Morning dawned over the town of Nomad and it was quickly sweeping down the sandy dunes, as the light poured over the landscape like a vibrant orange sunburst. The previous night had been the most memorable for everyone since their arrival a month ago. Zarda and Ordian lay satisfied entwined together, while Osborn happily chatted away with his nurse, Sandy, over breakfast together. Pipsie remained cozily curled up next to Vulpix, still deep in slumber beneath the warm covers. Meanwhile, Dane was awake, his mind lingering on the enchanting dreams he had about Macey. Her golden eyes, elegant high cheekbones, cute button nose, and perfectly sculpted figure with just the right curves and cinched waist were enough to make any healthy males heart race into a heart attack
The clock struck 7 a.m. sooner than expected. Zarda leaned down to kiss Ordian and left her peacefully dozing in his warm bed. Before stepping out, he gently covered her with a blanket. After getting dressed, he took a moment to gaze at his sleeping sweetheart. Once ready, he made his way through the sliding doors to meet Big Zee.
Zee lingered at his desk, a place he had occupied far too often in recent days. Caught in the paradox of being too young to die yet too old to continue working, he found himself too stubborn to give it much thought. Determined to leave and seek out his brother, he knew he first had to tie up a few unfinished matters before moving on.
Zee turned to his door the moment he heard it slide open. Standing just outside was a white lion gazing back at him. Zarda had come alone, filled with anticipation to meet the president of Birbiblos's territory.
"Good morning, Zarda. You seem as prepared as always. I'm just waiting for Grizk to show up, and then we can set off. He's late again, as usual, with no sense of time. Please, have a seat, and we can pass the time together," Zee said.
Zarda didn't hesitate to accept the offer. He was eager to learn what the day would involve and bombarded Zee with questions to calm his nerves.
"Don't worry, Zarda. I'm confident that Abaji will be very impressed with you. All you need to do is show him respect, and you and your friends will be safe among the lands of Nomad. Now, where is my son? He's already in trouble with me for taking your friends on an outing without permission. I swear, that ijitt wouldn't know his head from his feet if it weren't attached. He certainly takes after his eccentric mother, may she rest in peace. She really lost her grip on reality after we lost our youngest two. It was as if she started seeing visions of the dead and hearing voices that didn't exist. It ultimately led her to jump into one of the deep waterholes of Nakuru. She drowned, just sank to the bottom and never resurfaced, and to make matters worse, many people, including Grizk, witnessed her tragic end." Zee shared this with a heavy heart.
The moment his words escaped his lips, Grizk dashed inside, breathless and still fastening the buttons of his navy green overshirt, which matched flawlessly with the burnt orange t-shirt worn underneath. For once, Zarda thought he appeared well-groomed.
Big Zee straightened up from his desk and walked over to the sliding door. Looking back at Zarda, he asked, "Do you know what makes today even better for me?"
Zarda was completely at a loss;; he simply shrugged and stayed silent, anticipating Zee's response.
Zee paused for a moment before continuing, "I will finally see my two sons, Yizzik and Litriz. It's been four years since they left to join Abaji's Birbos Elites."
Zarda nodded in comprehension. He recalled Zee telling him the names of his children. Two had sadly passed away, two were esteemed Elites, and the remaining two were part of their family's lizard mafia.
Zee led the trio down the hall, past the dining area and beyond the living quarters, until they reached the maroon door. From there, they passed through a purple door that opened into a staircase leading down to the garage. Zee had a surprise in store for them. Contrary to Grizk's desire for a dusty buggy, they would be traveling in style. Zee approached a metal aircraft known as the Skywatcher. With its sleek, jet-like design, it was large enough to accommodate four passengers. The exterior was painted in a dark purplish-black tint, allowing it to blend into the night, while during the day, the unique paint rendered it nearly invisible. One striking detail that caught Zarda's attention was the vivid orange lightning bolt painted across the middle of the aircraft. It was breathtaking, Zarda thought.
"This is the vehicle we're taking to meet Abaji. It's quick, dependable, and cleaner than the others. This beauty will get us there in a flash. I've named her Nightingale. Let's get loaded up," Zee said.
He stepped over and pressed a quarter-sized red button near the glass windows. Rather than swinging wide open, the windows slid back into each other for easy access for the passengers.
Impressed by what he saw, he was more than eager to board. This machine was far more sophisticated than the previous airplane. The moment he settled into his seat, something triggered in his mind. Memories of the plane crash flooded back, overwhelming him with vivid images. Zarda's heart raced, and he jumped out of the aircraft, doubling over to vomit. Zee and Grizk watched in horror, unable to comprehend the turmoil unfolding in Zarda's mind.
"I'm sorry about this. It suddenly brought back memories of panic and tragedy. The plane crash must have affected me more than I realized. Is there no other way we can meet Abaji?" Zarda said, wiping away any remaining traces of vomit.
Zee felt a twinge of disappointment, but he certainly didn't want Zarda to experience another vomiting episode while they were airborne. He glanced across the garage and spotted a large metal van, resembling a tin can on wheels. Most of the paint had rusted away, revealing a shiny metallic surface underneath, with only a faded lime green hue remaining. The front of the van was rounded, reminiscent of a classic hippie vehicle. On the roof, there was a torrent mounted, and along the sides were metal fold-up chairs.
Zee gestured toward it and made their way to the rather unappealing van. At least at this moment, they wouldn't have to worry about getting dirty or triggering any panic attacks.
Loaded and prepared to hit the road, Zee revved the engine a few times until it suddenly emitted a loud pop. With that, they took off in search of the leader.
President Abaji, a red Arabian wolf from the territory of Birbiblos, resided in the protected city of Zerzura, known as the white city. He spent his early cub years roaming the streets of Shadizar, where survival meant constantly scavenging for food and seeking shelter in the slums. These harsh conditions ignited a desire in him to improve his life. Coming from a family pack of rough canines, Abaji, as a pure bred wolf, understood the struggles of a harsh existence. In his thirties, when animals began to emerge into hybrids, he decided to embrace change. A solid and honorable wolf, he enlisted under a general during a time before political divisions took hold. Under the guidance of his mentor, Rahim the Merciful, Abaji dedicated himself to rigorous training and hard work.
Rahim recognized Abaji's potential as a future leader at a time when factions were starting to emerge and two powerful territories were beginning to divide. It was clear that they would soon require strong protection and fair laws to safeguard their interests. As political factions solidified, Rahim took the initiative to campaign for Abaji's election as president. His popularity among the residents assured Abaji the position of their esteemed and cherished leader.
Abaji perched on the ledge of his balcony, gazing at the birds and the sprawling city below. In his vast white castle, he felt a deep sense of loneliness. As a young hybrid, he had yet to find a partner to share his life with. For once, he allowed himself to pause and breathe. Most of his days were consumed with ruling and passing judgment on his devoted subjects. Within the castle, he was surrounded by servants, cooks, guards, magicians, and overseers tending to his estate. Beneath the pristine marble roof lay numerous rooms and chambers, each serving a distinct purpose: a treasure chamber filled with wealth, a grand dining hall adjacent to a well-equipped kitchen, and two floors of magnificent stone-hewn architecture adorned with golden accents and Egyptian hieroglyphs in ruby and turquoise.
In moments of boredom, he had wandered through the castle, counting eleven bedrooms and two expansive bathing chambers. There was also his throne room and an armory brimming with weapons. Outside, the stables housed his finest beasts, alongside the sleeping quarters of his attendants. Though his palace was grand and expansive, it often felt hauntingly empty.
A sharp cry from a nearby peregrine falcon drew Abaji's attention. His reddish-brown eyes followed the sleek body of the falcon as it glided gracefully towards him. Abaji extended his arm, inviting the bird of prey to perch on him. With its powerful talons, the creature firmly grasped his arm. His forearms were well-protected by the mustard yellow and burnt orange fabric that adorned them, a distinctive touch of his Arabic style. The rest of his outfit complemented this look perfectly. He wore a golden breastplate over the same mustard yellow linen, while his trousers were styled in a brown ninja design.
"Hello, my friend. Where have you been, Zephyr? I've missed you. I was starting to wonder if you were going to come back," Abaji said softly to his pet falcon.
Zephyr Lightly screached at his master before gently nibbling at Abaji's fabric. Abaji reached into his side pouch and pulled out a falcon treat for his friend. The bird latched his eak onto the raw meat and fkew off to his bird perch to eat it in privacy. Abaji smiled with pleasure and walked back into his bed chambers. He left miserable and wanted to sleep, but his body wouldn't allow it. He was bored and restless in his own skin.
Two soldiers burst into the room, delivering news to President Abaji. He was initially taken aback by their sudden entrance but felt a rush of adrenaline that he secretly enjoyed. They announced the arrival of three guests, and for the first time in a while, excitement stirred in Abaji's heart. He quickly followed his guards to the entrance hall at the bottom level. The room was magnificent, with soaring ceilings and a second floor that overlooked the corridor. Banners crafted from Egyptian silk in rich emerald green, adorned with golden trim, decorated the space, while intricate gold scarabs were sewn into the fabric and hung above the walkway. Tall, open windows allowed bright rays of orange sunlight to flood the path, illuminating the grandeur around him.
Abaji approached, adorned in a golden silk turban and regal robe. His hand rested confidently on the hilt of his Arabian sword. With a striking boldness and undeniable authority, he closed the distance. Zarda observed in admiration, captivated by such a leader. Abaji's presence was distinctly different from that of the kings of Africa, evoking in Zarda an overwhelming urge to bow before such formidable power.
Grizk and Big Zee performed the same gesture when Abaji halted and stood before them. Out of respect, Zarda quickly followed suit. Abaji surveyed his visitors with a serious expression, but soon a warm smile spread across his face as he greeted his friends.
"It's wonderful to see you, Zee, and you too, Grizk. I'm excited for you to see your other sons. They have truly thrived in my kingdom—dismantling armed villains, defending the keep from fiery attacks, and even defeating the sand drake. You would be proud," he exclaimed. Abaji glanced away from his friend, distracted by Zarda. The lion's skin shimmered, and his staff radiated a curious purple glow. Abaji started to ask, "And who might you be, you strange yet intriguing being?"
Zee stepped forward swiftly and reached out to touch Zarda's arm. "This is Zarda; he's a friend of Thurston. They were in a plane crash on their way back to Africa and ended up in our territory. I apologize for not introducing him sooner. He and his small crew have been recuperating here for the past month. One of their friends suffered a severe injury, and they've all been supporting him until he recently woke up. I invited him to meet you, my leader," Zee interjected.
"Great news—well, not about the crash or your injured friend," he quickly amended. Zarda took no offense; he understood what the leader meant. Abaji went on, "It is indeed wonderful that you are here visiting and that we have had the chance to meet. I am Abaji, the president of Birbiblos's territory. This is my kingdom, located in the white city of Zerzura. I trust that you have been welcomed by the residents and my servants? Please, join me for a snack. I was beginning to feel a bit tired and restless today. Thank goodness you decided to drop by—some days can feel quite lonely for me." Abaji replied.
Zarda glanced around and realized that Abaji seemed to be all by himself.
"Do you not have any children or a queen leader, Abaji?" Zarda asked.
Abaji's heart felt heavy; it was truly disheartening. If he had the chance, he would have multiple wives and an abundance of hybrid cubs scampering about—more than he could count on both hands.
"I'm afraid I don't have either," the wolf replied. "However I do have a pet peregrine falcon named Zephyr. He's a clever and loyal companion."
The group of them followed their leader over to the dining hall for a quick bite to eat. Abaji summoned his nearby servants to bring them something edible. As they dined, they engaged in serious discussions about recent events. Zarda felt confident that Abaji would be a valuable ally in defending their territory. He was eager to contribute in any way he could, hoping that the leader could assist him and his friends in their journey to Africa. He was resolute in keeping his scheduled meeting with King Asger and returning to his loved ones.