Chapter 9
"Cally! How nice to finally see you." Astarte sat in front of the throne. "Come closer Child."
Cally hesitated, although her mind knew this was not the Queen anymore, her heart was still very afraid.
Astarte noticed her hesitation and stood up, walked over and knelt in front of Cally. "Look at me Cally, see me for who I am today."
"I know you are not the Queen, I didn't mean to hurt you." Cally smiled, "You are Astarte." She reached out and touched Astarte's cheek. "I won't forget." Cally took a deep breath. "I have news Astarte, Prince Akron has sent a message."
"What is the message?"
Cally shuffled her feet. "I don't know. But you mustn't believe a word he says! Akron is a liar!"
"Cally!" Tyra was shocked. She rushed forward. "My apologies Astarte, she has no right to say this. I will see to her punishment." She grabbed Cally's tunic and headed for the door.
Astarte held up her hand, "Stop. Cally why do you call Akron a liar?"
Cally wriggled free from Tyra's grip and ran back to Astarte. "Because he is! He promised Rhiannon...." Cally stopped, clapping a hand over her mouth.
Duncan came forward, "What did he promise her?"
Cally shook her head. "I can't tell, I promised I wouldn't tell anyone. I don't break my promise!" Cally straightened her back, "I keep my word."
Duncan looked at Astarte; she shook her head indicating she had no idea what the promise could be.
"I must admit, this time I do not know either Warrior." She knelt down again and lifted Cally's face up to her. "Will we be in danger when we do not know what the promise entailed?"
Cally thought for a moment then shook her head. "No, no danger. "
"The heralding-beast requests permission to enter the throne room." Came Tyra's voice from the doors.
Astarte looked up, "Tell it to wait one moment."
Tyra nodded and left.
"Warrior, Cally come sit with me." Astarte walked up to the throne and sat down. "Cally, you may sit by my feet. Warrior, you stand at my right."
They did as they were told.
Astarte looked down at Cally and smiled. "Child." Cally looked up. "You make a fine addition to this world."
Cally frowned, not sure if that was a complement or not. "Thank you."
Astarte laughed, "Your welcome. Now, shall we call the heralding-beast?" She clapped her hands.
Slowly the door opened and in walked.... Duncan blinked. He had expected, well he didn't know what he'd expected, but not this. A woman, dressed in a blue cat suit. Duncan looked at Tyra, who stood by the doors, to see if this was some kind of joke, but her facial expression was dead serious. Duncan looked back at the woman that had just entered the room and looked a little closer. This time he noticed that what he thought to be a cat suit was in fact a pelt, covering her entire body, leaving only the face and hands exposed. Her eyes were a fascinating mix of gold and green.
The heralding-beast stepped forward and knelt down. "I have message for Queen Rhiannon." Her voice was dark, with a fascinating purr and an undeterminable accent.
"Speak." Astarte said.
She looked up. "You not Queen Rhiannon. I not speak."
"I am Astarte. Speak."
The heralding-beast blinked. "Astarte?" She backed away. "Astarte not real, Astarte children story."
Astarte stood up. "Look at me beast."
Behind her Duncan had a hard time believing his eyes and ears, there below him stood a creature straight from a book or movie and no one seemed to find that strange. He stepped forward and whispered, "Cally."
The heralding-beast looked at him. "You Warrior? Queen Rhiannon Warrior?"
Duncan looked at her; she seemed to be in some kind of distress. "Yes, I am."
Before anyone could react the heralding-beast leaped forward and pinned Duncan to the ground. Sharp claws appeared from her hands and she clawed and bit him anywhere it could. Duncan ignored the pain and tried to free himself from her grasp. He managed to get one arm free and with that he reached for the dagger he'd put under his vest that morning.
"Beast!"
Her weight suddenly disappeared and Duncan looked around, bewildered.
The heralding-beast lay at the bottom of the steps, unconscious.
Duncan noticed the color of her pelt had a different color now; it now went from a dark blue at her feet to white.
Astarte stood in front of the throne, surrounded by a bright light. Slowly it faded away and Astarte stepped forward. "Tyra, see that this beast is punished accordingly."
Tyra nodded and stepped forward; ready to do as she was told.
"Please...." The heralding had woken up and was now kneeling, head bowed. "Please, Warrior must punish."
Astarte nodded, "Yes, you are right." She turned to Duncan, who was now standing next to her. "What do you say Warrior? What is to be done to it?"
Duncan looked at her, appalled. "What is to be done to 'it'? 'She' is not an animal, or a thing!" He walked to the heralding-beast. "Look at her, she may have a pelt she is definitely not an animal." He knelt and lifted the heralding-beast's chin. "You can speak, tell me; why did you attack me?"
She looked in his eyes, "Master ordered me."
"Who is your master?"
"Prince Akron."
"Why did he order you to attack me?"
She hesitated for a moment, "I not know."
Duncan turned to Astarte. "If you are determent to punish someone, punish this prince Akron." He turned back to the heralding-beast. "What is your name?"
She lowered her head, "Name was taken. No name for me."
Duncan looked at Tyra, who nodded. "It is custom for an owner to take the name of a heralding-beast, it is believed the lack of a name is what keeps them doing as they are told."
"That is cruel!" Cally appeared to Duncan's right.
"Yes, Cally, but not unheard of." Tyra said.
"But...." Cally stopped, looked at the heralding-beast and knelt down. She reached out and touched her cheek, "Your name will be Aoife, for you 'are' beautiful."
The heralding-beast's eyes filled with tears. "You give me a name?" She smiled, "Aoife is my name!" She laughed and hugged Cally.
"No one can ever take this name from you. It is yours for as long as you Live." Whispered Cally.
Astarte watched them with a benevolent smile. She had made the right choice allowing Cally to remain in the throne room. The child showed great promise.
Duncan stood up. "Now that this is settled, you said you have a message for Rhiannon?"
Aoife looked up. "Yes, but only Queen Rhiannon may hear it."
"Well, she isn't here right now and won't be available for another day and night. Can't you tell me? I am her Warrior, she will tell me anyway."
She thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I will tell Queen Rhiannon, no one else." She stood up and looked down at Cally. "You gave me a name, you are now my Master."
Cally looked at her, "What?"
"You are my Master. I serve you now, not Prince Akron."
Cally didn't know what to say and just stared.
Astarte chuckled. "Well, it seems you are no longer a Child. You are a Master now." She clapped her hands. "A feast! This Child has grown into a Master!"
Cally turned to Duncan. "I don't want to be a Master! I like being a Child! Stop her Warrior!" She grabbed his hand. "Please...."
Duncan nodded. "Astarte, what is this talk about Cally not being a child anymore? She is still a child."
"But Warrior, she has a slave now. She cannot remain a Child when she has a slave." Answered Tyra instead. She walked up to him and smiled. "Rejoice, for a Child has grown!"
Duncan shook his head. "No, she is still a child. Allow her to grow at her own pace, don't haste her from her childhood, it'll be over to soon anyway."
"Well spoken Warrior, but the fact remains; a Child cannot have a slave, only a Master can." Astarte looked at him expectantly.
Duncan sighed, what had he gotten himself into? First Rhiannon, and now Astarte. He looked down at Cally who was still clinging to him, then up at Aoife. "Will you accept me as your master until Cally has matured enough?"
Aoife stared at him, then nodded. "Yes, until Cally is old enough I will serve you Warrior."
"Good that is settled them." Duncan looked around, "Now, where can a hungry Warrior get something to eat?" He pretended not to notice the tug on his vest and Cally's 'in the kitchen of course' and muttered to himself, "Hmmm, now where did I eat yesterday?"
"Warrior!" Cally was now jumping up and down, trying to get his attention.
"Oh!" Duncan looked down at her, pretending to be surprised. "Where did you come from?" He bent over, picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. "You know your way around here, show us the way, oh mighty Cally!"
Cally giggled and pointed to the doors. "That way!"
"All right, that way it is! Are you coming Aoife?" He headed towards the doors.
Aoife looked at Astarte who shrugged, "Your Masters want you to come with you. Do as you are told and all will be fine."
With a confused expression Aoife followed the others. None of her previous Master had ever shown even a hint of kindness to her, and now she had two who did just that.
Tyra closed the doors behind them and turned to Astarte. "This will lead to trouble Astarte, you know that."
"Yes I do. I also know that it is time for change, you have become too rigid in your ways. I have a good feeling about Duncan and Cally; they will be cause of many discussions." She sighed, "I truly have been away too long, I had no idea my people had become what I feared in the Humans. Now tell me, what is this business with Prince Akron? Aoife's mind will not release anything and Rhiannon... well she is out of my reach for the time being." Astarte sat down on the throne and folded her legs underneath her.
Tyra approached the throne and sat down in front of it. "As you know the land has been divided into three provinces, Phoenix which is by definition ruled by the Queen, Unicorn which is currently ruled by a Seer named Zenon and Dragon ruled by Price Akron. Both Zenon and Akron report only to the Queen, who has always allowed them to install their own laws in addition to hers. Rhiannon's birth and the Oracle's decision that she would one day be Queen, that news caused a wave of fear and confusion amongst the Astartens. For Rhiannon to become Queen her Mother would have to either resign or die, neither of which anyone wanted."
"I see. And since Akron has the most to lose he placed spies in the castle. Oh yes, I have noticed them." She smiled grimly, "I will not tolerate any hostility or hatred amongst my people. I will deal with this personally."
Tyra shivered, glad she would not be on the receiving end of Astarte's wrath.
"Thank you. Leave me. I need to think. Go and see if Duncan is all right." Astarte waved her hand, indicating the conversation was over.
Tyra stood up and headed for the doors, once there she turned her head to look back at Astarte, she was still sitting on the throne but her expression had changed from slightly amused to very troubled. Another shiver ran down Tyra's spine and doubt seeped in her heart. Astarte may have been the one to save them from the humans and the first Queen; she was also from a time when the world was a much crueler place. Tyra locked her doubts deep in her heart for now and went looking for Duncan and the others.
Chapter 10
"Cook! There's a hungry Warrior eager to taste another of your masterpieces!" Duncan walked in the kitchen, Cally still on his shoulders. For some reason he was feeling very exuberant. He headed towards the table he and Rennin has sat on and lifted Cally from his shoulders. "Ah, my dear Cook." He said as he saw her approaching with a curious expression. "We are three hungry patrons looking for a good meal. Be so kind to indulge us."
Cook looked at him and Cally. "Three? My dear Warrior, either you have forgotten your mathematics or you are too hunger stricken for your mind to function properly."
Duncan laughed, a deep, resonating sound that echoed throughout the kitchen. "No my dearest Cook, look we have another guest today." He pointed to Aoife, who was trying very hard to blend in with the wall.
"But Warrior, surely you are joking! This heralding-beast will be fed in the stable, with others of her kind." Cook stepped forward, towards Aoife and waved her hands, "Shoo! Out with you!"
Duncan grabbed her by the arm. "Aoife will be joining us for dinner." He tried to keep a smile on his face as Cook opened her mouth to protest. "Uh, uh, uh." He put a finger on her lips, "Aoife is not an animal. She is my guest and as such deserves the same respect as you show me. Understood?"
Cook nodded. "Yes Warrior." She turned to Aoife, stopped and looked at Duncan. "Who is Aoife?"
Cally giggled. "Guess!" She climbed over the table to Aoife and gave her a hug.
Awkwardly Aoife returned the hug, she was not used to touching her Masters this freely in public. Her face showed no evidence of her inner struggle to keep from bursting out in tears; this child and her Warrior friend were too much for her already shattered self-control. Slowly she released her hold on Cally and smiled. "I am Aoife." She said proudly.
Cook tried hard to remain civil, as Warrior had instructed her. "Welcome Aoife, sit down and tell me what you would like to eat."
Aoife looked down at Cally, "I never choose meal. Master always chooses."
Cally's face saddened a little. "We are not like that Aoife, now you can choose."
Duncan sat down and watched them. He mused about the differences between them, Cally with her dark brown hair, her eyes so dark they almost seemed black and Aoife, her pelt's color going from dark blue by her feet to white at her head, her eyes a fascinating mix between gold and green. He smiled to himself, these two couldn't be more different and yet.... Chuckling he stopped this strand of thought, there would be plenty of time to explore this in the future. Right now he just wanted to enjoy a good meal and have an early night. "Cally, Aoife, come sit down."
Cally crawled back over the table and sat down to his left. "What's taking so long?" She held a hand over her growling stomach.
"Not long, it is almost done." Answered Aoife as she sat down across from Cally.
"How do you know?" Cally's eyes widened in wonder, she couldn't tell one scent from another now that the kitchen was getting ready to prepare dinner.
"I can smell it." Aoife lowered her eyes, "My senses are far better than those of Astartens."
"Wow!" Cally looked at her, full of awe.
"Here you go! One of my specialties: Roasted salmon on a bed of Kupa." Cook put an enormous plate in the middle of the table, one of her helpers put plates and chopsticks in front of everyone.
"What is 'Kupa'?" Duncan asked, his mouth watering from the delicious smells coming from the dish. He picked up his chopsticks and tore a piece from the salmon.
"Hmmm, I don't think here is something like it in the Human world, Warrior." Cook said, her nose wrinkled as she saw Aoife. Cook tried her best to treat a Warrior's guest with respect, but this was a heralding- beast! A simple animal without a thought of it's own.
"It is a little like seaweed, only this grows in sweet water and has a fruitlike taste." Aoife's voice could barely be heard over the hustle and bustle in the kitchen, but Duncan picked it up.
"Really? Let's give it a try then." He smiled warmly at Aoife and picked up a strand of Kupa. "Hmm! This is good!" He said, his mouth full of Kupa.
"Cook always tells me not to speak with my mouth full." Cally giggled, "Not that I listen very often."
Smiling Duncan turned to Cook, "This is delicious, thank you."
Cook blushed a little, curtseyed and left, but not before casting a worried glance at Aoife.
Aoife still couldn't believe it, how could a Warrior and an Astarten child be so kind to one like her? She was a monster, a mistake of Life. That is what every Master had said, every child she saw on the street backed away in horror as soon as they saw her. Aoife swallowed hard, she couldn't allow her tears to flow, she had to keep control.
Tyra came in the kitchen and scanned the room for the others. When she spotted them she couldn't help smiling, her Queen's reign had truly ended. She made her way to them and sat down next to Aoife. "Is anything left for me?"
"Sure! I'll go and get you a plate." Cally took off.
Smiling Tyra turned to Aoife, "We haven't been introduced yet, I am Warrior Tyra."
"I am Aoife."
"I know, I was in the throne room, remember?"
Aoife nodded. "Yes, I remember."
"Here you go!" Cally placed the plate in front of Tyra and handed her a pair of chopsticks. "Enjoy!" She returned to her seat and resumed eating.
Duncan leaned forward, "Tyra, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, could you come to my room after dinner?"
"Of course! You must have many questions, I am more than willing to answer them all."
"Tyra?" Cally said.
"Yes Child?"
"Why did you say to Aoife you are a Warrior, Tyra? The Queen is dead, you are not bonded to her anymore, are you?"
Tyra's face sobered, "It is true I am no longer Bonded to the Queen, but Astarte has taken her body and now I am bonded to her." Her expression indicated to all that she wasn't certain if this was a good thing.
"Oh." Cally took one last bite. "I'm full. I'll see you later Warrior, I have some things to do." She waved goodbye and ran out.
"I'm full too." Duncan sat back, "Aoife, when you're done eating, could you show me where others of your kind live? Cook mentioned something about a stable?"
Aoife nodded. "As you whish."
Duncan sighed. "Aoife, I may technically be your Master, but I don't want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, understand?"
"Yes." Whispered Aoife.
"I do not think that is such a good idea, Warrior. The Beast-Master could cause trouble." Tyra said frowning.
"Why?"
"Cally may have given Aoife her name, but he might try to take it. It is his duty." Answered Tyra.
Aoife's eyes widened. "Master Cally said that no one could take my name again, that it is mine for as long as I Live."
Duncan leaned forward and touched her arm, "Don't worry. He won't do a thing, I won't allow it."
Aoife looked at him, but said nothing. She pushed her plate forward and stood up. "I'm done."
Duncan stood up and looked at Tyra. "Do you want to come along?"
She shook her head. "No, I must return to the throne room. I will see you tonight."
Together they walked to the door and took off in different directions.
Aoife led Duncan through hallways he hadn't seen before; they halted in front of a steel door.
"Behind this door is a corridor; it leads to our stables. Stay close Warrior, it is very dark and I do not know what condition the stable is in." She opened the door and stepped in.
She was right; the corridor was almost as dark as The Road, part from the eerie feeling Duncan got on The Road. He followed her closely, focusing on the white of her pelt.
The corridor led out into an enormous cavern, torches and strange looking lamps lit it. Apart from a few tables and benches the room was empty.
Aoife let out a low roar and turned to Duncan. "Now we wait."
"Wait for what?"
"For the others; I have told them it was safe, but the elders will probably send the men out first." She walked to one of the benches and sat down.
Duncan followed her and sat down to her left. "Is this 'beast-master' so cruel that you hide from anyone who comes here?"
Aoife couldn't help herself and smiled, "No one but the Beast-Master comes down here Warrior. Astartens think we are no more than animals, and Humans... well they would either hunt us down or put us in 'labs' for study."
Duncan looked at her, "You speak differently."
"Consider it a sign of my trust. Do not lose it." She stood up. "Father?"
Duncan turned his head and saw five heralding-beasts standing around a sixth. He was obviously older than the others and, judging by the younger ones stances, very respected.
"Daughter." He said, holding out his arms.
Aoife embraced him, greeted the others then turned to her father again. "Father, my name is Aoife." She said proudly. "Master Cally gave me a name." She turned and motioned Duncan to come forward. "This is Queen Rhiannon's Warrior, he is my Master until Cally has grown."
Aoife's father looked her up and down. "You are changing color, why?"
Aoife bowed her head, "I was sent here with a message for Queen Rhiannon... and orders to attack her Warrior, whoever it was."
"But he Lives! Child, have you disobeyed your former Master?" Aoife's father's voice was stern.
Duncan stepped forward and was immediately stopped by the younger men surrounding Aoife and her father. "Hold on, I'm not going to hurt anyone." Duncan held up his hands. "I'm unarmed."
Aoife's father nodded his head and the five men stepped back.
"Thank you." Duncan bowed, "Aoife did not disobey anyone, Astarte stopped her before she could do much harm."
The mention of Astarte caused Aoife's father and the others to gasp.
"Is this true? Has She returned?" One of the men said.
"Yes, why is this news so hard to believe?" Asked Duncan although he could understand.
"She is the one who decided we were mere animals! Her people took that as an approval to treat us as they pleased." The young man took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Aoife's father looked at him, "Go and see your children."
"Yes Father." The young man turned and left.
Duncan turned to Aoife's father, "How many children are here?"
"Why do you want to know that?" He frowned.
"Father please, Warrior has only shown kindness to me. He may be an Astarten, he has a kind heart."
"Ehm... I'm not Astarten."
All turned to him, surprised.
"You're not?" Said Aoife.
"No, I'm...," Duncan paused, not sure if he should tell them. He shrugged, they would probably find out anyway, "I'm an Immortal."
"Cally! How nice to finally see you." Astarte sat in front of the throne. "Come closer Child."
Cally hesitated, although her mind knew this was not the Queen anymore, her heart was still very afraid.
Astarte noticed her hesitation and stood up, walked over and knelt in front of Cally. "Look at me Cally, see me for who I am today."
"I know you are not the Queen, I didn't mean to hurt you." Cally smiled, "You are Astarte." She reached out and touched Astarte's cheek. "I won't forget." Cally took a deep breath. "I have news Astarte, Prince Akron has sent a message."
"What is the message?"
Cally shuffled her feet. "I don't know. But you mustn't believe a word he says! Akron is a liar!"
"Cally!" Tyra was shocked. She rushed forward. "My apologies Astarte, she has no right to say this. I will see to her punishment." She grabbed Cally's tunic and headed for the door.
Astarte held up her hand, "Stop. Cally why do you call Akron a liar?"
Cally wriggled free from Tyra's grip and ran back to Astarte. "Because he is! He promised Rhiannon...." Cally stopped, clapping a hand over her mouth.
Duncan came forward, "What did he promise her?"
Cally shook her head. "I can't tell, I promised I wouldn't tell anyone. I don't break my promise!" Cally straightened her back, "I keep my word."
Duncan looked at Astarte; she shook her head indicating she had no idea what the promise could be.
"I must admit, this time I do not know either Warrior." She knelt down again and lifted Cally's face up to her. "Will we be in danger when we do not know what the promise entailed?"
Cally thought for a moment then shook her head. "No, no danger. "
"The heralding-beast requests permission to enter the throne room." Came Tyra's voice from the doors.
Astarte looked up, "Tell it to wait one moment."
Tyra nodded and left.
"Warrior, Cally come sit with me." Astarte walked up to the throne and sat down. "Cally, you may sit by my feet. Warrior, you stand at my right."
They did as they were told.
Astarte looked down at Cally and smiled. "Child." Cally looked up. "You make a fine addition to this world."
Cally frowned, not sure if that was a complement or not. "Thank you."
Astarte laughed, "Your welcome. Now, shall we call the heralding-beast?" She clapped her hands.
Slowly the door opened and in walked.... Duncan blinked. He had expected, well he didn't know what he'd expected, but not this. A woman, dressed in a blue cat suit. Duncan looked at Tyra, who stood by the doors, to see if this was some kind of joke, but her facial expression was dead serious. Duncan looked back at the woman that had just entered the room and looked a little closer. This time he noticed that what he thought to be a cat suit was in fact a pelt, covering her entire body, leaving only the face and hands exposed. Her eyes were a fascinating mix of gold and green.
The heralding-beast stepped forward and knelt down. "I have message for Queen Rhiannon." Her voice was dark, with a fascinating purr and an undeterminable accent.
"Speak." Astarte said.
She looked up. "You not Queen Rhiannon. I not speak."
"I am Astarte. Speak."
The heralding-beast blinked. "Astarte?" She backed away. "Astarte not real, Astarte children story."
Astarte stood up. "Look at me beast."
Behind her Duncan had a hard time believing his eyes and ears, there below him stood a creature straight from a book or movie and no one seemed to find that strange. He stepped forward and whispered, "Cally."
The heralding-beast looked at him. "You Warrior? Queen Rhiannon Warrior?"
Duncan looked at her; she seemed to be in some kind of distress. "Yes, I am."
Before anyone could react the heralding-beast leaped forward and pinned Duncan to the ground. Sharp claws appeared from her hands and she clawed and bit him anywhere it could. Duncan ignored the pain and tried to free himself from her grasp. He managed to get one arm free and with that he reached for the dagger he'd put under his vest that morning.
"Beast!"
Her weight suddenly disappeared and Duncan looked around, bewildered.
The heralding-beast lay at the bottom of the steps, unconscious.
Duncan noticed the color of her pelt had a different color now; it now went from a dark blue at her feet to white.
Astarte stood in front of the throne, surrounded by a bright light. Slowly it faded away and Astarte stepped forward. "Tyra, see that this beast is punished accordingly."
Tyra nodded and stepped forward; ready to do as she was told.
"Please...." The heralding had woken up and was now kneeling, head bowed. "Please, Warrior must punish."
Astarte nodded, "Yes, you are right." She turned to Duncan, who was now standing next to her. "What do you say Warrior? What is to be done to it?"
Duncan looked at her, appalled. "What is to be done to 'it'? 'She' is not an animal, or a thing!" He walked to the heralding-beast. "Look at her, she may have a pelt she is definitely not an animal." He knelt and lifted the heralding-beast's chin. "You can speak, tell me; why did you attack me?"
She looked in his eyes, "Master ordered me."
"Who is your master?"
"Prince Akron."
"Why did he order you to attack me?"
She hesitated for a moment, "I not know."
Duncan turned to Astarte. "If you are determent to punish someone, punish this prince Akron." He turned back to the heralding-beast. "What is your name?"
She lowered her head, "Name was taken. No name for me."
Duncan looked at Tyra, who nodded. "It is custom for an owner to take the name of a heralding-beast, it is believed the lack of a name is what keeps them doing as they are told."
"That is cruel!" Cally appeared to Duncan's right.
"Yes, Cally, but not unheard of." Tyra said.
"But...." Cally stopped, looked at the heralding-beast and knelt down. She reached out and touched her cheek, "Your name will be Aoife, for you 'are' beautiful."
The heralding-beast's eyes filled with tears. "You give me a name?" She smiled, "Aoife is my name!" She laughed and hugged Cally.
"No one can ever take this name from you. It is yours for as long as you Live." Whispered Cally.
Astarte watched them with a benevolent smile. She had made the right choice allowing Cally to remain in the throne room. The child showed great promise.
Duncan stood up. "Now that this is settled, you said you have a message for Rhiannon?"
Aoife looked up. "Yes, but only Queen Rhiannon may hear it."
"Well, she isn't here right now and won't be available for another day and night. Can't you tell me? I am her Warrior, she will tell me anyway."
She thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I will tell Queen Rhiannon, no one else." She stood up and looked down at Cally. "You gave me a name, you are now my Master."
Cally looked at her, "What?"
"You are my Master. I serve you now, not Prince Akron."
Cally didn't know what to say and just stared.
Astarte chuckled. "Well, it seems you are no longer a Child. You are a Master now." She clapped her hands. "A feast! This Child has grown into a Master!"
Cally turned to Duncan. "I don't want to be a Master! I like being a Child! Stop her Warrior!" She grabbed his hand. "Please...."
Duncan nodded. "Astarte, what is this talk about Cally not being a child anymore? She is still a child."
"But Warrior, she has a slave now. She cannot remain a Child when she has a slave." Answered Tyra instead. She walked up to him and smiled. "Rejoice, for a Child has grown!"
Duncan shook his head. "No, she is still a child. Allow her to grow at her own pace, don't haste her from her childhood, it'll be over to soon anyway."
"Well spoken Warrior, but the fact remains; a Child cannot have a slave, only a Master can." Astarte looked at him expectantly.
Duncan sighed, what had he gotten himself into? First Rhiannon, and now Astarte. He looked down at Cally who was still clinging to him, then up at Aoife. "Will you accept me as your master until Cally has matured enough?"
Aoife stared at him, then nodded. "Yes, until Cally is old enough I will serve you Warrior."
"Good that is settled them." Duncan looked around, "Now, where can a hungry Warrior get something to eat?" He pretended not to notice the tug on his vest and Cally's 'in the kitchen of course' and muttered to himself, "Hmmm, now where did I eat yesterday?"
"Warrior!" Cally was now jumping up and down, trying to get his attention.
"Oh!" Duncan looked down at her, pretending to be surprised. "Where did you come from?" He bent over, picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. "You know your way around here, show us the way, oh mighty Cally!"
Cally giggled and pointed to the doors. "That way!"
"All right, that way it is! Are you coming Aoife?" He headed towards the doors.
Aoife looked at Astarte who shrugged, "Your Masters want you to come with you. Do as you are told and all will be fine."
With a confused expression Aoife followed the others. None of her previous Master had ever shown even a hint of kindness to her, and now she had two who did just that.
Tyra closed the doors behind them and turned to Astarte. "This will lead to trouble Astarte, you know that."
"Yes I do. I also know that it is time for change, you have become too rigid in your ways. I have a good feeling about Duncan and Cally; they will be cause of many discussions." She sighed, "I truly have been away too long, I had no idea my people had become what I feared in the Humans. Now tell me, what is this business with Prince Akron? Aoife's mind will not release anything and Rhiannon... well she is out of my reach for the time being." Astarte sat down on the throne and folded her legs underneath her.
Tyra approached the throne and sat down in front of it. "As you know the land has been divided into three provinces, Phoenix which is by definition ruled by the Queen, Unicorn which is currently ruled by a Seer named Zenon and Dragon ruled by Price Akron. Both Zenon and Akron report only to the Queen, who has always allowed them to install their own laws in addition to hers. Rhiannon's birth and the Oracle's decision that she would one day be Queen, that news caused a wave of fear and confusion amongst the Astartens. For Rhiannon to become Queen her Mother would have to either resign or die, neither of which anyone wanted."
"I see. And since Akron has the most to lose he placed spies in the castle. Oh yes, I have noticed them." She smiled grimly, "I will not tolerate any hostility or hatred amongst my people. I will deal with this personally."
Tyra shivered, glad she would not be on the receiving end of Astarte's wrath.
"Thank you. Leave me. I need to think. Go and see if Duncan is all right." Astarte waved her hand, indicating the conversation was over.
Tyra stood up and headed for the doors, once there she turned her head to look back at Astarte, she was still sitting on the throne but her expression had changed from slightly amused to very troubled. Another shiver ran down Tyra's spine and doubt seeped in her heart. Astarte may have been the one to save them from the humans and the first Queen; she was also from a time when the world was a much crueler place. Tyra locked her doubts deep in her heart for now and went looking for Duncan and the others.
Chapter 10
"Cook! There's a hungry Warrior eager to taste another of your masterpieces!" Duncan walked in the kitchen, Cally still on his shoulders. For some reason he was feeling very exuberant. He headed towards the table he and Rennin has sat on and lifted Cally from his shoulders. "Ah, my dear Cook." He said as he saw her approaching with a curious expression. "We are three hungry patrons looking for a good meal. Be so kind to indulge us."
Cook looked at him and Cally. "Three? My dear Warrior, either you have forgotten your mathematics or you are too hunger stricken for your mind to function properly."
Duncan laughed, a deep, resonating sound that echoed throughout the kitchen. "No my dearest Cook, look we have another guest today." He pointed to Aoife, who was trying very hard to blend in with the wall.
"But Warrior, surely you are joking! This heralding-beast will be fed in the stable, with others of her kind." Cook stepped forward, towards Aoife and waved her hands, "Shoo! Out with you!"
Duncan grabbed her by the arm. "Aoife will be joining us for dinner." He tried to keep a smile on his face as Cook opened her mouth to protest. "Uh, uh, uh." He put a finger on her lips, "Aoife is not an animal. She is my guest and as such deserves the same respect as you show me. Understood?"
Cook nodded. "Yes Warrior." She turned to Aoife, stopped and looked at Duncan. "Who is Aoife?"
Cally giggled. "Guess!" She climbed over the table to Aoife and gave her a hug.
Awkwardly Aoife returned the hug, she was not used to touching her Masters this freely in public. Her face showed no evidence of her inner struggle to keep from bursting out in tears; this child and her Warrior friend were too much for her already shattered self-control. Slowly she released her hold on Cally and smiled. "I am Aoife." She said proudly.
Cook tried hard to remain civil, as Warrior had instructed her. "Welcome Aoife, sit down and tell me what you would like to eat."
Aoife looked down at Cally, "I never choose meal. Master always chooses."
Cally's face saddened a little. "We are not like that Aoife, now you can choose."
Duncan sat down and watched them. He mused about the differences between them, Cally with her dark brown hair, her eyes so dark they almost seemed black and Aoife, her pelt's color going from dark blue by her feet to white at her head, her eyes a fascinating mix between gold and green. He smiled to himself, these two couldn't be more different and yet.... Chuckling he stopped this strand of thought, there would be plenty of time to explore this in the future. Right now he just wanted to enjoy a good meal and have an early night. "Cally, Aoife, come sit down."
Cally crawled back over the table and sat down to his left. "What's taking so long?" She held a hand over her growling stomach.
"Not long, it is almost done." Answered Aoife as she sat down across from Cally.
"How do you know?" Cally's eyes widened in wonder, she couldn't tell one scent from another now that the kitchen was getting ready to prepare dinner.
"I can smell it." Aoife lowered her eyes, "My senses are far better than those of Astartens."
"Wow!" Cally looked at her, full of awe.
"Here you go! One of my specialties: Roasted salmon on a bed of Kupa." Cook put an enormous plate in the middle of the table, one of her helpers put plates and chopsticks in front of everyone.
"What is 'Kupa'?" Duncan asked, his mouth watering from the delicious smells coming from the dish. He picked up his chopsticks and tore a piece from the salmon.
"Hmmm, I don't think here is something like it in the Human world, Warrior." Cook said, her nose wrinkled as she saw Aoife. Cook tried her best to treat a Warrior's guest with respect, but this was a heralding- beast! A simple animal without a thought of it's own.
"It is a little like seaweed, only this grows in sweet water and has a fruitlike taste." Aoife's voice could barely be heard over the hustle and bustle in the kitchen, but Duncan picked it up.
"Really? Let's give it a try then." He smiled warmly at Aoife and picked up a strand of Kupa. "Hmm! This is good!" He said, his mouth full of Kupa.
"Cook always tells me not to speak with my mouth full." Cally giggled, "Not that I listen very often."
Smiling Duncan turned to Cook, "This is delicious, thank you."
Cook blushed a little, curtseyed and left, but not before casting a worried glance at Aoife.
Aoife still couldn't believe it, how could a Warrior and an Astarten child be so kind to one like her? She was a monster, a mistake of Life. That is what every Master had said, every child she saw on the street backed away in horror as soon as they saw her. Aoife swallowed hard, she couldn't allow her tears to flow, she had to keep control.
Tyra came in the kitchen and scanned the room for the others. When she spotted them she couldn't help smiling, her Queen's reign had truly ended. She made her way to them and sat down next to Aoife. "Is anything left for me?"
"Sure! I'll go and get you a plate." Cally took off.
Smiling Tyra turned to Aoife, "We haven't been introduced yet, I am Warrior Tyra."
"I am Aoife."
"I know, I was in the throne room, remember?"
Aoife nodded. "Yes, I remember."
"Here you go!" Cally placed the plate in front of Tyra and handed her a pair of chopsticks. "Enjoy!" She returned to her seat and resumed eating.
Duncan leaned forward, "Tyra, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, could you come to my room after dinner?"
"Of course! You must have many questions, I am more than willing to answer them all."
"Tyra?" Cally said.
"Yes Child?"
"Why did you say to Aoife you are a Warrior, Tyra? The Queen is dead, you are not bonded to her anymore, are you?"
Tyra's face sobered, "It is true I am no longer Bonded to the Queen, but Astarte has taken her body and now I am bonded to her." Her expression indicated to all that she wasn't certain if this was a good thing.
"Oh." Cally took one last bite. "I'm full. I'll see you later Warrior, I have some things to do." She waved goodbye and ran out.
"I'm full too." Duncan sat back, "Aoife, when you're done eating, could you show me where others of your kind live? Cook mentioned something about a stable?"
Aoife nodded. "As you whish."
Duncan sighed. "Aoife, I may technically be your Master, but I don't want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, understand?"
"Yes." Whispered Aoife.
"I do not think that is such a good idea, Warrior. The Beast-Master could cause trouble." Tyra said frowning.
"Why?"
"Cally may have given Aoife her name, but he might try to take it. It is his duty." Answered Tyra.
Aoife's eyes widened. "Master Cally said that no one could take my name again, that it is mine for as long as I Live."
Duncan leaned forward and touched her arm, "Don't worry. He won't do a thing, I won't allow it."
Aoife looked at him, but said nothing. She pushed her plate forward and stood up. "I'm done."
Duncan stood up and looked at Tyra. "Do you want to come along?"
She shook her head. "No, I must return to the throne room. I will see you tonight."
Together they walked to the door and took off in different directions.
Aoife led Duncan through hallways he hadn't seen before; they halted in front of a steel door.
"Behind this door is a corridor; it leads to our stables. Stay close Warrior, it is very dark and I do not know what condition the stable is in." She opened the door and stepped in.
She was right; the corridor was almost as dark as The Road, part from the eerie feeling Duncan got on The Road. He followed her closely, focusing on the white of her pelt.
The corridor led out into an enormous cavern, torches and strange looking lamps lit it. Apart from a few tables and benches the room was empty.
Aoife let out a low roar and turned to Duncan. "Now we wait."
"Wait for what?"
"For the others; I have told them it was safe, but the elders will probably send the men out first." She walked to one of the benches and sat down.
Duncan followed her and sat down to her left. "Is this 'beast-master' so cruel that you hide from anyone who comes here?"
Aoife couldn't help herself and smiled, "No one but the Beast-Master comes down here Warrior. Astartens think we are no more than animals, and Humans... well they would either hunt us down or put us in 'labs' for study."
Duncan looked at her, "You speak differently."
"Consider it a sign of my trust. Do not lose it." She stood up. "Father?"
Duncan turned his head and saw five heralding-beasts standing around a sixth. He was obviously older than the others and, judging by the younger ones stances, very respected.
"Daughter." He said, holding out his arms.
Aoife embraced him, greeted the others then turned to her father again. "Father, my name is Aoife." She said proudly. "Master Cally gave me a name." She turned and motioned Duncan to come forward. "This is Queen Rhiannon's Warrior, he is my Master until Cally has grown."
Aoife's father looked her up and down. "You are changing color, why?"
Aoife bowed her head, "I was sent here with a message for Queen Rhiannon... and orders to attack her Warrior, whoever it was."
"But he Lives! Child, have you disobeyed your former Master?" Aoife's father's voice was stern.
Duncan stepped forward and was immediately stopped by the younger men surrounding Aoife and her father. "Hold on, I'm not going to hurt anyone." Duncan held up his hands. "I'm unarmed."
Aoife's father nodded his head and the five men stepped back.
"Thank you." Duncan bowed, "Aoife did not disobey anyone, Astarte stopped her before she could do much harm."
The mention of Astarte caused Aoife's father and the others to gasp.
"Is this true? Has She returned?" One of the men said.
"Yes, why is this news so hard to believe?" Asked Duncan although he could understand.
"She is the one who decided we were mere animals! Her people took that as an approval to treat us as they pleased." The young man took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Aoife's father looked at him, "Go and see your children."
"Yes Father." The young man turned and left.
Duncan turned to Aoife's father, "How many children are here?"
"Why do you want to know that?" He frowned.
"Father please, Warrior has only shown kindness to me. He may be an Astarten, he has a kind heart."
"Ehm... I'm not Astarten."
All turned to him, surprised.
"You're not?" Said Aoife.
"No, I'm...," Duncan paused, not sure if he should tell them. He shrugged, they would probably find out anyway, "I'm an Immortal."
