The sound of the waterfall echoed through the cave. Aurelia brought fresh water for the men who had fallen under the strange spider creature's spell. Mshindi spent much of his time near a small hole, as he emptied his stomach down it. Zinjo proved to be the paralytic venom of Hinata. Since  Aurelia found him she refused to let the lion mango.     His yellow eyes stared at her with unparalleled affection, and his arms kept her close to his hard body. Her hands felt his strong abdominal muscles expand and contract. The sensation excited her lady parts to no end, but now wasn't the time to explore how much more excited she could get.     Redford searched the place and found some bottles of poison. Each was labeled with strange symbols, "I'll assume each of these has a different purpose. Rather a clever creature, augmenting her poison for different uses. I know a merchant who can probably translate them for u

   As it turned out Mashek had the Dawnstar Inn held in his thrall. The serving wenches made him seductive offers. The owner didn't dare deny him a request, and the locals seemed to regard the thief as some sort of hero. The Barkeep pointed to Mashek, "Another round in the house in the name of our daring friend."    The bar differed from others because the     The entire scene perplexed the Princess because back in Shadowfen, Mashek barely ranked above a cutpurse. The gap-tooth burglar raised a flagon, "To the next adventure."         Zinjo and Aurelia exchanged puzzled Glances, "It seems our sticky friend made good somehow," Zinjo said in a quiet tone. "Shall we see what our friend has been up to?"    Slender hands gripped the parasol blade with determination, "I agree," Aurelia gracefully walked toward the slender thief.     The crowd part

     Aurelia glared at the termite-ridden chair Mashek brought into the room for her. He turned red at the sight of it. Lord Bathory clapped a wrinkled hand over his eyes, "Mashek, throw it in the fireplace, and get another one," He gave Zinjo and Aurelia a weak laugh, "Haha, as you can see I don't put much stock in shiny baubles or furniture. I'll have no use for things when I am dead."   Mashek rolled his eyes and left the room. "Lord Bathory stood with his guest, "I'll sit when we all do," He stood behind the desk, "Seeing as we are all after the same creature. Perhaps we should start by recreating the witch trap bottle," He placed the original on the desk.    The crystal container created a prismatic effect on the desk, and letters were etched into the side, Aurelia could smell the evil intentions on the artifact. She balked and took a step back from it, "I can still smell the wretched darkness,"    

    Zinjo listened to Aurelia's plan and shook his head, "Madness, your plan is madness. You suggest we go into business with these dubious people and help them exploit primitive cultures?"     "Watch your mouth. I am suggesting we talk them into taking a tour to see what's out there. If we happen to find items of value for them to trade, they have to make the deal and not us. We will make sure they stay on the up and up," Aurelia turned her back to him.      It didn't take long for regret and shame to rule Zinjo's voice, "I didn't think..."    "I know this side of the world is filled with greed and unnatural things, but some of us are trying to change that. How can we be together if you hold my people's actions against me," Aurelia crossed her arms and walked forward??     "You are right, dark princess, I spoke without thought..."    "It's becoming a hab

    As expected Tess offered to help them on their journey. In exchange, she asked Zinjo and Aurelia to help protect their cargo. Aurelia and Zinjo hesitated because it meant going to the far east before they made their way home. With multiple kivuli on the loose, the couple hesitated to agree. Time was of the essence.     "Is there something you two aren't telling me?" Tess asked, "Your passage is assured, I already told the investors two werelions would be on board to protect the shipment."    "You had no right," Zinjo growled he crossed his arms, "You wouldn't believe us, even if we told you."     Aurelia shoved Zinjo aside, "Enough, Zinjo. Tess was eager to show her gratitude, and we did not explain the purpose of our journey. To blame Tess for our current predicament would be wrong."     "Still didn't have any right," Zinjo grumbled, and he busied himself with the other crates