day 26. hope you had a good tday yesterday oh and over 50k

The man frowned. “Very well.” He turned to the page.

The page bowed to Kell, and then escorted the messenger out of the library. Once they were gone Kell examined the letter closely. “By rights the” She paused and then, “people should have sent this to Father not me, it coming to me only in the event he wasn’t here I don’t like it. They do not brake protocol. But I see nothing, Anth watch as I open it and hold a shield ready.” Nothing happened so she carefully eased the latter out and unfolded. “See any spells on it?”

Athions examined it closely. “No, I see nothing. It should be safe.”

Kell nodded. “Thank you.” Only then did she look at the letter. She read it once then again. “Oh Shit. Guys don’t forget to eat lunch. If I am not back, order supper, and don’t wait on me. Yes it is bad. I am going to write a name. If you don’t know it quietly look it up. But quietly.” She wrote it down. “Burn the note. I will see you later.” She stood and left the library looking a lot calmer than she felt, and walked slowly though the halls to her Fathers study, nodded to the guard and walked in. Softly closing the door.

Her Father looked up. “Krellyis I wasn’t expecting you to turn up until I summoned you. But I was expecting you would be outlandish attired.”

Kell said. “And I was not planning on coming until summoned, but events changed that. I trust Philp has been bringing you up to date? Has he told you of the letter I sent to the Reland party?”

“He has, but seemed unable to tell me what was in it outside of a demand for names.”

Kell handed him a folded sheet. “This is my rough draft, and Philp truly doesn’t know what it says.”

Her farther read it. “Very well said, but why only two weeks? There should have been more.”

Kell said. “Yes there should have been. But I was not told when I should have been. Messages were some how getting lost. But that has been fixed. Today, just a few minuets ago an answer came. It was sent directly to me, and the messenger is awaiting my reply. I found it odd that it was sent to me. So opened it under the eyes of anther mage and had him confirm that there were no spells on it. Only then did I read it and now bring it to you.” She handed him the letter.

“That was a bit extreme. Likely they just.” Then he saw the name and stopped talking. “Who else knows?”

Kell met his gaze. “I an not a fool. Only my servants, as they double as my guards, and they will tell no one. I have anther guard that will be arriving soon, I believe he is being tested now, and I will inform him. I have no idea how to answer the message.”

Philp looked from one to the other. With a sigh King Edicjh looked at his daughter. “The time could have been better, but that is not your fault. I do want the full story.” He turned to Philp. “Hasssikan Suarlred himself is coming, and all his top assassins. And I am sure the rest are as well. Though I will have to look up some names.”

Kell said. “There are two names on the list that I know are not assassins. Richalen Defoughe is the spymaster, and Falvagis Anagels, is the envoy of Emperor Danguerines, and reeks of blood magic. Or did when I last had the misfortune to encounter him.”

“You are sure?” Kell nodded. He pointed to the chair and pushed paper at her. “The letter will need to be in your hand, as he seems to still be fascinated with you. Paul we will need food. As we wait tell me how you came to know you were not getting messages.”

Kell bit her lip. “By rights I should have known, but I was busy and just glad not to be bothered over table lines, as I had been on other visits. But it all came to a head when I was informed of the message from Reland and the letter from the plains. Both of which, once I got past my fear, I realized I should have seen. So I went to Philp and demeaned the answers.”

Edicjh raised an eyebrow. “That is not all, but I will accept it as you have handled it. Nicely, so. My arrival should not stop your messages. You are of age now, and as such should still receive copies.”

Kell said. “You should know that the letter from the plains was a double letter. Her is the text of the second. I arranged for a reply to be sent in the same code that promised aid, implying, but not guarantying that that aid would be armed. I am not sure but have a suspicion that their invaders were related to the reasons I am here, and if so I expect that the next force will be larger, and contain a mage.”

“So why didn’t you commit fighters?”

“If the threat had of been pressing I would have had them marching, but as it wasn’t I thought it best that it wait on you. I was not sure what I could promise.”

He nodded. “I will send a message of my own and follow it with two units. Well done. Now what do you mean related?”

She took a sandwich from the tray then said. “We were well driven here you could say. But let me start from the first encounter, and then you will see for your self.” So she told him of the fights, not embellishing, but not glossing anything.  When she finshed she handed him the drawing of the symbol. “Most are fallowing the Amberdeen lead. Some are looking for a Reland connection, but at this time it is nothing more then a feeling. I am checking the family books, back a hundred years, you know the ones that are oddly plain. I suddenly want to know why they are. My servants are looking at Sunhawlow and Elfdome. As best as I know the scholars from Ocean are spreading them selves along those same lines. Aran and Regan will both send students ones we have something solid, so we can keep tracking the ghost. There is something to find, but finding it is up to us.”

“Ocean?! I had not heard they had scholars here. I will put the folks at home on the books there. You will have help with the family books in the morning. I wonder why I have never thought to ask why those years were so plain before. But now I am dieing to know as well. You said you found a map?”

Kell nodded. “Look on the back of that paper. It is not the best copy, but it is what I have with me.”

He nodded and turned the paper over, studding it. “Yes looking at Reland seems like a good idea. Now then the letter. To start with we need to address the fact that they are not all from Reland, as they are claiming.”

It was just after suppertime by the time the reply was on its way and Kell was at last back at her rooms. “She opened the door and laughed at them. “Sit back down and eat. Van I trust you checked the food?” He nodded as she closed the door. “Nice clothes, you are going to blind in well. I am going to see to it that I don’t. Did they tell you?”

Van said. “Tell me?”

Athinos shook his head. “I didn’t feel it my place. Have you eaten?”

Kell reached her chair and sat. “No, well lunch but not supper.” Rick moved to fix her a plate even as she started to. “I thought I told you to eat. Thank you love. Van the director is coming in person. With him is his cabinet and that sleaze bag we ran into in Other. We cannot keep them out, but have said we will be giving them an escort to keep them safe. It is not much, but it is all we can do. And it took hours to find out the right to do that much. At times the treaty seems more of a pain.”

Van stopped eating. “Will you Father let you stand out?”

“He didn’t like it, but I won. I will be in court ware when in court, but it will be a few centuries out of date. So I think I will be easy to keep an eye on. He tried to get me to go with jeweled weapons, but Philp reminded him that they have a history of trying to kill me. So that fight died before it started.” She took a bite then said. “However I could not talk him out of helping us in the hunt, so when you dress, do so knowing you will be meeting my Father. I do not care what you ware, and he will find issue with you no matter what you do, so go for comfort. So Van how many times did you make it in without them knowing, and how shocked were they to meet you?”

Van smiled. “They got me the majority of times I am pleased to say. But I still got past them four times. Two more then I find acceptable, and from the yelling as I was leavening way more than the arms master found acceptable. I liked him by the way, he was the only one that wasn’t fazed. The rest of them wasted time taking in the fat that I am female. Not that I mind, but why were there thinking I was a man?”

Kell said, “I did not tell them one way or the other, though I did make it plain that you were an assassin. As you know there are many that have a blind spot and forget to look for female assassins. Hopefully a few eyes were opened. Do you want me to use Vanessa or Van when I introduce you to my Father?”

Van smiled. “That I leave to you, but do use Athclis as my last name. It is what I gave the others.” Kell nodded. “So how is the hunt going anyway?”

“Lots of whispers but nothing we can get teeth in yet. Soon I hope. Have you had time to look around these rooms?”

Van nodded. “I am glad to say that I know them better tan these two. Who it seems had no curiosity about them. Though they have been making strides in finding there way around the castle I understand. Though a few maids seem convinced that Rick is only into guys, but a bellhop, or whatever you call your male servants here, was trying to tell them that they were wrong.” Rick was red Van laughed. “Have they been trying that much Rick? Want me to help?”

Rick said. “It is not so bad once I learned to only let them give me tours in groups, but it was bad there for a bit.”

Kell laughed, “I did worn you, and you must admit that they have helped you learn the way around. You shouldn’t have to worry about that with who ever Father has show you the other halls. Though there is a change that person will be asking about our relationship. Answer how you want. So Anth, you must have accepted some offers then?”

He said. “A few were to good to pass on. And I must say there are some interesting rooms that get used.”

Kell laughed. “I likely have seen most of them at one time or anther. I have some older brothers that would deliberately try and get me lost in all the palaces. Their way of make sure I knew my way around them. That and some games of tag.”

Van nodded. “Smart boys, best way to get rid of annoying little sisters, and keep them safe. Are they here?”

Kell said. “One might be, and if we find what I think I will be asking the other to come. Which will cause a lot of yelling. He is not welcomed by my father. Every family has its dark horse, and no matter what you might think, it is not me. Anth you want to have them clear, Rick you want to get some cards out? I don’t want to look at pen and paper yet.”

Kell left the boys at the gym again the next day, Van stayed with her. Kell just shook her head returned to her room, showered and changed clothes. Then headed out to the library, this time she said. “If you are just going to follow me you are going to be very bored.”

Van said. “For now you need to get used to have a guard around. The boys are good but they are not enough. Once you stop noticing me I will start taking side trips, when I feel it safe. Remember my orders are to see that nothing happens to you. And no you cannot change them.”

Kell shook her head. “I can see your point. I will try. It is easy for me to ignore others guards, but bugs me to have my own.”

Van nodded. “It is a learning curve, like what Athions put you through, then Rick. You will get used to it, just as you did them. Hopefully a bit faster as I am not doing nothing more than watching.”

Kell said. “Just as long as I don’t get to used to it. No one person can see everything, as you often tell me. I wont be leaving the library until lunch, and you will blend in better if you at least appear to be reading.”

Kell made her way to her table and then went to the store cupboard and took pleaser in seeing that there was plenty of paper and fresh pens waiting. It was nice to set things up her self. Van check the area over and then moved a chair up to the place that would give her a good view of who was coming. “At lest you had since to pick a spoilt that limited approaches, even if it dose make it hard to see.

“I laid claim to this table when I was ten, as it is the hardest to see. The limited access was incidental to not being immediately visible.”

Coming up Rick shook his head. “I knew it! You just had to get here and do my job for me.” He smiled at her and handed her a cup. “I thought you would need this love. Aran wasn’t happy but did let it in. Relax nothing your father does will affect how we feel. Athions thought that it was a good idea that our weapons be a bit planer. Did we go to far?”

Kell shook her head. No. It is perfect. Thank you.”

Athions said. “Now if my pendent is pushing it I will put it back, but I just have a feeling that it would be good that as a many as possible know that I am a mage.” The pendent he referred to pulsed with an ever changing light, it was a gift from the one who taught him. “I know that they won’t know the symbols, but it should still do the job.”

Kell nodded. “I think you might even find some who will know the symbols, or know of them. It is fine, and something I should have thought of. Rick, I am sorry, but I needed the time.”

Rick laughed and kissed her. “Like I said it is what I thought to find.” With that they settled down to work.

A bit latter things felt different and Kell, knowing it was her father started to stand, Van shook her head. Athions reached over and put his hand on her arm Kell shrugged and turned her eyes back to her book, but found herself listening to the approached footsteps instead of reading. But she was able to keep seating even as she heard Van rise to meet him. Van voice carried well. “Can I help you sir?” Athions removed his hand.

Kell looked up. “Hi Father I see you found me. Van it is fine, let them past.” She paused trying to remember the words, gave up and just said. “The regent emperor Dragonthorn. Father that is Van, Vanessa, Atchlis, my body guard for the time being.”

The King laughed. “You always did like this corner. My gauds approve by the way. Though I find it odd to hide away like this, though it will make getting some work done easier. Don’t worry; Erick is who will be joining you to go over the books. He is getting the next ones and then will be here. So who are the other two?”

Kell tried not to show her relief. “This is Athions and the one coming back with his arms full is Rick. They are my bond-mates.” It had seemed silent before, but as Kell said those words they learned what that word truly meant. She let the words hang, waiting for him to speek.

Her father’s frown depend. “I see there are some things you did not find to tell me. Just what else are you going to spring on me? From their looks you didn’t warn them either.”

Kell said. “They chose the bond and it was witnessed, that they do not fully understand its Wight in our society doesn’t matter. Which you know as well as I. In answer to your question it all depends on what we find. Everything has its own time, and nothing should be rushed.” A dropped pin would have echoed.

Then he laughed and the tension vanished. “Well said child. Your time in way has indeed done you good. For all I hated to see you go.”

Kell nodded. “Van that would be my brother Eric trying to sneak past you. He is one of them you wanted to meet so pleas do not put that knife in him. Just letting him see it should do.” A man steped out looking a bit guilty, then a bit pale as he saw that Van did indeed have a knife in her hand. “Father would you care to look at what we have? I fear it is nothing but ghosts, though there is a bit of shape coming to them.”

He shook his head. “I am late as it is. But no matter what I am doing interrupt as soon as you can once something is sold.  A messenger came to me a bit ago with a report that sounds as if it is your guys. I have ordered that all other reports go straight to you. You send them where you want. And pleas see that your, that as few holes as possible are put in the walls.” With that he turned and left.

Kell shook her head, and picked up the message. “So that was him, and with luck that the only side you will have to see. Eric, did he tell you what we are looking for or only to see I was kept busy?”

Eric came up and set his books on the table. “He gave me a run down, and he really is taking it serous. He had copies made if that paper and sent to Telgaurd and Elfdome with orders to go though there archives and forward anything that looked remotely related here. Originals not copies. And asking that they sent any learned people they could spear as well.”

Kell blinked. I am glad, but did not expect. I though he was just humoring me, or felt he was. Thank you for telling me. Though this report should have convinced him. It is a report of our first encounter, from the employer.” She slid it in the direction of the others. “Share it around. I think it will do the others good to see it. Eric I still don’t know how you get on so well. That guy won’t let me take out more than two and scowls the whole time. I am righting down anything to looks odd, in hopes that it will lead some place.”

Eric nodded. “Sounds good sis. Hand me the next book. Might as well try to stay a bit in order.” Kell handed him the book and settled back down.

When they broke for the night Eric said. “I am to find out when you are going to stop hiding.”

Kell laughed. “I will be at open ceremony, but my plain is to avoid court as much as I can get away with. I will still be there plenty once the meetings start. Those I will not go to until I have something to share.”

Eric nodded. “Good for you. Play to your strengths.” With that they went their separate ways.

It was a few days latter before a lead solid enough to put the students to work on turned up. Remembering her fathers request she sent a messenger to him with the details. It had more to do with who they were, than with a location. But it was something. After that others started to be found. Including some very disturbing rituals, but there nothing solid to connect them.

Soon it was the day of the Opening, the library would closed and the parties citywide. Their cloths had been delivered the night before, but Kell had insisted they remained wrapped. For some reason there was less lingering over the baths after the morning workout. Kell chuckled and accepted the robe. “Well now I know anther way to get you two to move. Glad to know there is something besides an attack that will get you to.”

Athions laughed. “Food has worked a time or to as well. Sides we want to make the most of what time we have. The more they learn the nastier these guys look. It is only a matter of time tell we find them or they find us. Then there will be no time for long anything.”

Kell nodded. “Including fancy clothes. All right lets go see.” She led the way back to the bedroom where the clothes were waiting. So what one of you is first? No I am last.”