The Last Days of Atlantis (35)

Dawn crested the watery horizons of Atlantis when the messenger arrived from Miss Hope with the news of Lord Kestrel’s removal from Atlantis. Sert sat with the remaining three of us, reading the message to all of us. Silence reigned around the dinning room over our untouched breakfast meal. I avoided looking at them while thought flooded their mind at the fact Kestrel had been removed by those that had sent him here.

“If we petition Odin? Or the other deities?” Meli suggested suddenly. Sert’s and Cole’s head snapped up and turned to look at her. I know what they were thinking and knew I would have to crush this hope within them.

“We send word out to the people of what has happen and request they all implore their deities to intercede in Kestrel’s favor.” Cole replied quickly.

“Lord Kestrel’s name will be in their thoughts, on their lips, and in their hearts as they beseech all the deities for his return to us.” Sert added with a triumphant smile.

“It will fail.” I grumbled softly. I did not look away from my plate as a growl had replaced my normal background purring. “Our Heart and Queen stands above them all.” I reminded them. “Petition her for Lord Kestrel’s return since she is the one that had him sent away.” I concluded. They could see my shoulders hunched, trembling, as I sat gazing blindly at my plate of untouched food. I feared my eyes would betray my ruse I placed in my words.

“The people have started fearing her in her madness.” Cole returned slowly. Realization started dawning in his mind about this possibility failing. “None would willingly call upon a mad woman to save them.” he added softly and dejected.

“But they will cal for the son of Madness and Passion?” I retorted with a growling snort. “Then we are forced to save ourselves without the deities’ hand to interfere.” I growled. My plate flew across the room before I stormed away from them. The heard the main door to our house slam shut loudly followed by silence. I stood in perfect silence at the side of the opening to the dining room, listening to their words.

“We are truly idiotic.” Meli stated under her breath. “Talking like we are while not realizing how hurt young Kestrel is feeling.” she explained. A sigh escaped the men at the table.

“He was Kestrel’s shadow.” Sert commented.

“Anywhere Kestrel went, Redpath would follow somehow since he was a kitten.” Cole replied. “He even sneaked into the Council Chambers with Kestrel and no one knew but me.” he added so softly.

“And now Kestrel is somewhere that he cannot follow and continue protecting him.” Meli continued. I could sense the sadness slowly weighing them down. “It must be driving him mad with frustration of not being at Kestrel’s side.” she added. I nodded my head before silently leaving for real.

I did feel bad having to lie to them but for all the others to believe Kestrel has been removed, I had to maintain this painful lie to them. Cole would get a notice to head out to visit Ambassador Rosalia within this week keeping him safely away from what was to come. This was the trap to draw in Callistra onto Atlantis and end her plans permanently. I thought I would feel rage at his half-sister but I felt calm thinking of destroying her. As I paced the street feigning angry annoyance, I felt the twin primordial dragons swirling around Atlantis in the same pattern they had upon the ring. They waited patiently for their orders to either crush the land under Atlantis to sink it or hold it up until I succeeded in my duties.

“Patience!” I mentally ordered them. I received a mental nod from both in return. Their ephemeral form glided in the space where water and earth met as they spiraled. “If I need time, hold the central core above the waves until I can end this part of the plan.” I informed them. I received flashes of their memories of the torture they suffered at her hands. Their growl matched mine as I felt no doubt that she needed to be destroyed. I also received visions all the times Genin saved them from Genia’s twisted form of kindness. He could not harm her because of a promise to his mother, but I was not held back by this promise. “She will not survive beyond the day she sets feet upon my island.” I assured them in a deep mental growl. She was the true opposite of Kestrel and had done her last evil deed towards existence.

It would be a week before Callistra’s bomb went off. I had been stalking Peregrine during that week while listening to the darkening rumors. With the destruction of Lemuria at the Queen’s own hands, an air of death had fallen upon the citizens of Atlantis. Even Munin had ran away from Atlantis during this week as his concubines were left behind. Many of the foreigners added to the list of people evacuating during that last week. Word of the Queen’s insane actions, Her rebuking Lord Kestrel, and lying about all of it, had the foreigners and non-humans leaving in droves. I quickly had Shal, Siren, and the other abandoned concubines moved to a place closer to the harbor and arranged a ship ready to take them away as the first signs of Atlantis sinking.

Chichi remained manning the Royal Kitchen while his staff was moody and unmotivated. Nightingale had sent her trio of retinue away the day after Kestrel died using the excuse of his reported removal as reason enough for her. The world pulled away from Atlantis as if a mist had risen to cloud it from their mind. It was already being turned into a legend thanks to the Secret Faeries. I did not let a sign of mirth show on my face as I shifted forms and faces while keeping Genia’s bomb under surveillance. I did notice Sert and Meli searching for me to ask for my forgiveness to their stupid comments. I did not reveal myself to them, they needed to think I vanished into the shadows trying to find my own way to reach Kestrel or abandoned Atlantis for Dia’s kingdom.

As the week was coming to an end, a decree that was mostly ignored come from Annianka. She ordered the Royal Guards to kill any that approached her Royal Tower. She claimed all of Atlantis had become her enemy and the enemy of the Heartstone itself. This was received by the Atlantians as their mind believed this fact and most moved to the outer rings of Atlantis. The Royal Guards obeyed by simply making sure she could see no one from her prison. Miss Hope sealed the door and joined in the patrols to protect the citizens from her misplaced rage caused by her insanity. And Peregrine’s daily walking pattern changed as this happened.

He was heading directly towards the forbidden weapon that had crushed Lemuria. The Guards did not even realize what was happening as they fell to his swift surprise attacks. I did not prevent him from doing this. I simply followed in the shadows as he did another thing he had no knowledge about. He set the controls of the device to target Atlantis itself. His hand hovered over the crystal button to activate the device as I sense him resisting this final action. His head snapped to one side as blood dribbled from his ears, nostrils, and bubbled out of his mouth as he fell forward to slam down upon the button.

The first tremors made everyone panic as they started rushing towards the harbor. The dolphin shriek madly as they emptied the pools around Atlantis made for them to visit the citizens. Realization was slow at how truly bad things were turning but the Guards and my friends worked together to get them upon ships and out to sea. The outer rings started collapsing first moving inwards as those that had not boarded ships were forced to pull back. I warned the dragons to hold firm keeping the central rings above the waves. Part of it would keep some alive on the outer edge while I could deal with Genia in the central zone by the Heartstone. The growling reply from the dragons was both their acceptance and my warning. She was here.

I reached to open spot between the Heartstone and Annianka’s tower. The Queen was stumbling around lost in her delusions as she faced off with Genia in her Callistra form. I duplicated myself having my echo become my feline form while I took Chichi’s appearance. I knew, with a quick mental check, that he was assisting in the evacuations with Meli, Sert, Nightingale, the Royal Guards, and the Council Guards. I moved my echo into position while I watched the events closely.

“No Royal Consort of the worm Munin shall ever sit upon the throne of Atlantis!” Annianka screamed at Genia. “She is using the power of Atlantis against me.” she muttered loudly to herself. The sneer of disgust on Callistra’s face at been confused with a common concubine was priceless to me. This, unfortunately, showed how lost she was within the delusion that thing in the Heartstone had over her. A bolt of black energy formed in Genia’s fist before launching toward the lost Queen. She did not even try to dodge the attack, walking directly into the bolt. Her body was tossed back from the strike to slam against the broken walls of her tower.

“Silly broken thing.” Callistra cackled at her. She stepped directly toward Annianka. “Once you are gone, I will shatter that Heartstone and destroy everything including the Balance shard within it.” she threatened. She raised her hand to create another bolt of negative energy to slaughter Annianka. “Goodbye Joy!” she interjected. She released the bolt as I stepped into the path, catching her attack in a hand easily.

“Not nice hitting someone when they are down, sister.” I replied wit a sneer. I absorbed the bolt in to my hand and body. “Too bad this body is not as easy to run as my own.” I added. Even she had been lied to about this situation. She was attacking Hope and not Joy. She believe the vanished shard, Balance, sat here in the Heartstone terminating any chance they could ever be one again. I felt pleasure seeing how she was as deluded about everything nearly as badly as Annianka herself.

“Using that fool’s body will not stop me from killing your shards of light here in Atlantis.” she screeched back at me.

“Thank you for coming, my love.” Annianka whispered. And consciousness left her a crumpled mess by the wall. I started moving at Genia while my furry echo moved into a closer position while staying hidden.

“Do you believe that destroying the HeartStone will kill what is within it?” I asked calmly.

“We will not know until I blow this island out of existence, will we?” she returned bluntly. Her cold sneer and blazing eyes proved that none of my words would reach her. She did this to spite me, anger me, hurt me. How little she truly knew Genin, or me.

“You will only release a monster upon this world.” I answered. “You will release my wife’s murderer.” I added hoping this might have her faltering in her next attack. The maniacal laugh erupted from her as black crackling energy formed around both her fists. With a double punch motion, the bolts fired directly at me. My duplicate moved with his unnatural feline speed to block the negative energy projectiles path. They hit him directly in his chest as he is tossed back into my arms. “No more!” I growled.

One step forward had my pawed fist striking across her cheek. A fist wreathed with solar flames drove deep into her solarplexis. Twin stars spun willy in both my amber feline eyes while my body shifted fully into Kestrel’s form. My fist wreathed with solar flame and nebular lightning as I pushed her back toward the edge of the open section. My clawed hand grasped her by the throat as I pinned her against a broken wall.

My other hand reached back as my cat claws popped out fully. They were blazing like comets as I slashed at her body merciless to cause her all the pain she had inflicted to others. My grip at her throat tighten into a straggling grip as I rose her to stand straight. My other hand went back and closed upon the hilt of the Sword of Light. I drew it into existence in this place as I growled deeply at her. Her eyes were fluttering as she noticed what I held. I drove the blade into her vile heart and deep into the broken wall.

“Have you forgotten your oath to mother?” she hissed out to me. I smiled as my new cosmic feline form filled with liquid night skies, 3 sets of stardust wings sprung from my back, and the white robes flowed along the lines of my much larger body.

“I forget nothing, foolish child.” I growled at her. Her eyes grew wide as she realized what stood before her. “Genin did leave a parting message for you Genia.” I whispered as my growl turned into a pleased purr. I grinned at her my nose nearly touching hers. “How does it feel to have a bit of Balance in you before you truly die?” I asked in a purring arrogant whisper.

“No!” she screamed before the white flames erupted over her body. Her form as Callistra was being consumed first before the flames turned true black removing her immortal spirit from existence. I pulled the shining sword from the wall after she was gone. A flick of my wrist had it slipped back in place within the pillar of light housing the rest of the Ley’ä’Luna. I held my cosmic force reaching out with my mind to touch the last remaining beings alive upon Atlantis. None of them would escape if I did not interfere this one last time.

The spiraling dragons’ speed increased as they pulled Atlantis to the bottom of the seas and deeper with their vortex. Portals open under the feet and fallen bodies of the living safely pulling them away from the disaster. The ships that had escaped on the breezes from Cassis held those that I did not need to assist as I myself sunk with the city under the waves. Lady Nightingale, Sert, and Meli looked upon the empty sea that once was their shining island home. Atlantis was gone and they were now all refugees sailing towards Africa’s southern tip where Aurora had already made arrangement for them to be spread out in groups around the world to help educate and make the world grow along the proper path.

“One life can be wasted from my nine so a part of me remains with the ruins hidden away.” I stated. My feet touched the bottom of the ocean while Atlantis slipped deeper to disappear. An echo of myself formed and collapsed sinking into the mire of ocean soil. My other form raised skyward but my body had been left behind with that echo that died for and with Atlantis. I crossed the skies heading to Egypt to my niece. My last duty was to tell her of her mother’s death at my hands and how Genin had stolen her away to protect her from her mother, Genia.

I did make one stop first not counting my echoes upon the edge of South America. A large group of Atlantian refugees stood by Chichi as they tried understand how they had end up there. They had been spread out along the outer remaining rings while Chichi had been scavenging for provisions to feed them. And the next moment they were on the this unknown rocky beach as waves slowly lapped at the shore. I appeared and floated to him as the refugees of Atlantis cleared a path for me.

“I bring you your last orders.” I stated in a hollow voice. My feline body shimmered and seemed partially transparent to their eyes. “Head northward to the place you will feel the energies of heaven and hell making war at their gates.” I explained to all of them. “You will also feel my presence within the earth and air of this place keeping both at bay behind their barred gates.” I continued as a few nodded their understanding. “Make this place a bastion for Atlantis by covering it with a mystic network from the minds and hands of your healers.”

“We will die long before reaching this place Lord Kestrel of the Redpath.” one survivor muttered.

“We shall never be able to accomplish this task, sir.” another added softly. They looked crushed under this command I had given them. My feet touched the ground as I place a gentle paw on the cheeks of the two that had spoken. I lifted their face to look into my eyes.

“Your bodies may die, but your spirits will know my words and recognize your Atlantian brothers and sisters.” I informed them in a soft purring voice that echoed around all of them. “With each rebirth, you continue moving towards this point to create this wondrous bastion for the return of the true Queen and Princess.” I explained to all of them. “Have faith in what sits deep inside each of you and know I have faith in all of you.” I continued. “Nothing you do will end in a failure in my eyes.” I added specifically to those two that had spoken.

“What of our other brothers and sisters that survived?” a different one asked. She was a mother and her child sail on a ship with Nightingale.

“They shall receive their orders in dreams and know what they must do to create their own bastion for a future where Atlantis returns to protect all of us.” I answered. “Many spirits lay trapped with Atlantis where it rest below the ocean waves.” I warn them. “When Atlantis return, those will be reborn once more in this world. “Their wait will be very long, but you will all be able to return to Atlantis one day.” I concluded. They looked at each other as the eyes sparkled with life again. In one voice they agreed to the task placed upon them. I bowed formally to all of them before drifting aside with Chichi.

“Help them little brother.” I ordered. “When your true land calls, heed it since others will be in place to continue encouraging them.” I explained.

“By your command, Brother Order.” Chichi replied. We bowed to each other before he returned to start organizing them to erect a temporary camp and to collect needed supplies for their coming trip. I took one last look over all of them before dissipating this echos from here. My true self stood with Muse since I had a few last requests for Muse. I lowered myself before her in the bow of a begging dragon child to her. I then ask that she send messages in their dreams to keep them all strong and walking the path towards righteousness and light until I was to be awaken again. Her silvery giggled told me without words that she accepted without any more explanations. I then requested she sent me a dream in each my future lives to remind me that she is still working to keep the dream of true peace alive. She kissed my furry head and whispered her agreement and her love for my noble spirit. I was then back upon the sky path to Egypt. All my copies had disappeared and returned to me as I landed before her home. She was smiling at me as I stood looking into her eyes.

“Your mind is very open to me, little cat, including my Uncle’s memories.” she stated. I nodded but said nothing as I allowed her to see everything including her true birth. “I have seen the evil my true mother has wrought upon the beings of the universe and understand why my Uncle removed me to this place.” she said calmly.

“I am happy you accept what has happened.” I returned in an empty tone.

“Her death could not be averted without cursing this world into decay and self destruction.” she replied with a sigh. “Are you ready to become two separate beings while your true self is sealed away indefinitely?” she asked smiling. I nodded yes as she stepped closer to me. “You will always be forgiven no matter what you do for the greater good.” she added in a whisper. I smiled as I felt my mind spiraling through shadows into darkness

...

“Wait, where am I?” I asked as I now stood within the Temple of Light but no sound met my ears. I cloaked figure move to me, taking hand in his liquid blackness hand, he pulled me toward the pillar and through it into an odd place. I knew this was the Void himself showing me something in the frozen moment between seconds of my being sealed away. The land we floated over was pockmarked and some still smoked from the destructive force that had struck it. Flashes of dark light followed by explosive thunder was trailing parallel to our flight path. We arrived to the edge of green valley to see a small blob-like humanoid form of liquid night skies filled with all the cosmic elements laying there. He stood slowly as the blasts approached toward the other end of the green patch. A little girl about the same size as the first child appeared on the field. She had indigo and dark blue tones of scales on her body with blazing purple eyes. They fell upon the first boy I had seen and rushed at him with black fire blazing at her tightly balled fists. She screamed incoherently as she charged with flames spreading from her fist to wreath her fully small body.

The boy stood staring as she charged at him. Her steps faltered then stopped as she stood face to face with the boy. Her eyes grew wide showing the black sclera surrounding her blazing purple eyes. Her angry battle screams shifted into giggles and laughter of happiness as she started dancing around the other child. The flames had disappeared as she twirled in a frenzy of elation I could feel were I floated witnessing this meeting. She rushed up to take the blob child’s hands into hers as her eyes locked on his twin star spinning eyes.

“Me Genin?” she asked softly. She was trembling with excitement and worry. “Me Genin?” she asked louder. I could feel her fear, her despair, and her utter confusion. The boy shook his head rapidly as truly awaking before his eyes looked into hers.

“Me Lyra?” he asked softly. Shock, disbelief, and happiness filled this boy as he looked the little girl over. “Me Lyra!” he screamed tossing his arms around her neck. She shrieked back merrily as they hugged.

“Me Genin came back to me.” she giggled. They started dancing around holding hands. “No more being alone.” she added before pulling him into another tight hug. They returned to dancing in circle until the both feel to the grassy ground laughing. We floated higher and I could see that everything outside this patch of greenery was blasted desolated landscape. My guide, the Void, must have hear my deep harsh hiss at this scene.

“She has been very angry without him.” the cloak being explained in a gentle musical voice. He floated us back down to see them tightly pressed together while lying on the grass. I could see their chests rising and falling in the exhausted sleep that had taken them. “Even after all those many millenniums apart, they still remember how deeply they always loved each other.” he added in his more musical voice.

“Elyria and Genin reunited at last after all the pain they both suffered being apart.” I replied softly to him. “Is this the prize for all their actions?” I asked. I could not hold back the tears of joy I cried seeing them together again after their final death. The musical chuckle had me turning to face my guide as we drifted back towards a beam of light. The face under the hood took shape of bones while the hand that guided me turn to skeletal reality. The bony face crinkled into a wink as a skeletal finger crossed his lips.

“Would a father let his son feel such deep pain without giving him a reward he most deeply deserves?” he asked in musical whisper. I nodded smiling brushing the tears of joy from my eyes. “And how better than to give them an eternal childhood together.” he continued. “Best this gets locked away with everything else, but know that I will be singing to all that fall around you, my second son, KreGenin.” he added as we slipped through the light.

I floated back into the instant that this complete version of me was being hidden away while I lived multiple double lives until that future date. One last flash of memory or vision appeared in my mind. The ornate pouch holding the active shard of the Heartstone was stitched to the boy’s waist unable to ever be opened again. She had lost her edge and her immortality. Genin had saved us all and never knew it as I knew we could defeat her now much easier.

On that date, I will be named Kestrel George Wrightman, but would eventually be known as Kestrel Redpath, soldier and heroic were-panther still trying to save the world. But, I will also be someone else, a shadow that knows the whole story but remains silent as they move the pieces I cannot reach into place. We will reunite as we face her upon the last battle field to opened a new path all are blind about existing. Goodbye, and I will see all of you in that new future, my friends.

Signed: Lord Kestrel of the Redpath clan, Immortal Knight of Diadem, New Brother Order, Great Lord KreGenin.

 

La Fin, pour maintenant. (The End, for now.)

Kestrel's Journals: Sister Pestilence, Truth, & Prince Bryan (22)

My return to the residence had me explaining to my household about the rushed Council meeting and later receiving the report from young Kestrel. I knew he hid something away from me but I did not pry about it. At the right time, he will inform me what he is hiding from me without me picking it out of his mind. The rest of the day was passed in quiet daily routines of sparring sessions, evening meal shared in the garden, and an early bedtime for most of us. I knew the feline would be out until late to meet with his allies and informants. I ended my day in my room mentally reviewing the reports from young Kestrel.

I was only mildly shock that Shala, Munin’s lead concubine, had arranged to prevent the King’s bloodline to spread in this world. The comments on how viciously she berated him to others had me smirking and feeling sympathy for her. I had read a small message from Khën regarding the mixed blood Guard, Siren, upon her being accepted by the Ferret Captain and their multiple clans as a fox kin member. Things moved beyond my sight which young Kestrel had discovered and help my see the growing picture about Atlantis.

Discovering how the quiet engineer, kitchen assistant, and friend of Prince Bryan did not have a problem killing the King was troublesome but understandable. The closeness that had formed between Deas and Prince Bryan was encouraging giving him a good friend and a trusted advisor. The ideas young Kestrel had put in their mind was not the best but correct if a good outcome was to happen with Munin’s death.

A hint of a familiar scent sat upon his shoulders which I knew he had met someone else during his nightly excursion. This was directly linked to what he did not wish to tell me about. He did relate a ghost story that was more funny than frightening but something about it sounded familiar in the ghost’s description. I waved away the first and only real possibility that Depression was visiting Atlantis as a ghostly visitor, but why would she do so. I put it all aside and drifted to sleep.

Word arrived that the Leviathan had arrived into port that morning. It sat waiting to dock with Captain Ent and Captain Rez standing on guard with a squad of each their troops. The Ambassador from the Amazon was arriving and the Captains had arrange a fully female only detail of troops to act as her guards while in Atlantis. We could hear Lockey screaming orders to her sailors with a hint of anger in her voice. The hull thumped hard against the dock gaining a series of multiple language swears making the sailors cringe in fear.

“She seems a little annoyed today.” I stated standing between the two Captains. I saw how the troop of soldiers glanced around trying to discover how I passed all of them unseen. I got a nearly casual glance from the two Captains and a growled agreement. I was also happy they had not spotted young Kestrel hidden where the docks and earth met. He was the only member of my retinue present today while the rest had other duties toward the Council, the Royal Court, and the Royal Kitchens keeping them occupied.

“I still would like to know how you do that.” Ent growled at me.

“Smoke and mirrors.” I whispered under my breath to him. I moved forward to check the hull that had impacted with the dock. “Not even a scratch, Captain Lockey!” I screamed up to her. She came to stand above me on the edge of the deck.

“Good!” she interjected still mildly annoyed. “I need to make haste from here to return to my normal job.” she yelled down to me. Her sailors had gotten the gangplank in place for Sister Pestilence to disembark. “Rifts are opening up all over the Asian coastline because of their mystical war.” she added. I expected this might happen as the war progressed and became more violent.

“Good hunting!” I called back. “I wish I could go with you but my duties hold me back.” I added with a wave to her. Aurora ignored the gangplank jumping down to dock landing with only a soft thump. The three members of her retinue walked down quickly carrying her belongings. It was mildly odd seeing two men and only one women forming her retinue.

“Make haste Captain, and good hunting!” Aurora screamed up to Lockey waving her to go. She turned to face the Captains with a smirking sneer on her face. Their troops stood at attention in silence behind them. “Is this the point where I challenge them or do I just bow to men that have that many women backing them?” she asked me. The mischievous gleam in her eyes told me she wanted to challenge them.

Ent tensed at these words and I saw that same gleam in his eyes. Rez let slip out a deep rumbling chuckle with a toothy smile at her. All the troops tightened ranks behind their Captains. They all bared their teeth as a low rumble of growls came from them. Aurora stared with a smirk at them. She was waiting for them to stupidly try attacking her but they remained immobile behind their Captains. The gangplank had barely been pulled in as the Leviathan jumped forward. Tracer of lights appeared in their wake as it shot through the simmer space that portalled them into the fray of battle. Less than a handful of the Guards glanced at the empty space once occupied by the hunter ship Leviathan.

“Lady Nightingale?” I stated calmly. I slowly moved to stand by the Captains. “May I introduce you to the Captains of the Lupus and Ursus Royal Guards, Ent and Rez.” I told her. “These Guards with them are to form your Honor Guard handpicked by their Captains, to keep you safe while in Atlantis.”

“I do not need guards to be safe!” she retorted angrily. “Should I simply prove myself as a true Amazon warrior to them?” she hissed back. Her hands had already moved to the hilts of her twin swords.

“No bloodshed required.” I sighed out. “Just accept one group as your guards since they might surprise even you with their qualities.” I continued casually to her. “Plus it will protect others from you.” I added with a darker tone. The two Captains glanced from her to me and to their troops trying to understand the situation and how they should act.

“Stand in revue position!” Rez ordered. He stepped to the side allowing the Amazon Queen to walk and inspect his troops. At this point, young Kestrel decided to come stand by my side. With a sigh, Ent stood back repeating the order for his troops. Aurora’s eyes had found something more interesting than the troops in my feline name sake.

“A pet?” she whispered to me. “At least one of the men here is willing to let me make my own judgment.” she stated. She slowly walked down the line scanning each of the bear-women that stood immobile in perfect military stance. A serious stony face was on all of them with only a hint of their sharp eyeteeth showing. The wolf-women stood with the same stiff precision but they held a snarling scowl on their faces while being reviewed.

“My private Guard.” I answered as she returned to where the Captains waited. With a smirk on her face, Nightingale moved to inspect my panther Guard. Young Kestrel stood with the same posture but was shorter by a head to the others. A smile was on his face beaming with pride and happiness at being reviewed as the others.

“I will take the bears since those dogs do not show a good attitude.” she announced casually. Her eyes were still on my feline companion missing Rez’s chuckle and Ent growl. “When can I get one of these?” she asked quietly.

“When all of Atlantis is willing to bow to you out of respect and not childish fear.” I remarked with a patronizing smile. She glared at me while the Captains chuckled under their breath at her. Young Kestrel glanced back at me signalling that he wished to speak. I nodded to him as he turned to look at the Amazon waiting in silence. She smiled and motioned him to speak.

“Since there are very few of my clan upon the central island, it would be nearly impossible to gain one to guard you, Lady Nightingale.” he stated politely in a mildly purring voice. “Lord Kestrel has this honor since I am named for him and for his noble deeds he has performed for Atlantis.” he continued easily. He concluded with a quick salute to her. He stepped back to be at my side. She glanced from him to myself a few times with a true smile on her face. I saw he had listened to all the times we had discussed the Amazons and their culture around males. He waited to receive her permission to speak as well as mine, showing great respect to her.

“So your name would be Kestrel?” she asked in a soft voice to him. He answered with one quick nod. “How odd to find a cat named after a bird.” she added thoughtfully.

“You may get a chance to see him in action if you visit during one of our household sparring sessions.” I suggested knowing I had peaked her interest. “You might be surprised at how well he moves.” I stated. This was bait she could not refuse for long. I placed a hand on his shoulder. “He is trying to earn my name the hardest way possible.” I added with a soft chuckle.

The vision crushed down upon me. I felt Redpath and the Guard Captains quickly grappling me to prevent me from falling hard upon the polished wooden dock. The last moments of Atlantis filled my mind, vision, nostrils, and along my skin making it truly feel real. I saw that, as the turmoil dragged the island under the ocean waves, I faced the one being I could not harm to stop her. Short of killing her would not stop her from shattering the Heartstone and releasing the darkness within. The roar that filled my mind was deafening as black blurs of claws lashed out mercilessly attacking her. The Ley'ä'Luna’s light blade, a manifestation of the pillar of light they exist within, appeared in a black clawed grip. The blade tip darted out with a speed far beyond anything in this world, including myself, to drive deep into her chest and immortal soul’s heart. Words were exchanged that I could not hear as her eyes grew wide in true fear before the power of this sword burst forth in the brightest white flames to consume her, body, mind, and soul. I had watched Genia’s death at my next set of hands.

As my mind was allowed to return to the present moment, a black furred clawed hand was clamped at my collar holding me in a sitting position. Lady Nightingale had pushed back the Captains to knell at my other side. I reached up to place my hand upon young Kestrel’s paw like hand at my armor’s collar. I stared up to glance directly in his eyes. Amber colored feline eyes met mine like a warped mirror reflection of my amber raptors eyes. The scream tearing out of my throat had him scurrying back. The litany of swears that poured out to the heavens contained languages long gone that were even older than the progenitors of the Ancient and Old Ones. Pestilence face paled as she quickly pulled Redpath aside having recognized the swears in the language of her own true original people.

“Stand back little one.” she whispered soothingly to him. “He has just received a most disturbing vision.” she explained softly to him and the two Captains. I could see young Kestrel eyes upon me, feel his worry, and smell the fear from all present, including Sister Pestilence. “You did nothing wrong little one.” she whispered in his ear. From passing glances between my hoarse screams, I noticed she was petting his head and I barely heard the cooing she soothed him with. “Just give him time to return to himself.” she added between the cooing.

She pulled young Kestrel away as she continued speaking to him in whispers. Ent and Rez were left to watch over the swearing mad-man that had taken my place at this time. I did noticed, while in my seized state of swearing, that the wolves escorted young Kestrel away while the bears took Lady Nightingale to her residence upon Atlantis. Over an hour passed before my senses returned under my control. Was this the Ley'ä'Luna’s way to show me who was the best to replace me or simply the one they chose replace me once I fell into true death. He was too young to be my replacement with so little time left to prepare him fully to bear the mantle as the protectors of the Fallen Ones, the humans. If this vision held true, he could prevent the cataclysm which I could not stop.

“Better now, Lord Kestrel?” Ent asked gruffly but kindness laced his words.

“No.” I interjected. I slowly rose to my feet brushing off the dust upon my clothing with both shaking hands.

“Best you get better soon, we do not want to miss the head to head between Lady Nightingale and our King.” Rez remarked with a rumbling chuckle.

“Thank you old bear.” I returned with a smile forming on my face. “I think that thought has made me feel much better.” I added. We moved as quickly as my slightly slower pace still shivering from the vision and my release of anger at the only proper decision I had before me. We did banter while moving towards the Royal Court especially how many ways Munin could put his foot in his mouth while facing this imposing woman. I knew I would need to face young Kestrel and try explaining to him what had truly happened but, somewhere in the dark hidden sections of my mind, whispered that he already knew in his heart.

Our arrival at the Court was impeded finding Lady Nightingale still waiting to enter the Royal Court. Her Honor Guards was spread out loosely around her to protect Atlantians and others from her than actually tightly guarding her and her trio of servants. Her dress was very subdued than that of a Queen as she played this lesser role because of my request. It did not change the menacing look in her eyes and the deadly amount of weapons that were hidden upon her personage along with the twin swords at her hips. The small smile on her face showed that this arrangement by her Guards made her happy to see.

“Something seems a foot!” she called out to me. She touched her ear and pointed forward to the Royal Court chamber. I gave her a quick nod as Ent, Rez, and myself marched forward. The mixed group of Atlantis’ both set of Guards was already clearing us a path to enter as the shouts started to be heard by us. The scene we walked nearly into involved Prince Bryan, red-faced, facing off with his father, King Munin, that appeared as angry as the boy.

“I will not excuse myself for going to visit Lord Kestrel instead of checking on your health, father!” he bellowed at Munin. Deas stood at the edge of the crowd where I now stood. One glance at his eyes showed he would kill the King if given a chance. He realized I was there and he shifted to fit in with his calm mask. I gave him a quick nod on understanding.

“You are seeing more in this innocent action than you need to do, husband.” Annianka stated with a hint of annoyance in her voice. “Plus you are delaying the greeting of the Ambassador of the Amazons.” she added vehemently. This pointless delay to argue with his son was the core of her annoyance at him. She glanced at me pleadingly as I simply pointed toward Prince Bryan.

“I wish to understand why my own son would turn to Kestrel when I was nearly killed, oh murderess wife of mine.” he crowed back angrily.

“You did not die and I needed counsel about what your death could have caused to Atlantis.” Bryan snapped back. He glanced back and a smile formed on his face noticing my presence in the room. “He is the Royal Advisor after all.” he added bluntly.

“See husband just a matter of seeking the proper counsel in this case.” Annianka continued from Bryan’s words. “Now can we move on to our prestigious visitor?” she added firmly.

“You should have been placed back in your prison for such an act that only Lord Kestrel’s presence aborted your attempt on my life.” he snapped back at her.

“Should I repeat it?” she snarled back. I had to stop this or everything would turn into a blood bath as bad as the one caused by the Usurper.

“And I wonder why the Royals bicker like school children or a very old married couple?” I remarked out loud in the room. I strode forward to stand by Prince Bryan. “Berating your son for seeking counsel from the one you have assigned as the Royal Advisor should not occur.” I chided Munin. “And my Queen should learn to keep a tighter hold on her temper.” I stated, glaring at her. She looked away unable to face me. “Why do you rage at your son seeking to understand the turmoil that would be caused by your death at your Holy wife’s hand?” I concluded. My glare meet Munin’s neither ready to stand down.

“And what did you tell him to have him not check on my situation?” Munin asked me. His glare was as direct as his anger for his son.

“That you were fine and I would put things in place to prevent it happening again.” I replied casually. I let his anger slide off me ignoring it fully.

“What else since he believe that he and Sara would be taking the throne?” he bellowed at me. A raised eyebrow and confused look was on my face.

“Which would be the only option for Atlantis to continue in a mostly peaceful state.” I replied still looking confused at him. “He is old enough to sit as reagent upon the throne until Sara is trained to be the Queen of Atlantis, as is her right.” I explained slowly while his anger wavered. “It is that or the Council would select a Reagent to run Atlantis until they are both prepared to ascend upon the throne.” I concluded easily.

“You would allow the Council to chose a reagent!” he retorted at me.

“If they could not see the reason in placing Bryan as King Reagent, Atlantis would have to suffer that action.” I replied calmly. “Then Atllantis would rebel and everything would destroy itself in this little island of bliss.” I concluded. I saw Bryan in my peripheral glance at me with a sad smile before turning to nod at his father.

The anger dribbled out of King Munin his mind started working its way through my words to him. All present could see his mind working through all the nuances of events his death would cause. His eyes suddenly grew wide as I read in his mind he review my words about the turmoil. I must say Bryan has learned to speak at the proper moment with the right words.

“I am sorry that I misjudged your actions, my son.” Munin stated mollified.

“I do understand your feelings as well, father.” the Prince replied calmly.

I could see his hands still balled into a fist while his face showed none of the deep seething anger he still held firmly against his father.

“Lady Nightingale is waiting to be introduced.” I reminded everyone softly. This got the nobles moving to form the greeting lines for her. A little smirk showed on my face while I slowly took my place nearly at the front of the line at Annianka’s side of the room.

“May I stay to meet her?” Bryan asked politely. “I am thinking it might be prudent for me to start meeting the Ambassadors and other dignitaries that come to Atlantis to be of aid to my sister, Princess-Heir Sara.” he added gaining a slow nod by Munin. Annianka simply motioned him to stand at my side being the last greeted but the closest to Annianka’s throne. I could see the pride shining on her face as she watched him take his place at my right.

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.