Chapter10

* FLASHBACK CONTINUES *

For months then, Aladdin, Ali-baba and Morgiana stayed at palace. I met them every time I went there to help Jafar with errands he had missed during his absence. It took time cheer Aladdin and Ali-baba up. But after some time they got over it and began eating more. Too much.

After several months, Sinbad finally came back from Kou. That day I was staying at my little cottage. I had slept late and woke up hearing sound of fight. But it didn't surprise me, I already knew who they were.

Masrur and Morgiana were training in the forest. I got up and took a basket with me and went to greet them. They were training by the fullest. Morgiana was fast and Masrur was both fast and strong. I stood some way away from them, because I didn't want to end between this sparring. Both of them quickly noticed me.

"Good day, M'lady." Morgiana greeted me.

I just waved my free hand and gave a lazy smile. I had just woken up.

"You're a lot late to get up." Masrur said in his usual way.

'After getting up at sunrise for a few months, it's miracle I wake up before sundown.'

"Need something?" Masrur asked.

I showed the basket in my hand and pointed a fruit three by him.

"You know there are crops of fruit in Sindria. And you can get them at palace." He said looking at me.

'Yeah, but I enjoy eating a wild fruit. Beside someone has to reap these trees too. Beside the animals.'

I like everything that came naturally including the food. Seeing that I didn't change my mind Masrur sighed and watched at Morgiana.

"Wanna do it this time?" He asked.

"Sure." She answered.

She walked to the tree that I had pointed. I too came closer to the tree and placed the basket on my head. Morgiana breathed couple of times in and out before giving a strong kick to the tree. I could almost feel the impact but I felt more the number of fruits that fell down and covered me. Most of them came to the ground and just some stayed in the basket. There were too much of it that it came knees.

"Is that okay?" Morgiana asked.

I just showed a thumps up. Now I needed someone to get me out of the fruit mountain. But I didn't have time for it, because at that time we all heard the sound of trumpets announcing arrival of the King.

"They've returned." Morgiana said.

"Yeah." Answered Masrur.

"Are we going to welcome them?" Asked Morgiana.

"Yeah." Masrur said.

"M'lady, will you come too?" Morgiana asked.

I shook my head as I still stood under the fruit mountain. I knew I would meet King later. Right now, he had better things to do. If I would be needed someone would be sent for me. As Masrur and Morgiana left I tried to get myself to my house and find more containers for all the fruits that fell on me.

Truthfully, I went to the palace after three days. I did meet Morgiana and Masrur again at the forest training, but I left them be. Instead I went to the city to offer help in any other matters. So I was bitty busy. As I came to the palace, it didn't take me long to notice Aladdin and Ali-baba running. They didn't even stop to say hi. Well, Aladdin tried, but was quickly pulled back by Ali-baba. I knew already why they were running and I couldn't help laughing at myself. Sinbad must have been pretty shocked to see them.

"There you are, I have been looking for you." I heard a voice saying.

I turned to face the source of the voice just to meet Sinbad and Jafar.

"I was beginning to wonder if you never come here anymore." Sinbad said smiling.

I was away tree days. Unlike him who was away several months. And I didn't need to stay at palace anymore, I didn't even need to come here for couple of weeks, since Yamuraiha cleared that my condition had improved. But then again he didn't know about it.

"I heard you have gotten better. Maybe after more time, you can travel to another country." Sinbad said smiling.

That comment made me smile too. Being able to see new places was always something to hold on to. That and getting souvenirs. Which is why I grinned and hold my hands fronts as a child would do as receiving something.

"Ah, you want to see what I brought you." Sinbad said.

I nodded.

"Sorry, but I couldn't bring you anything from Balldad." He said.

My smile dropped to frown. If I didn't get to go anywhere, souvenirs were only way for me to see new things. Well considering there was civil war in Balldad it shouldn't be surprise he didn't bring me any. But at least a piece of fabric or something small. I hang my head in disappointment.

"But, I did bring you something from Kou." He smiled. "You'll find it at your room."

For once, I did wish it was a dress. What I had learned from Kou, it had decent dresses and fine fabrics. My thoughts turned back to the Aladdin and Ali-baba who were running. I knew the answer but still had to make sure, so I pointed at them.

"Yes, I put them to run. You must have seen their condition and I need them to be in good shape to help me." Sinbad said looking at the boys.

"Actually, it was M'ladys help that they both got their spirits up and began eating more." Jafar said.

I looked at Jafar with grim face. I know he meant good, but the way just said that sounded like it was my fault they became fat. And judging by Sinbads face, he understood it the same way.

"You could have just tell them not to eat that much." Sinbad said smiling his fake smile.

I knew, because I taught him that. But still, it wasn't my fault that servants began to pamper them so much. Especially Aladdin, who was Magi, according to what I heard, and so young and cute, as some servants said. Then again I did come to the palace once a week so I kinda neglected them. But still not my fault they're fat. It could have been worse, they would still be down and weak for not eating.

"Then could you watch over them till they are in shape again." Sinbad said smiling.

'Oh man.'

It took some weeks but finally they got back to shape. At least Ali-baba did. While they were discussing with Sinbad about Al-Sarmen, which I already knew some facts. I stayed at the garden and laid on grass. It always felt good. Till a shadow came over me. I peeked my eye to see Pisti front of my face.

"Hiya." She said smiling.

I got up only to meet more generals Yamuraiha, Sharkkan and Masrur. I still could see Sparthos from a far but he was talking with Drakon.

" How have you been?" Yamuraiha asked me.

I sat up and gave her a smile to tell her I was fine.

"Why are you wearing guy-clothes again? Are you trying to get some girls to fall for you?" Sharkkan laughed, but it ended quickly when Yamuraiha hit with her elbow to his side.

"Doesn't matter what she wears she is always better company than you are. So no wonder girls dump you." Yamuraiha grunted.

"I dare you say it again." Sharkkan shouted.

'Aaand here we go.'

They began with throwing each other offensive words, but when they began to strangle each other, me and others separated them. Soon things got cooled. Me, Yamuraiha and Pisti sat on ground while Masrur and Sharkkan remained up. Sharkkan began to tell about what he had seen in Kou. He did tell more than Sparthos, which is why I listened to him more. This way I could at least try to picture how the country looked like. The more he told the better.

"And brothels. Masrur, you must be mad for not coming." Sharkkan said.

'Oh heck. Not this topic.'

"I'm not mad." Masrur said his usual way.

"Oh come on. There is no need to hide your disappointment." Sharkkan said teasingly.

Soon it might be I who will hit Sharkkan.

"Lady, Lady." Pisti called me. "Now that King is back, you think you can get to go on a next journey?"

I shook my head as an answer.

"She is right. She is better now. But it will take more time before she can go on a voyage." Yamuraiha said.

"Aww, I wished I could take her to Artemyra, when I go visit mother." Pisti pouted.

I smiled and ruffled her hair. The fact she tried to get me to go on voyage was her way to make me feel better. Since she knew how much I used to enjoy it. Not mention after the incident where I tried strangle Sinbad, the Queen of Artemyra said she would happily receive me as guest. Well, there was hope that one day I would visit that kingdom.

Soon we all heard familiar voice from above.

"Hey, Yamuraiha."

I quickly recognized Sinbads voice. And as a quick response Yamuraiha got up standing.

"Yes, King." She answered.

"I'll bring them to your room soon." Sinbad shouted.

"Alright, I'll head there right away." Yamuraiha said.

I looked at Yamuraiha curiously, I had no idea what was going on. Yamuraiha noticed my questioning look.

"I'm going teach to the young Magi how to use magic." She said exited.

That's right, Aladdin is a Magi. He seemed so young maybe he really needs some instruction. I just hope she won't pamper him as others did. He is cute, but I didn't do it when I had to watch over their marathon. Now I just watched as Yamuraiha walked to her study to meet the boys. I wasn't sure who to wish luck to Aladdin, for having a strict teacher. Or Yamuraiha to have student who is little bit of wimp but too cute.

After seeing Yamuraiha leave, I thought to go to the library. But on my way I changed direction and went to Sinbads office. I knew he must have explained the situation to the boys, but I wanted to be on top of it and everything. Just in case he or Jafar had left something out and hadn't tell me.

"Ah, M'lady. What do I owe the pleasure?" Sinbad asked when I came to the room.

His desk had scrolls all over, so I deduced that Jafar put him back to work. I walked to his side of table and after moving the scrolls I sat on the table.

"You have something on your mind." Sinbad noted. "This is wishful thinking, but you are not here to our little game."

If I could talk out loud, I would say "Dream on". Instead it was just my face showing displeasure. He never changes.

"Thought so. You would usually wear something to tempt me." Sinbad sighed in disappointment. "You want to know something."

I nodded.

"Something about those kids." Sinbad continued.

I nodded again.

"You want to why I would bring them here."

He is still good at this.

"Depends first, what do you already know. " Sinbad said and leaned back on his chair.

I searched quickly for my notebook and pen and began writing the summary of what I heard from Jafar. After that I gave it to Sinbad.

"What else do you want to know?" He asked.

I wrote one word on paper.

"Ali-baba?"

"The third prince of Balldad. You ask why I brought him here yet send his brothers somewhere else?" He asked.

Actually I send them, but who needs details. Beside me.

"You do know that he is a dungeon capturer?" Sinbad asked.

I nodded. I knew that, but it there was more than that. There had to be. There were other dungeon captors, many of them allied with Sindria. Yet they remained in their kingdoms. Why would Ali-baba be here instead supporting us from his Kingdom. As always, Sinbad seemed to read all my thoughts.

"Balldad is under rule of Kou empire." He said with serious look.

That told everything to me. Ali-baba was a fugitive. A dungeon conqueror and a fugitive. That's why he is here. I sighed inside me, and Sinbad saw it as my shoulders dropped.

"I managed to negotiate with emperor of Kou to let the people of Balldad to keep their rights. But it's now ruled by Kou empire." Sinbad explained.

'And as a prince of Balldad, Ali-baba would have fallen as an enemy. Their tactics haven't changed. '

Again old memories began to stir and make my skin crawl. I felt my skin going goosebumps and air felt cold even though it was hot outside. I snapped back when I felt Sinbads hand on my arm.

"Something is troubling you." He said with concerned look. "This isn't the first time, whenever we have discussed about the worlds abnormalities, you seem to lose your focus on matter."

'I never lose my focus. And when we talk about the abnormalities, I am taken back to my nightmares. And that just feeds my resolve of stopping that organization, Al-Sarmen.'

His hand s feels so warm on my arm. The cold air slept away slowly. And my focus on my surroundings gets stronger. I even noted something odd on Sinbad. I grabbed his shoulder, he looked at me confused. I could feel through his clothes that some muscles were more tense than others. It takes about a minute to trace the source of that tension. Somewhere between arm and chest. I gave a serious look to Sinbad.

"It's not so serious." He smiled.

I quirked my brow. Something did happen. I kept looking at him and he stared back at me. Our little staring contest lasted about few minutes, when a huge heat pillar erupted somewhere un the palace grounds. Looks like Yamuraiha had began training with Aladdin. I quickly deducted that it was Aladdins magic since Yamuraiha only does water magic. However that topic wasn't going have my focus lost. My eyes did leave Sinbad but I didn't turn away from him. I wanted to what kind injury did he get.

"M'lady, your concern is heartwarming, but there is no need to get too worried over it." He said calmly.

'Excuse me? If king of Sindria is hurt or worse killed, how am I supposed feel then. Happy? Of course I'm worried.'

He eyes became soft, again it felt like he could hear my thoughts.

"Would you be less worried if I let you have a look?" He asked smiling.

'He has a wrong idea, but yes I'll sleep my night better after confirming that whatever wound he had is treated and healed.'

Sinbad stripped his robes just leaving his top bare. I would have stopped him if he went too far. I concentrated to examine the spot I had traced before. It seemed okay, but I could have sworn that the skin on that spot was different. How do I know? Funny story. But in short, I wanted a revenge on Sinbad who had seem me bathing in the lake when we met third time. So one day busted him on his bathing. And I got a good look at his body, a bit too good. But it was worth it, his face on that moment was one that I still remember and enjoy. Sometimes I wonder if there would ever be a way to make him scared and surprised that way again. He soon however got over it and suggest that would like to have me in his bath again. But that was one time only.

Back to the present, after staring at his arm I noticed the difference on his skin. There must have been a round wound that had now healed. But what could have caused it. It wasn't a burn or a sword. The difference would be bigger. I try to trace with my fingers the lines of this almost gone wound. But soon I hear Sinbad chuckling.

"That tickles." He said.

'Well, endure it. My curiosity needs to be satisfied first. Since I didn't get to go along.'

I move my fingers again on the spot and he shivered.

"Seriously, it's really hard to stay still." He chuckled.

I just looked at him frowning. Because there is no way he is that ticklish.

"Would it be better if tell what happened?" He said.

A little gambler inside of me woke up. That happens when I try to improve my deduction skills. I would deduce something and then hear if got close. If I did, I would reward myself with something nice. Usually, a tasty snack. If not, I would have to do something don't like much. Like clean up my whole house in one day. Only people who knew this habit of my were Sinbad and his eight generals. Which is why Sinbad smirked at me.

"What are you going to bet?" He asked.

'Don't give any ideas. If I'm right, I'll get to wear one of his metal vessels. Oh, that's good. If I'm wrong I... I."

"If you're wrong, how about you wear that dress tonight. You know the one, I gave you some time ago." He smiled wickedly.

'No! That thing wasn't a dress. It was a dance outfit. Not even that. A bathing suit.'

My cheeks grew red just by a thought of that thing on me. Then again, it's a challenge to get my deduction right. If I happen to lose, I'll lock myself up in my room. It was deal.

I gave him a nod and began studied his arm. It didn't seem like a sword cut and not a burn mark. So maybe a puncture. But then there something odd about the edges. Wound had healed almost completely but still something told me it was not clean puncture.

"I got wound from Balldad..."

I didn't let Sinbad finish. I covered his mouth with my hand and tried to conclude my deduction.

'It was a puncture, not from knife or sword. Bigger yet uneven. If the wound would only be more fresh I could see the edges and tell what it was. Not a sword, knife, spear...'

Sinbad moved my hand away and held it in his own.

"In Balldad, we met with Judal an..." He tried to continue but I muffled him again with my free hand.

'Don't tell me. I need to figure it out first. Not a sword, not knife, not spear. No wait there I'd a chance with spear if it was broken. Or made of something else.'

Sinbad took my other hand away from his mouth. Now holding me by both of my hands, I was facing him. Now I couldn't stop him anymore.

"The wound you are so intensely staring, came from a ice spear made by Judals magic. He tried nail me to the wall." He said smirking at me.

'Spear. He said spear of ice. I thought it would be spear. That means I won.'

Smile grew slowly on my lips, seeing this Sinbads smile left.

"There is no way you knew that." He said frowning.

'I deducted spear. True not so acquired as ice spear, but still correct weapon.'

I kept smiling which told him that I was right.

"You are getting too good at this." He said frowning, but soon put a smile on his face. "Well, at least I have you now here like this."

It took me a minute to figure what he meant. His chest was bare, he held my both hands in each of his hands at side, I facing him so close. Dammed, he had this all planned, didn't he.

"Sin, I need you to read these documents before..." Jafar said coming inside to the room, but stopped after witnessing the scene.

"For heavens sake, stop those games for good, will you!" He shouted.

'It's not what it seems. It's not what it seems.'

"Whatever you are thinking, it's close to what it is." Sinbad said grinning.

'Why you..'

Few days later I woke up unpleasantly.

"Lady, Lady, Lady, Lady!" Pitsi shouted on top of me.

I had slept in my house because I was mad with Sinbad. And because I punched him Jafar said I needed a time out. Well, since I didn't have anything big going on in palace, I was okay with it. Yamuraiha was teaching Aladdin and Masrur teaching Morgiana. Ali-baba was with Aladdin. No royal duties. I rubbed sleep off my eyes as I sat up on my bed. Pitsi was sitting on my bed and her bird was sticking its head inside the window. I could tell that sun was up and high, which means I slept over again.

"Lady, hurry up. We will be summoned soon." Pisti shouted happily. "There is activity in the southern sea. You know what that means."

I knew all too well what it meant. The hunt starts today.

*FLASHBACK CONTINUES *