Chapter 74

Tension filled the air as the Yanhuo surrounded their younger counterpart. The White faces and tiny flickers of flame came out their nostrils and mouths. Zinjo transformed into the lion and took a submissive position. The Large male cautiously approached Zinjo and held position two feet away.

Zinjo stood and faced the forest titan and did not move. The child crawled up on Zinjo's back, waved, and then returned to its proper mother. The Silver backed leader grunted something unintelligible, and three males joined their leader.

Aurelia and Lord Nian looked at each other, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Aurelia asked.

"Wel,l I'll assume the Yanhuo are hostile toward intruders, and why shouldn't they? The Yanhuo have the power to defend their territory. I think they like Zinjo," Aurelia was not encouraged by the uncertainty in Lord Nian's tone.

Zinjo and the male Yanhuo returned to Aurelia and Lord Nian, "I think the bandit tribe took the child and planted it in the village. They are pleased to find the young one cared for and in good health. I think they want retribution for the abduction."

Aurelia shifted into her lion form, and the males stared at each other and smiled, "They know what time it is," She said as she drew the lion's fang. The effect was instant. All four Yanhuo backed away from the fearsome weapon. "They know about Al' Miraj horn?"

"Apes have a pretty keen sense of smell," Zinjo unstrapped his partisan, "I have to assume the Al' Miraj passed through here at one time or another. Speaking of which, I haven't seen the little guy in Gael's presence."

"Perhaps it went to speak with the Jade Emperor of the heavens of its adventures. It's a good an explanation as any," Nian brandished his Jian and pointed toward the bandit camp, "We can philosophize later. There are bandits in these woods." Lord Nian urged them toward the totemic warnings.

***

Zinjo pantomimed with his long tail. The little tuft of hair at the end of it wasn't there because of his masculinity. He dove into the heavy underbrush and kept the tuft of hair down. The moment it peaked up above the grass, he rushed from the vegetation with his partisan raised.

The Silverbacked leader nodded in understanding, "A most impressive display. Tell me, how did you come to be with such a man?"

"Well, it all started with a love spell gone wrong, and the rest is far too complicated to explain in a few minutes," Aurelia replied, "I couldn't have asked for a better partner or friend. I have his mother's approval."

"Yes, if you can win the mother's over, you are sure to have a long, happy marriage," Lord Nian smirked. "My wife's mother insisted I marry her daughter. She was a respected healer and businesswoman. My parents disliked her but fell in love with Baozhai. I have not regretted a day spent with her."

Zinjo marched over to them, "The Yanhuo understand the plan. Aurelia and I will slither through the grass unseen. When I raise my tail, you and the Yanhuo will ambush the bandits."

***

They reached the borders of the bandit camp. The group of brigands gathered close to the fire and ate roasted pheasant. "How long do you think it will take the Yanhuo to find the child?" One asked.

The leader and only one dressed in heavy armor shrugged, "Who cares? All that matters is they do all the work while we reap the rewards. I bet Lord Nian wonders why they keep attacking. He'll never figure it out."

"How little does he know," Zinjo whispered. His powerful claws pulled him forward through the grass while the bandits laughed at their evil deeds. They were right at the edge of the camp. "Ready?"

Aurelia nodded and prepared to draw Lion's Fang. She took several deep breaths to relax her jangled nerves. Her eyes never left Zinjo's tail. It wriggled back and forth. His tail raised like a flag, and Zinjo propelled himself forward with the speed of a viper. He roared.

Aurelia followed suit and slashed the air after she rolled to her feet. The Bandits froze in fear at the sight of the lions. The armored leader pointed at them, "G-g-guardian lions, Lord Nian does not have them in front of his home."

The other bandits tried to be brave and stood next to their leader, but their knees knocked together. Aurelia stood ready to attack, "You stole a Yanhuo child. Such a deed is a grievous sin against the laws of the forest."

Lord Nian and the Yanhuo surrounded the ner do wells, "Fall on your swords now and preserve what little honor you have, or face public execution and die in shame."

The bandits drew their weapons, "We choose to die in battle," The leader shouted as he rushed forward, ax raised. The old Silverback caught the ax between the palms of his hands and breathed fire directly into the attacker's face.

The smell of burned flesh curled the nose hairs of Aurelia. Screams of agony nearly shattered her eardrum. She engaged the bandit closest to her. His fear made his strikes clumsy. He failed to hit Aurelia three times in succession. Her blade ran him through, his armor tented at the back. She raised the bandit off the ground and slammed the lifeless body against the hard-packed earth. Blood pooled around the body.

The old Silverback dragged the leader into the trees, "No stop, I don't deserve this."

"You angered the spirits of the forest with your thoughtless actions. Now you must answer for them," Lord Nian shouted.

The rest of Yanhuo dragged the bandits from clearing into the tall grass and fell silent. The leader emerged covered in blood. He avoided Zinjo and Aurelia, a long muscular arm and hand extended toward the Lord.

"What do I do?" Lord Nian sounded half Panicked.

"Shake his hand?" Zinjo shrugged, "I believe he is offering thanks."

"But you aren't sure?"

"They are intelligent wild animals. We've helped them. It's safe to say they may not want to injure you," Aurelia smirked and watched the Lord navigate the situation.

The aging Lord extended his hand, and the Yanhuo leader pulled him in and hugged him until his bones cracked. The silverbacked leader set Lord Nian down, "Wow, my back hasn't felt this good in years," He bowed to the leader and said, "My village owes you thanks, fierce leader. May your family grow large, and may your home be filled with joy and happiness."

He returned to Aurelia and Zinjo, "I will talk to my wife and inform her of her offer while you visit Sojobo. Today you have shown the courage and wisdom of true leaders. I will follow you."

"Wait for us in your village, we will meet you there," Aurelia promised.