Chapter 68

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

"Clockwork servants," Gale replied. Only the rich and powerful possess them. I believe the emperor has a contingent of them as palace guards." He frowned, "I don't know if I trust them myself. I prefer my crew to be flesh and blood."

"Hmmm," Zinjo grunted thoughtfully, "Why would you not trust them? Living beings are equally infallible."

"Aye, but I know how to stop a human. Do you know how to stop a clockwork creation?" Gale smirked at his question.

"Humans made them, and therefore are flawed like humans," Aurelia drew the Lion's Fang and laughed, "There is always a way to destroy what we create."

Gale tapped Zinjo on the chest, "All this time, I thought you were the vicious one. It appears I have been wrong."

Zinjo grinned and spoke with unmasked admiration, "She and two other Lionesses conquered Kongamato on the broken plains. I am proud to call her my mate."

"I have a few coins. Let me treat you to some dinner before we part ways," Gale stopped and gave orders to the crew and accentuated them with, "I expect it done by the time we get back, or I find a new crew."

"Strange, don't most captains use the cat of nine tails?" Aurelia saw the whip in action once. Her eyes remained hidden, and she covered her ears to avoid the shrieks of pain and agony. Aurelia didn't know the recipient's name or his crime. She knew the punishment to be heinous and cruel.

"Punishments like that often cause more problems than they solve. The loss of wages and the threat of being replaced is sufficient. Plus, it prevents turnover. A grew that stays together become a well-oiled machine, and that can't happen if I maim them." Gael spoke with conviction. Aurelia admired his humane approach to his crew and the reasoning behind it.

***

Vibrant displays of color, the smell of meat, and cries of animals in their cages waiting for buyers bounced across Aurelia's eardrums. She noted a few parasol blades like her own. "You might want to pick up one or two of those. I know a few noblewomen who wouldn't mind having self-defense within their grasp."

Gale smirked and nodded, "I'll take your suggestion under advisement." He gestured to a food cart, "You have to try eastern cuisine. It has a unique flavor all its own."

Gael wasn't wrong. A thick sweet red sauce covered the meat and gave reason for Aurelia's taste buds to dance and sing. Rice covered in a salty black sauce did not fail to impress. "I think we should look to recruit a chef or two before we leave. I rather enjoy these dishes."

"I agree, dark princess," Zinjo looked up from wolfing his meal down, "I am quite fond of it myself."

"Now, what are you guys going to be doing while I am conducting business? We should be here for about two weeks," Gael spoke through a mouthful of noodles.

Aurelia grinned, "Why we are going after the Lemurian runes, of course. We still have a job to finish after all." She handed her bowl back to the cart owner and thanked him.

Gael handed his bowl back and motioned for them to follow, "I know a place, it's a bit seedy, but the information will be accurate."

Zinjo looked over at Aurelia, "I'm not going to like this, am I?"

A soft giggle came from Aurelia as she kissed his lips, "Probably not, but I will be there to keep you from causing trouble." She smiled and took him by the hand, "Come on, our journey is almost at an end, and then we can settle down into the royal life."

***

Gael took them through the maze of streets and into the slums of Fā Tiáo Cheng. Gael kept his blade at the ready, "Watch what you say down here. The people who live here had their jobs replaced with clockwork servants."

Aurelia knitted her brow in thought and absently opened and closed the parasol, "I see we have found the downside to the metallic creations. How do the people survive down here?"

"I would like to know myself," Zinjo watched the alleys and narrowed his eyes. "I have a feeling some do not care which ideals we support." He clutched his partisan and let the blade gleam in the afternoon light.

"Hence the warning," Gael smirked and pointed to a refurbished building with all sorts of lettering on it, "My contact in this area is Límāo Xiǎotōu. He deals in rare artifacts and offers money in exchange for their recovery."

"It's like a treasure hunters guild," Aurelia overheard people talking from the alley's and, like Zinjo, held her parasol blade tighter. "They spend much of their time looking for lost relics and treasure and then sell them at auctions."

"While there are similarities between the treasure hunters guild and Límāo's business. The guild is governed and sanctioned by the Government of Shadowfen. Límāo's practice is not exactly above board, but the nobles don't care."

"Why not?" Zinjo growled and kept his eyes on the alley.

"Shout, it should scare off any would-be attackers, and if all else fails, go lion," Gael waved a dismissive hand.

The steady sound of metal on stone annoyed Aurelia. She gritted her teeth in frustration and drew the Lion's Fang. "I don't think our guests are human, Gael."

Zinjo raised the partisan and smiled, "I don't have to worry whether they live or die?"

"No, love. They are all metal and gears. I'm looking forward to the practice."

The metallic sounds continued, and Gael dove behind his more powerful companions for safety. "Do you think you two can win?"

The Lion's Fang Swished through the air, and Aurelia said, "After Kongamato, this will be a breeze."