The Mimics (Part 4) Feedback wanted

There had been more to the meeting, mostly the aggravating scholar asking all about her physical features and what was average for mimics. She was released from the medical center a few hours later and moved to a room that usually housed ship captains. The small room was attached to the guardhouse, which meant that she could be watched, not that she was going anywhere. They did not keep her captive, but every guard seemed to know her face wherever she went. They did require that she checked in every few hours. As a result, she never got to go very far into the city without some kind of escort. Audrey had been pestering anyone who would answer about Atoninasia while she awaited the king’s reply.

“So, how many different magical species live on the island?” She asked Lealiah one night. The lieutenant had agreed to escort her around the city for a bit after her shift. The sun was just beginning to set as they made their way back to the guardhouse.

“As far as I know, 23.” She replied. Audrey was surprised, she didn’t even know there were that many.

“Oh, how do you fit all of them? I mean, surely, they must have differen’ needs and such.”

“There are different climates throughout the island, mountains, beaches, forests, tundras, and everything in between.”

“But how?”

“Magic.” Audrey turned her head and bunched her eyebrows.

“They created an island?” She asked.

“Kind of. A group of powerful magics came to the island and combined their power to change the island to fit their needs. The effort killed some, and shortened the lives of others.” Lealiah grew quiet, “My husband included.” She added. There was a moment of silence, an unspoken honor to the dead. “But,” she sighed, “now, we have this sanctuary. A home.” Lealiah finished, proudly gesturing to the city around her. And it was a wonderful city. Though the docks had been filled with humans, as soon as she went deeper into town, she saw how different everyone was. There were fairies, centaurs, elves, and other kinds that she had no name for. She even saw what she could only assume to be a dragon flying overhead once. Her people would be safe here.

“I need to get home, my kids are with my brother, but I need to get them to bed.” Lealiah explained as they reached the guardhouse. Audrey walked into her room feeling content. As she entered, she noticed a note on her bed. She couldn’t keep from smiling as she read it. The king had approved for her people to come to the island. They would leave as soon as a ship was ready. Audrey lay on the bed and deflated, breathing out a long-held breath. Her people were going to be safe.

General Elias Aplin sat with a map of Europe on his desk. Audrey Rivers was sitting on a barrel beside him. Beside the mimic was his first mate, Kye Tent, a merman. Scholar Hurston, an elf who had served under him for many years, stood at his right.

“It’s here, there’s an old castle that was abandoned years ago, our coalition found it and put it to good use. I don’t know how many will be there, but there is always at least a small crew.” Audrey explained as she pointed to a spot on the map near the mountains. They had docked the night before on European grounds, and were debating their next move.

“Then we’ll take a small crew to get up there...” the general began,

“No,” the young woman sternly said.

“Why?”

“Cause, they could think it’s an attack and run.” Audrey Rivers explained. The general had to agree with that one, these people would be unpredictable, and he wanted them on his side. Quickly he evaluated his limited options, then made his choice.

“Then Scholar Hurston, you and I will go, Kye, stay here in case something happens. If we don’t return in a week, then get out of here.” he hated leaving his men exposed like this, but they were capable. His first mate nodded sharply.

“The rest of you, pack your belongings and meet me on the main deck.” He dismissed them then got to work.

Ten minutes later they were on their way up the mountain. As they walked, Audrey coached them on the manners of the coalition, and the traditional greeting.

“When you meet formal people, you must use your left hand and make an arch, like so,” She demonstrated, starting with her hand above her head and ending it level with her chest. “Then you shake their hand.” They practiced a few times as they climbed up the mountain. As the silhouette of the castle came into view, Elias’s heart beat faster in anticipation of the events ahead. He allowed the adrenaline to seep into his body, helping him focus. What was left of the castle was two of the towers and parts of the courtyard. All was quiet. The only sound was the wind and their own footsteps crunching against the snow. There were no guards outside, no one watching the walls, no smoke from a fire. Elias scanned the area, but they seemed to be the only souls. He nearly jumped with Audrey Rivers knocked three times, then once, then once again on the massive wooden doors, and he was surprised when he actually heard a voice.

“Identify yourself!” a male voice commanded.

“I am Audrey Rivers, 32nd member of the coalition, part of operation 2. These are my guests.” She pointed to them. “I need to speak with the coalition immediately.” The female mimic commanded. The door creaked open a little more and they were allowed to enter. Inside there was a small crew of armed men. In the dim lighting he could still partially see the silver lines on their faces. They regarded each other carefully, while Audrey spoke to a man who had stepped up to greet them. After a moment, he let them through. Elias watched carefully as they made their way through the entrance, counting the soldiers that he saw as was his habit. There was only ten of them. Scholar Hurston beside him jumped as the doors closed with a BANG!

“The meeting room is this way,” Audrey led them down a hallway. They were flanked by two guards. As she walked down the ancient halls, she wondered who she would see, and who she wouldn’t. The room had chairs lining the rectangular brick walls. Some of the windows along the wall were broken and there were many cracks along the walls. “Have a seat,” Audrey invited her companions. They did as they were told,

“Audrey!?” Shouted a voice of disbelief.

“Claire!” Audrey exclaimed as she whipped around, recognizing the voice. She broke into a smile. In the doorway stood a teenager with blond hair and the same grey markings as Audrey. The two young women rushed to each other, ending in an embrace. They stood together a moment, unable to speak.

“You’re alright,” Audrey finally breathed as she held her sister in her arms.

“Did you find it?” Claire asked, desperation and hope reflected in her eyes. Audrey couldn’t speak for a moment, she bit her cheek to focus.

“I did, I found it, we’re safe now,” She whispered. A single tear snuck down her face. She wiped it away quickly. Beside her she heard other people heading into the room, and knew that reunions would have to wait.

“We’ll talk later,” Audrey said, professional again. She gave Claire another moment to compose herself, then together, hand in hand, they went to General Aplin and Scholar Hurston.

“This is my sister, Claire.”

“Pleased to meet finally meet you, Audrey told us all about you” The General said, flourishing his hand like Audrey had taught him. The General was a quick learner, as was Scholar Hurston, who was nothing like the king’s irritating scholar.

“I hear you have good news!” Claire said,

“We do,” the general said with a smile.

After introductions, an assembly of male and female mimics made their way into the room until only a few chairs were left empty. Audrey and Claire sat next to each other; Audrey next to the scholar. A hush fell over the room as Rowen Canmore, leader of the coalition, stood up.

“An emergency meeting has been called because one of our scouts, Audrey Rivers, has returned to us with news.” He spoke in a deep and confident voice as he gestured over to her. She took the hint and stood up as well. Turned slowly as she spoke, she told them everything that she knew.

“As many of you know, I have been sent out to look into the talking's of a magical sanctuary, and I am here today to tell you that they’re true.” There were murmurs and sighs of relief that echoed around the meeting room. Audrey let them have a moment, the waved General Aplin and Scholar Hurston to stand up. “I have spent the last few months with these people,” she continued, “first on their island, where I found all sorts of interestin’ creatures. General Aplin here is a fairy, And Scholar Hurston is an elf, which ’splains why the ones in the north seemed to of vanished. I have decided to trust them, and I have told them of our plight. They have agreed to help us.” The mimics all inspected the newcomers more carefully, and excitedly talked amongst themselves. Scholar Hurston sat after a moment, but then general remained standing.

“We have several cogs ready to transport any who wish to come to Atoninasia, fully provisioned for the trip ahead.” He explained. Audrey bit her lip, knowing that they coalition did not trust anyone easily, but that they were going to have to. Aplin was still talking to the group, “I am willing to answer any questions you may have, but I sincerely hope that you will accept our offer.” He finished diplomatically, then took his seat. The coalition whispered a few things, then Rowen Canmore called for silence.

“General Aplin, I will have you and your companion wait outside while we discuss our next move.” The general nodded left the room. Rowen turned back to her,

“Now tell us everything.”

Elias waited, pacing, just outside the room with Hurston, who was seated writing down everything that he saw.

“Do you think they will accept?” Hurston asked when he was done writing.

“I-I do not know these people, but I believe so. From what Audrey told us, they need help, and they would be foolish to turn us away.” The scholar nodded his understanding.

“And if they don’t?”

“Then we will go home, we will have done all we can.” Elias replied, trying to not allow his frustration to show. These people would not make it much longer, he knew, and Atoninasia would help them, like they had helped his people. Suddenly the door opened and they were brought back in.

“Moment of truth.” Hurston muttered to him as they went back into the room. The mimic who was clearly the leader was the only one standing besides them. He searched their faces for answers, but found none.

“We have come to an agreement,” the man said. Elias quickly turned his eyes back on him. “We will allow you to take 400 mimics back to your island, and then return here with 10 of them in three months. We will gather them, then send them with you. We would also require that we inspect your cogs before you leave.” General Aplin nodded, that was almost half, which was as good as he was going to get. It made sense for them not to send all their people at once.

“Thank you for trusting us, you will not regret it.” He stated and he meant it. “When will you be ready to leave?”

“When we have enough gathered, you may stay here for the duration of that time.” He hoped that wouldn’t be too long, they had supplies, but he did not want to risk the chance of not having the supplies for the month-long trip back.

“Thank you, sir, but I must check in with my crew within the week.” He insisted,

“Then we shall inspect your ships then. Tomorrow if possible." Elias nodded, glad there were no objections.

“Ola can show you to your quarters,” the man said with a wave of his hand. “Audrey, you can stay with your sister.” The young woman smiled,

“Thank you, Rowen,” he dipped his head. Elias and Scholar Hurston stood to leave,

“Also, General and Scholar, you are to have someone with you at all times unless you are in your quarters.” Elias expected as much, but still didn’t like being constantly watched. They followed the woman to where they were staying. After inspecting the room, they decided to explore. The guard who was posted outside of their room showed them to the common area, which also functioned as a tavern, where there were several mimics already gathered. He noticed Audrey and her sister talking quietly in a corner together. It was the perfect opportunity to gain some trust, and intelligence.

After finding a good spot near the sisters, he and Hurston ordered some food, and offered to pay for it in plain gold, to avoid having to exchange coins.

“What do you think of this place?” He asked Hurston.

“I think that they are very good at hiding, which is a good thing.” He explained, then showed some of his notes. “I have been wondering what climate they would end up in.”

“I agree, though I am sure that they will let us know. Perhaps we could ask.” He glanced over at Audrey and Claire. Audrey was staring at a piece of parchment, turning it over in her hands while not seeming to really read it.

“This-this is too many...” he heard her mutter, the anguish clear in her trembling voice. “How?” she asked. Elias listened closely.

“They found Newkeep..It was a massecre.” Claire responded; her eyes cast away.

“What?” Audrey whispered. The parchment shook in her hands and tears welled in her eyes. “I-I wasn’t fast enough.” she breathed, “I wasn’t...” Elias walked over quietly, Audrey did not look up.

“What is it?” He asked, Audrey did not seem to hear. Claire, who had more composure coaxed the parchment from her sister’s hands and handed them to the General.

“It’s our dead,” she said despondently, not meeting his eyes. There were pages filled with names.

“How many?”

“200,” Audrey managed, the words sounded stuck in her throat. “200 gone.” Her hands clenched into fists. Elias knew that kind of pain, it was part of the reason he volunteered for the trip. He sat down beside her.

“I know what this feels like, and it sucks.” He began, not knowing where to go. “But I promise you, on Atoninasia, this,” he shook the page, “this will never happen again. We will protect your people; they have protected mine.” He paused; Audrey finally shifted her gaze from the ground to his face. They were full of sorrow, anger, and disbelief. “My people were in the same spot you were several years ago, hunted for our wings, but when we came to the island, we were safe. Now we are many, and your people will be too.” Audrey sniffed, then took a deep breath.

“Thank you General.” He nodded,

“Of course, Ms. Rivers.” he replied. He stood and left the two sisters and returned to Hurston. He hoped his little spiel had helped, but he knew that there were things beyond words.

“What’s going on?” Hurston asked. Elias placed the parchment on the table.

“This is their death count. About 200.”

“Oh,” Hurston said. They didn't speak for a long moment. Elias sighed as he looked at the people around him,

“Which is why I think it is so important that we save these people, and all magics. We need to bring them in, before they close the border.” He stated.

“They’re actually closing the border?” Hurston asked,

“It would make sense, with the increase of issues at the docks.”

“What about trade?”

“I don’t know, Hurst.”

Audrey stood at the starboard bow of the ship, looking over her people. General Aplin beside her. Half of her entire species was on one voyage. She prayed that they would make it to Atoninasia, and start anew.

“Are we ready?” Aplin said.

“Yes, let’s save my people.”

Epilogue: The Mimics made it to Atoninasia and found that they quite enjoyed cities. The other half of the mimics came to the island on the second trip over. They elected Rowen Canmore as their elder who would partake in the government counsel who ruled under the king. The mimic species flourished and grew under the island’s protection. Audrey lived near the docks, but traveled often, learning about the different cultures on the island and eventually becoming a scholar herself. Lealiah stayed on as lieutenant until she was promoted to general when Elias retired. General Aplin did more work to get other species on the island until his retirement.

And that is how the Mimics came to be on Atoninasia.