ZARAMANNI (BOOK ONE)

Racing into the aesthetically pleasing room where the famed healing fountain of Amarxona was located, Ezeman found himself surprised at how functional he had been over the past few weeks.

When his wandering gaze fell on the crystal-like flowing water that made the atmosphere of the arched room quite nice, Ezeman halted his steps.

He searched for Lord Haggard in the large space and the fairy, as though answering his inner call, walked out of the wall, his palms bearing a floating huge ball of blue flames that had become useless since they lost track of the girl.

“I take it that you were unable to find them,” the elder’s raspy voice spoke and Ezeman quickly lowered his knees onto the chilly ground, “seeing that your hands are empty.”

“We lost track of them. It seemed like they suddenly disappeared.”

“You shouldn’t make excuses, Ezeman.” The old man made loud noises while walking as he set the ball of flame into the depths of the fountain structure, the water steaming seconds after it had swallowed the fire.

Then, Lord Haggard placed his haunting gaze on Ezeman and said, “One thing is certain. They are headed for Zenrada and we should get there before they do.”

Still in the same position, Ezeman quirked his brows and his face wrinkled a little as his back itched him. His back had been feeling that way since the girl exploded the sacred place and... his wings.

“Does that mean we will be going for the second plan?” he asked, daring to lift his head.

Lord Haggard began to stroke his beard which was also affected by the explosion. It was sliced and angled weirdly. Everyone that saw the dangling disaster on his chin said it was unlikely that the hair would grow back.

“Yes,” he replied to Ezeman’s question. “At this point, we have to use our person.”

“I’ll contact-”

“I have a feeling that he has fully shifted. His wolf has probably killed a person or two.”

“Do you think the half-fairy is still with him? What if she’s dead?”

“If she dies, the man can’t survive. He will die, and so will his wolf.”

Ezeman, who didn’t have a full idea of the outcome of their recent dealings, was startled for a second. But he composed himself instantly. Nodding his head, he said, “I will contact our person. Things will be better taken care of within the walls of Zenrada.”

“Hmm.” Lord Haggard’s mumbled response agreed with Ezeman who got on his feet immediately. “The Queen,” the old man was about to ask a sensitive question, “is she still bedridden?”

“No, my Lord. I saw her having some time in the air yesterday. It doesn’t seem like she is aware of anything.” The last statement was clearly what Lord Haggard wanted to hear as his cracked, thin lips wore a huge smile.

“Good, good. You may leave.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

As Ezeman helped himself out of the room, he thought about the Queen. He envisioned what her reaction would be if she found out what a great percentage of the Amarxona’s council was up to.

He felt a shiver instantly. The fairy’s leader would never let them off the hook. She might be a little lenient on the elders, but he was a mere fairy who was opportuned to live in the palace due to luck if it can be called luck.

And, it was obvious that he would be the scapegoat if things go wrong with Lord Haggard’s plan.

Ezeman, as he closed the door behind him, realized he needed to have a plan of his own. For his head to remain saved, for him to get out of the entire situation unscathed, he needed to have a foolproof plan.

The good-looking fairy felt his wings twitch in their confinement as certain emotions ran through his veins.

As Ezeman resumed his walk, he knew who to approach for help and the thought of seeing that person again excited him greatly.

~

Crossing her arms, Zaramanni drew a sharp breath as they all stopped their journey for the seventh time or so.

She didn’t want to be that terrible person, but the woman King Darren had cozied up to the entire night, was making their once easy journey extremely difficult.

And Zara hated that a lot.

She watched as King Darren helped the woman named Laura sit down. With haste and care, the man-wolf who was wearing roughly sewed plants as clothes got her water and he fed it to her like she was a baby.

“Who knew the King could be such an emotional man?” Alisha spoke as she stood beside Zaramanni and watched the couple.

“She’s slowing down our journey,” Zara responded, her folded arms quickly dissolving as the side of her eyes caught the sight of Alisha’s severed arm.

“True. If we keep this up, we won’t reach The Big Tear in three days. But she’s weak. Who knows what she went through in the hands of those that held her captive?”

Zara’s shoulders slumped as she tore her eyes off the wolf couple. “I need to get to Mount Hermos as fast as I can.”

“The journey to Mount Hermos is a long one, Zaramanni. I suggest you have some patience.” Alisha’s response was accompanied by a few pats on the girl’s back.

Soon, they both had their seat on nearby rocks.

They had no choice but to wait till King Darren and his woman get their rest.

Zara looked at Alisha who was still looking amazing with one arm. “Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“The arm?” The witch took a look at the amputated limb, her lips wearing a dejected smile. “It is very uncomfortable. And sad. I mean, I still look sexy but I am not used to it.”

The corners of Zaramanni’s lips turned up as she watched the witch drag her fingers through her voluminous hair. Then, she asked, “Can your magic get you another arm?”

“No. My magic is barely any good. The magic on Mount Hermos can grow me a new arm though. But I have important issues to tend to, so I will just get a false arm in the flea market in the meantime.”

“There’s a flea market here too?”

“Why is that surprising?” Alisha asked, one of her brows lifted.

“It-” Zaramanni looked up at the clear sky for a second. “This place is so similar to Earth. There are even cars here.”

“All the universes, both known and unknown, are all connected in ways you can never imagine. I know most humans don’t think that we exist. They call us the supernaturals, don’t they?”

“How do you know that?”

Alisha chuckled as she rested her palm on the rocky ground and started to play with nearby stones. “I hated school but the one time I attended a class, they were teaching us about humans and how weird they are.”

Zaramanni could not help but agree. Humans can be very weird. “What else were you taught?”

“That humans think witches fly on brooms. That’s the stupidest thing I have heard. This entire universe,” Alisha’s hand circled the air to emphasize her statement, “is more advanced than Earth. Flying on brooms?” Alisha scoffed. “What are we? Jobless freaks?”

Zaramanni sure did think that humans were weird. “There is one thing I am curious about.”

“What is that?” Alisha responded.

Zara then nudged her head in the direction of the couple who were having a deep conversation and occasionally stealing glances in her and Alisha’s direction.

“Do you think they are true mates? King Darren claims he doesn’t have a wolf. How did he connect to her if he doesn’t have his own wolf?”

A shrug preceded the witch’s response. “Who knows? Some things in this universe are best left unquestioned. Zara...” Alisha faced her. “I need you to be careful when you get to Zenrada. There are certain things you shouldn’t do, and certain questions you shouldn’t ask. If possible, stay as low as possible until you get what you want.”

“I will make sure to survive, don’t worry,” Zaramanni replied, her mind wondering if she would really survive. She was about to venture into a new world filled with angry and irritated fangs that were definitely still mourning the loss they suffered because of the fairies.

It didn’t sound like her chances of living were that high, especially if she were to briefly believe that she was a half-fairy.

Then, as Zaramanni stared at the ground with distress in her eyes, she noticed her hands. Ever since she got a clearer sight, she hadn’t bothered to take a look at herself.

So, as she stared at the milky-blue tone her hands had, Zaramanni was amazed. Back on Earth, she never truly knew the colour of her skin. Back then, the blueness of her sight made her see a false image of herself.

Her heart fluttering, Zaramanni wished she could stand in front of a mirror at that moment to fully see her true self.

“Zaramanni,” Alisha’s voice broke into the epiphany Zara was having.

Clearing her throat, Zaramanni replied. “Yeah?”

“I know this might sound like nonsense, but,” Alisha narrowed her eyes, “you are carrying something different within you. Kingdoms will kill to have what you possess.”

“What does that mean?” Zara sensed that the conversation was approaching a very serious path.

The woman reached for Zara’s hair which was spread over her shoulders and played with it for a second. “You need to be careful, Zaramanni. This world is not friendly at all.”

“You are part of this world, does that mean...”

“Yes, I could be after your life in the nearest future. No one can tell how the future will play out. So, you have to be careful and guard what you possess with all your might.”

Zara’s shoulders slumped. “How can I guard what I don’t know about?”

“Just be careful, Zaramanni.” Alisha’s eyes softened some more. “I care a lot about you, Zaramanni. When we part ways, I will try to protect you the way I can no matter where I am. But,” she caressed Zara’s cheek dearly, “you have to protect yourself at all costs.”

“Hmm. Okay.” Zara was beginning to feel scared.

With the way Alisha was speaking, it seemed the journey ahead would be indeed hard.

“Uh, excuse me?” The thin, feminine voice that joined the party belonged to Laura. “Are you Zaramanni?”

“Yes,” Zara replied sharply. Even though the she-wolf had suffered something pitiful, Zara could not help but feel that something was off with the woman.

Laura wore a smile as she looked down at Zaramanni. “The Alpha told me you are the reason he is alive. I just want to thank you for saving him. I can’t begin to imagine how my life would be without him.”

“I see,” Zara’s reply was so cold and it communicated disinterest.

“I wish I could repay you but I have nothing to give you. Unfortunately, we will have to part ways at The Big Tear. But I’ll try my best to find you and repay you.”

Zaramanni frowned. That was not the plan at all.

“Excuse me, I-”

“She’s going to Zenrada with you and your husband,” Alisha butted in.

“What?” the woman asked softly but Zara saw it- the vile look that grazed her face before she wore a small smile.

“Yes, Laura,” King Darren said from behind, “she is going with us.” His firm sight locked with Zara’s. “That was our plan and it isn’t going to shake.”

“But, you know Zenrada doesn’t take in strays and strangers.”

“I am not a stray,” Zara retorted loudly as she frowned at the name-calling. “My name is Zaramanni.”

“She is not a stray, she is my saviour,” King Darren added, his voice extremely tired.

Zaramanni’s lips wore a smile because the King finally acknowledged what she did for him.

“But, what will-”

“Let’s be concerned about how to rebuild the kingdom, Laura. The girl following us won’t be a problem. We should continue our journey, ” the man said to others before he walked away, the leaf skirt he had on swaying in a rather comical way.

“Well then,” Laura grinned at Zara, “I look forward to our journey together. Zenrada is a place you will love. Once we are done rebuilding, that is.”

“Oh, I won’t be staying for long,” Zara replied.

Scoffing as her bare feet made to initiate motion, Luna Laura said, “We will see about that.” And, she sounded as though she was certain about something no one else knew about.

Alisha and Zaramanni kept their eyes on Laura and once she was locking arms with King Darren, Alisha looked at Zaramanni and warned, “Be wary of her. I think she sees you as a rival.”

“It’s not like I’m stealing her man,” Zara replied with disbelief all over her face, her mind still greatly unsettled about the presence of Luna Laura.

“She definitely sees you as a threat. Besides, neglecting the tones of your skins, you two look alike, that could be another reason.” Alisha let out a deep sigh. “Let us go. We have no time to waste.”