Jayhaven Chronicles

It was a beautiful day outside. The sound of Snow-Season birds singing filled the walls of the castle. The faint scent of apples and grain floated through the air like invisible clouds. No one knew what was going on behind closed doors.

Rapid sat belly up on his bead, staring at the ceiling. Depictions of all the rulers of Jayhaven were painted on it, Rapid somewhat realized. Panther was at the center of them all, vines illustrated with stars for leaves surrounding him. The King looked angelic in the image, his pelt shining with tiny lights. If only any of it were real.

There was no longer a gleam of hope in Rapid’s heart, no more slivers of joy. It had been almost a full day since Sedge said she would save Peak. Either she had been lying, or she had been captured too. I’m going to die here. Rapid’s mind wandered off to think about his impending fate. In this castle. Alone.

“Come on, let us in!” A voice faded into Rapid’s shattered reality. “We’ve been knocking for ages!”

I’m going insane. Rapid thought. The voice resembled Sedge’s so much that he almost let himself believe it was real. But it couldn’t be. Nothing good could happen anymore.

“Hey, mouse-brain, are you deaf or something?” Peak. This voice sounded like Peak’s. No, I won’t go to the door. No one will be there, just like the last four times I’ve imagined them. No, Rapid, stop, you’ll just be dissapointed!

But still Rapid found himself wobbling towards the door, his legs feeling weak and his mind feeling foggy. He unlocked the door and tried to twist it open, but it took too much effort.

The door creaked open on its own. Rapid felt something resembling happiness rise in him, though he tried to force it down. There was someone there. Was it really Peak? Could it really be Sedge?

It was.

The next few moments were a haze of hugs and licks and laughter and tears. They were back, Peak was alive, Sedge was fine, and Rapid wasn’t alone anymore! Everything would all be okay. The world wasn’t crumbling anymore, it was rebuilding itself.

“I can’t believe you’re safe!” Rapid exclaimed, not letting go of his friends.

Peak gave a half laugh, half sob. “The owls didn’t kill me, they didn’t even torture me! Kiirion protected me. He’s a good owl.”

“Well, he protected most of you.” said Sedge.

Rapid finally pulled away. “What do you mean?” And his eyes fell to Peak’s metal paw. “Well, t-that’s new.” Rapid sputtered. “Nice wheel.”

Peak’s lips formed a thin line. “Thanks. Everyone stares at me now, though.”

“They’re just jealous that you look like something out of a comic book.” Rapid rustled Peak’s head. “That should be a dream come true for you.”

Sedge grinned. “We’ve got more good news. Dusk and-erm-Mosquito?”

“Spider.” Peak corrected.

“Yeah, him. They’ve got a Commoner on the council that’s gonna meet with Panther tonight, to try and convince him to let you leave.” Her smile shrank a little. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this was a happy ending.”

Her words struck Rapid hard. She was right; Peak was alive, but Hawk was still hurt, and Jayhaven still might have a corrupt King. But for now, let’s think about what’s good. I’m sure everything will work out. Rapid told himself.

The council meeting was held that afternoon, and, from what Rapid, Sedge, and Peak could overhear, got pretty heated. And it seemed Panther wasn’t pleased when it was announced that the king of Jayhaven never had the right to keep an innocent cat in his household against its will.

So in the evening, after Peak and Sedge had gone home, Rapid checked the map in the great hall. He needed to talk with Panther before he left, whose study was near the kitchen and the council room in the east wing of the castle. It was colder there, Rapid realized when he arrived, for all the windows were open, and no candles were lit. There were dozens of dusty bookshelves encircling the study, and cobwebs hung from the roof and clung to the carpet and chairs. Rapid assumed Panther was too lazy to clean.

“Spooky place.” Rapid muttered to no one in particular. “Kinda cold.”

“I like it this way.” One of the chairs rotated around to reveal Panther, making Rapid jump a mile. “It clears the mind.”

Rapid frowned. “You didn’t have to scare me like that.”

Panther raised his head and smiled, wrapping his tail around his paws. “The element of surprise.” He said. “I thought I had taught you well.

“Well, just wanted to say that I’m leaving.” Rapid flicked his ears like he was getting rid of an annoying bug. “And that, while I appreciate you training me, I’ll be more than happy to get out of here.”

Panther’s eyes widened. “Now, wait a second!” He leapt from his seat and approached his former student, looking melancholy. “I need to speak with you.”

Rapid wrinkled his nose but reluctantly sat down. “Fine. What is it now?”

The King sighed, suddenly looking far older than he was. “Look, I’m sorry.” He apologized. “I’ve done some really yucky stuff these past few days, and I wanted to tell you that I’m very, very sorry.”

Panther bounded back to his chair and fished around in a small desk. “Here, I have something for you- it’s in here somewhere.”

Rapid looked behind him towards the door. I should just leave. But what if he’s still good? What if he’s about to prove that he is?

Now with a small pendant hanging from his jaws, Panther returned. The necklace had an odd mixture of color, with a copper chain and a strangely textured blue gemstone.

“This is the King’s Amulet.” Panther lay the jewelry on the underside of his paw. “It belonged to my father, and his father before him. See that gem?” He nudged the blue stone. “That’s turquoise. It’s very rare in our corner of the world. I’ve never liked wearing jewelry, it makes me feel snooty.” He chuckled softly, and for a moment, the old Panther shined through. “So, I’m giving it to you.”

Rapid gasped. “W-what?” He searched Panther’s face for any sign of sarcasm, but there wasn’t a trace. “But I’m not your son. I’m just-”

“Rapid, you’re the son I never had.” Panther said, his eyes watering. “You’re smart, brave, and care for your friends. Now, I know I haven’t exactly been dad material in a while.” The King blinked sadly. “But, I think everybody deserves a second chance.

“Rapid, may I adopt you?”