Hostage
The atmosphere inside the vehicle on their journey to Zerzura, felt as frigid as the roads they traversed. The buggy's cabin was engulfed in silence, devoid of conversation. Zee, who typically kept the mood light, had little desire for small talk this time; his sole focus was to reach Abajis swiftly. Meanwhile, Arif was lost in thought, reflecting on Zee's claim that the world had fractured. A wave of despair washed over him, as he realized that he and his men wouldn't be able to return to Ghaythfa territory, unless President Abaji found a solution for them. Everyone was hopeful that Abaji was alive and safe. Thankfully, Zerzura was located close to Plenorian City, and they would soon learn some heartening news. The long, quiet drive brought them to the city's borders, and as always, the view of the magnificent castle took their breath away. Rez and Throk gazed up in awe, their hands gripped to the cage bars as they looked up, while Arif and the others, having only seen such splendor at Saurkears Palace, were equally entranced. A radiant glow emanated from the city, and the president had an additional source of warmth, bolstered by the presence of two powerful magic clerics to offer their assistance. Zerzura, often referred to as the White City, acquired its second name for a reason. It earned the title of Little Egypt due to its striking similarities to the great civilization. The wealth that flowed through its streets rivaled that of Egypt, shining visibly throughout the city. The only other location that sparkled as brightly as Zerzura was Wadi Rum, which drew its brilliance from the moonlight. This brightness reached deep into the nearby regions. The only established city that remained was Zenneth Ilhthid, sustained by the wealth of Zerzura.
Zee drove over the stone bridge into the city of Zerzura, finding a spot to park the buggy. Everyone quickly exited the vehicle and followed Zee's lead toward the president's palace. The city was warm and bathed in light, untouched by the storm's destruction that had affected other kingdoms. Meanwhile, Abaji was comfortably reclined on his leather chaise, cradling Zephyr in his arm and conversing with him as he always did, like two friends enjoying each other's company. Zephyr, having had a frightening experience outside, was feeling tired. After parting ways with Zee and the group, he had managed to return safely to his kingdom just as the sky erupted. Startled, he dove down as fast as he could, seeking refuge among the cacti. He witnessed other creatures being lifted away by the enchanting sky as Nebula departed and Nova and Lantana arrived. It was a distressing sight for him, prompting a swift return to the palace for safety. Since that incident, he hadn't left his master's side.
Before long, a guard approached, announcing the arrival of Zee and their companions. Abaji felt a rush of excitement at the news that they were alive, yet he was taken aback by their swift return. His thoughts raced with various possibilities; he worried that Nomad had succumbed to freezing temperatures and that they had sought refuge in the palace, or worse, that Zarda might have passed away. Quickly rising from his seat, he made his way out, Zephyr still perched on his left arm. The president wore a vibrant orange and gold outfit—similar to the one he had donned during their first meeting, but now even more striking in its brightness. Abaji gliding down the staircase effortlessly. He greeted his friends from a far.
"Welcome back, Zee! I must say, it's quite surprising to see you again so soon. But where are Zarda and Grizk? Please tell me you haven't brought any terrible news about them," he said, a note of worry creeping into his voice.
Zee smiled and shook his head, signaling that they were doing well. He reassured his companion that he hadn't heard any negative updates about Zarda's condition. With good news to share, he mentioned that Zarda was safe back in Nomad under the care of the nurses, and that Grizk was on his way with more help for their rescue mission. Abaji noticed the newcomers accompanying Zee and instantly recognized that Saurkears raiders were in his midst. He immediately called for his guards to take them hostage. Zee, taken aback, feared that if he didn't intervene and explain the situation, they might retaliate.
"Wait! Please, my lord, forgive me. I didn't explain that we found a few survivors along the way. Admir and Solmar, along with three raiders—Arif, Ghaffir, and Zakiyya—are present before you; we helped rescue them. Their transportation failed during the storm, and they were on a mission to find Admir and Solmar. We discovered them walking alone through the frigid snow on their way to see you. During our journey, I learned that these two possess the portal map. They successfully located the two keys. What shocked me the most is that Arif also found the third key while searching for them. We currently hold all three keys to the portal in our possession. We urgently need your help, my leader, please." said Zee.
Abaji listened intently to his friends' words. He thought to himself 'why would they help these raiders from the opposing territory?' He was not happy with it, but he took in consideration due to the nature of the problem at hand.
"I understand. For the time being, I will look after them until I can determine whether they are friends or foes. We will sort out the details later. In the meantime, guards, please escort them to my throne room. We'll all go there together, where we can discuss this serious matter in a secure environment. Until then, let's refrain from any further conversation."
Entering the large room Abaji and Zephyr Walk towards the throne. while Arif and his raiders protested against their bonded hands. He looked over to Zee with anger in his eyes. The sand cat looked furious with the lizard.
"I didn't expect you to bring us here to go into captivity so called friend. What about your mercy you claim to have for us." hissed Arif.
"I have shown you my mercy, I had no clue to Abaji's rules. If you calm down and show yourself as you once did to me, to be loyal. He will let you go. So, your freedom is in your hands not mine now." replied Zee.
Arif ceased his squirming in the guard's grip, relaxing his shoulders and lowering his head as they made their way forward. The guard led them to a position beside the president's throne. Abaji looked down at them, pausing for a moment before instructing his guards to loosen their restraints. Following their leader's command, the guards released the raiders' hands. Arif was taken aback; once again, Zee had been right. In Arif's view, Zee was the one who possessed all the wisdom. Turning to Zee, Abaji requested the keys to inspect. As Zee didn't have them, he glanced at Admir and Arif. The quiet mongoose promptly retrieved the combined key and presented it to Abaji. The red wolf smiled gratefully and then turned back to Zee for the last key. Zee gestured to Arif to bring it forward. Arif stepped up, handing the key to Abaji as well. Abaji expressed his thanks as he accepted all three keys from them. The keys pulsed as before, emitting a brilliant light that made it difficult for Abaji to look directly at them. He squinted and called for a guard to come quickly, handing one key over and instructing him to stand back so he could examine the first two. The guard complied, and the intense brightness faded, allowing Abaji to see the keys more clearly. He studied the intricately carved symbols, each distinct in appearance and color, each producing a unique vibration. It was as if they were creating music together.
"How intriguing! According to legend, if two keys meet prematurely, calamity ensues; however, if all three keys come together at once, something truly extraordinary happens. It's crucial to note that if the keys fall into the wrong hands, they may be misused by those who possess them. To be honest, these keys are not safe in any of our hands. Only one person has the power to control them, and it's not any of us. Therefore, I must secure them in my vault, ensuring they remain untouched until we identify the rightful bearer. Regrettably, we face a dilemma: our world has transformed from a sunbaked desert into a bleak snow-covered tundra. We no longer belong to this environment. Soon, everything around us will adapt and shift—from the vegetation to the landscapes, even the waters—making life here uninhabitable. My kingdom has decided to issue a call to all who remain, to join us as we venture beyond this world, to a place where we can thrive safely."
Everyone who heard his words was left bewildered. How could they possibly leave, and to where? They had no clue what the other worlds looked like or how hostile the conditions might be. Zee shook his head in disbelief.
"I don't see how this will be possible for any of us, Abaji," he asked.
"You of little faith, Zee. I have multiple aircraft large enough to accommodate over forty passengers each. They will serve as our guide to the other worlds," he replied.
"How can we be sure we can breathe when we leave this place, or if your aircraft can handle floating debris? Have you looked at the skies recently?" Zee replied.
Abaji stepped down from his throne to go and comfort his friend. He placed both hands on his shoulders before responding, "Friend I'm sorry I have made you to worry but it will be okay. I promise you I have all those details tested and worked out. I've already sent out some of my men, that is why we haven't been out helping you. We discovered several worlds all around in the cosmos not far from us, including that nasty Ghaythfa territory." he said. Ghaffir and Zakiyya hissed at the words spoken by Abaji. He turned to eye them warily, then returned his gaze back to Zee," The elite said they are warm and well. our bottom half had broken off and floated away, while they remained secure. Were lucky still, many floated pasts us became big globes of ice. No one survived. My aircrafts as you can hear, can withstand the frozen temperatures, by the way they can withstand a lot. Let us not think on that for now, it seems your guest are not in favor of my ill words towards their land anyhow. As soon as we can, we will drop them off first, but until then they are my prisoners. I need answers from them." said Abaji.
As soon as he said the word prisoners, Arif was filled with anger again. Now without any restrains, he grabbed for his gun and held it towards the president. Abaji stood confident with ease as he peered down at his ignorance. He asked him did he assume his gun was supposed to frighten him. He assured the sand cat he was not bothered one bit.
"I didn't say what kind of prisoners you would be to me, well treated or mistreated was never mentioned you only assumed the worst. For all you know I was to treat you good, but now as I can see you cannot be trusted you will become chained again. I had hoped your good behavior would have left you free about my castle, but I guess not. Guards take hold of them now." ordered Abaji.
Abaji's guard sprang into action at his command, but not quickly enough to intercept Ghaffir, who unleashed a green blast aimed at Abaji's head. With stealthy agility, the Wolf managed to dodge just in time, and the blast instead struck the top of the throne. The impact began to corrode it like acid devouring bone, a faint green flame flickering as the sludge melted away the surface. Furious at the reckless act, Abaji sentenced the three raiders to death for their attempt to assassinate the President. Arif struggled in the grip of a guard who had captured him just before the blast, along with Zakiyya. Both shot angry glances at Ghaffir, with Arif's expression conveying a deep sense of betrayal; he felt that a soldier should never defy the orders of his superior. Any hope of gaining Abaji's trust now, was shot to hell. Suddenly footsteps approached the throne room and in walked several familiar faces. Grizk and Zarda led the head of the group, then came in Oridian, then Osborn, and Dane along with Six and Akkis last. Everyone turned to see the smiling group arriving just in time for the show. Zarda could see something wasn't right. His smiling face soon turned stern. He approached Zee with an outreached arm to grasp his shoulder.
"What did I miss friend?" asked Zarda.
Zee stared at him with wide eyes. "Oh, you just walked in on what's going to be a messy situation," he said in response.
"Please share, my friend. I'm feeling much better and am ready to hear any news that comes my way. I'm one hundred percent improved and eager to assist in any way possible," he responded.
Zarda's over all demeanor looked to be in a better state, his white color had returned, and his energy was restored. His spirits were up now that the good news of Oridian was exposed. He was to be a father again. Zee faced the chaos unfolding they looked on as the guards tried holding the raiders in place. Oridian approached Zarda, both watching with keen interest. Ghaffir was putting up an impressive struggle, so much so that the guards lost their hold on him. He was once again free and poised to unleash his weapon against them all. Abaji could not allow this to continue. Drawing his Arabian long blade, he swiftly severed Ghaffir's head from his shoulders. Arif hurled curses at Abaji, while Zakiyya wept in sorrow. Oridian and a few others averted their gazes. Enraged, Arif shouted at the leader, "You're a monster!" Abaji smirked and replied with a fitting reaction.
"No, that would be you and your friend. He planned to shoot again, and I couldn't let that happen, so I ended it—plain and simple, it was self-defense. take him away guards." Abaji responded.
The guards made another attempt to carry out their master's orders, but they were met with the same fierce resistance. Abaji was astonished at the tenacity of the raiders. Zakiyya, overwhelmed by her sorrow, had fallen to her knees in tears. Seizing the moment, Arif broke free from his captors and ran towards the nearest person he could find—unfortunately, that turned out to be Oridian. He grabbed her before anyone could react, pressing his gun against her temple as he dragged her away from the crowd. He unleashed a torrent of insults and demands towards Abaji, who remained unfazed by the futile threats. Abaji shrugged as if indifferent to the danger posed to Oridian. Meanwhile, Zarda was on fire with anticipation, ready to leap to his beloved's defense. Arif had made a fatal mistake by challenging this, King. Now that the leader had revealed the spacecraft's ability to travel to other worlds, he was on an escape mission. Arif planned to take Oridian as a hostage for leverage. He demanded to know the location of the aircraft, insisting that Abaji's guards escort him there. Reluctant to endanger Zarda's company, Abaji complied. With sorrowful eyes, he glanced at Zarda, whose gaze burned bright with determination. Oridian cried out, pleading for her safety, but Arif, being twice her size, simply tightened his grip to silence her. Despite his strength, he had no real intention of harming her—yet he would if necessary. Zarda was losing time as Arif pulled Oridian further away, seizing the moment to rescue her he lunged forward, but Arif was quick and shot at him, wounding Zarda in the arm. Now injured, Zarda lay on the ground in pain as Oridian screamed in despair watching her lover. Arif drew them away from the throne room and out towards the port yard where six aircraft awaited, all capable of fulfilling Abaji's claims. Arif figured he wouldn't lose much if he took just one of the six. Meanwhile, the bullet wound throbbed painfully, but Zarda mustered a cry for Oridian.
"Please! Don't harm her. She's carrying my child. Let her go!" he shouted, oblivious to the fact that she was already gone.
Everyone stood in horror at the news. Abaji's heart sank for Zarda, he had no idea. Vengeful in the heat of the moment, he quickly went down to Zakiyya who was still weeping on her knees. Abaji grabbed her up by her black hair and stood her with her back facing him. He pressed his nose into her soft hair and spoke harshly into her ear.
"Look at your leader. He had the chance to save you, yet he chose to save himself, leaving you at my mercy. What shall I do with you? Will you become my slave, or something even worse?" Abaji said in a dark tone.
Zakiyya continued to sob uncontrollably as he held her hair in a tight grip, the pain nearly overwhelming her. Through her tears, she struggled to whisper, "I dedicate myself to you, O Lord. I am your servant. Whatever you ask of me, let your will be done. All I ask in return is your kindness; I will obey your every command, even if it means turning against my own Lordship."
Abaji felt satisfied with her response and pushed her back to the ground to assist Zarda. His friends had gathered around him, attempting to help him stand. "Follow me—my healers can provide assistance quicker than anything else I know."