Kestrel's Journals: Facing the Troops (3)

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.