Kestrel's Journals: Atlantis Revisited (1)

      The spectacle that was the encircling protective reefs and jagged jaunting rocks still took my breath away. The memories of my first arrival played in my mind as I finally returned here after nearly twelve years of absence. The purple-black storm clouds and momentary lightning induced false daylight contrasted with the clear blue skies and constant near midday sunlight. I had left as an Honoured Guardian of this place and now returned as the darkest and bloodiest destroyer. Or so it felt for me as no solution seemed possible to save Atlantis from it's fated destruction. I did considered murdering all of Atlantis by sinking it deep in the sea and burying it before others could destroy it. That would also entail removing Annianka to a Cosmic Prison lining the inner edges of the void losing any chances of the Last Light of Life being reassemble to save existence. The alternate plan was to return to the void and forsake my duties to the Fallen Ones, letting them be consumed with everything else into the darkness released from Atlantis' destruction.

      The ship lurched under me pulling my mind into a hazardous reality from my darker thoughts. I saw in a flash vision the Herald crashing side long into the jagged rocks shredding the ship to ribbons. I raised my cupped hand as I telekinetically lifted the ship from the surface before the impact. I held the ship frozen in the air realizing the rush of power effecting me while still barely on the edge of the Atlantian' energy network. I slowly lowered the Herald and gave it a mental nudge back on course. I smiled softly before the cheer rose from the sailors around me. The cheers spread causing my smile to grow and made me remember why I called Atlantis home.

      The peaceful happiness would not last long. My mind touched Chichi's who once more sneaked around with a group of visitors touring the central Royal complex. I waited as the gangplank lowered slowly to allow me to walk upon Atlantis freely while still seeing through Brother Famine's eyes. I did not bother listening to the words being spoken during Chilörąn's tour. The group paused to look down the passage bridge to Annianka's private chambers within the Royal Spires unshared with her supposed husband, King Munin.

      “I want my mother!” screamed through my mind. My smile melted at my daughter's mental caterwauling. “Father?” she interjected to me excitedly. “They have not let me see mother in months!” she informed me in a mental shriek. “Fix this!” she added petulantly. The fire of rage sparked and burned white hot through me in seconds as I filled the blanks between her mind and Chichi's mind. I portalled directly with but a single step from the Herald's deck to the spot recently occupied by Brother Famine glaring down the suspended hallway.

      My partially translucent white half cloak turned blood red as the twin stars swirled in mad elliptic orbits instead of my normal amber iris. I strode in long strides as my body shifted in height to equal the giant-like Atlantians. My tightly closed fists burned with red-black flames as I neared Annianka's doors. Four Guards stood vigil at her grand double doors; two from each of the two main Guard divisions. The two representatives of the Feral Royal Guards sniffed in my direction before moving quickly to the sides saluting me.

      “Halt!” one of the other two yelped. “No one is allowed to enter this area!” he informed me. I did not even pause as I strode at them. They lowered their pikes menacingly as they stepped forward to meet me.

      They lost their chance at surviving facing the monstrous rage within me. With two quick mental flicks, I slammed the Council Guards back hard against the doors that cracked before lobbing them through the stone wall to fall screaming to their death. A half thought rebuilt the broken stone walls as easily as any Earth manipulator could do.

      “The key for the doors went with those guards, Sir!” the Ursus guard informed me.

      “We will retrieve a new set of keys if you wish it Lord Kestrel.” his female Ferret partner suggested.

      “Bring the Princess here to be with her mother, the Holy Queen, immediately.” I orderedin a deep growl. The red-black flames shoot forth from my fists to coalesce into a red hued orb of pure blackness half embedded in the centre of the doors. The shattered lines grew quickly as they broke apart to be engulfed in the black hole I had created. I barely noticed when the two Royal Guards had ran off as I focused to ripe away the doors. Both doors and part of the stone framing was eaten before I snuffed the orb from existence.

      “It is about time you show!” the white tigress growled at my back. It had been so long since I had heard her voice that I could not help smiling. “Welcome home Lord Kestrel!” she stated calmer.

      “Well met miss Hope.” I stated. I failed to control the harshness in my voice even if I smiled at her. “The Atlantian heir will be here to visit with her mother.” I announced bluntly. “Now, what has happened during my absence for the Holy Queen to be isolated from Her own blood?” I nearly growled at her.

      “Much has taken place.” she answered. With a purring sigh, the tigress wilted before me “Do your people know you have returned?” she asked softly.

      “I came directly from the Herald to Her Holy Highness' prison hallway.” I answered. I felt blank emotion as I stared in her green cat's-eyes. “But this pleasant scene will assuredly become the announcement of my return to them.” I continued coldly. The sound of heavy footfalls quick-marching up the hall made me look pass miss Hope. The three Guard Captains led a dozen of their clan Guards with a rear group of Ferret Guards following behind them.

      “We have the path from Princess' Sara's nursery to here cleared and secured Sir!” Curd reported in a solemn growl.

      “Four dozen Guards ready to secure this sector from the Council's attempt to lock it down.” Ent stated. “They stand ready for your direct orders Lord Kestrel.”

      “The Captains are ready to escort Her Holy Highness back to Her Throne if you wish it Sir.” Rez informed me. The trio stood at attention to salute me followed by their troops handed to my service.

      “Spread out along the edges of this hall in mixed groups of four.” I commanded. “One group of four guard the hole that was the doors while the Captains accompany me and miss Hope to confer in private.” I continued. Another quick round of salutes answered my orders before they rushed to their positions. I marched slowly down the bridge hallway with miss Hope at my side and the three Captains at our back.

      “Will you at least wait to meet Princess Sara?” miss Hope commented as we reached the end of the hallway. I stopped and turned on her. “She would wish to thank you for making this possible.” she hazarded. I did not get a chance to respond as another lightly armed tigress ran up chasing a tiara sporting girl. I spotted Prince Bryan walking at a quick pace coming up behind them. The tiara-ed girl skidded on bare-feet to a stop before me. She glanced down the hallway then up at me with the brilliant blue eyes on her mother.

      “Mother?” she half cried out. I bowed deeply before her.

      “The path has been opened for you to visit Her.” I stated softly. The girl giggled madly as she jumped for joy.

      “Thank you!” she squealed before darting down the hallway. The secondary tigress followed quickly after flashing our group a quick salute. It took a few more minutes for Prince Bryan to reach us. He paused to salute each of the Captains in turn before his eyes fell on me.

      “Lord Kestrel?” he asked in a choking voice. He stared at me in wide eyed shock and disbelief. I bowed deeply to him as I had to his half sister.

     “You make a fine Prince and a wonderful brother, Prince Bryan.” I told him. “I would not expect anything less of you.” I continued with a smile. He stared blankly at me as I sensed his disbelief still scaring him. “I have finally been able to convince the Ones On High to allow my return to Atlantis.” I informed him. “I pray I am not too late.” I added. I could not have imagined what came next.

      Prince Bryan glanced down all the hallways and at the Guard Captains for confirmation. I senses caution holding him in place until he received the nod from the Captains. He suddenly had me in a tight embrace as I felt his tears of relief and joy leaking through the seams of my shoulder. I closed my arms around him hugging him fiercely back.

      “You could never fathom the depth of relief I feel for Atlantis having you returned to us.” he half whispered in my ear.

      “And if I told you that I return as the bloodiest sword Atlantis has ever witnessed?” I stated without hiding my words. He pulled back to stare hard at me.

      “Even if my own blood must be spilt by your sword, I willingly bleed for the benefit of Atlantis.” he replied earnestly. I felt no fear in him at dying for his people.

      “You are truly fit to be a true Prince and leader of Atlantis, most honourable and noble Bryan.” I returned. “Go be with your sister.” I stated quieter. I did not mean it as an order but he pulled back to salute me as officers would salute their King. I glared at him for a moment.

      “I will treat you like any Royal Guard and their Captains treat you Lord Kestrel.” he retorted. “I have seen the truth through their eyes and those of our people.” he told me bluntly. “Even the Council knows who should be on the Throne of Atlantis.” he continued. “At least treated as the true King for your level of honour and nobility.”

      “I caution you from saying things of that nature.” I stated bluntly. “You never know who is listening.” I cautioned him. He straightened stiffly just before Chichi dragged the tour back claiming he had heard screams.

      “It is the mysterious Lord Kestrel!” my Brother commented loudly to the group. It was in response to unheard questions from the tour group. I bowed once more to Prince Bryan as I felt the Captains saluting him at my back while miss Hope curtseyed.

      “It is best to follow your half sister, Princess Sara.” I suggested in a whisper to him.

      “Correct Lord Kestrel!” he stated loudly. “Your counsel has always been wise to me.” he said easily. He rushed off at a quick-march down the bridge hallway to Annianka's tower.

      “He has matured much in the last decade.” miss Hope purred at me. I could not help nodding and smiling at the praise. “He turned into a true Prince of Atlantis on the day you spoke with him.” she informed me. “But beware of your namesake.” she warned me. “Young Redpath takes too much after you.” she clarified. “Do not be surprised finding that kitten under your roof acting as your Feral Honour Guard.” she added.

      “If he proves himself, I will accept him without question.” I returned without worry. This decision forced the second vision I had with miss Hope. Amber cat's-eyes met mine as total failure faced me. I saw those twin spinning stars punctuated those eyes that avoided destruction as Atlantis simply sank beneath the wave to hide. “It may be the salvation of Atlantis.” I muttered under my breath to myself.

      “We have much to discuss.” the tigress said sadly.

      “The changes have been rampant because of your actions in Atlantis.” Ent remarked calmly. “Then that knave of a King arrived.” he growled.

      “It is hard acting polite around him.” Rez commented gruffly.

      “Best to retire in a private location before continuing on these topics.” Curd responded calmly. “Even if hiding is not part of our normal nature.” he added in a soft purring whisper. I felt the sixth member of our group move closer when we first reached the intersection.

      “Our invisible member can lead the way.” I commented easily. Khën stepped out from Curd's shadow to salute me. “As silent as ever Khën.” I remarked. I returned his salute before our sextet moved down another spiralling hallway leading down into the older parts of this Royal Residence. It felt in part like a casual tour of the newly constructed upper sections of the Royal Complex to hold both Residence and Court Halls. We slipped from the newer sections into the older abandoned parts that was the original Royal Chambers. Khën stopped once we disappeared into the light dappled darkened hallways. He stared at the dusty floor before us. I faintly heard the five Ferals sniffing at the air around us. My nose tested the air as my eyes spotted the footprints that had halted our parade. They shared questioning confused glances gaining only shrugs as answers. For my part I searched the full complex mentally. What I discovered was the same mysterious presence I had discovered before my departure in the Council Hall.

      “Sir?” the ferret called softly. He crouched pointing at the footprints in the dusty floor. My eyes followed his finger to the oddly shaped three-toed footprint in the heavily dusty floor. “The size suggests something bipedal and humanoid shaped about three-quarters the height of normal humans.” he reported. “Possibly lizard like from the talon marks in the dust.”

      “Something in the chameleon line giving them near perfect invisibility and climbing skills.” I returned. “And shows signs of telepathic abilities by hiding themselves from my mental scans.” I concluded. The five Ferals moved closer to me. They sniffed the air while placing themselves in a protective circle around me.

      “You know of them?” miss Hope growled at me.

      “No.” I responded calmly. “The climbing and near invisibility comes from the tracks.” I explained. I followed the trail with my finger slightly down the hallway then up the wall to stop. “Unless it can trans-locate, it should be right there.” The cats pounced on empty space. “Which explains why we could not smell it.”

      “Then would these print suggest their careless?” Ent retorted.

      “Or very confident that they cannot be captured?” Khën suggested.

      “A trap set for us?” Rez grumbled back.

      “No smell nor sight for us to tract them with.” Curd growled.

      “From their actions as I perceived them,” I began slowly, “They are only here to observe.” I waited as the mixed ring of Feral Guards relaxed. “Best we pretend to ignore them as we proceed to our private meeting.” I stated bluntly.

      “Agreed!” miss Hope returned. “Best to complete this before Sertian, Mekiliean, and Colêsträ come searching for Lord Kestrel.” she commented. “The rumours of his explosive return already spreads like fire on Atlantian tongues.” The remaining four nodded before our procession moved once more down the dust covered pin light shafted, darkened hallways.

Alternate Journals Heralds' Logs: Kestrel's Return (1)

      I truly did not expect after twelve years or more to see him standing on the dock waiting for us to collect him again. But there he stood in the flesh, the only foreigner that all of Atlantis saw as one of our own. I must suspect that the newly appointed head of the Royal Kitchens, Chilörąn, knew Lord Kestrel was returning upon this day. The feared and respected foreign head chef sent us here to collect an order of specialty food supplies that could not grow on Atlantian soil. I suspected now as I stared at the dock seeing a man I deposited here reappear after over a decade had passed. He still wore the Atlantian leather armour of his office and the rest of his gear in the same fashion as when he departed. My elation was tempered by chills of foreboding crawling down my spine while watching him move to stand at the foot of the Herald's gangplank. I moved to meet him.

      “Permission to board?” he called up to me. A gruffness and hardened edge in his tones was the only changes wrought upon his voice.

      “Granted!” I responded in a cheerful shout. As he slowly marched on heavy feet up the board that connect the Herald to the stone dock, I examined him. His movement were stiff which showed either age or injuries caused him great lose of mobility. It was odd to me and my crew that only after ten years, the feared and respect Lord Kestrel seemed suddenly fragile and aged. His temples were lightly touched with grey heightening the feeling that his hundred years spent on Atlantis were not forgotten by his body. His eyes had lost the gleam of merriment they wore when last I saw him. An icy hardness replaced the spark many of us knew well. “Welcome back to the deck of the Herald, Lord Kestrel!” I announced with a salute. Closer members of my crew cheered but he responded with nothing but a sloppy salute back and a sad smile. During that return trip, my entire crew saw and cringed at that sad smile and those cold dull eyes crowning above it.

      “Have you spoken to him captain?” one of my crew asked me quietly.

      “Not yet.” I replied in false calmness. “Is there a problem sailor?” This was the fourth or fifth member of my crew that had asked this question based on an identical reaction. I was happy they had not turned closed mouthed like the beginning of Kestrel's last voyage upon my ship.

      “He does not seem himself.” the sailor answered. “Even his friendliness appears cold and empty when he speaks kind words.” he added quickly as explanation.

      “More likely a lost on convictions.” an older sailor remarked. “A person plagued with self doubt can turn into a cold hard being.” he supplied. “Even gods can have bad moments.” he added with a wink to me.

      “It is possible.” I admitted. “Or a decade away from his Atlantian Paradise has damaged him to the quick.” I countered easily. The veteran sailor nodded at me. “Give him time for his feet to walk upon the soil of Atlantis for a forth night.” The sailors nearby nodded vigorously with a round of “Aye-aye!” to me. This continued through out the voyage until the last day when he graced me with his presence at my hip.

      “They truly cannot believe a person can change.” he told me.

      “No matter what a being walks through, they must always be true to themselves.” I responded. “True honour can never be lost.”

      “But it can be tempered from a precise scalpel into a ripping bloodied sword.” he remarked. I glanced at him seeing the dull ice cold eyes glaring back at me.

      “Sometimes the bloodiest of sword is needed more readily than the sharpest and most precise scalpel.” I retorted. His gaze remained locked with mine for a moment where I saw that merry spark glitter for but a second. “You will always be the most honourable Lord Kestrel to all of Atlantis be you forced to be a razor scalpel or a ripping sword.” I continued quietly but harshly. “Remember that fact Sir.” I walked away not looking back to see if he still followed.

      I spotted him back in his perch at the prow of the ship as we entered the protective reefs and jagged stones surrounding the isle of Atlantis. All worries melted a few moments later as a misplaced wave threatened to dash my ship against the rocks. Lord Kestrel raised one cupped hand and our drifting vessel froze and lifted effortlessly from the surf. He gently placed us back on course with nothing more than lowering his raised hand. Rounds of cheers encircled him as merriment shone once more on his smiling face. No Guard Captains waited for him this lone time he landed at our harbour. He had not even moved from the place he stood as the sailors lowered the gangplank. Suddenly his body stiffened straight as his smile morphed into a blood curdling snarl of pure rage. I did not see him departing the ship from my vantage point because of sailors moving between us. My sailors reported to me he had disappeared as he stepped forward into nothingness. As we unloaded our cargo, we heard a pair of distant screams that ended abruptly.

      A few hours later, the first of a flood of rumours reached us. It claimed that Lord Kestrel had attacked Her Holy Highness' tower prison. Twenty or more Council Guards had been tossed from the bridge passage that lead to the Holy Royal Chambers. The great doors of that tower were ripped from their hinges by Lord Kestrel's own hands before he entered to liberate our Holy Highness Annianka from this dishonourable imprisonment. In the end, the standing words from the stories reaching us that held sway over the hearts of the Atlantian citizens: Lord Kestrel had returned to end the Council's tyranny and place the inept King's head upon a spike for Holy Highness' banner. What is truth and what is fiction from theses tales is left to be seen now that noble Lord Kestrel walked once more upon Atlantis. The Island would rise as one to greet that man they were devoted to because of his unwavering show of honour to them.