“I see. Please, ah forgive our intrusion.” She stood then making sure to grab her cloak. “Thank you for the meal.” She quickly left the cottage.
Flossina felt tears stinging her eyes as she walked down the dirt path. The old woman seemed so angry at her mother and the chaos that was ensuing because of her murder. It wasn’t her fault, she thought as she strode onward. Marlon had looked shocked at the old woman’s speech, but for some reason, Flossina wasn’t. She couldn’t blame the old woman for not wanting to help.
It was not her fight. It was Flossina’s. She stopped and surveyed her surroundings. She stood by a babbling brook. The water was crystal clear.
She could see the mo
It would seem that this was destiny stepping in and making sure things were righted. Blaze lowered his head and Marlon patted him.Flossina stood there quietly.“I’m sorry.” Marlon apologized.“It’s fine, I should be used to it.”“No, no you shouldn’t. Mila is my grandmother. She is being overprotective and overly cautious.” He took her hand and pulled her to him.Blaze no longer was interested in the two and walked off once more disappearing into the thick botanical beauty.“She is your grandmother? Why didn’t you tell me? She must hate me-”&ldq
Thank you, Marlon. I will repay you.”“Restoring my mens honor is all the repayment I seek , Your Highness.”“Then you shall have it. Hopefully, we will have more answers, soon.” She said, referring to their trip tomorrow.Marlon couldn't agree more with that statement. He did need answers, more than the afterlife mumbo jumbo Flossina kept trying to feed him. He kept hearing about this 'Jewel of Humanity'. More than thrice it had come up. The first time had been when speaking with his second in command, Deleav. The second and third time had been when he’d been in disguise as a soldier at Flossina's home. From what he had overheard from the soldiers it seemed to be a mix of folklore and legend. Some believed it to b
Fate seemed to be keeping them together. This little cottage was where he had grown up. No one knew it existed, except his father.“You bring danger to my home.” His grandmother said to him as he crossed the room towards the only door in the cottage.He stopped when she blocked his path. She was a short, pixie of an old woman who never spoke unless she had to, and even then her words seemed to sear you from their bluntness and truth. He knew she had the gift of second sight. He had never wanted to hear his fate,but felt like maybe God wanted him to change it by listening to what it was.“So much danger.” She continued.“I will fight and win. As I always do.” He said. His words filled with arrogance.
The next day was long and arduous for Flossina. Marlon had them both dress up in disguises and ride a horse instead of Blaze. They left him behind. Flossina noticed he was quite alright with the arrangement and happily got into the nearby pond. He blended in with the jagged and green scenery as he curled himself up and only his back appeared out of the water,looking like a large boulder. Flossina was once again amazed at the marvelous creature.The nice old woman had packed them a satchel with wheat cakes, cheese, fruits, dates and flagons of water. Flossina thought the woman was sweet and delightful, before they had left she had sat her down and put salve on her scrapes and wounds. She noticed she had put a jar of it inside of the satchel. She wished she could repay the woman’s kindness. After the three hour horse ride they were finally on the Ferry Boat, almost on the opposite side of the riv
“How do we get across?” She asked quietly. “We can’t see a foot in front of our faces.”“They should see our light.” He explained. Then stretched his arm over his head waving the torch back and forth slowly.Flossina screamed at the sudden sight of an old man appearing. He wore a monk’s robes. His eyes were sewn shut and his gaunt face made him look more ghost than man.The horse jumped at her reaction and Marlon held the reins tight enough to reassure the animal.“We seek passage to Holy Sancti Viri.” He informed the monk.“Follow me.” He said as he turned.Marlon followed closely.
The doors slowly opened and they both gathered what little composure they could muster, and braced themselves for what was to come. Marlon put his hand on the hilt of his sword underneath the cloak he wore.Two holy men stood in the entryway. One immediately stepped forward and walked in their direction and handed them wooden bowls filled with honeysuckle water.Flossina quickly drank hers while Marlon held his as he stared blankly at the monks.“Welcome to Sancti Viri. May the God of all gods bless you and be among you. Please enter our court with happiness and our Sanctuary in praise.”Flossina smiled, stepped forward and spoke. “We have-”“Questions.” The other monk supplied.
“Please,Valda, we mean you no harm. I am Flossina Raelia. Heir and future ruler of these lands. My mother, Queen Bihadlly has been murdered by my stepfather, the King. He is after me and I need to know why. A few days ago I was held prisoner in my own home. While I was captive I met a holy man from your order. He told me of my mother and a stone. The Jewel of Humanity.” She felt the air in the room change and move and turn warm once again. Listening to her speak she saw Valda seemed no longer guarded. She continued,“He was very kind to me. He died trying to protect me. Please, I beg of you. Help us!”Marlon was taken aback at her ability to move a crowd. Her words were genuine and she didn’t sound like a Queen in that moment, only a girl who needed help. He admired that she was always genuine, kind, intelligent and beautiful. When he had rescued her from the tower he had
With those words being said everything made became clearer to her, but she asked the question anyway.“Baptiste said she hid it inside of me. Is this true?”“Yes.”She was shocked by the validity of the news, but kept going. “Why?”“It was the safest option at the time. None would have suspected it.”“Safest option? I have people trying to kill me because of this thing ! They threatened to take it out while I was awake.”“My child, you must remain strong. The stone can be removed, but only with your permission.”Flossina didn't know whether to feel relieved or terr
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