5
RUINS
At last, the day of the expedition arrived. Sakti had expected that day with great enthusiasm and realized that it behaved like a child, but did not let the emotion he felt inside interfered with his usual serenity. Despite the risks she knew that if I entered was in ruins, the idea of \u200b\u200ban expedition excited. Even the bad side to put the girls when they saw the election of their clothing became moody.
- That was in your wardrobe? Merka asked when he saw her coming.
The girl was wearing shorts that hung above the knee and a clear shirt, sleeveless, her dress showed off marks of Prophecy, which grew by the arms and legs, and neck. usually wore clothes that kept completely covered, because if left to see Galatea and wolves had to walk through the streets bearing a few feet under the desert sun. And the itching was brutal. Dagda had a nasty sunburn on one arm, a hand in which he fell asleep next to the window. regularly had to put an ointment Connor prepared for it and yet still could not move my arm without being hurt. She did not want to risk a similar burn, but by that time believed it would not hurt to dress more comfortably.
The ruins were underground, where they had to worry about a sunburn. And if the issue through the ruins was as interesting as he imagined, would rather be wearing something to let her move more easily. dresses did not want anything or long sleeves to prevent him from having a good time.
"Yes," as put his hands in his pockets and kicked the ground with boots. knew her dress was very masculine as compared to Merka was used to seeing, but he was willing to be comfortable. Although I had to adjust a bit, I was too big.
"I'm not surprised, merely said the prince, looking at her with narrowed eyes, as if recognizing something in it. seemed that it would add something else, but after negó con la cabeza y disipó sus pensamientos. Luego miró al resto del grupo, preguntando si estaban listos para partir.
—Solo algo más —dijo Sakti.
Dereck le hizo una seña para que se acercara a un puesto que él había preparado para ella. En la mesa había seis espadas diferentes. Cinco de ellas tenían la hoja en forma de curva, y solo una era completamente recta. Sakti las estudió por un momento, calculando el peso de cada una y flexionando la palma de la mano derecha, como preparándose para una nueva arma.
- Only those there? "Asked Derek. Before the guard could answer, the prince asked
-Allena, you're not thinking of going armed, right? "The girl looked at him and shrugged.
- Why not?
"Because you go to a ride, not a battlefield Merka said scornfully. be with me, and Dereck Soel. Here, as in Masca, you do not need to go armed. I am sure that the Palace does not hang out with a sword in his belt, right?
"Of course," replied the girl, like the most logical thing in the world. then took the straight sword. was short, maybe a little longer than half of his arm. actually looked like a big dagger. I took the last two weeks because he was quiet transformation. But since the symptoms passed, I will not go unarmed. Masca not raised me to always rely on the protection of Dereck.
sheathed his sword in a sheath of bronze, which had several spherical protrusions arranged in a particular order. If for some reason could not draw his sword in time, the case would be a good weapon on its own, it could seriously hurt someone's head if the force used. When finished fixing the sword in his belt, Sakti Dereck let you pass a light hood over his shoulders. This amount would cover the body while driving to the ruins and not have to suffer a hideous burn.
When the girl walked past him and went to meet with the wolves, she could only Merka uncomfortable sigh and wonder whether the issue would be a good idea. still was not sure to get Sakti activate the ruins, but began to worry that her niece did not have the character patient who had shown during class transformation. Because when the girl fell from the room, using clothes that his father soon became too small, and choosing sword no matter the implicit prohibition of going armed, Merka thought maybe it would look like Velmi Sakti in character. And if the resemblance was stubbornness, he was going to pass a very difficult time in the coming hours.
****
"Well, I hope you enjoy the journey," said Ryaul when they reached the main entrance.
was not the same place I entered the restricted area Sakti, unstable ruins the day he arrived Myula. The main entrance was spacious and safe was a firm ramp up to what archaeologists assumed it was a large window, allowing the passage of light and ventilation. After climbing the ramp, came to a large room with no frills, in whose depths were five elevators built by archaeologists to go up and down inside the ruins. As Sakti stepped into the room from the window, the ruins reacted.
shook not, as expected Merka secret. But the faint glow caused by the magic of archaeologists was fired by the power of the princess, forming a beam of light that blinded almost everyone. Sakti to put his hands to his eyes, taken by surprise as the rest of aesirianos. Then the light ceased completely, as if the magic had cast overload the circuits of the ruins. For a moment all were silent, while the stars that danced in their retinas gradually disappeared. For a moment they feared that the ruins were killed by a miscalculation and overload of magic. Luckily in less than a minute the ruins glowed again. now had a light more vivid than that produced the archaeologists themselves, but the walls did not burn the view of people. Now the room looked more details.
"How nice, everything is blue," said Connor to see the color of marble. like the sea in places.
A Sakti it seemed strange that out of the ruins were white like paper, but inwardly they were blue like the sea. " are like Masca Palace", she thought. In fact, the color of the room reminded him of the throne room of his uncle Kardan. At a glance, he realized that Derek, Darius and the twins thought so.
Then the girl looked up, wondering if it would be one of the famous crystal chandeliers were as crazy archaeologists, who wondered how it still remained on the roof and extend its artificial light at night. But instead of the huge chandelier, which he saw was a giant mouth full of teeth and a pair of angry eyes that could well be under a layer of yellow marble. One wolf noticed the look of Sakti and, looking at the ceiling began to bark. The other followed suit.
Nefer retreated to hide behind Merka, the girls were shaken and the prophets were about to run. But seeing that the figure was still, and would remain so until the end of time, let out sighs of relief.
- What is it? Kel asked.
- A dragon! Ryaul replied. You can only see when there are many people here, because the more magicians walls emit light. Today, "he added looking at the princess, we're lucky.
- Is it painted? Dagda asked in amazement.
The dragon had wings and very short front legs, but especially the tail and hind legs were very long and robust. More than made to fly, that sort of looked like a great dragon rider who never escaped her prey. And at that time was likely to be directed towards: the audience. The snout was wide open, with the corners of his mouth lifted in a fierce grimace. And the eyes were fixed on each of the aesirianos who watched from the ground.
But something was not right. The dragon seemed very real, much to the pleasure of Sakti. knew Paints were never in walls or ceilings, marble, because it was common that the scenes depicted in the rock were made with a pen, no brush. Yet the dragon's eyes were dull and no relief. was like he was portrayed in exquisite detail, but from the other side of the roof. As if they had placed a sheet of translucent blue marble on the table, or as if ...
"It is a painting Ryaul said, brimming with happiness. really is a dragon. A fossil preserved in marble.
... As if the dragon was alive and kept in a prison. Sakti swallowed. really a dragon trapped in these walls by thousands upon thousands of years ... Why? what people were thinking that animal put on the roof? Does the dragon had attacked the place and arrested him trapped in the marble? Or maybe the old aesirianos had gone straight to hunt because they were thinking it would be a nice decoration? Whatever the case, did not like it do that the dragon. The First Dragon it condemned that act.
"We also believe," continued the archaeologist, that if the conditions here were different, the dragon will probably still be alive.
"Oh, do not cut it I think, Connor. You're making.
"No, no, not really-Ryaul defended. walls are actually very cold and maybe inside are even more so. That would explain how the body is kept as well. Perhaps if these ruins were not in the desert but in a much colder place, we could try to get the dragon to see if it revives, because some believe they can revive creatures whose bodies remain intact due to low temperatures. This kind of dragon is no longer became extinct long ago. But with a little luck, could be brought back ... Would not it be fantastic to watch?
The prophets looked at the dragon with admiration, thinking about the possibilities ... But for them it was nothing more than an interesting anecdote, something that could read a book without the danger of finding it in real life. were content to see the animal preserved in marble, for them it was enough to have it as decoration. Sakti But it was different.
"Is this what I felt that day?" he asked. "Is that a huge magical force this dragon-like creature? Maybe a creature that was also in marble ... and escaped? ". She asked how old archaeologist aesirianos had caught the creature. How was also possible now to see her through the marble as if the rock was translucent?
We do not know Ryaul replied, shrugging his shoulders. It is one of the many things we do not know of this place. magic Maybe we do not know. Or maybe it's old technology. Although I have some assumptions ...
Ryaul settled his large glasses and gave instructions for the expedition. was obvious he had left the last idea in the air in order to finish later, during a visit to ruins, to surprise the group with their ideas. But to get to that, he had to give a few guidelines to follow. First, the issue was in charge of him and two colleagues, who would guide them through a series of domes, halls and corridors previously approved. Although the path was stable were passing near a precipice which they, given that civilians were not allowed, we thought that would not require the installation of a guardrail that only damage the beautiful floor of the ruins. So everyone had to do the basics: follow the archaeologists, not separated from his group, not to wander alone, look where to walk, not shouting, pushing or running. was obvious that the only people who would have great difficulty following the rules guys would be prophets. Kel And maybe, if it was stimulated by them.
the end, were divided into three groups. One would Darius, Connor and Kel, with Geri and archaeologist guide. The second would Merka, Soel, Freki, the twins and the guide assigned. And the last group would be to Sakti, Dereck, Nefer, two daughters and Ryaul.
"So we can go further," concluded Ryaul field. Sakti But in reality the arrangement was uncomfortable. She saw no need for the presence of the maids or Nefer, saw them as a nuisance. good thing is that was the promise of the cliff, to see if he could throw at least one. And now, to the elevators.
The aesiriano went rushing back to them, assigning each to the groups made. Except Freki Geri and each would ride an elevator to avoid weight problems. Initially imagined all Ryaul was excited to show what was below, within the ruins, and therefore the lift up so much energy. But only a few feet down when they noticed what was funny was so excited to archaeologist.
More creatures in the marble.
elevators moved in parallel to two walls. The one that was closer to them was cut by more regular levels, those closest to the area with flashlights, notebooks and chisels off on some tables, shows that were scanned regularly. As descendants, the presence of articles decreased since the archaeologists used to visit the lower floors. Sometimes the distance between each level was increased and in these large blocks of marble in which they were the creatures. were not high and wide, as the dragon room window. were long and slender, with fins on the sides as if they were fish, but also close to the belly, with small claws. In the back had a long mane of hair that had but a few meters after reaching the tip of the tail. were accommodated in profile, so that their faces could not look full. The only thing good was appreciated long snout and one of the whiskers. His eyes saw no one in particular. They staring at some point in the marble, making it seem less alive than the dragon on the ceiling.
were a kind of sea dragons, some adults, peers and a few offspring. Besides how they caught the beasts, Sakti wondered how they were transported to there. Perhaps thousands of thousands of years there was not a city in the desert, but in the sea? Or before the sea was closer? Or a lake that connected with the ocean?
But the sight of the sea dragons was nothing compared to what the other wall offered. This was like two hundred yards away, and it was completely smooth. undoubtedly was built for those who were on the floor in front of her could see the picture he painted. A huge dragon, the largest ever seen Sakti, was caught in the middle of the wall. Most of his body was accommodated in profile, but its long neck is curved so that the face looking straight ahead. This dragon was white and had more than two pairs of legs. The front was far away from the rest, which were distributed around the long body. She imagined this was how the dragon managed to keep his figure standing without his belly brushed the floor. The wings were long and wide, huge, so big that it seemed that each would cover his sun to an entire city.
But it was only the dragon adorning the wall. It was also much smaller creatures: other dragons a kind of beautiful birds with long, delicate feathers, a giant insect y. ..
-People ... Derek whispered to notice the figures that interact with the creatures. Most were women with long hair, whose arms ended with the same elegance as the tails of phoenixes.
"No, not really-aesirianos Ryaul reassured him. We have studied more closely to make sure. aesirianas figures are the only non-corporeal. are in fact a kind of air bubbles contained in the marble defined very precisely. figures are like some glassmakers formed in the glass ornaments, do you see? "Derek nodded. makes you think about it and patients who were talented artists in this place, right?
A lot. The picture on the wall, created from living creatures and air bubbles, was impressive. Not only had decorative reasons, but also traditional. Because, once again, Sakti noticed the pattern of history of the Three Dragons. always found in some ancient relic of history. On this occasion, by the sequence of images sensed that this was the creation of the Dragons. There was the image of Emperor Odin, there were four hooded figures of the prophets, there was the circle of light which made the Covenant, and there were the three souls of the carriers down from heaven to meet with the three points representing the Dragons.
And while they slept six souls, life in the world continued their march, with wars, disease, death, sun, moon, fire and water, with laughter, tears and life. All pending Dragons, detailed next to one that seemed to expect to cover the world with its strong and protective wings.
"They locked up for me" , thought she and the Dragon. Again, your thoughts, their voices and their findings were fused to confuse who had felt the first. "They locked these dragons to pay tribute to our history" . And so they reached the main level. The girl, still dazed, stepped off the elevator as the door opened Ryaul. How many levels had fallen? was not entirely sure, but I knew I had spent many minutes looking at the scene on the wall. And the dragon was caught very, very, very big. also ached a bit the ears. They must be at a considerable depth.
Ryaul guide and archeologist uncle opened the elevators of the wolves, and went to join the other group. Darius and the boys looked at a wall, formed in a straight line.
"Oh, can not be ... "Muttered one of the twins. This very interesting ...
-... is chilling-ended another. Sakti approached them with his eyes fixed on the floor, concentrating on his attempt to relieve the pressure he felt in one ear. But then he heard his name
"These things are exactly like Allen.
With that looked up to see the wall on their way. It had several white creatures aesiriano taller than an adult, all formed in a straight line and looking forward, like an army. Were upright on two legs, but her upper body was leaning slightly forward, as if they could better balance the weight when walking. They had not a hint of body hair, did not even have eyebrows. Their faces were slightly elongated, and it was difficult to know if they had nose or mouth. What I knew was that they had long, sharp teeth, whitish like the rest of the body, they excelled in what looked like a smile that covered their faces from ear to ear. His eyes were large rather than a round pupil, who had a long vertical cut iris. No one could guess if they had eyelids, making it seem more savvy and intelligent creatures who never shut the eyes or deviate from his mission ... Whatever.
But the ending of air wild give these creatures was the position of the shoulders and claws as well as the long line at the base of the spine. Instead of straight shoulders, arms, jaws dropped as if they were made of silver and weigh tons. So animals seemed they were about to pounce on their prey. And a long tail and strong only helped them more ferocity. As if they could use as a whip.
Sakti blinked before looking straight into one of the twins.
- And exactly what I look like these creatures? He asked coldly. Dagda did not notice the look of your friend, it still looked stunned creatures.
"Well, now you seem them. But before it, on the boat, with changes in reverse ... If these things had wings, horns and hair, would be a copy of yours when you were between the processing and ultimately reverse the changes.
"What crazy," said Airgetlam turn. really are like Allen. dragon are men and women.
were large reptiles with body aesiriano. O aesirianos bodied reptiles, depending on how you look. But the mixture was clear. Some creatures have the hips, waist and breasts well defined. others had broad shoulders, torso straight and the anatomy of men.
- What are? Connor asked. Your guide said
We do not know, we can not distinguish what is animal. Until we found this section did not know that such things ever existed. And also ... Well, it is not clear why they are here.
"It's obvious why" said Kel, clinging to Darius. to scare people.
"No, they are that they do not understand what role these creatures on the wall. dragons, phoenixes aesirianas and figures tell a story of prophecy. But they said Darius nodded to reptiles, are not part of the picture. Their role is not well defined.
The archaeologist nodded, approving the simple explanation of Darius. it was just what he meant. Why these creatures were there? If they were so chilling, why were at a level of great importance, in a vault in his day which obviously served as a meeting point for thousands of aesirianos? The place where were now was large and had several entrances to tunnels that went wide to different parts of the ruins. That place was so important that even in the center of the dome a few tracks that ran out of a tunnel to enter another.
-train passed through here, "he said by way of explanation one of the archaeologists.
"Unfortunately, we have not yet found," concluded Ryaul. He noted three tunnels. These connect again, close to the precipice of which I spoke earlier. 'll see similar things in each one of them, but it will be interesting when we meet again and figure out what is the element that makes them unique. So I'll tell you what I discovered, right?
all nodded, because I was not wrong to follow suit of the man who showed them these strange wonders. After lighting a couple of lamps for groups of Darius and Merka, separated.
"Our group does not need lamps Ryaul said while leading the march for the third tunnel. His powers us illuminate, Your Highness.
Sakti took a deep breath and followed the archaeologist. As he passed the entrance looked out the corner of my eye, the creatures were arranged on the walls, as if circumvented, as observed with attention to every person who walked through the halls that they were guarding. She could not stop caressing the hilt of his sword, bring grateful. Because it was a precaution taken by considering the presence he had felt the first day Myula. How odd that not feel now. And what a relief, too. Because if it was something similar or worse than those reptilian bipeds ... Well, it would be a pretty picture to see. kept walking, wondering what else they find in their path.
Initially, the three groups watched the same scenes in different tunnels blue marble was still at that level and were only caught the strange bipedal reptiles. There were other figures, no dragons, phoenixes, or simulate air bubbles be aesirianos. The hallways were wide and high ceilings, so as not hard to imagine caravans traveling through the tunnels like a mountain roads. The idea of \u200b\u200ba gigantic city that used as a transport carts, pack animals and trains was nothing crazy, it made perfect sense if you thought that the ancient inhabitants of that place could not to walk long distances without tiring .
only thing that did not fit were the bipedal reptiles. What kind of creatures would be enough for the old aesirianos may transit tunnels without feeling chills? Why were placed all well, looking forward, as if they were watching the walkers? Darius beginning to believe that Kel was right: those things were there to scare people. Perhaps then the question was why.
was funny how the head was turning to the idea. When he realized what he was immersed in it, it said Merka was playing very well to distraction with this issue. Now he had a new question: what did you expect out Merka of all this? So just delaying the request for government assistance? Come to think, that had no sense. If the prince was so sure that his brothers would not support Masca, then why the refusal to continue slowing Sakti? Why was afraid of losing? Did he fear that she was going to save Masca alone?
-Ah, ha, ah ... "she whimpered Connor by his side. Then Kel and he was beaten on the sides, like a pair of helpless children.
- What happens? He asked. The two were about to fall.
"Those things are very afraid," he apologized Connor, pointing to the creatures in the marble.
- I am sure that one moved! And look at us! Kel-continued. Darius sighed. could accept such behavior from Kel, because after all the Grolier did not have ten years. was a child with all of the law. But Connor, but he was a puppy aesiriano was already very big boy for such childish fears.
"You can not move because they are not alive," said stroking the head of Grolier. They can not hurt us and so there is no reason to fear them. And Connor ... "he added looking at his son, and you will be twenty years, right?
I should not say anything more to help your child understand what he meant. Connor pouted and left him, but not enough to stop touching him walking.
"That just means that my body will be more so soft and fresh for when these things will pierce the tooth," he said dramatically, drawing a smile his father. That comment seemed twins.
- Connor is a coward! -Hum a couple of voices, making Kel and Connor jumped. The voices had sounded across the wall. And Kel too! "They said. laughter soon followed.
- Dagda! Airgetlam! Connor shouted, angry to discover the joke of his brothers. But looked everywhere but could not see them.
- The tunnels are parallel? Darius asked his guide, he remembered that at first were separated in other ways and seemed to take different inclinations.
"Yes, and also come to intersect at some points," the archaeologist of the group of twins, the other side of the wall.
"Unless you walk with care, this place can become a maze," said the guide Darius.
Connor and his brothers were arguing through the walls, while still walking. Wolves also participated from time to time in the verbal battle, which lightened the atmosphere. At least no one was secretly scared by the creatures on the walls, which was a relief.
Then the boys began to sing. Darius thought their children wanted to ease tension over the child, but realized by the choice of song they really wanted to annoy Merka. was one of the songs played Telius crew while working on deck and had used more frequently during the trip to the Kingdom of the Sands because it annoyed to Dereck.
'Round and waves at sea,
constantly smashing their boats.
What treasures, what beauty,
destroyed by their strength.
Oops! King will be angry!
was sent to the gallows to hang,
but my master began to swim.
No danger, no problem,
because water does not damage a handsome man.
So the stingy no arm movement.
King Because water melts.
Oops! The king is angry! "
- Hey, Allen! Airgetlam cried. Do we hear? Sing too!
I do not think that will listen, "said the guide. The tunnel took the princess is not about this but near the end.
Dagda and his brother said it was a shame, but quickly overcame and continued with the verse:
"Oops! The king is angry! "
Ryaul were told that the building was constructed with several blocks of blue marble, all with the same size and detail. So it seemed that the city is carved directly into the rock, it was perfect, had no cracks or inequalities in the walls allowed to see the individual blocks. Just as he was explaining how he and his colleagues believed they had carried and placed the marble to that place, heard the song of the prophets into the distance, walking the aisles like an echo. Words are not clearly understood, but rhythm and some loose sounds betrayed their meaning.
"Oh, but what bad taste! Muttered one of the maids. He said it as if to his companion only listen, but it was obvious that he wanted everyone to hear, especially Sakti. A pirate song. sad thing is they have left ring finger.
vulgar, Cerina-la supported the other. is difficult to understand how our princess and tolerable. is a miracle to be as educated as it is.
"It's the blood. tell when a person has good lineage, and the princess have serena blood of his mother and his father's brave. specimens were both copies of the Aesir clan Cerina said in explanation. Sakti said nothing, but it seemed a mess that woman to win points with her look with a comment so superficial and lacking in good arguments. However, these have nothing worthwhile. Any good trait that may have inherited from the tonare went down the drain for the blood of the fox mother of mestizo. Like any bastard, he is a shame for a family of noble birth. bastards why should not bother birth.
Upon hearing this, Derek and Sakti stopped at the same time, both with his mouth open in astonishment. A Dereck give a damn about discretion. neck just turned and looked at the woman, not understanding how he could have said that. Merka had worried about looking for a pair of aesirianas good presentation and brought up to be maids of Sakti, would not allow anyone to stand by his niece. But apparently the education of women worth less than the sand in the desert, because these manners were a true mess. to Fustus they had better manners. Sakti And he believed the same.
" to the gallows, the john,
nowhere is a zero.
Beats the cheap without care,
piglets doing with your ... "
-Ah, ah, shut-called Merka while her hands to her ears and rubbing them as if to leave them clean and free of vulgarity. They're kids, they should not have those words in the mouth. "But the twins could only laugh before continuing with the refrain:
" Oops! King will be angry! "
In his tunnel, Darius chuckled low. was not a big fan of pirate songs and in other circumstances would not allow their children to sing, but he was amused that the twins made fun of the prince. addition, Connor and Kel and were much calmer. To the extent that the two walked to the front of the group, about five meters. excited marched, following the rhythm of the song of the twins and repeating the refrain each time they came to him. They had no fear and, instead, spread encouragement. Especially Connor.
"Go, Dad "Said the boy turned on his heel to start walking backwards, looking at Darius. If you join the song more fun.
Darius liked when their children were smiling, but with the twins always felt a reasonable dose of bad feeling and chills, because they were a mischievous pair of incorrigible. Their smiles could not bode well. In contrast, Connor was different. Because when the boy smiled, everything was fine, Connor was one of those people who conveyed warmth and wellbeing with a single smile.
how tickled her lips, but I wanted to get you out the smile vanished from a stroke, even before it was formed.
4
Archaeologist
"Now let it flow," said his uncle.
Sakti let the energy that was focused on her breast flowed through his body. felt immediate effects: the toes and stretched hands, elbows and heels acquired acute angles, neck and face lengthened and tightened her skin, although the scales would not leave. your body changes demanded a new position, so the girl knelt on the floor, hands over the surface, and let arched her back while the torso is stretched too.
"Great," applauded his uncle, very proud. Now start reverse changes.
Sakti and inspired and enabled the transformation to flow through it, controlled to recede. With a little more patience, his body regained the right proportions. From figure dragon long and incomplete, was again a young aesiriana kneeling on the floor. Sakti satisfied sighed and ran a hand across his forehead to dry the sweat that produced the effort and the strong desert sun.
"Well, that's all for today, Allena Merka said as he approached her to help her up. Naraya does the rest: you learn to control the transformation beyond what you've come, so do not miss out checking as the wings and tail. -Sakti stretched a bit to accommodate the neck bones were not quite right after the changes in reverse.
"The wait, although I think you could teach yourself. You are given very While guiding me, "she said. Merka flattery smiled and said:
"Not that I give myself well be a teacher. 'm terrible. But you're an apprentice model. 're brilliant! learn to control it faster than your brother. "Then Merka Sakti raised his hand and thought that his uncle caress his head, but instead the prince his fingers to the forehead of the girl. Already control perfectly the reverse changes, you do not have horns.
Sakti put his hand to the other temple and discovered that her uncle was right. It had taken many days, but finally could get rid of those annoying horns that she could get the hood to protect your head from the sun every time he left the village. Now just hoping that the absence of the horns not affected, because he had taken time and effort to get used to the extra weight for balance. Now I wish I not have stability problems due to the lack of them.
-dress up, because I have a surprise for you today, "said Merka.
Then the prince left the small inner square of the town, leaving in the company of Derek Sakti. The Guardian carried a damp cloth placed over his head and shoulders of his protected, knowing that she would appreciate to cool.
"Oh, I do not know if your plan is good or if you took a wrong turn when Derek whispered Merka was no longer in sight. His uncle is very nice to you, but has managed very well not say anything of Masca.
"Yeah" was all Sakti say as he turned around, heading into the hallway where there was shade.
There the expected two adult women and Nefer, the first two ready to follow orders that were dictated Sakti and the third is not very happy to be his "lady in waiting." But when the princess came to them, their orders were the same as always: I wanted to wash. After that, she and Derek were silent, tired of the presence of the three. Sakti had other orders I wanted to dictate to Derek and the Guardian would receive for work but could not know before aesirianas other. The princess wanted her and her guardian to seek new ways to provide it to manipulate Merka and other princes of the Sands, I wanted to find new ways to convince them. But he could not devise anything with Derek if he was always with people loyal to Merka that come with the gossip about how his favorite niece wanted to brainwash.
knew his uncle wanted to please. was always very aware of it, giving all the pleasures of the few that can give a person in the desert. only had a bath her access to clean water and fresh, timely and satisfying meals, fresh and stylish clothes, a comfortable room and servants everywhere. Sakti If at first was a bit "surprised" that his arrival in Myula not generate significant impact on the community, after two days and all the villagers knew who she was and looking for ways to please her. With simple gifts, including some treats, invitations to the stables or other cubs games. seemed that this was how they had to make her feel part of them.
But because all the attention, Sakti rarely found a time to be alone. could not even meet with Darius alone, or with their children, because there was always someone asking if he was offered something. Even at night I was alone! The rooms closest to yours were housed two women who chose as his uncle and two maids were always uncomfortable when the Guardian Dereck wanted to stay in the room of his ward to follow the security protocol. even got that Prince Derek will be assigned to several night patrols in the village, so that the left in charge of caring for Sakti under the guise of ensuring that Myula was free from invasion during the night.
Dereck blamed the aesirianas guard his appointment, Sakti was pretty sure Merka intended to eventually assign these times and the girls just gave the perfect excuse. Sakti knew his uncle wanted to spoil, yeah. Merka But I also knew he was smarter than it looked, and that he perfectly understood how the Aesir making politics the main continent. And he would not fall, unwittingly, in some of the pitfalls that could put Sakti for help to Masca. When Sakti officially submit the petition to the Court of the Sands, Merka would give a vote in support. But both knew that I wanted the girl was that the prince gave this vote more conviction than the request due to pirate Telius; Sakti Merka wanted to convince that provide complete and immediate assistance to Masca was a need, he also had to convince the other princes to get all that help.
Merka But he was cutting off all means of action if not left alone to plan strategies or to give instructions to Dereck. Nor will provided information on how to contact the Palace in the Kingdom of the Sands, with the ruler or Adad, to request a hearing. Every time they touched the subject of the invasion of Masca, he managed a great time to talk about something else or promise of new "gifts."
Merka But the servants and commoners around here and there, just to make it clear that the desert had thousands of needs it might cover. Why, if not, was instructed to control the transformation? Sakti wanted to do the same as Adad, which vanirianos hunts to minimize invasions of child and cities. wanted the same as the prince asked the Emperor Kardan Remiak so many years: use the power of the Dragon to save the Sands.
And what was worse plantársele Sakti could not face to face, and say he did not want him or her other guys saw her as a tool to eliminate threats to the desert for several reasons. To begin with, because that action could be interpreted as a lack of gratitude, which benefit neither the personal relationship between her and Merka and political relations to be maintained. And on the other hand, Sakti suited him those kinds of control over their transformation and wanted. Neither Masca or any other part of the main continent known for one teacher to teach him this skill: that of becoming a dragon at will. It was not just become a beast capable of destroying a building with a single flick. was the ability to do all that and more without forgetting who he was, taking control of their actions and powers. was able to use magic in a conscious way already powerful! How could I miss the opportunity learn to do that?
Sakti knew what happened. His uncle had been deprived of time alone, surrounded by servants had and also put a bait in front of her irresistible, which were these training sessions to control the transformation. And, though I knew it was a trap to keep focused on something while he devised other plans to use the skills of her niece, she was seduced by the lure and ran directito him. was in the palm of Merka and did not know how to escape it. Prince had managed to keep the form busy and unable to discuss, the time was entertaining while still running against Masca.
If only Merka had left a loose end but no! Everything was planned to perfection. Even the prophets were engaged in something else, forgetting the urgency of getting aid to the Capital. Connor had found a medical book in the library that had fascinated so much that he sought the healer Myula for instruction in what was the book said. The smallest of the prophets went into the healer's office all day, sandwiched between notebooks bandages, potions and lessons, because the knowledge they wanted to buy had to pay as a medical assistant. Connor And that does not bother him or the least.
Sakti thought maybe Airgetlam Dagda and more pressed to Merka to give them an answer soon on masks, but were light years from the machinations of the prince! In Myula were two teachers who were also twins and Dagda and Airgetlam but were still too young to have a transformation, that few teachers had more to teach: how to control the power on light and shadows, only to have twins. And so Airgetlam Dagda and were in the same position as her, taking classes to obtain a skill that they could not get anywhere else and not likely to object to anything real.
and Darius ... Well, the strong will of Darius was a mess. was the most grumbling at night because they had not done anything after two weeks of stay in Myula, but the morning always got new packages of books that kept him busy during the day. When realized, the night came and growled again. But never did anything. Every night he vowed that the next day would not fall into temptation and face the prince for the delay to give news, but every morning I thought to read one book do not distract enough. And by the end of the day, already had read them all and the story is repeated over and over again.
"Even Geri and Freki do something about it" thought the girl when he went into his private bathroom, with Derek waiting outside the door. "Both are very comfortable in the barn, are treated like kings, ". And Sakti knew that wolves never complain of having fresh food and water, people who admire them and brushed the coat, or the opportunity to roam freely around the village, making mischief and playing like puppies. For the moment, they were happy.
"Excuse me, Your Highness," said one of the maids, while pulling a tape that held the complicated piece of training.
Instantly Sakti clothes fell to the ground by the girl gruñera to himself. As if she were not able to undress yourself! clothing was true that the training was very difficult to implement, because it was not a blouse and trousers, but a lot of fabrics placed so that no matter the type of transformation, never to break or stop expose the puppy. was all an invention to avoid awkward moments in aesirianos while learning to change. But those clothes off was as simple as pulling a single tape.
why Sakti broke the tape that still bound her hair in a ponytail and let her hair cover her back. he knew that those two damned maidens gladly accompanied her to the bathroom to see the marks of Prophecy. "I have to get rid of them ', she thought with disgust as he walked into the small pool in the bathroom. An idea crossed his mind and on the other side of the door in his room, Dereck shuddered. sensed that his protege was afoot.
Sakti sighed as the girl finished her hair tie. Although looked a woman with a pair of eyes flashed and thunder almost the aesiriana gave him a sweet smile. Dereck sitting in bed, gave him a look of dread their protected asking him to please not do any damage to the daughters. He did not like, always scolded for anything: for sitting on the bed of Sakti, to access when she asked her best accommodate your hair if he could not do it yourself, by suggesting training - had already been two weeks without practicing with the swords! were under oxidizing! - By insisting on reviewing his room at night six times security code that was required ... The very damn rebuked him for doing his job! They treated him without respect, although he was a soldier of the highest category. Still, that did not mean wanted something to happen to them almost lethal. yet was so sick of them.
Sakti gave a new breath before leaving the room. Dereck be jumped up to follow closely, even if it meant that he and the girl would be walking almost shoulder to shoulder, radiating both disdain for the other. The maiden wasted no time and began to praise how beautiful she looked Sakti with the dress that had belonged to his mother, how well it conformed to the waist, so wonderful that the garment was blue with gray hair and blah, blah, blah. reached the stairs and felt the urge Sakti delayed a fraction of a second to a woman passing in front of her and then PLAM! Pushing and let roll, but Derek cleared his throat and asked it to continue its journey without accident to anyone.
When they reached the first floor main hall, the prophets were there. Four had the face of boredom, even the good-natured Connor, because the other girl had taken the liberty of removing them from their activities, forcing them to change their clothes and stand for who-knows-what-else. Everything would have been nice if they had been asked politely. But like its companion, the woman who was in charge of recruitment of the prophets was a picky I could only find fault with them, and say they were not good enough to be so intimate with the princess. wanted to be ashamed of themselves as foreigners and bow to the prince Merka. And neither one nor the other was going to happen soon.
Merka was also in the room, sitting on the soft mat on the floor, facing the door of the room. Behind him, a few steps, was Soel, straight. Sakti When entered, the prince ran enough for her to sit beside her, also head of the meeting. The prophets were off to the sides of the mat, also seated on the knees. For them it was not as comfortable a position to Merka, but resigned themselves as they did to the requirements of the ugly girl. Because assumed that much work to receive a guest meant only one thing: a prince.
Finally, after two weeks, would meet a prince. could finally seek help from another uncle of Sakti! had not yet lost hope of finding a prince who was not so difficult to convince one to put on their shoes and understand the anguish felt by Zoe. But when the butler opened the door again to let the room to the guest, so he came to hit that bowed ridiculous in the wrong direction. folded back so that her head struck against a vase near the door, making ornaments swayed and threatened to fall. Butler avoided it by stabilizing the vase, but when the guest took a step back and apologized, his legs crashed into a pedestal that was on the other side. The pedestal also swayed and caused a crash when a metallic bronze shield fell with him.
At first nobody said anything, but the prophets and Dereck, settled behind his protege, could not help but raise an eyebrow at such a lack of ... grace. But then the butler sighed and, with a gesture and a few phrases in the language of the desert, asked the guest who did not wait any longer for the princes. Butler, rather than annoying, seemed resigned, as if not surprised by the lack of coordination of the man.
The guest shyly approached the prince, blushing with embarrassment. He was a man only half a head taller than Sakti, which was the width of a trunk but the looseness of a pillow. clothes instead of silk or fine linen with gold lace, wore a rough brown linen suit, consisting of wide trousers and a shirt and a vest over it, with several pockets. The aesiriano brought a briefcase shoulder dark brown, the sticking several scrolls, and had also a very thick pair of glasses that made her eyes were the size of two specks of dust. He must practically blind.
For a moment he stood in front of Merka and Sakti, shaking so hard it looked like they bambaleaba like the pendulum of a clock. Merka had to use all his willpower not to smile, because he saw the corner of her eye how the twins bit their lips and blinked nonstop to dispel the tears of laughter that they wanted to leave. input not only was unattractive man, but his appearance was funny. The prince noted that Connor, sitting at his older brothers had also struggled to contain the laughter, so I did what any man would have been nice.
"Sit down and relax," he asked.
The guest dropped to his knees in front of the princes, as if her legs were butter and had melted. Then the man tried to make another bow, hitting his forehead on the floor. But made it so quick and so fast that, of course, hit the front.
-Ah ... Connor asked, trying not to laugh. right?
-S-yes ... "Cried the guest, raising his head and stroking the lump that had been done. I'm fine, I'm used to.
" Claaaaro yes", thought the twins to time and Connor, who had caught the sly grace of that thought, had to take her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing screwdriver. Merka sighed and cleared his throat, all interpreted as signal for silence.
-Allena, I wonder who this man. If I'm not mistaken, his name is Ryaul Borub, right?
-S-yes, sir, "stammered Ryaul, with an expression of infinite happiness. Shortly care about the couple of bumps that had after his two ridiculous bows, what mattered was that Merka Prince knew his name and now presented it to his niece, nothing more and nothing less than the princess Sakti Allena, the second to the throne of the Sands.
"Mr. Borub is an archaeologist," continued Merk-and is now in charge of the archaeological reports that are delivered to the regent. He also formed part of the expedition first entered the ruins of Myula. Your father chose him personally. Velmi said Mr. Borub be one of the brightest minds in the Kingdom of the Sands, and he was right: now is the archaeologist more respected in the field of golden age.
Ryaul Sakti mumbled something that did not understand, could have spoken in the language of the desert or perhaps tried to give a compliment to the prince but eventually his tongue failed him. The truth is that his face was so red, so open your mouth and eyes so glassy that it seemed that if he died right there, you would leave this world to be the happiest man in the universe. certainly was a ridiculous but, strange or not sit well with the girl. After spending two weeks watering odious bile are considered the maidens Nefer and, to meet a man so funny he did well.
"A pleasure to meet" the girl said politely, bowing his head slightly. Ryaul If before I was happy, now he was elated.
- The pleasure is mine, your Excellency, Highness! Said tilting your head too much again and getting a new blow to the forehead.
At that time, Dagda and Airgetlam no longer hold back and let out a dry laugh, low and short. Although in their minds long ago that had succumbed to the fun. However, a cold stare of Darius recovered and erased all smiles on their faces, just before the man lifted his face and rubbed the new bump.
- And what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? Sakti asked to avoid Ryaul repair on the faces of the boys.
"I called Mr. Borub Merka said, ahead of the archaeologist, for you, Allen. I noticed that you like the ruins: the evenings are always watching. And you were an apprentice so magnificent I can not help reward you. Mr. Borub will give you a special tour of the ruins.
Sakti mouth opened slightly, not knowing what to say. She, like Darius and his sons, were slightly disappointed that the guest would be related to the final decision whether to give aid to Masca. if you will, his presence was a distraction rather than only Merka put before them. Yet Sakti not know what to say because I knew how to refuse the offer of Merka. A tour of the ruins that she decided that he should not visit, so it was that was in them? was very risky to go. But on the other hand, saw his uncle expectant child with the same brightness and idolatry that had the archaeologist for both. it would cost even tell you not to look like.
-E-eh, what His Highness likes archeology? Ryaul asked timidly.
Sakti felt the same rush of shame when the newt Youzen classified it as "fond of archeology." When the newt's caught looking at the core synchronization called it the same way, only to cause a slight blush. And now, when it asked Ryaul she could not help but stared at the ground to hide his face. tried to access of shyness did not notice much but did not go unnoticed Ryaul, who immediately began taking several scrolls from his briefcase, deploying them on the floor.
- Me too! I aaaaamo archeology. If a person I would marry her, "said the man, not knowing how strange it was his comment. When I was little and lived in daycare, babysitters always sent me to the library and not to harm anyone. is always playing with other kids tripped me ... Which was not very difficult, actually, because I was pretty overweight y. .. therefore, was not very coordinated y. ..
"Well," commented the twins, unable to contain himself, "What's hard to believe! "The man blushed and struggled to regain the thread.
-E, at any rate, there I found several of these scrolls. were scientific research, theories, planes, and everyone was talking about the golden age! "Drew so many scrolls Ryaul Sakti was tempted to flip through one. He took her hands and, although most could not decipher any of the lines, read to the perfection that was in the bottom right, as a signature. Al admit, felt a strange flutter in his stomach, as very few had ever had. His father, Prince Velmi, was the author of them all. was a genius, your Highness! -Merk could no longer hold back and laughed.
- ajajaja! Velmi! a genius! Those two words do not go well together. Velmi was a stupid fan. Borub Lord, I'm afraid you're the only one who can use the words "Velmi" and "genius" in one sentence that is not "Velmi was NOT a genius."
- But it was! "Said archaeologist avalentonadamente the limp. Velmi Prince was incredibly smart. had found some small ruins in various parts of the desert, but all share similar architectural features, if not identical. Prince That led to believe that the ruins were all interconnected and that was how he formulated his hypothesis of the Lost City.
- Lost City? Asked one of the twins.
"Sounds like a novel of adventure, right? "Said the other. Ryaul nodded.
"To many it was ridiculous, but more and more were convinced by the writings of the prince. I was particularly amazed at the idea. hypothesis Prince said that the ruins of the golden age were not individual buildings, but were a it. said that, in fact, what we found was just, quite literally, the tip of the iceberg. really claim that our present civilization was settled over thousands of layers of sand that were covering the ruins of splendor. He firmly believed that under the surface, after hundreds of thousands of years, he slept a giant city that ran through the desert! This is the Lost City, the kingdom of Sakti Allena I! Aesir
Archaeologist face shone with excitement. seemed already out of shame or excitement, his face would always have the same shade of red, despite having caramel tan.
Connor hissed. What was right?
- You can think so! Ryaul replied, puffing his chest proudly. Myula is tested! First he found the prince of the ruins you see now is that small area that is at the top of the dome, ¿la has visto? —Connor arqueó las cejas, asombrado—. Él mismo desenterró gran parte del techo, utilizando sus poderes. Cuando encontró una entrada, organizó una cuadrilla de arqueólogos y exploró el lugar. —Ryaul suspiró como enamorado—. ¡Jamás lo voy a olvidar! Fue el día más feliz de mi vida, ¡el mismo príncipe Velmiar, el heredero al Trono, me buscó en la Universidad de Kortiusa para pedir unirme a su proyecto! Aahhh, ¡yo era apenas un estudiante! Solo tuve suerte de haber publicado un breve artículo y por decisión del fantástico destination the prince had read. And I liked it!, Can you believe? I liked it! So I went looking in the company of his squire, and all three games that day to find the rest of the gang.
"When we reached the entrance to the ruins I thought I would die with excitement. have no idea of \u200b\u200bhow beautiful they are inside! Just we move a few feet and the walls began to shine! This confirmed another hypothesis of the prince! He was convinced that the Lost City at the time, reacted to the magic aesiriana. As I told stories about the Empress. And can you believe that shone for us? The walls, floor, ceiling, everything! magic is very, very beautiful. Then we could only explore the dome and part of the level that was below it, but with the engravings on the walls, statues, crystal chandeliers, level maps ...! Ah, all that we had the job of five lives! was amazing!
Now Myula was much more than just a sphere crumbling in the desert. Sakti could only imagine the enormous amount of sand that had to be removed in order to unearth the remains to the present level, and there were still groups of archaeologists working every day, digging up more and more that mysterious structure.
"But that only proves that Myula ruins belong to the reign of the Empress. not part of a giant city. "The archeologist shook his head, full of passion.
- No, Highness! His father fell many levels higher than us. We reached a point that had not happened, but a great chasm. But instead of turning around, her father looked at us straight in the eye and said "Do not follow me." then launched into the abyss. was horrible, we did not know what to do. But his squire, remember it was a very happy young man but also annoyed by the carelessness of the prince, was launched after him. few minutes later, both returned. The squire, who was a magician winged it brought. the prince brought a tablet and a small vase, intact and beautiful, a Despite the years! The board had a plan. And the prince told us he had gone down several levels, so many that when the account was thirty got confused and could not keep counting. said that if his squire had not rushed to get him to fall and would still be far from hitting bottom. "The archeologist paused for breath. His father was a genius!
"Ah, yes ... but I think it still does not prove the Lost City, right? It turns out that a few months later, satisfied with the results in Myula, his father sought more ruins. He found three others, far from Myula, with the same characteristics: the area, the top ... did not the people around them, but enabled so we could study them. was the same structure without a doubt! And in the desert map, its position is consistent with some specific points on the board that he found his father.
Ryaul carefully pulled a package wrapped in white leather. When removed the foil and fold to protect him, exposed a ceramic plate glowed blue as if it had been cleaned with oil. He handed Sakti carefully, aware that the girl not to touch without protection of a cloth.
"It's the board that he found his father, Highness," said archaeologist almost devotion. After studying it, gave me. He said he had taken full advantage could and it was better that someone with more time and dedication to seek new mysteries to solve it. This one here, "he said pointing to a point in the plane, which seemed to actually be a map," is the apex of Myula. These other here, "pointing five points, all distant from each other, are other peaks that Prince Velmi found in the desert after studying the tablet. And these two new points, "pointing," are the tops that I found. So far, the tablet was not wrong. has correctly pointed cusps where they are hidden. And if you look all around compared to a map of the Kingdom of the Sands ... -Ryaul pulled out a map of the desert with an overlay identical to the plane of the tablet, with the exact points of the cusps found ", you will notice that the structure they belong to the cusps is all over the desert. The Lost City is a fact, Your Highness. And no one archaeologist who doubts the theory of his father.
Sakti looked at the board, map, and the scrolls that were the signature of his father. And he knew what he felt in his stomach was a little happiness. Of pride, indeed. was very proud of his father ... and was proud of being the daughter of the man who, by sheer passion, had discovered the greatest treasure in the desert the ruins of the Empress. Youzen What you said was true. She was a "fan of archeology," because there was no way that also reached the level of knowledge of his father. Nor was no way that I felt no attraction to something that was both passionate Velmi. His little "hobby" was the only link that was in common with his father, who had come to look more like it by the way Sigfrid and the Emperor wrinkled face every time I remembered and referred him as an intrepid irresponsible, completely opposite of fragile educated and beautiful princess Istar.
- So you say, Allen? He asked in a whisper Prince Merka. Are you interested in special tour? -Sakti nodded and said
- Yes!
Oh ... perhaps sounded more excited than they intended. But he had little time to repent of her slip, because then he heard the girls sucking their teeth, disapproving the decision of the princess. Then they said nothing, but knew Sakti that when the meeting would tell him to go on a tour of this kind was not an activity for a lady, like training with swords that Dereck was proposing. Sakti want to bring to the raid, only to lose them or leave the ruins trapped under a pile of rubble.
-Style, Your Highness, fantastic! Ryaul cried. I promise you will not disappoint, you'll love ruins! "The archaeologist began collecting the scrolls and, as he said, he asked: How many passengers will you have?
-eleven, if you want to join the prophets Merka said, referring to the four tonare to Sakti, the two maids, Nefer, Derek, and he Soel. I hope that there is no problem for many people.
"Oh, no, no. Not at all. Although we do need to follow certain steps of the protocol.
"Twelve," interrupted then Connor. archaeologist looked at as a question: "We are twelve, Kel must also come with we will like to get out. -Merk frowned, nothing pleased.
"It's a Grolier, how could you think I'm going to let a vaniriano walked the ruins that my brother found? "Connor was not a person who enjoys conflict, so I do not know how to respond to the arguments of Merka. But then Darius said
"Then they are ten, I'll stay with Kel here.
and gave him a look at the prince who said "No way I'm going to be left alone to Kel for the soldiers to come to imprisoned and tortured as a prisoner of war. 'll have to try harder if you want to put a finger on, you bastard. " Merka was not intimidated by the look of Darius and returned an identical. But before you make uncomfortable silence, Sakti said
-May we be fourteen. Darius I would like to accompany me and that is only possible if the Grolier also going, and if we left behind and Freki Geri never forgive us. "The girl did not try to look as sweet innocence and barely looked at his uncle when he spoke, but still Merka and swallowed his pride and agreed.
-U-um, will you listen to a little known fact? "Timidly ventured the archaeologist, possibly with the intention to lighten the mood between Darius and the prince. Perhaps Ryaul Connor was so weak as to conflict is concerned. The aesiriano cleared his throat and looked at Darius, not without feeling a little embarrassed by the boy's eyes mestizos. Empress Sakti Allena Aesir I married a prophet. The youngest of three children of the house of the prophets became his consort and his father children. Although this is something that many ignore, because the Empress outshines all around. We're not even sure of the names of their children and less than her husband, but is an interesting fact. Because that means that a trastataratataratataratataratataratatara ... -The aesiriano continued saying "great great" without interruption in one breath and without wrong-.... tataratataratataratataratío yours, "he added pointing to Darius, was also a trastataratataratataratataratataratatara ...
- Aha! Many "great great"! Dagda cried. Understood!
-... the princess tataratataraabuelo Ryaul ended. Immediately, breathed deeply to replenish the air. Sakti and Merka arched an eyebrow, almost amused by the anecdote, but Darius was far from being pleased with the data.
- What does that make us? Cousins \u200b\u200b"to what degree? Sakti asked, a little mockingly.
"We do not do anything Darius replied through clenched teeth.
"As you say, cousin Merka-bothered him.
Darius did not even attempt to respond to provocation. The rest of the meeting was to discuss preparations for the expedition, but he just stared at his knuckles, trying to keep her composure. was angry, because that issue was not happy just another excuse, another trick to keep everyone entertained while Masca was crumbling under vanirianos rays. and Sakti, who was always so cautious, fell plump and happy in the new trap for his uncle. Connor was enthralled with the idea and even Dagda and Airgetlam comenzaban a entusiasmarse. Pero él...
