A Pixie’s Quest

Chapter 7 Given a Mission with a Side of Secrets

FIVE DAYS LATER

Rianne had twisted a knot into her long, tied back and curled into a single ringlet hairstyle, as she paced in the almost empty hallway. Poky had sat in a chair to avoid getting dizzy and fanned herself so she did not vomit again. A door down the hall had opened and closed as Rianne watched her mother in a Royal Uniform walk down, and stop with a confused look, right in front of her.

“Riannelynn? Sweetheart, what are you doing here?” Christa asked.

“I was ordered to be present for I do not know what.” Rianne replied as she pulled at the knot still in her hair.

“How very odd. I guess that’ll have to go into my recording book.” Christa said as she tucked her clipboard and files under her arm and helped untangle Rianne’s hair.

At that moment a studious looking Greymouse Fae walked out of the Great Hall’s double doors, deeply swept his arm back in and stately pronounced “Royal Record Keeper Christa Heartwing and Apprentice Messenger Riannelynn Heartwing and the Demi Pixie Princess Sarahfina Morré have arrived.”

Rianne had been completely shocked when Poky had told her and Cleo what she really was after they took her to get documented the day before. Apparently Poky was born to be a future Queen Bee in the only Outlander hive that had been taken over and destroyed by eight Low Pixie Wasp clans. She had been smuggled out as a puppa to the city for safety, unfortunately her protector drone was accidentally killed in an armed debt dispute that had gotten out of hand. She had survived a year until adulthood and the night she had met Rianne she had luckily found a way into the Heart Tower in an attempt to find work. The only proof of who she was, that she had not sold for food or lodging, was a jade pendant with a cherry blossom carved into it.

The Greymous Fea led Rianne’s mother to a seat with a small writing table that faced both the throne and audience. A smaller Brownmouse Fea led Rianne and Poky down the center of the mass and stopped them right before the empty thrones. Right at that moment a trumpet sounded and everyone bowed or curtsied as the Queen and two sons entered. After they were seated and let to rise, did Rianne see Cleo was also present. Rianne suddenly had the urge to puke as her stomach hypothetically hit the floor.

“Riannelynn Heartwing I will ask you two questions before we proceed to the why you have been brought before me today.” Queen Alexandra stated in a queenly manner.

“Firstly, I wish to know what your overall goal after you graduate your apprenticeship is to be? She asked.

“Oh. Um. Well your Majesty, I had planned to take the test for a job as a Royal Messenger.” Rianne fumbled out.

“Very good. Your father was my personal Royal Messenger and the savior of my family. I am sure you will follow closely in his footsteps.” The Queen said with a knowing smile. “Now, second question, why was the Demi Pixie Princess living with you undocumented and unprotected for so long.”

“That your Majesty is something I think Princess Sarahfina should answer because up until recently I simply knew her as Poky the street urchin. Ma’am.” Rianne said as she bowed Poky forward with a discreet wave and whispered go on.

Poky then recounted her tragic past before asking to stay with Rianne as her disguised persona. Queen Alexandra granted this with the condition that she kept her title for a planned future endeavor. Rianne fidgeted in her tan Messenger attire under the scrutiny of the nosy court.

“Hmmm alright now that that matter has been settled let us move forward with why you and everyone has been assembled today. I have received a message from the North Pole!” Queen Alexandra loudly stated.

The assembly erupted in questions as Rianne’s jaw hit her chest. A whistle and the Queen’s held up hand quieted the crowd immediately after a guard had to take a step towards them. Once all was silent she waved her hand and an ancient human woman hunched over a cane and wobbled up beside her. A chair was placed behind her as she unsteadily sat. Rianne had been surprised she made it that far being as blind as she looked. The old woman’s grey hair had two bright auburn streaks on either side of her head and seemed to wobble the opposite way that the rest of her did.

“This woman is known as Kallisto the Jewel Cloud’s Oracle. Some of you I can see have doubts, most likely based upon the fact that psychic abilities are considered magic and therefore not real. However she and the generations before her have served my family in secret since the New World’s beginning. Everything preconceived by the Oracles has been correct, uncorrupted, and documented.” Queen Alexandra announced with conviction. She let this news settle in and a few whispered doubts be said before she continued “I to was doubtful of her ability and therefore ignored her words about The Burning. Predicted on the day that I had the Low Pixie slavers hung. Our city suffered greatly because of my inaction. I have never again since let her precognition fall on deaf ears. Recently she has had four new predictions that will change this city drastically. First she is to be known. Second, the Beings of the Polled North will soon have a way to communicate with all of the New World’s leaders. Third, a journey is to be guided by the Explorer who protects the wanderer. Lastly a life and a gift is to be delivered by the Messenger that has touched the sky with a wandering heart.”

Queen Alexandra said the last prediction as she looked down into Rianne’s star flecked eyes. Rianne’s stomach leapt from the floor and into her throat with a terrifying sense of foreboding. Poky clung to her leg as the crowd all turned their gazes towards them.

A witchy cackle shattered the silence and with it the ancient Oracle faced Rianne then teased “Just look at those faces. Ha. Much funnier in person. Rainy come see me after this lot finishes. Heheheee. Ope I’m tearing up now.” Kallisto, still laughing slowly and shockingly with the Queen’s help, gets to her feet, then walks out a side door.

“Well then with that questions will be now heard and answered. Princess Sarafina and Messenger Riannelynn please take a seat behind Royal Record Keeper Christa. You two are going to be witnesses for the rest of the assembly. The details of your departure will be sent to you tomorrow so be ready.” Queen Alexandra said.

The rest of the assembly took two more hours before it had ended. Rianne had sat staring into the distance as Poky intently listened to the responses the Queen gave to the questions asked. After the Royal family and the last of the assembled Beings filled out, Rianne’s mother stacked her papers and shoved them under her arm as she walked over to Rianne. She hugged her and kissed her forehead as she said goodbye. Then tears started to fall from her eyes as she turned and left.

The studious Greymouse Fea introduced himself as Stilwell before shuffling them off to the living quarters. Rianne was happy they didn’t have to go up more than one flight of stairs to reach the Oracle’s chambers. Rianne and Poky were shown in by a Cicada Demi Pixie maid.

“Oh, there you are Rainy and lovely little Poky as well. Come come sit sit.” Kallisto ordered as she turned towards each of them in a floral pattern chair at a table that matched and covered with tea treats.

“Thank you for having us Oracle Kallisto.” Rianne said as she sat and helped Poky find a place on the table.

“Hmm, I’m surprised that you haven’t noticed she can change her size yet. Only slightly of course and with the help of that special jelly. Oh and please call me Kallie.” Oracle Kallisto said as her head swiveled between them.

“What really? How? When? Poky, what other secrets are you hiding?” Rianne was shocked once more by her little Demi Pixie friend.

“No need to be suspicious. That was her last secret and she was going to tell you three weeks from now after you ask her how she fits on a small table but hangs over your shoulder when riding on your back. So sorry for outing you sooner, deary. I tend to do that quite often.” Kallie said cheerily.

“That’s quite alright, Miss Kallie, ma’am. I don’t really mind.” Poky buzzed as she eyed a honey filled tart.

“Oh yes, I almost forgot the tea. Whinny, can you please pour some tea for my quests. You two go ahead and help yourselves to some treats. Ooo I do believe these are the aphid sandwiches, no veggies included.” Kallie said as she slid a plate full of small triangle sliced sandwiches towards Rianne. “After you’ve eaten a little and had your tea, we’ll continue with our little meeting.” She finished with a gummy smile.

Rianne was grateful for the food after her stomach made a loud hunger noise. Whinny, the Cicada Demi Pixie, poured tea at just the right moment. After Rianne finished her cup, Kallie asked “Do you believe in magic Rainy?”

“I did when I was a hatchling and I think I am starting again. Why do you ask?” Rianne replied with a question.

“Because I’ve seen what those Pollers have accomplished so far. Not only terrifying but also magnificent, they have things that even the Old World couldn’t obtain. I think you will love it” Kallie said

“Is that the journey? We are somehow going to the North Pole?” Poky asked

“Yes and no.” Kallie answered.

“We are going but that isn’t the final destination?” Rianne questioned.

“Also yes and no. Your final destination is also your first but you will have a second before that third destination.” Kallie said.

“Third destination? Where is the second supposed to be?” Poky buzzed questioningly again.

“The full answer this time please.” Rianne said.

“Hmmm. Well your second destination will be in a place, the Old World called Yukon. Today there is a small nation called Cadkan which is home to some of the largest land Fae in the New World. Their capital city of Nirvana you will find under Thunder Mountain” Kallie answered. Then with a more subdued tone continued “This is a national secret but you need to know that I am the last of my family line. My daughter who was meant to take my place and the baby she carried were killed in The Burning. So in this city under the mountain there is a very important person who is to replace me.This new Oracle has just awoken her power and will be the first of her line. She is young, human, and in hiding. This nation does not have much… shall we say patience for human kind. How she will be the one to find you, so no need to worry about that. You two are not to tell anyone other than Cleo of who she is, yes she will be joining you. This adventure is going to be a test for all of you.”

“Why us?” Rianne asked as she adjusted her position.

“Because the Being that gave life to The Jewel Cloud, to us and the New World, has shown me your faces and spoken the prophecies. They will have no others” Kallie answered after another cup was poured for her.

“What does this Being want me to deliver if not just the child?” Rianne asked another one of her billion questions that bounced around her mind.

“That, they have not revealed to me. Do not fret the details dear. The road will be laid before you like golden bricks.” Kallie said as the bells tolled for seven o’clock. “Oh goodness me it seems this little chat has carried on longer than intended. I am terribly sorry you must be drained from the day's events. I’ll let you get on your way. You have a lot to think about. Please come back for another visit before you leave on your quest.” She ended the conversation as she handed Rianne a rectangular glass charm and waved Whinny over.

On the walk back to the apartment Rianne watched Beings pass by with only the everyday worries written across their faces. She was going to be one of the first Beings in New World history to travel part of the globe once more. She hoped Cleo would stop by after her shift but two days ago they had moved her into the Heart Tower so she could better “protect” the Duke, and was likely still unpacking. As Rianne released a heavy sigh, she decided to see if her mother had made it back to her office. After being told that her mother had yet to make it back by the bookkeeper she asked, Rianne, decided to visit Cloud to avoid going back home to think about her life being turned upside down. She asked Poky to meet her back home as she walked away.

The bird barn was basically a bunch of nest boxes built into the top lower quadrant of the red maple tree that the palace and surrounding grounds nestled into the elbow of two roots. The entrance was at the top of the second bailey wall behind the East Tower and if Rianne did not have wings the open narrow staircase would be very intimidating to walk up. She reached the carved out doorway as the bells tolled for eight. She used the pill bug elevator up to the ninth level and made her way to Cloud’s nest box. The bird heard her steps and popped her head out of the small hole that was used as the caregiver’s entrance. Cloud chirped her greeting excitedly as Rianne grabbed the long cotton tipped grooming pole and a large berry from a treat basket. Rianne whistled the reply as she tossed the bird her gift. She looped the pole over her shoulder and then climbed the ladder up to the opening.

“Hello lovely.” Rianne cooed as she rubbed the bird’s beak.

They had grown closer after their first flight. It still shocked Rianne how easily she had let the fear of falling off the beast go and not being eaten. She tucked her wings in tighter at the thought just in case. Rianne used the pole to press on Cloud’s preening gland and rubbed the glandular oil on the harder to reach places. Afterwards she sat on the grooming ledge and let the bird lay its head down on her lap as she used the leftover oil on the small feathers in between her eyes. As Rianne groomed Cloud, she recapped the day’s events.

“Some mysterious being picked me and my friends to go on some grand adventure. Even though not one Being in the eight hundred years of the New world has gone farther than their own domain. Isn’t that just wild?” Rianne asked the bird her opinion knowing she would not receive an answer.

Cloud fluffed her feathers and walked over to her perch and quickly fell asleep. Rianne sighed out the rest of her stress as she watched her flying partner, smiled and quietly left.

She considered that maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to go out into the world earlier than planned as she made it to the moss covered ground. She had only thought the farthest she would make it would be to the edge of the Outlands or maybe travel with a Roaming tribe towards the mountains. Rianne reached the Yellow Gardens as the moon peeked through the budding branches of the giant tree. Distracted, she had failed to see her mother until she bumped into her.

“Oops, so sorry. I was a little distracted. Mother? What are you doing up so late?” Rianne asked as she steadied them both.

“I wanted to talk with you before I headed home but you were not at your apartment. Figured you were taking a thinking walk like you use to when a big revelation happens.” Christa said with a sad smile.

“ Yeah, moltage things do not seem as important now. Well maybe getting my wings.” Rianne half heartedly joked.

“Getting your wings is a very important life change and you have your dad’s shape. Nice and full.” Christa said as she brushed a small piece of berry off Rianne’s shoulder.

“Hmm, seemed to have missed that one after visiting Cloud.” Rianne giggled.

“You are being careful around that beast, aren’t you?” Christa asked worried.

“ Of course I am mom. Me and Cloud have gotten very close lately. Practically sisters.” Rianne replied

“Speaking of sisters, yours should be here in the next day or so. They have decided to come early because they have a surprise for us. Honestly I’m not sure how many more surprises I can take after today. Being the Royal Record Keeper I should have been informed of all of this instead of blind sided with unknown important information. How are you feeling about today, Riannelynn? Be honest because I’m terrified for you.” Christa said as she smoothed her blue cotton blouse.

“I feel the same but also kinda excited for a new experience and a little history making. I didn’t think I’d be the one to see more of the New World over all the Beings that make it their livelihoods to do so. It is kinda overwhelming that we are moving forward so quickly after almost a millennia. Then there is the fear of the unknown and failure of course.” Rianne divulged as she hugged herself.

“As a mother I fear for your safety but as an equal I know that you are not one to give less than your all. You are your father’s daughter after all.” Christa encouraged as she took Rianne’s face and a set of hands.