Dawn had barely risen as we made our way through the eastern alleys and streets. Sert and Hawke were no longer bickering as they did most of the previous day as we roamed the northern pathways of the city. Outside the comments about a possible war between the Northern and Eastern Kingdoms and minor remarks about the safety they now had on their southern borders was all the whispered rumors we discovered. We did not expect much difference considering a potential war would have guards nervous and distracted but it felt weak to Sert and Hawke. An hour past true dawn had a message dropping into our midst followed by a trumpeting series of squawks high in the sky. I flipped the scroll with my foot to my hand before handing it to Sert. He starred dumbly at me at first while taking the rolled message from my outstretched paw.
“I cannot read.” I told him. It was only partially a lie. I had learn the simple common words of this area but the flowery script of Atlantis still eluded my knowledge. I could not know if the message held Atlantian or common words but would be faster handing to my senior than misreading word from our Master. Sert quickly went over the note before reading out loud to us.
“The wagon can be pulled out and made ready easily.” Hawke remarked. “If what the harpies have told you is true, your Master could use the easier method of transportation, yes?” he added quickly.
“Has Lord Kestrel expended his strength during curing the plague?” I asked Sert directly. I had already heard Him, whom I serve, speak truthfully of how weak He was, but did not know how much of this information was divulged to his retinue. Sert sighed and shrugged while shifting into Atlantian once more.
“Meli and I worry that Lord Kestrel pushed himself beyond his abilities.” he admitted in a hoarse whisper. “Meli saw him using his full powers to save a child even if he states he called upon the Ones on High he serves but...” he continued slowly.
“But she sensed the magic pouring out of him only.” I concluded his thought in common. Meli would have known and sensed Lord Kestrel true state but would not challenge his words. “The wagon is for supplies for Queen Diadem’s nation which gives him a chance to relax more until we reach Her Royal Capitol.” I told Sert with wry smirk and quick wink. “He need not know that we are taking care of him.” I added. With a nod, Sert agreed as our trio changed our path to return to the Eastern Gates of the city.
We had the wagon fully loaded and ready with Sert already upon the driver’s seat with reigns in hand when we noticed Kestrel approaching us. I stood by the wagon while Hawke sat upon his mount at the far side of the wagon. A secondary seat had been arranged originally upon the wagon specifically to allow Lord Kestrel and Meli to ride safely and more comfortably. My Master stopped as he eyed the wagon waving a hand towards it but I need not speak as Hawke took control of this situation.
“Transporting supplies to villages giving an easier travel path for my feline friend’s master.” he announced from behind his visor. His armor glowed in the early morning light like burnished bronze. He lifted his visor to smile broadly at Lord Kestrel. “Cavalier Hawke from the Southern lands at your service, sir.” he continued with a bow from his saddle. With this distraction started, I had moved to take Lord Kestrel’s other arm and pull him forward to the secondary set of seat. Meli assisted getting him in place before with an offered paw, I had her quickly sitting to watch over our Master during this trip.
“Accept our lie and simply accept this comfort, sir.” I purred in a whisper to him. “Sert has filled my gaps in information about your weakened state, sir.” I continued in the same whispering purr. My eyes locked with his for but a moment where even I could see the fatigue hidden there and in his face.
“I agree with you Royal Honor Guard.” Meli stated loudly and more firmly than my purring. She motion that I take the place next to Sert at the front of the wagon. I grudgingly obeyed her but knew I would be back upon my feet moving as quickly once we have cleared the city proper. “Let’s not look upon providence offered for a faster trip towards home, sir.” she added bluntly. After giving each of us a harsh glare, he finally nodded his agreement and relaxed upon his seat. The wagon shook under us as Sert snapped the reigns getting the horses to move forward pulling us through the gates in silence. I leaped to stride upon the other side of the twin horses pulling our wagon with Hawke upon the other side as we finally found ourselves upon the road. Meli eventually moved to the front seat beside Sert while Lord Kestrel sat napping or meditating comfortably upon the secondary seat. I glanced from Hawke, to Sert, to Meli, and back to the cavalier before speaking.
“Without side adventures, we should be able to reach Rouge’s village by dusk, correct?” I asked Hawke. He unconsciously scratched at his chin under his head gear showing he was calculation our chances.
“As long as we keep up a good pace without harming the horses, dusk will find us at Mistress’ Rouge’s doorsteps.” he returned casually. “I am sure she’ll be happy that we’ve returned her way.” he added with a soft chuckle.
“Not as happy as those two sisters that want your heart, Cavalier.” I remarked quickly with a purring chuckle.
“We are heading towards a noble’s residence?” Sert stated slowly.
“Mistress is a title akin to master.” Meli reminded him. “She must be a minor noble living away from the Royal Capitol or of a different nation.” she mused softly to herself but out loud.
“Rouge’s village is just past the borderlines of Queen Diadem’s lands.” Hawke informed her.
“Is her proper title Madame Rouge or Mistress Rouge?” I asked the cavalier. I already knew she went by both those titles and even the title Lady Rouge, but the reaction on Sert’s face showed he knew this mild difference in titles. Hawke simply shrugged but did not make any comments back to me. “The servers in her establishment have used both so it might be interchangeable in her case.” I concluded purring under my breath.
“I have never heard such a title before.” Meli commented perplexed. “Why would Madame be used as a title?” she asked looking at Sert and then the two of us. I followed the cavalier’s answer of a silent shrug. I could see the hint of pinkish red forming on Sert’s cheek as he knew what the title referred but could not believe we were heading towards a brothel. A smirking glanced passed between the cavalier and myself as we continued chatting about the road ahead and the weather ignoring mentioning anything more about our first stop at dusk.
With the last rays of the sun disappeared over the horizon, our wagon pulled into the entrance pathway of Rouge’s establishment. Many villagers came to trade with us while Sert, Meli, and Lord Kestrel eyed the brothel closely and nervously. Two of the Madame servants came to replace us while Hawke’s beauties came to collect us. I did not get far before both Sert and Meli had me pulled aside.
“Do you know what type of business this is?” Meli whisper shrieked at me.
“This is not a place we should be considering staying even for a meal, let alone a night!” Sert commented annoyed and blushing. Hawke had moved to stand at my side glaring at them while the sister stayed at our side silently waiting. I must admit my feral anger did get the better of me at this moment.
“Yes, we know what type of establishment this is!” I growled, or maybe roared, at them gaining Lord Kestrel’s attention. “It is truly the safest place we could stay the night!” I continued not hiding my anger in a snarling growl at them.
“But it’s a...” Meli snapped but could complete her sentence.
“Lady Rouge’s place is an acceptable choice!” Kestrel squawked at us. I saw them tense and slowly turn to face him. “And yes, I should stop in for a discussion with Rouge, Little Kestrel.” he added directly at me. This brought a shocked look on my face as I smelled the hints of fear and nervousness my fellow retainers felt. I barely caught the scent of brimstone before the madame spoken in my ear.
“Queen Diadem’s Knight returns to us bringing most noble friends?” she asked in her husky voice in my ear. I could not prevent myself shivering as she had approached not only silently but absolutely invisible to my natural animal senses.
She giggled merrily behind me before stepping forward towards Lord Kestrel. She held a hand out to him as the smell of perfume and brimstone wafted over me. “I have missed you deeply, my Dread Bird.” she stated softly. From the hearty laughter, I knew she had made a lewd face to my master teasing him innocently. “Come in and be at peace my most noble of guests.” she continued in the same husky teasing voice. I presumed she felt the nervousness from my companions from Atlantis but ignored it focusing fully on Kestrel. “Including you Hawke.” she added as if it was an afterthought.
She easily pulled my Master from his seat to stand beside her. With one arm wrapped around his waist holding him tightly at her side, she lifted the back of his hand to her lips. She continued ignoring the other two Atlantian standing shocked as she guided Lord Kestrel towards her doors. I fell in step behind them with Hawke coming up the rear. Sert and Meli remained frozen, watching us move easily forward into Madame Rouge’s brothel.
“The harpies brought you word of our impending arrival?” I asked walking at her heels. With a single glance back, she gave me a quick nod as she brought us to lavishly decorated table set apart from the area occupied by her normal patrons. She took the place beside Lord Kestrel as I sat upon her other side. Hawke sat between the sisters that fond over him instantly while beside my Master’s opposite side. A young woman took a place beside me to feed me as the first time I had visited here. Lord Kestrel, Cavalier Hawke, and myself accepted the food and drink without hesitation or resistance. My brain nagged me until I had my say to the cavalier. “Remember the advice you have received, Hawke.” I told him directly. “Tell them!” I added in a commanding growl. This drew me a look from Rouge where I sat next to her. I smiled and gave a head tilt towards the cavalier gaining a soft giggle and smile from her.
“Yes!” he snapped back. “I will!” he retorted as the sisters paused in their feeding routine. He leaned to each of their ears whispering his decision to them. Their face glowed from the happiness that filled them instantly by his simple words that he was staying here for them. Deep kisses followed as the sisters tightened their grip around him. “The rest is in your hands with your heart’s queen, Diadem.” he added as a mischievous gleam glowed in his eyes. With this challenge given and accepted, I felt compelled to inform Rouge of what had happened at her table. A gentle touch of my fingertips upon Rouge’s chin guided her ear to my mouth.
“He is staying to protect this village, your establishment and, most of all, the two women he loves that love him back.” I whispered in the most silent purr. She glanced at me as her red eyes burned brighter and her smile ignored hiding her pointed teeth and fangs from the sheer joy she felt. Sert and Meli had finally reached the table spotting my action. Meli glared at me while Sert’s eyes went from Lord Kestrel to myself. Neither moved to take their seat as a woman stood by each of them waiting to service them as we three were being served and treated.
“Sit or continue being impolite to our host.” Lord Kestrel told them with a derisive chuckle. The woman beside me chose this moment to feed me a piece of meat gaining a strangle choke from Meli while Sert shuttered seeing my easily accepting this decadent behavior. The woman beside him took him by the elbow bringing him into his seat while the other matched the action with Meli a moment later. “This is a safe residence away from Atlantis, my friends.” Kestrel continued casually. “Nothing happens under Mistress Rouge’s roof unless it’s truly needed.” he informed them before receiving a morsel from a fork held by the madame herself. Slowly Sert and Meli started accepting this custom within the walls of Rouge’s establishment but could not seem to stop being nervous unlike the rest of our group.
“They will adjust or maybe they need each other.” the woman at my elbow whispered to me as she held a cup to my mouth. She had held it away from my lips to hide my reaction to her words. She held back like the sisters had during my first visit using only gentle touches to my arm or scratches behind my ears. Her scent was different having a hint of brimstone wafting through the citrus fruit perfume she wore. My eyes caught flashes in my peripheral vision of what could be a thin whip like tail coiling and uncoiling behind her. A soft peek upon my cheek was followed by a whispered assurance. “I am not what I appear but you are safe with me.” she told me.
“I have faith that Mistress Rouge would not seek harm to come to me.” I returned in a whisper barely moving my lips as I spoke. “You can explain it to me once we are in private.” I added secretly to her. I returned to casually chatting with my companions around the table without fear accepting my safety in her non-human hands. As the meal came to an end, I watched how Meli was torn between staying close to Sert or acting as my protector. I smiled at her and waved her off while my serving woman scratched and petted me ignoring the glares she received from Meli. She and Sert finally left with the two women showing them upstairs to a single room that I could visibly follow until the door closed. Both woman stood at the door for a few minutes before floating away, returning to the serving floor that acted as a tavern room.
“I will show you to your room for sleep.” my companion stated. She rose to her feet and offered me a hand. As I took her hand, she place my arm around her waist before snagging my other hand in hers. “I am not as comfortable as my mother, but I hope I can allow you the same peaceful sleep.” she whispered to me as she lead me from the table. I glanced back suddenly noting that Lord Kestrel had already disappeared from our table leaving only Hawke and the two sisters doting over him. “Rouge has him safely apart from the noise and merriment so he may sleep peacefully as well.” she added calmly.
We entered a small room that I remembered well from my last stay. A bottle sat upon the corner table with a pair of crystal goblets waiting to be used. She guided me to a chair making sure a sat comfortably before filling the two goblets with a shimmering yellow tinted liquid. She stepped back giving me a full view of her as she slipped out of her serving dress to reveal an intricate tight leather suit that cover her torso properly. The suit suggested her curves that were mild but still purely feminine in form. Her tailed lashed out a she pulled back her auburn colored hair back revealing small stubs of horns at her temple. Her smile showed no fangs or pointed teeth but nearly perfect human ones.
“I am a half-breed of demonic blood.” she admitted to me. She stepped closer placing a goblet in my hand while taking one in her own. “My father was an incubus making me in part a succubi.” she continued her confession. She guided the cup to my lips as she did the same. I drank, as she did, feeling a warm sensation filling me. She smiled softly at me. “I do not need to feed on the life essence of men but will not refuse this need in my male guest.” she told me in a quieter tone. “You will only be pet and caressed to draw you into a deep restful sleep, noble knight.” she added before leading me to the bed. Between the drink and her skillful touch, I was quickly asleep dreaming of kneeling at Dia’s side.
I was awaken before the others, fed, and already preparing the wagon waiting for my companions that will continue this journey to arrive. The horse obeyed my gently worded request without using leads or resorting to physically placing them. The animal half of my being seemed to understand and was understood by these creatures allowing me have them hitched to the wagon quickly and efficiently. The stable boy only double checked the belt buckles linking the straps to the horses. I had learn a bit of this husbandry from Hawke who rarely allowed other to touch his war steed but the innate understanding I seemed to share made it easier for me. I glanced the cavalier slowly exiting to offer helping me with the sisters at his back. Those two women would not let him out of their sight. I believed they feared this was still but a fantastic dream.
“I have this well in hand.” I informed him. He stopped and looked embarrassed by being late to help. The sisters giggled at his back with a blush. I took a chance to step towards them with a smile and an outstretched hand. “We have never truly been introduced, I am Kestrel of the Redpath clan.” I told them with a half bow. They giggled each taking my furry paw in their hand for a common human greeting.
“Hannah and..” one stated.
“Sasha.” the other concluded. They both smiled at me and gave me a quick curtsy.
“Well meet.” I returned easily to them. I turned to face Hawke fully. Our hands automatically found they other’s elbow in a firm warriors parting. “No more teasing, I know what I must do, my friend, as you have done.” I told him. He smiled at me and for once I saw true happiness and peace in his face. “And treat them well or I will send Dia’s soldiers to reprimand you.” I added with a wry smirk. He nodded chuckling back at me. The two sisters now approach me one on each side. They hugged me and placed a soft kiss at my cheeks.
“Thanks you, our noble knight.” the whispered in my ear tightening their hug around my body. I had barely noticed that Sert, Meli, and Lord Kestrel were on their seat ready to go. I sighed and moved to take my place next to the horses whispering a word for them to start forward. I waved back to Hawke, Hannah, Sasha, and lady Rouge with her daughter standing beside her. I realized that I had not even learn her name but it seemed too late to ask.
“Deidra.” sounded in my mind in a soft whisper of her voice. “Be safe and worry not when facing Queen Diadem, her heart will not betray yours.” she added before they disappeared from my view. I sighed as I squared my shoulders. The armor given to me from Dia felt light in comparison to the weight my heart felt at what I must do and reveal to my other Queen. The day passed but our travel was slower as I acted as trader and supplier to the farmers that rushed to meet our wagon as we moved along the roadways. To be truthful, I was nervous but hid it deep with waves, smiles, and making quick deals in the favor of the farmers, claiming it was the will of their Queen. Did I overstep my limitations? Very possibly but her people need to know she wanted only the best for them and would make it clear in her name.
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