The next shard was striped, in golds and rich browns, a beautiful Tiger's eye. It was directing me towards Domina. I said good-bye to the students and mad my way to Domina, Xaviar right behind me. He had grown hugely, almost taller then me if he stood on all fours. I could use him as a mount if I ever felt the need, but I do not believe in running away, which would be the only reason I would see to use him.
When we got there we were directed to the pub. I entered and saw Daena sitting at a table near the window. I explained my situation to her and she nodded in agreement.
"I've always wondered what it would be like to be a Jumi after being friends with Elazul and Pearl. Do you mind if I accompany you on your search?" she asked politely.
"Thank you, of course you can. I'm gonna need a bit of help. It's been so easy that I'm actually a bit bored, but I believe that it will be getting harder any moment now," I said.
I gave her the stone and she lit up gold, and when the light dimmed she was standing there with a tiger's eye core. She touched it briefly and it flashed. I smiled and took out the pouch. The next shard was deep green, with blood red splashed across it, Heliotrope.
"Hey isn't that Blood Stone?" asked Daena.
"Yes, but it also goes by the name Heliotrope," I explained.
"Oh, I always thought those were two different gems," she mumbled. It flashed and set us to the north, The Ruins. I continued to follow it, ignoring the sproutlings because we didn't need to go through any gates. We were led to the temple, where Daena stopped.
"Hey, doesn't a vampire live here? She's the guardian of the Ruins, right?" she asked nervously.
"Well, I don't know about guardian, I mean, look at the place! But yes, He does live here," I explained.
"Wait, it can't be a he. She's the leader of the succubus clan, right? They seduce men."
"Well, he is the leader, but who says women aren't seduced? I mean, he's quite sexy. You should see him. He won't hurt you because you're with me. I kicked his arse so hard he kissed the moons the last time he tried to mess with me and I don't think he'll do it again," I said smugly.
Daena still looked worried, but followed me into the Forgotten Temple. We ran into a few ape mummies but they backed off after one battle. As we neared the last chamber a pair of female succubi were standing guard of the door.
"You can not enter here now. The master is preoccupied," one said in a silky, suggestive voice.
"Oh, I have very important business with 'the master', ok? Just tell him it's me," I said slyly, smiling.
"As you wish," said the other and they both walked in.
A few minutes later they walked out again.
"The master is ready to see you," they said in unison, bowing.
"Told you," I said under my breath to Daena. She looked very relieved.
We entered the chamber but it was different. There was a platform in the middle draped with silk and Egyptian cotton. Count Dovula was lounging in the center, surrounded with female succubi in very alluring clothes.
"Ah, and what do I owe the honor of these two beautiful women?" he said in a sexy, alluring voice. I tried hard to keep my head clear. I glanced at Daena and her tail was completely rigid. I laughed softly and said
"I believe I have a proposition for you," I said and explained about the Jumi.
"I see. So this woman's life is on the line. Jumi taste so much better then human," he shuddered. "However, I would like to know what is in it for me," he said, him glancing lightly at us, slightly smiling.
"I'm not sure we have anything we can give," I said on my guard. However my guard at the moment had melted into a puddle on the ground.
"I'll make you a deal. Allow me to travel with you and I shall decide then. You may chose between what I ask," he said.
""I don't know, what do you think, Daena? ………… Daena?" I turned to her. She was staring at Count Dovula and seemed to be in a trance.
"Let her go Count Dovula," I said, disgruntled.
"I am not doing anything," he said.
"Daena?" I asked again.
"Yeah?" she said in a breathy whisper.
"Told you he was sexy," I whispered. She nodded.
"Alright, you may travel with us, but only as a Jumi," I said.
"But of course," he said smiling and showing his pointed teeth. I froze for a few seconds and then handed him the stone. He lit up in a dark green light and reappeared with a heliotrope Jumi core.
"Ah, blood stone. How convenient," he said.
One of his succubi ladies came o him and whispered something in his ear. His face lit up.
"Oh, how unfortunate. It is dark, and I'm afraid I can not allow you two luscious ladies to be let out all alone!" he licked his lips, but I knew that he despised all blood other than Dove, so why was he licking his lips?
" I'm afraid you two will have to stay here. I think we should get a fresh start in the morning, nonetheless."