Chapter 2: Breakfast Banter

As Jackal and Mirany stepped into the dining hall, they were greeted with warm welcomes. "Mirany, where were you?" Gaia questioned. "Look, Jackal's back!" Persis exclaimed, summoning a servant to bring an extra plate for him. Jackal returned his smile as he escorted Mirany to her seat, pulling out the chair for her. "It's a pleasure to see you all again, and at happier times than last." The Nine nodded in silent agreement.

Rhetia rolled her eyes as she sliced the peeling off an orange. "Oh please, Jackal. We all know you came to see Mirany." The girls cringed when they heard Chryse giggle again. No one trusted her, which is why it was such a miracle that she had remained on the Island with them instead of being charged with treason and thrown into the tombs like Mirany once had been. (Of course, Mirany had been wrongly accused at the time.) Jackal faced Rhetia, smirking at the arrogant girl. "Perhaps. But that doesn't mean I can't pay you ALL a visit, now, does it?" Rhetia sighed, taking a bite of a piece of the orange. "If that's what you want us to believe, Thief Lord." "Correction, Lady. Just Lord." He said, pointing out a true fact.

Though Mirany preferred to call him Jackal, the truth was that he had given up that life when his honor as a Lord had been restored. After all, Jackal had grown up as a rich son of a Lord. However, when Argelin came to power, he had stormed Jackal's home, breaking down the door, killing his father in the courtyard and dragging he and his brother away. 'The fountains ran red with blood', Jackal had said many times. But since then, Jackal had drunk from the Well of Songs and was a new man. 'Just another common Lord', Mirany thought as she viewed him in his emerald robes.

"Excuse me," a timid voice spoke from across the table. All heads turned to the newest Embroidress-of-the-God, Diella. Mirany saw she had addressed the Speaker, so she nodded to the girl, waiting for her question. "Shouldn't we get ready for the 'Ceremony of the Archons'? It starts at noon. Mirany nodded. "Yes, after breakfast we should all prepare." The other nodded agreement once more. Feeling Jackal's stare on her back, Mirany took a pear and began eating, knowing that's what he wanted. Jackal sat down, taking a fig and chewing on it. "It will be nice to finally celebrate this holiday knowing it will be peaceful."

Mirany smiled to herself. Everyone, servants and workers included, would be attending the 'Ceremony of Archons'. And that meant she would have a chance to see her other friends. Seth, the cocky but no longer self-centered scribe. Oblek, the fast-tempered, fat musician. And if she was lucky, she would have a chance to visit with Alexos, the latest Archon. It was his birthday only a few days ago and the boy was now twelve years old. The Nine had ordered him a special present from the Emperor himself, knowing it would be of high quality. And, of course, Mirany hoped she would see Fox and the rest of Jackal's old thief gang. She had come to love that free-spirited band and knew that they would be busy pick pocketing today.

As planned, the Nine hurried to ready themselves for the occasion. Mirany was assisted by three servants in being adorned with the heavy robes of the Speaker. She still didn't see how Hermia had made herself look so fluid and regal in such heavy and hot attire. Hermia. Mirany noticed a sadness come to her eyes as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. Hermia was the last speaker, and though she had been in league with Argelin, she had saved Mirany from death and died by Argelins hand (on accident). Mirany closed her eyes and silently prayed to the Rain Queen that Hermia and Argelin were happy in the Garden.

They're together Mirany. Of course they're happy. There was no mistake this time. Mirany smiled, hearing the voice of the God in her head. 'It's you!' she thought, not wanting to speak out loud and confuse the servants. Oh Mirany, I'm so excited for my holiday! You should see the decorations here at the palace! 'Will I see you today?' she questioned just as the servants finished dressing her. Perhaps. . . Suddenly, there was silence. Mirany sighed, knowing the God liked to do that. Speak and leave suddenly. She shrugged, lifting the Speakers mask from its pedestal. "Oh well,' she thought. 'Some word is better than none.' She lifted the mask to her face, then strode from the room to meet up with Jackal and the rest of the Nine.

Meanwhile. . .

Guards stood alert outside the darkened cell. Though, there was really no need for alert. After all, the old hag being held here had no power. Not after that crescent moon wand had been snatched from her. Now she was powerless and alone in the cold cell just behind them. So if this was true, why did they still shudder? Did they really think she could still hex them with her powers? After all, she had nearly killed Jackal, the famous thief, with her abilities. Oh well, they would ignore the chills and remain on guard.

Little did the guards know that during the night, Manto had been plotting, scheming. Now was the perfect chance for revenge against Jackal. She smiled coldly. 'I'll make you pay, Lord Jackal' she thought. 'Every man has a weakness, and I WILL find yours. She fingered her crescent moon wand that she had recently gotten a hold of. 'Let's see what happens when a thief has his most precious possession stolen form him. . .'