Chapter 9: Tempest

~ß~ Katirya ~ß~

Katirya surveyed the disaster that had been their private rooms. Her sister had been thorough. If it was the Stones she was after, she had not been successful. Anything else? It was difficult to tell. She knew that she had very few personal belongings here. Items that meant anything to her, she was wearing. She absent-mindedly fingered her necklace, the bride gift from Loki. She also still kept the one Brandt had given her; it was safe in her pouch.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Loki interrupted her thinking, as he wrapped his arms around her.

She smiled at him, tilting her head back to look up. He took advantage of the situation and promptly kissed her. She sighed softly as the kiss ended. "Why do we have to deal with this now? Or anytime really?"

"I wish I could answer that, but I cannot." Loki answered truthfully.

"I was thinking," Katirya spoke quietly, "I need to return to Cartherion. With Kyrath gone, trotting across the Universe after Thanos, and Althanas and Hadriath most likely a part of that little party, it leaves my homeland with no one in charge. Given the state of the Council, it has to be a total wreck."

Loki considered her words carefully. He was reluctant to go haring around in case Thanos sent a message about his brother.

Reading his thoughts, Katirya simply nodded. "I agree. You need to remain here. I shan't be long. Heimdall can whisk me back here in a trice should you need me. If I may take the Warriors Three along with me, my brother and I should be able to restore order quickly. Mica can remain and rule in my stead."

"Done!" Loki agreed quickly. "And a small company of guards as well. They can remain there with Mica."

Katirya quickly moved to speak with Sif. Steering her away from the others, she finally spoke. "I would have you come as well, but I think you need to remain here. I know how much Thor means to you…"

"I would still come with you, if you asked, my Queen," Sif replied.

"I know," Katirya smiled. "And Kiri, please. We are friends, no?"

Sif nodded.

"Then stay. You can be my eyes while I am gone." Katirya glanced at Loki.

"You think he might go without you?" Sif asked.

"Yes, he would. He loves his brother, though he would never admit it. And I think he feels I should be staying here, not traipsing about in my condition." Katirya grinned.

Sif laughed. "Men, they do not understand, do they?"

"No, they do not." Katirya agreed.

Heimdall arranged for them to arrive as close to the city center as possible. This time there was no need for stealth. They marched through the streets towards the Council chambers. The crowds parted as they saw Katirya recognizing her at once.

She had dressed carefully for this visit. The Cronuth Stone was once more upon her brow, which also meant the Thirteen were somewhere around. She did not bother to search for them. She had chosen to wear an emerald green, leather armor bodice, detailed with intricate designs, with a black chemise beneath. A short sword hung at her belt. The long black skirt flowed gracefully as she walked; black boots completed the outfit.

Katirya smiled as she overheard the various comments from the crowd.

"It's the Queen!"

"The Queen? The real Queen?"

"Yes, son. The real Queen has finally come back."

The guards standing at the doorway saw her approach.

"State your purpose!" One demanded.

"I have simply come to restore order to Cartherion." Katirya responded.

They stepped to the side. "Then you may enter, my Queen." They both bowed low.

Katirya paused before entering; motioning for Fandral and Volstagg to remain out of sight, along with the troops that had come with them. Taking a deep breath she put her hands on the doors and shoved them open wide.

As the doors slammed into the walls, several people jumped. She could see several members of the Council, seated at the center table, discussing some matter. Thirty or so others, all ranking members of the various families, were occupied elsewhere in the room. Some were chatting casually, while others appeared to have been deep in discussion. All eyes turned to focus on Katirya and her small party, which had paused just inside the doorway. The group at the center table returned to their discussion, clearly choosing to ignore her.

"Hmm, that is how they are going to be," she whispered to her companions.

"So it would seem it is," Hogun replied.

"Well, this will be interesting, to say the least. Shall we?" She nodded towards the center table.

Hogun grinned in anticipation. "Do you require an introduction?"

"Ah, I think I'll pass," Katirya replied. "If they do not know who I am by now, they never will."

"All yours, my lady," Hogun bowed low, sweeping his arm towards the table. "Should you require assistance, your brother and I are right behind you."

"Why, thank you," Katirya stifled a giggle at his over the top behavior. Focusing on the members seated at the table, she counted seven. She glanced at her brother, "Do you know them all?"

He nodded, "Aye, I know them well. With the exception of Hadriath and Althanas, the others are over there," Micarian pointed towards a group of four off to their left.

"And the rest?" Katirya inquired about the other people in the room. There were close to fifty in the chamber.

"All ranking members of each family. I know who they all are, and what family they represent. The two replacing Hadriath and Althanas are seated behind the main table." Her brother pointed out the final two members.

"Interesting, that they found replacements so quickly," Katirya remarked.

"It is protocol, actually. The list of who steps up if someone is missing is rather complete. They never want to leave a seat empty should anything important come up." Micarian explained. "It is also why there are so many in here. This place is always packed."

The council table was large, easily accommodating the thirteen family representatives, with one spot reserved for the supreme ruler. That seat had remained empty for many years. Katirya eyed it as she started to walk forward.

She approached the table, moving towards the head. The members that were seated at the table paused in their discussion to stare at her, saying nothing. She knew they were trying to intimidate her, but it wasn't working. She returned the stare, connecting with each council member individually until they looked away. By the time she had reached the table, they were all staring down.

"Thank you for saving this for me," she pulled the chair at the head of the table out, and sat down. "Now, who is missing?" She looked pointedly at the four off to one side.

The four exchanged glances, and then scurried to their places. Eleven Council members were now seated. The noise level in the room had risen, as groups began talking excitedly, wondering at the unexpected arrival of Katirya.

"It seems we are missing two. What a shame Althanas and Hadriath are too busy to join us," Katirya remarked. "Their replacements are…?"

The man to her immediate left beckoned to the two seated behind the table. Katirya did not turn around to see if they were coming, she simply waited until they were seated.

Silence finally descended within the room as all eyes turned to focus on her. Katirya allowed the silence to extend. The comfort level of the room dropped, and people began to shuffle, wondering if anyone at the table was going to speak.

"Umm, precisely who do you think you are? You have no right to sit there." The man to her left finally broke the silence.

"I am Katirya, High Queen of Cartherion, and I have every right to sit here. You were present at the tests last year, when I was successful in taking the Cronuth Stone for my own. I command the Thirteen, and I am your ruler."

The man scoffed, "You are no ruler. You ran off at the first opportunity."

"After you murdered my mother," Katirya shot back, "or did you forget that? But that still does not refute the fact that I am the High Queen."

"Well, we do not have to answer to you. You have no authority here. AND, you have no powers." He laughed at her.

"The laws of our land declare otherwise. You would do well to remember that." Katirya stared at him. "As to my powers, do not underestimate me."

"We have done quite fine without a Supreme Ruler for centuries. What makes you think you have the right to simply walk in here and sit down? We do not listen to you."

"Well, it is time that you begin. My first command shall be to disband this Council. You are all relieved of your duties, what little they were."

"You and what army? Them?" the man sneered as he looked at Hogun and her brother who had moved to stand behind her. "You and your brother? And that one? HA! Against the might of Cartherion? Guards! You four shall be dead before you can reach the doors."

"Really, Merkth?" Katirya looked at the Councilman, finally calling him by name.

As she spoke, Hogun signaled. Volstagg entered the room with half the Asgardian troops. They moved to range along the right side of the table.

Twenty Cartherion guards moved away from the walls where they had been standing to face the Asgardians. Weapons were pulled out, waiting for the signal.

"Seriously? You would start a war in the Council Chambers?" Merkth snorted.

"If I must," Katirya replied quietly. "You and your cronies have ruled for far too long. The people are suffering, and I intend for it to end. NOW."

"Fine!" Merkth spat at her. "Attack these pests!" He shouted the order to the Cartherion guards.

The Cartherion troop started to advance on the Asgardians.

Fandral entered with the remaining Asgardians.

The Cartherion troop paused, hesitant to attack this larger force.

A door behind Katirya opened, admitting another company of Cartherion guards. Katirya risked a quick glance behind her, quickly recognizing them as being the Royal Guards. She smiled as she saw they moved to stand behind her.

The Cartherion troop leader looked back to Merkth, waiting for orders. Merkth said nothing, his mouth open as he stared at the formidable group the Asgardians made. Without warning, he was suddenly lifted off the ground, suspended in the air, his legs dangling below him. He kicked and flailed about ineffectively.

"I believe you were saying something about my, um, lack of powers?" Katirya's right hand was raised. She grinned as he attempted to escape her hold. With a flick of her wrist, she released him, laughing as he dropped to the ground in a heap.

The Cartherions dropped their weapons, looking at Katirya.

"I do not hold you responsible for these fools," Katirya announced to the troop.

Merkth stood up, shrieking at the guards. "ATTACK THEM! Now!"

The Cartherion troop remained stationary, weapons at their sides, clearly choosing to not obey Merkth.

"I do believe they are refusing," Katirya remarked. "My, my. Now, as I was saying, the Council is no more. I am taking over…" Katirya began

"You cannot just… just..." Merkth sputtered, "walk in here and disband the High Council without a formal request."

"I just did," Katirya pointed out.

"We have been around…" Merkth went on as if she had not spoken.

"For far too long!" Katirya interrupted him. "You are all fat, and lazy. Growing rich off the poor people of Cartherion. I am the rightful ruler, whether you will accept that or not, and I need no formal request."

"WE WILL NOT ACCEPT YOU!" Merkth shouted back at her. "GUARDS! Get her out of here!"

The Cartherion guards looked at one another, choosing to remain where they were standing, refusing to obey the councilman.

"What are you doing? Arrest her! Throw her in the prison!" Merkth ordered them, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"We serve the Queen." One finally spoke up quietly.

Merkth was not ready to admit defeat. He was aware that there were only fifty council members, while the number of guards, both Cartherion and Asgardian, numbered close to one hundred. "You serve this one?" He pointed to Katirya. "What is Thanos going to say when he returns?"

"IF he returns," the leader of the guards replied. "He is rarely here, as it is. He does not wear the Cronuth Stone, Queen Katirya does. Thanos is also not a Cartherian. His brother married into a family, but that does not give him sufficient claim to rule us. We choose Queen Katirya. That is who we swear our fealty to."

"It would seem they have made their choice," Katirya smiled sweetly at Merkth. "I hope your affairs are in order as we will be investigating ALL activities."

"There is nothing to investigate. We have operated as we always have…"

"Yes, I know. Corruption is the manner in which you have operated. That will happen no more." Katirya found herself growing weary of the fools.

"So, do you plan on staying here then?" Merkth asked slyly. "Leave behind the higher offices you've accepted? You also do claim to be Asgard's Queen, do you not?"

"Yes, I am Loki's wife." Katirya replied proudly.

"Well, you cannot be in two places at once, can you? Does this mean you will be leaving him?" Merkth spoke snidely.

Katirya stared at him a moment, then laughed. "No, I have made arrangements already. My brother, Micarian, shall rule in my stead when I am not here. I know I can trust him to return order to the lands. I have heard far too much to allow the present conditions to continue. My brother has reported to me the conditions that the people exist in; I cannot believe the level of taxes this Council has levied. And for what purpose? So you can eat and be merry? Putting the burden of the cost on the people? I will no longer tolerate it. While I cannot be here all the time, my brother shall be able to facilitate the changes that are necessary."

The guards standing around started to applaud loudly. The noise attracted people in the halls, who quickly began to enter the room. Seeing Katirya, wearing the Cronuth Stone upon her brow standing at the head of the table, they joined in, adding to the applause.

As the noise increased, people started to crowd towards the center table. Several of the council members exchanged quick glances. Suddenly afraid, they rose and started to slink towards the doors.

Katirya lifted one eyebrow as she noticed the slow exodus. "I do not think so. Guards!"

The Cartherion guards quickly blocked the exits.

Katirya considered her options. There were close to fifty members of the Council present that would need to be held accountable for their actions. She could simply lock them all up while they figured out what to do, or let them leave. A glance at the other people who had entered into the room, gave off the impression of an angry mob. These people wanted retribution for the actions of the Council.

"Lock them up for now," Katirya finally ordered the guards. "We will make arrangements to hear the people's complaints against them, and allow them the chance to reply before I decide their fates."

The combined troops of Cartherion and Asgardians quickly rounded all the Council members up, escorting them to a secure location. As the last left, Katirya looked at her companions. "Suggestions?"

"There are thirteen families, correct?" Hogun asked.

"Correct," Micarian replied. "Though some are not as bad as others. I regret to say that my family ranks as one of the worst."

"I suggest we ask the people to list their complaints. We can sort them by families and deal with it that way. This allows the people to have their say, yet will help us to keep it somewhat organized. It truly appears to be rather a mess." Hogun offered his idea.

"I agree, it is a mess, and I will be the first to admit that I am ill prepared for this. While I was brought up being told I was going to rule, they neglected to teach me anything like this." Katirya replied.

"Then it is fortuitous that you brought me along with," Hogun grinned. "I am more than able to deal with this manner of problem as I have had issues similar to this back in my homeland. I propose we begin the hearing process in the morning, but allow the people to begin filing their complaints now. Is there a larger hall we might use?"

"The Grand Hall, it will hold several thousand." Micarian replied.

"Then, we should set it up so that there is a station for each family. The people can make their complaint to that station, where we can assign someone to read through and formulate the formal complaints. I will offer my services to oversee that," Hogun said.

"Mica, you know the families fairly well, correct?" Katirya asked. When he nodded his assent, she went on. "Then you work with Hogun tonight with this process. I would like to begin the hearings first thing in the morning. The sooner we conclude this business, the better. I will help as I am able, but I fear my knowledge of the families is limited."

Word of the disbandment and trial of the former Council members spread quickly through the town, and hundreds of people filled the Grand Hall. Petitions were quickly filled out, listing the transgressions of each Council member. Hogun's suggestion allowed for a fairly smooth collection of petitions of complaint against various council members. Within a few hours, the lines had died down, and people were wandering off.

The following morning saw the sun rise to a happier mood within the town. The people were hopeful that this new rule would bring about better days. People began to file back to the Grand Hall to await the trials of the Council members.

As Katirya entered, escorted by Hogun and her brother, a silence fell, then a slow cadence of clapping began, keeping in time with her steps as she moved to the front of the room.

"Well," she whispered to the two men, "it would seem we are meeting the approval of the people."

"Did you expect anything less?" Micarian asked.

"From what we have seen of the state of affairs here, I am not surprised." Hogun added. "The complaints were many, but all in the same theme. The level of corruption here is horrible."

A table had been set up in the front, with chairs for Katirya, her brother and the Warriors Three. Volstagg and Fandral were already seated, waiting on Katirya. They rose as she approached, waiting for her to be seated.

Fandral had taken the time to organize the room. He had sectioned off the room, and set up thirteen tables, one for each family. The tables were piled with the lists of complaints against the Council members of that family.

As each person entered the Grand Hall, they were asked to declare which family they were from, and then pointed towards that section of the room.

Once everyone was settled, Katirya rose. "The Council has been irresponsible to you, my people. I give you the power to read the complaints against each member of your family and determine what the punishment shall be. Once you have completed this task, you will report your findings to me and my brother and we shall determine if it is just."

A rumble of surprise erupted from the crowd.

One man finally spoke up. "You mean we get to decide?"

Katirya nodded. "Yes, it is you they have wronged. It is up to you to decide. I will simply review your findings, and if I find that the punishment fits the crime, so it shall be. I would ask that each family select a team, and a leader to go through these complaints, but I feel you should each have a say in what their punishment ought to be."

Given the freedom to make a decision, the groups were quick to get to work. As each section began to organize, Katirya and her companions began to wander between the groups, offering advice when asked. Council members were brought forth to each table, to answer to the complaints. Each committee deliberated over the crime, and developed plans for retribution or punishment as was deemed fair.

Within a few hours, each group had concluded their work, and presented their findings to Katirya. She had listened carefully to each recommendation, making a few adjustments, but maintaining the essential findings of each group.

Midday saw the conclusion of the event, with the people being satisfied in the final judgments. There remained only one problem – the missing council members, the ones who had taken Thor and Jane.

Katirya was contemplating how she would present the problem to the people, trying to explain that their crime went beyond the borders of Cartherion, when one man approached her.

"My Queen?" He spoke respectfully, bowing low.

She looked at him, not recognizing him. Micarian whispered his name in her mind.

"Thantal"

"Thantal, what is it?" Katirya spoke.

Surprised that the Queen knew him, the man smiled. "It is only, well, I do not wish to complain…"

"But?" Katirya prompted.

"What of the ones who are missing? What of your father, and sister? And Hadriath?" Thantal rushed through the names; almost as if he was afraid she would get mad as he was bringing up her family members. "They will be punished too?"

"An excellent point, and are correct; they still need to answer for their transgressions. I hope you will trust me to see to them?" Katirya replied. "I feel their crimes extend beyond just what they have done here. They are currently holding hostage my husband's brother, and a mortal from Earth."

Thantal nodded. "Given the method which you used to deal with the majority of the council, I feel I can speak for everyone, and say that we do trust you." Several people behind him nodded their assent.

"My brother, Micarian, shall be left in charge when I am gone." Katirya answered him, knowing that she was leaving things in capable hands. "He will know how to contact me should I need to return."

Looking at the Warriors Three, she asked, "Are we ready to return to Asgard?"