Chapter 48

    Dawn came to the small Kingdom of Larylia. A lot is on the line today, the very future of the kingdom to be exact. Aurelia kissed the naked form of Zinjo awake, "It is too early to be awake, dark princess. Come back to bed, I have something more interesting than fighting monsters in mind."

   Aurelia giggled and straddled him, "I would love to stay in bed all day with you, but promises were made and as a ruler, you will be expected to keep your promises." She kissed him and reached for the lacy undergarments. 

  "I suppose we should make an appearance," Zinjo said glumly as he pulled the loincloth over his treasured possession. The sight of it fueled Aurelia's imagination for a brief ten seconds. She shook her head and began to buckle the armor on. 

  "Do you think we'll win?" Zinjo frowned and adjusted his shoulder guard. 

  "I hope so. These people deserve a reprieve from the terror that stalks them. I know it seems like an impulsive and reckless thing to do, but what's the point of influencing if you can't use it to help others."

  "There is nothing wrong with that. It is one of the many reasons I admire you so much, dark princess. You have suffered greatly at the hands of people, and still, you fight for them. Never underestimate the power of a kind act." He softly kissed her, and reached for his partisan, "Come Tiberius awaits. 

***

  Tiberius and his men were waiting by the fountain in the center of town. A large crowd of Civilians had gathered around the battle-hardened veteran, He motioned for the young lovers to join him. He drew his sword and raised it above his head, "Before I brave the humidity and dangers of the jungle, our new friends from Shadowfen have put forth a suggestion. They have asked for me to ascend the throne should we prove victorious. I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter."

   Aurelia shook her head and spoke out the side of her mouth, "He's still trying to get out of it."

   "The fact that everyone came out to see him, proves he's right for the job," Zinjo said in a sage tone. 

   A man covered in mortar stepped raised himself above the crowd, "Why wouldn't we want you as our king? When the old monarchs left, you stepped up and kept things going, and then you put your life on the line to make sure our quality of life didn't suffer."

  "You have been our king for a long time, putting a crown on your head makes it official," A female shop owner said, "We know you can conquer the challenges ahead. We will prepare a coronation ceremony."

   Tiberius grimaced, "I don't want to be king."

   "Which is why you are perfect for the throne, Tiberius," Aurelia said with a smile, "As the future queen of Shadowfen I would be proud to count him among my allies."

   Tiberius scowled and gave into the people's demands, "Very well, I shall assume the throne once I have secured the safety of you people." He glared at Aurelia and Zinjo, "We should get going."

***

  Aurelia felt strangely at home in the jungle. It had everything she needed, thick bushes to hide in, a variety of animals to hunt, and caves to hide in. "Does that happen often with you?" Aurelia asked after she described the feeling to Zinjo.

  "Hmmm," Zinjo nodded, "It is the hunter's instinct in you. All lions possess this innate knowledge," He bowed his head and the leonid ears flicked back and forth, "Tiberius has engaged the enemy," loud bangs and explosions shattered the tranquility of the jungle. 

  "How much longer should we wait?"

  "A few more minutes should be enough to thin their numbers. We will use blood to open their nostrils and stink bombs to overpower their senses," He gestured to the crate with the flint and steel attached to it, "Then we shove that crate down the hole where the leader resides and run."

   "Why does it sound like the most dangerous part of the mission fell to us?" 

   "Because we are more capable than they are," A few more explosions echoed through the trees, "Shall we?" Zinjo gripped a strap on the side of the crate. 

   Aurelia grabbed the other, and nodded, "Let's end this."

   The young lovers expected to meet resistance from the lizard creatures, and not the land. Thick squishy mud, almost brought their progress to a grinding halt. When they weren't arguing with the mud, they contended with the underbrush. "I see why they take to the trees," Aurelia sliced thick vines with the parasol blade. 

  "Indeed, it also tells us they are hindered by the same obstacles as us..." He trailed off and pointed to the large two-horned abominations, "The enemy is just ahead, are you ready to try the new tactic?"

  A sharp claw ran along her forearm and dark red droplets fell from her arm to the ground. The dual horned horrors stopped dead in their tracks their tongues flicking erratically. They turned and hissed with a ferociousness that allowed a sliver of doubt to enter Aurelia's mind. 

   "Hold your stink bomb until I say," Zinjo whispered. The crate sat between the two of them, each clutched their foul grenade in their hand. Aurelia accepted death as part of their mission, should she die it would be without regrets.

  The beast closed in on them, and a few feet separated the two from their adversaries. Aurelia looked over at Zinjo, who nodded. She threw the stink bomb at the dual-horned threat, and it shattered all over its face. The long scaly body thrashed and writhed desperately to get away from the smell. The other clawed at the air against airborne scent.

   In unison, the young lovers charged the confused enemies. The fight was over long before it started. Zinjo and Aurelia severed the heads of the beasts and left their bodies behind as a warning to others. Lucky for them, the sound of explosions and plumes of smoke above the trees continued. Sensing time may be shorter than they realized the pair picked up the pace, crate in hand.

  The ground rumbled and the water bubbled, a giant claw emerged from the water, and then another. Thick trails of slime oozed down the forearm and a long scaly snout displaced the water. Like the smaller versions, this abomination had a long bone horn in the middle of its head. Rows and rows of yellow warped teeth greeted them in anger. The narrow pupils eyed them with suspicion and contempt. Aurelia knelt next to the crate and grabbed the flint and steel. "Keep it busy," She whispered. 

   Despite the fuel on the rag, the moisture in the air made it difficult to light the rag, "How much longer Zinjo shouted as he leaped over the mass of claws and scales. He slashed at it and severed the appendage with ease.

   "Just a few more seconds," Aurelia quickly wiped the flint and ran the steel down the black stone. Tiny sparks drifted to the wood below, but the wind kept them from the rag. She adjusted her hands and the torn cloth ignited, "Pull back, Pull back," Aurelia shouted. 

  Zinjo howled in pain as a sharp talon raked him across the back, and he kept running, "We don't have time to look at it now."

   She grabbed his hand, and the pair tore through the lush vegetation. An explosion sent them flying into the thick squishy mud. Purple liquid, flesh, and dismembered digits landed around them. Aurelia pulled herself erect and sighed, "Looks like I'll have to take a long bath tonight."

***

   They returned to the small town only to find a large crowd of translucent people. Tiberius stepped forward. "I am sorry to have tricked you, worry not all the supplies your people bought will remain as they are. The last king cursed the land as he left. He said until the threat to Larylia ended, we would walk this earth." He left a map on the edge of the fountain. "I know not what you will find in the order of the base of the gentle tower, but I heard a Divine creature was the inspiration for the hybrids. I believe you needed tears from such a being?"

  Aurelia nodded, numbly, "I was looking forward to working with you."

  "As was I," Zinjo held Aurelia's hand, "But it seems the afterlife calls."

  "Aye, my friend it does. I will say it presents an expansion opportunity for Shadowfen,"

   The yellow eyes of Aurelia opened wide at the prospect. "I'll keep that in mind"

   The trapped souls all turned and walked towards the sunset, each one faded until none remained."

  "You have done a good thing here, dark princess," Zinjo kissed her and spoke with pride.

  "Yeah but our journey is far from over, let's get back to the ship and plan our next adventure."