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Chapter 55 Illusions
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Zinjo gripped the partisan with a grim intensity as he saw the men race through the trees, and Gael put a pair of cestus over his knuckles and wore a wry grin. Aurelia moved her feet shoulder-width apart and sniffed the air. She smelled a lot of things human was not one of them.
"They aren't human," Zinjo said before Aurelia could utter a word. "What should we do?"
The Al' Miraj leaped off Gael's shoulder, and its horn started to glow, "Looks like the little guy knows something is up. If they are not human, what are they?" Zinjo stalked forward, "I have no idea, but we will not find out anything by standing around." He stuck to the hunting trail.The trees were more twisted and gnarled, "Is the land poisoned?" Aurelia picked up a skull-shaped pine cone. A fanged frog growled and vanished with a splash into a nearby pond.
Gaels's eyes opened wide, "I think I know
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The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 56 The temple of Darkness
As the journal promised, things in the forest grew to intolerable levels. The illusions tricked the sense and drove a wedge between Aurelia and Zinjo. Gael suffered no ill consequences from the magical assault. It lent weight to the theory he had Lemurian heritage. They stopped to eat some leftover deer, and Aurelia and Zinjo tested the meat to make sure it was real. Gael confirmed they were indeed eating real food. The fog rolled in a bit heavier, and the sights and sounds rattled the brain. "No offense to the Al' Miraj, but we are not following it anywhere next time," Zinjo swatted at an imaginary swarm of bugs. "This is easily the most irritating version of magic I've ever encountered," The frustration in his manner and tone was apparent. Aurelia put her arms around him, "And what if the little beast leads us to another component we need for the witch trap bottles?" She kissed him softly on the lips and swirled her tongue a
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 57 Carmen
Irrational fear gripped the trio as they opened the heavy bronze doors to the altar room. The heavy air inside the sacred space left Aurelia devoid of hope and warmth. Zinjo grimaced and held the partisan at the ready. Gael held his fists up, ready to brawl at a moment's notice. Sick purplish flames lit the multitude of grotesque statues and carvings. "This place perverts all that is good," Zinjo growled nervously and jumped at a twig snap caused by his foot. "Something wrong, my love?" Aurelia wore a knowing smile. "I hate how this place makes me feel," Zinjo admitted, "It makes the fur wilt and makes the skin crawl. This place should not be." He stared at a twisted mosaic of a grotesque creature of darkness. It loomed above the town with purple eyes and clutched the townsfolk with shadowy hands. "You'll get no argument out of me, " Gael twirled around at the sound of a cricket chirp. The Al' Miraj took the ground with its horn bathed in silvery ligh
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 58 Carmens Story
Much to the surprise of the three companions, Carmen resumed her position at the altar. The mass of dark matter reformed the lethally beautiful woman. "It's not as fun as it used to be, messing with you mortals. Yet as an agent of the darkness, I am obligated to do so." She glared at Aurelia, "Who would've thought the woman would prove the most resilient against my little games." Gael threw a loose stone at the entity wrapped around the altar. It phased through the being amid cruel cackles of Carmen, "Oh, does that hurt your pride? Awe, poor macho sailor man, shown up by a woman." "It has nothing to do with Aurelia. You teased me about my past and then left me hanging. You spoke about things I didn't know and then stopped just when you got the good part," Gael clenched his fists and raised them. "Oh, poor little sailor man, ignorant of his heritage and who he is. I can't wait for you to find out. Unfortunately, I am only allowed to reveal so much, cosmic rule
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 59 Kianzangi
Gael barely spoke to Aurelia and Zinjo about their experience in Carmen's temple. The being of darkness compromised them in a way they didn't understand. Gael refused to talk about what happened in the temple. Zinjo and Aurelia discussed it at length, "I hope Gael is okay, dark princess. Our time in the temple rattled him," Zinjo's naked body smothered Aurelia for a moment, and she giggled. "Stop it. We've wasted enough time with that. Our goal is to find out who can forge the bottles besides Carmen. Not figure how many times we can pleasure each other," Aurelia playfully shoved Zinjo off her and straddled him. "We are getting dressed now, and we have to talk to Gael. I don't like the idea of a rattled captain being in charge of the ship." "You don't wish to meet the dark priestess again?" "Do you?" "Not really, although I find her more palatable than Kivuli. We should discuss our next little problem. When we return to Shadowfen, the kingdom w
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 60 Ayasu and Juma
The guards separated Gael and the Al' Miraj from Aurelia and Zinjo. They took him to a waiting room. "Juma will deal with you once we deal with the renegade and his mate. Your trade idea sounds promising. I will make sure our leader hears you out." The sharp sting of metal spear tip pressed against Aurelias back, and she bared her teeth to the guards, who seemed unconcerned about the defiance. Worst of all, one of the guards ripped the parasol blade from her hand. She sulked as they marched across the small city. "So, how did the lion people come to be?" "Once upon a time, the people of Kiazangi were on the precipice of greatness. The mathematics and engineering in our buildings involved are lost to us now, but as you can see have stood the test of time." Zinjo seemed unconcerned with the guard's spear pointed in his back. "What happened?" Aurelia asked as they marched past several young families converse over roasted gazelle and oxen-like creatures. The chil
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 61 The challenge
Ayasu gently pushed Aurelia forward by the small of her back. The light touch had a mother's care and leader's insistence. Her bright yellow eyes regarded Aurelia with respect. "Please forgive Juma. He never wanted to be chief. He loved the hunter's life and all the dangers that came with it."Aurelia leaned against the cold stone and scratched her back against the rough edges of the wall, "I thought you were against Zinjo and I being together.""I wanted to hate you. You are the one who stole my Zinjo from me, or at least that's what I thought at first," Ayasu smirked as a sigh of relief escaped the lips of the princess. "I saw the way my Zinjo looks at you. Many young lionesses tried to win his heart, but he would have none of them.""Why?" the question burned in the back of Aurelia's mind like a hot coal. "Zinjo always had a fascination with the outside world and desired to explore it. His father, Imamu, tried to talk him out of it, as did Juma. H
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 62 Fight for the right
Zinjo and Aurelia stood shoulder to shoulder. The roared of the crowd echoed off the cold stone. Aurelia did not want to fight Zinjo's brother, Juma, but the rules said they had to. All because the young couple wanted access to the broken plains. It didn't help Juma held a grudge over Zinjos need to find Aurelia. Displeasure and frustration became Zinjo, and his eyes reflected the conflict within. Zinjo still cared about his brother and didn't wish to harm him, "My heart is not in this fight, dark princess. Juma is skilled but is rash with his moves." In those words, Aurelia formulated a way to end the fight as peacefully as possible. She glanced at Sahiri. Murder owned the lioness's eyes and suggested to Zinjo, "How about you take Sahiri, and I will take Juma." "Are you crazy? Juma will not hold back with you..." Aurelia's lips met Zinjo's, and she smirked, "I have a plan, my love, please trust me and this." Zinjo switched places with his mate.
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 63 Sons of Ayasu
The crowd's roar died down, and all that remained was the cold echo of the arena. Juma and Sahiri stood across from Zinjo and Aurelia. Ayasu stood between her boys. Her motherly gaze ensured silence from the siblings. Their tails swished between their legs, and their ears flattened against their fuzzy heads. She shook her head, "Aurelia and Sahiri, please stand next to me," the phrase was not a request. Sahiri and Aurelia stood next to the elder lioness. Like Zinjo, her scent struck the senses in all the right ways. "You two are shameless," Ayasu's tone bit into the minds of her sons. Sahiri and Aurelia winced, "Not only did you two fight over something trivial. You dragged your mates into the middle of it," Aurelia knew then and there, the guilt trip was a power all mothers possessed. "We are...," Juma started to say. "Did I give you permission to speak, Juma?" Ayasu's voice dropped into a low and sinister growl. Juma snapped to attention in a second
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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
