General Torunn was not in a good mood. He hadn't been since the Princesses unexpected and rather dramatic escape. Not to mention, she had scoffed at his marriage proposal. He was furious at her disdain and wanted to make her pay. He just had to find her. He had over two hundred soldiers scouring the Kingdom and countryside for the past three days now and still, no luck.
He watched, as the King was deteriorating before him. He had never thought the Jimson weed he had the palace healer prescribe for him would make him deteriorate so quickly. His thoughts went back to the Princess and the power he knew she possessed and he would possess, once he possessed her.
He had tried reading the late Queen’s journal, but it was no use. It was all owls and lines and symbols. He had needed the help of that damned Royal Chancellor turned holyman, Bapti
“Sir, you don’t think…” He trailed off forgetting the Commander did not speak to him directly, therefore he was to not speak. He swallowed hard in relief when he saw his Commander and General not bat an eye at the small misstep. Instead, he finished the man’s sentence.“Yes it’s the Collective. They’re coming for him.”The General felt numb to this news. He had been the one who had the King disband them once he had secured his position as General immediately after the war. His plan had taken years. He had risked everything.The good King Tehxadlayk had died by his hands and the blame had placed on the SheHaalte’s King’s brother, Prince Yupta. Fvendal never did have the stomach for murder, but
“Were our troops seen by them?”“No Sir. What would your orders be General?”“Kill them all except their second in command. Make that happen tonight. I will be there at camp shortly. Is that all?“No Sir, there is more.”“Speak then Blake, you are trying my patience !”“They also found the princess and her rescuer the same day.”That news made the General stand up quickly and take a step down.The soldier nodded, turned around and left the chamber.Yes, this would not get in the way of his plans. He would get rid
“That’ll be far enough you two. If you please, Healer drop your weapon.”Marlon wanted to punch him in his smug face for killing all of his men and now torturing the last of them, his best friend. He listened and dropped his sword and knives as the arrogant General spoke more. “You made the right decision. Now Healer, or should I say assassin? Yes Assassin sounds better.” He began again. “It’s very simple. Your man’s life for the Princesses. If you hand her over to me right now I swear to you, you and your second in command will be spared.”“And if I say ‘no’ ”“Then your mate’s head is going to roll of of his shoulders in front of you and the Princess,” he said it with
She turned back towards him and kissed him quickly on the lips. The kiss took him by surprise and his grip loosened from her wrist. She framed his chiseled scruffy looking face in her hands before whispering“I’m sorry,” and she ran towards General’s side before he could grab her.It had worked.She stood mere inches in front of Deleav and her heart ached for the man. His eyes were swollen shut and the blood was beginning to dry. This was all her fault. She had to right this once and for all. She looked at the General, then turned around to see Marlon. He had not moved from his position. He stood there wide stanced, waiting. She turned back to the General who was once again appraising her in that disgusting fashion he had done when she was
“That’s right. Let the news sink in.” He continued. “No one is coming to your aide. You have no choice now but to concede to me and my will. I will be King if Zuff and you will be my Queen, and I will have the Jewel.”“Never !” She yelled and he backhanded her hard.The swift, hand motion made her fall back onto her leather seat. She rubbed her cheek.“Get up. Act like royalty for god’s sake.”She quickly righted herself in her seat and looked down at her lap. Marlon was dead. The only other person who was her ally no longer existed. She was alone in this world now and the fate of her life rested in her own hands. It took everything she had not to burst into tears.
Marlon knew he did not survive the arrows the General had sent in his direction, and from the look of his surroundings his assumption had been correct. He was shocked to see he was wearing nothing but a white linen loincloth with a gold belt and white sandals on his feet. Marlon stood in a long hall supported by gigantic gold columns. It all appeared to be floating in white matter, which he noticed was bright but not blinding. He saw at the far end of the hall a young boy with green skin sitting on a golden throne. He was Royalty. Standing on the left side of the large golden throne was Zuff’s late Ruler, Queen Bihadlly, Flossina’s mother. He slowly turned around and noticed he was surrounded by forty-two other beings, who looked and dressed similar to the young King. They were seated on benches that spanned the length of the room. They sat motionless, unseeing and unfeeling, only
“You are in the afterlife.” She answered simply and continued, “You did not survive. Neither did your friend. My brother would like to help you.”“Who is your brother?”She stepped aside and his line of vision was again directly staring at the solemn faced boy King that sat on the gold throne.“He is King Osiris, Lord and Ruler of the Afterlife, the Underworld, and the dead.”He noticed Queen Bihadlly stood by the god Kings side looking stoic, and he felt compelled to go to her.He felt terrible now for not believing Flossina when she had told him she had spoke with her mother before. He recalled he had brushed it off as nonsense and made her feel like she was going mad because
“I humbly accept your offer King Osiris.” He knelt in front of the King then.That gesture pleased Osiris and he could hear the applause and howls from the other deities and gods that sat in the room looking on.Khepri was still at his side. She was quiet and intently watching the exchange between her brother and the mortal man.“Arise.” King Osiris said, and Marlon did as he was commanded. “Queen Bihadlly believes in you, and if she does, then so will I.” With those words he was gone.Khepri turned to him then and he watched as she held her hands out in front of her with her palms facing upward. A golden glow encased them and faded. In its place sat a small, thick, golden book.
The Collective: 'The Collective' is a demonym used in various ways throughout history to refer initially to a nomadic group from the southeast region of Zuff, and later as a royal police origin.In the Zuff archaeological record, a culture known as the Manna culture. It is considered by experts to represent 'The Collective'. The culture is named for its uncanny ability to manipulate the natural elements of the earth,(earth, air, fire, water), as well as being able to befriend and tame fire dragons. Which date before the beginning of first Zuff sovereign reign.The sudden appearance of these fossils/artifacts found in the low woodland areas represent an immigrant population. While the presence of red Moeina sand found on their clothing and hair follicles on many of them suggest their occupants came from the Moeina desert. Other objects commonly found; runestones
Hi, this is the author of jewel of humanity. I hope that you have enjoyed the book. I have decided to give you a little more, and tell you all about the world that you have been reading about. So here we go. Geography of Zuff comprises of relatively high lying mountains surrounding a central plain with four navigable rivers, extending outward. Zuff has lush vegetation. A product of its mild but changeable climate which is free of extreme temperatures. Much of Zuff is woodland. 33% is native conifer.There are 36 land mammal species native to Zuff because the climate is influenced by the warmth of the ocean with very moderate days. Winters are milder. Summers are cooler with very infrequent rainfall and cloud cover. Culture: Zuff culture has recorded history since the beginning of recorded time being among the earl
Queen Bihadlly : Ruler of ZuffKing Fvendal: A poor yet brave warrior who aided in conquering of the SheHaaltesKing Tehxadlayk: Pure Blood Royal. Queen Bihadlly's one true love. First husband. Murdered by thr SheHaaltes.Prince Yupta: SheHaaltes King's brother. Accused of murdering King TehxadlaykAmbrose: Last Known Chieftan of the Collective before its disbanding. Marlons father.General Torunn: General of Zuff army. Close confidante to King Fvendal.Marlon: Assassin/ Leader of a disbanded elite Royal fighting group called the Collective.Deleav: Spy/ Second in Command of the disbanded elite royal fighting group the Collective.Agnes: Queen Bihadlly's personal gardener and confidante.King Osiris: Egyptian God of thr underworld.Khepri: Goddess of creation and renewal of life.Thoth: God of writing,magic and the moon.
She was expecting them to leave, but they didn’t instead they all began to clap and chant. “Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!”Marlon turned and looked up at her.She looked back at him. She had done what she thought she would never be able to do. Believe in herself and lead her people…******Later that night …Flossina fell on top of Marlon’s chest out of breath. Once again he had made her body feel exquisite. She looked up at him. His eyes were closed but his heartbeat was rapid.“I can’t believe it’s over.” She said.&ldquo
Flossina was announced upon her arrival.“Queen Flossina, Ruler and last living heir of Zuff.”She watched the room full of Chieftain Lords and Ladies bow and curtsy as she walked forward to her throne.Marlon walked several steps behind her.She could see the looks of puzzlement on their faces, but she kept her face expressionless and her vision forward. She climbed the stairs.Marlon stood on the bottom of them looking out at the crowd. Once she reached the top she turned and looked out at the sea of faces. She did not see Lord Azelle. It did not matter. She had to once again address her people and make them believe in her.“Chieftain Lords an
She touched his cheek then, bringing him back to reality.“I am fine, Marlon. I promise. It’s over.” She reassured him.He hugged her tight.She didn’t care that he wore armour and it was cold against the sheer outfit she wore. She was just happy it was finally over.There was a loud knock on the door. She jumped. Marlon pulled his sword out.She walked over to her door and opened it. It was General Torunn’s second in Comand, Blake.Blake stood in the foyer of her bedchamber. He bowed to her, and then spoke.“Your Majesty, It appears General Torunn is dead.”
“Is something wrong General?” She asked as if she didn’t know what was going on. She picked up the carving knife and held it behind her back as she slowly walked toward him.“He staggered towards her.“You..you… My food...you poisoned me!”She smiled at his helpless expression.“No, General. I didn’t poison the food.”He looked puzzled until she finished“But I did poison your precious wine. And you’ve almost drank the entire bottle ensuring your death.”The shock on his face was priceless to her.
“To our future Your Majesty, may it be prosperous and blessed.”She smiled and brought the cup to her lips, but did not drink it. She watched as he drank the liquid in one gulp.“That was delicious.” He said.She still held the goblet in her hand when she walked to her place and sat down.He sat down after her.“Husband, I mean General? Could your men wait outside while we dine?”He looked curious at her request. She once again lied to placate him.“I wish to enjoy our meal together and to speak freely of the upcoming plans to be made”
Flossina had to admit she was impressed at how beautiful and delicious all of the food looked. It had been made in record time. For this occasion she had decided to wear the one of the wedding gifts General Torunn had given her. It was a sheer white floor length gown with lace flowers intricately placed on her breasts and at the juncture of her thighs. Tonight, she also wore the Crowned Jewels around her neck and the crown on her head. Cook seem ecstatic that the Queen herself came early to see what all she had cooked.“Your Majesty, it is an honor to feed you and your husband, the General. I hope the food will be to your liking.”“Thank you cook, for putting this together on such short notice.”The cook smiled, curtsied, took two steps bac