I
awoke hearing the bustling of my team around the residence making
sure everything was perfectly placed for my return. I sensed as I
touched their minds that they had been up all night cleaning and
arranging the house for my return. I waited in silence in my room
undisturbed by my team waiting for Chichi to arrive from the Royal
Kitchen with the morning meal I knew he had promised Meli the
previous day. I slowly moved to join my troops as Chilörąn arrived
with two young kitchen helpers. I meet them in the dining room where
I nodded my thanks to Chichi and his two helpers before taking my
place at the head of the table.
“What
have I missed?” I blurted out bluntly. I began eating without
waiting for an answer or for them to take their place at the table
with me. They stared at each other in shock that I felt before
rushing to their places at the table. Chichi remained at the door
with his two charges stiffly waiting to be told to leave. “I am
sure Sert and Meli remember little Chilörąn from Lorenzo's estate?”
I commented around a mouthful of bread. “He can listen in and give
his opinion as well as his helpers can.” I continued blankly.
“Annianka
was imprisoned again supposedly by the Council.” Meli stated at my
elbow.
“Except
the Council signed no papers about it this time.” Cole retorted. He
sat upon the opposite side of me ignoring to leave an empty seat
between us.
“Their
guards are acting as if the Council unanimously decided it though.”
Sert informed them. “But Cole is correct that the order did not
originate from the Council itself.” He was in his customary place
next to Meli.
“And
many of the Council members are annoyed at their own guards for
acting so aggressively regarding Her Holy Highness' incarceration.”
Cole admitted. “Especially the two you dispatched at the Royal
doors.” he added with a small chuckle.
“Half
the Council Guard families have been ousted from the Council members'
households so far, falling in to guard the foreigners upon Atlantian
soil.” Chichi commented from his post at the door. I motioned to
the empty chair next to Cole at the table. He took it quickly bending
his head forward to join our conference.
“It
was Munin who order this last incarceration using the words of
outrage from a Norse delegate to seal Annianka's fate.” I informed
them. “And what else regarding the new Ambassadors to Atlantis?”
“We
have close to two dozen representative of the outer world in
residence on Atlantis.” Cole reported. “They have not been
allowed to bring their own guards or weapons upon Atlantis.” he
continued slowly.
“The
non-humans have accepted easily to have Royal Guards with trainees
patrolling their residence but most of the humans have refused
anything but the disposed Council Guards.” Meli reported. “The
few exception are the Greek and Roman who called immediately for the
clan that succoured their founders Remus and Romulus, the Lupus
Guards, and the Egyptians that asked politely if the children of
Baat, the Feline Guards, could watch over them.”
“But
the Greek and Roman are still pushing forth petitions to allow them
to bring their own guards and weapons in vain.” Sert stated bluntly
around a mouthful of meat.
“The
tension of what happened in Troy is still a fresh open wound to both
of them because of their pride.” I commented. “It is in both
their best interest if we keep them unable to fight.” I told them.
“Trades and treaties?” I asked bluntly. This snappish form of
reporting was testing their mental walls and forcing words out that
they would normally hold back unless in private.
“Only
the non-humans have been forming treaties and trading agreements
amongst each other.” Cole informed me. Meli nodded her agreement to
this statement.
“The
human groups are willing to trade with Atlantis but rarely with the
other non-humans and never between themselves.” she concluded
sadly.
“Only
the Egyptians have been dealing with everyone but hiding behind an
Atlantian representative not allowed to let them know who they are
actually dealing with.” Sert stated softly.
“And
the Council and lesser nobles have been playing them against each
other to strengthen their own bargaining position.” Cole admitted
gently. “All attempts to have them meet and seal contracts with
Atlantis acting as mediator and enforcer but no success.”
“Understandable
since we cannot trust each other because of all the blood spilt in
wars between each other.” Chichi explained. My team stared at him
blankly.
“Atlantis
is offering them peace and defending the treaties signed here.”
Cole retorted. I sense the annoyance and arrogance his words still
held toward humans. “They seem to prefer bloodshed over the
peacefulness we are offering to them.” he added.
“The
strong show their strength on the field of conquest.” I interrupted
as Cole and Chilörąn glared at each other. “If a weaker power
accept assistance from one against another, they become nothing but a
servant to the greater nation or a target by them later.” I
continued calmly. I spotted Sert nodding his understanding to these
thoughts. “Offer them nothing more than a safe place for them to
discuss freely and decide for themselves to trade or not to trade.”
I advised Cole. He sighed as he nodded grudgingly. “Speak.”
“Most
will still refuse since they will not feel safe with an enemy in the
room.” Cole told me annoyed.
“Even
if the room is filled with guards.” Sert returned softly.
“What
about a very informal open atmosphere of a tea party by chance?”
Meli suggested with a small smile. “No pressure to make deals, just
drink tea while looking at greenery?” she added.
“It
would also be a good atmosphere to introduce the humans to non-humans
they share their world with.” Sert added with a growing smile.
“And
you three could not think of this while I was gone.” I half joked
at them. The empty stare they gave each other before they looked
back sheepishly at me screamed a yes answer to me.
“We
asked ourselves the same question after your arrival yesterday
Kestrel without finding an answer.” Meli admitted for them.
“Our
thought seemed to have cleared the moment we learned of your return.”
Sert commented.
“The
Goblins of Eibar would be helpful since they have a few Spaniards
with their retinue.” Cole commented. “They are attempting to make
trade deals as a combined faction.” he continued. “So far they
are being very well received by the other non-humans including
Atlantis but their slight advances toward other human factions have
failed to produce treatise.”
“I
am sure they would not mind holding a tea party if we offer one of
the botanical green houses or open air parks as location for it.”
Meli replied softly. “I believe I can make those arrangement for
them by week's end if they accept.”
“And
we could serve as helpful guardian in that place with a small
grouping of mixed Royal and Council Guards.” Sert commented.
“Burdish would help us select trustworthy Guards from the Council's
ranks and we can verify about having the possibility of a Royal visit
during the event.” he continued.
“Best
make sure it is Her Holy Highness that makes an appearance so
Atlantis will know She is free once more.” I corrected. “Prince
Bryan can be our security leader while Chichi watches over the
kitchen needs through the Royal kitchen.” I continued. Brother Famine
nodded politely to me as a signal of agreement. “Bringing the
Royals into the fold would add to the position the Eibar group hold
which might open possible deals for them.” I suggested.
“I
can speak with Burdish.” Cole offered. “Meli can handle acquiring
the place for the tea party while Sert speaks with Prince Bryan and
the Royal Guards.” he continued. He paused for a moment glancing
around the table that all smiled back at him. “I will have to fully
inform the Council of your return, sir.” Cole stated with a hint of
regret in his voice. “Your visit to the Queen is still believed as
nothing but a rumour sir.” he added with a smirk.
“Not
to mention my meeting with Princess Sara which should be invited to
join with Her Holy Mother.” I returned plainly. The trio gulped
loudly as Chichi snickered at their discomfort. “Truly important
news like the birth of an heir to the Throne slipped your mind?” I
commented without emotion.
“We
decided it was best not to discuss that fact right away with you Lord
Kestrel.” Meli explained without looking at me.
“Did
you fear I would leave once more hearing that an heir was brought
into this world by Holy Annianka?” I hinted softly. “Or because
everyone believed we were a mated pair?” I continued without anger.
Their down cast faces and slow nods proved they feared my angry
departure to be repeated. “I already knew it was needed to happen
and my presence would force too many questions.” I reminded them.
They slowly rose their heads to finally face me. “My gift showed me
it had come to pass but I was unable to returned at that time.” I
added morosely.
“That
was a lifetime ago sir.” Meli stated. “I still believe you feared
she would not allowed herself to get pregnant from Munin with you
nearby.” she concluded erroneously. With a mock sigh and sad nod of
my head, I turned her mistake into another lie in my life story.
Understanding showed on Sert's face while Cole looked confused by
this line of comments. Chilörąn hide his knowing smirk behind
steepled hands while his two young helpers remained silently standing
statue like at the doors to the dining room.
I
said nothing as I thought about who else knew that Princess Sara was
my daughter and not the joke of a quarter man Munin. I believed without doubt
after this trip of discovery around the world that Ann'Anka Anccilar
sat in the Heartstone of Atlantis but I still could not prove this
fact. I feared on one hand that what was happening to the “Hope”
segment was not a corruption but them slowly bleeding into each other
making it impossible to separate them if they fully merged together.
A situation that would make it impossible to bring forth the last of
the Ley'ä'Luna without turning it into a being of utter darkness
pretending to be the light for the world. I shuddered as a vision
took me at that moment. I saw another girl standing at Sara's side
but I could not tell if it was a true sibling or a cousin from my
special family.
“Best
we complete eating quickly since we will all be very occupied today.”
I suggested. I hide the shudder with my quick words before stuffing
food faster in my mouth. They smiled and nodded before digging in
fully into their lavish plate. Meli stopped half way through her
plate to stare at me wolfing down a second portion.
“It
is odd to see you eating in that manner sir.” she commented softly.
“It
has been too long since I have had a truly good meal.” I explained.
It was only partially true as my plate held redder meat, harder
bread, softer cheese and crisper vegetables than could be found in my
companions' plates. I ate faster to hide my over active thoughts and
because I had nearly starved myself for the last month or more of
travelling. My body screamed in pleasure at finally being nourished
properly after the lack during the last dozen years.
“It's
never good to eat that way.” Chilörąn stated to me. “Eating
slowly nourish the body better and increases the flavour of all
meals.” he chided me. I chuckled sheepishly at him while noting
Meli staring from myself and the little Chinese chef that had risen
quickly to a position in charge of the Royal Kitchen. “Have I not
taught you to eat properly yet?”
“How
could he be the one that instructed you in the slow eating style?”
she blurted at me. “He is human and barely a teen?” she added
snappishly. I placed my utensils down to look at her confused face.
“Does
not Atlantian believe souls are reborn?” I asked calmly. She nodded
slowly to me. “It is the same for some special human such as
Chilörąn here.” I told her. “Especially when born from the
blood of deities.” I slowly revealed.
“He's
a two third blood?” Sert nearly shrieked at me.
“You
meet one of his former bodies in Lorenzo estate as the young child
that helped in the kitchen there.” I reminded them more directly.
“He was reborn and has been working his way to come join us in
Atlantis since he is not purely a human.”
“May
we know who is his true parents?” Cole said bluntly.
“If
he wishes to reveal that, I give him the leave to answer as is his
right.” I replied quickly.
“The
dragon god of luck and prosperity and a willing woman of Chin.” he
answered without prompting. “It is why I came to be of assistance
to the old bird Kestrel like a brother-in-arms.” he continued. I
glared at him to have him finally return to silently listening with
only minor comments.
“A
dragon god and human?” my trio stated softly together. I dashed his
words from their mind and the mind of the two servant that had come
with my Brother from the kitchen.
“Watch
your words child!” I retorted. “It is too early for them to
accept such stories.” I remarked quickly. I left the others return
to the reality of this moment.
“The
minor deity of the Chin Pantheons and a priestess.” he answered to
them. “Nothing truly special to me but my gift at cooking which
grows even stronger with each reincarnation.” he explained to them.
He smiled with boyish ignorance after speaking. “But I am a good
second set of ears and hands to assist all of you.” he added still
smiling. I returned to eating while mentally explaining to him that
we cannot speak of him being a child of the second race, the true
dragons like Princess Muse. His earth bound history is linked like
myself to one of the lesser strains of higher planar beings seen as
deities.
The
Dragon-God Fúlóng
raped and pillaged the lands
as is normal for any dragon but his luck kept him from harming the
Chinese people and seemed to happen when that kind of change was
needed by the people. He was worshipped because of this lucky timing
which gain the dragons a place of honour in the Chinese stories.
Chilörąn as his son gained this Dragon's God luck but also his
disruptive effect around him which made it hard to accept hm coming
with me to Atlantis. We had faced many problems in the distant past
before arriving here which earned him the right of being called and
respected as a true Brother to me. His
mother was a high priestess in the services of the Dragon-God which
gave herself full to the one she worshipped giving her the chance to
bring Chichi into this world. In reality, sex had never happened
since it was nothing but a dream I had forced into her and Fúlóng's
conscious mind making both bow to the false hood of being infected by
Famine's essence to bring him to life here.
“We
will see what a chef can do to help us.” Sert returned with a bit
of a sneer. Eventually, they would spare off much to Sertian's pain
and despair. I would plan it to look as if Sert had an equal chance
but Famine sparred against all five of us without losing ground. He
was a very competent fighter that could
hold his own against War without question but it did not show in his
self-evasive behaviour he normally showed. I could see that his time
in Atlantis, so close to the infestation, had changed him. Even I had
changed and considered letting the human sink into the darkness they
faced. Time on this plane burned the heart and spirit in all six of
us because of the insidious worm that sat in the Heartstone of
Atlantis. A worm that if the stone was shattered would be loose upon
the world with no body for us to attack would be disastrous. Fighting
her would end in a lost battle in the physical world even if we could
hold her at bay in the higher plane of the spirits. A battle that
would make the Earth burn in the black flame and be the new home for
the shadow legions that she created ages ago.
“Time
will prove that Chichi's ears and bloodied hands will be of much help
in the coming turmoil faced by Atlantis.” I muttered half aloud. It
earned me a quick glance from Meli. This is the moment I felt the new
mind in our household. The feline mindset slipped to reveal ears that
heard my muttered words clearly and the burning desire to prove his
worth to me by standing against this turmoil. “Word from the
Fairies will show you what I speak of.” I whispered to Meli. She
nodded quickly not knowing that this was for a set of fur-lined ears
as well as her own. I felt hm
scurry off to research what I spoke of as his animal mind returned to
place hiding his true thoughts.
I
barely had a day before being called upon to squash a supposed Fairy
rebellion. My hand seemed forced in
this issue as I headed in a rush to the Herald with only Sert and
Meli but barely any gear to speak of. We landed in the northern edge
of what would become Europe to deal with this Fairy Mound that had
broken ties with their allies and would not even respond to messages
from Atlantis or Odin's kin. I was requested by the Council to
investigate this event with worries that this was not a simple
miss-communication. Annianka and her kingly husband's words commanded
them crushed under heel to prove the dominance of Atlantis in the
non-human World. My frustration grew during the trip as I secretly
perused the reports from miss Hope and the Guard Captains regarding
the behaviour of Her Holy Highness during my long absence.
Finding
the Mound locked away with powerful fairy magic, crushed my normal
patience which would have me knock and wait to gain entry in proper
fashion. My anger raised quickly as I formed mental claws to rip the
shielding asunder without a second thought. This could explain the
fairy guards charging at us but my mind was set to complete this
mission quickly and without fuss. I flash froze them before hitting
them with balled fists to shatter them. This action turned into a
frantic panic in the guards as I shattered my way to the door of the
Mound's leader. The guards inside his house fled in terror before my
power as I felt the eyes of my companion looking in absolute fear and
awe as I used a fraction of my full powers to deal with these peons.
The fairies that attempted escaping the mound discovered in fear that
I had turned their protective shield into a barrier turning this
mound into a prison. I kicked in the doors of the leader's office to
march in without resistance. He would reveal to me what was truly
going on or I would rip it forcibly from his mind.
“Lord
Kestrel!” the fairy leader uttered in shock. He hoovered behind his
desk with his guards nowhere to be seen. “Please understand that it
was not safe to message Atlantis in this matter.” he began slowly
and fearfully.
“Continue!”
I prompted impatiently. I held my anger in check as I felt the fear
and worry coming in palpable waves from this man.
“It
came to my attention that a group has formed within the Fairy race to
bring harm to Atlantis and the entire world but I lack the proof to
show you.” he admitted quickly. “I could not stand with the other
in fear that they were in league with the traitors.” he continued
while wringing his hands nervously. “I have broken nearly all the
Fairy rules and possibly placed the treaties with Atlantis in
question because of this fear that made me mentally probe all my
citizens before I could trust them.” he concluded. Tears streamed
down his face as he spoke adding credence to the thoughts that was in
his mind and heart.
“What
type of harm?” I asked as my annoyance lessened. I was happy now
that my companions had remained outside tending to the wounded caused
by my forcible entry. “What were they planning to do that made you
rebel in this fashion?” I continued calmer. He stared at me for a
few moments as I felt him final relax as he realized that this was a
chance to receive help for his predicament.
“From
what I have been able to discover, they have been buying Council
members and their guards to remove Her Holiness from the throne.”
he replied. “Other unproven possibilities was an attempted to used
Young Princess Sara as a bargaining chip or slave in their attempt to
control Atlantis and therefor the world.” he stated softly. “I
just cannot prove any of it but what I have heard but it does not
only involve the Fairies.”
“Do
you know which area of the world they are mostly located in?” I
asked calmly. “It would help me to know what groups of non-human
are allied in this action.”
“Asia.”
he replied bluntly. “But I have also heard rumours of some
non-human groups in the Americas and the lands of Odin to the north.”
he continued quieter. He shrugged his ignorance at how wide spread or
compact this invasion was based.
“Ignore
them and act normally with them.” I advised. “Return to a normal
communication system with Atlantis and I will handle this problem for
you as is the due of Atlantis to our treaties.” I finished with a
bow. I marched away wearing a false scowl that matched the one I wore
upon entering.
“Time
for us to leave!” I ordered my companions. “Our business here is
done.” I added bluntly. They glanced at me and at the carnage I had
wrought but did not question my actions. I felt the remnants of a
feline that was familiar. The house cat was here with us at least for
a moment. We boarded the Herald in silence and I went directly to my
room to ponder what I had discovered. I behaved snappish to gain my
solitude with the exception of the cat hidden in my room crying in
silence. The internal debate to bring what I had seen in the Fairy
leader's mind to Annianka's attention raged because of the entity
which sat upon her. This would complicate the events Atlantis would
face in their coming darkness which made my duty harder to perform if
left untouched. “I will do anything I must even destroying all the
non-human races my duties force me to protect.” I told myself and
to my feline companion.
