Redpath's Journals: Jäzærha (7)

 “We should follow to watch over Lord Kestrel.” I stated bluntly. I was staring at the closed door for a few minutes before the thought had formed in my head. Sert’s hand grasped my shoulder. I looked back at him to see that, like me, he stared blankly at the closed door. He didn’t even turn as he answered me.

“The Palace will be crowded like never before to witness the return of Captain Jäzærha.” he explained slowly. “We would not be able to even enter there on our own laurels.” he continued softly. “We must believe that Lord Kestrel can handle himself properly without our assistance.” he concluded. His grip tightened on my shoulder.

“I can find a way in.” I protested. “At the very least, I can watch over Kestrel for all of us.” I concluded firmly.

“Without wings, I do not see that possibility.” he replied.

“I don’t need wings to fly since I am a cat, I can climb and leap.” I retorted.

“Then go but don’t say that I didn’t warn you that this time it is an impossibility for us regular beings to interfere directly.” he stated easier. He slowly released his grip on my shoulder and I was out the door and rushing to reach the Royal Palace of Atlantis. I was fast enough to see Lord Kestrel being escorted into the newly built Atlantian Royal Court. Sert was correct that all the entrances were overcrowded with no chance to easily slip into the building. This did not dissuade me as I moved to climb up the empty side of the new construction. It took some skill to reach the second set of windows that looked into the upper tier gallery for those fortunate enough to be allowed into the great hall. The top nobles would be upon the main floor in a greeting line for the Ferret Captain’s return. I climbed to the roof of the gallery deck, I ran along it to reach where the Royal Dais sat with the larger open area to greet noble foreign dignitaries and Atlantians petitioning the Crown.

It would be a minor amount of time scaling across the side from here to be able to perch on a window sill closest to where Lord Kestrel would be standing. I check upon reaching the halfway mark of the Court Room as it had now been commonly called in Atlantis. To my shock, Lord Kestrel stood nearly at the front of the line next to Prince Bryan which meant I needed to reach the second column of windows to be at his proverbial back. I move quickly but cautiously as below me patrolled a mix of Royal and Counsel Guards. I reached it just as the Scheneshal announced the Captains name to the gathering. My luck was good as the window closest to Kestrel was cracked open enough for me to listen as well as see the proceedings bellow. I couldn’t see the entire line that was half hidden under the second tier gallery but the murmurs spoke of a bronze skinned woman that was nearly as tall as a short Atlantian.

As Jäzærha came into view, I could agree as she walked with one hand upon his left forearm like a courting couple would normally do. With all the murmurs I discovered that her name had not been revealed to the assembly by the often absent Captain. This had me thinking "Who is she?", since his latest absent had been extremely lengthy easily longer than Kestrel’s ten year mysterious disappearing act. Hardy hand shakes or quick stiff salutes were being exchanged by Jäzærha and most of the guest while his companion glanced mostly floor ward between the quick glances at the greeters face. I can see his movements held a military stiffness very uncommon for the Ferret Guards renown for their fluid motion. Was this simply a sign of nervousness or caused by his companion? Then he came to stand before Lord Kestrel and I felt tension growing at the nape of my neck. Their hands flashed out nearly at the same moment but not to grasp together. Their hands landed in a firm grip on each others upper forearm. Even from my vantage point, I could see the stiffness melt in Captain Jäzærha as they greeted each other in the warriors hand-binding fashion of long missing brother’s-at-arms. I could barely hear the quick silent conversation between them.

“We can talk personally once this is completed.” Kestrel whispered.

“It would be about time for us to take that opportunity Lord Kestrel.” Jäzærha replied in the same whispering tone level. This was followed by a quick nod before his gaze turned to Prince Bryan. I caught the motion from the corner of my eye. A blur as the Princess’ personal guard Valeria grasped empty air where Princess Sara used to wobbly stand at her side. Before anyone could react in the hall, Sara clung in the free side of Jäzærha’s companion. She shimmied easily up to wrap her legs at her waist and hug tightly at her neck. I heard the strangle gulped that escaped this foreign woman as fear could be smelt from many in the hall.

“She is to be mine!” Sara proclaimed. I had to control the laughter wanting to escape me and make me tumble from my widow sill perch.

“I believe that Young Princess Sara has chosen you to watch over her as Royal Governess.” Kestrel stated above the gasps and murmured comments now filling the hall.

“She is Ichtaca Cuicatl from the Sun Temples.” Jäzærha told the three closest to him. Prince Bryan was silently observing not only his little sister’s behavior but also watching the crowd.

“A Warrior of the Sun and Moon, Ichcui?” Kestrel asked casually over the growing din. She was the only one who reacted to his words. Her eyes grew wide as she stared speechlessly at him. “I see you as a perfect governess to teach young Princess Sara if the King and Queen allow it.” he added. This was his way of given his opinion to the entire court without being impolite to Holy Queen Annianka’s control of this situation. I noticed Prince Bryan stare hard in his father’s direction. King Munin looked bored and annoyed at the entire event.

Kestrel quickly stepped back giving a chance for the Prince of Atlantis to salute the Ferret Captain who responded with a more fluid and easy salute in reply. Once the Prince was done, I saw Kestrel, with a gentle hand upon his shoulder, drawn the Prince out of the crowd that now formed around Jäzærha as the other three Royal Guard Captains fought hard to keep the path to the throne clear for their fellow Captain and his now famous guest. They stood proudly before the King as Captain Jäzærha saluted him in the same stiff way he had responded to most of the guests present. The bronzed woman curtsied most gracefully and fluidly while still trapped in Princess Sara’s full body embrace. Now I could believe this was a truly trained and wise foreign warrior as she moved as if unencumbered in this most taxing situation. With a quick salute without truly looking at the returning Captain, King Munin’s eyes examined this foreign woman with a small smirk upon his face.

“I cannot go against the will of my Daughter if it makes her happy.” Munin stated to the crowd.

“Are you truly ready to accept this event my King?” Most Holy Annianka asked directly. “Once agreed, it cannot be undone?” she added. She was stiff in her chair as she glared at her husband. Many rumors circulated about the King’s lecherous and ignoble behavior but none would attempt proving them as real for fear of risking the fury of the throne upon them.

“Why would I need to undo such a gracious offer to our Royal Throne.” Munin snapped back. “Our Captain has probably brought this woman for just such a position within our ranks!” he continued. “Why else would he bring her with him my Queen?”

I heard one word whispered in the back of my mind in my Queen’s voice: “love”. The King’s word fell short of drawing the attention back upon himself as all those in the greeting line crowded the Captain and bronze skinned lady warrior. With a single withering glance towards the Queen, Munin rose and left the room with slumped shoulders. Princess Sara, Kestrel’s daughter had stolen everything away from him with a childish action that I suspected was planned. She truly showed more of Lord Kestrel wisdom than her supposed father’s pompous folly. As the Holy Queen Annianka rose to her feet, the room turned silent and most pulled back to allow her full view of Jäzærha, Ichcui, and Princess Sara.

“Well meet Captain Jäzærha.” she stated boldly into the room. “And well meet Governess Ichtaca Cuicatl.” she continued with a soft but sad smile. “Please feel as welcome here as in your own land and among your own people.” she added. Ichcui curtsied deeply to her before Her Holy Highness walking away slowly. Miss Hope and a dozen mixed Royal Guards followed. They had not moved a hair when Munin departed. With her departure, the many discussions began again around the honored guests of the Crown.

“It would be best to give our new Royal Governess a chance to settle into her position while Captain Jäzærha can review his troops that have missed him greatly.” Kestrel reminded everyone loudly. The crowd melted from them instantly as is right for the true hidden King of Atlantis. “Princess Sara's Guard can show you to your new lodging as Governess Ichcui.” he told the bronzed woman. She stared around her at the emptied space before her eyes returned to his. “Jäz and I have much to discuss now that both of us are present together finally.” he explained softly to her. He bowed quickly to her before the other three Captains escorted them quickly towards the doors of the Royal Palace. I scrambled across the window sills to reach the gallery tier’s roof and rushed to the front of the building. I saw them already halfway down the street. I rushed and leapt from roof to roof to catch up to my master and the Royal Guard Captains. The words I heard from Lord Kestrel froze me in my steps for a moment.

“She is linked to our enemies.” he whispered to the foursome.

“Not in her heart.” Jäzærha replied calmly.

“I hope you, Sara, and myself are right about her.” Kestrel retorted back to him. He laughed at these words.

“She has turned beings that are supposed to be devilish evil into guardian angels.” Jäz explained softly. “She has freed enslaved beings that she did not need to do.” he continued. “She shall stand by Sara's side even if death itself comes for the child.” he stated. “Royal blood or not.” he added with a wink..

“Explain!” Kestrel ordered bluntly with a growl in his voice.

“She does not smell fetid like Munin does.” the Ferret Captain answered. “I am sure the other Captains will agree that she has your scent mixed with that of her Holy Highness.” he added. He stopped in the middle of the empty square. The trio of Captains nodded to Kestrel before placing themselves into a protective triangle around them.

“So you all share this information?” my master asked calmly to the Captains.

“Yes.” they each answered in turn.

“And you remain silent about this fact?” he breathed out soft enough that only feral ears could hear him.

“You are the only being with enough honour and wisdom to be accepted as a true King of Atlantis.” Jäzærha replied blankly. “Even without meeting you, I can accept that fact from what you have done for this Island in the past and what I expect you to do in the future.” he concluded.

“I cannot always be here for her.” he retorted. I could see the pain and anger in his eyes as he spoke.

“We shall watch over your Princess, your Queen, and your people, even if they cannot outwardly show who is the true King of Atlantis.” they answered in unison. He shook his head in disbelief as a soft accepting smile came to his face.

“The Council has plans for me to leave in the next few days.” he told them. They nodded as one man back. “Try to keep the place safe during my absence.” he ordered them.

“As you wish it Lord Kestrel.” The Ferret Captain spoke for them. “But do not ask us directly to keep the pretend King alive.” he commented with a smirk. The low growl of laughter escaped the other three Captains.

“I would only ask it to keep Holy Annianka from being forced into seclusion if at all possible.” he stated seriously to them. They nodded as one again. “Dismissed.” he half whispered to the Captains. A quick nearly secretive salute was their only reply before leaving him. I continued to follow Lord Kestrel back our estate in silence. His footfalls seemed more lively now. I must believe that the revelations given to him by the four Royal Guard Captains had brighten his day greatly. I now could see how he preferred to be respect in secret than be openly heralded before others. This last point of his honor and wisdom had not escaped my eyes. Princess Sara words echoed in my mind as their truthfulness was so clearly evident to me.

Redpath's Journals: Big Sister Meli (6)

 As Lord Kestrel moved slowly with slumped shoulders toward the reception area, the ending event of this all too long day began. Sert entered with a dark annoyed scowl on his normally cheerful face. He was grumbling under his breath and Mekiliean wasn’t with him. I could hear Cole scribbling notes in his room upstairs which I presumed was his report about how the Fairy situation was dealt with fully. A soft imperceptible sigh to normal ears escaped Kestrel’s body.

“What happened Sert?” he stated. Kestrel had not stopped moving as he was headed for his den. I was unsure why going to his den matter at this very moment but it seemed to take precedence in his actions.

“Meli has locked herself in the Royal Kitchen with Chichi.” Sert retorted through clenched teeth. Kestrel stopped and turned to face his first guard. He said nothing as he looked squarely at Sert. I took this moment to move in a shadow closer to the door of the house as my nose could smell Sert’s true worried emotions veiled by false annoyance. “She sounded inebriated.” he added softly. Kestrel closed his eyes for but a moment before bolting through the door with a string of garbled words. Only a very few of these words I recognized which were Atlantian swears.

I helped Sert barely keep up with our master who moved like an unstoppable juggernaut in the nearly empty nighttime streets of Atlantis. I returned to the shadows once we reached the doors to the kitchen but this was after Lord Kestrel had kicked them cleanly open easily. I smelt not only anger but an unworldly scent coming from him, the hint of strong liquor mixed with another unfamiliar blood scent, and the steaming sweat on Sert’s body. What I witness within the kitchen will stay in my memories forever. A trapped look appeared on Meli face at first but was soon replaced with a mischievous grin before she tossed back the content of her glass which ended up shattered in the cooking embers. The bright flash of fire and reek of burning alcohol nearly chocked me at this moment. Both Meli and Sert suddenly froze in their actions like realistic statues. I remained silent in the shadows peering into the kitchen ready to listen to what would be said by my master.

“Have you lost what little mind you have left Famine?” Kestrel bellowed into the now silent room. I could see the blackness oozing like tendrils of smoke from my master’s body. “You were told that the ingestion of Dragon's Blood is not allowed on Atlantis, you fool!” screeched out of Kestrel. His hands now turning into chitin covered talons glowed as lightning played along them. I was frozen in place witnessing this awesome power of my chosen master which truly looked more dreadful than his actions of plucking a Fairy’s wings.

“She wanted to know the effects of Dragon’s Blood so she understood why it is not allowed here.” the foreign head chef returned in a whine. The other two came alive again as Kestrel’s talon fist struck Meli cleanly on her cheek. A squeaking mewl escaped me but none seem to notice. Meli’s body pirouetted once before being caught in Kestrel’s arms. A gurgling gasped escaped Sert at this moment.

“We will have words later Chilörąn!’ Kestrel warned him. He opted to carry Meli’s unconscious body personally back. I didn’t move as they passed by me to return home. I peeked into the kitchen to see the little chef sigh before pulling out another bottle of libation. I rushed to catch up to them now. Sert was still grumbling loudly about teaching the chef a good lesson when Kestrel stopped without turning at him. “I order you to not speak again until I give you permission to speak!” Kestrel barked. I could smell and feel the feral anger radiating from his body. It drowned out all my senses at the sheer level it was at.

With Sert finally silent, I walked nearly with them as we moved at a normal pace to return home. Neither of them seemed to notice as I followed closely up the stairs and into Meli’s room. Lord Kestrel placed Meli gently on her bed which is when I noticed the tear in his eyes. They entire events of the day had been more than he could take and tears ran freely down his cheeks. With a deep breath, he rose and turned in a single graceful motion. He left the room and firmly closed the door at his back. This was when I realized that I was now trapped in Meli’s room.

“Guard this door but do not go into the room no matter what protests or cajoling Meli attempts on you.” I heard Kestrel order. Now my fate was sealed since only I was available to help Meli if she needed assistance during her recovery from the alcohol, Dragon’s Blood, and the master’s firm hand. “I am going to have more direct words with Chichi.” he continued. “Do not make a move against him, understand?” he added bluntly. Then the master’s scent was gone from the door which suggested to me that Sert had agreed to hold his anger in check for now. Now my nose started truly reporting the smells around me. The sweet hint of flowers and bitter herbs were filling my nostrils. Meli moaned a call for Sert who refused to answer her. I crept close to her bed but held my tongue.

“Sert!” she moaned louder. No reply came from the other side of the closed door.

“Best to simply sleep Meli.” I whispered to her.

“I have a kitten to watch over me?” she asked softly. Her hand reached out towards the sound of my voice. I knew her eyes could not truly see me in this dark room while I could still see mostly clear. Her outstretched hand bore no fear for me but what her other hand did was a problem for me. It had grasped at the string holding her clothing on her body.

“You should not be doing that.” I stated under my breath. I did attempt to avoid the sight being exposed to me but my own curiosity had me glance as more of her skin was being revealed to me. Her outstretched hand finally found me in a firm unyielding grasp. My toe claws tried digging into the wooden floor resisting her pulling me onto the bed with her but it was in vain. I curled into a small ball of fur as she clutched me tightly to her exposed bosom. I was lucky enough to flip myself around so I was not facing her.

“You smell so much like this place.” she murmured at my ear. I could smell the heavy stench of alcohol on her breath in this close distance. “You could be like a little brother to me.” she continued. A slight sleepy slur was audible in her voice. “Little brother Redpath that big sister Meli can cuddle with.” she whispered. I could hear that her breathing had started falling into the slower pattern of sleep. Her heart beat was still strong but it had calmed down as she drifted into sleep. Her grip on me took longer to loosen but, as she truly fell asleep. I could have escaped her bed. I opted to stay there purring softly as I myself drifted to sleep with her.

I was awake much earlier than her and silently slipped out of her bed. I walked in slow silence on my padded feet to the door. I listen to hear the sounds of Sert snoring softly on the other side of the door. I opened the door cautiously fearing Sert had slept leaning against the door to make it easier to notice the door opening while still getting rest. My fears proved validated as I had to hold the door more firmly against the weight of Sert’s sleeping form. It took very careful moves on my part to slide out and reclose the door without disturbing the sleeping guard. Once extricated from the room, I lightly shook Sert’s shoulder.

“A guard should not sleep while on duty.” I softly reprimanded him. One of his eyes opened to stare at me.

“And little kitten shouldn’t be in a girl’s bedroom all night.” he returned just as softly. I gulped and blushed. I have always been happy that when a feral guard blushes, it usually goes unnoticed by all others. “And your tail shows me that you are blushing Kitty.” he added. A little smirk formed on his face as I realized my tail had curled up around me when I blushed.

“I did nothing wrong and it was Lord Kestrel himself that left me in the room with big sister Meli!” I retorted quickly. Sert smiled and chuckled at my words. It took a moment for me to know what I had stated and the blush returned to my cheeks, ears, and tail.

“Is it a good feeling to be a little brother?” he asked softly to me. I was thinking about this when the knock on the door came from below us. “We can discuss this later.” he added. He quickly was on his feet signalling me to follow him. He rushed down the stairs to the main door’s of the house. My nose still couldn’t find a trace of Lord Kestrel in the house as I followed. The frantic knocking came again as we landed in the foyer. My sense of smell already told me who was on the other side of our door this early in the morning: Khën, of the Ferret Guards. I had no chance to warn Sertian as he opened the main door.

“Glorious morning to you both!” the ferret announced as he entered.

“What bring you Khën to Lord Kestrel’s mansion this early in the morn?” Sert replied easily. “And in such high spirits?” another smell touched my nose that was both familiar and exotic.

“The last Captain has returned...” I stated softly.

“You are a brilliant kitten Redpath!” he chittered merrily. “He will be landing at the dock soon and rushed to the Palace to meet our new Royal family.” he continued. His nose seemed to have a life of its own as it twitched violently out of his control. “Lord Kestrel must meet him immediately.” he concluded.

“I will go awake Kestrel right away with this wonderful news.” Sert answered. As he tried to turn, I blocked his path.

“The master of the house is not here Sert!” I nearly screamed at him. “I have not sensed his return last night.” I added quickly. I was saved more explanation as the door opened and Lord Kestrel entered. The smell of alcohol still clung to him even if he appeared fully sober but it could have been the bottle in his hand that smelt. Meli was there with us before I noticed her. The only oddness in her was the lack of a mark upon her cheek where Lord Kestrel had struck her.

“What has happened?” Kestrel stated with a small mischievous grin. Khën turned to face him. It was evident that the ferret had spotted the bottle of liquor in Kestrel’s hand. I couldn’t see his face but the slow back step he took spoke volumes of his nervous state. It was not a big surprise to me since dealing with a drunk is a quick way of getting hurt without true intentions. Kestrel simply laughed waving his free hand dismissively at Khëndrâèl while Meli moved to his side.

“Have this bottle placed in a safe place since it is a most potent mix of sake.” he informed Meli. He quickly handed the bottle to her smiling sheepishly. “Relieved it from our alcoholic little chef.” he explained to her in a whisper. She blushed violently and nearly dropped the bottle. “And it is not the stuff he was sharing with you.” he added with a small chuckle. His attention turned to the much more relaxed Khën.

“I bring word that Captain Jäzærha is arriving on a ship shortly.” Khën informed him. “Your presence is requested in the greeting line immediately.” he continued. “You are to stand near the dais holding a royal place because of the position you still have even with your long absence Sir.” he stated merrily. Kestrel still examined the ferret’s face. “He is accompanied by a foreign woman.” he added under his breath. Meli exited the foyer instantly holding the bottle at arms length for her body.

“I must presume that Lord Munin is taking this opportunity to make a Royal assembly filled with pomp and ceremony?” Kestrel returned quickly. He smiled viciously as the ferret nodded his annoyed agreement. With this short exchange, Kestrel was off again following the Ferret Guard out of our door.