3-1-18

Mathias, Kine, Veest-tianArden and Queen Coilna-tianDavarden all stared at me. I wasn’t really sure what the looks on their faces conveyed, shock, incredulity, disbelief, hope? Whatever they thought, I’d wait until they were ready before pursuing this.

It didn't take long. Kine was the one who spoke up first; as my cousin, he was the least likely to cause problems, thankfully.

“Who do you know among the Igidoe? They’re notoriously insular Sierra.”

“Oh I know, believe me! But I can’t say. I have to protect them and even though I trust those here right now, these things have a way of getting out. For the same reason, I can’t just contact them through comms. I’m going to have to go there and meet them face-to-face.”

Kine look reluctant and I could see that Mathias looked foreboding from his place by the door.

“Is there really no other way? It would be very dangerous to even approach the Igidoe border, especially for you Sierra.”

I nodded, acknowledging the truth of Kine’s words. It was a risk, however I had experience moving through their lands. It was far less risky for me than for most others.

“I know Kine but we’re going to have to send someone eventually. We need to pool resources so someone will have to convince the Prime eventually. Time is not on our side so the sooner we can convince the other races to listen, the sooner we can collate information for a plan.” I said, trying to downplay the danger of this move and lean into the urgency we should all be feeling.

I could tell from the look on Mathias’s face that he wasn’t fooled. He knew that it was going to be dangerous and that I was going to do it anyway, no matter what Kine and Queen Coilna-tianDavarden said.

Kine exchanged a loaded glance with Queen Coilna-tianDavarden. I got the feeling these two had spent a lot of time speaking these last few rotations, it was easy to see the cordial working relationship they had developed. They seemed to have a quick conversation in those looks before Kine turned back to me. I caught something, like an unconscious gesture with the hand or eye, not sure which, and realised that they must have been conversing on a telepathic long range link. Sneaky!

“Alright Sierra. Your diplomatic team are authorised to attempt to communicate with your anonymous contact with the Igidoe. Please stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks alright?”

I nodded as I responded. “Of course Kine. I’m used to this and I’ll be careful. Thank you.”

Kine just harrumphed and smiled indulgently at me. If he weren’t on a diplomatic call, I’d expect him to roll his eyes at me.

Decision made, Queen Coilna-tianDavarden spoke next. “Ambassador Sierra, I can offer you some Drakes to accompany you, if you desire though I’m not sure how much use they will be apart to confirm your words on what we have already achieved.”

I dipped my head to the Queen in thanks, the closest I could come to the appropriate bow over the comms. “Thank you for the offer Queen Coilna-tianDavarden.” I paused to give it the consideration it needed before answering her. “Although it has some advantages, I think I shall decline for the moment. I’m not really going in a diplomatic capacity at this time but merely to see a friend and talk over my concerns about recent events. Perhaps to convey some news about a gathering of the races I’d heard about. If more is required than that, I shall rethink the matter, if that is alright with you.”

For the first time since I met her, Queen Coilna-tianDavarden lost the slightly harried look on her face. She smiled at me in appreciation, whether for letting her people remain when I was going into a dangerous situation and she needed all her resources to help rebuild, or for my political acumen, I wasn’t sure but I was glad to have gotten such a positive response. She needed the break and I needed to not get on the Drake leaders bad side.

“Very well, Ambassador. If you are amenable, I’d like to address a few things with you and then I shall leave you to plan your journey.” She went on before I could indicate an answer to her rhetorical questions. “I have news of my former Advisor, Calessi. She has been stripped of all her titles and accomplishments, hence the fashion of my address. The medical assessment showed mental scarring that we cannot trace, though it is likely linked to trauma and we surmised this may be the cause of her degraded faculties. It seems this has been going on for a while and the condition has worsened over time. As a result of these findings, she will not be Rejected yet. She will go through rehabilitation in our medical facilities until such time she has been deemed recovered, At that time, she will be reassessed and her fate determined. Obviously she has lost all position and, should her behaviours be found to be as a result of this trauma, she’ll begin anew. If, however, the trauma merely masked her behaviours, she will be Rejected until she can prove she has reformed.”

It was sad to hear that Calessi was suffering but I wasn’t surprised. The way she was completely unable to control her actions and words spoke of something a little unhinged, though it didn’t excuse her views, only how she expressed them. It made sense that they would hold off on the decision of whether or not to apply Rejection. Unlike the Icanthie who Banished dangerous elements, the Drakes who violated Etiquette were Rejected, a sort of social shunning. They remained within the Mountain but they were offered no aid, no rights, no recognition. Nothing until they could prove that they had reformed. The only interactions with them before then would be to prevent them hurting others if they become violent. As interesting as it was, what interested me is if the Red Claws had exploited her in her illness or if that had all begun before her decline. The queen spoke again after letting it all sink in.

“We have questioned the individual about her connections to the Red Claw organisation and some rather concerning things have come to light. We have long been aware of the organisation known as the Red Claws, however it seems we had no idea of their purpose or activities. We now have the names of Calessi’s associates involved with the Red Claws and we will be interviewing them imminently.” There was an expectant pause before Queen Coilna-tianDavarden continued. “I will not insult you by trying to imply the Drake have been a friend to the Myath, ambassador Sierra, however I had always believed that we were not your enemy either. This incident has opened my eyes to the outside world and the necessity of co-operation but it seemed the Drake need to look at ourselves as well.” she trailed off, growing in contemplation.

What could you say to that? Thanks for not actively killing my people? Glad we may be able to come to you in the future? The world was changing. I hoped it would be better soon. But for now, I wasn’t the person try to push a change for Myath rights in the other races. It made sense with the Icanthie because I had kin and a position there under law. Here I had nothing to work with except good will and conscience. And truthfully, I’m not very diplomatic when under pressure… better a Myath with connections to the Drakes to try and make change here. Sadly, there were few that I knew of and most of them were older individuals, not really up to such a task.

Knowing there was nothing any of us could say, we just waited. Kine was the only one who could redirect the conversation but he too appeared lost in thought. It was a short wait but for the first time, I felt awkward. Sometimes I really didn't like the Drake’s commitment to their Code of Etiquette. Finally the monarchs returned to the present.

“When do you plan to leave Ambassador Sierra?” Queen Coilna-tianDavarden asked with a smile that held warmth rather than just politeness. Dare I hope that I had left a favourable impression on the Drake Queen?

“My team have had some rest since we finished work. I think I’ll ensure that our supplies are full, my people fed and energised, then I hope to leave before the end of the rotation. With the grav-lines out, we need to make good use of time and the Igidoe Kingdom Nation is a good distance to the south.” I said, distracted by the many small things I needed to get done before we left.

“Very well. You may find your journey a little faster than you anticipate but for now, I shall bid you safe travel and good luck with your Igidoe contact. I look forward to seeing you at the Gathering on Neutral Territory. King Kine, If you have the time, I will speak with you again on the morrow.” Kine indicated his approval with a dip of his chin. “Veest-tianArden, I look forward to seeing you at my table soon.”

With a regal nod, Queen Coilna-tianDavarden ended her link. Leaving just Kine on the screen. He looked at Veest-tianArden and smiled kindly, if a little distant.

“Veest-tianArden, thank you for the hospitality of your Research Centre, my people speak well of you.” Veest inclined his head and Kine continued. “Sierra, be careful and keep me informed. I hope you will have time to return to the Capital before we must attend the Gathering. I’ll see you soon.”

And with that he was gone. The screen went dark and the three of us sat in quiet companionship.

“So, you shall be leaving soon.” Veest spoke into the quiet. “I believe I shall miss you if it is not too bold of me to say Ambassador Sierra. You are a pleasure to work beside.”

We both smiled as I answered. “Thank you Veest-tianArden. I have found our work most agreeable. You have a wonderful collection here and I hope this is not the last time I see it.” I could tell that Veest-tainArden was pleased by the compliment but I couldn’t linger much longer. “Goodbye. And, stay safe.”

“Goodbye Ambassador.”

Mathias and I turned away from the Research Hub and entered our accommodations. Mathias, always on top of things, must have already contacted out team because as I entered, I saw our minimal luggage already stacked up, ready to grab as we left. The team were eating and relaxing in the common area and looked up as we entered.

“You’re all prepared I see. Thank you for your hard work.” I said, looking them all over and making sure they were well and accounted for. “Just in case any of you missed it, we’ll be leaving before the end of the rotation and heading towards the Igidoe Kingdom Nation. Travel will be hampered at first by the grav-line issue but it should be easy going after that. Despite the rush, we’re not taking any chances okay? We stop way before we lose the light to set up camps, get plenty of rest between watch shifts and be prepared for atypical predator and prey numbers. They’re still going to be looking for new habitats. Take it easy until we leave everyone.”

I would have gone on but Kaylor interrupted me. “We’ll take care of everything Sierra. You need to eat and rest before anything else is done. You’ve barely stopped since we arrived. Go cleanse and get into clean travel clothes, we’ll have something for you to eat when you get out and then you take a nap. No arguing, we refuse to move until you do, which will give us time to have an in-depth planning meeting. Now off you go.”

I half thought about arguing with him but the stubborn look on his and the others faces deterred me. And I really did want to cleanse. The Drakes had provided a variety of options including sand baths, sonic cleaners, enzyme rinses and, the one I really wanted to try, thermal hot water baths!

“Yes Dad!” I cheekily replied and headed further in to the accommodations followed by the sound of laughter.

***

We approached the exit to the Heart of the Mountain and I felt refreshed after the gently enforced bathing, eating and napping. We were making good time and my people and I were ready for this next challenge. It felt a little like we hadn’t stopped since we’d left the Icanthie Capital but, so far we were coping with the relentless pace. At the exit, I looked out over the city and blinked at the bright sun that was half way up it’s climb in the sky. I hadn’t realised how much I’d missed the natural light. The Heart had the appropriate lighting that maintained the illusion of natural light and satisfied our circadian rhythms and the many accommodations had wall sized projectors that displayed amazing natural scenes but… it wasn't quite the same. Something was missing and I soaked it in now as I basked in the sunlight and took in the amazing view from this considerable height.

In the Icanthie city the Capital, the innermost areas of the Heart were used for the Council hall and interrogation centres, holding cells and other practical uses. All the offices were comfortable spaces on the outside of the Heart with windows. The Heart of the Mountain used the inner most areas for their enormous data storage. It made sense because the conditions were perfect for preserving the delicate, old documents they had managed to acquire. Still, spending five full rotations effectively underground took a toll I hadn’t realised until now.

The same Drake who had given me a lift up, walked over and shifted into his Ancestral Form, lifted me into his arms and with a smile launched us over the edge. Instead of descending immediately, he indulge me with a slow glide down so I could again admire the view. Along with the beautiful landscape around me, I observed groups of Drake working industriously on the grav-lines. All four into the city were being repaired and it looked like they’d made great progress since we had arrived.

“They started on the grav-lines needed to transport essentials to and from the affected areas. We hope to have them fully functional by the morrow.” My escort told me.

“That is good news. I hope your people are okay.” I said, still holding on to his shoulders.

We landed and my escort left me with my team before he and his fellow guards returned to the entrance of the Mountain. I never did get his name. Thespenia was there waiting for us, her ebony skin shining in the bright light. I hadn’t seen her since she’d left us in the Research Centre with Veest-tianArden. Pleased to see her, I smiled warmly and offered a little bow.

“I’m so pleased to see you again Ambassador Thespenia-tianNaj. I hope you are well?”

Thespenia smiled back and bowed in return. “I too am pleased to see you Ambassador Sierra. I have been well since last we met, though I have had much to do. I hear you have been most industrious in the Research Centre and have completed your task.”

“Indeed. We have done all we can at the moment and my King has another errand for me to complete.” I said, aware of the small audience around us.

“I am sad to see you go but your commitment to your duty is admirable. I will escort you and your party beyond the gates of the Capital City of the Drake Kingdom Nation and ensure you have everything you need for your journey. If you would follow me.”

Thespenia led us at a brisk pace towards the nearest gate but her determined manner deterred anyone from approaching us. I caught the subtle yet tell-tale signs of guards surrounding us as we travelled. They kept their distance but, if you knew what to look for, they were obviously on the look out for trouble. I could ask Thespenia, but even though we had become close, it was a rather pointed question. I suspected that the news of the Red Claw activity had concerned the Drake Council and Queen Coilna-tianDavarden and that, with a Myath as their leader, they were worried that the entire Icanthie delegation may become a target. It was a sensible precaution but, all the same, I was suddenly very glad that we were leaving the Mountain city so quickly.

We made good time with no disturbances to trouble or delay us, and so found ourselves at the Southern Gate, the same one we had arrived at. The guards that had escorted us met with the gate guards and conferred quietly but Thespenia took my attention away from trying to hear their conversation.

“Here is where I must leave you. I have greatly enjoyed meeting you Ambassador Sierra and I must convey the thanks of my Queen and myself for all you and the Icanthie have done for us. I hope to see you again soon.”

“Thank you Ambassador Thespenia-tianNaj. Thank you for your guidance and you know how to contact me should you have further need to. Stay safe and the best of wishes to your people. Goodbye.” I answered, giving a subtle reminder of our telepathic contacts. I hoped she didn’t need to use it, only that she may want to. Blasted etiquette.

“Travel safe. Goodbye.”

As one we all bowed and my team exited the gates under the watchful eyes of the guards, careful to avoid hampering the teams working to fix the grav-lines. By previous agreement when we were planning our journey before we left, we immediately moved towards the nearest cover which was a little more sparse than normal in such a mountainous region. I felt an itch between my shoulder blades that didn’t go away until we were finally hidden from view. Not that I thought anyone was going to pursue or attack us but it was best to be wary and alert.

Once we reached the trees, we spoke as we traveled, trying to decide if we should get as much distance as we could or go a little slower and obscure our trail. The recent Deluge decided it for us.

“It’s no good, the damp dirt is making it too easy to leave tracks.” Merrick complained as he tried to find firmer ground. He was our scout and had been forging our path through the less travelled underbrush, though the going was slow and I could already see him beginning to tire.

I looked about in every direction, searching for any watchers as the others debated what to do. There was something familiar about this area and I discreetly opened my personal mapping programme to see if my hunch was right.

“The best option is to use the trees as we did on the way in. This time we don’t have Drake to slow down for.” Eecee commented. “It can’t be any worse up there than it is down here anyway.”

Kaylor thought about it thoroughly, as was his way, before speaking. “That might work. Now that I think about it, why didn't we do that on the way in and let the Drake fly above us? It would have been quicker.”

“Etiquette wouldn’t have let them take an easier path that we couldn’t follow, thus effectively abandoning us, even if they were to keep pace.” I answered absently still looking at my map. “Taking to the trees is probably out best option right now but we have to be careful. If we go too far up, we’ll be easily spotted by any flying patrols and the Drakes are understandably on high alert right now. Are we agreed?”

The others didn’t take long to discuss it before they unanimously and emphatically voted. “Agreed.”

It really wasn't ideal conditions for travel. ah well. Up we climbed, making sure to stay within sight of each other and choosing steady trees. Now we weren’t in the presence of the Drake delegation, we could freely choose our form and, in theses circumstances, we all chose to take on the Warrior Form. I hadn’t spent much time in my Warrior Form, only really for practice, and I took an extra moment to adjust. The heightened smells, sights and sounds quickly settled and I simply enjoyed the reduced effort it took to climb and keep an eye on my people. I could see why many Icanthie chose this as their default form but I missed the body I’d spent the majority of my life in. Still, the thicker fur of the warrior Forms was most welcome in the damp conditions as I focused back on the idea that had entrenched itself in my mind when I recognised where we were.

“Hey Eecee?” Sent out on a radial telepathic broadcast. I wanted everyone to be able to hear what we were saying but I didn't want to risk a general broadcast when we didn't now who might be in the area. “Do you think you could get a signal on the tracker we left in the carcass?”

“Yeaaaaah.” Eecee responded, stretching out the word sceptically. She probably knew what I was thinking.

“Can you bring it up and see where it is please? We’re right where the Saber was when she left and I want to see how she is.”

“Is that wise Sierra?” Mathias asked and I looked over to see him surveying the area below us. I couldn’t tell if he approved or not but I understood his question.

“When are we likely to be in this area again? If she’s too far away, of course we’ll move on. But if she’s close, I’d like to make sure she and her cubs are well. I promise it won’t take long and we can even remain in the trees. It’s important to take the time to enjoy the good moments in life or everything else will bog you down, you know? I’d just like to know…” I trailed off, the odd longing to make sure our hard work to help had born fruit.

No one objected and Eecee quickly had an answer for us as she’d been busy tapping away at her screen ever since I’d made my request. “Here Sierra. According to my map, its not far away. If we stick to the trees, we can get there even quicker.”

“Thanks Eecee.” I looked around trying to gauge if this was a bad idea or not. What did the others think? “I can go alone if you don’t want to take a detour right now. I can catch up to you easily”

Kaylor sighed and smiled at me lop sidedly. “You aren’t going alone Sierra. It may not have sunk in yet but you are an Icanthie Royal, cousin to the king and a respected Ambassador who just spent nearly five rotations in the Heart of the Drake Mountain. If nothing else, we’re coming to make sure no one kills us for putting you at risk.” He teased. “But more than that, we feel it too you know. That Saber was special and I for one have been thinking about her and her cubs since she left.” He looked around at the others to confirm before he spoke for the rest of them. “We’re going.”

The others all smiled. Nothing else needed to be said so we all turned to Eecee and followed when she led the way, keeping an eye on her tracker. She had been right, it wasn’t far, which might explain somewhat the original encounter with the Saber mother. The tracker led us to a more rocky area with lots of openings that would make good dens or hiding places. We stayed in the trees, trying to pinpoint the location of the tracker when they appeared.

Three Saber cubs tumbled out of one of the larger openings, roughhousing and playing, eager to stretch and run off their energy. They were immediately followed by the familiar figure of the mother Saber. She looked better than when we’d last seen her and her cubs looked healthy. The fact the tracker was still close by meant she probably had enough to start storing it now. We had given her a considerable haul, though I expect it was almost all gone. They were a beautiful family and we just sat in the trees, watching as they went about their normal routine, an intimate look at their private lives. It was an amazing moment that I’ll never forget.

I hadn’t noticed anyone leave, so absorbed in the Saber family, but the smell of blood made me look around. Merrick grinned and pointed with his head to somewhere lower down and I saw Eecee laying a fresh kill by the trees just outside of the Saber’s open area. She quickly scrabbled up the nearest tree and returned to us to watch but I bumped her playfully and smiled at her kind gesture. We watched a little longer, long enough to watch the Saber family find the kill gift and begin tearing into it.

They didn’t eat much, just a mouthful each which indicated the cubs weren’t weaned yet, but Mama Saber was quick to drag the meal into what I assume was the main den. She reappeared to usher her cubs back in and they were gone. Just like that. I kept my eyes on the entrance to the den and flicked a virtual marker on it, finally looking away to make sure it had appeared on my map. I smiled to myself happily, as we all slowly turned away, knowing our little moment was over.

“Thanks everyone. Time to go. Let’s find a good place to set up camp and maybe we’ll come across a working grav-line on the morrow.”

I knew she was okay now. She had her next meal all sorted for her, her cubs were safe. It was a good moment to leave on. Time to look to the Igidoe.