On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Two days passed, Azir and his kin settled in, content with the suites. Deciding to stroll through RP&V before their meeting with Yzavela, they examined the shops, tents and tables put on display. Keeping her close, Azir watched as Natash noticed a vendor selling beautiful and intricately carved jewelry with Lapis and Amber stones in their silver settings. Glancing around, Azir’s gold eyes watched as their kin kept a close, but yet far enough distance, making their presence known.

“Something has caught my eyes dear husband, I will over there.” the Nubian Queen held onto him, “May I?” she looked at him.

“Never ask my beauty, go.” Azir replied, “Anything that your heart desires if yours.” he took her hands, kissing them quickly.

“Anything that my heart desires, I like the sound of that.” Natash let out a sift giggle, offering his a faint grin then leaned in, sharing a kiss.

Azir grinned, watching as she strolled ahead, escorted by four of their kin, while others gathered around him. Glancing around, he spotted the blacksmith’s shop, observing Leonard and his apprentice heat and pound new metal, forging them into weapons or armor. As his gold eyes ventured to the next shop, the leather makers were adding their finishing touches of studs and buttons, or buckles on the armor. He occasionally turned making sure Natash was within his sight then he turned away, continuing to study all of the changes that had taken place since his last visit many-many years ago.

Nathan stood on the ledge of the fountain, scanning all of the newer women that arrived on the island, single or married, it didn’t matter to him, he wanted a new challenge. Glancing at his friends laughing, he pointed toward women that caught his interest.

“Now what?” Logan, one of the other Lycynian’s asked, “I mean, are we going to stand around here all day lookin’ at them or what, we’re bored mate.” he looked at Nathan.

“Yeah, mate…” Adam added, “my bullocks ache.” he grabbed at his groin, giving it a brief squeeze at a handful of women passing by, “Hey loves, want to have some fun?” he nodded toward them, but they rolled their eyes, walking away, however, one of them stopped, glancing back at him, “You…” he mouthed the word toward her, “me, later?” he flashed her a flirtatious smile.

Nathan said nothing, searching the crowd until his eyes landed upon a beautiful black woman with her hair braided down the side, dressed in skins and fabrics that hugged her muscular frame. Quickly looking at his friends, he jumped off the ledge then pushed his way through the crowd, but growing closer, he watched as she was surrounded by several tall, menacing looking men that matched her attire and ethnic background. Approaching the stand, pretending to examine all of the jewelry pieces for himself, making his approach look less obvious, he took notice she admired the stones in their settings. Glancing at the men nearby that for a moment, looked away to scan the thick crowd, he then leaned in, standing behind her, whispering in her ear,

“Why look at those jewels when I have much more precious ones?”

Startled, Natash turned, looking into the young man’s blue eyes that lacked characters and substance.

“Excuse me?” she gasped, backing away.

“You heard me, beautiful goddess.” he slurred his words, eyeing her up and down, giving a faint lick to his lips, “My private jewels can be yours…”

“I beg your pardon young man, but…” Natash groaned, feeling very unsettled by his approach, “clearly you’re speaking to wrong woman, in the wrong place.” she grabbed her basket, attempting to turn away, but felt his hands grab her waist.

“Come on, give me a chance…” he pleaded, biting his lower lip, then reached down, grabbing himself inappropriately, “I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed.”

Natash frowned, twisting Nathan’s arms outward, before twirling him around, pushing him forward into the arms of her kin that had immediately sensed her distress.

“Who are you?” Nathan grunted, leering up at the tall man.

Speaking with Leonard, inquiring about the various methods and the alloys used to create his fine weaponry and all of the iron works that were on the island, Azir suddenly heard Natash’s voice shouting out. Turning swiftly, catching a glimpse of her through the crowd with a dagger to a man’s throat, Azir dropped the sword he held in hand, pushing through the crowd. Sensing her unsettled demeanor, finally he stood by her side, quickly asking what took place, then glanced at the young man that was held back by their kin and watchmen. Eyeing him up and down, he looked at Natash, listening to her tale of her encounter with the young man in question. Growing furious after he heard of Nathan’s attempt to defile her, Azir removed a dagger from his own belt, pressing it against the young man’s throat then with his other hand, he grabbed Nathan’s hair, pulling his head back, leering into his blue eyes, Azir squinted then pushed him toward the handful of watchmen.

“Take this dog back to my suite.” Azir ordered bluntly, sheathing his dagger back to his belt.

As the watchmen dragged Nathan toward the Inn, he screamed out.

“No, let me go! I’m a Lycynian, and I’ll tear you apart! The Keeper won’t like this, we’re friends…she and I, let me go!”

The watchmen scoffed, replying to the young man’s words in their African tongue.

Residents and shopkeepers watched as the Africans dragged Nathan toward the Inn, and glancing around, the island’s Guardians weren’t alerted of the situation for they were too busy interrupting a scuffle down by the dock and harbor between Lycynians.

Natash managed to calm Azir’s rising temper, reassuring him that the situation would be rectified, however, listening as Azir protested, she remained silent, knowing he would handle it accordingly, not only as her husband, but King. She knew that he didn’t allow such vile words or actions in their tribe, rules set by Azir’s and ancestors and anyone who dared to act as such, would suffer the consequences according to the crime, and it would be just. But having no jurisdiction here on the island, she knew he would have to speak with the Keeper herself, but not without taking matters into his own hands.

“Azir, I…”

“My beauty, I want you to go to the study and wait for me there.” he looked down at her, “All right, please.” he kissed her forehead, “It is time that we speak with Yzavela about her residents and the behavior of which they think are acceptable.” he nodded.

“All right.” she nodded, then backed away with two watchmen that followed closely behind her, leaving the others gathered around him.

Watching as his wife and Queen disappeared somewhere within the massive crowd, Azir frowned then turned, briskly returning to the Inn. Rushing upstairs, slamming his rooms’ door, Azir removed his cloak, laying it elegantly on the back of one of the chairs near the door. His gold eyes scanned the room then focused on a chair that say in the center of the center where two watchmen stood alongside the young man. Slowly taking steps toward him, kneeling in front of him, offering harsh words of warning then standing elegantly, his gold eyes looked at the watchmen, ordering them to give him what he deserved. Turning his back, listening to the sounds of groans from punches being inflicted, he sat in one of the chairs, crossing his legs, watching and waiting until he thought Nathan suffered enough. As he tilted his head, seeing the young man’s head hanging low, almost falling unconscious, he declared loudly,

“Enough!” he stood, approaching Nathan who sat slouching in the chair. Grabbing him by his blonde hair, pulling his head back, he stared at his swollen and bruised face, feeling nothing for him. As he turned away, instructing the watchmen to dispose of the Lycynian, he reached for his cloak, draping it around his shoulders then swept out of the room, standing in the hall, watching as the watchmen pulled Nathan off the chair, dragging him down the hall and through the lounge; he ignored the onlookers of guests that gawked and pointed. Standing outside, Azir watched as his kin roughly threw Nathan into the street, leaving him laying there to figure things out for himself, “Consider this a warning mutt, for next time I won’t be so generous in letting you live.” Azir groaned as he knelt beside the young man that lay with a faced bloodied and bruised, a cut lip, possibly broken ribs and a pounding headache. Standing, adjusting his cloak, he spat then began strolling through the village in strong poised strides that caused residents, shopkeepers and Guardians to step aside, taking in his striking and commanding presence. He was a true King, and he projected that persona perfectly, and ignoring stares and comments, he continued through RP&V making his way toward the gates and just as they swept through the archway, watching as Guardians had stepped aside, they vanished in pillars of green light, reappearing by the inner gates.

Laying there moaning, Nathan stammered to his feet then pushed the helping hands of residents and Guardians that cared enough to help him to his feet. Barking at them to leave him be, he made his own way to the hospital, ignoring the stares as he passed by. Entering the lobby, he collapsed, leaving a hand streak of blood on the wall. As he watched nurses and staff rush toward him, he complained and argued against their persistent attempts of dragging him into one of the ICU rooms; it had just been cleaned for the scent of bleach was in the air. Fighting off their helping hands, he grunted feeling a needle stab into his arm, a needle filled with sedative that settled his nerves and rage. Blinking his eyes, he watched as Matthews entered the room before he fell unconscious, sprawled out across the bed.

“What happened?” Matthews hissed.

“We don’t know, he just came in like this.” one of the nurses hissed by his Lycynian scent.

Studying the inflicted wounds, Matthews frowned.

“These aren’t from Wraith or Demon…” he moaned.

“Does it matter?” one of the other nurses grunted, quickly removing Nathan’s boots, having his feet plop heavily back on the bed, “This is Nathan, it should be of no surprise that he’s here, looking like this.”

Matthews said nothing, knowing the nurse was right, then pinned the young man in place as he thrashed around, groaning in an attempt to wake up and break free from their grasp.

“Let go…” he growled deeply, then leaned his head back, feeling the sting of another needle jab into his neck directly into the vein for a more powerful effect, “let g…” he didn’t even finish the sentence as it knocked him out cold.

It wasn’t the first time Nathan had wounded up in the hospital with injuries, but these were more intense and serious, more aggressive and violent.

Stepping back, watching as Nathan breathed, Matthews huffed as he placed his hands on his hips, then gestured for the nurses to leave the room, allowing him to rest and sleep.

“Richard?” Beth’s voice muttered as she wandered down the hall.

Glancing to his left, the Wraith watched as the Immortal shuffled, balancing herself with her cane.

“What happened?” she questioned.

“I don’t know.” Matthews shrugged, “He came like that.”

Beth frowned, gazing through the window into the room, watching as the young man slept soundly.

“Did you call his sister and uncle?” Beth looked at Matthews.

“Beth, he just got here.” Matthews hissed, “So no, I haven’t.”

Natash anxiously waited in the private lounge outside the study, and fumbled with her sash while her watchmen stood by the staircase. She raised her gaze, hearing the front door downstairs open and as she stood, watching as shadows crawled up the stairs, she and her tall watchmen placed their hands on the hilts of their weapons, then they sighed in relief, catching glimpse of Azir and the other watchmen coming around the curved shape of the staircase. Watching as those that protected her stepped aside, she studied Azir’s stern demeanor.

“Dare I even ask what happened?” she implored bluntly, folding her arms, but he didn’t answer, “Is the Lycynian still alive at least?”

“With much restraint, his life remains.” Azir looked at her, “What are you doing here, haven’t you spoken with the Keeper?”

“Not yet, I was waiting for you.” Natash reached out, placing both her hands on his chest, “I figured you would want to be there when I spoke to her.”

“Yes…” he nodded, “well, I”m here now my beauty, so let us speak.” he placed his left arm around her waist then together, two Jinn took slow steps toward the door but before he could knock, it swung open.

“Hello.” I greeted.

“Hello.” Natash wondered how the young woman knew they arrived.

“Come in…” I stepped aside, gesturing for them enter. Watching as the King and Queen swept past me, accompanied by their tall kin, I smiled then left the door open, “Please have a seat anywhere that…” I paused, “well, anywhere you’d like.” I shrugged. Standing near the desk, studying the Jinn’s elegant mannerisms closely, I was baffled for they were beautiful and cultural, “Now, aside the previous agreement to speak, what brings you here?” I asked, and knowing that I should not have tried, I peered around their mind, listening to their African voices muttering things that I couldn’t understand.

“We’ve never thought Demons or half-breeds could read our mind.” Nathan wondered curiously, feeling her intrusion, “Interesting.” she looked at Azir.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I apologized softly, “I couldn’t help it, your thoughts are just screaming a little too loudly, that’s all. Any Demon or half-breed I’m sure, could hear them.”

“Interesting nonetheless.” Azir groaned.

“Do you know anything about Demons and half-breeds?” I pondered.

“Honestly, we do not. We have never had the pleasure, or means, to engage with your kind. Regardless of those living here, who have been here since the beginning during the island’s creation. Even then, I never had the opportunity to interact, and have a…what’s another phrase you might understand…a sit down with them, is that it?” Azir looked at Yzavela.

“Y-yes.” I nodded, becoming distracted by his beauty. I don’t mean in the ways of a romantic interest, but culturally beautiful as he sat with such poise and elegance. Glancing at Natash, she looked like the true Queen that she was, sitting alongside her King with their loyal watchmen standing near by, “Well…” I cleared my throat, “perhaps you should have a sit down with them, you might be surprised what you learn.” I glanced toward their watchmen, “You do know that you are more than welcome to sit.” I gestured toward the couch and chairs.

“We are content half-breed, thank you.” one of them answered.

“It is appreciated.” another added with a brief nod.

“Okay.” I accepted their decline, “Now, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s troubling you?” I looked toward them, “Wait, let me guess.” I mocked sarcastically, “That Redwood tree of a man, Leonus right?”

“Him?” Azir groaned, “No, but it was a Lycynian.” he shifted, then went onto explain the situation that took place with Nathan, as did Natash, adding her input for he wasn’t aware of the words that were shared between before he made his presence known, “Do you allow such actions to take place here?”

I felt nauseous, for I couldn’t believe Nathan could be that twisted, actually wait, I could. He tried with me, twice.

“Natash, truly I’m sorry that happened to you, but unfortunately…” I leaned against the ledge of the desk, “that’s Nathan. He has been hitting on me for the longest time, and I’ve locked him away just as many times as I have done to Leonus, but they never seem to learn. Natash, again I’m sorry and I won’t, or can’t, say that it wasn’t uh, unintentional because when it comes to Nathan, every foul thing that comes out of his mouth are meant.” I groaned.

“That filthy mutt hits women?” Azir worried, pushing her words aside, as he eyed her up and down, looking for marks and bruises.

“No my love, she didn’t mean it physically.” Natash affirmed.

“What I meant was he verbally hits on me and other women, with an inappropriate comment or unwanted advance, and believe me, he has said far worse things than what he said to you.” I looked at Natash, “Now, just us here but, I agree with how you handled him, but you left him alive though right?” I looked at Azir curiously, “I would hate to explain that to his uncle and sister, everyone would think that I’ve hired outsiders to harm the residents, not a good look for me.”

“I respect the Isle’s rules, having helped Marxus set many of them in motion but…” Azir leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, “if Nathan were back in our country, he wouldn’t have his hands or his manhood, but yes, his life remains intact.” he finished, reassuring her. Now…” he cleared his throat, standing slowly, elegantly pulling down at his tunic, “about that Italian that was with you days ago.” he referred to Anthony, “How much does he know about this place and your position in it?” he wondered.

“Just as much as I do, minus a few things of course.” I answered, “I mean, he was with men during all of the training that Marxus put me through.” I looked at him then over at Natash, “Well, not every little thing, but enough to know that this place takes a lot out of me. Why do you ask?”

“Because there are things that only you should know.” Azir groaned bluntly, “For starters, what happened to Axeon after Marxus left this world?”

“Y-you know about that, about Axeon?” I cautiously shifted in place.

“Of course, he was around when Marxus and I first met.” Azir took a moment to remember, “I recall that day as if occurred moments ago, such a magnificent creature. Very much like this dragon that you have in your possession, one that I have yet to see for myself.” he glanced around the study, taking notice of the two wolves laying by the fireplace.

“Yeah, Abraxas is a bit shy about revealing himself to strangers.” I let out a soft chuckle, then scratching my chin I continued, “Would you like to see him? Axeon, I mean?”

“It has been a long time Azir, and Natash Zuberi.” Axeon’s voice had pushed its way into the Jinn’s thoughts, and that of Yzavela’s as well, “A long time indeed, come. We have much to discuss.”

“Incredible, it’s been four hundred-twenty years since we have last seen him, and yet the connection feels brand new and untainted.” the Jinn King admired verbally.

“Four hundred-twenty years, shut…up!” I blurted, catching the Jinn by surprise.

“I beg your pardon?!” Natash ordered, as she stood next to Azir.

“What did you say to our King and Queen?!” one of the watchmen near the door ordered, placing his hands on the hilts of his weapons.

“Oh god, I’m sorry…I didn’t mean it like that, I was just…f*ck me.” I kept apologizing shamefully, “I didn’t mean it like that at all or in a literal sense, it’s an American expression, I’m sorry. Please…” I held my hands together as if I were in a moment of prayer.

“Mm-hmm…” Natash moaned with a nod, “it caught us off guard I will admit, but it’s quite all right child, apology accepted. However, it is going to take us quite some time to grow accustomed to you and your phrases.”

“There’s a dictionary for that I’m sure, but thank you. And again, I’m truly sorry.” I lowered my hands, then walked around the desk. As I shifted through my bag, I retrieved a small box containing the large Keeper’s pendant, “I don’t always wear this.” I strolled around the desk toward the bookshelf, “How do you know about all of this?” I studied Azir’s striking features.

“My kin and I helped Marxus create this place, and the magic that protects these rooms and the island itself, infused with Demon magic, of course. You have nothing to fear, Marxus sent us here before his passing, by the mean of nature carrying his message.”

“That sounds like Marxus for sure, but before we go inside, name an item from the Room of Secrets.” I wondered.

Shifting his weight, placing his right hand on the hilt of his Scimitar, he glanced around the study, thinking momentarily, then he glanced down at her.

“The Mirror of Time, it was the first item to be placed in that room, among several others such a the large record volume cataloging all of the items. Plus, there’s the iron door toward the rear of the passage that has a special lock that matches the key, or pendant, that you’re holding in your hands.” he glanced down at her, raising an eyebrow in curiosity, “Have I passed?” he wondered elegantly.

“You did, yes. Thank you.” I grinned, “And I’ll never understand why magical beings speak in riddles or with such pizzazz.” I pulled down on the book. Taking a step back, listening to the gears behind the wall, turning and grinding, I glanced at Azir who humored softly, naming five other items within the Room of Secrets, “All right, I get it. You know about the room.” I respectfully finished.

Natash watched as the bookshelf opened, remembering the day when her husband and Marxus created it. Remaining behind in the study with the six watchmen splitting their numbers; three stood outside the shelf while the others stayed by their Queen, Natash took a seat.

Instructing Abraxas to remain in the study, keeping an eye on things, one of the wolves nodded, then panted, watching the Jinn slowly, and cautiously, move around the study.

Zanzabarr followed, for he were alone, who’s to say what he’d do in the presence of the Jinn without his pack mother’s commands.

Entering the passageway, Azir glanced around then turned to the right, gazing up at the stairs leading upward to the Room of Secrets.

“May I?” he asked Yzavela softly.

“Of course.” I nodded, “Who am I to object?” I stepped around him, watching as he led the way upward., “Would you like to open it or?” I wondered, holding the key that unlocked the door.

Azir grinned, then reached out, placing his hands upon the surface; an immediate connection buzzed throughout the space. Staring at the surface, he watched as his hand prints glowed in a faint green hue for only a few seconds before the magic seemed to have been absorbed into the blockade. Glancing down at Yzavela, he watched as her dark eyes admired the magic, and a faint smile on her face in admiration. Once the door opened, pushing inward, like a gentleman, he raised his left hand, gesturing for her to enter first, then following in after her, his gold eyes scanned the room where all the items placed on the shelves and tables, looked as if they had just been added to the room. He remembered when Marxus began adding the secrets, and growing a faint smile, running his hands over closed chests and the surface of glass casings, each of the items gave off a magical hum as he passed.

“Hello again.” he spoke, greeting the magic, “It’s been a long time.” he closed his eyes, feeling the sense tickling down his spine.

Standing near the glass casings, I watched as the Jinn interacted with the room, feeling the magic tickle up and down my spine, it was old and powerful, unlike any arcane magic that I had ever sensed or felt.

“How do you know about this place?” I questioned curiously, then I glanced toward the door where Zanzabarr stood, whining loudly.

“My kin and I helped Marxus create this space.” he answered her in a soft, truthful tone, “Excluding the Demons and their magic, it is Jinn magic that keeps the island preserved, hence the fog that creeps along the waters, consider it a cloak but yet it works like a one way mirror.”

“One way mirror, meaning what?” I pondered with wide eyes, for it was the first time I had ever heard anyone mention it in that sort of way.

“Yes, for example.” Azir approached her, slowly running his hands on the surfaces of books and candles, “When looking upon the Irish Sea from the shore of the Isle, your view of the waters is crystal clear but if you, or someone is coming through it, can’t even see their hand in front of them, or anything for that matter. Surely you experienced that when you first came here, yes?” he watched as she nodded, “It is has been a pleasure seeing this place again, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, and who am I to say no.” I smiled, loving to hear about the magical endeavors that went into the creating the Island, “I would love to hear more about this place was created.” I gestured to the door to my left, “Shall we?” I turned, leading the Jinn out of the room, the once the door closed and sealed itself, we descended the spiraling stairs, while Zanzabarr led the way then veering off to the right, approaching the iron door, placing the pendant in the lock and turning it per previous access, it pushed open, revealing the rocky, and hidden steps leading downward. Reaching for one of the large torches, Azir’s hand gently placed my up wrist in opposition.

“There is no need for that.” the Jinn raised his left hand, creating an orb of green swirling magic that immediately split into several other small orbs. Slowly reaching his hand outward, sending the orbs down the narrow space, Azir watched as Yzavela smiled in admiration once more.

“I love magic.” I smiled.