Week 2 Friday: Kerrigan's POV
Kerrigan sat at her desk at Dragon Corporation headquarters. That boy she had seen elicited such memories. Man, she supposed was more accurate, but she couldn't help picturing a young boy of around six playing around a pond. Conor reminded her also of Rania.
Oh Rania, you were like the big sister I never had... Kerrigan remembered the times that Priestess Rania visited Targu province. They had been joyous breaks in her torturous existence with Zadok. Rania had never found out about the extent of things, and they had never been left alone long enough for her to open up. A tear fell down her cheek as she remembered today was the day Rania had been killed. The bastard Zadok had not even prepared a proper funeral because the body was never recovered. But they knew. She knew the second it happened because Abrasax had nearly destroyed her office in the blast of power he unleashed. He had been dormant ever since, until Conor...
'I am sorry Priya.' Came the deep mental brush.
"It's about time you came to your senses," Kerrigan snapped.
'Rania was dear to Celia. Her loss was great for the whole realm.'
"Yes, but I have had to deal with it alone, on top of dealing with Zadok, and Dragon Corp, and the jackass Kelan Benedict. I could have used your help over the past three years!"
'Find the Dovari Kendov.'
"And just what is this kendov supposed to do for me?"
'Seek the Kendov beneath the wings of Celia. Match her moves, and join forces where possible. Her guidance will lead you forward.'
"And what of your guidance? You were decently helpful getting me started with Dragon Corporation. We even managed to convince the Prima to make me President... though he still thinks of himself as CEO even if he lets me hold the position for now. That was rather masterfully done."
'Priya, I can only guide you so far. My power is a fraction of what it should be since Celia called me back from my slumber over fifty years early. We normally cycle in 150 year turns and even then may not be bonded for generations. I have gone an entire cycle just watching the world and ensuring Celia was safe during that time of peace.'
"So, you were awoken early? The Prima was not wrong about that?"
"In this, the inbred git was not wrong. We have limited power left to us after so long reduced to our soul stones. We must rest and reconnect with the pulse of the world."
"So, you actually WANT me to follow Zadok's command to find the pendant?"
'I WANT you to find Celia, and whoever she has chosen as Kendov. Track and match the movement of the Kendov and lend aid where you can. As for Zadok, he is never to get his hands on Celia."
Kerrigan smiled at this. " I think I can work on that. I suppose another visit to Jinstain is in order. But what is this about wings of Celia?"
'You will know when you see them.'
"Great, thanks. So helpful, you ancient lizard."
Kerrigan waved her hand to get Natalie's attention. "Natalie, please prepare the crew for a flight to Jinstain. I need to head back as soon as possible."
"I am sorry, Miss Lokir, but the planes will be grounded for a few days yet. I can see if the trains are still going." Natalie replied.
"Gah, are the passes really that bad already?"
"Yes, but I believe they have the train tracks clear enough. It will take a few extra hours but I think you can still make that local festival if that was your aim."
"Festival?" Kerrigan asked.
"Yes, the..." Natalie looked down at her notes, "The Cochan family is hosting a festival with the Chamber of Commerce. It seems all the major businesses in the city will be out. I figured that was what you were planning to attend and network at."
Kerrigan pinched the bridge of her nose and nodded, "Yes that will be fine. I will plan on that. please set it up, and go ahead and forward my calls and meetings. I am guessing I will be out for a week on this trip."
"Very good, my lady. I will get you the train details and alert Breanna."
"Thank you, Natalie."
"Oh, and Mr. Benedict called for you again."
"Senior, or Jr?"
"Kelan, Ma'am."
"Tell him to fuck off." Kerrigan said hotly.
Natalie laughed, "I figured as much. I told him you were out of the office. I suppose that will be true enough here soon. I should have the departure information ready within the hour. I believe the next train to Jinstain leaves this afternoon and should get you there before the end of the night."
Kerrigan quickly packed up her office and headed back toward her rooms at the temple. The air was indeed chilly, but she had grown up dealing with the biting cold of northern Targu. She still missed her parent's mansion several hours south. The climate warmed notably once you dropped out of the high mountain peaks that surrounded the city of Velyki.
When she got to her room, she packed a few bags and then sat down next to her bed, and pulled out her violin. She gentle brushed her fingers along its glossy length, before picking it up and setting it to her chin. It would be a while before she would be able to play again, and she didn't want to risk it getting damaged by bringing it with her.
Kerrigan slowly played for over an hour before her phone rang with a text from Natalie with her train information. She regretfully packed the violin away and stowed it safely under her bed. she grabbed her bags and headed for the door, pausing only briefly to lock the door securely behind her. Stevic waited for her in the hall and helped her with the bags as they headed to the train station.