The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 13 Trouble with the Council

I executed my very first landing with grace when we returned to the Citadel the next morning after having spent the night in Paleos. I could hardly enjoy it though, my thoughts filled with worries about what was to come.

Striding through the hanger with Kyle, I could feel the eyes following my every movement and any shred of hope I might have had that Keepers of the Citadel hadn't seen my little feat in Kalnaisk, instantly vanished.

"I hate this."
I whispered to my mentor.

"Oh, we're only just getting started."
Kyle replied back tightly.

"Hadassah! Kyle!"

I turned my head and spotted Daaow waiting by the golf cart.

"What is transportation just his permanent job?"
I asked sarcastically.

"Hey, hey! You're basically famous now, you know that?"
Daaow grinned at me as we approached.

I shrugged and slid onto the bench seat.

"The council wants to speak with you."
Daaow informed Kyle as he started up the engine to the golf cart.

My mentor and I exchanged glances. Daaow single-handedly carried the conversation all the way up to the fortress while I studiously ignored his attempts to draw out more of the story.

"Let me know how it goes."
I told Kyle as he hopped off the golf cart.

He nodded but said no more.

"Aren't you two grim-faced and unfriendly. You just saved an entire town, you're a hero! Why the long faces?"

"Do you really think the council is going appreciate the fact that everyone in Itova knows my whereabouts and abilities? We're supposed to lie low after the Tournaments, blend in. I'm not doing a very good job of that."

Or at least those were the concerns voiced the day prior by the Keepers in Kalnaisk.

"Why would they be upset? The Keepers are finally getting publicity for doing a good thing."
Daaow answered.

It was true that this might have been the first time the Keepers were in the news for doing something other than killing people.

"Then why do they want to talk to Kyle?"
I challenged.

"It could be completely unrelated. I mean if they were going to reprimand you, wouldn't they have summoned you and not Kyle?"

He had a point there. So then what was this whole council business about? I wasn't sure this new conclusion made me feel any better.

"Newton wanted you to meet him in the stables when you got back, by the way."

Good. I needed to talk to a trustworthy familiar face. I said farewell to Daaow and made my way through the fortress to the long low barn where all the lovely horses resided.

"Astrid!"
A voice exclaimed as I stepped into the alleyway.

I offered a smile for Vienna, glad to see my sweet friend. Kairos and Jasper stood with her, feeding Ironclad carrots.