VALIN was waiting in the battleground along with the other shifter delegations. There were two females and three males beside the Captain of the Aerial Army. Mainly from a well-known clan. Yeke, the jackal shifter. The sibling Luch and Rys, both lynx shifters. The females Kaca, a snake shifter, and Ayi, a bear shifter.
There were several Halan Cheetah that was almost triple their normal size. They used them for fast travels like this since it would be a hassle if they would shift in their animal form because they have different animal attributes.
They immediately gave Alleki a salute when he arrived.
“We’re ready,” Valin said confidently.
A few meters away from them, the spectators were the family members of each delegate, giving everyone a blessing for a safe journey.
The Chieftain came along with Argana, who would give then the final blessing as she prayed fervently to the water goddess to provide them with strength and
Hi! I apologize for the long delay in updates. But now I'll be updating at least two chapters a week. Thank you for understanding. I hope you're enjoying Malaika's adventure. ^^
THE storm finally abated, but Malaika was nearly freezing. She tried to make a fire, but everything was still dripping wet.Although until now, she was still wondering where all these waters came from. No matter how she pondered about it, her memories were still hazy.“Darn!” She repeatedly cursed in frustration.“I told you to prepare for a hunt. There are lots of snow leopards around this area, preying on elks. Get the snow leopard fur to keep you warm and kill an elk to fill your stomach.” Xoxo lectured her as it was glued to her shoulder.“I’m already chilling here, and I’m getting frostbite. Can’t you see that I might bleed to death once I step outside?” She tried to be rational since she didn’t even have her slippers on. The sharp diamonds that mixed in thick snow would cut her feet!“Since when you became this coward, princess? Do yo
NEAR the western part of the Great Lake, Seti gave a pouch of gold to Baliq. The latter beamed as he checked the several gold coins that cost a fortune.“You’re indeed generous, lioness.” Baliq grinned.“I just want to make sure we’re safe once we cross the Great Lake.”“Of course! I’ve been in this business for years now.” Baliq said proudly, and he winked. He put the pouch in his pocket.“Smuggler,” Attisha murmured.Seti rolled her eyes and looked at Attisha. “You can still go back in case you change your mind. You know the possible outcome of this mission.”Attisha shook her head. “I’m ready for this. I want to help our friend.”The Escort clapped. “All right! I guess everyone is ready. I am doing this since my nephew also asked me to help you. You know Kane Gunther?”The ladies did not reply
MALAIKA spent the night with the couple, and at last, she had finally got a chance to fill her stomach. Frode helped her out to dry the leopard’s skin. He also cut a portion of his fur cloak to make a temporary cover for her feet. She was thankful for their generosity, especially now that she felt warm. Frode had excavated the ground to put on the leopard’s carcass. And he also gave his passing prayer to the dead animal. Everyone settled into the deeper part of the burrow to hide the smoke coming from the fire they created. “I guess we’re safe here tonight,” Frode reassured them. “However, this is not a safe place for you, dear—because this is Axum,” Helga said in the midst of their dinner as she focused on Malaika. She held a stick of roasted elk. “I know,” Malaika breathed out. She took another bite of the meat, and it tasted delicious. Just now, she realized how she was starving.She offered a small piece for Xoxo
MALAIKA, along with her newfound companions, walked at dawn amidst the freezing breeze. Xoxo was somehow giving her body warmth, just enough for her to function. “It’s a full day walk, Mala. Are you sure you can make it?” Frode asked. He carried the dried skin of the leopard and the remaining meat of the elk. “Of course, she’ll make it, darling!” Helga sounded optimistic. She clutched all the weapons to help her husband carry the load. Malaika only nodded and smiled. Despite the feeling that she would freeze anytime soon if Xoxo didn’t lend his magical warmth. Then she heard Xoxo’s voice in her mind. “This is the only temperature I can give, Princess. It’s enough for you to survive this harsh climate when you reach your destination. At least, your body is covered now.” “Yeah, thanks.” She murmured. The journey seemed an eternity for Malaika. The coniferous forest was vast as t
SETI remained alert as much as possible. She could see the barriers slowly disintegrating from the checkpoint. It wasn’t noticeable before, but the mana surrounding the place tells otherwise. The reason she still pursued to move forward than going back. They couldn’t waste more time since they only had a few days, and they must not return empty-handed.She pondered if she had made a mistake earlier. It was her fault they got captured. But one thing she was certain of, these guards were not as bad as she imagined. Maybe they would give them a fair trial once they brought them for further investigation. If not, they would find another way to escape. As long as they were still breathing, anything could happen. Seti had to remain positive.Meanwhile, Attisha unintentionally shifted to a large red mushroom that made the guards flabbergasted. But she quickly turned back to her original self after a few minutes. Maybe she was trying some ways to esca
ALLEKI’s team finally arrived at the Bridge on the Eastern Gate. Eight guards greeted them when they entered the border. The commander presented the scroll containing the invitation as delegates from Hala.“Dhagoz Tavee…” said one of the guards in the Virinan language. It means ‘welcome.’Alleki and his team lightly arched their heads to acknowledge the greeting. And they all gave a halan salute.Almost everyone expressed their admiration when they moved past the border.The guards escorted them in silence.This might be the way of Axum to make them feel welcome and to ensure their safe travel inside their territory.“I have never seen anything like this!” Kaca exclaimed as she studied around.There were mountain ranges, and some parts floated while waterfalls endlessly flowed.Everyone could feel the overflowing mana. The floating
WHILE on the northern part of Axum, Helga gave another pair of winter clothing to Malaika. She found Malaika inside her late daughter’s room while gently brushing her long, wavy hair.“Thank you, Helga.” Malaika smiled, and she looked back at her reflection in the mirror beside the fireplace. She only wore her underpants and covered her body with a fur cloak.Malaika had just finished her warm bath. It had been three days since she was here, and her energy returned after she rested well.And she felt comfortable. Malaika always expressed her gratitude to the couple for helping her despite being a stranger.“May I do that?” Helga stretched her arms, reaching for the comb.“Sure.” She handed her the hairbrush, and then she removed her cloak. Exposing her bare skin.“I like your body markings, Mala. You’re a warrior indeed.” Helga appeared to amaze a
YULLI alertly positioned himself beside the commander. He counted the guards surrounding them. They were twelve, and they appeared to be possessed. They only stared blankly, as their eyes were entirely white.“Are we allowed to kill them, Commander?” Yulli asked. They were surrounded, and everyone was standing still in a circular pattern waiting for Alleki’s command.“If they attempt to harm us, we don’t have a choice but to defend ourselves. For now, find the one controlling them.” Alleki ordered him.Yulli nodded and quickly shifted to his wolf form. He jumped high to avoid the possessed guards as his fellow warriors helped him out.He quickly vanished into the thick smoke, and he howled aloud as he heard the approaching footsteps based on the crushing of twigs and leaves on the ground. Then he ran in a circular motion, jumping from one tree to another until the enemies revealed themselves.