Heart of Netis

Bonus story: Pes Cuniculī (Rabbit's Foot)

CHAPTER I

The line of Netian sea-horses canters through the streets of Olydha, heading for the castle. People are craning their necks out of their windows, poking their heads out of their doors, trying to get a glimpse of this strange sight.

The last time Netian officials came to Idia, it was with Nereus, to negotiate over the loss of his staff.

But this time, Nereus isn't with them. Netis was in the library with Arriway, but as soon as she heard of the Netians' arrival, she comes out to the courtyard to meet them; her parents are already there.

Netis recognises one of the riders, a maegiling named Feeyr, and he acknowledges her in return.

"Your Highness." He addresses Netis directly. "We come seeking help. For three long months we have searched, scoured the land for our Lord Nereus, but with no results."

"You still haven't found him? Have you any idea of where he might be? And didn't we send some maegiling to help find him?"

"None. Your friends tried to help, but were dismissed. We were advised a few weeks after his disappearance to seek your help, but our Queen refused to do so. She does not like you. She doesn't hold the Idians in high regard in general. She now blames you for Nereus' absence."

"Well none of that was Netis' fault." says Arriway, emerging from a side door. "We will help in any way we can."

The Netian envoy dismounts from his horse, bowing to both Netis and Arriway. "We are eternally grateful for your assistance."

"You don't have to thank us. Our kingdoms are allied. We'll do everything we can."

Netis gestures over to Arriway. "Arri, why don't you help them get settled somewhere in the castle? I must pay a visit to Ustu."

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Since coming back from Netia after Ectilea was defeated, Netis has sought help, somebody to train her with her maegia. She would've gone to Mial and Hewet, but they had both renounced their titles as Lords, to become soldiers, and were too busy with their own training. Thyea suggested to her one afternoon as she was brushing her hair, a maegiling Seer by the name of Ustu.

Seers usually bear quite a burden, with the ability to see the future, and so they naturally prefer to keep to themselves, away from the company of humans and other maegiling. Ustu is no exception.

Though she has only been to Ustu's hut a couple of times, Netis has no difficulty in finding him. Ustu's home lies in the middle of Vroxiss Forest, not far from Olydha. Vroxiss Forest is a kingdom of animals, a habitat for the vast majority of Idia's different bird species, and many herds of deer.

It is also one of only two places in the whole of Idia that is home to the rare Sitka rabbit species. Ustu has made an effort to bond with every one of them- and it is one of them who now leads Netis to the Seer.

Ustu is standing with his back to Netis when she enters, positioned before a small wooden altar, completing the afternoon augury.

"The gods are content today, Princess." He speaks, without turning around. "You seek help."

"Yes, I do. I assume you know what for?"

"You want advice on your search for the god-king Nereus. The stars are in your favour, Your Highness, for I have seen in them a clue to his whereabouts."

"I am ever so grateful, Ustu, for everything you have done for me."

Now Ustu turns around, sunlight from his open door washing onto his tanned face with obsidian spikes along his cheekbones and circling his bald head like a crown.