reason for this rushed travel pondering what this will change upon Atlantis. Big sister left him as he slowly drifted to sleep. I did pick a few tasty morsels from what remained on his plates and drank the third cup of tea he had not noticed hidden under the bench he slept beside. I spread out some of the bits of left over food closer to the area birds, and the family of chipmunk could safely come to eat. A tentative squawk had me glancing to one of the trees spotting a very young kestrel. I took some of the meat pieces and placed them away from the area the other animals fed.

“We share everything with our friends.” I purred under my breath to the bird of prey. It landed and started cautiously eating while watching me moving around to collect the empty cups, plate, and tea pot upon the tray to return it to the kitchen silently. “You stay here to watch over everything.” I told the kestrel. I did not know why I spoke to the bird but felt it was polite. My trip to the kitchen was quick to simply place the tray upon the small table to make it easy to find in the morning. The kestrel had taken a spot in the tree next to the one I had selected as my sleeping perch. None of the meat or the other bits were left as I moved to climb back to my spot. I curled up purring until I slid into sleep.

Dawn had barely let light enter the walled private garden when Kestrel had awoken and already started preparing himself. I watched silently with the bird matching my silent focus. As Kestrel left the garden, I pounced down to follow him. I was near the bottom of the stairs as Meli and Sert stumbled their way down to join Kestrel in the foyer.

“What...” was all Cole was able to say as his head poked out of his room. I heard him being bounced into the back wall of his room and the door slamming shut and locked.

“Keep him busy until we are gone.” Kestrel told me. I pounced up to the second floor sinking my claws into Cole’s door leaning against it to keep it closed. I smirked and nodded to Kestrel before he rushed the others out of the door of our residence. I could feel Cole trying to push open his door by I held firm giving Kestrel a chance to board a ship and escape from Cole for a bit longer.

“Enough Redpath! Open this door.” Cole stated in a harsh voice.

“Do you promise not trying to stop them?” I replied calmly.

“Yes, I will stay here.” he called back through the door. “I promise.” he added softly. I let the door open by stepping back from it. It opened slowly as he peered out at me.

“Lord Kestrel is meeting with the Amazons and we are not invited.” I informed him before he could ask. He nodded slowly.

“Do we know why he is doing this?” he asked with silky tone. “Or is this another plan we will find out about later?” he added.

“Possibly a treatise or trade agreement but we will find out once he returns.” I answered purring. He did not need to hear the extra information Kestrel had revealed in private to Meli. He sighed as he nodded once more to me.

“Alright.” he interjected slowly. “I still need to visited the Council within the hour.” he continued slowly. “Will you be accompanying me or do you have a training session planed for today?” he asked calmly. I purred while scratching my temple thinking.

“Is it alright if I just ignore today?” I returned hesitantly.

“It is not a problem, but why?” he returned casually. “Are you feeling ill or something?” he added. The worried set of his face did not truly reach his eyes or in his body’s placement.

“Not exactly.” I replied with a shrug. “I just have something on my mind I wish to look into personally.” I lied to him. I purred under my breath scratching at my temple and at my chin alternatively. This feigned distracted seemed to have been convincing as he eyes shrunk as he nodded.

“If I should know about it, you will inform me, yes?” he asked softer.

“Of course, once I learn all the details.” I replied easily. “It is just a minor friction between two of delegations which I feel has an outside instigator.” I explained briefly. This vague bit of information would be enough for him to look into every minor conflicts between the multiple delegations visiting in rotations upon Atlantis. He would find some external goading causing some of them, which should increase their trust in Atlantis doing its best for all the foreigners and for peace. “If I cannot fix it myself, I will inform you to get the Council interfering for the interests of Atlantis.” I added. I punctuated this final statement of mine by bowing to him and heading back towards our private garden and my unofficial bedroom.

Returning to my perch, I glanced over to see the kestrel still sitting on the nearby tree. It would glance at me sometimes but only cooed softly without looking like he wanted to move. I learned much about these small vicious birds that appeared to be indirect companions to Lord Kestrel. I understood these birds of prey preferred and excelled in attacking much larger targets which had me fearing for my harpy friends delivering messages to me. This fear was quickly put to rest as a harpy landed with a squawk to collect my letters for Rena and those that lived within Dia’s kingdom. The kestrel looked at the harpy but did not move nor make a sound other than a quick short thrill and cooing. I had found a satchel like carrying bag that could be fitted on the harpy without interfering with its flight abilities. It rubbed the side of her head against me as I placed this messenger pack on her. It was already holding my many letters written with ink and the tip of my index claw as a quill. When my harpy friend left, the kestrel was still perched on a branch looking around the garden and at me, cooing softly.

This oddly pacifist behavior was noted but I felt it saw no threat from the harpy or any of the other critters within the inner garden. It could be Kestrel’s newest feathered companion but his presence here while Kestrel was away made me dismiss this idea. If this bird had simply selected this garden as his home territory, the lack of stories or rumors of attacks meant it did not hunt on Atlantis. I sighed still thinking about our newest guess while going to the kitchen to collect myself breakfast and extra snacks for the critters of the garden including our new resident guest. My return to the my garden room gave me another surprise that had me both confused and curious.

The second older and more weather worn kestrel stood on the bench trading squawks and high pitch chirps with the smaller one in the tree. The smaller one floated down to pick at the new one’s leg pulling off a capsule. I had seen and heard of these capsules that carried messages. The capsule was left on the bench as the elder kestrel took to the air. I nearly called it back to share in the small bits of meat I had for the smaller one but did not get the chance. The small one stood on the bench shrilly squawking at me to gain my attention.

“In one moment, my new feathered friend.” I told him. I moved around the garden to deposit the different delicacies I had select for those that shared the garden with me. As the night before, I placed the favorite food types closer to where each could collect them easily. I ended with placing the kestrel’s fare close to the ground by the bench before sitting with my meal. I collected the capsule but did not try opening it while watching the interactions of the small group of chipmunks, birds, and the lone kestrel. The kestrel had picked up a few pieces of the meat cubes I had given him, tossing them toward the zone of the other two groups. Beak clicks, whistles, chirps, and soft squawks was exchanged by the feathered ones while chitterlings and chirps was exchanged between the chipmunks and kestrel. Seeds, millet grains, and nuts were moved to the kestrel’s feeding zone receiving a bowed head from the bird of prey to them. I had just witness these small creatures making deals bartering food. I opened the capsule to read the message within.

 

            Young Kestrel,

We are safely away and I thank you delaying Colêsträ. We should be returning late in the afternoon to report to the King and Holy Queen. Please remained close to the residence if possible since I wish to have words with you about a possible new house guest.

Lord Kestrel.

I sighed and chuckled knowing replying was not truly possible and mostly useless with his rapid return to Atlantis. I had already gotten Cole to look into the friction between the multiple delegations and feed all our friendly creatures. I slowly ate considering if I could get a training session with the Royal Guards or Council Guards before Kestrel’s return. A mid-morning to late morning session was a possibility after leaving word with the Atlantian Court of when they could expect a report from Lord Kestrel.

Unfortunately after leaving word with the Royal Court through the Scheneshal, I found no Guard groups holding a training session, not the cadet Guards, nor even the Militia Reserves. I did not want to get caught in the Council Chambers with Cole without knowing how long his business would take. With Cole, he could easily end up having to visit with half if not all the Council members with the bait I had dropped in front of him. I let my feet lead me as I strolled the streets of Atlantis. I was wearing my plain leather armor that had originally been used by Sertian keeping away the attention Dia’s gifted armor brought upon me. This old armor had darkened with age and was nearly a match to my own natural black fur.

“Ah! Young Kestrel of the Redpath clan!” someone called out to me. I looked around realizing I had wandered into a food providers section turned into a Market Place. A foreign man by one of the stalls was waving at me. I moved slowly towards him wondering how he knew my full name. “Thank you for coming to my call.” the man stated quickly. “I received a recipe that I am testing but it is not a food type we have in our lands.” he started explain in that same rushed manner. “It is spiced meat on sticks which I need to verify how closely I have made it to the recipe.” he added slower and suddenly hesitant.

“And you believe I can help?” I asked cautiously and confused. He nodded vigorously back at me. “I am not a chef nor do I truly know anything about cooking.” I returned.

“Not cooking skills required, only tasting skills.” he replied softly. “You are known as a Knight in one of the countries in the area these meat sticks come from.” he explained nervously. “I would like your opinion on the flavor being authentic or not.” he continued his explanation. “We in Egypt do not know these things.” he added.

“I am sure they are fine, my husband.” a woman called out from the back of the stall. She walked forward from the back carrying a tray laden with meat sticks I recognized. They looked and smelt exactly like the one’s Dia and myself shared through my time with her. “He worries so much and doubts his own skills.” she told me as she placed the tray at the front of the stall.

“I can say they smell and appear exactly as those from the Way Stores.” I told them quickly. I must have licked my lips or sniffed too aggressively as they both laughed.

“Please try one.” the man offered as his wife held out a single stick to me. I took it gingerly from her and closely examined it with both my eyes and nose. I small bite filled my mouth and minds of memories of the happy moments with Dia. A tear slowly rolled down my cheek with the second larger bite of the mildly sweet and spicy meat. They paled as they looked at me.

“They are perfect and will remind anyone from those lands about home and happiness.” I told them after swallowing the second bite. I wiped away the tear before finishing the remaining meat in one bite. The smiles I received from the man made his face glow like the sun and wife giggled.

“You see how skilled you are, my love.” she told him with a giggle. She held out another six sticks to me. “Take them in gratitude, Sir Kestrel.” she added. I knew I could not refuse and took the sticks gratefully.

“I thank you for your allowing us to use your taste buds.” the man added with an odd bow. I recognized it from one of Meli’s books as a formal bow used by their priests. The man did not look like a priest but this small action was stored away in my mind. Something about a priest married to a noble girl floated up into the back of my mind. A soft mental touch on my mind with whispered words.

“Yes, he who is named after my Uncle, we have returned to visit Atlantis as normal humans.” the woman’s voice whispered in my mind. I had stiffened as it started but relaxed at the word ‘Uncle’ as I remembered the story Meli and Sert had told him about their first trip away from Atlantis. I also remember the Egyptian woman I nearly fell onto discovering about Kestrel being Sara's father. I smiled performing an Egyptian bow as fluidly as I could. The merry chuckles and giggles I received either meant I did it correctly or I was absolutely awful at it. I did not bother asking which as my feet return to meandering along the streets of Atlantis. I had just arrived home with one last meat stick in my hand, slowly taking small bites relishing on the memories when my nose warned me of Captain Ent and Sert returning home. Captain Ent was still chuckling while Sert looked worried.

“What has happened?” I asked looking from Sert to the Captain.

“Lady Mekiliean is now a beast like us.” Ent retorted chuckling. “She has grown her fangs!’ he added in a mirth-filled howl.

“Her canine teeth have been chipped into fang shaped teeth.” Sert stated more serious. “She also has blackened eyes and a broken nose.” he continued. I could see the worry on his face that Meli had been hurt. “She acted up with the Amazons and was put in her place then attacked for no reason other than lustful greed.” he concluded more fully. I bite my lips to not make a noise that could be seen as a bad reaction. Captain Ent was still chuckling.

Kestrel's Journals: Repercussions From The Past (20)

Three hours of standing in the Royal Court explaining all the events of the last few missions. It did not help when I had to restart half-way through my explanations because of King Munin’s late arrival. I did notice his concubine looking around the room before finally starring towards me. Touching her mind lightly had me receiving only one question, ‘where is the cat?’. I held back laughing using the chance to restart my tale while mentally reminding myself to ask Young Kestrel about this. I repeated the full tale of dealing with the ice dragons finishing with the soul-link between Morag and Icebreaker, and the questions began.

“That is not possible.” Munin stated bluntly. “The only time a dragon and human will link is if both are very young and stuck to survive together alone.” he babbled on. He recounted the record regarding Arry and Skydancer but did not take in the warning that this was just a theory. “You yourself have reported this was correct.” he added, glaring at me.

“That was the supposition we made for that first incident of a soul-link.” I returned calmly. “But seeing her stand for the ice dragons as if they were her people and truly wishing to protect them may have swayed the ice dragon’s brood leader.” I explained casually slow. “Both heart were on the same level emotionally to bond.” I added simply.

“If more humans would begin thinking along those lines instead of seeing dragons as great monsters to be feared and hunted.” Annianka mused out loud. “I could see the dragons wanting to link with the more thoughtful ones within the humans.” she concluded. The small smile made what Meli considered possible the next point I had to make.

“We will see Holy Queen, since the humans of that village might be increasing their interactions with the ice dragon brood.” I replied quickly. “It may open the possibility of more soul-links being formed between the villagers and that ice dragon brood.” I concluded. Munin looked absolutely annoyed by this sudden change in information he saw as written in stone.

“But it does not explain the sorrow and drizzle that fell over Atlantis.” he rebukes coldly. “Nor the fact it originated from yourself.” he added.

“It was a personal matter I had to deal with.” I replied firmly. “I must beg forgiveness for not realizing how much of my depth of sorrow flowed out to overcharge the Atlantian magical network.” I concluded with a bow. I hope in vain that would end this line of discussion.

“That is not good enough since even our satellites enclaves were affected by it.” Munin retorted.

“I have receive reports from even Avalon, our farthest satellite, and communications from Lemuria asking if this was an attack as even their shielding could not prevent this sorrowful drizzle touching their lands.” Annianka informed us. I breathed slowly and deeply controlling the rage welling up in me.

“Once again, I was a sign of how deep me sorrow ran within me.” I answered with false calmness. “With my mother being Passion, my emotions run very deep and powerful.” I commented quickly. The shadow of the spinning stars within my eyes glinted as I face nearly snarled at them. “And my father was Madness incarnate which makes that at time my power does flare in eldritch ways.” I concluded. I blinked my eyes to return them to normal while recomposing my face into a mask of a polite smile.

“We can speak of this in private, if you wish, Lord Kestrel.” Annianka returned calmly. She had realized how I was at a point that would and could destroy the entire Royal Court Room to have this subject closed permanently. The last time a drizzle had gotten through the shields of Atlantis, it did not have the same heavy sorrow felt by all associated with it.

“No, we will not, your Majesty.” I retorted bluntly. “I shall not explain any more about this subject.” I concluded with a finality that drew a gasp from those nobles present. I took a moment to simply breath. Taking three slow deep breathes to regain my control over my anger at explaining my sorrow without revealing the source. I continued, after this, to discuss the treaty offers and the arrival of an Ambassador from the Amazons the immediate future. I followed this up with the small unfortunate incident suffered by Meli at the hands of the Amazons. Annianka’s face grew worried as I spoke.

“How badly hurt is she?” she asked as I felt her mentally attacking my hardened mental shields for this information.

“A broken nose with typical blackened eyes.” I began casually. “And she now sports fangs from oddly well chipped both canine teeth.” I continued with a small smile. “The Royal Guard Captains have all offered her to join in their training because of the animalistic look she now bears.” I added unable to hide my smirk. Munin was not able to stop the laughter that risked him falling from his throne. The dark glares from Annianka were ignored as he seemed unable to stop laughing about Meli’s plight. With a mental snap, I stopped the dagger nearly touching Munin’s face. I tossed it to my feet even if this dagger originated from Annianka’s hand, more or less. His lead concubine held her hand crossbow but did not raise to target the Queen even if her paramour was in deadly danger.

“She challenged the Amazonian Queen Aurora Nightshade and received a firm fist to put her back in her place with minor injuries.” I report the details of the full events. Annianka’s eyes returned to mine while Munin stared blankly at the dagger between my feet. “The one that attacked her afterwards is being dealt with in full Amazonian justice for disobeying their Queen’s commands of not touching them.” I stated. It was to mollify the mild annoyance slowly filling Annianka for her favorite little healer.

“And what of their King?” Munin asked slowly. I did consider telling him that he stood before him but better to not make him a fool this quickly.

“No man can be higher than their Queen, not even myself as ‘Primal Free Man’, in their purely matriarchal society of warriors.” I told him. “Men are mostly seen as breeding slaves or lesser ranked citizens.” I continued calmly while a toothy grin bloomed on my face. “I earn my rank among them by defeat every single warrior of their mighty nation.” I added. Munin swallowed hard as his face blanched at my words. Annianka’s more curious look at me followed by a small smirk at her forced husband nearly had me smiling.

“You used this rank to discuss treatise in Atlantis’ name, correct?” she asked slowly while her eyes were locked on me.

“No, I still required an intermediary of high standing to vouch for my truthfulness of my offer since it was, from one Queen to another.” I replied slowly.

“I did not order such treatises.” she remarked eyeing me closer.

“It is for Atlantis and the Throne that I went to them.” I replied softly. “It was easier and prevented possible problems that could arise by linking all this to our Holy Queen Annianka,” I conclude with a small flourish of a bow to her.

“That did not stop Lady Mekiliean from being injured.” she retorted quickly.

“Her original injuries where of her own doing and arrogance.” I reported unemotionally. “The second event took place while I was not present.” I continued. The edge of anger sipped into my casual words. “Would it be more to your liking if I left your ‘pets’ at home next time?” I asked bluntly. The use of the word ‘pets’ had the desired effect as Annianka’s eyes grew wide with shock. Only the Lord and Lady of Elven kind used this term when talking about the citizens of Atlantis and Lemuria. “Yes, they have sent their greetings like all the others deities I ran across during my lengthy absence.” I continued waving it off. “I just do not see most of them as important enough to remember all their pointless messages.” I added showing my arrogance fully. I quickly bowed to them before turning on my heels and walking away without them dismissing me. The royal Guards at the doors to the hall parted to allow me to leave unchallenged.

Munin was screaming at my back about not having dismissed me. He bellowed to the Guards asking why they had not stopped me from departing the Royal Court. Annianka had not moved while her eyes followed my departure until the doors closed to block her view. I heard most of this but ignored it like I ignored Annianka’s attempt to mental touch my mind. This did not prevent me from seeing what thoughts formed in her mind. Physical touch gave her a glimpse into me but her mental touch found and saw a great darkening cloud formed around me. As for myself, I no longer felt as only hers anymore and this fact and feeling grew daily even if we had returned into having pleasing trysts often.

I stopped near the edge of the Royal central enclave of Atlantis to visit the Royal Kitchens. I still needed to speak to Chichi about putting my warrior in his place. It was actually too easy enlisting the little chef’s agreement, which had me planning a way for an even fight. Brother Famine would rise to the occasion of the limitations I was going to place on him and assure Sert would survive the encounter. Sertian would learn the hard way to never underestimate nor discount the hazards of facing someone in their own element. With this small lesson prepared, I altered my return path to hopefully meet Meli as she made her way home from the Healers’ Lodges.

The bandage mask was gone from her face and the bruising around her eyes had reduced greatly but her eyes and mind held annoyance. She felt cheated at not getting vengeance upon the woman that had attacked her. She barely talked but did growl a bit before marching off to the new addition to our residence, a small simple bathing chamber. It had been added slightly before my departure when discovering Annianka was marrying another simply to regain her rightful throne. I visited the kitchen preparing a soothing tea for Meli once she felt ready to return to her normal Atlantian state of mine. The tea pot was set to stay warm and steep into a much stronger version she would need. I moved slowly from the kitchen to our private training area to find Sert and young Kestrel sparring.

I did notice Redpath held back using his greater speed while simply blocking all the direct attack from Sert. His feline dexterity allowed him to dodge any attacks not directly aimed at his furry body. Two considerations ran through my mind. I did ignore asking the House Cat to show his true speed but thought better of it at this time. My second considerations was requesting Miss Hope to assist in Young Kestrel’s training as she should be able to match his much faster speed. I could not be sure she would agree with the extensive workload her position already held on her back. Annianka had more outbursts and their level of aggression had risen greatly culminating in the nearly assassination of Munin. His death at her hands would have the Nobles and Council going insane while the Royal Guards would ignore this action considering Munin not the true King upon Atlantis.

My initial actions of stopping this happening now became a debate in my mind wondering if it would not have been easier to just rid Atlantis of him. I would have been forced to take over by most of those disturbed Nobles and members of the Council while Annianka was securely put away. But I knew that if I were the King of Atlantis, the humans would be lost as I would be destroyed from the final battle upon Atlantis. The Brothers and Sisters of Light could not stand against the great darkness without me as I could not perform my duties without them assisting me. And with my final death, Atlantis would be destroyed and the shadowy entity hidden here would be released upon the world. It would draw the events tighter together, pulling the great darkness forward to the moment Atlantis was shattered and my chosen family would be lost. Callistra, would simply offer herself to the beast and serve its chaotic commands instead of fighting against it.

As I was discussing with Sert before leaving for his sparring session with Chichi, I received a special guest that I did not expect. The firm knock on my door had me slightly confused before my mind showed to me who had arrived. I opened the door greeting Prince Bryan and Deas who accompanied his friend. He informed me that he and Deas were sharing a class when word of my performance in Court reached him. Deas had easily and quickly become young Lord Bryan closest friend and most trusted advisor. Deas had compelled him to speak with me, as the Royal Advisor, about the attempt upon his father. I nodded and escort him into my private garden while requested a pot of tea for our discussion. As during his last visit, Deas stood by the door within the garden to not interfere with our discussion.

“Why did you not let her kill him?” he asked me directly. I stared at him waiting for him to explain why he was asking me this question. “You could have become the king and kept Atlantis safe from the highest possible position.” he stated sounding mild confused. He could not foresee all the other consequences that this small action would have lead to.

“And have Annianka imprisoned, if not executed, for slaying her husband and King?” I asked softly. “Nothing would have turned out well if I had not stopped this from happening.” I continued slowly. “I may have been offered the throne but mostly they would have forced me to sit upon it with only yourself and Sara left of the Royal bloodline.” I concluded hoping this would be enough.

“He deserves to die for his dishonorable way of ruling this island.” Bryan retorted. “I would be willing to sacrifice Annianka even if she was my true mother for Atlantis to be rid of that man.” he nearly growled. I sensed his hatred towards his father had not lessened but increased since my first visit with him.

“Then what?” I asked with an edge in my voice. “Atlantis falls into turmoil because both the hated and loved Royal have died.” I state bluntly. “And the populous rebels no matter who is placed upon the Throne, including myself that is well known to all of them.” I continued without giving him a chance to speak. “They would see the Council spearheading my taking the Throne and view it as a plot against Atlantis.” I added to make my point clear.

“Both Sara and myself would tell them we agree for you to be King reagent until we are of age.” he countered quickly. “And all the Guard Captains including Miss Hope would support your right to claim the Throne of Atlantis.”

“It would not stop them seeing it as some sort of plot after the events with the last Royal Advisor.” I returned calmer. “After the Usurper Queen, the smallest disruption within the Royal House will cause a negative reaction.” I told him. “Plus, they would doubt the Council will allow the Throne return to yourself or Princess Sara.” I added. I knew these were the worse possible outcomes but he needed to understand how a simple death could lead to mass anarchy being released upon Atlantis.

He stared at me. I could see him working through my words while attempting to find a logical arguments to what I have told him. His deep sigh showed he understood and saw the reality in my listing of events and possible repercussions. He slowly nodded to me. I placed a hand on his shoulder while nodding sadly back to him.

“Why is it so complicated when it should be simple?” Bryan asked softly. The look of exasperation on his face told me more than the thoughts floating through his head.

“Because it is an ideal construct called politics that does not care about honor itself but about what people could think which is always the worse possible thoughts and outcomes.” I replied solemnly. With a suffering sigh from him, Bryan and I walked to the foyer with Deas behind us. I heard the door close with a soft click while Deas stared at it for a moment confused. I waited until they had left and walked away before I got Sert to follow me to the Royal Kitchens.

“You did inform me that Chchi agreed to a sparing session but why are you telling me that it will take place in his kitchen?” Sert asked confused. We were half-way to the Royal Kitchens where Chichi worked and lived within.

“It is time you learn the problems of fighting an enemy in their natural environment.” I replied with a smirk. “But I have found a way to make the odds even for both of you.” I added with a chuckle. Sert glanced at me and I could read and feel his doubt.

“I disbelieve it will be that even a battle.” he commented. The arrogant hint in his voice had me chuckling knowingly about the outcome of this little practice match.

“You will understand soon enough as I put in place the rules for this martial engagement.” I returned to him casually. Chichi was waiting impatiently for our arrival as we entered. His sickly sweet smile towards Sert did not last long as I selected plain wooden spatula and tossed it to him. “That will be the only weapon you use for this match, Chichi.” I told him. The smile turned into an insulted frown. “Sert can use anything he gets his hands on in this kitchen.” I concluded my arrangements for this mock battle.

“Are you being serious?” Chichi retorted mildly annoyed. “I get stuck with a wooden spatula when he can use anything?” he grumbled. The mischievous sparkle in his eyes told me he was acting indignant but relished this opportunity. “With all the knives, cleavers, and everything else, I will not have a chance to defeat a trained warrior.” he concluded with sarcasm dripping from each word.

“But with only a wooden spatula, you cannot truly kill him, can you?” I retorted with a smirk leveled at Sert. Chichi snorted at my comment. I steeped back to block the doors and stay clear of the battle zone. My Honor Guard selected the largest cleaver and knife as his weapon. I sighed at his oddly direct selection falling into Chichi trap with both feet. “Begin!” I called.

For every attack move Sert attempted, Chichi dodged dance-like and countered with a solid rap on his fingers. This small seemingly innocuous hits served Chichi well by forcing Sert to drop the weapon he attacked with. The dropped weapon was kicked under counters to prevent being retrieved and used again. After the first hour passed, Chichi added arms, legs, and body strikes while Sert did not back down. The constant strain from the multiple small hits added up to wear down Sert as the next hour passed. I could feel Chichi’s annoyance that Sert was not backing down as the third hour of this combat arrived. Head strikes from the wooden spatula sounded like cracks in the quiet kitchen. Sert had now resorted using pots, pans, oven trays, and every large blunt items he could grab but it was in vain. Just shy of the four hour mark, Sert finally dropped from exhaustion and the amount of blunt damage he had suffered. Chichi stared at me in disbelief while breathing hard before smiling at the fact he had finally won.

“Do you think he is worthy of working in your kitchen?” I asked smirking at the chef. No answer came as he pulled out one of his hidden bottles to start drinking it down quickly. I chuckled as I collected Sert, tossing him over my shoulder, to carry him home for Meli to treat. The walk home had me chuckling knowing Sert would stop seeing non-combatants as easy victory especially within their own natural environment.

Redpath's Journals: Cole, Love, and Correspondence (20)

Keeping my eyes on Cole was not exactly easy considering everything else I was trying to gain knowledge about. He did not seem to have a problem letting me escort him directly into meetings claiming I was just the house cat. It was annoying being treated as such a negligible being but it got me into places without sneaking around which was oddly pleasant. I was standing with Cole in Burdish’s study only a few hours after Kestrel had departed when the first bit of information was revealed.

“She maybe viewed as a disgrace but Shala Meuse has been more helpful than hindrances so far.” Burdish admitted softly.

“Her daily visits to the healer’s apothecary shop has been seen as worrisome.” Cole remarked. I did not mention my information regarding her visits seeing where this would lead.

“She’s preventing herself from getting pregnant unlike the other concubines our King plays with.” Burdish retorted. Cole simply nodded back to him. Misinformation I was not corrected. Shal was dosing all the concubines with tea containing those herbs to prevent pregnancy and terminate the early stages. She may be his first concubine but she did not want his seed spreading in the world.

“Would she have another reason considering the amount she collects?” Cole stated softly. “I have heard from Lady Mekiliean that it does taste very good in teas.” he continued pensively. “Do the King’s concubine share a tea time together?” he asked softly. He gave me quick look and a wink. Burnish seemed to think about it for a moment before shrugging.

“I will have to ask about that.” he answered. Cole had lead the Council member to a realization he had just made himself. He excused himself for us to head home with his duties completed. Barely a street from the Council Chambers, Cole turned to me arresting our walk.

“None of the concubines have gotten pregnant since coming to Atlantis.” he stated to me. “Is that odd when learning of her herbal purchases?” he asked me directly. I shrugged and smiled at him. “This is her doing.” he added as a small smile formed on his face. He started walking once more whistling a merry tune under his breath. I said nothing falling in step next to him. How quickly his mind caught on all this information and came to a conclusion I already knew was amazing but scary as well. My return home with Cole was delayed unfortunately as a squad of mixed cadet with their leader requested my time. What I thought would be a sparring session was turned into a discussion with a much older cadet.

“Yes, I am much older than the regular cadet” the woman that looked mostly human stated to me. She had the scent of cougar to which matched the features I noted on her. “I was a student at the magical institute but still wish to gain basic training.” she informed me. “I am Cassis of the Dēn bloodline.” she introduced herself in a near whisper. She looked shy now that she had revealed her name.

“Daughter of Nä'Tash-Dēn, correct?” I asked casually. She nodded slowly and leery. “Well meet first mage of Feral blood.” I replied smiling at her. I bowed to her quickly. “I am Kestrel of the Redpath clan, and presently House Cat for the Envoy, Lord Kestrel.” I told her. Her eyes went wide and a smile bloomed on her face followed with a purring giggle. “Atlantis is small allowing friends of Lord Kestrel to meet easily.” I added softly.

“If you are done, I asked you to spar with her because of your unnatural speed, young Kestrel.” the squad leader stated to us. “Even our senior cadets have issues following her magical speed enhancements.” he explained to me as we stood there. “Good luck.” he added to both of us. He stepped back and signaled for us to start while the other cadets, most younger than either of us, watched from the side.

We took positions facing each other looking for signs of an attack. The first tentative attacks were swift but hardly as fast as I could move. Our claws remained hidden as our fists, elbows, knees, and twisting bodies moved increasing our speed. As the spectacle reached the speed of the senior cadets, a gasped sounded from the cadets as we moved even faster. Strike, block, counter, counter-block, and so on as we went through all the standard attack forms of the Feral Royal Guards’ cadets. We bounced back to our side of the field with smiles while breathing hard.

“I pushed all my air abilities to keep up, it was amazing!” she stated happily.

“Ready for more?” I asked purring. “Maybe moves not taught to cadets?” I added quickly. She nodded as she pounced forward.

The second session was more playful as while she blocked my two paws, my knee touched her body in a firm tap. We moved apart and pounced at each other again, my knee meeting hers but missing my instep drop sweeping her legs from under her. I moved back as she spun back to her feet quickly barely making contact to the ground. Every new attack, she learned and countered before actually attempting them back against me. Our feet barely touched the ground as we continued these new techniques increasing our speed even faster. She eventually lost but it was close until I ended up behind her pressing her into the ground. I tapped the sand only a moment after her before moving back. She stood turning to face me with a smile.

“As annoyed as having lost, this was the greatest training session I have ever had.” she remarked. She bowed in a warriors salute towards me. “Thank you for not holding back on a pretend cadet.” she added laughing with joy. I noticed a human stood aside from the cheering cadets staring at her with a smile.

“I believe it is not only the cadets impressed by your skills.” I returned breathing hard. “And thank you for a good chance to test my limits.” I added purring harshly. I motioned her to the lone human making her face turn red with blush.

“Toma!” she exclaimed. She moved to the edge of the training field with only the short wooden fence as barrier between them. “I thought you would be busy.” she hesitantly muttered to him. “Wind magic is not very helpful to healing or building but...” she tried explaining turning redder by the moment. He bopped her forehead with a lone finger before gently caressing her face. In front of everyone present, he leaned in to rub his cheek against hers before pulling back to smile at her.

“Your mother already told me you wanted to get marshal training because of your magical gifts.” the boy spoke softly. He would have been seen as an adult in the outside world but here, he was about a hundred and forty years old and about a decade, or so, younger than Cassis. “Have I ever prevented you following your heart or your mind?” he asked so very softly to her. “You did not question my decision to join the metallurgy apprentices with my fire skills, right?” he added as she stared blankly at him. I had slowly drifted towards them as they spoke.

“Seems he truly understands and accepts you as you do for him.” I stated softly. “Hello, I am Kestrel of the Redpath clan.” I introduced myself to the elder boy. I held out a hand to him which he took slowly in a quick but firm handshake. “You must be a very close friend to Cassis Dēn.” I continued not worrying about his name. “Was she using her winds properly from your magical knowledge?” I added with a smile.

“Toma, and her control over winds is amazingly beautiful.” he replied slowly. He was having problems looking away from her to converse with me. I chuckled purring at them gaining a blush on Toma’s face nearly as bright as Cassis’.

“You do make a very cute couple but still nowhere as wonderful as Dia and myself.” I whispered in a purr to them. She reached out to pull Toma’s face close to hers brushing her cheek to his.

“How did I get such a good man in my life?” she purred as she caressed his face.

“By being such a wonderful woman.” he answered in a whisper. He reached out to caress her face tilting his head forward to touch foreheads together. “Do what you need to make yourself happy as long as you are still mine.” he added.

“Always.” she purred back. I could heard the possessive stress she placed in that single word to him.

“I believe this session is done for her.” I remarked to the squad leader. His chuckle meet my ear before he order the other cadets to team up and spar with each other. He did not move to stop Toma and Cassis innocent show of affection but I felt this affection was much deeper than either of them understood fully. Their actions and words reminded me of my time with Dia in her garden. So innocent but also so deeply important to both of us. I will need to send her another letter soon.

With this my request by the cadet squad leader was accomplished, I was slowly heading home for the day. A few surprises waited for me as I entered the garden, Cole had set a covered tray of food for me with three letter scrolls sitting beside it. “The House Cat deserves a good meal for his work today.” read the note signed by Cole. I did check the garden to see if he was hidden there watching but I was alone. Raising the cover from the tray showed his attempt at cooking which did not smell bad but looked questionable. A quick sniff did prove it edible so I ate while reading the letters from Diadem, Hawke, and oddly Reina.

Dearest Kestrel,

I have decided to follow your advice and find a young orphan to raise as an heir. I know it was a low option upon your list of advice but I will be with no other man than you, my furry Knight. I have thought this fully and discussed with Artea who agrees and accept my decision that my heart, my soul, my body are yours. Until you come to claim my maidenhood, I will be a lone Queen with an adoptive heir. I hope you can understand and accept this decision I have made since my love for you will burn in my heart until I die. Artea told me you would be happy receiving my letter and not protest my choice to always be yours only. She also said you would understand and accept just because it is coming from me. I love you so much and miss you dearly, but I understand why we cannot be a normal couple of lovers. Hopefully in my next life, I will find you and be able to be with you for that whole life. I will end my letter to you here, my one and only love. Until we can meet again, make sure to write to me, please?

Queen Diadem, your Dia.

My heartbeat was fast in my chest and pounding in my ears as I read and reread her letter. With all the distance between us, I felt her arms wrapped tightly around me holding me tightly to her body. In human years, she was a child in comparison, but in Atlantian lifespans, I was the child. If Dia had been born in Atlantis, we would be exactly like Cassis and Toma, but this would bring forth a different set of problems. The prejudice still existed between the Royal Guards bloodline and the regular citizens of Atlantis. It had reduced greatly from the first days of our curse, but still existed. It was a rare event when the regular Atlantian bonded with the feral bloodline of the Royal Guards. As rare as a Royal Guard having magical affinity which gave them a chance to be together. I then turned to the first letter from the Cavalier-Knight Hawke.

Sorry for not writing earlier my friend and brother,

But having two wives has kept me rather busy between hunting down bandits and keeping hostile creatures away from the village, as well. I miss having your help some days with the hunts. Your nose would be a great assistance to tracking some of the things I have had to face. Hannah and Sasha send you their love and eternal gratitude getting me to stop being an idiot. You deserve this gratitude and much more for helping me to see the right path that I stupidly resisted and refused to admit existed. The staff at Rouge’s miss their purring fur ball mostly because they did not all get a chance to pet you. Deidra asked me an odd question yesterday. She asked if you forgave her. Did she do something I did not know about? She will not tell me why she asked that question but refuses to simply send you a letter to ask you herself. She does seem rather regretful of whatever she did so I told her you had forgiven her which brightened her day. I hope you do not mind me doing this but I doubt you would keep a grudge if you saw the regret in her eyes. I do suggest you visit within the next two to three years. I will have either nephews, nieces, or maybe one of each to introduce to you, Uncle Kestrel. Yes, both wives are pregnant and cannot wait to introduce our children to you the man who made it all happen. I will let you go now since I have field to tend to and a patrol of the village needing to be done. Until we speak again, good luck and please visit!

Hawke, Brother Knight of Queen Diadem

Barely a year together and he was already making a family for himself. I will have to explain Deidra’s request for forgiveness without giving him the fully details. All I would have him know and repeat directly to Rouge’s daughter is how I understood why she chose me and she has my forgiveness without her needing to ask for it. My eyes shifted to the letter from Reina but waited before reading it. I reread Hawke’s letter feeling the teasing comments and him making light of difficulties he faces as his normal self. This was the Cavalier that befriended a strange beast of a boy and became a true companion and friend. It was the same sibling behavior Sert and Meli showed to each other and to a lesser extend how Sert acted towards Cole and myself. No, they did not and would not trust Colêsträ but accepted his presence and help when needed. With a sigh and my meal complete, I finally turned to the last letter, Reina’s letter.

Kestrel of the Redpath clan, Honor Guard, Squire, and Knight.

I must send you words as things are getting odder daily in my present lands. Most of the provisions, products, and treasures have been moving from the inner lands to all the sea ports. Word from those cities and town are that new granaries and vaults are being built daily to accommodate for the influx of supplies. They do not understand why this is happening but are not stopping the flow into their hands. The populous is living frugally with the bare minimum but seem to accept it. I am worried from these events but cannot find a reason for it happening. My research have come up with only a mess of rumors that none have proven as truth. Explaining this to the populous and guards have not changed what is happening. They seem to ignore what is happening. The nobles are not untouched by these events as they have also been moving their supplies out to the harbor towns and port cities. I feel impotent at helping the humans being so blatantly forced into living with the minimum requirements. I know you are far away but any advice would be dearly appreciated. Do not ask me why something effecting humans has me so invested. Just understand that I must help them since this is the land I have chosen to live within. I thank you for any wise advice but do not ask me to ignore this.

Reina

This letter did bring back that mystery in my mind. I had no advice that could help her but, like herself, I felt compelled to help. I ran through all the information we had discuss while on the dock about this oddness. Nothing could be added to her knowledge to help solve the issue unless a magical source that Meli had not noticed. It felt like a vain idea considering how talented Meli was with magic. If the source was not upon the citizen but within their homes, Meli might not have felt the magic compulsion. I will suggest this to Rena with an explanation that the populous we meet in the harbor town did not have magic upon them. The other option that came to my mind was something understood but frown upon in Atlantis: hypnotism. I will suggest it as a secondary possibility but I could not understand why this was being done. With this I climbed up into my tree perch to curl up and sleep for the night.

As dawn started to color the sky, I heard the door creak open. Cole entered to place a pot of tea and pair of cups before disappearing. He returned with a new tray placing a plate upon one bench with a second plate on the other bench. He filled the two cups and moved to sit be the bench opposite to the one that had a filled cup and plate supposedly for me. I ponced down beside the bench and sat looking at him. He motioned for us to eat without saying a word. Breaking fast was a silent event within the garden with both of us simply being in each others company.

Kestrel's Journals: Once More With the Amazons (19)

It took no time for me to be ready in the morning. I bellowed for my sleepy companions to get ready to leave gaining half-yawns as Meli and Sert drifted down to the foyer with their travel packs. Then the fun began as young Kestrel had moved to see what was going on, openly standing at the foot of the stairs.

“What is...” was all Cole could mutter. He had just stuck his head out of his room before feeling himself tossed back and his door slammed shut on him.

“Keep him pinned in his room.” I told young Kestrel. He bound up the stairs to sink his claws into Cole’s door effectively holding it shut. He looked down to nod at me, gaining him a smile. My companions looked mildly confused at me.

“If Cole comes, he might play his ‘Flower’ role and get himself killed by the Amazons.” I explained quietly to them. “We must be going now since the Leviathan will not wait long for us.” I added motioning them towards the door. After a quick march along the empty Atlantian streets, we arrived to find Captain Jäzærha and Captain Curd stood waiting to see us off.

“Why do the Captains seem to make a presence whenever you leave from or return to Atlantis?” Sert asked eyeing the Captains.

”After the Royals themselves, he is the most import being in Atlantis.” Jäz commented back.

“So he receives the quasi-royal parting and greetings to Atlantis.” Curd growled in agreement. Jäz nodded before they both saluted me as I stepped upon the gangplank to board the Leviathan. A second salute from captain Lockey included my companions as the gangplank retracted by itself.

“Happy to have you onboard again Lord Kestrel, Lady Mekiliean, and Sir Sertian.” she greeted us smiling. “I hope this trip is not as eventful as our return trip from Circe’s.” she added giving my companions a wink.

“Well, I am happy to be sailing upon the Leviathan once more.” I returned casually. “It is just unfortunate that you will be assigned as the transport ship for Cor and Twin.” I added dryly.

“Considering their normal behavior and attitude, I cannot see any other captain putting up with those two jesters.” she replied with a giggle. “Traveling with them will make things exciting in a different way than chasing rift creatures invading our world.” she add calmer.

”I thought the level of incursions by rift creatures had diminished to nearly nothing lately.” I returned slowly. Sert and Meli listen intently but remained silent during our discussion.

“Worse than that.” Lockey retorted. “We have not even seen a blip of rift activities in the last fifty years, or so.” she admitted, spitting on the deck. “The other rift hunters have told me the same which makes me fear the next rift will dump thousands upon us.” she added angrily.

“Or it means that the rifting here has finally stopped and the ether has stabilized enough to keep itself sealed.” I countered. She shrugged before leaning in closer to my ear.

“I hope you are right.” she whispered in my ear. She pulled back to stare in my eyes. “But I feel they are waiting to form one massive rift to dump more than we have ever dealt with before.” she added quietly. I could see the tremor at her brow showing her nervousness.

“I would have faith in Kestrel.” Meli suggested suddenly.

“He sees and knows more than you can imagine.” Sert commented.

“I speak with words of hope since the rifts could not continue as magic drains away from this world.” I returned calmly. “Humans are turning away from the greater powers that no longer walk among them.” I hazarded grimly.

“But you remain untouched with this lack of faith, Alal?” she returned with a hiss. “And why would my ship, Lemuria, and Atlantis still hold magic?” she added bluntly.

“Do not underestimate the power of the Heartstone of Atlantis, the Bloodstone of Lemuria, or the gems that power your little schooner.” I replied bluntly before my companions could speak. “Focus on your time with those negotiating peace with Lemuria, if things go wrong.” I charged forward. Either my gift of prophecies or my annoyance at what I saw along the timelines had me speaking more harshly and openly than I would normally allow myself. “Face the truth of being on a path that could easily lead to your own destruction.” I snapped at her. The blank stare I gave Lockey must have shown my doubt of her escaping this dark fate for her crew, her ship, and herself. My companions glanced at me as I felt their fear that my words invoked in them.

“She has about as much a chance as you have given Atlantis.” Meli murmured quietly.

“Yes, since everything will come down to others actions without my guidance.” I whispered back to her. “In the end, I believe I will not be the one standing for Atlantis during its last fight.” I continued hesitantly. “Another will stand with the understanding I have about everything to sacrifice all for the true belief and honor, while I only watch in silence.” I muttered mostly to myself. I tightened my grip on my bow-staff as the double images of my failure saving Atlantis from exploding and of the other saving it as I drifted away. The other eyes matched my color but were feline and I had not found any feline that matched of yet to this new hero for humanity.

“We should be off then since Aurora is not known for her patience.” Lockey returned. She walked away but I saw in her eyes that she would not hear more on this subject. She screamed order to her sailors getting us moving as I chuckled softly under my breath.

“Did you not meet with the Amazons many decades ago?” Meli asked pensively. I stifled a groaning sigh.

“While we remained stuck upon the Herald?” Sert continued that thought.

“Yes, upon her request for my presence which is very different this time.” I told them quietly. I made sure no one else could overhear our discussion while standing on the deck. “I am going without an invitation this time into their real territory with barely a warning to their Queen.” I continued trying to sound calm about it. “If they caught a man dressed like a woman, they would have him feel their wraith at his insolence and deceit.” I added hoping this would end it.

“Are you saying we could have been rid of our precious little Flower?” Meli returned with growing sarcasm as her sentence ended. Sert chuckled but the mild shaking of his head showed a dismissing of this plan. I could see in his mind that the pleasure Meli would receive revealing Cole and watching them shred him to pieces but he could not agree to it personally.

“And the Council would find someone worse that we do not have time to retrain for our purposes.” I reminded her. “This trip is to be kept quiet since I will be requesting her to send to Atlantis an Ambassador to help keep our little chef in line.” I admitted. I slide over a few scrolls detailing a few of Chichi’s infractions towards the ambassadorial groups presently on Atlantis. Each incident explained his reasoning for his actions. It all sounded honorable but still seemed extreme in some cases that ended with a swift departure from Atlantis.

Sert glanced at the reports and nodded slowly. I could sense he would choose the same path Chichi had taken in these events. Meli looked and felt aghast as she read what the little chef had done in the name of Atlantis. They read in silence as we took seat upon the deck in a spot that would not interfere with the sailors. It took barely an hour before the Leviathan skipped over the waters like the Herald would do. A large chunk had been covered swiftly for us to reach the dismal looking village and rickety docks they had last visited nearly a century ago.

“I find it hard to believe that a simple chef could perform such actions alone.” Sert commented as we rose from the deck. “I would love to challenge him in a sparring session.” he remarked as we disembarked. “I am sure a trained warrior could hold their own if not best this kitchen dweller.” he concluded. His thought so easily revealed in the most simple but arrogant fashion nearly had me laughing.

“I am sure he could teach you much, sir Sertian.” I replied with a smirk at him.

“I believe this chef is more dangerous than you could imagine.” Meli warned him. Her face was still pale from what she had learned from those documents she now returned to me.

“I will arrange a sparring session between the two of you upon our return to Atlantis.” I agreed still smirking. “But for now, it would be best if you remained silent to not draw attention to yourself, Sert.” I added more seriously. I motioned Meli to take point as we followed her with only short whispered instructions.

“Why are you walking behind Meli?” my warrior asked in a barely audible whisper.

“The Amazons are a matriarchal society making men underlings to the woman who is present.” I explained in a matching whisper. "Have you forgotten everything your wife told you?" I added with a smirk.

“I am in charge?” Meli asked with a giggle.

“Only until we reach their compound.” I reminded her. She sighed but continued weaving her way forward. Falling into our role more fully, I would simply point when asked for directions from Meli while we men kept our head lowered. I hoped that Sert remembered he wore around his neck the emblem of him being married to an Amazon wife. It took an entire day to reach the encampment deeper in the jungles of Southern Africa. Meli reveled a bit too much acting as our leader which caused us problems as some of the Amazons declared a challenge for ownership over her beasts.

“Let it be and state that we are for Aurora only.” I whispered to her and mentally warned her: “Do not let them goad you into a needless fight.”

“I will challenge any of you over what is rightfully mine.” she stupidly announced to them. I noticed Sert’s eyes going wide while I sighed annoyed at this turn of event. One of the women moved from the back towards us and I feared for Meli’s life but held back to teach her a lesson. “Will you challenge my rights?” she screamed at the woman.

“Yes.” the woman interjected. The single strike came from nowhere sending Meli to the ground. “Queen Aurora takes what she wants.” she announced triumphantly.

“Enough Nightingale!” I bellowed. I stepped forward while Sert moved to start checking on Meli. As I stood toe-to-toe with Aurora, my clothing shifted into pristine white robes holding my unstrung bow-staff while bearing a crown upon my head. The other Amazons dropped to the knees burying their face in the ground leaving just their Queen standing before their one and only King.

“You should have told me it was you, my sweet Brother.” she gulped visibly. “Leave them alone while we talk!” she ordered to her people. She lead me into her great pavilion tent at the center of this mix-matched town. “Now what has you charging in her showing that form of our Family and having my other crown?” she screamed as she turn to me.

A mental slap and a firm grasp at her throat was her reply. She was shoved easily to the central post of the tent while my body pressed tightly against hers. My hot breath at her throat had her feeling weak and wanting. A long sniff at her neck had her shivering in my grasp.

“You still smell so tasty, Sister.” I whispered in her ear.

“It would not be the first time that a good romp happens within our special family, my Brother.” she purred back in a hot breath.

“I need you to come to Atlantis to help keep Famine under control.” I told her calmly.

“So you need me to control little Chichi.” she countered bluntly. I felt her hands working to increase our negotiation levels to more intimate points.

“I said keep him under control!” I retorted. A path was now more opened between us.

“Control Chichi!” she interjected positioning herself to receive me. Her leg had come up to hook at my hip. “Got it!” she added. Instinctively I thrust forward as I spoke.

“I said keep him under control!” I snapped back.

“Control him.” she answered. She clenched her teeth trying to remain silent as I increase my thrusting rhythm inside her.

“Whatever!” I conceded fully engaging into the act with her. It was hours later when we finally completed our reunion and deal making. As we exited the tent side by side, the scene before us turned our blissful mood into bloody rage.

“What has happened?” Aurora growled. She stepped forward to one of her so called lieutenants that stood with bloody knees and elbows facing of with Meli. Sert was holding her back without noticing his pendant now shined for all to see. Meli’s hair was drenched with blood and hanging in a jagged spike down her face. Even to Aurora, the smell of Meli’s blood lust filled the air as she pulled against the tight grip Sert had on her. She wanted to attack the other woman.

“Deal with this, then meet me at the appoint time, Aurora.” I ordered. I strode past her to grapple Meli and assist Sert pulling her back towards the ship. “Now, what happened?” I asked Sert. We had barely exited the town and still needed to fight keeping Meli from rushing back. She had harnessed her blood lust but still could not fully control it yet making her urge to fight hard to resist.

“As Meli was regaining consciousness, the woman calling herself ‘Envenom’ told her she was taking me for a romp since she lost to their Queen.” he explained while fighting to keep Meli moving away from her target. We took a moment to try calming her but it seemed in vain. “When Meli told her to practice lovemaking with a tree instead, she elbowed her across the face than kneed her face in a blinding motion.” he explained haltingly. “Meli started dropping again but stopped mid fall, the earth started trembling violently, and I grabbed her to stop her from attacking and possibly destroying the town.” he concluded. His eyes looked haunted as the memories of what he had witnessed in the blood lust faery mound.

“So exactly what we thought had happened.” I stated bluntly. I mentally reported my findings to Aurora only to receive a snappish ‘I know’ in reply. “Why did you not show that pendant to them?” I asked him trying to draw his mind away from those memories. He looked confused at me as I realized he did not know what it truly meant. “For now let us get her to the ship and have her checked.” I added quickly as we dragged her away. Two small groups of Amazon flashed in escort position hidden within the trees with only passing sightings of them. Wordlessly these escorts made sure nothing would interfere in our path. As we dragged her up to the deck, our escort was already unlatching the moorings signalling to the sailors that it was time to leave. Captain Lockey quickly assessed the situation and called out orders to get us in open waters as quickly as possible.

Once drifting in open water, Sert and Coran prepared slaves and bandages while. With Lockey’s help, I held Meli down to examine her wounds. Most of the damage to her face had been done by Aurora’s punch and aggravated by Envenom’s elbow and knees. A broken nose bent slightly to the right could be healed easily without scaring. Blackened eyes that could be healed with herbs and time. The chipped canines giving her a animalistic fang showing when she would smiled politely was different problem.

“Can they fix chipped teeth in Atlantis?” Lockey asked Sert. He had knelt with us by Meli’s head to start applying the paste over the blackened patched by her eyes.

“Not that I know of.” he replied giving her a smile. She could easily see the chipped middle tooth in his face. “Unless they liked having me looking snag-toothed.” he whispered to her. The quick wink showed he was joking about his dislike about a chipped tooth. Meanwhile Coran and myself prepared her nose to be straightened and bandaged in place.

“If it heals crooked, you will just have to break it again during a sparring session with her.” I remarked with a smile.

“But would she let me?” he returned biting his lips. I could feel the laughter he held back.

“You just have to not tell her that you are doing it.” Lockey commented. Her soft chuckle had Sert and myself laughing outwardly while getting dark glares from Meli.

“Not funny!” she whined at them. Sert pulled back finally noticing her new fangs. “And no comments about my new dental statement, naked-boy!” she growled at him.

“At least you now have the look of a blood lust practitioner.” I remarked casually. “I am sure it will find you a whole new group of people wanting to play with you.” I continued. I gained her glaring at me directly allowing the others to laugh. “And the Royal Guards will see it as your beast finally showing, oh great mother bear.” I added gaining a louder laugh from Lockey than from Sert.

“I am sure it will open doors you never expected.” Lockey commented between laughs.

“I am sure Annianka will find it very fetching on you.” I told her. This calmed her annoyance just a bit allowing me to move away. Sert and Lockey held her while Coran finished placing the bandage in place to keep her nose straight while it healed. I mixed a draft of pain killing herbs and calming agents, chilling it in the cup before handing it to her. “Drink this and you will feel better.” I stated. As they helped her sit, I assisted her drinking the full cup. She lay there breathing through her mouth in slow controlled breaths. Sert helped her to her feet and walked her with Coran to a bunk to relax during our short trip home.

The trip home was uneventful but we were not rushing giving Meli a chance to heal enough to not require the pain killer drafts. As we gently touched the docks of Atlantis, I noticed the four Captains waiting for us. We received our typical salutes as we disembarked to join them. Rez initiated the friendly teasing of our little healer by giving Meli the half salute reserved for the Ursus’ new recruits.

“I will be seeing you on the training field with the rest of the cubs, Lady Mekiliean.” he stated with a half smirk, half sneer.

“Be nice Rez.” Curd chided him quickly. “She might want to play with the kittens instead of the bear cubs.” he added with a growling chuckle.

“Or with the wolf pups.” Ent replied in turn.

“The ferrets would be honored to have you train with us, if you are available.” Jäz added with a hint of formality and politeness.

“She will continue her training as planned as long as she stops running away from facing me on the training field.” I commented dryly. The captains nodded as one stopping their laughter. “I would suggest that Captain Jäzærha escort Meli to the healers’ lodge, Captain Ent escort Sert back to our residence, and Captains Rez and Curd escort me to the Royals so I may report about this unfortunate incident.” I stated calmly. The Captains nodded as they took their place next to their assigned charge.

“You do like having this much power here? Meli asked softly. I could hear the mischievous tones hidden behind her bandaged face.

“Yes, but I will not let it go to my head.” I returned with a sheepish smirk at her.