Chapter 78

Sojobo waved his hands, and a scroll along with a metal disc appeared in his hands, "Do not lose the disc, you cannot translate any of the Lemurian runes without it," He thrust them into Zinjo's arms, "Hold these, I need both my hands to work at the moment." His bright eyes twinkled as his hands began to move.

"Aurelia of Shadowfen, you have proven your worth as a princess and as a warrior. I will speak of your deeds in the halls of my palace. Your name will carry the respect it deserves. In the past, I encountered a creature called the Anzu, winged lions, and guardians to the people they served."

Aurelias back began to itch, and the fur in her hands began to fall out by the score, "What's happening?" She cried out. Two lumps began to roll back and forth under her shoulder blades. The leather armor tore and ripped as two new appendages burst from them. Snow white feathers lined the new limbs. Her blackened hair went platinum and fell around her shoulders in waves.

Zinjo couldn't take his eyes off Aurelia. His mouth remained open. Not a word left his mouth, nor did he make a sound. Zinjo stayed frozen for several minutes.

"Do I look that bad?" Aurelia asked. Her chest threatened to bounce out of her broken armor, "Not to sound ungrateful, your majesty, but could you fix my armor? I feel a tad bit exposed."

"You are beautiful beyond all imagining," Zinjo gulped after Aurelia ran her hands down his chest. He melted into nothing as she kissed him softly.

Aurelia felt the armor tighten around her feminine attributes and breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Sojobo. I am all about distracting the enemy, but tastefully," She gave Zinjo a playful shove.

With a simple wave of his hand, Sojobo summoned a mirror, "Please have a look at the changes I have wrought."

Platinum fur replaced the tan. Aurelia noted her muscles were not as pronounced as they were in the original lion form. The wings flapped, "Can I fly?"

Sojobo nodded, "With practice."

"Can I still change into the regular lion form?"

"Yes, what is your process to transform?" Sojobo asked.

"I made a dressing room in my mind. I put on the catsuit."

"Then you make a suit this form in your mind. You are an Anzu, winged lion. I forget what powers they possessed, but I'm sure you'll figure it out. So can I expect you to keep your end of the bargain?" Sojobo stared at both of them

"All we have to do is destroy the guild making the Clockwork servants, right?" Zinjo recovered his voice.

"Yes. I had a vision. The clockwork servants will eventually turn on their masters and will wreak terrible vengeance on the humans. While you do that, I will head to the imperial city and speak with the emperor. There should be a law against such creations."

Aurelia became human again. The platinum hair remained, "My hair," she exclaimed.

"You were born to shine, Aurelia of Shadowfen. It's time you embraced who you are," Sojobo took to the air, "I will know if you have done as I ask."

Zinjo and Aurelia watched the Tengu King fly off into the distance, "We are going to need help," Zinjo remarked, "I am sorry for acting poorly."

"It's okay, Zinjo. I know it because you care," She kissed him, "Remember, our goal is to protect Shadowfen and the rest of our continent," An uneasy feeling swept over Aurelia, "Let's hurry."

***

Aurelia and Zinjo arrived at Lord Nian's village. His wife, Liling, hadn't lost the bloom of you despite being the same age as Nian. His Children Yuan Bo, and Ming Jie, were polite and curious.

"Have you discussed my offer?" Aurelia asked. She liked Lord Nian and thought he would make an excellent lord in Shadowfen.

"We have discussed it at length and accept your gracious offer," Liling smiled and poured tea in Aurelia's cup, "I have been deeply unsatisfied with how the emperor treats my husband."

Nian frowned, "We are leaving, my spring blossom. There is no need to go into details."

Liling shook her head, "He has more victories under his belt than most of the generals. Time and again, he has been passed over for promotion."

"Why would they avoid promoting Nian. If he has the qualifications?" Zinjo asked.

"The makers of the clockwork servants hold a lot of influence right now. I have spoken out against their abominations, but the emperor is enamored with the buckets of bolts," Nian spat.

"Funny you should mention that," Aurelia inhaled and steadied her nerves, "We obtained the Lemurian runes from Sojobo, but he tasked us with destroying the Clockwork guild."

Liling nodded, "Good, the wretched machines have brought nothing but misery. Everyone thought it would make our lives easier, but many lost their jobs in the face of these tireless workers."

Nian sent the children away, "What you ask could is considered high treason. The emperor loves his little windup toys. Why would Sojobo as you to do such a thing?"

Aurelia leaned in and whispered, "The guild uses the souls of mystic creatures to power the clockwork servants. According to Sojobo, the guild uses evil magic to bind the souls to the gems. The soul is then slowly corrupted by the dark magic."

"We were attacked by two when we first arrived," Zinjo held up his jewel.

Nian poured himself a glass of rice wine, "That means the emperor could be in danger as well."

"Sojobo is trying to reason with him as we speak," Aurelia commented as she drank the rice wine. She made a face, "That's quite different," She stuck out her tongue.

"If Sojobo is against the mechanical creations, then you must help them, Nian. He rarely gets involved with human affairs. When he does, you can be sure evil is afoot," Liling rose, "I'll leave you three to strategize. Ming Jie is at odds with our decision to leave our home. I should take care of her."

When Liling left, Nian leaned in, "I will relish a chance to put those smug inventors out of business. Their creations do nothing but promote laziness among my countrymen. I will do this in service to my people."

***

Gael and Limao agreed to help. "I know who constructed the guild. I could have them bring the original plans for the building. I believe it came equipped with a secret entrance."

Gael raised his hand, "I'll start prepping for a quick escape. I'll purchase the extra supplies, as well."

"I will help you," Liling offered, "Come, children, we have work to do."

"I would like asylum in Shadowfen as well," Limao declared, "I would like to run a legitimate treasure hunting operation."

"You'll have to speak to Gael. It's his ship," Aurelia cautioned the black marketer. "Otherwise, there is a place for you in Shadowfen if you desire. The treasure hunters guild has fallen into disrepair and could use a fresh face in charge."

"Very well. I will seek out Gael and get my hands on the plans for the building." Limao rose and left.

"It appears we are coming home with more than we started with," Zinjo remarked.

"Isn't that always the way it goes on long trips?" Aurelia smirked.