Just Another Day (30)

The knock that awoke did not come with Sert or Meli normal call. Just a simple knock and nothing more. I rose slowly from the bed before looking around the small room. Nothing was misplaced or changed from when I had drifted to sleep but I felt something or someone had visited in the night. I pushed these feelings to the back of my mind as I returned my ocarina to the shoulder bag and carried it in my hand toward the door. Once in the short hallway, I could hear Meli and Sert down below with the inn keeper and his wife. I paused and listen to them without showing myself.

“I would not put full faith in tales of giants.” the inn keeper warned. “Very few of them still live after challenging Juno.” he explained. “As for them being titans ...” he muttered.

“But one of the tomes I have learned from speaks of them as the same beings?” Meli returned.

“They are of the same family but the true titans are all imprisoned for siding with Saturn against Juno.” he replied. “The giants did not decide to attack Juno until later claiming they should share the heavens with them as gods and goddesses.” he explained. “Juno killed most of them until the handful or so remaining gave up.” he concluded. “I have never meet an giant yet making me believe they must be a rare thing.” he added with a chuckle.

My mischievous nature nearly had me remove the glamoury placed upon my companions. Seeing them as eight feet and nine and half feet tall would convince him that giants exist and are not as rare as he thinks. I refrained from scaring reality into the poor man knowing it would cause no ends of questions and stories about the giants of the Alton race. Once they actually arrived at Atlantis, they could discover the truth but best to make the few they meet appear closer to their racial ideals than that of the giants.

“Titans are know to have godlike abilities which giants lack other than incredible strength.” the wife stated.

“Which would explain their defeat when facing Juno.” Sert surmised. The accent sounded less harsh now than the night before. I slowly descended the stairs in silence.

“And our noble guide finally joins us.” Meli giggled.

“I had forgotten how much energy it takes for me to play as much as I did last night.” I returned. I smiled sheepishly as I joined them at the table. Two laden basket sat on the next table. “Thank you for making sure our oaths here were fulfilled.” I told my companions.

“I entered the common room to find these two sitting here with the baskets prepared for us.” the inn keeper commented. “They truly must be a pleasure to have around you.” he added quickly.

“More that you can imagine at some points.” I replied with a chuckle. The eldest daughter, that I had meet the night before, entered carrying five plates with a mix of bread, cheeses and fruits for breaking fast. She placed mine before me last and paused wordlessly. “Light music always help during a meal.” I stated casually. I was about to ask if they knew a minstrel that could play for us when the soft notes of the pan pipes echoed from behind me. “Thank you Mathan.” I whispered. I received a small thrill of notes as a welcome from her.

I allowed the others at the table to chat lightly around me as my mind began working on a problem I foresaw. My companions would be set against setting foot on Circe's island once they discovered her tendency of turning people into beasts. I was still debating internally on how to initiate the explanation of this in a way to not have both my companions turn against me by refusing to sail to her island. I put these thoughts unresolved aside as we finished our meal and the music ended.

“Your daughter seems very gifted with those pipes.” I remarked. “It would have made a good accompaniment for me last night.” I added with a small smirk.

“It is a gift she has hidden from us.” the inn keeper answered softly. I sensed the pride and happiness my few words had caused in him. The full purse was plucked before me on the table. “Your earnings for the night of entertainment.” he stated. I was ready to refuse until I saw the look in his eyes and felt the stubborn mind set he had prepared to face me with.

“I thank you.” I stated softly. Two older boys arrived to collect the baskets as we stood to leave. The inn keeper whispered to one who nodded back as he smiled broadly at the man. I paused as I noticed that the two basket were not being brought to the kitchen but out a back door near the stairs. “Odd place to keep fresh food.” I remarked. Neither the inn keeper or his wife answered. I bowed to them with Sert following suit as Meli curtsied next to him at our hosts for the night. We left the room through the door leading to the stable but I stopped once by our cart that was already prepared for us.

“I will meet you outside.” I told my companions quickly. I dashed to a rear door of the stable that opened into a back alleyway between the houses and the inn. A grouping of youth were running pass me carrying food in makeshift pouches made from clothing scraps. I slowly traced them back to the side of the inn where the two older boys were handing out the food to the children that had gathered there. I smiled and laughed as I walked back down the alley to the opposing side of the inn.

Sert and Meli had the cart parked on the side of the street waiting. I climbed into the back still laughing as I took a seat close to them. Both turned to look at me with curiosity as I attempted to calm myself enough to explain.

“What did you witness?” Meli finally asked. My eyes were closed as I took deep breathes to regain my composure.

“The inn keeper trying to feed the young ones of this town.” I replied in Atlantian. They stared at me still confused. “The two boys brought the baskets outside and are handing the food out to the children.” I explained. “His remarks about not getting much from their fields must be a true fact in this town.” I continued more seriously.

“Best we run in a few more baskets then.” Meli suggested. “Will we truly need nine baskets of fresh food?” she added quickly.

“It would be the proper thing to do.” Sert remarked. “But I am unsure how they will see it.” he added slowly.

“They need not know where the baskets have come from.” I replied. “We sneak in three full basket and depart before they notice us.” I suggested. My companions grinned as they nodded. It took but seconds to carry the three baskets in silence into the common room leaving them upon the table we had sat at a few moments ago. We returned quickly to the cart and departed without a sound or word between us.

As we rode from the town, the urge to check my shoulder bag took me. What I discovered after peering through the content surprised me. I remained silent as I pulled the small odd shape bundle from the bottom of the bag. I unwrapped it slowly to find a trio of stones set in a silvery ring. I recognized it instantly. The familial ring of my false Ancient bloodline. A fire opal for Ishtar, a severely cracked tiger-eye for the madness suppose to be my father, and the blackest of onyxes for myself crowned this simple band of silvery titanium. I re-wrapped it carefully before shoving it back to the bottom of my bag.

Which of those that could approach me without my noticing had carried it eluded me. I pushed the thoughts deeper in my mind only to have my other pressing problem resurface. To teach humility and honourable behaviour to others, Circe changed them into animals of their true nature. Like the Usurper Queen of Atlantis that all abhorred and feared, the curse of animalism was Circe's preferred tool for punishment and teaching those who were harder in the head than could be allowed. I had unfortunately foreseen a similar path in Circe's life where she could no long differentiate between honour and dishonour. At that time she would become the monster of Greek and Roman stories unable to defend her actions.

All would turn away from her causing her to go deeper into madness from loneliness and isolation. She would become more vicious and less willing to see honour even if presented to her. It caused me great pity that I could do nothing to stop her from becoming a dark figure in Greco-Roman stories and legends. Once the “no-one man” visits here in many years from now, her fate will be set in stone and I could not interfere on her behalf by that time. She would die alone consumed by rage and paranoia toward all humans simply because of her drive to teach nobility to a world she sees warped and broken. Even her soul would be consumed at that time removing all hopes of her being reborn as a human to give her a chance to redeem herself and return to the plane she should have remained upon instead of coming here to be turned into another monster of myths.

My face and my silence must have shown the deep despair I was feeling for Circe and the world. I noticed them glancing at me from time to time as we rode in silence. Meli had even put away her books and I could feel a nervousness within her. My little thunder reacted to my darkened mood by remain airborne barely landing near me as I sat seeing the darker paths humanity could walk upon. It is at that moment I realized that this shadow descended upon my thoughts after my violent actions in Egypt. It was in the name of honour that I did those greatly violent deeds even if it did not follow any of my oaths to the Ley'ä'Luna. It was at that moment that I understood why they had chosen me as the sword and shield of the humans. My righteous rage had not bounds or equal and removed from me guilt while I performed the darkest of action in the name of righteousness. I would have to visit and ask them for forgiveness since they are the only judges or judgement that I would accept without question. They were my only true masters in all of existence even if I played false submissive to others.

“You seem troubled.” Meli remarked suddenly. I looked up to see them glancing worriedly toward each other and myself. I smile sadly at them before speaking.

“I understand that of late I have not acted as I usually do in Atlantis.” I told them slowly. “In the outer world, I must be another being often to remain hidden as I play many roles for many different circumstances.” I explained softly. “None of those have a place in Atlantis.” I added harder than I intended.

Sert suddenly pull the cart hard to the side of the path stopping dead. He gave Meli one glance before staring to the ground between the oxen and the cart in silence. I heard her grumbling under her breath noting a few curse words in Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Atlantian. I felt her realize with both anger and frustration that Sert would not speak his mind to me. She looked at me in silence for a moment before her mouth moved with out sound. She glanced away quickly as another string of mixed swears escaped her in another grumbling burst. When her eyes returned to me, I smiled weakly at her and waited for her to finally regain the ability to speak. I forced myself not to simply take the words from her mind but allow her to truly talk to me as a friend.

“It's just that you have been so silent lately when we travel alone that we feared we had done something wrong.” Meli finally admitted.

“You have acted like perfect companions and friends during this journey.” I replied easily. “My mind is just elsewhere right now.”

“If you are dealing with something that is keeping you from us we maybe able to help.” she returned before sighing. Sert nodded his agreements to her words as he sat still looking at the ground. “If something is troubling you, we are here for you even if it is just to listen.” she concluded.

“We have been friends since your arrival in Atlantis Kestrel.” Sert commented without looking up. “We thought you took us with you because you trusted us as friends and companions.” he admitted still gazing downward.

“My mind is seeing many things not growing as they should.” I answered quietly. “And I feel forced to wait impatiently for the right moment to arrive so I may act.” I explained. “Atlantis is still my main mission but many other things must be dealt with forcing me to be silently watching.” I admitted. “My duties to those I serve have me tightly reign at times but I will always reveal to both of you what is of utter importance.” I added blankly.

Sert's head rose as he turned to face me. Unshed tears made his eyes shine. They both looked at me with sad smile as the one I wore and sighed deeply. Before I could even think the words began tumbling from my mouth to them.

Alternate Journal: Miss Hope's Worries (2)

I have decide to set my thoughts to paper since speaking with the Captains about these seem pointless at this time. Many small events have lead me to worry about Her Holiness' sanity since I have taking position as her personal honour guard. Most of the events went unnoticed since they were small and seen as unimportant but when compiled together, they cause me great dread.

I should start explaining from the beginning when I first noted a problem. It had been my first day as her new guardian when we visited the Heartstone Hall. Annianka walked before me as we entered. I stopped once inside allowing Her Holiness to approach the stone that is the centre of all Atlantian life and power. It was an oddity since, from all the reports and stories from our long history, the Heart of Atlantis would never revisit this place once accepted by our Heartstone.

“It is odd that he can close himself to me like that.” Annianka whispered to the stone. My feline hearing had captured the words and I nearly answered her. I held back as she faced the stone for her discussion. “My Kestrel may simply wish to keep us safe by not having other finding us?” she suggested. Her voice had risen to a normal conversational tone as she seemed to discuss with the Heartstone itself. “I know his heart and he would never hide anything from me intentionally!” she retorted.

I cleared my throat in warning earning me a shy look from Annianka as she covered her mouth while she blushed. I listened to her whispers as she continued speaking with the stone. She defended Kestrel but agreed that the Council would have to be cleansed. I listened but said nothing as I slip the information behind the feral half of my mind. This was my first warning that all was not right with our Holy Heart.

The next major item I have noted was the temperature changes when Annianka spoke with someone that she did not want to listen to. One of the faery ambassadors left the room as the floor frosted over under her feet. I had remain safe because of my fur as I stood with my breath coming out in slow puffs of mist. Others faced increased heat as sweat rolled from their faces as they excused themselves from her presence. This was why I had arranged to meet with Kachek in an open place.

I have spoken with the three Captains on the island and all agree that something has changed in our Holy Heart for the worse. More so since the outright attack on Kachek by her in a kind of deluded moment of rage. Since she has been sequestered, she has been calmer but I have caught her a few time still speaking to herself in two voices. I fear she is losing the battle with sanity as I have heard her agree more often with this second voice about the evil lose upon Atlantis. The only ones she still defends is her Kestrel and her Royal Guards.

Which brings forth my other fear. Most of these odd events and behaviour began nearly upon his arrival. I have spoken to others that noticed no strangeness to our Holy Heart prior to that man being discovered naked and nearly dead on the beach of our harbour. Annianka had nearly assaulted the other healers to reach him and tend for him personally. She named him Kestrel and gave him the title of Envoy of the Ones On High claiming he was a celestial being. I have felt his power and seen his visions but still cannot believe. He behaves so much like an Atlantian that I feel forced to trust him.

He acts like he has accepted the title upon his shoulder and is trying to live up to it but, from what I have heard from Rez, even Lord Kestrel seems unsure of himself. I know that all three of us that have challenged him find him worthy of our respect and trust but I see a darkness that follows him. It is that darkness that I see as the traitor in our midst but cannot link it to Annianka in yet.

The storm that destroyed his ship was noted by our people but it never breached our mystic network. Could whom ever that attacked him have infiltrated Atlantis? Could his enemy be what is sickening our Holy Heart's mind? If this is the case, it would explain why it seems to be trying to turn Annianka against him and acts up more when he is absent. It may be trying to turn the place he wishes to protect into a trap to snare him upon his return.

Add to this the insanity that seems rooted to the Atlantian throne and our Heartstone, where do we turn for a saviour? If the vision Kestrel allowed me to see is true, one of the felines must be the key to solve our woes. So many of the feline guards to chose from but still no sign of they being like Kestrel either physically or as gifted as he has shown himself to be.

I wish Jäzærha had returned but still only silence has been received form him. Many think he spends too much time away from Atlantis to be a good Captain but none of his forced would dare take his place. The other three Captains, like myself, may worry about him during these long absences but stand firm knowing he is of our calibre without question. He would have the proper words of wisdom we seek. He was always seeing beyond what we could even if he is the youngest among us.

I put these worries aside and return to watch over my charge. Her Holiness remains peacefully waiting in her garden often telling us that her Kestrel will return and put everything aright again. I pray to Odin nightly that this will be the case but doubts still linger.

Information, Magic, and Nightlife (29)

I looked at the stunned faces of my companions over my ocarina. The instrument did not hide my upturned corner of my lips at my own merriment at their awe. This was a type of magic that did not require magical energy of the none humans to use. It could be learned by any human with a bit of musical talent. I read from their mind that the subdued magical strings weaved into the practise notes I played reminded them of the Atlantian bards' training. The more musically talented the player was, the stronger the magic they could release with their notes as they played. But for me, I could add the vibrations of all the stars in my notes as I played giving life to the music that could sway the listener to be more open and calmer. It was a way to encourage many and change their hearts without touching their minds because the music was a magic they had stirring deep within each of them.

As the night progressed, the inn keeper's words rang true as the men gathered around Meli and the woman around Sert while I played. Sert and Meli realized quickly that my musical magic made the patrons speak of their lives and stories as much as ask about Atlantis. I resisted the urge to smile as I played on when Meli or Sert would ask the correct question allowing information to drop from the heavens into their laps. It included the tales of a giant that made it's home along our trail with possible alternate routes to avoid the monster.

I was linked to my companions' mind just watching over them while I played turning one song into another without pause. It was through Meli's eyes that I first noticed what my own eyes avoided. Many of the young woman and older girls of the town seemed drawn to me as I played. I knew this had nothing to do with the magic I threaded into the notes. This was a in a way another magic that had gained me attention. Anyone could have this magic that turned me into a magnet while I became one with the music I played.

Charisma was another special type of magic that could be learned by humans. It did not require music or words but they did help it. It was the aura of presence that was the heart of this non-magically based gift. I knew that my present inspired those around me to do their best normally with few words from my mouth. But this gathering was different as I began fearing the whispered thoughts of the group congregating around me. Few available men in town not already cloistered in the military tents erected outside the town. The music I played showed me as higher quality than Sert because of his accent. I continued to ignore the women and their thoughts of offering themselves to me.

It was midway through the evening when I finally excused myself claiming fatigue from the trip. The women did not get a chance to approach me as I moved quickly toward the stairs while the inn keeper and his wife took that moment to rush between us with loaded trays. Meli and Sert glanced at me as my feet started up the stairs slowly and heavily. I signalled to them to stay receiving a quick nod of understanding from each of them. I found one of the children from earlier hiding around the corner of the last step.

“Are you here to show me to my room?” I asked pleasantly. The young boy nodded as he smiled at me. He turned expecting me to follow him down the short corridor. “Who is the stable tender?” I stated.

“Big brother.” he answered quickly. He had not even looked up at me as he answered.

“Can you run these coins to your brother asking he brushes down our oxen?” I continued easily.

“He would do that anyways without coins.” the boy replied. He stopped before the second door. “Your room with the young man near the stairs and the woman around the corner safely hidden from view sir.” he told me. “Brother likes animals and knows how to care for them well.” he informed me. “And dad said you're helping the town more than you know.” he added in a shy whisper.

“Take the coins and split them with your siblings then.” I said with a smile. “And the town is more than welcomed.” I added softly.

“Mom and dad are going to make sure you are not disturbed.” he stated.

“Thank him for me if you get the chance.” I returned. “Now I must rest since we still have much travelling ahead of us still.” I added. He smiled up at me before rushing back to his perch by the stairs. I laughed softly to myself before entering my room. A simple bed with a small table like board and bench was all that was in this small room.

I stretched out on the bed still watching through Meli's and Sert's eyes. While still talking, my companions cast casual glances toward the stairs spotting the young women's attempt to join me. The inn keeper or his wife seemed to be working very hard upon the stairs themselves blocking the path to those amorously inclined women. I saw the look pass between my companions as both seemed to accept letting the inn keeping couple guard me until they were ready to retire many hours later. I had drifted into true sleep when the soft knock was heard at my door. I remained silent feigning sleep as the door creaked slowly open.

“It is not polite to spy on guests.” I stated softly.

“I am sorry but your music was delightful.” the young woman's voice stated softly. “May I sit so we can speak?” she added softly. I rose and turned to sit on the edge of the bed before nodding to her. She moved quickly to pull the bench nearer to the bed so she could sit facing me.

“What did you wish to speak about?” I asked casually. I touched her mind gently realizing she was the inn keeper's daughter whom had been working in the kitchen during my performance. The fear of having gained unwanted attention kept me on guard.

“About music and this.” she replied quickly. She produced a small bundle that she slowly opened on her lap revealing small pan type pipes. “A minstrel passing through gave this to me but I still cannot seem to play them properly.” she admitted shyly. I nearly laughed in relief over my fear.

“I am known by many names but my Alton companions know me as Kestrel.” I said slowly. “Those pipes are difficult since each reed has it's own note and timber as you breath through it.” I explained softly.

“The notes are easy to find when another is playing but I cannot find them when I am alone.” she returned. “I am Mathan and I wish for a chance to learn and play these pipes.” she continued. I felt the frustration in her mind and heart as she felt the music flowing in her but could not release it. It was a sudden enlightenment to me that she was bardic gifted. Music flowed inside her wanting and aching to be freed into the world.

“Practice would be my best advice to you.” I stated softly. Her shoulders slumped as her face darkened while I felt the hopelessness in her rising. “Or it is like Orpheus, a lire in his hands was magical but he could do nothing of renown with other instruments.” I suggested. I held out my hand to her and she slowly placed the pipes in my grasp. I rose them to my mouth to blow a short string of notes that weaved into each other. “Or it is the type of instrument.” I continued. I placed the pipes back in her hand. She was smiling once more at me. “I have always found it easier with wind instruments.” I added.

“The minstrel heard me whistling and thought these pipe would be good for me.” she returned. “He played many instruments well which is why I believed him but so far it seems impossible to me.” she continued.

“Whistle to me an air?” I replied quickly. She started softly whistling one of the melodies I had played that night. I reached for my shoulder pouch to claim my ocarina. I began softly weaving counter notes to what she whistled. I signalled to her to use the pipes as I continued playing softly. She found the proper notes instantly as she played to accompany me.

I let my power flair around me hiding the sounds from those below in the common room as both of us played louder shifting in mid note into new melodies. I felt the power rising in her notes as she fell fully into the music as I appeared to do earlier that night. Suddenly I felt time slowing as she played proving to me she was more powerful than she could ever imagine. In her mind, I saw her wanting to be sitting here forever simply playing music and happy which made time slow around her. I stopped playing but kept my ocarina glued to my mouth while she continued her performance alone. My soft chuckle had her stop a few moments later.

“You were playing on your own without problems.” I whispered to her. She sat on the bench staring at the pipes in her hand. “I would suggest that you listen to the music in your mind as your accompaniment when you play.” I told her softly. She looked up at me at first confused. The radiant smile formed slowly as I could see in her mind understanding forming.

“I thank you.” she nearly squealed. I laughed feeling the weight suddenly removed from her. “Will you stay another night and help me perform?” she asked. She reached out to touch my arm in a gentle grasp.

“Unfortunately I cannot Mathan.” I replied in a whisper. “The Alton I guide have much to visit in a very short time.” I admitted to her. “But I have no doubt that once your father hears you play, he will want you playing every night in the common room.” I added She smiled at me once more.

“I regret your departure Kestrel.” she stated. “But I thank you again for showing me how to play as you do.” she continued. “I must go before your charges retire.” she added quickly. She was on her feet moving like the wind back to the door to leave. I sat for a few minutes on the edge on the bed before laying back down. I checked on Meli and Sert mentally but found both of them still hip deep in tales while still glancing toward the stairs. I drifted back into sleep until the morning when a knock finally awoke me.