"So the thieves you encountered seemed to be citizens trying to provide for their families as well?" Sin pondered over Ja'far's report.
Sin and Masrur also had a run-in, but theirs was with desperate civilians with their suffering children in hand more so than the actual band of thieves they were defending against. The three men sat around a table to discuss what had happened.
"I'm sorry, we let them go Sin, but…" Ja'far started.
Sin raised a hand. "That's okay. Their fate, if handed over to the government, may have left matters worse. What I'm not okay with was the maiming." He cast a glance over at Neela, who was in one of the beds.
She sat with a comforter covering her bare body. Using a mending kit provided by the hotel, she stitched up the slash in her dress. She really did just travel with only the clothes on her back. She still wore most of her jewelry, but that which she had to take off to remove her dress sat in a pile close to her on the bed.
"I gave them a chance to retreat on their own. My methods are effective," she stated without looking up, focused on sewing.
Sin reasoned, "We have yet to see that. If they are really so desperate, I'm not sure one damaged ear will hold them off for long…we can't just let the lower class continue suffering like this. We have to help them fight back."
"Sin! You're not suggesting that we go against the Balbadd Regime, are you?" croaked Ja'far.
"I guess we'll see if Ahbmad will resume trade now or not. But we need to get to the bottom of what is going on in this country. It seems this has become about more than just our trade route."
Ja'far continued his report, "I've done a little investigating and from what I could tell, it seems Kou has its sites on this country."
Sin verified, "Kou? That tiny nation is trying to expand all the way out here?"
"I'd wager it's a strategic move. With Balbadd's ports at their disposal, their empire will be able to reach further in conquering territory." Ja'far held up some paper money. "Thanks to these bills issued by the Kou Empire, the economy in this kingdom is in chaos. Kou has been successful in their goal to make everyone trade in Kou bills. What's more, King Ahbmad is engaged to one of the Kou Emperor's nieces."
"He's getting married? That's odd. Why didn't he tell me?" Sinbad pondered out loud. "I'd hate to think that this country might already be a lost cause from saving."
There was a knock on the door and Ja'far got up to answer it.
Neela asked, "And what exactly were your intentions for this country?"
"Well...the previous king was a friend of mine. I'd hate to see this country ruined. But if his son's refuse to treat the poor fairly…I guess we'll have to take them in ourselves."
"You have that kind of room?"
"Sindria will take anyone seeking refuge," Sin proclaimed.
"And who was mad about who exposing your cover?" Ja'far grumbled to Sin as he crossed the room to the beds. Presenting Neela's cloak and headdress that a maid just delivered, the two exchanged bowed heads then Ja'far returned to Sin's side.
Sin fumbled a bit and then regained composure and addressed Neela, "Well I guess since you are working with us, it's only fair to know. Now this may shock you, but I am actually…" Sin stood and raised an arm dramatically, "…Sinbad! High king of the Seven seas!"
Unfazed, Neela tilted her head. "Yeah? So?" Sin blinked, disappointed in her reaction. She continued, "I am aware of who you are. Your covert skills are lacking, and observation skills more so." She tied off the end and pulled the thread tight. She used her teeth to sever the extra thread from the mend and then inspected her handiwork.
"Hey! What's that suppose to mean?" Sin whined. "I'm observant! I've noticed that you wear plain clothes, but lots of fancy jewelry."
She smirked, "Don't tell me you got robbed just so you could uncover my true self." Satisfied, she slipped the dress back over her head and got up to adjust it and put her gear back on.
An excessive amount of her nutmeg skin may have been exposed in the transition, but Sin reminded himself of her castration threats before commenting or staring too long at her. Masrur and Ja'far, like dutiful attendants, remained unfazed as she dressed in their presence.
Sin coughed as an excuse to close his eyes even if they did not shut all the way. He said, "Of course not. But you favor frugality, as you demonstrated in being reluctant to stay at this hotel. So obviously the precious metal that adorns you must hold some sentimental value."
She looked down at her necklace and rubbed it, replying with a singsong voice, "I guess you caught me. Yes I wear presents from dearly departed loved ones. It keeps them close."
Pushing past the sudden awkwardness invoked, Sin continued, "And not just anyone could have the expert fighting skills you demonstrated last night."
She grabbed her cloak and donned it. "Oh come now, you're making me blush! It's not like I got off unscathed."
"A light scratch on the back and a new haircut. That is still pretty impressive."
With attention brought to her one shortened braid, she fingered it. "Well if you don't think the hairdresser I saw last night did a good job, perhaps I should go visit her again and see if she can fix it." Neela sauntered towards the door.
"Heading out?" Sin asked.
She cast him a glance with a twinkle in her eye. "Oh come now. I have my own matters to attend to in this country. I didn't show up just to fight your battles for you."
Even under the cloak, Sin could tell she was sashaying her hips as she left the room. His gaze lingered a little bit on the door that her fingers had left a silken touch on. Then he turned to where she had been on the bed, observing the creases her body had left in the sheets. He then noticed something on the bedside table.
"Odd…she left her headdress."
Ja'far replied, "Can you blame her? After how you were wearing it…"
"Wouldn't that give her more reason to want it?" There was a slight pout in Sin's voice.
"Honestly? It's refreshing to see a woman not fall for your charms."
"They all fall in the end," Sin boasted, leaning his neck against his fist in a suave pose, "A powerful woman like that…I wonder if I could get her to stay with us long term. What do you think if we had 9 generals? She has enough metal she values on her, it should be easy to get her to join one of my households…"
Ja'far looked at Sin incredulously. "I don't think you'll win her over with your wiles though."
Masrur mumbled, "I'd rather keep my manhood."
After locating the stronghold for the Fog Troop, Neela strode into the thick of it. There were still a few members around as the slums they use to live in had been destroyed. It was dark and dank, a place forgotten by the sun. Some of the men began to recognize her from the previous evening.
"It's that woman who took out the boss!"
"What's she doing here? We left like she wanted."
"Such nerve, showing her face around here!"
A particularly aggravated member shouted, "Someone better rape that wench and put her back in her place!"
Neela froze when she heard that. Suppressed memories of screaming and blood clouded her mind; innocent faces contorted in pain with streams of tears. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the area and focused on the one who called out. In a heartbeat, she dashed over and knocked him on his back. She held him down with her arm against his throat; dagger poised over him in her other hand.
"I do not take rape threats lightly," she seethed. She replaced the arm on his throat with her foot and twisted around to cut through the cloth around the man's loins. "I'll make sure you can never perform such an action!"
The surrounding men ganged up on her to pull her off their comrade. All the color had drained from the man and he backed up as soon as she was off of him, hands guarding what he almost lost. She struggled to get out of their grasps but more of the men joined in to restrain her.
She managed to bring her right hand with the chain mail ring-bracelet close to her face as she called out, "Spirit of treasure and corruption, dwell in my body, Andromalius!"
The force of her equip threw the band of thieves off of her. Before them now stood a grand figure in dark green flowing fabrics with slit eyes and a hood for hair. She now had a long skinny tail with the head of a snake at the end of it.
She raised a clawed hand as she threatened in a deep voice, "I shall cut every last one of you for your insolence!"
"What's with all this ruckus?" a voice called out over the din. "Geeze, it's giving me a headache!"
Down the alley came Cassim, with cloth binding his right ear. He eyed the men that were cowering then saw what they were staring at. He blinked then marveled at the figure in the center of the area. Before him stood a legendary dungeon capturer, only whispered of in rumors in Balbadd. Wielding such power, his mind contemplated how he could use it to his benefit.
Seeing the being she was searching for, the capturer regained her senses and powered down, dropping her equip form for Cassim to see who she was. Beholding the woman who bested him, a million questions rushed through his head. She approached and requested to speak to him in private. Astounded by her sudden change in demeanor, his nod was almost imperceptible.
Sitting in chairs across from each other in his drab room she stated, "Thank you for acting hurt and retreating last night."
Reminded, Cassim growled, "I didn't expect you to turn the tables like that, but this hurt for real, you know!" He pointed to his bandaged ear.
"I apologize, I can fix that now." She touched her head chain. "Marbas, restore his ear."
Like when she healed her back, energy came out and caressed the side of Cassim's face. When finished, he undid the bindings to inspect the result. He covered his left ear and snapped his right fingers. A look of amazement donned his face as he could fully hear once again.
"Just...who are you?" he asked in wonder.
"My true identity is Zenobia, Queen of Pamira," stated the woman that Sin knew as Neela. "I have seen into your soul and know where your heart truly lies. I seek to join Balbadd to my Empire and could use someone like you to govern over it."
"And what makes you think I would serve under you?" Cassim puffed his chest a bit, thinking he had an advantage since she had come seeking him.
"To protect your beloved country from outside threats. Even as we speak Two other kingdoms are fighting a silent war over Balbadd."
Cassim tilted his head skeptically. "Oh really?"
Zenobia nodded, "The reason life has gotten so bad for you is because Kou is trying to take over by controlling the economy. When they conquer, they make everyone conform to their culture. That includes a slavery system, which is where they most likely sort out those from the slums into. On the other hand, the King of Sindria is here to 'offer sanctuary' to any who do not wish to live under Kou; for any who want to leave their homeland for a crowded little island with limited space. If either of those choices appeal to you, then I have no need to be here."
"Whose to say your option is any better?"
Zenobia gave him a sly smile. "Let me enlighten you…"
A/N: What a relief, I can start calling the Main OC by her real name! Hope the switch doesn't confuse people. Still gonna have Sinbad go as Sin in the narration since that's how he first introduced himself and I got spoiled only writing 3 characters instead of 6 every time he's mentioned lol