Kestrel's Journals: A Plague With Three Faces (9)

“I only found a handful of insects and spiders within the zone you mentioned.” Meli told me after she explored the area the boy had directed me to search.

“Which is the secondary source of the illness.” I explained having finally understood what was truly happening. “It’s a single disease mutated by the venom of the spiders or other insects.” I continued slowly. “One form that shows in the ulcerations of flesh, another in the lung damage causing coughing fits with blood phlegm, and finally the unnoticed version that is more purely venomous in nature.” I simplified it for her. I was still weak but my mind had fully returned to use. “It would easily slip into the provisions of this village slowly eating away upon the villagers.” I concluded with a calm smile.

“This does explain why the listing of symptoms varied.” she remarked pensively. “I did notice a few plants in the area that can be used as an anti-venom, anti-bacterial, and a few anti-viral we can use.” she reported slowly as she planned ahead.

“Mix them in together in equal portions with a fever reducing plant to start a baseline treatment.” I suggested to lead her thoughts in the proper pathway. “It should work on the ones before they arrive in the terminal stage.” I added to clarify the only line she should not cross.

“Can anything be done once they are in that final stage of illness.” she asked hopefully and annoyed. I shock my head but also raised a hand palm out to her trying to prevent her continuing. “But you..” she began but halted looking at me pleadingly.

“Not even their deities can save them once they reach that point from what I’ve seen.” I told her softly and quietly.

“What about your people and your deities?” she retorted anger creeping into her voice. “Can they not help you save the others?” she added bluntly. As a healer, she wanted desperately to save every patient that was placed in her care. I understood this was the source of her frustration and anger but I could not give her false hope.

“They are not those I called upon to save the child.” I answered not hiding my annoyance in my voice. “No deities that have ever ruled upon these lands have the power to save even a single child.” I admitted to her in a low whisper. “We are here to assist since they cannot interfere directly nor do anything to save the majority of them.” I continued with a half confession. The so-called deities here always interfered but were impotent in truly helping these people. The only lie was that did not have the right or power to force us to be here. Our presence here was only a coincidence of the path I had selected to avoid annoyance which still came to us.

“So we become the hands of deities because their hands are bound?” she asked with a huff. “Is that not our typical role as Atlantians within these foreign lands?” she added with a derisive snort of laughter.

“The outer world needs to feel both free and secure to have hope for a future if they will progress forward properly.” I explained. I did not which to admit that this was my brothers’, sisters’, and my own duty in this world of the last race. “We save the ones we can, give comfort to those we cannot save, and give all hope for them to move forward.” I continued looking at her. Meli grumbled an agreement with a grim nod before slowly walking away to collect the herbs to create a possible cure. I sat there knowing I would suggest treating the terminal patients as well as those that could be saved. It might save one or two of those too far gone if they were strong enough to fight the illness but those survivors would be looked upon differently. A guard came to assist me in my still weakened state back to the healing tents we had at the center of the village.

Once returned to our medical base of operations, I requested that all the mortars and pestles that could be found in the village brought to the center of the village. I assured that each of the dozen grinding tools were manned by skilled hands waiting for Meli’s return with the mix of herb bundles. Meli would be free to administer the mixture while the herbs were grounded together in the proper mix that I could oversee even in my weakened state. It would still take an hour or more before the first mixture of ground herbs mixed with boiled water could be administered to our patients as a medicinal draft. I insisted that while we waited to see if this worked, we grinded the remaining herbs which luckily came in from the elder women of the villagers. The older women had looked at the plants and rushed off wanting to help us. Two bushels of the three main ingredients arrive shortly leaving only the fever reduction agent missing. Only a half bushel arrived with a plea for forgiveness in her inability to find more about an hour after the other bushels. I assured them that this was more than enough for now, and warned them to not gather anymore at this time. I set aside a place to dry the herbs that had arrived in preparation for grinding and mixing.

“It is slowing down the progress but not removing the symptoms.” Meli informed me that night in Atlantian.

“It gives us a chance to customize the cure for the three variants of this illness.” I replied with an encouraging smile. Meli did not smile back at my words. I knew she still worried about those we will be loosing. “We have the tools and the knowledge to defeat this disease, dear Meli.” I added softly.

“But do we have the time to save enough of them to make it worth our efforts?” she retorted bluntly.

“Better to save a handful and prevent other from getting ill, than loose all the populous of this village.” I returned calmly. “A single life is worth our efforts since we have done our best.” I continued with a half smile. “Back to work with a variant to directly target each version of the illness we’ve noted so far.” I concluded pointing to a written list. The name and quickly drawn image of each plant was shown on three sheets of Atlantian paper with the alterations for each form of the sickness.

“As you command, Lord Mêkëa.” she replied with a soft giggle. She gave me a quick bow before focusing on the pages I had written for her. “Always perfectly organized, sir.” she added in a whisper I was not meant to hear. Meli began setting the driest herbs into sets to be ground by our six helpers. Two grinders worked on the mix assigned to them by Meli while I watched and noted if anything else could be done at this time. Meli did select a combination of the three main herbs aside grinding them in her own device.

“A hunch or instinct?” I asked her with a raised eyebrow.

“Only a very few of them have developed fevers which means the extra herb might not be needed in their case.” she explained slowly. I could see her pensive bodily signs as she planned a different base for our treatment ideas. “We can add either herb to this balanced mixture for each specific patients prior to administrating it to them.” she concluded before looking towards me. The healer’s glow shined in her eyes showing she was fully into her role of an Atlantian healer.

“Sound like a good starting point for a basic potion that could slow the progress of the disease until we can discern which mutation they are suffering.” I agreed with a nod. “Have any of these mixtures been tested on the terminal patients?” I asked gaining a shocked look from her.

“If this will not save them, why try it on them?” she returned confused.

“Their reaction to the possible cure both mentally and physically might help us tailor one that works more efficiently on the newly infected no matter their variation of the illness.” I explained slowly. I saw the gleam in her eyes as she considered this might be my way to figure a way of healing even those in a supposedly terminal state. “Plus it gives them peace of mind that we have not already given up on them even if our actions are mostly in vain.” I continued in the same calm slow voice. “It gives hope.” I added in Atlantian to her. It took a moment of deep thought before she nodded back to me. She understood that this wasn’t an attempt to save them but give them respect in their last moment. I knew this would be done in the future when humans would be kept alive solely to give them a peaceful death without regret.

It was nearly a week before Sert returned to the village’s guarded border. In that time, as he reported, he investigated the three other villages finding them clean of illnesses and no signs of causing this plague to attack the village. He found many of the villagers back on their feet and the disease fully under control by Meli’s advice and my daily checks. We were tired but happily keeping up our work to protect and heal the village. A perfected mixture had been developed by Meli that could allow the villagers’ body to naturally fight off all three variants of this disease linked to spider venom.

Those spiders and most of the insects had been removed from the fields as plants were used to force them to leave. We had avoided killing them even if the villagers thought it a wise protective ideal. Nature worked well to safeguard the village and fields without disturbing the natural order of life. Only the infected livestock were unfortunately needed to be destroyed since none of our mixtures seemed to have any effects on their spiral towards death. Black smoke drifted up from the pyres on the farmlands where the animal corpses were being burned to ashes. It was only a minor problem for the village having lost more than half of their animals to this plague. It was the moment Meli and myself could agree that the plague had ran it’s course and we only waited for the few that were still sick could recover fully.

“It is time for us to return to our journey.” I told them still weary from both the work and my use of my true powers. Part of me wished to simply return to Atlantis, but duty prevented this action. A week and a half had passed while we healed this village and Meli agreed with my words with a tired nod.

“They have been taught and shown everything to fight this disease if it returns.” Meli informed us. “And they will have a better chance to face other illnesses that come to this village.” she added with a half smile.

“One more night for us to recover or we will require an ox pulled cart to carry us to our meeting, sir.” Sert countered quickly. I could see he was tired but not as badly exhausted as Meli. I would resist my deeply ingrained fatigue, weakness, and mental fog if they decided to leave but easily accepted this final night of actual rest. We all accepted to this last night even if it delayed our arrival to our targeted city. “And I want both of you resting undisturbed this last night here.” he added looking sternly at both of us.

“Did they enjoy ‘naked time’?” Meli asked before collapsing in uncontrollable laughter. A dark glare from Sert had me groaning, knowing he had decided to create one of his questionable diversions. We helped her to her feet to drop her gently upon a sleeping cot while she still giggled. I took my cot without any resistance feeling centuries of life weighing down upon my shoulders. Calling upon the Ley’ä’Luna had drained me in ways that I did not realize were possible. My physical strength had mostly returned but my spiritual and mental energies had barely increased from that moment.

The high pitched buzzing of the combined voices from the pillar of light assaulted my ears as sleep took me into it’s embrace. I could not resist the pull dragging my weakened mental self into the chamber at the center of all that exists. My ephemeral form crashed to the floor before the pillar of light unable to even stand against the constant battering noise of their voices. What usually was a whisper was now a screaming cacophony beating upon my essence directly. I fought to understand the mixed conversations pouring over me barely able to make any head way at first. I knew this was congratulatory and thankful words but it was like a hammer pounding me into the ground. It felt to me that many days if not weeks had passed as I lay barely conscious being thanked for my actions toward a nameless village in the middle of nowhere.

I awoke to see the shocked face of Meli and Sert looking at me. I saw my amber raptor eyes with twin sparks rolling around the edge of my now black orbs. My words to them were squawks, hisses, and growling mumbles without a hint of coherence available for them. I was forcibly sat up as a draft was poured down my throat. I learned later that it was a double strength mix of our cure with a large dose of the fever reduction herbs. I half choked it down as Meli (I believe) emptied the mug into my mouth before slumber pulled me back into darkness. While I lay trapped in the barrage of gratuitous words from the Ley’ä’Luna, I would catch shards of words from the real world where my body lay in a fevered fitful sleep. It took another week, that felt like a lifetime to me, before I finally awoke feeling mostly healthy.

My spirit was still only at half strength, but my mind and body had recovered to full strength. I knew that a very old wound had been reopened deeply in my spirit because of the thing within the Heartstone shard I had linked with. My actions to save a lone child had become a beacon alerting my oldest and most hated enemy of my location. It had also shown me where that ancient evil sat infecting the world with it’s dark delusional beliefs. I had noted the warping in the general world of the human but now I was adding the same things happening within Atlantis itself to the list. I could feel the deep internal spirit room oozing out my essence in slow spiral to what could only be death. I blocked away all the undamaged sections into a secured copy to place within my squire when I selected one, eventually.

Annianka was infected which showed itself in her madness behavior. The plots against Atlantis both from within and without were all signs of the infection sitting without the Heartstone Of Atlantis. Everything evil in this world returned to Atlantis’ infected network of power. Destroying it would not truly stop the spread of Her evil delusion, but it may slow it down until my kindred brothers and sisters could finally defeat it. The vision of the stone being destroyed releasing a black cloud to infect the world now made sense. Atlantis needed to disappear from here but could not be destroyed if the world could be saved. A new Brother Order needed to be found since I know that as corrupted as I now was, it was not my place anymore. My focus was to find a squire and finding a way to remove Atlantis from this world even if it’s also the only chance humanity has to become their true selves.

Kestrel's Journals: Plague and a Step Over the Edge

 

Upon the second day of travel, we arrived at the blockade erected in the middle of a barely noticeable trail. I knew we were tired but this seemed problematic and intriguing to me. The lightly leather armored but well armed men beyond the barricade wore dirty white clothes tightly bound across their face. We examined the dozen road guards as I noted that this was not a band of bandits. My companions looked curious but no tensions came from their stance by me. One moved closer to their side of the barrier without crossing it. This gave me a chance to examine the mask that appeared like the protective face cover worn by healers dealing with virulent patients. This was a land suffering some form of plague they were trying to avoid spreading. It was already too late for this guard if what I saw in his eyes were showing reality.

“Please return the way you came or give our village a large berth for your own safety.” he announced without waiting for replies or counter remarks. He was already half turned away from us when I spoke.

“What ailment is your village plagued with?” I asked in a commanding voice. I had the attention of all the guards but none moved closer leaving the lone man to speak with me.

“It is unknown to us but, some have died already and many are sick. Best to simply avoid us, Sir.” the lone guard sated without turning to face us.

“We are trained as healers and may be able to assist your village.” Meli piped in. She moved to walk pass me but I stopped her with a single hand before her face. I felt her anger seeing my actions as insulting prevent her to help.

“You are already infected and close to the last stages of the disease.” I called out to the guard’s back. He froze as the other guards turned their weapons towards him. “Hold your attack until I can verify my assumption, friends!” I said with authority and command filling my words. I tried to rarely use this verbal power but I feared making a mistake while still weakened from facing off with the shard of the Atlantian Heartstone and what lies within it.His shoulders slumped as he turned back towards us. As he moved to stand before me passed the blockade, I motioned Meli and Sert to step back until I could asses this situation properly.

I starred into his eyes as he stood barely breathing before me. The yellowish tint to the white of his eyes, unevenly dilated pupils, and rings of red crowning and warping his light brown iris told the truth I knew he feared the most. I sighed pulling the mask off his face noting the bluish-black thin lips and marks upon his skin showing he was past saving now. I could feel that Meli had came to the same diagnosis I had as she prepared a mask for herself, Sert, finally myself. She was in the processes of making our face covering protection as I spoke to the guard.

“Return to your family so you may die with your loved ones.” I told him while watching the other guards pale and keep their weapons ready to strike. “Leave him pass, he is no long a danger to others anymore.” I added loudly. Dominance magic filled every syllables of my words to the other guards. They moved away from the first guard’s path lowering their weapons. The condemned guard ran back towards the village as one of the remaining guard moved forward to stand before me. His shoulders were squared and he stood showing bravery and warriors pride with his weapon sheathed at his hip.

“Do you know what is killing my village?” the new lead guard asked quietly. His eyes were clear and did not avoid my gaze.

“I know the signs that they are past both being saved or infecting others.” I told him slowly. I gave him a moment to accept my words. “But the disease itself is unknown to me.” I concluded pensively. Meli was at my elbow with a mask on her face holding one out for me. This was her way to take control of this conversation without directly interrupting me.

“We have extensive knowledge and may be able to to discover the source of this ailment and possibly create a cure.” she told the guard. I felt Sert moving up to my other side as I finished tying the mask upon my face properly. Before the guard could question our reason to offer helping them, Sertian cleared his throat.

“Atlantians cannot turn away from helping those that deserve it.” he bluntly stated to the guard. “I may only be a soldier like yourself but even I willing risk this plague to assist your people.” he told him in a softer more friendly tones. He felt himself pulled back a few steps behind us. I refused to laugh as Meli used her earth elemental ability to separate him from this problem suited for healers better than military men.

“We will find another way for you to assist us Sert.” I told him with Meli nodding beside me. “You do not have a self healing method that can combat diseases unlike Meli and myself.” I explained to him in Atlantian. In my mind’s eye. I saw the electrified healing cloud covering her body matching my nebula healing magic.

“Being a stranger that understands our language, you may be of great assistance by verifying the three nearby villages.” the guard remarked. I could sense worried excitement from the guard. “We fear that this plague came from one of the other villages or they maybe suffering the same illness.” he told Sert more directly. I knew that his fear was that this ailment had been sent unwillingly by one of those nearby villages. I would not change this mission which could protect Sert and possibly find the source or how far this plague had spread before being noticed. The guard moved aside with Sert drawing maps of the area with a stick in the dirt. My retainer studied the map for a few minutes easily memorizing it. He nodded to the guard before moving to my elbow awaiting my orders.

“Remember that they might be innocent or in the grasps of the same illness.” I whispered to him in Atlantian. “Keep the mask ready if you notice anything out of natural order there.” I added giving him a final nod. Sert smiled under his face cover and silently gave me a crisp salute before heading out towards the closest of the three neighboring villages. My attention now turned to Meli. I warned her of the signs in in the eyes and other potential warning reactions.

“These are the signs that our patient is beyond our help but no longer a risk to infect others.” she concluded for me. She turned toward the guard who started escorting us toward the village centre. “What are the signs that show they are infected already noted?” she asked the guard already in professional healer mindset. The guard stopped us at the first roughly made house.

“Some have coughing fits with blood and breathing issues, other show blights on their skin, and a few, like our captain, have no signs until the ending moments.” he explained looking from her to me as he spoke. His eyes looked haunted, tired, and exasperated from this sickness. He kept the mask tightly on his face as he spoke to us. “We can only detect those that show signs of infection.” he added darkly and quietly.

“Check for mild discoloration of her skin by their nails, eyes, or mouth with the spectrum crystal.” I commented to Meli. I was not absolutely sure but it was a good starting point to detect the smallest possibility of infection. “It should be most visible on their fingers tips and palm of their hands, but check the skin by their eyes and mouth if you doubt what you see.” I added knowing she understood why I was being thorough in this case. We might be able to resist getting infected but it was not a perfect protection if we missed infected villagers we were unknowingly exposed to.

Meli simply nodded as she withdrew the spectral crystal from her healing kit at her hip. The guard slowly nodded holding his hands out for her inspection. She smiled as she noted no changes upon the skin seen through the crystal that heightened the smallest color change. She explained how this inspection worked sending him to check the guards manning the barricades isolating the ill village from outsiders. He thanked her before rushing away with the crystal in a tight grip. A second matching spectrum crystal was in her hand as she looked at me ready for us to enter the village proper. With a nod, we stepped in sync forward towards the center of the village.

“I take the houses on the left while you do the ones on the right.” I ordered as we reached the first set of doors. “We send the infected to the center of the village where we will set medical tents to house them.” I continued before moving from the dirty street. “We will be repeating this verification daily to assure the source is not within a household.” I added softly. She knew these procedures even if it was never needed upon Atlantis. My words were just a reminder which she nodded to me grimly. We separated and quickly identified the villagers that were infected sending them ahead of us to wait.

A quarter of the village was infected with only a few beyond hopes of saving. Our tents where going to be filled with more sitting outside. The villagers were scared but oddly calm with our humane treatment towards them. They were humans and not plague bearers to be shunned and ignored until they died. By nightfall, three more join the ranks of those beyond help and were returned to their family to end their days in familial love and caring. I escorted them myself to verify that no other family members were ill. The next infected victims arrived the next day just after the noontime zenith of the sun.

Both Meli and myself followed the villagers’ normal life to find what morning activity could be the source of this illness. Water sources, fields where their food grew, their herd animals, and their feed was all tested finding neither virus nor bacteria that could cause this plague with mixed symptoms. We questioned the villagers about strangers or new trade products that entered the village before the first victim became ill but it was a vain path of research. By the second day of searching was nearly done, word arrived from one of the outlying farms to verify their animals once more. I left Meli behind in the village to visit the farm that I did not think would help our investigations, but I was mistaken. Half their herd of animals had developed ulcerations on their skin which concerned their owners. These infected animals showed disorientation in their movement which match the symptoms to those infecting the humans of the village.

“Herbivores, yes?” I asked the farmer while verifying his hands with a spectrum crystal. He was fine but his animals were not. “What field do they usually feed in?” I added before he could respond. The animals were beyond our talents if we could not isolate the source of this illness. I rushed to the field the farmer let them feed upon hoping a clue could be found to save this village. Meli had, with my minor help, to reduce the progress of the disease with Atlantian knowledge but we still could not stop them from eventually dying so far. I prefer waiting giving advice to the farmer other than separating the sick animals from those that were still appearing healthy and having him avoiding the field. A farm hand with a kerchief covering his nose and mouth came with me to the designated field.

“Any odd signs from the herd other than the spring heat prior to the sickness appeared in the village?” I asked my companion. He shook his head while still looking pensive over my question.

“Nothing until now, healer.” he answered looking simply tired and scared. A young boy rushed towards us as we reached the edge of the field. I had seen the boy upon my arrival and he was healthy, but now; his yellow tinted eyes, deformed dilated pupils, and red rimmed irises showed him in the final stages within less than an hour. He held up a tightly clenched fist towards me shaking on unsteady legs.

“I think it’s between the field and barn.” the boy stated breathing hard. His small hand open to show the remains of a dead insect or spider mostly crushed by his little fingers. I scooped the boy up as he collapsed into unconsciousness. I lay him upon the ground and told the farm hand to send word for Meli to come quickly. I pulled out the amplifier stone which was a piece of the Atlantian Heartstone to hold it tightly in my hand. I could not allow the one that brought the only clue to this illness to die. I was overstepping my boundaries set upon when I was birthed into this world but this was my only hope to save him.

The farmer with his workers rushed to my location believing they would find a dead or dying boy. What they found was a sight causing awe and terror beyond the stories of their gods and goddesses. My electrical nebula of healing spread visible to their eyes until both the boy and myself were surrounded by sparking cloud. They heard words nothing living, neither deity nor mortals within this world, poured from my mouth as tendrils of blue-white light waved around the child’s body mixing flawlessly with the cloud of sparkling energy. The farmer’s household stepped back from us as they saw my eyes turn into black orbs with twin stars spinning wildly. As I stood with my free hand gathering the ends of the tendrils and became the source of lightning sparks. The child’s limp body rose towards my outstretched hand that was shaded in aspects on liquid night skies.

Meli arrived at this time to the spectacle of healing magic beyond anything known in Atlantis itself. Her gasp told the farmer and his household that this went beyond the knowledge of Atlantis and this world. A litany of mysterious words that she could not follow or understand echoed in a deep resonate tones from my mouth to wrap around the floating boy and myself. Multi-colored ribbons of light shot from my hand to entwine around the child. Spasmodic tremors suddenly wracked the boy’s body which echoed in my own human form. Meli’s earth sense had a pillar rising to meet the boy’s back before he fell. I was not as lucky since the area around me refused her call letting my fall upon my side to the ground harder than any would have expected. My last memories was slipping the stone back into the silken pouch with archaic glyphs older than the Earth itself before darkness slowly claimed my vision as a soft but deep humming touched my ears.

Meli rushed to the child as his eyes opened. The boys brown eyes were clear but bore a mark of this event in the form of three bright blue circles in his iris forming a triangle around his pupil. With a deep breath, the boy twisted to see what had happened gaining a shocked scream from him seeing my collapsed and partially broken form.

As I was told later by Meli, my body was still spasming uncontrollably in the dirt. She grabbed the child using her body to hide me from his view. She checked his hands finding him fully healthy as his family starred stunned by this event that reclaimed him from death’s embrace.

“His eyes were the eyes of the dead before your master acted.” the farmhand told Meli. She handed the boy off to them saying he was find and he must not have seen what he believes he saw. The family moved aside while I body was wracked with spasms for the next hours. The hand that I had used for healing appeared shredded showing raw meat around displaced bones. I did finally regain a semblance of consciousness at this point fully feeling the effects of my actions. Nothing living upon this world could unleash the power I had used now twice to save others. My thoughts were still muddy as Meli finally came to speak to me as I lay upon the ground now soaked in my sweat.

“What was that?” she asked with wide eyes. I was too drained to even hazard a look inside her mind choosing to glance over her shoulder towards the Farmer and his wife holding their living child. I looked at my ruined hand which I finally felt pain from.

“I asked for help in saving the boy from the highest power that ever existed.” I half-lied to her. Could not change the memories of this event nor touch their mind to see what they perceived because of my weakened state. The Heartstone shard could not help me as my spiritual pool had been emptied drawing forth the power of my true bloodline channeled through the Ley’ä’Luna into healing one child that walked the edge between life and death. “And I am nearly powerless because they answered my request.” I explained failing to rise in a sitting position. Meli assisted me to my feet allowing to hang off her shoulder like an ancient great-grandfather barely able to move by himself. The gratitude of the farmer and family received a weak wave of my hand. “I did nothing but allow the ones above me to use me as a conduit to save him.” I stated with a weak voice. I would never tell them that their child must live for another more important event. Meli moved me to a log to sit and regain enough strength to stand on my own. I thanked her as she bandaged my ruined hand as I realized that the true damage I had suffered was much deeper than simple bodily wounds.

Redpath's Journals: Travel, Trust, and Coronation (9)

 

My waves and bows became more fluid and friendly towards the onlookers. I even caught myself smiling as I send greeting to all those that stopped to stare at us. Some actually started waving back to us eliciting waves from the full group. Yes, we drew attention to ourselves like performers trying to engage the populous to come pay for a full performance. It opposed everything I had turned myself into while stalking the shadows and high parapets of Atlantis following my chosen master. I refrained from doing flips or other acrobatic maneuvers linked to my limited marshal training to turn this trip into a show but it was tempting to my lightened emotions.

During the first night encampment, Dia revealed more to me which was both disconcerting and showing how well she knew and trusted me. The sheer amount of deaths she had suffered and now planned ahead to avoid with my feline help was mind boggling. The other thing that had me leery was the true reason she traveled into such dangerous territories.

“Everything must come to past with me surviving until I reach the throne room of this nation.” she admitted once more to me in a whisper. She lay cuddled tightly against me after everyone else slept peacefully. “I know you will keep me alive until I stand before the King now controlling this land.” she stated. “Greyman can’t know or he will interfere with what must be done for the greater good.” she added barely audibly.

“Why do I feel you are planning to sacrifice yourself before the throne?” I replied in a purring whisper. She placed a lone finger across my lips to silence me. Her eyes bored into mine for a few moments before she she rubbed her cheeks against mine taking on my scent upon her cheeks.

“If one death at the right moment and chosen hands can save a nation, would your lord see it as noble and honorable?” she whispered in my ear. I could feel her trembling as her eyes looked so sad but also filled with acceptance to her lot.

“He would slaughter all evil to earn true safety for that nation no matter if it be a king, or a despot, as the threat against the people of the nation.” I returned with blunt honesty. The hint of a growl in my tones was not hidden to Dia. Her eyes grew wide showing more white than color at my words. A slow soft smile bloomed on her face as she looked into my eyes.

“Please hold back if I request you to stand down and observe events.” she stated so softly that I barely heard her words. Her hand touched my forehead transferring a vision into my mind. Dia knelt exposing her neck for a blade wielded by a man wearing a crown. But a second vision flowed into my mind from something, maybe Lord Kestrel? I wasn’t sure but a cloaked figure stood at my side as the second vision flowed through my mind like lightning eating Dia’s prophetic moment.

Musical humming filled my ears as I saw Dia, the sword shattering as it touched the back of her neck. I saw myself lashing out with a quick claw swipe to sending the crowned man back, followed by the guards in the room rushing to stand between us, and the so called king. The cloaked humming figure moved forward toward the crowned man with the weapon tips of the soldiers attacking to protect Dia. My breath hitched in my throat knowing that something had possibly allowed me to see this future event with truthful eyes.

“I will get you to the throne but no further.” I responded softly and quietly. “But you will not die in my presence.” I stated confidently under my breath to her. Within my mind, I saw Lord Kestrel weakened while trails of his strength flowed into me. “All will be as what must be Princess Diadem.” I concluded in a whispering echo of my voice. Her eyes shrunk into a tight focus upon me.

“I never told you that I was...” she began but her words were stop by a finger at her lips.

“My master is knowledgeable, wise, and very effective.” I replied. In my ears, a second voice that echoed spoke the same words with me. “And all that walk with him, have learned to become undoubtedly more than they ever knew possible, Dia.” I continued softly purring. The echoing second voice fading from my ears “Sleep and know that you’ll never die while my eyes are upon you.”

Tears ran from her eyes as she looked at me. She could not speak nor believe the promised future I offered that conflicted with the future she had seen. Only the royal sword in the usurper’s hand would give her a noble and peaceful death. I would be the only one by her side as she sacrificed her life to protect her people and my word removed doubt about this fact.

I made sure the following days were spent waving and bowing at the normal citizens seeing us travel towards the capitol and royal palace. Between Hawke, Greyman, and myself, no attempted attacks succeeded upon Dia. She was seen as the center of our group bring attention towards the quartet as rumors of the Princess’ return flied before them. Stealth and subterfuge had been ignored more fully by all of us as we closed the distance to the royal palace which was our target.

“Young Redpath?” Hawke interjected as we camped outside the walls of the capital city to await the gates to open early the next day. With a nod to signal Dia to go ahead, I turned to face the cavalier in silence. “Is this pathway wise for Dia?” he asked quietly. “Is she truly the lost Princess of these lands?” he added slightly louder. The look I received from him had turned stern finally guessing what Dia’s plan was. I nodded slowly to his second question before speaking.

“The Princess had a vision of her coming to sacrifice her life to save her people from the new king.” I told him honestly. “But she will not die.” I continued as Hawke’s body tensed at my previous revelation. “I cannot explain why I know, but her life is safeguarded by my presence at her side.” I tried explaining while feeling so much smaller than my Master. He stared at me for a long silent moment before a suffering sigh escaped him as he relaxed.

“She had warned us ahead of time of all the attacks as if she had seen them all” he stated.

“Because she believes she has relived this moment many times to reach the place where she’ll kneel before to king as a sacrificial lamb for her people’s safety.” I returned quickly. “I did not believe her stories at first, but now I cannot doubt her visions.” Hawke gave me a confused look before nodding slowly as if accepting my words. “What do you know about this kingdom’s royal sword?” I asked in a whisper.

“Rumors mostly.” the Cavalier answered after a few pensive moments. “It can select the rightful ruler by it’s inability to harm them, or so the legends go.” he explained slowly. He shrugged with a confused look on his face. “Why do you inquire, noble Atlantian squire?” he concluded staring at me more directly.

“Truth is often hidden in old tales and legends.” I replied with a small smile. “And to assure my own vision.” I admitted softly. I reached out to place an arm on his shoulder. “As long as the false ruler uses the royal sword, Princess Dia will live and be crown as the rightful queen.” I explained, nearly casually. With the vision replaying in my mind, I felt a benign presence standing by me. “Please go ahead Hawke, I must verify something personally before joining our group.” I added motioning him forward. I took a half step back before turning to face a cloaked faceless figure. I nodded to him and waited unsure if words or mind-speak would happen between us.

“Not even a hint of fear within you as you face Lord Death himself.” a deep melodious voice whispered from the hooded figure. “All the more reason to trustfully whisper a true vision into your mind.” the voice continued softly. Twin pin-points of blue-white light blazed as eyes as the bony face appeared within the hood. “I will walk nearby collecting those that must be ushered to the lands of the dead, but she will not be touched as long as your path and her needs to be bound.” Death concluded in that melodious voice. He bowed to me and vanished but the feeling of his presence remained behind but less potent.

“Thank you, collector and guide to all spirits upon the land.” I purred back to the empty air around me. I turned to enter the tent to join my traveling companions and be used as a pillow and cuddle doll by Dia. My sleep was light as my mind planned multiple way to make her attempted sacrifice her moment of victory and salvation.

Morning came earlier for me as I disentangled myself from Dia’s grip to prepare. My ears had warned me of heavy footfalls that were now surrounding our camp. I acquired one of Greyman’s cloaks to hide my identity before waking the rest of the group. I motioned Greyman to hold back as Hawke, myself exited, followed by Dia exited our tent. I stood bent to emulate the old man to one side of Dia as we stood facing dour faced guards. Hawke had taking a stiff stance on the opposing side with one hand upon his sword hilt. One of these guards stepped forward directly towards me empty handed with a face locked between anger and regret.

“Why did you allow her to do this Magus Greyman?” the lead of the guards muttered at me. “You should have kept her far from his vengeful wrath.” he added with sadness undeniable in his tones. The Cavalier tensed as he sized up the group of two dozen guards facing us. My purring chuckle filled the air as Greyman stepped out to stand behind Dia gaining a confused looked from the guards’ leader as he looked from Greyman to my still invisible form. I straightened drop the cloak to the ground keeping a cold predatory sneer at the leader who step back a pace. Dia soft giggle join my purring chuckle.

“Have you never seen an Atlantian Royal Guard before captain Leston?” Dia asked with a smirk. All the guards’ eyes would not move from me in shock as the scent of their sudden terror meet my sensitive nose. I held a hand out to have Dia pause taking a step to stand between her and the guards. Hawke remained by her while Greyman took my place at her other side in a protective triangle.

“Upon the request of Princess Diadem, Atlantis dispatched a Royal Guard of the Feline Clans to bear witness of her noble actions.” I began in a deep growling voice. “I am Kestrel of the Redpath clan, fangs of the most honorable Lord Kestrel, here to bear witness of Princess Diadem sacrificing herself for the safety of all her people.” I informed them. I heard the gasp that escaped Greyman at my words but ignored it to conclude and assure my plan would lead to the proper ending. “She will bare her neck willing to the King wielding the royal sword as sign that he is truly the rightful leader here.” A ripple went through the guards present as a knowing chuckle whispered from Hawke. I stood perfectly still waiting as the guards’ leader, captain Leston, understood my words fully.

“If the blade cannot harm her, you and the rest of the guards will know who you must serve.” Greyman stated with only a hint of doubt in his tone. A musically deep chuckle rolled around us as I alone kept my eyes locked with the captain’s gaze. The others looked around trying to find the source of this sound in vain. My senses could feel Lord Death standing beyond the guards by the gates to the capital city but no visible traits were noticeable.

“Artea!” Leston interjected with a half smile forming on his lips. A female guard moved to his side kneeling as she awaited her orders. “Prepare the royal blade and the throne room for this noble sacrifice and test.” he ordered to her. With a single quick nod as reply, she rose and rushed away as I felt Death following her too closely. “We will allow this noble wisdom from Atlantis to guide us through this event as a legitimate and willing sacrifice of our former Princess.” he finally told me. “Pray this does not usher more bloodshed than needed.” he add more silently glaring directly into my amber eyes.

The rest of the guards thinned out leaving only a handful standing with their captain watching over us. Hawke shrugged as he, and then Greyman started breaking up the camp to store our gear upon the wagon. I felt Dia’s small hands upon my back as I stood still facing off with Leston. Time seemed to pass slowly as I waited statue like facing the guards’ captain until we were ready to move as a unit once more. The reek of fear still wafted from the other guards but nothing but a mix of anger and sweat surrounded their captain. As Greyman and Hawke returned to Dia’s sides, I nodded to the captain that we could proceed now.

Our procession down the street was oddly simple with a pair of guards bracketing Leston, a second pair walked on each side of our trio, and lastly a trio of guards escorting the wagon driven by one of the three. A quick unnoticed backward glance showed that the cavalier had left his main weapon, his sword, upon the wagon and Greyman simply carried his cudgel as a walking stick. As for Dia, I did not need to look back knowing she carried no weapon any of them would notice. I hoped she had not removed the small dagger I had slipped into her boot upon our first discussion, just in case of complications. In my heart, I felt the weight of my teaching from all those in Atlantis that had helped me learn to be a better weapon and shield for Lord Kestrel. The heaviest burden that weighted down my heart and steps was the fear of displeasing Lord Kestrel himself by selecting the wrong path that lay before me. My body felt lead coated by the time we entered the throne room and doubt clouded my mind now that I had forced this event forward.

“Princess Diadem returned to sacrifice herself by your hands using the royal sword.” captain Leston announced to the room. Guards lined the walls in triple rows as if waiting impatiently for a sign to act. The king eyes had not moved from glaring down upon Dia as she took one step forward before dropping to her knees and exposing the back of her neck for the strike of the blade. “Her sacrifice holds the weight that you, the king, care for her people and keep them safe.” the captain continued loudly in the silent room. I glanced at him when he spoke the word “king”. A feeling in his tones and the glint in his eyes made that single word sound more of a slur than a noble title. “The noble kingdom of Atlantis has sent a Royal Feline Guard to witness and assure Princess Diadem’s requests are followed to the letter, king.” He concluded with the same derogatory version of the word “king”.

“I am Kestrel of the Redpath Panther Clan, here to bear witness to this noble sacrifice and I will interfere if not all of the Princess’ requests are taken into account.” I stated as the silence became heavier in the room. The King’s eyes finally turned towards me filling with fear as he paled and began shaking visibly. A sneering smirk formed on my face showing my sharp fangs while my hands flexed my hooked razor sharp claws for him to see and know that he would have to follow the rules set upon him. A half bark of a chuckle escaped Leston as the King scent turned into the purest smell of terror I had ever smelt. “Shall we proceed?” I growled out like a thunder clap in the stunned silent room. The king shook like awaking from a nightmare that still persisted before his haunted eyes.

With a loud audible gulp, his eyes finally moved from me to the royal sword that Artea held laying across a silken pillow for him to take. He glanced from the sword to the back of Dia’s neck and back again. His hand flexed on the sword at his waist that was small in comparison to the royal weapon. That royal blade looked more like an implement wielded by a butcher in a slaughterhouse than the bejeweled sleek weapon sheathed in an ornate scabbard at his hip.

“Noble observer Kestrel will not be the only one to act against you if Dia’s requests are ignore.” Hawke stated. Throwing blades materialized between the Cavalier’s knuckles on both hands. Greyman raised his walking cudgel as a fiery sphere formed above it. The King’s eyes went from one to the other before his shoulders slumped in defeat. His ornate blade was tossed to the floor beside him before kicking it away. He nodded moving to take the thick handle of the royal sword. He lifted it easily examining the keen edge of the blade before taking a position next to Dia’s knelt and immobile form. Her bravery gave me strength and patience to allow this to continue.

The king’s countenance changed as he lifted the sword above his head ready to strike. An evil triumphant grin spread across his face as malice filled his eyes. My muscles tensed as I prepared for my action from the vision gifted to me. The blade arced downward on it’s deadly path but, instead of the sound a flesh and bone being sliced apart cleanly, a metallic scream filled the room followed by the sound a thousands of porcelain vases shattering. I moved without thinking, my one claw finding it’s target in the false King’s chest sending him sprawling upon his back before the throne.

“Do your duty to the true heir to the throne.” I growled. Leston’s had a spear buried into the false king’s chest upon my last word followed quickly by another dozen or so spear tips embedded through the body. I turned to look down at Dia who still had not moved from her prostrate position. Metal shards of the royal sword lay in a circle around her with the blade-less hilt beside her ready for her to collect. “I did tell you that death would not touch you while under my gaze, Dia.” I stated taking a knee before her while avoiding the metallic shards. “No, that should be Queen Diadem.” I corrected myself gently touching her shoulder. Her head raised for her eyes to meet mine. Her eyes were wide showing too much white and her alabaster skin had become a lustrous shade of purest white.

“I’m dead, at least I should be.” she stated shakily. With a lot of help from me, I was able to get her to stand. She gazed around looking confused, shocked, and horrified at the scene around her. I scooped her up in my arms before the growing puddle of blood reached her feet. “Why are you... oh...” she muttered noting the blood coating the floor.

“A Queen’s feet should never touch blood unless it cannot be help or she’s spilled it herself to protect her people.” I informed her. “I am sorry interfering with your self predicted future but I believe your people need you alive leading them more than as a martyr.” I whispered to her. “Plus I had promised you would not die while in my presence, Dia.” I added more shyly.

“Merrily that legend was reality, Kestrel.” Hawke stated motioning to me. I followed the cavalier’s lead to place Dia gently upon her throne. “Keep your feet up until we can remove this mess, Princess.” he added towards her. She glanced at him to me before pulling her knees to her chest with a slow nod. I could hear her breath in quick hitching burst as the shock finally set into her mind and body. I made her lean her head against my chest as a deep purring vibrated from my body into hers. She was slowly relaxing as the other moved with purpose to clean the room leaving me to guard her.

“I spoke to Hawke.” Greyman said as he finally approached me. His eyes were dark and filled with anger. “Your only miscalculation was that the original royal sword from the legends was lost many years ago, foolish children.” he chided us but mostly me. “How did you make that sword shatter?” he concluded as anger gave way to curiosity and awe. I looked back perplexed by his question as I shrugged.

“No blade can survive meeting the reaper’s scythe.” Death’s melodious voice whispered through my brain. I am sure my eyes must have grew wider and my body tense at these words by the old man’s reaction.

“What is it Kestrel?” Greyman asked eyes squinting at me. But I did not have a chance to reply before Dia pointed towards the entry doors of this chamber. Artea stood with a cloaked figure holding a scythe behind her in the entrance way. The figure bowed to us before stepping back as it faded. Artea suddenly stiffened with a shiver as she looking behind her with a hand upon her weapon’s hilt. “Was that whom I believe it was?” the old man whispered to me as the three of us stared at the lone guard looking nervous and scared.

“Lord Death helped us to gain the most honorable and righteous outcome.” I informed them in a whisper. “Do not ask me why He interfered as He did since that is beyond my knowledge or wisdom.” I added not wanting to explain more. I knew that I did not wish to know if Lord Death followed my path or if He followed Dia’s path. All I knew was that He allowed me to save her while also giving me the assurance that my place at Lord Kestrel’s side was rightfully earned.

Hours passed while Greyman and Hawke guided the guards and castle staff to quickly return the throne room and specific rooms within the royal abode ready for what was needed to happen sooner than later. This nation needed the truthful ruler back upon the throne to subdue the chaos and return stability to the land. My only purpose was to hold Dia as all the events worked their way through her mind and heart. She remained silently clinging to me with her head resting on my chest gaining the tender stability my purring presence gave her.

I remained in her presence long enough for her coronation before Hawke and myself took our leave to continue my journey to join Lord Kestrel. Queen Diadem did not let us leave empty handed as she placed the title of knight upon our shoulders and heavy coin purses at our waist. She drew me aside upon that last day to request I stay with her, even offering me to be her King upon these lands. My answer was a sad smile as I shook my head before reminding her that I still had many duties to perform before I could consider accepting her gracious offer. I did see Lord Death one last time while being escorted to the gates of the city opposite those we had entered. Artea walked with us to the edge of the cleared area around the capital city before biding us a good trip. I notice a pendant shaped as a scythe on a chain upon her neck. She saw my look realizing what had been seen, and smiled as she straightened. Lord Death appeared behind her but I believe only I could see Him or sense Him during this last moment.

“As His priestess, I requested in my prayers for Lord Death to watch over the Princess until she was safely returned to her throne.” she told me quietly. “A life for a life as Death may now collect me at his leisure, Sir Kestrel of the Atlantian Royal Guards.” she continued still smiling happily. "I thank you for helping her majesty." she added in a near whisper.

“I believe He will only take you once you’ve accomplish what He has already decided for you.” I returned softly. The deep melodious and merry laugh filled my ears as I nodded to her and Him. At that moment, I saw in my mind Artea’s and Dia’s growing very old keeping this land safe and secure. I couldn’t hold back a soft purring chuckle which drew me a quizzical look from Hawke. “Just getting another view of the bright future this land will have.” I answered casually. He nodded without truly understand but accepting my cryptic words.

Redpath's Journals: The First Human City I Saw (8)

 

I had found a way of observing events directly in Lord Kestrel’s den from a very secretive vantage point between the rafters in the ceiling. It also allowed me to travel through most of the first floor without being seen while still seeing and hearing everything happening. This is how I discovered of this missions first but it didn’t help me much at this exact moment. It was so sudden a departure that even I, with my increased speed and stealth skills, nearly missed the ship. Thanks to the Captains’ diligence and the quick actions of mostly the Ferret troops, I was able to board as the mooring ropes were being released. The trip was not that hard on me even with the few storms we rode through. I was still a touch surprised having to swim to shore following the longboat used to drop Kestrel and company at the tip of this southern peninsula. I can’t say that I dislike swimming since it’s a favorite pastime for panthers and Panther Guards alike, but the water felt much colder than what I was used to. I really had no time to dry off as I started pursuing them the second I reached the shore. I had caught up to them within a day and reverted to following by eyes instead of my nose from this point on.

This was greatest mistake so far as what I followed through a mountain pass was nothing but an illusion. I was just across the pass unseen when the image dissipated from existence before my very eyes. My nose told me the rest as no scent of their present meet my sensitive nostrils. “A test from my master to prove my worth as part of his retinue.” I mentally told myself. I knew that even with my memory of the mission plan this would not be easy for me to find where I needed to go. “Gather information and compare it to what I remember of the pieces of briefing I over heard.” I stated in a half whisper to myself. Remaining in the shadows and the natural cover of this mountain pass, I slowly and stealthily moved deeper onto the other side of the mountain heading hopefully in the right direction.

“Leave my grand daughter alone!” was my first warning that trouble brewed. The old man waved a staff toward lightly armored guards who held a young girl in their midst. Their lustful scent lay heavily on the light breeze rising my ire. One old man with only a stick trying to defend a young girl from a half dozen aroused guards was not something I could turn away from without betraying my Master.

“Let them do what they want grand father. We’ll still be alive afterwards.” The girl screamed between sobs and shrieks. The so-called guards said nothing as two held the girl while pawing at her. I had enough seeing this evil spectacle and moved instinctively to interfere enough to stop it. Avoiding their blades, I was nothing more than a black blur striking them down starting with those holding the girl. My speed and feral fury gave me only an edge in avoiding damage but I lack strength to put them down with a single hit like Lord Kestrel and the rest of his team could have done easily.

“That witch girl summoned an animal demon!” one guard screamed before I was able to silence him. I did not use my claws as a deep part of me wished to do to these cretins. This was not Atlantis where my status as a member of the Royal Guard bloodline would protected from repercussions from them being turned into corpses. By the time half the guards had been knocked unconscious, the last few thought it best to flee.

“Who and what came to be my grand daughter’s savior?” The old man asked as he collected his charge who’s eyes remained locked on my form. I nearly bolted wordlessly but another guard more heavily armored was approaching too quickly. He was suddenly at my side looking toward where the few escapees had ran. I was frozen between making my own escape or preparing to fight for my life.

“Hoping you are of Atlantian blood and not of infernal origins.” the new guard stated. His gaze moved slowly from the path to lock with my eyes. Only his bright green human eyes were visible to me from his masked face. “And thank you for routing bandits pretending to be guards.” he added with a small nod of his head. It took a moment for my mind to register that this man was a potential ally and friend.

“I am known as Kestrel of the Redpath clan.” I told him quickly. I tentatively held out a hand in greeting as I had seen Lord Kestrel do to other foreigners. The mask was slowly lifted from his face showing it as part of his helmet. Green eyes marked with dark patches of lacking sleep was the first thing I noticed. Lines of stress made his face look older than this man actually was. A thin lipped mouth, slightly chubby bare cheeks and brows of a rusty brown color that hinted at reddish hair. His body was slightly bulkier than Lord Kestrel but that could simply be the bulky armor he wore.

“I am Hawke, a cavalier sent to assist in take down the bandits.” he replied slowly as he shook my extended hand. He finally smiled and seemed to relax after sharing names and hand shaking form of greetings. “What brings one of your stature to our lands far from home?” he added with a quick glance at the old man and girl standing nearby silently immobile. I turned and bowed to them slowly to dispel the shock that seemed to have taken these simple travellers.

“I am following my teacher and Master secretly.” I stated honestly.

“And this old man is your teacher?” Hawke returned. I could see the confusion on his face.

“No, my Master has sent me on a fools errand following a false vision of himself and his small retinue.” I admitted. “He has important meetings in one of the cities in the area.” I added as explanation. I revealed the name of the city while also letting him know that I lacked a map of this area to orient myself in finding Lord Kestrel.

“Always rushing to reach owns goal is well known to me young squire Kestrel.” the soldier stated. A hand was placed on my shoulder Which I presumed as a form of comforting action. My instincts whispered to not shrug off this touch from a stranger. “We should join forces and escort these citizens to the next checkpoint safely.” he suggested with a nod toward the motionless duo. I nodded my agreement walking with him towards the old man and his grand daughter. Her eyes had not stop staring at me blankly.

“You are safe now, you can relax.” I told her. She remained blankly staring at me in silence. Neither her scent or her face betrayed any emotions that had her gaze frozen on my hybrid human panther form. I gently shook her shoulder hoping to illicit some reaction from her in vain. I glanced at the old man who looked worried but not fearful of her empty reaction.

“I’ll get her back on the cart if you can assist me, sir.” the old man said softly. I motioned him to lead the way as I easily scooped the girl up and carried her to the cart. She grappled to my neck as her eyes remained locked on my face in silence. Even after placing her on the wagon’s seat, she twisted around to keep her eyes upon me. I made sure as the wagon started moving again that I remained slightly in front of her seat to keep her from injury by falling out of the wagon. Hawke took a position walking next to me which was a bit a surprise to me since it seemed like a bad tactical ideal.

“She seems rather smitten on you.” the cavalier whispered to me. “You should try talking to her and see what happens.” he suggested. With a gentle elbow to my side, he motions with his head towards the girl. He moved afterwards to the other side of the cart quickly after his attempt to advise me. I dropped back to be walking directly beside her hoping words might relieve her shocked state.

“My name is Kestrel.” I told her. “And you are?” I continued easily. She actually gasped at my request.

“But we know each other.” she whispered back to me. “At least I remember this event as if time is repeating itself.” she muttered. I looked at her not recognizing her or holding any memories of our meeting.

“A prophetic dream perhaps?” I suggested without disbelieving her feelings. “I have but meet you today which is why your name is a mystery to me.” I explained showing that I didn’t share her memory of knowing each other. A shy smile and blush touched her face.

“Redpath clan are a small portion of the feline royal guards of Atlantis but you, Kestrel, are the self proclaimed honor guard to a certain Lord Kestrel that wears many a name.” she told me as her eyes remained looking at me. This was not her reading my mind since I do know the feeling of another consciousness crawling around my head. It was my turn to stare blankly at her. “Sorry, I am Dia and my grand father is called Greyman.” she finally continued during my stunned silence. “Everything so far has been like reliving a memory to me that last nearly three months.” she admitted to me. “I doubted my own thoughts until you appeared like a black storm of justice my dearest friend.”

“This would be hard for most people to accept.” I finally told her. “I do not doubt in your belief but I have never heard of a seeress that could clearly see events on such a long range of time. “I admitted softly. I unconsciously purred under my breath as part of my mind slipped into a pensive state.

“You are overthinking again like when you discovered your princess’ little secret.” she rebuked me flashing me a mischievous grin. “Every time you purr like that, you are thinking too much.” she stated directly at me. My mind went blank as I truly realized how well she knew me which was impossible. “Do not worry you will learn all my secrets soon enough kitty.” she concluded with a gleeful giggle.

I could not argue or debate her knowledge at this moment. She knew who I was and some if not all of my secrets. I would have to be cautious around her. Lord Kestrel would possibly understand this event but it is beyond my understanding which warns me to be cautious with this girl’s future knowledge. The rest of the trip to the checkpoint was done in silence. The few guards that spotted us seem to rouse ready to defend the pass until they spotted cavalier Hawke walking with us. They silently studied me while keeping a cautious distance from me. A soft growling sigh escaped me as my preferred stealthy approached would prevent this observation that grated on my nerves.

“Best to go unseen than noticed when one cannot appear human.” she whispered to me. I had barely notice her disembarking from the cart to stand close to me. She took my hand in hers. “Stay close to me since one of those bandits escaped to here.” she informed in the same whispered tone. “I will explore the Way Stores here with squire Kestrel as my escort.” she told her grand father. He nodded back before she dragged me passed the overly interested guards.

“I’ll meet you at the far side of the checkpoint enclave.” Hawke screamed to my back. The attention of the guard quickly shifted from Dia and me passing between to Hawke’s casual way to speak with me. “Noble Atlantian squires do not need us glaring at them like they are aberration soldiers!” I heard him state before leaving the range of his booming voice. Pulled through the street feeling more like a pet than a guard was when I finally truly knew and accepted the fact I was out of my depths completely.

“What is a Way Store?” I asked hesitantly. Acceptance of my lot as a stranger in a strange land lead me to question and learn to understand this foreign world that is so far removed from my homelands. Her answer came in the form of a merry giggle as she increased her pace gliding around groups of pedestrians with a dexterity equal to all feline guards. This small bit of time spent with Dia had me believing her words more easily as her movements were mirrors of my own. This could only have been learned from a feline guard which her own words stated it was from me this knowledge was gained. All doubts about her knowing me were evaporating quicker than I thought possible but, something about all this still felt wrong to me. I would not discover why until much later in our combined pathway we walked.

“You can find these types of stores in most Outposts. Checkpoints. Layover Stations. Caravaneer Towns, and in every Way Stations through the respectable kingdoms.” she told me as we reached our destination. It appeared more as a mass storage area like are found at the edges of Atlantis between the harbour and city proper. The etching on the banner over the open entrance was illegible to me which was not truly a surprise to me since I could barely read Atlantian script. “You can find goods from through the kingdoms even some rare ingredients and items that are nearly impossible to find in the kingdom they originate from.” she explained smiling. A look akin to a person suffering a fever gleamed in her eyes at this moment as she dragged me into the expansive building. The nearly over powering mix of smells was the first thing that touched me. It was not an unpleasant mixture of smells but it would take hours before my nose was of any use to me after exiting this stagnant pool of aromas. “And this is why I stop at every Way Store along any path I travel with my grand father.” she revealed as we stood before a display of prepared food. She pointed in a quick repeating sequence from a section of meat, to a section of cheeses, and to a section of pastries. “It is the only place to find these meals outside of cooking it myself, which is not as good.” she added with a sigh.

“I believe your versions are just as good.” I counter quickly. I hope she realized the confidence I had in my words for her. “The genius chef on Atlantis says that a person’s cooking is always the best because the skills they use comes from their true spirit.” I continued, attempting to explain my thoughts to her. “Especially when the person they serve their cooking to is truly important to them.”

“This is a new discussion for me.” Dia replied slightly confused. “And thank you.” she added in a whisper. Her cheeks reddened at this point as she avoided looking at me directly.

“Could this mean that we’ve changed our pathway from your memories?” I asked pensively. I was purring but it was not because I was thinking. I was happy that my words had made her blush for some unknown reason. “Was it a vision or did something toss you back to our first meeting?” I continued. Her face had scrunched up from, what I presumed was, deep thoughts. I waited as she thought and slowly glanced around the area.

“Everything else is the same.” she started slowly. “And I may have only thought the last words I spoke this time because I feel so close to you.” she admitted, her blush brightened. “I wonder if I will forget that three month we had once this new three month rewrites it?” she asked in a whisper. “I am unsure if I was tossed back or by whom, only that I did.”

“You do not doubt having lived this life before even if we are already altering it with this very discussion, correct?” I returned. I thought it logical that discussing of a secondary set of event equaled a new pathway in itself for her. She smiled and started laughing softly. It was impossible not to see the sudden happiness that flooded through her at my simple declaration. She selected a large portion of the three meals and haggled down the price to nearly half, before we slowly walked around the rest of the store while slowly eating. This was the moment I corrected and reinforced many of the details she had learned about me during her first trip through this momentary timeline. The next major change she noted was the escaped bandit that did not get a chance to attack her this time. The scrapping sound of his foot as he bolted towards her with the few heavier steps was easy for me to hear. I shadow met a flurry of palm strikes to his mid section a few paces away from her. The one guard that had been dogging our step was upon him after my strike stunned the bandit.

“Commander Hawke thought one might have infiltrated this checkpoint and would target the young lass.” this guard informed me. “Thank you for making it easy for me.” he added. He gave me a quick salute before dragging the unconscious bandit away whistling casually a merry tune.

“You have and will touch many hearts by being yourself.” Dia commented. She had taken my hand in hers tightly. “I believe this is a change that should have happen during my first time through this moment.” she stated looking directly in my eyes. What occurred was a shock that I did not even considered possible. She kissed me. Not on my cheek but on my mouth. Rubbing cheeks, touching noses, and even gentle nibbles or licks were common ways the felines showed affection but never a kiss. It ways not only new but so sudden an action that my body and mind went perfectly numb unable to think or react. I believe she felt the same as she stared at me in silence immobile.

Neither of us seemed to notice the crowd moving around us commenting on our moment. A mixture of words ranging from “good couple” to “disgusting” floated around us as we stood simply staring deeply into each others eyes lost in ourselves. What was in actuality nothing but a few mere seconds felt like a lifetime to me in that moment. I did not understand this bubbling cauldron of emotions rising up in me in that frozen instance we shared. I wanted to ask her if she felt the same but I could not speak a single syllable. Was this the emotion they referred to as love?

“My grand father should be at far side of the enclave to continue our journey, my kitty.” she finally spoke. “It is not far from here and I know Hawke will want words with you before we leave.” she informed me. She snuggled into my side holding tightly on my arm as we meandered towards the our goal. It felt natural to have her clinging to my side with her head leaning on my shoulder as we walked. A shadow still lingered in the back of my mind but nothing tangible for me to grasp and hold onto. It was my instincts feeling this dread similar to the sense of an invisible predator poised to strike. I left this in the back of my mind dwelling more on the storm of emotions this young girl made stir within me.

“From your word cavalier, you truly believe he’s an Atlantian Royal Guard?” I heard Greyman asking. “He does not exactly act like someone of that nature.” he added before any replies were given.

“He is of the right form to be one of them and has acted very nobly as is rumored of Atlantians.” Hawke answered slowly. “I have found no reason to doubt my perceptive decision about the feline.”

“My grand daughter has spoken of having meet him and living many months around Kestrel.” the old man told him. “This frightens me because of how she speaks so highly of him even if she has just meet him.” he continued softly. “Every essence of my being tells me to trust him like Dia does but something feels out of sort.” he admits.

“We both sense something amiss wise Greyman.” I stated as we neared.

“Even my memories of these previously lived events are being changed grand father.” Dia said quickly after me.

“So we all have an odd feeling presently?” Hawke interjected. We all glanced at each other with quick confirming nods. “Then my plans are to accompany your group and lead Squire Kestrel to the city his Master will be heading towards.” he told us with no room to question it.

“I will happily accept your gracious offer.” I returned. Greyman also accepted as easily as I did.

“I truly have no say in this matter since the only two being I would take advice from have agreed.” Dia stated still clinging to me.

“We will be raising many an eyebrow during the trip with such an odd combinations of heraldic characters.” the cavalier stated. “Have you ever ridden a horse squire?” he asked me.

“I can walk more effectively than riding any form of beast, sir.” I admitted quickly.

“Good, we will not look like a minor band of performers.” he replied with a chuckle. He whistled for his steed which he mounted and we were off. Grayman and Dia in the driving seat of the small wagon followed Hawke’s mount while I walked on Dia’s side of the wagon.

 I did not realize how much people would react to seeing a hybrid beast like myself walking around their lands and roadways. Farmers in the fields would stop working to stare at me as we passed. It was disconcerting to me and my new traveling companions seemed to notice and understand. I started to wave and give quick bows to those that watched me with fear, confusion, shock, and curiosity. Dia giggled as she took in what I was doing,

“We do truly look like a traveling troop of performers.” she noted with glee. “The strongman Hawke at the front with the wise wizardly old man driving the wagon with his young assistant.” she continued. “And the beast man acrobat at our side.”

“If it makes them look lest harshly upon us, I will accept my part of a spectacle.” I replied slowly.

“It’s not a bad thing to be seen young squire.” Hawke commented from ahead of us. “Makes it less likely to be attacked or delayed if we are so blatantly visible.”

“Yes, but constantly being under scrutiny is nerve wracking.” Greyman returned. I glanced at the old man noticing tension on his face. He was as uncomfortable with this situation as I was, or at least I thought. I was only partially correct in my thoughts about the grand father’s discomfort. “We will find a way of hiding your distinct look squire.” he concluded with a nod.

“I would be very grateful for this kindness.” I replied quickly.

“I believe it better that all see your true form Kestrel.” Dia remarked. She turned to look at me. “Cautious reaction and leery looks are more apt than you could ever perceive.” she whispered just loud enough for me to hear her words.

“Showing your true self is more honorable than hiding oneself.” Hawke agreed with her.

“But his nature is to dwell in shadows ready to act nobly while going unnoticed by all.” Greyman retorted. “It is a part of his strength and truth, cavalier.” he added quickly.

“Wise words sir Greyman and greatly appreciated.” he returned softly. “Bringing too much attention to myself will not help me find my Master stealthily as I must.” I continued slowly and hesitantly. “I was not assigned to accompany him directly.” Kestrel admitted. I heard Dia gasp at my revelation.

“You are being a bad kitty going off without permission.” she chided me. “I will make sure to punish you for this later.” she added. She glared sternly at me as she spoke causing me to feel fear. A deep rumbling chuckle escaped from her grand father. This little moment of anger, fear, and mirth made our mood shift to a more relaxed state. Only the lingering shadow at the back of mind also seemed to dissipate from this small release of tension. I did not need to be told that this event was new to her memories. If the kiss had not occurred, I would never have been willing to admit my independent action of following Lord Kestrel on this mission.