Generally, putting ornaments in tune for a celebration aren't a part of the Nagozulian customs, and certainly not a part of their tribe brothers the Yagisivians and the Daomagarians, making this kind of setting generally new to them. Putting brightly colored triangular-shaped papers they called banderitas doesn't really seem that sensible to them, especially after hearing that it would all be discarded after the welcoming affairs. Being keepers of the Holy Lands, such waste of time, effort, and resources are unfamiliar to them giving them the dreaded a.s.sumption that this tradition is foreign and not one of Prodea's whimsical antics. It's hard enough making them and putting them in their perfect place in the first place, the people of Nagozul thought, but that's what Prodea wants and what she wants, she always gets, and whoever stands in her way usually ends up a.s.signed to the farthest regions of Nagozul, or worse, in prison.

Much busyness can be seen at the Palace as they all move about with both haste and fear in order to perfect Prodea's plans for a grandiose welcome for the Easterners. They have been doing this day and night for the past two months nonstop. Planning the arrival party tends to be harder for them as each day pa.s.ses for the Grand Princess seems to have the tendency to change her mind as soon as she realizes something more extraordinary than the previous plan - the previous plan that they work so hard to accomplish only to hear that it would go down the bottom of the sea on her whim generating another arduous task to accomplish to appease her. If she had just received her grand epiphany before they have accomplished a very laborious task, they wouldn't have to experience the kind of worry they are currently facing. Not to mention adding the fact that she has a very keen eye for detail, her very specific and very personal detail. No one could be blamed if they all would go flipping mad at her complicated and impossible orders. This trouble that disturbed many a Daomagarian help strengthened their faith leaving for them to pray with much intensity to Bathala, beseeching him to end their misery and let the foreigners just arrive magically. 'A miracle!' They all thought thankful as one of the sentries shouted.

"I can see their flags, Your highness! They are coming!"

"What! So soon!?" complained Prodea which revealed a lot of frowned faces surrounding her as she rushed near the gates to compose herself.

"Now, now 'Dea," whispered the Queen, "Getting nervous means being..."

"Unprepared," she filled, "Yes mother! We are unprepared!"

"Come now, you are being overly dramatic."

Before Prodea was about to give a witty retort being lured into her mother's banter she was stopped by the loud horn before them.

The huge doors opened wide to receive the eastern envoy followed by the teeming soldiers that marched lining evenly before them.

"Blessed morning to you my liege," he kneeled down bowing with a smiling face and stood right away, "I am Duke Tabarius from the house of Wolfe, envoy to the Great and Mighty Eastern Empire of Leonus and we are your most humble servants."

"Oh, why the soldiers?" asked the Queen, "I thought you'd be bringing workers?"

"Yes, benevolent Queen, but I believe a good soldier is more reliable than a good worker. They are stronger, more agile, and basically can endure more. Wouldn't you agree?"

The Queen smiled seeing his charming gestures and whispered to Prodea.

"Polite, smart, and handsome."

Prodea smiled looking fl.u.s.tered. "Mother, she can hear you."

Tabarius chuckled a few and then continued on.

"Before anything else," he snapped his fingers then along came tens of warriors carrying large gold chests. "We would like to extend our Empire's grat.i.tude for inviting us to your most sacred lands."

The servants opened the five huge chests that are now before the Queen. They were all surprised to see large Ivory tusks, stacks of Silks, Sets of Colorful Porcelains and trinkets, and jewelry of gold, silver, and platinum. The Queen cannot be seen as impressed as they thought she would be. How could she? The things that she has seen are mere ordinary things to her. The designs of jewelry inside the chests cannot compare to what the Daomagarian jewelers can do. Perfection is the Daomagar's trade and intricacies for them are like a challenge.

The norm about giving gifts in Nagozul that they didn't know is that one should give gifts only if one thinks it is the best among others, especially in special occasions. Giving something below the ordinary can be regarded as an insult to the person that's why it's best not to give gifts at all if one cannot produce one. It is a statement or a testament on how you value the person. Seeing before them the subpar designs and works of the east really set the Queen off, except for those Ivory Trunks which are not clearly seen from their region.

"So," the Queen asked after ignoring the other chests that she thinks are worthless, "Are these the great tusks gathered from the great beasts on your world?"

Tabarius was concerned to the facial reaction of the Queen so he hurriedly replied thinking of saving the impression he just had. "Oh, yes. We have rounded hundreds of them to collect the finest tusks that you see before you."

"Yes, perfect," gloomed the Queen as she touched the smooth s.h.i.+ning tusks with her bony fingers which they all noted.

"Is something wrong, your highness?"

"No, nothing. It's just sad that you have to kill those poor beasts just so to have the pleasure of ripping their carca.s.ses apart to give them as gifts."

The room fell silent to the Queens awkward reactions until after a few seconds Prodea broke off.

"So, before anything else, we would like to see the plans."

"As promised Grand Princess," he snapped his fingers and then along came his servant again now bringing five heavy tomes bound by leather straps that are about eight inches thick each. "The compilation of our Empire's vast knowledge in different fields: Metallurgical, Mechanical, and Alchemical."

"Yes, thank you very much," smiled Prodea as she waved her hand for a Daomagar to carry the tomes, which he did effortlessly.

"And here with me," added the Duke, "is the Earl of Farindhal, Eryk Caden from the house of Shade." Eryk took a step and bowed to give respect as he continued, "He will guide you in understanding the measurements in the collection for he is regarded as our Master Scholar and the brightest Alchemist in our..."

"I'm sorry," Prodea cut in, "but I am fully aware of the measurements and is indeed in great understanding with your methods," proudly stated Prodea being somewhat insulted in his remarks.

"Forgive me for the misunderstanding," smiled the Duke now feeling a bit nervous, "I merely implied that he will be at your disposal for whatever needs you feel be done."

"Absolutely, he will be filled in with his position as an aid," declared Prodea which gave Tabarius a sigh of relief. "though I do feel that he won't be needed at all."

"Come now to your quarters," waved the Queen, "surely you're stressed at the perilous journey you've just undertaken. We can reconvene at another time for the mining in Hishma."

As they all turn away, the Daomagarian servants all around noticed how Prodea's smiling face slightly revealed dismay over how the events transpired in her welcoming affairs. Working a perfect pompous celebration isn't really worth its value in the end, they thought. Prodea's perfectionist att.i.tude has bested her and that cheered them all a little bit. The thought of her failing what she planned for months brought smiles on every servant's faces and that, they all thought, is the reward of their hard work. Prodea should learn something from this and yet she won't because of her stubborn att.i.tude as what they experienced again and again and, as they a.s.sume, would still be experiencing in the future.

-------ooO0Ooo-------

Good to see you again Nemer," greeted Artemus as he stood up from his seat finis.h.i.+ng some large quant.i.ties of papers at the Grand General's Headquarters, east of the encampment. "So, I've heard you've just arrived. I'm honored you have made plans to prioritize in visiting me first before some of your affairs."

"Don't play coy with me Young Artemus." He smirked for a little bit then went to the chair across Artemus. He looked left and right searching for something as he sat comfortably but poised formally. "I sense that we are alone?"

"Yes, master."

"Then we can talk freely Of course, so stop being so formal," he added with reprimand, "I don't want to feel any older than I should be."

"You are Dal'gur. You do not age."

"Yes, but I feel that I am tired as the days grow old, though my thoughts linger on to so many trivial things as if I'm still at my teenage years."

"Hmn," pondered Artemus, "The wisdom of an Immortal with the innocence of a young adult."

"You, mortal child, wouldn't understand. So, about Karus," quickly changed Dal'gur in a much-disturbed tone.

"Yes, what seems to be the problem?" inquired Artemus as he leaned forward, shoving away the stacked papers that is in front of them.

"The problem is not the problem about his task; it is your child himself."

"You say that as though you are unimpressed? Did something happen?"

"I checked his blood Artemus," he snapped with his sharp serious eyes leaning forward aggressively.

"I see you've divined our little secret," he leaned back from his chair as he gradually changed his smiling face in tune with Dal'Gur's serious image.

"Does your wife know?"

"No, only Narra knows. And he doesn't even know that I know, or it is because he's in denial that he doesn't realize the fact."

"What a troublesome ordeal you've been entangled to, young Artemus," he expressed with much disappointment easing up but still angry. "You know well that the punishment for that is the ma.s.sacre of your bloodline. If we didn't know each other, I even would've started it myself after knowing."

"I didn't know about her lineage up until we had our last, Rika. Narra made well-hidden of her adoption."

"A Yagisivian blood fusing with a Nagozulian!" he shouted, "That is unacceptable!"

"But they will be the savior of our Islands! It's not like that they will turn into the same evil power-hungry monarch a thousand years ago." explained Artemus.

"No! It's far worse! You now have FIVE evil power-hungry demons now in line for the throne after you."

"Ah! But the prophecy contradicts that. They say they will be heroes of Nagozul."

"You really believe in your father's prophecy," sighed Dal'gur still with much disappointment. He stood up preparing to leave. "I still have my fear for the future, but I believe in you as I believe in your father. Keep them in line and I won't have to gather the immortals again. Consider yourself warned."

Artemus nodded smiling. There were a few seconds of silence that enveloped the room before Dal'gur walked in front of the door and then, as he opened it to exit, Artemus asked. "Did he do it? The Thousand Blade Dash?"

"Well, what do you think? It's not perfect but he'll eventually catch up to a master's level." he answered. "Oh," he added almost instantly, "I spotted Yosh in the mountains last week. Should I inform your search party?"

"No, master, let him be."

Dal'gur sighed now smiling, "I sense that Yosh being there is in your prophecy as well? You and your stubborn beliefs." And he walked out leaving Artemus almost smiling rifling the stacked papers that was before him.

-------ooO0Ooo-------

"There you are!" surprised Kayzar slapping Karus's bag that is tightly placed on his back moving him for a couple of steps forward because of the force of the impact, "I've been looking all over for you."

"HEY!" he answered back slapping Kayzar in the arms getting back from what he did. "Don't do that again, I almost slipped!"

"Geez, why so grumpy."

"It's this cursed bag! It's full of tempered steel that's so heavy you feel you've been carrying the world on your back!"

"Why don't you drop it off or call some Daomagarian soldier here to deliver it to the house or something?"

"I can't! It's tightly wound on my arms and back with some weird rope that Nemer fas.h.i.+oned. He's the only man that can take this off. Curse him! This is not funny!"

"Well, have you tried to get some Daomagarian Soldier to untie those knots?"

"What are you, insane!? Of course, I did! There is some weird curse in the ropes, a Yagisivian spell. They said no one can take that off unless you went to a Yagisivian Seer! Well, duh! We're in the northern regions of Nagozul! Where do I suppose to find a Yagisivian!"

Kayzar was surprised with his angry eyes, he hasn't been mad like that for a long time and this made him chuckle a bit. This made him realize that he might have been wearing that bag for quite some time now, maybe as long as since he was still at the mountains at the smithy of Dal'gur with Nemer based on his furious condition.

"What's funny!" snarled Karus.

"Nothing? Well I haven't seen him if that's what you think."

"Well I can't sit because the bag's in the way! I've been standing here for two hours now! Might as well get the latest news here."

The two looked at each other for a few seconds until Kayzar spilled smiling.

"Hey, I just got here. I thought you've been here longer than I am."

"Right," he sighed with a somewhat disappointed tone.

"Hey!" Kayzar shouted pointing at the armband at the left arm of Karus. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Yes," boasted Karus, "I am officially a Master of the Hundred Sword Elites."

"Whoa! Who gave you that!"

"Dal'gur. You know he has the power to grant you the honor of being a master being the one who invented the whole guild in the first place. There is an opening for the one hundredth and I happen to chance for the spot."

"Seriously? You're the One Hundredth? That's serious..."

"Yes, I know. That's a lot of burden but Nemer's been helping me out finis.h.i.+ng Dal'Gur's tasks. He said I deserved it for all the hard work I've been doing these past months."

"So," grinned Kayzar with much excitement, "What's like training with the Immortal Dal'gur. What does he look like?"

"Well," scoffed Karus, "To be honest, he didn't actually show himself to me. He was in this large room, veiled, being mysterious and whatnot, and is talking with a weird deep voice. I swear it looked like he was toying at me because his voice is like a kid playing to have a very low pitch, but I guess some people talk differently."

"Hahahaha, wish I was there."

"Yes, all I did was play and have fun with Nemer. He said Dal'gur instructed him to teach me the Thousand Blade Dash, so I followed, and it ended really fun."

"No way!" raved Kayzar, "The Thousand Blade Dash? The Real Thousand Blade Dash? You went there to learn that!?"

"Yes?" answered Karus somewhat confused, "Is there any other Thousand Blade Dash technique?"

"But that's..."

"Yep, impossible," bragged Karus, "Using the Great Dash is hard. You have to concentrate all your energy in your thighs to pump bursts of energy to forcibly push your body to another location, right? But that's not all. In order to perform the Thousand Blade Dash, you have to perform dashes using your arms. Apparently, what we know so far is das.h.i.+ng with the use of our feet, but that's not quite true. The Daomagarian Dash is a preparatory technique to master to dash every jointed part of your body. So, what I did was I mastered das.h.i.+ng every single part of my body to slash one thousand times while das.h.i.+ng from a point to the target. That technique is really something, if the dash is hard, you can think of it as a thousand, if not hundreds of thousand, times that."

"You know, I tried that myself!" added Kayzar, "I only made a single slash though, and what's worse, I missed! Every part of my body hurt afterwards, and I was in bed for three days, so I never tried it again."

"Yes! Exactly! Pulling your sword and slas.h.i.+ng something in between the dash for a thousand times is really hard. I literally broke my bones more than fifty times or so, I lost count. Good thing Nemer always carries about a jug full of White Angel."

"Hahaha, did you ask for a spare?"

"Of course, not!" Karus smiled to explain, "That's Dal'Gur's White Angel. Do you want him to punish me?"

"Or something worse, show himself to you. He must've looked like some ill-tempered, old, grumpy, bald, hideous man," laughed Kayzar. "But seriously, you should show me that dash some other time."

"What're you laughing about?" entered a familiar voice.

"NEMER!" shouted Karus punching him in the arm as hard as possible with much anger which he didn't even felt, having his normal Daomagarian tough skin of course. "WHERE'VE YOU BEEN? I HAVE BEEN STANDING HERE IN AGES!"

"What? You've been carrying that for just a while I thought it's alright."

"FOR A WHILE!? I"VE BEEN CARRYING THIS SINCE WE LEFT CAMP ABOUT TEN HOURS AGO! I AM NOT A DAOMAGAR SO YOU'LL FORGIVE ME IF I DON'T CARRY AROUND MY USSUAL STRENGTH!" he spouts forth angrily slapping Nemer a few times to hasten his movements in dismembering the tight contraptions and their knots.

"Okay, okay! There!"

"THANK YOU!" he replied in an unthankful tone while stretching his back to relieve his obvious tension.

"I only put that on you to measure your body's strength and vitality, that's what my master told me."

"I thought we finished training that Thousand Blade Dash?"

"Well, the training doesn't stop. You must strengthen your muscles and bones so that you won't be having problems when you move around das.h.i.+ng." The two was looking at him with strained eyes that he noted so he added, "Well at least that's what he told me."

"Well, your master isn't here, right!?"

"Well, he can..."

"SO, DON'T BUG ME AGAIN WITH HIS MYSTERIOUS WAYS!" he stormed away with his feet stomping being angry as he is, "Come on K-Z, Let's find Yosh."

As Kayzar waved his goodbye Nemer whispered with a very concerned tone.

"Well you won't find him." They were both halted to hear what he was about to say. He paused for a few seconds scratching his head then he continued, "I don't know how to say this, but I think Yosh ran away."

"What!?" shouted Kayzar somewhat shocked at the explosive news he just heard and expected Nemer to explain.

"I don't know what happened, or where he is," he defended, "You should talk to your father; he created a search party to scour the jungles and the plains from the north up to the mountains. Maybe he knows something."

"We'll meet you at dinner," said Karus turning back the other way tapping Kayzar to follow. "And be sure not to disappear this time!" he shouted as he was about a few paces away from Nemer.

The two sprinted without uttering words. Nothing stopped them from moving their hasty feet to the east where their father's military quarters is located. They were both concerned about Yosh, the brother they've been protecting for so long. They felt a little guilty having to spend their summer away, leaving him alone at the encampment. They were just confused as to why he would do such a thing. They reflected upon many things and among which is they figured he was happy finally spending time at the camp but clearly something has gone wrong.

They stormed their father's quarters and found their grandfather, Narra, and their father, Artemus, somewhat having a fight that was clearly interrupted by their noisy entrance. The intrusion made Artemus angry as he stood up with serious eyes to the twins.

"What are you two doing barging in here!?"

"Father," Karus started beating Artemus to his reprimands. "What happened to Yosh?"

"Do you not know how to knock!?" scolded Artemus. "This is a military encampment and my quarters!"

"I'm sorry Dad," apologized Kayzar, "But we just found out that Yosh has gone. What happened?"

Artemus sat in his chair in silence making Narra to turn and explain. "Your brother was grounded here at the encampment for stas.h.i.+ng away the holy relics from the Nagozulian History Room. He was ordered to march back to the Palace to retrieve and return all of the items that belong there and then return to Artemus Kyrin's Battlegear."

The twins were bothered by the news. No wonder Yosh made that serious mistake. He was looking forward to escaping their ill-fated experience at the Palace only to find out that he will be punished by his father to return. What Yosh did was wrong but it doesn't warrant for him to face the full wrath of the Queen and Prodea after disobeying a direct order from them. Their father doesn't know about these things. They haven't talked about it thinking it is all water-under-the-bridge. These sentiments among all others were all they can think about, but they dare not utter a single one. They just stood there listening to Narra's reports of Yosh's sightings.

"We could help," suggested Kayzar, "I have made a map of shortcuts in the Jungles of Narra so we can be of some help."

"No, you should stay here and wait for the search party. It's their job not yours. Besides, there are too many criminals hiding here in the northern regions. Having one missing prince is enough," Narra stood up fixing his robe that the two noticed looking as though he was about to leave.

"Where are you going Gramps?" Karus asked.

"I'm off to the capital. I need to apologize to Juni and give your father's regards."

"Why, what's wrong?" pushed Karus both to Narra and Artemus.

"I can't leave," finally entered Artemus, "I got my hands tied to so many duties, I don't know where to start."

"Mother." Kayzar proposed, "Mother can go with you Gramps, right?"

Narra sighed with grief, "Your mother is still das.h.i.+ng off somewhere to find Yosh. We haven't seen her for two weeks now."

"Juni is family!" pushed Karus, "Please don't tell that he isn't worth of your attention! He's..."

"That's enough young prince!" scolded Narra, "You have to learn to keep your tongue in line! With so much happening Juni would understand!"

"It's alright Narra," entered Artemus, "Let my son speak his mind. He is right, Juni is family." He stopped and looked at Kayzar and Karus. "I won't let anything bad to happen. That I can only ensure. Juni's distraught state is clearly the manifestation of his old age being a fire starter. Narra will give my regards to him and will ensure his safety until I can get my schedule together to prepare for his extraction. In the meantime, let us do our duties to Nagozul."

"At least let us come with," Karus boldly demanded which shocked Kayzar. They are not planning on returning anywhere near the Palace, so the thought just cleared everything on Kayzar's worried mind.

Artemus looked at Narra looking as though he's seeking for his approval.

"I suppose I can let them tag along with me. I think they wouldn't take much time lagging behind and besides, if someone can get Juni's emotions in place it's them."

The two hugged their grandfather with great smiles on their faces looking very happy - though Kayzar is still puzzled to Karus's intents and is just going along his plans.

"When do we leave?" Karus asked with much enthusiasm disregarding his tired body from their apparent arrival.

"Uh - soon? Today..." Narra replied confused to the twin's wild idea returning. He knows that they didn't want any mission that involves returning to the Palace, they said it so themselves while they were travelling to the north two months ago and yet, with eager eyes, they are asking when.

"Great!" exclaimed Karus, "we'll get our gear. Meet us at the gate?"

"Yes, but do hurry up."

The two ran after bowing to their father to exit almost das.h.i.+ng leaving the other two in silence to return to their discussion.

"The prophecy states that Yosh's life will be in danger," said Narra concerned breaking the seconds of silence.

"Yes, I know," replied Artemus staring at the door across him in deep thoughts. "But," he added, "It also states that he will become a changed man and will be the one to unite the Dwendells and us Mortals."

Narra just scoffed to the idea as he walked near the door. "You know very well how stubborn the Elves are. They will kill him."

"I believe in my father's predictions."

"Then all we need to do is to pray that they don't deviate from the divine plan. Otherwise you'll be hating yourself for the rest of your life." Then he stepped outside locking gently the doors to click.

"I know, I already do," Artemus mumbled.

-------ooO0Ooo-------

"Have you lost your senses!" argued Kayzar as they hurriedly stride to their house at the center of the Camp. "I just arrived here! Do you know what I eat for the rest of the month in my stay at Kulog pa.s.s!? For once I want a home cooked meal! And you come here spoiling everything!"

"Well Kayzar," Karus replied with a calm humorless face suddenly stopping for a moment, "What do you think will happen if Yosh was found?"

Kayzar stood there silent knowing the answer but did not muttered a single word.

"We need to retrieve Yosh's loot. It's important that we return everything in its proper place in order for him to stay here for good. It's the only way!"

"I know, but will that risk us being seen?"

Karus now smiled finding Kayzar's words somewhat funny, "Me? Being seen? That'll be the day!"

"Whoa!" reacted Kayzar confused, "Back up, you said me? As in you? Not us?"

"Yes, I'll do it. I know where he hides his stash." He said this with complete confidence, but it led for Kayzar to frown a little seeing that Karus made this elaborate plan all by himself not including him in it, so he rea.s.sured, "But your mission is just as important. I want you to be with Gramps when he goes to Juni. I need him to feel that I just went somewhere and you two must hurry up and leave me be. That'll surely buy me some time while I go to the Palace stealthily to grab the articles to return them all to the History Room. After which, I'll be catching up with you just in time for our departure near the mango tree up the roads to the south."

"Oh, well," finally said Kayzar now walking in a normal pace hiding his disappointment, "I need to personally make sure Juni's safe so that plan's fine with me."

"As long as we stay at the southern villages, not the Palace, even if we're to split up with Gramps," added Karus.

"Exactly."

-------ooO0Ooo-------

"Have you seen my daughters?" asked Duke Tabarius to the other person across the table.

They are having their snack before dinner in their quarters at the Palace. The room is fully furnished with antique sets of comfortable furniture layered with alabaster designs that are crafted to look as if they are still in Leonus. Prodea made sure that their accommodations are top of the cla.s.s. This is made ostentatious by having pillars and drapes with gold contours making the sunlight to bounce in different angles. The sunlight was reflected by the walls and the floor that is made up of s.h.i.+ny white slabs of marble lighting the room a yellowish dusk atmosphere when joined by the golden contours surrounding the room. The two envoys found this to be mesmerizing and uniquely calming.

"No Tabarius, I think not," he answered still gazing at the walls and the golden ceiling. "What I do remember is that they stopped by to shop down at the city."

"Hmn, Eryk?" asked the Duke after a few seconds of contemplating, "Do you think I just blew off my goodwill and my image is in serious need of repair? Do you think my charm is beginning to dull?"

He just laughed in reply but seeing his good friend's face turning sad he gave his words of consolation, "I don't think no one can resist your uncanny charm. Why do you think the Emperor picked you for this a.s.signment? Your eyes are borrowed from the angels they say. One look and you can sell your thoughts to anyone."

"True. I do have my trustworthy deep eyes," he smiled taking a bite from the red meat that is served to them.

"About the Emperor's request?" Eryk whispered quickly changing the topic. "Do you think you're ready to exploit the natives?"

"What? No!" discouraged the Duke, "That's not the plan of the Emperor."

"But technically speaking, if you're to trick them into revealing the fountain of life and getting a bit out of there, you'll be exploiting them. Right?"

"Requesting will be a formal term apt to my actions, not exploitation. I can't risk severing my ties with the people here! I have to maintain my good friends.h.i.+p with Princess Prodea, after all I have a huge debt to her that I cannot pay back, and you know that."

"Right," sneered Eryk with a snide chortle.

The Duke noticed this and was annoyed so he sat there quietly to finish his meal chomping the red veal with much force.

Little did they know that the Daomagarian Muscle of Prodea, Karr, was listening to their boring discussions and this part of their chat is the only part that's worth reporting. The only thing he needed to bring down the Easterners once and for all. Surprised at their intents he hurriedly went his way to the quarters of his charge to state this alarming news.

Five knocks he did on the giant doors of Prodea. These five knocks mean that it is her guard knocking, and that means it is seriously important for Karr knows more than enough how serious Prodea is about disturbing her silence.

The giant doors opened as she peaked whispering.

"This better be a good thing Karr."

"It is, your highness. I have grave news to report about your newly acquainted friends."

Prodea waved his hands for him to follow her inside which he did and then she immediately closed the door to shut. Prodea went to the center of the room closing all the tomes that the easterners gave then she turned around smiling, signaling Karr to continue his report.

"Your highness, I have been posted to the hidden room as you requested and have heard their discussions."

"And?" asked Prodea wanting to get him to his point.

"I have heard them speak of their malicious intentions to our Holy Lands."

"Let me guess?" Prodea grinned, "They want to get a hold of the Fountain of Life. The mysterious spring that they think would rejuvenate their tired old bodies."

"Yes, your highness. But that doesn't work like that, does it not?"

"I know Karr, do you think of me as a child! Of course, it doesn't work like that. The fountain brings life to all living beings here in our world. Even the slightest touch of an impure spirit would defile the holy waters then, life as you know it would cease to exist. Do you think I would let them corrupt it?"

"So, what are your orders your highness?"

Prodea smiled leading Karr to the door to exit. "Even if we wanted to partic.i.p.ate in their pathetic plans, we couldn't, you know why my dear friend Karr?"

"Because we don't know the location of the fountain, your highness?"

"Right on point as usual," she proudly said finally arriving at the door waiting for him to step out, "I know you are sharp. Sharper than Zeba. Our brothers in Yagisiv Haya are very secretive about the whereabouts of the fountain so you need not worry."

With this he stepped outside feeling confused. "But your highness," he added.

"Yes, Karr?"

"What should I do with this information?" he hesitated.

"Well," she stopped for a second and then decided, "We don't tell a soul about it."

"No disrespect Grand Princess but that is wrong. Should we at least tell the Queen?"

"NO!" angrily shouted Prodea. She waited for a couple of seconds to compose herself and then she continued, "Do you not trust me, your charge for ten years? Do you not have enough confidence in my plans unfolding at my will?"

Karr just stood silent. He knows Prodea and her stubbornness in regards with her intellect. She knows how to handle herself and he knows that she is the most arrogant being alive, so failure is not present in her vocabulary. The easterners are hiding something that Prodea needs so he just nodded with a smile in agreement thinking that she is toying with the easterners' minds not the other way around. He thought that by her knowing what they were thinking already means that she is a step ahead of them, so he put his fear to her expert thinking.

As the door came to a shut, he turned around and found himself wandering around the halls pondering. The idea of this secret being kept in private is enough to punish him and his family for treason. His loyalty must be to his clan not to the Grand Princess, so the strong urge to talk came struggling in his head. But, he reasoned, if he did go to the higher authorities, the plans of Prodea that took years to set up would be in vain leaving the easterners to be thrown to the sea to perish. This would be good in anyone's point of view but imagining the consequences against him overwhelmed him much more. He can calculate more or less what will happen and what will happen after is that Prodea will be embarra.s.sed and that would certainly lead her to punish him severely by either placing him demoted in the ranks of the Palace guards or be thrown off to Daomagar, forbidden to enter Nagozulian soil in his lifetime. It is best if it is the latter but what if it is the former? He had trained all his life to become one of the most respected Daomagarian Royal Sentinel there is so he certainly wouldn't want his life to be thrown into the ranks of a lowly Palace guard. That, he thinks, is a waste of his talents. That could be considered, to him, worse than death.

In the heat of the battle between the two ideas wrestling in his mind he, immediately thought some what ifs. He figured to let this one slip sliding through the other end of his ear, removing the topic right out of his head. If he doesn't do anything keeping his mouth shut, nothing wrong will happen. Prodea would still continue with whatever plan she's plotting, and he will live normally, safe and sound, like the rest of all the people of Nagozul and the Holy Lands as a whole. He is convinced that she will not dare harm the fountain's secrecy much less let it be tainted by an impure soul. He knows as long as it's in her best benefit, she will do anything within her powers to play with fate. She always does calculated risks especially to people around her, but she won't dare play gamble with her own life. She is that selfish. She most certainly wouldn't want to lose to those idiotic Easterners too. He just smiled and resolved his decision of just forgetting about it. It's in everyone's best interest, he determined. What's the worst that can happen?