Down in the sewers, Aurelia and Zinjo stalked their prey. Well, Zinjo stalked, Aurelia clung to his back like a tree trunk as he waded through the murky smelly water. Despite the low light, Zinjo negotiated the stone maze with ease. He stops and sniff the air and would adjust his course according to what his nose told me.
Aurelia couldn't help but question how he could smell anything over the stench of human feces and excrement, “How do you know which way he went?” Zinjo gave a throaty chuckled, “The thief does not smell as bad as this tunnel,” He turned down a much larger tunnel and growled, “There are many bad men down here, I can smell them. Do you know how to fight?” “No, I was raised in statecraft.” “Foolishness, every leader should know how to protect themselves. Guards can be bought, best friends can become enemies in the blink of an eye, enemies can become friends. I will teach you.” “I am not built for combat.” “So you wouldn't like to learn?” Would it be so bad to know self-defense? The question played with Aurelia's mind. She imagined standing back to back with Zinjo, the both of them against the world. “I would be honored to fight alongside you once I've learned how.” Zinjo stopped and took her in his arms, “You surprised me, dark princess,” he stroked her hair and smiled down at her. Heaven, his arms felt like heaven, his gaze like the benevolence of the Divine beings who watched the earthly games from their lofty clouds. She caressed the handsome face, and Zinjo purred in content. “I want to be a good ruler worthy of my subjects' respect. Mother says, ``they should respect the title.” Aurelia moved to Zinjo's back, and he carried on his way, “Lions must prove their worth to lead, I hope my brother succeeded, or else my people will be in much trouble.” “What makes you say that?” “Not all lions respect the land. Some see the outside world and seek to make our people in its image. This is not a good thing. Lions must be lions,” Zinjo said. He pointed to a door covering another tunnel. “The scent ends there.” Aurelia had seen the door type before it revolved with a simple push. “I think this is where the thieves guild meets. The city watch searched everywhere down here, and they came up empty, and now we found it on the first try?” “I have superior senses, your guards probably did the best within the confines of their limited abilities.” Zinjo's armor expanded and grew with his body and the handsome man, was replaced with the majestic lion. He crouched low and wiggled his butt like a common house cat held in thrall by a string.
A sharp growl and the claws scratched across the stone. Zinjo crashed through the rotted wood like it was paper. A roar shattered the ears of the startled men just beyond the entrance. Aurelia heard coins rattle across the ground and screams of women and panicked cries of men.
Aurelia dared to peek into the chaos that filled the room. The large lion man attacked without mercy, without hesitation. She noted the powerful feline warrior knocked out the men and avoided killing them. She admired his restraint. Anyone else would've encouraged needless death to set an example. Aurelia walked by the fallen men, one dared to touch the hem of her favorite dress. She pulled her leg back and pushed into the offending party's face with all her might. Something snapped and blood poured from the unwashed miscreant's face. A massive paw held a man with two black eyes upright in front of Aurelia. “Talk,” Zinjo roared next to the terrified thief's ear. Rows of yellow rotted teeth exposed themselves to the princess, and bloodshot eyes opened wide with fear. “I don't know anything,” The thief cried out. He dared to look around the room, “Are they all dead?” “No, they will sleep for a time,” Zinjo growled softly. A delicate hand slapped the gargoyle visage of the thief, “Name?” “I don't see how...” Aurelia cut the thief off and glared at him, “I have important questions and the answers won't mean anything unless I know you are being truthful.” “You'll have the city guards looking for me at the next opportunity, and I'll end up decorating a cell.” The thief blubbered. In an instant, Zinjo threw the man down and unleashed the partisan, “Perhaps a cell is better than a shallow grave?” The expression on the warrior's face left nothing to the imagination. “Perhaps we can come to an understanding,” Aurelia kept her tone conversational and light, “You answer my questions and I let you go, and I keep my mouth shut about who was down here.” The thief nodded, “I am Mashek Littlechild, I used to run the thieves guild. We did alright, we took what was fair and only from the rich, never the common folk. Then Redford Grimm came and assumed control of my ragtag bunch and told me I could stay as long as I remained loyal.” “Interesting, who is Redford Grimm?” Aurelia demanded. “Redford used to be a bandit. The kind that enjoys raping and pillaging. I don't like killing people. It's hard to steal when all the guards want to see you swing from the gallows.” “Has Redford mentioned Hyena's?” “I don't know...ouch.” Once more, the soft hand of Aurelia smacked against Mashek's cheek, “Zinjo, I think the man is lying. What should I do about it?” “Hmmm,” Zinjo grunted, “Perhaps I could scratch him with a claw for every untrue statement he makes?” The Leonid face grinned and gave the werelion an utterly sinister look. He held up a sharpened claw. Aurelia felt aroused at the action and swore to do something about it after they concluded their business. “Whoah,” Mashek's hands waved back and forth frantically, let's not get hasty with the torture.” His voice shook under the false bravery. “All I know is Redford was in business with a guy named Mshindi. He didn't say much about it, but I know when a fellow thief smells gold, and Redford smelled gold in the situation.” Zinjo remained quiet for a few moments and Aurelia pressed the thief for more answers, “What did Redford say about Mshindi?” “He said Mshindi came from a faraway land to start over. I got the impression there was more to the story, but Redford refused to tell us anything more.” “Well since you have been such a good stool pigeon, I will let you go, as long as you keep tabs on Redford and send me information on his activities. If you don't, I'll send Zinjo after you, and it will be an unpleasant experience,” Aurelia gestured to Zinjo who smiled his terrible smile again. “If I get caught, I spend no less than two days in the dungeon to keep up appearances. Redford is a suspicious lot.” Mashek said. Zinjo looked at Aurelia and nodded. Aurelia caressed the thief's face, and then slapped it again, “We have a deal thief. If I suspect you're lying to me at any point, your life is forfeit, understood?” Mashek nodded, “Understood, now please let me go. I have to change my pants.” He dropped to the ground in a heap of urine-soaked clothing. “We must speak to your mother at once,” Zinjo picked up Aurelia in his arms and proceeded to leave the open area. Something in his voice told the princess the beast-man was serious. “Why?” “Mshindi used to be a war leader for the Hyena's and they never travel alone.”It took several baths to get the stink of the sewer off of Aurelia. Zinjo waited patiently in the next room for her to finish. Despite being immersed in the putrid liquid the lion man didn't smell at all. Her lady in waiting, Madeen scrubbed her hair, “How are things with the beast?” Aurelia took offense to the term, “Zinjo is a man, a good man, his kind are nothing like werewolves at all. Not to mention he is our only link to the Hyenas. He thinks that Mshindi is not alone. I'm inclined to agree.” “You intend to get involved in the affair?” Maddens hands were like magic to the scalp and Aurelia felt the tension in her body release. “Yes. It's about time I stopped moping aro
The afternoon sun warmed the streets of Shadowfen. The people's attitudes toward Zinjo remained petty and suspicious despite the fact a goddess had chosen him for Aurelia. It bothered Aurelia at first until Zinjo shook his head. “I thought you didn't care what they thought?” Zinjo gestured to a bench and leaned his partisan against the stained wood. His massive calloused hands cradled Aurelia's with a gentleness that belied his size. “I try not to, but it seems like I can't please them at all,” Aurelia spoke in a glum tone. “You are the best thing to happen to me, and nobody wants to be happy, not even my mother. You saved her life, shed blood for this kingdom and its future, you deserve better.” &
A cloud of smoke and boisterous conversation hit Aurelia's ears the moment she entered the Seaside tavern aptly named, the Cracked Oyster. Men with pipes smoked by the fire and swapped tall tales, while the younger and more virile arm-wrestled on patchwork tables. Unlike the local populace, the sailors didn't bat an eyelash at Zinjo or Aurelia. “Stay close,” Zinjo said quietly. One last look around the leathery faces and missing teeth made Aurelia nervous enough to cling to Zinjo's arm. “I didn't plan on leaving your side,” She lifted a drink to her nose, it smells like sour lemons and whiskey, “Eww what is that?” “The sailors called it Grog,” Z
Before they hit the road to Brismond Aurelia undid the latch on the chest. The lid squeaked open and soft wool and the smell of tanned leather entered her nostrils and she tingled with excitement. Inside was a set of leather armor and a matching outfit. She held up the breastplate and then turned it upside down, “Ummm, how do I...? I've worn such a thing before.” Zinjo grinned wickedly, “I know-how. If it is proper to you, I shall dress you.” “That would imply I have to get naked,” Aurelia felt her loins boil over at the thought, while her mind worried her bare form would drive Zinjo away. Girl “Your slender form pleases me, dark princess.” the werelion blushed,
Aurelia never traveled to Brismond before. As she and Zinjo stepped in unison toward their goal, Aurelia wondered why the goddess chose the large werelion as her life companion? Not that she minded, Zinjo was everything she wanted in a husband and more. Doubt ruled her heart when they first met. Aurelia may have dressed in black after the heart's call failed once, but further inspection revealed she's felt that way for longer than she realized. "Something on your mind, dark princess?" her large companion growled with concern. He stepped next to her and put his arm around her slender shoulder. "You have been quiet since we broke camp." Aurelia leaned against his muscular body, "I was just marking my progress since we met." "Oh?" "I've treated myself terribly for a long time. For the first time, I believe things can get better," Aurelia blushed a deep crims
The guards escorted Aurelia and her companion to the audience chamber of Lord Dawkins. The chamber featured previous lords and ladies who presided over the thriving town of Pallrath. Lord Dawkins commanded respect without words. His looks may have been average, but the way his servants, and guards looked at him, one could conclude Lord Dawkins was anything but ordinary. He scrutinized Aurelia and Zinjo as he approached the caterpillar, thick eyebrows knitted in thought, deep brown eyes affixed on his guests. He kept his hands clasped behind his back, "Please state your business, and surrender your weapons. I do not know you, and armed people make me nervous." Zinjo handed the partisan to a young guard who trembled under the gaze of the predator's yellow eyes, "This is a family heirloom, please care for it." the guard almost dropped. His knees knocked together. "I am Aurelia, heir to the throne of
Lord Dawkins and Queen Charity marched ahead of a small squadron of well-armed soldiers. Their chainmail sparkled in the sun. An air of excitement followed the small band of warriors as they marched. They raised their voices in song and ancient battle hymn known only to the people of Brismond. In the rear of the two columns, a woman with black leather armor, and a savage man dressed in bone armor marched right along with them. "You have done a good thing today," Zinjo commented with pride. "It doesn't feel like it right now," Aurelia fiddled with her short swords, "I can't believe mother tanked a kingdom and ours for a night of pleasure, and we still haven't asked about the hyenae. Have you smelled any?" "Not as of yet, Hyena's will sometimes hide their scent with a stronger one. Back home, they use a special plant to do this. Given the plant's needs, I highly doubt the Hyenas can gr
The death of Horace bothered Aurelia. Horace refused to be decent when he was alive. He drove his kingdom into the ground without a thought about the people. How could his death go undetected? Why was his face blue? Her questions led her right back to her original question; Who was running the kingdom? The bloated corpse of Horace burst the moment a pair of careworn guards tried to move it. Visceral fluid jettisoned from the body at the speed of an arrow. Everyone covered their mouths and pinched their noses against the putrid ooze. Charity sped towards the door, Aurelia followed suit. she could feel the bile building up in the back of the throat, it burned upward through her body and threatened to coat anything within five feet with vomit. Out in the hall, the women gasped for air and spent the next five minutes double over. "How long do you think he's been dead?" Aur
Aurelia and Zinjo held each other as night fell over the city of Venmere. They both knew this would either herald a new age for Shadowfen or end in their death. The entire plan hinged on the greed of the Cheval Mallet herd terrorizing the outskirts of Venmere."Do you think the accursed beasts will come for their victims?" Zinjo caressed Aurelia's hair and held her tight.Aurelia laid her head on his shoulder and stroked her husband's chest, "If they don't. I have a backup plan. You won't like it.""You plan to lure them using the Anzu form?" Zinjo chuckled, "I know you too well, dark princess. You will try to save everyone, as always," He kissed her."I don't see a better way, do you?""Nian and I could taunt them, but I suspect they will sense we are not easy prey. Your idea is much more workable. Nian's men will signal us when the herd arrives."Aurelia steadied her nerves. Everything she accomplished along the way had prepared her for th
The search for the demonic horse proved to be more difficult than Aurelia realized. Lord Bathory had no references to the creature. He asked the team to keenly observe it so he could add it to his creature compendium. They questioned everyone around all three taverns in Venmere.Zinjo leaned against a wall and sighed, "I don't get it, dark princess. I would've expected a demonic horse to have a local legend. It's as if the horse didn't exist.""What does the culture of Kianzangi say about demonic presences?" Aurelia leaned next to Zinjo. She held his hand and stared at the handsome face. She promised to dedicate herself to the marriage once they dealt with Lebende."The demons collect souls, and they often choose families to torment. Back home, a Hyena warrior named Rashid encountered a demon named Mbulu. Like any person, he challenged Mbulu to a fight. Mbulu promised Rashid great riches if he won, and if Mbulu won, he would possess Rashid's soul."Aureli
The border guards allowed them to roll through. The guards still had hope, but Lebende's influence remained a dark cloud over them. They did thorough checks of the cargo. When they found the ornate urn, A rat-faced guard held it up, "What is this?""A gift for the emperor. It is an exceptionally rare urn. I traveled the world to find it," Aurelia's regal tone held the guards in thrall, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have diplomatic relations to establish," Aurelia motioned for Zinjo to take the urn."How do we know you aren't here to assassinate the emperor?" Another guard asked. He approached Aurelia with his hand on his sword-hilt.Zinjo's partisan barred him access, "I would think twice about drawing your blade. You might make us nervous," He gestured to lord Nian who brandished his curved blade. He obscured his face with a silk cloth.The guard caught sight of Nian's fierce anger-filled eyes and took a step back, "Forgive me, your majesty, things are bl
Aurelia and Zinjo awoke early the next day. They opted for a good night's rest, above an evening of passionate lovemaking. They both made a silent agreement to hold off until they achieved their goals. Nian and Tang Sai met them outside the inn. Aurelia inhaled the scents of home. The familiar aroma of bread and laughter of families around the breakfast table strengthened her resolve to bottle up Lebende. Zinjo's new armor allowed him more freedom of movement. The helmet and neck guard added a layer of protection to his neck, which provoked gratitude in Aurelia. "Sojobo flatters me with such a gift," He commented. Nian walked around Zinjo, "I have seen such suits on Tengu before. Many a great swordsman ended a duel with A tengu because the armor is difficult to pierce." "Pfft," Tang Sai scoffed, "What do a bunch of birds know about ground fighting. Now, if you want solid protection, ask Han Xin. He used to be a blacksmith before the Clockwork guild stole our
In Celebration, the entire town of Sea Meet held a great feast for all. Jugglers and fire eaters entertained the children, and musicians played traditional wedding songs. Aurelia enjoyed the scene. Zinjo drank in every last second.Aurelia raised her hands for silence as she and Zinjo faced the crowd. She cleared her throat, "In a few short days, I will be your queen," she opened the parasol, slung it over her shoulder, and twirled it while she paced. "I have decided it is time for Shadowfen to change. For too long, we have isolated ourselves and hid from the world. I intend to change this."She motioned for Lord Nian to come forward, "Lord Nian will be assuming the role as our minister of defense. I have seen the discipline of the far east and feel Lord Nian make our soldiers a force on the continent."Lord Nian bowed, "I shall do my best to meet your expectations," Lord Nian gave a slight bow and stood next to his family."We brought some refugees from
Aurelia couldn't get over how wonderful her dress looked. The black and purple lace For the last time in her life, she applied the gothic makeup the people knew so well before Zinjo entered the picture. Aurelia straightened the purple sating sweep and opened the velvet box with an amethyst choker. The Crowned veil awaited her on a nearby bench.A long-standing tradition of Shadowfen brides was to stand in front of a mirror and practice saying I do. No one is sure who started the tradition or why, but all the same, Aurelia found herself engaged in the activity.She felt rather silly at first and used a deep voice, "I do." She held her silence before she giggled at the action. "That won't do at all, will it?"Aurelia tried again. This time, she added a snobby tone. A knock at her door paused her preparations, "I'll be right there,"The door creaked open, and Tess entered with her long dirty blond hair in braids to signify she had gotten engaged. She held ou
The whole town of Sea Meet came out to watch their princess get married. Well, they came for the duel between Aurelia and Zinjo. At the beginning of their adventure, Aurelia felt great swarms of butterflies in her stomach at the very sight of Zinjo. The moments before the duel brought the same feeling to the princess.She peered across the dueling yard at the local guardhouse. Aurelia's enhanced hearing picked up on all the people who bet against her. Three-quarters of the crowd came to see Zinjo victorious over aurelia. Once upon a time, such actions would've crushed her spirit. Today it left her with a deep thirst to prove herself.Ayasu and Sophie approached the princess and smiled. The elder lioness held a red paste in her hand, "I will now apply the ceremonial markings." She dipped two fingers in the paste. Aurelia's nose detected fruit of some kind, "Zinjo is excited. I don't think he's stopped smiling since this morning."Ayasu smeared the thick substance
Aurelia greeted Sojobo with a bow and smiled, "What brings you out here?" She embraced the Tengu king, who blushed at the attention.Sojobo collected himself, "A little birdie told me you were to be married. You and your groom were unique enough for me to leave the mountain for a few days." He paused and ran a finger down his long nose. "I also wanted to thank you for handling the clockwork guild. The machines have been banned, as per the order of the emperor.""I should think so. The Machines went crazy. They were using the souls of the Huli Jing to power them," Aurelia opened the parasol and slung it over her shoulder."Foolishness, the Huli Jing's power almost rivals that of the Tengu. How many people died?""I don't know. We wound up taking a hundred and fifty when we left the city. They are now on the way to Shadowfen with us, along with a pair of Huli Jing."Sojobo bowed to the princess, "The emperor did not find any survivors. He feared no o
Luckily for Aurelia, Zinjo and Nian Chose to return to the ship early that night. Gael managed to get the other ships supplied and ready for the trip back to Shadowfen. Sophie locked herself in a cabin and refused to open the door for anyone, "I have nothing further to say to my traitorous daughter," She said before the door slammed shut.Tang Sai joined Han Xin up in the crow's nest, "I sense a lot of family drama on the horizon, and I'd rather not be a part of it."Ayasu headed toward Sophie's cabin, "I will speak to her, mother to mother, perhaps she will see reason," the lioness didn't make a noise as she approached the barricaded door.Aurelia headed to the bow of the ship and leaned against the railing. She stared out into the endless waves and sighed. The princess felt the loving arms of Zinjo wrap around her waist. Aurelia leaned back and allowed her to kiss him, "How do you manage to find trouble where ever you go?" Zinjo smiled as he spoke."I d