Chapter 79

Lord Nian, Aurelia, and Zinjo watched the Clockwork guild from a rooftop. According to Nian, their security made the emperors look like children with wooden swords. Each guard held a long curved blade in one hand while the other shot rounded explosives.

"How many bolts do they have?" Zinjo asked. I want them to waste their long-range weapons first."

"Are you crazy," Nian peered through the spyglass again, "If we try that, we run the risk of harming innocent people. I do not want to dishonor my name with such a victory."

"Neither do I," Aurelia opened and closed the parasol in thought, "How high can they shoot?" Aurelia saw an opportunity to test her new abilities.

"You are not testing out Sojobo's gift in front of all these people," Zinjo crossed his arms and turned away from her, "You take enough risks with your life as it is."

"Oh, and it's a good idea to piss off the Tengu king?"

"We'll be long gone before he realizes we didn't do as he asked."

"That's not who I want to be. Sojobo is more powerful than the three of us combined and most of the people in this city. He'll know we reneged on our deal. Who knows what consequences that will conjure."

Nian stood between them, "Your fiance speaks correctly. Sojobo is a kind soul, but he will not tolerate a mortal breaking a deal with him. It is best to see your task through to the end."

Aurelia put her arms around Zinjo from behind and laid her head against his back, "What is this really about?"

Zinjo remained quiet for a few moments, and then he hung his head, "I expected to be the hero of this adventure. I am jealous of all you have achieved."

"You have been my rock and my refuge since we met. I haven't regretted a single moment with you. I have loved you since the day you walked into that temple. Every day, I wake up feeling like the luckiest woman in the world."

"Hmmm," Zinjo sighed and turned around, "Ayasu said I found the perfect mate for me. Ayasu said my ego often gets in the way of things. I now believe this is one of those times."

"I promise you will have your time to shine. This next battle could be that moment," Aurelia kissed him and laughed, "I love you because you don't think I am inferior to you. Your support has sustained me through the hard times on our journey."

The blood rushed to Zinjo's face, "You are making me blush, dark princess."

"Are you two done?" Nian nodded his head in the direction of the Clockwork Guild, "We have a job to do," He turned to Aurelia, "Do you have any ideas."

Aurelia grinned wickedly, "I have a new ability in need of testing." She closed her eyes and imagined herself in the Anzu suit. She could feel the wings flap behind her with long platinum hair gently swaying in the wind.

Nian stared in awe, "How experienced are you at flying?" His eyes raked over Aurelia in discernment.

Aurelia felt her cheeks grow fiery under her fur, "Well, this would be the inaugural flight..."

"Perhaps you should take a few practice attempts away from the city. The people in Fā Tiáo Cheng have very little patience for mystical creatures and view them as nuisances. Unless they can make money off of them."

"Like the Clockwork Guild?" Aurelia returned to her human form with ease.

Nian spat, "They hunt creatures to extinction and then use their machines to put good people out of work. The only people who like the guild are those who can afford their metal servants. They offered a few to tend my lands, and I declined. I like the work my people do."

"Hmmm," Zinjo grunted, "I agree, Lord Nian, machines can do more work, but it lacks the soul a live person can bring."

Aurelia put her hand on her forehead and rubbed it, "Can we stop congratulating each other about our morality and find a place for me to practice flying?"

***

The trio scoured the slums where no one asked questions and kept to themselves. They came to a former guardhouse complete with a practice yard and a tower with a balcony. Despite the age of the building, it remained devoid of rot and decay.

The distance to the ground was twenty to thirty feet, although it seemed further in the eyes of Aurelia, "Why am I doing this again?"

"You seek to fulfill your promise to king Sojobo of the Tengu," Zinjo said with a grin. "I know you will conquer this challenge, dark princess."

"Remember to flap your wings..." Lord Nian started to say. He flapped his arms like a bird as if he could fly too.

Lord Nian's words bothered the princess. Aurelia spun on her heels and scowled at the lord, "Excuse me, how many times have you flown?"

"I haven't, but I am merely reminding you..."

"You look ridiculous with your arms flailing about like some land-locked octopus. Let me figure it out on my own. What works for you will not necessarily work for me." Aurelia snapped.

The safe and loving arms of Zinjo wrapped around her waist, "You need to relax. You fear falling to your death?"

"Terrified," Aurelia admitted, "I know it's thirty feet, and with our faster healing, my chances of survival are good. I don't want to miss my life with you." She buried her face in his shoulder and inhaled the spicy scent.

Zinjo cradled his face in her hands, "You have shown courage in the face of great adversity. You mastered all the other challenges. I know you can master this one," Aurelia felt the love in his kiss. His arms squeezed her in belief.

"How did I get so lucky?" Aurelia pressed her head against his shoulder.

"A goddess decided we should be together," Zinjo rubbed her back.

"We should send her a thank you card."

"I doubt the messenger could find her home, but we will find a way to honor her."

"Ahem," Lord Nian cleared his throat, "Can we please get to the task at hand."

Aurelia stepped to the edge of the balcony, and the ground seemed much further. The princess hoped the wings would flap on instinct. Intelligence told her it would take more than hope to keep her aloft.

She breathed in and out rapidly and found her balance on the railing. "On the count of three. One, two, three," Aurelia leaped forward and focused on her wings. They spread, and she glided to the ground without injury.

"Okay, that wasn't so bad," Aurelia shouted, "Next time, I'll try to flap my wings."

For the rest of the afternoon, Aurelia practiced her wings. Lord Nian and Zinjo made mudballs and threw them at her to simulate the explosives of the clockwork guards. By the time supper arrived, Aurelia felt confident in her ability to fly.

At dinner, Limao brought the plans as he promised, and Gael said the ship was ready to leave at a moment's notice. Zinjo smiled at Aurelia, "Are you ready to disassemble the Clockwork guild?"

Aurelia nodded, "Let's show these people the power of flesh and blood."