Interlude: Amazon Battle (15)

Captain Talbot had the centre of the the deck cleared. Barrels were moved to form a wide empty space around the main mast for the battle. Crimson knelt at the edge of the cleared area while sailors of the Spire gawked at them in anticipation from this fight. Marina had foregone the armour she acquired from the Amazons to face her opponent Thea who was back in full Amazon gear. While Marina only held her cutlass as weapon, Thea held the long stout spear, a long sword, and twin daggers plus her metal bound to leather armour.

“Are you mad facing me with a single weapon without armour?” Thea scoffed at her. “Or do you simply want to lose?” she added derisively.

“I enter this battle with nothing borrowed from my big sisters.” Marina replied defiantly. “And I have faced much deadlier foes with only this as me defence.” she added fearlessly. Ashstar moved with Talon at her side to stand at the main mast centre point of the cleared combat field. She signalled both to approach her as the Spire's sailors moved to bracket the barrels marking the outer edge of the combat zone.

“Have both selected their arms and armour?” Ashstar asked loudly.

“Aye!” Marina interjected quickly.

“I stand in full arms and armour to stand for one that has forsaken himself.” Thea answered. “And a truer challenge for one seeking the warrior's rank.” she added. A vicious smile formed on her face as she glared at Marina.

“Still far less fearful than a rift beast!” Marina returned confidently. A hushed gasp ran around the sailors present.

“First combatant to exit the circle, forfeit like a coward, lose the ability to fight on, or die has lost ending the battle.” Ashstar informed them. A round of strangled comments ran around the circle of barrels. She and Talon exited the circle in opposite directions. “Begin!” she screamed from the edge.

The spear shot out from Thea's left aimed at Marina's chest as she easily side step left. Using the back of her blade, Marina hooked the spear head to yank it and Thea forward at her while kicking out at Thea's stomach with her left heel. Thea released her right hand grip on her spear to block the kick before realizing Marina's true goal. With a hop, she used her left foot to propel herself back stealing the spear from Thea's loosened grip. It soared quickly from the circle to embed itself into the deck between two stunned sailors of the Spire.

“Sorry!” Marina giggled. “What will you use now?” she remarked merrily. She darted forward using the tip of her cutlass to spring one of Thea's daggers airborne. Flashing passed Thea, she followed the dagger's arc to pluck it left handed from the air deftly by its handle. The dagger flipped in her grip running the blade protectively along Marina's forearm. She spun on her right heel thrusting out her left leg. Her heel connected solidly with the side of Thea's face as the other woman had pounced open handed at her back. The hit twisted the half helm she wore to partially blind her vision. Marina slashed at her blindside cutting between the hardened reinforced leather plates at the straps holding the armour in place. No blood ran from the attack but the armour shifted to the left as Thea moved to rip her headgear off with her right hand.

“I am hoping you watch this closely.” Rena whispered to Crimson. He sighed as he glanced up for a moment before lowering her head once more in silence. “Your little sailor is besting her so far without drawing blood.” she reported to him. He remained silently staring at the wooden deck unmoving. “You have truly given your freedom to her.” she added sourly.

“It is my whole being I gave her.” he mumbled as reply. “Heart and all.” he added quieter. Rena stared down at him for a moment before turning back to the fight.

Thea attempted shrugging off her armour to be caught with the right shoulder strap tight against her neck. The two half linked flaps of metal embossed leather hung askew exposing her right side to attacks while impeding her left arm's movement. The leather belt holding her sword and second dagger laid at her feet with the sword side cleanly cut.

Marina charged forward at her with crossed blades aimed at her chest and a triumphant smile on her face. Thea raised he bracered right arm to block the attack. As the blades connected with the bracer with the shrieking clang of metal on metal, Thea screamed in pain before toppling back leftward. Marina rode her bracered arm with both blades driving her hard to the deck. The cutlass' sharpened edge sank deep in the metal coated leather as drops of bloods rolled down the blade. Marina kept the pressure on the cutlass while flipping the dagger at Thea's throat denting the skin.

“Submit!” Marina ordered bluntly. Thea stared up defiantly at her. With a thunderous primal scream, Thea forced her back to her feet then away from her. Marina half jumped and was half tossed away from her opponent. Thea stood shakily while blood splattered from her forearm to the wooden deck.

“I will never submit!” she screamed back. With her foot, she tossed up her belt to grasp the hilt of her longsword. The rasping sound of her sword sliding scabbard punctuated her defiant comment. “I will fight to my last breath!” she howled at Marina. She held her longsword left handed as she scrambled to to withdraw the dagger with her bloodied right hand from the dropping belt. “For his freedom!” she added.

Marina's cutlass sang through the air as she charged at Thea while her face was set in a snarl. Her sword rang and sparked as it collided with Thea's dagger. Thea's longsword arced high above them ready to cleave at Marina's right shoulder. Marina drove her dagger point at the unarmoured side of Thea to plunge under the edge of her ribs in an upward thrust. Thea forced herself back wrenching the dagger from Marina's grip her sword tip sliced through Marina's right side collar bone. The cutlass clanged loudly as it bounced on the deck after being released from Marina's nerveless grip. Thea coughed and spat to the deck the blood that filled her mouth. They stared at each other in stunned silence for a moment. Blood flowed down from the dagger in Thea's side and down her forearm and hand to coat the deck in splatters at her feet. Marina's blood soaked through her tunic and breeches dyeing them in shades of crimson before pooling slowly around her bare right foot.

As Thea choked out more blood, Marina dove to retrieve her cutlass with her left hand. She rolled forward at Thea slashing wildly at her injured side. The lucky shot slashed at the back of Thea's knee mostly slashing the side open to the bone. With a scream and blood spraying from her leg, Thea tumbled sideways on top of Marina. Both blades in Thea's grip flipped to stab downward into Marina's left side. More blood bubbled from Thea's mouth as the impact with Marina's body and the deck drove the dagger deeper into her lung. Marina crawled away as Thea rolled off her while choking on her own blood. Thea choked out more bright foaming blood to the deck before dropping to her back. The shiny crimson foam clung to her lips as she hacked violently as she attempted to breath. Marina turned without rising to face her fallen foe laying on her back. Her breathing was a rasping gurgle with gagging eruptions of bright crimson foam that trickled down her cheek. Marina scrambled to Thea's side while ignoring the pain caused from the two shafts of steel driven through her chest and stomach. She forced Thea to her side as a hacking eruption of bloody foam poured from Thea's mouth to the wooden deck. Marina's head lolled for a moment before she started coughing violently. She winced at the pain while rasping nearly as badly as Thea's breathing. The second stronger coughing fit raised little screams between the gagging sound she covered with her hands. She pulled back her hands from her mouth to seethe thick crimson phlegm that coated the palms of her hands.

“I believe this fight ends undecided.” Marina forced out. “Both combatants are unable to continue fighting.” she informed them. The strain of her words and actions made her collapse over Thea's unconscious form. The hush forced Crimson to slowly rise his head to see the bloody bodies of the combatants laying still on the blood soaked deck.

“It is done.” Rena informed him softly. She glanced down at him noting the crimson tinted tears running down his cheek. “Sister Marina owns you without question slave.” she said slowly. “Heart and all.” she added in a half whisper. Under Crimson's watchful tear-filled eyes, Ashstar, Talon, Menes, and Rena walked forward to check on the two Amazon warriors' condition. He stared in silent sadness as they moved Marina to lie her on her side next to Thea. Captain Talbot slowly marched forward with four white clad sailors at his back.

“I offer the services of the Spire's healers.” he told them directly. “But they must heal both.” he continued hesitantly. Talon chuckled at his comments as she nodded her agreement. “I only know very negative tales of your strict society.” he apologized quickly. He signalled his men forward.

“Allowing our sister to die after a valiant combat would be folly.” Ashstar remarked bluntly. “Only saving the victor would also be foolish.” she continued harshly. A half smile came to her face. “I thank you little brother James for allowing us our rights while on your ship.” she added calmer.

“It was a spectacle of skill, grace, and honour we will hold in memory til we die big sister Ashstar.” he replied with a bow and a salute to her. The four healers had moved as two group to administer treatment to the fallen warriors. Captain Talbot slowly left the circle in silence as the Amazons and the healers of the Spire set to work in whispered comments. Crimson watched from his knelt position at the gap in the barrel-barrier as silent blood tinted tears rolled down his cheeks.

As It Is Seen And Not Felt (60)

Cassis stood holding hands with Peles and Toma. I felt their spirits drop as they spotted me arriving with Nä'Tash-Dēn and the trio of cadets. Peles' eyes filled as he trembled visibly next to Cassis. Toma released her hand as he squared his shoulders. He gave her a single slow nod before moving forward stone faced to meet me. I watched as Cassis pulled Peles closer to her ready for him to clasp to her crying once more.

“How is she?” Toma stated to me directly. I could feel him barricading his emotions behind the stoney mask he wore ready for the worse news possible.

“Your mother's health is perfect Toma.” I told him. The stone mask crumbled as he smiled up at me brightly. “The sickness seems to have left her drained which is why she sleeps now.” I informed them. Toma still smiled as he nodded his understanding to my words. “We have transportation ready to carry her to the Healers' Hall if she needs to rest longer.” I continued easily. I notice Peles moving forward now. He still held Cassis hand firmly in his as he unconsciously forced her to follow nearly crashing her into Toma's back.

“Is she truly healthy?” Peles asked. I could tell from Cassis' wincing face that he squeezed her hand tighter while speaking.

“I can assure you Peles that no signs of illness remains in your mother.” I told him. Tears poured from his eyes as he smiled as brightly as his younger brother. “She still requires rest to return fully to herself.” I continued quickly. I crouched down to be closer to their height placing one hand on each of their shoulders. “Her Holiness wishes to ask more details regarding the illness she had suffered.” I explained slowly. “We are still in the dark at what illness affected her.”

“But she is well now?” Toma returned suspiciously.

“Lord Kestrel said she was well therefore she is.” Cassis stated harshly. “His honour would never allow him to speak half truths'” she continued harsher.

“I believe it is his worry for his mother's health and not doubting my words that prompts his question.” I returned calmly. “There is no sign of illness in her.” I assured the boys. “Which is why Her Holiness and myself are confused.” I explained softly. “One lone treatment cured her but she now sleeps deeply because of it.” I continued. “It suggests a long illness she was already on the edge of recovering from.” I added.

“Which could mean she was on the mend when we noticed it.” Toma stated pensively. “Her deep exhaustion made it harder for her to hide the illness?” he hazarded slowly.

“Like not being able to hold an element in shape because of exhaustion?” Peles suggested back. His brother nodded back slowly thinking in silence. I could read in his mind that he reviewed his memories of his mother for more information.

“Since we are going along the same path.” Cassis remarked suddenly. Before Toma could realize it, Cassis had a firm hold on his hand without releasing her grip on Peles'. The two boys smiled at her but only Toma blushed at her action. The barely perceptible glance he gave her showed feelings as clearly as my gifts could show me.

“They are returning to Holy Annianka's tower?” Nä'Tash-Dēn commented. I nodded before she waved us forward. We turned to follow the three children walking hand in hand as I took the lead. The trio of cadet formed a loose triangle at our back. I felt Nä'Tash-Dēn gently take my arm at the elbow casually as we walked. Her grip tightened as the distance shortened between us and Annianka's tower. I tilted my head toward hers.

“Why do you seem nervous as we approach Her Holiness?” I whispered to her. The children chatted and giggled behind us in the childish casualness opposing perfectly the mood of the woman on my arm.

“I fear she will want to wait for the boys.” she whispered back.

“Her attachment to them has grown much in a single day of tragedy.” I returned. Nä'Tash-Dēn's purring giggle answered me. “She seems like a compassionate soul which those boys need her strength.” I continued. She squeezed at my arm as I sensed the edge of her claws dimple my skin. “You fear she will want more than friendship with one of them.”

“More like the wrong brother will want more than friendship from her.” she replied. “She will not realize that she causes conflict between brothers.” she explained softly. I patted her hand in silence already knowing she would be given respite from this worry.

“Thank you for being at my side.” Peles stated to Cassis. “Even if you really like Toma more than me.” he continued easily. I heard a growl slowly building in her throat. “Do not get angry.” he chided amicably. “He likes you more than I do too.” he added in a half whisper. She turned her head to glance at him showing a crimson blush touching her cheeks.

“What?” Toma interjected in a high pitched voice. Cassis turned to look at him and her blush brightened to mirror Toma's blush.

“I believe they are trying to solve the problem themselves.” I whispered to Nä'Tash-Dēn. A purring chuckle crawled out of her as her grip loosened on my arm.

“I stand corrected.” she purred around the chuckles. “Those boys truly are the best for her heart.” she continued casually.

“Honour, wisdom, and enlightenment lives even in the hearts of the fledglings of Atlantis.” I reported. I looked ahead to spot miss Hope and a man I presumed must be the boys' father waiting at the doors to Annianka's tower. I waved at them receiving a returning wave from the tigress. The father stared at us for a moment before calling out to his sons.

“Toma! Peles!” he screamed. Peles shrieked releasing Cassis' hand to rush at his father. Toma waved with his free hand turning to signal Cassis to come forward with him. Peles hugged his father tightly that had dropped to one knee to meet him. I could see and feel the sparkling tears of joy in the boy's eyes as he held onto his father. Toma had beaten us without rushing to reach his father with Cassis standing proudly at his side. “Your mother is resting peacefully.” he told his sons quickly. “She will be transported to the Healers' Recovery House near our home.” he explained happily to them.

“This is good fortune to remove the worry cursing your sons today.” Nä'Tash-Dēn stated. I sensed a stiffness in her body and words. He glanced up to clearly see the fur touched face hidden under the white hood.

“Please do not hide in fear around me.” the father remarked. “Allow me to see the face of the noble bloodline that stands with my sons.” he continued easily. I heard Nä'Tash-Dēn's toe claws grate against the marble as she stepped back in shock.

“Cassis' mother is shy about her features.” Toma stated suddenly. “I just do not know why.” he continued at a lower tone. “And this is Cassis.” he said merrily. “She is our friend.” he added. He held up her hand still holding firmly to his. I did not need to see that they both blushed as the his father chuckled at them.

“It was plain to my eyes son.” he replied while chuckling. He glanced up once more at Nä'Tash-Dēn with a soft smile on his face. I felt her trembling at my side as her hands reached up to push back her white hood. “I thank you noble feline.” he stated. He bowed his head in a slow sign of respect to the feral Guards as he exposed the back of his neck to her.

“Never place yourself below an equal.” she growled at him. “Your sons show more understanding of my place than you do.” she continued angrily.

“Yours gave my grandparents a chance to remain living.” he returned firmly. He finally straightened to look her in the eyes. I felt no anger rising in him to meet Nä'Tash-Dēn's misplaced rage. “The pacifist grand-daughter of Täl-Dēn should understand the families that walked away from the Council.” he stated directly. “My actions returns to you the life spared by your bloodline.” he continued softer. “It is meant as a sign of respect from one that saved us and not as an insult of lesser beings.” he concluded. Even with the fur covering her face, the sudden blush of embarrassment glowed through.

“Many fear old clan symbols as acts of dishonour from modern outsider in their world.” I stated softly. “Let the true emotion and heart light behind any action be the judge.” I added easily.

“Pardon me for being blinded by an action commonly used in derision from the none feral.” she said softly. She curtsied to him as she smiled sadly.

“It shows your strength attempting another path than arms and armour Lady Dēn.” the father returned easily. He bowed once more to her as both his sons followed in kind. “But now we should prepare to walk with your mother.” he continued. “With your leave Ladies Dēn.” he added.

“Mother, I want to ...” Cassis started in a high pitched squeal. She stopped with a half-growl breathing deeply as Nä'Tash-Dēn looked quietly at her. She held tightly to Toma's hand while calming herself with her slow deep breath. “I wish to accompany them mother.” she stated slowly. “If you allow this mother.” she added formally.

“Only if you allow the cadets to watch over you.” her mother returned calmly.

“We are available.”the trio replied.

“I must believe your daughter was not received warmly at the Elemental School?” the boys' father replied. He stood scratching his chin as multiple thoughts formed and dispelled in his mind.

“The major issue is dealt with.” I remarked. “And reprimands have been issued in the name of Her Holiness.” I continued in mock casualness. I spotted miss Hope's raised eyebrow at my words. I flashed the event in the tigress' mind earning me a nod and a deep growling chuckle from her. “I will speak with the parents as I warned them.”

“I leave this in Holy Annianka's Right Hand.” Nä'Tash-Dēn replied quickly. The boys' father straightened to stare in wide eyed awe at me. The two boys giggled as their father's mouth worked soundlessly while his eyes remained locked on me.

“Lord Kestrel is unlike any nobles you have met before.” miss Hope told him. I bowed to him fluently as he stood still nervously dumbfounded. “He understands the honour and nobility in a person's soul.” she explained softly. The man's nervousness abated as the transport group exited Annianka's tower carrying the woman easily between four of them.

“Please stop?” she requested weakly. “I must thank Lord Kestrel for all he has done for me and my family.” she explained to her litter bearers.

“Your gratitude is misplaced on one that simply follows his duties to Her Holiness Annianka and the Ones On High.” I replied easily.

“Then I offer thanks once more upon Her Holiness and upon Those that have sent you to us.” she forced out of her exhausted body. Her head turned to look at her sons smiling at them. “Well done my little men.” she whispered to them. Her eyes closed as she drifted deep into slumber still wearing that soft smile on her face.

I stood in silence watching with miss Hope as the litter was carried away. Neither needed to speak seeing father and one son marching on one side of the litter while Toma and Cassis guarded the other side. Nä'Tash-Dēn followed the litter with the trio of cadet at her heels.

“It always amazes me seeing how some do not fear mixing bloodlines.” miss Hope whispered.

“I believe he sees it as an honourable thing for his bloodline that was saved by hers.” I returned softly. “Did Annianka discover anything about the vanishing ailment?” I continued easily.

“She muttered about a dozen possible illnesses but nothing specific.” she answered.

“Now I can finally give her my report and let her know about the incident at the school.” I remarked softly. “And I had hoped for a long quiet day with her.” I added with a mock sigh. Miss Hope chuckled at my side while we entered the tower again.

Healing Arts (59)

I placed myself in the corner opposite to miss Hope watching in the silence. I had never returned to the Healers' Hall since my ignoble arrival upon Atlantis which made this the first true chance to witness their healing techniques. I could not be revealed as much from all the moments of talking to Meli of this as what my eyes, ears, and inner sight perceived before me.

Annianka knelt by the padded pallet where the patient was gently laid upon to be treated. A large triple tiered trunk sat open next to her containing a myriad of crystals and stones separated in individual sections. She had already placed a dozen or more of those mixed crystals and stones in a complex pattern of colours upon the woman's naked body. A soft buzzing told me the stones vibrated trying to synchronize with the body part they were placed upon. Annianka would cautiously move them slightly to help them connect properly with the part they resonated with. My mind's eye saw the slow pulsing lines forming an odd shaped net around the crystals as the reached out for each other. Small flickering flames jumped from Annianka's fingertips to the stone she touched which radiated out along the connecting lines of the net that stretched on the body. A quick pop followed by a sizzle sounded to my focused hearing when the flame jumped into the touched crystal to pulse down the net lines.

I continued watching, listening, and sensing in silence as new stones or crystals where added by Annianka to the expanding healing net she created to cover the woman's naked body. I resisted the urge of using my heightened skills to diagnose the unconscious patient's illness to focus on my silent observation. The buzzing turned slowly into lower toned humming in the room as the healing net's synchronicity moved closer to the bio-electronic pulse of the body. The pop and sizzle became intermittent in the background hum as the net reached completion. The resonating hum continued slipping deeper in tone as Annianka charged the last few crystals with her healing fire. I waited in expectation to hear the silence that would signal final synchronization attained between body and healing stones. As Annianka's finger charged the last crystal nestled between the woman's forehead and her hairline, silence filled the room for a scant minute while I heard Annianka sigh in relief.

The squealing sound of metal scrapping off metal screamed through the silence of the room. Miss Hope dropped to her knees and elbows as her clawed hands covered her ears protectively. I side stepped inward to catch Annianka as she was thrown back from the source of the violent sound. The patient's body floated three feet from the pallet as she writhed flinging the healing stones and crystals wildly in the room. As I moved to stand protecting miss Hope, I slipped Annianka behind me. My sword was in hand slicing at the projectiles shooting and rebounding toward us. I could see without using my inner sight that the stones glowed with the flaming magical healing ability of Annianka. My arm and sword blurred as it sliced through the charged stones that ricocheted from all the flat surfaces of the room. I felt Annianka curled up behind me as her magic rose barriers from the stones to each side of miss Hope and herself.

“Kestrel?” her worried voice whispered in my mind.

“Close the top and do not worry about me.” I ordered mentally. My sword continued slicing the stones and crystals to the floor. I placed enough force in my blows to embed their remains into the floor where they smoked. The body dropped to the pallet with my slicing through the last airborne crystal. “Clear!” I screamed into the silence. I once more felt Annianka's power swirling out as she deconstructed their protective stone shield. I glanced back to spot Annianka examining miss Hope's left ear. “How is her hearing?” I asked at a normal volume. As I waited for a reply, I visually scanned the room looking for a clue about this seeming attack.

“It will take an hour or two before it returns fully.” Annianka replied. “No true damage to them.” she continued calmly. I glanced back to see the snarl on miss Hope's face as Annianka peered in the feline's right ear. “Thanks those that sent your sword to my side my loving mate.” she added in a whisper to me.

“Do you know what happened?” I replied. The mild blush on my cheeks had answered her whispered comment. “Or is this a typical Atlantian healing?” I added quickly.

“It was the last stone I placed.” she returned. “That stone was either changed after I charged it or something changed the charge negative in that stone which could possible be from her own body.” she explained slowly. “I saw the colour change which is impossible to my knowledge.” she added annoyed. I cautiously moved to kneel on the other side of the patient. Annianka mirrored my motion to return kneeling in her original position opposing my placement.

“Does she have earth wielder abilities?” I mused.

“No.” she interjected back. I began scanning the patient's body sensing Annianka doing the same. “I cannot find an illness in her.” she remarked.

“I found the same results.” I confirmed.

“A minor water ability.” she returned.

“No earth, nor fire, nor air.” I stated.

“But a minor spirit spark.” she informed me.

“Could an external source have caused it to happen?” I suggested. “Possibly the same source that made her slip into unconsciousness?” I hazarded softly.

“Either of us would have felt another presence doing so.” she retorted. “We would see a second entity if it was some form of possession.” she continued. I let part of my mind slide out of the flow of time to examine the events as they first occurred. I found nothing. No stone replacement or negative charging occurred before the patient hovered and twisted as all the stones and crystals screamed in pain.

“I shall send word to the magical investigation department to fully examine this room.” miss Hope growled loudly.

“It would be of no use.” I stated loud. She glared at me for a moment before I mentally repeated my words to her. She growled a little louder at me. “This way you can hear our words.” I added softly in her mind.

“Why would it be useless?” she roared. I saw Annianka cringe at the roar before her shoulders straightened.

“Because the two most powerful beings present could find nothing.” Annianka retorted hard. I felt the whispered telepathic copy of her words sent to miss Hope's mind with the same vehemence.

“And it may bring questions from the Council about Her Holiness.” I whispered in miss Hope's mind alone. Her growl came to a sudden choking stop followed by a nearly imperceptible gulp.

“As you see fit Holiness.” she replied less loud.

“No reason for her to have lost consciousness to begin with.” Annianka muttered half to herself. “Unless the healing some how worked instantly on the disease.” she continued mumbling. “But she should have regained consciousness by now, right?” she added.

“Relax sweetness.” I whispered to her. “Let her rest while observing her.” I continued softly. I could easily spark the parts of her mind needed to force her out of unconsciousness but refused to do this before making sure everything else was alright. I knew Annianka felt the same way in this situation. “Her body may still need a bit more time to reawaken from the condition that made her collapse.” I suggested easier. She sighed and nodded sadly to me while I examined the patient's mind more closely.

“You are still examining her?” she accused me petulantly. I felt the touch of her mind following mine as I slipped around the patient's cerebral cells.

“Yes.” I interjected softly. “But I am not finding any cellular damage so far to explain her episode outside nor the violent reaction to the healing net.” I explained slowly.

“Move to the muscles afterwards.” she remarked to me. “I will verify the internal organs in her torso before examining the bones at that level.” she continued easily. Another hour, nearly two, passed as we together gave her cells a clear pass lacking irregularity that could cause this woman's illness.

“The younger son mentioned that she had appeared in ill health for some time now.” I reported. “He also reported a pair of dizziness episodes during her walk with her boys.” I continued calmly. “Including pre-sentience regarding her collapse making her use a route taking her by your tower.”

“Which relates to many different diseases and possibilities.” Annianka retorted. “Did the boy mention any other symptoms?” I shook my head as a reply. “What about a chemical imbalance?” she suggested. “Or a foreign element in her system causing this.” she added.

“I will check the brain liquid and her skin.” I returned easily.

“I will verify her blood and breath.” she stated back.

“What can I do?” miss Hope pipped in.

“Send word to her partner to report to us.” Annianka replied.

“And word to the Healers' Hall to transport her there if she remains unconscious.” I added in.

“Yes.” Annianka interjected. “And making arrangement for her boys to be collected from the school if we are not available.” she continued.

“Send the request to Nä'Tash-Dēn.” I reported. “Her daughter is a friend of her sons.” I explained. “And they know of the situation.” I concluded quickly.

“I will send Royal Guard cadets immediately.” miss Hope accepted quickly. She stepped out of the room in her typical silent manner.

“I am happy she can hear again.” I said quietly.

“You dislike her hearing our tender words.” Annianka returned.

“It is not her hearing our words that make me nervous.” I replied casually.

“I am certain your performance entertains her half as much as it satiates my body.” she answered. A slight blush touched her cheeks. An hour passed in silent examination.

“No cerebral imbalances nor foreign matter found.” I reported.

“Nothing odd in her circulatory system.” she stated. As another hour crawled by, I moved my intense mental exam from the patient's skin to her hair and nails still finding no answers.

“Still nothing.” I commented. “Any other possibilities?” I continued easily. Annianka shook her head back at me as she shrugged. “I know we can spark her brain forcing her to regain consciousness.” I hazarded softly.

“But it can cause damage to her brain.” she replied quickly. “Causing damage outweighs learning more symptoms with no real disease present.” she continued haltingly. I felt her pulling away from the unconscious woman receding deeper into thoughts as miss Hope reentered the room with a pair of servants. Each servant carried a tray of food in their hands.

“You must eat!” the tigress rebuked us. “After your meal, you can speak with her mate.” she informed Annianka. “It will give a chance for Lord Kestrel to collect her sons with Nä'Tash-Dēn and trio of elder cadets.” she told me. “A transportation team from the Healers' Hall is waiting here presently to deliver her to the Hall upon your orders.” she concluded. I rose from my knees to assist Annianka to the corner of the room where the servants waited to serve our meal to us. My near noon arrival prevented me from taking a meal until now.

“None of this makes sense.” She grumbled exasperated. She sat cross-legged with her back against the wall mimicking my placement on the other wall perfectly. She did not seem to notice that it expose most of her legs and gave me a view best reserved for in private. “Something must have been missed.” she retorted to herself. “What could keep her unconscious if she is fully healthy?”

“Physical, mental, or even emotional exhaustion could cause this.” I remarked. It was a simplistic possibility but valid if she suffered a lengthy illness. “A deep sleep that simulates unconsciousness is the most prevalent answer.” I explained easily. I collected a purplish-red grape in my fingertips holding it before her. “Eat for now sweetness.” I ordered her gently. “We can deal with all of it later.” I added softly.

“Your Hand speaks truthfully.” the servant at her side stated. She then blushed as I glanced at her and to the young man at my side who glared in her direction.

“Please forgive my sister's speaking without permission Holiness.” the man said softly. He glanced downward as Annianka glanced up at him. “She does not yet know her place as a simple servant in Your Presence.” he added quickly.

“It is acceptable to me that she speaks her mind.” Annianka returned bluntly at him.

“Wise and honourable words should never be held back by something as petty as rank when in private.” I told him. He turned slightly to stare down in disbelief at me. “Others may chastise you for her words but it is not the way of Her Holiness.” I explained casually to him. “Do you not require extra hands around your tower Holy Annianka?” She popped a large piece of cheese in her mouth to avoid answering.

“She will ignore that suggestion Lord Kestrel.” miss Hope stated with a minor growl. I tsk-tsked at Annianka over this little matter.

“You need a handmaiden and gentlemen-butler to assist in the maintenance of this tower.” I explained easily.

“You can punish me for that later.” she mentally suggested to me. I ignored this taunt before continuing.

“But that can be decided, like many other things, at a later time.” I concluded. We sat in an external silence while mentally we whispered tender and teasing words. I brought up the idea of accepting helpers a few more times with her during our discussion but she would constantly change the subject. I gave up attempting to change her mind and turned more silent when the meal ended. I departed without a word to her as she returned to knell by her patient. Miss Hope nodded to me as she open the door for me to walk away with the servants following me out.

“Her Holiness seems very different from most of those in power.” the man stated to me.

“She is a very special person.” I replied softly.

“She bears the title of Heart of Atlantis better than any I have heard in our past.” the woman whispered as she walked behind me. I turned to them before the outer doors with a sigh noticing miss Hope behind them. “We would be more than happy working in Her Holiness' service.” she told me.

“She could use the help of a young lady of your mental skills.” miss Hope said in a purring voice. The girl jumped before turning to curtsy low before miss Hope. Her older brother simply bowed quickly to her before returning his gaze at me. “But she holds firm against having assistance.” she continued.

“But she could not refuse if she does not know about them assisting or if the Council decrees it.” I returned easily. “They could start immediately and I can have word send to Burdish to have the Council pass this edict quickly.” I suggested.

“You truly are an underhanded person.” miss Hope replied.

“It is for the good of Her Holiness, even if she cannot see it directly.” I stated. She smiled a cattish grin as she nodded. “But for now, I must retrieve that woman's children.” I continued easily. “Have them working on the less used portions of the tower until I can have that decree passed miss Hope.” I concluded.

“As you suggest Lord Kestrel.” she replied. I bowed to her before stepping through the door to find Nä'Tash-Dēn arriving to meet me. She pulled up her hood as she stopped by me.

“Once again I get your company.” I said softly. A trio of cadets sprung out from behind her to stand around us. “Still unsure about needing an escort to collect two young boys.” I added softly.

“The cadets need to learn that a simple escort may be required from them as Royal Guards.” Nä'Tash-Dēn returned. “After this morning incident, the Council will be more watchful signifying that we should do the same.” she explained with a minor growl in her tones. “We also show that our cadets are better trained than their supposed Guards.” she added. The edge of her hood lifted enough for me to spot the smirk she wore with her words. I nodded to her before we moved together with the cadets down the street at an normal pace.

Home (58)

This is how my life was turning out in Atlantis. The Captains would be waiting for me upon my return every time I left Atlantis after the incidents around Annianka. I did not give the ship time to dock leaping from the upper deck with my invisible wings' help as the mooring lines were being tossed from the Herald to the dock-hands. I aimed my jump thanks to my wings to land by the two Royal Guard Captains while ignoring the screams of protests from my companions.

“Was it a good trip Lord Kestrel?” Ent asked calmly.

“And productive for Her Holiness?” Rez remarked. I glanced at their smiling faces making my anxiety lessen.

“All went well including the special mission Her Holiness assigned me.” I replied. “Please send word to Holy Annianka that I will report my findings shortly.” I explained quickly. “Do we have an escort for Lady Mekiliean to the geneticists' laboratories?” I added.

“A path has been cleared for her already.” Ent returned. “Including an escort.” he added. I felt my trio joining us.

“Meli!” I snapped. “Get the samples to the geneticists' laboratories now!” I ordered bluntly. She nodded once quickly before rushing away with the case in hand and four Royal Guards around her. “Report to the Council immediately, Cole!” I continued brusquely. He dart away at my words. “Stay with me for now Sert.” I added.

“And all has been quiet here Lord Kestrel.” Rez reported with a quick salute.

“Good.” I interjected back. “We will return home now with the remaining gear.” I informed them.

“It will be our pleasure to escort you home.” the Captains stated in unison. I sighed as I nodded to them. They walked at our side while we retrieved the group's gear. It was a light load because it was a very short trip. We divided it easily between the two of us and calmly walked back with the Captains to our residence. As we walked, Atlantians approached us welcoming my return home. Merchants, or what passed for merchants here, came out with items I might be interested in or wanting me to identify in hand. This oddness of being treated as the most knowledgeable person regarding the outer world made me feel even more at home. I heard the words “He will return during the coming week to have a look.” coming from Sert. A feral glare from the Captains made the more insistent ones back out of our way. We did not rush while I revelled in the popularity I had gained over the last five years.

“The citizens often ask us your condition when you have not been spotted for a day or two.” Ent informed me in a chuckling growl.

“They still see me as Her Hand?” I returned quietly.

“More as Her Holiness life-mate.” he whispered back. “It is why they believe the Royal Guards will know why you have been absent on the streets.” he added louder.

“An the true reason I receive escorts when the Herald is asked to make ready to sail.” I remarked. A growling chuckle came from both Captains. “All that fuss to keep the Atlantians calm and happy.” I stated in mock dismay.

“Do not belittle your purpose and status among Atlantians.” Rez growled at me.

“I agree with Captain Rez, Sir.” Sert commented.

“He already knows that the Royal Guards stand in his service as much as to Her Holiness.” Ent stated easily. “His jest shows his natural ease while in a land that accept him as their own blood.” he added.

“Am I truly seen as a lost child of Atlantis?” I stated.

“The same view of Her Holiness because of her odd arrival.” Ent admitted. “A lost child returning home.” he added.

“Holy Annianka's arrival was more dignified them my own.” I said calmly.

“But your arrival naked born forth of the surf was unique Sir.” Sert remarked.

“And stating so has earned you extra time of intensive training.” I returned with false anger.

“Which will lead to me becoming a stronger warrior.” he stated easily. The Guard Captains laughed.

“Captains?” I interjected. “I will send Sertian for an hour's training with your best Guards today.” I told them. “Warn the Felines and the Ferrets it includes them.” I added.

“As you request Lord Kestrel.” the Captains returned in unison again. I heard Sert swallow hard as he realized exactly what I had ordered. This would truly make him stronger and keep him as busy as Meli and Cole would be. It gave me most of the day free of all three of my charges giving me time to spend with Annianka.

“I will wait for sir Sertian.” Rez replied. He smiled showing fangs and gnarled teeth at Sert. “My troops will be happy for the chance of playing with a normal person.” he growled. I commended Sert mentally for hiding the fear he felt.

“It would be a very instructive session for me.” Sert returned in mock calmly. He flashed his typical boyish grin while I saw in his mind reviewing all strengths and weaknesses of bears.

“I can remain to escort you to Her Holiness in the absence of you Honour Guard.” Ent offered easily. We reached the doors to our estate as he spoke. “If you wish Lord Kestrel.” he added.

“Leave the gear in the foyer.” I told Sert He nodded as he entered before me. My guard, as they called him, was already outside again before my packs hit the floor. I kept my hip sack on me as I stepped out to find Ent waiting alone. “I should be well protected on my own.” I told him. With one quick salute, he turned and prowled away in silence. I mentally scanned the space around me noting another dozen Atlantian Guards not including Captain Ent. I did not reprimand them as I leisurely walked down the streets. It was a short walk to reach Annianka's even if I expected her to be out for her daily visit to the Healers' Hall. Miss Hope stood at the entrance to Annianka's tower with a pair of children by her. “Is her Holiness occupied?” I asked softly.

“She is performing an emergency healing.” the tigress returned. I looked down to see the tear streaked faces of the boys turning in my direction. I knelt to be closer to their height as the Feline spoke. “This is Lord Kestrel.” she told the boys. “Their mother collapsed as we stepped out for Her Holiness' daily visitation.” she explained. “I was told to escort them to their classes in the mage district nearby.” she continued gruffly. I heard the underlined growl that accompanied her words.

“I will take them for you.” I retorted. The flash of relief flowed through the conflict this order caused her. “Return to Holy Annianka's side while I act as Her Hand, miss Hope.” I assured her. She curtsied at me before darting back into the tower. “Fear not for your mother; she will be well.” I told the two young boys.

“Holy Lady will fix her right.” the older looking one said. He put his arm around his brother's shoulder. “That and we have Lord Kestrel to walk with us.” he reminded the other. “Think what Cassis will think of us walking with the great Lord Kestrel?” he whispered unstealthily.

“And who is Cassis?” I asked calmly. Both boys blushed a deep crimson as they shyly focused on the ground between their feet. I chuckled at them. “Best we get both of you to class.” I stated with a smile. I reached out and took their hand in mine to spin them around to stand by my side. “Now which way to the school?” They two children giggled before pointing the way we needed to travel. They made small comments back in forth in half sentences close sibling use often. It was similar to the discussions between Meli and Sert when I first arrived here.

“Seem you and Toma got an escort Peles?” a blond headed girl purred. With a glance, I could spot the minor feline features in her face. I felt the grip tighten on the hand held by the youngest of the boys.

“You must be Cassis.” I replied calmly.

“Yes!” she interjected petulantly. I saw a hooded cloaked woman take a hesitant step forward. “And which Council puppet do you serve?” Cassis retorted. The woman took another step toward us.

“None.” I stated smiling. The girl eyed me suspiciously as the woman edge cautiously closer. I could sense the woman was preparing to pounce at me if I physical attempted reprimanding the girl. “I am Lord Kestrel.” I said loudly The woman straightened as the girl jumped back a pace from me. “Her Holiness requested I walked Peles and Toma to school while she healed their mother.” I explained slowly. The girl crept forward to take Peles', the elder boy's hand.

“What happened to your mother?” she asked softly. She gently lifted his chin to look into his eyes.

“She just fell down.” he answered in a small voice. He released my hand to suddenly clutch at Cassis with his head on her shoulder. “She just fell.” he repeated in between sobs. She held him to her not as tightly as she held back her tears.

“She will be fine.” Cassis purred softly. “Her Holiness will heal her.” she continued. These two phrases became a repeated litany as she gently stroked his hair. The cloaked woman moved forward to stand in front of me.

“Is this true?” a voice purred from under the hood. I felt Toma's hand pull away from mine as he moved to stand between the woman and myself facing her.

“She has not been well lately but my brother could not see it.” Toma stated. “She mentioned feeling dizzy twice during the walk.” he continued. I looked down at his back while seeing in his mind the logical thought process of a more mature brain. “I think she knew something was going to happen since she made us walk pass Her Holiness' tower.” he told the woman. "She made sure we were holding hands a few minutes before she collapsed to the ground.” he continued. “Just happy Her Holiness and miss Hope were so close to come to our aid.” he concluded. I placed one hand on his trembling shoulder. He turned and latched onto me as he finally released his tears.

“I removed the burden of getting them here from miss Hope.” I admitted to the woman. “It is best for her to remain with Her Holiness while I lend a hand.” I casually added.

“Your sense of honour extends to assisting others to keep their honour.” the woman replied. “My daughter sometimes forgets it.” she said softly.

“She seems to know when to give honourable comfort.” I stated. “You have doe well Feline to raise her in the magical world.” I continued easily.

“Thank you.” she returned shyly. “Where are my manners?” she fretted suddenly. “I am Nä'Tash-Dēn, Lord Kestrel.” she stated in a rush. She pushed back her hood enough for me to see her shiny golden cat's eyes, snaggle toothed smile, and small pointed nose all set in short golden fur of a cougar. As she replaced the hood with one hand, I moved to salute her in Royal Guards' fashion but she stopped my hand with her gloved free one. “Please do not do this.” she half growled at me.

"What is the problem here?” I returned in a whisper. “Even if you are not part of the military, you still deserve the proper greeting for your bloodline.” I hazarded. She glanced to her daughter as she moved to stand at my side. She leaned in furtively while casting weary looks around.

“She is the first in our line with magical gifts.” she informed me in a whisper. “And she has not been received well by some classmates.” she continued. She suddenly pulled back from me as a deep rolling growl formed in her throat.

“Oh, the mongrel has a boy friend!” an older boy stated loudly. He had arrived with a trio of older students comprising of two girls and another boy.

“Poor little boy who can only find an animal to be with him.” one of the girls remarked caustically. Nä'Tash-Dēn tensed next to me as I felt a blood rage rising quickly inside her. The other boy glanced at the silent girl at the back. I could not miss the look of disgust on their faces but felt that those last two directed their disgust not toward us. I moved to bar the cougar's path while sliding closer to the loudmouths.

“And who gave you this right to judge other Atlantians?” I bellowed. As I moved forward at him, my hand found my sword hilt.

“My father who sits on the Council.” he returned with a sneer. “And he will have you slaughtered in the street for your idle threat.” he drawled on arrogantly. I detected a dozen Council Guards that looked in awe at me unable to move. With a quick peak of his mind, I learned all the information I needed to make a fool of this boy and his girlfriend.

“All of Degguin's Guards would be the ones slaughtered by the man who bested Captain Ent in unarmed combat.” I retorted. The boy's eyes squinted in disbelief as he examined my face closer without losing his sneer. “I think young Degun should be explain what type of dishonourable dog he appears to Her Holiness' Right Hand.” I stated louder. My voice drew all the eyes of the students and teachers present to me. “Those without honour should never speak a word where Lord Kestrel can hear it.” I proclaimed. I smiled grimly at the boy as his eyes widened it sudden fear. The other two moved back from them to cross over to Stand by Cassis and Peles. “And I hear all that happens in Atlantis.” I added. Degguin's Guards moved quickly in now but grappled Degun and the girl that still stood with him.

“Master Degguin will be told of these actions carried out by his son Lord Kestrel.” the lead Guard told me. “He will be reprimanded for his lack of honour toward your personage.” he continued.

“He will be punish for demeaning his classmate or Her Holiness will have me train him in honour at the end of my sword!” I screamed into the Guard Leader's face. “As for Guisana, I will carry word personally to Council man Coltrish about her dishonourable behaviour.” I continued. “Have I made myself clear or should I tell Burdish about this?” I asked with false casualness. The Guard Leader had turned white as I spoke. He nodded quickly as he backed away from me. “Dismissed!” I added with authority. The Guards raced from my sight before I could even turn away from them.

“I thank you Lord Kestrel.” Nä'Tash-Dēn stated as she moved to stand with me. I lifted the edge of her hood to see her tear of joy streaking the short fur that covered her face. “You truly are Her Holiness' Right Hand.” she continued. Toma stood with her clinging to her gloved hand.

“Do not thank me for doing my duty to Atlantis and Holy Annianka.” I stated directly. “But I welcome you in Holy Annianka's name for your gratitude.” I continued quickly. I formally bowed to her receiving a graceful curtsy as reply. “I hope you do not mind me placing these two in your care Cassis?” I asked softly. She looked at me with a quick smile and slow firm nod. “Their mother or myself will be here at the end of classes to collect them.” I added.

“Sir!” Toma interjected. “Can you please stay with our mother until she is ready to retrieve us?” he half whispered shyly.

“Yes, Toma.” I replied. “And please assist Cassis minding your brother Peles.” I added. He moved to stand before me in his best imitation of coming to attention while saluting me. I could not resist smiling at the boy's valiant attempt at the Royal Guards' salute to me. I answered in kind to him slowly so he could perceive it better for his next try at that salute. Nä'Tash-Dēn moved to my side as she flicked back her hood. She saluted him in the same slow method I used to instruct the child.

“My kin will be told of your feral heart, cub Toma.” she told him. She turned to face me. “And of your words to those that shield their dishonour by falsely claiming Council's Right.” she said to me. I quickly bid them good parting while giving Peles' shoulder a gentle squeeze. He pulled himself back from Cassis and quickly wiped his face with a cloth he produced from his linen belt. He handed a second cloth to Cassis as he blushed. She shook her head with a shy smile. She waved her hand over her tear and snot covered shoulder as I felt the tingle of magic in the air. All the liquid splattered upon her shoulder lifted to form a ball hovering just under her hand which she the tossed to the ground. I walked away but discovered I was not alone. Nä'Tash-Dēn was at my side moving silently with me.

“Please do not confuse my actions as if I am escorting you.” she said as we walked. “My path simply matched yours.” she stated easily. “And you are good company even while being silent.” she added with a purring giggle.

“Thank you.” I replied. “But we are at the end of accompanying each other.” I told her. I stopped before the doors to Annianka's tower turning to face her directly. In a quick fluid motion I added a bow in the feral salute of the Royal Guards to her. She returned the salute while adding a curtsy flawlessly. I held back entering to watch her walking away. “Even if they are suppose to live honourably, some already show that the darkness has consumed them.” I muttered to myself. I cracked opened the door and silently slipped in letting it close without a sound at my back.