Chapter 168: Secure Transportation

“Ye look like a feckin fruit,” Orlana grumbled, walking around Ann. “I mean, purple is a standout colour, so ye’ve got that down. The dress suits ye, though the collar clashes a bit. Sure ye want tae keep it?”

“Yeah. It’s from Kat. I want it,” Ann affirmed. She was standing in a waiting room with everyone who would be attending. It was quite the group, with Orlana, Kremdol, Junia, Kat, Rosalyn, Bren, Lucia, Jonathan, and Kierran. The youngest Farragher was staring at Ann with wide eyes, but hadn’t actually asked to touch. Ann would let the little girl play with her hair all she wanted later.

The dress. She had to agree. The dress looked great. It was in the style of the Orenous temple, so mostly a simple white toga. It artfully covered her chest while keeping her arms bare, fabric only going over one shoulder. Fastening the waist was a golden chain, decorated with symbols of the faith. The lower portion was slit high. Way higher than Ann would have thought. While it covered everything, it showed off her thighs. All the way up. Well, at least her effort with the symbol on her legs wasn’t going to waste. The back, of course, had an embroidered slit for her tail to fit through. As always, she wore the collar Kat had gifted her, the little green crystal matching her normal eye colour. It did clash, but it was sentimental and comforting. Around her ears, Orlana had taken golden thread and fashioned a tiara with another purple crystal hanging down on Ann’s forehead.

“Orlana, dearest, this is her choice. I agree the collar may be out of place, however, the rest of the ensemble is dashing. Personally, I would have the thigh slits a bit lower.” Kremdol was going over her with a keen eye. Now and then he tugged at an area, shifting it into place. “A shame you don’t have shoes. So many options that could have worked.”

“I was thinking about that. Anklets might work if I have to wear this again,” Ann said. She’d been under the royal couple’s scrutiny for about half an hour at this point. Orlana was decked out in her full suit of armour, while Kremdol had some royal bronze and green robes. Both wore their crowns, glittering with gems and precious metals, looking as royal as they could. Orlana, despite her normal practicality, had decided to wear ornate earrings a lot like the ones Ann had gotten for Kat.

Speaking of, the warrior princess had decided she was going to mix her blue dress with the metal breastplate and shoulders of her usual armour. It looked a bit awkward, since her arms were bare, but she refused to change. Rosalyn, lacking any other formal wear, had dressed in the dress she used for the ball. Still, she looked incredible. Ann wasn’t going to judge a lady for wearing the same dress twice.

Bren had gone back to his more formal robes. They were decorated with red and blue patterns, the colours of his family’s house. He looked sharp, scholarly, and supremely comfortable at the same time. Ann was a little jealous. Then there was Lucia. Lucia had the white shirt and pants from the ball. Like Rosalyn, she had no other options at the moment.

Junia was in a full dress, simple and elegant. Bronze and green, just like her father. She looked gorgeous, though her face spoke of a nervousness Ann hadn’t expected. It was an unprecedented thing they were about to announce, so she couldn’t blame the possibly autistic princess for being uncomfortable in the face of the unknown.

For their parts, Jonathan and Kierran looked adorable in their little suit and dress. They were showing off to Rosalyn, who was all too happy to keep them entertained.

“They would. Southern countries where shoes are not as common adopt similar fashion,” Kremdol nodded. “We will see if something can be arranged later. Orlana, you went there in your youth. It was beyond Eritas, down in the untamed jungles.”

“That brings me back. Aye, they went barefoot tae make less noise when walkin’. The area doesn’t have a central government, and most tribes are made just tae get by. Great beasts live in those trees. Any large settlement meant attracting their attention, and imminent destruction. I’d love tae visit again someday. Test me mettle against the pinnacle of predators.”

“One day, we can make a trip,” Kremdol chuckled. “I’m sure you will conquer the wildlife swiftly, my love. Another trophy for your wall?”

“Aw, ye know just how tae talk tae me,” Orlana smiled, leaning over to give Kremdol a kiss.

“Alright, now that we’re mackin’, can we talk about the trip o’er?” Kat groaned. “Ann, Rosalyn, an’ Lucia haven’t done this before.”

“Right,” Kremdol nodded. “We will have a contingent of the royal guard escorting us to the venue. Carriages will be brought in with the gates closed. We are to board and keep the doors and windows closed until we reach our destination. This is not a parade, so there will be no waving to the crowds. We wait inside until the guard gives the code word for us to disembark. Today’s phrase will be ‘ascendant temple’. Once you hear those words, you are free to exit the carriage. They will be locked from the inside, and only you may open them. Once we are out, we travel immediately to the room behind the stage to wait for our time. Rowena has already gone ahead to triple check the preparations. Now, are there any questions?” He looked at Ann and Lucia expectantly.

“Light?”

“There will be crystals in the carriages,” Kremdol said.

“What happens if there’s the wrong code phrase?” Ann asked.

“You are to remain in place until the issue is sorted. Orlana is the only one who is allowed to leave the carriages in the case of a bad code phrase. She will deal with the situation however necessary and personally provide the phrase. There is a reason she is in full plate.”

“Just in case I need tae cave in some skulls,” Orlana shrugged. “Happens.”

“How often?” Rosalyn asked, looking horrified.

“Only happened once in me life,” Orlana explained. “A criminal element slipped intae the Guard. A certain cartel was upset I was takin’ them tae task fer their crimes, an’ pulled a lot o’ strings tae make it happen. Shame. Poor woman wasn’t near fast enough tae touch me. I didn’t even need a weapon tae dispatch ‘er. That was decades ago, though. We’ve been plenty safe.”

“Not to mention the Inquisition has been taking great strides to ensure the criminal elements are routed, and Bortislav can’t sow chaos in our lands.”

“Mutilators,” Orlana spat.

“Agreed. So, further questions?”

“I have one,” Bren said, raising a hand slightly. “Will we be in coordinated groups, or in a random set of carriages?”

“Random is safest, but with the children, Orlana will be sharing that cabin,” Kremdol explained. “Better to keep them near the strongest person here. That neatly brings me to that process. We will draw cards. There are four carriages. Orlana will draw first, since only the children will be joining her. I have prepared for this.” Kremdol pulled a small box off the table. “Darling, if you would?”

Orlana reached a gauntleted hand into the box. The gloves made picking up a card difficult, but she managed to pull one free. “Three.”

“There you have it. Everyone, please draw cards. If you get a three, please discard it and draw again.”

They all stepped up and took their random assignments. Bren, Rosalyn, and Kremdol would be in carriage one. Ann and Junia would share carriage four. That left Kat and Lucia for carriage two.

“Good,” Kremdol nodded. “Things should be about ready. Jonathan, Kierran, it is time to go. You will see Rosalyn in just a bit. For now, you get to ride a carriage with your mother!”

“Oooh,” Kierran gasped. “Can we see out the windows?”

“Sorry, love. Not today,” Orlana said, kneeling down to her youngest. “Maybe on the way back.”

“Aw, that’s no fun,” Kierran pouted.

“We’ll have sweets ready where we’re goin’, an’ it’s in the middle o’ the festival. Ye’ll se a lot o’ pretty banners.”

“You sure?”

“Definitely.”

“Ok. Let’s go!”

They all paraded out to the carriages. Ann was shocked to see the force present. Guards lined the walkway in gleaming metal armour, weapons sheathed, but ready. Every one of them was pristine and in perfect rows, unmoving.

“Where were these guys? Never saw them all this time.”

“Mostly in the more official portions of the palace,” Junia explained, walking tall with her chin held high. “Dearest Katlyn tends to avoid those sections, so it’s not surprising you have missed them.”

“Still, this is intimidating.”

“I suggest you acclimate to the feeling. Being the lover of a princess will eventually confer this level of force to her lovers. We are a powerful nation. Best not to forget that.”

“Definitely a strong reminder,” Ann muttered. She was a head taller than most people here except a few of the Thrundol in the guard, and could see the bustle going on behind the guards. Servants ran to and fro, making preparations and speaking with the guard not in the parade. Everything was an orderly chaos.

“Your Majesties,” a grizzled guard with a rather impressive plume on his helmet greeted them. “All is as planned. Nothing to report. Are you ready to depart?”

“We are, Goge,” Orlana nodded. “Have you received the passphrase?”

“I have,” Goge said. “It will only be spoken on our arrival, as usual. Any last-minute stops or additions?”

“No sir. Only the planned guests.”

“Very good, Majesty,” Goge bowed. As he did, the doors of the carriages opened by themselves. Without a word, the old guard stood aside, gesturing towards the vehicles.

Each group took their assigned vehicles and settled in. Once settled, the doors were closed, and Junia locked it with a metal bar and twisting mechanism.

“I’ve gotta imagine that’s not the only thing that’s keeping that shut,” Ann said, peering at the door.

“Absolutely not. These are enchanted and structurally designed to be resistant to just about all magical and physical threats possible.”

“So they’re portable bunkers.”

“Essentially. Short of a dragon trying to crack one open, there are very few who could overpower these. The locking mechanism, you can see, has enchanting circuits throughout.” Junia pointed out the glistening metal, and the glittering lines of Voltium channeling magic.

“Wow, that’s gotta be expensive.”

“Inordinately so, but the protection of the royal family excuses some excess.”

“No kidding. So, you feeling alright about this whole thing?”

“Frankly, no. I do not know the outcome of today’s proceedings, and that bothers me,” Junia admitted. Her face looked long in the crystal light. “You are unknown to the people, and already tangled with Katlyn’s reputation around the nobility. This is a gamble, but one we must take since you are truly sponsored by Orenous. I pray your character lives up to our hopes.”

“No pressure,” Ann muttered.

“An immense amount of pressure, actually,” Junia said, then paused. “Apologies, you were being sarcastic. Still, it is too much for one person to bear. That is why you have your companions, and our support. Not to mention the Temple of Orenous, and likely Illdall considering Rowena and Theodore approve. You have support. Do not let it crush you.”

“So how do you deal with public speaking?” Ann asked. “Cause holy moly, am I starting to freak out.”

The cart rocked slightly as they began to move.

“I personally memorise my speech and recite it as written. Every word, intonation, all of it. I burn it into my mind until I can get through the whole thing without thinking. It takes practice, but I have trained myself to be proficient in it. You do not have that privilege today. I suggest pretending like the world isn’t there. See the people as groups rather than individuals. Block out all other senses as best you can and focus on talking and looking at each group as you go. If you don’t feel comfortable gesturing, just keep your hands on the podium.”

“Thanks,” Ann sighed, leaning her head against the wall. “I can do this. I know I can. Just never had something I’ve done be so important. I’m literally talking on behalf of a Goddess to an entire country. I didn’t even know Gods existed until I woke up. Things like this just hit me at the weirdest times.”

“Times of stress do that. It is our duty to remain focused and keep moving forward. Our decisions shape the lives of many thousands of people. Your quest can be more independent, but you are still trying to aid the entire world.”

“Yeah. Guess I can always think of it as me doing a public service, rather than everyone relying on me. Make it more of something I want to do for people.”

“If that helps frame your quest in a positive light, then do so.”

The pair lapsed into silence. The worries about her words swirled in Ann’s mind. She did her best to ignore them. One thing in her head wouldn’t be ignored.

Waheela chuckled, deep and raspy. You worry about a concept you cannot comprehend. A future that is inevitable and foreseen. Futile, your quest. That bitch of a Goddess has set you up to die.

You really know when to pipe up at the worst time, Ann grumbled back. Sure you aren’t a jackal or hyena? You sure like to play me for laughs.

An earth-shaking growl rattled Ann’s skull. Those scavengers are beneath me, and you know it.

Yeah, yeah, proud wolf demon thing. You never explained exactly what you are.

And I will not. To do so is to become vulnerable. To do so would give you leverage. You will never have that advantage. The lone wolf must protect itself.

Ugh, thought I might have had you there. So, anything constructive you can talk about? Or are you just going to do the same thing as Kat’s lizard and say mean things until I get super depressed?

I do not know the intricacies of human society. Your current task is addressing the pack as a leader, it seems. Not the pack leader, but an important wolf. Stand your ground. Show them your might. Do not back down in the face of your lessers.

Ann thought about that for a minute, then nodded. Honestly, solid advice. A little disrespectful to people, but I get the point. Thanks, fido.

You gave me a name. You will use it, Waheela barked.

Fine, Waheela. Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it.

You are… welcome. I will rest and await the time for me to devour you.

Love you too. Ann chuckled to herself.

“Something funny?” Junia asked.

“Nah, just remembering some advice from a long time ago. Imagining people naked. It’s supposed to make a ridiculous image to help you take the people in the audience less seriously. Never worked for me, but it’s funny.”

Junia just gave her a confused look before closing her eyes again.

The carriages stopped. Junia hummed to herself. Not enough time had passed. Ann heard some shouting, and they moved again. What Ann thought had to be twenty minutes later, they stopped again.

“Think we’re here,” Ann said, reaching for the handle.

“Ah, wait for the all clear,” Junia reminded her.

It wasn’t long before someone knocked at the door and spoke the words “ascendant temple”.

“Now we may exit,” Junia said, gesturing to the latch.

Ann pulled it open and stepped out into the underground sun. Her ears flattened immediately as they were bombarded with not just the guard’s commotion but the crowds that were filling the arena. Kat trotted up to her.

“This way, me love. Rosalyn an’ the rest are already inside. Have a good ride, Junia?”

“Pleasant and smooth. Annita is wonderful company.”

“That she is,” Kat grinned. The third princess took Ann’s hand and led them through a set of wooden doors off to the side of the street. Down a hallway, a left turn, a right turn, a right turn again, then a left turn, they came into the waiting room. Tables bore drinks and snacks for the guests, and Rosalyn was already happily enjoying them with the children. Orlana and Kremdol stood off to the side, speaking quietly, and Bren and Lucia sat in chairs near Rosalyn.

“Party’s all ‘ere,” Kat announced. “How much time we got left?”

“A little under half an hour. We should be prepared to take our places soon. All remember their seating assignments?” Kremdol addressed the room. A chorus of confirmation replied.

“Good,” Orlana nodded. “I’m goin’ tae speak with the captain about security an’ intel. I’ll be back in a few.”

“Then let us all take this time to relax and prepare ourselves,” Kremdol suggested. “These announcements can be more taxing than one expects.”