Chapter Six: Patience
Patience is bitter, but it bears sweet fruit.
-Anonymous
xxXxx
The wind and snow howled as Humbert stumbled into the stables in a daze. He dejectedly shook the ice and snow off his cape, and headed towards the biggest stall in the back. Toto didn't look completely happy about being put with hares and rabbits, but it was easily preferable to the blizzard raging outside.
"What? Back already?" the crow asked as Humbert let himself into the stall and hung the cloak on a wood post to dry. "Didn't they even give you any supper?"
"I had a bit of bread from the kitchens. I don't have much of an appetite right now." The little baron shook his head in horror. "Toto… the king thinks I've boasted of bringing a firebird to him."
Toto gaped. "Is that a joke? I don't think you've boasted a day of your life!"
Humbert sighed. "Nonetheless, if I don't bring one to him by the end of the week, he'll take off my head and declare you free game. Lune says he tried to speak on my behalf, but the king wouldn't listen to him."
The crow snorted in disgust. "He sure knows how to express gratitude over his son's life, doesn't he?"
Humbert curled up against his side, and pulled one wing over himself for some much-needed comfort. "What are we going to do, Toto? I can't kidnap a member of the royal avian family, even for my king."
"… Let's worry about that after the blizzard lets up. Even I can't fly under these conditions. Maybe you should go back into the castle, if you can still find your way through that storm outside."
"I can, but… can I stay here with you tonight?" Humbert begged, unable to keep his voice from sounding like a scared kitten. "Someone had to have found out about the tears in order to spread the rumors. I'd feel safer with you."
Toto sighed, and shook his head as he drew the little cat closer with one wing. "That would probably be best. We'll both need a good night's rest for our long journey."
ooOoo
It was a good thing the king had chosen to give them a week. It took them three days to return to the portal Toto had used before, so they had all of one day to get in and out of the Avian Kingdom.
"Toto?" Humbert asked nervously as they circled the highest mountain of the cluster below them. "Is there anything I need to know about your kingdom before we get in?"
"A few things, yes," Toto admitted, readying himself for a plunge. "First, my king knows we're coming."
"Because he's a seer?" Humbert asked, his stomach sinking into his shoes.
"Correct. Second, that also means he knows why we're coming." Toto informed him as he folded his wings against his body, and shot like a rock to the big hole crowning the tallest mountain.
"Third, and most important; we cannot succeed unless he wants us to. I suppose you can take comfort in the fact that your king will not kill us, because if we fail, it's because my king has ordered our execution."
"That is a comfort," Humbert managed to say sarcastically as they plunged into the dormant volcano.
A strange air vacuum seemed to suck them in, almost as if it feared that they were going to attempt an escape.
Humbert's flesh crept in horror as they seemed to shoot through a never-ending, bending tunnel of darkness. He made a wish for any sound, even passing wind, but the portal was as silent as the grave. He tried once to speak to Toto, but couldn't force his vocal chords to work.
After what felt like years, they shot into a blinding sky, which soon gave way to clouds and hot air!
"This portal comes out further south than your end does," Toto quickly explained as he adjusted course to a mountain that was so high, it continued into the clouds. "As a result, it never snows around this area, but we sometimes have problems with droughts. Ahh, the sun feels wonderful!"
"That it does," Humbert replied, stretching as much as he could to let the sun seep through his clothes and fur. "I was starting to think that we'd never be warm again!"
"I know. Oh, and Humbert? Let me do all the talking when we get there, all right? We're approaching my king now, and there are different rules of etiquette here."
"That is reasonable," Humbert replied, starting to feel sleepy from the warm sun.
"Hey, Toto!" a large brown bird called, flying up to him after a minute. "We thought you were gone for good!"
"Not quite, Tobias. I actually have protection from the Cat King himself," Toto replied, spiraling around the brown bird once.
"No kidding? I see you brought back a souvenir," Tobias laughed, looking at Humbert.
The little kitten nervously bowed to the brown bird, hoping that it was a polite gesture in this kingdom.
"For now, but we're on a bit of a tight schedule today. If we have the time after meeting the king, we'll stop by and see you," Toto promised as they started flying up the mountain's side.
"I'll hold you to that!" Tobias warned him as he broke away, and headed to a tree at the base of the mountain.
"Childhood friend," Toto explained as they entered the cloudbank surrounding the tall rocks. "Remember; let me do the talking, and stay close at all times."
Humbert nodded, and hugged Toto's neck for comfort. 'I don't see how we can possibly succeed. If the Avian King chooses to kill us, I hope he'll make it quick.'
Toto eventually made it to the top of the mountain which was crowned with a beautiful meadow, and guarded on every side with large brown birds with curved beaks. However, none of the guards bordering the place made to stop them.
The meadow itself was ablaze with perhaps thirty firebirds. Humbert couldn't help but gape at their beauty.
Their feathers literally looked as if they were made of fire and gold, and they had long, elegant necks; perhaps three times as long as Toto's. Their wingspan was about as long as Toto's but narrower, and their bodies were built slimmer.
But Humbert knew better than to think they'd be easy to capture.
It appears that the firebirds were having a celebration of sorts, because they had been dancing as others sang. But they stopped as soon as Toto landed. The crow shifted his shoulder blades around, silently telling Humbert to get off his back. The little kitten did so, barely taking a step from his friend's side in his nervousness.
There was that, and the fact he had barely used his legs for the past three days. He winced, and stepped around subtly to encourage circulation.
All the firebirds were looking at them with amber eyes, and blank expressions. None of them spoke, but they parted like a sea, until the largest of them was revealed.
His feathers were tinged with a touch of silver, and in his tired eyes was so much wisdom. "Approach, Toto of Thiga and Humbert of Piaal," he commanded in a gentle tone. He was sitting in a soft nest of flax and feathers, and his beautiful wings were folded in front of his body.
The tiny kitten could feel his heart beating out of control as he and the crow made a slow advance to the Avian King. He tried desperately to keep his feelings under control, but only managed to keep his pace regular, and his breathing somewhat normal.
At perhaps ten yards from the king, Toto stopped, and bowed low with his wings. "Greetings, my king," he spoke in an almost reverent tone as Humbert also bowed.
"Greetings, my loyal subject," the monarch replied, gazing at the little kitten. "You have done well; this is the one I sent you to guard and guide."
'But… why?' he couldn't help but wonder. 'What can a bird and a runt do?'
The king laughed, and reached out with one wing to gently touch Humbert's cheek, keeping the other firmly at his front. "The reason will not be made clear to you for many years yet, little one. Be patient, and you will understand everything when you are ready."
Humbert started from surprise, but bowed again. He opened his mouth to ask the king a question, but quickly shut it when he remembered Toto's warning.
"Very good; you remember and follow instructions," the king approved, just before giving a heavy sigh. "You have my permission to speak, Baron of Piaal. Why have you come to my court?"
Humbert gave a sad sigh of his own, and bowed again. "Someone planted a rumor in the Cat King's court that I boasted of bringing one of your kin to him. Toto and I will be killed if we fail, but… I will not blame you if you had us killed instead, your majesty."
"So, you would rather die than take one of my blood without permission?" the king asked with intent.
"If I must, your majesty. Losing one's home can be a terrible experience," Humbert said sadly, thinking about his father and the beautiful vineyard he had grown up in. He even missed his brothers, though not as much as the servants, who had always felt more like extended family. "I wouldn't wish it on anyone."
"I know you would know about that," the firebird said sympathetically, giving another sigh. "However, there is much yet for you to do, and your premature death would bring nothing. Therefore, I will allow you to depart with a member of my family. There are certain lessons he will need to learn, but he will only be able to learn them in the Cat Kingdom."
Humbert's mouth dropped open in astonishment.
"However, such a gift must come with a price. Are you certain you will be able to pay it?"
"What is your price, majesty?" the little kitten asked in numb shock.
"I have foreseen that you will return my only grandchild to his father, who will be king when you visit us again. It will be a terribly long time for all of us, without any contact to his own kind, save for Toto. Here is my price; however long Vulcan remains in your kingdom, I want your children to stay in mine, when they reach the age you left home. They will also have lessons to be learned in my kingdom, to prepare them for their futures."
Humbert stared at the firebird incredulously for a few long moments. "Your majesty," he struggled to say in a straight voice, although his heart was breaking. "I can't have offspring. I'm a runt with delicate health."
Oh, how he hated to admit that out loud!
Almost every firebird started laughing at that, their amber eyes glowing with mischief.
Even the Avian king laughed as his eyes glazed over slightly. "Nonetheless, I see a beautiful, loving lady in your future, along with an impressive number of children that will bring much honor to your new family name."
"How many?" Humbert couldn't keep from asking as his heart began to speed up again, but this time from excitement.
There really was a cure for him! There was a girl in his future! He wouldn't be alone forever!
"Oh no," the king laughed. "I wouldn't dream of spoiling that for you; the best pieces of your future are what must remain a mystery. Do we have a bargain, Baron of Piaal?"
Slowly, Humbert nodded. "When each of my children reaches the age of twelve, they will be delivered to your kind, for as long as needed."
The firebird smiled warmly at him from around his long, elegant beak. "Oh, and there's two more things you need to know, before I allow you to take my grandson."
"Yes, your majesty?" Humbert asked politely, wondering what more he needed to know.
"You will not be able to find the cure for your peculiar ailment until you are ready to use it. It will take more courage than you think, and you are not yet strong enough for it. Also, your future mate will not be who you think she will be."
"She won't?" he asked in confusion, since he hadn't yet met a girl that could capture his attention in that fashion.
"No. You will know who she is, because she will be your exact opposite, and yet your perfect match."
Humbert stared in bewilderment. "Sire… that makes no sense whatsoever."
The other firebirds began laughing mischievously again, hiding their beaks behind elegant wings of flame and gold as they tried to conceal their mirth.
"It will when you get to know her." It was only then that he unfolded both of his wings from his front, to reveal a tiny fireling, perhaps half the size of Humbert.
Its feathers were a much darker gold than its older relatives, but still glowed as if on fire.
"Vulcan, this is Toto and Humbert. They will be escorting you to the Cat Kingdom," the king said gently, using the tips of his wings to guide the fireling out of the nest.
"Yes, Gwanfatha," Vulcan replied with a baby-like lisp, walking up to Humbert and holding his wings up expectantly.
The grey-clad kitten looked from Vulcan to his grandfather nervously, in case he was misinterpreting.
"I'm afraid my grandson is only a few weeks old; he can't fly yet," the king quickly explained.
Humbert nodded, and carefully picked up the fireling, finding a comfortable position for him in his arms.
Even the feathers were pulsating with warmth.
"It is cold in my world right now; are there any precautions I should take with him?"
"I've prepared a special blanket for the two of you to transport him. However, Toto, there is time for the two of you to rest today, and still make it back in time."
'I think I like Toto's king more than my own,' Humbert couldn't help but think as he gently rocked the fireling in his arms.
"To be perfectly frank, we like our king better than yours as well," one close by firebird whispered to him with an elegant laugh. "I'm afraid your king has only begun being a pain."
Humbert groaned in anticipation.
ooOoo
The day Humbert and Toto returned to the king's palace, it was briskly cold. Snow was piled everywhere, and a slight wind blew a few flakes against the blanket that the kitten cradled protectively.
Humbert carefully slid off Toto's back, and bowed politely at the flabbergasted stable hands. "Would you mind giving Toto everything he requires? I'm afraid it's been a long journey for him."
"You could say that again," the crow moaned, his wings dragging along the ground. "I could sleep for a month!"
"If that's what you need, my friend," Humbert said softly, patting one of Toto's wings comfortingly. "I'll be back after I deliver our new friend to the king."
"You mean you actually did it?" the old one, the one that had escorted him to the palace doors the last time, whispered in shock. "You actually brought back a firebird?"
"Can we go a-side, Hum-but?" Vulcan asked in a baby lisp. "It's vewy cold out he-ah."
"Yes, we're going inside right now, little one," Humbert consoled him, nodding at the stable hands one more time before marching up to the palace. Although his feet were nearly frozen, his arms and torso were warm and toasty from holding the fireling close. Even the special blanket turned any snowflakes that fell on it into steam.
A guard was staring at him as he opened the door, but the little baron didn't feel like talking to every person that wanted discuss about his assignment. All Humbert wanted to do, was present Vulcan and return home.
Home. If only that word still meant the vineyard.
He sighed sadly, and slowed his pace slightly. The fireling was heavy enough to start being uncomfortable, and his body was starting to feel the strain. He took a few deep breaths to help steady himself, and started up the stairs.
"Oh, so you returned, I see," a nasal voice sneered at him from far above, at the top of the stairs.
Humbert looked up and stifled a groan. "It would appear so, Natoru," he managed to say as he stumbled up the stairs tiredly.
He had only met the chief advisor's son for a few seconds, shortly after earning his title. But it was enough to confirm the fact that Natoru shared his father's low opinion of the new noble.
"Is his majesty in his study?"
"Yes, but he's with some very important ambassadors from down south. I'm afraid it will be a few hours before he'll be available," Natoru said smugly.
"Then I will wait as long as needed," Humbert replied, trying hard not to pant with exertion as he finally made it to the top of the stairs.
"Then wait downstairs!" Natoru commanded arrogantly.
"I don't think so. My body can only handle so much work at a time." As politely as he could, the little kitten tried to sidestep around the teenage cat.
"You may be a baron now, but you still need to abide by our rules!" Natoru grabbed one of his arms fiercely, almost forcing him to drop the fireling in the process.
Vulcan peeped in distress as the kitten tried to escape the unwanted grasp.
"Will you just-" Humbert tried to ask, just before getting interrupted.
"Natoru!" Lune snapped angrily, as he appeared from behind one curtain. "Release the Baron immediately!"
"But, your highness-" Natoru tried to defend feebly.
"No buts," Lune ordered, marching up to force the advisor-in-training to pry his hand off of Humbert. "You know my father wanted to see him as soon as he returned."
"But, but… the ambassadors!" Natoru wailed.
"My father needs to see that the baron is back, at least. I don't want a misunderstanding to come between my best friend and his head. That will be all, Natoru," Lune said between his teeth, gently guiding Humbert by the shoulders down the hall.
"You have impeccable timing, my friend," the smaller kitten said thankfully once they were out of earshot of the advisor's son. He readjusted his hold on Vulcan, who was trembling slightly.
"I'm terribly sorry about Natoru; he's being more foolish than usual," Lune whispered back, sighing a bit. "He's always had trouble with knowing his limitations."
"That cat will bwing doom to yo' kingdom," Vulcan choked between sobs, trembling terribly.
Lune looked down at the bundle of blanket in surprise. "Who said that?"
"This is Vulcan, Lune, but I'd really like the king to be the first to see him. I don't want to give your father an excuse to be angry at me," he explained while rocking the fireling comfortingly.
"… you actually did it?" Lune whispered in disbelief.
"Miraculously enough, I managed it," Humbert replied as he and the prince resumed a regular pace. 'More like he was thrown into my lap for a terrible price, but if I say that, someone else will try to capture a firebird and get himself killed.'
Vulcan managed to stop sobbing, but his tiny body still trembled in Humbert's arms.
"Shh, shh; it's all right, Vulcan," Humbert tried to soothe him, rocking him gently as they approached the curtain outside of the king's study.
A few voices could be heard, one of which was the king's.
"No. It won' be all wight for a wong time," the fireling whispered, crying against Humbert's chest for comfort.
Lune gave him a distressed look, and tucked his head behind the curtain. "Father? The Baron von Gikkingen has returned from the Avian Kingdom."
"He has? Very well; all of you go enjoy an early supper; I have a bit of pressing business with the Baron."
'That's the second time I've been referred to as 'the Baron', Humbert thought in confusion. 'Does that bode well or ill for me?'
Five tall cats marched out of the study in a perfect line, only looking mildly curious as to what Humbert was holding.
Once all of them were down the hall, Lune pulled the curtain aside for Humbert to step through, since his small arms were full.
The only other person besides the king present was Natori, who looked completely shocked to see him again.
The king was leaning back in a comfortable chair, drumming his knuckles lazily across his large desk. "Today is the last day of the week, Baron; what do you have to show for it?" he demanded.
'That makes for the third time.' "Your majesty," Humbert said respectfully, bowing once before gently setting the fireling on the desk. "Allow me to present Vulcan D'Pyros," he said while removing the special blanket.
The room hadn't been very dark, but revealing the heir to the Avian Kingdom lightened the room with a beautiful dark gold aura.
The king gasped thunderously as Natori stared in dumb disbelief.
"Unbelievable," Lune whispered in shock.
Vulcan stretched his long wings gratefully. "Nice to meet 'ou, majesty," he said in his baby lisp, even doing the traditional bow of his kind to the monarch.
The king could only stare.
"Hum-but says I'm yo' new… wad?" he asked the stunted cat.
"Ward," Humbert corrected gently, bowing to the king. "Firebirds like most types of fish and grain that we do, but Vulcan's only a few weeks old, and just learning to talk, as you can hear. For now, his diet should be ground worms mixed with fresh fruit juice; preferably orange or grapefruit twice a day."
"Unless 'ou have mulberries," Vulcan added hopefully.
"Oh, and don't forget to let him practice flying when the weather warms up," Humbert told the king seriously. "He'll remember to come back, and firebirds tend to get testy when they can't stretch their wings."
"Our fe'thas start lighting stuff on fi-ah," Vulcan reported guiltily, flapping his glowing wings a bit. "I can'na wait to sta't fwying!"
"…Well done, Baron," the king whispered, his expression heavily impressed. "Well done, indeed."