4-4-11

The indignant screech cracked through the trees and the Drake guards all tensed, claws extending and muscled bunched, ready to obey the next command. In response, the Icanthie went very still, eyes locking on to the nearest threat and waiting. The atmosphere became thick and dangerous.

“You upstart, filthy little mongrel! How dare you try to be in charge. How dare you talk to us without invite. How DARE you attack a loyal Drake guard!” Calessi-tianArden A’Dess Sylvia spat in a rough, hissing voice as she stormed towards me.

I spared a quick glance for Thespenia to gauge her reaction but quickly returned my attention to the threat coming at me full speed. From my brief look, Thespenia appeared surprised at her advisers actions but recovered quickly, falling into an intense watchfulness. I suspected she wouldn't act just yet, probably testing me. Or testing Calessi. Oh well, I guess I had to deal with this myself but I felt better about it knowing I had Mathias and my friends with me. at the same time, I didn’t want them hurt so the best course of action was to direct the advisor’s ire towards me. Yay.

Another hasty planning and decision session in my head complete, and before she could continue on her rampage, I cocked my head spoke in a calm, confused voice. “Why would you think I’m trying to be in charge Advisor Calessi-tianArden A’Dess Sylvia?”

My calm and perfectly innocent question seemed to enrage her further. She had a pleasant rose colouring that was quickly becoming mottled to a deep blood red and giving the impression that she was the one that had been attacked. If I wasn't so weary from the adrenaline crash and the sadly familiar bigotry, I found her unfortunate pallor amusing. As it was, I had to concentrate on preventing an escalation. The tense guards had not escaped my mind or notice so before she could continue her rant, I decided to cut her off and address her other accusations.

“I must apologise to you all for the unsolicited telepathic communications. It was a terrible breach of etiquette and I wrestled with the decision, however I felt that the well being of both, the delegations and brave Drake guards, mean that my behaviour, though not excusable, was warranted. I must ask for your forgiveness and I hope that it does not reflect too poorly on myself and the Icanthie delegation.” I swiftly encompassed the entire Drake group as I finished and again, returned my eyes to the Drake advisor. It may have been my imagination but I thought the apology eased some of the dangerous intent from the tense Drake guards.

I began to worry that the unnatural stillness of my Icanthie protectors was going to prevent any further lessening of hostility but I had to trust they knew what they were doing. They knew this was a diplomatic delegation and I trusted them. I’m not sure I trusted the Drakes yet though. Trust didn't come easy to me, my kin were the exception.

Any progress I’d made with the Drakes with my apology was undercut by the venomous words of my detractor. “There you go again! What right have you to make these decisions? You are nothing and shouldn’t even be here.”

Okay, enough diplomacy, time to hit this obstinant Drake over the head with a little life learning. “You may believe that I am nothing Calessi-tianArden A’Dess Sylvia, and you are entitled to your opinions, however, I am the chosen Ambassador for the Icanthie delegation to the Drake. I am a recognised Icanthie Royal and I represent my cousins King Kine Den of the Icanthie Kingdom Nation. Regardless of how you feel about me, all that you say and do to me, you say and do to the Icanthie King. If you cannot put aside your personal feelings, you should not be a Diplomat and I am concerned that you have been chosen to represent your people. Unless this is the response you wish me to give to my King?” I asked, eyes flicking to Thespenia.

She look furious yet still she didn’t speak. What was she waiting for? Calessi had more than enough rope to hang herself with. Ah, perhaps it was that even though Calessi had proven her lack, I had not yet proven my worth? Very well. But I would remember this, the Drakes asked a great deal before they would stand with someone.

Before I could address any more of their concerns, Calessi-tianArden hurled another accusation at me, her face triumphant and smug. “You injured a Drake guard. How is that to the well being of the group?” She spoke in a mocking tone but continued, not letting me answer. “I am a master of my trade! You may speak the right words but you have no idea of their meaning. I care not that the Icanthie leader is your cousin or that those fools have recognised you as a Royal. You are a Myath and we are done allowing you to remain among your betters.”

I lifted my chin, not letting her cow me and waited. I was letting her rile, I so wanted to bite back at her accusations but sometime silence was more powerful.

“Forgive me Calessi-tianArden A’Dess Sylvia, but the Icanthie Ambassador didn't harm me.”

The firm rich voice spoke into the charge silence and we all turned, a little surprised, to the source. The guard I had helped stepped forward from his companions and bowed to me.

“A’henthay, kenn ann astreth fallon var a’drann Sierra-tianArden.”

This guard had greeted me in the proper formal manner and, what’s more, had chosen to bestow upon me one of the higher titles despite not knowing my true standing. And how had he known my name? He must be at least of the tianNaj level to be able to bestow the tianArden title on me. He was basically saying he viewed me as above him due to my service to him. This was where titles got complicated, they could be literal, practical or symbolic and there were far more than the four standard titles. That didn’t even get into the complex nature of power, which was separate from titles, and the fact that one individual could hold multiple titles of different levels. How should I respond? I could assume he was tianNaj but that might offend either him or the others if I guessed incorrectly. Better to go with the title for unknown status, though i could shade it with my own respected given name.

“Fallon keteth A’nara, Belanor.” I responded with my own bow and a hand over my heart.

Belanor was a very old word in the tongue of the Elven Fae, often used for legal language, and meant Trusted One. It had power of its own and I’d chosen to give it to the unknown guard because of the trust he’d put in me by defending my actions towards him and for addressing me with respect in the language of his people. It was perhaps a little much considering it would forever link us until one or the other proved the title void but it felt right.

Gasps rose from a few mouths but none spoke anymore. I rose and smiled at him, remembering to check on Thespenia and Calessi quickly before returning to the guard. My attention was being split in too many directions but I had to keep going. We needed to resolve this.

“Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Sierra, daughter of Feenya of House Kuthar of the Icanthie and Galen of the Myath, niece to the Silent King, King Mathias of House Den of the Icanthie and cousin to King Kine of House Den of the Icanthie.”

The guard bowed briefly again and responded. “I am Fennick-tianNaj A’Zadack Pashna, Second in command of my Unit. Thank you for saving me Sierra-tianArden.”

“I am glad I could help, though I am sorry about the scratches.” I answered a little sheepishly. But Fennick, huh another Fennick in our group, was quick to reassure me.

“I have already healed and it was necessary. You saved all of us when your group fell from the trees. We did not think we could survive the Saber, it was relentless and our guard had already overrun our patrol times. We’re exhausted.”

Finally, Thespenia spoke up. Perhaps she had been waiting to see how her people would act, loath to try and fight against the flow of opinion. She had to gauge the balance between accommodating the delegation and the needs of her own people. “Well said Fennick-tianNajA’Zadack Pashna. We are all most grateful. To be otherwise would be a terrible breach of etiquette and hospitality.” Her words were accompanied by a pointed look at her advisor,, though I’m not even sure the seething Calessi noticed. Thespenia narrowed her eyes.

I was beginning to see that Thespenia’s style of leadership was to speak infrequently and observe quietly yet she still managed to project a powerful, strong demeanour. Her style seemed to engender respect and her open approval encouraged further discussion as Fennick resumed his conversation with me, to the eager ears of our listeners.

“If I may ask, how did you know it would work? You could have been jumping to your deaths if the Saber had been stronger or more aggressive.”

Many of the guards, seemingly realising that the Icanthie were not a threat, or persuaded by my use of proper etiquette, were finally relaxing and offering small bows of respect and gratitude to each of us. They looked just a curious as Fennick-tianNaj, wondering how we had escaped without killing or being killed. I considered them.

“How many of you have experience in the wilds? Not just patrols but extended jaunts?” They all shook their heads. “I have spent the majority of my life travelling in the wilds with my father. I know the predators and the prey, their territories and preferred dens. I know how they behave, how they think, how to read their body language. I know where to hide, how to cover my tracks and scent, when to act and when to wait. So I used all that experience to try and help. It’s unusual for any of the predators to chase you like that. It’s usually only when they are desperate, otherwise the energy expenditure for difficult opponents isn’t worth it, especially if they are alone. Packs are a bit more dangerous. If you can get away from their territory or out of range, then that does a lot to help you survive. I’m glad I was able to help though, especially because nothing in the wilds is guaranteed.”

I’m not sure they entirely believed me. That or they couldn’t comprehend the life I’d tried to explain. Even Grythfordin-tianShkii Jadis, how I’m sure enjoyed flying above the forests, looking for a meal, seemed surprised. Perhaps it was that they didn't think the Myath, with their lack of shifting ability could survive where others can. Still, many were afraid of the deep forests, the truly wild areas where none ventured.

“Have you really lived all your life in the wilds?” Someone asked.

“Not all my life, just most of it. I remember my home from when i was vey young. Before my parents were forced apart. Before we were forced to flee.” I responded a little sadly but I smiled despite that, slightly amused by the inquisitiveness of the Drakes. I had wanted to know whether the average Drake would really respond to me and now it seemed I had my answer. At least some were as curious as you could imagine. More questions came.

“What was it like?”

“Was it really just the two of you?”

“What does hunt you, if you can escape the predators?”

My smile probably turned a little sharp at that last question but it was difficult to remain calm when I thought of it, especially considering my recent dream. Still, I managed to rein in any bite as I answered.

“Why, other bipeds of course.” Stunned silence filled the air. “Usually it’s rather casual, they want to remove you from their land or stop you taking something from them, not that the Myath resort to stealing, its far too dangerous. It would only further increase hostility and can only end badly. But, unfortunately there are others who make a sport out of it and form hunting parties, actively seeking us out, like the Red claws. They are relentless and the Myath have had to learn everything about survival to be able to escape them.”

Thespenia finally spoke up, her voice full on confusion and trepidation. “The Red Claws? I don’t understand.”

“Have you heard of them?” I asked carefully and Thespenia nodded. “I’m surprised. They go to great lengths and extreme measures to either indoctrinate or eliminate those who learn about them. They’re very secretive.”

“SHUT UP!”

The shout was full of rage an I knew who it was. It made sense. “Ah, you’re one of them are you Calessi-tianArden? I did wonder, though I suspect you’re less of an active member and more the support side, no?”

Calessi-tianArden fumed silently, obviously reluctant to speak of the secret business of the Red Claws, but her eyes sparked with hate and fury. She hadn’t said much since the guard had shown his support, bringing his comrades with him but I knew this wasn’t the end. She wouldn’t let this go easily.

“What, exactly, do you think the Red Claw is Ambassador Sierra?” Thespenia asked, also watching her advisor closely. “As I understand it, they are a survival group that like to try and recreate the skills of the past, being totally dependant on the land for their little forays into the wilds.”

I laughed incredulously.

“Forgive me Thespenia-tianNaj, I do not laugh at you. Tell me, do these survivalists take rations on their trips?” She nods. “Ah, and do they take clothing, shelters? Do they use the grav-lines?” Thespenia nods each time, looking perturbed.

“Then I very much doubt they are survivalist, as they say. Anyone who knows anything about history knows that to mimic ancients and learn to survive the wilds, you take very little with you. I even know that some survivalists begin totally naked. It is a very niche hobby, and not many choose to pursue being a survivalist due to its difficulty and the discomfort involved. The Red Claw, as I know it, is more about death than survival. The organisation stretches across all the races, except perhaps the Fae who tend to take a fatalistic approach to the other races. The Red Claw aims to eliminate all non-conforming individuals which include Myath humans, sympathisers and dissidents. They are relentless and merciless, believe they are doing the planet a favour and preventing a second Disaster. I can’t pretend to follow their reasoning but I’ve had a few tangles with them and they don’t stop. Once they find a target, they are relentless, using everything in their power to find them and kill them. They’ve been known to hack into different databases to help them track a target that gets away and often mark their targets so they know when one has escaped. They are brutal and I wouldn’t wish them on anyone. That’s how I helped you today. I used my orbits of experience travelling the wilds and being hunted by all kinds to find the best resolution. Frankly, the Saber was easy. She just wanted food for herself and her cubs.”

No one said a word. What could they say? The picture I painted was awful but I suspected from the looks in their eyes that it wasn’t beyond the realms of possibility. Perhaps some of them knew more but the very nature of the Red Claws meant speaking up was dangerous. Beside, there was little any of us could do about it now. Calessi-tianArden had said nothing to confirm nor deny my questions but I had spotted the little emblem sewn into her sleeves. It was discreet but obvious once you know what to look for. We’d gain nothing by taking this any further so I redirected everyone’s attention to the present.

“Time passes and we still have some way to go. Is everyone well enough to continue?” My words worked as an alarm call and the impromptu gathering broke up. Minor scrapes were tended, supplies organised and distributed and our, now larger, group formed into an effective formation. Getting our bearings, we set off towards our destination, the Mountain.

Contrary to the rest of our travelling, I found myself next to my Drake counterpart. We travelled quietly together, the others making small talk around us, until eventually Thespenia spoke quietly to me.

“You know in the great epics, the enemy is this dark singular figure, obvious in his ugly features or shrouded nature. You can point to it and say “Look that’s the bad guy”. You know it when you see it and when you defeat them, things immediately improve. Life gets better. But, in reality, evil isn’t like that. I missed it when it was right under my nose.”

“But that’s the nature of it, isn’t it? Evil, darkness, bad stuff, it stays hidden whenever it can, sculking in the shadows. It’s subtle. An idea whispered in the depths of your mind: “I’m better than them, they’re different, it’s them and us”. It’s in the choices we make: to lie, to take, to act poorly or not act at all. But I think most of all, evil is in indifference. Apathy. In not acting when something is wrong and turning your back, turning a blind eye. And it gets everywhere. The less people care, the more evil and bad stuff just happens. It’s so hard to fight that. It’s not one big battle and then everything’s better, you have to constantly be aware and tackle it every day. Every moment, every person you meet, every shrugged shoulder, every turned back. Every sneer. And in ourselves too, every stray thought, every reaction.” I sigh wearily. “It’s just so exhausting, draining. Eventually, you might stop caring and then you do nothing, letting the bad stuff flourish again, like a poisonous weed. That’s what makes me keep fighting despite how tiring it is. Because I don’t want to live in a world where evil is everywhere. And I don’t want to let evil have its way with me too. You shouldn’t feel bad Thespenia-tianNaj. I’ve seen enough of her kind to recognise them easily. It’s just practice. The good thing about this is that you’ve had your eyes opened now, it won’t be as easy to elude you now.”

I smiled at her, trying to comfort her. As diplomats, we were supposed to build bridges and find the best in one another, find common ground and compromise. Huh, a stray thought hit me, maybe that was why Kine gave this to me. Anyway, to have one of her own nearly destroy all that we were working for and to realise that someone she thought was like her, that she thought she could trust, was instead the opposite… it would shake anyone. I hoped that Thespenia would weather it well.

The subdued quiet of our party was disrupted once again by a red alert on our interfaces, accompanied by the distinctive telepathic ping.

“Oh no…” Despite the fact that I whispered, it was clearly audible and the sentiment was echoed on all our faces. I looked again at the information alert flashing red on my wrist screen.

Deluge Alert!