Redpath's Journals: Life Always Moves Forward (30)

My life changed greatly at this point. Daily training with all the household except Kestrel himself. So many meeting with Shal, Siren, Deas, Miss Hope, the four Captains, Steel, IchCui, Sara, and many more in a chaotic schedule that tested my speed. I did eventually have a sparring session with Cassis where I defeated her and from that point on, she could not surpass my still growing speed. I was in full control and could fight any of them, including the Captains and Miss Hope, to a standstill. My reputation upon Atlantis grew to have some seeking me out to learn from me. I did mostly turn them away honestly telling them that I have no time to have a student with all my duties. Until one day a mixed trio of an Atantian boy, a female fox pup, and a female bear cub countered my refusal with an offer.

“If your duties hold you back, place them upon our shoulders.” the boy said.

“Yes, we can run errands or deliver messages for you.” the bear offered.

“I am fast and strong, like my friends, so I can help with anything.” the fox added. I paused from walking away and slowly turned to face them. I scratched at my chin while purring mimicking Kestrel pensive moments.

“Does it have to be me that trains you only?” I asked as a planned formed in my mind. Our household was filled with good warriors that could assist them as well as myself. “Those that I have learned from might be willing to help give you training.” I hazarded slowly.

“We have heard that Lord Kestrel does not accept trainees nor does he actively train others anymore.” The fox returned quickly. I chuckled back with a nod.

“Lord Kestrel was not my only teacher.” I admitted to them. “I was trained by all of them in different styles.” I explained to them. “Sir Sertian is skilled with weapons of all kind, Lady Mekiliean uses staff and fists, while Sir Colêsträ uses dagger and deceptive techniques.” I continued. I saw the shocked look at offering to teach them deceptive fighting. “You cannot counter a deceptive maneuver if you do not know it exist.” I told them softly. “You need not fight dishonorably while facing a dishonorable opponent.” I added as their eyes started shining with possibilities.

“But will that teach us to be as fast as you?” the bear asked shyly.

“You will have chances facing me in training sessions but will also learn many more ways to be unique fighters in your own way.” I replied smiling. “And I am sure I can convince Lady Cassis Dēn to help you increase your speed through training with her troops.” I added as they smiled.

“Then you are willing to attempt training us?” the boy asked wide eyed.

“Yes, for two reasons.” I answered softly. “You offered a way to help and did not simple continue pushing for it on the principle that you deserved my training.” I explained slowly. “But I will need time to make these arrangement before you can start your lessons.” I cautioned them. They smiled and nodded as they thanked me for giving them a chance.

I discovered by researching their bloodline that the boy, Datched, was a distant nephew of one of the lower Council members seen as a child of lowly merchant from one of the satellite islands. He did not have the connection to join the Academy but had trained in one of the lower schools. He had a weak affinity for water magic but nothing else. A good boy who had few close friend but seemed well liked by most that know him. He lacked the natural skills to be a warrior being weak, clumsy, and slow. I saw Meli as becoming his main trainer adding in some minor medical knowledge, he would make a solid Militia Reserve candidate as a field medic.

The bear girl, Darch of the Small Paw clan, held back her great strength fearing to hurt others. Her clan was well ranked but she had fail her test to enter the Royal Cadets because of her fear holding her back. She also had good agility but lacked in speed which is not a major trait among the Ursus clans. Sert would be the best as her main trainer able to goad her into using more strength while teaching her to control it. Sert would also be able to help her with increasing her speed and ways to combine her strength and agility to give her speed bursts.

The fox girl, Serany of the Sand Footed troop was, like myself, from a rare smaller group within the larger division of the Ferret Guards. Her troop was ranked low within the Ferrets and her test had allowed her entry into the Royal Cadets but could not hide her emotions to a point at snapping back at her teacher. The reprimand she received had her challenging the instructor to be soundly defeated and expulsed from the Royal Cadets. She was described as hungry to improve while unable to conceal her thoughts or her emotions making her very hard to train normally and easy to read during combat. Her natural speed, dexterity, and strength was above average but no guile or cunning in her straightforward mind set. Cole could help her the most to hide her thoughts, and control her emotions.

I could not be sure in five years they would be ready but they deserved and earned a chance to learn and improve. If they worked hard, in five years I could make a request for them to be retested to be added, at the least, into to the Militia Reserves. Cassis would support this and even request for students that have trained with my group to join her squad. It was actually easier to convince the team to add them as part of their training sessions and directly instruct them for their best way to improve. Even Cassis was interested in them once I explained their skills and weaknesses as she mentioned she had the perfect partner to help them train like we did during our spare time.

I informed the three the next day having them meet me at Lord Kestrel’s residence for their fist lesson. Both Kestrel and my kestrel watched over them and, during one of our passing conversation, he told me I had select the proper trainer for each of them. I felt proud and confident from his words. He reminded me once that he could not have found them better teacher than I did. I was still busy but, with a trio of extra feet and hands, it made it easier. Like Kestrel had designated his team, I did the same with them. Datched ran Council messages from Kestrel and Cole, Darch ran messages for the Royals and the Guards from the household, and Serany did runs to and from the Royal Kitchens and the Healers’ Halls. All three assisted when supplies were need to be carried from the harbor to home or from the many new depositories within Atlantis.

I learned that Deas could mind speak one day as foreigners were acting aggressive with him. I never knew I could cross the island of Atlantis as quickly as my kestrel companion until that day. The mental scream for help had me flipping upon my heel to gaze around me until I realized it was a mental call. I focused my mind on the words: “Where are you?” I received an image from his eyes and I was upon the roof flying over Atlantis with my kestrel winging its way above me. I landed hard with a deep growl that had them step back in shock and fear.

“Leave or the Royal Guards will make you leave!” I snarled at them. I dd not know what had happened since I smelled the fear wafting from Deas. This young man was nearly an adult being close in age to Prince Bryan and Bryan’s best friend. The trio of foreigners looked at each other, then at me one last time, before running away. Their escape did not get them very far as Cassis squad came around the corner they were trying to retreat around.

“Hail Sir Kestrel, and thank you.” Cassis called out as her troops had the men bound and prepared to be marched away. “You have been warned about aggression having no place on Atlantis multiple times.” she reprimanded the men. I glanced back at Deas to give him a quick wink. “This was your last infraction toward Atlantian peace.” she continued. I saw the cold calculated smirk on her face. “You are being return to your lands and banned from returning to Atlantis for your lifetime.” she told them before dragging them towards a schooner of Atlantis. “I believe you can assist Engineer Deas back to the Academy, Sir Kestrel?” she added as they walked passed us.

“I am at the service of Atlantis through Lord Kestrel.” I answered. One of the men turn to look at me and fear reeked from him. I chuckled with a purr in my throat as I turned to Deas. “Seem that one knows the reputation of Lord Kestrel.” I remarked. “Are you ready to return to the Academy, friend Deas?” I added. He nodded to me looking flustered.

“I could not even defend myself.” he told me softly.

“Then stop avoiding Prince Bryan’s offer to help you train.” I returned easily. “Or visit Lord Kestrel house and join into are youth training program.” I suggested softly. ‘Whatever you decide, but if you feel weak than you should become stronger.” I explained. “If not for yourself then to be a strong right hand for your friend Bryan.” I added in a near whisper.

“I am trained to fight but they flustered me with their aggressive behavior.” he admitted with a sigh.

“Discuss it with Cole and his part-time student, Serany, since she has the opposite problem.” I suggested. “Learn from her as she learns to control her emotions from you.” I told him. “You can overcome any weakness with the proper helpful advisor.” I added in a soft purr. He nodded and laughed. The next session had Deas and Serany sitting with Cole and training with him. Deas showed he was skilled and stayed for all three of my students sparring sessions encouraging and participating on the field. He became the a regular and yes, even he improved with all of them.

I must admit that the real reason I got those three students was to give them something else to think about than simply worrying about Kestrel’s condition. I just needed them to stay calm and preoccupied for these five years before word of the peace treaty with Lemuria being a reality. Only three months had passed while I saw my students grow quickly into solid warriors for Atlantis, or was it for the exodus that was going to happen. I was resting in my perch feigning sleep while Chichi and Kestrel sat in the garden drinking strong liquor.

“The world can protect itself a bit longer.” he stated to the chef. Silence and possibly a gaze upon me to check if I was listening. “Just accept my decision and wait to hear with all the others, Brother Famine.” he stated. I felt it was spoken more as an indirect order than a casual request.

“You have been rather quiet and remaining home more often than ever before.” Chichi answered tension in his voice. “I am not the first Famine that has fallen to the wayside but you have always led us without changing.” he explained quietly. This information I filed away knowing that the others had handed their mantle of power before but never Kestrel. I could understand his tension but founded it shortsighted on his side. “Is it truly your time to step aside for a new generation to take up your torch of leadership?” he whispered. The word touched my ears adding to this thought of his ignorance that even Kestrel needed to pass on his position eventually.

“All things must change eventually.” Kestrel replied. “Everything has been prepared and my Squire stands by my side knowing what his duties will be.” he explained slowly and softly. I sensed his gaze on me but continued feigning sleep. “And only he can save this world from something much worse than they might ever be able to face.” he concluded. The chef’s eyes moved to me for but a moment and heard the quick intake of breath from him.

“You mean he is...” Chichi exhaled unable to voice his complete thought. “But he is...” he continued haltingly. I felt his eyes return to me much harder than before. It was a judgmental touch on my skin while I remained silent and immobile while my slow rhythmic rising chest of feigned sleep with a soft snore purring out of me. “He is seen as an oddity among the Royal Guards because of his unnatural speed.” he continued slowly. “He bested a wind mage that geared all her skills towards celerity.” he mentioned. “With your abilities, he will make lightning seem slow.” he concluded. I heard the shiver from his clothing crinkling as a scent of fear reached my nose from him.

“So he will be able to put all of you in your place?” Kestrel replied followed by a deep chuckle. “His quick body has a quick mind which will be of use to all of you with the future I have seen.” he told the chef. His confidence was palpable in the air around me. I heard a soft sigh from Chichi before their conversation returned to mundane unimportant chatter. I help Kestrel to his room after the little chef had left. They both were swaying from the drink but I did not move until the other was gone. I bid Kestrel a good night receiving a mumbled thanks and my night was done.

As every night since he asked me to be his Squire, my night was spent in a living dream. I had not seen beyond the oval room and circular temple where they sat as a pillar of purest light. I stood in a vigil by this light as they spoke and instructed me about all things from the past into the future they wished for. It was not a flowing view of history but set points when the actions of Kestrel, as Brother Order, and his selected family had acted to prevent the path going in the wrong direction. They were showing me why they were needed and why they existed. I would awake the next morning refresh and calm while, somewhere in the back of my mind, I digested all this information given to me nightly.

I did notice the odd change in Miss Hope’s behavior towards me. The eye inspection had turned into her shyly avoiding looking directly at me the few times I was the one escorting Kestrel to the Queen’s tower. Her increased friendliness toward Kestrel was also noted but it was more as she saw him as her closest confidant than anything romantic. I did hear her whispers to Kestrel and his advice to her. What I did learn was how the Holy Queen was spiraling farther towards what could only be called madness. My mind returned to the tales of the Usurper Queen that left the Royal Guards in this mixed animal and human form hearing of our beloved Queen’s delusions.

Four years of training and helping with our duties in Kestrel’s household had my students finally gaining the position that was best for them and made them happy. Datched was the first to graduate gaining both a position within Cassis’ squad and as a trainee in the Healers’ Halls. He balanced his duties between these two groups while still getting in practice sessions with Meli and myself. Within another six months, he was being called the lead, and only, medical support for Cassis’ squad and gained the respect from his team mates.

Serany was the second to gain her position but it was not within the Feral Guard divisions. She received, thanks to Cole’s request, an offer to the Council Guards who were creating a mix division to act as go-between themselves and the Royal Guards. She had learned to be less easy to read but still was not perfect yet, as she herself admitted. She would spend most of her spare time assisting, practicing, and still training with Cole never feeling she was good enough for the position she had received. Her speed had increased to be one of the fastest among the Ferret Guards bloodline but still could not match Cassis or myself in celerity. She was happy but still doubted in her own skills but never held back without showing a hint of her doubts.

Darch did not follow in the same veins as the other but still gained her own success. Her ability to fight without needing to fully use her strength had her looking into other types of work that would suit her slower abilities. Her strength was her limitless power carrying multiples weight upon her back easily without it interfering her mobility or lower speed. She started helping on the docks and was seen as a powerhouse mover of supplies and goods arriving or leaving Atlantis’ harbor. Her helping became her work and she was happy since she could also defend the great weight she carried. She would spar occasionally with Sert but mostly visited to talk between her work shifts on the docks of Atlantis.

Deas was not always present or as active during his time visiting and sparring with the others. He was helpful to the others but his reaction to other three acting aggressive had him freezing up. Nothing we attempted to tell him or tried during the sparring seemed to prevent him blanking into a passive scared young man. Even when he had been aggressive prior to the back lash, his personality shifted instantly when challenged back. Serany seemed to gravitate to this shy submissive reaction and often acted aggressive before patting his head and calling him cute. This did continued until I learned from Prince Bryan that his friend was spoken for and claimed by some fox girl of the new Council mixed Guard squad. I only let a purring chuckle out at this. It was true that she would not let other women or girls approach him as she would easily scare them away from the man she claimed was her future mate.

Then the day came as we stood together upon the dock waiting for the arrival of the Leviathan carrying the Peace Ambassadors from Lemuria. Whispers behind us drew my attention and that of Kestrel as the Captains whispered to our companions and indirectly to me. The words were mentioning worries about Lord Kestrel’s state but he seemed to ignore them at first.

“I shall be fine.” he rebuked them over his shoulder. “Saving my energies for the revelry to come.” he added with a smile on his face. I glanced at him and the others flashing all of them a smile. When he straightened, I saw the shimmering swirling of air announcing the arrival of the Leviathan. This went mostly unnoticed as the worried whispers continued behind us as I stood at Kestrel’s side.

“Since I saw him heal that child, he has been weakening but there is no cause or ailment present.” Meli whispered to the Captains.

“I believe he bent a rule imposed on him by the Ones that sent him to us.” Sert added to another Captain quietly.

“And they punish him by leaving him slowly die?” Cole snorted out. He did not hide his words or thoughts to everyone present. “Something else must have happened to degenerate him so thoroughly.” he countered bluntly. I had heard enough as I took a deep breath into me to speak.

“Things are as he has foreseen them.” I stated hard. “He always told Miss Hope that he would not be the one fighting for Atlantis in his prophetic vision of our future darkness.” I gently reminded them. My head turned to meet the Captains eyes over the head of my trio of companions backing us. I saluted them individually while receiving a nod in return. This was simply born from the respect I had earn from them when showing my prowess while continuing my life as a plain Honor Guard and teacher at Kestrel’s side.

“Do you truly believe this, young Kestrel?” Captain Curd asked seriously. He did not whisper, purr, nor growl as he voiced this question.

“I believe in Lord Kestrel knowing what must be done if everything goes wrong upon Atlantis.” I answered looking directly in his eyes. “He stays, feigning weakness, to be the most potent shield and sword of Atlantis.” I concluded bluntly. I bowed in formal feline fashion to Captain Curd before turning to face the Leviathan lowering its gangplank in place to disembark.

“Best we keep this to ourselves and let him play his role as he has planned it.” Captain Rez grumbled at us. The sound of a quiet thunk of wood meeting wood announced the plank was connected to the dock. I step forward with Kestrel to greet our honored guests but even that turned into an unexpected scene to confuse and rejoice everyone present upon the dock and the Leviathan.

Kestrel's Journals: Time Leading to my Last Supper (29)

Years crawled by as I excused myself from most missions claiming that Atlantis needed my presence more than the outer world did. I would now watch the sparring sessions between young Kestrel and Sert. My feline replacement had pushed Sert to increase his speed to much higher levels. He still could not match young Kestrel at his fastest but so far no one did. The last session between Repath and Cassis had ended with Cassis heavily plucked from the air to be pinned by her opponent. Meli and Cole would sometimes join in the sparring session but mostly tried to avoid being overly stressed facing the celerity of my cat. Nightingale and Chichi visited from time to time, sometimes sparring, sometimes conversing, and sometimes asking why I remained in place while they were here to protect Atlantis during my absences.

“The world can protect itself for a bit longer.” I told Chichi over strong liquor one evening in my garden. Redpath was in his roost with his linked companion kestrel perched above him. The chef looked at me with a worried gaze. “Just accept my decision and wait to hear with all the others, Brother Famine.” I ordered him directly.

“You have been rather quiet and remaining home more often than ever before.” he replied in a tense breath. “I am not the first Famine that has fallen to the wayside but you have always led us without changing.” he continued calmly. “Is it truly your time to step aside for a new generation to take up your torch of leadership?” he asked in a near whisper.

“All things must change eventually.” I replied softly. “Everything has been prepared and my Squire stand by my side knowing what his duties will be.” I continued slowly. I automatically looked up at my feline replacement. “And only he can save this world from something much worse than they might ever be able to face.” I added softly. My eyes returned to his face. He glanced up for a moment then looked confused to me. I nodded to him as his eyes widened.

“You mean he is...” he breathed out softly. I nodded again smiling at him. “But he is...” he started then glanced up at young Kestrel who appeared to be napping. He looked back at me. “He is seen as an oddity among the Royal Guards because of his unnatural speed.” he explained softly to me. “He bested a wind mage that geared all her skills to celerity.” he reminded me. “With your abilities, he will make lighting seem slow.” he added with a shiver.

“So he will be able to put all of you in your place?” I returned. I chuckled at the dark glare he gave me. “His quick body has a quick mind which will be of use to all of you with the future I have seen.” I confided in him. He sighed and our conversation returned to mundane matters.

My time with Annianka was also different during our daily meetings. She felt I had changed describing it similar to how she has changed during the many centuries she had arrived in Atlantis. I smiled, kissed her, and whispered that everything was as it should be. Miss Hope acted more friendly to me as the meeting time with my Brothers approached. She had whispered to me as her confidant about her fears and worries. I consoled her and advised her but nothing more at this time. Her glances at young Kestrel when he accompanied me to the gate was odd but also shy. I also gave myself time to remember the storm upon my arrival. I was still unsure what had cased this unnatural assassin to exist.

My half-sister’s absence on the island except for her living bomb could suggest she was involved in the attack upon me. The other option was still that the monstrosity in the Heartstone had lashed out to stop my arrival upon Atlantis. In both possibility, prevent me from walking upon Atlantis was the point of either of their deadly assault upon my ship. The chance of it being a natural event had been erased in my mind when I saved the young boy and fully awakened the echoed shade within the shard of the Heartstone. My presence upon Atlantis for the last two hundred years was not wanted but might have been adjusted for. Receiving the shard, being attracted to Annianka, and constantly sticking my nose in so many issues around the world.

The five years drifted closer daily as time seemed to speed up for me. Arrangement had been made with Pestilence reserving a hall for us six to meet, Chichi created elaborated meals and wines rarely found in this world, while I kept track of my Brothers War and Death who would carry Sister Chaos with them. This was the last great gathering for all of us together. This event would not happen again until the next knot was coming upon us. Our pathways would cross but never would the six meet again until the appointed time. Each of our path would cross most of those we have met so far but it would be just passing moments in my case. Young Kestrel will be with all those he has touched during many lifetimes for many moments. I just hope he and Dia can be together more often than any others in his line or mine.

My household had arrived as a group to stand at the dock with Corëe’ap’Ręæ’s and Twin Feathers’ selected Guards waiting with the Four Captains at our backs. Whispers from the Captains had me turning to face them. They looked worried at me as I realized it was my team they whispered with. I listened but faced forward in a pretense to ignore them.

“I shall be fine.” I remarked over my shoulders to them. I did not hide the edge of annoyance hearing my health being discussed openly between the Royal Guard Captains and my overly worried team. “Saving my energies for the revelry to come.” I lied to them. I smiled knowing without looking that young Kestrel quickly glanced at me and smiled as well. I straightened sensing the rift opening to allow the Leviathan to glide into docking position. I still heard the whispers at my back.

“Since I saw him heal that child, he has been weakening but there is no cause or ailment present.” Meli secreted to the Captains.

“I believe he bent a rule imposed on him by the Ones that sent him to us.” Ser whispered to another Captain.

“And they punish him by leaving him to slowly die?” Cole commented with a snort. He was not trying to be silent knowing Redpath and I would hear all their words easily. “Something else must have happened to degenerate him so thoroughly.” he suggested. I heard my feline Squire take in a deep breath as he turned to face them.

“Things are as he has foreseen them.” he told them. “He always told Miss Hope that he would not be the one fighting for Atlantis in his prophetic vision of our darkness.” he reminded them softly. The Captains eyes turned to Redpath. He looked at each in the eyes before nodding and saluting them one at a time. They simply nodded back to a feline three-quarter their size.

“Do you truly believe this, young Kestrel?” Curd asked not whispering.

“I believe in Lord Kestrel knowing what must be done if everything goes wrong upon Atlantis.” he replied looking at Captain Curd. “He stays feigning weakness, to be the most potent shield and sword of Atlantis.” he added bluntly. He bowed fluidly to Curd before turning to face the Leviathan as the gangplank slid into place.

“Best we keep this to ourselves and let him play his role as he has planned it.” Rez grumbled at then softly. With a soft thunk of wood on wood, the gangplank had connected the ship with the dock. I stepped forward with only Redpath at my side.

My plans were set in stone in my mind. I would offer Annianka salvation, her refusal would allow me to focus on Atlantis alone with the twin archaic dragons. I would make a great show of being ripped away from Atlantis with my remaining strength to be safely hidden in a secured place. I would then set everything in motion by transferring my gifts and potential into my Squire. The new Brother Order would go forth to save Atlantis while my body expired and dissolved into the nothingness of true death. He would find his own path to save Atlantis and survive with what I have taught him.

Cor and Twin barrelled down the gangplank to tackle me to the dock. We ended up in a tangle of arms, and legs laughing like children. They acted like true little brothers to me which made me wish the five of them were my true brothers and sisters instead of Genia. A young woman in an Egyptian cut cloak and dress slowly walked down the plank as we three disentangled ourselves. A smile glowed on her face that held the purely features of the Egyptian people.

“Meakita.” she stated in a hesitant whisper as she curtsied to me.

“You should wait until I get these two off me before greeting me, little Sister.” I panted out between chuckles and laughs. I fully pulled myself to my feet to bow to her. “Lady Scarabea of the Sands.” I greeted her formally with a second bow in the Egyptian style. Her eyes sparkled with mischief for but a second before she launched herself into my arms. As I knew my Brothers were behind my knees, to assist her toppling me over to my back. Laughter ran around from us four playing like children on the dock. We ignored the Captains, their Guards squads, and my friends who all looked at me with surprise and relieved shock. Young Kestrel laughed but did not move to help me until he knew we were ready to act more adult. Slowly our laughter spread through to all of them. I held a hand out to Redpath who helped me to my feet and assisted Serif, Sister Chaos to her feet. She gave him a quick curtsied thanks pressing her forehead into his leather armored chest.

Cor and Twin walked at my sides while young Kestrel and Scarabea followed with my remaining retinue close behind them. Easy words of no real importance passed between us as we marched with two contingencies of Guards following the four Captains. I mentioned in passing that the King had excused himself the day before they arrived and planned to return the day after their scheduled departure. What we discovered was not lined nobles to greet them. The nobles stood in small groups spread out around the Royal Court chamber merrily sipping from mugs and discussing casually. They hailed us as we entered cautiously to this odd receptions. Annianka giggled as she welcomed us to a taste of Valhalla upon Midgard’s jewel. Cor and Twin faces feel from the shock as once more the crowd of spread out nobles hail their arrival.

“A slice of home away from home!” Annianka announced to them louder. “Enter and be merry!” she ordered rising from her throne. The brothers shot forward directly towards her but failed as she launched herself at them to easily topple them to the ground. A less aggressive repeat of our playful greeting on the dock proceeded while the nobles acted like this was normal. Scarabea remain close to Redpath while I side-stepped to stand on her other side. The smile was on my face as all of this truly pleased me.

“It is always good to see you smile, Brother Order.” she whispered to me. “It has been a very long time since I have seen you smile in earnest.” she added a bit louder.

“Lord Kestrel smiles and laughs often since he has been on Atlantis.” young Kestrel remarked with a shrug. She turned to look at my feline counterpart. “When he does not need to crush threats towards Atlantis and the world.” he added. A small smirk had started forming on his face.

“I am sure the grin they receive is a very vicious smile when doing so.” she replied with a soft giggle.

“Only when they truly deserve to see his full vengeance.” he returned with the icy edged smirk. It softened as he turned to me. “You should join in the festivities, sir.” he suggest to me.

“This celebration is for my two Brothers and not for our Sister or myself.” I answered him. “It is why we two stand here removed from it while enjoying the youthful performance.” I continued with a deep chuckle. “You are right about how long it has been since you last saw me smiling.” I added to Chaos.

“What has happened to you to regain this shine in your eyes?” she asked softly.

“My answer would be Holy Queen Annianka.” Repath purred out before in became a soft vibrating chuckle.

“She is of your age category which very few can claim except Genia.” Scarabea returned slurring my half-sister’s name. “Any words on where that psychopath of a half-sister has been hiding, Great Lord Genin?” she continued with a growl in her voice. Kestrel glanced back to her as he placed a hand on her shoulder. She calmed at his touch as her snarl returned to a pleasing soft smile.

“All I know is that her little walking bomb is in place in Atlantis.” I stated softly. “She will show when it goes off to hide her interference by destroying the island.” I added to her. I did not hide the momentary snarl twisting my mouth before it returned into a pleased smile. The air was filled with anecdotes of Cor’s, Twin’s, and Annianka’s playing tricks on Loki and the other Asgard deities. Intersperse with these was blasts of laughter and shock sounds of hearing the crafty nature of their Holy Queen. She waved most of it off as childish whims and not her true nature nor her adult personality. This revelry did not truly get anything done but lasted from their noontime arrival to the last glows of the setting sun extinguished on the horizon and the highest marbled spires of Atlantis. As they all filled out of the Royal Court, most left in family clusters with a Guard or two escorting them out of habit and not for true security.

Redpath's Journals: The Squire of Order (29)

The Council meeting was odd to me. It did not seemed like they debated his words at all, accepting what he said without a thought on what they agreed to accept. Cole did not notice this oddity but I did. I had seen and listened to many moments of the Council with and without Cole. This seemed too easy as the Council as a whole agreed to everything being said by Kestrel. Cole was rejoicing and I did not feel like changing his mood with my worries.

“What has your tail twitching?” Kestrel whispered to me. We were nearing home at this point.

“Everything if fine, sir.” I replied with a smile. A forced my tail to wrap around my leg to prevent other questions. He sighed but did not pursue the subject as we entered our home. I was busy from time to time while still having my evenings free after the meal to follow my own paths wandering around the central core of Atlantis. The brothers’ visit passed quickly and I followed Kestrel in the shadows after my kestrel friend squawked and chirped at me. He stood on the docks with his brothers sending them off with kind words. My ears were opened fully listening to what I could hear of their final parting words.

“I thank you but must believe it is the great peacefulness of Atlantis seeping into my mind, body, and spirit.” he told them before they walked up the gangplank. A few minutes later, while Kestrel waved at them, the Leviathan jumped through the swirling air disappearing as they had appeared three long days ago. The sun had set upon us as Kestrel turned to return home. I held my position until he passed me and I fell in behind him on silent padded feet. I heard the chirps from the dolphins in a pool along our pathway home. Kestrel moved to sit upon one of the bench beside the dolphin pool.

“I have discovered that my time left here is very short.” Kestrel told them softly. I crept closer but still hidden in the shadows of the copse of nearby trees. A second presence manifested but, like myself, remained back silently waiting.

“No.” he replied to their chirped question. “I will arrange for another to take my place who will be able to save it from destruction.” he reported to them. I felt a tingle at the back of my mind at those words. “Nothing will stop Atlantis from vanishing from the world for many millennium.” he added in a near whisper. My eyes glanced at the other one watching. Her golden slit eyes had gone wide and the moonlight sparkled on her dark golden scales. The word ‘dragon’ came into my mind as I watched her slowly stepping towards Kestrel’s back. No aggression nor hatred came from her as more of her body flashed in and out of the shadows. I heard the chirping of the dolphin pod retreating but my eyes remained on this dragon woman.

“They truly are wise.” she told him in a whisper. She stood at his back. Her clawed hands hung loosely at her side. Serene and majestic in her stance behind Kestrel. He did not turn nor look at her.

“You have come to speak or warn me of another problem heading my way?” he asked her. He had tensed but not the way he did when angry or readying to do battle. I remained in my shadow simply watching.

“I saw the images you showed the dolphins.” she informed him. She bent down to have her mouth by his ear. Memories of the few events my senses had given me during his meeting with Lacona had me worried but I held my position. She then moved around to kneel beside him with her golden slit eyes looking up at him. “A scion of the stars empowered by the fall of another scion to defeat the other remaining scion.” she told him quietly. Kestrel’s head pivoted to look at her meeting a gentle smile at him.

“She will not know that it is not me she faces until the true death blow claims her.” he replied. “I must still find a way to protect Atlantis after it slides under the veil of ocean waves.” he explained. Her hand moved fluidly but quickly to his face as a quick wink passed to him.

“A gift from my kind to you as a solution.” she returned. She placed something in his hands but I could not see it from my hiding spot. “Let Annianka decide if she should be saved or Atlantis be protected with this small gift.” she continued. She smiled and watched him as he discovered what she had given him. Knew the Queen would want to save Atlantis but her oddness made it a possibility for her to act selfishly. She giggled at him.

“The opal stands for the Ley’ä’Luna’s light upon everything that lives and the hematite stands for you being the shield and sword against the darkness.” she stated to him. “Give her the ring when all seems lost.” she explained with another giggle. “If she accepts it on her finger, she will be freed from Atlantis and the corrupted stone.” she continues softly. “If she refuses it, it will bind with the land of Atlantis to make it return into reality at the appointed time.” she added. I saw Kestrel head bend forward to examine this ring hidden from my eyes.

“The first two dragons of the second race.” he said suddenly. He looked up at her whispering words to her receiving a quick nod.

“They are your hands and the hands of your replacement until the true darkness tries once more to claim this world.” she replied to him. Sparkles that were not from moonlight danced around her feet as she spoke quicker. “They will only serve the Chosen One of the Ley’ä’Luna, sweet Genin.” she told him. “Words of others will mean nothing to them.” she concluded. The sparkles covered her legs and torso as her flesh shifted into transparency. She rose while moving to kiss his cheek and the sparkles covered her and flew away upon the wind.

He stood slowly to return along the pathway home but his movement seemed stiff and unsure having me move closer but not interfere. His step falter but another was by him to prevent him falling. IchCui and Steel were there along our path. Steel had helped Kestrel to his feet and their eyes finally meet. Kestrel took a step back from him.

“He is not an enemy, Lord Kestrel.” IchCui warned him. She moved to stand by the wolf-boy. “Sara suggested that you and Steel should meet.” she told him quietly. Steel eyes moved to meet mine receiving a wink from me. He did not react to me right away. Kestrel stiffened as his eyes fully looked upon Steel’s form. Fur ranging from dark brown to deep red with blacker fur on his clawed feet and hands. Blazing red eyes like fire studded his mostly wolfish face crowned with a pair of short blunt black horns on the left side only. I noticed the new gouges from his claws trying to rip away the slave brand at his exposed shoulder.

“You bear her mark and dare to stand before me?” Kestrel snapped at Steel. My feathered friend whistled high above the event. I lowered into a position to pounce forward if this become violent. I could not let Kestrel hurt Steel nor allow Steel harming Kestrel.

“My slave mark has me feeling the same before any celestial beings.” wolf-boy growled back. He was smirking instead of being angered by Kestrel’s words. He hated the one that had enslaved him in his past but never revealed his previous owner’s name.

“You face one that she allowed cast from the heavens but barred from hell by her former lover.” he retorted back. “What is this about IchCui?” he asked her aggressively. Steel moved to place himself between them as I moved closer to the possible violent reaction.

“He offered his half-breed army that have escaped captivity to protect Sara.” she replied calmly. “Many demons and devils have abandoned the hell over the mistreatment from Lucifer’s and the other fallen angels’ hands to join with Steel’s clan.” she told him. “All of them would rather be Sara’s army than return to the servitude they were previously under.” she concluded.

“An army of demons, devils, and the mixed blood of half-beast and half-infernal serving the daughter of Seraphim?” Kestrel returned with a sarcastic short laugh. “The being cast out for giving the Archangels the weapons to save heaven from Lucifer’s rebel army?” he stated as a reminder. He stood chuckling about this offer. I moved closer, ready to strike if needed.

“You may have been up there but you are not angelic.” Steel growled back. I pounced to land between Steel and Kestrel.

“True, but it is the same principle.” he returned. At the same moment he spoke, his hand caught the back of my neck to force me to stand beside him. I moved into the guard position before him. Steel and I stared at each other for a moment as we spoke the languages of animals to each other.

“We can not let this get violent.” I growled at Steel.

“They do not want violence either.” he snapped back.

“We play vicious enemies to prevent them stepping into a fight?” I suggested.

“Let’s hope we can get this done without having to play fight.” he countered quickly. Our mutual nod was imperceptible as we crouched in an aggressive stance growling at each other.

“Redpath, Steel. Steel, Redpath” Ichcui stated not knowing we knew each other.

“And I thought cats and birds had problems when meeting.” Kestrel remarked. I felt his eyes glanced for me to Steel. “Yaotl Tonatiuh! What does your temples say about this arrangement?” he asked. The title meant nothing to me as I continued pretending to growl and hiss at Steel.

“They have proven themselves as fighting for their own existence and chose to follow Sara because they believe in her cause and her vision of a future freed from darkness.” the Governess replied directly.

“Do you swear to protect her?” Kestrel asked.

“I swear, like my group, my allegiance to her directly and not to you.” he replied in a growl. His eyes remained on me in our aggressive play for those we serve willingly. “You are not long for this world to earn my allegiance.” he added. I nodded to him showing I also knew this fact as truth.

“Then swear to the one you are growling at, Steel.” Kestrel told him. His words, though blunt, held no emotions as he spoke. Steel eyes moved up to Kestrel before slowly growing much larger showing the black sclera around his flaming red iris. He moved jerkily to his feet as I matched his moves. The bow was a shock including the formal words that followed.

“I swear to you, Kestrel of the Redpath clan, in the name of all my clan and allies to protect Sara until we have all been slayed to the last.” he told me still bowing low. I could not hold back my purring chuckle at this view of Steel being so formal and stiff. I am sure we received confused looks as Steel growling chuckle joined mine before standing straight again.

“So we can stop pretending we are not friends now?” I asked casually. Our arms met in warriors shake sealing the oath he had made to me. I turned my head towards Kestrel. “The household is worried since you seemed very detached from us during the Celebratory Supper.” I told him. My kestrel friend’s soft squawking whistle floated down from one of the nearby roofs. “My little bird friend made it easy to find you, sir.” I concluded. Kestrel glanced up to spot my winged companion but said nothing about it.

“I had many thoughts that needed clarification.” he answer calmly. I nodded still purring under my breath.

“You saw your Brothers off, you visited the dolphin pool where you had a dragon guest, and now you parlay with a half demon and the Royal Governess that should be with her charge.” I enumerated briefly his actions. “Anyone else you need to meet before we return home, sir?” I added. My purring chuckle returned at the soft grunting sound from Steel.

“Protective cat he is.” Steel commented with a nod to me. “He also sees more than all others perceive.” he remarked. His growling chuckle joined mine once more.

“Even my training did not reveal the link between you and Sara.” Ichcui revealed quietly. “How many others have you set deals with to protect and serve your child?” she added in a whispering tone.

“None but the oath your Steel already gave her and now, to young Kestrel.” Kestrel answered. “My other arrangements and oaths are to protect the world and the remains of Atlantis while it is hidden from the world.” he explained calmly. “Her protection, as Steel has stated, is not mine to arrange beyond the Brothers and Sisters of Light.” he added.

“And her three aunties of Wisdom, Joy, and Depression, with Balance waiting to strike if needed.” I remarked. I felt his gaze on me but did not turn to face him. “I have meet Depression as she comes to visit the ghosts of the old and abandoned Royal Halls.” I finally admitted to him. “I have collected many odd friends both outside and within Atlantis, Kestrel.” I concluded in a whisper. I turned my face away from him suspected harsh words of my actions of hiding information from him.

“You have always been a resourceful kitten who can find the truly heroic and make them follow the right path for them.” he told me in a near whisper. “You have earn this truth.” he interjected. He placed his mouth by my ear. “You are my Squire and will soon be replacing me.” he whispered in my ear. A hint of fear came from him as he spoke those simple words. He leaned back as my head turned to look at him. I hope he did not see the single tear slipping through fur as it slid down my cheek. I nodded my acceptance even if I did not understand what it meant.

A ring of bows ended our night before we turned to walk away in our respected groups. I walked beside Kestrel feeling for once I was truly worthy to bear his name. The walk was in silence until we reached the foyer of our residence. I nodded to Kestrel heading for the garden while he explained to Sert that he was tired and going to bed. I sat in my tree perch with the small kestrel perched above me. My feathered friend had squawked at me when I tried to go out patrolling. He peck at the tree between loud shrill squawks at me. I relented and simply lounged in my bower mental musing about what I had agreed to. Sleep took me quickly just after the moon hit its zenith.

My eyes opened to be curled on a dark grey stoned floor of what appeared as an ancient temple. I stood slowly looking around and at my body. It was the same shadowy form from my last vision like dream in the cavern of the Forgotten Ones. My surrounding were very open with benches along the curved walls. The room itself was oval in shape with a pair of heavy black wood doors at both farthest ends of the room. I stood without floating here. I walked to the doors that seemed to call to me. Slivers of light came more visible the closer I got to those doors. They swung open in front of me before I could place my hand upon them. This inner room was circular with a pillar of light shining at the center. I heard buzzing like multiple insects flying around me in a cloudy swarm. I perked up my ears to realize no other sounds were present her. A sniff gave only the smell of stones and dust but nothing else. The window were simple opening showing the purest blackness I have ever seen beyond them.

The buzzing grew louder as I started catching words in multiple voices speaking to each other and maybe to me. I stepped closer to the pillar of light as the words in the buzzing became clearer and concise. It sounded like they were debating something important. Kestrel appeared in the room standing close to the pillar. His body shifted until he was made of liquid night skies filled with stars. From his back sprouted 6 wing made from sand grain sized stars. His stature was larger than Atlantians and his feet no longer touched the stone floor. He floated before the pillar speaking words I did not understand. He bowed low his face nearly touching the stone floor as he was done speaking and receiving his reply. He returned to his normal human shape as he turned to start stepping forward disappearing before reaching the wall. The buzzing returned to me in waves of mixed words and screeching noise.

“Squire approach.” the buzzing called me forth. I stepped forward quickly. Bathed by the light my true body manifest around me including the armor Dia had gifted me with my knightly title. “Kneel young Squire of Order.” whispered around me, I instinctively dropped to one knee as I had be fore Dia. My head lowered to them that I knew came before everything existed, before even the universe came into being. Scorching heat touched my right shoulder but I remained kneeling before them. My left shoulder burned with the same heated touch. Finally I felt that hot touch upon my head between my ears. “You are prepared for what you are destined to become, Kestrel of the Redpath clan from the Royal Guards’ bloodline of most enlightened Atlantis.” it shrieked around me. I slowly rose to my feet to stair in the pillar of light where I saw a great brilliant sword spinning.

“That will end her.” I whispered softly. I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

“Yes, since it is the only way to stop her.” the buzzing of the pillar replied.

“Her progenitor was not allowed to join us because of his actions that brought her into existence.” another voice buzzed by my ear.

“She was not meant to be and has always ignored our words to advise her.” another whispering chirp touched my ears.

“I do feel bad for destroying her but I accept it must be done by my hands.” I told them. “You need not convince me to act.” I added. The pressure at my chests started pulling me back as gratitude and congratulations vibrated at my ears. Everything faded to black before I found myself curled up in my tree. A soft cooing from above greeted me back into this world. I did not know where I had been but I knew it was reality and not just a dream. It was as truthful as my meeting with Kryel KreLey and learning of something I would need to solve eventually. I looked passed my bird’s perch toward the full moon before slowly drifting back to sleep.

Kestrel's Journals: Tying Up the Loose Ends (28)

The meeting with the Council was swift as we, as a group, entered the central chamber. The Council seemed bewitched making my words law in their ears. Hope’s little spell still worked but I would rather they listen out of logic and not by this coercion. Cole seemed very pleased that they had finally accepted the reason in listening to my great political wisdom as Royal Advisor of Atlantis. Cole was practically crowing the whole way home about our great victory. Young Kestrel seemed a little more perplexed and silent as we returned home. When I asked him about it, he said it was nothing and everything was fine as he flashed me a cattish grin. I sighed and let it be knowing I would question this if I stumbled upon it.

The rest of Cor’s and Twin’s visit went very smoothly and I could remain sitting in the background listening and watching the events unfold in silence. I would give my advise if asked but I could mostly live my final years in peaceful relaxation. I stood on the dock with my Brothers bidding them farewell and good luck with a smile on my face. Cor and Twin told me in a whisper before boarding the Leviathan that they had felt something new inside me, something they had never seen in me before. They felt a peacefulness and quietness from me they had never seen within all my multiple lifetimes and millenniums prior to arriving here on Earth. I did not tell them this was my growing acceptance with my own final death and with whom I had selected to replace me in this fight. I did thank them while claiming it was the peace of Atlantis that had seeped into my spirit replacing something I lost long ago. A pained look showed in their eyes but they said nothing more.

Five years would past before they would return as planned to report how close they were to sign the peace agreements between Atlantis and Lemuria. They were very hopeful that by their next visit they could report Lemuria was ready to hand over their crystals to the world and sign treatise with Atlantis within the following month. I did warned them that Lockey would not hand over her Leviathan’s crystals being a free vessel not linked to Lemuria nor Atlantis. They laughed at my warning telling me they would never dare suggest disarming the Leviathan. I remained on the dock long enough to wave at them before their ship jumped away. I finally turned to make my way home but was impeded by a group of dolphin chirping to get my attention. I moved to sit upon a bench by their pool to converse with them.

“You do not seem like yourself.” the lead dolphin spoke for the pod. The mental whisper from the lead was strong, clear, and concise for only my mental ears. My reply was verbal but this is the way when speaking to Atlantian dolphins.

“I have discovered that my time left here is very short.” I replied softly to them.

“Can you still save Atlantis?” it asked with a loud chirp.

“No.” I admitted sadly. “I will arrange for another to take my place who will be able to save it from destruction.” I explained in a quiet voice. I glanced around to see no one listening to me. “Nothing will stop Atlantis from vanishing from the world for many millennium.” I concluded. I let them witness my final visions of Atlantis before it sank under the waves still intact. They did witness the final battle knowing who was going to replace me which gained many chirps and whistles from them.

“Sad it be, but you have done your duty.” it returned softly. “We are happy star child that we saved you even if you feel like you have abandoned us.” it told me gently. “Be at peace since you shall see her once more.” it added. These last mental words turned into a loud series of chirping whistles as they slowly swam away from this pool. I sat on the marble bench in the half shadows by the empty pool with their words echoing in my mind.

“They truly are wise.” a deep voice but fully female whispered from behind me. I did not need to turn to know Princess Muse stood at my back.

“You have come to speak or warn me of another problem heading my way?” I asked softly. My body was ready to have a rush of emotions driving me to action and shortening my remaining life.

“I saw the images you showed the dolphins.” she stated by my ear. “Genin becomes KreGenin for the good of the world to come.” she continued. She moved around the bench to kneel by my knee at the edge of the dolphin pool. “A scion of the stars empowered by the fall of another scion to defeat the other remaining scion.” she concluded in a whisper. I turned my head to look upon her glowing golden eyes looked up at me with a gentle smile.

“She will not know that it is not me she faces until the true death blow claims her.” I returned calmly. “I must still find a way to protect Atlantis after it slides under the veil of ocean waves.” I continued. The soft sigh was stopped by a lone finger across my lips. She smiled at me as a quick wink flashes at me.

“A gift from my kind to you as a solution.” she whispered at me smiling. The thin lines of her scales showed in her face as the golden scales glittered from the light of her eyes. A small ring box was pressed in my hand as her smile and eyes showed a hint of her mischievous nature. “Let Annianka decide if she should be saved or Atlantis be protected with this small gift.” she added quietly.

My eyes moved to the box in my hand. I slowly opened the lid to see an ornate ring that no technologies on earth would ever be able to create. Two stones set in a perfect swirl of opal, for Atlantis’ light, and hematite, for the dark strength of Lemuria, or so my mind decided. Muse’s giggle in my ears rang like deep bells ringing as she called me silly.

“The opal stands for the Ley’ä’Luna’s light upon everything that lives and the hematite stands for you being the shield and sword against the darkness.” she corrected me. “Give her the ring when all seems lost.” she explained with a giggle in her breath. “If she accepts it on her finger, she will be freed from Atlantis and the corrupted stone.” she continued. “If she refuses it, it will bind with the land of Atlantis to make it return into reality at the appointed time.” she concluded. I watched the stones as she spoke and noticed something moving within each stone making the two stones swirl in reality.

“The first two dragons of the second race.” I stated as I realized what I looked upon. “The Dragon of Light and the Dragon of Strife.” I whispered to her. I barely saw her nod to me.

“They are you hands and the hands of your replacement until the true darkness tries once more to claim this world.” she explained quickly. I sensed the sudden rush in her behavior. “They will only serve the Chosen One of the Ley’ä’Luna, sweet Genin.” she stated merrily. “Words of others will mean nothing to them.” she added. She touched my cheeks with soft kisses before she dissipated from this place. The ring box and ring sat in my hand as the only proof she had ever been here.

“Thank you.” I whispered both verbally and mentally to her. I closed the box and hid it within my clothing securely. I smiled knowing my only worry was now solved. Atlantis might rot if ‘Hope’ realized she could be saved, but the crystal would become that monsters tomb deep under the waves to never be found again. The words from the dolphins had me confused the most since they could not mean Elyria since nothing of her remained which I had searched for during a few centuries after her sacrifice. True death was the point where everything turned into nothingness to never return to the life in any form. I accept this as my fate to save the world from this knot that could destroy this world too quickly. A delay would give them all a chance to be better prepared with my sacrifice.

I will wait until no other choices remained before using the ring to place protection on either Annianka, in this world, or Atlantis, in its millenniums of slumber. My hidden mind let memories flow into my active consciousness of playing with those two mighty dragons. I was still cold to the new races coming into being remembering my mother, Universe, sacrificing herself to create all this spreading out from father’s, the Void’s, domain. Is this what Elira felt at that moment, like Universe, before her sacrifice? This peaceful assurance and certainty I felt ready to sacrifices myself to give my strength to young Kestrel becoming the new Chosen Avatar of the Ley’ä’Luna? Too many possibilities with so many variables that constantly increased as time marched forward for me to answer my own questions. I face the present challenges stretching my life with my dwindling powers to give young Kestrel the best starting point for his required actions. Genia would never know she did not face me by this action of my own hanging out for the longest possible.

I had not even realized that, as I thought all of this, I was already walking home. My foot faltered by my distracting thoughts as a strong furry black hand grappled my shoulder to keep me standing. I turned expect to see my feline's face but looked into burning red wolf eyes. I froze for but a moment before stepping back from this creature I did not recognize.

“He is not an enemy, Lord Kestrel.” Ichcui commented softly. She stepped from the shadows to stand beside this wolfish thing blended with demonic essence. “Sara suggested that you and Steel should meet.” Ichtaca Cuicatl whispered to me. “She calls him ‘wolf-boy’ and he has spoken to your mind before.” she explained. I had known of him without meeting him which had me confused but appeared calm. I nodded to him while also examining this infernally infected wolf child. Gouges from claws could not hide the enslavement mark he bore having me stiffen.

“You bear her mark and dare to stand before me?” I asked feigning anger. I heard a soft whistle from a kestrel in the air above us but did not look up.

“My slave mark has me feeling the same before any celestial beings.” he growled back. A smirk instead of a snarl showed on his face.

“You face one that she allowed cast from the heavens but barred from hell by her former lover.” I returned stiffly. “What is this about IchCui?” I snapped back at the Royal Governess. Steel moved to be between us protecting her.

“He offered his half-breed army that have escaped captivity to protect Sara.” she explained. “Many demons and devils have abandoned the hell over the mistreatment from Lucifer’s and the other fallen angels’ hands to join with Steel’s clan.” she informed me.”All of them would rather be Sara’s army than return to the servitude they were previously under.” she added softly.

“An army of demons, devils, and the mixed blood of half-beast and half-infernal serving the daughter of Seraphim?” I returned with a hard laugh. “The being cast out for giving the Archangels the weapons to save heaven from Lucifer’s rebel army?” I added as a reminder to them. I was chuckling at this absolute ludicrous turn of events.

“You may have been up there but you are not angelic.” Steel snorted back.

“True, but it is the same principle.” I replied softly. My hand lashed out to snag a feline on the back of his neck. He was pouncing towards Steel and I could not allow a fight starting during this odd moment. I placed young Kestrel at my side but he moved into a protective position between Steel and myself. Whispered words passed between them as they growled at each other like true cat and dog reaction.

“Redpath, Steel. Steel, Redpath” Ichcui introduced them to each other.

“And I thought cats and birds had problems when meeting.” I remarked as my eyes drifted from my feline to Ichcui’s wolf. I noticed by their size that they were very close in age as well as in attitude. “Yaotl Tonatiuh! What does your temples say about this arrangement?” I asked her using the title from her people formally.

“They have proven themselves as fighting for their own existence and chose to follow Sara because they believe in her cause and her vision of a future freed from darkness.” she answered directly.

“Do you swear to protect her?” I asked bluntly to the wolf-boy.

“I swear, like my group, my allegiance to her directly and not to you.” he returned in a deep growl. His eyes remained locked on young Kestrel as they stood in a challenging stance at each other. “You are not long for this world to earn my allegiance.” he added in a snort. Redpath’s tail was a slow undulating pendulum as his body was tightly held ready to strike.

“Then swear to the one you are growling at, Steel.” I stated calmly. Those infernal wolf eyes snapped up to me for but a moment to read if I was being serious. I let the images of the final battle where young Kestrel defeated my sister Genia to save Atlantis from destruction. “Swear to the one that will still exist after Atlantis falls.” I mentally told him. His body stiffened as he stood straight which Redpath mimicked perfectly. Then the wolf-boy bowed deeply to my feline replacement.

“I swear to you, Kestrel of the Redpath clan, in the name of all my clan and allies to protect Sara until we have all been slayed to the last.” he stated still bowed before the feline. A purring chuckle came from Redpath. A confused look appeared on Ichcui’s face which possibly reflected my own confusion at this chuckle from my feline name-sake.

“So we can stop pretending we are not friends now?” he asked in a purring voice. The growling chuckle from the infernal wolf replied as he stood. They locked arms in greeting and sealing the oaths exchanged. He turned his head to look at me. “The household is worried since you seemed very detached from us during the Celebratory Supper.” he informed me. A soft squawk of a kestrel sounded from a roof above us. “My little bird friend made it easy to find you, sir.” he added. I glance up to spot the small kestrel that I had noticed but ignored within my garden.

“I had many thoughts that needed clarification.” I replied softly to him. He nodded still purring softly.

“You saw your Brothers off, you visited the dolphin pool where you had a dragon guest, and now you parlay with a half demon and the Royal Governess that should be with her charge.” he listed my evening events in quick precise fashion. “Anyone else you need to meet before we return home, sir?” he asked in a purring chuckle.

“Protective cat he is.” Steel stated with a respect filled nod to Redpath. “He also sees more than all others perceive.” he added with a growling chuckle.

“Even my training did not reveal the link between you and Sara.” Ichcui admitted softly. “How many others have you set deals with to protect and serve your child?” she asked in a whisper.

“None but the oath your Steel already gave her and now to young Kestrel.” I replied truthfully. “My other arrangements and oaths are to protect the world and the remains of Atlantis while it is hidden from the world.” I explained honestly to her. “Her protection, as Steel has stated, is not mine to arrange beyond the Brothers and Sisters of light.” I concluded quietly.

“And her three aunties of Wisdom, Joy, and Depression with Balance waiting to strike if needed.” the other Kestrel remarked. I gazed down at him. “I have met Depression as she comes to visits the ghost of the old and abandoned Royal Halls.” he informed me quietly. “I have collected many odd friends both outside and within Atlantis, Lord Kestrel.” he added in a near whisper.

“You have always been a resourceful kitten who can find the truly heroic and make them follow the right path for them.” I told him softly. “You have earned this truth.” I stated. I bent my head to be near his ear. “You are my Squire and will soon be replacing me.” I whispered to him before pulling back. He only turned his head to look at me to give me a single simple nod of acceptance.

We bowed to each other before parting. Young Kestrel walked beside me proudly as I felt that I had finally done enough. It was a weight lifted from my shoulders as we walked along the empty marble streets. We retired to our rooms upon entering the residence. Sert’s question was answered with the fact I was fatigued from my long day, which he accepted. By the time the moon reached its zenith, I was before the pillar of light. I explained my plan of releasing my vows to them upon young Kestrel’s shoulders. They agreed easily citing that he could do what I could not when facing my half sister. Then I was back in my bed in Atlantis as sleep took me for real. My dreams were of my time with Elyria reliving them and even changing them to make them last longer in this dreamed reality.