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CHAPTER 12 - ENEMY
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2024-10-29 19:42:56MALAIKA slowly opened her eyes. She had to blink many times to adjust her blurry sight. It took her a few minutes before realizing the danger she was in. She was tied within a large wooden pole and could not move. Her feet and hands were bound. It seemed impossible to escape.
She carefully examined the place, and it seemed they were inside a cave. It was dark, and the light was coming from a large torch resting a few meters away from her. The air was somehow dry, and judging by the temperature, she was sure that the place was not in Hala. It was freezing. She might be anywhere in Axum!
Her eyes widened when her vision caught the dark elf walking towards her with a dagger in hand.
“What do you want?” she gritted her teeth and tried to free herself, but it was futile.
The dark elf played the dagger in his hand in a circular motion. Slowly, he examined her from head to foot. Then he smirked, flaunting his sharp canine teeth.
“The r
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EREVAN laughed like a maniac as Malaika screamed her lungs out. It seemed he had an immense pleasure seeing how she suffered. “Show me your power, princess. Or die!” Erevan swung his dagger again and targeted her heart for the second time. Malaika was too tired to scream this time. Her throat swelled for wailing nonstop. At this moment, she knew that she would draw her last breath anytime now. Memories have come like a flash since she was a child. She saw how her father loved her when she still had her gift. The gentle pat of the Commander every time she did something horrible that would bring her father to shame. Alleki always stood beside her every time she failed, telling her it was all right to mess up as long as she would rise again and come back stronger. And then there was Yulli, who always brightened her day with just one smile. My life ends here. I’m sorry. She clearly visualized the smiling faces of her friends, who always made her feel she belonged to the circle despite
Malaika CHAPTER 14 - PREPARATIONS
VALIN was waiting in the battleground along with the other shifter delegations. There were two females and three males beside the Captain of the Aerial Army. Mainly from a well-known clan. Yeke, the jackal shifter. The sibling Luch and Rys, both lynx shifters. The females Kaca, a snake shifter, and Ayi, a bear shifter. There were several Halan Cheetah that was almost triple their normal size. They used them for fast travels like this since it would be a hassle if they would shift in their animal form because they have different animal attributes. They immediately gave Alleki a salute when he arrived. “We’re ready,” Valin said confidently. A few meters away from them, the spectators were the family members of each delegate, giving everyone a blessing for a safe journey. The Chieftain came along with Argana, who would give then the final blessing as she prayed fervently to the water goddess to provide them with strength and
Malaika CHAPTER 15 - HUNT
THE storm finally abated, but Malaika was nearly freezing. She tried to make a fire, but everything was still dripping wet.Although until now, she was still wondering where all these waters came from. No matter how she pondered about it, her memories were still hazy.“Darn!” She repeatedly cursed in frustration.“I told you to prepare for a hunt. There are lots of snow leopards around this area, preying on elks. Get the snow leopard fur to keep you warm and kill an elk to fill your stomach.” Xoxo lectured her as it was glued to her shoulder.“I’m already chilling here, and I’m getting frostbite. Can’t you see that I might bleed to death once I step outside?” She tried to be rational since she didn’t even have her slippers on. The sharp diamonds that mixed in thick snow would cut her feet!“Since when you became this coward, princess? Do yo
Malaika CHAPTER 16 - TRAVEL
NEAR the western part of the Great Lake, Seti gave a pouch of gold to Baliq. The latter beamed as he checked the several gold coins that cost a fortune.“You’re indeed generous, lioness.” Baliq grinned.“I just want to make sure we’re safe once we cross the Great Lake.”“Of course! I’ve been in this business for years now.” Baliq said proudly, and he winked. He put the pouch in his pocket.“Smuggler,” Attisha murmured.Seti rolled her eyes and looked at Attisha. “You can still go back in case you change your mind. You know the possible outcome of this mission.”Attisha shook her head. “I’m ready for this. I want to help our friend.”The Escort clapped. “All right! I guess everyone is ready. I am doing this since my nephew also asked me to help you. You know Kane Gunther?”The ladies did not reply
Malaika CHAPTER 17 - DANGER
MALAIKA spent the night with the couple, and at last, she had finally got a chance to fill her stomach. Frode helped her out to dry the leopard’s skin. He also cut a portion of his fur cloak to make a temporary cover for her feet. She was thankful for their generosity, especially now that she felt warm. Frode had excavated the ground to put on the leopard’s carcass. And he also gave his passing prayer to the dead animal. Everyone settled into the deeper part of the burrow to hide the smoke coming from the fire they created. “I guess we’re safe here tonight,” Frode reassured them. “However, this is not a safe place for you, dear—because this is Axum,” Helga said in the midst of their dinner as she focused on Malaika. She held a stick of roasted elk. “I know,” Malaika breathed out. She took another bite of the meat, and it tasted delicious. Just now, she realized how she was starving.She offered a small piece for Xoxo
Malaika CHAPTER 18 - ENCOUNTER
MALAIKA, along with her newfound companions, walked at dawn amidst the freezing breeze. Xoxo was somehow giving her body warmth, just enough for her to function. “It’s a full day walk, Mala. Are you sure you can make it?” Frode asked. He carried the dried skin of the leopard and the remaining meat of the elk. “Of course, she’ll make it, darling!” Helga sounded optimistic. She clutched all the weapons to help her husband carry the load. Malaika only nodded and smiled. Despite the feeling that she would freeze anytime soon if Xoxo didn’t lend his magical warmth. Then she heard Xoxo’s voice in her mind. “This is the only temperature I can give, Princess. It’s enough for you to survive this harsh climate when you reach your destination. At least, your body is covered now.” “Yeah, thanks.” She murmured. The journey seemed an eternity for Malaika. The coniferous forest was vast as t
Malaika CHAPTER 19 - CAPTURED
SETI remained alert as much as possible. She could see the barriers slowly disintegrating from the checkpoint. It wasn’t noticeable before, but the mana surrounding the place tells otherwise. The reason she still pursued to move forward than going back. They couldn’t waste more time since they only had a few days, and they must not return empty-handed.She pondered if she had made a mistake earlier. It was her fault they got captured. But one thing she was certain of, these guards were not as bad as she imagined. Maybe they would give them a fair trial once they brought them for further investigation. If not, they would find another way to escape. As long as they were still breathing, anything could happen. Seti had to remain positive.Meanwhile, Attisha unintentionally shifted to a large red mushroom that made the guards flabbergasted. But she quickly turned back to her original self after a few minutes. Maybe she was trying some ways to esca
Malaika CHAPTER 20 - VERGIFA FOREST
ALLEKI’s team finally arrived at the Bridge on the Eastern Gate. Eight guards greeted them when they entered the border. The commander presented the scroll containing the invitation as delegates from Hala.“Dhagoz Tavee…” said one of the guards in the Virinan language. It means ‘welcome.’Alleki and his team lightly arched their heads to acknowledge the greeting. And they all gave a halan salute.Almost everyone expressed their admiration when they moved past the border.The guards escorted them in silence.This might be the way of Axum to make them feel welcome and to ensure their safe travel inside their territory.“I have never seen anything like this!” Kaca exclaimed as she studied around.There were mountain ranges, and some parts floated while waterfalls endlessly flowed.Everyone could feel the overflowing mana. The floating
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Malaika CHAPTER 59 – TASK
PIERRE’S group would take off after meeting General Iljun and the trackers to really information they gathered. The deliberation did not take long. And when they were dismissed, Pierre talked with his father.Raev gazed at his son, cheering in silence. “Be careful son. Always remember everything I’ve told you. However, you and your squad’s life will be the top priority.”“Yes, Father. I will not go back until I find Lazir’s whereabouts.” Pierre was determined despite his father’s warning.“We will wait for your return, son.”“Please look after Seti while I’m away.” Pierre’s face softened. He didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his lioness since Seti’s team was already on the move. Pierre knew that this hunt would end in an expedition.Pierre’s squad left immediately on foot. The lynx twins were unusually quiet as they tracked Lazir’s scent. Kane was at the back and checking for a possible ambush. They rested after three hours of searching nonstop. Finally, they reached the cliff ne
Malaika CHAPTER 58 – DIVIDED
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Malaika CHAPTER 57 – ASSEMBLE
THEY dropped by Niusa’s class, and the black elf seemed thrilled to see them. She hurriedly went out of her room to meet them in the hallway. “Whoa, I can’t believe you are here. Do you need help with schoolwork?”“Let’s talk in the garden. I don’t need many elf ears hearing about this crucial information.” Malaika strolled, and Niusa followed.As usual, they ignored the discriminating glances given to them. It was not Malaika’s concern at the moment.“Something wrong?” Niusa began to wonder because she wouldn’t talk until there were no elves nearby.“How well-versed are you in Tuara? How about Aigavan? I need your water healing ability and water purification magic,” Malaika said in a low voice.Niusa was confused. “My water healing magic is intermediate, but with Aigavan….” She hesitated, “I know only the basics of water purification. Why?”“Do you know other healers? I need them badly, Niusa. There’s a plague in the East, and Baraf turned a blind eye despite its plead for help. Time
Malaika CHAPTER 56 – UNCERTAINTY
YULLI spoke to ease Malaika’s worries. “There are a lot of things you need to know outside the wall barrier, Princess. I hope you’re ready once we set foot in Eastern Axum.”“Then tell me everything! I deserve it, don’t you think?” She clenched her jaw. “It’s been a while since I was taken away from Hala, and I don’t know how to get back without facing the consequences of breaking the sacred law. Hell is an understatement of what I’ve been through, Yulli. What other secrets are you hiding away from me?”Yulli gently shrugged. “Since you ask, the world is huge outside this island. However, the way life is a lot different. I heard that there is extreme drought, and water is a precious commodity. There is information that every water mage is captured so they could provide for the needs of the royalties.”“Are you certain?” Malaika seemed to doubt Yulli, only that the wolf shifter was serious.“I can’t be sure since the information came from my adoptive father. The chief and everyone in t
Malaika CHAPTER 55 – WOMAN FROM THE EAST
MALAIKA was too stunned to speak when she opened the door. She heard loud knocks earlier, and Xoxo gave her a signal that it was safe to check it out. They made a pact that they shouldn’t just open the door with random knocks knowing they were hated in this place. Dealing with another death threat would only bring more stress instead of focusing on their studies.“Oh, goddess! What happened?” Malaika gaped.Yulli carried an unconscious woman. It was almost daybreak, and the wolf shifter was worn out, trying to catch his breath.“She needed immediate medical care.” Yulli peeked inside. “Where is Xoxo? The healers I found along the way wouldn’t help us. I guess a traditional healer can’t aid her terrible condition.”“Get in! I have been practicing my mana control all night because I cannot sleep while waiting for you, Yulli. Our kind is being hunted in this elf territory!” Malaika assisted them inside the house.Xoxo was so engrossed in making a potion in the kitchen, but as soon as she
Malaika CHAPTER 54 – FORBIDDEN MAGIC
“WHERE is my horse?” Yulli came to them unbothered by the intimidation they were showing. He had no plan of getting into trouble, but it seemed inevitable, especially since he saw his horse a few meters away with a female tied in it.At a glance, Yulli could identify the female was not an elf. Her tangerine-colored dress matched the thick fur scarf covering her neck. She was muddy, especially her feet, which had one shoe on. These elves probably had fun chasing the poor lady. Based on her scent, she had a faint smell of being a shapeshifter. “This one is more valuable!” One of the elves shouted. Among these brigands, he had the biggest physique and blade scars on his cheeks. He might be the leader in the way he gave an order. Everyone laughed. “We can sell him at a high price! This night is indeed auspicious for hunting!” said another who could not contain his excitement.“Hey, Scarred Face! Give my horse back, and that lady or I will kill all of you without a trace,” Yulli turned
Malaika CHAPTER 53 – RARE INGREDIENT
“D-DID I summon you?” Malaika finally got back to her senses and asked.The goddess shook her head. “I came out on my own. But because of my depleting spiritual energy. This is the form I can sustain for a short while.”“I am not dreaming this time, right?”The goddess smiled. “What do you think?”Malaika slowly motioned her hand and touched the translucent form of the goddess. Her hand went through, feeling like cold water had slipped into her skin. “You are real.”“I can take any form I want. But since we are one, we have to be in sync so that we both live without harming each other, even unintentionally. I will guide you with your mana control. You must quickly learn because if you fail, both of us will cease to exist, along with the people of this island.”“I understand. I am at your disposal, goddess. I will serve you until my last breath.”Malaika thought that mana control would be the easiest part of learning since she had already wielded powerful types of water magic. But now
Malaika CHAPTER 52 – SPECIAL CLASS
WHEN Malaika and Yulli entered their special class, they were not spared from the discrimination as soon as they got inside. All eyes were set on them, sharing bothered expressions. But everyone immediately shrugged them off, which Malaika found amusing since no one had uttered a word, and they continued to their usual chats and ignored the two of them completely.Malaika made a quick mental count of how many students belonged to the class. There were approximately twenty, including her and Yulli.“Don’t mind them. We are here to learn,” Yulli said. They were seated on the last row, and no one wanted to be acquainted with being with them.“As if I’m bothered. I’m expecting the worse, and I’m starting to like this class.” Malaika silently winked to make Yulli feel at ease.Yulli gave him a nod of approval. “I’m glad to hear that from you, princess.”Malaika thought of the positive side of the indifferent treatment towards them. It could work to their advantage since she could fully con
Malaika CHAPTER 51 – SANCTION FOR INSUBORDINATION
THE crowd started murmuring again when the chieftain announced that the warrior delegates that gave honor to the tribe would face one of the heaviest sanctions due to negligence and insubordination.“Warriors, be ready!” Alleki faced the members of his squad.“Yes, commander!” Everyone said in chorus.When Alleki turned around, he started walking on the part of the battlefield that was not affected by the destruction from the chieftain’s attack earlier. It would take time to rehabilitate the damage since magic was forbidden, and they’d all resort to physical labor, which was mainly the cultivator’s job.Despite the commotion created because of Lazir’s use of forbidden magic, the warrior delegates were not exempted from the rough treatment. And although some of the spectators from the royal clan had already exited, many people still left to witness them receive their punishment.One of the elders came to them. He was Carius, the head of the council of justice. The man was a little youn
