Ju-Long Lei Chapter Forty-One

I sigh as I felt so homesick... I had no idea I could miss home so much. It's getting hard to hide it as the days and weeks go by. I miss Zheroh as well... I hope he is staying safe.

"It's quite a nice day today!" I see Lexiana behind me. She is nice and Aaron too... But I can tell everyone here has their own secrets. Including my own. Azalea is my real only home comfort, but even then, she only acts as a bodyguard.

"You know what you did back there... The... Uh... Setting the bodies aflame. That was really something. I have never seen anything like it!" I try to sound cheery.

"Thank you... It's... The least we can do for them. They should rest in peace."

"So, it is true that you cremate your dead. Is that the most common practice?"

"Yes. We cremate our citizens in Vulkania's volcanoes. We never bury them. Statues and urns are made for the families to keep. So, we will never forget them. If a family dies out with no relatives to take the urns. They are placed in the volcanic chambers of remembrance. Where anyone can visit them. How do your people bury the dead?"

"Our most honoured way is to be buried in a tomb with all of your worldly possessions. We have sarcophagus made of stone that looks like us when we were young or at our most famous. We have carts, boats, gear, jewellery and gold. And in the palace, we have a large room with multiple carved tablets. With all my families deceased relatives names on it. They are carved with blue draconium so I walk past they glow."

"Wow..." As Lexi nods in astonishment. I could not make out if she was impressed or thinking we are egotistical.

I look down at Aaron as he keeps on insisting not to ride dragons. Such a weird man... I won't dare ask him about how his people bury their dead... I think hearing of Hangman's Alley is enough...

"Aaron!" I yell out.

He looks up at me and slows down to match my dragons' pace. How does he have non-stop energy?

"Yes, Lei?"

He pauses at the Lei bit. He is still fighting hard not calling me by my not calling me by my royal title. It still sounds weird to me… But he is naturally awkward to everyone except to Mali.

"This Iolene you seem to know her. How does a young man like you manage to meet a young lady like her?"

He tells me she has been raised in the Aquarius City priest monastery. Daughter of Emperor Aelius and Empress Laelia. A political key to try and rebuild the Gold Empire…

He then explains in detail of how he is originally from the Light Blue Empire. Iolene went on a small trip to Watersgate. That was where they first met. Aaron is the bastard son of the lord there. And once the Lord found out about their friendship. He cast Aaron out… Sold him as a slave and sent him away…

I know how that feels… But I cannot say I have experienced the same horror he must have. My love for men is one of the reasons why I am here… I must keep that detail a secret. I don't know how these people will react if they knew… I don't want to feel alienated again…

Would have my mother sent me away otherwise? She said she trusts me to do this. Even though I am a gossip and a scandal now. She confuses me… She said she loved me. But here I am in the middle of nowhere on an errand to get a girl… I just don't know…

I won't be able to write letters to her. Or anyone in my family. I miss them so much…

As we walked Aaron looks up at me. "Are you okay Lei?" He asks me.

Aaron has opened more about his hurtful past. I decided to open up more. I have been keeping everything close to the chest. I have been with these people for weeks. I don't see why I can't trust them now.

"My mother has sent me away to help create outside allies. We have always kept to ourselves… But we have always been friends with Gold Empire. My mother regrets past actions that she wants to redeem."

"Your mother regrets her actions? What kind of action?" Aaron looks at me with all seriousness.

Mali then interjects with annoyance. "More inaction. The only action she partook is kicking us out of your home. But I am sure she had her reasons your highness…" As he smiles falsely at me.

I look at Mali with annoyance. He wishes can say more in front of me. But he is acting wise not to say anymore…

"We are approaching the city of Chuma. I can see the large walls!" Mali says with relief. However, with a sudden change of mood, he stopped us.

What is going on? But with my heart skipping beats. I sense something… And it's not good! Azalea grabs her eyeglass and looks over.

"It's Shadow Empire soldiers… They're camped outside the walls… My prince, we cannot go near it. We should not have to come here! I will take you back!"

I look to Azalea. "I have a duty to bring Stein to my mother. In order to help repair our nations' friendship. I have to help rescue Iolene… I cannot go home as a failure… My mother needs allies…"

I need to do something after everything that has happened…

She sighs and nods in disagreement. We all look at each other. Mali and Aaron look disappointed. It looks like no one can easily get in… And with an opposing army right outside their gates.

A group of bandits will be hard to miss. But all in unison we all agree to move further away to the cliff edges. I can never get used to mountain climbing. But the views of the world are amazing… My home is nothing like this. We have a few mountains. But not as high or rough to travel.

"What is the plan now?" Murray asks nervously. He has been anxious throughout the whole trip. He and Mali had an argument the other day. Something about how Iolene was raised.

Mali and Aaron look at him. They're unsure. Kenneth and Lexi are unsure…

"Maybe she is dead? They get captured and she is killed?" Lexi suggests.

"We cannot think like that! They might have travelled more further north!" Aaron being assertive for the first time I've seen him.

He really wants to find her… How romantic! But I am feeling the same with Lexi. The odds of Iolene being dead is very high.

We all stand around unknown of what to do next. We all begin arguing. Lexi and Kenneth believe she is dead. There is no point on going further. However, everyone else think there is a chance she is alive.

Aaron raises his hand. "How about we steal some Shadow armour and go undercover? Maybe they would know something?"

Mali looks up at Aaron with surprise. And we all give Aaron ridiculous looks…

"Boy do have any idea how insane that sounds?" Mali restraining himself. "I know you want to save the girl but don't forget. You cannot risk the rest of us!"

"We are all just standing around! I am a slave!" As Aaron points to himself.

"Ex-Slave boy…" Mali interrupts.

"Take out a few scouts. I can easily blend in Mali. Maybe I can listen and ask people. If I find anything out, we can go from there!"

What a plan as I look at him… Talk about dangerous. That is literally insane…. He has been so quiet and reserved. Now he thrusts himself into the most danger… Maybe I should learn about such dumb bravery.

"Please let me try Mali!" Aaron begs.

We all look around each other and sigh. It's the only idea anyone had put out. Apart from thinking she is dead.

We all nod in agreement. It's worth a shot.

Aaron then runs alone into the sunset. Hunting for scouts… and steal their armour… It was dark when he returns and slams two bodies onto the floor. He carried them over his shoulders like meat. How strong is he?

I kneeled down and checked the men. They're both breathing.

"Did anyone follow you boy? Or any dragons?" Mali looking at him with seriousness.

Aaron smiles. "No! many of the dragons remain at the gate. It was just these two basic scouts. I surprised attack them as I hid in the tree. They weren't paying attention…"

Mali bends down and places his hand on men's foreheads. Gold draconium energy flows through him. As the unconscious men sleep peacefully.

"They will be asleep for a while. They won't be in pain." As Mali stops the spell.

Murray, Lexi and Kenneth I know think different. The fire priests grab out their weapons. Two large fiery battle axes. As Murray takes out a dagger and aim it at their throats.

"NO!" As Aaron tells them to stop.

"They're our enemies! They must die!" As Murray edges closer to kill the men.

Aaron pushes them and their weapons away.

"I didn't kill them. Because they're not a threat! I overheard them talking before I attacked them. They're steward slaves… They're not fighters. They only scout and if they find something, they run back… I'm not up to killing those who are not trained."

I smile at Aaron. He really is a nice man… He doesn't want to kill people for no reason.

Everyone puts their weapons away. We strip the men off as they sleep. Aaron fits into one of their armour. Grabbing their basic sword and dagger. He is a bit tall for it. But it'll have to do.

The helmet covers the face so there is no worry about face recognition.

I look at him in eagerness… I'm sick of being useless… Everything I have done hasn't ended well.

I grab the spare armour as Azalea yells at me in fury. I tell her to silence. I need to help my home! I'm tired of everyone doing things for me. To be rid of my scandal and gossip. Maybe doing something even more stupid will ease my mind. And override my embarrassment.

Aaron looks at me in surprise. "Lei… You're a prince I cannot guarantee your safety. You will have to blend in! That means masking your accent and everything!"

"You need backup! I can take care of myself! I can stay quiet while you ask questions"

I can fight. But nothing like my older brothers… Hell, even Fen is better than me. At the age of eight. She can kick ass. Where I only know the basic fighting techniques.

Everyone tried convincing me not to go. But with the armour, it fits me best. I'm not tall like Aaron.

Mali walks over to me. "Look, Lei! We knew this will be dangerous. But to just go into blind danger like that! We still cannot lose you! If you want to prove yourself this is not the way!"

"WHAT YOU MEAN COOKING? MY BEST SKILL? I JUST STAY AWAY FROM EVERYTHING?! ME THE USELESS PRINCE? THE PRINCE WHO SHAMES HIS FAMILY?!" I felt so mad. I am so tired… My family is at home living the normal royal life. If I loved women nothing would have happened… I could be married by now. But… Zheroh I miss you…

Mali and everyone stepped back. Mali stutters. "No… uh… Lei! Shhh don't be too loud. Where is this coming from?"

It was like all of my calm demeanour disappeared… Me a few months ago would have never done this. I am usually very calm. But… I just… I snapped myself out of my sudden anger. Calming myself. I am such an idiot… I need to focus! I close my eyes and breathe in. I will help my home! AND I WILL NOT GO HOME EMPTY HANDED!

"I am going with Aaron! And that is final!" I prepare myself as Azalea. Tries her hardest to stop me.

Aaron nods and lets me go.

Lexi walks over to me and quickly hugs me. This took me by surprise. I appreciated it… It's been so long anyone has touched me in any way.

We three have become close in the past few weeks. She also hugs Aaron and wishes us luck.

Mali shakes Aaron's hand. "We will not light a campfire as it is too dangerous. We will eat the preserved meat. I will look after the scouts and keep them asleep. While we will give you three days… If you don't come back. We will head back to Macdan. Good luck…"

And like that in the darkness, Aaron and I walk off.

"So… Why are you doing this? You are complete danger by doing this."

I look down… How am I going to talk about this? What if I say something and he treats me like a freak?

"Well… You see… Sazan Jona. The man we spoke about. We always had problems with him. He is a very powerful man. Mother was going to wed me to his daughter. The heir of Unmei… A way to connect me to rule Unmei and keeping Sazan Jona distance from Lan-Se's throne."

"I take it that didn't go so well…" Aaron stops and looks at me.

"No… It didn't the betrothal fell through."

I look down. I wasn't even looking at Aaron. Still wondering whether to tell him.

"Why did it fell through?"

"Look we have known each other for weeks. We have become friends… an-"

"We are actually friends?" He says in surprise. There was some innocence in him saying that. I didn't understand.

I look at him with weirdness. He really is awkward! "I thought we were! Obviously, you didn't think we were!"

He raises his hands. "NO! No! That's not really what I meant! It's just! I'm not used to the idea of having actual friends! Please don't take offense to that!"

"Okay…" As I folded my arms.

"Look! As a slave… You try and not make friends. I only had one friend… Keyra and even then, she told me not to get too close to her… Making a friend in Dominus Sahara… Can be dangerous." Aaron's tone changed to sadness.

I accepted that and I smiled softly. I quickly went back to conversation beforehand. I decided to tell him. "Alright… The betrothal fell through because… I went out to a festival… And Sazan's spies saw me…"

"They saw you?" Aaron tilts his head. He can be such a puppy.

"They saw me being friendly… A bit too friendly… With a man. And because of it… I have been called out." I looked down as I expected a huge reaction.

"You like men?" As Aaron sounds a bit shocked. "To be honest I was not expecting that… So, your mother sent you away to get Iolene? As like a punishment?"

"Yes… I keep saying it's a rumour. But it's really not. And it's not really a punishment. I am to get Stein mainly… But because of me… My mother's political plan has fallen through. Sazan Jona threatens us and has clear ties to the Black Empire. We now need outside allies. And she believes Stein can fix this…"

"Wow…" As Aaron stands there dumbfounded.

"I need Iolene to get Stein. So, let's go save her. Yes?" And I march forward. After speaking to Aaron, I feel so much better. I haven't spoken to anyone about it. Apart from my family. I just have to hope he doesn't treat me any different.

Aaron walks fast as he easily catches up with me. He acts the same as he did before. He then mentions I am smiling. He is a good guy!

Before we know it, we see the open area where the army resides. There is a huge amount of them. I immediately felt scared. What am I doing? I am so stupid!

"You okay?" Aaron pats my back.

"I guess?" As I walked behind him. How is he so calm?!

Before I know it, we are right at the camp. Soldiers playing around. The snake dragons eating their rations. Slaves tending gears and weapons.

The whole place is a maze of tents. I need to try and remember which way we came in. There are many fires lit so it's easier to pinpoint areas.

Aaron heads over to a few random slaves tending the gear. He is whispering to them in a different language. Prisshek… Interesting. I had no idea what he is saying. But it's amazing. He sounds gentle to them for such a harsh sounding language.

Black, Light Green, Green, Turquoise, Purple and Orange Empires deal with slavery. So, it wouldn't shock me if many slaves have different country roots.

"Scout!" As I hear a soldier walk towards me. Aaron is still talking to the slave. I walk forward.

Trying to mask my accent. "Yes sir?!" I stand straight and salute. But I use the fist and palm salute. It's what our soldiers use. Which was a big mistake…

"What the?! What kind of salute is that? You are a dumbass! Do you mock us!? You shall have a whipping for that!" As the thin soldier towers over me. I begin to sweat and trying hard not to shit my pants.

"Heil Shadow!" As Aaron uses the Shadow Empire Salute. Holding his right arm extended with his palm down. He holds that position.

"Forgive him, sir! He did not mean to offend our Empire Sir! He just came back from scouting duty and started drinking!"

He walks close to Aaron as he sounds absurdly confident. He then shouts at him and me. But counting my lucky stars he gives me a warning.

Aaron then drags me close to him. "Don't salute like that again! Sorry I should have shown you!"

"Sorry… No… I know how they saluted. We do have ambassadors at home who use it. I just accidentally did my country's by accident."

We both breathe in as we sigh of relief. We walk over to an empty tent.

"What did those people say?" As I look to Aaron.

"They said there have been many bandits and merchants who have been attacked. They haven't been here for too long. About a week or so. There wasn't much more they can tell me."

"That's a bummer… Let's look around more." We walk out of the empty tent. As we walked out, we hear an explosion nearby. To my surprise, many soldiers don't panic.

I walk over to a soldier eating food nearby.

"Uh what was that fellow soldier?!" It was so hard to hide my accent.

"Its Chuma attacking us with trebuchets… They don't attack in succession though. The only have so much ammo. They are waiting to starve and we are waiting for them to open their gates."

"So, I was wondering have you seen any bandit groups recently?" I try to sound as natural as possible. I look at Aaron as he is doing the same thing. Only he acts natural… I guess he has full-on experience with people from Inclementia.

"Not really... Many of them run off... General Oleander made it pretty clear to those travelling to not come near us. As they should. It'll be suicide if they try to fight us."

I smile and say Heil to Inclementia! I said it with pretend pride. It really made me feel sick...

I walk away as I meet up with Aaron again.

"Anything?" I ask.

"Nothing... I think we need to go to the higher status... Maybe they would know more. It'll be more dangerous though. We are only talking to the basic soldiers. They wouldn't really care or notice whom they speak too. I've noticed this as they are very casual. However, Generals, lords and sergeants are powerful. They are the people and dragons to be feared. We must tread and act very carefully! Understand?"

I nod in agreement. "The soldier I just spoke to did mention a general Oleander. Maybe we can tiptoe around her?"

He nods yes "And when you see any lords or generals you must salute them! They won't go easy on you, unlike the soldier!" And so we walk around the tents and dragons. Which I notice many of them are wearing mind control gear... How horrible... Not being able to think for myself. To think this might have happened to Aaron.

We eventually find more of the larger royal sized tents east of the large camp. They really have made themselves comfortable for this siege.

Each tent is guarded by a unique soldier. Their armour is not like ours... The ones we are wearing is basic iron and steel. Nothing like their shadow details and embellished matching armour sets. They look beautiful in a way. Nothing like the mythical armour of old though... Real magic armour that can hold immense powers.

Their spears crossing the entrance of these tents. Obviously meaning their masters have gone to sleep. After walking past many more tents, we finally come across the meeting tent the largest tent out of all of them. There is no one inside.

"Ha!" A woman yells out. As I turn around and see two women and a mind-controlled dragon approaches the tent.

Aaron grabs me and sneaks me around a barrel out of sight. Most of the soldiers are going into their dark purple tents to sleep.

"I cannot believe you lost another dragon so soon Oleander! This getting pathetic! We cannot afford you being an idiot! Refrain yourself!" As one of the women laughs at the shorter one.

"Oh! Shut up, Shiva! There are many other dragons!" Oleander scoffs.

"Oh! I know we do! But randomly losing them by running off a cliff. Is completely ridiculous! No wonder why I had to come in with reinforcements! You are being negligent with your power!" They both storm into the tent.

"That's Oleander" I whispered to Aaron.

"What else do you have to tell me Oleander? Apart from your pathetic failures to capture Chuma. What did you have to say in order to get our wonderful Emperor's attention? I did not come all this way to hear of dragons falling off cliffs. Don't waste my time or you will regret it!"

"I don't want to tell YOU! I want to tell my Emperor personally! I didn't ask for a fancy messenger! I ask for a personal audience with him that's all!" Oleander sounds desperate yet conniving...

What could she know to get the Shadow Emperor's attention personally? I see Aaron becoming nervous. I pat him on the back gently.

"So, I travelled all the way here... Just for you to ask an audience with the Emperor... My goodness, you are not respected or classed as important. And look at that no one will listen to you... Fuck you Oleander... You wasted my time. I'm heading back north! And I am telling them of your failures. You are going to get demoted so fast! Maybe even enslaved for wasting my time."

And so, Shiva leaves the tent.

"Wait!" Oleander screams out. Her tough demeanour shakes with fear. "Then at least give me an audience with the league of eight!"

Shiva laughs. "Really? Do you think Valadeera, Kaunis or Vipstranious would want to hear it? Fuck off Oleander!" And like that she disappears into the tent maze.

We then heard tables crashing, screaming and bottles smashing. Oleander is seriously pissed off! She then marches out of the tent and screams out a name. A boy runs over to her. He is clearly a slave... He has tattoos like Aaron on his arms.

"Yes sir?" He says nervously.

"Get me more rum. I'm going to need it!" And so, the boy runs off.

Aaron and I look at each other. We both have the same idea! We should ask him. He must be her personal slave! We waited for him to return. She dismisses him and we quietly follow him. He is only a young boy... So sad...

There is barely anyone around now that most soldiers are resting. There are few guards around, but we blend in... So, we didn't have to worry. Going at night was wise. This has been quite the experience. The adrenaline in my body is going crazy. I have never felt like this. Being in such danger... Even though I was almost caught by making a stupid mistake.

Aaron manages to capture the boy. As I look guard around. The poor boy is scared as Aaron had to cover his mouth. We hid behind a few tents. We had to whisper quietly as we don't know who is asleep or if they're empty. There is no light source in any of them.

We both soothe the boy as gently as possible. Aaron then speaks prisshek to the boy. He didn't understand...

"Shhh boy. We are not here to harm you. We are here to ask a few questions." I say.

He looks at me with curiosity. "What accent is that?" He asks I then bit my lip. I didn't hide my accent this time. It's harder when you are whispering.

"Please don't me. I am owned by Oleander!" He says.

"We are not here to enslave you to us child. As I have said we are only going to ask questions." I tried to be gentle. Like how I would speak to Fen. He is being hesitant, and I don't blame him... Being a slave all I hear about is terrifying.

Aaron gently strokes his hair and he eventually calms down.

"What is your name boy?" I ask.

"My number is two-hundred and three..." He replies

And with that reply, my heart sank... He doesn't even have a real name. Aaron gently takes his arm and looks underneath his wrist. There is the number tattoo 203... Aaron takes off his glove and shows his slave tattoo. I look at it and it says 142.

The boy smiles. "You're a slave too?" He shyly says.

Aaron smiles and says "I am!"

I smile. This is so sad... To try and change the subject I begin with the questions.

"Has your master recently been killing bandits?" I ask.

"She has been... There have been many. We have taken their food, enslaved for skills, gears and weapons. Why?"

Aaron continues to stroke his head in comfort. "Was there a girl in any of these groups?"

"Yes... Many of them have been enslaved. But... My master has been sending many scouts to search for a girl."

"Any girl in particular?" I ask in earnest. With every sentence, it's like we were getting closer to the boy.

"I don't really know... Master Oleander won't say much, I only know from overhearing. Her sending her scouts away. A girl with blonde hair, blue dress, pale white skin, they did bring a few in but they weren't her."

Aaron and I looked at each other. Looking at Aarons face it was clear the boy is talking about her.

"Is there anything else? Do you know where she sends the scouts?" Aaron asks.

"I did hear they look beneath the sharp cliff and south from there. That's it."

Aaron then gives him some of the salted foods. As a kind gesture of thank you. The boy had the largest smile on his face. With Aaron with very nice push he sends him away.

Why can't we just take the boy with us? He doesn't deserve this life... No one really does. But I can imagine this would be hard for him... And complicated...

I look around. It's time for us to leave. It's dark... But it'll be dangerous for us to stay longer than necessary. I tap Aaron on the arm as he seems to be a world away. He stared as watched the boy run out of distance.

"Aaron come on... We need to head back."

He nods yes and we move out of the camp.

"Why would Oleander keep this quiet?" Aaron asks in curiosity.

"Oh, that's an easy question, Aaron. Oleander wants to be THAT person to find Iolene. If she goes around telling everyone. That will mean people and dragons will begin looking for her. If you discover something in the world of politics, you got to play smart. If she tells everyone there is a very high chance someone else will take the credit."

"So, it's a pride thing?" Aaron says.

"Sort of, pride and safety. Just overhearing Oleander and Shiva argue. Oleander not being taken seriously is motive to get Iolene. If Oleander gets her hands on Iolene. Oleander will be secured for the rest of her life! And not even the league of Eight won't be able to touch her..."

We finally leave the campsite. We managed to easily escape by saying we are scouts on night duty. I guess this is what it's like when they are lacking in security. Good, we managed to get Armour.

Now we have an actual objective now. Down the large cliff edge, where Iolene was last located. The others are camped near that cliff. And that it's possible she is very much alive.

As for me though. I have never done anything like this, and I enjoyed it! Scary... But exhilarating. I thought I could never do anything like this. I proved myself wrong. Maybe I can fix up my reputation with a different approach. I look at Aaron next to me. The journey is only going to get bigger from here. But at least I have a new friend to journey it with!