I sighed deeply as we exited the Council Chambers. The verdict was in our favor, yes, but now there will be a war. Not to mention the fact that I now have a neon target on my back since everyone now knows that I'm a Dual Shifter. At least now I can publicly go by Shifter laws.
Even though Shifters are incorporated into Human society, we still have our own set of laws that are separate from Human laws. After all, how can Human Laws govern over Beasts? One of our laws is that we can carry any weapon at all times. However, if we misuse them in any way, then we'll have the right taken away. Personally, I always liked to keep a few knives on me whenever I left the house. I know how to use guns and I'm quite good with them, but they're way too noisy.
"When we get back to my office, I'll push for a new ID card to be made for you. I'll also get your guard detail set up. It'll be three soldiers at a time, and they'll work in four day intervals and switch out on the fifth morning. I had already talked to your parents about this and they already have the housekeepers setting up three guest rooms." Uncle Bartholomew said in rapid succession as we walked.
"Will the guards be in the classroom or in the hallway when I go back to school?" I asked, dreading the answer.
"One will be in the classroom and the other two will be in the hallway. I know you don't like this answer, but I'm not changing it." My Uncle said as he opened his office door. Sitting at his desk, he pressed a button and spoke again. "Martha, please send James Parker, Rita Hale, and Viper to my office."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Martha replied before doing what was asked of her. My Uncle then turned to his computer and put in the order for my new ID. As he was doing this, my parents and brothers had joined us.
"It'll be okay, Andrew. You're not going through this alone." My mom said as she squeezed my left knee, which I was bouncing. Before I could reply, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Uncle Bartholomew commanded. The door opened and three people, two men and a woman, entered.
"You asked to see us, Your Majesty?" One of the men asked in a mildly deep voice. He was tall, about 6 feet 4 inches, with a well-defined, muscular build and a scar running over his right eye. Considering the clarity of his eye, which was a piercing blue, the injury hadn't affected his vision.
"Yes, Viper, I did. I'm sure you watched the meeting with the Council, so I won't repeat how that went. Instead, I have an assignment for you. This is my nephew, Andrew, and you will be his personal guards from now on. There will be another group that will rotate with you. Each group will have a four day shift before switching out on the fifth morning." My Uncle explained, pointing me out to the three soldiers.
"So you want us to babysit your nephew? No offense, Your Majesty, but doesn't that seem a bit ridiculous? We're from the Special Forces. Our skills aren't suited for a babysitting job." The female, who I assumed was Rita, questioned my Uncle.
"If you saw the meeting with the rest of us, then you'd know that this is no ordinary kid. Which would mean that this isn't a simple babysitting job. But with his abilities, why would he need us?" The second man, who I'm guessing is James, asked. His voice was lighter and friendlier than his comrades.
"I don't want you thinking that this is a babysitting task, because it isn't. Now that Andrew's secret as a Dual Shifter has been revealed, there will be a lot of people trying to kill him. Especially since they'll think that killing him will make us call off the war with the Hunter's Association. It's true that he can defend himself, but most of his skills aren't suitable for crowded areas, or against long range weapons." Uncle Bartholomew explained.
"So how would this work? If we're supposed to be with him at all times for four days, then that would be hard to do with us here and he's a four hour drive away." Viper said, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"I'm glad you asked about that. The Slate Estate has six guest bedrooms. Three of them are already being prepared for your arrival tomorrow. And like I told Andrew, when it comes to his school, one of you will be in the classroom while the other two stay in the hallway. The school already knows about this and they are more than willing to cooperate." Uncle Bartholomew said, his authoritative voice left no room for arguments.
"I have two questions, if you don't mind, Your Majesty."James said, slightly hesitant. At my Uncle's gesture to continue, he asked his two questions. "My first question is about what we'd be allowed to take. Since this isn't a normal job, I'm assuming we can't take our normal gear. And my second question is about who would be relieving us on day five?"
"You will be dressed as civilians, so pack accordingly. However, you are to stay armed. On this topic Andrew, since you now have an ID showing your status as a Shifter, I want you to keep a blade on you at all times." My Uncle paused here until I agreed with him. "Now, as for who'd be in the other group, I was thinking about Cobra, Mary Parker, and Tyrion Lightcrest."
"My twin sister is here?!" James asked, a bit nervous.
"Yes, I just had her transferred from the Eastwood Military Base two days ago. Is that going to be a problem?" Uncle Bartholomew replied nonchalantly.
"Um… you do know that her codename is Wolverine, right? She tends to have a temper that's quite unpredictable." James explained.
"I am aware of that fact. However, she gets along with teens very well. That's another trait you both share, Ferret." My Uncle replied, adding heavy emphasis on James's codename.
"Oh, come on! I hate that name!" James whined.
"Well, if you weren't so good at pick-pocketing, then you might not have earned it." Rita retorted.
"Like you're one to talk, Huntress." James grumbled under his breath, so only I heard what he said. I couldn't suppress the chuckle that left my mouth.
"What's so funny, Andrew?" My Aunt asked, speaking for the first time since we entered Uncle Bartholomew's office.
"They try to act like they can't stand each other, but that's not the truth. It's amusing to watch, sorry." I replied with a grin, not really sorry.
"He finally speaks. Here I thought you were just being rude." James said, with a matching grin of his own.
"Can we give the kid a codename? That way, if comms get hacked, no one should be able to tell who we're talking about." Viper asked, a contemplative look on his face.
"He already has one. It was created in case a situation like this ever occurred. His codename is Dau Frenin. In Welsh, it translates to Two Kings." My Uncle said. "But if you want, you can shorten it to Frenin which is King."
At this moment my phone rang. Unlocking it, I saw the caller ID said Nixis. Answering it, I asked him about why he called.
"We saw the broadcast with the Royal Council. Now that you're no longer in hiding, you need to make your presence known to the Shifters. They won't believe it until they hear your Call. You know what to do, right?" Nixis said, getting straight to the point.
"Yeah, I know what I have to do. And you guys will stick with me no matter what comes our way?" I replied, sighing. It feels like this day won't end.
"Of course. You can't get rid of us that easily." Came Nixis's snarky reply. Ending the call, I turned to my Uncle.
"There's something that I need to do." I said before explaining what Nixis said.
"Hm. If you did this, what would happen?" My Uncle asked, concern on his face.
"By releasing the King's Call, it would solidify myself amongst the Shifters. They would know that their rightful King has returned, and it would mean a greater number of forces for the fight against the Hunter's Association. Even though I don't want it, by announcing myself like this, the Dragons and Ayakashi would expect me to reclaim the thrones." I said honestly. The only thing I had going for me was that most issues would be handled by the Clan Heads. I would only have to meet with them once a month for a monthly report and update on how the Clans are doing.
"Are you ready for that, honey?" Mom asked, worry evident in her voice.
"It doesn't matter what I want or am ready for. This is something I need to do." I said, resigning myself to what was to come.