Chapter 44

   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 handsome werelion wasn't wrong. Since they aided the guard captain in the protection of Larylia, he had grown more irritated at their zeal to end the threat once and for all. "During our fight, the soldiers seemed purely interested in driving the vile beasts off. I don't think a single one thought to cut off their heads before we arrived. I wonder why that is?"

   "I don't know. Until we figure it out I have one eye on Tiberius, and one on the jungle."

   "I'll do the same, and together we will get to the bottom of  this."

   Tiberius inserted himself between the young couple, his eyes oozed accusation, and his words matched his expression, "What are you two love birds talking about all by yourselves?" He put his arms around their shoulders. 

    "We are planning our wedding, as we go. It fills the empty hours with something to look forward to," Aurelia responded in irritation. She pushed Tiberius's arm off her like it was unclean and stood beside Zinjo.

   "I think you two are conspiring against me, you have that look about you," He said with a sneer. 

    "What are we to think about you? First, you want our help, but don't want help ending the threat to the people you are sworn to protect?" Zinjo growled, "One might think you don't want things to get better." He smelled the captain, "You are afraid, why? Don't lie either, I can smell it on you."

   Tiberius turned to his men, "I need to take a break. Scout ahead and report back to me." The men saluted their hero and marched ahead. "If the threat ends, then the people of the Gentle Tower will try to resume their horrid experiments. What if they create something worse than those lizard beasts?"

   The guard captain had a point. Scientists and alchemists had loose morals when it came to the next big discovery. "I understand your concern, Captain. Do you know how they are making the creatures?"

   "No, I wish I did. The people of the Gentle Tower have a secret settlement out here in the jungle, but I've never been able to find it." Tiberius admitted in a miserable tone. "If we could bring them to a halt,  I could feel more confident in protecting the town."

   "Then our first job to destroy the sword beasts and their young. I know those who make things feel a certain attachment to their creations," Zinjo said as he gestured for the trio to proceed with their mission. 

   Aurelia's nose caught the familiar scent of swamp and ichor in her nose,  "I can smell our prey. Let's hope you're men had the good sense to wait."

***

   The guards were nobody's fool and waited for the rest of their party to arrive before they went any further into the humid expanse of the rain forest. The acrid scent of the swamp grew stronger and Aurelia could hear the hisses and growls from the lizards. She also could hear the soft pops of their limbs as they climbed. She put up her hand and closed her fist. Zinjo stood beside her to ensure their companions went no further. 

    "I can hear them. We are about to enter their territory, and it's important we look up once in a while. Our scaly friends like to climb trees, I think they prefer to drop on their prey like a wolverine," Aurelia pointed upward to emphasize her point. "Our goal is to find out how they spawn, so their numbers can be more effectively managed. Then we will try and suss out the hiding place of the Gentle Tower people."

   The men turned to Tiberius with expectant glances on their faces. True Aurelia was a hero, but Tiberius was their leader. "Men, I would listen to the Princess. If we can end the threat to Larylia, who knows what our little kingdom can accomplish, we could petition to join the world at large again," Tiberius spoke with conviction and certainty and the men turned back to Aurelia. 

  "Our goal is to find out how they are creating these monsters and destroy their research. The mission promises to be dangerous and I fear some of us won't make it back. There is no shame in turning back, but once you start this journey, I will expect you to finish."

   Not a single man left, each one had steel in their eyes and determination stamped in their souls. Tiberius stood in front of them. "I have had many recruits before you lot, and I must say you are the finest soldiers I have had the honor and privilege of working with. Now lets show these people of the Gentle Tower we are a force to be reckoned with." He drew his sword and raised it above his head. The men followed suit.

   Zinjo kissed Aurelia, "Well done, Dark Princess." He embraced her and she squirmed playfully in his arms. 

  "Not in front of the captain," She admonished. 

  "I am in love and I don't care who sees it."

  Aurelia laughed like a little girl, "Well can we try to keep it somewhat professional?"

  "Yes, dark princess."

  "Good lets teach these overgrown salamanders who is boss."

*** 

    The scouts returned from their missions, "They are like lizards and snakes, they smell with their tongues. There is a double-horned leader. We are not sure it's male or female but it seems to be the only one of its kind."

   "Stink beetle," Zinjo said as he crossed his arms and bowed his head to his chin.

   Aurelia cocked her head to the side, "What are you going on about?"

  Zinjo looked like the cat that swallowed the canary, "I have an idea if you are all interested?"

  Tiberius leaned in a little closer, "I'd like to hear more."