My life changed greatly at this point. Daily training with all the household except Kestrel himself. So many meeting with Shal, Siren, Deas, Miss Hope, the four Captains, Steel, IchCui, Sara, and many more in a chaotic schedule that tested my speed. I did eventually have a sparring session with Cassis where I defeated her and from that point on, she could not surpass my still growing speed. I was in full control and could fight any of them, including the Captains and Miss Hope, to a standstill. My reputation upon Atlantis grew to have some seeking me out to learn from me. I did mostly turn them away honestly telling them that I have no time to have a student with all my duties. Until one day a mixed trio of an Atantian boy, a female fox pup, and a female bear cub countered my refusal with an offer.
“If your duties hold you back, place them upon our shoulders.” the boy said.
“Yes, we can run errands or deliver messages for you.” the bear offered.
“I am fast and strong, like my friends, so I can help with anything.” the fox added. I paused from walking away and slowly turned to face them. I scratched at my chin while purring mimicking Kestrel pensive moments.
“Does it have to be me that trains you only?” I asked as a planned formed in my mind. Our household was filled with good warriors that could assist them as well as myself. “Those that I have learned from might be willing to help give you training.” I hazarded slowly.
“We have heard that Lord Kestrel does not accept trainees nor does he actively train others anymore.” The fox returned quickly. I chuckled back with a nod.
“Lord Kestrel was not my only teacher.” I admitted to them. “I was trained by all of them in different styles.” I explained to them. “Sir Sertian is skilled with weapons of all kind, Lady Mekiliean uses staff and fists, while Sir Colêsträ uses dagger and deceptive techniques.” I continued. I saw the shocked look at offering to teach them deceptive fighting. “You cannot counter a deceptive maneuver if you do not know it exist.” I told them softly. “You need not fight dishonorably while facing a dishonorable opponent.” I added as their eyes started shining with possibilities.
“But will that teach us to be as fast as you?” the bear asked shyly.
“You will have chances facing me in training sessions but will also learn many more ways to be unique fighters in your own way.” I replied smiling. “And I am sure I can convince Lady Cassis Dēn to help you increase your speed through training with her troops.” I added as they smiled.
“Then you are willing to attempt training us?” the boy asked wide eyed.
“Yes, for two reasons.” I answered softly. “You offered a way to help and did not simple continue pushing for it on the principle that you deserved my training.” I explained slowly. “But I will need time to make these arrangement before you can start your lessons.” I cautioned them. They smiled and nodded as they thanked me for giving them a chance.
I discovered by researching their bloodline that the boy, Datched, was a distant nephew of one of the lower Council members seen as a child of lowly merchant from one of the satellite islands. He did not have the connection to join the Academy but had trained in one of the lower schools. He had a weak affinity for water magic but nothing else. A good boy who had few close friend but seemed well liked by most that know him. He lacked the natural skills to be a warrior being weak, clumsy, and slow. I saw Meli as becoming his main trainer adding in some minor medical knowledge, he would make a solid Militia Reserve candidate as a field medic.
The bear girl, Darch of the Small Paw clan, held back her great strength fearing to hurt others. Her clan was well ranked but she had fail her test to enter the Royal Cadets because of her fear holding her back. She also had good agility but lacked in speed which is not a major trait among the Ursus clans. Sert would be the best as her main trainer able to goad her into using more strength while teaching her to control it. Sert would also be able to help her with increasing her speed and ways to combine her strength and agility to give her speed bursts.
The fox girl, Serany of the Sand Footed troop was, like myself, from a rare smaller group within the larger division of the Ferret Guards. Her troop was ranked low within the Ferrets and her test had allowed her entry into the Royal Cadets but could not hide her emotions to a point at snapping back at her teacher. The reprimand she received had her challenging the instructor to be soundly defeated and expulsed from the Royal Cadets. She was described as hungry to improve while unable to conceal her thoughts or her emotions making her very hard to train normally and easy to read during combat. Her natural speed, dexterity, and strength was above average but no guile or cunning in her straightforward mind set. Cole could help her the most to hide her thoughts, and control her emotions.
I could not be sure in five years they would be ready but they deserved and earned a chance to learn and improve. If they worked hard, in five years I could make a request for them to be retested to be added, at the least, into to the Militia Reserves. Cassis would support this and even request for students that have trained with my group to join her squad. It was actually easier to convince the team to add them as part of their training sessions and directly instruct them for their best way to improve. Even Cassis was interested in them once I explained their skills and weaknesses as she mentioned she had the perfect partner to help them train like we did during our spare time.
I informed the three the next day having them meet me at Lord Kestrel’s residence for their fist lesson. Both Kestrel and my kestrel watched over them and, during one of our passing conversation, he told me I had select the proper trainer for each of them. I felt proud and confident from his words. He reminded me once that he could not have found them better teacher than I did. I was still busy but, with a trio of extra feet and hands, it made it easier. Like Kestrel had designated his team, I did the same with them. Datched ran Council messages from Kestrel and Cole, Darch ran messages for the Royals and the Guards from the household, and Serany did runs to and from the Royal Kitchens and the Healers’ Halls. All three assisted when supplies were need to be carried from the harbor to home or from the many new depositories within Atlantis.
I learned that Deas could mind speak one day as foreigners were acting aggressive with him. I never knew I could cross the island of Atlantis as quickly as my kestrel companion until that day. The mental scream for help had me flipping upon my heel to gaze around me until I realized it was a mental call. I focused my mind on the words: “Where are you?” I received an image from his eyes and I was upon the roof flying over Atlantis with my kestrel winging its way above me. I landed hard with a deep growl that had them step back in shock and fear.
“Leave or the Royal Guards will make you leave!” I snarled at them. I dd not know what had happened since I smelled the fear wafting from Deas. This young man was nearly an adult being close in age to Prince Bryan and Bryan’s best friend. The trio of foreigners looked at each other, then at me one last time, before running away. Their escape did not get them very far as Cassis squad came around the corner they were trying to retreat around.
“Hail Sir Kestrel, and thank you.” Cassis called out as her troops had the men bound and prepared to be marched away. “You have been warned about aggression having no place on Atlantis multiple times.” she reprimanded the men. I glanced back at Deas to give him a quick wink. “This was your last infraction toward Atlantian peace.” she continued. I saw the cold calculated smirk on her face. “You are being return to your lands and banned from returning to Atlantis for your lifetime.” she told them before dragging them towards a schooner of Atlantis. “I believe you can assist Engineer Deas back to the Academy, Sir Kestrel?” she added as they walked passed us.
“I am at the service of Atlantis through Lord Kestrel.” I answered. One of the men turn to look at me and fear reeked from him. I chuckled with a purr in my throat as I turned to Deas. “Seem that one knows the reputation of Lord Kestrel.” I remarked. “Are you ready to return to the Academy, friend Deas?” I added. He nodded to me looking flustered.
“I could not even defend myself.” he told me softly.
“Then stop avoiding Prince Bryan’s offer to help you train.” I returned easily. “Or visit Lord Kestrel house and join into are youth training program.” I suggested softly. ‘Whatever you decide, but if you feel weak than you should become stronger.” I explained. “If not for yourself then to be a strong right hand for your friend Bryan.” I added in a near whisper.
“I am trained to fight but they flustered me with their aggressive behavior.” he admitted with a sigh.
“Discuss it with Cole and his part-time student, Serany, since she has the opposite problem.” I suggested. “Learn from her as she learns to control her emotions from you.” I told him. “You can overcome any weakness with the proper helpful advisor.” I added in a soft purr. He nodded and laughed. The next session had Deas and Serany sitting with Cole and training with him. Deas showed he was skilled and stayed for all three of my students sparring sessions encouraging and participating on the field. He became the a regular and yes, even he improved with all of them.
I must admit that the real reason I got those three students was to give them something else to think about than simply worrying about Kestrel’s condition. I just needed them to stay calm and preoccupied for these five years before word of the peace treaty with Lemuria being a reality. Only three months had passed while I saw my students grow quickly into solid warriors for Atlantis, or was it for the exodus that was going to happen. I was resting in my perch feigning sleep while Chichi and Kestrel sat in the garden drinking strong liquor.
“The world can protect itself a bit longer.” he stated to the chef. Silence and possibly a gaze upon me to check if I was listening. “Just accept my decision and wait to hear with all the others, Brother Famine.” he stated. I felt it was spoken more as an indirect order than a casual request.
“You have been rather quiet and remaining home more often than ever before.” Chichi answered tension in his voice. “I am not the first Famine that has fallen to the wayside but you have always led us without changing.” he explained quietly. This information I filed away knowing that the others had handed their mantle of power before but never Kestrel. I could understand his tension but founded it shortsighted on his side. “Is it truly your time to step aside for a new generation to take up your torch of leadership?” he whispered. The word touched my ears adding to this thought of his ignorance that even Kestrel needed to pass on his position eventually.
“All things must change eventually.” Kestrel replied. “Everything has been prepared and my Squire stands by my side knowing what his duties will be.” he explained slowly and softly. I sensed his gaze on me but continued feigning sleep. “And only he can save this world from something much worse than they might ever be able to face.” he concluded. The chef’s eyes moved to me for but a moment and heard the quick intake of breath from him.
“You mean he is...” Chichi exhaled unable to voice his complete thought. “But he is...” he continued haltingly. I felt his eyes return to me much harder than before. It was a judgmental touch on my skin while I remained silent and immobile while my slow rhythmic rising chest of feigned sleep with a soft snore purring out of me. “He is seen as an oddity among the Royal Guards because of his unnatural speed.” he continued slowly. “He bested a wind mage that geared all her skills towards celerity.” he mentioned. “With your abilities, he will make lightning seem slow.” he concluded. I heard the shiver from his clothing crinkling as a scent of fear reached my nose from him.
“So he will be able to put all of you in your place?” Kestrel replied followed by a deep chuckle. “His quick body has a quick mind which will be of use to all of you with the future I have seen.” he told the chef. His confidence was palpable in the air around me. I heard a soft sigh from Chichi before their conversation returned to mundane unimportant chatter. I help Kestrel to his room after the little chef had left. They both were swaying from the drink but I did not move until the other was gone. I bid Kestrel a good night receiving a mumbled thanks and my night was done.
As every night since he asked me to be his Squire, my night was spent in a living dream. I had not seen beyond the oval room and circular temple where they sat as a pillar of purest light. I stood in a vigil by this light as they spoke and instructed me about all things from the past into the future they wished for. It was not a flowing view of history but set points when the actions of Kestrel, as Brother Order, and his selected family had acted to prevent the path going in the wrong direction. They were showing me why they were needed and why they existed. I would awake the next morning refresh and calm while, somewhere in the back of my mind, I digested all this information given to me nightly.
I did notice the odd change in Miss Hope’s behavior towards me. The eye inspection had turned into her shyly avoiding looking directly at me the few times I was the one escorting Kestrel to the Queen’s tower. Her increased friendliness toward Kestrel was also noted but it was more as she saw him as her closest confidant than anything romantic. I did hear her whispers to Kestrel and his advice to her. What I did learn was how the Holy Queen was spiraling farther towards what could only be called madness. My mind returned to the tales of the Usurper Queen that left the Royal Guards in this mixed animal and human form hearing of our beloved Queen’s delusions.
Four years of training and helping with our duties in Kestrel’s household had my students finally gaining the position that was best for them and made them happy. Datched was the first to graduate gaining both a position within Cassis’ squad and as a trainee in the Healers’ Halls. He balanced his duties between these two groups while still getting in practice sessions with Meli and myself. Within another six months, he was being called the lead, and only, medical support for Cassis’ squad and gained the respect from his team mates.
Serany was the second to gain her position but it was not within the Feral Guard divisions. She received, thanks to Cole’s request, an offer to the Council Guards who were creating a mix division to act as go-between themselves and the Royal Guards. She had learned to be less easy to read but still was not perfect yet, as she herself admitted. She would spend most of her spare time assisting, practicing, and still training with Cole never feeling she was good enough for the position she had received. Her speed had increased to be one of the fastest among the Ferret Guards bloodline but still could not match Cassis or myself in celerity. She was happy but still doubted in her own skills but never held back without showing a hint of her doubts.
Darch did not follow in the same veins as the other but still gained her own success. Her ability to fight without needing to fully use her strength had her looking into other types of work that would suit her slower abilities. Her strength was her limitless power carrying multiples weight upon her back easily without it interfering her mobility or lower speed. She started helping on the docks and was seen as a powerhouse mover of supplies and goods arriving or leaving Atlantis’ harbor. Her helping became her work and she was happy since she could also defend the great weight she carried. She would spar occasionally with Sert but mostly visited to talk between her work shifts on the docks of Atlantis.
Deas was not always present or as active during his time visiting and sparring with the others. He was helpful to the others but his reaction to other three acting aggressive had him freezing up. Nothing we attempted to tell him or tried during the sparring seemed to prevent him blanking into a passive scared young man. Even when he had been aggressive prior to the back lash, his personality shifted instantly when challenged back. Serany seemed to gravitate to this shy submissive reaction and often acted aggressive before patting his head and calling him cute. This did continued until I learned from Prince Bryan that his friend was spoken for and claimed by some fox girl of the new Council mixed Guard squad. I only let a purring chuckle out at this. It was true that she would not let other women or girls approach him as she would easily scare them away from the man she claimed was her future mate.
Then the day came as we stood together upon the dock waiting for the arrival of the Leviathan carrying the Peace Ambassadors from Lemuria. Whispers behind us drew my attention and that of Kestrel as the Captains whispered to our companions and indirectly to me. The words were mentioning worries about Lord Kestrel’s state but he seemed to ignore them at first.
“I shall be fine.” he rebuked them over his shoulder. “Saving my energies for the revelry to come.” he added with a smile on his face. I glanced at him and the others flashing all of them a smile. When he straightened, I saw the shimmering swirling of air announcing the arrival of the Leviathan. This went mostly unnoticed as the worried whispers continued behind us as I stood at Kestrel’s side.
“Since I saw him heal that child, he has been weakening but there is no cause or ailment present.” Meli whispered to the Captains.
“I believe he bent a rule imposed on him by the Ones that sent him to us.” Sert added to another Captain quietly.
“And they punish him by leaving him slowly die?” Cole snorted out. He did not hide his words or thoughts to everyone present. “Something else must have happened to degenerate him so thoroughly.” he countered bluntly. I had heard enough as I took a deep breath into me to speak.
“Things are as he has foreseen them.” I stated hard. “He always told Miss Hope that he would not be the one fighting for Atlantis in his prophetic vision of our future darkness.” I gently reminded them. My head turned to meet the Captains eyes over the head of my trio of companions backing us. I saluted them individually while receiving a nod in return. This was simply born from the respect I had earn from them when showing my prowess while continuing my life as a plain Honor Guard and teacher at Kestrel’s side.
“Do you truly believe this, young Kestrel?” Captain Curd asked seriously. He did not whisper, purr, nor growl as he voiced this question.
“I believe in Lord Kestrel knowing what must be done if everything goes wrong upon Atlantis.” I answered looking directly in his eyes. “He stays, feigning weakness, to be the most potent shield and sword of Atlantis.” I concluded bluntly. I bowed in formal feline fashion to Captain Curd before turning to face the Leviathan lowering its gangplank in place to disembark.
“Best we keep this to ourselves and let him play his role as he has planned it.” Captain Rez grumbled at us. The sound of a quiet thunk of wood meeting wood announced the plank was connected to the dock. I step forward with Kestrel to greet our honored guests but even that turned into an unexpected scene to confuse and rejoice everyone present upon the dock and the Leviathan.
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