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Chapter 16 Truths
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The 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 ofRelated chapters
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 17 taking it back
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 Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 18 Horace
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
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 19 Road home
Aurelia began the journey to Shadowfen with confidence, not only had she restored diplomatic relations with Brismond, their neighbors to the east, but she turned an enemy into a friend. Zinjo remained quiet for most of the journey. His face wrestled with the questions known only to him. By the second day, Aurelia grew tired of his silence and sat on his chest, "We are not leaving this campsite until you tell me what's bothering you." "Dark Princess, I worry about Kivuli. I am known to him and who knows what a spiteful creature such as he will do to you just to see me suffer or vice versa," He kissed her hand, "Would you object to being a lioness?" The question rocked Aurelia's inner world. A part of her screamed to do it just to be closer. Her more cynical side knew such power came at a cost. "Will it be painful?" "Most do not survive the first change. Ayasu says the body ca
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 20 Dame of Flame
The afternoon sun warmed the earth with its gentle rays and a soft breeze, made it the perfect day for walking. The savage-looking Zinjo and his wife to be Princess Aurelia entered the Dame of Flame blacksmith shop. Hammer struck steel, the smell of charcoal and smoke, gave the shop an industrious feel. Armor stands with completed suits of armor, weapons of all descriptions hung on the wall. In a glass case lay a pair of swords. Aurelia studied the flawless metal and admired the curvature of the blade. Aurelia looked over at her big companion, "Well what is the quality here like?" A nose pressed against the supple leather on the stand. Zinjo examined the seams and the kirtle. "This forger knows their craft. I'd wear this armor into battle confident of its protective capabilities." "High praise from a foreigner," A gruff female voice said from behind him. The pair turned and saw a
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 21 unearthly treasures
Brothels are an unfortunate part of the world and home to one of the oldest professions known to man. Aurelia didn't know what to expect when she opened the double wooden doors. It was only after she entered did she become privy to the secret world of the working girl. Discomfort ruled Aurelia as she gazed at the naked forms of women enticing men to part with their coins. Something about the way they moved and spoke increased the desire in their targets. She recognized some of the men from the royal guard, most of which had families. A woman wearing long flowing silk robed greeted her, "Excuse me are you looking for work?" She walked around Aurelia, "I can see the potential already, is the leather armor your gimmick?" she lifted an arm, "Decent muscle tone, and chest area. You're Young, the men are all about feeling powerful..." After her face stopped burning from terminal emba
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 22 bitten
The road to Litchford hills was equally perilous to the actual mountain range itself. Most of the road passed through narrow gorges, the perfect place for ambushes. The craggy surfaces made Zinjo nervous. His nose never left the air once as he sniffed for possible enemies. "I do not like this place, dark princess. There are too many places for people to hide, and hyenas enjoy themselves a good ambush. We are taking an enormous risk," Zinjo pushed her behind him. "I thought a group of armed men would attract more attention than a pair of travelers," remember our goal is to gather information and speak to Mshindi." Zinjo was a good man, but his determination to protect her from every little thing irritated her. Zinjo stood in front of her, "You are the future pride mother of Shadowfen, your safety has to take some priority." He growled and tried to carry her.
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 23 Redford and Mshindi
Everything in the wild stopped as Zinjo entered the camp filled with nervous silence. Zinjo walked until ten feet separated him from Aurelia. His stare still brought out Aurelia's girlish side, and it still made her feel like the only woman on earth. Broken trust does not mend easily. Aurelia approached Zinjo. She walked with the grace and dignity of a regal lioness, as she came within arms reach. She drew her paw back and struck Zinjo with all of her might. "If you ever do something that stupid again, you and I will have problems, understood?" She glared at him and drew herself up to her full height. Aurelia expected resentment and anger to be in the fierce yellow eyes. Instead, she found undying devotion and affection. "Perhaps I was too harsh," her voice softened against the affectionate gaze of Zinjo. "No, dark princess, you were not. I expected worse," Zinjo rose from his knees, and held out his h
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 24 Zinjo Returns
Everything in the wild stopped as Zinjo entered the camp filled with nervous silence. Zinjo walked until ten feet separated him from Aurelia. His stare still brought out Aurelia's girlish side, and it still made her feel like the only woman on earth. Broken trust does not mend easily. Aurelia approached Zinjo. She walked with the grace and dignity of a regal lioness, as she came within arms reach. She drew her paw back and struck Zinjo with all of her might. "If you ever do something that stupid again, you and I will have problems, understood?" She glared at him and drew herself up to her full height. Aurelia expected resentment and anger to be in the fierce yellow eyes. Instead, she found undying devotion and affection. "Perhaps I was too harsh," her voice softened against the affectionate gaze of Zinjo. "No, dark princess, you were not. I expected worse," Zinjo rose from his knees, and held out his h
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The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 95 Shadows End
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 Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 94 final preparations
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 Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 93 Dark Obsessions
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
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 92 Sneaking in Victory
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
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 91 Forging Glory
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
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 90 Wedding Day
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 Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 89 Dueling hearts
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
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 88 Secret Joys
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
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 87 Reconciliation
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
