Redpath's Journals: An Odd and Too Quiet of a Day Alone (15)

My footsteps slowed then stopped as the unearthly silent surrounded us. We stood at the entrance of the mountain pass seeing statues lining the trail we would be riding upon. I turned and went from horse to horse calming them with a gentle stroking paw on their side and purring words in their ear. I noticed how Lord Kestrel slumped in his saddle and how he focused on the life-like statues that lay ahead of us. I got the horses to slowly move forward ready to calm them if their nervousness had them stopping or trying to bolt. We crawled forward discovering an increasing number of statues along our path. A perfume smell touched my nostrils as the only warning before she spoke.

“This pass is closed!” a hissing female voice shouted. The cloaked and hooded figure glided out from between the statues. She could easily be overlooked as the stony grey cloak she wore match the coloration of the statues. The sound of scales rubbing together and upon the ground told me she was not a human. She now stood blocking our path while I drew the front two horses back to stand in a tighter group. “Unless you are the one I am waiting to speak with.” she added in a husky deep hiss. The surface of her hood moved but she held the hood in place with one hand keeping her face hidden from view.

“Yes, Lacona.” Kestrel called back to her. “I am here for our second meeting.” he continued. My ears caught the hard edge in his voice which made me stiffen. A leg flipped slowly over the saddle as my Master turned to sit side-saddle upon his horse. I placed a lone hand upon the side of his mount’s head keeping it calm and still. "Stay back Sert and young Kestrel, you do not have the protective magic against the sisterhood of the Gorgons.” he warned us. With a quick glance at my fellow companions told me that we would not obey this order. He slid from his saddle but ended up sitting hard on the ground with an angry squawk escaping him.

“Meakita?” the snake woman hissed in shock. She darted forward but I was already between her and my friends. I stood with an open palm towards her and my eyes held tightly shut. I did not remember moving from Kestrel’s horse to stand between them protectively. Partial half forgotten stories kept my eyes closed while all my other senses tracked her every movement.

“If I do not look upon your countenance, I am safe correct?” I asked her directly. My ear told me, by the creak of the leather at a stirrup, that Kestrel was attempting to rise. The clamping of flesh on flesh and mild jingle of armor told me that Sert and Meli were assisting Kestrel to regain his feet under him. Following the sound of shifting scales brushing against each other had my head tilting snake-like mimicking her motion that I could not see.

“Yes.” she hissed out softly to me. I heard her pulling back coiling her snake tail under her a few steps away from me. “I will wait until given permission to approach.” she said in her sibilant tones. “Return to your friends, feline.” she added. I could hear that she had bowed her head towards me. I took a step back listening for her to move at me but heard nothing. I spun on my heel to rush back to Lord Kestrel’s side with my other companions. I barely noticed grabbing the reigns and petting the horses back into a calmed state while purring deeply and softly in my throat. My ear still tracked Lacona but I did not turn away from the horses while remaining close to me Master.

“I killed bastards like this last time I went through here.” Kestrel stated bluntly. I glanced up at him but held my tongue. He pulled himself away from Sert and Meli. Using his bow-staff to stand on his own power. “So you decided to turn them to stone this time, Lacona?” he muttered out towards her. I had never seen my Master looking this spent and powerless before which had me getting more worried by the moment. He stepped slowly forward until he stood where I had blocked the snake woman from approaching us.

“You three may as well move away since this discussion is a private matter between Meakita and myself.” Lacona hissed towards us. “You need not watch over this conversation.” she added bluntly. Her grip on her hood had tightened and I could hear soft hissing and smaller scales while she spoke. The sound of her hood shifting and undulating reached my ear while I remained looking at the horses. Meli strode forward with Sert a few paces behind her moving less confident.

“We will stand with Lord Kestrel!” she hollered back. I hazarded a glance at them noting that Sert had stayed safely behind Meli and kept his eyes cast at the ground. She was still moving forward attempting to be at Kestrel’s side protectively.

“Drop your protective act this once.” Kestrel snapped back at her. “Let me deal with this as you three continue to the port.” he told them bluntly. I understood instantly that our presence would be a hindrance to their discussion. I glance at Lord Kestrel noting that Lacona had slipped to the edge of the pathway for us to leave. I saw how the bow-staff curved under Kestrel’s weight as he forced himself to stand at his full height.

“I will let them pass if you remain to speak with me, Meakita.” Lacona hissed calmly but loudly. “I promise no harm shall come to him while in my presence.” she added toward us. She pulled the hood down firmer onto her undulating scalp. Another slithering motion had her backing away further from the path the horses must ride upon to continue our journey.

“She is honorable in her words.” Kestrel assured us. “Leave us so I may conclude what was not known to Cole about my last visit to these lands.” he told us. He waved us to move pass him while he stood stiffly with only the bow-staff holding him up. I heard Meli grumbling as she agreed receiving the reigns of her horse in her hand. I motion and whispered to them to mount while simply holding on the reigns of Kestrel’s horse immobile. I watched as they slowly rode up the road resisting to actually leave us for as long as possible. I turned my back to them once Sert and Meli were out of sight focusing fully on the last horse. At this moment, I heard Lacona moving towards Lord Kestrel. I forced myself to not look as my ears and my padded feet told me she was moving to wrap herself around my Master.

“Stop being so stubborn, you old bird.” she hissed. An arm and coils of her tail wrapped around him keeping him standing. “What have you...” I heard her ask as her voice became inaudible whispers.

“I called upon the Lights of Life to save a child.” he blurted back. The sound of him letting himself droop in her coils proved to me he was safe in this oddly terrifying situation. I heard him twisting to glance at me but kept my eyes away from this conversation. The scales and fabric rustled as I knew without seeing that my Master fully slumped into Lacona’s snake coils. I mused a bit from the information revealed to me so far. The sisterhood of the Gorgons was three cursed sisters with snake and human appearances. Medusa, Euryale, and Stheno were the names listed to the three sisters but never had I heard the name Lacona ever mentioned in Greek mythology as Meli had read out loud one day. My ears perked up as the echoes of the two horses changed into a faster gait showing I was truly the lone protector for Lord Kestrel.

An annoyed hiss of words, a murmured reply, and a coughing fit followed by the sound of phlegm hitting the stony ground came to my ears. I still resisted taking a peek knowing it was not a strangled cough. I closed my eyes and focused upon them, hearing one strong heart beat and a softer one that still held strength and life. The rasping breathe showed no choking but was not encouraging me about Lord Kestrel physical state. The hissing breathing of Lacona showed no stress or anger, only a hint of possibly worry. I knew he had checked upon me once more but I pretended to pet his heavy horse ignoring the events happening barely a dozen steps away. A giggling hiss and more inaudible whispers between them while a tremor ran under my feet towards them. The sound of gentle kisses had me on the verge of turning and opening my eyes but still I resisted giving my Master the privacy her deserved. A rush filled my ears from where the two stood and even my closed eyes saw the bright glow washing over my back from them. I did not need nor wanted to know what was happening as dusk claimed the sky.

I let my mind wonder while the night was kept brightly lit from the unnatural event taking place behind me. I debated having the horse lay down so I can curl up by him sharing our heat while keeping both of us calmer but dismissed it. I did not know how long it would be before Lord Kestrel would be ready to leave here was my excuse to stay alert and ready. I started mentally reviewing my actions since I first crossed this mountain range from a different pass. My actions felt brash and ignorant as I jumped forward into a matter I truly was not in a position to judge properly.

“Dia could have died or worse if I had not acted but was is righteous to interfere in the outer world?” I asked myself in a silent purring voice.

“Why wonder if it was righteous?” my own voice replied me. I froze and looked around me slowly. The light still kept everything clearly in my view but the source of my voice replying was not visible. “You did what you wanted since you want to be the hero just like Lord Kestrel.” the matching voice purred at me.

“What are you?” I growled as my ears flatten to my skull. My tailed lashed out in an anger and annoyed rhythm behind me as my eyes glared around me.

“I am you.” it purred in my ear. I spun around and froze seeing the truth of what I had been ignoring. It was like a bonfire but the flames were black and white only swirling around each other. I spun back to face the horse growling under my breath. The purring snicker crawled down my spine. “You watched him rip the wings off a fairy but this makes you look away?” it purred around me. “He does what he wants and it happens to be what’s needed, just like you.” it added.

“He does what needs to be done, no more, no less.” I growled back annoyed. “Stop trying to lie to me!” I added bluntly. A growling laugh returned to to me.

“Possibilities and the point of view from others are not a lie, Kitty!” it growled back. “Do you think the fake king thought you were in the right?” it continued. “Are you sure you were not played with while sleeping under Rouge’s roof?” it droned on. “Righteous ideal are a personal view and rarely shared by others!” it added with a harsh bluntness that had me flinching from my unseen visitor.

“Should it have been actually better if I had avoided everything and everyone?” I roared back. “I did what was needed, what was wanted, what was right to do.” I concluded with a blunt sneer and growl.

“Right for you. What you wanted. And what you needed to do to feel closer to your Master.” it growled back slurring the word master. “Nor can you admit that what one believes is right is not what others consider right.” it continued mercilessly. “Good and evil are as different per individual as much as right and wrong.” it added. A hint of triumphant purring slipped into it’s voice that matched mine perfectly. I chuckled back recognizing the doubt I held back during this entire solo trip.

“Yes, but more cheered that I had saved them in Dia’s return to her throne.” I purred back unable to hold back laughter.

“Without Lord Death, her head would have been lobbed off.” it returned with a growling cackle.

“I did fear that would happen and could not move to stop it.” I admitted softly. “Diadem could have died many times if not for all of us working together but that last moment was all on my shoulders.” I told my doubt. “But it was all I could do for her was to believe.” I added not truly convinced. I still hated myself for that moment of doubt when the blade arced down towards Dia’s neck.

“You froze.” it returned. “And you slept while in the clutches of demons.” it reminded me. “Innocent, gullible, and so easily tricked by others.” it added.

“If I cannot accept their word, then what do I have to believe in?” I retorted in a growl. The growling laughter rolled around me as I stood there forcing myself to be calm. “Have your say all you want, but I refuse to listen.” I concluded with a derisive chuckle. I straightened to attention and closed off all my emotions as I focused on the mantra my people used to find their inner warrior spirit.

“You will be the fodder under heel, Kitty.” it informed me before going silent once more. Dawn came and went as the sun moved through the sky in it’s daily arch. Over a day had passed before a new sound touched my ears.

“We should be able to rendezvous with the others if we hurry.” Kestrel stated to me. I turned quickly to face him noticing Lacona’s hooded cloak laying crumpled on the ground. “We will ride for as long as we can before a short camp night.” he corrected himself looking around. I stared blankly at him unable to respond to his words. “What is it?” he asked softly. He moved towards me on steady feet looking fully healthy now after what ever had happened between him and the snake woman.

“It has been over a day you have discussed with Lacona.” I informed him without emotions. “I will not ask where she has gone, sir, since it should not matter to me.” I stated quietly. “And I can lead the horse at night while you attempt resting in the saddle, Lord Kestrel.” I concluded with a perfunctory bow. I kept everything bottled up not wanting to face the doubts that had me nervously worried. He looked at me tilting his head slightly.

“You can speak to me as easily as the others do, young Kestrel.” he replied calmly. He smiled and took his place on the saddle holding out his hand for the reigns. I looked up at him before placing the reigns in his hand. “Once night takes us, you may guide the horse, but do not push the animal too harshly.” he stated in a casual tone. I smiled up at him before moving along the path. I clicked my tongue and the horse followed the sound clip-clopping behind me. I took the chance to glance at the statues knowing they were once living people but felt no pang of grief while only clicking my tongue for the horse.

As we reached the far end of this mountain pass, one of the statues caught my eye. The growl grew from deep inside me as I recognized the leader of that first group that had tried attacking Dia and Greyman. The growl filled my ears as my hand clenched into a raised fist. I stood ready to strike down this statue which was the one person that had escaped vengeance for his actions. My teeth grind together as I force myself to breath. The growl died in my throat and my fist lowered, my hand opened, while my eyes remained locked with this villain’s stone eyes.

“Time and nature will dispose of you.” I half-growled at it. I slowly turned away to continue down the path clicking for the horse to follow.

“You seem to know that former man.” Kestrel commented loud enough for me to hear. “Any and all his crimes are being paid for as he feels the ravaging damage of time to his stony form until he is dust.” he told me directly. “Do not waste energy or time shattering him, young Kestrel.” he concluded softly. Twice he had used my name which we shared. I could not hold back my tongue or thoughts anymore.

“He was one of the first bandit group that attacked Dia.” I replied slowing my pace. I turned, stopping to look up at Kestrel. “Shattering him would barely reach the amount of pain I wish to inflict upon him.” I growled not hiding my hatred for this monster of a man. I barely notices the tears pouring down my cheeks.

“Righteous rage is what lead the cursed Royal Guards striking out at the Usurper.” he reminded me softly. “Never allow self-loathing or fear make you act or make you hold back your claws, Kestrel of the Redpath clan.” he stated louder. “Let your natural honor guide you since it has made you a hero to Diadem and her people, has it not?” he concluded with a smile at me.

“I try but I lack your confidence that my actions are truly noble and selfless.” I informed him. I am sure my voice had turned into whines and yowls as everything poured out of me. “I just got lucky assisted with Dia’s visions leading us forward.” I tried explaining myself. The weight of arguing with my doubt pressed down upon me. “She could see nothing beyond her sacrifice, but Lord Death showed my a different ending giving me confidence.” I continued pouring my pain. “I doubted as the sword came down on her neck but I could not move to save her.” I meowed at him. Tears flowed unabated down my cheek while the words of my doubt echoed in my mind.

“Silly kitten.” he said so quietly and calmly. A soft smile floated in my blurry view as I looked up at him. “You did not move because you still believed in you deepest heart and mind.” he explained slowly. I wiped the tears from my eyes as I listen and digested his words. “Your most powerful skill is how you can connect with others in a deep level turning them into willing allies.” he informed me and chuckled softly. My eyes grew wide as I straightened feeling the flame his words ignited in me. “Your honor shines forth to show them a path they cannot see and this makes them ally to your noble, if not insane at times, wake.” he continued easily seeing so much I had missed in my own self. “You have always acted in the best interest of everyone, including yourself.” he concluded before laughing happily. My laughter joined in with his as I turned to continue walking. I clicked my tongue feeling my steps bouncing weightlessly ahead being matched by the prancing steps of Kestrel’s horse that followed.

Kestrel's Journals: Lacona And A Possible Mystery (13)

As we arrived to the pass, my retinue stiffened as the eerie silence and stillness overtook us. The horses slowly moved forward acting as nervous as my companions. Redpath had quickly gone from horse to horse calming them which was odd in itself being a predator type animal but they responded well to him. Just another mystery linked to this odd little feline that had joined my household. The harder ride had me slumped in my saddle but still noticing the situation around us. Life like statues lined the path up and between the mountains gaining the direct attention from Sert and Meli while the feline kept up his duties towards the horses. This was our first warning as more statues appeared further along the passage and the tremors of magic touched each of them.

“This pass is closed!” a female hissed out. A cloaked figure easily mistaken for one of the statues moved to block the path forward. We were halfway through the mountain pass at this point and only Redpath seemed to react properly pulling the horse closer to the rear horse without stopping any of us from dismounting if needed. “Unless you are the one I am waiting to speak with.” she added in a sibilant hiss from under her hood.

“Yes, Lacona.” I replied from my saddle perch. “I am here for our second meeting.” I continued bluntly. I flipped my leg over to rest sitting sideways in the saddle. “Stay back Sert and Young Kestrel, since you do not have protective magic against the sisterhood of the Gorgons.” I warned them which seemed to be a pointless action. I slide from the saddle to stand but instead crashed hard upon my rear with an annoyed squawk.

“Meakita?” Lacona whispered in shock. She moved forward in a lightning fast serpentine twisted slitter but found Redpath standing between us with firmly closed eyes and one pawed hand opened padded palm facing her.

“If I do not look upon your countenance, I am safe, correct?” he asked but I doubted it was directed towards us. With a grasp on the stirrup of my saddle, I pulled myself to my feet as Sert and Meli hands grapple on my sides and arms to assist me. I could see her hooded head tilting from right to left as she looked at my name sake’s insane bravery.

“Yes.” she whispered in a hiss before pulling back a bit from him. “I will wait until given permission to approach allowing you to return to your friends.” she added lowering her head to look upon the ground. Redpath took a half step back before pivoting on his heel to return to us. He had the reins of the three horse in his one hand while giving each horse a quick pet from their mane to their nose purring softly to them. The horses remained calm and immobile by the feline.

“I had to kill bastards like this last time I went through here.” I commented bluntly. I shake free from my companions to slowly move forward with only a bow-staff to support my tired weight. “So you decided to turn them into stone this time, Lacona?” I slurred out. Another few step forward had me standing where Redpath had acted foolishly.

“You three may as well move away, this discussion is a private matter between Myself and Meakita.” Locona hissed. The hood was slowly undulating as something alive seemed to move under it. “You do not want to watch over this conversation.” she added bluntly towards us. Meli stepped forward with Sert at her heels while Redpath focused upon the horses.

“We will stand with Lord Kestrel!” she called back defiantly. Sert wisely kept a few paces behind Meli as she slowly moved to try standing beside me.

“Drop your protective nature this once, Meli!” I snapped angrily at her. “Let me deal with this as you three continue to the port.” I told them bluntly. I pulled myself to my full length causing the bow-staff to bend slightly from my weight.

“I will let them pass if you remain to speak with me, Meakita.” Lacona stated in a calm but loud hissing voice. “I promise no harm shall come to him while in my presence.” she added towards my companions. The hood moved on it’s own but a tight grip from her hand kept it from sliding off her head.

“She is honorable in her words.” I assured them. “Leave us so I can conclude what was not known to Cole about my last visit to this place.” I concluded calmly.

“As you wish.” Meli finally grumbled. Redpath was forcing the reigns into their hand keeping one separated. He kept motioning to them to mount their horses but does not seem to be planning to leave himself as he held my horse’s reins. The other two resisted leaving but eventually moved passed up upon their horses. Redpath remained looking away from us simply holding the reigns to my horse keeping it calmly waiting. Once Sert and Meli disappeared from view, Lacona moved towards me this time unhindered.

“Stop being so stubborn, you old bird.” she hissed as one of her arms wrapped around my shoulders. Her serpent tail coiled around my lower body holding me on my feet without crushing me. “What have you done to yourself this time?” she whispered to me.

“Called upon the Light of Life to save a child.” I returned blunter than I wanted. I felt so powerless while she gently held me. I glanced back noticing that Redpath had remain with his back towards us focusing all his attention upon the heavy horse before him. I let myself lean into her coils that felt oddly warm instead of cold like a true snake would feel. She would be know in future stories and mythologies as a medusa but at this moment she was still Lacona, the youngest unknown sister of the known three Gorgon sisters.

“That would not render you this powerless.” she retorted with a hint annoyance in her voice.

“I have found my oldest most hated enemy and realized that I cannot save Atlantis without the world suffering the greatest darkness.” I continued in a slow tired voice. I am sure she notice the tears that spilled from eyes. The coughing fit assaulted me until I spat blood upon the ground beside us. A quick glance told me that Redpath was ignoring everything happen believing I was still safely healthy.

“I am sure your little sister Callistra is overjoyed about all this.” she remarked with a soft half giggling hiss. I felt her fingertips brushing at my temples, then down my cheek as I leaned heavily into her coils. “Have you chosen the path of death to avoid killing your only kin?” she whispered in my ear. She let her tongue tickle and flicker along the edge of my ear.

“I will face her as the Bastion of Light in Atlantis, but I do not think I will be the one that ends that battle.” I admitted trembling in her gentle grip. I felt the rush from Lacona’s earth ability forced into me to strengthen my body.

“Take strength from one that is both an ally and an enemy to you, Meakita.” she whispered as her grip tightened. I felt her lips brush my cheek with a hot power filled kiss. “Take all that I am, Lord Kestrel, if it will help you stand for but a few moment longer against your ordeals.” hissed in my ear. Her hands slide down my body as more powerful kisses touched my cheeks and lips. “I have no fear of death as long as it from your hands or from being under your body.” she teased. "My children are old enough to continue my bloodline with a mix of honor and terrifying behavior." she added in a hiss. As the heat from her coils increased, they firmly held me unable to stop her from pouring herself into me.

“Do not offer a bonfire when the heart of a star is needed.” I whispered back between her kisses. My hands moved instinctively along her torso wanting to touch her bare scaly skin instead of the silken cloth covering her hidden body. Everything blurred around us but only one would exist alive after this submissive turning over her life force. She allowed me to claim her life force and her spiritual essence in what she believed was love making she offered to me. The last kissed burned but tasted like salty tears as she expired into my being. I stood with my renewed strength as her stone colored hooded cloak lay empty upon the ground.

Momentary flashes of memory and possible futures flickered through my mind. Sert’s next life where he was a simple farmer with a wife and many children living happily away from the politics and machinations of nobles. This was a joyous vision until the a horse-mounted army filled the horizon charging at them like a wall of death. Meli falling prey to her own blood-lust taking control of her as she blindly slaughtered her way through town showing no mercy. Redpath unable to save one of the many women that loved him releasing his feral anger upon those that forced his hand. This last vision stabbed me the deepest, even if I could not see who this woman was, since it reminded me to clearly of my own moment of cosmic madness upon Elyria sacrifice. But the ending broke my heart, as after the carnage, he sat holding his woman in his arms and upon his lap yowling out his pain, his lost, his regret, and his shame, fully broken and empty of hope. I looked towards Redpath that still looked away from me simply keeping my horse calm.

“We should be able to rendezvous with the others if we hurry.” I stated to him. He turned too fast to face me and I realized how much the lighting had shifted toward darkness. “We will ride for as long as we can before a short camp night.” I corrected slowly. He tilted his head looking at me silently. “What is it?” I asked softly.

“It has been over a day you have discussed with Lacona.” he informed me softly. “I will not ask where she has gone, sir, since it should not matter to me.” he continued quietly. “And I can lead the horse at night while you attempt resting in the saddle, Lord Kestrel.” he added and bowed at me. I looked at his changed behavior from a frolicking sociable feline into a calm cool panther warrior once alone with me.

“You can speak to me as easily as the others, young Kestrel.” I stated calmly. I moved easily and lighter upon my feet towards him and my horse. I took my place in the saddle holding out a hand for the reigns. Redpath stood at my side upon the ground looking up at me before handing me the reigns. “Once night takes us, you may guide the horse but do not push the animal too harshly.” I told him. He smiled up at me before moving forward gently clicking his tongue. The horse moved to follow his clicking without my command. I could only shake my head seeing how he, a predatory based animal, befriended a horse, a prey animal.

He did examine the statues we passed, sometimes placing a gentle hand upon it’s rocky flesh. He did not comment seemingly understanding what these statues actually were, humans forever cast in stone. We had nearly crossed to the other side of the pass when Redpath stopped to stare at one of the statues closely. I heard the deep throated growl and his hand balling into a fist. He rose the fist into position to strike growling openly at this statue unlike the others. With a deep breath, the growled died and his fist lowered to his side.

“Time and nature shall dispose of you.” he half-growled before turning to continue down the pathway.

“You seemed to know that former man.” I said loud enough for him to hear me. “Any and all his crimes are being paid for as he feels all the damages nature does to his stony form.” I told him. “Do not waste energy or time shattering him, young Kestrel.” I added softer.

“He was one of the first bandit group that attacked Dia.” he replied as his pace slowed. He turned as he stopped to look up at me. “Shattering him would barely reach the amount of pain I wish to inflect upon him.” he growled at me. The tears in his eyes showed not only his anger but his hatred at himself feeling so violently animalistic.

“Righteous rage is what made the cursed Royal Guards strike out.” I reminded him softly. “Never allow self-loathing make you act or make you hold back your claws, Kestrel of the Redpath clan.” I continued slightly louder. “Let your natural honor guide you since it has made you a hero to Diadem, has it not?” I added with a soft chuckle.

“I try but I lack your confidence that my actions are truly noble.” he retorted with a yowling sigh. “I got lucky and Dia had the gift of visions leading us forward.” he explained slowly. “Nothing could be seen beyond her death but I was shown more by Lord Death, which gave me confidence.” he continued. The words came out rushed as he confessed a weakness he himself lacked. “I doubted as the sword came down but could not move to stop it.” he added meowing. Tears poured down his cheek as his mind was filled with negative self-contemplation during that one day alone.

“Silly kitten.” I returned with a smile. “You did not move because you still believed in your deepest heart and mind.” I explained slowly. “Your most powerful skill is how you can connect with others in a deep level making them allies.” I informed him. I chuckled softly as his eyes went wide at my words. “Your honor shines forth to show them a path they cannot see and this makes them ally to your noble, if insane at times, wake.” I stated as his jaw dropped. “You have acted always in the best interest of everyone, including yourself.” I added. He started laughing as her turned to continue walking. His steps were floating as if he weighted nothing. The horse followed with a bit of a prancing step.

The calmer ride had me slipping into a light slumber in the saddle with just the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves and the gentle tongue clicking from young Kestrel. I barely noticed the night passing by us as morning light touched my closed eyes. I glanced slowly around noting we had nearly reached the harbor town overnight. I sighed as I stretched in to saddle gaining a soft purring chuckle from my feline companion.

“I took a bit of a short cut along lesser noticed pathways, sir.” he reported easily. “We should be entering the town at the same time if not slightly after Meli and Sert.” he continued as another purring giggle escaped him. “For them, your discussion was truly short.” he added. He glanced back at me with a silent smirk.

“You heard and saw what happened?” I asked quietly.

“Nothing happened that I need report to the only one who matters.” he replied casually. “My duty is to only report to you unless you have given me permission to speak to others, Lord Kestrel.” he continued with a shrug. “Therefore. I have not seen nor heard anything since you were listening and watching.” he added in a singsong voice. Only purring chuckles came from him as he strode forward with the horse neighing and strutting behind him. It was a bad imitation of Lord Death but it brought a smile and sense of peaceful safety to me.

We feel into the parade of fellow travelers lined up to enter the gates. My feline name sake disappeared ahead of us while I looked above the head to try spotting Meli and Sert. I could not spot them but noticed Redpath on one side of the entry gate with a guard in front of him. I watched worried about the reaction to an anthropomorphic panther trying to converse with them. The guard gave him a quick once over while they seemed to be speaking. The man nodded and spoke gaining a bow from the feline before he started walking back quickly to me.

“We missed them?” I asked softly. He sighed, shrugged and nodded.

“They were passing into the town just as we were arriving in the entry line.” he confirmed. “And word has reached even here about a friendly and heroic feline being adventuring in the area.” he added shyly.

“So the legends of the Feline Knight of the Redpath is born?” I asked with a chuckle. He looked up at me before slowly starting to laugh himself. “We will be back together by the time we reach the port.” I continued casually. “And possibly have a day or two in town before leaving.” I added annoyed.

“They would have waited to fully resupply the ship until we arrive, if it is the Herald.” he stated slowly. “Correct?” he added.

“Yes, it is the Herald we will be sailing upon once more.” I affirmed with a nod. “Resupplying would be delayed to have the freshest possible provisions on board for the return trip.” I explained receiving a quick nod from him. “And a longboat would collect the daily needs while the ship sits safely in the harbor waiting for us.” I added.

The line did not move slowly or quickly but the gate guards seemed efficient but busy. I wondered if this heavy activity had to do with Lacona’s actions, the war rumors, or Diadem’s return to power. Something seemed to have the populous rushing towards a port town as if an exodus was in progress. I glanced down at Redpath that had been looking and listening to the crowd within the entry line. The look I received was a confused one as he shook if head and shrugged before talking a short walk along the outer edge of the entry line area. He did two slow passes before returning to my side as I neared the gate. Without touching his mind, I could easily read the pensive curiosity filling him from the information he collected. The guards acted friendly and quick to accept our words of boarding a ship in the harbor. They seemed very relaxed but still wary as they allowed us entry into the town with a quick warning of which inn still had rooms available for travelers. I waited until we were within the city walls before dismounting and walking beside Redpath.

“It is nothing beyond the mountains causing a heavy flow of outgoing supplies to the other harbors along the coastline.” Redpath informed me in a whispered purr. “And multiple reasons are being alluded to but noting in itself as a common ideal.” he continued slowly.

“Odd but not truly uncommon if multiple rumors are fueling their actions.” I remarked casually. I considered it would be best to ignore this mystery but something about it had Redpath’s attention. “What are your thoughts, young Kestrel?” I added in the same casual tone. We had crossed into the wide road pathway to the harbor before he replied.

“The sheer amount of goods seems very high for these lands, sir.” he admitted slowly. “You do not dispose of most of your goods unless something very bad is going to happen.” he suggested hesitantly. “Nothing of the reasons I have overheard would suggest such a dark event coming upon them.” he concluded, looking at me. Curiosity and confusion burned brightly in his golden eyes sending an electric shiver up my spine.

“Yes, it is an odd event.” I returned grudgingly. “But not something we should worry about at this time.” I reminded him softly. Nothing else could be shared as Sert yelled out to us waving from his position at the edge of the docks. “Seems we found them.” I added as we moved towards our companions.

Redpath's Journals: Dia’s World (14)

After hours of walking within the garden in silent content being together once more, Dia suggested we could visit the city during the next day. I warned her that her guards would feel compelled to escort us but she said she had a way to prevent this.

“We are not sneaking out without telling anyone within the Castle, my Queen!” I stated firmly but received only a giggle in response. I glared at her showing my firm annoyance at her ideas of preventing guards from escorting us.

“That was not my my plan, silly kitty.” she finally remarked. “The city is very secure and we would only need a single guard which Artea should agree to keep an eye on us.” she returned with a soft giggle. “Worse would be getting Greyman once more having to watch over us, yes?” she added with a smirk.

“Yes, Artea would be a better selection for our escort if she agrees to be the lone guard.” I remarked with a shrug. “She may suggest another two or three just to keep you safe.” I told her pensively.

“I have you to protect me.” she returned firmly. “Artea would simply be your backup, my Knight.” she added harder. I sighed softly at her before nodding to her.

“Let us find the other one that should be knighted, my Queen.” I replied still worried.

“It will be done before we visit the city and Way Store.” she returned smiling. “You, grandfather Greyman, Artea and myself are the only ones required for me to place a title upon Artea’s shoulders for her devotion to my throne and people.” she continued as we slowly meandered back towards the throne room. “Two Royal Knight make for a very safe Queen within her capitol.” she added with a triumphant smirk. Her point was truly brilliant that even Sert would find problems debating, but Lord Kestrel would find the principle she was missing as I felt I had to discover. Nothing came to my mind that was not covered by this dual knight protection. I was ready to part ways as we reached the throne room but this would not happen. She held fast to my arm dragging me through the throne room to the rear pathway to her chambers.

“This should not happen now that you are the Queen, Dia.” I protested weakly.

“I miss sleeping cuddled to my furry kitten.” she retorted petulantly. “Or did your stay at Dame Rouge’s change your virtuous behavior?” she remarked with a smirk and giggle. “Rouge has a noble title within my lands.” she informs me. “Even a demonic brothel owner has nobility in the eyes of the throne when she has proven she stands for the citizens.” she continued quickly. “She sent me messages through her harpy friends about your stay and that you were returning to my side.” she added with a hint of a blush.

“Nothing happened!” I snapped back. My tail had frozen behind me as I looked into her eyes. “I have never.” I added in a high pitch yowl. She was giggling as she place a hand upon my cheek.

“My Knight virtue is and will always be unbesmirched, my most noble Knight.” she whispered to me. A soft kiss upon the tip of my nose had me relaxing once more. “Let me wrap myself around you like when we were only Kestrel and Dia, just this one last time?” she asked softly. “I need this one last time with you.” she added purring very convincingly. My purring was her answer as I scooped her up to lay beside her on her bed. Morning might get me chided but for now, I would be her furry pillow once more, this one last night.

I awoke feeling a scratching behind my ear but I did not feel Dia moving from her clutched position on my side. I open my eyes slowly blinking at the shafts of dawn light started filling the room. The scratching persisted as my eyes focused on Artea’s face looking at me silently. A small smile formed on her lips as she notices my eyes opening.

“It’s time to rise and shine, Queen Diadem and Knight Kestrel.” she said softly. Her hand finally moved away from behind my ear. “I am sure she has many things planned for you two today.” she added stepping back from the bed. Dia squirmed and yawned before releasing me enough to look from me to Artea. The blush flourishes over her cheeks realizing she had been caught.

“Good morning my Queen.” I purred at her. Artea actually giggled at the sight before her. “And good morning noble ear scratching Artea.” I remarked receive a quick half bow, half curtsy from her. “We have a few plans but they do include you Artea.” I added slowly. I hoped this time would give Dia a chance to recover from her embarrassment.

“Including me?” Artea asked as the mirth died in her eyes. “Why would I be included?” she asked taking a half step back from the bed.

“Your knighting ceremony and escorting your Queen within the city.” Dia announced still mildly blushing. She pulled herself off of me so I can stand and assist her to her feet. “Your actions for me and my kingdom deserves the same accolade placed upon Kestrel of the Redpath clan’s shoulders.” she told her directly. “And with two Knights, I am safer within my city.” she added softly.

“She wishes to visit the Way Store and I felt it impossible with proper guardianship watching over her than only myself.” I told Artea. “Accept this honour due to you, Priestess and Warrior Artea.” I added bowing my head to her.

“I will accept only since it places me where Lord Death has willed me to be.” she replied with the same bowing curtsy combination to both of us. “I will send word to Greyman and Captain Leston to gather in the throne room as to witness this event.” she added before stepping out of the Queen’s chamber. We slowly walked with Dia’s hand upon my arm to the throne room where I knelt by her knee to wait for the event to take place. Leston would be the only one that may find this action as questionable and more so letting the Queen tour her city with only a pair of guards, but it was his duty to keep Dia secure.

The knighting ceremony was simpler than the one Hawke and myself endured but no less special. With the hilt of the broken royal sword in hand, the broken edge of the blade touched each of Artea’s shoulders before being place upon her head. Diadem stepped back hold the broken blade before her. “For your offered sacrifice and belief, I name thee my Knight that must be at my side from this moment on.” the queen stated loudly with a hint of mirth in her voice. “Rise and salute the Queen you fully serve, Sir Artea.” she concluded for the room. Artea rose in a slow graceful stance before saluting Queen Diadem with military crispness, and it was done. Artea was a Knight but she had also been specifically ordered to remain by Dia’s side unlike Hawke and my myself.

“We have a Knight to the North and now another within the Royal Capital.” Leston stated to Greyman. “Is she planning to find another three Knights to cover the West, East, and South borderlines?” he asked pensively. It did not sound arrogant but a tactical thought based on his position as the captain of the guards and indirectly one of her generals after her Knights.

“A possibility that only the Queen can decide upon.” Greyman replied with a slow nod. He also ran his fingers through the bottom portion of his beard showing he was thinking along the same lines as the captain. “But I believe presently she has a bratty Princess request neither of us will like.” he remarked bringing Leston to attention. They both stood waiting for the request the old man suspected was coming with this rushed but properly deserved knighting.

“Very true, Grandfather.” I stated after moving to stand with them. Artea had already replaced my position by the throne showing her new place and role as Dia’s protector.

“I wish to visit the capital city.” Dia proclaimed at them. “I need only my two Knights during this tour within my own secured city.” she continued with blunt petulance. Yes, this was being presented in the same way a bratty princess would speak. It reminded me of Princess Sara’s claiming that strange woman as her governess which made me smile and nearly chuckle at this scene. Greyman sighed lowering his head knowing her mind could not be changed. Leston tapped at his bare chin with a pair of fingers actually appearing to consider this request. “I will accept no complaints, Captain Leston.” she added with a hint of anger.

“No complaints since your thought here is sound, my Queen.” Leston replied which stunned me. “But I must suggest adding an extra guard if only to be polite to our noble guests.” he continued nearly casually. He turned to face me with a forced smile. “Would the Warrior Sertian be available to assist Sir Artea which also gives him a chance to visit the city properly?” he asked me. I could see the worry in his eyes and the need to have another trusted guard with us.

“I will ask if he is free.” I answered politely. “And I did overhear your comment about extra protection for the country which could be possible in an unconventional manner.” I continued having another thought to help Dia’s kingdom even if I could not personally be here. The irritated look leveled at me by Dia was replaced, after a quick whisper from her newest Knight, by a wave of her hand sending me on my way. I will not repeat the harsh words Artea whispered in the Queen’s ear but it changed her disposition immediately. With a nod I was off to find Sert to request his presence during this visit to the city.

With a quick glance between Lord Kestrel and Sert unnoticed by Meli and the few servants assisting in caring for my Master, he agreed to accompany us. He had taken a more casual dress but still in Atlantian style to appear as a noble guest instead of a season warrior. Artea smiled as she moved to stand by him while Dia claimed my arm as her own property in a tight grip. Glancing over her head and gave Sert and Artea a suffering smirk which gained me a blush from the warrior and a stifled giggle from Artea.

“Where to first, my Queen?” I asked as we walked solemnly towards the doors of her palace. Our guarding escorts remain a few paces behind us allowing us the illusion of being alone. “The Way Store, the market place, or did you have a different starting point for our tour of your Royal city?” I stated after she had not answered me. I glanced at her and noticed her simply looking ahead with a soft smile upon her face.

“You are still thinking about how to serve me even if you are not here.” she remarked softly. I sighed and nodded wordlessly to her. I was only in her peripheral vision but she smiled brighter at my nod. “We can discuss your plans while meandering along the wide road to the Way Store, my thoughtful and beloved Knight.” she supplied as we exited her castle gates into the city’s main street. I would glance back from time to time as we walked along the street to assure Sert and Artea followed but kept that discrete distance.

I explained how many of the Royal Guards would take time to train away from Atlantis since they were in part wild animals as human like beings. She nodded for me to continue leading to requesting the possibility of a territory within her Kingdom for the Atlantian Royal Guards to vacation upon. She giggled at the thought after a moment of pensive silence.

“The groups can rotate their time there and have the citizen living nearby forewarned about their presence.” she mused out loud. “The villages on the outskirts of the South-Eastern forest area or the plains of South-West would be open to give them a safe place to purchase provisions if needed.” she continued slowly. Her pace had slowed and finally stopped turning fully to face me. A quick glance showed that our shadowing duo had also paused their steps looking around cautiously. “If they would assist if something were to happen during their time here, the villagers would be happy to accept them.” she stated gleefully. “Especially since they are part of your kin, my Kitty Knight.” she added with a little giggle. She motioned our escort to approach and quickly inform Artea of my idea.

“That would be something the Royal Guard Captains, the Council, and Throne would need to agree to.” Sert commented calmly. “I see the Captains and Her Holy Highness agreeable to this plans, young Kestrel.” he told me with a quick nod and smile. “Lord Kestrel could intercede with the Council but would need the specifics in a formal written contract.” he added with a shrug. I sighed knowing my written skills lacked beyond simple chains of words that could barely convey my fully ideas.

“Could you translate our words into Atlantian?” Artea asked him. His eyes brightened as he nodded smiling. “We can help you write out the details properly and Sertian can translate it to present it to Atlantis.” she explained quickly. “This ideal proposal can be completed quickly with all of us working together, Sir Kestrel.” she added assuring all of us.

“Once completed, I will present it to Lord Kestrel and hope for the best.” I replied with a smile that I did not truly feel. I feared what my Master would think of this idea coming from a child aged member of his retinue.

“Yes, your concept should be yours to present to Lord Kestrel.” Sert confirmed my thought pattern. With a round of nods, we started moving forward once more. Sert and Artea waited a moment to give us the respectful space before following. My steps felt lighter and a mischievous glow had returned to Dia’s cheeks and eyes. At the first food stall of Way Store, our noble rank became a problem. The merchant refused to accept our coins as payment because it was their Queen and her most heroic Knight. No words nor royal command from Dia would have them accept our payment for anything we wished to purchase.

Sert must have noticed our distress and decided without consulting with Artea gaining a shocked looked on her face. As Dia and I stood fuming with a half dozen meat sticks each, Sertian ordered the same for himself tossing double the required payment before turning wordlessly to walk back to Artea. He handed her half of the meat sticks before leaning in to whispered why he was acting so oddly towards her. A quick look between Sert and I was all that was needed for the coin pouch at my waist to be tossed to his waiting hand. If this refusal persisted, which it did, at least Sert could pay feigned that, as a foreigner, he did not understand the currency value. It also meant that he and Artea would be feed as heavily as we were eating.

Dia’s behaviour easily slid from sweet, to petulant, to regal during our passing discussions and depending on the situation present to us by the citizenry we meet along our long walk. Words of praise and happiness meet us at each turn even from the poorest members of the city. We did stop by an orphanage where Sert felt compelled to donate a large sum of food and money to them. Dia stood tall with me at her side as she explained that a noble from Atlantis wished to help as much as she would. Artea matched everything Sert provided in the name of Queen Diadem. Tears of joy filled the eyes of the small group of the members running this orphanage as they thanked all of us for our kindness towards them.

I only discovered later that Sertian and Mekiliean were orphans and could not pass by an orphanage without helping. As for Dia, she needed to help her people as much as possible, especially those trapped near the lowest ranks within her lands. They were victims of the false king’s actions and she could not allow them to suffer now that she had returned. Two dozen children did greet us within the hall of this orphanage in a very rehearsed fashion. Many stared between myself and Sert as we spoke softly to the woman at our side. A young girl had rushed from the room upon seeing us but returned carrying flowers in her hand. She held half of them out to Dia wordless before holding the other half to Artea.

“He’s a beastman Knight.” I heard one boy whisper to another. Neither had notice how close Sert stood to them.

“He is actually of the Royal Guard bloodline of Atlantis, and your Queen Diadem’s Knight.” he corrected them. The two boys turned to face him. From his soft chuckle, I knew they must looked shocked by his statement to them. “He is the hero that helped Queen Diadem return to her proper place upon the throne.” he added softly to them.

“Are you from Atlantis?” the first boy asked. Sertian nodded slowly to him. “We have two Atlantian in our home!” the boy shrieked falling into a gleeful peel of laughter. The warrior chuckled while giving me a quick shrug. We remain there for their noontime meal but avoided eating stating we had been snacking all morning already. Dia teased me with the comment on how most of them were close to my Atlantian age and she did not mind if I wanted to go play with them. I only sighed back without grumbling back at her. She was right but also wrong considering my time skulking around in the shadows following Lord Kestrel since his return to Atlantis.

Upon our return to the castle before evening meal, we started upon the plan to have the Royal Guards of Atlantis free space to practice and vacation within Dia’s Kingdom. It took until the last day with everyone’s help to complete by the morning of the third day when I presented it to Lord Kestrel. I trusted Dia would not add anything to what we had discussed but I was still nervous and shy as I handed the written proposal to my Master.

“Dia told me what was written from my discussion with her but I cannot read it myself.” I told him nervously. My tail was wrapped around my leg to prevent giving away my emotional duress standing before my Master with a proposal he might simply call childish before refusing it. “If something written there is unacceptable, I am not knowledgeable about it.” I said looking sheepishly at the floor between my feet. He cleared his throat and read it slowly making sure I understood everything it said. I smiled and looked up at him expectantly but still fearing denial from him.

“I will present this proudly to the Throne, Guard Captains, and Council of Atlantis.” he told me smirking. My tail unwrapped from my leg to slowly sway behind me as I relaxed. “And they will all know that the youngest Atlantian’s first trip to the other world has made this possible to them.” he continued. His smirk became a smile as he spoke. I stepped back trembling with excitement and nervousness as I felt my eyes widen in shock. “Meli will start teaching you to read and write so you may converse with Queen Diadem through your harpy network.” he concluded. I could not stop the smile flourishing upon my face nor the meow of happiness that escaped my throat.

I saluted and bowed to him before rushing away to inform Dia of this successful first step toward a deal that could protect her people. Two sections had been set aside in the south-west and south-east, a forest area and a grassland plain area. She rubbed cheeks with me before a soft kiss was exchanged on our lips. My limited amount of gear was upon my back as Dia and Artea walked me to courtyard by the Castle gate where a trio of heavy horses waited for the next part of our trip. Sert was waiting with most of their gear already separated between the three horses without over burdening them.

“Young Kestrel.” he called to me as we arrived. “Are you sure you will be able to keep up on foot?” he asked softly in Atlantian to me. “These horses do not seem afraid of your presence which means you could ride one if needed.” he remarked in common slowly. I shook me head at the thought of being on the back of a horse.

“What is our travel path?” I asked not wanting to continue debating me needing a horse.

“South-eastern roads until we reach the mountain pass within a day and a half followed by a day and half to reach the harbor town to meet the Herald in port.” he replied quickly and briefly. Three days before we boarded a ship to return home I hoped nothing odd happened again. Lord Kestrel was escorted by Meli and Greyman to claim his place in the middle horse’s saddle with Meli taking the rear mount. With one last deep fluid Atlantian bow towards Dia, Artea, and Greyman, I was ready to depart with my companions and my Lord. The trip was calm until our Master called us together to close up our ranks as we neared the mountain pass and another minor complication.

Redpath's Journals: Diadem and Confessions (13)

We had barely reached the gates of the Royal city when we heard the screams and saw the sudden activities flowing far in front of us. A pathway formed before us without the guards needing to do no more than scream “Our Queen’s Knight returns!”. We drifted unhindered through the gate where a small contingent of royal guards stood waiting to escort us directly to Dia’s castle. As we moved along the oddly crowded streets, I waved, shake hands, and thanked them for their presence within Dia’s Royal Capitol. Our forward motion was not impeded by the crowd leading us directly to the inner gates. Greyman stood at the gate barring our path. He stood straight and stiff with his staff in a firm grip before him. His glare which would be intimidating to most felt like a teasing challenge directed at me. I moved fearlessly to stand before him matching his glare in perfect silence.

“You took your time returning, cat.” he snorted at me. We still remained starring directly in each other’s eyes. “And you even bring company with you?” he added bluntly. He kept his stance of guarding the inner gates from us. I held back laughing at all this but decided to play into this show.

“Much was needed to be done for Her Highness to be proven as loving her people.” I retorted with a half growl. I stiffened and stood my full height in an Atlantian military stance. “And my guest is the most honorable Envoy of Atlantis, my true lord and master.” I announced in a loud rolling voice. A thunderous murmur waved through the crowd as the royal guards stiffened to parade stance. “I do not have time for this Magus Greyman, Dia’s pet Knight must be kneeling at her knee before she...” I continued but could not say more as the old man had me in a surprisingly tight hug.

“You are no pet in her eyes, Atlantian knightly hero and great friend to us all.” he returned finally laughing softly. I could see the shine of unshed tears in his eyes.

“Very happy to be meet by you, grandfather.” I replied letting myself relax in his grip.

“Grand father?” Meli gasped at my back. I glanced back to watch her pale faced shock.

“A term of endearment possibly.” Sert remarked with only a shrug. The crowd, guards, and all were drawn to the laughter erupting from Lord Kestrel and fill the air with this merry sound. Sert said something but it was lost in the laughter while Lord Kestrel dismounted without assistance. He landed hard on his feet before bringing his walking staff to hit the ground in a dull thump. He moved slowly, flowing with regal elegance forward to stand at my side to face Greyman. He bowed deeply as he reigned in his laughter at our little show for the citizens of the city.

“Lord Kestrel, Envoy of Atlantis, requesting an audience with her majesty, Queen Diadem.” he announced promptly. “It is regarding the behaviour of my newest household guard.” he continued quickly. The slight side glance he gave me had me glancing from him to Greyman and back nervously. A barking laughter escaped Sert while Meli groaned under her breath. They had moved to stand behind us. “Best to hear it directly from this noble sage and her majesty than waiting for your report, yes?” my Master teased me. With a smirk on both our faces, I nodded with a mock sigh before the creaking of the gate caught my attention. Artea had made herself present sliding out to meet us.

“Stop this childishness Magus.” she chided him with a sour grin. “The Queen wishes her Knight at her side, immediately.” she continued bluntly at the old man. Her eyes turned towards Lord Kestrel, cold grey with barely a hint of life showing their. Her silvery scythe amulet hung in full display now at her throat. “Envoy of Atlantis, your request is accepted so we may have you hear the praise for your guard’s most noble deeds.” she stated to him with barely a hint of formality. She nodded pulling the edge of the gate open wider for us to enter. Those eyes turned on me now. “The guards will get those supplies transferred to the needy within the city while you present yourself and your friends to the Queen directly.” A quick hidden wink was all I received showing her emotions about my return. “Please follow me.” she added ushering us forward. Before I could step past the gate, she had my hand at her elbow, escorting me personally at the head of our delegation.

“Thank you Artea, Priestess of Death and Honor Guard to Queen Diadem.” I state to her, walking beside her in a natural pace matching hers. A quick glance behind me showed that Greyman walked beside Lord Kestrel while Sert and Meli walked at our tail. No other guards appeared along the pathways and corridors leading to the throne room but my nose showed we were not going unnoticed. “You must admit to her your actions in returning her to her throne.” I whispered to Artea. She looked at me shaking her head dismissively. “As I must tell Dia why I could never stay with her nor can I spirit her away from here.” I confided in her. This earn me a very direct scowl.

“You would not dare!” she hissed under her breath at me.

“Her place is here as yours is at her side, Artea.” I returned calmly. “I could never be as dishonourable as removing her from her people.” I added softly. Artea’s eyes softened as she looked once more towards me. I ignored the conversation at my back while focusing on what I needed to do while here.

“Unfortunately, I do see her willing to give all this away for you, her furry Knight.” Artea returned with a hint of sad regret in her voice. “I have no place here as my debt to Lord Death weighs upon my shoulders.” she admitted. I remembered the vision given to me at our last meeting.

“You will be at her side until you are both very old.” I told her. “You must tell her about risking everything to protect and return her to her throne unharmed.” I stated reinforcing my thoughts about both our truths. “I will inform her if you shall not, Artea.” I added firmly.

Entering the throne room, I placed myself to one side equally spaced from Dia as to Lord Kestrel showing my joint allegiance to both present. Artea stood by me slightly closer to Dia with Greyman mirroring her position on the other side of our combined troupe. They took their turn starting with Lord Kestrel introducing themselves to the Queen as I stood silently watching her face. Her eyes barely looked at my travelling companions staying mostly locked on me. As the litany of introduction ended, she rose to her feet taking a hesitant step towards me before glancing from Greyman to Artea seeking permission to be herself. A nod from the old man and the honor guards sigh, shrug, and looking away was all she needed to act according to her heart’s desire.

I did not attempt to catch her nor stay upon my feet as she pounced onto me. Her face was buried in the fur at my neck with her arms and legs tightly wrapped around my body. I ran my fingers along the back of her head purring for her while my other arm wrapped around her waist keeping her safely in my gentle grasp. I could feel her body trembling with sobs and felt her warm tear soaking into my fur to reach my skin. The strangled gasp from Sert and Meli echoed in the silent room while I heard Lord Kestrel mention something about youth and undignified to lessers. This had a growl shake Dia’s body before she glared at Lord Kestrel.

“Undignified but required to punish my bad Kitty Knight.” she half hissed and half growled back. Petulance showed as she stuck her tongue out at Lord Kestrel before burying her face in my fur. A moment passed of her silent sobbing before her head rose once more. The twisted smirk and gleam of mischief in her eyes meet my glance before slowly turning towards Lord Kestrel once more. “You are the one he calls Master, yes?” she asked in a sweet purring voice.

“Dia!” I exclaimed.

“His decision to stay is his own to make and I will not change this fact, Queen Diadem.” Kestrel stated with a hint of sadness, possibly, in his voice. He slowly bowed towards her. “His age would prevent me from simply allowing him, a child, to decide.” he continued slowly. I knew what was coming and I could not prevent this moment. “He is barely a hundred years old while my other companions are near their 300^th years of life or so.” he informed her then paused. Artea’s and Greyman’s face turned to look in shock at me while Dia turned while still straddling my stomach. Everything melted away in my mind as my eyes remained locked with hers.

“They speak truthfully Dia.” I stated softly purring. “If I remain with you, I will witness your death which would destroy my heart.” I continued in that same soft purr. My hands took her face gently preventing her from turning away. Tears swelled up in both our eyes but I was not done. “Bringing you to Atlantis would be the only way you would live as long as me but they need you more than even our feelings, Queen Diadem.” I warned her gently. “Another stands by you deserving to be your Knight and Guardian, having offered her own life for yours to be protected.” I added before giving Artea a quick glance. As my hands took Dia by her waist easily lifting her to her feet, Artea mooved to assist her highness to stand beside me. I worded silently “Keeping her safe is His wishes from you”. She held Dia by her shoulders allowing me to shift into a kneeling position facing her.

“Come my Queen, stand proudly for your Knight.” Artea stated but her eyes were upon me. “I give you permissionto tell her of my actions, kindred warrior spirit.” she directed at me before dropping to her knee beside Dia. Her form matched mine with both our heads lowered.

“The priestess of Lord Death requested Him to keep you safe until you could return to your rightful throne.” I told her slowly increasing my pace of speech. “She offered her own life as payment for yours, Dia.” I rushed forward. My head rose to lock eyes with her. “She kneels beside you alive and as worthy as myself to be your Royal Knight.” I concluded with a deep growl. My head dropped as I felt His presence before the musical chuckle floated around the room.

“You should not worry so much.” Death said softly in his deep musical tones. “The cat knows I will only claim her once her assigned duties are done.” he continued easily. I felt frozen in place and knew with but shifting my eyes that we were all trapped in this frozen moment able to hear his words. “She must keep you safe from now until you are both old and grey together, silly little Queen.” he added with his melodious chuckle filled the throne room. I realized I could move as Lord Death’s chuckle faded from the room signalling his departure.

“Young Kestrel!” Lord Kestrel snapped loudly in the room. I was on my feet turning instinctively to face him in stiff formal stance. “You have been making very odd friends, have you not?” he asked of me. I shrug and shrank before his raised eyebrowed glare. “You will truly grow into a good member of my retinue, kitten.” he added softer. His proud smile towards me had me straightening to my fully height. Slowly I felt my face smiling back as my hand moved to give my Master a crisp Atlantian salute. He nodded still beaming at me with pride for my actions so far.

“Maybe we should have taken a separate path from Lord Kestrel.” Sert mused out loud to be rewarded with a solid slap at the back of his head from Meli. The second slap sounded like thunder in the quiet room as he tried to say more.

“Hush! Idiot, we are in a throne room!” she chided the warrior like a big sister even if she was younger than him. “But you have been too visible!” she directed her anger and annoyance towards me. “You could have been captured for some side show or killed by priestly zealots as a demon offspring.” she snapped at me. I felt the floor slowly starting to tremble realizing her heightened emotional state was triggering her earth bound magic. With a quick glance around, I knew they all felt this tremor growing stronger.

“Enough!” Lord Kestrel bellowed as the tremors stopped instantly. Meli still glared angrily at me but was back in full control of her emotions and magic. “As a cursed Royal Guard, his feral nature gives him better instincts than either of you two, or even Cole.” he told the two senior members of his household. He turned back to me looking tired and mildly annoyed. My eyes slowly pulled away from Meli still shivering from her anger. “Lord Death shattered the blade with his scythe, correct Redpath?” he asked in a casual and soft tone. I could not speak but nodded my acceptance to his question. “He has linked your life to hers Artea as payment for your request to safeguard your Queen.” he informed Artea with a nod and smile. “Now can we return to a proper meeting with her Royal Highness Diadem before falling into our casual behaviour?” he added before placing himself back upon the spot he stood as we entered. A shy chuckle escaped most of us as they returned to their starting post. I sighed and took my proper place beside Sert, keeping him between Meli and myself. Dia noted my change and signalled Artea and Greyman to bracket her throne completing the perfect image with her standing regally before her throne.

“Be well meet within my kingdom and Castle, noble travellers.” Dia announced in a strong voice that filled the room. “I, Queen Diadem, offer you anything required for your voyage to return home.” she continued slightly softer. Her eye lingered on me before she spoke again. “Be at peace and safety within my walls, noble Atlantian friends.” she concluded giving Greyman a quick glance. His reassuring smile had her relaxing but still standing poised before us.

“You are a gracious and righteous ruler and we of Atlantis are humbled to spend a trio of days, if possible, within your Royal Halls.” my Master returned taking a knee with a deep headed bow towards her. I saw the sparkle in her eye at this request. I and Meli moved as one to take Lord Kestrel by the elbows while Sert hand at his back and shoulder balancing his slow and difficult rise to his feet. “I am sorry but events have me mildly indisposed, your majesty.” he reported as we held him standing. “My healer Mekiliean shall tend to my needs while my Honour Guard Sertian watches over us.” he continued formally assigned each of them work. “I will leave young Redpath as our known representative during this time.” he added as I froze at his side.

“Yes sir, but...” Meli started giving me a glance I could not read. Sert stepped to block her view of me replacing my hands with his own to assist Lord Kestrel.

“As you command, Lord Kestrel.” he replied loud enough to bury Meli’s words of protest.

“I am not trained as a diplomat, Master.” I reminded him softly and nervously. I only learned later that my tail swished like a pendulum behind me showing my nervousness at this new role placed upon me.

“You will do as you are ordered.” Sert retorted before anyone else could speak. “You have done as well, if not better than us, during our first outing in the wide World.” he told me in a softer casual tone. He gave me one final smirk before assisting Lord Kestrel from the room with both Artea and Greyman escorting them. I stood alone looking at the now closed door before feeling Dia’s arm wrapping around my waist.

“They give us time to discuss and have a lifetime in but a few days.” Dia whispered in my ear. “Do not waste a moment my sweet feline.” she continued as her grip tightened on my body. “Let me spoil my beloved kitty knight, please?” she concluded. Her body was pressed against mine and I could feel her shivering and smell fear tinting her natural odour.

“Three days to simply be Kestrel and Dia once more?” I replied in a deep throated purr. I heard and felt her giggle as she attempted purring back as her answer to me. “If you keep improving speaking the cat tones, you will have every cat in your kingdom here to serve you as I will always do.” I told her softly. The chuckle rolled from my body to blend with her giggle as I turned in her arms to face her. We hugged both laughing in our own way silently accepting this quiet but potent sign of our feelings for each other.

“Let me show you the gardens, please?” she asked in a whisper.

“Anything you wish, I am but your humble Knight.” I replied finally releasing her. With her hand upon my arms we walked through the halls of her palace receiving salutes, bows, and curtsies showing the love of the people for their Queen. Our steps were light and nearly soundless making our presence only noticeable on sight alone. “You have learn to step as lightly as a cat, my Queen.” I stated as we entered the inner courtyard. I paused seeing the beautiful natural atmosphere she had turned this place into. Trees, bushes, cobblestone pathways, flowers, and natural fountains could be seen within this large inner courtyard.

“My garden as I have been able to arrange it so far.” she announced cheerily to me. “It is as beautiful as your Lord Kestrel’s garden?” she asked more quietly.

“It is different but wondrous.” I answered slowly. “I do doubt you need Melkilian’s herb garden to try making it look like home for me.” I continued softly. “It is perfect and speaks of your overflowing heart, sweet Dia.” I added seeing her shine with happiness and pride.

“I wish I could see your garden and your lands, my Knight of the Redpath clan.” she whispered to me. “You have told me that all the Royal Guards are of a feral nature but why did your Master call you cursed?” she asked softly after we had walked in silence towardds the centre of her Royal Garden. I stopped turning her to face me fully.

“All the Royal Guards live under the beastly curse which is why we are feral.” I started explaining to her. “But I am a rare case that cannot mostly appear human like.” I informed her. “And it is not because I am too young either, Dia.” I added shaking my head.

“Which bring up my other question disturbing me.” she returned softly. “How can a hundred years old be seen as an infant?” she asked looking more confused. “I am only thirteen years old but seen as an adult and a Queen but you are older and still considered a child.” she continued sounding distraught.

“Because of our longer lifespan, Atlantians are not seen as adults before they are two-hundred years old.” I reported to her before she could continue. “To my knowledge, Sert joined the guard cadets upon turning 130 years old, and was assigned to Lord Kestrel after he had reached his 200 years.” I explained casually to her. “Meli was younger than him but Her Holiness assigned her personally to my Master even if she was not an adult in Atlantian eyes.” I continued trying to keep it light while revealing these truths to her. “That was nearly 150 years ago and I have only been with Lord Kestrel for maybe twenty years now.” I told her. “I am barely 70 years old now, having been born during Lord Kestrel’s absence from Atlantis.” I added calmly. I kept my eyes locked with hers reading if she understood my explanation.

“It still makes you much older than me.” she returned before a silvery giggle escaped her. I could not tell if it was true or nervous laughter. “But it is common for young ladies to marry much older men.” she continued still half giggling. “If I was not a Queen, would you then take me as yours?” she asked blushing deeply.

“That is a complex question considering the mating ideals of the Feline Guards.” I started but she placed a finger on my lips.

“Felines have multiple mates and all I need to know that I would be one of them if I was not royalty, kitten?” she asked more directly. My answer came in the reprisal on how she convinced me to be with her. I kissed her with one hand caressing the back of her head. As I pulled back, her eyes glowed, but were also wide. “My Kestrel?” she whispered. I nodded before rubbing my cheeks against hers.

“Always.” I whispered back before pulling her along to return to our quiet walk.