Of Tigers and Pixies (47)

After a week of searching through reports, talking to witnesses, and investigating the scenes of the events, I still had no answers for the Council or for Annianka. Burdish was visiting as a new device was being placed in my foyer. My team stood with me as we watched the trainee engineer Deas and head engineer Devron installed a monitor unit so I could see any spikes in the magical net of Atlantis.

“Maybe you can notice something our people have missed.” Burdish remarked. “And they will install a information access point in your study for easier research by you and your household.” he added.

“I am sorry that I could not find an answer for you.” I returned calmly.

“But, with your return and investigation, the Council can release Her Holiness with the citizen rejoicing in the assurance that She is not the source of the harmful events.” he replied quickly.

“I would believe it is the Council rejoicing in that assurance.” Meli muttered.

“It does make us happy to release her.” Burdish interjected. “It did not sit well on our shoulders and hearts secluding her.” he continued. “More so for some than others.” he added.

“Enough useless sparring with Lord Burnish.” Cole retorted. “He would be one that would listen to your stories about the Council and act on them unlike most of the others.” he continued. I let my mind drone out the continuation of their verbal mocking as I walked Burdish to the door.

“I know you do not take her words personally.” I said. “She is young and still has much to learn about political duties.”

“And I know you are trying to have them not see evil in every edict we post.” he replied. “Good parting.” he added bowing to me. I returned his bow and left into the afternoon streets of Atlantis opposite of his path. I did not want to hear another debate between Meli and Cole. Sert had at least stopped fighting verbally with “our Council spy”. Rude words from Cole only earned him an invitation to the training field to spar against Sert. I chuckled at how easily Sert realized Cole feared his strength in battle and used it to keep the comments between them short and polite.

“Odd to see you out without your sparrowhawk guard, your nightingale healer, nor that snake of a crow.” Curd purred mockingly. He had silently fell in step next to me. “More unsubstantial research?” he added. A soft purring chuckle escaped him.

“Escaping the nightingale and crow squawking at each other again.” I remarked. The purring chuckle returned in earnest from the Feline Guard Captain. “Using your selected euphemisms is a perfect fit for the annoyance level of the circumstance.” I added quickly with a soft chuckle of my own. While Curd continued to chuckle in his feline fashion, Little Thunder landed noiselessly upon my opposing shoulder.

“Another bird from your aery?” he remarked. The laughter stopped as my bird glared at him in menacing silence.

“A very old family of friends.” I answered. “He comes and goes as he pleases.” I continued casually. I reached up plucking the note bound to the kestrel's leg while giving him a gentle scratch to the belly. “I will reply if needed later Little Thunder.” I told him. The kestrel dropped from my shoulder in the clear space before us to snap open his wings pausing in an aerial stall. While floating in this airborne position, his wingtips slapped the ground rocketing him skyward. “And is always present when needed.” I added.

“Must be truth about birds of a feather gathering.” Curd muttered beside me. I smiled mischievously as I unrolled the note in my hands. The Captain peered over at the paper but avoided the written words. He waited in silence as we walked slowly along and I read my message. I folded the scrap of paper to fit in the fold of my belt without making any comments.

“What will call you away from Atlantis this time?” he asked in a half growl.

“Nothing.” I interjected back. “Status of a project I left in the hands of friends.” I explained. He nodded back while remaining silent. “Is there a reason for your presence at my hip?” I concluded in the silence.

“Word of Her Holiness eminent release.” he replied calmly. “Are those treacherous tyrants speaking truth for once?” he growled.

“Thanks to my investigation proving what most thought, the remaining portion cannot refuse releasing Her Holiness.” I replied quickly but quietly.

“I will never show it but ...” he began with false pride. “... all of us are happier when you are upon the lands of Atlantis.” he concluded in a nearly imperceptible whisper.

“I already knew since your men say you growl less and roar more clearly when my feet are upon the Isle.” I remarked with a shrug. He shook his head as he chuckled under his breath. “Our supposed bird and cat hatred seems to be ignored because of our common goal.” I told him. “Protecting Atlantis which means it's Holy Heart Annianka.” I clarified. He nodded in silence as a small smile came to his face.

“But the being or beings behind those disgraceful events are still unknown to you.” he returned. “Does this mean they are more powerful or more intelligent than you?” he added. He still wore the small smile but I noticed how his tail twitched in an annoyed manner.

“No.” I lied softly. “I have many ideas of what is behind this but not the proof to act upon nor a way a trapping them.” I told him more truthfully. “No other research will help solve this mystery.”

“You will wait and see if the enemy tips it's hand once Her Holiness returns to society.” he surmised. “I thank you for helping Her Holiness even if it is your position as She has dictated it.” he continued. “The Captains will see you to report anything we unearth.” he added. With his last words, he slipped away in the same silence he came in. I continued slowly walking without purpose down the streets of central Atlantis while considering my options. I had not gone more than twenty paces when a new shadow was at my side.

“You don't look Atlantian.” the woman stated. She fluttered next to me easily keeping pace. Her feet dangled between my waist and my knees while her head bobbed just over my shoulder. Her wings reminded me of dragonflies in shape, style and texture complimenting her sparkling bluish-green shoulder length wavy hair.

“You would be correct.” I replied quickly. “And you would be?” I asked in feigned ignorance.

“Pixie.” she interjected back. “You lack the ears, facial bone structure, and garb even if you have the height and body shape.” she explained. “So what are you?” she added.

“Living.” I interject chuckling. A sighing giggle escaped her. “Human in form with a trick to have the proper height.” I answered truthfully.

“But humans aren't allowed on Atlantis!” she remarked in shock. “How did you manage to gain that privilege?” she continued. “Plus being able to carry weapons openly?”

“Well placed friends in Atlantis.” I returned casually.

“Oh.” she stated. I could feel her eyes crawling up and down my body. “Would it be possible for you to gain me access to see someone?” she said softly. She reached out to run her fingertips up and down my upper arm and bicep. “I was told it is nearly impossible to get an audience with him unless you know the right people.” she half whispered. Her arm snaked around my upper arm moving closer to my side while adding no weight on me.

“Who would this person of importance be?” I asked. She reached over with her other hand to place it on my forearm. She fluttered closer to sit her chin on my shoulder which positioned my upper arm between her disproportionally over sized breasts. I refused to turn my head fearing I would be kissed as her emerald green lips sat that close to my face.

“An Envoy of some sort.” she returned in a whisper. “I know he has a bird's name but I can't remember it at this moment.” She half purred. A soft girlish giggle followed as her warm breath brushed against my neck. “Can't seem to think properly.” she added purring.

“That could only be one man.” I return nonchalantly. “The Envoy of the Ones on High.” I stated slowly. A purring agreement met my ear with a warmer breath that quickened. “Lord Kestrel!” I exclaimed.

“That's the one!” she exclaimed back. “So when can I meet him?” she asked. She rubbed the length of her body along my side. “I'd show you a full night of appreciation for this little favour.” she whispered haltingly. I chuckled mentally as I planned my respond to her fervent drive for my help. I blocked her mounting my hip by grappling the leg she tried wrapping around the front of my body.

“You ask no small favour!” I retorted in mock fear. “Lord Kestrel is known as 'The Dread Bird' with good reason.” I remarked. I made by body shiver knowing she would feel as if she trembled because of the snug way she clasped against my side. “Only the most royal of personages are allowed to be in his presence if they which to continue living.” I added. She sighed deeply as she snuggled tighter while attempting in vain to get her front leg around my hips.

“But it would be easy for a human that can wear armour and carry weapons in Atlantis to visit Lord Kestrel with his pixie friend.” she breathed hot at my neck. I felt her tongue flicker at the edge of my earlobe and lick slowly down the side of my neck. “I could be a very good friend to you if you help me handsome.” she added. I stopped blocking her leg as I cast a quick glance around me. The few pedestrians seemed to ignore the pixie's blatant sexual behaviour as she used her locked legs to grind her body harder against mine.

“Tell me what other benefits I would gain by risking my life and soul to help you?” I uttered. It was a simple delay tactic while I scanned the area around us for concealing magic which would explain us being ignored by others. Her lips brushed the side of my neck in a quick burning kiss.

“Every pixie would be at your beck and call in the outer world unable to refuse your request.” she half purred, half moaned in my ear. “Anything you want, the pixies would hand it you without question.” she continued in that tone. “Everything and anything including me.” she added. Her lips brushed slower lingering heat remained at my neck but I did not follow her plans of exposing more of my neck or turning my head to return the kisses.

“But how do I know your words and offer is truthful?” I returned. I added a pensive tone that would suggest I was internally debating her offer. In truth, I verified if she used any lust based magic to make me more agreeable to her offer. Once again I found not a hint of any form of magic active around me nor upon me from this pixie. I finally gave into my curiosity and slowly slipped into her mind.

“Because I'm their princess.” she whispered. “And I like a man that can resists my overtures.” she continued moaning as her hands moved to grapple my opposing shoulder and side. “But no one has ever resisted me long.” she added. She kisses at my neck in earnest now feeling like fire against my skin. Nothing of deceit showed in her mind but images of things she wished to attempt were very creative and graphic.

“I will make arrangement later today.” I told her. “Your payment can come after your rendezvous with Lord Kestrel.” I explained softly. I feigned a shudder as she rubbed harder at my hip pressing her knee to my manhood attempting to stimulate it. “After.” I repeated firmly. She subsided to simple remain snuggled against my side with her head on my shoulder. “Come to Lord Kestrel's estate in the morning and you will be allowed to see him.” I continued. “Do not waste his time or both of us will lose everything.” I warned her.

“And I'll meet you where after I'm done speaking with the Envoy?” she asked softly.

“I will find you once you are done with Lord Kestrel.” I answered. “Until then little pixie.” I added. I was happy she took the hint and detached herself from me. She fluttered before me swaying her hips as she winked to me.

“Don't try to hide.” she warned me. “No matter where you go, I'll find you to repay you for this favour.” she continued. She winked once more then blew me a kiss before fluttering away down a side street. My shoulders slumped as I sighed loudly. I had just a moment to realize I did not stand alone.

“I am sorry Sir.” squeaked beside me. “Princess Trixie has been trying to find some way to meet you.” it informed me. I slowly glanced to my side to see a young ferret guard.

“She has not met Lord Kestrel.” I replied. A small mischievous grin showed on my face. “She simply met a human with extraordinary privileges that she knew could arrange introductions for her.” I explained. “It is all she knows until she meets me as Lord Kestrel in the morning.” I continued slowly. “Make sure she has a good retinue of guards during Princess Trixie the pixie's visit.” I added. He smiled back at me with the same mischievousness.

“She did not ask your name while mounting you?” he marvelled. I shook my head slowly causing him to snicker. “She is renown for never going about things the easy way and being annoying sexual in comparison to all other pixies.” he told me.

“She did not even reveal her name to me.” I returned. “And I had to play her game for a bit before she even admitted being a princess.” I stated. I chuckled softly. “She seemed too interested and assuring a night of playfulness to offer up information unless asked about it.” I explained to him. Another snicker escaped the ferret. “She said no one resists her for long ...” I muttered half to myself. “I think the surprise will crush that record.”

“She did ask some of her honorary guards about getting time to meet you.” he stated. “We had been requested to avoid this happening from Her Holiness until she could arrange a more public meeting.” he admitted. “She thought it more prudent to have other women around you to keep her more modest.” he added.

“Others like Her Holiness on my arm for the event.” I suggested. I saw the blush form on the young ferret's face that he did not try to hide. “What were Her Holiness' exact fears?”

“Trixie is one that likes new flavours.” the ferret returned. “She would not put it pass that pixie attempting to rape you just to have a taste.” he explained. His gaze went from looking into my eyes to examining his feet. “Considering how she mounted you without even knowing who you were, I tend to agree with Her Holiness.” he added. I shook my head while pressing my thumb and forefinger to the bridge of my nose.

“Send word to the Captains requesting the presence of at least one of them and a dozen mixed female guards at my estate in the morning.” I requested through clenched teeth. “My meeting with princess Trixie will be very well guarded to avoid her acting irrationally.” I informed him. “With luck.” I added. The ferret saluted me before trailing after the princess. I watched him disappear down the side street before turning around to return home.