Chapter 27:

For a while Keeah gaped at Taasha " Fa Sang?"She repeated surprised "Why?"

Taasha was silent. When he looked up his face was very serious "Does it really matter? You wish to go to Fa Sang .So do I . We should help each other."

Keeah was silent.

"Human, the stench of your suspicion stifles me .I wish you no harm."

"For years my country has been at a state of war with my neighboring nation .I want to end this incessant strife by any means necessary."Keeah began tersely ignoring the warning look from Suraco "Our guardian deity Seiryuu lies imprisoned in Fa Sang .I wish to free him."

"And after that?"

"After that ?."Keeah's eyes were distant "It is too far away and too foggy. What I have now is the present."Her eyes became steely "That is what I will deal with. And right now my aim is to free Seiryuu."She looked at Taasha as if challenging him to say otherwise.

"I sense truth in your words human. But the scent of your suspicion is more concentrated than before." Taasha looked keenly at Keeah."I do not understand you human .If you don't trust me, then why do you entrust me with the secret of your mission?"

"It is true that I do not trust you .It is also true that you do not trust me either .I have taken a great risk in revealing my secret to you. But, you will not betray me."

"How can you be so sure human?"

"Because I will kill you before that."

There was a moment of silence, before Taasha burst out laughing. Finally he stopped and looked into Keeah's somber face "Are you always so honest human? Is this how you recruit your pack ? By threatening them?"

"When necessary I am honest."Keeah said quietly "And I normally do not threaten my people .It is not my way to alienate people whose loyalty I demand. But you must admit that our circumstance is not entirely... normal .Do not expect me to trust you just as I do not expect you to trust me."

"And yet you told me your secret."

"In the hope that you will tell me yours."

Once again an awkward silence seemed to descend upon them. Taasha's eyes were distant as he stared into the fire. Then he spoke."Very well .I will tell you why I left Ubasti and journeyed to the land of man."

"Yes .I am eager as well to know the cause."Keeah smiled but the steely gleam in her eyes did not fade.

"My people believe them to be descendants of the Goddess Bastet .A long time ago four Gods gave Goddess Bastet a mirror .She gave the mirror to the Elders of Ubasti and entrusted its safety in their hands."Taasha paused "Since then we have guarded the mirror zealously .A spell woven by Goddess Bastet keeps Ubasti hidden from human eyes. When she gave the mirror to the Elders, she decreed that nobody from the clan of Bast should step outside Ubasti unless it is a time of absolute crisis .In fact, I am first of my people who has stepped outside Ubasti in a very long time."

"Why is that?"

"The mirror cracked."

"You want a new mirror?"

"Do not laugh."Taasha said severely "The mirror is very sacred to us. The elders are distraught. They fear the wrath of Goddess Bastet will descend on our clan if we fail to repair the mirror. So, they have sent me to find somebody to fix the mirror. With this in mind I have traveled to the Lands of Man. Legend has it that the mirror was crafted in the fires of a scared furnace of a temple situated in Tur."

"Never heard that name either. Where is it?"

Taasha looked at her queerly "This is Tur!"

"What! "

Taasha got up."Perhaps it is better that I show you."He brought out a yellow parchment from under his cloak and laid it in front of them "This is a picture of the mirror when it was unharmed .It is drawn by Borkan, one of Ubasti's greatest artists and even the elders agree that it captured the mirror perfectly."

Keeah bend over the parchment .It looked like an ordinary mirror set in a heavy gilded frame .Her breath hitched .In the four poles of the mirror were four intricately carved mythical beasts .A Dragon, a Phoenix, a Tiger and a Tortoise.

"Wow!"She heard Sotisku swear softly.

"These carvings "She tried to keep her voice steady "What do they mean? Are they ...decorations?"

"No "Taasha smiled "They are the fours Gods who gave Goddess Bastet the mirror."

"Oh."

"Hey Taasha. Your Borkan did a mistake."Suraco bend over the picture keen on observing details "He drew the Dragon broken."

"Oh that. It is fixed now."

"What are you talking about?"

"You see Borkan lived more or less a hundred years ago, give or take a few years .It is said that when he started drawing he became completely engrossed in the composition .One day he was drawing the mirror. Naturally, he had become completely immersed in it. When he completed it he was surprised to see that he had drawn the dragon broken. Startled he looked up and found that the dragon was indeed broken."He paused "Fortunately, the artisans of Ubasti were able to rectify that problem."

"Nice story."

"I know."Taasha said grimly ' Though it makes me wonder that whether such a huge hue and cry would be raised if the artisans at Ubasti could fix the mirror as well. Anger of Bastet? Hmph. Hypocritical fools.'

Keeah stared into the fire, her eyes distant. Presently she looked up "Taasha why exactly did the four Gods give Goddess Bastet the mirror?"

"It is said that Goddess Bastet helped them in a time of great crisis. It was their way of showing their appreciation to her ...Why do you ask?"

"Just curious." Keeah became silent again ' Except that the carvings of the mythical beasts strike to me as the carvings of Seiryuu, Suzaku, Genbu and Byako .I could be wrong of course .The statue I saw of Seiryuu was broken...' She froze ' In the exact same place as the carving was broken ...Oh shit ! He says the painting is more or less a hundred years old ...That was the time around which the First war happened ...And Seiryuu was sealed by the Suzaku no Miko...' She peered into Taasha's face ' Seiryuu ,I need to think ...'

"So, what will you do now?"Sotisku's voice was calm "If this is the Tur you speak of, then perhaps you should return to Ubasti .I am quite persuaded that the knowledge that helped carve that mirror is quite lost."

"You do not understand Sotisku."Taasha smiled "If I do not find the knowledge to fix that mirror, I cannot return to Ubasti. That is the reason I wish to go to Fa Sang."

"Ah, the legendary great library of Fa Sang."Suraco said softly.

"Yes."Taasha said gravely.

"How did you get here by the way?"Suraco was curious.

"By the sea, naturally."Taasha shrugged.

"If you have sailed so far, alone, then why do you require our help to reach Fa Sang?"Keeah asked intrigued "We know nothing of sailing .We don't know where Fa Sang is either."

"But you are honest."

"You harbor false illusions Taasha .I am honest only if it serves my purpose."

"That is honest enough for me human."Taasha's voice quiet "I think Fa Sang will be very hostile and not much different from Tur .I doubt that I will find anything of importance there."He paused "I can never return to Ubasti..."

"Taasha..."

"I do not require your pity human."Taasha's voice was hard "I am a good warrior .If you give me the chance you will find my services invaluable .I am yet rusty in the ways of man, but I will learn..."

"Taasha..."Keeah's voice was sharp "I have no doubts about your competence .I do not pity you. However, be patient with me if you find me a trifle ...suspicious .I have been the focus of many conspiracies since I was born and more so after my father's death .I believe that it has made me quite incapable of trusting people easily."She smiled "Since you are part of the pack now let us cut up that fish you got and eat it. After that you can show me around Tur."

' That will take my mind off these ridiculous ideas that seem to fog my mind.'

Taasha smiled, genuinely this time "Thank you human. "He looked into the fire ' Perhaps this time I will be lucky. Perhaps now I will have finally found my pack.'

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On one of the broken rooftops of the derelict city a hooded figure stood watching the small light flicker in the once abandoned house .If was almost as if it was a tiny flicker of life in a city of the dead. Unwelcome and out of place.

"I thought you promised me that never again will life dare raise its head in Tur."His voice was mocking as he addressed the figure crouched in the darkness beside him.

A pair of baleful yellow eyes turned at him "That can be easily remedied." It was a female's voice. Colder than the frozen northern fields."But it is so unlike you to be worried about four children."

"Are you having second thoughts Sairi? I never knew you were compassionate. Could it be that it is you who is afraid of the children? After all you are rusty."

Sairi gave a low growl, her yellow eyes almost fluorescent in the dark.

The hooded man gave a small chuckle."I see that I have offended you."

"You have."

"Why didn't you kill the Bast when he put his foot inside Tur?"

"He was poor sport .My pets need exercise." Sairi's voice was contemptuous "The people of Bast have forgotten to wage war."

"It is not in our best interest should they remember what they have forgotten."

"I see. Very well .I will present you with their heads."

"Sairi, beware the young Dragon .She has sharp teeth."

"I assure you, they are not sharper than my mine."

The hooded man watched dispassionately as Sairi disappeared in between the broken buildings.

' So you see Dragon...' He turned to watch the tiny group around the fire ' If you are not with me , you are against me and I do not like people who dare refuse me .It is a pity though , you and I could have been such friends .'

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Liang starched his head "So, yer the Prince and this is the miko."He looked at Lee before turning to Hotohori again "And the female who gave ya the sword was the Princess of Kutou."

Hotohori nodded."Yes."

"Oh."Liang was quiet for a while he digested this information "Ya want to stop them bastards from releasing Seiryuu .In that case why are we sitting here? Let us get our butts into gear, find to yellow faced pencil pushers and kick their skinny ass."

"A very noble thought."Menesku said quietly "Do you know where they are?"

"No."Liang deflated a little.

" I was trying to locate them."Chulivey broke in quietly "But it seems they have a very strong concealment spell that makes it quite impossible to track their chi. Perhaps that is why you could not sense Suraco in the bar."

"I still think that you should have given me a call before you started to follow Keeah."Menesku said quietly. Hotohori was so deeply apologetic that he had felt much of his chagrin melt away, but he still disapproved of Hotohori's decision.

"I ...wasn't thinking."Hotohori looked into the fire ' I was never so impulsive. Granted, I am not as logical as Menesku, still ...Witch ...What spells do you weave? One look and I am reduced to a reckless idiot.'

"That much is evident."Menesku agreed without batting an eyelid "The more important question is why did Lady Keeah return the sword to you?"

Hotohori's face paled and his fists curled into tight balls.

"Are you demon at all that you are so easily tamed?"

" I do not think that she did it with the intention of helping us."Hotohori said tersely "She only wanted to..."His eyes flashed red "Challenge me, will she? Well, I accept her challenge."

"Like the ice block says, you ain't thinking."Liang cut in "I ain't no expert on women, but that female wanted to get you all riled up and you are all riled up .She challenged ya, mocked ya .She knows ya will be angry. When yer angry ya don't think straight .Yer playing into her hands."

"Could it be another trap? "Lee paled a little remembering their encounter "Oh Hotohori, are they trying to force another confrontation on us?"

"I bet they'll have some other dirty trick up their sleeve this time "Faraco growled edging closer to Lee "Well this time we'll be ready .So, you needn't worry."

Lee tried to smile a little."I am not worried Faraco."It was a lie and she knew it .No matter how much she tried to hide it, the mere thought of the malevolent dark warrior send shivers down her spine.

"A confrontation is inevitable."Chulivey said calmly "If not here, then in Fa Sang. However, this time we should try to fight it on our terms. This time we will have to force the confrontation on them. Rushing headlong into a fight is inadvisable."

"I did not rush into anything."Hotohori said glumly.

"If you say so my lord."

"Fine."Hotohori's lips twitched "I made a mistake .I am sorry. But admit it, something good did come out of this."He smiled at Liang "We found Liang."

"Oh joy."Faraco said sarcastically.

"Who asked for yer opinion sissy boy?"Liang snapped.

"Oh shut up both of you."Lee cut in impatiently, before turning a beaming face at Liang "Hey, we did not start of on the right note .I am Lee and I know that I am not that tall. But please don't call me a midget."

' Yeah, call me midget one more time and I will show you stars. Lovely Technicolor stars.' The voice in her head growled.

Liang smiled "Heh .Yer a right one .I could almost tolerate you."

"Huh?"

"I assure you Lady Lee, that the cryptic utterance of our newest freind though devoid of manners, grammar and finesse masks a compliment of no mean order." Menesku assured Lee.

Liang stared at Menesku "Ya insulted me."His voice was wondrous."Ya made it sound so good. Yer good."

Menesku chose to ignore Liang's comment "The fact remains however that yet again they have managed to be one step ahead of us and we have most definitely incurred the wrath of some of Nobu's powerful people. What I don't understand is how exactly did you get mixed up with this?"

"I do not know "Hotohori said quietly "Liang, those men ...were they...?"

"Yer right "Liang said quietly "Remember the sniveling fellah ya spared back there, meself had a fair game of chance with him. Bad gambler that fellah is. Lost everything. Then he bet a ship .Now meself thought that since me self's gonna be a pirate, meself need a ship .So, I won .The fellah however is a fucking loser .He send a few of his bastards after meself. Apparently he worked for somebody called Sung and the ship belonged to him and he would have his hide if he knew the fellah lost the ship in a game of chance."

"What exactly do you mean by a game of chance? Is it gambling?"Lee asked curiously "You won all the rounds?"

"Yeah! Of course."Liang preened himself "When it comes to the cards meself is an artist."

"He cheated."Menesku's voice was calm as usual.

"Ya take that back "Liang shot Menesku a look of extreme loathing "Me self always plays fair."

"I am sure you do .Its just that if I wanted to cheat at cards then I would have allowed myself to a suffer serious reversal in fortune before making a dramatic comeback. That would remove the suspicion that I was indeed ...cheating. Winning at every hand is a bit of a give away don't you think?"

"Oh ...so that's how them bastards caught up to me."

There was a very amused gleam in Menesku's eyes "So, you are admitting that you were cheating?"

"Well ...So?"Liang was defensive.

"Don't call it cheating Liang."Hotohori's lips were twitching with suppressed laughter "Call it a strategy to win. Beside I am sure that your opponents were cheating as well."

"Its just that your strategy was badly executed."Menesku's eyes gleamed with amusement "You lack practice."

"Me self lacks practice!"Liang was appalled at this heresy "What do ya know of gambling?"

"Nothing."Menesku gave one of his rare smiles "Its just that there is not much difference between war and gambling. And believe me, I know a lot about war."

"So that part about suffering losses..."

"Retreat and then strike swiftly."Menesku's aspect became grim "It has been done before."

Hotohori looked at him strangely "And I suppose our army bore the burnt of that attack."

"One of my more foolish decisions .I should have known better."

"We learn from our mistakes Menesku "Lee smiled at him "Let it remain in the past where it belongs. I think we should concentrate our resources on determining how we are going to get to Fa Sang."

"You are right Lady Lee."Hotohori said quietly."Menesku, Liang comes with me."

"Now."Liang looked up surprised "Yer outta of yer mind."

"Very well .You can stay."Menesku stood up tying his cloak snugly around him.

"No way in hell .Me self's coming. Where are ya going?"

"We are going to see your Master Sung."Hotohori said quietly.

"What? He is the guy trying to kill us. Didn't ya hear what I was saying."?

"Perfectly."Hotohori smirked "I believe that it is time you claimed your prize."

"He'll try to kill us again "

"Well then Nobu will have a new overlord."Hotohori paused a hand on the bolt "But we journey at dawn tomorrow no matter what."His eyes rested a while on Lee's face "Take care Lee."

Lee blushed.' That's the first time he called me Lee.'

Hotohori stepped into the cold streets once more .He pulled the cloak over his head "Come."He called his two companions.

He lifted his face to the sky feeling the fleeting kiss of the cold wind on his upturned face and the touch of snow as they settled on his skin .He looked around .The streets were dark and almost deserted .A heavy mist floated on the near empty streets making Nobu appear like a ghost town and the shadowy shapes that moved noiselessly in the foggy streets like unquiet spirits.

"One question "Liang held the cloak closer to himself "Do ya know where Sung's stays?"

"No .I was assuming you knew."

"Well me self knows nothing about where the fellah stays."

"How do you propose to find him then my Lord?"Menesku held a lamp .It cast a little flickering light on the dark streets, its flame was heavily buffeted inside the small glass container that was supposed to guard it against the wind.' And how exactly do you propose to make him agree to give you what you want? After all this is his turf.'

"I do not know."Hotohori smiled "But I have a feeling that he will find us. After all we did diss his men."

"Yeah, that we did "Liang said with satisfaction "Even though ya did most of the dissing. But what do we do in the meantime? It ain't like we are gonna stand here in the cold."

"No .We can't do that "Hotohori agreed, "We will go to the house where we were kept .I am sure that we will find some clue there as to how to find Sung."

They hadn't realized that they had come distance from the inn .The streets were empty and other than the faint noise that ocasionally came from behind the doors there was no indication that they were indeed in the land of the living. Suddenly Hotohori stiffened .His hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword.

"Is it me or did it just get colder?"Liang's voice sounded uneasy.

The fog seemed to swirl in front of their eyes. Dark particles swirled in the revolving mist like a swarm of dark fireflies burning with a pulsating black glow. Slowly the fireflies began to gather in clumps amalgamating into a dark hooded shape.

"Good evening ...Your highness."

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Keeah studied the city of Tur with growing wonder and apprehension .At a glance she realized that Tur was a very well planned city .The houses were arranged in rows with wide cobbled streets meeting at neat right angles .She was no architect but it was clear even to her that a lot of thought was given into planning and building this city. However there were a few things that seemed to trouble her.

First were the braziers. Keeah had concluded that the braziers were magically enchanted .If light was applied to one then the rest would blaze to life. This was evident from the braziers that were situated on the path that led to Tur. However Keeah could not find any such structure inside Tur. True enough she found the braziers or at least what remained of it. There were remnants of lamp stands at every street corner.

Taasha voiced her thoughts "Yes Princess .It puzzled me as well .I only realized that these were lamp stands from the designs on the stumps. They match the designs of the lamp stands on the path. However, the strange part is every lamp stand in Tur was destroyed on purpose .Not only the ones in the streets but also the ones in the houses."His voice was very grave "At least the ones I dared to enter. Somebody went through awful lot of trouble."

Keeah winced .If the vision she saw was true, then this city was attacked brutally. That brought her to the second question. What could have happened here?

The crystals embedded in the walls of the cavern reflected the light from the braziers that were placed on the winding path that led to Tur and lit up the entire cavern. However, the cavern was too large and the light supplied by the lamps was not enough to light up the entire cavern floor. The light was still there, but it created the sensation of walking through perpetual twilight .As one moved deeper into the city the light became feeble and almost non-existent.

The walls of the houses bore unmistakable scorch marks .It indicated that the city was indeed put to fire. But that much was already expected .It was a common tactic to put fire to a fallen city to crush the last vestiges of opposition .It was also a known fact that a conquered city would be subjected to acts of plunder, vandalism and rapine .No matter how disciplined the army, no matter how noble the leader, the mere sight of blood seems to bring out the worst in the best of men. Keeah allowed a small bitter smile to touch her lips.

' There is a monster in each of us .We hide it under the mask of civilization and culture. But in times of war that mask we wear cracks and the monster we keep chained inside us surfaces baring its ugly teeth and claws and we justify our savagery as glory. Glory, indeed .War is never about glory, it's always about superiority, of one country over another, of one warrior over another, of the strong over the weak. Like animals we fight to protect our territory and sometimes to extend it .As for me...' Keeah looked at her friends ' I fight to protect me and mine .Taasha is right .I am the alpha of my pack. And by the talons of Seiryuu if anybody threatens my pack I will rip them to pieces.'

"Princess "Sotisku's voice called her."Look here."

Sotisku was kneeling before a darkened doorway, holding something in his hands."I stumbled over this. Have a look."

It was a child's toy .The doll was crafted out of stone and though now it was missing a hand and a leg it was clear that it was crafted with a lot of care and love .It was covered with dirt but Keeah could make out burnt marks on this as well .For a moments Keeah felt that there were still some blood stains on the toy.

Once again she heard the screams surrounding her .The dark streets she was standing in seemed to be lit in a strange red glow .She saw flickering red gold flames lapped hungrily at the buildings, the smell of burnt flesh wafted to her nose. She saw a small child lie like soiled linen on the ground, blood stained her blue robe red, her lifeless eyes staring sightlessly at the ceiling of the cavern, her pretty brown locks mixing with dirt and mud .Her beloved doll lay not far from her anointed with her lifeblood.

Keeah wanted to turn away. But something forced her to look on.

A shadow stopped momentarily in front the corpse blood dripping from the scythe like blade it carried the corpse momentarily distracting it from its rampage.

The flames were now licking at the streets. Keeah saw another figure through the red haze, in the swirl of blood, fire and smoke all Keeah could make out was a baleful yellow eye .The figure raised a hand as if to instruct the shadow .The shadow inclined its head. Holding up the child's body like a rag doll the shadow threw it into the greedy fire.

Keeah shuddered and closed her eyes. When she opened them she felt the cold sterile air of the cavern caresses her face .She was still holding the doll in her sweaty palm. Taasha was pointing out something to Suraco and Sotisku .Her hands shook a little as she put down the doll on the doorway where Sotisku had found it.

Straightening up she called them "Lets go ahead."

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Hotohori felt the hairs on his spine stand up .His fist tightened over the cold hilt of his sword as he studied the hooded man in front of him.

"Do I know you?"He hoped that his voice was calm.

"Of course not my Prince."The figure chuckled "But I was hoping to get acquainted to you."

Somehow Hotohori felt that he wanted nothing to do with this man."And pray what have I done to receive such an honor?"

"Lets just say we can be of use to one another."

Hotohori felt something in his stomach .To his surprise he realized it was dread."Indeed "There was a small quiver in his voice that he failed to smooth out.

"I know of a Dragon .Do you wish to know where the Dragon lies?"

Hotohori stiffened ' Dragon? Keeah?' He looked at the man "What is your name Sir?"

"What's in a name my Prince?"The man said silkily "The dragon stirs awake and stretches its claws. Do you not wish to protect your people from the dragon's talons?"

Hotohori was silent.

"The dragon is weak, but its strength will grow. Strike now demon for you may never have another chance."

' It is true that I need to stop Keeah from releasing Seiryuu .It is also true that I do not know where she is at present.' Hotohori frowned.' If this man indeed has information regarding Keeah it could be very useful to our cause.'

"Don't think my Lord. Decide."

"Why do you want to help us?"

"In hopes that someday you will help me .Do we have a deal then?"

' I need that information. But I fear that the price might be too great. Call me a fool, but between the witch and this man, I would choose the witch.' When he looked up his face was calm "No."

"No "The man gave a low mocking laughter "You would have fared better if you had accepted my offer Princeling."His voice had a sinister undertone "Good luck on your quest then .You will need it."

His body seemed to melt away in the darkness and the fog that surrounded them.

Liang was the first to break the uneasy silence that seemed to have enveloped them " Well that was one freaky guy. Never fear between ya and me we could 'ave kicked his hooded ass."

Hotohori felt the could of anxiety in his mind lighten a little "Liang what makes you think that we will have cause for violence as far as our new freind is concerned?"His voice was amused.

"Well for one thing that's one helluva shady character .I mean the Princess wench is our enemy and she make no bones about it .Of course the way she says it is typically female, confusing .Now that ain't the point here. That fellah ain't gonna be our freind. Ever."

"Liang is correct."Menesku cut in calmly.

"I am?"Liang was stunned at Menesku's approval.

"Mark my words my Lord, today we have made a very bad enemy and one day we will have a confrontation."Menesku paused "But I am not so confident about our chances though."

"Yer a little ray of sunshine, aren't ya? No fancy trick is gonna scare this fella .Let the bloke make one wrong move and meself will Rekka Shien his pathetic black ass."

"I am sure you will."Menesku said dryly.

Hotohori looked at Menesku .It was unlike Menesku to pass his opinion on something or somebody so quickly .It was clear to him that though Menesku's face did not betray anything, he was badly shaken, and the truth was that it took a lot to ruffle Menesku.

He forced a smile on his face "Well what will be, will be .If we do not move we might never complete our actual mission."He started ahead "Come on."

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Keeah stared in amazement at the colossal structure. Only then she had some realization of how huge the cavern actually was .The structure was pyramidal in shape, wider at the base and tapering towards the top. There were terraces cut in the structure and a flight of broken stairs led upwards .The structure was separated from the main city by an intricately carved wall and surrounded by ornamental archways and fountains .It was truly a magnificent structure. Time was cruel to her, but even then her beauty endured. Like old wine she mesmerized they who drunk her ageless grandeur.

The structure itself was situated on the banks of a enormous underground lake .Its silent black waters lapping on the broken marble slabs that had once graced its shoreline. Keeah assumed that this lake had some connection with the sea and had at one time functioned as the harbor of Tur .She saw a small vessel bobbing quietly on the surface of the lake.

"Is that your vessel Taasha?"

"Yes."Taasha agreed letting his torch shine on the rather beaten but sturdy looking ship."That is Iris."

"Doesn't that look a bit ...small "Sotisku asked hesitatingly.

"Iris may be small, but she is very hardy and easy to manage "Taasha reassured him "She is also very quiet and fast. Besides it is she who has brought me from my land to Nobu."

Sotisku wasn't reassured "If you say so."He said dubiously.

Keeah stood at the edge of the lake watching the light from her torch dance in the water and listening to its quiet melody.

"Taasha, did you come here believing that Tur still existed?"She asked him quietly.

Taasha was quiet for a long time. When he spoke his voice was strained "I had my doubts."

Keeah raised an eyebrow but did not pursue the topic. Taasha spoke again "In Ubasti history is studied only by the Elders or by they who train to be Elders. It is forbidden by anybody else to study the ancient lore of my people. Naturally, we have no other choice but to accept what the Elders say."

"Naturally."

"Well, aren't you going to ask why of all the people in Ubasti, Iwas chosen for this task?" There was a tinge of bitterness in his voice.

Keeah seemed to ponder on this for a while."I have a theory Taasha, but you might not like it."

"Go on."

"You were not chosen because you the bravest or the strongest or the wisest .You were chosen because you challenged the established norm of many centuries. People do not like change, especially if that change threatens to take their power from them .You were chosen because you were expendable. Because it would be better if you never return to Ubasti."She turned at him "Am I right?"

"Close enough "There was a bitter smile on Taasha's lips ' but that is hardly the entire truth.' He studied the frame of Keeah's face ' She is very wise. But I cannot bring myself to tell her everything. Not yet.'

"I think you are very brave."The words came from the red headed human on his left.' What was the human's name again .Ah yes. Sotisku.'

"You do?"

"Of course I do."Sotisku nodded "If I had to walk through that city alone, I would have died of fright." With that parting shot he wandered towards Keeah who was observing one of the broken archways that led to the temple.

"Did you know that there is another party in Nobu who also wish to go Fa Sang?"Taasha turned to face the green-eyed companion of the Princess.

"No Suraco."He said quietly .The sensation of being studied by those green eyes made him wary of the human called Suraco.

"So, it was sheer dumb luck that you met us."

"Yes."

"And what if you had met our rival group first?"

"I would have asked to be a part of their pack."Taasha said candidly."Do not worry Suraco, I have chosen my pack. Call it fate. Call it sheer dumb luck, I am part of your pack now and for better or worse I intend to it remain that way."

Suraco's face suddenly spilt up into a smile "I am glad." Yielding to an impulse he clapped Taasha warmly on his shoulders before moving ahead to join Keeah and Sotisku.

Taasha looked at the trio and felt a warmth in his heart .It had been a long time since he had felt that way.' We are mismatched. Still, we are a pack .My pack.'

Keeah looked at him "Do you want to start for Fa Sang now?"

"I do not know where Fa Sang is."Taasha said quietly "However, according to legends, there was a very busy trade route between Fa Sang and Tur. This model of this ruined temple is similar to the Temple Of Bastet in Ubasti. The inner walls of the temple of Bastet is covered with murals, drawings that sing of Bastet and other Gods .It also depicts our lives, what we do ...However in the inner sanctum sanatorium of the temple where the mirror was stored, one of the walls were covered with a map."

"A map?"

"Yes .It is assumed that it showed the route to the countries with which Ubasti had trade relations." Taasha paused "Most of the map has been corrupted."

"Corrupted?"

' Destroyed is more like it .It would seem that somebody did not want that mural to exist. But why leave that one particular spot untouched?' Taasha grinned "However one route was clear .The route that indicated the path from Ubasti to Tur. That's how I came here."

"You are trying to say that a similar map might exist..."Sotisku gulped "Inside this temple."

Taasha nodded."Yes."

"Well then why are we dilly-dallying?"Sotisku was pale but there was a mulish look of determination in his blue eyes "Lets get going."

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Yusagi : Here's the word from the insider .Liang is Tasuki's descendant , so you are right on that count .Anyway keep reading .

Mystice :Thanks so much for the review .

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