Redpath's Journals: It Is Easy to be a House Cat (17)

I will not reveal much of my actions within the shadows of Atlantis, but I must admit that the Royal Archivist does keep a very well organized library. It made it easier to collect a copy of the memories from both the Royal and Council Guardsmen to supplement the documents I acquired from multiple sources around Atlantis. The most damnable documents would be the decree from a foreign kingdom bearing their royal emblem and missives from this kingdom and the Royal Advisor himself. I may have feign my inability to read but I knew what those two main documents revealed.

Orders, that had been agreed to by the traitor ship captain and royals, to kidnap younger Atlantians was a heinous act akin to declaring war upon Atlantis. The Royal Advisor Coltæn agreed to all this assuring he would make these missing youth appear as they had ran away from their duties to Atlantis. With this simple assurance, it turned all the kidnapped youth into traitors to Atlantis which would be killed upon their return to Atlantis silencing any suspicions of such a dark plot. The betrayal to Atlantis from the man who advised the Royals was repugnant to me as much as I knew it would be to the man I served.

A very odd thought entered my mind at this moment leading my silent fleet padded feet towards the member that was looked down upon within our household. It may have been my instincts but it felt more than this as I passed by the Council sector. I found Cole just outside the Council chambers by the pathway along one of the many dolphin pools. I could hear him grumbling under his breath as he held an open scroll in his hands. It soundless crept up behind him reading the report he held.

“Best they are never allowed to leave the harbor again, yes?” I remarked. He jumped and spun at me with a dagger already in his hand. My hand had his wrist in a tight grip as I purred at him. “No need to stab the House Cat.” I purred as his eyes focused on me standing there.

“And his name-sake appears again.” he replied relaxing visibly. “It is beneath you as part of the Royal Guards bloodline to get your claws dirty with this.” he continued calmer but still annoyed. The dagger had return to its hip sheath soundlessly. I tilted my head while looking into his eyes as words from Lord Kestrel floated through my mind regarding my strengths. “What is it?” he snapped at my silence.

“It is not something you should be involved in as well by being part of Lord Kestrel’s household.” I informed him. I reached out and plucked the scroll from his hand. “I will allow Lord Kestrel to direct this mission to more bloodied hands.” I told him with a smirk. “It will be dealt with without either of us reeking of blood, alright?” I added softly. My head tilted in the other direction waiting for him to allow this to happen. His eyebrow raised slowly as he inspected me noticing the blackened leather armor I wore being Sert’s old suit when Kestrel had first arrived upon Atlantis.

“Why do you think this is a job I do not relish doing?” he ask slowly.

“Because we do not need to nor is it something I see your heart accepting easily.” I returned purring calmly. I straighten my head and stood at my full height. I bowed to him and was gone into the shadows before he could react. I already suspected that this newly acquired document would be handed to Chilörąn but that would be Lord Kestrel decision and not mine. As I scrambled up and along the top of the wall that kept our training ground separated from prying eyes of Atlantis, I heard the thunderous cracking of the test dummy being destroyed. Lord Kestrel wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand as my feet touched down on the ground by a bench which held a clean towel. I snagged the towel and walked forward to stand before him with the towel held out to him.

“What do you have to report?” he asked in a soft voice. He placed a towel over his head hiding his face as he crouched by me. I revealed all that I had discovered including Cole’s undignified order from the Council. I laced my words with purrs, yowls, and softer meows allowing only Kestrel to know what I said. He smiled soundlessly as I reported. “Well done!” he exclaimed. “This will help me protect Atlantis.” he concluded as I smiled back at him.

“Will Coltæn receive his due justice?” I asked in a soft purr. I also held up the scroll acquired from Cole. “To the kitchens?” I suggested without emotions.

“Yes, and the dolphins will want words with him about these ideas.” he answered stony face and in blank tones. “His boat of cohorts will know a chef’s vengeance long before dawn finds them.” he stated with a hint of a feral grin. I allowed my feline beast to surface matching his grin, showing my fanged teeth, as I nodded back to him. I knew why I followed this man. Though violent, his actions were pure and honorable compared to the treasonous behavior of an Atlantian Royal Advisor.

“You will have a new sturdier practice dummy before next nightfall.” I returned softly. “I will inform the armory this night, sir.” I told him as I was stepping back into the shadows. He was the only being that would have heard my scurrying steps up, along, and down the wall back to the streets as I left him. It was a quick trip to the Royal Kitchen finding Chichi waving goodnight to one of the ambassador’s family at the kitchen door. My sigh drew his attention to me as I silently approached. He tilted his head to one side with a confused look on his face. I held out the scroll I had confiscated from Cole.

“A problem that Lord Kestrel cannot directly deal with.” I said in a soft purr. He took the scroll and read it quietly. His smile grew as the smell of alcohol burned off his body. I gave him one last nod before continuing my path to the Royal Armory as twilight turned into night upon Atlantis. I did not hide my presence as I followed the dim lit road to quickly order a new training dummy for Lord Kestrel.

“I see a sneaky kitten that gained foreign armor.” the head of the armory greeted me. “You are not wearing the armor you’ve earned Redpath clansmen?” he ask tsk’ing me with his tongue clicks.

“It is knightly armor from a Queen that is close to my heart.” I replied softly. “Something I will wear once Lord Kestrel allows it and during special moments upon Atlantis.” I told him. He eyed me closely with his arms crossed at his chest. “I only wear this one to show my allegiances to Lord Kestrel.” I stated under his scrutiny. “I am actually here because Lord Kestrel’s practice dummy has been destroyed and a new more sturdier version will be required.” I informed him standing slightly subdued under his gaze.

“I can have one sent tomorrow to replace the broken one.” he answered slowly.

“That is perfectly acceptable.” I returned with a quick fluid bow. “I will request to use my new armor more often if you would like to have a view of it, sir.” I added politely. I did not exactly consider it proper to wear knightly armor from a foreign land while on Atlantis but he seemed driven to have me donning my gifted armor. We parted company as I considered where to go now that my duties were done for tonight. I could visit the harbor and watch the events, shadow Lord Kestrel to watch him dealing with the traitor, or simply return home to guard the house while he is it out.

I decide to slowly drift by the harbor and return along the pathway Coltæn would be taking to reach the ship. I did discover passing by the harbor a scene that made me change my mind rather quickly. Chichi stood by the sandy shore disrobing and neatly folding his kitchen whites including his apron before wading into the water with only a pair of butcher’s cleavers in his hand. I froze in the shadow and watched as the first strangle scream floated from the ship. One sailor tried to escape but a harsh slash hooked into his back to drag him backward into the ship. The sounds of screams and strikes of the cleaver seemed dulled in the air that barely reached my ears until it all became silent once more.

Chichi suddenly reappeared from the shadows upon the deck of the ship. As he moves into the moonlight, the liquid sheen of blood coating his body was easily visible. He dove into the water of the harbor barely making ripples or a splash. As he raised in the water closer to the shore, I watched as her washed off the blood before returning to collect his still clean white clothing. He took one of the butcher’s cleavers and ran it along his apron leaving a single trail of watery blood upon the mildly blood marked surface. I was barely breathing as the little chef looked around and his eyes meet mine. He smiled and gave me a quick wink before slowly walking away whistling an off tuned melody heading back to the Royal Kitchens. I shuddered and continued along my path heading home.

My eyes fell upon another scene of oddness upon Atlantis as I waked by the dolphin pool to see the remains of Coltæn ripped apart floating in an empty pool darkened by his blood. I paused for a moment to enjoy the vengeance placed upon this traitor to his own people while a foreigner sits in a position to save all the people of Atlantis. As I turned to walk away, I notice the bottle sitting upon the marble edge of the pool. I sneaked over to sniff at the half fill bottle. The smell of blood, strong wine, and herbs touched my nose as my mind reminded the breath Meli had after her time in the kitchen with Chichi while Lord Kestrel dispatched the sanity of a single treacherous fairy. I chuckled under my breath before stepping away with a satisfied smirk. Our home was silent and dark as I arrived using the stealthy path to enter and curl up in a tree in our inner garden.

“Redpath! Full proper armor today!” Sert called from the entrance to the garden. “We appear as a fully retinue with Lord Kestrel in the Royal Court.” he added before rushing out. I spotted that he had places my knightly armor inside the edge of the private garden. I quickly slipped out of my simple leathers to quickly strap on armor that felt as perfect as my furry skin. I stood tall and straight as I joined them in the foyer to be escorted to the Royal Throne room. This was the moment I would be seen as a true part of Lord Kestrel’s retinue and household and seen by all within the Atlantis. I had but one worry if the Holy Queen noticed another Queen’s emblem upon my heart.

I walked between Sert and Meli with Cole behind me as we followed Lord Kestrel into the throne room directly to stand before the Holy Queen’s dais. Whispers about the Usurper Queen’s curse floated around the room with comments of the evil actions that happened overnight in Atlantis. Kestrel bowed in proper flowing Atlantian fashion remaining in this servile position. As a team, we mimicked his bow in unison remained bent low before the Queen of Atlantis. King Munin’s absent was ignored as we showed our reverence to Annianka, the Heart and Queen of us all.

“Rise Lord Kestrel.” she called from her throne. “A dark deed has occurred and We, the Throne, requires your advice and assistance.” she stated clearly and loudly into the room. Slowly Kestrel rose to his feet showing his full height while we four remained in place like statues behind him.

“What could have occurred for your Holy Highness to call upon a lowly Envoy, such as myself?” he asked humbly to her. The strangled gasping hiss from the crowd had us ready to rise but held our position of servile behavior. Kestrel shoulder slumped slightly as he began pacing along the space before the twin dais of the Queen and King. “Your Royal Advisor, Coltæn, being found shredded in a dolphin pool along the pathway to the harbor?” he mused out loud. He did not hide the destination the traitor was trying to reach. “Or the boat full of foreigners butchered in that same harbor?” he continued his teasing. He aligned his step with his words to end up standing before the Holy Queen. “Which of these deeds that rarely happen upon Atlantis do you speak of, your Majesty.” he concluded. He stood facing her Holy Highness waiting as the room exploded around him while we held our positions.

The court gasped and shouted accusations at Lord Kestrel directly. He stood looking at the Queen ignoring their words as we did the same but I noted those that spoke the loudest and defamed my Lord the loudest. I slight signal from his hand had us finally standing in our triangular position with me at the center behind him. I could hear both Meli and Sert grinding their teeth by the insult leveled toward Lord Kestrel. A small series of pops behind me told me that the straps holding back Cole’s daggers had been snapped off for easy access. I stood in perfect parade stance with barely the hint of a growl deep in my throat. I would have my action as Lord Kestrel had decided before we arrived here and why I stood in this protective triangle.

“Your gift of visions serves you well, Lord Kestrel.” Queen Annianka bellowed in the room. The disgruntled words choked in their throat as the complaints turned into milder grumbling in the background. “A nearly empty bottle of strong liquor laced with Dragon’s Blood found by the dolphin pool explains our Advisor’s demise at the hands, per say, of the dolphins he must have tried to violate in his stupor.” she announced to the room. This statement gained perfect silence in the Throne Room and caused a scent of fear to waft around us.

A pair of events ruptured this stunned stalemate nearly at the same moment. Ambassador Socotra’s entrance and the King’s undignified arrival. The Ambassador screamed for justice for his sailors while the King dropped into his seat wearing a perfumed reeking night robe hanging still mostly open. The miasma of the perfume and sex nearly made me choke but I held my place. The commotion of both actions had the room filling with comments that barely remained as whispered buzzing. Lord Kestrel side-steps as the Ambassador strode to the dais targeting the queen. His feet barely reached the first step when crossed spears forced him back. With a grumbled slur, he turned to repeat this actions towards King Munin. I cannot be sure if my arrow or his concubine’s bolt was targeted at Socotra first but his head was mine while the King’s toy had his heart targeted. No one else had moved to protect King Munin which was not a surprise to me knowing the Royal Guards held Lord Kestrel in higher standing than the King.

“Do your Guards believe me more of a threat to your Queen than to yourself, King Munin?” Socotra asked arrogantly. His face was red from the anger of having his countrymen slaughter in the harbor. All his weapons shivered before they jumped away from him to land by Lord Kestrel’s feet.

“No.” he told the Ambassador. “The Royal Guards do not wish you to be utterly destroyed by the Holy Queen for your childish arrogance.” he remarked in a deep toned calm shout. “As for the King being threatened by you.” he added. The derisive chuckle had the Ambassador turning more fully to look at Lord Kestrel. “You had no chance of that before dying badly.” he added. He signaled towards me and the concubine with that chuckle still rolling around the room. Socotra glanced passed Kestrel to see me targeting his head with a bow and arrow that had, to those present, appeared from nowhere. His eyes shifted toward the King’s Throne to spot his concubine holding a hand crossbow leveled at his chest from the corner. The King grinned like a fool as he stood to shove the Ambassador back never knowing how well protected he actually was with only two projectiles.

“Stay in line or We will make you leave, underling.” Munin threatened him. He plopped back upon his Throne with a sneering grin as if he was untouchable by mortal bloodlines. As my bow lowered, my eyes meet the King’s concubine’s eyes. Her hand lowered at the same speed my bow did while the corner of her mouth had risen in a half smile. Our weapons sat aiming at the ground when she nodded to me with the hint of a blush showing on her face. I turned to see the Queen on her Throne glaring towards Munin openly.

“Well said, Your Highness.” Kestrel returned calmly. “But a lost village can attest to never underestimate your Holy wife’s ability to protect herself and those faithful to her.” he warned the King openly and plainly. The Queen’s glare touched Kestrel for but a moment before turning back to her supposed King. “As for the slaughter in the harbor.” he hesitantly hazarded to the room. “These documents may clarify unknown information about the ship, crew, and its captain that would have lead to such a slaughter occurring.” he explained slowly. I stepped forward to deposit the many scrolls, correspondence, and copies of the memory crystals upon the lowest step of the Queen’s dais between both Royals. I easily stepped backward to regain my place safely within the triangle. I could feel the Ambassador’s eyes following my every moves. Sert and Meli moved to be closer to my sides while I heard the step of Cole moving to guard my back. I stood without hiding the fact I bore another Queen’s emblem at my breast while acting as the perfect servant to Lord Kestrel and the Holy Queen.

“What of the captain and crew?” Socotra asked in a calmer tone. He ignored his weapons scattered between Kestrel’s feet and the Queen’s dais. The Holy Queen leafed through the evidence while one last scroll remained in my possession. She slowly passed them to the King floating them upon air currents directly to his hands. Her face betrayed no emotions remain calm and regal as the level of this dark plot was fully exposed to her. King Munin reaction was the opposite as his face filled with rage and redness as his grip whitened on the scrolls in his hand.

“Will Ambassador Socotra explain the actions of his countrymen upon Atlantian shores!” he bellowed with the hint of a growl at the ambassador. He tossed the first of many scrolls at the man as he stood. “And will our noble and trusted Envoy explain how he discovered of these deeds!” he stated without looking away from the Ambassador. His glare was easily as vicious as the most terrifying beast at this moment as he rose to his full height. I was at the Ambassador’s elbow, gently guiding him a step back allowing Sert, Meli, and Cole to reform a triangle around him. This action had the two purpose of keeping him from running and protecting him from the King’s rage.

“Best I explain first Your Majesties as the Ambassador discovers things he is ignorant about.” Lord Kestrel stated calmly. He stepped to turn our protective triangle into a diamond with him standing before the King. “In part, my information was gleaned from my gift of seeing events without being present.” he explained softly. I heard the musical undertones that slipped into his voice vaguely reminding me of Lord Death’s voice with a slightly higher timber.

“A very useful talent indeed.” the King returned calming. The focus of the entire court had shifted from the Ambassador to all focusing upon Lord Kestrel. Munin’s color shifted slowly back to normal as he now dealt directly with Kestrel.

“From this I sent my newest retainer, and name-sake, to investigate and retrieve proof of my visions.” Lords Kestrel stated slowly at a measured pace. The thrills of notes hidden in his voice had everyone returning into a calmer state. “The rumors would easily be dismissed as hearsay by any noble Ambassadors who trusts his people.” he continued removing some of the blame from Socotra’s shoulders. “While I was able to gain assistance from both divisions of Guards to gain these documents shown to both of you.” he explained indirectly what had happened. “Between young Kestrel of the Redpath clan and the Royal Archivists, I was able to match these events with the combined reports, found upon the memory crystals, from the noble Guards of Atlantis.” he clarified to them. It was now clear how the sheer volume of information had been made possible for the Royals and their court to review. “But I can shed no light regarding the slaughter other than calling it Atlantian justice at work.” he concluded with a flourish of a bow. Everything seem to freeze in that instant as all this information was being fully understood by all present within the Throne Room.

Kestrel's Journals: A Day At Home With Friends (16)

“I heard that issues have arisen regarding the Ice Dragons.” Meli suggested as we reached the roadway to head homeward.

“The Council will possibly have need of me.” Cole interjected with a shrug. “Plus, I have never truly liked cold terrains.” he admitted with a smirk. This moment of admittance to his preferences showed his pleasure and his employers’ pleasure of myself and my newly acquired position as the Throne’s Ear. He stopped to bow at us before going to report to the Council of all this extra information. He stopped barely a few steps away before turning and motioning young Kestrel to him. Purrs and whispered hissing was exchanged before they both laughed and Cole finally departed with a skip in his step.

“He may be a snake of a person but I believe he is fully your viper, Lord Kestrel.” the feline told us while still purring merrily. We continued along the pathway, Meli at my side and Redpath shadowing our steps.

“It can wait a few days while we collect the proper gear for such an expedition.” I replied to Meli. “First to place an Ambassador on notice.” I announced business like. “Then you will explain your comment, young Kestrel.” I tossed back to him. As we arrived home, we discovered how quickly word of my new position had traveled through Atlantis.

Sert stood already wearing his new armor which blended advanced metallurgical and the finest leather available only in Atlantis. The deeply etched emblem of the Royal House of Atlantis and the moniker of Honor Guard shined upon his heart from the silver piping making the design a false three-dimensional image. He held out my new suit of armor in the same original ancient leather style with the hidden Atlantian mixed metal ribbing. The Royal House Emblem and Royal Advisor title were lined in golden piping with the same mystical realistic illusion of three-dimensions. Upon a nearby armor stand sat a new version young Kestrel’s knightly armor gifted to him by Dia reformed into a newly made Atlantian mimic. It was bearing not only his knightly allegiance to Queen Diadem but also had a plainer version of the signet at Sert’s breast side by side over his heart.

“Lady Mekiliean, new armor is in her room presently.” Sert announced to us. “No metal but very different from your original armor, Meli.” he concluded with a quick bow towards her. She waved it off moving toward the kitchen knowing we had a guest that would require a good tea and food.

“Was there any issues with our guest during the walk here?” I asked calmly. I ran my fingertips over the leather of my new armor with one hand while my other hand openly reached out towards young Redpath.

None, but Chichi warned me that today’s meals are being covered by the Royal Kitchens.” he returned while Redpath purring chuckle filled the room. I could hear Meli giggling in the kitchen while Sert chuckled like our feline household member. I sighed but said nothing realizing some of them had already deduced that Chichi had been part of the other violent action of last night.

“Redpath?” I stated with a small sneer on my face. A scroll that had not been presented to the Throne appeared in his padded hand to be placed in mine. “I pray the Ambassador is open-minded or saving his skin was a waste of our time.” I added bluntly. I moved towards the inner garden room. Young Kestrel and Sert stood guard over the door. I knew the feline would keep an ear to anything that would signal that I needed assistance from my Honor Guards.

Keeping the silence entering the room, I placed the scroll in Ambassador Socotra’s hands. He glanced at me but I simply sat silently watching him as the most damnable information only existed in his hands. He slowly unrolled the scroll to read the Royal Decree bearing the royal coat of arms of his own Kingdom. He glanced up at me before re-reading the missive slower and more intensely. His still pale color shifted to a deeper and darker shade of red while anger and disgust filled his eyes. I could feel this building rage for his own Royal house. He examined every inch of this scroll to see anything that would let him know it was false but it was in vain. This was truly a command from his country’s Throne making it an insulting mess to his sense of honor. Now I knew he was a true ally to Atlantis.

“Your opinions?” I asked calmly. The answer was a string of swears to make a sailor shocked into silence. I waited not even smiling as he released all the anger and hatred this Royal Decree caused him. I only smiled sadly at him as he finally stopped and slowly regained his composure.

“I cannot believe his Highness would order the kidnapping of Atlantians as slaves, nor stealing technology that will eventually fail us by running out of power.” he finally stated, breathing hard. “But I will look into this event and fix it.” he continued starting to look more relaxed and focused.

“Please keep me informed since what they were stealing was not only labor and technology but this island’s honor and youth.” I returned calmly.

“Tell me who to report to if you are not present, Lord Kestrel.” he retorted with his grin becoming vicious. “If my King is guilty, his head will be yours even if I must collect it myself.” he concluded. Righteous rage had him standing ready to slaughter anything preventing him returning honor to his kingdom’s name.

“Please sit and relax, we have matters of lesser anger to discuss.” I remarked casually. I motion him to his bench with a wave of my hand. “Many trades could help you discover the viper in your midst.” I added in more friendly manner. Meli’s perfect timing held strong as upon this moment she entered with tea and food for both of us. She placed his tea beside him on the bench with a plate of light snacks while collecting the scroll. She floated to place my cup and my missed morning meal beside me with the scroll on my bench. She stepped back to curtsy at both of us before turning on her heels and exiting the garden in perfect silence. “As for contact, any of my household, other than Colêsträ, would be acceptable.” I informed him. “Also, the Royal Kitchen man, Chilörąn.” I added.

“That Chinese criminal pretending to be a cook?” he asked a little aghast.

“Yes, Chichi.” I returned plainly. “The one your sister seems very fond of.” I commented with a half smile. The Ambassador’s eyed me for a moment to see if I spoke truthfully to him. He slowly chuckled as it became clear in his mind.

“Now I have more faith in Chichi with what my sister has told me of her mysterious lover.” he affirmed looking much more relaxed. “As for trades, other than rare metals, nothing would endear me with my Royals to allow me to see them truthfully.” he concluded softly.

“Damascus has a sizable stockpile of iron, gold, cooper, plus many unknown metals that may prove useful to your country with Atlantian conversion techniques.” I replied after a moment of thought. “I believe produce and some manufactured goods may be enough to seal a deal with them.” I surmised pensively.

“Can you make the introductions so I may start on this immediately.” he said cheering up.

“My time is limited but I can arrange an invitation to a tea time meeting of Lady Mekiliean within a few days.” I replied easily. “But for now, have some tea and food as the tension of this morning dissipates.” I advised him. We sat idly chatting while sipping and eating while the morning is wasted away. As the Ambassador left just before the noontime meal, I assigned young Kestrel to watch over him which was not required as a small group of Ferret Guards waited to assure him a safe trip to his residence. I left Redpath to still go with the Ferrets as a chance for him to witness how the Ferret Guards worked together. I returned to the garden to ponder the possible trip to investigate the Ice Dragons issue as another mission entered my mind. Another millennium was nearly coming to a close requiring me to reinforce a seal within the far southern lands were many ice fields where the Ice Dragons lived. It was a personal task I had placed upon my own shoulders since I was the one that created it in the first place. It held a vile creature from trying to consume this world whole but it had also blocked any hope for beings that could be helpful trapped away as well.

Deas arrived with the meals to hold the household nourished until the congratulation banquet Chichi had planned for them that evening. Unlike the normal noontime fare of nuts and fruits, this meal consisted of oriental delicacies, rice balls, and small warmed bottles a sake with the proper number of glasses. A sniff told me this was sake from Chichi’s private reserve meaning it was strong but very tasty. An origami dragon carried Brother Famine’s report to me making sure it was sitting upon my platter. The other’s joined me in the garden to share in this noontime meal as a family. It also gave us a chant to speak securely together without worrying about Deas presence.

“With Flower gone, Redpath has a chance to have a meal with us without being hidden away.” Ser commented. This earned him grimace from Meli.

“Once he returns from his escort duty.” I remarked calmly. The words had barely left my mouth when a shadow flitted from above us landing by Meli’s bench. He gave me a quick salute as he sat beside her. He did glance at Deas before looking at me. I sensed his unasked question.

“Chichi did add a glass for you Deas, so please join us.” I stated. I created a stone bench for him as I motioned him forward. “I truly doubt he would want you starving on such a day.” I added with a chuckle. Since he did not move, I mentally commanded him to come sit and relax. Deas jumped slightly at the touch of my mental gifts but did finally move to take his place on the Bench between my perch and Sert’s bench. He sat quietly barely looking at any of us as we casually spoke.

“You don’t speak much.” Repath commented. He scurried over with a plate and glass for him. “Just sip it slowly like wine and it should not affect you as much especially if you are eating as well.” he explained slowly to Deas before returning to his seat by Meli. And with this simple actions, Deas calmed down but still silently listened while we spoke.

“When are we escaping Cole and Royal duties, oh great Royal Advisor?” Meli asked with a soft giggle.

“I’m surprised you did not call him Flower this time.” Sert remarked with a smirk.

“Need you two start this again?” I retorted calmly. “We have the issues with the Ice Dragons once you explain what is supposedly happening, Meli.” I told her. “Cole will leave us alone since he dislikes the cold temperature.” I added before she could reply.

“Word from the village’s headman reports passive Ice Dragons have been attacking the village and surrounding area.” she informed us quickly. “With no injuries noted, it appears as an oddity to the headman and the villagers.” she added. I nodded my agreement to this oddness.

“Visiting this village will also give me a chance to verify a small personal matter in that area.” I returned easily. For them, this was my agreement to dealing with the Ice Dragon mystery.

“A personal matter?” Sert and Meli asked in unison.

“Yes.” I interjected with a sigh. “I must check on a sealed gate.” I explained. “You may accompany me part of the way but this is a duty that only I can accomplish.” I told them. “Royal duties should be dealt with tomorrow morning, allowing us to depart within a day or two.” I concluded slowly.

“Have you recovered enough for this?” young Kestrel asked in a purring whisper. All eyes turned to me with a hint of worry in them. I smile brightly, nodding to them.

“I will be fully recovered from my mistake in that village before we leave again.” I assured them. A wave of relief came from Meli and Sert but young Kestrel seemed untouched by my assurance. The rest of the hour was based mostly on the required gear for this trip into the mostly frozen lands to the south. I did give young Kestrel orders to remain upon Atlantis this time to keep tabs on everything happening while we were away. After the jovial meal much enhance by the fine sake, they withdrew allowing me to read the report from Chichi. It did not alter my emotional state much as I crumpled and burned his origami dragon when none could see it. With a sigh, I raised to me feet and decided to tour Atlantis. I needed the people to know the new Royal Advisor was approachable and open to Atlantis as much as I formerly was.

The evening meal was taken in our dining hall with my full retinue together and present. Though the meal was exquisitely prepared and offered a large variety of dishes, it seem calmer than a celebratory supper within my household. Friendly but derisive barbs were traded between Meli and Cole while neither truly became angry, only mildly annoyed. Cole did seem surprised by Redpath’s presence at our table but did not voice any objections as the feline ate with cutlery and proper polite dignity. Sert and him did banter mildly about chances to train together which seemed but a facade. I already knew my two warriors had been sparring with each other in secret for a while now. I had sensed the feline as a shadow everywhere I was upon Atlantis since my return and had accepted his presence without saying anything outright. The meal completed and the plates removed as we remained speaking softly before going to bed.

The morning found me slowly climbing down the stairs from the second floor bedrooms directly into the foyer. An annoyed Miss Hope waited to personally escort me to Her Holy Highness. I did not need to look into her mind to feel the waves of annoyance erupting from her. She was an Elite Honor Guard having been sent as a messenger and escort instead of watching over Annianka. I bore the new armor showing my status to the Throne of Atlantis gaining myself a less cold glare.

“Miss Hope.” I greeted her with a nod of my head. “Best we hurry to serve Annianka.” I added in a soft whisper to her. This gained me a momentary icy gaze followed by a quick salute. We left rushing back towards the Queen’s private garden area in perfect silence. She ushered me into the garden ahead of her as a trio of Royal Guards moved to keep any from following us. Her footfalls disappeared as I reached the main pathway leading to the center of the Annianka’s private garden. I felt her chaotic mix of emotions long before seeing her sitting on the grass with her knees at her chest.

“Yes dear, Chichi played upon a ship at the docks two nights ago.” I stated bluntly and honestly to her, She glanced up at me with a shy expression that hide the tumultuous emotions coming off of her. I could not speak seeing her eyes in that moment of hesitation staring at me. The moment past as she raised to her feet launching herself in my arms with a kiss filled with yearning and passion.

“I need you.” she whispered. She clung to me eyes glowing with needs she wanted to make flesh. I returned the kiss with the same deep passion. The rest of the morning and part of the afternoon was spent in the same lovers’ tryst we had before my impromptu departure from Atlantis for a decade or more. As we lay spent, she twisted to one elbow to look into my eyes. I had not seen her face looking this radiant since before she had revealed her forced marriage. “I know you need to help the Ice Dragons.” she stated in a soft nearly childish voice. “Go make Atlantis proud.” she added with another soft kiss upon my lips.

And with that last kiss, we dressed and I left to return to my residence alone. I informed my team that the Holy Queen had ordered I deal with the Ice Dragons immediately opening our pathway to escape from Cole’s spying. Young Kestrel assured me he would keep a very close view upon our viper to make sure he bites the right targets. It earned a chuckle from Sert and myself while Meli just glared at him.

“He will be fine.” I told her as we marched toward the harbor once more. Heavy furs and cold resistant clothing had been sent ahead of us to the Herald which had arrived that morning and already resupplied itself for this new trip. We set sail shortly after our arrival upon the deck. In barely an hour from departing Annianka’s side, we set sail towards the southern reaches of the outer world.

Kestrel's Journals: Facing the Throne of Atlantis (15)

As I entered the Royal Court of Atlantis with my full retinue at my back, I noticed the absence of the erstwhile King Munin. Most of the lower members of the court appeared fearful and leery as we entered. I would get confirmations later from young Kestrel that the whispers of the Usurper Queen’s curse upon the throne without real facts to back their fear. I ignored their whispers and fear filled glares to march with dignity up to the foot of the dais before Annianka. Sert, Meli, and Cole formed a perfect triangle behind me with Redpath centrally placed directly behind me. I bowed deeply in proper royal Atlantian formality holding my servile position. My entourage followed suit a few feet behind me giving all a clear view of Redpath standing as one of mine.

“Rise Lord Kestrel, a dark deed has occurred and We, the throne, requires your advice and assistance.” Annianka stated clear and strong in the room. “What have you done?” mentally slapped me. I slowly rose to my full height while my team remained dutifully prostrate at my back.

“What could have occurred for your Holy Highness to call upon a lowly Envoy such as myself?” I asked her feigning humbleness. The strangled gasps from the crowd and from Cole nearly shattered the servile scene I played for them. Dispensing with this game, I let my shoulders slump slightly as I paced before her. “Your Royal Advisor, Coltæn, being found dead in a dolphin pool along the pathway to the harbor?” I mused out loud. “Or the boat full of foreigners butchered in your harbor?” I continued in that musing tone. “Which deed rarely seen upon Atlantis do you speak of, your Highness?” I concluded stopping before her throne.

The court erupted in gasps and shouted accusations targeting me directly. I stood calm and silent my eyes directly locked with hers. My mind remained tightly locked away from her prying thoughts while my retinue finally raised but staying in position behind my back as they all faced the throne. Sert and Meli looked annoyed at the insults leveled towards me but held their tongue and place in this triangle shaped box around Redpath. Without needing to look, I knew young Kestrel stood in perfect parade stance ready to perform his duties to me on this day which only he knew.

“Your gift of visions serves you well, Lord Kestrel." Annianka finally replied. A strangled silence descended upon the room at her words placed their accusations sheepishly subdued. “A nearly empty bottle of strong liquor laced with Dragon’s Blood found by the dolphin pool explains our Advisor’s demise at the hands, per say, of the dolphins he must have tried to violate in his stupor.” she informed the room. The stunned moments of silence gave me a minute to mentally thank Chichi for dropping a bottle by the pool as he returned to the Royal Kitchens.

This silence was ruptured by a pair of event happening nearly in sync. Ambassador Socotra’s entrance, howling for justice for his slaughtered countrymen, and the King’s unceremonious arrival, swatted in one of his concubine’s night robe improperly closed, had the room erupting once more with activity and comments, not all whispered. I side-stepped as the raging Ambassador stormed passed my retinue and myself, in a vain attempt to climb the dais towards Annianka. Crosses pike staves blocked him once he stepped beyond me pushing him back to where I stood. Still enraged, Socotra moved to repeat his actions towards the King, but none visibly moved to stop him.

“Do your guards believe me more of a threat to your Queen than yourself, noble highness.” he arrogantly stated. His face was livid as he thought he mocked the royals that allowed his people to be slaughtered in their harbor. All his weapon became alive as I stripped them from his body to scattered them by my feet.

“No, the guards do not wish you to be utterly destroyed by the Queen for your arrogance.” I remarked in a deep, loud, but calm voice. “As for being a threat to the King,” I stated with a derisive chuckle. “You had no chance of that before dying.” I added. This gain me a dark glare allowing me to point out the concubine behind the throne and the feline diagonally behind me. Redpath had an arrow notched and aimed at him. The Ambassador’s glance glided from my name-sake to the corner behind the King. The half dress concubine held a loaded hand-crossbow aimed at his heart. The ignorant King grinned like a silly idiot as he sat unknowing about the secondary layer of protection upon him.

“Bah!” Munin interjected. He stood quickly, unfortunately revealing he was barely done with his concubine, to shove back the Ambassador from his dais. “Stay in line or we will make you leave, underling.” he threatened the man. He plopped back upon his throne with a sneering grin that arrogantly showed his belief that he was untouchable by mortal bloodlines. A slew of mental curses poured forth of Annianka as she glared openly towards her forced husband to regain her rightful throne.

“Well said, Your Highness, but a vanished village attests to never underestimate your wife’s ability to protect herself and those faithful to her.” I stated plainly with a hint of a smirk towards the King. Annianka’s dark glare snapped for but a moment upon me before returning to keep a smouldering hatred towards her false King. “As for the slaughter in the harbor.” I remarked getting the attention of everyone within the throne room. “These documents may clarify unknown information about the ship, crew, and it’s captain that would have lead to such answering why a slaughter occurred.” I exclaimed to all. Redpath darted forward to the throne laying scrolls, letters, and memory crystals at the lowest step of the dais before the Queen. He kept his eyes toward the throne as he slide back in place between Sert and Meli with Cole guarding his back. The Ambassador’s eyes remained locked upon the feline’s graceful moves that showed both respect and allegiance to The Queen and myself only.

“What of the captain?” Socotra asked in a calmer controlled voice. His missing weapon were ignored as he moved to my side facing me directly. I could sense the suspicion filling his mind about that ship’s true purpose in Atlantis. This simple reaction proved to me his innocent and ignorance in all the machinations now exposed at Annianka’s feet. The Holy Queen quickly leafs through the evidence before passing them to the King. Her face remained passive learning this dark plot, but Munin’s countenance turned into a mask of blood filled rage.

“Will Ambassador Socotra explain the actions of his countrymen upon Atlantian shores!” he squawked-bellowed at the man. He tossed the first of many scrolls at the Ambassador as he raised to his feet. “And will our noble and trusted Envoy explain how he discovered of these deeds.” he stated as his glare shifted from the Ambassador to myself. He glared from one to the other and back rising to his full height. Anger, and awe shifted in his eyes depending if his gaze was at the Ambassador or myself. Redpath had a gentle hand at Coltæn’s elbow and back gently drawing him back while the rest of my team moved to place him securely within the protection of their triangular position. He could not run but was protected from the livid rage of King Munin.

“He does as time care for his people.” I mentally remarked to Annianka.

“Or it’s a show for his court and consort.” she retorted in my mind. The harsh edge showed she doubted any show of kindness or caring towards Atlantis from this man. I sighed taking a half step towards the King.

“Best I explain first Your Majesties as the Ambassador discovers things he is ignorant to.” I replied calmly. I take another step to place myself between the King and the Ambassador. “In part my information was gleaned from my gift of seeing events without being present.” I began with a hint of musical tones slipping into my voice.

“A very useful talent indeed.” Munin returned. His focus slid upon me as I felt his rage ebbing into annoyed anger only.

“From this I sent my newest retainer, and name-sake, to investigate to retrieve proof of my vision.” I stated in a slow measured pace. “The rumours would easily be dismissed as hearsay by the any noble hearted ambassadors while I was able to gain assistance from the Royal Guards and the Council Guards to gain the documentations you have seen.” I continued calmly. The tale I weaved pulled in how I resorted to use all possible resources to uncover this hidden plot. “Between young Kestrel of the Redpath clan and the Royal Archivists, I was able to collect all these documents with proof upon memory crystals of the combined reports of the Guards of Atlantis.” I explained the sheer volume of information being presented. “But I can shed no light regarding the slaughter other than calling in Atlantian justice at work.” I concluded with a sigh.

With a quick glance, I saw that Ambassador Socotra had read through the scrolls and letters realizing what was happening behind his back. The florid color of his anger was sifting into a pale skin with fear and disgust. He moved to my side and knelt down on one knee with his head hanging low in shame. He held out the few scrolls he had read toward the King in a trembling hand. He remain in this position waiting for the scrolls to be taken from him. Once the scrolls had been removed from his hands and returned to the King, he rose slowly but kept his eyes upon the marble floor in a submissive show of his shame over these events.

“I withdraw my petition in this case.” he murmured quietly in the silent room. His head finally rose to give Munin one quick look before turning to face me. “True justice was served by this slaughter.” he stated clearly in the room. A barely noticeable nod towards me was all I received before the man turned to leave in a numb mental state.

“I would request that the Ambassador allow my man Sertian to accompany him to my lodging so we may discuss a small matter unrelated to this revelation.” I suggested as Sert moved to Socotra’s side. With a simple nod of agreement before drifting out with my warrior assisting him. The silent court waited to hear what had actually happened but they could wait until everything about this case could be completely understood.

“He should be held accountable for his people’s actions.” Munin grumbled after the Ambassador was safely away. The edge of anger was clearly in his tone but misdirected in this case.

“With the lack of an advisor, may I offer counsel to the Throne?” I asked with a bow to both Royals.

“You are one of the few beings that both I and my wife trust, noble Envoy Kestrel.” the King replied softly. He glanced at his wife as he turned to return to his seat. He sat straight back with a regal bearing he had never shown before to the court. I stifled smirking at the mental gasp I received from Annianka as she herself straightened in her seat. She gave her husband a look hinting at surprised respect as he shyly smiled back at her. “We shall head your words of wisdom in this instance.” he finally added as both set of eyes joined all others focused fully upon me.

“Would you condemn a man if a member of his household performed a heinous act?” I began calmly but did not permit them to interrupt yet. “Or would you hold him responsible to handing out just punishment to the one that infracted your laws?” I quickly followed. My gaze went from the Queen to the King waiting patiently.

“It would be his right to dole out punishment without interference as long as he actually does so.” Anninaka replied softly. A slow nod from Munin had her continue her thoughts. “But it is not the case we have before us.” she concluded still calm. She eyed me with curiosity flooding her mind.

“But it is unless the foreigners upon Atlantis suffer from a secondary set of rules that do not apply to Atlantians.” I returned easily. I scratched at my chin looking pensive while waiting for them to understand my counter comment. A slow hesitant nod cam from both Royals for me to continue. “And he has agreed that the slaughter was just punishment, therefore the criminals have been properly punished for their crimes.” I concluded. They glanced at each other then back towards me. A small smile had formed on Annianka’s face while a pensive look ruled Munin’s face.

“Wise words indeed, Noble Kestrel.” she admitted. She glanced once more at her husband who appeared still doubtful.

“What would be gained by punishing one that will heed rumors about his people more closely to keep them in line?” I asked Munin directly. A mix of understanding and anger warred clearly on his face.

“Nothing but showing the vengeance of Atlantis.” he returned without conviction.

“But is it vengeance or simply revenge?” I retorted quickly. “And what would he be replaced with? A man that will not see the honor in what has been done? A person that will deny the facts and claim themselves above such laws?” I charged forward. He had no chance to reply nor argue my points. “A being that will poison the society of Atlantis directly like what was being attempted?” I added bluntly. The murmur of my revealing partially what was behind the slaughtered ship event. I saw Annianka move so subtly it was a bit of a shock even to me. Her hand touched her husband’s arm drawing his eyes to hers.

“His words are wise, my husband.” Annianka stated in a soft caring tone. I could see the pensive nature that had Munin not replying to my verbal assault. Silence stretched until it snapped with a sad but genuine smile upon his face. He nodded to her before turning to face me once more.

“It is best to have a man whose honor is known than a dishonorable stranger in our midst.” the King concluded calmer. The potential of being a truly noble ruler was shown in this simple statement.

“My husband?” Annianka said quietly. He turned to face her once more without losing his noble regal air, this once. “We still will require a Royal Advisor that we both trust and will stand even against us for what is best for Atlantis itself.” she stated as the crowd of nobles in the throne room oddly stepped away from their dais. “And I believe, he stands before us now.” she nearly whispered her words to Munin. I heard the quick reversed step of my remaining retinue to give more room between themselves and the event being forced forward. A soft chuckle escaped Munin as he nodded while turning to face me with his wife.

“Yes, my Queen, Lord Kestrel is the only possible choice we have.” Munin stated slowly with a small grin. “Will you accept being our Royal Advisor?” he asked without demanding it from me. The mentally whispered “Please, my love?” was a soft caress without forcing my acceptance. Silence filled the throne room.

I looked from Munin to Annianka and back again, as embarrassment, mirthfulness, and leeriness warred in my facial ticks. My mind touched my silent companions that mostly worried as this being the end of our adventures in the outer world. Only young Kestrel had a different mindset seeing this as the best step to place me beside Her Holy Highness upon the throne. As for the Royals themselves, it was mixed blessing and disappointment in the same breath. Munin saw my acceptance as a fist to crush those that disagreed with them, as a way to spend more time with his consort, and, a small part saw me, as a way to become a better ruler. Annianka was more straightforward as it gained her more chances to be with me that no one, not even Munin, could interfere with. But a small dark part somewhere in her mind hissed with anger and vehemence at me accepting this position. All these ideals, emotions, and thoughts blended with the mass of mental uttering from the nobles present washed over and through me as I stood silently contemplating this possibility. The conflicting madness of pettiness vied against the honorable thoughts from those nobles was the natural extreme I have always reveled in my entire lives.

“Will you answer? Munin asked with a hint of nervousness making his voice tremble. He glanced at Annianka that had paled from my extended silence. “Have we offended you with this request?” he added as nervousness became fear in his tones. He leaned forward as both his eyes and face blanched with fear.

“To be honest.” I stated in a small soft voice. The silence in the room increased into an unnatural state. In the forests, jungles, and plains of the world, this would signal the arrival of the most feared and powerful predator. “You have taken me by surprise even with my gift of precognition.” I stated slowly. The breath that filled the room as everyone suddenly relaxed was like a rolling thunderous rumble. I held up my hand giving everyone a moment to regain their composure and to decide the words I needed to speak. “This request may be a simple decision for anyone else, but not so for myself as the Envoy of the Ones on High.” I admitted to all those within the room. Leeriness and mirthful pride still warred on my face as I tried avoiding making this decision at this exact moment.

“Explain to us where your problems lies so we may know if we can solve it.” Annianka returned quickly. The both leaned forward on their throne to be closer to me.

“After all you have done for Atlantis, we would never belittle your needs, Lord Kestrel.” Munin piped in still worried. “Please tell us?” he added in a softer tone.

“My duties do not reside simply within the lands of Atlantis.” I replied slowly. “They take me far from here which leaves you without a true advisor more often than is proper.” I explained still conflicted.

“But we have the Royal Guard Captains and the Council, to call upon for daily matters and normal circumstances.” Annianka gently reminded me.

“Aye!” Munin agreed vehemently. “Do not feel forced to leave your other duties incomplete because we wish to have your advice over all others.” he continued as a mirthful gleam shone in his eyes. “Noble Kestrel, you are the only being that both of us and all of Atlantis trust which earns you such a perfect and lofty title.” he concluded with a smile. She giggled at his word as they both looked smiling openly at me.

“If it will not conflict with my duties as Envoy, then I must accept.” I answered unable to resist smiling back at them. “At least it will stop others throwing themselves at you to barely fill your Royal needs.” I added in a whisper to them. I cleared my throat to hide the purring chuckle that slipped out of Redpath at my whispered words. The court erupted in laughter and shouts of congratulations while the dissidents to my acceptance left silently at this point. Meli and Cole noted each of them preparing lists for the Council, the Queen, and myself to be dealt with at a later time. After thanking my well wishers, I requested my leave from the Royals.

“We will expect you to be present in the morn to discuss the slaughter and the possible perpetrator of this action.” Annianka stated calmly. I agreed and was given my leave with the feeling she knew who was responsible for the slaughter. I did not see it as an easy explanation about the little culinary inclined butcher. I gave her one last nod before leaving the court hall with my remaining members of my retinue at my side.

Redpath's Journals: Half-lies And Big Sister’s Problem (16)

As dusk overtook us, I was prancing ahead of the horse without realizing that Lord Kestrel had fallen asleep in the saddle. As he slept, I mused about what else I could learn and see while being in his service. A hint of citrus perfume and brimstone tickled my nose as I realized the second set of footfalls matching mine. A slim human body, raven hair, sparkling red eyes, and white teeth within a pair of black lips meet my eyes walking beside me. She giggled like silvery bells as she noticed me looking at her.

“No worries, messenger of Deidra.” she stated in a soft musical voice. “I am happy she found such a pretty messenger to send word to her cousin.” she continued still giggling. I stared at her dumbfounded gaining me a brilliant smile. “She placed the message here so I am the only one that could read it.” she explained pointing at my heart. “No ill will, no negative effects, no worries, sweet feline.” she informed me with a quick wink. “I am Reina and mostly human, young Kestrel.” she added with another light merry giggle.

“She did not tell me she had done this.” I remarked as a hint of fear returned from last night negative self-contemplation.

“Deidra worries too much to ask for favors but she trusted you with this message to me.” she returned happily. “And I promise she did nothing else to you.” she added. She reached out and glided her fingers along my cheek giggling softly.

“But all I have is your word.” I replied with a shrug.

“Yes, since your heart tells you we are not lying to you.” she returned casually. “And placing a message in you could not harm you or effect you, Kestrel.” she continued easily. “I thank you and bid you a good voyage.” she added before fading from beside me. It was at this moment that Kestrel stirred in his saddle. I chuckled and purred hearing him awaken while not getting embroiled in my unknown messenger service.

“I took a bit of a shorter path along lesser noticeable pathways, sir.” I reported quickly. “We should be entering the town at the same moment or slightly after Sert and Meli.” I informed him nearly dancing forward upon the path. I could not resist giggling as a thought entered my mind. “For them, your discussion was truly a short one.” I stated glancing back at him. I was smirking and happy feeling free within the land.

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

“Nothing happened that I need to report.” I replied casually. “My duties are for you alone and will not speak reports to others without your permission, Lord Kestrel.” I continued easily before turning away. “Therefore, I have nothing to report since you listened and saw everything that happened, yourself.” I added in a singsong voice trying to imitate Lord Death. My purring chuckle drifted back to him as the horsed pranced and neighed it’s own pleasure.

Once in the line trying to gain entry into the town, I left Kestrel side to ask if our companions had already passed through the gates. The guards did at first look shocked as I walked up but quickly calmed as I started speaking to them. One guard stepped aside with me to answer my questions while mentioning the rumors of a heroic feline had came from across the mountains to the town. I did attempt to fluff it off as it could be any cat person but I doubt he did not associate the tales directly with myself as the knighted hero. I did ask about Sert and Meli with a quick description including the heavy mounts they would be riding. This gained me a quick answered that I had just missed them with an offer to cut ahead since I’m a hero of their great lands. I waved this off mentioning I was not traveling alone and it would be impolite allow two of us the privilege of fast entry. He accepted this with a nod as I bowed to him before returning to Kestrel’s side.

“We missed them?” Kestrel asked me. I shrugged and nodded to him.

“They passed through as we were arriving to join the line.” I told him. “And rumors have reached here about a friendly and heroic feline being passing through the area.” I admitted shyly to him.

“And so the legend of the Feline Knight of the Redpath clan is born.” he replied chuckling. My tail swished behind me showing my nervous embarrassment as my eyes raised to meet his. I could not stop myself from laughing at this insane suggestion. “We will be back all together by the time we reach the harbor area of the town.” he stated nearly casually to me. “And we will possibly have a day or two in town before leaving.” he concluded. The hint of annoyance in his tones had me trying to find something to keep his mind occupied while we had to wait in this harbor town.

“If it is the Herald collecting us, they would have waited to resupply until we arrived, correct?” I remarked slowly.

“Yes, it is the Herald we are sailing upon.” he affirmed nodding. “Delaying to have the freshest possible provisions on board for the return trip.” he informed me. I nodded waiting for anything else he wished to reveal to me. “A longboat would collect the daily needs while the Herald safely sits waiting in the harbour for us.” he sated.

The ponderous movement of the entry line was mostly due to the mass of visitors and nothing about the guards being inefficient. Lord Kestrel looked around slowly at the sheer volume of people before us and lining up behind us. I listen to the crowd but was confused by the mixed comments I heard. As he looked down at me, I shrugged and shook my head in confusion. I paced slowly along the length of the line to the front and back to the rear before returning to Kestrel without an answer to give him. My tail was reflexively coiling and uncoiling around my leg as we faced the friendly guards. I noticed they quickly had us moving through the gate’s of the town once they heard we were boarding a ship, unlike the masses that had stood and followed us in the line. They were mostly all sending supplies and other things while not boarding the ship themselves. Once within the town proper, Kestrel dismounted to walk beside me giving us a chance to speak in whispered words.

“It is nothing clearly defined for this heavy flow of outgoing supplies to the other harbor towns and cities along the coastline.” I informed him. “And multiple rumored reasons alluded to but nothing as a common ideal or reason.” I reported slowly and quietly under my purrs.

“Odd but not truly uncommon when multiple rumors fuel their actions.” he remarked too casually. He waited watching me as my tail coiled and uncoiled around my leg and my whiskers twitched while I purred pensively. “What are your thoughts, young Kestrel?” he asked in that same overly casual tone. I was not sure if this was a mystery he found uninteresting or if he was testing to see if I could figure out something he had already solved. We ended up upon the wide way taking us directly to the docks of the town.

“The sheer amount of goods seems very high for these lands, sir.” I hazarded slowly. I was still placing the information in order in my mind as we walked. “You do not dispose of all your goods and supplies unless something very bad is going to happen soon.” I remarked in the same purring slow speech. “The reasons I have overheard do not suggest such a dark event coming upon them.” I added before looking at him once more.

“Yes, it is an odd event.” he returned with a quick nod of the head. “But not truly something we should worry about at this time.” he told me. Though his words were soft, I saw it as an order to ignored it. I could not reply nor question his words as Sert voice reached our ears. With a quick glance, I spotted him yelling and waving to get our attention as he stood at the land’s edge of the dock. “Seems we found them.” Lord Kestrel remarked. We moved together to reach our friend.

“It will take three days or more to resupply the Herald with how overworked the port-men have been lately.” Sert told us as we reached him. Meli’s voice had me turning to see her sitting on the dock’s edge looking towards the water while speaking Atlantian. A tap on my arm had me rushing to her, crouching by her side looking at the longboat from the Herald holding a pair of sailors.

“The kitten found you?” one sailor remarked but received no answer.

“It is not war or colonization since the items are being spread out mostly evenly along the coastline.” the other was telling Meli.

“And multiple different reasons being claimed without a single dominant reason stated to the sailors?” she remarked softly. Both sailors nodded to her. “Intriguing but mostly only a delay in our case.” she concluded.

“A delay is acceptable since Lord Kestrel’s last meeting seems to have invigorated him.” I whispered to Meli. She glanced at me to receive a quick nod. She told the sailor to hurry the resupplying and send word to the closest inn once they were ready to depart. They saluted us and the longboat drifted away while we rose and turned to returned to Sert and Kestrel.

“Captain Destine’s sailors could add nothing from what they have overheard while visiting the town during the wait for our arrival.” she reported to Kestrel. “It’s an exodus of supplies, goods, and minor treasures, but no one is traveling to those towns or cities by water.” she added to them.

“Something about this has my whiskers twitching.” I told them. I know my tone came out in a whining growl getting all their attention. Kestrel nodded to me while scratching idly at his chin. “Could it be some sort of magical enchantment?” I asked Meli. My question lead to a long moment of silence.

“It could be possible but too powerful an ability in lands lacking strong magical energies.” she replied slowly and softly. “I know a magical ether area exist nearby because of the harpies, Lacona, and what feels like a Fairy Mound within an hour or two from this town.” she announced to us. “But nothing strong enough to enchant this many people into action.” she assured us before turning towards Kestrel. “Or am I missing something, Lord Kestrel?” she added to him.

“No magic on those in the entry line nor upon anything or anyone within the town.” he informed us. “We are the only exceptions present and your assessment is correct Lady Mekiliean.” he assured her. “It is simply something we cannot perceive at work here.” he summarized for us.

“More importantly, should we get involved in this oddity?” Sert asked boldly. This had me focusing on the crux of our decision. “As foreigners, they might not wish this mystery solved or find a way to blame us to prevent us solving it.” he gently reminded all of us. A warning as we thought and decided our path. Meli nodded and I followed suit. Kestrel nodded slowly his agreement with Sert acceptance in a quick nod. “And are we acting as representatives of Atlantis, Diadem’s Knight, or simply for justice and honor?” he asked with a half smirk.

“We should not simply interfere in this because it seems not to be causing any direct problems to this land’s people.” Lord Kestrel reminded us softly. “Delays and extra work for the dock-hands is not a hardship which needs changing, correct?” he asked us. With a sigh and a nod we each agreed but still must have looked unconvinced. “And my main goal at this time is returning to Atlantis to recover fully.” he added in a whisper. I stiffened matching Kestrel’s veteran traveling companions while we turned to face him directly. Ser honestly excused himself but I felt Meli and myself feigned our concern. In my case, it was because I knew from the look in his eyes that he had regained much of his strength during the nightlong event with Lacona. He lead us to the nearby inn to claim rooms for the next few days until the Herald was ready to sail us home.

Meli had shot pass me the next morning mumbling about visiting the Fairy Mound that sat near to the harbor town. I had nearly offered to accompany her when my instincts screamed to mention this to Lord Kestrel. His annoyed reaction was not what I expected but his comment did have Sert turning pale. A mound that trained blood lust faeries did ring a warning bell in my mind but it did not feel bad to myself with my constant control over my feral predatory half. While Kestrel kept Sert with him to ride out to the mound, he ordered me to rush ahead to find her and keep her from causing problems.

Her scent was easy to follow but what I discovered upon my arrival was truly sickening to me. The reek of blood warned me what I was about to find, the first of her victims. Skin torn from within as Meli had used his blood to rip him apart from within. I paused trembling as a soft growl had started forming in my throat from the blood heightening my feral instincts. Second body was not in any better a shape as I slowly followed the path of destruction more worried about Meli with every step. The growl became a roar as I found Meli. The scent of her blood lust hit me as she stood cackling maniacally over her latest victim. I could hear his breath and his weakened heartbeat while big sister Meli reveled in bubbles of blood floating around him.

I barely noticed Kestrel’s prompt arrival with Sert at his heels. The hit like a thunderclap upon Meli’s face sent her spiraling as her eyes went dark and closed into unconsciousness. I moved freed from the rage of my feral beastly form to scoop Meli up before she could hit the ground easily tossing her over my shoulder dodging pass Kestrel towards Sert. The warrior spun on his heel clearing a pathway for me as I rushed her towards the exit. I did not hear if Kestrel spoke but heard his footfalls behind mine matching our speed. Sert at point encountered less resistance as the fairies of this mound cleared a path for us to leave quickly. The world ahead of us blurred as my claws forced a stop as we were suddenly upon the deck of the Herald.

“Captain Destine, re-provision and head home at your own pace, since we are taking a faster path.” Kestrel snapped at the Herald’s captain before a second blurring disc appeared which he motion us to rush through it. Kestrel’s anger was palpable in the air as we skidded to a momentary stop in our own foyer back in Atlantis. The first thing a saw was Cole shocked Face as we nearly ran him over redirecting our path directly to Meli’s room. Once she was safely in her bed, I left Sert to watch over her while I returned to Kestrel’s side. I was jumping from the inner upper balcony listening to Cole Speaking to Lord Kestrel.

“Sir Kestrel, we have a problem.” he stated as I launched from the upper floor. “Seems you had an issue with Lady Mekiliean?” he remarked as my padded feet touch the floor stepping to Kestrel’s elbow. “And when did we inherit a house cat?” he concluded with the hint of a smirk of his face. My growl was ignored as Cole’s eyes meet Kestrel’s. He stepped back trembling while I heard Kestrel taking a deep breath. I expected a shout from the man who’s name I bore, but…

“What is the problem?” he stated bluntly but at a regular level.

“The royal Advisor Coltæn is possibly involved in something nefarious but we lack proof to act.” Cole reported hesitantly.

“Redpath! To work!” he ordered and I moved. For once I used the main door but was quickly and quietly slipping between shadows before gaining roof top passageways increasing my speed in my natural element. Everything I would and could find would be placed in Lord Kestrel’s hand quickly since I was his unseen eyes, ears, and claws upon the land’s of Atlantis.