Chapter 33

    After their little adventure in the woods, the band of travelers decided to walk the road, where there were no waterfalls or dense trees. Aurelia held the Parasol blade with pride as she marched down the cobblestone road. Her first victory over a superior foe had her on cloud nine, and why shouldn't she be? She earned the right to wield it by conquering its master. The bright colors and wooden handle were nothing more than simple deception for the sharpened steel within.

   "It suits you, dark princess," Nothing equaled the pride and admiration in Zinjo's voice, "Have you decided what to do with your previous weapons?"

    "Do you need one?"

    "No, I prefer my partisan. Its history will guide me."

    Aurelia looked over at the Hyena-like Mshindi, "You said the Hyenas use a similar weapon."

    "Yes, I think Mshindi would treasure such a gift," Zinjo's entire attitude changed since Aurelia rescued him two days ago. He spoke more often and ran ideas by her. It added some depth to their relationship. 

   Mshindi, adjusted as the buckle on his leather harness, as Aurelia approached, "Mshindi, I won't be needing my previous weapons, would like to have them?"

   A grin meant to inspire friendship still inspired a little terror in Aurelia, "You honor me, your majesty," The hairy hands took the blades and scroll from the young lioness. "You will always be welcome in Hyena lands, as will Zinjo."

   "What about me?" the white-haired Redford complained. 

    "You already have a sword and dagger," Aurelia pointed to the elaborate sheath and belt. 

    "Yeah, but I put myself in harm's way..."

    "And got caught, brigand," Zinjo reminded him, "Mshindi needed a weapon anyway."

    Redford crossed his arms and grumbled, "There's gratitude for you. I was the bait but everyone is impressed with the little girl."

     The comment rolled off Aurelia's shoulders, "Redford might I remind you, of the position I promised. I will make sure you are paid handsomely, and suitably equipped," She pointed to the road ahead and smiled, "How much further to Venmere?"

   "I'd say about five miles, we should be there in the next couple of hours. We'll be out of the woods in another mile or so," Redford gave a sheepish grin, "I'd forgotten about your promise."

    The birds sang and flitted from tree to tree, while squirrels skittered along the ground looking for food. A light mist obscured the road ahead a little. "What can we expect in Venmere?" Aurelia asked 

  For the first time, Redford shrugged, "I couldn't say. I regret sending Mashek into this accursed area." He stopped to grab a blade of grass and rolled it between his palms, "After the first town, I don't know what to expect anymore."

   Zinjo caught up to Aurelia, "Perhaps we should scout out Venmere first?" he softly kissed her, "The last thing we need is to walk into a trap."

    "I agree," Mshindi said, "I also nominate Aurelia and Zinjo to investigate. Redford is too well known to go undetected, and someone needs to protect him." Redford scowled at the hyenas' words

   Aurelia liked the idea of going ahead, "Where are we supposed to find Mashek?"

   Redford rubbed his chin in thought, "I think he's staying at the Dawnstar Inn. Fair warning the guards are marksmen, and rarely miss their targets. Try not to cause trouble, I'd like to come back here someday."

 ***

   Thanks to their lion form Zinjo and Aurelia hit Venmere in record time. Unlike the first town they were in, Venmere's air felt lighter and everyone appeared normal on the surface. Zinjo Squinted his eyes and turned to Aurelia, "Do you trust your eye?"

   She shook her head, "Not really, but my ears and nose say everything is as it should be," She dipped her chin down, "The question is what happened in that other town?"

   A pair of Guards Approached them, their plate armor creating a glare. Aurelia shut her eyes and raised her hand, "Wow that's bright."

   "As per the laws of Venmere, we humbly ask that you two identify yourselves. The guards Held their pikes at the ready.

   Zinjo's hand strayed to his partisan, but Aurelia held his hand, "I will handle this, Zinjo. These men are just doing their job." Aurelia spun on her heels and gave the soldiers a fierce look, "My name is Aurelia, Princess of Shadowfen," She pulled the royal seal out of a hidden pocket in the armor.

   The guards examined the seal and dropped to their knees, "Forgive us, your majesty, we heard Brigand Redford was in the area. We've been ordered to thoroughly check all newcomers to Venmere."

   Zinjo relaxed and stood beside Aurelia and put an arm around her. She felt her heart beat faster at his touch and his spicy scent caused her to giggle girlishly, "This is my future husband, Zinjo. He is from Kiazangi and the son of a Chief. I expected him to be treated accordingly." Aurelia's voice left no room for discussion on the matter.

   "Would you like us to tell Lord Bathory to expect Company?" One of the guards asked. 

   Zinjo's fierce eyes caused the guards to cower, "What do you think, dark princess?" 

   "Truth be told, I am on a journey to see how other kingdoms handle their business. Once I wed Zinjo, I will ascend the throne of Shadowfen, and I intend to make the kingdom prosperous again. For instance, your cobblestone roads are inspired. I believe Shadowfen could benefit greatly from such an innovation." her hand waved regally, "You may rise, good protectors."

   Zinjo chuckled softly as the guards rose with big smiles on their faces, "You flatter us, your majesty. One of them leaned forward, "I don't think you want to see Lord Bathory anyway, he's gone a bit mad as of late." 

   Zinjo leaned in along with Aurelia, "How so?" he asked. 

   "Rumor has it there was a disturbance at the palace a few nights back. A thief stole something of great importance. Everyone is scouring the town for the blackguard." The fatter of the two guards said. "Lord Bathory has been making outrageous demands ever since

    "I see. Could you direct us to the Dawnstar Inn? We have been on the road for many days and I seek refreshment." Aurelia asked in a sweet tone. 

   The guards pointed down the road, "If you go this street and take a left you should find it. We could guide you If you'd like."

    "No, we are also looking for wedding ideas, and we can't seem to agree on anything, including the theme. Perhaps inspiration will come as we stroll through this lovely city," Zinjo spoke in a regal tone, his voice was hard but soft in the same breath.

   "Who are we to stand in the way of the happy couple," The older of the two said. He elbowed his companion in the ribs, "Come on now lad, let's leave the happy couple to their business."

    "Shall we head to the Dawnstar Inn?" Aurelia asked. 

    "Yes, let's hope Mashek is not in too much trouble," Zinjo replied.