Kestrel's Journals: A Show of Strength (4)

“Leaving them with nothing but their adaptability to find their own path in solitude.” I whispered to my hidden cabin guest. “You proclaimed it so my Masters, so must it be done.” I added to myself. I stated it to make sure he understood that even I answered to beings above myself. I knew it was the kitten that bore my name. Teaching him properly indirectly was more sensible until he felt ready to stand at my side with Sert, Meli, and Cole. I left my cabin to stand at the prow of the Herald as we neared the protective reefs of Atlantis. Sert and Meli soon joined me as had become a custom or ritual upon returning home. The slow cautious moves of the ship under us as it negotiated the path around the visible and invisible obstacle of Atlantis' protective reef was a calm reassurance that we made it home safely. Or so I imagined without peeking into their minds at this moment. I feigned ignoring their presence this one time as I planned my actions once my feet touched Atlantian soil once more. I didn't realize they had the same thoughts in their heads. My guard spoke his mind after we had moved to the dock.

“What are our duties sir?” Sert asked. He and Meli stood at attention while Captain Curd and Captain Ent moved in our direction.

“I must speak with Her Holy Highness.” I stated curtly at them. “Return home with our gear and await my return.” I continued before they could object. “Clear me a path to Holy Annianka's prison!” I ordered to the Captains. They snapped me a quick salute and waved me forward. I moved quickly away abandoning my companions to their own devise. The streets had been cleared as if the knew the request I was going to make from them. I did not hazard a glance in their minds over this fact but felt a set of feline paws following my step closely. A dozen mixed Royal Guards joined me as I approached Annianka's private tower cell.

I did stop to thank them as they placed themselves to secure the entrance to the bridge that led to her prison tower giving me free reigns to enter and an assurance of privacy while I was inside. My step falter as I found Annianka in her private garden. Miss Hope stood clearly in view. She turned slowly and signal me to wait before moving with unnatural silence to meet me by the doors of this garden.

“We must speak while she sleeps, my Lord.” she stated to me quickly and quietly. “Word arrived from the Royal Fairies after you left for the suspicious mound.” she added. She took my arm slowly leading me back toward the foyer of this tower.

“They want the ones that broke off turned into an example?” I asked directly. “Destroyed even?”

“They are being called rebels and having broken their Fairy Oath.” she replied tensely. “They have quoted over a dozen status from their many treaties signed with Atlantis and the Fairy Nation making it Her duty to exterminated them.” she concluded in a low growl.

“And where does the Council stand on this matter?” I returned without looking at her.

“They feel that the Fairies are over stepping their bonds and should be all crushed under Atlantian heels.” she retorted.

“And they are right since the rebel Fairies have stated a conspiracy afoot to take control of Atlantis.” I reported in a whisper to her.

“Is it even possible?” she said. “Would they be that foolish thinking they can control the might of Atlantis?” she sputtered in disbelief. I remained silent causing her to turn and face my cold eyes. “Answer me please?”

“If Annianka bows to the will of the Fairy Nation in this matter, then she is handing them the reigns of Atlantis.” I replied softly. “She can tell the Fairies to deal with their own problems without begging for Atlantis to be their executioner.” I continued “If they persist to drag Atlantis into their drama, break the treaties with them and throw the winged little asses off Atlantis en mass.” I added with a grim smirk.

“But it will cause a civil war within the Fairy Nation.” she chided. “And possibly have other non-humans turn against Atlantis.” Miss Hope added bluntly.

“A show of power and integrity might be in order then.” I mused. My smile must have shown more ferally menacing than I would previously have allowed to show. “Have their representatives meet with me at my estate in the morning.” I ordered. “I will go to the Council to inform them of a full renegotiation of all the treaties between Atlantis and the Fairy Nation.”

“What do you have in mind Kestrel?” she growled at me. “We cannot afford a diplomatic incident between us and them at this time.”

“They face the Envoy of the Ones On High who is negotiating the new treaty between them and Atlantis.” I replied scowling. I walked away ignoring her complaints and words of warning. If the Fairies want to challenge Atlantis, those flutter bugs would face the creator of this mystic isle who sits above them. It would be easy enough to have Odin appear to order them back in place while allow my higher judgement to be passed over them if they fail to heed his commands. I was a bit shocked seeing Cole waiting for me outside the Council Chamber Hall. I felt the worry ebbing from him in crashing waves suggesting my other companions had mention to him my behaviour at the rebelling Fairy Mound. I took a deep breath as I realized that my actions might already have been reported to the Council. But it did not explain Cole bravely standing alone instead of with a full cadre of Council Guards ready to pounce on me. I must believe that nothing had been revealed to them as of yet.

“Our friend on the Council wish me to convey gratitude for your actions.” Cole stated. So they knew and were not up in arms by my politically reckless actions. “We have kept the others in the dark since they are mostly secluded in an attempt to find a loop hole in the treaties to refuse the Fairy Nation's demands.” he informed me. We stood nearly nose to nose.

“Tell them if they follow to the Fairies' requests, they may as well give them full authority over Atlantis.” I snarled in his face. Cole's eyes widen at my words and attitude. “I will be renegotiating all the treaties in the morning if the Fairies still wish to remain in good favour with Atlantis.” I informed him directly. “Warn our friends that I am going to practice aggressive negotiations with them.” I continued. “Some may be injured, maimed, and even killed as I make a point to those fluttering parasites.” I concluded my full warning to him. I attempted to walk away but Cole spoke up quickly.

“Speak to our friends directly before leaving sir.” he stated loudly. “They received a notice from other non-humans in the area of that mound that might be of value in your negotiations.” he explained. I stopped and half turned to gaze at him both physically and mentally. A little smirk formed on his face that suggested this information was to benefit the rebels while forcing the other Fairies to back down from their warpath. I nodded slowly fully turning to enter the Council Chambers.

The Guards in the service of my supporters greeted me warmly without jibs about the two that failed to learn flying before hitting the ground. Nor did they mention the doors I destroyed to allow Princess Sara access to her mother. They escorted me to a small study on the edge of the massive structure reporting they would gather the Council member that I needed to speak with. I suspected that information had been provide to them regarding this special information they held for me. The short time I was left alone allowed me to study the library containing multiple volumes of the decisions of the Council for the last millennium. Nothing of great importance considering I had memories all this information as preparation for my extended visit here. A small portion set aside on the reading desk dealt with the older treaties signed between Atlantis and the non-humans early in the life of this island.

“So good t have you visit us finally.” Burdish stated as he entered. He was followed by two clerks carrying bundles of letters which they carefully placed on the desk before exiting. I eyed him suspiciously for a moment as he smiled at me. “We have received a few dozen letters, reports, and requests from the other non-humans clans around that mound stating we should resist any pressure from the Fairy Nation.” he reported. “Including their support if they want to isolate themselves as they are doing.” he added softer.

“So word has finally reached here from them about the Fairy plot to control Atlantis?” I asked bluntly. The smile turned into a confused grimace before his body suddenly snapped to attention. “That is why they broke away from the other Fairies and non-humans since they did not know whom they could trust.” I explained. “Also the reason they terminated communications with Atlantis because no proof could be given that the messages came from us without being seen by the conspirators.” I continued casually. “They have unfortunately found no proof of these dark machinations fearing not only the Fairies are involved in this dark movement.” The hints of red brightened to deep scarlet in Burdish's face. His balled fists showed white knuckles making it hard as he motion me to read the letters. In silence, I began quickly reading through the letter stack on the desk. No word of conspiracy or them suspecting the isolation as a bizarre behaviour as they offered defence support for a mound wishing to be left alone.

“Allies ready to fight without needing a reason to defend a mound they see as a true friend.” I whispered with a small chuckle. “Can these or copies of these be brought forth tomorrow to the representative of the mound?” I asked quickly. Burdish looked at me as his smile returned with a gleam of malice in his eyes.

“The validity of each of these messages have been thoroughly verified.” he admitted. “If Her Holy Highness Annianka attacks them, a good portion of the Atlantian allies would abandon us.” he continued. “Not to mention most of the Council that presently support Her.”

“They would vote Her permanently incarcerated?” I scoffed. It would be impossible to do so thanks to Her link to the Heartstone.

“They would draft paper to have Her expulsed from Atlantis seeing this action as disdainful as the Usurper ordering our death.” he clarified quickly. I looked at his eyes closely seeing he would be the one pushing this edict through the Council with or without support from others.

“It will be fixed tomorrow as I renegotiate all the contracts into one all-encompassing treaty.” I informed him. “I will force it down those little winged idiots' throat if they cannot see reason.” I continued. Burdish vicious smile was as grim as my own predatory grin. I saw in his mind the memories of my first meeting with them when I formed the black hole and warned them not to bring harm to Atlantis. “Make arrangement to keep Her Holy Highness very busy with visitors tomorrow while I deal the Fairy a very fearful hand including a visit from Odin.” I concluded. His colour drained at the mention of the creator and deity of Atlantis.

I bowed to him and left him standing stunned in the study with my mentioning Odin's name so casually. My walk home was in silent review of all the treaties I had memories before my arrival here. I slowly pieced together a base line treaty that would cover all the Fairies without given any specific mound more power or say than any other mound. I went directly to my den to draft my thoughts to paper so the representative could all read them and forcibly agree to my organized thoughts. Cole returned a few hours later proclaiming that the Council unanimously would back any new treaties or contracts I put in place with the Fairy Nation.

“Does this mean we will have guests tomorrow?” Meli asked. Her and Sert had followed the merry Cole into my den out of sheer curiosity. “We do not have enough guards or staff to hold a meeting with the whole delegation of Fairies!” she remarked fearfully.

“Both the Royal Kitchen and the Council Chefs have offered to help supply prepared food for those attending and word from the Feral Guards suggest they will be here in force to keep the peace.” Cole informed them.

“And I will have to speak to Odin since he and our rebel leader will be attending this meeting.” I stated softly. I heard Meli gulp while a pensive smirk crowned Sert's visage.

“Might give you a chance to ask if he was truly behind the supposed royal appointment of that naive Munin.” he suggested.

“That is not a subject that will be touched.” I returned bluntly. “He will only be here for a few minutes to inform the Fairies to behave and listen to the one he is allowing to represent all of Atlantis and the world.” I explained to them.

I was graced with a visit from the representative of the newest Egyptian Ambassador late that afternoon. It took me away from my notes and arranging the new treatise by a troop of Feline Guards escorting the Ambassador's wife. I had Sert and Cole join the two Feline standing guard on the door to my private garden where I meet my niece once more.

“Why must I constantly change bodies in the outer world while you remain in the same body I first meet you in Uncle?” she asked me petulantly. She had waited until the door was sealed at our back before speaking her mind.

“I am special plus this body gets regenerated even better because I live in Atlantis.” I whispered calmly back. “Why did you finally decide to leave Egypt and see this grand world with your loving eternal husband?” I continued in the same whisper. My words sounded not just in her ears but in her mind in the same soft tone.

“Third life without seeing this place finally made both of us decide that it was time for a visit.” she answered mentally. “My skills are still as sharp as ever just like the honest and humble heart of my sweet husband.”

“I will have to visit in an official capacity once things are dealt with the fairy folks.” I returned softly. “I cannot have the Atlantians believing I steer clear of the Egyptian delegates for some untold judgemental purpose.”

“Please make it soon since our time here as representative will be ending within a few weeks.” she informed me. “And that slime upon the throne seems to love having us visit him.” she commented with a mental shudder. “And the possibility of being allow to return is questionable because of our actions to gain peace with the humans and non-humans surrounding our lands.”

“Bent rules to create peace sounds like a small price to pay.” I commented gently. She smiled sadly at me. “Any comments from the non-humans regarding a possible conspiracy?” I hazarded. She shook her head slowly after a moment of silent thought. “Supposedly some of the non-humans are planning to usurper control of Atlantis but I have few details in hand presently nor any proof.” I explained to her.

“I will keep a probe out looking for more information for you Uncle Melchia.” she promised to me. “Now when can you arrange a visit with my cousin Sara?” she continued. Her face shined with mischief with this knowledge. I rolled my eyes as I sighed at her enthusiasm.

“The Royal Princess is not available for visitors yet.” I attempted to explain. She still smiled but her eyes glared at me. “But I will make arrangements to get you a royal visit once they allow her in the public eye.” I continued slowly. “But you two can still speak since she shares our family's gift of mental speech.” I suggested softly. Sara's voice squealed in both our minds as she screamed her cousin's first true Egyptian name. We sat together in the garden for nearly an hour while Sara spoke to both of us.

“Please keep your mother's mind preoccupied while I fix the problem with the Fairies.” I requested of my daughter. “We cannot allow her to lash out at the Fairy mound as those trying to control us is planning.” I explained to her.

“Of course Father.” she answered quickly. “And please have the Egyptians visit Mother during the time I am there.” she suggested to both of us.

“I will send word to the Council to make this happen but you may still not meet directly, simply see each other.” I replied softly to her. “It will not break any of the rules in place to protect you Sara while allowing you to see others from the outer world you live in.” I informed her gently.

“Thank you Father.” she returned. This ended our meeting as my niece returned to her husband and her duties while I completed the set of notes for the meeting in the morn. The household went to bed early that night to prepare for this spectacle against the Fairy Nation that I would be performing.

“Redpath's Journals: Fairies of Dissent” (3)

     I was awoken early hearing all three of them bustling like mad around the home forcing me to take to the trees overlooking the dining room. What I had caught from them and the machinations set in the foyer, Kestrel was home. I had not even attempted looking in on him last night for fear of getting caught before given a chance to prove myself. I waited impatiently looking and hearing the words that a meal was being brought from the Royal Kitchen this morning for Lord Kestrel's return. My mouth watered considering how little I had been eating of late while hiding here.

     Lord Kestrel arrived in a cloud of wanting to be at work immediately as the meal from the Royal Kitchens arrived being carried by the new head chef and two helpers. I found it hard to believe that one of the most gifted technological engineer trainees was a kitchen helper but this man genius caused him to have moments of social ineptitude. This and the fits of his mind being overloaded with ideas causing him to lose himself in the thoughts to the point of walking without realizing it into a dolphin pool. I wanted to head out hearing some of these stories before coming to Lord Kestrel's estate to be his guardian angel but the call to Lord Kestrel's side was older and much louder in my heart.

     I listen only half hearted to the conversation about Her Holy Highness being imprisoned. The words that it was the bastard Munin's fault made me ready to perform regicide for Her Holiness and all of Atlantis. I held back bursting in when the lie of the Council's family reaction was stated by chef Chichi. From what I had discovered. The supposed ousted Council Guards had been ordered to disassociate with the Council to offer their protection to the foreigners as spies for the Council members they served like faithful hounds. I would list these small lies being placed in Lord Kestrel's view as part of my duties to protect this most noble citizens to Atlantis. It was true that the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks had requested specific Guards from the Royal Feral Guards because of their own belief systems but a handful of collared Council Guards had insinuated their embassies as spies for the Council.

     The truth as how forcibly the Greek and Romans harassed the Council with requests was downplayed to Lord Kestrel. I found it simplistic how he let it slide to forced them forward to the next item. I just feared his reaction as he learned the truth that trades was failing outside of Atlantis linking to all the humans who fought to be isolated while pushing their beliefs on other lands. My respect for the head chef Chilörąn grew as I heard his analytical though simple views of how the outer world clashed over past bloodshed. The fact that the Atlantian in the room missed what the Royal Chef stated directly to them. The truth that human paranoia had them seeing every other race as enemies was hard to accept but Meli redeemed them all with her thoughts. I liked sipping the cold remains of tea as I sat watching over them. It calmed me to no end as I sat hearing them discuss a way that was so clear and simple for them to bring the humans, non-humans, and Atlantians together without any chance of fear or pride interfering with their thoughts.

     I feared my laughter would be noticed but Chichi's snicker hide my outright mirth at them getting caught in missing information. I felt pity for them wanting to keep Princess Sara a secret but word was that Lord Kestrel had meet Her after giving Her a clear path to visit Her Holy Mother. I listen to them trying to explain and their illogical conclusion about Lord Kestrel's departure. Then shock took me as he tried pushing away his duties to just eat. He had been wolfing down food as if he was a starving man finally able to feast. Even the little Royal Chef agreed that this was not normal.

“It has been too long since I have had such a truly good meal.” He nearly growled as explanation. I could smell from my spot the under cooked meat preferred by predators; the undercooked vegetables and more specifically prepared food for his feral nature than what I smelt from the other plates. I froze on the branch realizing what Lady Mekiliean missed. He had starved himself to be able to return to us as quickly as he did. His lecture of soul rebirth meant nothing to me since I knew this soul was ageless like Lord Kestrel smelt to me.

I felt as if my soul froze as I heard the Royal Chef Chilörąn's progenitors. “The Dragon-God of luck and prosperity, and a willing Priestess of his faith in Chin.” he answered. I felt Lord Kestrel's power surging in the room but not touch me in my tree perch.

“Watch your words child!” Kestrel growled. “It is too early for them to accept such stories.” he remarked quickly.

“The minor deity of the Chin Pantheons and a priestess.” he answered to them. “Nothing truly special to me but my gift at cooking which grows even stronger with each reincarnation.” he explained to them. His boyish smile hiding the fact he had spoken twice of his birth to them “But I am a good second set of ears and hands to assist all of you.” he added still smiling. I felt no distrust as whispers escaped Lord Kestrel toward this definitely inhuman cook. This chef smelt of dragon stronger than even the spirit dragons making me fear and admire this little unassuming man. Then Sertian spoke.

“We will see what a chef can do to help us.” Sert returned caustically to my ears. I nearly pounced into the room to attack him over his childish comment but Kestrel's word held my actions. I noticed Meli heard the words making me believe she heard the retort and agreed without speaking.

“Word from the Fairies will show you what I speak of.”Lord Kestrel whispered. I was off before he could say more. This was the proving chance I needed since his gift saw what was to come. The Fairies would make a move that threatened Atlantis directly. It is what I gleamed from his final words before I rushed off. How truthful his comments was left to be discovered but it did turn valid as the rumours of a Fairy tribe going rogue without purpose was being talked about in the Fairy district of the mighty city.

“They seem to want to simply be left alone and not be forced to follow the rules upon all the other mounds,” a fairy stated in a whispered. No time had passed it seemed from the moment I left the estate to when I was here listening to a grouping of higher ranked Fairies speaking. “If they persist, the rest of the Fairies will force an attack upon them.” he added so quietly that I nearly missed it.

“We face something that has never taken place in the Fairy ranks before.” the other retorted. “How can we know that Atlantis will react negatively to this isolation ideology they are pushing forth?”

“Because we will harass the Council until they cave.” a female fairy stated. “They will do exactly as we force them to do removing this problem from our back.” she continued forcibly. “And nothing will stop us from doing this wonderful act including Atlantis that will submit as our assassins in this matter.” she concluded.

“As long as word from their supporters in the area doesn't reach them.” one of the male cautioned.

“We will keep those documents hidden away from the prying eyes of Atlantis.” she remarked bluntly. As she spoke, the documents were in my hands ready to be used. I sensed the maleficence in this fairy that was not fully shared by her companions. I could feel they wanted a way out of this destructive path. It made them hold their tongues as they noticed the documents they spoke of having vanished. “I leave it in the hands of Odin to deal with.” one muttered under his breath. I smirked even if I did not feel the mirth I showed. This was a serious matter than Lord Kestrel need to know and be prepared to counter these action with my indirect help.

I attempted dropping the letters upon his desk with a copy in the hands of a lesser Fairy princess that seemed trustworthy was a failure. I hoped that his heart saw truthfully or the information would keep Lord Kestrel from making them pay for the injustice they tried to place upon Atlantis shoulders. But I was too slow. Lord Kestrel departed his estate faster than I believe was possible with his Guard and Medic. I barely had time to drop a second copy on the desk of Burdish before rushing to board the Herald secretly to accompany them. I thanked Odin's brood for the slow walk they had taken to reach the Herald that day. It seemed too easy for me to remain hidden during the voyage and follow Kestrel as he marched upon the Fairy Mound. My heart stopped as I saw first hand the immenseness of his power that surpassed the gods themselves.

I could not even fathom how Lord Kestrel had already been placed in the middle of this mess with the furor of a beast to follow his orders. He rose one hand and the Mound's protective shielding shattered against Lord Kestrel's anger and impossible strength of will. I followed unseen and unknown watching in horror as fairies shatter under Kestrel's balled fist. I smelt his anger and indifference toward what could only be seen as lesser being to someone as evolved and honourable as Lord Kestrel. Sert and Meli did what they could in a vain attempt to save the lives snuffed by Lord Kestrel's beast-god rage.

He faced off alone with the headman of the Fairy tribe with but me as witness. I felt and saw his overwhelming rage at a group of fairies thinking they mattered as he heard the words. I suddenly choked in the room seeing him not only hold back but concede to the Fairy leader while realizing that Atlantis was being played in this dark matter. I felt like I was a pawn in all this but my information was in Lord Kestrel's hands and I hopped he took heed of my words upon his return to see what backed this Mound that tried detaching themselves from the world. I felt it as well as saw it in his body motions as he sudden pulled back from the fairy. This was the other side of the coin.

“We must not allow them to turn Atlantis and the World against us while all we do is to protect ourselves from them?” the mayor screamed at Kestrel. He had not moved since entering the place.

“I will do what I can to protect you but I need that information you hold about this Fairy Conspiracy,” he returned bluntly. I felt his anger being redirected in his spirit as he looked at this man pleading for his people to survive against the hordes of fairies waiting to be ordered to exterminate a traitor in their midst.

Felt myself shuddering as I listen to the words. This was more of the rumours that a group in the Fairies, which including the bitch I had seen, wanting to remove the power in the hands of Atlantis when it came to the Fairy nation as a whole. The fact of using it as a weapon against the Fairies that decided to rebel with good reason against the Fairy Royal house. I cursed my blindness of seeing all fairies as the same while not seeing the honour in some that lacked in others. I cried tears over those that Kestrel murdered as he entered this village. It was all I could do for the fallen fairies of this clan that had tried to escape the corruption that infected the other fairies.

I gulped and retreated seeing if I could help put together those Kestrel had shattered in his anger of being sent to perform such a fruitless act. I fared no better than my companions, Sert and Meli, which made me retreat in fear-filled depression back to the Herald to hide and cry at the dark events that took place that day. He sat in silence brooding in his cabin that I stowed away in secret.

“I will do anything I must even destroying all the non-human races in my duties force me to protect.” he stated to himself. He returned to his silent brooding, snapping angrily at any that disturbed his solitude during our return trip. I remained quietly hidden away even if I sensed he knew I was present. His only other words he whispered were uttered on the last day of this sea voyage. “Leaving them with nothing but their adaptability to find their own path in solitude.” he whispered to himself. “You proclaimed it so my Masters, so must it be done.” he added. He left the cabin at that point and I did not need to follow to know he would be perched on the prow of the ship as was normal for a kestrel.

Kestrel's Journals: Facing the Troops (3)

I awoke hearing the bustling of my team around the residence making sure everything was perfectly placed for my return. I sensed as I touched their minds that they had been up all night cleaning and arranging the house for my return. I waited in silence in my room undisturbed by my team waiting for Chichi to arrive from the Royal Kitchen with the morning meal I knew he had promised Meli the previous day. I slowly moved to join my troops as Chilörąn arrived with two young kitchen helpers. I meet them in the dining room where I nodded my thanks to Chichi and his two helpers before taking my place at the head of the table.

“What have I missed?” I blurted out bluntly. I began eating without waiting for an answer or for them to take their place at the table with me. They stared at each other in shock that I felt before rushing to their places at the table. Chichi remained at the door with his two charges stiffly waiting to be told to leave. “I am sure Sert and Meli remember little Chilörąn from Lorenzo's estate?” I commented around a mouthful of bread. “He can listen in and give his opinion as well as his helpers can.” I continued blankly.

“Annianka was imprisoned again supposedly by the Council.” Meli stated at my elbow.

“Except the Council signed no papers about it this time.” Cole retorted. He sat upon the opposite side of me ignoring to leave an empty seat between us.

“Their guards are acting as if the Council unanimously decided it though.” Sert informed them. “But Cole is correct that the order did not originate from the Council itself.” He was in his customary place next to Meli.

“And many of the Council members are annoyed at their own guards for acting so aggressively regarding Her Holy Highness' incarceration.” Cole admitted. “Especially the two you dispatched at the Royal doors.” he added with a small chuckle.

“Half the Council Guard families have been ousted from the Council members' households so far, falling in to guard the foreigners upon Atlantian soil.” Chichi commented from his post at the door. I motioned to the empty chair next to Cole at the table. He took it quickly bending his head forward to join our conference.

“It was Munin who order this last incarceration using the words of outrage from a Norse delegate to seal Annianka's fate.” I informed them. “And what else regarding the new Ambassadors to Atlantis?”

“We have close to two dozen representative of the outer world in residence on Atlantis.” Cole reported. “They have not been allowed to bring their own guards or weapons upon Atlantis.” he continued slowly.

“The non-humans have accepted easily to have Royal Guards with trainees patrolling their residence but most of the humans have refused anything but the disposed Council Guards.” Meli reported. “The few exception are the Greek and Roman who called immediately for the clan that succoured their founders Remus and Romulus, the Lupus Guards, and the Egyptians that asked politely if the children of Baat, the Feline Guards, could watch over them.”

“But the Greek and Roman are still pushing forth petitions to allow them to bring their own guards and weapons in vain.” Sert stated bluntly around a mouthful of meat.

“The tension of what happened in Troy is still a fresh open wound to both of them because of their pride.” I commented. “It is in both their best interest if we keep them unable to fight.” I told them. “Trades and treaties?” I asked bluntly. This snappish form of reporting was testing their mental walls and forcing words out that they would normally hold back unless in private.

“Only the non-humans have been forming treaties and trading agreements amongst each other.” Cole informed me. Meli nodded her agreement to this statement.

“The human groups are willing to trade with Atlantis but rarely with the other non-humans and never between themselves.” she concluded sadly.

“Only the Egyptians have been dealing with everyone but hiding behind an Atlantian representative not allowed to let them know who they are actually dealing with.” Sert stated softly.

“And the Council and lesser nobles have been playing them against each other to strengthen their own bargaining position.” Cole admitted gently. “All attempts to have them meet and seal contracts with Atlantis acting as mediator and enforcer but no success.”

“Understandable since we cannot trust each other because of all the blood spilt in wars between each other.” Chichi explained. My team stared at him blankly.

“Atlantis is offering them peace and defending the treaties signed here.” Cole retorted. I sense the annoyance and arrogance his words still held toward humans. “They seem to prefer bloodshed over the peacefulness we are offering to them.” he added.

“The strong show their strength on the field of conquest.” I interrupted as Cole and Chilörąn glared at each other. “If a weaker power accept assistance from one against another, they become nothing but a servant to the greater nation or a target by them later.” I continued calmly. I spotted Sert nodding his understanding to these thoughts. “Offer them nothing more than a safe place for them to discuss freely and decide for themselves to trade or not to trade.” I advised Cole. He sighed as he nodded grudgingly. “Speak.”

“Most will still refuse since they will not feel safe with an enemy in the room.” Cole told me annoyed.

“Even if the room is filled with guards.” Sert returned softly.

“What about a very informal open atmosphere of a tea party by chance?” Meli suggested with a small smile. “No pressure to make deals, just drink tea while looking at greenery?” she added.

“It would also be a good atmosphere to introduce the humans to non-humans they share their world with.” Sert added with a growing smile.

“And you three could not think of this while I was gone.” I half joked at them. The empty stare they gave each other before they looked back sheepishly at me screamed a yes answer to me.

“We asked ourselves the same question after your arrival yesterday Kestrel without finding an answer.” Meli admitted for them.

“Our thought seemed to have cleared the moment we learned of your return.” Sert commented.

“The Goblins of Eibar would be helpful since they have a few Spaniards with their retinue.” Cole commented. “They are attempting to make trade deals as a combined faction.” he continued. “So far they are being very well received by the other non-humans including Atlantis but their slight advances toward other human factions have failed to produce treatise.”

“I am sure they would not mind holding a tea party if we offer one of the botanical green houses or open air parks as location for it.” Meli replied softly. “I believe I can make those arrangement for them by week's end if they accept.”

“And we could serve as helpful guardian in that place with a small grouping of mixed Royal and Council Guards.” Sert commented. “Burdish would help us select trustworthy Guards from the Council's ranks and we can verify about having the possibility of a Royal visit during the event.” he continued.

“Best make sure it is Her Holy Highness that makes an appearance so Atlantis will know She is free once more.” I corrected. “Prince Bryan can be our security leader while Chichi watches over the kitchen needs through the Royal kitchen.” I continued. Brother Famine nodded politely to me as a signal of agreement. “Bringing the Royals into the fold would add to the position the Eibar group hold which might open possible deals for them.” I suggested.

“I can speak with Burdish.” Cole offered. “Meli can handle acquiring the place for the tea party while Sert speaks with Prince Bryan and the Royal Guards.” he continued. He paused for a moment glancing around the table that all smiled back at him. “I will have to fully inform the Council of your return, sir.” Cole stated with a hint of regret in his voice. “Your visit to the Queen is still believed as nothing but a rumour sir.” he added with a smirk.

“Not to mention my meeting with Princess Sara which should be invited to join with Her Holy Mother.” I returned plainly. The trio gulped loudly as Chichi snickered at their discomfort. “Truly important news like the birth of an heir to the Throne slipped your mind?” I commented without emotion.

“We decided it was best not to discuss that fact right away with you Lord Kestrel.” Meli explained without looking at me.

“Did you fear I would leave once more hearing that an heir was brought into this world by Holy Annianka?” I hinted softly. “Or because everyone believed we were a mated pair?” I continued without anger. Their down cast faces and slow nods proved they feared my angry departure to be repeated. “I already knew it was needed to happen and my presence would force too many questions.” I reminded them. They slowly rose their heads to finally face me. “My gift showed me it had come to pass but I was unable to returned at that time.” I added morosely.

“That was a lifetime ago sir.” Meli stated. “I still believe you feared she would not allowed herself to get pregnant from Munin with you nearby.” she concluded erroneously. With a mock sigh and sad nod of my head, I turned her mistake into another lie in my life story. Understanding showed on Sert's face while Cole looked confused by this line of comments. Chilörąn hide his knowing smirk behind steepled hands while his two young helpers remained silently standing statue like at the doors to the dining room.

I said nothing as I thought about who else knew that Princess Sara was my daughter and not the joke of a quarter man Munin. I believed without doubt after this trip of discovery around the world that Ann'Anka Anccilar sat in the Heartstone of Atlantis but I still could not prove this fact. I feared on one hand that what was happening to the “Hope” segment was not a corruption but them slowly bleeding into each other making it impossible to separate them if they fully merged together. A situation that would make it impossible to bring forth the last of the Ley'ä'Luna without turning it into a being of utter darkness pretending to be the light for the world. I shuddered as a vision took me at that moment. I saw another girl standing at Sara's side but I could not tell if it was a true sibling or a cousin from my special family.

“Best we complete eating quickly since we will all be very occupied today.” I suggested. I hide the shudder with my quick words before stuffing food faster in my mouth. They smiled and nodded before digging in fully into their lavish plate. Meli stopped half way through her plate to stare at me wolfing down a second portion.

“It is odd to see you eating in that manner sir.” she commented softly.

“It has been too long since I have had a truly good meal.” I explained. It was only partially true as my plate held redder meat, harder bread, softer cheese and crisper vegetables than could be found in my companions' plates. I ate faster to hide my over active thoughts and because I had nearly starved myself for the last month or more of travelling. My body screamed in pleasure at finally being nourished properly after the lack during the last dozen years.

“It's never good to eat that way.” Chilörąn stated to me. “Eating slowly nourish the body better and increases the flavour of all meals.” he chided me. I chuckled sheepishly at him while noting Meli staring from myself and the little Chinese chef that had risen quickly to a position in charge of the Royal Kitchen. “Have I not taught you to eat properly yet?”

“How could he be the one that instructed you in the slow eating style?” she blurted at me. “He is human and barely a teen?” she added snappishly. I placed my utensils down to look at her confused face.

“Does not Atlantian believe souls are reborn?” I asked calmly. She nodded slowly to me. “It is the same for some special human such as Chilörąn here.” I told her. “Especially when born from the blood of deities.” I slowly revealed.

“He's a two third blood?” Sert nearly shrieked at me.

“You meet one of his former bodies in Lorenzo estate as the young child that helped in the kitchen there.” I reminded them more directly. “He was reborn and has been working his way to come join us in Atlantis since he is not purely a human.”

“May we know who is his true parents?” Cole said bluntly.

“If he wishes to reveal that, I give him the leave to answer as is his right.” I replied quickly.

“The dragon god of luck and prosperity and a willing woman of Chin.” he answered without prompting. “It is why I came to be of assistance to the old bird Kestrel like a brother-in-arms.” he continued. I glared at him to have him finally return to silently listening with only minor comments.

“A dragon god and human?” my trio stated softly together. I dashed his words from their mind and the mind of the two servant that had come with my Brother from the kitchen.

“Watch your words child!” I retorted. “It is too early for them to accept such stories.” I remarked quickly. I left the others return to the reality of this moment.

“The minor deity of the Chin Pantheons and a priestess.” he answered to them. “Nothing truly special to me but my gift at cooking which grows even stronger with each reincarnation.” he explained to them. He smiled with boyish ignorance after speaking. “But I am a good second set of ears and hands to assist all of you.” he added still smiling. I returned to eating while mentally explaining to him that we cannot speak of him being a child of the second race, the true dragons like Princess Muse. His earth bound history is linked like myself to one of the lesser strains of higher planar beings seen as deities.

The Dragon-God Fúlóng raped and pillaged the lands as is normal for any dragon but his luck kept him from harming the Chinese people and seemed to happen when that kind of change was needed by the people. He was worshipped because of this lucky timing which gain the dragons a place of honour in the Chinese stories. Chilörąn as his son gained this Dragon's God luck but also his disruptive effect around him which made it hard to accept hm coming with me to Atlantis. We had faced many problems in the distant past before arriving here which earned him the right of being called and respected as a true Brother to me. His mother was a high priestess in the services of the Dragon-God which gave herself full to the one she worshipped giving her the chance to bring Chichi into this world. In reality, sex had never happened since it was nothing but a dream I had forced into her and Fúlóng's conscious mind making both bow to the false hood of being infected by Famine's essence to bring him to life here.

“We will see what a chef can do to help us.” Sert returned with a bit of a sneer. Eventually, they would spare off much to Sertian's pain and despair. I would plan it to look as if Sert had an equal chance but Famine sparred against all five of us without losing ground. He was a very competent fighter that could hold his own against War without question but it did not show in his self-evasive behaviour he normally showed. I could see that his time in Atlantis, so close to the infestation, had changed him. Even I had changed and considered letting the human sink into the darkness they faced. Time on this plane burned the heart and spirit in all six of us because of the insidious worm that sat in the Heartstone of Atlantis. A worm that if the stone was shattered would be loose upon the world with no body for us to attack would be disastrous. Fighting her would end in a lost battle in the physical world even if we could hold her at bay in the higher plane of the spirits. A battle that would make the Earth burn in the black flame and be the new home for the shadow legions that she created ages ago.

“Time will prove that Chichi's ears and bloodied hands will be of much help in the coming turmoil faced by Atlantis.” I muttered half aloud. It earned me a quick glance from Meli. This is the moment I felt the new mind in our household. The feline mindset slipped to reveal ears that heard my muttered words clearly and the burning desire to prove his worth to me by standing against this turmoil. “Word from the Fairies will show you what I speak of.” I whispered to Meli. She nodded quickly not knowing that this was for a set of fur-lined ears as well as her own. I felt hm scurry off to research what I spoke of as his animal mind returned to place hiding his true thoughts.

I barely had a day before being called upon to squash a supposed Fairy rebellion. My hand seemed forced in this issue as I headed in a rush to the Herald with only Sert and Meli but barely any gear to speak of. We landed in the northern edge of what would become Europe to deal with this Fairy Mound that had broken ties with their allies and would not even respond to messages from Atlantis or Odin's kin. I was requested by the Council to investigate this event with worries that this was not a simple miss-communication. Annianka and her kingly husband's words commanded them crushed under heel to prove the dominance of Atlantis in the non-human World. My frustration grew during the trip as I secretly perused the reports from miss Hope and the Guard Captains regarding the behaviour of Her Holy Highness during my long absence.

Finding the Mound locked away with powerful fairy magic, crushed my normal patience which would have me knock and wait to gain entry in proper fashion. My anger raised quickly as I formed mental claws to rip the shielding asunder without a second thought. This could explain the fairy guards charging at us but my mind was set to complete this mission quickly and without fuss. I flash froze them before hitting them with balled fists to shatter them. This action turned into a frantic panic in the guards as I shattered my way to the door of the Mound's leader. The guards inside his house fled in terror before my power as I felt the eyes of my companion looking in absolute fear and awe as I used a fraction of my full powers to deal with these peons. The fairies that attempted escaping the mound discovered in fear that I had turned their protective shield into a barrier turning this mound into a prison. I kicked in the doors of the leader's office to march in without resistance. He would reveal to me what was truly going on or I would rip it forcibly from his mind.

“Lord Kestrel!” the fairy leader uttered in shock. He hoovered behind his desk with his guards nowhere to be seen. “Please understand that it was not safe to message Atlantis in this matter.” he began slowly and fearfully.

“Continue!” I prompted impatiently. I held my anger in check as I felt the fear and worry coming in palpable waves from this man.

“It came to my attention that a group has formed within the Fairy race to bring harm to Atlantis and the entire world but I lack the proof to show you.” he admitted quickly. “I could not stand with the other in fear that they were in league with the traitors.” he continued while wringing his hands nervously. “I have broken nearly all the Fairy rules and possibly placed the treaties with Atlantis in question because of this fear that made me mentally probe all my citizens before I could trust them.” he concluded. Tears streamed down his face as he spoke adding credence to the thoughts that was in his mind and heart.

“What type of harm?” I asked as my annoyance lessened. I was happy now that my companions had remained outside tending to the wounded caused by my forcible entry. “What were they planning to do that made you rebel in this fashion?” I continued calmer. He stared at me for a few moments as I felt him final relax as he realized that this was a chance to receive help for his predicament.

“From what I have been able to discover, they have been buying Council members and their guards to remove Her Holiness from the throne.” he replied. “Other unproven possibilities was an attempted to used Young Princess Sara as a bargaining chip or slave in their attempt to control Atlantis and therefor the world.” he stated softly. “I just cannot prove any of it but what I have heard but it does not only involve the Fairies.”

“Do you know which area of the world they are mostly located in?” I asked calmly. “It would help me to know what groups of non-human are allied in this action.”

“Asia.” he replied bluntly. “But I have also heard rumours of some non-human groups in the Americas and the lands of Odin to the north.” he continued quieter. He shrugged his ignorance at how wide spread or compact this invasion was based.

“Ignore them and act normally with them.” I advised. “Return to a normal communication system with Atlantis and I will handle this problem for you as is the due of Atlantis to our treaties.” I finished with a bow. I marched away wearing a false scowl that matched the one I wore upon entering.

“Time for us to leave!” I ordered my companions. “Our business here is done.” I added bluntly. They glanced at me and at the carnage I had wrought but did not question my actions. I felt the remnants of a feline that was familiar. The house cat was here with us at least for a moment. We boarded the Herald in silence and I went directly to my room to ponder what I had discovered. I behaved snappish to gain my solitude with the exception of the cat hidden in my room crying in silence. The internal debate to bring what I had seen in the Fairy leader's mind to Annianka's attention raged because of the entity which sat upon her. This would complicate the events Atlantis would face in their coming darkness which made my duty harder to perform if left untouched. “I will do anything I must even destroying all the non-human races my duties force me to protect.” I told myself and to my feline companion.

Kestrel's Journals: The Thoughts of Animals (2)

It felt odd standing in the old throne room where so much blood had been spilt in the name of honour and freedom over the blood of arrogance and greed. The constant pressure of being observed while in this dusty and untouched place still persisted from the moment we spotted the prints in the dust. The Captains placed themselves into a loose circle including myself, miss Hope, and Khën. I noticed they glanced around in silent worry telling me that they too felt the unseen eyes upon us. Fleeting mental touches to minds that hide themselves from me bouncing around the upper galleries of this old throne room.

      “Do you sense the presence of unseen eyes in here?” miss Hope asked softly.

      “You have noticed it during your other private meetings here?” I returned easily. A group growl answered me. “May as well ignore the ghosts watching our actions and complete our discussions without holding back.” I continued casually.

      “As you see fit Lord Kestrel.” Ent growled back at me.

      “Best to start with the event just after your departure.” Curd began. I could still hear the growl in the voices of the three Captains and miss Hope while Khën remained calm. “The arrival of Munin heralded the fact that Atlantis learned that the rumours were truthful.” he continued. “It also caused a group of protests regarding the wedding plans.”

      “Most of them claimed it was Lord Kestrel's place to sit next to Her Holiness instead of this lesser half-blood deity.” Rez grumbled with a small chuckle. “But with the release of Her Holiness' missive to the Council claiming it as Odin's will, they stepped down from violently opposing the event.”

      “The wedding came with the coronation of that vile man making us ready to leave the island en mass which was suggested by the populace during the protests.” Ent remarked. “But our duties to Atlantis and watching over Her Holy Highness took precedence to us escaping with the Atlantian people.” he reported.

      “Our departure would leave no one making sure Annianka remains true to Herself.” miss Hope explained harshly.

      “There are still protestors that disagree with Munin being seen as the King of Atlantis but they all support Her Holiness completely as a true queen of Atlantis.” Khën reported. “We will have to deal with them calling for him stepping down with your return to Atlantis.” he continued. “But as he is now seen as the father of the Royal Heir may keep them partially silenced.”

      “The Council will continue stating that they are block from action because of the Holy Missive quoting this as being Odin's Will.” Curd told them. “Even if most seem to support his removal for the betterment of Atlantis and true honour.” he hazarded.

      “You could easily take the throne from Munin without us interfering claiming it as the Will of Atlantis.” Rez added with a dark rumbling chuckle.

      “A situation we and our troops would die for.” Ent admitted. “And the Council Guards would join us in this venture without question.” he continued. The three Captains looked expectantly at me as I stared back in silence. I sighed and slowly shock my head at them dashing their hopes of and easy victory.

      “It was a vain attempt Captains.” Khën stated calmly.

      “They never listen to reason when told to them Khën.” miss Hope agreed.

      “I cannot forsake my duties to the rest of the world to simply sit upon the throne of any single nation.” I told them. “And this freedom give me the chance to act more directly than a throne saddled king.” I added in a whisper.

      “And if the Royal Guards decided to force you upon the throne?” Curd growled at me. I glared back letting my eyes slide to blackness with the twin spinning orbs.

      “Force me and I will remove Atlantis from history permanently.” I answered in a blank cold voice. The growl turned into a hard gulp as he stepped back from me. “You will drop these attempts immediately and never bring it up again!” I ordered in that same cold empty voice. A round of salute from the trio of Captains was my answer. I gave them a stern and stiff nod. “After the marriage and the announcement of Her Holy Highness being with child?”

      “Many of the dissidents have quieted but still exist.” Khën stated. “During the time after the wedding and pregnancy notice, Her Holy Highness seemed to soften and act like Her normal Holy self.” he reported.

      “But it did not last long once the Princess Sara was born.” miss Hope admitted. “The bursts of uncontrolled rage returned and held the same blunt edge shown so far without worsening.” she continued.

      “You might ask Lady Mekiliean about the incident with her losing her eyebrows.” Curd purred. “Your team has been acting as escorts and guides for the new Ambassadors from the human lands to Atlantis.” he explained casually.

      “Considering they are well versed with many of the foreign languages of the outer world, it made sense allowing them to do this during your absence, sir.” Khën remarked.

      “And the outlanders seem to accept them easily even if they are so much taller than they remember them being previously.” Ent chuckled.

      “How many groups of Foreigners do we have on Atlantis of late?” I asked. “And which ones have join us openly?”

      “The Egyptians were the first to finally place a representative upon our shores.” miss Hope replied. “Within the week after your departure, they arrived and requested a place for a representative and Feline Guards calling them the children of Baat.”

      “True to form selecting a Guard group that is linked to their deity of mischief and protection.” I replied. “I do presume they still wished for Atlantis to be the intermediary between them and the other human groups?”

      “Yes.” Curd replied. “Asking the Feline Guards to be present as watchmen over the Atlantian representing them indirectly.” he stated with a purring chuckle. “Made the Greek and Roman very nervous seeing a great humanoid cat glaring down at them.”

      “Which does reveal that both the Greek and Roman have placed representative upon our shores.” Rez grumbled softly. “They truly dislike each other?”

      “They have just went through a very long trying war between them over a woman.” I returned with a deep chuckle. “It has both side very tense in any future dealings they will have while the Roman plot revenge for the Greek's action in Troy." I explained softly. “I see them keeping it off Atlantis as we hold true to not allowing them weapons and handing Guards they can trust to protect them.” I continued easily. “I must believe that the Lupus Guards would give them that peace of mind because of the stories of Romulus and Remus childhood with the she-wolf.” I told Ent directly.

      “Both have requested Lupus Guards to watch over them.” he growled. “My troops are constantly making sure they do not attempt beating each other to death with their bare fists while requesting their own soldiers and weapons to protect themselves properly.” he told me angrily.

      “I will explain to them directly to stand down while on Atlantis or as representative of their people to us.” I replied to him. “They are very easy to deal with once you understand that both are driven purely by pride alone.”

      “We have some that have come from India, Africa, Spain, and from the Celtic regions of the far North.” Rez continued. “Most are very well behaved to a point of seeming absolutely afraid of offending us.” he stated. “Some cannot see the difference between Atlantis and Lemuria expecting physical retribution for any small misstep on their part.”

      “The Royal Guards are not alone at helping to protect the outlanders' representatives.” miss Hope admitted. “Some have stood with Council Guards when presenting themselves to our Royal Throne.” she continued. “Too bad they have mostly only seen the arrogant childishness of Munin lording his position over all of them.”

      “This does make them side with the Council if a conflict occurs between the two powers.” Khën commented drily.

      “Have they not meet the young Princess Sara, Prince Bryan, or Her Holy Highness Annianka directly?” I returned bluntly.

       “No one but Munin of late has the right to visit Princess Sara.” the tigress growled. “Our cousin has been acting as Personal Guard for her but she does need more contact than one lone Guard.”

      “That will be slowly changed.” I remarked softly.

      “Both Munin and the Council seem fully geared to prevent any outside influences in Princess Sara's life.” Curd countered in a matching growl. “Prince Bryan is mostly ignored because his is preoccupied with his studies and his duties to the Guard quadre his is linked too.”

      “I must believe he is going to begin getting angry over being left in the dark soon enough.” I told them. “I see many changes I will have to force upon the man who sits upon the throne.” I said blunter than I wanted to. This gained me a round of deep grumbling chuckles from the predatory animals before me. Khën glanced at me for but a moment with sad eyes. “It will not be easy, but I will do what I can.” I added to him.

      “The Royal Adviser will butt heads with you at every decision as he sides with Munin and belittles all other requests.” the ferret reported. “And Munin only listens to him and his bitch concubine.” he continued blunter still. “Once King Munin impregnated Holy Annianka, he sleeps and resides far away from his wife.”

      “I am assured Her Holy Highness is pleased with that fact.” I remarked toxicly.

      “Over joyed sleeping alone!” miss Hope growled at me. I feigned a look of shame forcing myself to blush boyishly at her comment. “You should have remained even if it would have caused a civil war.” she snapped at me. “She needed you and you were not there for Her!” she nearly roared at me.

      “It could not be helped.” I replied in false sadness. “I believe these documents showing how many outside parties were employed by both the Usurper and the Council of that time to squash any hopes of a Royal House remaining in power.” I stated quieter. A tightly tied bundle of scrolls suddenly appeared in my hands as I held them out to her. “Over two dozen assassination contracts signed by both the Usurper and Council heads in that order.”

       “This proves that our Royals had a right to fear the Council during those dark times.” she stated softly. “But changes nothing with their present fears.”

      “All those agreements are past collection date and no new contracts were ever signed with the new members that now sit upon the Council.” I reported to her. “Letters from the representatives of most of the assassin clans swearing to never accept any such contracts ever again.” I continued easily. “And a list of their members with full descriptions so the Guards can keep them off Atlantis.”

      “I thank you for this small feat during your long absence.” the tigress answered sarcastically.

      “It is not easy gaining such items from those cutthroats.” I returned casually. “Anything else major to report?” I hazarded. “Like why Her Holy Highness Annianka was imprisoned and segregated from everyone including her daughter?” I suggested. I glared at each of the Captains, the Ferret representative, and finally at miss Hope.

      “She scorched the eyebrows off Mekiliean's face while the dear was showing a Norse representative the Royal Towers.” she answered slowly. I stared silently at her. “The representative screamed that Her Holy Highness had gone mad to King Munin who had Her put away for the safety of all Atlantians.”

      “He forced the Council to go along using the screaming Norse as his reasoning to imprison Annianka without actually looking into the facts of the event?” I surmised with a mirthless laugh.

      “Our King has done everything to remove his Queen from any royal showing claiming Her weakened by the pregnancy at first, then constantly nursing the new Princess.” Curd stated bluntly.

      “Does not help when She has been talking about a winged Lupus Guard that has never existed being Princess Sara's original guardian.” miss Hope let slip.

      “Any other oddities in Her Holy Highness that may suggest keeping Her away from general population?” I asked tensely.

      “Violent verbal outburst toward what I assume to be the Heartstone of Atlantis.” Hope reported.

      “Pelting three cadres of Guards as they practised by the Royal Towers with boulders.” Curd stated.

      “Cursed at a group of harmless insects that they will never eat Her precious flowers before freezing the ground they sat upon.” Ent remarked.

      “Which was nearly a square acre of farmland prior to Her outburst.” Rez corrected.

      “And She often speaks as if She is the Heartstone itself claiming Atlantis to be part of Her Royal body.” Khën concluded. I glanced from one to the other seeing if they were simply making a rotting farce at my expense because of my long absence. I meet serious and scared eyes.

     “I see.” were the only word that escaped me. My mind cringed at this change wrought in just over ten years in Annianka's personality. I barely listen to the rest of their reports before telling them I needed time to meditate upon these events more deeply. I portalled away from the abandoned Throne Room directly to my bedroom on Atlantis. I sat at my writing desk staring blindly at the blank sheet before me. I barely heard the rushed footfalls of Sert and Meli as the rushed to my door.

      “It says he is here!” Meli shrieked at my door. It was followed by the tentative soft knock of Sert's knuckles against my door. M mind snapped to attention as I growled deep in my throat. Items flew around my room as my anger at how badly things turned during my absence. I let the door flip open for them to see my back now covered by a wet looking deep blood red half cloak. With barely a thought, I slammed the door hard hearing the privacy latch fall in place.

      “Was that truly him?” I heard Sert whisper. “Something truly unhealthy seemed to be coming from him tonight.” he added even quieter.

      “Give him a night of sleep so he may recover his strength from being so long away from home.” Meli chided him. Once more I was being seen as an Atlantian finally returning home while all I saw was the bloodiest ending for Atlantis if nothing was changed. I would sit and play nice with them in the morning to discover what the Captains did not reveal to me.

      “Maybe I did stay away too long to save this place now.” I reprimanded myself. I sighed deeply before moving to the small feather bed I had missed the most during my absence. Sleep took me quickly and hard as my body ached from using my abilities. Another sign that the darkness was closing in and the thousand millenniums of life had finally caught up with me heralding my possible and permanent ending.