Redpath's Journals: Truth, Surprised Title, and a Watch Duty (18)

Ambassador Socotra’s face slid from angry red to a pale shade of white as he consumed the information on the scrolls. He step forward slowly, as we held back, until he stood beside Lord Kestrel. He sank to one knee with his head down exposing the back of his neck reminding me of Dia’s submissive posture when she was sacrificing herself. In his hand, the few scrolls he had read and viewed as enough truth for him to be shamed by his countrymen’s behavior. He stayed immobile in this position until the scrolls were removed from his hand and returned to the King’s grasp. He rose to his feet with his face still downcast still in perfect silence.

“I withdraw my petition in this case.” he murmured quietly in the silence of the room. It was a thunderous spark having a slow murmur rush around the room. His head finally lifted to look at the King directly in the eyes. “True justice was served by this slaughter.” he proclaimed clearly for the room. Silence returned as he turned to start stumbling towards the doors. Kestrel half turned without stepping to stop him from leaving.

“I would request permission to have the Ambassador escorted to my lodging by Sertian.” Lord Kestrel stated quickly. “We must discuss matters unrelated to this revelation forced upon him.” he suggest. Sert was already in motion as I moved to take his place in our triangular formation. The ambassador gave him a simple blank faced nod as the warrior took his arm to assist him to leave under protective watchful eyes. The silence of the court was mostly to hear what had taken place and why a slaughter was now seen as justice upon Atlantis. Something they would not receive but what they did witness was more of a shock: Munin’s acting noble and wise while a new Royal Advisor was named.

“He should be held accountable for his people’s actions.” Munin grumbled after Socotra was safely away. The edge of his anger was palpable in the room by my animal instincts like an oncoming typhoon’s lightning.

“With the lack of a Royal Advisor, may I offer counsel to the Throne?” Kestrel suggested calmly. He turned and side-stepped to stand in front of both Royals. With a silent shuffle, we moved to be aligned at his back once more.

“You are one of the few beings that We both trust, noble Envoy Kestrel.” The King answered softly. He glances at the Holy Queen as he sat upon his throne properly, even placing the robe more tightly around his body. His back was straight in a royal fashion he had never shown to his court before this one moment. The Queen matched his stiff back royal placement with a mildly shocked look upon her face. This earned her a sad smile from the King. “We shall heed your words of wisdom in this trying moment.” he finally stated as they both turned to face Lord Kestrel.

“Would you condemn a man if a member of his household performed a heinous act?” Kestrel began drawing them into his thought patterns. “Or would you hold him responsible to handling just punishment to the ones that disregarded your honorable laws?” he quickly continued preventing interruptions.

“It would his right to dole out punishment without interference as long as he actually does punish them.” the Queen replied slowly. The king nodded for her to continue. “But it is not the case we have before us.” she remarked calmly. I could see her eyes locked upon Kestrel but could not read nor smell her emotions.

“But it is unless the foreigners upon Atlantis suffer from a secondary set of rules that do not apply to families of Atlantis.” Kestrel returned easily. He gave them time to understand his words by pensively scratching at his chin. With a quick glance between the Royals, they slowly nodded their understanding. “And he has agreed that the slaughter was just punishment, therefore the criminals have been properly punished for their crimes.” he added with a hint of finality. A long glancing pause between them kept them from speaking. A small smile had formed on the Holy Queen’s face as her eyes returned to gaze upon Kestrel. King Munin face seemed more pensive and still angry at this revealed event.

“Wise words indeed, noble Kestrel.” she admitted softly. She glanced once more at the King who appeared doubtful from his simmering anger. I heard a hint of a sigh from Kestrel.

“What would be gained by punishing one that will heed rumors against his people more closely to keep them in line?” he asked to the King directly. Munin’s anger had him holding back from accepting this path of logical reaction.

“Nothing but showing the vengeance of Atlantis.” Munin retorted hesitantly. I could smell his anger slowly receding but still strong enough to hold from agreeing.

“But is it vengeance or simply revenge?” Kestrel countered. “And what would he be replaced with?” he snapped. “A man that will not see the honor in what has been done?” he suggested. “A person that will deny the facts and claim themselves above such laws?” he continued mercilessly. Each statement giving a worse situation for Atlantis and the Throne. “A being that will poison the society of Atlantis directly like what was being attempted?” he added with a blunt snort. A scroll appeared upon Munin lap which was tossed into the group of nobles present after he read it. This revealed to the court what was the truth requiring a slaughter in the harbor and why the former Royal Advisor was slaughtered by the Atlantian dolphins. Did not notice when the Queen moved but her hand was upon Munin’s arm in a gentle touching grasp. He slowly turned to look at her.

“His words are wise, my husband.” she whispered to him. All hint of angry scent left Munin. In a silent pensive state, even after my Lord Kestrel’s verbal assault upon him, the sat straight back. The silence seem to become a frozen moment that would never end. A sad smile slowly grew on Munin’s face before he nodded to the Queen. They both turned to face Kestrel once more as true Royals.

“It is best to have a man whose honor is known than a dishonorable stranger in our midst.” he concluded with a hint of resignation in his voice.

“My husband?” Her Holy Highness said quietly. I half expected for Kestrel to respond but he looked away from her. The King turned to glance at her with his regal pose still fully in place. “We still require a Royal Advisor We both have faith to stand even against us for the benefit of Atlantis itself.” she hazarded this suggestion. The crowd of nobles stepped back from the Thrones possibly sensing what was about to happen. “And I believe, he stands before us now.” she added more directly to the King in a half whisper. We moved at these words, taking two full steps back as one now nearly blocking the doors to the Throne Room. The soft chuckle from Munin sounded sincere as both Royals turned once more to face Kestrel now standing alone with empty space around him.

“Yes, my Queen, Lord Kestrel is the only possible choice We ever had.” Munin stated so slowly while grinning. “Will you accept being our Royal Advisor, most honorable Lord Kestrel?” he asked in a formal fashion. These was not an order like Munin usually forced upon others. It was a true request showing respect and humility from King Munin, known only for his arrogance. The silence roared in my ears as every heartbeat, every breathe, and every smallest movement was clearly audible in the Throne Room. I had never thought that silence would be deafening but this torture to my sensitive hearing inspired insanity in my mind.

The sound of Lord Kestrel’s neck muscles contracting and his spine sections rubbing against each other as he looked from the Queen to the King like a pendulum was akin to metal squeaking on bone. Meli rolling on her heels. Cole’s fingers flexing and unflexing. The hesitant step or inaudible whisper of a breath being held. Every heartbeat rushing to a higher rhythm as the length of silence grew into minutes from seconds. I was on the verge of bolting but could only see Lord Kestrel accepting and placing himself equal to the Royals before him. I could even hear my own muscles tightening and relaxing without being able to move but wanting this fearful silence to end.

“Will you answer?” Munin asked breaking the silence. I could hear his heart beating faster and his hand trembling from what could only be nervousness. He glance at the Queen who’s colour had bled out of her face. “Have We offended you with this menial request?” he continued. His face blanched as I smelt fear from both the Royals but they still leaned forward as one towards the still silent Kestrel. A nearly imperceptible sigh escaped him.

“To be honest.” Kestrel breathed out like a whispering breeze. The silence in the large room grew louder to my ears at this whispered reply. This screamed that the deadliest of creature had arrived in our midst as my clan had thought me. “You have taken me by surprise, even with my gifts of precognition.” he stated slightly louder in the room. The edge of the silence finally slipped into a calmer environment. I could hear the slow breaths from Cole and Meli making me worried they had stopped breathing like I felt I had done myself. A small rumble floated around the room as Kestrel’s hand rose keep comments to a minimum. “This request may be simple thing for anyone that is not the Envoy of the Ones on High.” he concluded. He looked around the room before his eyes returned to the Thrones. What I saw on his face was showing mixed emotions I could not place by smell from him.

“Explain to us where your problems lies so we may solve it, if we can.” the Queen returned quickly as both leaned even more forward towards him. Worry had replaced the scent of fear they had been emanating previously.

“After all you have done, We would never belittle any of your needs, Lord Kestrel.” Munin supplied nearly casually. “Please tell us?” he added in a friendly tone. This oddly respectful behavior had my whiskers twitching and shivers running up my spine. It was a shock seeing Munin acting truly kingly without the typical arrogance he showed his court and people.

“My duties do not simply reside within Atlantis.” Kestrel replied slowly. Hint’s of calming notes had weaved their way into his tones once more. “They take me far and often away from these shores that is not proper for a true advisor.” he explained calmly. Minor whispered words barely audible kept the silence away from the Throne Room as the nobles suggested alternative ideas and procedures.

“But we have the Royal Guard Captains and the Council for normal daily matters.” the Queen reminded him. It was a gentle push towards him agreeing to this offered position as if it was not nearly as high as their own placement upon Atlantis.

“Aye!” Munin agreed with a hint of a smirk. “Do not feel forced to ignore your duties because We wish to have your advice over all others.” he tumbled forward with a full smile on his face. “Noble Kestrel, you are the only being that both of us and all of Atlantis trust which earn you such a lofty title.” he added with a soft chuckle forming in his throat. The queen giggled at this mirthful reaction from the King while both smiled down upon Lord Kestrel.

“If it will not conflict with my other duties, then I must accept.” he admitted slowly. The music was gone from his voice. “At least it will stop others throwing themselves at you to barely fill the Royals’ needs.” he concluded in a whisper. My purring chuckle was hidden by Lord Kestrel clearing his throat. The eruption of noise that followed was deafening but, like my team mates, we listened and watched the reactions of the nobles. Some slunk away giving Kestrel dirty looks while other moved forward to congratulate him.

“We will expect you to be present on the next morning to discuss the slaughter with possible perpetrators.” the Queen stated over the cacophony before signalling to Kestrel that he could leave. With a slow ponderous steps we moved to his side and slipped towards the exit. With on last nod to the Queen, Lord Kestrel left the room and slowly walked to the cross road leading to our residence.

“I heard that issues have arisen regarding the Ice Dragons.” Meli hazarded at this moment.

“The Council will possibly have need of me.” Cole returned shrugging. “Plus, I dislike cold terrains.” he admitted smirking at Meli. With a bow to us he started to move away. He took two steps away before turning to look at me. He signaled me to approach him. As we stood close to each other, his words and my own came out in whispers.

“I would have committed that slaughter, if Lord Kestrel asked.” he admitted to me. My purring hid his words from others hearing them.

“But not for your Council?” I returned as his hissing breath made my words invisible.

“I am not a fool.” he replied. We exchanged a nod before we both laughed and parted company. I was stilling purring gleefully in my throat nearly prancing to rejoin Kestrrel and Meli.

“He may be a snake, but I believe he is truly your viper, sir.” I remarked as they both looked at me. With Meli at Lord Kestrel’s side, I followed in their shadow purring merrily about my discovery.

“It can wait until we collect the proper gear for such an expedition.” Kestrel told Meli as we walked home. “First, I must place an Ambassador on notice.” he continued seriously. “Then you will explain your comment, young Kestrel.” he tossed back at me. News of Lord Kestrel’s new position had flown ahead of us to all of Atlantis, as we discovered upon entering our residence.

Sert stood in the foyer wearing his new armor that shone from both the mixed metals, burnished leather, and the new emblem upon his breast. It appeared real, standing out in perfect relief nearly three dimensional with the silvery piping around the Royal Seal. He held out a set of leather in the same archaic style Lord Kestrel wore bearing a golden piped Royal Emblem with the word for Advisor below it. My breath caught in my throat as I noticed upon a stand a matching set to the armor from Dia I was wearing. Beside the emblem of Queen Diadem’s kingdom sat a matching emblem of the Royal House of Atlantis. The words “Honor Guard” and “Queen’s Knight” was etched below the matching emblems. No piping touched it but the same three dimensional effect lay at a lesser quality upon the emblems and titles.

“Lady Mekilliean’s new armor is in her room presently.” Sert announced to us. He beamed with happiness at this sudden gift. “No metal in hers, but very different from the bundle of leather straps of your original.” he informed Meli with a smirk on his face. He bowed to her quickly before she waves him off. She headed to the kitchen which I presumed would be for tea and preparing our morning meal we had missed.

“Was there any issues with our guest during your walk home?” Kestrel asked Sert. He held the new armor in his one hand with a soft pleased smile on his face. His other hand reached back towards me. I did wait for his command before the scroll I still held would be placed in his hand.

“None, but Chichi warned me that today’s meals are being covered by the Royal Kitchens.” Sert answered. I moved to stand closer behind Lord Kestrel. My purring chuckle at hearing this filed the foyer. Meli’s giggled joined mine floating from the kitchen.

“Redpath?” Kestrel stated plainly. The sneer on his face was chilling as I placed the scroll in his waiting hand. “I pray the Ambassador is open-minded enough for saving his skin without wasting time.” he added bluntly. He moved toward the door to the inner garden with Sert and myself following him. He entered as we placed ourselves by the door while I listened to possible issues for us to rush in.

“Did anyone retrieve the Ambassador’s weapons?” Sert asked me softly. I reviewed the events mentally before shaking my head as answer to him. “Must remind him to do so upon his departure.” he returned with a shrug. I stiffened as my ears caught the string of curses shouted beyond the door. Sert half turned reaching to pull the door open but I held up a hand for him to stop. Silence returned and we both looked at each other with a forced chuckled.

“He has seen just learn what our Royals have not been told.” I remarked to Sert. He eyed me confused. “It appears the Royals of Ambassador Socotra’s country ordered the heinous activities.” I explained slowly. “We have no proof those orders are authentic which I why Lord Kestrel held them back.” I continued calmly. “From Socotra’s reaction, he believe they are real.” I added. A soft whistle escaped Sert as he realized why the screaming had happened. I nodded and sighed while keeping my back against the wall while listening closely for another moment of outburst. Barely an hour had passed before Meli arrived carrying a tray holding tea, cups, and plates of food.

“I will bring you each a plate with tea after serving the guest.” she informed us. We nodded but I held up my hand delaying her entry. She smiled understand my actions. My hand dropped as I nodded to her to proceed. She returned quickly. “Perfect time to bring food and tea.” she agreed with a soft giggle. I smiled before she left to return with our morning meal and heavy cups of strong tea. “Best we remain sharp until this morning discussion is completed.” she reminded us. I sniffed at the tea before looking at her with a tilted head. “Mint for Sert to help digestion and catnip to keep you calm.” she added before returning towards the foyer. I heard her heading upstairs possibly going to inspect her new armor.

I was assigned to escort the Ambassador as they exited the garden, but a surprise waited just outside our doors. A squad of Ferret Guards stood loosely waiting for the Ambassador. Quick words between Lord Kestrel and the squad leader had me still going along with them as an exercise in observing how the Ferrets performed their escort duties. We had barely changed streets when I spotted Deas coming from the Royal Kitchens dragging a small cart loaded with many noontime meals. I ignored the minor grumble from my stomach focusing on the Ambassador and the squad of Ferret Guards. Each were in pairs, one at point and one as rearguard. At random time they would flip from front to back in a perfectly timed maneuver without even looking at each other. And it was not only ferrets in this detail which included rats, mice, and even a pair of foxes. One of these foxes had fallen in step by me, who was in the opposite position of the squad leader.

“Odd armor you wear.” the female fox commented at my side.

“A gift from a close friend.” I replied calmly. A yapping bark of laughter came from her.

“Since it bears a title as noble as knight, your friend is highly positioned.” she returned. The hint of mirth and teasing in her tones was not lost on me having me purr unconsciously from her words.

“Yes, Queen Diadem is highly loved and respected by her people.” I answered softly purring. “This armor is all I have since I may never set eyes upon her again.” I added in a near whisper. It earned me a glance, a sad smile, and a slow nod of her head.

“Life always will return you to those that need you, young panther.” she stated softly and slowly. With this, she and her paired partner shifted places giving me a second fox beside me. He was barely taller than her nearly matching my height. He gave me a smile but did not speak as we finished the walk to the Ambassador’s residence. I watched the female fox speak to their squad leader before she returned to join the other fox and myself. “I request that we walk with you to your lair since our duties take us further along that path.” she told me gently.

“Fitting as vulpine do share characteristics with felines.” the male replied with a smile. The purr that came from both of them seemed natural and as cattish as my own. We did not delay with words as we turned and moved swiftly along the street back towards the place I felt was my home. Before leaving me by the wall hiding the residential garden, they stopped and turned towards me. “If you are out along the pathways of the Royal Grounds at night, you may meet another of our kin and her charge.” he warned me softly.

“She will be interested in having words with you secretly.” the vixen added before they nodded and rushed away.