chapter 11 : "The Unwanted Guest"

A cry shook the heavens, disturbing its inhabitants, and was heard by the people of Earth—a forewarning of the arrival of an unwanted guest. He rode upon a mighty Soros, speeding toward the Kingdom of Bogars at an astonishing pace. Then, with the courage of the Arabs and the determination of the Romans, he leapt from his steed, fearless of death like a Viking, ready to carve his own bloody history like the Tatars. As the saying goes, "How many have perished in the name of love?"

In mere moments, the guest would reach the ground, having jumped from a great height, proving his physical and mental readiness for this sacred battle between love and passion. Could this man, once a celestial being whose smile never faded, truly transform into a ruthless killer in the name of love? That is yet to be seen.

As she swiftly approached the kingdom's gates, she was met with a chilling sight—guards' bodies scattered across the ground. A question immediately arose in her mind:

Who could have killed them?

Yet, this thought was soon overshadowed by the shock of an unexpected voice—one that, despite its simple role, carried an aura of authority. For him, this was the most important task in his long life, ever since Ali Pasha fell into the Black Pit. Still, he thanked the Lord for those beautiful memories.

Gorkak:

"Stranger, welcome to the Kingdom of Bogars. Who the hell are you? You look like you've escaped from a world of fools and lunatics."

He let out a light chuckle, speaking in a calm tone.

"Oh, you have a sense of humor. I didn't know the dead could be so witty."

"What? Dead? I'm not dead! I'm still alive..."

Gorkak:

"My dear, there are many ways to enter this kingdom. But for humans, there is only one—through death or by coming close to it."

She responded with shock and disbelief.

"Do you expect me to believe that I'm dead or dying?"

Gorkak:

"No, my dear. I don't want you to believe—I want you to listen to what the Book of the Future says about your visit to this kingdom. As for your condition, you are lying on a bed in your world, trapped between life and death. So, stop pretending to be a strong woman."

She scoffed.

"You're insane. I don't have time for this nonsense."

Gorkak:

"I don't know what he sees in you. You're not the kind of woman a man truly loves. You're just trying to fill the void left by your previous lover and replace him with Abdeljalil."

Suddenly, her voice changed. She lunged at him, grabbing his neck with a force that suggested she intended to kill him.

"Is he here? What have you done to him, you sadist?"

Gorkak:

"First of all, you're too late. Second, I am not a sadist—I am kind and weak. After all, I served Queen Victoria the Younger before the United Kingdom even became a kingdom, before Europe was divided into its current states."

She gasped, stunned.

"Queen Victoria? You lived in her time? Then you were a mortal human."

Gorkak:

"Yes, I was once mortal—before I was defeated by the Abbasid Caliphate while trying to reclaim Al-Andalus. And for my sins, I was sent here for redemption. Now, please, allow me to read your story from the Book of the Future. At the very least, let me do my job."

"Fine, I'm listening. But that empire has fallen. It became weak and fragmented, fighting among itself."

Gorkak:

"Thank you for the history lesson. But it will return—I have seen it in the Book of the Future. It will rise stronger than ever. Even when the world meets its end, they will reign over it entirely. But now, let's return to you. The book says you are here to save your love from his fate and win his heart. However, it won't be easy, especially since you made a pact with one of the Ten Beings. You also have a rival—Princess Marsha. Whether you succeed or fail, your fate is tied to his… Miss Christina."

Christina:

"Wait a minute. What do you mean by 'his fate'? And who is this Marsha?"

Suddenly, Marsha entered, clad in a flowing royal robe, with servants and guards trailing behind her. She approached and spoke.

Marsha:

"I am Princess Marsha. Can I help you?"

Christina:

"I'm looking for my beloved, Abdeljalil. Have you seen him?"

Marsha:

"Yes, he is dead. Now return to your kingdom. I can wake you from your coma—if you forget about him and leave Abdeljalil to me. Tend to your pathetic condition instead."

Christina:

"Abdeljalil is not dead. He has not reached the bottom yet—I saw it."

A sly smile spread across Marsha's face, followed by a wicked laugh, as if she knew a secret that Christina was unaware of.

Marsha:

"On second thought, come with me. My father adores Baba Yaga—he is one of his greatest admirers. Follow me, please."

She turned and walked back toward the kingdom, her servants and guards following closely behind. Christina, however, hesitated, glancing at Gorkak, who whispered urgently to her.

Gorkak:

"Don't go. This will be your end."

Christina:

"I must take the risk—for Abdeljalil."

She stepped forward, determined—until the unexpected happened. A dense, black hand emerged from the ground, forming a pit beneath her. It pulled her downward as a familiar voice echoed.

"You... will come with me."

What just happened? Who took Christina?

Before anyone could react, Marsha spoke as she casually strode toward her palace, her regal steps exuding the presence of true royalty.

Marsha:

"Syrus is becoming a nuisance. I must act before the Ten Beings unite and ruin my plan for a royal marriage with my beloved."

Guard:

"What should I do with the body?"

Marsha:

"Take it to my father. He'll know how to deal with the mess you fools have caused.