Chapter 37

    Mshindi and Redford were more than happy to join Lord Bathory's cause. The companions parted on amicable terms Redford included. They said their farewells and went their separate ways. Zinjo and Aurelia did not talk much on the way back to Shadowfen, both were in deep contemplation. An enormous task lay ahead and neither was sure if they were truly up to it. 

   Most would expect the woman to break the silence first, but Zinjo appeared more concerned about their impending adventure than Aurelia. They made camp for the night, and Zinjo grilled some meat on a hot rock. The strips sizzled and spit-up grease. Zinjo tended them with a long stick. 

   "Are you afraid, dark princess?" 

   The question provoked thought on Aurelia's end. At first, she wanted to answer yes, but her mind drifted back to the heart's call. Amouria didn't make mistakes when it came to pairing people off. Her adventures with Zinjo promoted growth and deepened their connection. "I am excited to take the next leg of the journey with you."

  Silence and the predator stare came from Zinjo. As his eyes remained on Aurelia, her entire body grew warm, "What?"

   Zinjo took a step closer, "I admire your courage. Aren't you afraid things will go wrong?"

   A soft giggle and Aurelia's arm encircled Zinjo's next affectionately. She inhaled the spicy scent and softly pressed her lips against his. Her entire body tingled while his hand caressed her face. Her foot popped up. "Things will always go wrong in one shape or another. It's worth it to keep our little corner of the world safe."

   "Then we shall conquer our foes with our combined might, dark princess," The conviction in Zinjo's voice, made her believe. "Should we tell your mother about our impending voyage?"

   "We'll send a message should we convince Marshall Rouse to take the voyage with us. How does one become a professional adventurer anyway?"

  "I believe we fall into that category, dark princess. We have traveled all over in search of answers. Ayasu would say the steps in between are more important than the journey."

   "She's not wrong. So we may have to push back the wedding. With multiple Kivuli running around our hands are full trying to bottle them back up. The moment we do we will be tied to the thrones."

   "Unless we get married in Secret. I do not need a big fancy wedding to say I love you, or to know you and I belong together. It is already etched on hearts in stone. I want nothing more than to be with you until we become part of the earth again."

   The idea held a certain appeal, but the magic of Shadowfen would see them both on the throne by sundown. "Okay here is the plan. We will get married outside of Shadowfen, and we won't be able to step foot inside its borders until we have completed our tasks."

  "I'll assume there is magic involved?"

   "Unfortunately," Aurelia accepted a slab of meat from Zinjo, "I hope my theory is correct, Or else we may find ourselves landlocked in Shadowfen."

***

   Zinjo accepted Aurelia's proposition as they journeyed on to Sea meet, where they would find Marshall Rouse the renowned Adventurer and explorer. The landscape went from forest to jagged rocks and sea salt. Fields of lush green grass were replaced with thick slimy clumps of kelp. Everyone in the Sea meet area thrived on the waterborne plant. 

   "I enjoy fish," Zinjo licked his lips with gusto.

    "Blech," Aurelia's face embodied gruesomely, "One year, a disease ripped through our livestock. Not a single animal was immune. For the next year morning noon and night we ate fish. I swore I'd die before I touched another."

    "Hmmm," a scarred hand gripped Aurelia's slender digits, "I had a similar experience with fruit paste. I'd rather eat a dog than eat fruit paste," a large smile crept over Zinjo's face, we have reached our destination." He pointed to the stone gates of Sea meet. 

    "I wonder why the gates are made of stone?"

    "We can always ask."

    "I don't want to know the answer. I know it's probably long and boring." 

    "Had enough knowledge after we visit with Lord Bathory?"

    Aurelia opened and closed the parasol blade in thought, "More or less. Something about that man unsettles me. I'm glad he's on our side, but I have a feeling he knows more than he lets on."

    The loving arms of Zinjo crushed Aurelia against his hard body, "We have a saying in Kianzangi: It is unwise to ignore the instincts of a lioness. I believe you, dark princess."

    Happiness finally found Aurelia while she kissed her soon-to-be husband. She didn't need a hundred people in attendance to tell her what she already knew. Aurelia wanted to grow into old age with Zinjo at her side "We should hurry, and find Marshall Rouse.

***

   Much to the dismay of  Aurelia and Zinjo the renowned adventurer, had already left on his next daring mission. The pair sat on a bench outside the merchants guild. Zinjo took it harder than Aurelia. He paced in frustration, "Now what? We came all this way for nothing. Our only chance of getting to Kianzangi left."

   Aurelia turned him out because her ears caught a more interesting conversation near the merchants guild. "How is it you failed to bring back anything of  value, Gael?" A feminine voice demanded. 

   "Forgive me, my lady. It was a hard choice, come back alive, or be killed by bare arsed savages. What is your problem anyway?"

    "I am a woman in man's guild. My word is never taken seriously, and I'd like to advance in rank before I become old and grey. You know put my stamp on the guild."

   "You realize they may never take you seriously, right?. Stop wasting your gold, Tess."

   "I want to try one more time before I admit defeat. Should I fail, I will graciously allow you to marry me..."

   "What?"

   "You and I will be wed."

   "What if I don't want to do that?" Gael said. 

    Aurelia chuckled and smiled at Zinjo, "I think I found us a possible replacement, for Marshall."

    Zinjo nodded, "I caught most of the conversation myself. Ambitious people can be reckless, are you sure we want to ally with these two?"

    "We have to get to Kianzangi and Lemuria somehow. Maybe if we offer to help find priceless artifacts they'll take us on."

    "Hmmm," Zinjo scratched behind his ear, "I don't know anything about Archaeology."

    "Neither do I, but they don't need to know that. Technically we won't be lying, we do have to explore Lemuria for the runes."

      "Let's hope we don't come to regret this decision."