Three hours of standing in the Royal Court explaining all the events of the last few missions. It did not help when I had to restart half-way through my explanations because of King Munin’s late arrival. I did notice his concubine looking around the room before finally starring towards me. Touching her mind lightly had me receiving only one question, ‘where is the cat?’. I held back laughing using the chance to restart my tale while mentally reminding myself to ask Young Kestrel about this. I repeated the full tale of dealing with the ice dragons finishing with the soul-link between Morag and Icebreaker, and the questions began.
“That is not possible.” Munin stated bluntly. “The only time a dragon and human will link is if both are very young and stuck to survive together alone.” he babbled on. He recounted the record regarding Arry and Skydancer but did not take in the warning that this was just a theory. “You yourself have reported this was correct.” he added, glaring at me.
“That was the supposition we made for that first incident of a soul-link.” I returned calmly. “But seeing her stand for the ice dragons as if they were her people and truly wishing to protect them may have swayed the ice dragon’s brood leader.” I explained casually slow. “Both heart were on the same level emotionally to bond.” I added simply.
“If more humans would begin thinking along those lines instead of seeing dragons as great monsters to be feared and hunted.” Annianka mused out loud. “I could see the dragons wanting to link with the more thoughtful ones within the humans.” she concluded. The small smile made what Meli considered possible the next point I had to make.
“We will see Holy Queen, since the humans of that village might be increasing their interactions with the ice dragon brood.” I replied quickly. “It may open the possibility of more soul-links being formed between the villagers and that ice dragon brood.” I concluded. Munin looked absolutely annoyed by this sudden change in information he saw as written in stone.
“But it does not explain the sorrow and drizzle that fell over Atlantis.” he rebukes coldly. “Nor the fact it originated from yourself.” he added.
“It was a personal matter I had to deal with.” I replied firmly. “I must beg forgiveness for not realizing how much of my depth of sorrow flowed out to overcharge the Atlantian magical network.” I concluded with a bow. I hope in vain that would end this line of discussion.
“That is not good enough since even our satellites enclaves were affected by it.” Munin retorted.
“I have receive reports from even Avalon, our farthest satellite, and communications from Lemuria asking if this was an attack as even their shielding could not prevent this sorrowful drizzle touching their lands.” Annianka informed us. I breathed slowly and deeply controlling the rage welling up in me.
“Once again, I was a sign of how deep me sorrow ran within me.” I answered with false calmness. “With my mother being Passion, my emotions run very deep and powerful.” I commented quickly. The shadow of the spinning stars within my eyes glinted as I face nearly snarled at them. “And my father was Madness incarnate which makes that at time my power does flare in eldritch ways.” I concluded. I blinked my eyes to return them to normal while recomposing my face into a mask of a polite smile.
“We can speak of this in private, if you wish, Lord Kestrel.” Annianka returned calmly. She had realized how I was at a point that would and could destroy the entire Royal Court Room to have this subject closed permanently. The last time a drizzle had gotten through the shields of Atlantis, it did not have the same heavy sorrow felt by all associated with it.
“No, we will not, your Majesty.” I retorted bluntly. “I shall not explain any more about this subject.” I concluded with a finality that drew a gasp from those nobles present. I took a moment to simply breath. Taking three slow deep breathes to regain my control over my anger at explaining my sorrow without revealing the source. I continued, after this, to discuss the treaty offers and the arrival of an Ambassador from the Amazons the immediate future. I followed this up with the small unfortunate incident suffered by Meli at the hands of the Amazons. Annianka’s face grew worried as I spoke.
“How badly hurt is she?” she asked as I felt her mentally attacking my hardened mental shields for this information.
“A broken nose with typical blackened eyes.” I began casually. “And she now sports fangs from oddly well chipped both canine teeth.” I continued with a small smile. “The Royal Guard Captains have all offered her to join in their training because of the animalistic look she now bears.” I added unable to hide my smirk. Munin was not able to stop the laughter that risked him falling from his throne. The dark glares from Annianka were ignored as he seemed unable to stop laughing about Meli’s plight. With a mental snap, I stopped the dagger nearly touching Munin’s face. I tossed it to my feet even if this dagger originated from Annianka’s hand, more or less. His lead concubine held her hand crossbow but did not raise to target the Queen even if her paramour was in deadly danger.
“She challenged the Amazonian Queen Aurora Nightshade and received a firm fist to put her back in her place with minor injuries.” I report the details of the full events. Annianka’s eyes returned to mine while Munin stared blankly at the dagger between my feet. “The one that attacked her afterwards is being dealt with in full Amazonian justice for disobeying their Queen’s commands of not touching them.” I stated. It was to mollify the mild annoyance slowly filling Annianka for her favorite little healer.
“And what of their King?” Munin asked slowly. I did consider telling him that he stood before him but better to not make him a fool this quickly.
“No man can be higher than their Queen, not even myself as ‘Primal Free Man’, in their purely matriarchal society of warriors.” I told him. “Men are mostly seen as breeding slaves or lesser ranked citizens.” I continued calmly while a toothy grin bloomed on my face. “I earn my rank among them by defeat every single warrior of their mighty nation.” I added. Munin swallowed hard as his face blanched at my words. Annianka’s more curious look at me followed by a small smirk at her forced husband nearly had me smiling.
“You used this rank to discuss treatise in Atlantis’ name, correct?” she asked slowly while her eyes were locked on me.
“No, I still required an intermediary of high standing to vouch for my truthfulness of my offer since it was, from one Queen to another.” I replied slowly.
“I did not order such treatises.” she remarked eyeing me closer.
“It is for Atlantis and the Throne that I went to them.” I replied softly. “It was easier and prevented possible problems that could arise by linking all this to our Holy Queen Annianka,” I conclude with a small flourish of a bow to her.
“That did not stop Lady Mekiliean from being injured.” she retorted quickly.
“Her original injuries where of her own doing and arrogance.” I reported unemotionally. “The second event took place while I was not present.” I continued. The edge of anger sipped into my casual words. “Would it be more to your liking if I left your ‘pets’ at home next time?” I asked bluntly. The use of the word ‘pets’ had the desired effect as Annianka’s eyes grew wide with shock. Only the Lord and Lady of Elven kind used this term when talking about the citizens of Atlantis and Lemuria. “Yes, they have sent their greetings like all the others deities I ran across during my lengthy absence.” I continued waving it off. “I just do not see most of them as important enough to remember all their pointless messages.” I added showing my arrogance fully. I quickly bowed to them before turning on my heels and walking away without them dismissing me. The royal Guards at the doors to the hall parted to allow me to leave unchallenged.
Munin was screaming at my back about not having dismissed me. He bellowed to the Guards asking why they had not stopped me from departing the Royal Court. Annianka had not moved while her eyes followed my departure until the doors closed to block her view. I heard most of this but ignored it like I ignored Annianka’s attempt to mental touch my mind. This did not prevent me from seeing what thoughts formed in her mind. Physical touch gave her a glimpse into me but her mental touch found and saw a great darkening cloud formed around me. As for myself, I no longer felt as only hers anymore and this fact and feeling grew daily even if we had returned into having pleasing trysts often.
I stopped near the edge of the Royal central enclave of Atlantis to visit the Royal Kitchens. I still needed to speak to Chichi about putting my warrior in his place. It was actually too easy enlisting the little chef’s agreement, which had me planning a way for an even fight. Brother Famine would rise to the occasion of the limitations I was going to place on him and assure Sert would survive the encounter. Sertian would learn the hard way to never underestimate nor discount the hazards of facing someone in their own element. With this small lesson prepared, I altered my return path to hopefully meet Meli as she made her way home from the Healers’ Lodges.
The bandage mask was gone from her face and the bruising around her eyes had reduced greatly but her eyes and mind held annoyance. She felt cheated at not getting vengeance upon the woman that had attacked her. She barely talked but did growl a bit before marching off to the new addition to our residence, a small simple bathing chamber. It had been added slightly before my departure when discovering Annianka was marrying another simply to regain her rightful throne. I visited the kitchen preparing a soothing tea for Meli once she felt ready to return to her normal Atlantian state of mine. The tea pot was set to stay warm and steep into a much stronger version she would need. I moved slowly from the kitchen to our private training area to find Sert and young Kestrel sparring.
I did notice Redpath held back using his greater speed while simply blocking all the direct attack from Sert. His feline dexterity allowed him to dodge any attacks not directly aimed at his furry body. Two considerations ran through my mind. I did ignore asking the House Cat to show his true speed but thought better of it at this time. My second considerations was requesting Miss Hope to assist in Young Kestrel’s training as she should be able to match his much faster speed. I could not be sure she would agree with the extensive workload her position already held on her back. Annianka had more outbursts and their level of aggression had risen greatly culminating in the nearly assassination of Munin. His death at her hands would have the Nobles and Council going insane while the Royal Guards would ignore this action considering Munin not the true King upon Atlantis.
My initial actions of stopping this happening now became a debate in my mind wondering if it would not have been easier to just rid Atlantis of him. I would have been forced to take over by most of those disturbed Nobles and members of the Council while Annianka was securely put away. But I knew that if I were the King of Atlantis, the humans would be lost as I would be destroyed from the final battle upon Atlantis. The Brothers and Sisters of Light could not stand against the great darkness without me as I could not perform my duties without them assisting me. And with my final death, Atlantis would be destroyed and the shadowy entity hidden here would be released upon the world. It would draw the events tighter together, pulling the great darkness forward to the moment Atlantis was shattered and my chosen family would be lost. Callistra, would simply offer herself to the beast and serve its chaotic commands instead of fighting against it.
As I was discussing with Sert before leaving for his sparring session with Chichi, I received a special guest that I did not expect. The firm knock on my door had me slightly confused before my mind showed to me who had arrived. I opened the door greeting Prince Bryan and Deas who accompanied his friend. He informed me that he and Deas were sharing a class when word of my performance in Court reached him. Deas had easily and quickly become young Lord Bryan closest friend and most trusted advisor. Deas had compelled him to speak with me, as the Royal Advisor, about the attempt upon his father. I nodded and escort him into my private garden while requested a pot of tea for our discussion. As during his last visit, Deas stood by the door within the garden to not interfere with our discussion.
“Why did you not let her kill him?” he asked me directly. I stared at him waiting for him to explain why he was asking me this question. “You could have become the king and kept Atlantis safe from the highest possible position.” he stated sounding mild confused. He could not foresee all the other consequences that this small action would have lead to.
“And have Annianka imprisoned, if not executed, for slaying her husband and King?” I asked softly. “Nothing would have turned out well if I had not stopped this from happening.” I continued slowly. “I may have been offered the throne but mostly they would have forced me to sit upon it with only yourself and Sara left of the Royal bloodline.” I concluded hoping this would be enough.
“He deserves to die for his dishonorable way of ruling this island.” Bryan retorted. “I would be willing to sacrifice Annianka even if she was my true mother for Atlantis to be rid of that man.” he nearly growled. I sensed his hatred towards his father had not lessened but increased since my first visit with him.
“Then what?” I asked with an edge in my voice. “Atlantis falls into turmoil because both the hated and loved Royal have died.” I state bluntly. “And the populous rebels no matter who is placed upon the Throne, including myself that is well known to all of them.” I continued without giving him a chance to speak. “They would see the Council spearheading my taking the Throne and view it as a plot against Atlantis.” I added to make my point clear.
“Both Sara and myself would tell them we agree for you to be King reagent until we are of age.” he countered quickly. “And all the Guard Captains including Miss Hope would support your right to claim the Throne of Atlantis.”
“It would not stop them seeing it as some sort of plot after the events with the last Royal Advisor.” I returned calmer. “After the Usurper Queen, the smallest disruption within the Royal House will cause a negative reaction.” I told him. “Plus, they would doubt the Council will allow the Throne return to yourself or Princess Sara.” I added. I knew these were the worse possible outcomes but he needed to understand how a simple death could lead to mass anarchy being released upon Atlantis.
He stared at me. I could see him working through my words while attempting to find a logical arguments to what I have told him. His deep sigh showed he understood and saw the reality in my listing of events and possible repercussions. He slowly nodded to me. I placed a hand on his shoulder while nodding sadly back to him.
“Why is it so complicated when it should be simple?” Bryan asked softly. The look of exasperation on his face told me more than the thoughts floating through his head.
“Because it is an ideal construct called politics that does not care about honor itself but about what people could think which is always the worse possible thoughts and outcomes.” I replied solemnly. With a suffering sigh from him, Bryan and I walked to the foyer with Deas behind us. I heard the door close with a soft click while Deas stared at it for a moment confused. I waited until they had left and walked away before I got Sert to follow me to the Royal Kitchens.
“You did inform me that Chchi agreed to a sparing session but why are you telling me that it will take place in his kitchen?” Sert asked confused. We were half-way to the Royal Kitchens where Chichi worked and lived within.
“It is time you learn the problems of fighting an enemy in their natural environment.” I replied with a smirk. “But I have found a way to make the odds even for both of you.” I added with a chuckle. Sert glanced at me and I could read and feel his doubt.
“I disbelieve it will be that even a battle.” he commented. The arrogant hint in his voice had me chuckling knowingly about the outcome of this little practice match.
“You will understand soon enough as I put in place the rules for this martial engagement.” I returned to him casually. Chichi was waiting impatiently for our arrival as we entered. His sickly sweet smile towards Sert did not last long as I selected plain wooden spatula and tossed it to him. “That will be the only weapon you use for this match, Chichi.” I told him. The smile turned into an insulted frown. “Sert can use anything he gets his hands on in this kitchen.” I concluded my arrangements for this mock battle.
“Are you being serious?” Chichi retorted mildly annoyed. “I get stuck with a wooden spatula when he can use anything?” he grumbled. The mischievous sparkle in his eyes told me he was acting indignant but relished this opportunity. “With all the knives, cleavers, and everything else, I will not have a chance to defeat a trained warrior.” he concluded with sarcasm dripping from each word.
“But with only a wooden spatula, you cannot truly kill him, can you?” I retorted with a smirk leveled at Sert. Chichi snorted at my comment. I steeped back to block the doors and stay clear of the battle zone. My Honor Guard selected the largest cleaver and knife as his weapon. I sighed at his oddly direct selection falling into Chichi trap with both feet. “Begin!” I called.
For every attack move Sert attempted, Chichi dodged dance-like and countered with a solid rap on his fingers. This small seemingly innocuous hits served Chichi well by forcing Sert to drop the weapon he attacked with. The dropped weapon was kicked under counters to prevent being retrieved and used again. After the first hour passed, Chichi added arms, legs, and body strikes while Sert did not back down. The constant strain from the multiple small hits added up to wear down Sert as the next hour passed. I could feel Chichi’s annoyance that Sert was not backing down as the third hour of this combat arrived. Head strikes from the wooden spatula sounded like cracks in the quiet kitchen. Sert had now resorted using pots, pans, oven trays, and every large blunt items he could grab but it was in vain. Just shy of the four hour mark, Sert finally dropped from exhaustion and the amount of blunt damage he had suffered. Chichi stared at me in disbelief while breathing hard before smiling at the fact he had finally won.
“Do you think he is worthy of working in your kitchen?” I asked smirking at the chef. No answer came as he pulled out one of his hidden bottles to start drinking it down quickly. I chuckled as I collected Sert, tossing him over my shoulder, to carry him home for Meli to treat. The walk home had me chuckling knowing Sert would stop seeing non-combatants as easy victory especially within their own natural environment.
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