Chapter 92

Aurelia and Zinjo awoke early the next day. They opted for a good night's rest, above an evening of passionate lovemaking. They both made a silent agreement to hold off until they achieved their goals. Nian and Tang Sai met them outside the inn. Aurelia inhaled the scents of home. The familiar aroma of bread and laughter of families around the breakfast table strengthened her resolve to bottle up Lebende.

Zinjo's new armor allowed him more freedom of movement. The helmet and neck guard added a layer of protection to his neck, which provoked gratitude in Aurelia. "Sojobo flatters me with such a gift," He commented.

Nian walked around Zinjo, "I have seen such suits on Tengu before. Many a great swordsman ended a duel with A tengu because the armor is difficult to pierce."

"Pfft," Tang Sai scoffed, "What do a bunch of birds know about ground fighting. Now, if you want solid protection, ask Han Xin. He used to be a blacksmith before the Clockwork guild stole our people from us."

Aurelia rubbed her temples, she loved the warriors, but they lacked focus. She changed the subject, "Do you think Mshindi and the others managed to get the info we need?" Aurelia checked the Lion's Fang. The onyx blade hadn't dulled through their adventures.

"You aren't leaving without me," A female voice shouted from behind them.

The form of Ayasu came into view, "Mother, I beg you to stay..." Zinjo protested.

"Are you trying pull that dutiful son act with me, Zinjo? I am still capable of magic, and my wisdom is an asset. Also, Aurelia may need me for guidance..., " the look of confusion on Zinjo's face caused the lioness to stop mid-speech, "You haven't told him yet?"

"Told me what?" Zinjo watched the two women he treasured above all square off in verbal combat.

"Ayasu, I appreciate the gesture, but there is nothing to tell as of yet," Aurelia spoke through clenched teeth.

"She may be with child," Ayasu blurted out for all to hear.

Zinjo stood frozen in place, his face locked in a silly grin, "I may be a father soon?" his voice barely rose above a whisper.

"Before you get carried away..." Aurelia tried to diffuse the situation before it slipped her finger.

Too late, everyone crowded around her and started to touch her stomach. Aurelia counted to ten in her head, but a hint of irritation touched her and then caressed the mind, "That is enough," her voice send birds from the ground to the rooftops. "I am not sure if I am or not, but it is a possibility. If it turns out I am with child, I will fall back on Ayasu's wisdom to guide me through future perils."

Zinjo put up his hand, "But.."

Aurelia rounded on Zinjo, "But nothing, Husband of mine. Might I remind you, Lebende has a shipment of clockwork servants he intends to fill with his children of the dark. Having a child will not mean a thing if he succeeds in his mission."

Nian tapped Zinjo on the shoulder and chuckled, "She makes an excellent point," He adjusted his swordbelt, "I suggest you get used to losing arguments, my friend."

The male lion made a face, "Why?"

"Because she is always right," Ayasu said.

"I agree," Tang Sai marched next to Ayasu.

"Coming, Zinjo?" Aurelia attempted to shoulder the pack with the urn. She struggled to put it on, and then the weight vanished.

"Forgive my action, dark princess, but I shall carry this. Worse come to worse, we can have Ayasu levitate our precious cargo," He kept his eyes on the ground.

Aurelia pulled his head up to hers and kissed him, "Thank you, my love," She looked around, "Between you and me, I think I am with child. Can you keep that to yourself?"

Zinjo returned her kiss and held her close, "As you wish, dark princess."

***

The Litchford Hills crawled with soldiers from the Cherish empire. As were all other routes that allowed the group to enter the country unseen."

"Now what?" Nian said in an irritable tone, "I don't see why we don't try to sneak in."

"Unless you want to spend the whole trip looking over your shoulder, I suggest we find an alternative means of getting past the guards," Ayasu warned.

Aurelia allowed frustration to rule her for a moment, "We need something simple and easy to execute," If sneaking in was out, did that mean the front door was closed to them? "How about we enter as royal ambassadors with an entourage?"

A wicked grin crept across Nian's face, "Misdirection, deception, and surprise, it's perfect," He turned to Zinjo, "We can be her royal bodyguards, and Ayasu her advisor and Tang Sai, her handmaiden."

"What about the urn?" Zinjo asked, "I am not against the plan, but won't Lebende sense his prison is near?"

"We'll tell him we brought it in good faith. We'll ask him to spare Shadowfen," Tang Sai clapped and put her hands on her hips with pride.

Ayasu nodded, "Yes, this plan has a better chance of succeeding. We are all agreed then?"

***

Riding in a carriage felt strange to Aurelia. She appreciated the irony of it all. She rode to the temple in a carriage the day she met Zinjo. Now, she rode in a carriage to finish the mission she'd started all those months ago.

Ayasu put her hand on Aurelia's, "You are not afraid?"

"I am, but I am more terrified for the rest of the world if Lebende carries out his plan. I'd rather die knowing everyone is safe than live in selfishness," Aurelia said in a straight tone.

"I agree," Tang Sai leaned against the cushions, "We don't have these back home. You western people sure love your comfort."

Aurelia chuckled, "People expect royalty to be larger than life. I don't care much for material things. You can't take them with you when you die."

"You are wise beyond your years, dark princess," Ayasu commented, "Zinjo will have a hard time intimidating you in the future," She paused, "Speaking of which, has he tried?"

"Yes," Aurelia said in a dreamy voice, "Zinjo paid for every last attempt."

"I heard that," Zinjo's displeasure carried through the door of the transport.

The women inside all cackled at the remark until Nian brought something else to their attention.

"We have border guards. Look alive, people."

"Okay, does everyone know their roles?" Aurelia eyed her female companions, "Tang Sai, please don't cause trouble. We need this to work on the first try."

Tang Sai nodded and assumed the form of a handmaiden, "This is my first job as a spy. I want it to succeed."

"We are ready here as well, dark princess," Zinjo said.

"Let's do this," Aurelia grinned.