An angel’s road to hell

9. Of promises, parties and a little bit of trouble

Cassandra Pendragon

When we had exited the hidden gate underneath Boseiju’s roots, a warm afternoon sun greeted us, warming my face. Its loving caress coaxed a myriad of smells from the flowers near Boseiju’s trunk and encouraged the birds to frolic in the sky. I stood still for a moment, relishing in the tantalising impressions. My gaze roamed over the garden, nourished by the five rivers. Huge cherry trees dominated the scene, some adorned with tiny houses, some the largest pillars of bigger estates, nestled around their base. The paths were hidden within the landscape, following natural occurring formations. Horses and carts weren’t allowed within the garden. Small ponds and fountains teeming with fish, insects and birds were all around like sprinkles on a cake, adding to the magical atmosphere. Only the nobility, descendants of the friends of the first five families, were allowed to live here. It was never crowded, but I couldn’t spot anyone around.

Turning around I craned my neck to look up through Boseiju’s greenery but I could only make out rustling leaves and mighty branches.

“Where is everyone?”

Ahri chuckled softly: “You really don’t know? It’s your seventh birthday, you would usually be undergoing the testing right now. While you have been playing around in the mud, every family that’s worth a copper has arrived. They want to formally welcome you to society. You are an eligible bachelorette now, after all.” Shit, she was right. I had forgotten about that. It was an archaic tradition anyways without any real purpose, but it had carried over from a time when children had been married young. I couldn’t do much about it but still whined:

“Oh, right. I think I forgot my … stuff down in the cave. I’ll just turn around and…”

“Oh no, you won’t.” Snaking one arm around my shoulder and one tail around my thigh she effectively leashed me to her. “I promised your mum I’ll get you back with time to spare. And since you were delirious from pain when I got down, I don’t have the time to run after you now.”

It seemed like she still hadn’t forgotten about that part, I should better play along.

“Fine, but only for you…And only if you promise do defend me tonight, whatever happens.”

“Why, do you intent to prepare another round of merchant-kebab?” I had to laugh at that.

“No, but you never know. And if I got you by my side, you will make sure I don’t have to enrich the buffet!”

“Fine, I promise, but then you also have to do as i tell you, for once. First order of business when we get back: you’ll take a bath and put on the dress your mum has picked out. No questions asked.”

Outmanoeuvred by a fox girl …: “Alright…” Arm in arm we turned around to climb the long stairs, winding around Boseiju’s trunk in gentle arches. Around 100 meters above the ground, the five main-branches spread out, like the rose of a compass, one heading north, one east, one west, one south and one towards where the ancient capital of the kitsune before the cataclysm had been. Between the branches, strong planks of ironwood formed platforms around Boseiju where a small contingent of soldiers was stationed around the clock.

The Endless Stairs emerged on the largest deck, an atrium for the whole floor. Every plank was highly polished and the gateways to narrow bridges and lofty pathways leading to the five main-branches were intricately carved. Each depicted the emblem and history of the respective royal family residing on the branch behind. The Endless Stairs continued on to Boseiju’s crown where our small sky-ship port would be found, but we turned towards the gateway inlaid with moon stones and headed for the main-branch behind, greeting the kitsune guards stationed on adjourning platforms. I quite enjoyed the short trip through the greenery with only birds and bees around. But all too soon we emerged on the wide main-branch, a highly polished road carved into its middle. After about 30 meters, a wide wall, I’d call it Japanese in design, covered in runes encircled the branch. It even enveloped the underside, looking like a ruff. A gate split the wall where it met the road. Four guards stood in front and I knew another eight were hidden in the guardroom within the wall. They bowed deeply when we approached and knocked three times on a small door, carved into the right wing of the gate. Before we even got close, the door had opened, controlled by a simple pulley system that was connected to the guardroom.

With a friendly smile for the guards, Ahri rushed through and shepherded me along the way to our palace. The side branches on my left and right had been converted into small shrines and temples or meditative gardens, sometimes with a small pond in the middle, filled with rainwater. The main-branch led directly into our courtyard, where my mum had already been waiting, a scowl slowly appearing on her otherwise warm and friendly face.

“What happened to your hair? It’s gone, a part of your plate is gone. You look like a scarecrow!” She turned to Ahri: “By the great fox, what has she done now?” Behind my mum’s back I smirked at Ahri and mouthed the words: “defend me”. She turned slightly pale but replied smoothly:

“It’s not her fault. Greta has used a special form of soul technique that coaxed a minuscule part of Cassie’s energies into the air. There wasn’t any danger. Unfortunately… it also ignited, a little. You know Greta, she doesn’t see minor inconveniences like burnt hair as dangerous.” Nice, if she had told mum about the burning madness, called lessons, mum would have gone on a tirade and confronted Greta. Which would in turn have resulted in more projectiles the next time I would be down there.

“Huh, I seriously should have a talk with the old girl. She’s taking the safety of my child far too lightly. At least you got her here early enough. We have plenty of time, to get you in a presentable state, young lady.”, my mum said while turning towards me with an evil glint in her eyes. Behind her I could see the silhouettes of people rushing around with dresses and ribbons. One guy even held a pair of scissors.

20 minutes later I was soaking leisurely in a tub suitable for a medium-sized horse while Ahri and my mum were busy braiding my hair. The sorry tips I had unceremoniously cut off had been straightened and oiled. I morosely peaked through the silken bathroom window at the foot of the tub. Behind our palace, the branch continued on for another 50 meters or so before fanning out. I could see and hear the source of my distress. Behind the palace, all over the side-branches, along the main-branch and further away in the canopy all shapes and colours of kitsune were milling about. Ahri hadn’t lied, it seriously looked like every family and their trusted pets were down there. And I had to make nice with every single one, the whole night long, reason enough to be pouting. I had gotten somewhat used to it, as my birthdays had been social events for the last two years, but the sheer amount of guests was daunting, even without considering their social status. Unfortunately my mum and Ahri were quite impervious to my mood and chatted happily about the plans for the evening.

“After the reception we’ll have a formal dance for the high nobility. Cassy, do remember to chose someone to dance with beforehand, yes? Your father wanted me to tell you that he’d love for you to dance with one of the sun’s family’s princes.” Besides us, the palace of the moon, the remaining families were named after the sun, the wind, the earth and the sea. The sun and moon represented fortitude and magic in kitsune lore. The first and third house were responsible for our military forces and guards and the runes nourishing our island respectively. The palace of the wind, the second house, was tasked with everything outside our borders. The Furglows had been part of that family, our relations had been strained ever since. The families of earth and sea were responsible for our agriculture and trade, rounding out the quintet. Additionally, every family was sovereign on the slice of the island that was below their respective branches of Boseiju.

I didn’t mind dancing with one of the sun’s heirs, they were older than me and well toned, they partook in military drills after all, so I nodded absently. Maybe one had azure eyes and could sprout fiery wings? Hey, a girl can dream…

“Great, afterwards you will have to open the buffet. It’s you celebration after all. Don’t forget it’s tradition to let everyone see you take the first bite, to show it’s not poisoned, so don’t cover your face like you usually do. Most will approach you during the meal, be approachable and friendly but don’t commit to anything if neither I nor your father are around. And don’t drink! The servants will hand you a glass for the toasts, but I expect you to only nip it!”

“Yes, ma’am, anything else ma’am?” I mumble under my breath. Out loud I said: “Of course, who needs alcohol to get through such a treat?” My mouth was a tad bit faster than my brain.

“Young lady, clamp down on the sarcasm, or I’ll promise everyone that asks a dance with my beautiful daughter tonight.” That was simply mean.

“Sorry, it’s just…. Can’t we do something normal for once? Like take a sky-ship to the next island, just you, dad, Mordred, Ahri and me? I know we can’t, but I don’t have to be happy about it now, do I?”

After I had finished, my mum embraced me from behind, gently stroking my cheek. “I promise, honey, we will. One day we will. Just…after Arthur left….” She choked out. After my second birthday, my father’s attitude towards his sons had changed. He had included them far less in the court’s business and had leaned more heavily on advisers and his wife. Partly to compensate for his unease with and subsequent lack of trust in me, I supposed. Mordred hadn’t cared, focusing more on me and his magical studies. Arthur…had cared. He had been the golden boy and had sacrificed blood, sweat and tears for this kingdom. He hadn’t been able to sit idly by and let others decide the future of his kingdom. Things had stewed for a while and gradually gotten worse until, after a nasty fight over some shady humans who were willing to pay for permanent residence rights, Arthur had taken his family and closest friends to settle somewhere else. He had said goodbye to Mordred, mum and me and had handed us each an amulet which we could use to contact him. It had been a tearful night and I felt somewhat responsible, even though indirectly.

So, after I had heard the voice of my mum falter, I turned around in the tub and hugged her tightly, leaving huge watermarks on her clothes.

“Mum, it’s fine. I know you and dad are really busy. I don’t know why I said that.” I made a real effort to brighten up, “If you think about it, it’s pretty amazing that all these people still want to celebrate with me. It’ll be a marvellous day and I won’t embarrass you at all, I promise. I know how important our standing is. Especially with, you know, Arthur gone.”

“Sometimes you really are an angel.” She sniffed. “Thank you.”

I didn’t like my getup, but I had to admit it looked impressive. I was clad in a dark-blue dress which contrasted nicely with my fur and eyes and complemented my hair, which had been elaborately plated and embellished with silver ribbons. My dress had an open back, all the way down to my tails. It would have been indecent if I didn’t already possess three bushy appendages to block the view. I wore sandals, the silvery satin straps continued up my legs to vanish under the frill of my dress. My mum had given me a tiara and a necklace, both wrought from mithril and moon stones with an accompanying bangle. Together with my tails, delicate features and lightly glowing eyes I looked etherial and beautiful.

The sea of guests parted before me as I glided along and judging from the whistles and appreciative glances, they shared my view on the matter. I had been announced before and now had to reach a dais, placed where Boseiju’s main-branch was fanning out. On the dais, my parents were seated on silver thrones with a smaller one for Mordred besides and the smallest one for me, placed in front of and slightly below them. For now, all I had to do was reach the dais without stumbling or accidentally brushing someone with my tails. The first one would be embarrassing, the second one would be worse. A kitsune’s tail was highly sensitive and as such, touching someone’s tail or getting touched by one was a rather intimate gesture. In this setting it would probably be equal to an invitation to dance, overlaid with innuendo. Something I could seriously do without right then.

Focusing on my steps I slowly pranced forward in the way my etiquette teacher, Mrs.Giselle, had spent so much time teaching me. All eyes followed my movements while I gradually reached the dais and knelt down before my parents and brother in their state-attire.

“King Albert, Queen Helena, it’s a pleasure to ascend into our society and fully and faithfully serve the people of the kingdom of the five families. May a have your blessing as the princess of the third house and as your daughter?”

Both my parents rose steadily and each touched one of my cheeks.

“Be welcomed, child of the moon. May your service be happy and fruitful”, they said in unison before they helped me to my feet. “And happy birthday!” As soon as I was upright, we hugged and the silently watching crowed erupted in cheers. So far, so good.

The following hours saw me sitting on my throne, my family behind me and a throng of people in front of the dais. Every family approached one by one to congratulate and welcome me as a newly minted member of society, starting with the other royals. I put my best foot forward and didn’t even forget to give the younger prince of the sun family a cherry blossom, a sign of my favour and an invitation to have the first dance with me. The head of his older brother was big enough as it was.

The reception proceeded smoothly and I didn’t blunder, at least as far as I was aware. From time to time I sought Ahri’s eyes, she hadn’t been allowed to remain on the dais but had remained close enough to reassure me with a glance ever so often. After a good 3 hours, the sun was slowly setting and painted the world in reds and golds. The fragrances of angel-trumpets and white lilies slowly rose into the air and finally, the last noble family stood before me, reiterating the same hollow good-wishes and slimy compliments as the others before them: “Let us congratulate your Highness heartily. It’s an honour to have a beauty such as her Highness gracing politics and society from now on. We hope to express our wishes for your Highness’s good health, and the chance to speak some more after the dance.” I thanked and rewarded them with a sincere smile. I was glad this was the last group as my cheeks started to cramp. “Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to spent some less pressured times with you and your family.” That had to be enough. I nodded at them encouragingly and they took the hint, bowing deeply and returning to the crowd.

I slowly stood, flexing rigid muscles: “it has been my great pleasure to meet you all personally. Thanks for coming and sharing this evening with me. During our scrumptious feast we will have the time to continue our chats, but this is a celebration, first let’s dance!” I moved stately over the empty dais, bowing before a blushing kitsune in his teens, with golden fur, one tail and reddish eyes. “Would you honour me with this dance, Lord Helios?” Seemingly from thin air the spherical sound of harps and violins rolled over the branch.

While we slowly waltzed over the dais, I had taken the lead, and other dancers gradually joined us, Helios adamantly tried to impress me. First with his exploits during military drills and now with his illustrious family history. Unfortunately, for the boy, I had had to study our kingdom’s history immaculately and could only smile at the monstrous embellishments he added to some of the stories.

“And when my great-great grandfather had slain the last invader, he approached the bound leader, freed him and faced him in an honest duel. With his last strength he beheaded the beast, blowing its head straight off, which tumbled through the air and vanished down a rabbit hole. My family had saved our beautiful kingdom once again and in the process had invented golf…”

I wondered swiftly if he actually believed in his version of the story. From what I knew, his relative had defend the kingdom, but from an invasion of nearly starved humans, without magic and rusted weapons. He hadn’t slain them but rather fed them and had sent them on their way with some healing herbs and rations for a few days…and I had read the book he had stolen the golf-story from. Before I could decide if I wanted to confront him or not, a stir in the crowd below the dais caught my attention.

A scholarly kitsune, finely dressed with a sabre tugged to his side, staggered drunkenly towards the dais. I had seen him before, I thought he was a low-ranking member of the house of wind. Edward, no. Edmund. He had trouble putting one foot in front of the other and nearly stumbled over his two tails, but he purposefully headed for the dais, more accurately he headed for me. I stopped my dance and faced the drunkard, moving slightly in front of Helios. Judging from their expressions, most guests were torn between amusement, disgust and the need to not be associated with whatever was going to happen. I saw guards closing in from the sides, but they were much too slow, their progress hampered by the crowd and Eddie could reach the dais and scamper on unmolested. With heavy movements he took off his glove and threw it at my feet. His speech slurred and slow he declared: “Princess Cassandra, for the murder of my great-aunt Amelia and my great-uncle Peter I formally demand satisfaction. I challenge you to the death!”