Chapter 15:
Part 2:
Night had descended on Konon .The capital slept, wrapped in the velvety cloak of darkness. Only the sleepless eyes of the night watch cast their steady vigilance over their sleeping capital.
Menesku approached the captain of the guards.
"Report " He asked curtly.
The captain of the guards saluted " Everything is quiet General."
Menesku turned and cast a tired gray gaze over the quiet capital ' Then why do I feel so uneasy.'
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Zori looked around. Everything was in order. She turned towards Suila.
"You know what to do "Her voice was a harsh whisper.
Suila nodded and bowed.
Suddenly the mirror glowed. Mioko stepped out of the mirror, her scarlet robe trailing behind her.
"I hope you are ready " She addressed Zori.
" I am always ready " Zori smirked pulling the hood of her thick cloak over her head.
"Very well then. Come "Mioko turned to lead the way.
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Zori looked around the silent room. A small fire burned in the brazier in the corner of the room. It would seem that she was in a small house situated somewhere in a mountainous region. The night air here was quite chilly. In a distance she could hear the howl of a wolf melding with the general music of the night.
"This way "Mioko led her into a bigger room.
Zori followed her .Her legs stilled as if by a will of its own. A dark figure sat on a chair at the other end of the room.
"Leave us " The voice was deep and rich.
"As you wish Dragon" Mioko bowed and left.
" Take a seat. By the fire if you please."The figure addressed Zori.
Zori looked around. There was only another chair in the room .It was by the fire. Her legs shook a little as she made her way to the chair.
When she sat down, she took a while to study the dark figure in front of her. So, this was the Black warrior.
Most of the room was in darkness, except for the light coming from the flickering flames in the fireplace and the shy moonlight that crept through the open window.
The dull moonlight painted the figure in shades of black and white making the black warrior look very much like a creature of the night. He seemed to be perfectly at home in this wilderness, wrapped in the shadows of the night, lulled by the savage orchestra of the jungle that surrounded him.
"Have you dined?"The black warrior addressed Zori.
"I have my Lord " Zori bowed gracefully. She wondered what kind of a man was hidden behind that mask. She carefully opened her cloak and draped it across the back of her chair revealing her full figure .She wore a tight leather corset with a short linen skirt that ended mid thigh revealing her long shapely legs. Her bare arms were swathed in leather gauntlets and her legs were encased in soft leather boots .Her hair was coiled up in a messy bun from which loose ringlets framed her face .Her face was lightly touched with powder and she had carefully applied red paint over her eyes. She had also painted her soft pouting lips a shade of deep red.
Zori knew that she was beautiful .She also knew that her beauty was her asset, to be used like a sharp lethal blade to achieve her own ends. Her eyes still held a wide innocent appeal that melted the hearts of every person she met .She could be a coy blushing maiden and then morph into a sexy siren in the next instant. Beauty..Men were attracted to it like a moth to the flame. History bore witness that many a brave warrior was undone by a woman's smile. That was her power over men, something she exploited ruthlessly.
She had dressed to entice. The dress flattered her every curve and gave a rather tantalizing view of her bosom and creamy thighs. The red paint at the corner of her eyes gave her a mysterious predatory look. She had heard that the black warrior was not human. And today... she would test that theory.
"Then perhaps you would like some tea." The black warrior spoke in that deep sonorous voice that sent shivers down her spine "The night air here is quite chilly."
' How polite ' Zori laid back into the chair drawing lazy circles on its handle "I am quite warm. But thank you."Her lips curved into a small seductive smile.
"Well then "The black warrior paused a little "What is this news you speak of?"
"What is the hurry my Lord? Should we not get better acquainted?"Zori's played with her hair.
"Why?"
" You see my Lord, I am looking forward to having a long and successful mutually beneficial relationship with you .So, I presumed."
The black warrior chuckled " You presume too much Shadow .I dislike wasting time in idle chit chat. When you address me make it brief and to the point. "
Zori was silenced .She was stuck by the unnerving similarity between this man and Menesku. Neither was moved by the beauty that floored so many people. But then again the black warrior was no ordinary man. She should not have expected the black warrior to eat out of her hands just because she had treated him to a skin show. Her lips curved into a slow smile. This would be challenging, yes..But she lived for the thrill of conquest.
She decided to change her tactics.
"Forgive me my Lord."She said humbly "I did not wish to vex you."
"Get to the point Shadow "The black warrior said sharply "Such fake humility disgusts me."
Zori's eyes flashed ' What an unbelievably rude man ' But she had to admit that for the first time in many years she was actually feeling attracted to a man...other than Menesku of course. But then again Menesku was light. And the man before her was darkness. Somehow this dark shadow teased her senses more.
She wondered what kind of a body the black warrior hid behind those dark swirling robes .She imagined that it would be of a lean and sinewy build, more like a panther, for he was very much like a predator, toughened like steel with rough games and the art of war. And his face...
She smiled "As you wish my Lord .The Suzaku no miko has arrived."
"All the four lands know of this. Have you any other news?"The black warrior asked dryly.
"Her name is Lee .She has long copper brown hair and soulful stormy blue eyes. She is quite young .I would say that she is around fifteen years of age. "Zori paused a while.
"Continue."
"But my Lord, we have not yet decided on the price tag on my news." Zori pouted her mouth in a provocative manner.
" My patience wears thin with your antics woman. Do you have any news at all?" The black warrior's voice was grim.
" Patience my Lord."Zori held up her hands in a placatory manner, yet her tone was teasing.
"Do not provoke me woman "The black warrior's voice was a low growl.
Zori could feel a shiver inch up her spine. Strangely, she felt excited, the heady draught of desire coursed through her veins.' I wonder if he is as forceful at other times '
She forced herself to remain stoic " Of course my Lord. You surely have heard of the legends that during the first war a Suzaku no miko came. Her name was Miaka. Apparently, Lady Lee is the granddaughter of Lady Miaka."
"Indeed. Is this wishful speculation or do you have proof? "The black warrior questioned.
"Sadly enough I have not tangible proof. But it is Lady lee herself who confided this secret in me."Zori said calmly.
"Is she stupid?"The black warrior wondered aloud "How could she confide so easily in somebody who she just met?"
"I have my ways." Zori's eyes flashed "But I am deeply hurt by the fact that you believe me so incapable of trust. "
"You are a lot of things Lady Shadow. But trustworthy isn't one of them."The black warrior retorted dryly.
" I am sorry you feel that way." Zori said stiffly "But if you do not trust me, I see no reason to continue this dialogue."
"You have done nothing to deserve my trust" The black warrior's voice had dropped to a lower octave." But trust has little to do with our tryst. We are but merchants haggling over a particularly juicy piece of merchandise and unfortunately for you, I am the only connoisseur for what you are offering."
Zori could not help but smile a little. Apparently the black warrior's tongue was just as sharp as his blade.
"That is true, I am afraid "Zori agreed readily "But you could be a little nicer."
"Whatever for "His voice was curt.
' Damn that man ' Zori pouted.
"Do you have anything else to say?"The black warrior questioned.
"Yes actually "Zori continued "Lady Lee told me about what happened to Seiryuu. Apparently, Lady Miaka made a wish in which she sealed Seiryuu in a magical scroll."
"Indeed" For the first time since this evening Zori could detect a trace of interest in his voice "And where is that scroll?"
"Nobody knows "Zori said.
There was a long silence. Then he spoke again " This Lady Lee, she is very trusting, is she not?"
"She is as innocent as a canary "Zori agreed readily.
"How convenient "The black warrior's voice was silky "Canaries are so easily gobbled up."
Zori shivered involuntarily. He looked at her "Open the box in front of you."
Zori stared at the small box in front of her. Hands trembling she eased the lid open. Her eyes were dazzled. There were a few pieces of jewellery inside, but every one of them was of the finest craftsmanship and embellished with the rarest of jewels. Mioko had not lied. The black warrior did indeed pay greatly for services rendered.
" I hope you are satisfied "His voice was calm.
' Hardly ' Her eyes swept over the black warrior's form. " It will do "
"Goodbye then Lady Shadow." He crossed one leg over the other in a dismissive manner.
" I hope we can do business again " She smiled at him.
"As I said before Lady Shadow, you presume too much."
Mioko ushered her out before she could reply back.
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The black warrior turned to a darkened corner of the room " Did you hear that Suraco? And what of you Sotisku?"
" I did " Suraco stepped out from the darkness "Though that woman can hardly be trusted."
"This proves that the story I told you about the enchanted scroll is true."Sotisku said walking to the fire "But do take that mask off. As wonderful its craftsmanship is; it is a trifle creepy."
"It is meant to be creepy."The black warrior chuckled as ' he' pulled off the mask to reveal Keeah's face.
"You do realize that she was trying to entice you."Suraco's lips twitched.
Keeah glared at him " I am not blind Suraco. " Then her face became cheerful "But at least that made it clear that I very well succeeded in creating a totally different person."
"That is true. When you wear that mask you are a man!"Suraco's eyes twinkled with supressed laughter .
"No I am not " Keeah grinned, " People assume that I am a man. But then that was the purpose of the disguise after all."
"So, what now?"Sotisku questioned "Where is that scroll?"
"If there is such a scroll, then, there is one person who most definitely knows where it is."Keeah said thoughtfully " I am of course talking of Taiskun. I am persuaded that it is she who has hidden the scroll."
"And why would Taiskun reveal that knowledge to us?"Suraco asked.
There was the light of battle in Keeah's fathomless eyes "And why won't she?"
Suraco did not answer.
"I do not know about you people, but I find it kind of hard to believe in that female."Sotisku said grimly "Though most of her words make sense, I cannot shake the feeling that it could be a trap as well. I mean to go to Taiskun's abode we would have to pass through parts of Konon, we could be easily ambushed."
"I know that this is a big gamble, but, this is a risk we will have to take "Keeah said quietly "And there is only one way we could determine the truth of Shadow's words... But enough of this now. The night is nearly over and we do require sleeping. I suggest we retire to bed. Tomorrow we determine our next course of action."
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