Satasha went toward her room she took her cloak and a small sac filled with money that was previously prepared for her access then walked straight to the front door with no delay in doing her task. She kept walking till she reached the end of the market, there she made a portgate that took her to the eastern country with no knowledge of where were the philanderer brothers or who they were. She decided to collect evidence first then look for them later but she had to start somewhere first. She walked to the centre of the eastern country gathering some information.
It took her all night to reach the centre and there she found some troops she kept following them trying to catch up with what they were talking. The troops were talking about some ambassador who was going to visit the tribe leader this afternoon. She went toward the tribe leader's house and disguised herself as a maid. She had managed to work close to where they were going to meet and to her luck the ambassador came earlier.
As she had guessed it was a western ambassador trying to gather forces so he can take down the phoenix's league that is responsible for all the tribes and it was in Damascus. She stayed in the room as the maid who pours them tea.
The eastern leader told the ambassador that he will discuss with his ministers before giving him his reply and until then he will remain as a guest in his house.
Satasha kept going back and forth hearing their discussion later and trying to prevent them from joining the war. She then noticed the gift that the ambassador gave to the tribe leader and luckily it was a wine, she poisoned it with few drops of her blood that she deformed it to a poison with her magic then presented it to the tribe leader.
Satasha left quickly toward the ambassador room and put a small bottle of her poisoned blood in it in his luggage then watched the chaos happen.
Her improvised plan had succeeded, she left the house quickly and quietly toward the enemy horde that was coming from the west, she made a portgate to the western tribe where she gathered more information.
After three days of gathering evidence and informations she came back toward the eastern boarders where the philanderer brothers are supposed to be. She blended between the crowds quickly and some people had said that they are in a town called XinZeng, she went there asking for them, an old man who was selling fruits told her that they are tall pale skinned brothers with dark black hair and weird eyes, and they just went toward the restaurant.
XinZeng was a human's town where none knew anything about the tribes and supernatural powers only in myths and pass by tails.
Satasha went to the restaurant and there she saw lots of men being served by pretty not modestly dressed women, she knew what kind of places is this so she went to the back of the restaurant and stole one of their dresses.
She wore a sleeveless dark purple dress that was tuck in with a belt in the waist and wide below it, and threw a light pink transparent shawl on her shoulders. She braided her hair and placed a silver hair pin with small pink flowers on her hair. She walked out to the restaurant as one of the girls that was working there looking for the brothers as the old man had described. She glimpsed two men with dark black hair in the corner back of the restaurant they seemed abit off to her. She walked toward them and took a bottle of wine with her.
As she drew closer to the table her heart began beating fast. When she arrived to their table she poured them wine without looking at their faces.
One of the brothers said "Leave it here and go"
She placed to bottle gently and as she turned to leave, she stared at them and saw that they were Lucifer and Satan, the ones that Zeta had differences with. She went away from them not knowing what to do or how to deliver them the message.
A woman from a far called her
"Hey you girl!"
Satasha turned around and saw an old woman with green eyeshadows, bright pink lipstick and an obvious fake mole near her mouth corner. She was holding a long pipe smoking some awfully scented weed and blew it on her face.
She didn't know what was worse her breaths or the smell of the weed.
The woman inquired "Aren't you the new girl who can sing and play pipa?!"
Satasha who had no idea what pipa is answered
"Yes! I am!"
The woman "Then go to the stage and play something!, The men are bored and they want to hear something beautiful!"
Satasha nodded and walked toward the stage knowing she is in a big trouble, she held the pear shaped instrument that was referred as pipa by the woman and sat in the middle of the stage surrounded by musicians who was waiting her to lead. She looked dumbfounded not knowing how to play it or anything, she took a deep breath close her eyes trying to summon what ever memories she has as if she had played this before. Her fingers touched the strings gently, once she touched them and odd blurry memory came to her where she was holding an other instrument that had strings too but she was much mature and sounded differently not just the voice but it was in another language, she didn't know how but she understood it. She allowed herself to feel this memory and kept her eyes closed, amazingly her fingers stated to move on its own as if she had played with pipa before and sang the exact words.
She singed with sweet lullaby tone and a quiet music the others followed the rythme as if they knew what song it was.
She sang "
On the bright days that may comes
On the dark days that may passes
Even if I am not here please remember me
Even when if the river drys
Even if clouds gathers
Remember me
When the spring go and the autumn comes
When the old dies and young borns
Remember me
Remember when we laughed
Remember when we cried
Remember that our love never dies
Just like the eclipse we can only meet once
Just like the eclipse we unite
Just like the sun you are my warmth
Just like the moon you are my dream
Just like the star you guide me in the dark
May our love never dies even if we were faraway
May the God brings you back to me
Let us meet under the pine tree
Where we made our vows
Let us meet by the river side
Where you declared your love for me
Remember me my love remember me... "
Satasha stopped singing, opened her eyes slowly looking at the crowds, she was as amazed as them. The crowds were weirdly silent gazing attentively at her, she looked at them and spotted the philanderer brothers are looking amazed at her as if they knew what she had sang or as if this song was private to them.
She looked away and heard around of applause admiring her performance. She bowed a little then walked away, even when she walked, she could feel the brothers gaze at her.
She felt embarrassed and shy by this and didn't know what to do next so she went to back of the restaurant where she heard four men speaking quietly as if they are planning on something. She hid behind the wall hearing what they are saying.
The first man "I say we take the job!. That man payed us well to do it!"
The second man"But if they are what he said we wouldn't stand a chance against them!"
The first man"Come on Ren!. You don't believe demons exist as a human being and they are in the restaurant right now?!. It is absurd!"
The third man"Hush!. Someone might hear us! I say we do it what about you Lin?"
Lin the forth man"I say to do it too! It's just you Ren are you in or out?!"
Ren sighed "Fine!, but if I was right you cannot stop me from saying that I said so! Especially you Liu!"
Liu the first man " Deal! But we need a plan"
Lin "We lure them out in the woods we have a lot of chances against them there since we know it better!"
Ren "Nice, but how do we do that?"
Liu "Hit and run?"
The third man "No we need something else "
They all fell silent thinking about how to drag them to the woods.
Lin "Let us engage with them then we run to the woods where we can finish them quickly and quietly"
Liu "That sounds better. Let us do this!"
The men left away, Satasha saw them walking away toward the blacksmith. She walked back to the restaurant trying to warn them but when she reached their table she saw that they had already left, she ran out trying to catch up with them but when she walked through the market streets she didn't see them anywhere. She kept searching for them until she reached the end of the market street, there she glimpsed two men walking away she followed them quietly and noticed that the men were already orbiting around them. She had no time to warn them nor save them, she had to think of a way to take them to a safe place till the horde reaches the shores, she gazed thoughtfully at the brothers while she was hiding in the dark alley.
Satasha then had a crazy idea that can keep them safe till the time comes. She remember what Aiva had taught her about the places that is forbidden to use power or kill someone and here in XinZeng is a neutral territory like Babylon. The sky priests of the eastern temple guard this lands from people who uses their power or violence and imprison them in the dungeons of the temple where no power can be used due to their very powerful blocking magic.
She walked toward the lot sneakingly trying not to be seen or noticed.
Satasha saw the four men attacking the brothers nearby the corner end of the town that is very close to the woods; The night and cloudy sky helped her in hiding, she saw that they went into the woods fighting, quietly she followed them. She chose a perfect spot where she can see them but she cannot be seen.
Satasha had an excellent night vision thanks for Zeus, she took a deep breath then from her powers she made bow and arrow, she drew the string holding the shadow arrow beam and pointing it at one of the men. She concentrated on their legs mainly because she didn't want to kill only injuring them.
Still holding her breath she focused on her target closed her eyes then released her grip.
The arrow beam flew gracefully toward her target, it went near Lucifer's ear toward the man's leg.
Lucifer stood amazed when the arrow beam passed near him making his hair move forward.
Satasha glanced at the man making sure it hit his leg, she smirked then noticed that Lucifer was looking at her direction. He was searching for the shooter but she moved quietly and quickly vanishing in the darkness observing.
She saw the sky priests descending as white and red smokes from the sky. They captured everyone including the brothers then transmitted back to the temple, two of the priests remained to search the area but Satasha was already away from them. She was walking back toward the town borders where she made a portgate and transported to the western capital to gather information of the hordes current location.
There she gathered information, plans, and messages between the western tribe leader and his successor in western lands. Satasha had gained powers that allowed her to disguise, manipulate, hide her existence or power, and camouflage as if she isn't present in the room or being invisible. This helped her alot in killing her preys and in spying on them, all of that thanks to Zeus brutal torturing that evoke her hidden power, it keeps evolving that every once in awhile she discovers that she can do things that she didn't even knew how to do them before.
She knew where they hordes from the last message which he stated that the hordes is near Athena precisely at Rhodes harbor where they were resting, and now they are heading toward the eastern shores where they will rest in Acre then attacked later on. She hid the messages and what she had gathered in her sac then went back to where she had left the brothers. Quietly she walked toward the eastern temple wearing her hooded cloak trying not to draw any unnecessary attention. She reached the temple and stood infront of it's large wooden door glaring at the stairs ahead of her which were many along the mountain length. She couldn't even see the temple from where she was, she sighed and ascended toward the temple.
The existence of this long stairs is to test the visitors tolerance whether they can be patient and complete it till the end or they are lazy to do so. She kept walking alone for almost an hour till she reached the final steps, took a deep breath resting for a minute, and looking at the road she just took. From where she was the town appeared small with distant few lights here and there. It was still dark with cloudy sky and she had the best advantage in hiding in the shadows, she walked in the temple then reached two steps before she can go to the altar, she took her shoes off and went to the altar as if she was a pilgrim seeking help from their God. She bowed low while her palms facing the roof, she kept her eyes opened calculating and sensing the existence of the priests and how many they were.
There was two on her right, three on her left, she saw few when she entered the temple and the high priest was infront of her reading hymns. Satasha had to make a plan on how to go to the dungeons so she can set the brothers free, she raised her head glaring at the candle lights trying to come up with something but nothing good came along, she got up and went to lit up few candles before she leave.
She thought of coming back tomorrow after making a good plan but she had no time left the horde are closer then ever, she lit up few candles drifted away with her thoughts until she started to think about her times in Olympus and that made her restless and impulsive.
Satasha remembered the small door back in dungeons where they imprisoned her there and how that small ray of torch was very disturbing, when one of the priests came behind her and touched her shoulder.
Her body moved without thinking drowned by the fear and darkness she emerged a shadow dagger from her powers trying to kill him. Thankfully the priest backed away from her and she only scratched his face near his eye, the sky priests immediately got up and pointed their staffs at her. She got back to her conscious and dropped the dagger, it disappeared as soon as she had dropped it. She lifted her hands up surrendering
"I apologise, it is one of my unpleasant habits!"
The priests kept their staffs pointed at her preparing if she decided to do something. She looked around at them and saw that the high priest was gazing at her as if he was trying to see through her, she stared at him trying to block him from knowing anything about her.
She sensed the night breeze coming toward them she smiled wickedly, when the breeze came in the altar she magnified it with her powers, waved her arm and made the lights extinguished. The altar and the whole temple went dark.
The priests were trying to find her in the dark but she was already away from the altar walking quietly toward the dungeons before they manage to turn on the lights again.
Satasha found the dungeons and went down the stairs carefully trying not to alert who ever was there.
The torches was still lit there and she saw that no one. She walked past few cells before stopping infront the one on her right.
The philanderer brothers was there sitting on the beds bored they both looked at her the moment she stopped.
The dungeons was built as caves under the temple with wooden cage that had patched papers with odd patterns written in it, she guessed it was their blocking spell, she raised her arm trying to touch it but one of the brothers warned
"I don't advise you to touch it!, Are you new here?"
Satasha removed her hood and looked at them smiling. Their reaction was odd to her, they were surprised by her face as if they had seen a ghost or something.
Satasha "Why are you looking at me like that. What, haven't any of you seen such a beauty?"
She smirked at them and they frowned.
She continued "I have been looking for you two for along time it took me a while to reach you with few complications here and there!"
She shook the wooden cage trying to see how it works.
The one who was sitting on the bed "You are that girl from the restaurant!. Who are you?, how you know that song you sang?!"
Satasha gazing at the patch "I have no idea. Maybe I heard it somewhere. Why are asking me about it rather than asking me why I am here or why I was looking for you?"
The brother "I asked?"
Satasha stalling "The right question is who are you two and why you are so special?, But for me I am a mercenary who was sent here to save you two"
The one who was sitting on the bed
"You a mercenary?. You are just a kid?"
Satasha sarcastically "And you are a Goblin but here we are!. Are you two the philanderer brothers?!"
The one who was standing " Yes, we are known by that. I am Satan and this is my brother Lucifer, what is your name?"
Satasha "Call me with what ever you want. We must hurry before the priests know that I am here!"
Satan "First things first. Who sent you to save us?"
Satasha heard few foot steps above near the doorway, she was still controlling the weather and making it stormy while speaking with them, she didn't want to lose her concentration so she looked at the stairs waiting if anyone descending but they passed.
She looked at Satan and answered "An ally"
Before she continued her sentence Lucifer interrupted "You wear a babylonien cloak design. Ishtar had sent you, didn't she?!"
Satasha replied "Yes!, And she conveyed me with a message"
Satan "What is it?!"
Satasha "I cannot tell you the message because it's not written. You must come with me to know it"
Lucifer folded his arms "And why shall we trust you?"
Satasha "I don't advise you to trust me either, but I am asking you to believe me, because if nothing is done to this matter bad things will happen later. Really bad ones!"
Lucifer arched his brows and looked at his brother who was also looking at him as if they were communicating.
Satasha was no longer able to control the weather the high priest was blocking her attack with a very powerful spell, she lost her concentration and the weather outside was back to normal.
She urged "We don't have much time, you two either come with me or stay here and complicate things even furniture!"
Satan asked "And can you get us out I suppose?!"
Satasha hesitatingly "Yeah, I will try"
She held the cage door trying to open it with her magic but she couldn't, she searched the wooden cage trying to see if there is a gap or a way to open it but there wasn't anything. She then looked at the patch concentrating on the patterns very well trying to read it. The hand writing was very bad that she only guessed the words power and block, she kept looking at the word power when an idea came to her. She placed her palm on the cage door and closed her eyes, concentrating her powers in her hand trying to feel the spell power when she felt similarity with her hiding skill she smiled happily. She camouflaged her self with the spell until they became harmoniously as one then with a simple hand wave the patch was torn and the gate opened.
She glared proudly at them " Well shall we go?!"
They looked stunned at her but with suspicions, they walked out of the cave freely.
Satan "Now how we escape out of the temple?"
Satasha eagerly "We transport of course!"
Lucifer sarcastically "Wow why haven't I thought about that?"
Satasha rolled her eyes "Let us go"
They walked back up, luckily the lights was still not lit again so she took advantage of her dumb luck before it run out. They walked close to the walls toward the temple gate.
Lucifer whispered "We must retrieve our swords from them"
Satasha quietly "What?, can't you replace them with new ones?!"
Satan whispered "No we cannot"
Satasha didn't want to push her luck any further but she had to go and bring them.
Satasha "Did you saw where they took them?"
Satan pointed at one of the rooms and said
"There, that is where they storage is"
Satasha "How do your swords look like?"
Lucifer "We will go there too just follow us"
Satasha looked at the sky and it was still cloudy, she nodded and they walked toward the storing room, she kept her pace with them so she could include them with her hiding spell. They reached the room hardly by passing few priests and avoiding the others.
The brothers entered the storing room looking for their swords while she stayed near the door guarding the way, she had to come up with an idea of how will they walk all the way down to the town without their notice, she then remembered how the priests transmitted to the location as smoke. She was lost in her train of thoughts till she felt like a flying arrow was aimed toward her. She avoided it hardly at the last moment, looking at the way that the arrow came from and saw loads of priests coming toward them.
Satasha "That is not good!"
The brothers held their swords trying to prepare for the attack but Satasha knew that will make things even worse if they attacked. She looked from the priests to the brothers trying to see a way through this but that was impossible because the priests were aiming the arrows at them while the others were waving their staffs trying to blow an attack, she ran at the brothers with an idea of her being transmitted to Rhodes which where the horde was. She threw her self at them pulling them down with her, unknowingly and with a blink of an eye she had managed to transmit them to Rhodes without using a portgate.
The surroundings changed from cloudy sky to clear breezy sky.
They fell hard on the ground into the bushes and trees like pine or other evergreen trees was surrounding them. Satasha sat up looking at her surroundings shocked by what just happened.
Lucifer got up flicked his clothes
"How did you do that?"
Satasha quietly "I have no idea!"
Satan got up angrily holding his sword "What games are you playing?. You said you are a mercenary but clearly you are more than that, don't lie to us and say you don't know or other stupid things. Tell us who and what are you?!"
Satasha got up and seriously answered "I don't know, not because I am trying to be vague or anything. Not very long ago I discovered what my name was so I cannot give you the full image of who and what I am!"
Satan cooled down abit and asked "Where are we now?"
Satasha "Rhodes I hope!"
Lucifer glared suspiciously at her
"Why are we here ?"
Satasha "To enjoy the parade!"
She was about to take a step when she heard foot steps and someone not that far saying
"Did you hear that?"
The other replied "Let's check!"
The brothers was preparing their swords when Satasha shook her head and raised her hand signing them to stop, they looked at her in disbelief but she wanted no fuss nor trouble.
Satasha pointed her hand at the place where the man was coming from and waited until he showed up and stood few feet away from her.
The man looked at them as if they were invisible and spoke with a loud tone to his mate
"It's nothing, it's just a rabbit!"
The other man "Then come back we have to return to the horde"
The man walked away from them but Satasha didn't let down her guard not until they were very far from them.
Lucifer asked confusedly "Horde?"
Satasha "Follow me!"
She walked forward toward the horde, apparently they landed on a high spot precisely at the left cliff from the harbour, they stood on the edge looking down on the horde, there were fleet of ships that covered the whole harbor.
Satasha "Behold the parade!"
Satan confused "Western ships!. What are they doing here?"
Satasha "Lady Ishtar wanted from you two to see this and report it to the rest. She said that her word only will echo back with no reply but if the both of you saw this then they will believe you and take action"
Lucifer "Where are they heading?"
Satasha "Acre first then Damascus where they are going to attack!"
Satan "They want to take down the system. How foolish?!"
Lucifer "A war is coming again, what a bothersome deal!"
Satan "Can you take us closer to the main ship like you did before?, I want to hear their plan"
Satasha "That is too risky. What if they found us?, we will be in danger!"
Lucifer "Well that is where your part comes, you can hide us just like few minutes ago!"
She hesitated not wanting to risk anything, but she nodded
"I will do so but you must stay close to me or else we will get caught!"
They nodded and she placed her hands on their shoulders.
She closed her eyes concentrating on the main ship and when she opened them they had transmitted there. She was still confused on how she done it but she liked her new ability to transport without a portgate, undetected and unseen. They kept walking close to each other toward the captain's room where the western leader was meeting with his admirals to discuss their next move.
Satasha was using her ability to hide and manipulate their existence till they became completely hidden among the crew but they still avoided interactions and walked near the wall in the shadows.
They reached the room safely and undetected but stood outside hearing the conversation.
First admiral "As you can see we are here right now but we will move next morning to Acre. Approximately we will reach it in two days!"
Second admiral "What about the supplies?. Do we have enough?"
Third admiral "Yes we have enough and the other resources are in their way"
Forth admiral "My lord I have heard that one of our ambassadors was captured in the eastern temple, when shall we take action on this matter?. Someone surely must had framed him and that person knows exactly what we are plotting!"
First admiral "So you mean that there is someone among us leaking information to our enemies?, But no one knows what are we plotting!"
Forth admiral "There are lot of ears and eyes around us that can sell informations in exchange of money. Even the walls has ears. Some birdie surely have told them!"
Second admiral "He has a point, I have heard that there is a certain system that the eastern temples follow. They spread spies between citizens everywhere so they can know everything!"
The leader "I would be surprised if they didn't. We must keep our eyes opened maybe something is happening under our noses while we are busy with the bigger picture!"
Third admiral "Even if they knew my lord they would be unprepared besides the league are always arrogant and don't believe the words of commoners or gossip!"
Forth admiral "Still as the lord said care must be taken!"
First admiral "They cannot use either their powers nor anything as long as we have humans in our side we have the best advantage here!"
Lucifer look shocked at his brother who seemed more concerned. Satasha had no idea what is the big deal of that and stared confusedly. She stepped closer on the wall and the floor made a load squeaking sound, she immediately grabbed them and they transported away from the room.
Satasha "I apologise. That was unexpected!"
Lucifer stared doubtfully but said nothing. Satan on the other hand was concerned
"Get us back there and this time make it inside the room, I want to get a closer look!"
Satasha "This is too risky, I cannot do that they might see us if I lose my concentration for a second!"
Satan determined " We must try. We must take evidence with us!"
Satasha looked concerned but he seemed very certain about his decision, she sighed and held their arms closing her eyes and transmitted to the room, she made with her powers an invisible veil that reflected the wall behind them.
Satasha looked carefully at the men trying to block their minds from sensing their presence and keep their attention away from where they were standing. She kept holding the brothers' arms until she was certain that her spell was effective.
The captain's room was somewhat big with cabinet, bed, shelves and a big desk that a map and other papers were over it. The leader and his admirals were gathered around the table, the leader was sitting on his chair while the others were standing.
Satan got a closer look at the map while Lucifer was reading one of the papers from afar. Satasha looked at the leader and saw that he was carrying some bizarre designed silver dagger, it looked familiar somehow but she didn't knew where she had seen it before.
She looked at Lucifer who was dragging slowly one of the papers, she opened her eyes widely and shook her head, Lucifer saw her disagreeing but he proceeded with what he was doing. He managed to take the paper unnoticed successfully thanks to Satasha who made the window that was behind the desk open with her powers by waving her finger.
Satan also took something from the shelves taking the advantage of the distraction.
Satasha grabbed them angrily and they transmitted back to the cliff.
Satasha angrily "We didn't agree to this, that was both risky and stupid from you!"
Lucifer calmly "Be careful of your words, I am a lord and you must show some respect!"
Satasha angrily "Well I don't care if you are a lord or even the emperor himself, what you did was dangerous and we might've been detected because I almost lost concentration thanks to you!"
Lucifer wanted to say something but Satan interrupted "We all were stupid for going there and risking exposing ourselves for information so calm down and stop fighting, I took something too from the shelf and it is enough to convince the league!"
Satasha curiously "What does it contain?"
Satan "It's a letter from the successor in the western country to the leader from five days ago telling him that the ambassador had arrived, the next horde had took off following them with supplies, and their spies are successfully distributed among Damascus and other places!"
Satasha "That is great but will that be enough?"
Lucifer handed the paper to his brother who read is fast and said "Good job Shettsu! This is amazing!"
He handed it to Satasha who read it. It was a letter from the southern leader declining the request of joining the war.
Satasha "Great this means my mission is completed and you two must go back and tell the others!"
Satan "Yes we must hurry we don't have much time. You will get us back right?"
Satasha looked around "Yes it seems that no one is here and it is too far from the horde so it makes it a good place to make a portgate"
Lucifer "Why not using this power of yours?"
Satasha "Because I must investigate something else before I go back!"
Lucifer glared suspiciously and angrily at her. Satan hastily "Good!, make one to Damascus and we will take care of ourselves from there!"
Satasha nodded and made a portgate which the brothers crossed.
She transmitted back to Ishtar's temple to deliver the evidence and information that she had gathered previously to Ishtar. She walked toward Ishtar's room where she gave her every thing.
Ishtar "And the brothers?"
Satasha "They know. We must be prepared they will arrive soon!"
Ishtar "Leave the political matters to me I will take care of everything, and you need to rest we don't know when we can rest again!"
Satasha doubtfully "My lady may I have your permission to investigate something?!"
Ishtar confusedly "Investigate what?"
Satasha "I am not very sure but I saw the western leader carrying some weird designed dagger that reminded me of goblins weapons!"
Ishtar seriously "Goblin's dagger?, Are you certain?"
Satasha "I am suspecting that someone in our party is involved. It's not just the dagger I think their weapon supplements are all goblin's made!"
Ishtar concerned "That is not good. First they hire humans now goblin's weapons, This is deeper than it seems!. I allow you to investigate further, but be careful and come back once you find something. now go and rest next day you can continue your investigation. You may be dismissed"
Satasha nodded and left toward the bathroom where she took a bath then went to her room and slept. The next morning she woke up ate her breakfast and went to look for Aiva, she missed her a lot and wanted to chat with her a bit before she leaves again, she asked one of the girls and the girl said that she is in convention room. Satasha walked toward it knocked the door twice before entering, she stepped in without looking and closed the door and when she turned around she saw that the philanderer brothers, Aiva, Untar, Keno and Ishtar were there. She looked stunned at them not expecting them to arrive this fast.
Ishtar "Good morning dear, I am glad that you joined come and sit!" she looked at the brothers and said "I believe that you had met my new apprentice"
Lucifer interrupted "Apprentice?, I thought you are a mercenary"
Satasha who was still mad at his behaviour last night spoke sarcastically "And I thought you'd be a handsome fellow but here we are!"
Keno who was drinking water chocked with it from laughing.
Keno still laughing "You've just made my morning better!'
Lucifer on the other hand was furious even if he seemed cold and expressionless, she could tell that he will kill her if he has the chance to. She smiled evilly and bowed a little.
Ishtar amused "I see that you two already had bonded. Now let us concentrate on what will happen. What did the league say?"
Satan pat his brother shoulder to calm him down, answered "They require convention so we can discuss our move!"
Keno "I apologize but this is absurd. We don't have time for this, we must act once or we will lose!"
Satasha "I agree, they are almost on the door steps, what will the convention provide!"
Satan sarcastically "Enlightenment!, I think that is what they want but nothing will happen only few sarcastic commentaries and few arguments every five minutes!"
Aiva "We must unit this time so we can go through this trial with minimum casualties!"
Satasha thought about her concerns of the bigger picture. One of the league is behind this, she didn't have proof but her gut is telling her this. She scanned all of them and her eyes met with Lucifer who was trying to see through her. they continued looking angrily at each other for a full minute as if there was a staring contest but Satasha was the one who broke it stating "I will be dismissed My lady. See you soon!"
Ishtar nodded "Stay safe"
Satasha smiled and waved to Keno and Aiva goodbye, she wanted to sit and chat with them abit but she had to move fast. She walked toward her room, got dressed, wore her cloak and bag then left the temple by transmitting. She went back toward the horde where she sneaked her way between them and went to their storage room. Once she walked in she looked stunned at their weapon supplies and her fears was conformed, they were all goblin made that means that someone was supplying them with it. It wasn't any ordinary weapon she held a sword and felt it, they had poisoned edges but she didn't know what kind of poison it was. she took one of the swords and transmitted to Acre looking for an expert in weapons but her search wasn't fruitful because on one knew what kind of swords it was or who made them. She knew only one person who was expert in this but she had no courage to face him yet so she transmitted to the western capital looking for a clue on who provided them with supplies, again her search was to no avail, she felt lost because she didn't want to go to Mika or Zeta asking them. She sat looking at the sword then remembered someone who she had heard about from Aiva and he lived in the northern country particularly in Greece, if she transmitted to Athens, she will get caught by the horde if some of them were there. She sighed and transmitted to there testing her luck, there she asked the locals about an expert and they told her that he lives in a small cottage at the city borders. She walked where they pointed for an hour before reaching to an old cottage which looked like it was going to collapse at any second. She stopped and knocked the door carefully, she heard an old man's voice s "The door is open come inside!"
Satasha stepped in the cottage, looked around and saw many bizarre items where there. Piles over piles with narrow passage toward the inside.
Satasha "Excuse me can I come in?"
A man came out of the back mopping his hand with a towel "Forgive me for the mess but I have to keep it that way. How can I help you ?"
Satasha glared suspiciously because he looked wicked "I have heard that you are a weapon expert so I came here. Can you help me identify a weapon?!"
The man "Sure, but I must correct you. You see I am not a weapon expert but I am a collector, I collect what interest me and search for their origin and use. What weapon you want to know about!"
Satasha carefully making the story "That is interesting. Well the other day I was near the shore doing my business when I saw two men fighting and they killed each other so I went to see if they had any money in them and I stumbled into this!" she presented the sword to him and continued while looking at his greedy expressions carefully reading them "And it looked rather cool to have or it looked like it has a great value so I took it. Can you tell me about this sword?"
She handed the man the sword and watched him examine it carefully. He said while feeling the blade "Interesting sword indeed.You must be lucky to stumble upon it, you see this sword is a goblin's made sword with special ability!"
Satasha trying to sound amazed Goblin sword?!. Do they exist?"
The man's eyes were blazing with greed "They exist indeed, but this sword has ability to not only kill humans but immortals as well. They use it to kill their kind or others kinds, you see here the blade is poisonous with special poison that can kill the enemy in a matter of few minutes as well as paralyzing them. Are you sure one of the men was carrying it?"
Satasha "Yes!"
The man curiously "How did he look?. Can you remember?"
Satasha trying to remember how Lucifer looks "He was taller than me with pale skin, green eyes, and he was handsome!" she stopped thinking why she called him handsome because it came out unconsciously but quickly looked at the man and saw him smiling as if he has discovered a treasure. She asked "So how much it worth?"
The man happily "Two hundred coins, if you sell it to me!"
Satasha trying to bargain "Two hundred seems abit few, I will sell it to you for five hundred coins!"
The man bargained "Three hundred and with something from these stuff, I have what ever you want!"
Satasha interested "Like what?"
The man "Anything!"
Satasha interested "Then may I have a look around?!"
The man nodded and walked away allowing her to look around, she walked in and searched for something that might help her as if there was someone who sold him something or he sold someone something. As she was searching she saw at the back a shelves with loads of scrolls and papers, she went and took one of them, read it and saw that it was a letter from the man to someone named Azuke. She didn't know who he was but surely the man was providing him with weapons as a middleman between Azuke and someone who he didn't mention. She put this letter in her bag and pulled a paper which looked like it was the newest of them all and in it the man had received a letter from someone who named himself with the initials "T.M". Satasha didn't know why but this initials ringed a bell in her head so she looked around the room searching for an answer, that is when she sensed that someone was going to attack her. She dodged the attack and fell on the selves, she saw the man was the one who attacked her.
The man "Didn't your mother taught you that being nosy is something rude!" he waved the sword again trying to kill her but she dodge it again falling on the pile next to her.
Satasha "I hate to break the news to you but I wasn't raised by my mother!" she pushed the man and hit him hard enough for him to collapse with the wooden statue that she stumbled on and grabbed to use. she sat on him hitting him again and again with the wooden statue until the man died.
She got up and said after mopping the blood on her face "I was raised by Kronos!". She threw the towel on him and took the sword with her.
She walked toward the well near the cottage and cleaned her face and hands from the remaining blood but the blood was all over her clothes and cloak, she sighed and transmitted to Acre trying to see if they had arrived yet, but she only saw few ships had arrived.
Satasha stopped looking at the number of the ships and it was oddly few. She knew that there was something fishy about it so she decided to investigate. She wore the cloak's hood then walked toward the nearest ship, when she reached it she noticed it looks empty, she transmitted to the deck and saw that it was indeed empty. Satasha's gut told her that something is not right here so she went toward the captain's room to see what she can find there, she entered the room with caution knowing that something bad is about to happen but the room was also empty. She searched between the shelves, on the table, and in the drawers so she can obtain something that helps calming her suspicion and to her surprise she found out the main war plan that they are going to use in the upcoming war. It looked different than the one they have heard and saw two nights ago.
They weren't going to Acre first but they were going to attack Byblos then paralyzing them by spreading the whole horde on the shores preventing the civilians from escaping. She immediately placed the map in her sac and went out trying to deliver the news and quickly. She got out from the room toward the deck and there she was caught by one of the generals who was just came back to the ship. She had totally forgotten her defenses and let her self be seen and caught. They froze looking at each other for a minute then the general ordered the lot to kill her at once. Satasha wanted to use her powers on them but she remembered that it is forbidden to do so in this region.
She ran toward the edge that faced the wharf and jumped off, she fell on it hitting her knees hard but she had no time to let the pain control her because they started firing arrows at her and the others jumped off trying to catch her. She got up and ran away trying to escape from them and dragging the general with them so she can capture him and see his memories. She turned around and saw that he was too following her, she thought that was very stupid of him but she was grateful that he is after her. She stopped amid way and killed two of the soldiers with the sword that she stole from them then she ran into a house that looked convenient to fight in, ran upstairs killing the ones who got close to her and gotten injured in her arms and legs, she reached the last floor which it was a roof, jumped toward the near roof and continued to jump until she reached the ending of the houses where a wide gap between this one and the next due to the wide street. They fired few arrows that hit her and she managed to stop the others.
the general panting "Seize her!" his men went to catch her.
Satashs smiled, held her sword tightly inwardly tipping it bending abit low preparing to kill them; they were holding their swords high so their lower body parts are exposed, she moved smoothly and fast striking hard aiming for their bellies. They all fell on the roof bleeding heavily and died, the general looked amazed at her and asked "Who are you ?!"
Satasha smirked evilly "Your doom!"
She attacked him but he managed to dodge her strike, she didn't leave him a chance to attack and kept him in defence mood but he managed to break it by pushing her hard. Satasha looked happily at him because she was enjoying this duel, she wanted to enjoy it abit longer but she had things to do that is more important than this, so she bolted with her full strength toward him attacking with her vanishing power that allowed her to appear striking him with full strength leaving a heavy wound then vanishing. She kept striking him till he fell on the roof heavily injured, she kicked him on the face forcing him to fall on his back and knelt next to him punching his face hard enjoying the life dimming out of him, she stopped because she wanted to know everything from his memories, so she placed her palm on his forehead and with her powers she looked into his mind. She saw him plotting the war plan with Azuke and the rest of the generals, then she saw him taking the supplies from that old man that she killed hour ago, then she saw him being with the northern tribe leader trying to make him join the war on their side and succeeded but the southern tribe leader refused. His memories were all now seen by Satashe but she wanted to find if he had met this 'T.M' in person or not, but before she does that the general stabbed her left side with a dagger trying to kill her. She looked at the dagger unbothered then looked at him desperately trying to stay alive. She took the dagger out of her side then stabbed his chest with it two times in places where he won't die fast. The general was trying to resist and stop her but he had no strength left in him,Satasha looked at his pathetic attempts to survive and asked "Who is this T.M that supplied you with weapons?"
The general smiled and answered "I don't know, but I know that who ever they may be they have the power to make your life miserable!" before he could complete what he had to say Satasha cut his throat and watched him dying.
Satasha disgustedly "Stop yapping you filth!"
She waited till he died then took the sword and walked away. To her surprise the dagger was poisoned and now the pain of her wounds hit her hard that she fell on her knees, she looked up and saw that few guards was coming this way so she transmitted to the last steps of Ishtar's temple. It was sunset there and the doors was closed, She walked toward the door opening it with difficulty, it seems that this poison was already spread in her whole body and she barely resisted it. She pushed the door hardly then fell on her knees, she heard few of the girls who noticed her rushed to help her calling her name. Her eye sight was beginning to be blurry and faint buzzing in her ears, she took a deep breath trying to control herself and gaining enough strength to go and warn Ishtar. She looked up at the girls who came to her aid and asked
"Where is Ishtar?"
one of the girls answered "In the convention room!"
the other said "You need to treat this wounds first then go to lady Ishtar"
Satasha shook her head and said "No, we don't have much time!. Help me stand up please"
The girls aid her by holding her arms while she was trying to stand on her feet, she took a minute to regain her balance and told the girls to let go of her arms then she went right toward the convention room. When she got there she knocked the door once and opened the door.
Satasha scanned the gathering who looked stunned at her, she acted strong and walked toward Ishtar who was standing at the head of the gathering looking concerned at her.
Ishtar concerned "My god Satasha!, What happened?, You are injured!"
Satashe stopped once she reached Ishtar and looked at the lot and among them were the brothers, Keno, Marvok, Mordroc, and others she didn't recognize. Keno looked concerned about her condition like Ishtar did but she was surprised to see Lucifer looking concerned as well.
She took an deep breath and said "They had arrived. We don't have much time left, they are going to attack at Byblos first then the rest of the hordes will take over the shores from Acre to Byblos. I managed to take their map and killed few on my way here!"
One of the gathering exclaimed "That is impossible, you must have mistaken?!"
Satasha "I am afraid that is the truth, and it doesn't stops here, the northern tribe leader had declared he will participate in this war so they can eliminate the league and a second horde is coming from the west. Here I have the letters and everything" she took out from her bag the letters and the map then represented it to Marvok who was the nearest one to her.
One of the gathering "This is impossible. Since when the west had that strength and now you tell us the north is their allies?!. This is a pure play she and Ishtar who is behind this. Stop this act and let us go back!"
Keno wanted to speak but Satasha who was not able to contain her anger spoke angrily "Listen here you foul old pig!. I did not come rushing with these wounds from Acre to here trying my best to hurry and warn your gracefulness so I be called a liar!. If you want to go back to your home and see your precious league get destroyed and you lose your privilege on the weak, then go back no one is stopping you, but if you want to be useful for once in your life, then do me a favor and close your mouth or else I lose my temper fully and shut you up for ever, and don't think I cannot do so because I am injured!. I beg you to try and piss me off!"
The man was taken back and everyone was amazed by what just happen. Satasha felt good even though she was bleeding and her legs can only hold for a little while.
She sighed and spoke calmly "Now as I was saying, the west has allies from the north and not just that they have these!" she showed them the sword and continued "I apologize for the blood but I had to use it on my way here. Nevertheless, this sword as well as their whole weapon supplies are made of these kind of metal!. The kind that can kill the immortals if there was any among you, they are prepared and we must be prepared as well, we only have a day before they arrive at Byblos I killed the general who was in Acre but I don't guarantee that they won't send another. Now if you all understood the situation we are in then excuse me I have wounds to treat!"
Ishtar concernedly "Go love you did well!"
Satasha nodded without looking at her because she knows that her impulsive act minutes ago will get her in trouble later. She walked out of the room feeling that all eyes was on her, once she got out the ones who was eavesdropping the whole conversation took her arms and lead her toward the healing room where she spent the next hour in the bathe that was filled with healing potion, then when she regained her strength she washed the blood out of her, wore a robe then walked toward her room and slept peacefully the next four hours.
Satasha woke up in the middle of night feeling hungry. She wore her sleepwear and went down stairs toward the kitchen, she felt completely healed but she needed to replace the energy that she lost on her healing process. She took a tray filled with bread, jam, milk, meat, fruits and water then carried it toward the back garden and placed it on the first marble steps, sat while her legs were stretched over the next step and her feet are on the grass. She ate what was on the tray leaving only the cup that had milk within. She stretched her arms and back that was when she noticed that Keno was standing near the door leaning on the wall looking at her in judging way.
Satasha exclaimed "What are you doing here?!"
Keno "I was about to ask you the samething!" he looked at the empty tray
Satasha being defensive "What I was hungry!"
Keno walked toward her and sat next to her, he asked "How are you?. How is your wound?"
Satasha smiled "I feel as good as new!. Thank you for asking. How are things going on with you?"
Keno sighed "Awful!. Another war and another headache that I hope to pass really fast, the only difference that this time we don't have alot of time to prepare!"
Satasha "What the league agreed to?!"
Keno "They agreed to prepare the troops in Bylobs. Your scolding didn't go in vain it seemed like it gave them a slap on their faces. It was really a fun thing to witness!"
Satasha regretfully "OH that!, I totally went out of the line. Do you think that Ishtar is angry at me?, I am praying that she won't punish me or something!"
Keno laughed "No, we were enjoying. They deserve this treatment because they are unbearable, even Lucifer was happy when you scolded him. That guy is such a pain, and Ishtar won't punish you don't worry but she might leave you here to recover!"
Satasha "Why?, Where is she going?!"
Keno "Since we don't have much time to prepare Ishtar and Aiva will fight in Bylobs as well with the troops along with the twins, the philanderers, the red fox tribe and the white"
Satasha "What about you and the dragon tribe?"
Keno "Only me and Fuji will go that is why I remained here, I don't want to lose my people on this war so only me and him are enough!"
Satasha "That isn't enough men power to stop the attack, they are many and only few will be there. What about the other tribes isn't it their war as well?"
Keno "The other tribes will cover the shores from Acre to Byblos once they get the message but if we took over the main attack and the western leader, then we will win this war!"
Satasha determined "I want to go too, I can end this war fast you know I can do that!"
Keno looked kindly at her and caressed her head "We know; Ishtar and I, but you need time to recover, besides you are hiding from your captivators and they will be there as well!"
Satasha firmly "I am not afraid of them, I want to protect the people I grew attached to. Ishtar, Aiva, and you!. I must protect you all!"
Keno stopped caressing her head and saw through her; her feelings, thoughts and determination, he was amazed abit that she cared about him too but it made him happy. He unconsciously smiled "You are adorable even though you're fatal, but you've changed from the last time I saw you. You grew strong mentally and became responsible" he placed his hand down and gazed toward the sky.
Satasha grabbed his hand to make him look at her, he was surprised at her because he didn't expect this from her
Satasha emphasised "Let me go with you. Let me go and protect everyone because I don't want to lose everything I care about!"
Keno was stunned by this, his small eyes were widely opened looking at her with amazement and his heart began to beat faster, he didn't know why he felt warmth in his chest and stomach when she grabbed his hand, but he felt as if she touched his soul not his hand. It took him a minute before he calmed himself saying "Tell Ishtar that, I have no authority in this place nor in her decisions!"
Satasha let go of his hand and sighed "Then I have to face her tomorrow, she cannot stop me from coming with you guys!"
Keno payed little attention to what she said because he was confused about what he just felt, he never felt this feeling before. He kept looking at his hand recalling what it felt like a minute ago and it made his heart beat fast again.
He got up trying to escape before she figure out anything "I go and must rest because we will leave at dawn. Good night and try to sleep too!"
Satasha warmly "Good night!"
Keno walked back inside and just before he entered the temple he glanced back at her and saw her gazing at the stars then he turned around immediately and walked away.
Satasha on the other hand was thinking about the identity of the letter. She kept murmuring 'T.M' several times while drifting away with her thoughts. She gave up at the end, took the tray back to the kitchen, washed her hands then went back to her room where she stayed awake while laying on her bed, then she fell asleep only to be awaken at a horrible dream where she saw herself killing everyone she knew. She opened her eyes widely gasping, she got off her bed, drank the water that was on the small table near the balcony, and looked at the sky seeing the color of it changing suggesting that the sun is going to emerge from the east. She got dressed and went toward Ishtar's room, Satasha saw that Ishtar was already awake and was heading down toward the kitchen, they met in the middle of stairs.
Satasha exclaimed "My lady!. Good morning"
Ishtar "Good morning to you too. How is your wound?!"
Satasha "I am fine, it is completely healed, I was going to your room because I have something to discuss with you, may I?"
Ishtar "I was heading down to the kitchen, follow me!"
she descended down accompanied by Satasha who wanted to speak but she was waiting for permission.
Ishtar noticed her hesitation "You can speak don't hesitate"
Satasha trying to sound sincere "Well first thing first, I have to apologize about my behavior last night it was inappropriate and I crossed the line!"
Ishtar "Apology accepted!"
Satasha "I am fully prepared for the punishment that you shall give me for my actions, but until then I want to ask for your permission to escort you to war so I can be assured that you, Aiva, and the rest will come back safe and sound!"
They reached the kitchen and there Ishtar continued walking not showing Satasha her expressions nor giving her any reply, Satasha continued "I will follow your orders no matter what they are, just let me go with you. It's just that I grew doubtful about the true intentions of this war and the league definitely has a traitor among them, that is the one behind all of this, so I must know who that is and stop who ever they could be!"
Ishtar poured a glass of milk to herself and Satasha, then with a expressionless face she asked "And you just want to find out who that person is?. What if that person was me?, What will you do?"
Satasha knew that she is messing with her but answered "It depends!. Besides you won't be the first evil master that I served, as I said what ever you decide I will do!"
Ishtar arched her brows and giggled, Satasha was waiting for the answer. Ishtar sat down on the table "Sit down and drink this milk, after you do so, go to the supplies room there you will find a leather armor wear it and take what you need. We have one hour to prepare if you want to come with us, but remember when you come with us you do as I say and stay in the back not using your powers fully. I don't want them to know what you are capable of, and try to control your temper and your impulsiveness"
Satasha hesitated then said confidently "I cannot promise you not to lose my temper again, but I will try my best!"
Ishtar firmly "You better do as I say or else your punishment will be doubled, I know what you did back in Acre!"
They both exchanged silent gazes for a minute then they each went on their way. Satasha went to the supplies room and there she took a black thick leather armor and went to her room to get dressed. She wore a comfortable shirt and pants underneath the armor, tied her hair from below, wore the black stripped boots that was with the armor, then she wore a belt on her waist were it had a sheath for the sword, then walked toward the kitchen to grab something to eat.
She met Aiva on the hall waiting for Ishtar and Keno to prepare so they can leave, they sat and chatted for sometime before Ishtar and Keno came down stairs along with Untar who was given instructions from Ishtar. They got up once Ishtar finished talking to Untar, she asked Keno "What about Fuji?"
Keno "He will join us there!"
Ishtar "Good now let us go but remember to trust no one and never let our guards down. Satasha tie your hair properly before the battle it will restrain your movements!"
Satasha nodded and they crossed the portgate that Aiva made to Byblos where the troops were.
There the troops was settled mile away from the shore in Byblos. It was a small village with long trees and lot of green spaces. The troops evacuated the civilians and took over two miles from shore to set their battle field, surprisingly they managed to gather lot of soldiers but they weren't a match against the western horde. They walked toward the main tent where the leaders were gathering to discuss their war plan, Satasha kept away in the back listening to their plan but mainly analyzing everyone in the room. Zeta and his siblings along with Tatiana and Tian ( Lucifer and Satan younger sister) were present, Fuji was there too he immediately stood next to Keno when they entered the tent.
The plan suggested that they will surprise the enemy luring them to the land and ambush them there. Archers are in the high ground, foot soldiers are in the front while the others attack them from the sides limiting the enemy to their ships so they can use the advantage of that and burn them down. The new supplies will arrive tomorrow at down so they have time to wait for the horde to arrive as the information suggested they are in Arvad. As for Acre they sent some of their men stationing there till they bring army to there.
Marvok "We need one of you to go to Arvad and conform their exact location and movement. You messy haired girl that job is for you!" He looked at Satasha who was drifted away with her thoughts. She looked at Ishtar not knowing what he said and Ishtar nodded giving her approval. Satasha not knowing what she was approving to "Okay!" She looked at Keno who knew that she wasn't concentrating and smiled at her.
Marvok "Great, just don't expose yourself like last time and ruin everything!"
Satasha rolled her eyes and faked her smile.
Lucifer "I will go too, I want to know their exact ship number and movement so I can provide analytical evaluation of our situation!"
Marvok "Good!. That settle it then, we will meet again in the evening if no one want to add anything useful in this plan!" he looked at everyone but none had anything to say so he continued "Zeta will provide you with information about your exact locations and position!"
Zeta began speaking now and Satasha spaced out thinking if they remembered her in the future that is why they helped her or this hadn't happened in their past and there is a chance to change the future so she can save Tina and the rest. Not realizing that Zeta stopped talking she only got back to her senses was when Keno placed his hand on her shoulder and guiding her out of the tent.
Keno spoke quietly low to her "Stop spacing out. Are you okay?!"
Satasha "No not really, I kept drifting away with the train of my thought"
Keno concerned "Why?"
Satasha "Because the ghosts of the people I have hurt are around me, I don't want to be noticed or remembered by them!"
Keno sighed and caressed her hair "Sometimes things don't go as we please. If you had done them wrong or harm, you have to accept what you had done because you cannot change your past nor your future. Just live the present as it is!"
Satasha looked at him thinking of what he just said for a minute then she nodded her head approvingly saying "You are right!. Thank you!"
Keno doubtfully gazed into her eyes but pat her shoulder "While you were spacing out back they gave you a task to do"
Satasha "What is the task?"
Keno "To gather information about the exact location of the horde, the number of ships, and manpower they have. He said that they are in Arvad so start from there"
Satasha "That is an easy task, if I go now I will be back in no time!"
Keno smirked "Lucifer will come along with you"
Satasha looked unhappily at him then sighed deeply.
Keno caressed her hair "Be careful not to get too familiar with him or trust him he is cunning, secretive, and cannot be killed easily "
Satasha teasing "You two seem like a lovely brothers don't you?!"
Keno disgustedly "A very adorable one!"
Satasha giggled and leaned her head on his shoulder while he smiled quietly. They walked toward the tent that she, Ishtar, and Aiva were going to stay in. Before entering it Keno excused himself and went toward the tent that he and Fuji are going to stay in.
Satasha looked at him walking away with a smile thinking about his words to her. She got lost in her train of thoughts not noticing that he was already out of sight standing for a minute gazing at the ground when she sensed that someone was watching her, she quickly looked at left and saw someone that she had never seen before was watching her and kept looking at her not in admiring way but rather monitoring her movements and actions. She looked at him suspiciously trying to figure out his intentions but Ishtar called her name.
Satasha entering the tent "We are being watched!"