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Chapter 38 Tess and Gael
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Zinjo listened to Aurelia's plan and shook his head, "Madness, your plan is madness. You suggest we go into business with these dubious people and help them exploit primitive cultures?"
"Watch your mouth. I am suggesting we talk them into taking a tour to see what's out there. If we happen to find items of value for them to trade, they have to make the deal and not us. We will make sure they stay on the up and up," Aurelia turned her back to him. It didn't take long for regret and shame to rule Zinjo's voice, "I didn't think..." "I know this side of the world is filled with greed and unnatural things, but some of us are trying to change that. How can we be together if you hold my people's actions against me," Aurelia crossed her arms and walked forward?? "You are right, dark princess, I spoke without thought..." "It's becoming a habRelated chapters
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 39 Guildy Pleasures
Royalty, the word oozes high society and scrutiny. To Aurelia, the word is about commitment and sacrifice for the good of the people. Here in the Merchants Guild of Sea meet, she has an opportunity to use her power to instigate social change. Aurelia strode into the center of the lounge, the men couldn't take their eyes off of her. She demurely opened the bright-colored parasol, "Gentleman, for those of you who don't know me, I am Princess Aurelia and your next queen." The whole room froze in time. Every pair of eyes looked toward Aurelia with confusion or interest. She strolled back and forth with the parasol above her, "I'd like to know why Tess Bernard is stuck in the basement, with marketable products, unable to sell her goods?" A long-bearded trader cleared his throat, "The guild denied her the license to sell, your majesty." "Can I ask why?" She added a hint of expectation at the end
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 40 negotiating travel
As expected Tess offered to help them on their journey. In exchange, she asked Zinjo and Aurelia to help protect their cargo. Aurelia and Zinjo hesitated because it meant going to the far east before they made their way home. With multiple kivuli on the loose, the couple hesitated to agree. Time was of the essence. "Is there something you two aren't telling me?" Tess asked, "Your passage is assured, I already told the investors two werelions would be on board to protect the shipment." "You had no right," Zinjo growled he crossed his arms, "You wouldn't believe us, even if we told you." Aurelia shoved Zinjo aside, "Enough, Zinjo. Tess was eager to show her gratitude, and we did not explain the purpose of our journey. To blame Tess for our current predicament would be wrong." "Still didn't have any right," Zinjo grumbled, and he busied himself with the other crates
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 41 this old tub
The boat creaked and groaned on the choppy waves. As it turned out Aurelia and boats were not a good mix. She spent much of her time feeling queasy. She lay there on a hammock focused on a singular nail to keep the bile in her throat down. After a week on the boat, the princess longed to feel the firmness of the earth beneath her feet. The winds remained strong and the weather favored them for the last week. Gael proved to be a capable leader and would frequently check on Aurelia much to Zinjo's displeasure. Aurelia admitted the muscular sailor held some interest for her, but always paled in comparison to Zinjo. Their first stop was the port of a small kingdom called Larylia, Gael entered Aurelia's cabin and nodded to Zinjo, "We'll be here in Larylia for a few days. They have the most beautiful botanical gardens and their forest boasts some bizarre rock formations, you can hire a guide for a dec
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 42 Dressed for Success
The people in the small clothing shop worked miracles for Aurelia. After all, it wasn't every day royalty came to visit. The other attendants kept Zinjo in the main area. In the space of fifteen minutes, Aurelia went from travel-worn adventurer to regal Princess while maintaining her gothic image. The shop owner admired her handiwork. A long flowing black satin dress with a red and black bodice. The dress straps sat on shoulders comfortably, and the princess touched her bare arms. She disliked sleeves and often cut them off her dresses only to have the servants sew them back on. Another attendant teased her hair and styled it, Aurelia couldn't help but giggle to herself, Zinjo wouldn't know what hit him. The owner motioned for an employee to come forward with a wooden box, she smiled as she opened it, "I hope you can forgive my employees, they are young and have all the wrong ideas about romance." Aure
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 43 Gentle Orders
In a small port town in Larylia, coastal kingdom trouble is brewing. Aurelia has no idea what kind of trouble, but it warranted twelve men and two werelions. Zinjo professionally held his partisan. Aurelia clutched the parasol blade with determination, despite the small shard of doubt in the back of her mind. With one victory under her belt, she felt like a child next to the men who practiced day and night to keep their skills sharp. "What sort of enemy are we facing?" Zinjo managed to ask after a prolonged silence. The guard captain, Tiberius Steele, turned to Zinjo and pointed to the woods, "Our enemies are creatures of our own making I'm afraid. Once upon a time, Larylia was the pinnacle of magical research. We were prosperous, and had the respect of peers." "What happened?" Aurelia asked. Her ears detected low hisses and the rustle of leaves amid the snap of twigs. She
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 44 rumble in the jungle
The towns of Larylia bordered a humid jungle. Trees taller than castles, and thicker than a carriage, with a cornucopia of exotic plants and fungus growing at their base. The air smelled far different from the usual forest. The heavy moisture seemed to enhance the aromas of the plant and wildlife. Aurelia enjoyed the experience immensely, as did her future husband Zinjo. The pair hadn't intended on making a foray into the jungle, but the attack of man-made magical creatures made them answer the call of action. Aurelia secretly admitted the usual socialite itinerary no longer held much interest for her. After her trek across the kingdoms near Shadowfen, what could a tea party possibly provide? Zinjo used his partisan like a walking stick and strode shoulder to shoulder next to Aurelia, "Tiberius is growing more and more agitated the further into the jungle we go. He knows more than he is telling." Her h
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 45 a smelly affair
Deep in the rainforest of Larylia, a seaside kingdom a plan is being hatched. Thanks to the order of the Gentle Tower, an organization dedicated to creating animal hybrids to serve the occupants of Larylia. Like all things wrought by human hands, the Order survived long enough to lose control of their creations. Unlike most humans, the Order continued their horrid experiments in a secret location. All of this went through Auerlia's mind as she watched Zinjo gather up flowers and other items with an unsavory smell. A soldier volunteered a helmet to help brew vile concoction over a flame. Aurelia held her nose, against the paint peeling odor, "I'll assume there is a point to this vile brew your making?" Zinjo grinned and threw some berries into the helmet, "Back home we use stink beetles to confuse the senses of snakes and lizards, we use a special stone to, extract the poison of such animals, and use them for hunti
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 46 the fires of passion
Back in Larylia, a group of warriors returns from the jungle just beyond their own. The dark cloud of defeat released a bitter rain. It soured them on the man, but not the woman. Aurelia believed they could stop the sword beasts, but needed a new tactic. She saw the despair in the faces of the men and shook her head. Time was of the essence at least for Aurelia and Zinjo it was, in four days they would leave. Aurelia hated to leave anything unfinished or undone. Aurelia jumped on the edge of a gorgeous marble fountain in the center of town. She donned the mental Catsuit in her mind and became the lioness. Her tail swished back and forth, and she roared loud enough to have people come out of their homes. She remembered how horrible the hopelessness felt, and what it was like to be sorrow's companion. She refuses to give into it any longer. "Are you guys done?" Aurelia asked in a voice that mocked them. Zinjo b
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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
