Kakri stormed through the halls of her palace, causing the sprites to scatter to avoid her rage. Ahiel had surprisingly been successful in avoiding her efforts to chat, she had attended an insane amount of social gatherings for her to try and corner him but he had disappeared from those. Her solo research was proving less than fruitful as well. Whatever this treasure was either someone was trying very hard to keep the details hidden, or it was never there to begin with. Banging open the door to her work area, she slammed it shut with a resounding bang before throwing herself in a chair that looked out over open sky. Not being able to tell Liz was annoying, yes, but she was more frustrated she couldn’t figure it out like the mortals and gods before her. Sighing she put her head in her hands and rested her arm on the sill.
What am I missing here? Did it even exist in the first place, or am I just falling for the same game Ahiel is doing with the mortals, giving them tidbits and nothing actually is there? No, while this is no doubt amusing to Ahiel, he gave me that warning for a reason besides games. What is that though and why is he avoiding me so I can’t ask?
A nock came at the door to the room. “Enter,” she snapped.
One of her senior attendants eased through the door shutting it behind them. “This just arrived, my Lady.” She held out a piece of parchment to Kakri.
“Who sent it?” She held out a hand for the parchment.
“No name was given, though it was servant of Lord Ahiel who delivered it.” The attendant handed it over bowing, its robes puffing around the two of them.
“Safe guess than it’s from him. How very mortal of a message from him though.” She sat up slightly and started to open it.
“I will leave you to read it my Lady.” The attendant bowed and left her alone to finish opening the message.
Kakri nodded and continued to fiddle with the parchment, sliding it open as the door shut gently once more. Her eyes scanned the words on the page her power swirled around her in a growing torrent of wind as she read further. Several tables and desks moved to slam into the walls from the force of the wind and her hair whipped around her face though she kept reading. “TEACH ME A LESSON!” she bellowed, her voice echoing off the walls. Lighting flashed as the wind fueled by rage conjured a storm in her workroom. “What in the name of the Underworld and all that is dear to us, is he playing at?” She paced, not remotely caring of the further damage she was raining down on her belongings. Glass shattered, as various bottles broke, books tore as they were ripped from the bookcases. “What game is he playing? What does he have to gain?” She re-read the letter causing the wind to grow stronger. “Teaching me a lesson? He plants the idea and accuses me of it being necessary in teaching me a lesson. Why?”
She was half tempted to fly over to Ahiel’s home and barge through forgetting the consequences for entering that way to demand answers. She knew though that she would get nothing, if he was even there at all since he seemed to be lying low and was only willing to offer this letter to her as any explanation. She re-read it a third time, the wind calming around her as she focused on the meaning of the words instead of riding the emotions they came to her. By the end she threw herself in the only upright chair, the objects still caught in her power crashing to the ground some breaking in the small pieces as they landed.
She let the parchment flutter down to join them as she leaned her head back, allowing her hair to fall over the back of the chair. “So that’s your game and why you warned me. You thought I was getting too attached so you decided to show me how expendable mortals are, how manipulated they are. For someone who warned me of getting too involved you forced my hand. I was going to stay mostly out of this and let it play out with little meddling to ease things. Let her prove that humans are fine and strong though they faced all this. She would have done that easily. Now though that your lot is getting help from you and everyone researching to prove your point that things don’t change then so will mine get my help.” She glanced outside the window. “And I better hurry before the others have orders to keep me busy.”
Smiling she walked over to the door, and then turned back and the mess registered to her. I’ll worry about it later. Opening the door she saw three attendants including the one who delivered the note hovering, almost cowering in the hallway. “Relax, little ones; I got upset but I’m calm now. Is anyone up for a trip though? We’ll be staying long term in the mortal realm.” They nodded. “Get a few more of the others to come with and get those who are staying in the main hall. Off you go now.”
She shut the door as they flew away, locking it behind her though it might be ages before she returned she would leave the mess for later. Hurrying through the halls she stopped in the main entrance starting to activate the safety features of her home in preparation for leaving. Slowly the crowd behind her swelled and divided into those who were staying and those were accompanying her. At last the lead attendant nodded signaling that they all were there.
“Okay listen up, I’m going away for a while to the moral realms. Don’t worry we won’t live among them for long- they can’t handle that ruckus- but we’ll be there for a while. Apparently one or more of my siblings have decided that it’s fun to play with mortals and their affairs and set up the new ruler of my realm for failure. So, I’m going to stay close to keep an eye on things. Those who are staying know that the house will be barred from others entering, my strongest protections will be in place. Let no one know what is going on, simply say I went on holiday and you don’t know where. No doubt they’ll guess but we can make ourselves hidden when we want.” She looked around. “Understood?” They nodded. “Good, now take care of yourselves, we’ll try not to be long.” She dismissed them and approached those who stayed. “Last chance to stay here where you’ll be more comfortable.” They shook their heads. “Good!” She motioned for them to follow her out, they hurried down the path. Behind her she could feel the safeguards activate once she was far enough away.
Soon they were flying over the realm toward the gateway; it was oddly quiet since usually someone was about going somewhere even at night and often used methods of air travel. Kakri looked at all sides to make sure they remained safe and undetected. She could feel the eyes on them but they remained hidden. Soon the lights of the portal were in sight and she ushered them fast through knowing that once they were clear their chances of detection would be a bit less due to their being in the mortal realms. Once clear she paused near the mountains and sized up the sky. “There!” she pointed slightly south from them. “That will suit us, it’ll be a bit smaller than what we’re used to but we don’t need that large of a home.” She rose up and landed on the cloud she was referring to. Allowing the power to flow she shaped the cloud and built it up until she had a miniature replica of her home in her native realm before her. It only had a few rooms but it would be cozy for her and the handful of attendants that had come with her.
“Now we set sail for over Ravenwood,” she told them looking around. “Might as well get comfortable, this will take a bit since I don’t want to go fast. It’ll be a matter of time before they realize where we’ve gone. They’ll probably think I’d fly to Ravenwood as fast as I could but I won’t let them trace me that much.”
It took them two weeks to make the distance with occasional strong winds conjured by Kakri. When they arrived they came to rest above Ravenwood palace. She could see traces of Ahiel’s work in the city, tensions seemed higher and there were a lot more skyward glances than should have been. Frowning, she quickly eased their fears, though those directed at one another refused to ease entirely as they rushed around to get out of the cold as fast as possible. Patience giving way to her wanting to simply know the situation she found the nearest unlocked door and entered not caring to remain invisible or not. As she walked the corridors she received a few looks at her wispy, light gown in winter weather. Spying someone who appeared to have enough rank to get her answers she cornered them. “Can you direct me to where I might find the Queen?”
“She’s in a meeting,” the man looked disgruntled at being stopped. “Or at least she will be when I get there.”
“Oh good, I’ll walk with you then?”
“Who in the Underworld are you? I’ve never seen you around.”
“I’ve been around. The name’s Kakri, I have a holding out east. I’m pretty new to court on a regular basis, however.”
“Ah, one of the upstarts,” he took a step forward then offered her his arm. “Pardon me, I’m still getting used to seeing women in court and having more of an interest than just social ties.” Kakri took the offered arm. “Since you’re new let me warn you, this Queen’s different.”
“How so?”
“She lets even the lowest in here sometimes to get them heard directly. She takes the oddest stances on things we try to do too, especially if they benefit ourselves more than they might others. If you want to convince her of those things, best have allies.”
Kakri heard the subtle hint and had to stop from laughing. “Allies are useful,” she agreed instead. “It is an odd way to run a court, but I imagine views with the general public are high.”
“Yeah they are,” he admitted, though he sounded like he wanted to do anything but. “Still can’t make a heading in anything with things like this. Bad for someone like me who wants to one day advance their holdings or gain larger ones. But of course, you have yet to deal with that I imagine this being one of your first days here and still a newcomer to it all.”
“Quite true,” Kakri replied. Around the next corner they joined the throng making their way inside past two armored men on both sides of a double door. Joining the end of the overall well groomed line up she studied them with somewhat disinterest. “I must thank you for your escort and advice in dealing with court. It made the trip much more enjoyable.”
“It was my pleasure Lady Kakri.”
They were just about at the doors now, in between the others Kakri could see each noble pausing to bow to Liz who was at the head of the table before taking their seats. “Oh how rude of me, I never did ask the name of my savior to make sure I arrived on time.”
“No problem at all, call me Lucas.”
“My thanks, Lord Lucas.”
They were just at the front of the line so Kakri turned her attention toward the Queen. Liz was dressed in a deep purple gown today, much simpler than what Kakri had seen her in during the coronation festivities. Her eyes widened at the sight of Kakri with her human nobles, during her curtsy she met Liz’s eyes and gave a slight wink.
“No need to mention who I am,” she told her on a slight gust of wind that ruffled Liz’s hair while Lucas paid his respects. “We’ll chat after, for now just treat me as though I’m one of them.”
Liz inclined her head in acknowledgement as Lucas escorted Kakri to a seat. Kakri gracefully lowered herself and studied the others closer for the first time. Some looked to be trouble, old hands at court games and used to dealing with a whole other set of rules and laws. Their gazes were calculating of both their fellow nobles and ruler, trying to see who would be best to ally with as Lord Lucas had put it. He had a similar gaze in his own eyes but at the same time it was less, he didn’t want to stand fully against his new ruler she guessed. He was comfortable where he was and didn’t want to risk it too much by getting on her bad side until her measure was gotten and he wanted a good relationship with her.
“Now that we are all here,” Liz began, taking her seat. “What concerns do we have today?”
Kakri listened as some lesser nobles like what she was posing as expressed concerns over food. Durj had apparently taken too much and even with some autumn preparation they were still running low. These were quickly allotted for with some provisions from what little could be spared.
Some of higher rank wanted to expand as Lucas had mentioned. Liz considered it for a few moments and it almost seemed as though she was going to decline the requests. She agreed though under the condition at first it be used to grow food and then turned over to whatever purposes desired after a few years. It was a wise agreement in Kakri’s opinion given the issues they were having now with food though some tough months ahead were sure to be had.
They didn’t appear too happy with the delay but the promise seemed to please them. Next to speak were the nobles with the largest communities under their care; they told the assembly about bandits raiding as they posed as refugees stealing valuable supplies probably for later sale.
“Simply put, your majesty, we need more coin to pay for the extra troops to stop this menace,” one of them spoke directly to Liz.
“I am sorry, but there is none to spare. You will have to pay the extras out of your own purses.”
“I have no extra funds!” another Lord protested.
Liz eyed them curiously. “Your city is one of the largest out there, Lord Rukin. Only just behind what Ravenwood -when it is fully functioning- and Briar’s Port make in trade profit. If you are out of gold than I best see the city in pristine condition with gold lined streets next I visit!” He winced under her gaze. “I thought it might not be the case. Pay your own troops, while I am willing to send more to patrol the roads near your city I will not pay for the protection within. There is simply no more gold after helping everyone after Durj’s tax and ensuring food for those who need it this winter.”
“Makes you wish we had that treasure now, huh?” someone else spoke up. “Are the Eire still going on about that by the way?”
“Last I heard they were, probably want it for themselves,” someone else replied.
Kakri bristled at the disrespect glancing over at Liz who seemed a bit lost at how to regain control. “Take care of your holdings,” she continued softly.
“That treasure would be nice,” Lord Rukin said ignoring her. “Solve this in a heartbeat with no one’s pocket being hit. Isn’t that what the royal family used it-“
A gust of wind roared through the room sending parchment sailing through the air, causing some to close their eyes to protect them from the debris. It only spared Kakri and Liz both of who sat there until the room fell silent once more and the wind started to quiet. “I think her majesty was trying to finish a point,” Kakri said in the stunned quiet, her voice almost a whisper.
As the wind died completely the wind swept nobles gapped at one another, several trying to tidy their disheveled hair and clothing. Liz shot Kakri a grateful look before speaking again. “Thank you. As I was saying, the main treasury has been all but exhausted with the basic needs and helping out with those as well as helping recover from what Durj had done. The security of your holdings is your responsibility so the cost comes from you, we cannot afford to help pay the bill every time you need to add to your rosters.”
“Your majesty we’re beggared after everything though, after Durj’s tax especially.”
“Like I said, that tax was repaid mostly in full.”
“We have needs! A certain level of living we’re used to!” someone else shouted.
“Tell you what, and I bet others will do this too. If you have some extra food and wood already cut for the winter I’ll buy them off you for a fair price negotiated among our peers. Then you can use my coin since it’ll be extra for you to pay for your troops.” Lord Lucas offered from next to Kakri. “Is that fair?”
“Sounds like a perfect solution, though it would be best if it was not just you, Lord Lucas, who is paying.” Liz said. “It also might help ease the pain of the food shortage since larger holdings and smart farmers might have had time to prepare as we saw in Rinette.”
Several of the Lords and Ladies muttered to one another, seeming to come to an unofficial agreement to meet to settle this matter. Kakri grinned inwardly at the sight of the humans coming together after just a small wind. Still, it is odd they mention this treasure with their sights on it. Perhaps it is wishful thinking for it to be the solution to their problems or they think it will give them means to challenge Liz. She tuned out the meeting lost in her observations. Now that their immediate concerns were met they appeared a lot more at ease and listened to Liz address how they should set examples and work together. Kakri glanced over at Lord Lucas who was studying his new possible trade partners and wondered what else he might be trying to get from them in private. Whatever it might be I will see soon no doubt. He offered her a small smile which she returned and then shifted her focus back to Liz.
“I think that will do for now,” she was saying to the nobles. “We have overall gotten a lot of ground covered.”
She stood and they followed suit, many offering her a bow before starting to leave the room. Kakri started toward her when she felt Lord Lucas grab her wrist, causing her to turn toward him. He had such a tight grip it was all she could do not to slap him. “Yes?” she offered with a curt tone.
“Are you going to talk to her majesty?”
“Yes,” she replied. “Is there something you needed?”
He glowered. “Be careful, not sure how I trust that one. How’d you manage a personal appointment with the Queen anyway?”
“Just lucky I suppose,” Kakri replied. “And I had to call in several favors to do it. Best not to waste it,” she yanked her hand free. “I will find you after.”
“Good luck,” he replied.
Kakri stalked away toward where Liz waited with the red haired woman Kakri remembered from the coronation. “Thanks for the save,” Liz greeted trying to maintain appearances and yet be respectful to the Goddess.
“Not a problem,” Kakri replied, waving her hand curtsying. “Let’s get away from prying eyes shall we before we continue this? Who’s your friend?”
“This is Terra,” Liz replied waiting for a door that was behind her to open so she could pass through and leave the crowd behind. Terra and Kakri followed just behind but drew even with the Queen as they entered the corridor. “Terra, meet the Goddess Kakri.”
Terra bowed, “It’s my honor.”
Kakri grinned in response then looked around at the still emptying corridor. “None of that right now. Just pretend I’m one of you.”
“Why are you back and posing as a noble, if you do not mind me asking?”
Her grin widened. “What better way than to see what one is dealing with?” Kakri looked around the rather busy corridor. “Is there a very private place we can chat?”
“Lass, maybe I should…” Terra began shifting uncomfortably.
“Nonsense!” Kakri said, pulling Terra close. “The more to weigh in on this matter, the better.”
“We can use this room here,” Liz said pulling open an inner door and smiling at a passing servant and guard patrol. “It has no use right now and people rarely come in. We should have plenty of time before Kellin comes to see where we are from sitting with Cat.”
“How is she doing?” Kakri asked as Terra closed the door.
“As well as can be expected,” Terra replied curious as to why a Goddess was asking about a mortal’s health. “Sadly her eye had te come out.”
“Damn,” Kakri replied. “I was hoping... not that I can get help in that regard right now anyway.”
“What do you mean?” Liz asked.
“Let’s just say that the gods are having a bit of fun in earnest now. I plan on shocking them with an undisguised display of staying one step ahead and helping you out down here though.”
“What?” Terra demanded.
Kakri danced around the room. “Some of me and mine have come to this realm for a vacation of sorts. We’re going to help you find this treasure, whatever it is or end the debate once and for all of its existence. Seriously, not sure what Ahiel was thinking besides playing some game with me.”
“A game with you?” Liz asked.
Kakri blushed. “As I told you, mistakes led to what this realm had to endure for over half a century. As a result I’ve been trying to not allow it to happen again, and have become more involved. Others think it’s going to happen regardless so why bother?”
“So now this treasure we keep hearing of and are pressured to find, is the result of this battle of wills?” Liz filled in and Kakri nodded. “So it might not exist?”
“It does exist, or at least there are plenty of references in legends to it. The question is if it is obtainable at all or is it long lost? Ahiel believes it doesn’t exist at all, so he’s letting this play out to cause us all trouble Thanks to his wording to the Eire though some appear to think it might be possible to use it to usurp you from the throne.”
“What is te damn thing though?” Terra wondered. “Some item of power?”
Kakri shrugged, “Exacts don’t exactly exist. That’s partly why I think Ahiel thought it would be safe to play with, to toy with me.” She looked at a lamp sitting on a table that was mostly filled with oil curiously. “Court games that the Eiren play were learnt from the best, in other words, us. Not all the world was cut off from us, though some like myself chose to stay away from them as well. They’re so stuffy- and is that lamp shaking?”
“What are you talking about?” Liz asked, studying the lamp too.
“It’s very slight, but watch the oil.”
The three women stared at the lamp for several moments. Slowly, the shaking became more apparent and more violent. Some knickknacks on the table started to skirt across, bookshelves swayed against the walls. They turned around on spot, looking as the movement kept going.
“What in te name of te Gods?” Terra whispered. “No offense, Lady Kakri.”
“None taken,” she replied, eyes widening at the sight.
The ground jolted beneath their feet, causing them to stumble. Around them things came crashing to the ground like paintings, wall decorations, and tables. “I suggest we get out of here,” Liz shouted over the noise as the ground protested again. She started leading them toward a door, stumbling. Just as she was about to reach the door handle the three women were pitched to the floor. As they fell Kakri saw part of the ceiling in front of the door crash to the ground giving them a blast of cold air from above. Coughing, she picked herself back up and helped the other two to their feet, glancing around the room. “Looks like this is our only way out,” she called, pointing to the back of the room trying to stay upright.
As they worked their way through the debris toward the door at the back of the room they could hear distant crashes, screams and constant rumbling that was almost deafening. Terra yanked the door open to reveal a small closet that had a few old cloaks in it. “Now what?” she asked, voice quaking slightly.
More of the building, this time right next to them came crashing down, but the door remained open. Kakri glanced around them, knowing that if the force kept up the room wouldn’t last much longer. “Get in,” she ordered. “Cover yourselves with the cloaks. I’ll try to keep the debris off as much as I can. We’ll get through this.”
Terra made sure Liz was tucked away before concealing herself in the mass of cloaks. Kakri joined them in the darkness, forcing her power to swirl around them to toss the debris away as it started to constantly reign down. It was stuffy under the cloth, suffocating. Kakri winced as tiny bits of debris made its way through the small tornado Kakri was making around the women, covering them. This is the least safe option in an earth shaker. She looked over at the other two who were tightly embraced, the material tucked tightly as possible around them. They’re trusting in you Kakri to get through this. You can’t let them down. Closing her eyes, she focused her entire being at keeping the rapidly crumbling building off of them. She could hear several larger chunks slam into others next to them, the wall in the back completely collapsed causing all three women to press closer together. Kakri poured all she had into her safety measures. The noise was deafening, a loud crash came from high above and in seconds Kakri found herself plunged into complete darkness.