Old Promises, New Mysteries: Book 2 of The Kinstone series

(Arcturus)

I walked along the corridors of the Chateau d’Jeaulian, headquarters of the Court of Mele’vari’o. The hour was rather late, and normally would have meant consignment to my bed.

I smiled softly, recalling my brief but cherished time with Rachel. I knew that I had taken a risk in visiting her the other day while her daughter was abroad. For if the child had been home, she more than likely have kept a constant vigil of me. The girl loves her mother deeply and would do anything to see her be happy.

From what I can gather, the child practically worships the ground that her mother treads upon, which was evident during their visit to the castle nearly a year ago. The child was quiet and reserved while here, as opposed to the children of other members, fully respecting the rules here.

Even when assaulted, she refrained from tarnishing her mother’s reputation. I found the act rather refreshing and admirable.

The two of us had remained in contact with one another since the day I first met her daughter, slowly learning more about the child. Over the past few months, given how much pride the woman took in her daughter and my love for her mother, I had slowly taken an interest in little Aria.

I still remember Rachel saying that I could be in her life. One of my many regrets was in fact my lack of contact with the child. Something I hoped to rectify in the near future.

However, I don’t want to simply insert myself into the girl’s life, in fear of having her think that I was simply swooping in and assuming the role of her father or coming in to start a deeper relationship with her mother. That would have led to a potential disaster.

I wished to gradually ingratiate myself into the child’s life, hoping to have her accept me. I love her mother deeply, but to earn the ire of her teenage daughter would not bode well if I were to offend her in some manner.

I had little excuse for staying away from her mother for all this time. Hence while in America for yet another business meeting, I took the opportunity and spent a few days with Rachel. The two of us wined and dined together, rode around her estate, and merely spoke to one another. All this while under the constant scrutiny of a certain red dragon, the young child’s sister.

She, in lieu of the girl, took it upon herself to watch over us. I won’t lie in saying that tension was rather thick. Even when Rachel told the dragon Sil’vari that nothing was happening, she still persisted in her vigil.

The same was true for many of the other denizens of her Estate. Her combat maids in particular were always nearby. Then there was the alraune, the child’s aunt, who while not quite as suspicious, did maintain watch over me. It was though everyone present was making sure that I was on my best behavior.

I didn’t take it offense by it, instead finding it humbling at how much love was evident that they wished to protect their little princess. I still smile when thinking about it.

It’s rather interesting in the various ways people protect others. We truly did nothing during my visit, aside from merely catching up with one another.

Rachel couldn’t help herself in boasting of her daughter. Espousing of the girl’s accomplishments and spoke of her hobbies, which still astounds me that a girl held the hobby of “model-building” and is quite adamant of it.

While we were together, I could easily tell she was worried about little Aria being so far from home. I knew of the child’s guardians, the daiyokai Yukari Tsukino and Asharyume-no-Inue, both powerful beings, who equally loved the girl as much as her own mother.

Rachel had even shown me a recording of the girl performing in the local shrine festival near where she had been staying. The girl moved beautifully with a grace well beyond her years and was quite evident in the pride and care she had taken in practicing for the event.

Even while it was a recording, her mother couldn’t help but still marvel at how her daughter danced upon the stage. I smiled, watching both the recording and her reactions, as if seeing the performance for the first time.

I pray to one day share in those affections and aspirations as her mother. But as before, such dreams and wishes need time in order to be cultivated. For now, I hope to grow closer to the child, perhaps become friends with her and possibly more in the future

“Arcturus,” I heard a voice calling out from behind me. I turned to see an elderly woman strolling towards me.

I smiled to her, “Hello Josephine. How are you this evening?”

A half smile rose on her face, “You visited Rachel again didn’t you?”

I chuckled, “Yes I did.”

Her smile grew wider, “And how was she? I hope well, it seems like ages have passed since I last saw her.”

Josephine is someone I have always counted on as friend and could count on when in need of an ally during difficult sessions. “She is quite well. She informed me that her daughter had returned from her trip just yesterday.”

The woman sighed, “It would seem that I am the only one who has yet to have any meaningful connection with the petite renard. Sabine in part with through her daughter, Andriy spoke of how the two of them have grown a healthy friendship in the past few months, and then you met her. I seemingly am unlucky when it comes to the girl.”

I shook my head, chuckling, “Josephine, why not simply go and visit the child? From what Rachel has told me, the two of them don’t have any plans until they leave for their coven’s summer gathering later on this month.”

She tapped her wrinkle-filled lips, “Not a bad idea. I still wish to see the child as a kitsune.”

I smirked, “If you are to visit the girl, have her mother show you the girl’s festival performance. She was extraordinary in it.”

Josephine grinned, “I believe I shall,” her attention then turned towards the corridor, seeing other members heading in to the main meeting chamber.

The two of us headed inside, seeing everyone talking to each other. Confusion and questions filled the room with many having already taking their seats. The Southern dragon delegation, having finally settled their long-standing feud with the elves, spoke calmly with their old rivals. Some had assumed their half forms, electing to better fit into the chamber.

The eldest of the wyrms, Arcohan, rested quietly in the corner, spouting the odd puff of smoke from his aging nostrils. Rachel had informed me that Aria had the ability to transform into a dragon thanks to her sister. When she was here, I saw the girl’s fascination and eagerness in wanting to meet the great beasts.

I smiled to my elder colleague, noting somehow he and Rachel shared some sort of connection that as yet is truly unknown to either myself or anyone in the Court.

Aside from that, I knew of a quiet rumor pertaining to him, something having to do with the British Isles. But as to the extent of said connection is unknown, strange how the world is. Dragons do love to hoard their treasures, and secrets are chief among such things.

I peered over to see the dwarves and goblins bickering once more over trade disputes, despite having come to an agreeable deal in the last session. I shook my head, letting out a sigh knowing it meant that many a long night lied in store for everyone.

Standing near the center of chamber stood Sabine and Andriy, who much to my surprise was not holding a glass of triizi. Josephine and I sauntered over to them.

The lilith turned her head and smiled towards me, “Arcturus…I see you have finally returned from Rachel’s side. Do anything ‘special’ together?”

I softly glared towards the woman, “No…as a gentleman, I would never divulge such things, especially while her daughter was abroad.”

She chuckled, “And how is little Aria?”

My gaze softened, “Doing well. The girl returned home just yesterday from her time in Japan.”

She folded her arms, smiling, “Kerrigan informed of a nice juicy detail about the girl that might affect someone here,” eyeing a certain young sharply-dressed vampire, standing in the gallery with a few others.

I looked to her, “Your daughter still thinks highly of the girl doesn’t she?”

The lilith nodded, “As do I. We both wish to see her more.”

I smiled, “As I told Josephine, why not go see her now?”

She chuckled, “I don’t wish to over-stress the child, but Kerrigan is not quite as reserved as I am.”

Andriy unfurled his arms, staring to me, “Arcturus, do you know why this session was called?”

I shook my head, “I do not, old friend. I am just as confused as you are,” looking back to Sabine, who threw up her hands, and shaking her head.

I looked around, the chamber. This was a last minute session that everyone had received a notice for. But what was odd was the content of the session was left empty.

“Since we are on the subject of Rachel and her daughter, I don’t see either of them here. Surely she too would have received the summons,” I said, folding my arms.

The vampiric historian shook his head, “I do not either. But even if she had, I doubt she would be willing to oblige the summons, given her daughter’s reception by both Drakthul and Laevatain’s daughters.”

I glanced up into the gallery, seeing both girls sitting together, speaking to several other children, “Nor I. Both still are fuming over their encounter with Aria.”

I then saw their fathers sitting at their seats, also talking to other members. Both men were absent for a time after Rachel was here, only to return a month later, seemingly to have calmed down.

To the opposite of them sat Viktor Titalos, the head of the last of the three Dewlouran houses. He sat quietly, making sure his counterparts did nothing foolish, even despite his house being the only surviving Lesser of the total sixteen.

Something felt off about this session and it lingered heavily in the air. The chamber was abuzz with confusion and a strange uneasiness. I couldn’t put my finger on it, and that worries me. Sessions such as these rarely if never occurred.

In strolled Tobias, Sabine’s husband and fellow member of the primary council, whom I share a seat with. He walked to the center of the chamber, nodding to his wife, and stepped up onto the central platform.

“My friends, I apologize for the suddenness of the summons and for the late hour.”

“Why are we here Tobias?” asked a silver-haired elf. “The summons spoke not of the reason.”

He turned to her, “I know not either, my Lady. The summons was not issued by the primary council.” The chamber again was filled with members asking questions to each other.

This concerned me greatly. The summons were always approved and sent out by order of the council. There hadn’t been a need for a session to take place as the Court was to be in recess until the end of July.

“If you or the council did not summon us here,” asked a green-scaled dragon. “Then who did?”

“I did.”

The heads all turned in shock as an amber-haired man walked into the chamber. “Regulus,” I whispered, sharing the same shock as those present.

“REGULUS CROMWELL?!?” shouted one of the frailer of the elves, “why are you here traitor? Guards, remove this man at once.” Everyone present roared from their seats, spatting insults towards him.

“You dare return to us you bastard?” shouted a dwarf.

“Your actions caused Countess Rivenfeld to distance herself from us for thirty long years. We will never forgive you for that,” bellowed a dragon.

Regulus smiled, turning to the guards as they slowly entered the chamber. “I will admit that my actions were…distasteful, and am well-aware of my expulsion from the Court. I however still retain the right to be heard, for I have something important to discuss. This affects every man and woman present.”

I looked to Tobias. Even if he had been banished, according to the laws of the Court, even a traitor had the right to speak. Sabine turned to Regulus, her fangs flared in the light, “Why is that man here?”

Andriy gritted his teeth, sharing in her outrage. Josephine glared at the man, her hands balling into tightly clenched fists.

After meeting with Aria, I informed the Court that he had paid Rachel and the girl a visit shortly after the start of September. Given their history, it was a shock to everyone that he would so brazenly appear at her door after so many years. But…why? Why run the risk of her annihilating him on the spot?

My fellow council member looked back at me and sighed, glaring back at Regulus, “Very well traitor, in accordance with our laws, you…may speak and once finished, never return.”

The chamber again erupted into a frenzy, which quickly quelled as Tobias raised his hands, quieting the uproar. We all then strolled over to each side of the chamber, taking our seats. My eyes trained heavily onto him as he arrogantly sauntered into the very heart of the chamber.

Regulus then turned and gazed out onto assembly, his sly, arrogant smile made my skin crawl.

It had been over thirty years since I last laid eyes upon him or he even stood within these chambers as a fellow member. After the travesty of Greece and confrontation with Rachel shortly thereafter, he disappeared entirely. So I found it strange that he would choose now to return.

“I thank the council for allowing me to speak,” his smile lessened but it underlined something, something devious.

“Now, as for what I did," he began. "For the past one hundred years I have been conducting research into a certain topic, and I found that I was far too confined by the Court. My research required materials not found within any records available to anyone present and the only sources were those from outside of the Court."

He chuckled slightly, "These sources well…let’s just say that were of, less than reputable means. So I had to step away and free myself of the Court. Granted, my method of doing so was…extreme. But it was necessary.”

He then turned and gazed towards the leaders of the Dewlouran houses, giving a faint smile, which again made my skin crawl. One could feel the growing tension in the chamber, with many present fighting back to the urge to leap out and slay the man standing before us all.

“Now…to the reason as to why I am here. It is a known fact that I hold a great deal of respect towards the fallen empire of Dewloura, having visited the great city numerous times before it fell. Since then I have been wondering about it. We all are aware that during the Fall, three houses managed to escape and flee westward, taking shelter here and regrouping their power. Many long centuries have passed since then and much has sadly been lost. I believe the world grew poorer with the downfall of the city and of its guidance.”

Regulus then turned once more, “However, what if I were to tell you that a fourth house managed to flee the city before it collapsed?”

The chamber grew silent, with a few members gawking at him. “A fourth house you say?” mockingly asked a dark-haired woman, sitting opposite of me. “I find that hard to believe.” Her dismissiveness was shared by many, some echoing her comments.

“If this house did indeed escape, why not flee here like the others?” inquired a voice out to my left.

Regulus smiled, “Well…this particular house wasn’t quite like the others. Although they were powerful, they chose to distance themselves from much of the political intrigue of the imperial court itself, while still making its presence known and felt by the others. They were beloved by many, both commoner and noble alike. It was said that even the wolves themselves were most loved by them. They lived far from the heart of the citadel, in the outer bands of the city, surrounded by the great forests of Murvol. This house took up the task of raising the remaining Uldulvan wolves left in the city.

"During my visit to the city, I marveled at their affinity towards the mighty beasts, but found their humility humbling. They truly were something to behold. This house also shared much with the other great houses, but only was linked to one other, more strongly than all others.”

The crowd steadily grew restless, some becoming angry. “Enough with the history lesson,” shouted a man to my right. “Give us the name of the bloody house.”

Regulus turned, smiling wider, with a hint of deviousness, “House…Shyair.”

The chamber instantly went silent so much that it became deafening. No one moved, many in total shock. I myself could scarcely believe what I just heard.

“That’s not possible,” I breathed.

I glanced over to the leaders of the houses, Almarec Drakthul was leaning forward, clenching his armrests, nearly shattering them. To his side sat Eneius Laevatain, master magus and often schemer, he stared at Regulus curiously.

That left Viktor, whose eyes remained calm and placid, but something within them drew a great deal of relief and dare I say, renewed hope? Why hope?

Arcohan opened his massive emerald eye, seemingly hearing the news. That alone would’ve caused more alarm in the chamber. That the ancient dragon has taken interest in the discussion, but no one paid him any attention.

I felt the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. What interest did he have in this? The dragon clans of eastern Europe were known to hold strong ties the empire, with several having become fierce and staunch friends to a few of the houses.

Shyair in particular held deep ties to a handful of clans, so was he part of one of those clans? But that can't be, for I know his clan hails from the west. So again, what drew his attention?

Another member shot up from their seat, “You must be lying. There is no possible way that Shyair survived. I was there before the Fall, and that house was present and full as I fled.”

Regulus smiled, looking to them, “You make a valid point my friend, but through the course of my research, I did indeed find that a few did in fact escape from the city. However, upon resettling, they chose to destroy all records of themselves, in order to live a peaceful common life. Effectively they erased themselves from history in order to spare their descendants possible retribution from any other survivors. Even the wolves finally disappeared completely. I will add that their efforts were quite thorough.”

“What proof do you have Regulus and I must stress the implications of this announcement,” spoke Tobias.

Regulus turned and nodded, “Firstly, the records housed here and within the vaults of the surviving houses here are woefully incomplete. Meaning I had to scour the world to find any shred of information. This is why it took me a century in order to complete my research. And yes, I do realize the magnitude of this revelation. It means that in this world, resides a living descendant of Shyair. Meaning not only are they the heir to the house, but also to the throne of Dewloura itself. For Shyair was one of the two royal houses within the empire.”

I looked around, watching and listening to the murmurs to chamber. An heir to the throne, this was no idle boast or passing jest. I again looked to the house leaders, Drakthul and Laevatain both were now in utter shock. While Viktor now showed subtle signs of joy.

The chamber was now abuzz with more and more whispers and murmurs. I glanced up to the gallery, gauging the reactions of both Lana and Mistral, who shared in their fathers’ disbelief.

“You claim that Shyair destroyed their records, but then go on to say that there is descendant, how would that be possible?” asked a goblin.

Regulus nodded, “This is why it has taken me over a century of exhaustive research. With any line, there will be branches that diverge from the main ancestor. Many of these branches died off due to wars, famine, and disease. But through tireless and painstaking effort I managed to find a singular line that still exists to this day, but only resides within a single child. One must also remember that the genealogy of Dewloura does not only follow the father, but also the mother. The child’s paternal line is well documented and secured, which held little interest to me."

He turned to face the center, "The problem lied within their maternal lineage. Given their peasantry background and the region in which they descended from, few, if any, records were kept. This fact made discerning their heritage all the more difficult. With all of this said the child would have no idea of their lineage. But as stated before, I have indeed found the last surviving descendant of Shyair.”

The tension grew to a fever pitch along with it the restless of the chamber. Tempers flared heavily as members rose to their feet, some even slamming their fists angrily into the banisters.

“Enough talk Regulus. Give us the name of the child.”

He then turned once more and smiled, which made my stomach instantly curdle. “Arianna. Lucindel. Edge.”

The chamber at first was stunned speechlessly. No one moved or even spoke. I myself couldn’t believe what I had just heard. The beloved daughter of Rachel…was of royal blood.

I glanced over towards Beltrok, whose crimson eyes bulged briefly. He and the child shared a tenuous history with each other. His very daughter tried to murder Aria out of sheer spite upon losing to her in a duel.

Her mother confessed to me that the child had suspected either of them in the still unsolved murder of her birth family. When Tobias informed me she had actually accused the Court in the act, I found it shocking and amusing that a child had the gall to do so. It reminded me of her then soon-to-be mother’s passion.

The silence which gripped the assembly ended with several more members rising to their feet. “Countess Rivenfeld’s daughter?” asked an elf.

“Then…then this must mean that somehow she knew of the girl’s lineage and kept it hidden from us,” accused another.

“She must be brought forth to answer for this, and her child stripped from her,” demanded a goblin.

Sabine rose to her feet, “Don’t you even dare think of taking that child from her mother. If any of you attempt to do so then you shall have to answer to me.”

I rose and joined her, “I also wish to see you try.”

The one calling for the extreme measure glared at me, “It is a known truth that you are in love with Rivenfeld and would do anything to protect her.” I glared at the accuser.

The chamber was nearly set to come to blows, but thankfully Tobias stood up first, “No one has the right to strip any child from their parent, this includes the Court. I will not tolerate violence in this chamber.”

Many ignored him, opting to increase their calls for the heinous act while others stood beside Sabine and I in defense of Rachel.

Regulus threw up his hands, “My friends please! I ask that you calm yourselves. Countess Rivenfeld would have equally been as ignorant of this information. I highly doubt anyone here possessed any idea of the child’s heritage. I once more will state that the records of the both Court and those within the human world are woefully incomplete. So there should be no one to blame for this apart from time itself. So I pray that no one will attempt to cause harm to Countess Rivenfeld or by extension to her daughter.”

An elf rose from the crowd, “The child should be brought in to be tested.”

Tobias shot a glance towards them, “Absolutely out of the question. Neither I nor her mother would allow such measures.”

“When she and her mother were here, it was said that the child possessed an Uldulvan wolf," spoke another elf. "I believe that alone validates her lineage." The chamber settled but still quarreled amongst itself.

Sabine and I resumed our seats. I looked over to Andriy, who appeared to be pondering something. I leaned over, “Andriy, what are you thinking about?”

He turned to me, “As much as I truly despise that man, what he has said speaks some truth,” now leaning towards me, “I won’t go into great detail, as I gave Rachel and her child my word, but a certain item was sent to the little scholar. She then opened it, which was a shock to both of us. Her mother spoke of trying to discern the child’s lineage and I too came to the same conclusion of how far back I was able to trace it. There is something linking these two events and it concerns me that Regulus has decided to now bring this forward.”

I nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. I looked at Eneius and Almarec, who sat in quiet shock and apparent anger. I glanced to where Viktor was, finding him missing.

The chamber once more grew into a simmer of discussion. Josephine tugged on my sleeve, “You need to hurry to America before something happens. News of this magnitude will spread like wildfire throughout the world.” I looked to the woman.

Sabine nodded, “I agree, Tobias and I can handle things there, so go.” I looked to my friends, eyeing Andriy once more, who smiled warmly.

I sighed, relenting, “All right. I promise to make certain of their safety.” All three nodded. I looked up at Tobias, who also gave me a quick nod.

I quietly rose from my seat, as I did, my eyes trained onto Regulus. There was something in his smile that still made me ill. Just what was his reason for bringing this forward now? I knew he was hiding something. The man had a reputation for scheming which surpassed that of even Laevatain.

He then glanced towards me just as I slipped off of the risers, his smile for a moment, faintly grew broader. He then disappeared out of the chamber while its members still bickered with each other.

As I stealthily slipped towards the door, I noticed that Arcohan and his clansmen had disappeared from the chamber. How could a massive being, akin to a living mountain, so easily and quietly exit the room without notice? It is a question which had to wait to be answered. For now, I must hurry to Rachel and Aria.

I stepped out into the corridor, only to discover Viktor standing by the door. The master of House Titalos calmly regarded me, “You travel to the child and her mother?”

I stared at him, “I don’t have time to waste good sir,” walking past him. I quickly found my shoulder being caught, turning to look back at him.

“We go together. If what was said was true, then I must travel with you.”

I looked into his eyes, “Your family has been waiting all this time hasn’t it?”

The man gave me a grim nod, “We have.”

I turned and stared at him, finally nodding in agreement, “Very well.”

The two of us quickly marched down the corridor, still hearing the chamber behind us continuing to bicker. As our march quickened, I prayed we were able to make to the both of them in time.