Redpath's Journals: Travel, Trust, and Coronation (9)

 

My waves and bows became more fluid and friendly towards the onlookers. I even caught myself smiling as I send greeting to all those that stopped to stare at us. Some actually started waving back to us eliciting waves from the full group. Yes, we drew attention to ourselves like performers trying to engage the populous to come pay for a full performance. It opposed everything I had turned myself into while stalking the shadows and high parapets of Atlantis following my chosen master. I refrained from doing flips or other acrobatic maneuvers linked to my limited marshal training to turn this trip into a show but it was tempting to my lightened emotions.

During the first night encampment, Dia revealed more to me which was both disconcerting and showing how well she knew and trusted me. The sheer amount of deaths she had suffered and now planned ahead to avoid with my feline help was mind boggling. The other thing that had me leery was the true reason she traveled into such dangerous territories.

“Everything must come to past with me surviving until I reach the throne room of this nation.” she admitted once more to me in a whisper. She lay cuddled tightly against me after everyone else slept peacefully. “I know you will keep me alive until I stand before the King now controlling this land.” she stated. “Greyman can’t know or he will interfere with what must be done for the greater good.” she added barely audibly.

“Why do I feel you are planning to sacrifice yourself before the throne?” I replied in a purring whisper. She placed a lone finger across my lips to silence me. Her eyes bored into mine for a few moments before she she rubbed her cheeks against mine taking on my scent upon her cheeks.

“If one death at the right moment and chosen hands can save a nation, would your lord see it as noble and honorable?” she whispered in my ear. I could feel her trembling as her eyes looked so sad but also filled with acceptance to her lot.

“He would slaughter all evil to earn true safety for that nation no matter if it be a king, or a despot, as the threat against the people of the nation.” I returned with blunt honesty. The hint of a growl in my tones was not hidden to Dia. Her eyes grew wide showing more white than color at my words. A slow soft smile bloomed on her face as she looked into my eyes.

“Please hold back if I request you to stand down and observe events.” she stated so softly that I barely heard her words. Her hand touched my forehead transferring a vision into my mind. Dia knelt exposing her neck for a blade wielded by a man wearing a crown. But a second vision flowed into my mind from something, maybe Lord Kestrel? I wasn’t sure but a cloaked figure stood at my side as the second vision flowed through my mind like lightning eating Dia’s prophetic moment.

Musical humming filled my ears as I saw Dia, the sword shattering as it touched the back of her neck. I saw myself lashing out with a quick claw swipe to sending the crowned man back, followed by the guards in the room rushing to stand between us, and the so called king. The cloaked humming figure moved forward toward the crowned man with the weapon tips of the soldiers attacking to protect Dia. My breath hitched in my throat knowing that something had possibly allowed me to see this future event with truthful eyes.

“I will get you to the throne but no further.” I responded softly and quietly. “But you will not die in my presence.” I stated confidently under my breath to her. Within my mind, I saw Lord Kestrel weakened while trails of his strength flowed into me. “All will be as what must be Princess Diadem.” I concluded in a whispering echo of my voice. Her eyes shrunk into a tight focus upon me.

“I never told you that I was...” she began but her words were stop by a finger at her lips.

“My master is knowledgeable, wise, and very effective.” I replied. In my ears, a second voice that echoed spoke the same words with me. “And all that walk with him, have learned to become undoubtedly more than they ever knew possible, Dia.” I continued softly purring. The echoing second voice fading from my ears “Sleep and know that you’ll never die while my eyes are upon you.”

Tears ran from her eyes as she looked at me. She could not speak nor believe the promised future I offered that conflicted with the future she had seen. Only the royal sword in the usurper’s hand would give her a noble and peaceful death. I would be the only one by her side as she sacrificed her life to protect her people and my word removed doubt about this fact.

I made sure the following days were spent waving and bowing at the normal citizens seeing us travel towards the capitol and royal palace. Between Hawke, Greyman, and myself, no attempted attacks succeeded upon Dia. She was seen as the center of our group bring attention towards the quartet as rumors of the Princess’ return flied before them. Stealth and subterfuge had been ignored more fully by all of us as we closed the distance to the royal palace which was our target.

“Young Redpath?” Hawke interjected as we camped outside the walls of the capital city to await the gates to open early the next day. With a nod to signal Dia to go ahead, I turned to face the cavalier in silence. “Is this pathway wise for Dia?” he asked quietly. “Is she truly the lost Princess of these lands?” he added slightly louder. The look I received from him had turned stern finally guessing what Dia’s plan was. I nodded slowly to his second question before speaking.

“The Princess had a vision of her coming to sacrifice her life to save her people from the new king.” I told him honestly. “But she will not die.” I continued as Hawke’s body tensed at my previous revelation. “I cannot explain why I know, but her life is safeguarded by my presence at her side.” I tried explaining while feeling so much smaller than my Master. He stared at me for a long silent moment before a suffering sigh escaped him as he relaxed.

“She had warned us ahead of time of all the attacks as if she had seen them all” he stated.

“Because she believes she has relived this moment many times to reach the place where she’ll kneel before to king as a sacrificial lamb for her people’s safety.” I returned quickly. “I did not believe her stories at first, but now I cannot doubt her visions.” Hawke gave me a confused look before nodding slowly as if accepting my words. “What do you know about this kingdom’s royal sword?” I asked in a whisper.

“Rumors mostly.” the Cavalier answered after a few pensive moments. “It can select the rightful ruler by it’s inability to harm them, or so the legends go.” he explained slowly. He shrugged with a confused look on his face. “Why do you inquire, noble Atlantian squire?” he concluded staring at me more directly.

“Truth is often hidden in old tales and legends.” I replied with a small smile. “And to assure my own vision.” I admitted softly. I reached out to place an arm on his shoulder. “As long as the false ruler uses the royal sword, Princess Dia will live and be crown as the rightful queen.” I explained, nearly casually. With the vision replaying in my mind, I felt a benign presence standing by me. “Please go ahead Hawke, I must verify something personally before joining our group.” I added motioning him forward. I took a half step back before turning to face a cloaked faceless figure. I nodded to him and waited unsure if words or mind-speak would happen between us.

“Not even a hint of fear within you as you face Lord Death himself.” a deep melodious voice whispered from the hooded figure. “All the more reason to trustfully whisper a true vision into your mind.” the voice continued softly. Twin pin-points of blue-white light blazed as eyes as the bony face appeared within the hood. “I will walk nearby collecting those that must be ushered to the lands of the dead, but she will not be touched as long as your path and her needs to be bound.” Death concluded in that melodious voice. He bowed to me and vanished but the feeling of his presence remained behind but less potent.

“Thank you, collector and guide to all spirits upon the land.” I purred back to the empty air around me. I turned to enter the tent to join my traveling companions and be used as a pillow and cuddle doll by Dia. My sleep was light as my mind planned multiple way to make her attempted sacrifice her moment of victory and salvation.

Morning came earlier for me as I disentangled myself from Dia’s grip to prepare. My ears had warned me of heavy footfalls that were now surrounding our camp. I acquired one of Greyman’s cloaks to hide my identity before waking the rest of the group. I motioned Greyman to hold back as Hawke, myself exited, followed by Dia exited our tent. I stood bent to emulate the old man to one side of Dia as we stood facing dour faced guards. Hawke had taking a stiff stance on the opposing side with one hand upon his sword hilt. One of these guards stepped forward directly towards me empty handed with a face locked between anger and regret.

“Why did you allow her to do this Magus Greyman?” the lead of the guards muttered at me. “You should have kept her far from his vengeful wrath.” he added with sadness undeniable in his tones. The Cavalier tensed as he sized up the group of two dozen guards facing us. My purring chuckle filled the air as Greyman stepped out to stand behind Dia gaining a confused looked from the guards’ leader as he looked from Greyman to my still invisible form. I straightened drop the cloak to the ground keeping a cold predatory sneer at the leader who step back a pace. Dia soft giggle join my purring chuckle.

“Have you never seen an Atlantian Royal Guard before captain Leston?” Dia asked with a smirk. All the guards’ eyes would not move from me in shock as the scent of their sudden terror meet my sensitive nose. I held a hand out to have Dia pause taking a step to stand between her and the guards. Hawke remained by her while Greyman took my place at her other side in a protective triangle.

“Upon the request of Princess Diadem, Atlantis dispatched a Royal Guard of the Feline Clans to bear witness of her noble actions.” I began in a deep growling voice. “I am Kestrel of the Redpath clan, fangs of the most honorable Lord Kestrel, here to bear witness of Princess Diadem sacrificing herself for the safety of all her people.” I informed them. I heard the gasp that escaped Greyman at my words but ignored it to conclude and assure my plan would lead to the proper ending. “She will bare her neck willing to the King wielding the royal sword as sign that he is truly the rightful leader here.” A ripple went through the guards present as a knowing chuckle whispered from Hawke. I stood perfectly still waiting as the guards’ leader, captain Leston, understood my words fully.

“If the blade cannot harm her, you and the rest of the guards will know who you must serve.” Greyman stated with only a hint of doubt in his tone. A musically deep chuckle rolled around us as I alone kept my eyes locked with the captain’s gaze. The others looked around trying to find the source of this sound in vain. My senses could feel Lord Death standing beyond the guards by the gates to the capital city but no visible traits were noticeable.

“Artea!” Leston interjected with a half smile forming on his lips. A female guard moved to his side kneeling as she awaited her orders. “Prepare the royal blade and the throne room for this noble sacrifice and test.” he ordered to her. With a single quick nod as reply, she rose and rushed away as I felt Death following her too closely. “We will allow this noble wisdom from Atlantis to guide us through this event as a legitimate and willing sacrifice of our former Princess.” he finally told me. “Pray this does not usher more bloodshed than needed.” he add more silently glaring directly into my amber eyes.

The rest of the guards thinned out leaving only a handful standing with their captain watching over us. Hawke shrugged as he, and then Greyman started breaking up the camp to store our gear upon the wagon. I felt Dia’s small hands upon my back as I stood still facing off with Leston. Time seemed to pass slowly as I waited statue like facing the guards’ captain until we were ready to move as a unit once more. The reek of fear still wafted from the other guards but nothing but a mix of anger and sweat surrounded their captain. As Greyman and Hawke returned to Dia’s sides, I nodded to the captain that we could proceed now.

Our procession down the street was oddly simple with a pair of guards bracketing Leston, a second pair walked on each side of our trio, and lastly a trio of guards escorting the wagon driven by one of the three. A quick unnoticed backward glance showed that the cavalier had left his main weapon, his sword, upon the wagon and Greyman simply carried his cudgel as a walking stick. As for Dia, I did not need to look back knowing she carried no weapon any of them would notice. I hoped she had not removed the small dagger I had slipped into her boot upon our first discussion, just in case of complications. In my heart, I felt the weight of my teaching from all those in Atlantis that had helped me learn to be a better weapon and shield for Lord Kestrel. The heaviest burden that weighted down my heart and steps was the fear of displeasing Lord Kestrel himself by selecting the wrong path that lay before me. My body felt lead coated by the time we entered the throne room and doubt clouded my mind now that I had forced this event forward.

“Princess Diadem returned to sacrifice herself by your hands using the royal sword.” captain Leston announced to the room. Guards lined the walls in triple rows as if waiting impatiently for a sign to act. The king eyes had not moved from glaring down upon Dia as she took one step forward before dropping to her knees and exposing the back of her neck for the strike of the blade. “Her sacrifice holds the weight that you, the king, care for her people and keep them safe.” the captain continued loudly in the silent room. I glanced at him when he spoke the word “king”. A feeling in his tones and the glint in his eyes made that single word sound more of a slur than a noble title. “The noble kingdom of Atlantis has sent a Royal Feline Guard to witness and assure Princess Diadem’s requests are followed to the letter, king.” He concluded with the same derogatory version of the word “king”.

“I am Kestrel of the Redpath Panther Clan, here to bear witness to this noble sacrifice and I will interfere if not all of the Princess’ requests are taken into account.” I stated as the silence became heavier in the room. The King’s eyes finally turned towards me filling with fear as he paled and began shaking visibly. A sneering smirk formed on my face showing my sharp fangs while my hands flexed my hooked razor sharp claws for him to see and know that he would have to follow the rules set upon him. A half bark of a chuckle escaped Leston as the King scent turned into the purest smell of terror I had ever smelt. “Shall we proceed?” I growled out like a thunder clap in the stunned silent room. The king shook like awaking from a nightmare that still persisted before his haunted eyes.

With a loud audible gulp, his eyes finally moved from me to the royal sword that Artea held laying across a silken pillow for him to take. He glanced from the sword to the back of Dia’s neck and back again. His hand flexed on the sword at his waist that was small in comparison to the royal weapon. That royal blade looked more like an implement wielded by a butcher in a slaughterhouse than the bejeweled sleek weapon sheathed in an ornate scabbard at his hip.

“Noble observer Kestrel will not be the only one to act against you if Dia’s requests are ignore.” Hawke stated. Throwing blades materialized between the Cavalier’s knuckles on both hands. Greyman raised his walking cudgel as a fiery sphere formed above it. The King’s eyes went from one to the other before his shoulders slumped in defeat. His ornate blade was tossed to the floor beside him before kicking it away. He nodded moving to take the thick handle of the royal sword. He lifted it easily examining the keen edge of the blade before taking a position next to Dia’s knelt and immobile form. Her bravery gave me strength and patience to allow this to continue.

The king’s countenance changed as he lifted the sword above his head ready to strike. An evil triumphant grin spread across his face as malice filled his eyes. My muscles tensed as I prepared for my action from the vision gifted to me. The blade arced downward on it’s deadly path but, instead of the sound a flesh and bone being sliced apart cleanly, a metallic scream filled the room followed by the sound a thousands of porcelain vases shattering. I moved without thinking, my one claw finding it’s target in the false King’s chest sending him sprawling upon his back before the throne.

“Do your duty to the true heir to the throne.” I growled. Leston’s had a spear buried into the false king’s chest upon my last word followed quickly by another dozen or so spear tips embedded through the body. I turned to look down at Dia who still had not moved from her prostrate position. Metal shards of the royal sword lay in a circle around her with the blade-less hilt beside her ready for her to collect. “I did tell you that death would not touch you while under my gaze, Dia.” I stated taking a knee before her while avoiding the metallic shards. “No, that should be Queen Diadem.” I corrected myself gently touching her shoulder. Her head raised for her eyes to meet mine. Her eyes were wide showing too much white and her alabaster skin had become a lustrous shade of purest white.

“I’m dead, at least I should be.” she stated shakily. With a lot of help from me, I was able to get her to stand. She gazed around looking confused, shocked, and horrified at the scene around her. I scooped her up in my arms before the growing puddle of blood reached her feet. “Why are you... oh...” she muttered noting the blood coating the floor.

“A Queen’s feet should never touch blood unless it cannot be help or she’s spilled it herself to protect her people.” I informed her. “I am sorry interfering with your self predicted future but I believe your people need you alive leading them more than as a martyr.” I whispered to her. “Plus I had promised you would not die while in my presence, Dia.” I added more shyly.

“Merrily that legend was reality, Kestrel.” Hawke stated motioning to me. I followed the cavalier’s lead to place Dia gently upon her throne. “Keep your feet up until we can remove this mess, Princess.” he added towards her. She glanced at him to me before pulling her knees to her chest with a slow nod. I could hear her breath in quick hitching burst as the shock finally set into her mind and body. I made her lean her head against my chest as a deep purring vibrated from my body into hers. She was slowly relaxing as the other moved with purpose to clean the room leaving me to guard her.

“I spoke to Hawke.” Greyman said as he finally approached me. His eyes were dark and filled with anger. “Your only miscalculation was that the original royal sword from the legends was lost many years ago, foolish children.” he chided us but mostly me. “How did you make that sword shatter?” he concluded as anger gave way to curiosity and awe. I looked back perplexed by his question as I shrugged.

“No blade can survive meeting the reaper’s scythe.” Death’s melodious voice whispered through my brain. I am sure my eyes must have grew wider and my body tense at these words by the old man’s reaction.

“What is it Kestrel?” Greyman asked eyes squinting at me. But I did not have a chance to reply before Dia pointed towards the entry doors of this chamber. Artea stood with a cloaked figure holding a scythe behind her in the entrance way. The figure bowed to us before stepping back as it faded. Artea suddenly stiffened with a shiver as she looking behind her with a hand upon her weapon’s hilt. “Was that whom I believe it was?” the old man whispered to me as the three of us stared at the lone guard looking nervous and scared.

“Lord Death helped us to gain the most honorable and righteous outcome.” I informed them in a whisper. “Do not ask me why He interfered as He did since that is beyond my knowledge or wisdom.” I added not wanting to explain more. I knew that I did not wish to know if Lord Death followed my path or if He followed Dia’s path. All I knew was that He allowed me to save her while also giving me the assurance that my place at Lord Kestrel’s side was rightfully earned.

Hours passed while Greyman and Hawke guided the guards and castle staff to quickly return the throne room and specific rooms within the royal abode ready for what was needed to happen sooner than later. This nation needed the truthful ruler back upon the throne to subdue the chaos and return stability to the land. My only purpose was to hold Dia as all the events worked their way through her mind and heart. She remained silently clinging to me with her head resting on my chest gaining the tender stability my purring presence gave her.

I remained in her presence long enough for her coronation before Hawke and myself took our leave to continue my journey to join Lord Kestrel. Queen Diadem did not let us leave empty handed as she placed the title of knight upon our shoulders and heavy coin purses at our waist. She drew me aside upon that last day to request I stay with her, even offering me to be her King upon these lands. My answer was a sad smile as I shook my head before reminding her that I still had many duties to perform before I could consider accepting her gracious offer. I did see Lord Death one last time while being escorted to the gates of the city opposite those we had entered. Artea walked with us to the edge of the cleared area around the capital city before biding us a good trip. I notice a pendant shaped as a scythe on a chain upon her neck. She saw my look realizing what had been seen, and smiled as she straightened. Lord Death appeared behind her but I believe only I could see Him or sense Him during this last moment.

“As His priestess, I requested in my prayers for Lord Death to watch over the Princess until she was safely returned to her throne.” she told me quietly. “A life for a life as Death may now collect me at his leisure, Sir Kestrel of the Atlantian Royal Guards.” she continued still smiling happily. "I thank you for helping her majesty." she added in a near whisper.

“I believe He will only take you once you’ve accomplish what He has already decided for you.” I returned softly. The deep melodious and merry laugh filled my ears as I nodded to her and Him. At that moment, I saw in my mind Artea’s and Dia’s growing very old keeping this land safe and secure. I couldn’t hold back a soft purring chuckle which drew me a quizzical look from Hawke. “Just getting another view of the bright future this land will have.” I answered casually. He nodded without truly understand but accepting my cryptic words.