Chapter 19: Operation Circus Stallion, Go

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Remember to panic on the inside and not on the outside. Today is the day, and I did nothing but practice that one dumb song constantly in the hopes I can impress the visiting dignitaries. So long as they're happy, the trade agreement would be reinstated and Arisota's Hold would continue in its service to protect its civilians and fend off the United Tribes of the Southlands. So no pressure, right? Right? Right. Yeah.

At least I was able to have an audience with Zuddle before I went out on stage. I played the song to him as best I could and he said it was adequate enough. I felt better knowing I had gotten adequate, but my self esteem wavered when he tacked 'enough' after 'adequate'. I mean, how better do you think I can get when I had to crunch on my personal time practicing and playing this damn song? And now, here I am, waiting for the waiters and servants to pile food upon the plates of the guests and patrons, while I'm sweating bullets over the chance I might mess up and lose my cushy life in the fortress.

So yeah.

No.

Pressure.

At all.

God do I need a clam.

At least Teecam will be with me as we perform the song. I'm not sure if the audience would appreciate my singing voice anyway.

When is Zuddle gonna give me the cue to come anyway?

"Visiting lords of the Glorious Empire of Kalleg Darr." Said Zuddle. "I would like to thank you for coming to us for the revision of our established trade agreement between your lands and this hold. Long ago, the ancestors that sit upon the throne of this fortress was tasked with the burden of staving the invasion of the southern tribes, and those who have no consideration and respect for the cultures outside their own. The past leaders that led our people understood the value of wisdom, knowledge, and strategy. We would not achieve the modernity we have accumulated to this day had our ancestors not toiled hard and sacrificed all they had for us to cultivate and grow our civilizations. From the blacksmiths that creates our tools and our weapons, to the craftsmen that carve our statues and furnish our houses, and from the farmers that grow our crops and livestock. From the soldier, trained to kill the enemy and protect our countrymen and women, to the artist, trained to alleviate our boredom and entice us with stories and other artworks. To the lords that serve the public, and the musicians that inspire the masses. I've had a... small friend that wished to partake in our festivities, and I took the opportunity to teach him to play a song when I was outside my regular duties. So please, give a warm welcome and an applause to our littlest and newest member of Arisota's Hold. Roy shall now recite the song 'For the Love of the Stars', played on my personal harp guitar, and he shall be accompanied by Teecam, who shall sing the lyrics for us this evening."

I guess that's our cue.

As I left through the main door and passed past the threshold into the greeting hall, I noticed a small wooden platform in the center of multitudes of tables that surround it. Seated among those tables were several lords of various guilds that have been invited to the gathering, along with their choice of guest that were invited to be here. The esteemed dignitaries from Kalleg Darr had their own tables, and were joined closely to the main table that had Arrinoka Arisota, Kilani Bel DaggerKnuckle, the three elders Norak, Dallia, Zann, and then Zuddle's empty chair.

Judging by the seating arrangement next to Arrinoka's table, there seated two dignitaries. From Dallia's description of them, and Kilani's doting, one of them must be the 'prissy one'. AKA Lord Gerrand Gont Yontleese. He wore a federal blue outfit, and had a hat that was WAY fancier than Borafous'. It was slightly larger, oval like an egg, and was upright. It too was a federal blue, but gold and wooden beads wrapped around several times till it looked like a gilded cocoon. His mustache curled up along his lips and his eyes were a pale blue. He was pale-skinned, but tan, which showed he didn't shy away from outdoor work.

Then there was the other guy. Clad in brick red, but with an oval hat that was flat on one side. Maybe he sat on it on accident? It otherwise had the same gold and wood beads that circled around it like ribbons on a fat maypole. He had brown hair, paler skin compared to Gerrand, and seemed to be an excitable lad. And perhaps a bit fat. Perhaps even more rounder than Trademaster Zackis Lecknart. I managed to confront and ask Dallia about the guy, before the party started, but she answered plainly and said she didn't know who he is. She did learn his name before he entered the fort, however. He went by Lord Taranka Hogwiggle.

And then there was the many tables populated by the lords of the Crown District. One lord I recognize from the Exotic Animal Registry Guild, He-Who-Stuck-His-Hand-Up-My-Arse-and-I-Will-Not-Elaborate-Further-Than-That, was here. Oh, and I also noticed Zackis Lecknart, with his daughter as his guest. What was her name again? Jerry or something? Uh... No no wait, it was Jerrla. I guess she's no longer grounded anymore. Or got out on account of good behavior. Either-or. Oh, and there was also that guy from the Beast-Tamers guild. I completely forgot his name, but I recognize his attire and thinning silver hair with that whispy beard of his. Looks like he brought one of his employees with him. This one had peach-colored hair. Uh... I think their names started with a G and a K or something...

Anyway, I brought myself up to the central wooden platform, with Teecam following behind me. It was usually assembled for when performers and musical bands needed a stage to play on. To think that this platform will be for my performance! ... Well. Our performance. Okay, stay calm, stay calm, don't panic, don't get stage fright, stay calm.

I bowed to my audience before addressing them. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I express my zhanks to zhe lords of Arisota's Hold zhat has given me an opportunity to entertain you all. I hope you enjoy our performance."

As expected, a lot of the faces I see around the halls of this fortress home were a mix between amused and surprised. Judging from the faces of the two dignitaries visiting us, they seemed to be the most surprised out of everyone in the greeting hall.

I strummed up the chords of the harp guitar with practiced hands, and then began the first notes to 'For the Love of the Stars'. Teecam began her singing.

"Erstwhile prayers to stars above, let this song express our love.

One by one we leave for shore, to leave the light we once adore.

Gone are days of dire loss, we etch our pride and guilds emboss.

The bones of elders grants our way, to guard our children from doomsday.

Praying to the moon and lights, giving us our needed sights.

Heed our pleas our calls our cries, guide our souls when hope dies.

Clouds and raindrops overhead, they hide the twinkle of your stead.

Let us learn to love this land, lest we are forced to disband.

Glitter high and hide away, when sun comes out to veil the day.

Spirit high and heart grown strong, let our days shine, lasting long.

Littler things patter their feet, then they grow to learn their keep.

Long are days of blessed mirth, protected by our fighting worth.

Erstwhile prayers to stars above, let this song express our love."

With the finishing notes played and finished with, I take a pause to analyze my audience. It was kind of hard to sing this song that wasn't in the same tone as 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', but I think I pulled it off. They paused as well, but the applause they gave began low before it turned into a raucous storm of clapping. Oh good. I suppose that means I didn't embarrass myself. That was good. I took a bow once more before I made my way off the stage and back through the door I came from, with Teecam, again, following behind me.

As much as I would have liked to join with Arrinoka and witness the next act while dining on the food cooked for the lords and dignitaries in the party, Kilani explained that it's traditional for the staff and entertainers to eat separate from the lords and ladies during celebrations, festivities, important gatherings, and other similar events. She says it has something to do with the division of classes. I don't really understand it, but I guess it means Arrinoka doesn't need me around to wine and dine while going through the details of revising the trade agreement with the two dignitaries.

On the other hand, at least I got Teecam to accompany me to help with the song. Despite being one of Arrinoka's maids, she's got quite the nice voice. We now find ourselves recuperating from our performance in the backroom beyond the greeting hall.

"Tell me, Teecam. Did I do good out zhere?" I asked, still a little anxious.

She giggled at me before patting me softly on my back. "You did very well. Though, to be fair, I think they were more focused on me than on you."

I huffed. "Admittedly, if I had sang instead of you, I'd end up getting booed off zhe stage. Or worse, getting my pet license revoked and my skin flayed."

Teecam blinked at me in silent surprise. "... That was a bit morbid."

"I know, and I'm sorry." I said with a sigh. "I'm just nervous about my performance is all."

Teecam shook her head and smiled. "Don't worry yourself. You did great. I promise."

I looked up at Teecam, smiled, and bowed to her. "Zhank you, Lady Teecam, for reassuring me."

Teecan smiled at me broadly. "Ohohohoh, you precious little thing. You are welcome."

There was a long pause between us as I was putting Zuddle's harp guitar back into its case. To abate the awkwardness, I decided to break the silence with a question. "... So! ... Uh. ... I'm curious to know some zhings, if you don't mind me asking."

Teecam nodded at me. "Sure. What do you need to know?"

"I've talked wizh Zuddle and Arrinoka on several occasions and have been getting to know zhem for several days now, but I sometimes feel zhat I might be taking too much time out of zheir schedules. I mean, I know zhat zhey are zhe fortmaster and vice fortmaster of Arisota's Hold, but I can't help but want to know more about zheir personalities better. And not just zhem, but zhe ozher important lords and caretakers of zhis fortress too." I turned to Teecam when I finally latched the harp guitar case closed. "And zhat would include you as well. Wizh zhat in mind: How would you summarize yourself and everyone else in Arrisota's Hold?"

Teecam blinked her eyes several times. She then smiled sweetly and sat next to me. "May I ask why not ask your master instead? He would know more about his fort himself, after all."

I shrugged a little. "I would, but I didn't want to impose too much into his business since he has a sleuzh looking into an important matter."

"A sleuth? Interesting. Can you tell me who it is?" She asked, cocking her head.

I shook my head and gestured dismissively. "Sorry, but zhis is confidential business. I don't want to reveal too much in zhis stage of zhe investigation."

She held her head in her hands while she focused on me. "That so? Do you know that it's dangerous to reveal that kind of information so freely?"

I shook my head. "Technically speaking, I didn't reveal what he was investigating into, or who he's using. If anyzhing, it's normal to assume zhat a fortmaster uses sleuzhs regularly to gazher information in zheir fort. Since zhis is common knowledge, I'm practically in zhe clear." I then arched a brow at Teecam. "Unless zhere's anyzhing YOU want to share?"

Teecam giggled and waved a dismissive hand at me. "Ha ha nooo, not really. Technically speaking, I'm a retired sleuth."

I blinked at her a few times. "You?"

"Yes." She replied with an innocent smile. "Also, a little tip for the future: It's usually bad form to speak about any secret businesses involving any sleuths or any lords."

I blinked before I facepalmed myself. "I'll be sure to keep zhat in mind."

"Fortunately for you, I happen to work for Arrinoka personally, so I'm willing to let this slip-up slide this one time." She said coolly.

"... Unless you actually work for someone else and are just saying zhat to get more information out of me." I intoned with skepticism.

Teecam giggled at me again. "Clever little scav. I guess what Zuddle says about you is true. You're a quick learner, if difficult to teach. I can see why those two brothers would be so interested in having you around."

"Yeah, well, zhe expression 'flattery can get you anywhere' comes to my mind." I gushed.

"Is that expression popular from where you come from?" Teecam asked.

"Oh, you like zhat one? How about anozher? 'Never be so loyal zhat you betray yourself.'" I replied with a wise nod.

Teecam giggled at me again. "That one is pretty good actually."

Unfortunately, we were interrupted by a crying woman. Lady Kilani Bel DaggerKnuckle, to be exact. She rushed through the greeting hall's backroom, sobbing as she ran past us without offering an explanation. I don't think she would have stopped to tell us what had made her sad had we asked her. Seconds later, Arrinoka and Zuddle came through.

Zuddle was slower in the pursuit, so he ended up stopping right in front of us. "WE'RE NOT DONE TALKING ABOUT THIS, LADY KILANI!"

Teecam and I stared at Zuddle for a few seconds. We exchanged glances for a few more seconds. We then turned back to Zuddle with the same confused expression.

Zuddle then noticed that he was in our company. After an awkward pause, he coughed and composed himself. "Apologies. I wasn't aware that you were there."

Teecam decided to speak first. "What was that about?"

Zuddle sighed. "So much happened all at once, but I'll try to explain. There was an assassination attempt with one of our elders."

Teecam clasped her mouth in surprise. "WHAT?" I shouted, my mouth agape.

"Keep it down, Roy. I don't need to develop tinnitus at my current age, thank you." Zuddle growled as he clasped one of his ears.

Teecam stood up. "With due respect, sir, I think there is a lot to unpack with what you just said. Is everything alright?" She asked.

Zuddle groaned. "Very well. One of the dignitaries took a drink that was meant for Elder Norak, but Lord Gerrand Gont Yontleese took a sip instead. His throat closed up instantly. We suspected it was a toxin that is capable of causing inflammation and swelling to those who ingest the substance. The guests that have been invited have been detained by the sentinels and are being questioned as we speak. I suspect there were two assassins that have colluded to this geronticide."

"Norak." I said, repeating the name thoughtfully. "He's mean, but I don't know why anyone would want to kill him." I paused before looking up at Zuddle. "Did he have any enemies we should be worried about?"

Zuddle sighed as he raised his hands, palms upward, nonchalantly. "He used to be an accomplished advisor to my foster father years ago. When he was no longer capable of the role, he instead agreed to become a keeper of secret knowledge and be given the title of elder. There have been a few times where he, and the other elders of yore, have had their run-ins with adversaries and made enemies of them in those times. In Lord Norak's case, he certainly had made a few rivals and villains during his heyday."

"And Lady Kilani?" I asked. "She practically bawled her eyes out like someone in her family died as she ran zhrough here. What was going on wizh her?"

Zuddle nodded before he replied. "Let's just say that the daughter of the Outerguard captain inherited her father's mean streak. She accused a few of the guests of being the assailants and began throttling them half to death."

"Oh tits!" I exclaimed, my eyes feeling like they turned into dinner plates.

"Indeed." Zuddle nodded again. "And they would have been tits-up had the sentinels not intervened. Before the incident began, Gerrand also did manage to write out a note to Kilani. It said that the relationship between the two was not sustainable, and that he was looking for other suitresses that were within the Kalleg Darr domain. I believe Kilani was supposed to get the letter after the greeting party and trade agreement revision, but she intercepted the letter right after Gerrand's poisoning, prompting her to check his person for personal items. She became belligerent after she read the message and overheard the discussion about the assassination attempt."

"That was when Lady Kilani went berserk?" Teecam asked anxiously.

Zuddle nodded.

A pit welled in my gut. I carefully propped the harp guitar case carefully on the closest wall. "Do you zhink she should be watched over?"

Zuddle sighed yet again. "I think she's going to barricade herself in her room for the meantime. It would be wiser to have someone sit with her, but... Eh. She's a DaggerKnuckle. They can handle themselves fairly well. Then again, we might have to spring some funds from our treasury in case Borafous comes by and knocks the door down, if he thinks she might still be in peril."

I huffed contemptibly. "Well if she's going zhrough heartbreak, it would be better if she had some company to talk to her."

Zuddle blinked at me a few times. He then sighed. "Roy, she is a big girl. She can handle herself."

"Wizh due respect, sir, it's not healzhy to wallow when you're alone." I turned to the door that Kilani had barged through earlier. "And I do want to know if she will be alright."

Zuddle blinked again. Another sigh escaped his lungs, but I can see a small smirk stretch across his lips. "Oh. Very well." Zuddle nimbly turned to Teecam. "Servant Teecam. Please assist my brother's pet in assuaging Lady DaggerKnuckle's dour mood, if you would? I'll have to give an update to Borafous, Arrinoka, Thaladine, and the other elders about this, for I cannot be in both places at once. I will return for you later."

"Yes Vice Fortmaster." Teecam replied with a quick bow.

I cocked my head, turning to Zuddle. "Wouldn't it make more sense to have Teecam deliver zhe news to everyone and you come wizh me?"

"The situation is presently very delicate, Roy." Zuddle gently chided. "And besides. Teecam has the spare key for Lady Kilani's room. She caters to everyone living on this floor and the floor above, after all."

With an understanding nod, I then turned to Teecam and pointed both my upper hands at her. "I'll follow you zhen."

And thus, our quest begins!

The trip to Lady Kilani's personal quarters was uneventful, but Teecam and I made it there all the same. Teecam stopped at the door leading into Kilani's room and pulled out a key from her outfit before she began knocking onto Kilani's door. "Excuse me, Lady Kilani? May we enter?"

"Who is it?" A hoarse voice answered us. Kilani sounds like she was becoming sick.

"Servant Teecam, milady. I was under orders to check up on you on Zuddle's behalf. Roy the yinglet is with me." Teecam answered.

"Go away." Kilani answered shortly.

I sighed as I went up to the door and spoke into it. "Lady Kilani, please let us in? We heard from zhe Vice Fortmaster zhat you assaulted some people because your boyfriend got in zhe middle of an assassination attempt. I zhought it would be a good idea if you had some company."

"I said go away." Kilani answered.

"Zhen can we stand guard out here until you give us permission to come in?" I pressed.

"GRAH!"A heavy crashing thud made me back off from the door and hide behind Teecam. Other loud sounds followed, sounding like furniture being moved around or being used as projectiles.

Teecam seemed to tense from the noises Kilani was making. "Ooh, this isn't good."

"Yeah, no fooling." I replied, peering out from behind Teecam. "Would zhe key to her room still work?"

Teecam sighed and shook her head. "Judging by the racket she's making, she's already barricading herself in. Unless we get a blacksmith to unhinge the door from its frame, we won't be getting to her soon."

"Well zhere aught to be somezhing we can do!" I scritched my chin and began pacing. It must have been around half a minute or so before a dumb idea came to my head. Sadly, it was the only one I could think of. "... Maybe we can rappel down to her?"

"What?" Teecam confusedly asked.

I turned to Teecam. "Do you have zhe key to zhe room directly above Kilani's?" I asked.

Teecam blinked. "Lord Arrinoka's chamber? Yes. Why?"

"Okay." I said as I clapped my hands. "My plan is to tie one end of some rope to a heavy object, zhen descend from Arrinoka's balcony to get into Kilani's balcony."

Teecam's eyes widened at my idea. "Uh... Several problems with that. Kilani doesn't have a balcony outside of her room. It's just two large windows. That, and I doubt Lord Arrinoka would approve of us using his room to spearhead an infiltration mission. Also, would it be dangerous for you to dangle on a rope so high up from the ground level?"

I paused. I looked down at the ground in a low, and frustrated snarl. "Well I don't know of any ozher windows into her room zhat I can slink zhrough."

"Other windows..." Teecam looked up for a second. She then pointed at what she was staring towards. "Would a transom window work?"

I looked up and saw... Oh. Well what do ya know? It was one of those half-circle windows you would find above a door. "Huh. Zhat is horribly convenient. But yeah, zhat would work! Way better zhat using a rope!" I turned to Teecam. I paused. I sighed. I then hung my head in shame. "Teecam. Even zhough it would be rude of me to ask you of zhis simple, but possibly embarrassing, request, but you are zhe closest person zhat can help assist me. Could you kindly lift me towards zhat window, please?"

Teecam raised an eyebrow at me. "Are you sure? She might hurt you, you know."

"I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't risk my neck for my friends. Now let me up."

Teecam then nodded. She gently reached down to my level and picked me up from my armpits. Because I was so small, pushing me up to the transom window was relatively easy. I say relatively, but Teecam had to shift me a bit due to my rather noodly body I couldn't help but wiggle a little as I tried to get comfortable. That and I had the sudden urge to try and grab onto Teecam. Fortunately, the transom window was open and I was able to slip past the window frame.

I found myself upon the top of a bookshelf that was pushed up against the door that lead out of Kilani's chamber. The room I was in was certainly furnished to accommodate a noblewoman, looking like something that would have belonged inmost late 16 century or early 17 century cultures of the Earth that I know. If I had to summarize what the design looked like, I would say it was less spartan compared to Arrinoka Arisota's master bedroom, but it certainly had a mix of styles between French, European, and British. But alas, I am reminded that I was not in France, West Eurasia, or The United Kingdom.

"Lady Kilani?" I managed to carefully drawl out, avoiding the broken pile of a woven wicker chair as I looked around for Kilani.

"Wuh?" I saw Kilani turn towards me, half her torso on the bed and her other half sitting on the floor. I noticed two dark blotches dampening the sheets. "WHY ARE YOU IN MY ROOM?!"

I quickly laid down with my belly on the floor. "I was worried about you."

"AND THAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO INVADE MY PRIVACY?!" Kilani shouted at me.

"Well... No." I answered meekly. Did she really have to act this scary? I can feel my heart racing!

"THEN WHY?!" Kilani asked harshly.

"Because I consider you a friend, Kilani. And I wanted to see you." I answered, more as a whimper than anything else. "You're heartbroken right now, and it's not healzhy to be sensitive and alone when you don't have someone."

Kilani clenched her jaw for a long while, her eyes weeping wet and intensely glaring at me. But I remained laying down. She seemed to sigh before she relaxed and leaned into her bed once more.

Well. I think I don't have to worry about being used for defenestration in the near future. "May I stay?" I asked.

"... Fine." Kinali answered with a muffle, her face not moving from her bed.

Okay! I'm making progress! "I'll be right back here. Zhis will only be for a moment."

I decided to turn around and go back to the barricaded door. Popping my head out of the transom window, I see Teecam peeking up at me. She gazed up at me with worry in her eyes. "Is she alright?" Teecam asked.

"She's crying into her bed, but she is letting me stay. I don't zhink she's gonna do somezhing drastic. She's just very sad for right now. She's also letting me stay." I reported.

Teecam nodded. "That's good. Asides from the sadness she is feeling." She then pointed at me. "Don't do anything unwholesome or inappropriate in there."

I tutted. "What do you take me for? I can be a great gentleman when zhe situation calls for it."

"You better be." Teecam narrowed her eyes at me. "I'll be outside if you two need anything."

I nodded at Teecam before I slithered back into Kilani's chambers. I then came back to the spot I was laying at and laid right back on it again. I then began waiting there, which felt like a small eternity in on itself. But ignoring the embellishments of describing my already strained patience as a yinglet, the time that elapsed before Kilani decided she was done crying lasted about twenty five minutes. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable sitting in one place like this. Had I known I would have been here, I think I might have brought some kind of puzzle toy with me. But no. I believe Kilani required my full attention anyway.

Once Kilani finished silent sobbing, she composed herself. She dabbed her face dry with a handkerchief and then turned to me, looking emotionally drained. She stared at my for a few tired seconds before speaking. "Why are you laying on the ground?"

"I'm waiting for your permission to come closer." I replied patiently.

"Is this a yinglet thing?" Kilani asked with a sniffle.

"Uh... I dunno. It could be a zherapy yinglet zhing zhough." I answered.

Kilani paused and contemplated on what she would say next. Poor girl. She must have truly liked that Lord Gerrand guy. After a minute or so of muddling over her decision, she sighed and gave an answer. "Fine. Just... Sit on the bed with me I guess."

I nodded and made my way carefully to her. So far so good. I can only hope that what I'm doing is the right thing. For her and me both. All it will take now is the right steps in the correct direction.

A/N: Sorry for the long delay. I was going through a writer's slump of sorts.