A Pixie’s Quest

CHAPTER 6 Royal Messages

Rianne watched two of the volunteer fliers fall to their deaths and one of the mandatory students had an arm pecked off before the end of the day. Professor Orlick had decided to skip the acrobatics lesson because of that and it was well past Cleo’s shift change once Rianne made it to the last step of the spiral stairway. She had seen Beings die before but these ones had rattled her. She decided to go into the library to seek comfort in her mother’s arms.

Rianne found a wordkeeper and asked if she knew where her mother was. She had pointed in the direction of Christa’s office. Rianne thanked her and walked towards the back of the library where a few offices had been carved out. She knocked gently before she peeked around the Royal Record Keeper’s office door. Rianne’s mother was bent over some papers and a couple of thick books with her reading glasses on and hair piled on top of her head in a perfect bun. Rianne thought she looked like a regular librarian that way. After a moment her mother looked up at her and waved her over. Rianne waited with patience for her to finish because she knew her mother could not fully concentrate on more than a couple of things at once. She finished with writing something down on a note and stuffing it into the larger of the two books.

“I am sorry about that sweetheart. My work never seems to end these days. With the incoming Travelers and Explorers, Queen Alexandra has asked me to keep record of any significant events and look for…something in the…older archives.” Christa cautiously finished as she gathered the papers into neater stacks.

“ I understand mom. I just thought I’d stop by before I headed out.” Rianne said.

Christa looked up at her as she heard the solemn undertone of Rianne’s voice. As she saw the tears that Rianne was trying to keep from falling she got up and went to her side.

“Oh, Riannelynn, what is wrong? Has something happened dear? Come, let us sit on the sofa and you can tell me what has you in such a state of distress.” Christa said with motherly concern as she took hold of Rianne and walked her over to the lounge.

“We have started Flight lessons in our Bird class today. Professor Orlick asked me to go first.” Rianne said in a shaky voice after she had laid her head on her mother’s lap.

“Oh by The Cloud no! I always thought that class was a horrible idea when it was just for entertainment and worse when they included the Messengers. That Professor has always been overzealous. You all weren’t supposed to start those dreadful lessons until summer!” Christa said irritably as she gently stroked Rianne’s antenna backwards into her hair.

“The Queen was the one who ordered the Flight lessons to begin. She has made it mandatory for a select few of us. I am one of them. The flying part was actually absolutely wonderful, after the initial fear of course. I made it past the canopy and saw how much bigger our world actually is. Because of that though Professor Orlick gave me a promotion. Apprentice Bird Tamer” Rianne continued as she wiped away tear.

“What?! I haven’t heard anything about this! You should not have been so reckless Rianne! What if you had fallen or been caught by a hawk or a falcon!? And a promotion! Not that I’m not proud but you only just started today! What was that quack thinking promoting a student on the first day of a class? No wonder you’re so upset.” Christa said with growing concern and agitation.

“It’s fine mom. The promotion was a little embarrassing, yes but I don’t mind so much.” Rianne said.

“Well then what has gotten you so troubled baby girl?” Christa questioned as she turned Rianne’s head up to face hers.

As Rianne faced her mother’s questioning face and more tears began to stream into her hairline Rianne recounted the gruesome details of the students deaths and injuries. Rianne may not have been particularly close to those Beings but she had been with them for the past three years. She felt the loss of their shared passion and the goals they would no longer be able to achieve. Her mother held her as she mourned her peers.

Rianne hugged her mother one last time before she left the East Tower and surprisingly found Poky waiting for her on a bench out in the open. As she made it to the bottom of the staircase Poky had quietly hid under her hair and gave her neck a little squeeze.

Rianne smiled halfheartedly and patted her head as she asked “How did your recon go my petite friend?”

“Not great, but not terrible. I found out what the Explorers are coming into the city for. Nothing on the why though. Most of the Travelers are Outlander diplomats and their escorts. I know that why but not the what.” Poky disappointedly buzzed as she hung off Rianne’s shoulder and used the sword belt for balance.

“That’s more than we had this afternoon, so I’d call it a success.” Rianne said as she adjusted her satchel to the front.

“I stopped by the barrack yard to see if Cleo could help as well. I think she has been feeling a little left out since yesterday when we told her about Duke Sebastian sneaking out.” Poky buzzed as Rianne walked around the East Tower on the pathway to the Heart Tower‘s gate.

“Well it is a good thing that we are on our way to see her then. Hopefully she is still posted in front of Sabby’s door.” Rianne said as she perked up a little.

Once Rianne showed her Messenger Apprentice identification plate to the gate guard, they made their way through the bailey and around to the servants entrance. Poky swiftly made herself invisible in the ceilings shadows, as Rianne asked for a guard to escort her to the privy chamber of the Second Prince Duke Sebastian Birdwing. After she and her bag were thoroughly checked they made their way through hallways and up stairways to the landing of the antechamber to the Duke’s personal chambers. Poky had slipped back under Rianne’s hair at a point she slowed a couple of steps behind. Thanking the guard as he left her in front of the chamber guards.

“What is your purpose here miss?” Asked one of the chamber guards, politely.

“I, Apprentice Messenger Heartwing, am here with a message for Chamber Guard Cleofain Catahecassa.” Rianne responded.

“Very well. Wait here a moment, miss.” the other guard answered tersely after a strange look at the polite one.

As she waited, Rianne eyed the ceiling and twirled a piece of her shaggy hair and prayed Poky stayed properly hidden under it. Then the chamber door opened and Cleo strolled out dressed in the blue steel armor of the Royal Guard. She motioned towards a window near the landing as she smirked at Rianne’s raised eyebrows.

“What in the nine hells, Cleo!? You got a promotion?!” Rianne asked, flabbergasted.

“Sure did. First thing this morning in fact.” Cleo proudly stated as she hit her chest with one of her gauntlet covered hands.

“This week is getting weirder with every passing hour.” Rianne said as she ran her hands over her antenna.

“Are you referring to the thing Poky asked me to help with?” Cleo questioned as Rianne felt Poky gently peer over her shoulder.

“Yes and no. There is more to add to that now.” Rianne answered.

Cleo raised a brow at that. Then as she opened her mouth about to ask about that the antechamber gaurd cleared his throat. Which made Poky pop back behind as Rianne adjusted her stance to hide any strange hair movement he might see.

“Oh yes sorry about that. You are the job and I need to finish mine.” Rianne cleared her throat before she continued “Newly appointed Royal Guard Cleofain Catahecassa is to receive an official Message. Will you accept at this time?” Rianne asked the required question.

“I will.” Cleo responded.

“The new Chieftain of the Roaming Tribes, Tyelark Catahecassa, gives this message.” Rianne paused for a split second before she continued “I Chieftain Tyelark Catahecassa hereby request that Cleofain Catahecassa meet me for a noon lunch tomorrow in my temporary apartments” Rianne finished with the repeated message.

Cleo’s mouth hung open for about a minute before she shook herself and answered professionally “Thank you. I have received the message.”

”Please sign at the bottom for proof of reception.” Rianne said as she closed out the official exchange with Cleo’s signature on the written receipt.

“Also what the hells is going on. My brother is Chieftain. Since when? This probably explains why I haven’t received a letter in a month. How did you see him before I did?” Cleo asked, confused.

Before Rianne could answer her the other chamber guard came through the door and said “Royal Guard Cleofain his highness requests your presence.”

“Heard. Thank you Guard Horus. Sorry Rianne duty calls.” Cleo said as she started to turn and go back to work.

“Don’t worry too much over the details Cleo. We will meet up after your shift. Congratulations by the way.” Rianne said with a wave.

“Thanks Rianne. See you later” Cleo said before strolling back through the door.

Guard Horus had a maid escort Rianne back down to the servants entrance. After she departed Poky peered over her shoulder for some fresh air. She breathed deeply as Rianne crossed the leveled courtyard again. She tucked herself back under as Rianne reached the gate. Only after they reached the East Tower path did she poke her head back out.

“Ugh, you smell like bird butt, Rianne.” Poky buzzed as she dramatically drooped over Rianne’s shoulder.

“Uh, rude much!” Rianne quipped bask as she sniffed under the top of her tunic. Then scrunched up her face after smelling herself. “Oof. You might be right.”

“I think I would know after hiding in your hair for the last hour.” Poky giggled as Rianne turned towards the Southeast Tower.

“Then I guess it’s a good thing that the day’s business is over and I can take a shower. Possibly even a nap before we go back over to Cleo’s.” Rianne said.

“Shower first please.” Poky buzzed as she wafted the air in front of her face.

At that moment a very tired looking Monarch Butterfly Fairy came up and asked “Would you happen to be Apprentice Messenger Riannelynn Heartwing?”

“I am, yes.” She answered.

“Oh thank The Cloud. Apprentice Messenger Riannelynn Heartwing is to receive a Compelled Message. Would you like it written or verbalized?” He asked as he eyed Poky.

“A Compelled Message? Well that’s a first. Ooh, sorry. Written please.” Rianne fumbled as she held out a hand.

“Good good. Queen Alexandra the Third and Matriarch of the land of Allegheny and its capital city Alvania, gives this Compelled message.” said the tired Fairy as he handed over an envelope sealed with the royal crest. Then finished as he handed over his receipt book and a folded invitation also adorned with the royal crest.

“What in the what? Now I’m getting personal invitations from the freaking Queen!” Rianne said, baffled, after he had walked out of sight.

“What do you think she wants with you?” Poky buzzed as Rianne tucked the documents into her satchel.

“I don’t know. The last time I have even seen her was at the twins 30th birthday ball. But that was only a curtesy invite, because of dad and mother was included. I’ve never spoken with her. Not even when she would come to the nursery wing to visit with her boys.” Rianne worried.

“I remember that night. You crashed into me right after I scored a honey loaf, from the kitchens.” Poky buzzed with irritation at the memory of the baker.

“Wrong, you ran into me because you were not looking where you were flying. That baker said you stole that bread.” Rianne said as she side eyed her.

“He was throwing it out. I just happened to grab it before it went into the trash. You weren’t looking where you were going either, Rianne.” Poky buzzed as she smirked.

“Yeah that is because they had announced Sabby’s engagement and I had quietly ran away to cry. I had naively hoped he would run away with me because we were so close as hatchlings.” Rianne said, still a little embarrassed and felt her cheek scales heat up.

“Pffft. What really? You’ve never told me that.” Poky laughed.

“Oh you hush up. It is not a moment I like to relive. Besides, I was in my nymph stage, basically still a teenager.” Rianne snipped.

“Yeah I understand but am glad that I have never had that kind of experience.” Poky buzzed.

Rianne had stuck her tongue out at Poky as they reached the apartment door. At the same time Poky had swiftly grabbed the keys from her satchel and went to unlock it. Once inside she tossed the keys onto the desk and flew to her hammock in a corner of the ceiling she had deemed the perfect ambush spot. Rianne took out the sky colored invitation and the enveloped message after closing the door. She dropped the rest of her bundle next to the desk and sat in her cushioned office chair as she looked over the invite. It was basically a royal permission slip to show anyone who needed to see it. After carefully storing it in a locked desk drawer, Rianne broke the seal and opened the envelope.

Apprentice Messenger Riannelynn Heartwing you and the unidentified Demi Pixie are hereby ordered to present yourselves before Queen Alexandra Moniarch of Allegheny, in two days time, at 3pm, in the reception hall.

As she reread it a frustrated wrinkle formed on Rianne’s brow. She tossed the message onto the desk with a huff and walked over to the window to ponder. Poky dropped from her perch to look it over for herself. Her black eyes went round with shock as she saw that she had been discovered.

“Rianne this cannot be good if they also want me there. What if they know I’ve been sneaking around the Heart Tower? What if they know about my work with Joey or that I’m undocumented? What do you think?” Poky buzzed with rising panic.

“Calm down Poky. If it was about any of those things they would have just come and arrested you. I’m not entirely sure but I have this nagging feeling that all this strangeness is all connected. Let’s try not to think about it until we talk with Cleo later. Maybe she can connect a few more dots.” Rianne said with reassurance.

It was almost one in the morning when Cleo walked through the door. Rianne had set her pen down after finishing some repeated penmanship and Poky fell out of her hammock startled. Cleo giggled at her as she set her great ax against the wall.

“By the Cloud it has been a long day. Did you know that even with a promotion I’m still guarding doors? I mean I at least get to watch work being done instead of an empty room, but still making sure the door isn’t breached if he isn’t meeting with someone. Then I get to look at snooty snouts or flitting eyelashes.” Cleo said as she rubbed her face in exhaustion.

“You chose the guard life.” Poky buzzed sleepily.

“I wasn’t good at anything else and dad wouldn’t have accepted anything more unless it was political. Speaking of my father, is he dead, Rianne?” Cleo worried.

“No, Tye said that he basically stepped down. Didn’t give much detail on it though. Maybe your lunch will get you more details. Poky, let's go over what you found out today then Cleo can give her report.” Rianne said as she got straight to the point as she grabbed her pen and writing pad back up.

“Yes, ma’am.” Poky giggled with a mocked salute. Then continued “First, the Diplomats are here for an announcement that is going to affect Allegheny and all of the surrounding communities. Second, the Explorers are here for a test of knowledge and skills. I couldn’t find out what the announcement was or why they were being tested.” Poky relayed.

“Okay that just made more questions than answered. Cleo, what do you have?” Rianne asked as she wrote down Poky’s information.

“I know Poky asked me out of pity but I actually have something on the Diplomatic side of things. The announcement is not going to be a public event and is going to happen in two days at 3 o’clock.” Cleo reported proudly.

“What?!” Both Poky and Rianne exclaimed together.

“Whoa. You two okay?” Cleo said as she held her hands up and looked between the two.

Rianne snatched the written order from her desk and handed it over for Cleo to read.

“Awh crap.” was all Cleo said after reading it.

“I knew it! I just freaking knew it! Connected all of it!” Rianne loudly stated