Four years passed as I played the role of Envoy for the Ones On High while still rushing off form time to time to correct problems in the outer world as was my duty to the Ley'ä'Luna and the Fallen Ones. I had travelled alone so far, leaving my three-member retinue in Atlantis but I knew eventually I would have to have them accompany me. Four years of hearing me speak of my adventures and times spent in the world placed the thought of seeing it for themselves in my trio of companions' minds for very different reasons.
“And is that herb available on Atlantis?” Meli asked excitedly. I handed her a small bag with a knowing smile. “Leaves, roots, and seeds?” she commented.
“They will be available to you once you get them to grow.” I replied. She had learned the basic ideas of my cosmic healing technique charging the air around and inside her with positive energy. It worked the same way as mine but was still earth based which was her magical essence.
“How many more plants in the outer world could help us?” she asked over her shoulder. She was already sowing the seeds in a section of our private garden. I could see it clearly in her mind. She saw the world as an unexplored source of medical species unknown to Atlantis. She would find that plants can both heal and harm but this was her chosen path to take in the outer world.
As Sert and I spared, I utilized a new martial technique bringing our session to a crashing halt.
“What was that manoeuvre?” he asked. I had to twist to not hit him with my sword tip as he froze with his question.
“Something I pick up during my last trip.” I answered quickly. I stood staring at him disapprovingly. “And you should not stop in the middle of a battle like that Sert.” I reprimanded. He blushed at my words and nodded sheepishly at me. “I always study the martial types of the lands I visit to help improve my own skills.” I informed him.
“There must be a multitude of styles foreign to Atlantis in the outer world.” he returned pensively.
“As different as each area of the world is.” I stated. “Including many weapons unavailable and unheard of in Atlantis.” I continued.
I read his thought as he remained in silent at my words. The driving force in his mind was discovery how to use every weapon and discover counters for every technique the outer world created. This was not to be invincible in battle but a thirst for knowledge in his chosen field as a soldier. It was his tactical thinking that was at the source of this thirst which was noble enough for me to encourage and try eventually to show him directly.
“Most of these clans and towns sound barbaric to me.” Cole remarked. We waited to speak with the Council regarding possible trades between the satellites and the closest outpost of the remaining world.
“They do not have the benefits available to Atlantians.” I returned with a shrug.
“I would rather remain in Atlantis with our superior troops and technologies.” he stated bluntly. His thoughts betrayed him as he began seeing the outside world as an easy conquest for Atlantis. I sighed at him. “The outer world has nothing to offer that we cannot go without on Atlantis.” he added.
“The beauty and majesty that can be found away from Atlantis?” I retorted.
“And people living like animals.” he replied. “If Atlantis ruled them all, they would prosper under our enlightened leadership.” he added under his breath. So for four years I resisted bringing them with me because of Colêsträ's misguided views.
Noble intentions of Sert and Meli to improve their knowledge was unfortunately out weighed by Cole's ambitions but they were slowly winning me over. The Council would be up in arms if I left their spy behind while allowing Annianka's spies to see the world with me. They would do anything to stop me from doing this shy of trying to attack me directly. I had gain the favour of the Atlantian people, the Royal Guards, and Annianka herself keeping them at bay for now. But they could do nothing if it happened suddenly.
“I will be absent for the nest month or so doing my duty for the Council.” Colêsträ announced. I had already foreseen this event and had an old friend bringing his ship to collect me and my two acceptable voyaging companions.
“Sad to hear that Cole.” Meli remarked with a sardonic grin.
“We will miss having to sneak around you.” Sert commented with a chuckle.
“Hopefully your duties to the Council do not tax you too much since I will need you to help solidify the trading rules with them once you return.” I stated not looking at him. “And we will all miss those delicious meals you prepare.” I added unemotionally. I felt Sert and Meli holding back laughing outright at my words. Cole bowed toward me before sneering at the others. He left in a rush before I smiled.
“So what can we do that would be fun while the snake is away?” Sert asked.
“Any ideas Kestrel?” Meli remarked. She had seen the sudden smile on my face and suspected I had something planned.
“Packing your things for a six to nine month stay away from Atlantis.” I replied quickly. “And understand what you are being offered as you pack.” I told them. I went quickly to my room while they followed to gather their gear. My travel bag was already packed and I placed my ocarina in my shoulder back with a money pouch I had collected during my other travels. My companions stood in the upper hallway with nothing but a shoulder bag and their normal Atlantian packs. “The outer world is not like Atlantis.” I reminded them. They stared at each other and rushed back into their room. I waited a few moments before they returned with back packs on. I looked and rolled my eyes realizing the packs were nearly empty. “Are you both sure you have thought of everything you need?”
“We are ready!” Sert stated smiling.
“Prepared fully Kestrel.” Meli added. I felt the exhilaration coming from both of them but could see in their mind that they barely understood what they were about to face.
“Let us be off to the harbour, our ship should be arriving soon.” I answered. I sighed mentally but could do nothing more than leave them to discover on their own. We rushed through the Atlantian street as on lookers waved believing I was off alone for another adventure unknown that two Atlantian were receiving a boon. As we reached the pathway leading to the harbour, Captain Curd stood looking aggressive with a contingency of Feline Guards around him. He barred our the access to the harbour.
“Lord Kestrel.” he greeted me curtly. “A foreign ship has breached our harbour without docking.” he stated in accusing tones.
“It's named 'Leviathan' Captain and its purpose is to be our transport to the outer world.” I responded with feigned calmness. “It should be flying the white truce flag or that of the desert bloom.”
“It flies the black flag of death.” Curd answered. I tore pass him before he could react. I heard him follow with Sert, Meli, and his guards muttering curses as they ran. The ship sat dead in the water as if waiting for a sign. The black flag crowned with a skull and cross bones fluttered in the wind but nothing else moved upon the vessel. All they saw was me blinking out of existence at the edge of the docks while the troops spread out to cover the harbour.
I reappeared on the deck of the ship to dive into the hold to discovered this ship had been attacked by rift creatures. I found the lone survivor wide eyed and madly rocking as he hugged his knees to his chest. I grappled him and made ready to guide the ship to harbour using telekinesis when I spotted it. They had not fully cleared the ship as my mind touched a dozen or more rift minds tearing through the ships lower holds.
“Damn it Balthis!” I exclaimed. With a mental blast I rammed the rift beast through the wooden wall. My mind focused on the flaming heart of a sun. I shielded us mentally before unleashing the flames that consumed the ship and the beast around us.
To the onlookers at the dock, a tense moment of silence had passed before the white flames erupted from stern to aft. The ship turned to ashes before their eyes raising gasps and shrieks from those witnessing it. As the ashes cleared from the up draft created by my solar flare, they could finally see me floating slowly back to the dock carrying the survivor to port.
Meli had her healer's bag opened pulling out crystals and prepared slaves to treat most injuries. I touched down lightly upon the dock as they realized that the survivor was barely a teen. He was wide eyed and fear was the only injury he had truly suffered. He did not remain on his feet as I placed him by me. He returned to madly rocking as he sat with his knees clutched to his chest.
“All gone.” he kept repeating as he rocked. Another ship came into view curbing around the last ridge before the harbour of Atlantis. A pristine white flag and a flag bearing the emblem of the desert bloom flew from the main mast as it slowly moved to moor where we stood.
“That would be the 'Leviathan' Captain Curd.” I stated softly. I had sense his tiger nature flaring as his troops tensed. “They must have sent the other ship ahead while protecting it from their attackers.” I added. I pointed at the boy rocking in the throws of fear driven madness.
“Did Lockey's trick get the ship here in one piece Melchia?” A scraggly faced man screamed from the deck.
“Yes Balthis!” I hollered back.”I got the poor wrench before the dozen or so you missed got to him.” I remarked. “Had to ignite the powder keg to clean it up.” I added glaring up at him. The plank slipped into place as Balthis vaulted from the deck to the dock. He landed hard on his feet straightening with a smirk on his bearded face.
“But you would have no fun if I were cautious Melchia.” he replied with a rumbling laugh. “But that aside,” he stated more seriously, “You contacted me with that evil bird thing of yours so I'm here.” He locked arm with me grappling my forearm in his beefy grasp. “Where do you need to get in a hurry?”
“Why does he not call you by your name Sir?” Sert interjected. Meli and him had moved to his sides ready to be off before Captain Curd began asking for answers. I could read from their mind that they expected a normal Atlantian introductions to this odd man.
“Have you changed your name again Melchia?” Captain Balthis stated still smiling.
“Sertian, Mekiliean, this is captain Balthis who will be taking us to the outside world.” I said calmly. A small confused growl from Captain Curd was ignored as I prepared for Balthis reaction to my old name resurfacing. “As for my name, you old sea wolf.” I stated slowly. Balthis eyes had narrowed already in suspicion. “I have been renamed as 'Kestrel' while I am in their service.” I told him slowly. My eyes remained locked with Balthis' seeing them suddenly widen as my words sunk in. He stepped back from me looking spooked and pale. “It still brings bad memories to you?” I added with a chuckle.
“Like seeing that black beast of a bird you send messages with long ago.” he returned eyeing me closely. “When will you decide to get a pigeon or a dove as a messenger?” he asked as he chuckled forcibly.
“When I stop letting myself be a misplaced soul.” I replied with a shrug. “We require passage to the Gulf of Aqaba and a return trip from Circe's Island in six months time.” I continued softly. Once again the colour drained from Balthis' face as he stared into my eyes hoping it was simply a farce. He nodded slowly after a moment of pondering silently.
“Why does it seem there is a problem with all this?” Meli remarked. She looked from Balthis' face and mine while the captain's gaze remained locked on me. Our standoff was ruptured by a shrill screech as a evil looking black bird dove at me. It flared its wings at the last moment to land on my shoulder gently. It glanced around as they all could see the matted and misplaced feathers on this bird type that bore my name.
“No Meli.” I answered. I absently scratched at the bird's neck and head ruffling more feathers. “He just does not like my choice of collection point.” I continued. The kestrel on my shoulder screeched as it twisted to rub closer against my hand. “Missed me my little thunder?” I asked casually to the bird. It screech and chirped his answer to me. “Go sit over the crow's nest, we will be leaving soon.” I ordered, The bird launched itself from my shoulder flying directly to the main mast to perch.
“We should be leaving if you wish to make landfall before night is upon us.” Balthis stated with a small smirk.
“This is not normal that Atlantians outside the Royal Guards visit the outer world.” Captain Curd retorted. I smiled and nodded at Balthis before leading my two companions up the gangplank to the deck. Captain Curd stood fuming on the dock as we sailed away.
No comments:
Post a Comment