Interlude: Annianka's Rage (6)

Kestrel had been gone for nearly a month when the Ambassador Kachek of one of the many faery mounds arrived at Atlantis. He was nearly four hundred years old and had visited the island often in the last two hundred years to make treaty agreements with the Atlantian people. Out of all the mystic beings that inhabited the earth only a handful were still allowed to visit and trade with Atlantis with the faeries being the largest of the group because of the thousand or more mounds that encircle the globe.

“But I had hoped for a chance to meet this Envoy during my visit.” Kachek complained to Curd. The Feline Captain had opted to escort the man around Atlantis with a small group of feline guards as defence. They were about eight faeries in total but the others had remained at their temporary residence when visiting Atlantis while Kachek wished to speak and meet with other dignitaries.

“Unfortunately Lord Kestrel had to absent himself for a time because of his duties.” Curd replied. The growl was well hidden as he repeated himself for the tenth time. “His duties to the Ones On High take precedence over his actions.” he stated. He felt it was a lie but best to remain with the story the Captains had agreed to. Word of the young guard Sertian and the healer Mekiliean departing with him was not being mentioned to others.

“At least will it possible to visit with the Heart of Atlantis?” he replied quickly. “Or is she off on her own duties also?” he added with a derisive chuckle.

“She will be meeting us at the main dolphin pool shortly.” Curd replied hard. “As I have assured you for the last hour, sir.” he added caustically.

Kachek nodded absently toward the guard Captain. Curd was lucky that the Ambassador remain silent during the rest of the half hour walk to reach the central dolphin pool. Miss Hope stood by the far end of the pool with Annianka sitting half in the pool with the dolphins themselves. The pleasant chirps of the animals made Curd annoyance at this chosen duty lessen. Kachek looked around not seeing Her Holiness indulging like a child with Atlantis' animal.

“He is here your Holiness.” Hope announced formally. She curtsied toward Curd knowing that the Ambassador would mistake it directed at him. Annianka used the water of the pool to lift herself from it gently touching down on the white marble stones that surrounded the pool. “Her Holiness Annianka, Living Heart of Atlantis!” Miss Hope announced. Annianka curtsied in full Atlantian fashion to the Ambassador who looked back stunned by what he had seen.

“I have been practising since your last visit Ambassador Kachek.” Annianka stated. She smiled merrily at his confusion.

“But was it not earth and plants that you were specialized in?” Kachek muttered.

“Her Holiness has many elemental gifts.” Miss Hope purred at her side. Curd chuckled as he saluted miss Hope. “I hope my replacement has been serving well Ambassador Kachek?” she mused.

“Only growled at me once so better than your performance .” Kachek returned with a light chuckle. “I still regret being unable to meet this Envoy I have heard spoken of.” he continued more sombrely.

“He is truly a boon for all of Atlantis which unfortunately keeps him very occupied.” Annianka replied. “I this instance, he is also helping educate a pair of Atlantians about the outer world.” she continued without thinking.

“Would this suggest that Atlantis will reopen its harbour to the humans?” Kachek replied sourly.

The warning was swift as the dolphins shrieked as if in pain before rushing from the pond turning the water into a churning mass in their wake. The two felines straightened from the sudden tension in the air. Annianka lunged forward to grapple Kachek's arm as her face twisted into a snarl. He looked back at her with a predatory smile that neither feline had ever seen upon this faery's face.

“You dare thinks such thoughts?” Annianka screamed. Bystanders turned to see the sudden and shocking disturbance. Some even approached slowly with thoughts of protect their Living Heart or halting this sudden madness.

“Those primitives deserve nothing more than to be attached to the yoke.” Kachek glowered back. “They breed quickly so killing most of them to prove the point of their inferiority won't interfere with labour.” he told her with a dark chuckle. Curd glanced at miss Hope as she shook her head to his unasked question.

“And once they are gone we can put the yoke on you faeries.” Annianka whispered darkly. Miss Hope barely had time to place her hands on Annianka's shoulder when the blast occurred. A ring of mixed elements shot out from Annianka toppling all that had approached. Flames, stones, shards of ice, and small dust devils spun wildly in the area for a few minutes before miss Hope could speak.

“Your Holiness ...” she whispered. She had pulled Annianka away from Kachek placing her head by her ear. “Calm yourself Holiness, please ...” she begged in a purring voice.

“Kachek!” Curd growled. He had to forcibly twist the faery Ambassador from Annianka's grip. “Are you alright?” he asked. He placed himself between the two. Warriors of both the Counsel and the Royal Guards arrived with healers at their heels and a handful of members of the Counsel of Atlantis.

“What has happened here?” Burdish screamed as he arrived. Miss Hope had pulled Annianka away to sit by the still empty dolphin pool. Curd stood by Kachek as a pair of healers verified them for wounds. “Are you hurt Ambassador?” he stated. He moved toward the faery quickly with a guardsmen clearing his way.

“I am fine but I still do not know what happened here.” Kachek stated.

“An altercation with Her Holiness from what the witnesses are stating.” the Counsel Guard whispered into his ear. “They simply began screaming at each other then all the elements erupted around Her Holiness.” he continued in the same whisper.

“What say you Captain Curd?” Burdish asked. An hard edge coloured his tones as he glared at the Feline Captain.

“All had been calm sir.” he reported. “Then they both suddenly turned mad spewing nonsense at each other followed by ...” he continued. He waved his arms around him where bits of stone and melting shards of ice still lay in the circle of the disaster. Burdish pulled the Captain aside leaving his guard standing by the Ambassador.

“What was the fight about?” he returned.

“Humans.” Curd whispered.

“But neither of them have ever acted angrily against humans before?” Burdish remarked confused.

“Kachek mentioned enslaving them and Her Holiness threatened to enslave the faeries, sir.” he replied in that same controlled whisper.

“Have miss Hope join us now.” Burdish stated grudgingly. “And have your guards ready to escort Her Holiness back to her residence.” he added with a sigh. Curd nodded before marching to miss Hope side. He signalled two Feline Guards as he walked.

“Counsel Burdish wishes words with you miss Hope.” Curd stated with a bow. “These two will stand in your place.” he added in a whispered. Annianka looked up from her seat. She smiled sadly up at them.

“I am sorry that I over reacted like that.” she told them. Curd could see the tear streaks on her face and more unshed in her shiny eyes.

“I will explain this to them Holiness.” miss Hope replied softly. “Just remain here until I return to bring you home your Holiness.” she added quickly. Annianka nod as she forced a brighter smile on her face. Miss Hope and Curd began walking away.

“She does not even remember what they were arguing about.” miss Hope whispered to Curd.

“Neither does Kachek.” he whispered back. “But Burdish will hear from the others present what was being said.” he reminded her. “Already touched the key points with him and he is as shocked as we were.”

“I think this little temper tantrum will force their hands.” she whispered back. Curd nodded to her. “Let us see what we can do to protect her.”

“Always.” Curd replied quietly. Burdish turned to face them as they arrived to him.

“All pleasantries aside, best she remain safely in her home until the Counsel decides how to proceed.” Burdish told them directly.

“And what will the Counsel decide?” Hope asked with a growl. Her growl was echoed by Curd at her side.

“Hopefully they can be convinced to simply keep her confined with limited access to the Healers' Hall.” Burdish replied softly. “This is not the first time she seemed to have lost control, correct?” he continued. “And are they getting worse?” he added in a whisper. The growls died in miss Hope's throat at his words. She nodded slowly to him as Curd still growled.

“Oddness have been noted in her lately.” she whispered. Curd's growl hide her words from prying ears. Burdish smiled sadly as he nodded back to her.

“We will see how we can protect her miss Hope.” he replied. “But if these outbursts continue ...” he warned without ending his thoughts.

“I know.” she returned. Curd and her bow their heads toward Burdish before turning away. Curd signal a detachment of Feline at hand to clear the path for miss Hope to return Annianka home with the two other guards escorting them. Miss Hope said nothing as she began walking Annianka away. Curd stared at their backs knowing everything revealed was for the best even if he felt like a traitor to Her Holiness.

Farm of Mysteries (23)

“Do either of you see fruit trees in those fields?” Sert asked quietly. He glanced around the farmland in feigned casualness.

“No grooves like I remember from that youth.” I returned. I began studying the land as I gathered some of our gear. Meli had closed her eyes while collecting our supplies.

“I do not feel any form of fruit trees anywhere upon the grounds of this farm.” she reported in a whisper. The boy spoken to earlier returned from the house with two older boys. They started hauling the baskets of fruits and vegetables back into the house in silence. “I sense many linked caverns under the farm with vegetation but cannot tell what it is.” she whispered as the boys disappeared into the house. “Nothing but grass upon the surface of this place.” she added during their next absence.

“Sert?” I asked under my breath. Sert remained silently peering around the farmstead. “Anything else amiss for you?” I added quietly. He continued searching the land with his eyes in silence for a few more minutes.

“The smell and tracks of herd animals but no visible pens for the herds.” he replied. Meli and I had loaded most of the gear between us while Sert still glanced around the farm.

“A farm that has invisible plants and animals?” I retorted. I looked from one to the other touching their mind to find the seeds of curiosity forming. “I believe we fix the cart and depart as quickly as we can before being embroiled in a mystery we do not have the time for.” I half ordered at them. Their unconvinced slow nod was all I received before we started walking toward the barn.

The cart we found was damaged exactly as stated with nothing else wrong with it. The tools that lined the wall ranged from the repair tools we needed to most of the farming tools plus a selection of blacksmithing supplies and tools. Sert searched around the outside of the barn while I searched the inside finding no forge nor anvil to use these tools with.

“We can add an invisible forge to the list of thing missing here.” Sert commented upon his return. He moved to the side of the cart to see how easy it could be lifted and blocked to enable us to fix the axle and wheel. Sert lifted the side of the cart with one hand looking shocked as I watched him.

“It looks like a mix of rowan and oak which is odd enough from the trees we have seen so far.” I murmured. I examined the cart closely seeing it as normal which should weight much more than Sertian could lift single handed. I slowly lifted the other side of the cart suspending it easily between the two of us. “Definitely not what it appears to be.” I muttered truly confused.

“The new shaft and wheel is by the other wall.” Meli stated. She gather the parts easily as they too weighed much less than what they appeared. “Whatever this cart is made from, I have never seen nor heard the likes of it on Atlantis.” she remarked. She placed the parts in front of the carts that we still held aloft.

I lowered my side of the cart signalling Sert to flip his end toward me. In moments we had the cart turned over easing the work needed to repair the axle and replace the broken wheel. It was child's play removing the broken wheel and sliding the bent axle from its housings. While Sert placed the new axle in position, I examined the bent axle as I removed the unbroken wheel.

“The axle was bent and not broken like the wheel.” I muttered. I passed the undamaged wheel to Sert. “Odd that the wheel would break without shattering the axle.” I continued. I examine the broken wheel seeing the wood mix going fully through it flawlessly. Meli joined me examining the broken wheel.

“Both to my eyes and my earth sense they are solid and could not have broken easily.” she admitted confused. “And the axle should have snapped normally with this type of damage to the wheel.” she added pensively.

“It's ready to be back on its wheels.” Sert informed us. I moved to one side and once again we had the cart turn back properly with barely any effort. We gathered around the broken parts still perplexed by this oddity.

“Can we try between the two of us to straighten the axle?” I asked Sert. He nodded before retrieving a pair of sawhorses. I laid the axle with the bend upward upon the sawhorses. With one hand to hold it from rotating and the other on the bend, both Sert and myself pressed down with our full force to no avail. The axle remain bent and unyielding to us.

I moved to collect the broken wheel signalling both Sert and Meli to hold the axle solidly in place on the sawhorses. As they held firmly to the axle, I struck at it with the broken wheel at my full human force. The bend did not budge nor did the surface mar from the blow. I examined the wheel in my hand while my companions marvelled at the strength of the wooden looking axle. No new cracks or lines had appeared on the broken wheel from the impact. I sense the same question forming in my friends' mind as formed in mine: what unbelievable force had the farmer faced to cause this damage to the resilient cart?

“Do we walk away or investigate these little mysteries?” I asked softly. Meli and Sert remained silently pondering what they had seen as in their minds ideas formed. I could read from their thought that they wanted to look deeper into this mysterious farm we had chanced upon. The cart itself defied all Atlantian technology, magic, and the combination of both to their knowledge. “For Atlantis?” I hazarded with a smirk. They smiled at me as they nodded their vigorous agreement. This is when my senses felt the unseen watcher near us.

“If we hurry at this, can we still make it to our pick up point?” Sert commented. I had stiffened and began casting my gaze around the room using my full mind in the search.

“Yes.” I interjected hard. I motioned Meli to scan the area around us as I was doing. I gather from Sert omitting the name of our destination that he too felt something was unsafe here. We turned slowly until all of us were focused toward the back of the barn where hay was piled loosely. From Meli's mind I could see the small bundle of life hidden there while my own senses told my it was intelligent as it tried hiding from my mental touch.

“You may as well come out and greet us properly.” Meli suggested gently. “We will not harm you if you behave.” she added more forcibly. Sert's hand had slide as she spoke to his sword hilt ready to draw his blade and strike at the creature if it attacked or tried to run. I stood with my arms at my side calmly.

“She speaks truly little one.” I stated directly.

The small ball of half fur and half feathers pulled itself from the hay cautiously. It hopped and skittered across the earth floor of the barn to stop just out of our reach. Brilliant green eyes sparkled as they opened to peer at us from the fur covering what should be its face. A thrilling series of giggling chirps escaped it as it peered at us. A line of sullen red formed above and between its emerald eyes. It open very slowly to reveal a deep set dark red third eye that rolled independently from the other two as it focused on each of us in turn to end resting on me.

“Filled with stars and darkness you are.” it stated. The high pitched musical lilted words trickled from the small bundle of fur and feathers. My mind stiffened as I glared down at this creature while hidden memories whispered words of caution. “No offence meant, Great Lord.” it returned verbally and mentally at me. It felt as if it cowered while the dull red eye focused harder at me.

“What are you?” Meli asked gently. Her question drew the third eye from me giving me a chance to fortify my mental defensive and regain composure.

“Atlantian light elves you two are but what is he?” it asked quickly. I sense it was a game to see what they knew of me. “Nothing I have ever seen before.” it added in a curious lie. It remained focused on Meli and Sert ignoring me as I prepared to face it mentally if needed.

“He is the Envoy of the Ones On High to Atlantis and the world.” she answered him patiently. “But it does not tell us what you are little one.” she reminded it calmly.

“Ones On High?” it marvelled. “This explains why he looks like night sky.” it chirped gleefully. It fell into a peal of chirping giggles for a few minutes. “Me is Ken.” it finally replied. “Only Ken left since others ran away when the Fallen Ones arrived here.” it added. My head snapped to stare down at the creature. Its third eye swivelled to meet my gaze like drawn by a magnet.

“What did you call them?” I asked in a slow menacing voice.

“Fallen Ones, the last race that will ever exist.” it answered happily. “But you already know this to be their true name oh faithful son of Lights' creation.” it added without fear. A soft smile covered my face at his words while I looked down upon him.

“They call themselves by many names but as a group are known as humans.” I explained to the Ken calmly. “Do not call me or them that in front of others, please?” I added mentally to the creature.

“You Kestrel, you Sertian, and you Mekiliean.” it chirped. It had turned to face each as it gave them their name before returning to me. “But you have many other names Great Lord Genin.” it added quickly.

“Yes Ken, my list of names is very long because I have been here for a very long time.” I responded with a small chuckle.

“Longer than time itself since she is not truly born yet.” it returned with a chirping giggle. With a quick mental dash I made the comment disappear from my friends' minds. “Not nice to do, but I understand why you must.” it purred in my mind.

“Thank you for your understanding.” I replied mentally to it.

“I go back and hide now, humans returning.” it stated quickly. It shot back like a blur to disappear into the hay as the farmer and son opened the doors of the barn.

“As I had said, the repairs were easy but I did not have the time to do them myself.” the farmer announced. He and his son stood bracketing the double doors. “Anything you will not need for the night can remain in the cart safely.” he added with a broad smile.

“We have been curious since this wood is much lighter than it appears while still being very strong.” I commented. I moved toward the farmer with Sert at my side when he did not answer. They stood blank faced as if they had not heard me speaking. “What is this wagon made of?” I asked softly.

“Oak I believe, but not really sure since the man that sold it to us left town after selling them.” the farmer answered after a moment. “Why?” he interjected. He looked passed me toward the cart worried. “Is something else wrong with it?” he added. I touched his mind to verify his words.

“No, but it seems too light to be oak.” I hazarded. He shrugged as he muttered under his breath. I spied into the memory of the cart salesman who sold his product very cheap. The man had insisted he purchase this cart and not one of the others he was selling. No other oddities appeared from this seemingly normal seller to me as I reviewed the memory closely. I withdrew from his mind as secretly as I had entered it.

“I do not remember us having a bushel of mixed fresh fruits and vegetables.” Sert commented. It earned him a signal to ignore it from me as the farmer's son loaded it into the repaired cart's load.

“Best we hurry to the table for supper.” the farmer warned us. He smiled and nodded to us before leading us back to the farmhouse. This was not special to me since it is a very old Roman and Greek custom to open their hearths and home to strangers but it was odd for me playing the father figure to these farm folks.

Sert's Skill, Pomegranates, and Family (22)

I awoke Meli early the next morning while Sert had already stepped out into the common room.

“You look tired still.” Meli commented. I chuckled and waved her forward to the common room. The place was empty and not even the owner or his wife were present. I placed one lone finger to my lips receiving agreeing nods from my two companions. We left the inn in silence carrying only our private pouches; Meli had her healers' bag, I had my hip satchel, and Sert carried a small pack over his shoulder.

We made good time through the empty street to reached the Farmers' Market discovering a mix of close to two dozen wagons and carts set in the half circle formation. Fruits, vegetables, cheeses, milk barrels, and meats lay on the blankets that nearly covered the central area marked by the wagons. Small pathways would allow buyers to walk between the laid out blankets to purchase their goods without having to leap or step upon the product. I stood with Sert and Meli eyeing all this before approaching the edge nearest to town.

We walked around the outside of this half circle making minor inquiries as we moved along slowly. We had nearly reached the far end receiving only negative answers. The farmers could not see parting with a cart and oxen team without hindering their farm. It was at the last cart we finally found our luck and a farmer that resemble the old man that had advised us the previous night.

“It can be arranged but it will need a few repairs before I would feel proper letting you use it safely.” this farmer explained.

“What type of repairs are required?” I asked casually. I ignored the suffering sigh that escaped Meli at this point.

“The cart's axle was bent and one wheel broken during my return from here last week.” he answered. “I have just not had the time to repair it while coming to the market in the morning and harvesting in the afternoon and evening.” he continued. I heard the strangled noise that escaped Meli. I taught back of being raised on a pomegranate farm knowing that morning and evening was usually selected for harvesting instead of afternoon when it was warmer. “I do have the parts to fix it, just not the time to do so.” he concluded with a shrug.

“So we either work your fields for an afternoon or buy the cart as is and fixed it ourselves.” I suggested.

“It would be bad manners to force you to do either of those things.” he remarked gruffly. He paused as he chewed on a sprig of wheat in his mouth. “But if your need is pressing,” he began slowly, “I would rather work my fields than fix a cart.”

“Deal done sir.” I replied with a bow. “We will accompany you back to your farm today, repair the cart, and return here before night fall.” I stated. “You can bring the cart with the ox team in the morning for us to depart from here?” I asked.

“Why?” he interjected with a smile. “Just spend the night at the farm so you may depart from there without paying for another night in town.” he concluded with a wink and half bow.

“As you wish noble sir, we will retrieve our belongings from the inn and meet you here shortly for the trip to your farm.” I returned with false merriment. I turned and left quickly with Sert and Meli keeping stride with me.

“He seemed a little too nice.” Sert remarked. We had cleared the first set of houses that edged the town proper. “Like there is another reason he wishes us to be at his farm overnight.” he added quickly. I stopped and turned to face him. Meli looked mildly shocked by his assessment of the situation without realizing he understood our words. He stared back blankly at us before shrugging wordlessly.

“You understood the conversation?” Meli asked with a little shrill tone of disbelief. Sert shrugged before nodding to her. I remained silent leaving her in her confusion. “How?” she returned glaring at him. He shrugged once more before starting to walk again.

“We should hurry since it will take more time for us to carry everything back.” he commented. Meli walked behind him shaking her head in confusion as I followed in silence. As we gathered our belonging, Meli remained silent knowing Sert would not explain how he had learned this language as quickly as she had. My only puzzlement was his inability to learn Egyptian as easily as he learned Roman and Greek under Meli's very nose. Another thought formed in my mind that made me speak while looking into Sert's mind.

“Curious talent you have.” I stated in Egyptian. It earned me another silent shrug while in his mind I saw he understood the words. I could feel Meli's frustration growing at this surprising discovery. “I believe Sert has the gift to understand the words spoken but lack the talent to speak them.” I chuckled. “It is sensible for a military person to know what is being said even if he cannot speak that language.” I added quickly. This guard that appeared simple impressed me with his hidden talents often as he accompanied me.

During the return walk, I received flashes from Meli's mind as she twisted this new information about a long time friend she thought she knew. I could hear her mental fuming that she had never discovered this about her friend like she had deduced much about him. What worried me by her pensive thoughts was her self berating about not being observant enough to be in the healers' field of study. This brought to my mind the books she had collected. They were very solidly written with proper knowledge of the medicinal use of plants but also contained so less favourable usages. One of the books she had collected from Anubis spoke only of herbal poisons but I had remained silent hoping it was a innocent mistake. Or better yet, as a way of discovering reversal processes for most natural herbal poisons.

Sert and myself carried most of of the baggage between us leaving Meli to simply carry her healers' bag at her hip and a bundle of books in her arms. She had been silently fuming about this decision for most of the return trip before voicing her anger.

“Why does it seem both of you do not allow me to carry my fair share?” she recriminated at us. Sert simply shrugged under his cross-laced backpacks. I chuckled as I read the response that floated in Sert's mind.

“A medic must have their hands free to work.” I replied easily. I gave Sert a mischievous smile before continuing. “And we seemed simply faster at grabbing packs than you are.” I added. I saw Sert's mouth twitched as he refrained from laughing as a verbalized his thoughts. Meli simply grumbled at us and kept walking.

We arrived to find over half the farmers already gone and new faces present to replace them. It struck me as odd which reflected the thoughts of my companions. We moved cautiously with our packs to reach the farthest cart and our benefactor for an evenings rest in the open fields of the Roman world. We loaded our belongings between the baskets of untraded and newly acquired products in the readied cart. We walked with it as it moved back onto the road heading homeward giving me a chance to examine the unsold produce. I collected an odd looking reddish and tan lined fruit from one of the basket showing it to farmer.

“Grenadian apples.” he replied quickly. “Three pence apiece and also called pomegranate by one of the other traders.” he continued. “Very messy fruit that stains but tasty.” he added. I passed one to each of my companions before paying the man double the price. The farmer nodded as he fished around in his pouch for small change.

“Keep it as a bonus since my travelling companions may want another before we reach your farm.” I replied waving away the offered coins. I slowly cut an incision down the length of the fruit letting the blood red juices dribble to the ground as we walked. Meli and Sert followed my example slowly as the watched to see my action with this new delight. I pried it open to slowly pick at the globules of red pulp and seeds that lined the inside of these precious fruits. We walked instead of riding letting the juices drop to the ground as we ate in a slow methodical technique a fruit not found on Atlantis.

I could see the thin red drip lines at the corner of my companions' mouths and feel the same on my own face. Our fingers red tipped and it would take time before the colour dissipated from them. I looked down at my clothing as they did, noting them untouched by the crimson juice from the pomegranates. I smiled softly as memories resurfaced in me of a past life.

“What are you thinking about?” Meli whispered to me in Atlantian.

“When I first tasted these fruits nearly five hundred years ago.” I replied softly. The farmer seemed not to notice the change in language. “It was just after I was first adopted by Eris and Discordia, born as a Greek child on a farm that had a field of pomegranate trees.” I explained slowly. They listen intently as we continue walking. “At the age of ten, or one hundred by Atlantian aging, I sneaked into the grove at night and gorged myself on barely ripened pomegranates.” I stated. I was looking away focusing more on my memories than my words or my steps as that childish mischievousness took over. “I was stained from head to toe for weeks not to mention being greatly ill from the poison in the fruits.” I concluded with a evil childish smile. I was already reading their minds as they choked at my words. The look they levelled at me was mild to the feeling of betrayal that played in their minds as I laughed at them.

“It's only poisonous if you eat too many of them and worse when they are not ripe.” I remarked still laughing. The farmer must have understood by their reaction since he too laughed about it.

“You should be nicer to the younger ones.” he interjected. “They believe too easily.” he admonished while still laughing.

“Not funny father.” Meli chided me in Roman. I stiffened at her false indignation glancing at the farmer. He simply shook his head at her comment.

“I would believe the young man as kin to you but she does not bare your looks upon her.” the farmer stated with a snort of laughter.

Sert mind jumped at his words as he examined both Kestrel and Meli more closely. Kestrel's skin had darkened as theirs had from travelling through Egypt. His raven coloured hair did match Sert's darker brown unlike the lighter auburn of Meli's hair. He had over looked many of the features that both he and Kestrel shared like the broad nose, deeper set eyes, and harder edged jaw line. The reality that he could pass as Kestrel's child was only marred by the impossibility of having Meli play sister to him in this game. Her delicate and perky nose, wide eyes, slender jaw, and lighter hair could never pass as family traits to outsiders.

“She is my wife and daughter in law to my noble father sir.” Sert stated quickly in fluent Roman. He placed one arm protectively making sure his hands were placed on her elbows for his own protection. I knew he had realized that Meli and I would be questioning him about speaking Roman without an accent. The farmer smiled and nodded to him politely. I said nothing to Meli as she marvelled about the mysteries of her life long friend.

It took just over three hours to reach the farm which gave time for Meli to calm herself. The building of the farm appeared worse for wear even when compared to the primitive state of the culture we walked through. The farmer drove the cart directly to the front of the house calling out a name.

“The wagon is in the barn with the tools to fix it.” he informed us. He pointed at the structure with a wave of his hand. A young boy exited the house. “Let the others know we have guests for the night.” he ordered. The boy nodded mutely at him before returning into the house. “Must be to work.” he told us. He nodded once more to us then slowly walked off into the tall grass of his fields. We started to scan the horizon around this farm house to find nothing but fields of tall grass leading to the distant tree line. Something was wrong here. A mystery offering itself to us.

Inns, Carts, and War (21)

“We should hurry and make it to the next village before the military enter the forest to secure it or raze it to the ground as part of their war campaign.” I told them. I lead them deeper into the forest finding barely noticeable hunters' trails. Night was nearly upon us as broke free of the trees near a small secluded town. Guards marched around the perimeter of this place in nervous tightly packed groups of four.

“Who goes there?” the leader of one of these knotted groups hailed out. I walked slowly with Sert and Meli at my back to meet with them.

“Simple travellers.” I called back in Roman. “We were headed for Troy when a fleet of armed men landed on the beach blocking our path.” I continued slowly. The face of the soldiers darkened at my words. “We ran to the forest before they spotted us luckily but had to leave our cart and provisions behind to enter the forest.” I added. The guard nodded to me. They waved us toward the town without saying more.

“We find a cart and oxen quickly.” I said half to myself.

“Agreed sir.” Sert responded. We walked in silence down the sparsely crowded street. The inn we found was small and looked in disrepair as we entered cautiously.

“Guest?” the old man behind the board stated as he spotted us. “Hurry Madea, we have guests!” he added. He rushed forward to meet us as we stood near the middle of the common front room. Madea, a much younger looking woman, was at his side when he reached us.

“Well meet sir.” I stated. We clasped hands as I quickly introduced myself and my companions to him and Madea. “We require rooms and knowledge on where to find a cart and oxen pair.” I informed him.

“A gold pieces for the run of the inn including three meals a day for the fortnight.” the owner offered. “It may take you that long to find what you seek if the farmers' market at the edge of town cannot help you.” he explained.

“I thank you for your advise and gracious offer.” I returned with a bow. “I will verify in town first before disturbing the farmers in their market place.” I continued casually. “I believe a quick meal and a bed would be the best for my companions and myself.” I added quickly. He showed us to a table and his wife, Madea, brought us laden wooden plates before leaving us to our meal.

“Here.” I interjected to Meli. I held out a pair of small books in a crude form of Egyptian that explained the Roman and Greek language to her. Meli sat idly eating as she devoured the pages in both books with her eyes. Sert to my surprise was eating slowly like I was. I said nothing as we sat slowly eating before retiring in silence to our beds.

The next morning found us walking the street and the alleys as we searched for anyone that would sell us an oxen cart so we may continue our journey. Meli practise Roman phrases with me while we walk as Sert followed in silence. A troop of a dozen or more children began following us whispering to each other while learning from what they saw.

The glamoury I had placed upon my two companions to make them appear only slightly taller than normal human height instead of their full eight and nine feet worked well. The adults barely noticed but the children that followed spotted both Sert and Meli ducking under things that they should not need to do so. My glamoury only effected their height but did not changed the slight point of their ears or the structure of their face and body making them more beautiful than normal humans. The children did not approach us as they watched and learned what the adults had not discovered about my companions.

“There is not many means of transportation to be found around this town.” an old man told me. It was late in the afternoon by this time and we had found nothing but a few aged horses. “You might want to check with the farmers at their market place just on the edge of town.” the man continued. “They may be able to help you more than we can.” he added with a nod.

“I thank you for your counsel sir.” I returned bowing to him.

“No thanks are needed since my brother the farmer might have what you seek.” he replied answering my bow. “But best you search for him tomorrow because he would be back in his field by this time of the day.” he added. I decide to check if any of the remaining farmers might be a help instead of waiting the extra day.

Meli practised her Roman out loud while whispering the phrase in Greek and verifying with me in Atlantian if she had gotten it correctly. At this rate she would have both languages adequately understood before we even had the chance to leave this town. I peeked into Sert's mind realizing that he had been learning nearly as fast as Meli about the two languages but still could not grasp the simplest words of the Egyptian tongue. I could not understand why this problem existed for him but refrain from instilling Egyptian into is mind directly.

We reached the market place quickly even if our pace was casual. Only a few remained in place but signs showed that over a dozen would normally have their carts or wagons set in a loose half circle near the town just off to one side of the road. A minor amount of product lay on blankets before the remaining carts as the few farmers were reloading their vehicles for the trip homeward. I did ask one of them when they normally arrived here daily receiving the answer of sunrise. I nodded my thanks to him before we returned to the inn for that night.

We arrived to be ushered to a table simply to receive another trio of over filled plates. I did not mention to Sert or Meli that we received much more than a single gold coin would account for. I few of the guards for the town visited while we ate but left us mostly alone in our corner. They sat with their heads close together whispering barely partaking in the mead in their grasps. I noticed Sert would glance in their direction casually but said nothing as he ate slowly.

“Are all meals this lavish in this part of the world?” Meli asked. She had eaten only half the plate before pushing it away from her. “I would believe everyone should be much bigger than they are.” she added quickly. I chuckled but did not speak.

“Brings up a point of why they do not see us as different from them.” Sert remarked quietly. He glanced once more toward the town guards. “We do tower above them but they do not seem to see it.” he explained.

“You could be confused for titan or giant offspring in their eyes if they saw your true height.” I commented. “It was best to place a small glamoury on both of you while simply returned to my previous height.” I whispered to them. “Only your height differs from normal.” I added quickly and quietly. I felt the guard move toward us as Sert rose to meet him. I turned in my chair to see him holding his empty hands before him.

“We simply wish to know more of what you have seen at Troy.” the guard stated calmly. The other soldiers had not moved from their table but gazed in our direction. I could feel the worry and battle lust warring in them.

“No less than the entire Greek army sits upon the shore before the gates of Troy.” I replied softly. “I see Troy resisting them easily but the Greeks will not relent unfortunately.” I continued. I saw him stiffen at my words. “I would seek other means to help your countrymen than attempting to break through the Greek military line.”

“Us Romans have found many ways around armies.” he returned. “But I thank you for your wise words in this matter.” he continued. I saw him relax under my gaze as the others at his table turned away from us. “We shall trouble you no more sir.” he added. He bowed to each of us before returning to his table. Sert kept glancing over at them as they whispered for a few more minutes before departing with their flagons of mead barely touched.

“This war has them very agitated.” Sert noted. Meli glanced at him slightly confused but said nothing. “The way they sit whispering as if fearing someone would be listening to them to steal their secrets away.” he explained. “They tense quickly to words and even when appearing relaxed they are weary enough to stay clear of drinks.” he continued. Meli nodded with a slight frown on her face.

“Troy is seen as a great city.” I remarked. “If it falls, it shows the Romans as being weak which will bring forth others to attempt conquering them.” I explained. “And all of this started by a golden apple from Discordia's hand.” I added with a sigh.

“What do you mean by a golden apple?” Meli interjected. “Is not Discordia one of your adoptive mothers in these parts?”

“It is a story whispered by the two groups of deities that reign over these lands.” I told them softly. “Discordia entered the halls of Olympus to toss at Zeus the golden apple bearing the word “prettiest” upon it.” I explained slowly. “She challenged Zeus to select which of the goddesses should receive this honour placing Zeus in much trouble.”

“But is not Zeus like Odin with the greatest wisdom to see a clear victor for this golden apple?” Sert commented. I could not hold back the laughter that bubbled from me. Sert and Meli stared in shock at my mirthfulness.

“Zeus is a father of his pantheon like Odin but wisdom does not rest on his shoulders often.” I remarked still laughing. “In this case he realized this decision would be a curse on him and passed the judgment to the shoulders of a mortal.” I continued. “The goddess Aphrodite, goddess of love, offered him a bride that was already to be wed to another.” I stated.

“This does not explain why they attack Troy.” Meli grumbled.

“Paris is a prince of Troy and was the one selected by Zeus to hand out the golden apple.” I explained. “He chose Aphrodite and she help him spirit Helena away to be his bride causing her betrothed to declare war upon him and his city.” I concluded.

“Could they not simply make peace in some fashion?” Meli asked. I could feel the disgust rising in her.

“Both the Greeks and Roman are very proud people that will not concede in this matter.” I replied. “Short of removing Helena from the mortal coil, nothing could stop this war from taking place.”

“In other words we continue our journey without looking back.” Sert commented sadly.

“The passion that lies in love can make men do great deeds but not all these deeds are good, unfortunately.” I remarked softly. “Best we get rest so we may be up at dawn to meet with the farmers.” I added. I rose slowly to bow at them before retiring to my bed for the night. My rest was not peaceful as dream visions came to me of what lay ahead.

To Troy (20)

The resurrected priestess now dressed in normal wifely garb woke them early the next morning. I held back as I noticed the dreamy smile and her messy hair from an active night. Once Sert and Meli had cleared the room, I finally moved forward to join them while the woman still waited by the door to this section of the inn.

“I thank you Melchia for this gift to share with Lord Anubis.” she whispered to me as I passed by her.

“Remember that Thoth must still pass judgement on you for the life you now live.” I returned. We moved toward the front of the inn where Anubis had returned to his human guise. “And giving Serif a little half sibling might not be what he has in mind as a good deed.” I added with a smirk. She blushed but said nothing else while Anubis chuckled as he smiled.

“Until next time old friend.” Anubis said. We grasped arms in warrior fashion before I parted without any other comments. We walked quickly in the empty streets to reach the docks. I noticed all the skiff still in port though fully manned. The captain of our skiff to Troy stood block the plank with a sour look on his face.

“Word from one of the ships that arrived this morning places the Greeks moving to strike at Troy by midday.” he reported to me. He remained barring the plank. “I can get you to the edges of the beach if the Greeks have not reached it yet.” he concluded. He stood waiting for my agreement to this minor change.

“Does it change the original price we discussed?” I asked through gritting teeth. The captain shook his head looking ashamed by my suggestion. “Fine, we land further up the beach.” I agreed forcing a pouch of coins in his grasp. The captain stepped aside as we boarded and placed ourselves around the mast for what would hopefully be a short sail. Our baggage sat with us on the deck as the captain screamed order to his two lone deck hands.

The trip felt slow even if uneventful until we neared the beach at Troy. A forest of mast was heading our way quickly while flying the banners and flags of Greece. One shout from the captain had the skiff spinning on the edge of the surf while a deck hand tried to drop the board for us to depart quickly.

“I suggest you head toward the forest away from Troy as quickly as you can.” the captain screamed at us. “The Greeks will view anyone on the beach as enemies and attack you on sight.” he added as warning.

Sert loaded most of the gear on his back vaulting over the side into the surf to rush the beach. I made Meli follow him. She darted down the plank with her healers' bag and a bundle of books on her back. I disembarked last ordering them to the tree line to wait for me. Both were reluctant to leave me as skiff shot out back to open water with the lead Greek vessel closing quickly.

“This is the land of my adoptive mothers.” I stated to them. “I have business with those arriving to make war.” I added bluntly. I motioned them toward the trees while I turned to assure the skiff would escape. My companions obey reluctantly as the water hissed and boiled around the skiff. The catapults of the lead ship had fired but luckily missed the small target the skiff offered them. I raised my hand and ship shot away faster as both wind and water added together assisting it to flee before the Greeks could fire once more.

The armada stopped short of landing allowing the lead ship to anchor first by me. I could sense that Meli held Sert firmly in place even if he fought to rush back to my side to face the complete Greek army. Over two dozen armed Greek soldiers surrounded me with weapons ready while I stood casually in their midst. They seemed confused by my lack of weapon ready to defend myself keeping them at bay. Agamemnon stepped forth with Achilles to slowly march to meet with me upon the beach of Troy. I had let my skin darken during our passage through Egypt hiding the Roman origins of this body.

“You are not Greek or a man of Troy.” Achilles stated as they stood before me. “Who are you and from whence you came?” he asked glaring at me. Little thunder chose this moment to show himself as his flew in to land upon my shoulder without a single sound.

“A small bird Lord Achilles, Lord Atrides.” I returned with a quick bow. “Here to whisper words of caution or you shall be trapped in this battle for much longer than you could imagine.” I added. I let my eyes go wide and roll loosely in their orbit as I spoke. The regarded me in silence as I smiled a grin that only the maddest of prophets would wear being of the insanity their gift placed upon them.

“A kestrel upon your shoulder so 'Kestrel' must be your name to call yourself a small bird.” Agamemnon replied calmly. I could sense his intrigue and the disbelief of the madness I feigned having.

“As good a name as any I have worn so far.” I replied with a half sane smile.

“Touch him not Achilles!” a child's voice thundered at my side. Eris stood looking as a little harmless girl beside me. “My son's words are truthful even if shrouded.” she told them calmer. “Tell them what you must my son.” she added softly.

“The gods and goddesses of your lands will walk with you to face the gods and goddesses of your foe but it will be of no use if remain entrenched here longer than a year, Achilles.” I stated harshly.

“We Greeks will crush these insects of Troy and reclaim what is ours.” Achilles retorted angrily at me. Agamemnon stood silently watching all this. “If this is what you have to tell me, then be gone son of chaos.” he added. He turned to signal orders to the fleet to make landfall taking most of the soldiers that surrounded me with him. Agamemnon still remained with a handful of soldiers who stood more relaxed now.

“Do you share his views Atrides?” I asked calmly. He looked at me as I truly was without the mask of madness upon my brow. He smiled sadly before answering.

“Best to believe and keep hope than disbelieve and go mad in a war over a jilted heart.” he answered quietly. I saw some of his soldier nod in agreement. “Best to leave before he decides to make a spectacle of you Kestrel.” he suggested in a whisper.

“My words to you Agamemnon, Lord Atrides.” I announced softly. “Save the maiden Briseis from his grips for as long as you can.” I added in a lower voice. I turned without waiting with Eris at my side and little thunder upon my shoulder. The remaining soldiers clear a path for us as we headed toward the forest.

“What have you done son?” Eris asked. I glanced down to spy the twinkle of mischievousness in her eyes that told me she knew I had just been a very bad boy.

“If the war goes too long, the maiden Briseis will fall into their hands.” I began explain to her. “Agamemnon will now take her as a war-prize to protect her which he is much better suited than Achilles could ever be.” I continued slowly. I measure my words with my pace so she would be seen by my companions. “This will cause a conflict between the two making this war not end for many decades.” I concluded with a wry smile.

“You are vicious my son.” she complimented me with a giggle. “Too much like me and cousin Discordia not to be our son in spirit.” she continued giggling louder. I knew Meli and Sert had been watching and wondering who this little girl was that walked at my side like family. “If they cannot listen to reason, then they deserve to fight themselves to death and I shall not interfere with what cousin Discordia has started over a silly golden apple.” she concluded. We had reached the treeline. She turned to smile prettily at Meli and Sert who stared dumbfounded back at her. She gave them an elegant curtsy before disappearing in a burst of lightning with the thunder replaced by her giggles. My companion stood slack jawed staring at the spot Eris had occupied.

“It was my adoptive Greek mother making sure they would not harm me as I warned them of the folly they start with this little war." I explained. I had the time to transfer half of Sert's baggage before either reacted to my statement.

“Who is she?” Meli asked. She grasped my shoulder to force me to face them. “What is she?” she added wide eyed.

“Lady Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos and on of the two deities in this region that have adopted me as their son.” I answered slowly. “Her cousin in the Roman pantheon is named Lady Discordia, she is the cause of the war at Troy, and my other adoptive mother.” I added. I believed that this was enough information to silence my companions' questions about my unofficial lineage. I hoped that my adoptive mothers did not make appearances during the remainder of this trip unless it was truly important. With my warning to the attackers of Troy completed, I had no other duties than to show my companions the small slice of the world we travelled through.

“But she is just a child!” Meli exclaimed aghast. Sert nodded his agreement in silence.

“How old are you Meli? And you Sert?” I snapped back bluntly.

“One hundred and fifty six.” Meli answered shyly.

“One hundred and eighty three.” Sert replied. I began laughing softly at them.

“She may appear as a child but she is older than both of you put together by quite a few centuries.” I returned jovially. “She chooses to appear as a child because it is easier to cause mischief and chaos without it seeming intentional.” I explained mirthfully. “Most of the ones we are meeting would give Meli fifteen and Sert eighteen.” I informed them. “But unlike Atlantis where both of you are still viewed as children until two hundred years of life, you are seen as adult in this outer world.” I explained. They nodded slowly at me. “Sert would have to be a veteran of a dozen skirmishes and Meli be ready to birth her third or fourth child by now.” I added. Their eyes widened as realization sunk in.

Both nodded at this statement still looking fearful of the prospect of living in the outer world permanently. It was both a gift of the slowed ageing process upon Atlantis and a curse for those that left Atlantis. Most Atlantian, if they left the mystic isle would need to return every year for a week just to be able to remain looking their Atlantian age and not begin an accelerated ageing process that would kill them. It was also for them to recharge their magic and abilities that would not function properly outside the Atlantian shield once their reserves dwindled which happen very quickly to most. The outer world was not made for magic and drank the practitioners dry very quickly unless they were either touched by a deity, of deistic blood, or something older than the planet itself like myself. I refrained from explaining this to Meli since she was, by Atlantian standards, too young to learn of such things.

Unlike most, I refused to use my power without a good purpose. If my weapon or keen wit could be use instead, I value holding back my full powers and resorting to small magical tricks if needed. This meant that my powers would appear amplified in Atlantis making my minor tricks look like great feats of magic keeping on guard while there. I could easily decimate all of Atlantis if I used my full abilities and my full powers that I have chained in my own mind. The Atlantian net could never hold that much power nor could the Heartstone remain in one piece if limitless power were unleash at it.