Chapter 59

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 will need us. We can't go running around chasing creatures of the dark."

Aurelia frowned. Did she want to be on the throne? The truth was Aurelia preferred the adventurer and exploration of her new life with Zinjo. She took pride in the parasol blade and the beaten leather armor. What could a throne possibly offer her? The answer came to her quicker than anticipated, "Stability."

"I suppose it would be irresponsible to take our children around the world chasing deadly entities, wouldn't it," She allowed Zinjo to hold her, with his manhood rubbing against her flesh.

"I'm afraid so, Dark princes. Do you think Gael is a Lemurian?" Zinjo asked. Aurelia crossed her arms and pointed to her lover's pants. Zinjo pouted and put them on. "I wonder what Carmen meant by her words."

"It could be nothing. The shadow creatures love to torment their victims, and Gael looks tormented. Aurelia slid the leather breastplate over her slender form. She felt a reluctance to put on clothes. "We still need the void sand and the Lemurian runes."

"We should reach Kiazangi in the next few hours. What Carmen said was true. You may not be welcome among my people. After I helped foster peace between the lions and the hyena, the lion people wanted me to take the leadership position early, but your heart called me, and I left them in want. I named my brother, Juma, as my successor."

The Parasol blade streak from the sheath and slashed the air, "I think they will be pleasantly surprised with my skill," Aurelia sheathed her blade thoughtfully, "What is the fastest way to earn the respect of your people?"

"Find the strongest lioness and challenge her to a fight. You may find yourself in conflict for a day or so. The younger lionesses may see you as a way to elevate their status because you have royal heritage." Zinjo replied.

Gael poked his head into the Cabin, "Are you two ready," Gael's sullen voice grated on Aurelia's ears for the last time.

"Snap out of it, man," Aurelia growled, "You are a good man, Gael. Do you think Tess wants to see you like this?"

Gael hung his head, "No, she'd probably yell at me too." He shuffled his feet against the weathered boards. "I have a good life, don't I. I love Tess, and I have a job I love." A smile spread across his face, "Should the past find me, I will face it head-on with gusto."

"Good to see you in high spirits again," Zinjo said with a grin. "Are you ready to meet the inhabitants of Kiazangi?"

***

Kianzangi was an endless plain of golden grass and trees with large leafy plateaus. Herds of gazelles rand form spotted cats, who ran at ungodly speeds. Watching the action were enormous grey beasts with long curved horns on the end of their noses. Not far from them were titanic horse-like creatures with long spotted necks.

The scene stole Aurelia's breath. Zinjo's home possessed a beauty beyond compare. She envisioned life on the endless plains with Zinjo and wondered if Shadowfen would miss her at all.

Gael wiped his brow, "This place is hotter than a baker's oven. How do you stand the heat?" Gael complained.

Aurelia forgot Gael was not a werelion sweat profusely, "We should stop for some water."

"Hmmm," Zinjo nodded, "I could use a drink. Keep your eye on the water's edge. Many creatures lurk beneath the surface looking for an easy meal."

They strolled down to the watering hole and drank with the beasts and birds. "I see why your people have an aversion to outsiders. There is a rightness about this land." Gael said as he doused his shirt in water and tied it around his head.

"The elders say the same. Kiazangi is a beautiful place that must remain hidden from the outside world," Zinjo said in an irritated tone. "They believe trade with the humans will lead to disaster."

"Are there nearby islands?" Gael asked.

"Yes, why do you ask?" Zinjo asked with all the curiosity afforded the feline species.

"Why set up a trade outpost on an island no one cares about and do business that way. No one will need to step foot on Kiazangi unless they seek to enjoy the natural wonder of this land," Gael suggested.

"We can try the council of lionesses, but I suspect it will not reach the campfire," Zinjo pointed to the mountain on the horizon, "We only have a couple of miles."

***

Elaborate stone structures met Aurelia at the gates to the lion city of Tambwe. Aurelia marveled at the flat stones held together by what seemed to be nothing but air.

Zinjo smiled, "Angles and arches, dark princess, we achieve such dwellings through angles and arches."

Partisans and judgmental looks greeted them at the gates to Tambwe, "The cowardly leader returns with his tail between his legs," A guard mocked, "And he brings his precious human mate with him."

"Do not waste your breath on a disloyal jackal. Juma will deal with him and cast him out forever as he did to Nyo and Kuende."

Zinjo narrowed his eyes, "Why were Nyo and Kuende kicked out of Tambwe?"

"Like we would tell...eep," The parasol blade touched the throat of a guard.

Aurelia lowered her voice and narrowed her eyes, "I think you should treat the future king of Shadowfen with proper respect. I will not tell you again."

The other guard glared at Zinjo, "Your mate is more of a lion than you. No doubt you brought her to ask for Ayasu's forgiveness."

"We came for voidsand," Aurelia sneered back, "Now take us to see Juma, before one of you loses your head."