Off to Greece (34)

I meditated that night instead of sleeping feeling more relaxed and replenished than after two full days of sleep. My eyes reopened as the first light of dawn reached me. I would not re-explain my comments to Meli nor removed them from her mind since it helped reinforce the lie I wished to be known as my origins. Let Annianka and whatever sat in the Heartstone believe me a simple pawn in this game. I had in truth told the Ley'ä'Luna that I was going to save Atlantis for the Fallen Ones so they had a chance to face their darkness. I had lived for a little less than forever and knew this corruption around me was Ann'Anka's doing but still lacked proof at this time.

I could not move against Ann'Anka even if I had proof that she was the entity within the Heartstone. Without a corporeal form, Ann'Anka Anccilar would be unstoppable even with my powers fully unchained. Atlantis would be destroyed as the Heartstone shattered releasing the collected energy within it. Chains of events tightened now while I considered what my sister's time bomb was set to cause. I kept seeing the vision of Atlantis bathed in fire as a shade formed above it ready to devour the world and the humans. Caution and patience were my only two tools I had to bring Ann'Anka from hiding without causing the humans' darkness to come at the heels of Atlantis' destruction.

Annianka was the key with the oddness I felt upon her prompting me to hide my true self even deeper in my mind. Easier to make believe I was only the bastard child of The Ancients and Old Ones' little war than face the wraith if memories of her Ley'ä'Luna origin existed in Hope's mind. She would attempt to destroy me if she knew I was the child that warned her that her actions would fail. Only a handful of beings knew me for my true self but, like me, they lived a false origin to hide themselves.

My words had been accepted as truth by Meli without me forcing it. She would report them to Sert and eventually to Annianka promoting the lie I lived by. All of this was not just to hide myself but for a greater purpose. It hide the location of the fifth part of the last Ley'ä'Luna. I had removed Balance from the equation and forced my own mind to forget where I had sealed her await. The other four aspect, though linked, could live their own lives while Balance's absence stop them from reforming into one being. Visions of my own final death had shown me leaving existence with that knowledge never revealed to others or myself. Better to give them a chance to live freely divided for as long as possible. I knew that one day I would need to reassemble the five parts when the darkness held sway over humanity. My last action as my oaths dictated it before I became a simple observer to the events that followed. Once again the image of amber cat's eyes floated through my inner vision.

We worked in silence to complete collecting every scarp of food we could find. The chill persisted that morning keeping us focused on the task of escaping this place quickly. Silence and the chill lay heavily on our shoulders as we lead the oxen team and stacked cart down the winding path to the cove. Stavros' ship sat anchored in the water and the rowboat he had used sat untouched upon the shore line. It took five trips to move everything we had gathered to the vessel that would carry us to Greece.

Sert went with the first load to inspect the ship and guard it while we continued bringing the supplies and our belongings. With nothing but hand signals, I motioned Meli to ride in the third voyage with our private gear. I rode in the fifth and last load floating the ox-less cart behind the boat. It would be easy enough to find another pair of beasts once in Greece to pull the cart. Stavros set sail with us in silence toward a small port town of Greece to resupply his ship for Troy.

The unearthly chill withdrew as the warm breezes of the Mediterranean waters touched us. This relaxation was a good sign while we whispered ideas that could not explain why the town folks had ran or vanished. It was a calm and easy week of sailing if luckily uneventful. We entered the port that next morning where stacks of supplies sat waiting upon the dock to be moved. A flag showing the crest of the leaders of the marshalled troops at Troy fluttered by the piles.

“It seems they expected you Stavros.” I told our captain. He laughed as he pointed the ship into docking. “Sert! Meli!” I hollered. “Make sure our cart and gear are out of the way.” I ordered quickly. A dozen deck hands started the moment the ship touched in place to haul crates and barrels on board. With our help, Stavros was departing after four hours leaving us standing in port with our gear and mount-less cart.

“I would ask both of you to remain here while I find us some animals to haul the cart.” I told my companions. They nodded wordlessly back to me. “I should not be long and it will give both of you a chance to practice your Greek.” I added softly.

I already had a plan in mind but mentioned nothing to my companions. I knew the path to my old friend Lorenzo's estate well even if it had been nearly a dozen years or more since my last visit. Little thunder had flown ahead of me squawking loudly as he flew. It earn me a reception at Lorenzo's gate of a half dozen guards and the minor noble and botanist Lorenzo. He looked tired and old but I could still see the gleam of youth in his eyes.

“Finally return to see what progress I have made?” Lorenzo asked at my approach.

“First chance I have to return to these lands.” I explained. He hugged me like old friends have a tendency of doing when too much time has passed. “But I must ask a few favours of you.” I stated slowly.

“How could I refuse the man that has helped me so much with plants from the world over.” he returned quickly. His smile brightened making the fatigue I felt lift from him. “What would you require, Melchia?”

“A pair of beast to haul a cart.” I replied. “And allowing a visitor to see your special garden.” I continued in a whisper. “She has botanical tendencies you may appreciate learning.” I added with a chuckle.

“Now I am intrigued.” he remarked. His face became pensive. “Bring out a pair of our choice stallions for noble Melchia.” he told one of the guards. I eyed him suspiciously remembering what his rare stallions were breed for. “How many guests can I expect for the evening?” he added quickly.

“Three in total.” I answered. “Myself and a pair of Alton.” I continued softly. His eyes bulged at my words. “If it is not a bother.” I added quickly. Lorenzo was forced to wait before answering as a pair of dark charger stallions were brought out to me. With the reins in hand, I glanced at my old friend waiting for his reply.

“You bring legends to my home and ask me if it is a bother?” he chortled back. “I cannot wait to meet these noble beings that you have found.”

“I will return quickly with them.” I responded with a deep bow to him. I rushed away walking the stallions instead of riding them. If these were fully trained as I suspected, we would be travelling with war-mounts able to defend the cart without Sert's or my presences. I returned to find a small group of children standing guard around our cart with wooden swords and sticks. I stopped short and watched as Sert spoke with each of them in turn as Meli sat reading on the cart.

“Kestrel!” Sert called out. “We have received assistance with our duties.” he remarked smiling.

“They seem a good group of recruits.” I stated back to him. As I approached, the eyes of the children bulged as they shuffled out of my way. They stared up in awe at the steeds I walked over. I backed the horses in place while Sert place the halter tact neatly on the back of the two horses. “We have also been granted lodging for the evening.” I informed them. As I tightened the harness on the one stallion, Sert worked on the other.

“Another cozy inn?” Meli inquired from behind her tome.

“He is a noble of the area with a reputation for botany.” I remarked casually. “An extensive library on the flora of Greece.” I continued slowly. Meli book finally lowered to her knees as she stared at me. “I do know his specialty is prejudging the qualities of hybridized plants.”

She stared at me in silence. I knew she would be awake half the night pouring over his tomes and research notes to memorize them for use once we returned to Atlantis. Many of his ideas coupled with Meli's own earth wielding abilities would push her little experiments forward much quicker than she had hoped for. A profitable stop for Meli but nothing truly useful for Sert's marshal studies. If time permitted, I consider spending a few days in Sparta, the heart of the military knowledge for this vast section of the world.

“What type of horses are these?” Sert asked softly. The pack of children giggled as they moved to stand in two rows before us. They held their swords before them as they tried hard to stand at attention.

“Elite war steeds.” I responded. “Very few are allowed to use outside the upper military crust of Greece.” I explained.

“But is it right for us to use them to draw a cart?” Sert asked stunned. His hands still rested on the neck of the one stallion that whinnied softly at him. I chuckled as the horse twisted his head around to look at Sert with its large liquid eyes. “You do not have a problem with this?” Sert asked the horse. It responded with another snicker before turning away. Sert sighed as I continued chuckling.

“Be best to be on our way.” I replied softly. “I will drive while you stand to salute your troops.” I suggested. The slight blush on Sert's face was nearly missed as he moved to climb into the back of the cart. The children saluted with raised wooden swords and sticks as we rode between them receiving in reply an Atlantian Royal Guard salute from Sert.

“Do you think they will ask where that salute is from?” Meli murmured to me.

“I just fear, if any of them arrive in Atlantis, our Captains will be beside themselves with confusion.” I returned easily.

“At least they will know which guards to trust.” Meli remarked softly.

“But I do warn you that this botanist will want to learn from you as much as you from him.” I stated. A thought had formed in my mind that I could not push away. Would Meli take the easier path because of her gifts or truly learn from Lorenzo. I had but one way in my mind to test her honour and resolve.

Origins (33)

“The Destroyer of the Ancient Lore!” he howled at me. I nodded to him with a sad smile on my face. Meli and Sert glared at me in wordless shock. “The child of Ishtar and the crazed god-priest from the Old Ones.” he stated to me. They still looked at me in confusion as Stavros slowly regained his seat. “Scion of the heavenly rebellion.” he continued blankly. He was now ignoring everyone at the table as he focused fully on me. I remained silent as I nodded slowly to his statements. “Son of Chaos to both the Greeks and Romans?” he concluded. My sad smile brightened as I nodded to his last note. This litany announced my origins as I willed it to be known without my true origins being whispered around me.

“I believe this requires some explanation to us Lord Kestrel, Envoy of the Ones on High to the Alton.” Meli remarked in formal Greek. I did not show my annoyance at being forced to explain this now. Stavros still stared at me but had calmed greatly from his first reaction at my names and regained most of his sanity.

“I am the child of madness raping passion which makes me destruction.” I said slowly. My eyes remained locked with Stavros who nodded his acceptance to my words. “Sent to a crazed monotheistic deity as his first celestial servant cast out for helping save his 'heaven'.” I continued. “Then I walked the earth as a pariah from the days sweet Annianka healed me after I fell from heaven.” I explained. “I used the name Meakita when I wished to be ignored while travelling the cradle of human society before my adoption into the Greco-Roman pantheons by their deities of Chaos gaining the name 'Melchia' .” I concluded. Stavros had followed the thread of names sometimes nodding and sometimes mouthing the word “impossible” but had remained calm and silent.

“But would that not mean that you are as old if not older than Her Holiness Annianka?” Meli sputtered. I did not glance at her feeling her shock flowing from her. Sert felt calm only listening in passing to the conversation as he slowly ate his pomegranate. “Since you existed before you meet her?” she added quickly.

“She existed before I called her forth.” I whispered in Atlantian. “I have lived many lives for a very long time.” I stated in Greek. Stavros eyebrow had shot up when Meli spoke of Annianka. “She speaks of one part of the Ancient Elemental Avatar Annabadurziagkia which rules presently as a holy being over the Alton.” I explained to him. His eyes widen as I felt understanding and sudden acceptance to all that I had revealed. The myths of my false origin was now firmly in place in his mind and that of my companies.

“It still sounds so impossible ...” the old man whispered slowly.

“So simply see me as a Roman named 'Melchia' escaping the war by running into the hands of an enemy.” I suggested with a shrug. “Or call me Lord Kestrel of the Alton.” I added smiling softly.

“Lord Kestrel it is then.” Stavros replied quickly. “The other names would have me appear as a madman to all.” he continued softly. “As an Alton, you will not be challenged when setting foot in Greece.” he added with a nod.

“I still do not understand any of it.” Sert remarked innocently. He shrugged before glancing at me directly. “I am sure Meli will explain to me what I need to know later.” he concluded in Atlantian. The corner of his mouth twitched upward as he spoke which made me believe he lied about his ignorance.

“Best we load the cart for the week long sail back to Greece with everything we can gather from here.” I ordered slowly.

“I fully agree on that note.” Stavros replied quickly. “But I will want to dispose of everything from this town once we reach Greece.” he continued slower. “The oddness here does not give me faith in the produce.” he muttered under his breath.

Sert did not wait rushing off to start collecting the edible supplies from the kitchen to load them into our cart. Meli had not moved from my side. I felt she still had questions about all that had been spoken of. I rose from my chair to bow toward Stavros before heading up to the rooms above. I heard Meli's footfalls behind me as I arrived to the farthest door in the small upper hallway.

“I want a better explanation than what you have revealed.” she stated bluntly at my back. I turned slowly to face her. “Sert is not the only one that is unclear at your heritage.” she admitted softly. I smiled to her with a slow nod.

“I received the name and title of Alal from my mother Ishtar, the Ancient One of Passion that had begotten me from being raped by the crazed god-priest of the Old Ones during the war between those two houses of deities.” I explained slowly. “Their war was in part silly since they were both children of the same upper planar beings.” I continued calmly. “In their tongue my name means destroyer so I am known as the Ancient One of Destruction.” I ended. I waited as Meli digested what I had told her.

“Alright, that part is clear now.” she returned with a nod. “Next part?”

“During the ending of the war between the Ancient Ones and the Old Ones, they decided to summon an Elemental Avatar to represent them upon the Earth as helper for the humans.” I told her. “This would have allowed them to focus upon the war while knowing that the humans were not being abandoned by them.” I explained slowly. “They selected a being from the myths of their parentage to become their Avatar but she was split into four parts when she manifested into our existence.” I continued. I did not hide the false exasperation in my tones while speaking of the mishap that occurred. “The one known to the Ancients as 'Hope' is your Annianka.” I concluded softly. I watched her eyes for reactions while holding back touching her mind directly.

“Next?” Meli interjected as she nodded her understanding.

“Since some of the Ancients blamed me for the accident, I was sent to serve as first angelic name Seraphim to a lesser monotheist deity.” I reported. My hand found the handle for the door at my back to open it silently. “It copied me to create his army of half-baked celestial servants known as angels in the world now.” I continued calmly. I leaned against the door frame casually. “After the failed rebellion by one of his creations, I was cast from his heavens as a betrayer for having given his loyal angels weapons and armour to end the heavenly war.” I stated bluntly.

“That is when you first meet Annianka in this world?” Meli surmised softly. I smiled back as I nodded.

“I crashed to earth broken and near death trapped in the form of a kestrel which she healed.” I returned softly. “For this, I stood with her in my angelic form to help defend her village from attackers but it caused them to turn on her.” I continued. I could not stop myself from forming tears in my eyes at those thoughts. “When they came to attack her, Annianka released her righteous rage upon them slaughtering them all to the last man.” I concluded with a sad sigh.

She stared at me in silence. I slowly touched her mind realizing she could not link this moment with my arrival upon Atlantis. I waited in silence for her to tell me to continue while she glared at me for not continuing my tale. What more, I could see in her mind that she believe the Ancient Ones had sent me to Atlantis to watch over Annianka preventing another destructive ending. I finally sighed and grumbled before continuing.

“I travelled the lands after Annianka was pulled back to the Ancients' seat of power thinking she was a defective aspect of the entity called forth.” I explained slowly. “I brought destruction and chaos everywhere I set foot regaining in earnest my Ancient title of Destroyer under the name she had given me, Kestrel.” I told her with a vicious smile on my lips. “The dread bird Kestrel was finally put down by a great army.” I continued. “But I was adopted by the joint goddesses of Chaos to be reborn as Melchia in the Roman lands.” I concluded simply.

“It does not explain Meakita or why you were sent to Atlantis.” she remarked drily.

“Even while angered and living one life as the dread bird Kestrel, I performed great acts of nobility using the name Meakita.” I explained with a soft chuckle. “Many saw Meakita as the opposing force to the evil creature Kestrel during the time when humans spread over the lands like a plague.” I stated. I looked away from her embarrassed by admitting that I played my own opposite in the world. “But rebirth turned all that into legends until they came to me once more.” I continued

“Who did?” Meli asked in a whisper.

“I was approached three times by both the Ancient Ones and their progenitors ordering me to protect Atlantis for the common good, but I refused them without even giving it a second thought.” I admitted sadly. “Then a being that sat far above all of them came to me.” I said slowly. My eyes rose to meet hers seeing both disbelief and understanding there. “They asked that I intercede for his people to help Atlantis offering to freely enhance my gift of seeing the possible futures as explanation to their request.” I explained to her. “Once I saw what was to come for both Atlantis and the world, I could not refuse his request making me charter a ship to Atlantis immediately.” I concluded slowly.

“Even the pleas of your own people or their progenitors could not sway you to come protect Annianka?” she sputtered at me angrily. I glanced away from her. “They never told you she would be there?” she added suddenly. I glared at her darkly while seeing the thoughts that I was sent to be Annianka's protector faded from her mind.

“I was told nothing but commanded to protect Atlantis until a higher power showed me why I should intercede on their behalf.” I growled at her. I kept my face in a false snarl of anger to hide my true feelings. “No word was given to me of who would be waiting to receive me there.” I continued harshly. “I arrived blind and I am still unsure if Annianka and that sweet child that healed me are still one and the same.” I commented bluntly. “And this is all I can reveal to you at this time, Meli.” I added quickly. I back stepped into the room closing the door between us. I had solidified the myth of my origin which would be related to Annianka and whatever else would be listening around her.

Emptiness

Other than the differing farmlands, everything we crossed appeared empty. A chill seemed to descend upon us from the heavy silence that weighed down on us. Meli's and Sert's words that started loud became whispers as we moved toward the next town. They continued to practice under their breath as the chill layered heavily upon them.

“What of this coin system?” Meli asked suddenly. The chill in the air was palpable as she spoke in quasi hushed tones.

“It's actually very simple while not being truly sensible.” I informed them. “Everyone works, like Atlantis, at what they are good at if they are born in the right family in the land.” I explained slowly. “The coins shows how good they are at their job making the ones with the most coins the best in any given field.” I continued. “They exchange the coins for food, lodging, and services to make their life easier so they can continue doing what they like and make good coins doing it.” I concluded.

“But what if they are no good at the family trade or dislikes what they are doing?” Sert remarked.

“They either starve to death with no roof over their head or become beggars to supplement their forced life.” I returned unemotionally.

“Why cannot they be sent to someone that will teach them what they are both good at and enjoy doing?” Meli returned angrily.

“Because unlike Atlantis, the humans mostly look out for themselves without caring if others fall aside from the path of the living.” I retorted coldly.

“They only care about making themselves survive without caring about those that die in the process?” Sert asked as coldly as myself.

“Then why will we need so many coins once we arrive in Greece if we can gain them with tales and music?” Meli remarked suddenly.

“The coins will help others that are travelling without our gifts of words and music.” I returned softly. “They would be happy to know of the farm they might gain provision to turn into coinage at the inn we stopped at.” I explained slowly to them. “Many travel the roads to find others like our farmer that offers a roof without conditions.” I continued. “And like our inn keeper, try to help others as much as they can.” I added quickly.

“So we are also seeking out trainees to help along their way while seeking training?” Sert asked perplexed.

“Not exactly.” I commented softly. “The distance between safe havens is great for some that travel the road without help.” I continued with a smile. “Part of the coins we collect can help them find their way easier across the emptiness.” I added quickly. Both stared at me in silence for a moment. I did not need to verify their minds since I could see them working through my comments.

“It would be the easiest way to both learn and teach while we travel the lands away from Atlantis.” I returned. I shivered reflexively as the chill seemed to intensify. “Unlike most of the travellers, we will have to learn more quickly with only a night or two per town before heading for our final destination.” I continued. “And it was best you did not mention Circe since she is not seen properly by most of the Romans and Greeks.” I added quickly.

Sert beamed from this small praise while Meli eyed him like a prideful younger sister. I glanced around us noting the emptiness of the fields. Sert and Meli returned to reciting their tales at a whisper. I could see and feel my companions tensing as I was with the utterly silent emptiness that surrounded us as we rode into town. The town seemed abandoned as we rode up the main street unstopped by either military or city selected guards. My companions had stopped reciting as we rode in the same silence that surrounded us to the centrally placed inn that was as empty as the streets.

“Welcome to the sign of the empty hearth.” an old man stated. He sat in silence in the corner of the common room barely moving making it easy to miss him. He's words where harsh but still mostly fluent making believe he was a not a Roman from origin. I did not need my gifts to see that this man was touched by the edge of madness as he lived on in this empty place. “Rooms are upstairs and the cost is nothing since no one is here to collect your coins.” he added looking wildly at us. He took a long swig from his tankard before dipping it to refill from a barrel at his side. My companions did not tighten ranks around me but drifted to gain the most space around them while glancing at me worried.

“Why is this town so empty?” I asked softly. I slowly moved to stand before the man with the table between us. Meli and Sert placed themselves at the edges of the wall to keep watch over me and each other.

“I cannot say anything that I do not know to you friend.” the old man answered. “It has been this way since I arrived about a week ago.” he added calmly.

“Bring one of the baskets of fresh food so we may share with our host Sertian.” I returned. From the corner of my eye, I saw him nod to me before moving away quietly. I motioned to Meli to move closer to me as I stood still leery about this lone survivor. The old man chuckled at us. The laughter was tinted by the beginnings of insanity.

“Plenty of food in the kitchen.” he muttered around his chuckles. “Most is still edible even after a week or more untended to.” he continued. His bleary stare moved to his tankard as he spoke. “Been checking it each morning disposing of the rotten stuff to keep the rest edible.” he added staring harder into his cup. He made an off handed and sloppy Greek naval salute without thinking giving me all the proof I needed of his origin.

“And how did you arrive here?” I pursued softly. I took a seat opposing him at the table while Meli stood in silence at my right shoulder.

“My small ship is anchored in the bay just past the town.” he reported without looking away from his cup. Sert returned to place the basket on the table but our host did not even look up at it. “I came here to see about re-provisioning before moving on but no one here to help carry the supplies.” he muttered darkly. “It is a bad thing having a supply ship that is empty.” he added with a shrug.

“Lost the taste for war?” I remarked in Greek. The man's head snapped to attention staring at me in fear as I smiled softly to him.

“Not in the way you think.” he snarled back in Greek. “Would you see it as safe taking provisions from an empty town?” he remarked softer. He eyed me looking sad and not fearful anymore.

“Not really.” I agreed with a quick nod. “Even if it is a town of the enemy in this case.” I continued slowly. “It would mean your death arriving at the beaches of Troy with an empty hold.” I conceded. “So you sit here waiting to discover what has emptied this town or a way to escape without facing certain death.”

The old man half giggled and half sobbed at my words as he returned to stare into his tankard as if looking for the answers there. Sert tossed the man a pomegranate before beginning to methodically peel one himself. He sat at my left casually peeling and slowly eating the fruit in silence while glancing from the old man to me.

“If you seek passage back to Greece, I am more than willing to give you that.” The old man stated. He held the fruit in his hand but did not attempt to eat any of it. “Helping me reload my ship would be a fair trade once we are back in our home land.” he suggested softly. He did not bother peeling back the skin from the pomegranate as he bit into it. The red juices coloured his lips making him look healthier than his previous greyer tint. “No coins wasted and just a bit of muscle power and time spent to help an old man from dying.” he concluded softly. The left corner of his mouth rose in a questioning smile.

“A tempting offer since I doubt the giant down the road would be as kind to us.” I returned with a wry smile. “But best we wait the night out here and have a full day of light for our trip.” I suggested.

“That is agreeable to me.” the old man exclaimed. He raised his tankard to me while whispering thanks to the Greek deities. “My name is Stavros, and you are?” he added eyeing our group.

“Melchia, Sertian, and Mekiliean.” I introduced calmly. Stavros eyes tightened as he stared darkly at me. I knew that with none of our names being Greek and worse, mine being Roman, our host would be suspicious. I did not have time to be nice to him about this. “Would you rather I use the name Meakita, or the title of the 'dread bird Kestrel' ?” I tossed back harshly. Stavros eyes widen at my statement. He mouthed the words “you” and “impossible” as I sensed the fear suddenly gripping him.

“Melchia we know about.” Sert stated. He glanced from Stavros to me looking a little confused. “But Meakita?” he remarked.

“The dread bird Kestrel?” Meli picked up. “Is that why Her Holiness named you Lord Kestrel?” she added quietly in Atlantian.

“I have worn many names during my long existence my friends.” I replied easily in Atlantian. I still smirked at the old man ready to play one last card to have him forced by fear out of his madness and suspicions. “Even the name of Seraphim and Alal have been placed upon my shoulders.” I added in Greek. Stavros was on his feet toppling his bench at my words while his eyes bulged from his head.

Interlude: Annianka

Annianka sat in silence on a grassy patch of her private garden as miss Hope arrived. She did not move or speak. She simply sat staring forward at a small rose bush before her while miss Hope walked around the garden's edge. She reached out a hand toward the plant and the unopened buds cracked and flowered. Miss Hope glanced over but returned to her patrol around the garden in silence. The newly open flowers appeared unreal while the previously existing roses paled in comparison.

“Do you think the new flowers fit in?” Annianka asked softly. She ran her finger along the edge of a frost coloured rose to have it melt at her touch. No answer came to her. “Miss Hope?” she whispered. She glanced around to spot her white tigress guard standing as still as a statue staring back at her. “Do they look pretty at least?” she commented to her.

“They are pretty Holiness.” Hope returned quietly. Annianka smiled back. “I do not think the ice roses will last long in our climate.” she added slower.

“But the fire ones could be useful for light and heat.” Annianka returned. “I am unsure about the gem ones or cyclone ones though.” she remarked pensively. Her eyes returned to the bush before her. She ran here fingers through the flame petals of the fire rose without fear.

“The gem roses are bending the stems to nearly breaking.” miss Hope mentioned. “And the cyclone roses seem to be trying to fly away taking their stem with them.” she continued. “All are pretty but hard on the plant if it is to live a long life.”

“Maybe this is not the best plant to attempt some of these?” Annianka remarked casually. She glanced in silence as the stem from the fire rose slowly burned away lowering the flaming flower into the mass of the plant. She waved her hand and the special flowers vanished instantly leaving empty spots in there place on the bush.

“Something sturdier and more resistant might be a better choice.” the tigress suggested. Annianka nodded sadly back. “You will have plenty of time to practice such diversions while Lord Kestrel is away.” she commented softly.

“He will return soon enough to my arms.” Annianka remarked. I soft silly smile touched her lips as her cheeks reddened. “I am sorry that you must witness our time together.” she continued nearly purring. “He is such a man that pleases my every needs.” she added with a small giggle.

“You seem more relaxed and happy when he is near you my Holiness.” miss Hope remarked. “I have no issues giving you time to be with him but I must ask you a hard question.” she continued. “Do you love him?” she whispered slowly. Annianka giggled as she blushed a deeper shade of crimson.

“I do not know if it is love but ...” she replied shyly. “But he is my everything.” she concluded.

“He would be a very noble and true mate to you.” Hope commented. She did not look at Annianka as she spoke. In her mind, she saw his face with the amber cat-eyes again. “Even the Holy Heart of Atlantis deserves to have a mate at her side.” she added with false casualness.

“So should my Honour Guard.” Annianka remarked. “But you seem geared at always standing alone.” she reprimanded. “When will give love a chance to touch you miss Hope?” she asked softly. Hope glanced at her seeing concern in her face.

“When a man can truly be my equal in all ways.” she answered with a wry smile. “With beautiful amber cat-eyes that no feline could ever resist.” she added under her breath.

“You found such a man!” Annianka accused.

“I was just shown one thanks to Lord Kestrel's gift.” the tigress returned. Her eyes return to avoiding Annianka's as she returned to prowling the perimeter of the inner garden. “It did not answer if you would have him as a mate?” she remarked in a purr.

“I would fear I would do many things for him that would be driven by jealousy and mistrust of others around him.” Annianka stated. “This world would not be large enough to contain us.” she half whispered. “Many other places once this one is gone.” the other voice hissed from Annianka's mouth.

Hope turned slowly to look at her. A vicious smile had replaced Annianka's normal soft smile. Miss Hope remain silent and unmoving as she forced her mind into the thoughts of the beast she was mixed with. She looked at the face that she knew well now appearing like a dark stranger before her. The eyes tightened as the predatory grin showed Annianka's teeth fully in a horrid grimace. Her hands clawed at the ground leaving patches of dead earth at her touch. Her shoulders hunched forward as her face seemed to darken an the air chill around them. It took only a moment for this transformation to come and leave Annianka.

“I am just unsure it would be proper for me to marry him miss Hope.” Annianka said calmly.

“You must be visiting the Healers' Hall shortly.” the tigress reminded her. “A detachment of mixed Royal Guards wait at the doors to escort us there your Holiness.” she added quickly.

“And if I decided to refuse?” Annianka retorted petulantly.

“And not see your people?” Hope returned easily.

“Atlantis needs their Heart or they will lose hope in their lives.” she rimed off from memory. “But is it safe after my little tantrum?” she remarked quickly. “What if I get annoyed and over react again?” she pinned. Slow tears rolled down her cheeks as she frowned.

You have never had it happen when in the Healers' Hall before your Holiness.” miss Hope stated softly. “And you like being there to help your people directly.” she continued. “You are nearly as happy helping your fellow Atlantian as when you are in Kestrel's embrace.” she added with a wry smile. Annianka blushed slightly as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. She rose slowly to her feet as the tigress came to her side. She nodded once to her as she smiled softly before they walked to the doors to the garden.

Two dozen mixed Royal Guards came to attention as Annianka and miss Hope exited the Royal Halls she had been confined to. Six of each of the four groups stood together in groups of four ready to be given the word to march. Miss Hope could not hide the smile that came to her face at this sight. They saluted to the Holy Heart simultaneously as if trained from birth together.

“Why are you purring?” Annianka whispered to her. Miss Hope still stood smiling like the cat that had eaten the canary while purring under her breath.

“It is nothing.” she whispered back. “Form up and we march soldiers!” she ordered bluntly. Small diamond shaped groups of four took their position forming a wide circle around them. “Let us hurry your Holiness.” she remarked to Annianka. She began walking forward with Annianka at her side and the troops moving with them like a cloud of swords and shields around them to clear the path.

“Is this truly necessary miss Hope?” Annianka asked. The hint of whining had entered her voice. Hope sighed as she prepared to explain to her again when the first stone came flying toward them. The tigress grappled Annianka's upper arm spinning her away from the flying stone. As Annianka was moved, Hope side stepped to grapple the stone in midair.

A few dozen more stone flew at them which the Royal Guards and miss Hope batted to the ground before they could make contact with Annianka. The handful of Atlantians that were near them spiralled on the spot trying to spot the source of this attack on their Holy Heart but to no avail. Annianka had smartly collapsed to her knees covering her head with her arms seeing nothing.

“Guards?” miss Hope growled. Eight guards came rushing forward to form a tight circle around them.

“The stones were thrown from our sight.” one reported.

“But there was no one there.” a second remarked.

“The citizens around us looked as much as we did for the source.” another stated softly.

“An earth wielder maybe?” yet another suggested.

“Unsure but we will ask the citizen while half the troops get Annianka either to the Healers' Hall or back to her residence.” the fifth guard countered.

“Send a foursome to the Healers' Hall to inform them of Her Holiness' absent.” Hope ordered. “Leave eight here to question the witnesses while the rest rush with me to place Her Holiness back safely at home.” she continued. “I want your reports of this incident in my hand and your Captains' hands by night fall.” she added in a growl. They saluted to her in silence before separating to follow her orders directly. The sixteen Royal Guards formed a tight circle around miss Hope and Annianka. She grappled Annianka's shoulders forcing her to her feet and forced her to quick march over the small distant they had covered.

“My own people are turning against me.” Annianka whimpered as they rushed. “I will never be freed from my prison ever.” she sobbed uncontrollably. Miss Hope ignored her words as they rushed her back into the safety of the Royal Residence. Once inside, Annianka broke free from miss Hope's grasp to rush to her bedchamber. The sound of the door slamming shut and the internal lock clicking into place echoed through the empty residence. Miss Hope listened at the door for a moment only hearing Annianka crying.

“Have the guards patrol the halls and grounds of the area until further notice.” Hope told the one guard. He had remained close to her waiting for orders patiently.

“I do not believe an earth wielder is behind this attack.” he softly informed her. She stared at this Ferret Guard who remained calm even if he was a mouse before her.

“Explain!” she ordered quietly.

“Because we would have seen the stones lifting from the ground and not just appearing in the air, mam.” he explained slowly. “They were appearing a few feet to the right or left of the citizens which some should have sensed the magic forming and been able to warn us.” he continued ponderously. “Something is on Atlantis that none can see.” he stated quietly. “But why would they be throwing stones and not daggers or arrows is a mystery to me.” he added with a shrug.

“They simply wished to scare her and not kill her.” Hope retorted in a whisper. They slowly walked back toward the doors of the section Annianka had been given as a home. “Best to still verify if any of the citizen present might have abilities without proper training.” she advised slowly and pensively.

“It will be done as you order Guardian of the Holy Heart.” he replied softly. He salute her in the fashion of the Ferrets holding the salute until she responded with the Feline salute. “I would also like the permission to offer young Sertian Royal Guard training as fits his position in Lord Kestrel's house.” he said softer. He held out a letter to miss Hope. “It is a request from our Captain directly.” he added quickly.

Miss Hope took the letter from his paw and quickly read through it. The seal of Captain Jäz was cleanly etched in wax at the bottom of the letter with just a “J” as signature. She read through it a second time as she read his responses to her fears that had been voiced during the Captains' meeting and banter between the three Captain and herself.

“If Lord Kestrel has no problems with it, offer it to Sertian but do not force him to accept.” she finally told him.

“As is your command.” he replied easily. He bowed to her before departing in silence. The tigress went through the rooms, peering from windows to spot the Royal Guards marching around the home in small wary groups. She sighed as she continued her inspection to assure the apartments of her Holiness were secured. She checked at Annianka's bedchamber door from time to time to discover the cries having turned into soft sobs and then whispering snores.

“And what if she did it to herself without realizing it?” the tigress mused to herself. She pondered the possibilities as she continued her unending patrols around the residence in silence.