Chapter 77

Daisuke's bird-like visage shifted to something more human. The midnight feathers faded and revealed the bright red skin beneath. Simple bamboo armor turned into a long flowing robe. A beard sprouted out of Daisuke's chin and snaked down his body. The long braided hair sprouted out the back of his head. His sandals left no marks where he stepped, "I am Sojobo, king of the Tengu people."

Aurelia and Zinjo bowed before him, "You honor us with your presence, your majesty," Zinjo spoke in a respectful tone.

"You may rise," Sojobo said in a tired tone, "No matter how long I have lived, the bowing still makes me feel uncomfortable," Sojobo admitted.

Aurelia sheathed the Lion's Fang and sighed, "Come to think of it, the action grates on my nerves as well," Aurelia added thoughtfully. "We have come to ask your help..."

"Yes, yes, the Lemurian runes. Why not slay your enemy?" Sojobo strolled down the forest path with his hands behind his back. He examined plants and flowers and nodded with satisfaction.

"Death cannot defeat our enemy," Zinjo growled, "To kill him would spawn seven more from the corpse," Zinjo's tone carried the displeasure in his words.

"Zinjo, we are guests in the man's kingdom. The least we can do is show some respect. Sojobo is under no obligation to help us," Aurelia hissed angrily.

"Would you have helped if Daisuke couldn't have helped you?" Sojobo's fierce eyes darted back and forth between them. "All I want is an honest answer." He stood and waited patiently for the response.

Zinjo sighed and said, "If it were up to me, no. However, the dark princess has her thoughts on the matter."

"I would've offered help to Daisuke regardless if he could help or not. I am on this journey to better myself as the future ruler of Shadowfen."

"You admitted as much to my alter ego, Daisuke, and I know your words to be truthful as I have read your thoughts. I have seen the horror that awaits you in a distant land. A land that does not belong to you," Sojobo stopped and turned to face the young couple, "I admire your spirit, Aurelia. If you were a Tengu, I'd promote you to your Hanataka form."

"She will guide her people well. I will aid her the best I can," Zinjo spoke with pride and stared at Aurelia with love in his eyes.

Sojobo raised Zinjo's head, "Do you think your Loyalty pales in comparison to Aurelia's selflessness?" He continued to examine the plants and watched the animals.

"I don't worry about such things. Aurelia is a leader worthy of praise and song, and that is all I need to know. She will make an excellent wife and mother, and I see many happy years ahead. She has shown loyalty to me. Does she not deserve the same?" Zinjo's face reddened at his words, and Aurelia wished Sojobo wasn't around so she could express her appreciation.

Sojobo chuckled, "Many couples have walked up my mountain to bless their marriage. Very few receive it," He handed them an odd flute. The curved design made it a unique gift, "Play that on your wedding day, and I will arrive to bless your marriage."

Aurelia gazed at the slender instrument, "You honor us, Sojobo."

"The honor is mine, Aurelia of Shadowfen," He paused and flashed a toothy grin, "Now why do you need the Lemurian runes? I would've thought slaying your enemy would be effective."

"Witch trap bottles, we cannot kill our enemy, but we can seal him away," Zinjo replied. "The bottle will become his prison."

Sojobo nodded, "Lemurian runes are the most magical of all. I cannot give them to just anyone. Which brings me how you can help me."

Aurelia and Zinjo looked at each other with odd looks, "You have more power than the both of us combined. Why not handle the problem yourself?" Zinjo spat.

"Zinjo, I am so sorry for his answer..." Aurelia glared at her mate, "That thing you wanted to do later is not happening now," She watched his eyes wince against the sting of her words.

"The man speaks from the heart. There is nothing to forgive, good princess," His fierce gaze rested on Zinjo, "I know you fear losing her most of all, but never forget such things are beyond your control." Sojobo took a few moments of silence, "Now about this task. It involves the clockwork abominations of the rich."

"We've encountered a couple since we came here. A pair attacked us in the slums," Aurelia held out her hand, and Zinjo crossed his arms and turned away, "Stop, that. Someone told us Sojobo responds to deeds, not words. I am not surprised to find out it's true."

"We have honest intentions, and we have helped others along the way. I think we have more than earned the runes by this point," Zinjo spoke in a childish tone.

"He has a point," Sojobo said, "Okay, how about I give you the runes and give your loved one some added protection?"

Zinjo turned back around, "I'm listening."

"I planned to bestow the same gift on you, but your behavior offends me a little," Sojobo spoke to Zinjo in a parental tone. "If we were in my court, I would've thrown you out and closed the gates to my city."

Aurelia stood between the two men, "Enough," she bellowed. Both Sojobo and Zinjo were taken aback by Aurelia's Fierceness. "I know this journey feels like it's taking forever, and you want nothing more than to see it end. We still have one more job to do, and then we can return to Shadowfen."

Sojobo gave Aurelia a look of admiration, "She speaks like a true queen. I suspect she will keep you on your toes..." He trailed off because Aurelia rounded on him now.

"As for you, quit meandering and get to the point. You may have thousands of years to live, but we do not. I accept your offer and your assignment," Aurelia turned back to Zinjo, "We will hear him out before we lose our tempers."

Sojobo chuckled, "I need you to destroy the guild making the clockwork servants."

Zinjo opened his eyes wide and pulled the jewel out of a pocket, "Does it have something to do with these?"

"Indeed it does. Humans make them using the souls of mystic creatures. The mortals have trapped some of my lesser Tengu within the confines of a jewel." The anger beneath the calm exterior became apparent when Sojobo spoke. "The souls become angry and unable to move on to the next life. The dark magic used to create the jewels corrupts them and turns them into demons."

"Could the corruption cause a clockwork servant to attack a human?" Aurelia asked.

"Yes," Sojobo's reply was quick.

In a gesture of reverence, Zinjo laid the partisan at Sojobo's feet, "You can count on me to help."

"I accept your help," Sojobo gestured to Aurelia, "Now, to give you what I promised,"