Returning Home (45)

“Will the two of you get Cole away from here so the Captains can speak freely with me?” I whispered to my companions. They nodded and prepared to dart across the gangplank the second it was in place. They shot off like arrows directly at Cole grabbing him by each arm to rush him away from the harbour as I heard them talking about their grand voyage. I smiled to myself while slowly walking across the gangplank to the stone dock. I watched as our baggage were carefully placed on the dock in a neat pile where a pair of dock hands waited to carry everything to my Atlantian home. Once everything was disembarked, I waved to Balthis who stood at the rail glancing toward the Captains that patiently stood in a tight triangle waiting for me. I steeled myself as I slowly walked over to join them.

“Captains?” I greeted them cheerfully. They stood in silence contemplation of each other. “Something amiss sirs?” I asked softly. I gazed from one to the other while they avoided my gaze until both stared at Ent who finally met my gaze.

“Something has happened regarding Her Holiness during your absence.” Ent stated for them. I glance from face to face once more finding the other two Captains meeting my gaze with grim faces. “The Council has been forced to place Her in protective confinement.” he explained slowly in his gruff voice. “She cannot leave her royal apartment but people of high rank, such as yourself, can visit her.” he continued. He received sidelong glares from Curd and Rez. “At least if he visits Her, She will tell him what Her Holiness believes is happening to Her Atlantis.”

“What charges are they holding her on?” I asked with feigned calmness. They could smell that I had become serious since my customary smile had turned into a stone faced mask.

“They say she is a potential danger to others and possibly herself.” Rez answered in a quiet voice.

“Miss Hope is still at her side and report she is being treated well while confined.” Curd announced. “The Royal Guards have been rotating shifts at her door.” he reported. My eyes locked with his. “Miss Hope may have other things to tell you directly but from my time on guard or visiting shows Her Holiness as being very quiet over the ordeal.” he concluded.

“Even with Captain Jäzærha still abroad, his ferret guards have been keeping up there part in our combined duties, including as door guards.” Rez reported to me.

“Am I viewed as Her Holiness second-in-command?” I asked slowly. They stared back at me in silence. “You seem unduly driven to report all this information to me.” I continued in the silence. “Which other nobles have been receiving these reports?” I asked casually. They glanced at each other before Ent raised his hand to his chest to form a perfect circle hidden from view.

“You are viewed as the highest ranking official on Atlantis Lord Kestrel.” Rez remarked.

“It gives you special privileges of feeling like Her Holiness' second.” Curd commented with resignation.

“And we think She would want it this way.” Ent concluded. I hunched my shoulders and sighed at their words.

“Let us visit the Holy Heart Annianka and seek her direct counsel in this matter.” I suggested slowly. A small half smile formed on Rez's and Ent's face while shock appeared on Curd's. “If she is not complaining about this situation, I must believe it does not cause her any serious difficulties.” I advised them calmly. Our quartet slowly began walking down the Atlantian streets to the Royal apartments of the living embodiment of the Heart of Atlantis. Curd took point position while Ent and Rez bracketed me as we walked. This ceremonial position did nothing at concealing my presence from the citizens of Atlantis. The lower members of this great society approached our group to send reassuring words and gifts for us to convey to Her Holiness. As our parade progressed through the streets, I felt more and more as a Royal Dignitary of Atlantis and not the foreign Envoy that I was. I would mutter kind words of thanks to them with promises to hand their words and gifts to Holy Annianka personally so She knew Her people stood with her in this dark moment.

“You seem to take the role of Atlantian Royal well.” Rez commented quietly. He flashed a smirk at me during one of the lull between well wishers.

“The people seem to have selected him like we have indirectly done.” Ent returned calmly.

“He is a greatly respected Envoy by Atlantian citizen completely.” Curd stated. He glanced back at us. “Let us not breath more into their reaction than what is prudent.” he added softly.

“Cats and birds just never see eye to eye.” I commented mirthfully. “I would rather see it as a sign of respect than royal acceptance.” I continued. A small mischievous smile formed on my face but only Ent and Rez could see it. "I am assured Captain Curd can accept that idea while grudgingly agreeing with a proverbial bird.” I added. Ent and Rez nodded as they held back their chuckle while Curd's deep purring chuckle floated back to us.

“I will agree with the only odd bird I have ever had the misfortune of meeting Lord Kestrel.” he returned with another purring chuckle. As we continued what began feeling like a pilgrimage, more gifts and well wishes were collected by the citizens until our arms were loaded in gifts for Her Holiness. Four quartets of guards from each of the four Royal Guard houses stood waiting at attention for our arrival at Annianka's residence. Two lone Council Guards lounged near by but took no direct action at our arrival. One nodded toward me making sure I saw he was part of the faction I sided with but nothing more. We entered unopposed with two of the Royal Guards closes to the door helping us with our load of gifts for Her Holiness to her inner chambers.

“I am home my sweetness!” I exclaimed as we entered her royal garden. She sat quietly on the ground among her multitude of plants and I could only sense miss Hope's mental present without visually noting her. She looked up at me with a sad smile while the Captains had placed themselves in full military stances behind me. “What did you do this time?” I asked. I slowly walked to her and assisted her back to her feet. Once standing, Annianka threw herself into my arms tightly grasping me against her.

“I got annoyed and over reacted.” she muttered into my chest. “I have missed you.” she sniffled.

“How did you get into this much trouble in nine months my little healer?” I whispered back to her. “You could not wait until I was here to be the scarier issue on their mind?” I added. I chuckled deeply against her sobbing body. The sobs slowly turn into a soft halfhearted giggle before she released me from her embrace.

“It is not that bad since they allow me visitors and the Royal Guards have kept me informed of what is happening outside my gilded cage.” she answered. The trio of Captains still held their position at attention waiting to report. “And how was your trip?” she asked calmly, She drew me forward to a bench seemingly ignoring her Captains. “Did Sert and Meli enjoy the time away from Atlantis?” she added.

“It was pleasant with good company and they will have much to report to you.” I answered. “But I believe you should take a moment to listen to your Captains since they and your people need your holy and wise counsel.” I gently reminded her. She blushed at my words before motioning her Captains forward. I sat beside her listening as she held my hand in her lap.

Each Captain step forward to report and list all the wishes from her people to their Holy Heart. Very few military issues were stated making me believe they had nothing new to report for that day. As they finished, I rimmed of the litany of well wishes I had been asked to deliver. She had been smiling through the long list of words proving that her people stood with her during this hardship. It was left to me to inform her of the multitude of gift waiting in her chamber for her. She glow merrily at this information before blushing a deep shade of scarlet over the attention being lavished toward her while she remained secluded from her people.

“I must unfortunately inform you that many of your citizen might be seeing me as your right hand.” I told her. I signalled to the Captain that agreed with a single nod to her. “If it continues, I may be confused as a Royal of Atlantis because of this association.” I added gently to her. The trio of Captains shrugged before slow agreeing with another nod.

“It is acceptable to me since his counsel on all things are as noble, as honourable, and as wise as my own words.” she responded quickly. “I know it is hard for the three of you to accept a foreigner as my equal and partner but it is for the good of Atlantis.” she explained to them. She chose that moment to kiss my cheek and slip my arm around her. “And as a foreigner, he can see machinations that we are blind to.” she added with finality.

“You do realize she did not ask for my opinion before forcing power on my shoulders.” I commented. They looked around as if waiting for word from a higher power. Miss Hope chuckled from the foliage at their reaction.

“Annianka's word is law.” she commented from her hiding spot.

“Another beauty of Atlantis.” I stated with a grin. “Even the bushes and trees are ready to give wise counsel if asked.” Laurels to the Captains' sense of humour as they feigned a suffering sigh before smiling broadly and saluting both of us as they took their leave. Miss Hope remained hidden in silence as I was greeted home more vigorously by Annianka. We ended an hour later laying naked in the grass while staring at the cloudless blue sky.

“Your acceptable spies will be report something that is to be kept secret from others on Atlantis.” I whispered to her. I ignored the fact that miss Hope could hear my words as clearly as Annianka would. “They will be reporting about Lemurian technology since they received direct experience with it.” I continued.

“But you did not take them to Lemuria.” she retorted.

“The ship I had hired for our departure and return has a Lemurian engineer as a crew member.” I explained slowly. “It has a stolen Lemurian engine giving it special abilities other ship lack even the ones of Atlantis.” I concluded. I half expected a tirade and official order to never take the Leviathan again when I had my Atlantian retinue with me.

“You took them on a ship with stolen technology and a Lemurian on board?” she gasped against me.

“I never informed them directly that the technology was stolen.” I returned. “But Lockey may have let it slip to them while they helped her repair it.” I continued. I felt her shaking with laughter against me. “Yes, they were a pair of second hands.” I admitted with a chuckle. “Meli discovered the existence of anti-elemental crystal the hard way but not seriously injured by it.” I stated.

“Why did she touch an anti-earth crystal?” she retorted with a groan.

“Lockey did not know she was an earthen and I take full responsibility for it.” I replied. “Meanwhile, innocent little Sert impressed an Amazon trainee warrior.” I said holding back my laughter. “Once she gains her warrior status, she may try to visit Atlantis to offer herself to Sert as life mate or student and personal guard.” I explained to her. “Meli visited an underground garden and meet a variation of one of your little creation.” I continued. “They meet a few foreign gods and goddesses.” I told her. “And I am unsure what else to warn you about.” I concluded.

“What lands did they get to visit?” she returned. “Tell me of their grand adventure.” she order. “Please.” she added with a giggle.

“The ship ride to Egypt was uneventful.” I began easily. “The visit to Thoth was delightful and help Meli learn about detecting magically rich areas for Atlantian to recharge which was followed by another quiet trip to see my oath-bounded niece.” I slowly continued. I felt her laying warmly against me making me consider not mentioning the slaughter in Egypt.

“Do not hide anything from me.” she remarked. “Even if it is dark, I do understand that the outer world is not filled with light like Atlantis is.”

“My niece is seen as a princess in Egypt being the granddaughter of Thoth.” I said slowly. When Annianka did not comment, I continued my tale. “Her village had been decimated by bandits who killed all except the young girls.” I stated. “Those survivors were raped and left behind in the village to slowly die.” I explained. I felt her grip tighten on me as tongues of flame ran along my body. “I dealt with them showing them the same mercy they gave those girls.” I concluded.

“Is the whole external world cast in darkness where human constantly kill each other?” she asked softly.

“No, as you will hear my sweetness.” I returned. I gently kissed the top of her head making her giggle. “We then transported the children to a new village with a priestly escort giving my niece a chance to claim a husband from their numbers.” I stated. “And yes, it was needed or I would have returned here with here as a wife because of their custom.” I explained. I did not know why I felt compelled to tell here this information. “After that we returned to a quiet travel to the delta area to catch a ferry to Troy and spend a night with Anubis.”

“How has he been since travelling with Isis to find the parts of his challenger for her heart?” she asked gently.

“Doing much better even if Sert and Meli sat bewitched while cousin Death visited to help return Anubis' most faithful priestess back to life.” I returned. A small chuckle escaped me at the memory. “She did love him truly which made her remain at his side after death refusing to be judged by Thoth.” I continued. “And the incidents with Seth's daughter.” I added.

“It is unfair that your companions missed a visit from your family.” she remarked. “But it is understandable for Anubis to have them remain calm with such a powerful visitor present.”

“Anubis slept while Death visited but he did his duty to speak for the death while sleeping.” I informed her. “Sert and Meli had been bewitched to entertain them while waiting nearly a full day for my return.” I explained. “On the beaches of Troy, they saw the Greek army landing to lay siege on that city.” I continued the tale. “And they met the goddess Eris, one of my adoptive mothers in those lands.” I said slowly. “We travel to the nearby village to begin our crossing of the Roman territories.” I concluded.

“No adventures in the Roman lands?” she whispered as she nuzzled my chest.

“Only taught them about how to travel in a way to help others and entertain those in need.” I said. “And did a bit of medical work to save a young girl suffering from cancer with Meli's assistance.” I mused softly. “But that farm family was odd.” I continued. “It is one of the two mysteries we did not truly solve.”

“What was the mysteries?” she asked. She lifted her head to look into my eyes as I spoke.

“A cart made from an unknown element that looked like wood but was stronger than any metal alloyed I have ever seen.” I began. “The crops on that farm grew underground since nothing could be found but grassland on the surface.” I stated. “The cause of that girl's cancer and a strange creature named the Ken.” I continued. “And finally, a small town absolutely deserted with an unearthly chill present but food still sat in the reserves and even on their table barely rotten.” I concluded.

“The underground farming is not truly a mystery.” she replied softly. “I have a few of those hidden all over Atlantis from my youth.” she explained with a mischievous smile.

“But you have tendril based plants like the tickle fern hiding them from earth sense ability.” I returned. “This field was simply grass and Meli could barely feel lesser form of vegetation down below.” I explained. “But they produces many different types of fruit and vegetables from an empty farm.” I explained. “And, in Greece, we visited botanist estate where Sert meet his Amazon bride-to-be and Meli fell for the botanist Lorenzo.”

“Why did you mention my tickle ferns?” she commented.

“Because Lorenzo has a similar type of plant on his grounds as the secondary line of protection and as concealer of his hidden underground garden.” I answered easily. “They are not as harmless as your pretty fern, more vine like, and respond to aggressive thoughts.” I explained.

“How did he create sentience in them?” Annianka remarked. She had half risen to stare down in annoyance at me.

“I need a place to grow my own little experiment and the previous owner wanted a defence that was undetectable.” I told her slowly.

“And my Kestrel interfered in the ecosystem of Greece because of a human's desire!” she nearly shrieked at me. I spotted miss Hope slip out of hiding preparing to pounce at Annianka. I held a hand up to arrest her motion as flames started playing along the flesh of my skin.

“You do know that it is pointless using elemental attacks against me.” I reminded her gently. A wave of ice then stones pummel me as I shifted my skin into a shield of the matching cosmic element. She stood pouting at me. “It was not the request but my gift to foresee events that made me put my experiment in place there.” I informed her. She remained silently pouting at me as I lay unharmed from her attacks unlike the grass around me. Patches of scorched ground, withered grass, and chunks of rocks lay about me. “My organic pets are very well behaved and trained simply as a defensive method if the guards fail.” I explain to her. “And they will not spread beyond the zone they are planted.” I added. Annianka still look down at me pouting. Miss Hope had glided back into hiding but I sense she hide closer and a tremor of fear shook even her animal brain.

“I truly dislike it when higher powers drop things into humans' laps.” Annianka snarled back at me. I saw a shadow of something else for but a fraction of a second upon her making my mental barriers snap in place. She grumbled under her breath before her shoulder slumped in resignation. “Why have you not told me prior to this about your little experiment?” she muttered.

“It was unimportant information.” I returned softly. “It is in Greece far from Atlantis which does not concern you my sweetness.” I added. She nodded before joining me once more in the grass for another few hours of playful frolicking. I was near noontime when we had returned to Atlantis and mid evening before I finally returned home from my report to Her Holiness. Meli and Sert met me in the foyer of our home looking worried.