We decided to take the grav-line from the wall as far as we could before going back up to the walkway to return to Kines mansion. It would be much faster than walking all the way and I think my guards felt uncomfortable with Mathias around. I could sympathise. We reached the walkway and descended to ground level where the grav-line was easily visible not far off. We had a good approach and my companions kept pace with me as we ran together before jumping into the stream. I think I handled it well but riding the line was very different from using a pod. Thankfully traffic was light but I had so much fun!

It was a short ride and we got off at the final eddy where the line ended. It made sense not to have a high speed travel way straight to the secure areas of the city. We climbed back up to the walkway and headed toward the mansions. Apart from the wall guards, we had little company which was probably a good thing, considering. Every time we passed a guard or the occasi0nal traveler, they would startle at the sight of Mathias, bow deeply and hurry off with many glances back and perhaps a whispered “Silent King”.

It was a very surreal experience and I wasn’t sure what to do. I knew almost nothing about him yet he’d just decided to follow me and neither Eecee not Kaylor seemed willing to confront him or explain anything. So we just traveled as swiftly as possible in awkward silence. I was so relieved when Kines mansion came into view. Even better, Kine was there when we came to the door. His guards must have alerted him when we were spotted but he still paused when he caught sight of our guest.

“Mathias!” Kine exclaimed and strode forward, arms wide, engulfing the giant cat in a fierce hug, a grin stretching across his face.

Mathias butted Kine affectionately with his head and sat with his tail curled around his feet which made Kine laugh happily and proceed t0 have a one sided conversation.

“It’s so good to see you but what are you doing here?”

“...”

“Ah I see! Yes I felt it too.”

“...”

“No no. Had it locked. I didn’t want to pry. Are you staying?”

“...”

“Excellent! I have plenty of room. We’ll catch up soon, I want to know how you’ve got on.”

“...”

With a nod, Kine turned to us and ushered us into his private rooms. Kaylor and Eecee made to leave but Kine drew them aside and talked with them quietly. I threw myself onto a well stuffed, soft cushion and sighed, stretching before cuddling down into it. Mathias moved closer and sat down right next to where I’d settled, his bulk leaning into my cushions. I tried to ignore it.

Kine finished speaking with my guards and they left. It was just us three.

“So, tell me about your rotation.” Kine asked as he looked at me. “I hear you're looking for something.”

I fiddled with my tail, a shockingly childish habit I hadn’t indulged in ages and looked away. I didn’t want to hide things from Kine but there was so much that wasn’t mine to tell, so many people relying on my discretion. But I’d try to give him what I could.

“Have you heard about these... shooting stars or meteors lately?” I continued before Kine could do more than nod. “They seem to be happening very frequently of late and I’ve heard that they somet1mes touch down and leave debris. I was on the balcony last night and was worried that the forest might have been damaged so I wanted to look for the landing site check for damage and collect some of the debris because Ifindthephenomenafascinatingandwanttostudyit.”

Kine huffed a laugh. “Take a breath.” He sobered a bit before continuing. “I can understand being curious or concerned for the forest and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to explore and find things. I just want you safe when you do. Being on the wall draws a lot of attention and I’m not sure two guards would have been enough if you had encountered your relatives.”

I frowned. “I’d have thought the wall was safer than being in a crowd because they can’t sneak up on me. I suppose I hadn’t thought about the lack of a crowd drawing more attention to me... well that was stupid of me.”

Kine shook his head. “It’s not stupid, you're just used to keeping a distance. And normally, your logic would be sound, but not when you have two guards with you. And I’m not letting you go out alone.”

“Does that mean I can’t continue my search? I don’t want to endanger Seth.”

Kine put his hand over his eyes and sighed. “The damage is already done, so you can continue but I want you to take more guards next time. If you’re circumnavigating the wall, it will take you a while.”

I nodded my agreement and the room fell silent. Mathias chuffed in the quiet and almost simultaneously, Kine and I looked to the elephant in the room. I flicked my eyes to Kine my ears canted in question.

“I see you’ve met Mathias.” I nod but stay quiet. “Mathias is my uncle and the previous King. He retired and has lived relatively secluded ever since. It’s rare for him to come and visit.”

There was a wealth of information left unsaid there, hidden in the short history Kine shared. I wonder how Mathias got the title Silent King? Kine cont1nued tentatively.

“He says he felt you and was curious.”

I nodded once. “Yes, I think it felt it too. Some sort of neo-bond. I couldn’t understand at the time but thinking about it now, it must be because he’s your uncle. He would have felt our kin bond through his bond to you, right?”

I leaned forward and poured myself a drink from the selection that had been left on a little side table, taking a thirsty sip, watching Kine as I drank. I should have packed more supplies this morning.

“Perhaps.”

Swallowing I paused before saying, “You don’t seem so sure Kine. What do you think?”

Kine and Mathias exchanged a glance, or they could have been talking, it was hard to tell. They obviously had other ideas.

“So far, I’ve assumed that your status as a Myath and my lack of familiarity with your kind was the reason for the ease of our bonding and the familiar feeling I get from you. After all, I made you my ward so quickly, I couldn’t be sure exactly what I felt and when. But now...” he paused, trying to put his thoughts into words. “It’s very rare to feel a secondary bond with a stranger. Even with how close Mathias and I are, he shouldn’t have been able to feel my bond to you. I think, we think, that we are related to you. Probably through your father...”

Kine went quiet, probably to give me the chance to take that in. Father never spoke about his family. I always assumed there was something rather tragic or painful there, but I knew enough to know how dangerous th1s line of enquiry was. I could feel my eyes go wide as I contemplated all the repercussions. It was hard to believe that I was connected to two powerful Icanthie families, but it did make sense. I couldn’t argue with their reasoning.

“I know it’s a lot but we can take our time to figure this out. We can keep this private as long as you like and you’ll always have my protection as my ward... Are you okay?”

I made myself blink and swallowed to try and moisten my suddenly dry mouth. “Uhhhh.” I closed my eyes and took a breath, breathing out slowly trying to slow my heart. I opened my eyes and looked from Kine to Mathias and back. “Yeah. I’m okay I just... are you both okay with this?”

Mathias output a paw on my wrist and blew a breath in my face. I think I got the message but Kine helpfully translated.

“You are kin. And from everything I know from our short time together, you are a credit to us all. I know you have secrets and I know you’ve had a difficult time. But being a Myath is not a bad thing Sierra. Not to us. I look forward to everything you’ll bring to House Den... if you want us that is.”

I laughed a little desperately but still happy. “Of course I want you. We’re kin, I thought I’d lost that. Don’t get me wrong, the Myath are my kin to0 but... it hard to explain. Blood kin and bond kin are different, but one is not less or more than the other.”

“I understand. Having a blood connection does not guarantee a bond and having a bond doesn’t require the same blood.”

I hummed in agreement but I was distracted thinking about the possibilities. The how's. Maybe they were wrong? I started to ramble. “Are you sure Kine? I suppose we'll have to check my DNA records won’t we? I’m not sure I can face that yet. What if...? But then... And I can...”

Kine stood up and strode over to me, taking me gently by the shoulders and bending down a little so he could catch my eye. I didn’t notice any of it until he appeared right in front of my face. “Sierra!”

I hated rambling.

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. We’ll take it slow, earn your trust.”

Well now I felt awful.

“You have my trust Kine. I’m just... I don’t want you or your House to get hurt. This will make you a lot of enemies when it gets out.” I added in a smaller voice. “When everything gets out. And I still have responsibilities to the Myath. I have to protect them.”

Kines eyes were serious as I looked into them. “I know and I understand. We’ll work together to protect everyone okay?” He sighed. “I sometimes forget how young you are. I don’t even know how long the Myath live.”

“No one really knows. It depends on a lot of different th1ngs.”

“It’s so sad knowing that they all die as juveniles, never having matured...”

I wasn’t really listening, my mind swirling with so much as I lay my head on Kines chest, suddenly tired. Mathias watched us quietly but I sensed he was pleased.

Someone knocked on the door at the same time that a pretty chime sounded around the room. Kine, who had wrapped me in a hug, looked up and stayed exactly where he was as he called out, “Come in!”.

I turned my head to watch as a servant opened the door but stayed there, blocking the view in and out. I realised I was nestled into Kine like a cub but couldn’t regret it or feel uncomfortable about the overt affection. I was picking up Icanthie habits in my short time among them. It must have something to do with the regular hugs from almost everyone around me... and Eecee hanging off me whenever we were together. Kaylor was more affectionate in his Feline form, rubbing his head against me and licking my fingers.

“Lord Lazot, Head of House Greer and Lord Setheroth of House Greer to see you My King.”

“Thank you. Show them in here please.”

Kine gave me a little squeeze before releasing me as Lazot walked through the do0r with Seth in his arms. As Lazot made his greetings, Seth wiggled until he was put on the floor and raced over to run circles around me in excitement.

I laughed. “Well hello. What are you doing here? We thought you were staying with Papa Lazot tonight.”

Seth never stopped running and jumping so I scooped him up and tickled him until he was helpless with laughter, making little cat sounds as he tried to escape. I let him go and he ran off to explore the rooms, pouncing on cushions and generally having fun.

Looking up, I saw the three Icanthie just watching with smiles. Lazot saw he had my attention and answered my question.

“He is staying with me tonight, but I’m staying here with you. So here we are.”

Before I could ask more questions, Kine filled us in.

“I ask Lazot to be here because I wanted to fill you all in on my visit to Quix Kuthar today. It wasn’t much but...”

Kine proceeded to tell us about my uncle in prison. It seemed that Kine had been very cautious and I couldn’t see that the encounter had gained us much.

“I must admit I didn’t get much information from him but that wasn’t my aim. I wanted to understand what type of person he is. He showed disgust and contempt with regards to the System selection process and the role of a leader. These are the foundations on which the Icanthie nation runs and yet he is dismissive of them. It tells me that I need to be concerned about House Kuthar. Bearing all that in mind, I think we need to act very quickly. The longer we leave it, the more likely it is that they become suspicious of what we know and make their move. So, tomorrow, we’re going to have a Brunch...”

Kine outlined his plan for us in great detail.

“So, what do you think? Sierra, I know it puts you and Seth in a precarious position. I don’t want to use you as bait but I can’t think of anything else that will Guarantee Wistra and the rest of House Kuthar attend. I’m hoping your presence distracts her from whatever plans she has on at the moment.”

Lazot had been trying to stay quiet but his patience burst. “Sire I have just had my son returned to me. I saw what they did to my mate and what they planned for my son and I don’t know if I can bear to endanger him again.”

Kine was sympathetic but firm. “I understand Lazot. I too saw what happened to Feenya but that’s why we have to stop them. And to do that we need evidence. Sierra's memories will help as testimony but they’re not enough. Don’t think this is an easy choice but it has to be done. Besides, they will have the best protection I can arrange and you will be there, right beside them at the Brunch. You are Head of a powerful House Lazot, she will not easily endanger her alliance with you.”

We waited in a tense silence as the two struggled with the issue, but it was broken when both of the heads snapped around to stare at Mathias. Kine answered his silent communication.

“Really? I’m not sure if that’s the best idea. Your appearance with her may be too much of a change. She’ll become suspicious.”

“...”

Kine sighed. “Well I can’t stop you. If you think it’s for the best...” he turned to the rest of us. “Mathias insists on going with you. Everywhere. He also wishes to share words mind to mind with him if you are willing. He’ll send you the invite.”

Before Kine could even finish speaking, I heard a little ping and mentally accepted the invite. No words came with it but I felt awkward saying nothing so I just sent “Thank you Mathias”.

***

Kine was late. We’d had all gotten an early night after we’d finalised the plan and with Lazot staying with us, all we had to do was dress and turn up to the Brunch. The food part of the event wasn’t due to start yet but the official invite time had long past and, so far, it had been a strain. We had arrived to much attention, me carrying Seth with Mathias in Feline form on one side and Lazot on the other. The announcer had called out “Presenting King Mathias Den, the Silent King, Retired, Lady Sierra of House Den, Ward to the King, Lord Setheroth of House Greer, Ward to the King and Lord Lazot, Head of House Greer.” which made everyone turn to watch us, most gaping.

Apparently, my presence was either unknown or unexpected. The large hall filled with whispers and we were quickly surrounded by the curious. My Kuthar relatives seemed unsure, keeping their distance and looking to the Head of House for guidance, who couldn’t seem to make up her mind. She circled us like a shark, scenting, listening and watching. So far, Kines plan was working but the longer he was absent, the more attention was drawn away from us.

Mathias commanded almost as much of the attention as Seth and I. I couldn’t quite figure it out but there seemed to be some tragedy around his reign as King. Or perhaps him personally. Still, he let it all wash over him, barely earning his notice. He was more intent on watching everyone who approached and seeing off any he deemed offensive or dangerous. He still hadn’t spoken to me, despite now having the mind link.

He seemed to prefer his Feline form and, apart from our first encounter, he never shifted from it. Kine confided to me that it was rare for Mathias to take any other form, not since his retirement anyway.

I was lost in thought when the doors to the hall opened with a bang and the announcer proclaimed, “King Den of the Icanthie!”.

I let out a small sigh of relief. He was here.

***

Kine strode into the hall, immediately spotting his wards and making his way over to them. The crowd parted before him, bowing, which he acknowledged as he passed. He wanted to be close to Sierra, to assure himself she was well. What he had found had disturbed him greatly and he had to work hard to show an air of carefree calm to those attending the Brunch.

Most people, if they consider it at all, knew that the Systems were a fusion of biology and technology, and usually pictured them as giant brains with wires coming out, but the reality was far different. Kine had arrived at the Heart early with a large contingent of his trusted Eiltes. At that time, there should be fewer staff on duty and he had locked down the entire Systems floor, isolating the staff until they could be cleared of suspicion.

The Systems room had the highest security, and was so large it must cover the entire area of the Heart's floor space. The Systems were made of a network of neurons, threaded with fibre optic filaments, all submerged in a biological, nanite seeded gel. Rather than one large area, the network was divided into small, interconnected subdivisions that worked as a whole yet were able to be closed off in the case of illness, corruption or contamination. There were hundreds of thousands of them and they were all connected tocentralised tanks. These tanks held all the necessary nutrients, materials and energy to ensure the neurons were healthy, the nanites numerous and the fibre optics powered. There were three separate source of energy to prevent power loss, including geothermal, solar and a little understood kinetic energy that, as far as experts could determine, drew from the rotation of the planet and the movement of the solar system through space.

It was a complex and delicate system that combined knowledge from the memories of ancients with the traits of computer systems and formulae. It was created millennia ago, though how and why had been lost to history. One thing that was known was that the Systems were designed to be infallible so they could create and maintain a fair society. They had completely replaced the many systems of government used in pre-history.

Kine had his people check every single function, every subdivisions of the network, every nutrient tank and energy connector. Every reading of every instrument was analysed and the readout history for the last ten orbits collected. He was thorough in every conceivable way to ensure the Systems had not been compromised. It took a little longer than he had anticipated and the next shift of workers arrived before his people were done.

The new workers were also isolated until they could be cleared of any wrong doing and Kine decided that anyone who had access needed to be investigated. The High Warrior got to work on it straight away. She wasn’t expected at the Brunch anyway and Kine trusted her, which he was grateful for, considering all that they had found. Thankfully the Systems were not compromised yet, but someone had been making small adjustments to many different areas including the subdivisions themselves. Preparations for something. Kine needed to find out what and fast.

Things had gotten a lot worse. Kine wasn’t sure what he had expected to find but, being here, he realised that corrupting the Systems alone was not enough. He tried to think about what other areas he needed to investigate but the reality of what he had found wasshocking and his mind didn’t want to work right now. House Kuthar weren’t just contemplating treason, they had already committed it and he had put Sierra right in the thick of them.

His instincts and his protective nature urged him to return to Sierra but he had to finish this. Yes, she was in danger but, it would be much worse if he could not figure out what House Kuthar planned. Kine shook off the shock and, with determination, returned to his people as they worked to undo the damage and put in extra protections. He had work to do.

***

When Kine reached them, I could tell he was a little tense. It either went wrong, or it went well but he found something bad. When Kine had outlined his plan to immediately investigate the Systems core rooms, I wasn’t sure what to think. When MACC had spoken to me, he hadn’t indicated that the Systems felt threatened, only their concern for the surfacing beliefs, probably observed in House Kuthar.

I smiledd at Kine and greeted him with a head bump, as my arms were full with Seth. I hadn’t put him down since we arrived even though Lazot could have taken him. I just didn't feel safe with him out of my arms but I was tiring. Kine returned my bump and looked intently into my eyes.

“Are you alright? Nothing has happened, has it?”

Kine’s question came across the mind link with intense and worried undertones. I was right, something had happened.

“We’re fine. A little unpleasant at times but nothing overt. Mathias and Lazot have seen off any issues. I’m just a little tired from everything. And hungry.” I sent back with some humour lacing it.

For the first time since he arrived, Kine smiled properly. “Let’s eat.” He said to me before raising his voice and addressing the hall. “Thank you all for coming and treating my new kin so well. Let’s all eat and start the rotation right.”

With that, the crowd applauded briefly and moved off to another hall where the doors had just opened to show a long table, low to the ground, set for eating. Everyone found seats on the scattered cushions and settled down, only Kines place reserved, plus four more for us around him. Aunt Wistra sat fairly far away but continued to watch us as we ate. I decided to ignore her and instead enjoyed the food and the company of my small new family. The investigation, my choices and House Kuthar could all come later. For now, I enjoyed the moment and the food.