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Chapter 60 Ayasu and Juma
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The 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
J.HildebrandtI love Ayasu, she is everything a were lion mother should be. Also she had to shine she is Zinjo's mother, and I want you to believe she raised him to be the man he is
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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
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 64 Kongamato
A brutal hot wind blew across the desolate landscape of the broken plains. Blackened plants jutted out from under rocks, black and crimson sand stretched out toward the horizon. Two days of travel did nothing to raise the spirits of the Three Lionesses. The water and animals were poison to the body. Sahiri maintained her silence, and Aurelia came to accept this was just a part of who the lioness was and spoke to her when she dared to speak at all. Ayasu kept her spirits high and wore a smile for most of the trip. "We should be at the old city of Matumaini by the afternoon. I know not what awaits us. I hope Nyo and Kuende have found a proper place to survive," Aurelia admired the care and concern Ayasu bore for her people, even the misfits. Sahiri gripped a handful of sand and let it run through her fingers, "Nyo will do better than Kuende. Kuende has particular tastes, while Nyo only cares if it's edible." The grains blew across the wasteland and joined the e
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 65 Matumaini
Kongamato tasted a lot like chicken. After three days of dried meat, Aurelia's stomach welcomed the flying terror. The campfire crackled and popped. Showers of sparks dropped to the stone circle around the tiny blaze. The silence of the night air bothered Aurelia. In the wilderness back home, one could depend on the crickets and owls to make their night music. Sahiri's ears flicked back and forth, "I do not trust the silence," She said after several minutes. She tossed a bone to the blackened sand and examined A femur, "This will do nicely for Juma's partisan." "It is part of the madness of the Broken Plains. The silence plays with the mind and keeps a person on edge," Ayasu undid her bedroll and laid it close to the fire. "What will we find in Matumaini?" Aurelia found it hard to believe the Lions were once part of an advanced Civilization. Ayasu and Sahiri shrugged in unison, "We both have enough sense to stay out of the badlands, good daughter," Ay
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 66 Kivuli in the flesh
Everything went still in the presence of Kivuli. Ayasu tried to push Sahiri and Aurelia behind her. Kivuli twisted his dark form until he stood as a man. His clothes were unlike any Aurelia had seen, a long white robe with gold-threaded lapels. His face bore tribal markings from a bygone age when the lions were human. A purple glow surrounded the serpentine eyes. Rows and rows of long sharpened teeth gleamed bright against his blackened form. Behind him was the source of the footsteps dozens and dozens of grey-skinned, bat-eared humanoids with holes drilled into their skulls looked toward the darkness for guidance. Their eyes shone with devotion. "I am Kivuli, and who are you to trespass into my city?" A hand adjusted the spectacles, "I don't have time to entertain guests. Not when I am on the verge of my monumental discovery. The answer I have sought for so long is in my grasp." Madness held onto Kivuli's voice. Ayasu and Sahiri stood frozen in fear. Aurelia
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 67 Passing the Torch
The loss of Kuende and Nyo cast a dark cloud over the journey back to Tambwe. They stopped off and retrieved the skull and some bones from Kongamato. Ayasu reasoned while they were not victorious in their search for Nyo and Kuende, to bring home a victory over a rival may soften the blow of losing the crafty hunters. The whole city came out to greet them, with Zinjo and Juma waiting ahead of assembled masses. Zinjo shoved all aside until he held Aurelia in his arms. She leaned into his shoulder and cried with joy and sorrow in equal parts. Ayasu raised herself above the crowd the heat of the afternoon sun beat down on her golden pelt. The effect made her look like a messenger from on high, "People of Tambwe, I have grown long in the tooth and wish to enjoy my golden years. To that end, I name Sahiri, wife of Juma, to be my successor." The people cheered loud for Sahiri, and Juma stood up a little taller. He gave Zinjo a smug look. Zinjo shrugged and gave an a
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 68 City of Machines
The weather favored the Nightingale's voyage to the far east. They encountered the blockades into the waters of Fā Tiáo Cheng. The naval ships were pleased to let them past, as the people of Fā Tiáo Cheng were consummate merchants. Gale clutched his bandana while he skillfully steered the ship into port. Aurelia noticed the humidity in the air almost immediately. As a human, she hated the hot and muggy feeling. As a werelion, she found comfort in the tropical climate. The port was alive with activity. Ship captains wheeled and dealt with passengers who sought adventure abroad. Merchants poured over the goods of recent arrivals. The scene seemed normal for a harbor, except the men made of metal. Each one differed in size and design, but they all had masses of gears and springs beneath their metallic chests and legs. A few had large knobs on the back, while others did not. "What are they?" Aurelia asked with awe
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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
