The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 32 An Unlikely Hero

"You don't seem very happy."
Ranen pointed out as we descended the spiraling stairway.

"Sorry, I'm thrilled about your success. It's just, Vienna's in trouble, that's the other matter that the council has to deal with."
I explained.

"What sort of trouble?"

I gave him a rundown of this morning's events concerning my light wielding friend.

"And they are going to punish her for that?"
He asked incredulously.

"We don't yet know, but I'm afraid they will."

"Astrid, if there was anything I could do-"
Ranen started.

"There's not, you can't interfere with a matter of Order discipline. They barely tolerate your presence here, meddling in their affairs would not go over well at all."
I said sadly.

This put a damper on his good mood and we walked side by side in silence to the great hall, where dinner was currently being served. We passed several Keepers in the halls who did a double-take before hurriedly bowing to the Prince. This was nothing compared to our entrance into the great hall however, where the clanking of silverware and the chatter of companions stopped entirely. There was a pause and then a mass scramble for everyone to rise to their feet.

"Don't get up on my account. I'm here for dinner same as you all."
Ranen's voice carried across the room.

"Where do you normally sit?"
He asked, turning to me.

I motioned towards where Daaow and Mya were seated, mouths hanging open. You could have heard a pin drop as we crossed the room and pulled out two chairs, grabbing helpings of food from the platters in the middle of the table.

"Um, your highness, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Mya stumbled over her words.

I think it was more surprise to see the Crown Prince of Itova in the Keeper Citadel than butterflies at meeting him.

"And you are?"
He asked politely.

"Keeper Mya and this is Keeper Daaow."

"Hello."
Daaow dipped his head.

Ranen took a forkful of mashed potatoes.

"Hmm, good stuff."
He commented.

I wondered if he ever got used to the constant attention that surrounded him in varying degrees. I wasn't sure I would.

"Hey, do you know if Team Jaguar is back yet?"
I asked Daaow.

He shook his head.

"Not yet, I'm afraid."

I bit my lower lip, that couldn't mean anything good for Kairos.

"I'm sure they'll find her, we're the Order of the Keepers after all."
Mya said, as though it were supposed to encourage me.

"Yeah well, the Order of the Keepers left her behind, to begin with, so you'll pardon me for not having your faith."
I snapped.

"Find who?"
Ranen queried, glancing between me and the other two seated across the table.

"Kairos, that's another part of today's story. She was left behind at Revara."

Ranen's eyebrows raised.

"Someone wasn't doing their job, I take it."

"It was an honest mistake."
Mya protested.