Zarda gestured toward the river. "Lead the way. I want us to explore and experience all the different communities," he said.
Sindri gladly offered to showcase more of her treasured kingdom, but suggested he stay an extra day to learn more about Havardr. Zarda agreed and accompanied her back to the village.
"My kingdom is fully prepared for your arrival. We have plenty of rooms ready for you and your companions, as Lord Asger and I made sure our slaves have prepared them in advance," she said.
"I'm sure you must be wondering how we knew you were coming. Do not fret, my seer informed me of your arrival and assured me that you come as friends, not enemies. I hope you have a restful stay during your time here," Lady Sindri said.
Without his knowledge, she secretly kept quiet about the rune she intended to create for him. She was planning to leave soon to carve it in the sacred tabernacle, putting all her faith in her magic. The rune was not meant to cause harm, but to help her gain control over the powerful beast.
Before parting ways, she opened up further to her guest. "We never understood why we, as animals, turned into hybrids. All I know is that Havardr became the sanctuary city after humans abused their power over us. They were afraid of our newfound strength and came to destroy us, leaving our homes and communities in ruins. I was once lost and hopeless, until Odin's ravens appeared to me, guiding me towards a new belief. I met seer Eindride and the ravens, who helped us come together and find sanctuary in Havardr. Eindride was solitary, as his name refers to mean, 'one who rides alone'. We all quickly formed a strong bond and started to develop together. It has proven to be a successful method for us to flourish." Lady Sindri shared.
Glancing at the company nearby, she remarked,
"We are fortunate. I can only imagine the horrors that those of you who were captured endured, or even worse, death."
She was unaware of the horrors they had endured. Zarda gave a solemn nod, knowing how hard it was to suffer daily torment and testing, especially when seeing friends suffer the same fate and die without a just cause. Suddenly, as the conversation shifted, Hemming, the slave, approached the queen from behind.
"My lady, Lord Asger is requesting you." He said, bowing low before her tall stature.
Annoyed, she glanced back at him. She had intended to depart to create the rune, but it appeared that her plans would have to wait for the time being.
"Alright. I'll find out what he needs. In the meantime, you can guide everyone to their cabins for the night," Lady Sindri ordered.
"Excuse me, everyone. I need to see what my lord requires," she announced before leaving.
After her meeting with Asger, she decided it was the perfect time to visit the temple. Without breaking any promises or disobeying orders, Slave Hemming led Zarda and her companions to two large log cabins further up the path. The first cabin had four rooms, divided by an open hallway with two rooms on each side. The rooms were equipped with queen-size beds, a table with a water basin and towels, wooden benches at the foot of each bed, and neatly made beds with quilted fabric from sheep's wool and fluffy pillows filled with duck feathers on top.
It was simple, just as Zarda had feared. Luckily, they had a roof over their heads and warm beds to sleep in. Zarda suggested that all the women and children stay in one cabin, while the men split up and took the nearby one. All the animals agreed with the plan and started choosing their beds. Bjorn and Bria claimed one of the rooms on the left with Pipsie and Nyrim. Emeryn and Jaswyn took the second room on the left. Irabel, Oridian, and Stenifer took Sigge to the right side. Lysabel, K'nani, and Wrena took the remaining rooms on the right side.
Zarda, Osborn, Dane, and Vidar chose the second largest cabin with a layout identical to the first. They decided to take the rooms on the right side, while Alvis, Vulpix, Egil, Draugr, and Randolf took the rooms on the left side of the cabin.
As the sun was still shining brightly, no one was ready to turn in for the night just yet. Bjorn, Lysabel, K'nani, Wrena, and Stenifer stayed outside with the children, who were running around freely and having a great time. It was a joy to see them all having fun. Meanwhile, the women relaxed on the porch, enjoying each other's company and the cool shade.
Emeryn, Irabel, and Oridian joined the male companions for a leisurely stroll around the castle. They ventured onto a trail that led into the woods, where they appreciated the scenic views and the fresh air. The feeling of freedom was incredibly pleasant and relaxing for them. Meanwhile, Zarda and his group mingled with the locals, taking the time to meet and converse with each person they encountered.
The townspeople were thrilled to welcome the lion and his friends, having eagerly awaited their arrival. As they walked past, Zarda caught the attention of an elderly greater short-horned lizard who was busy tending to his garden. The lizard paused his work, peering out from under his straw hat to call out to the group, causing Zarda to stop in his tracks and turn to acknowledge the creature.
"Welcome, friends. Please come, I have fresh melons growing. Too many for an old animal like myself to eat alone. Try them, they are very, sweet. Come, come." Said the friendly lizard.
"By the way, the name is Thurston. I'm the locals gardner. If you ever need fresh food, just come find me." He said, happily.
Zarda was thankful and delighted to encounter such a fascinating creature.
Zarda responded, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Thurston. My name is Zarda, and these are my friends. Thank you for the food. Your kindness is truly appreciated by all of us."
The horned lizard grinned, showing his sharp teeth. As he did, the wrinkles on his scaly skin became more pronounced.
"Oh, you're very welcome. Here, take a slice and pass it around so everyone can have some," said Thurston as he handed out large slices of sweet melons.
"Zarda remarked, "You are so generous and kind, a common trait here in Havardr. It's a refreshing change from where we came from."
Thurston, feeling grateful for being able to help others, replied, "We have learned to support each other here. Many of us had to start over after the attack on my old home in Hillside. Some of us experienced strange physical changes and were hunted by humans. In our animal lives, humans used to observe us without harming us. This new aggression took us by surprise. Now we survivors are protected by the sanctuary's high lady. What's your story, young lion?" asked the elderly lizard.
"By the way im not really around from here I come from desert land of Saudi Arabia. I left the politics of the wars there behind. It was getting to crazy to live at peace, not to mention to hot to grow my sweet melons. So i left my family behind. You know its not far from your homeland, say if you wver find yourself visitng and you happen across a lizard mafia troop tell you know me and they'll take care of you. My brother, nephews even some of my own kids run the brigade. I miss them, but id never go back. If you see them be sure to share how well I am and that i love them." Said Thurston
Zarda agreed to that very thing although he doubted greatly he would ever have a need to visit their location.
"Who do I ask for?" Zarda inquired.
Thurston replied, "Big Zee, that's my younger brother. He's the leader of the troops and they all work for the Viper snake president. Becareful around that creature, he's double minded"
"My lord, lord asger, where are you, my love?" Called lady sindri.
She made her way to the thrones and then to their wooden hut. Lord Asger was nowhere to be found. Lady Sindri, who had been annoyed before, now felt even more aggravated.
"Where could he possibly be? Lord asger this isn't a funny. I'm in no mood for your frivolity. I was in the middle of something important before you called for me." She said out loud.
The light in their bed chambers dimmed as evening approached. The slaves had lit the candles for the royals, casting a flickering glow across the room. The air was heavy and stagnant. Sindri could hear the loud pounding of her heart and head. It felt as though she was speaking to the trees and stone walls around her. The high lady grew frustrated as she noticed Hemming walking back towards her. She called him over, as he had just completed the last task she had assigned him.
"Hemming, come here immediately! Slave, where is my lord? You have sent me on a fruitless search. He's nowhere to be found, at least not in his usual haunts," Sindri said said impatiently.
The ram looked around in fear and confusion, having just encountered Lord Asger and being instructed to summon the High Lady. Hemming volunteered to assist in locating her dear one. Together, they combed through the temple and garden, glimpsing Zarda and his companions enjoying melons with Thurston. They even ventured past the cabins where the females and children were at play. However, there was no sign of Asger anywhere.
Sindri, filled with anger and frustration, approached the judges, who doubled as guards, to inquire about the whereabouts of her lord. They informed Lady Sindri that they had recently seen him strolling along the sacred path, surrounded by ravens. They described him as appearing unhinged.
Sindri grew worried. "What could be wrong with him?" She asked herself.
Unexpectedly, a raven soared above them in a white pine tree. It let out a furious caw towards her, prompting her to lock eyes with the bird with a deadly intent. In a split second, her demeanor shifted as she tapped into her feral instincts, dropping to all fours despite still being in human form. Hemming, mercury, and feginn watched her in bewilderment, backing away in fear. Sindri's eyes gleamed brightly as she hissed aggressively at anything that dared to move. When a leaf drifted by, she pounced on it instinctually. Gazing ahead on the path, Sindri emitted a deep growl.