Part Two: Atma- Wayward Prince
Chapter 14: Thoughts of their Brother
Atma burst to the surface of the water, panting for air, Sienna calmly floating up next to him. She put his arm over her shoulder, trying to keep him as still as possible. “Just breathe,” she said, with a whispered tone. “Don’t swim right now, you’re just going to end up fighting me and tiring yourself out.”
Atma’s mind raced, trying to process what exactly just happened. Sienna had abruptly dragged him into the water, and kept him under until he tried flailing for air, all the while dragging him upstream under the surface of the water. More to the point though, his own people had just opened fire on him with intent to kill. What was he going to do? What could he do?
Slap! “Oi, focus!” Sienna snapped him back to attention. “We’re going to have to go back under again, I need you to relax and focus.” She glanced up to the sky, the unmistakable sound of the Silverbolt coming back around for another attack. “I need you to hold on as long as you can once we go under. One tap on my shoulder is you’re starting to feel the need to come up, two is it getting worse. Three is immediate.”
Atma blinked repeatedly, trying to meet her gaze. “Right,” he said, still a bit dazed. “Okay.” He tried looking himself over, before being dragged back under, taking a deep breath as soon as he felt her start moving. The Calima river was deep towards its centerpoint, the rainy season having just passed, and Sienna was a strong swimmer, keeping them closer to the riverbed, as more bits of dirt and debris rained down from above. He didn’t realize he’d tightened his grip on her shoulder until she nudged him with her elbow. He relaxed a bit, as she ‘landed’ on the riverbed, and started stepping forwards, digging her feet into the soft mud to almost anchor herself. She made a deliberate march upstream, as if she’d been in this situation a dozen times before. He’d have thought they’d have floated up, but quickly realized she wasn’t holding her breath like he was, between the weight of both of them, he wasn’t quite enough to drag them up. He let little bits of air escape as they went. Clearly not as adept under the water as she was, he at least could hold his breath for a while, given he had trained for high aerial combat. He tapped on her shoulder after around 45 seconds, letting a few more bubbles escape. They were still decently close, but had made surprising progress from where they’d dove under, they weren’t under any direct fire now, though they could still hear impacts in the water.
Sienna glanced around, noting a shadowy area in the water, looking up to see an overhanging piece of stone on the side of the river where the Silverbolt would be, a perfect hiding spot for a moment for Atma to catch his breath. Two taps on her shoulder, to which she nodded and pointed ahead. A bit longer, closer to two minutes under and she kicked off of the riverbed, moving the two under the overhang, any line of sight with the airship obstructed. “Take a breath and break while you can, we have to keep moving.”
Atma panted slightly, not particularly warmed up for dives in such a tense situation. “Right.” He tried steadying his breathing to readjust. “How are you fine?”
“Practice, and a bit of magical technique.” Sienna only half answered, not paying him her utmost focus. She glanced around for any sign of ground troops or the Silverbolt moving. “We lost a few of our things back there, but with any luck, they’ll float downstream, making them think we went that way too.” She turned back to Atma, taking notice of the mess of confusion and tension in his expression. “Tell you what? We get out of this, I’ll teach you sometime.”
Atma realized as she spoke to him the serious concern he wore on his face, and tried loosening up a bit, but he kept turning back to the Silverbolt. “After a bombardment like that, they’ll have to deploy on the ground to search the area. That’s protocol for suppression and search strategies.”
“Anything else we might have going in our favor?”
Atma peeked out slightly, noting the sun inching closer and closer to the horizon. “Crash protocol, the Midsummer Night isn’t exactly an insignificant loss. They have to rally ships to search for any dead or wounded, salvage what they can. Even with all the troops they have, they won’t finish before nightfall. If the Silverbolt searches the area and rallies back up for new orders, it’ll be occupied until at least dusk.”
“And they won’t just blitz us down?”
“No, Raine’s a professional, extremely by the book, and I imagine Dante wouldn’t be opposed to buying us time with protocols.” He seemed to relax a bit saying it out loud. “Caius and Stein I’d worry about, but Raine’s probably here to rein them in. And the military knows full well they’re much faster than we are.”
Sienna grimaced. “Dante wasn’t exactly all that helpful just now. What about Alice and the others?”
Atma didn’t answer at first, hesitant to reveal his skepticism on if the others had even made it. “They’ll probably only send one Council member after them. Maybe three after me. I’m the priority target. Still though, they have to be careful, they can’t go full deployment in hunting us, or they risk picking a fight with the Mist Alliance.”
Sienna sighed, realizing she wasn’t going to do much of anything for the others. “Alright, we head north then. There’s a town we can hide out in overnight, we can make a plan from there.”
Atma glanced back once more, before turning back to the pirate. “Alright, let’s get moving.”
“Then I’d get ready to hold your breath again, I’m not taking a chance with this.”
***
Escalus gripped his head in his study, rifling between reports of scouts reporting from the southern border, reporting an all-clear as of now, no sign of Ranzian movements. He wondered then, if it was true that they really had nothing to do with the assassination. It was all too much coincidence piling on top of itself, the assassination, the right of ascension, and now, the odd black mark that had appeared on his left hand. He recognized the mark well enough from his studies, the celestial symbol for Mars, but one he had no recollection of being there. He had kept it hidden under a pair of gloves that he often wore, but its presence was unendingly scratching at his mind. It was something he could feel, an echo in his soul, a touch he should know. At the same time though, it burned like a hot brand applied to his skin, and it was driving him mad.
He sighed and looked up to the portrait mounted above his desk, caressing his brand as he did so. It was a portrait of his mother and father, made before the twin brothers were born. It was one of the few connections he’d had to his mother, who had died shortly after he and Atma were born, and now, it was a painting holding the memory of both of his parents. “Mother, Father, guide me, please. Deliver Atma safely home.”
“I thought you wanted to be king?” It wasn’t quite his father’s voice that echoed in his mind, somewhat similar, paternally gentle.
Escalus shook his head, and walked over to the window, trying to shake off the thought that intruded his mind. The air was still cool despite the heights of summer rapidly approaching, though looking out did nothing to alleviate the tension in his heart.
“Your three great desires Escalus.”
Desires? Escalus stared out at the horizon with a great melancholy. He wished he and his brother had their roles reversed, that Atma might be spared having to hear of their father’s death in such a way. That he could keep his kingdom safe, be it from Ranz, or whatever other threat came knocking at their door. Escalus looked back to the portrait again. It was the closest thing to a family portrait the four of them had. Unity. Family. For now, Escalus stood alone, gazing out on an uncertain horizon. A childish wish, he knew, but it was his wish all the same.
The prince sighed, before turning back to his desk, his motion to sit back down interrupted by a knocking at his door. He opened it, to find Conseil, a man somewhat older than Escalus, and loyal retainer to both himself and Atma. He dressed modestly, not far from that of a butler, though the man carried himself with the composure of a well trained soldier. His hair was a dull blonde, and his face was generally unexpressive, though Escalus was more than familiar with the biting sarcasm that his demeanor hid. “Dukes Kaian and Ryner wish to speak with you, sir.” He was a servant from a young age, his family having long served the royal house of Ornicius, and his record was nothing short of distinguished
Escalus scowled, knowing the two would simply bicker for his support on whatever issue that they were fighting on again. “I’m rather busy at the moment, Conseil.” He made sure to enunciate clearly, and sign to him, having been decently well learned in it from years of Conseil at his side. His retainer had gone partially deaf following a break in his direct service to the castle, when he had served in the military early on in the Ranzian Border War. Conseil could at least, still hear somewhat out of one ear, and he had learned to read lips long before he had been deafened, but he appreciated the effort on his lord’s part. Escalus himself appreciated having a way few could actively follow to speak privately, when he had little in the way of privacy.
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“As I told them, my prince, but you’ll find them more hard of hearing than myself.”
“Fine.” Escalus donned his coat, black with gold crests emblazoned upon it, taking a moment to recompose himself as he strode out the door, Conseil trailing him off to his side. Down the spire, and through a hall, it wasn’t long before he reached the throne room, finding both Dukes waiting, rather impatiently. “You had something you wished to speak with me on?”
“Of course, my prince.” He bowed, and stood straight again, brushing his dark hair aside as he did. “By our projections, the judicial force should be due to intercept your brother’s chosen course within the next few days, with any luck, he should be returned to us, soon.”
“I’m fully aware, Kaian, but I take it that this isn’t everything?” Escalus had mixed feelings concerning Kaian. The two were often in agreement concerning the defense of Deponess, neither particularly trusting of the uneasy peace with Ranz. Escalus found the only real deterrent to King Gilliam of Ranz had been their overwhelming show of force at the Battle of Heimdal Canyon, the last battle of the war, which had taken place in Kaian’s territory. It had been a rout that had been so crippling to the Ranzian army that, had Gilliam not called for an end to the hostilities, would have allowed Deponess to sweep through Ranz relatively easily. Escalus nor Kaian weren’t particularly certain the war should have ended the way it had, feeling in hindsight that they should have fully taken Ranz. The King, however, to a point Escalus could somewhat agree with, restrained the army. At the time, the Kingdom would have been stretched too thin in the attempt, and the strain on the civilian populace had grown to be near crippling, with far too many soldiers being drafted away from their proper trades to maintain the economy. Nowadays, with the ingrained hatred of Ranz in the people, and increased peacetime militarization, the same could not be said for the present day Deponess.
“Of course. I also wished to let you know that Ryner and I have set aside our squabbles for the time being to arrange your father’s funeral.” Kaian presented a stack of papers, containing the details of the procession. Escalus carefully took the papers, skimming across their contents. He always found it difficult to read Kaian, at times he had genuine sincerity to his actions and words, but a silver tongued man such as him was someone one had to be wary of. Ryner was a less complex man in contrast, he sought peace, though it was all too clear he had his own interests in mind. It was hard to say whether the two acted out of their loyalty to his father, or, in hopes of garnering his favor.
Escalus maintained his stoic gaze as he turned back to the Dukes. “My thanks. Six days from now, then.”
“We spared no expense from our own coffers, sire,” Ryner nearly boasted. “All that we have is thanks to him.”
“Except the brown on your nose, that’s all you.” Escalus saw Conseil sign, amused that the man seemed to be signing his thoughts for him.
“What was that?” Ryner had no clue as to what Conseil had said.
“He expresses his sincere appreciation of your generosity.”
“Good man.” Ryner paused for a moment. “Whatever comes next, I pray we are all seen safely through, I fear what has happened so far is mere prologue to something far worse.”
“Another war, you mean?” Escalus was somewhat taken aback by his sudden drop into such a serious tone.
“I’ve never known you to be one for cryptics, Ryner.” Kaian shook his head. “Don’t go soft on me now.”
Ryner frustrated, fumed. “I’m serious, Kaian. Our homeland hasn’t been the same since the war, with each passing year, it seems we stray further and further from the Goddess’ protection.”
Conseil made another motion, one that didn’t need interpretation, a series of taps across his chest, the symbol for the divine Grand Cross.
“We have always relied on our own strength, Ryner,” Kaian confidently stated. “Goddess or no, our kingdom will not fall, of that I vow, here and now.”
“Will you vow the same? To defend your home? To safeguard it from any threat?” Again, that voice from before, stronger, louder.
Escalus almost spoke to agree, before noting Conseil signing a warning. “Personal strength is important, but I hope I taught you and Atma both that strength alone does not win battles, nor does one alone.”
“I believe it best we-”
“Your strength alone may not be enough, but to you I would grant a blessing.” That paternal voice again, and again, Escalus’ head felt wracked with pain. He clutched his temples, trying to keep from what felt like toppling over
Conseil was quick to his side. “Are you alright?” He used his words, a more direct call to his prince’s wellbeing.
“Fine, Conseil. Forgive me, everyone, I feel all of this is taking a toll on me.”
Kaian frowned, “We can continue this another time, please, rest your highness, you’ve not given yourself the time since your father’s passing.”
Escalus was silent, as he regained his bearings. He was hesitant to do so, before Conseil signed to him once more, not wanting Escalus to have to verbally show weakness, something he knew the Prince would hate projecting before the two most powerful men in the kingdom aside from him. “Please, leave this to me.”
“But I must-”
“It’s okay, my prince. Take the time to rest, I beg you.” Conseil placed himself between Escalus and the Dukes, though the Prince raised his hand, as if to dismiss him.
“I’m fine. I will rest, but I have other matters I must attend to first.” He sighed and turned back to the hall towards his spire, though he turned back, articulating and signing, “See them out, please.”
“As you wish, sir,” Conseil answered, though he signed something else entirely. “It's a pleasure to be rid of them for a time.” The retainer turned back to the Dukes, noticing a half smile on the face of a maid accompanying Duke Kaian, as though she understood what he had said. She was a new face to him, odd, given his track record for at least attempting to familiarize himself with some of the staff of frequent visitors. A new hire, he figured.
He returned them to the castle entrance, before returning to his prince’s side, finding the prince at his desk once again, though this time, fallen asleep against it. Conseil removed his coat, placing it over Escalus, as he carefully moved the untouched stack of papers. “Let me at least do this for you.”
***
Atma thought back to his brother, as they hid away that night, how me might respond if he were to hear the false accusations against him. He had faith in his brother, but he’d had faith in Dante, in his kingdom. Yet there he was, on the run. An overwhelming dread and despair gripped his heart, and he writhed about in his makeshift bedding.
Sienna was familiar with the area, having led them to a small town to the north called Myyah, a place where people had owed her a few favors, enough for them to hide out for a little while, enough they wouldn’t be sold out. The two were holed up in a barn near the river, owned by an older couple, whom Sienna knew from a job of some sorts, years prior. Sienna took note of Atma, rolling about in the makeshift bedding, not so much out of a lack of physical comfort, but she recognized the look of distress keeping someone awake. She wondered then, if it was how she’d appeared when she first turned up with the Tempests, lost her home. No, not quite the same, she’d been a kid, and hardly remembered much of her previous life. Looking at him, this was a man who had the only life he’d ever known slip away. “You’re better off talking than wallowing, Atma.”
Atma stilled himself for a moment before shuffling around to look at her. “I don’t really know what to say.”
“Then start with the first thing that comes to mind.”
“Do I not have a home anymore?” He was silent for a moment longer. “They think I killed my father. They think I’m a murderer. At that point, I really don’t have a home do I?” It was at least a little relieving to put it to words, but still, he could feel himself wanting to writhe around still. “I wish I could go back.”
“But it feels impossible, doesn’t it?”
Atma didn’t answer at first, her response was dead on, he took the time to process it. “Yeah. The one home I’ve had, and it’s just gone. I wanted to go out into the world, fulfill my dream, but it’s bitter when I don’t have the option to go back home.”
“That’s your dream?” Sienna had a bit of curiosity in her voice.
“Yeah. I wanted to see the world. To meet people, explore, be free.” He was rather melancholic about it, as he turned to face the moon.
Sienna closed her eyes and lied back down, taking in his words. “Freedom doesn’t mean much when you don’t have a structure to come back to though, does it?”
Atma stilled himself. “I want to find the others, Sienna. I want to make sure they’re safe. I want to clear my name and go home.”
“And what’s your plan for this?”
“I’ll find a way across the mountains to the east, head south, track down the others. I owe it to them to get them home. You’ve been a great help, but you don’t need to be stuck with me.”
“You don’t have a clue on heading after them, do you?”
Atma didn’t answer, he had nothing more than the start of an idea.
“Listen, you can try not involving me, but I’m already wrapped into this. I’m not leaving Alice to the wolves, not when I just saw her again after so long.”
He nodded to himself. He wouldn’t leave Escalus either if his role was reversed with hers. “What’s your idea then?”
“We head northwest, and hear me out here,” she quickly added to make sure she could get her full thought through. “There’s a full hideout up there, and I just might, emphasis on might, be able to get us a ride.”
“Well that’s one step, but getting to the others, clearing my name-”
“You and I can’t afford to worry about that right now. One step at a time. We can try and plan it later, but for now, we need to make for the hideout, it’s our best chance of survival. And if we can’t survive, then there’s no point in planning anything else. Focus on what we can solve and do. Think of it this way, you worry about food running out a week from now on your ship, and you’ll miss the storm that’ll tear your ship apart in an hour.”
Her practicality was reassuring to him in place of the doubt and anxiety that filled him. It was a much more reasonable goal. Reach the hideout, survive. That he felt he could do, that felt reasonable in comparison to his freedom, his status as a fugitive. “Sienna? Thank you.”
“I get it, Atma.” She let out a deep breath as she settled into her makeshift bedding a bit more. “It gets worse before it gets better, what you’re feeling. But it does get better, eventually.”
He blinked slowly, and tried old meditation techniques from his training days. Deep breath in, deep breath out, trying to clear his mind, feel the world around him, rather than his mind. Better eventually? He certainly hoped so. A cool breeze. Soft moonlight glowing down on him. Chirping crickets. The scent of fresh straw. He relaxed a bit, taking in the little details, the physical sensations of the world. As he closed his eyes for the night, it was as if a gentle figure embraced him, one last comfort and sensation to guide him to sleep.