“Sorry Lord Kestrel.” Sert suddenly stated mortified. I sense they all came to the same incorrect conclusion. “We should have told you the information and allowed you to write it in your own tongue.” he added frustrated. I chuckled under my breath as I rimed off a few of the comments in flawless high Atlantian. All stared dumbfounded at me as I glanced up from the sheet in my hands.
“I prepared myself extensively for this visit to Atlantis.” I told them. I did not wish to reveal that no written language was foreign to me because of my gift of reading the words of the Ley'ä'Luna. My own true language would eventually be understand as my visions told me in the form of mathematics once the Fallen Ones survived their darkness in the far future.
“Your gifts and knowledge of Atlantis surprises us.” Cole commented. He still riffled through the invitations with a look of confusion on his face. A flash from Cole's mind showed he would inform the Council of this ability to read Atlantian and not just speak it. It took but a passing thought in my mind to make the idea disappear from my attache's mind. I would rather leave the Council in the dark about my abilities until I needed to use them to gain an edge over them if needed.
“You should see him with the dolphins or on the field of honour.” Sert stated without thinking. This earned him a hard kick under the table from Meli who remained silent about what she had seen me do so far.
“I performed much research before my inglorious arrival upon Atlantian shores.” I returned bashfully. Meanwhile I erased the thoughts Sert's comment caused in Cole's mind. “The only thing you have not noted is when these visits should start.” I continued calmly.
“We can start whenever you wish to begin Sir.” Meli answered quickly. Sert and Cole snickered as they looked at her while I understood what she was suggesting.
“And what mode of transportation would be available to us?” I asked. I already knew the answer that sat in her mind. “Our two feet?” I persisted with a smirk. She simply smiled at me in silence. I transposed myself from one end to the other end of the room. “Or like this?” I held back the laugh as Cole's and Sert's head snapped around to glance at my new location in the room. Meli giggled at them gaining a dark glare from Colêsträ.
“Most being with magical abilities can use the portalling engines placed throughout Atlantis.” she explained still giggling. “I guess you two will have to run to keep up to us.” she added mischievously. Cole glared evilly at her but Sert suddenly became pensive. I did not peek into his thought focusing on Meli's idea which would be impossible for me without physical having visited them prior to attempting transposing myself there.
“I believe I can keep up.” Sert stated as a smirk formed on his lips. “Not sure about Cole since he looks a little out of shape.” he added. Meli stared at him for a minute of confusion before I spotted understanding glow in her eyes.
I mentally shuffled through my knowledge of Atlantis discovering the answer without touching their minds. Each district had static portal points set to easily transport troops or supplies over the whole of Atlantis including the dozen satellite islands. They were rarely used but still remained powered and operational for emergencies. It was Sert's knowledge of military history that had given him a way of keeping up indirectly with Meli and myself during these visits to nobles.
“Well Cole,” I began sadly, “I believe you get to keep the hearth warm for our return.”
“I hope you will have a meal ready since all that running will make me very hungry.” Sert commented smiling at him.
“And have water ready to make tea since we will be parched from speaking to nobles all day long.” Meli added. They rose as I moved quickly for the door. Cole stood looking rejected as we escaped before he could protest our plan. I was sure I would eventually hear from the Council about having left their spy behind.
The portalling station sat within a block of our residence. The walk was short and in silence as Sert lead the way along the street that was still mostly empty. It was a point I had not understood. How such a grand city's streets never had much foot traffic but when most could transpose themselves instead of walking it was understandable. Very few beings born in Atlantis did not have some mystic power gifted to them which left a very small portion that needed to use the streets to travel upon.
The lone guard straightened as we entered. Sert moved forward at him with open arms before they fell into a whispered discussion. Sert was smiling as he returned to us motioning that we should move to the shimmering archway built in middle of the room. Sert stood by us on the platform when he signal to the guard. The guard nodded back before the spaces within the archway crackled with energy. An image formed there that I had to believe was our destination which did not appear to be another station. Sert motioned us forward smiling to himself. Meli lead the way as we entered the archway in single file with Sert at our back.
I felt space rushing by us like I normally did when I utilized one of my own portals but I did not sense either Meli or Sert could feel this motion. We exited in a empty street a few yards away from were a trio of nobles had planed a group meeting with us on one of the far satellite islands. I went over the notes I still held in my hands to see what type of people I was about to meet. Meli stood quietly at my side while Sert paced around us watching for movement.
“All three are Franken?” I stated softly to Meli.
“It would be akin to a lesser form of a Count.” she informed me simply. I nodded my thanks to her receiving the same in return. “All refused to sit upon the Council or so Cole informed us.” she added quickly. I nodded once more as I read the last note about them.
“They believe the true Princess of Atlantis will return to sit upon the throne?” I asked incredulously.
“Yes.” Meli answered sadly. “Even after nearly a thousand years.” she added in a whisper.
“Best we move forward to meet them then.” I replied smiling casually. The three had banded their request for a visit together to strengthen their position. A handful of guards stood around but most were older guards that had retired before taking a position with these men.
“Welcome Lord Kestrel ...” the first stated.
“Envoy to the Ones On High ...” the second continued.
“We are humbled that you accept our request.” the last one concluded. I was impressed since I could feel the animosity and distrust these three men felt for each other. Like the Council, the nobles appeared divided into factions as well. Sert eyed the guards present while in his mind the fact that they were mixed and not in separate groups had him confused and distracted. Meli stared politely at the three men as I read the same confusion at their behaviour as I felt. The second and third man signalled that the first one begin the discussion. He nodded politely to them before turning once more to face me.
“We wish to speak of ideas we have to better Atlantis and the outer world that is frowned upon by the Council.” he stated slowly. “Each of us have our own concepts but cannot move forward because of the edicts placed upon Atlantians.” he continued.
“Trade would be of benefit to all and my fleet would be ready to transport the supplies.” the second stated at this point. The first looked smiling at him before returning his gaze at me.
“Even if we have problems between us, we must put this aside for the betterment of Atlantis.” he said softly.
“Sitting upon an unjust system of ruling would not help our people.” the third Franken added bluntly.
“Your word sound wise and thoughtful so far.” I answered them. They smiled and glanced at each other. I felt the tension that held them apart lessen as they realized the benefit of working and speaking as one group. “Please explain what you believe would be of use for your trades.” I said. Benches and tables were suddenly being dragged out to us. We sat in a circular table with the three nobles taking position across from me. Meli stood at my right while Sert stood a few feet behind me watching the guards with his back toward me.
“Animal for meat, wool, and other normal items from the outer world would be a great boon for Atlantis.” the first replied. He signalled and tea was brought forward with delicacy of Atlantian kitchens to us. “We have access to minerals, bolts of cloth, and delicacies that could be used for trading with them.” he continued.
We have methods to turn the raw wool into thread as fine as silk but much hardier when weaved together.” the third man commented.
“Meat is a rare commodity in the satellites of Atlantis.” the second added in quickly.
“But why discuss these ideas with myself?” I asked perplexed.
“Your words carry much weight in Council and our Holy Heart.” the first Franken stated bluntly. “We cannot get them to see reason or wisdom and hoped you could intercede on our behalf with them.” he continued. “We do understand this request is beneath your title noble Envoy but ...” he began as emotion chocked his words.
“We are speaking to the only one we see that could possibly assist us.” the second took up quickly. He placed on hand on the first ones' shoulder gently.
“We are not far from a settlement that is profitable for trades and is not trapped in an empirical ruling.” the third added softly.
“It would help them remain free from conquest driven humans with Atlantis connected to them.” the second returned with a half smile. I had scanned their mind through our discussion seeing only truth in their words even if petty jealousies held them separated. They believe I could order the Council to abolish the trading rules allowing them to help Atlantis in their own way. They knew that their own distrust and animosity would work against them as they continued reaching out to each other for the strength to convince me helping them.
I resist the urge to tell them to trade illegally with the world with each other helping to hide their actions to the Council. Annianka chose this moment to show she had been listening into my thoughts.
“I will back them even if they have do it illegally.” she stated. “The Council would not stand a chance with both of us standing together against them.” she added with a soft but dark giggle. I slammed the connection between us closed quickly. I had been a fool for not having guarded myself against her abilities. Meli touched my arm gently as the three Franken stared in fear at me. I saw the reflection in their eyes at the grimace that had twisted my face and the ghostly spinning sparkles of the twin stars that sat within my eyes.
“Sorry.” I interjected quietly. “I received a message from an old friend I did not want to deal with at this time.” I explained sheepishly. Meli glanced back toward Sert before returning her gaze to me.
“Maybe we should return if there is a problem that must be dealt with Sir.” Sert suggested quickly. He moved to stand on my left side examining my eyes closely. I could read in their eyes that they knew who the messenger was.
“Or if you need a moment to respond in private Sir.” Meli hazarded. My companions looked nervous about my resistance to respond to Annianka right away.
“Everything will be fine without my direct attention at this time.” I assured them. They glanced at me one last time before returning to their positions. “You mentioned a method to turn raw wool into silken style threads?” I returned toward our hosts. I slowly chewed on a pastry while the basic lines of the process was explained to me. I nodded from time to time as all three gave reasons that this material could be of use on Atlantis and in the other world beneficially.
I marvelled in my mind how these three could speak without stepping on each others words or thoughts. Each stated their points clearly as individuals and how as a group they could make Atlantis benefit from their ideals. I pondered how many more of these nobles I would be asked to help by facing off with the Council of Atlantis over trade ideas. I bid them good parting promising to give their request a fair judgement before the Council.
“This will be repeated, I am sure Kestrel.” Sert whispered as we exited the open area.
“And not truly a surprise.” Meli replied in a whisper of her own.
“A sudden massive trading overture from Atlantis could be viewed as an attempt to buy the world away from the other races.” I warned them. I heard them grumbled behind me as we walked. “If done slowly and cautiously, this could have Atlantis being seen as a centre of trade and culture for the rest of the world.” I told them with a smile. We continued walking to reach the next static portalling station.
“What did Her Holiness want?” Meli asked suddenly. I stopped and turned to face her before answering.
“She was giving me her blessing to my suggestion they become privateers using their contact upon the satellite to hide their actions from the Council.” I said directly. “If caught, every minor noble and satellite would be scrutinized while those three were put to death for their transgression.” I added quickly. I could not take the chance of her question why I did not make this offer to the trio of Franken. I held back revealing the second half of her message. I did not wish Meli and Sert thinking that Annianka wished to move against the Council with me at her side.
As the days and meetings stretched out, I learned more about the gripes the minor nobles held against the Council and their rules keeping the nobles hands tied while not seated on the Council. These nobles had no say anymore in the running of Atlantis even if most of them had good viable ideas to benefit Atlantis as a nation. They felt on the whole that they had been forced out of central Atlantis by the Council because they refused to take the offered seat.
After verifying with my companions, I was also aware of the level of fear most of the minor nobles lived under. All of them had guards and their numbers did not come from rank but from the level of fear the noble had. They still feared that they and their family would be assassinated in their beds like so many had been during the blood bath of the Usurper Queen and aftermath of her demise. The rate of orphans had tripled on Atlantis at that dark time period and remained that high until the lesser nobles finally escaped to the satellites.
Meli and Sert were orphans which could suggest they were of minor royal blood like some of these nobles we meet. I decide to read the medical and genetic volumes to discover if my companions could be lost minor nobles waiting to be discovered. More sign of the infection that was let loose on Atlantis when the Usurper Queen touched the Heartstone of Atlantis. Treachery had become a daily event on that day now hidden in shadows and by the Council seeing it as needed to safeguard their Atlantis.
“If the true Queen of Atlantis would return, she would be killed on the spot by the Council and their unholy guards.” the last noble we spoke with stated. “But she has been gone for so long that she must already be long dead.” he added. I felt the utter despair that washed over the four nobles present. They had believed in the rightful ruler's return all their life and now were losing hope. I felt Annianka crying behind the barrier I had placed in my mind as she saw this lost of faith among her people.
“Do not lose hope.” I told them. The four looked up at me as I allow Annianka to fully see and hear my words and thoughts at this moment. “The royal line will return to Atlantis sooner than you could ever imagine.” I continued slowly. I and Annianka saw the light of hope fill their eyes at my words. A soft giggle echoed sadly in my mind. “I am not allowed to see or reveal the exact time of this event but it will happen.” I added with convictions.
“He has the gift of seeing future events.” Meli explained to the nobles.
“And Her Holiness Annianka believes in his sight.” Sert added quietly. The nobles nearly cheered us as we parted. Meli and Sert stopped me before entering the portalling station.
“That was a ludicrous comment to make!” Meli chided me.
“No Atlantian can live a thousand years without being very old and feeble.” Sert commented. “And old woman would serve as nothing more than a puppet for the Council.” he added frustrated.
“And if I told you she is already back on Atlantis?” I returned with a snide smile at them. “She called to have one sent to remove the sickness here and I answer her call.” I lied to them angrily. “She will eventually be crowned Queen of Atlantis but I cannot reveal more to either of you.” I added calmer. They stared at me for a moment wondering if I had lost my mind during our meeting with these nobles. I smile sheepishly at them while Annianka screamed in my mind to tell them the truth of her true status. I forced her back behind the protective wall I had erected for myself. I pointed toward the door of the station wordlessly.
“Can you have him portal us directly home?” Meli asked. “I believe we could all use the rest of being within our own walls.” she added. She moved with me to stand on the platform while Sert talked in whispers to the guard controlling this station. He was already smiling before Sert was done talking with him. He activated the portal while Sert rushed to join us as we stepped through. We stood in the space before our door as we exited.
Cole stood looking sour faced at us in the foyer as we entered. He had worn that look during the entire week we had been dealing with the nobles' invitations. We followed him sheepishly back to the dining room eating the badly made meal slowly as he watched and waited for information on how our trip had went. We remained silent until the meal was done before claiming to be tired and returning to our rooms. Sert took to watching Cole's door that evening to signal us once the man had gone to bed. A nearly imperceptible knock at my door told me that Cole had retired for the night.
“Meli is already readying the tea for us.” Sert whispered. I smiled as both of us sneaked down the back stairwell to join Meli in the kitchen.
“I will get the meat and cheese sliced if you can collect a few fruits into a basket for us.” I suggested to Sert in a whisper. We moved quickly with our light fare to the inner garden to speak in whispers about what we had seen that day and during this long week. All three of us agreed that the fear and lost of power had the nobles seeking for any mean they could to help Atlantis while protecting themselves.
“Cole would be enraged that we are backing the nobles' plans.” Meli whispered.
“Colêsträ will learn to live with it when he realizes just how much Atlantis can gain from these trades.” I returned. “I must still discover a way of broaching the subject with the Council without appearing to be set to force their hand over this.” I added in a grumble.
“Why bother hiding that fact.” Sert returned. “I am certain Her Holiness would back your position.” he added. A minor shudder ran through my body and mind as I reheard the soft dark giggle in my mind. I had a fear inside me that I recognized that laughter from a previous time now locked away in my mind.
“This must be done for Atlantis without me applying direct force or my position here will be no long of help.” I explained slowly. “I would be seen as a self-proclaimed ruler and no better than the Usurper Queen.” I added pointedly. They feel silent at that moment and we retired in earnest for the rest of that night.
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