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CHAPTER 34
Five days and four nights were spent traveling through the desert. Their breaks came at dusk when the air grew cool and they were traveling by dawn. No one enjoyed the scalding heat, desert air, or the unexpected sandstorms, but they persevered. Finding an oasis, more times than expected helped replenish their water supply. Sakura made food pills to keep up their energies, of course, the lingering bitterness on the tongue was the fee for that energy and stopping their hunger.
"I SEE IT" Sinbad called, pointing forward.
Everyone looked at the almost silhouette structure standing in the distance, a little way across the desert, and passed a few oases; they were able to see quite a bit of its features even from the distance they were at. As they drew closer; they were able to make out more distinct features of the structure they had seen along with its landscape. A sparkling river surrounds the land and gives way to vegetation. Man-made buildings shaped in pyramids; one that towered over the rest, in the center of the ring, like a grand prize. Marked with a sloped eye that seemed to overlook everything.
"This is Heliohapt." Sinbad breathed as they entered through the threshold of the country.
They immediately came into a busy area; people wearing little fabric clothes walked around them, paying little notice. Sinbad and the rest of the group came to marvel at the enormous steps that led up one of the pyramid structures.
"I wonder how they built this…" Ja'far trailed, still awe-struck.
Sakura narrowed her eyes; although there didn't seem to be anyone taking note of them in particular. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were already being watched. Was she getting paranoid because they were in a new land?
'Maybe,' she thought turning back. Then she saw Mystras; fluttering about and muttering something to himself, his hands covering his vision. Sinbad noted this as well.
"What's the matter Mystras?"
"We-We have trouble, Sinbad," he spluttered, he pointed "The women here are even more exposed than they were in Artemyra!"
Glancing in Mystras's direction; there were indeed women, their dresses were made of soft although hardly enough to cover from the waist up, exposing everything. Sinbad and Mystras's faces grew hot as Mystras asked Sinbad where he was expected to look when they were showing that much skin.
"It's okay." Sinbad assured him, "It must be part of the culture of this country. If that's the case there's no reason to be secretive about it. We should be as bold as we want."
"What do you mean?" Mystras asked
Before he could clarify to Mystras that they should be allowed to 'ogle' whatever they wanted, Sinbad felt a shiver run down his spine. With a slow and fearful look behind him. Sakura stood watching them, her arms at her side. Sinbad swallowed heavily; now he was sure to get one of her famous punches. Instead though; Sakura just sighed shaking her head before turning to occupy her sight.
Sinbad was shocked by her response; not a single hit or word of anger.
"Eh, Sakura…." he reached his hand out towards Sakura, who kept her back turned to him but then he felt yet another dangerous presence and it was seething-Ja'far.
"You two listen here…." He trembled; "Did you forget what happened the last time you behaved this way? ESPEICALLY YOU SINBAD. IN SASAN AND ARTEMYRA. I DON'T WANT TO GET IN TROUBLE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY."
As if a beacon had been lit, they were noticed, hearing someone ask about the noise. Three people came forward; they all had hair as white as snow in contrast with their tan skin.
"These people, aren't from our country."
Sakura immediately went to join the group again; realizing she may have to apologize for the males causing another uproar. However the three figures; two men and one woman; placed their hands across their chests looking at them with warm smiles.
"Welcome! Welcome travelers to the Mysterious country of Heliohapt!" exclaimed the male in the middle of the group. He was slim, with eyes shimmering in excitement. On either side of him; was another man but he was far more built though still held a kind expression and next to him was a woman; her eyes were big and gave an innocent appearance.
No one responded, not because they meant to be rude but because they were still surprised. This would be the first welcome they received in a country where there weren't any trials or conditions of hostility and wariness.
"It must've been hard crossing the desert. If you'd like; we can escort you to an Inn." Another factor that had been absent in most of the other countries they had visited.
"Huh?" was all that Sinbad could manage in his state.
"Of course, if you'd like we can give you a tour of our popular sightseeing spots."
"That'd be great
Ja'far then intervened, holding up his hand, his face showing suspicion, "I'm sorry we can't possibly ask that of someone we just met. If you have any reasons for wanting to help us we'd appreciate it if you told us now."
"Ja'far," It was understandable why Ja'far was behaving this way, but given she felt no immediate sense of danger or hostility coming from these people. Sakura stepped forward, returning the warm smile with one of her own "Forgive my companions. Due to past experiences, we tend to be wary when entering new lands. Although I hope it won't seem rude for us to incline a bit of an introduction of sorts."
Seeming to realize Sakura's insinuation, the boy bashfully rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry, we haven't explained ourselves very well. Our country Heliohapt, because it is surrounded by the desert, has been secluded from the world. However, according to the new policy of our current king, we are going to actively seek out contact with other countries."
"I see," Sakura said nodding her head in understanding, "I suppose that one of those activities includes welcoming tourists?"
"Yes, the younger generation takes on the role of acting as the mediators between our countries and others." He said. The three then bowed their heads in apology for not explaining themselves earlier.
Sinbad then stepped up to speak, "Well, Ja'far it would be rude to refuse their invitation to show us around now right?"
Ja'far didn't say anything, though Sakura gave him a playful poke on his cheek making him blush. Sinbad was already shaking their tourist's hand as he told them to take care of their group. When Sinbad was out of earshot, Sakura whispered to Ja'far.
"Don't worry; I noticed as well," she muffled her voice behind the fabric of her cloak as he looked at her, "It can't be a coincidence if we both feel it."
Ja'far's eyes shifted to the side, 'That feeling-
'Like we're being watched.'
..
..
..
Since they were unsure if it was curiosity or prevalence purposes, they didn't mention to the others about the eyes following. They resumed their tour of Heliohapt with their new guides.
This tour included the sights of a statue; the idol that protected Heliohapt, it had the appearance of a large cat, painted with stripes and brightly standing far taller than a house. Another was a gate-like structure called The Gate of Happiness, however, the most impressive structure, and from what they were told was Heliohapt's most famous architectural achievement; the Royal palace that stood right in the center of the country. It was then Sakura realized it was mostly this building they had seen from the distance. So magnificent it was with its unique design it was certainly the more artistic in terms of palaces. Throughout, Sinbad and Mystras were filled with 'ooohs and 'aaaaaas'.
'Some things don't change,' Sakura thought, still keeping her distance from Sinbad. She found that at times, silence was the greatest weapon to use against men. For the unknown could be terrifying. Sinbad had attempted to get her attention during their tour, however, she kept hers diverted, behaving as if she could not hear his pleas.
They were then taken to explore the marketplace, the stands all resembled that of a bazaar; although the items were a completely different matter. Almost none they were able to place and categorize. From the clothing to the novelties to the food.
"WOAH, WHAT'S THAT?" Mystras shouted dragging Sinbad to one of the stands; as if it was already painfully obvious they were strangers to this country, the young Sasan knight had to advertise further. Although, he had wished to see the world his excitement was understandable- which was why Sakura didn't reprimand him for his behavior, despite that it resembled a child.
"This is quite impressive," Sakura said to the guides who beamed at her appraisal.
The female guide directed her to a stand, a single fabric woven in various styles and designs, different dresses and accessories mainly of gold and blue. "Would you like to take a look? Perhaps try on a few outfits?"
"Mmm?" Sakura asked taking a small step back; nervous. She could not possibly be expected to wear something that-
Then she heard Sinbad's over-ecstatic voice chiding in, "Go on; get her anything you think would look good on her! Don't worry about the price!"
Sakura shot Sinbad the foulest expression she could muster, "Thanks for the offer but I'm afraid I have to decline. Another time perhaps...when I don't feel a danger." She whispered the last few words to herself so they went unheard.
Pulling a disappointed expression, Sinbad walked, with a slight slouch over to Sakura. "Are you still mad at me?"
Sakura went silent, the expression wiped off her face in an instant before she moved away from him, pointing to another store. "What's that over there?"
"Sakura!" Sinbad cried out, hand trembling as he reached out to her in vain as she walked away.
Drakon discretely leaned towards his companions, whispering about the scene in front of him. "Is this a lover's spat?"
"Well, they've always been like this so I can't tell," Ja'far deadpanned.
Sinbad continued to trail after Sakura, while she continued to keep her back to him seemingly distracted by the many new and different merchandise in the stores. She stopped when she felt Sinbad throw his arms around her from behind, hugging her close.
"Sakura, blossom…" Sinbad drawled, nuzzling the back of her neck, feeling a bit of perspiration from the heat. The kunoichi stiffened under his touch, feeling his fingers dance across her bare stomach to the small bumps of her waist.
"Sinbad, we're in public!" Sakura hissed softly, prying his hands off of her; but she let them go when she felt a patch of skin at the back of her neck contract in a moist clasp before being pulled sending a jolt through her, and Sinbad's hands resumed their position. "Hey-
"Are you still mad at me?"
"Huh?"
Sinbad's fingers started to sink a little more into the pinkette's flesh, "I asked if you're still mad, 'cause if you are; I'm gonna have to work hard to make you forget and I won't stop till then."
Grinding her teeth, Sakura quickly removed herself from Sinbad's grasp. Spinning on her heel; face red, holding her hands up in a defensive position in case he tried to get close to her again. "Do that again and I swear I'll-
"No matter how many times you threaten to hit me or if you push me away; I'm not going to stop until I'm forgiven and allowed to be near you again. You know I'm persistent." Sinbad strolled over to her, his hand on his hip and a grin on his face as if he wasn't afraid of the retribution he knew the girl was quite capable of handing out. "Well?"
She narrowed her eyes, "In other words; you're going to harass me into submission?"
Sinbad put a finger on his chin, winking at her, "I suppose; but I wouldn't put it like that. You are mine after all, aren't you? Or would you like a recollection of what happened in Ballbadd?"
Sakura felt her face grow hot again as she attempted to maintain her threatening scowl; he had certainly become bold since the incident back at the company before they departed for the Dark Continent. Perhaps she shouldn't have let herself be swept away like that; by doing so, she had taken their relationship to new bounds and Sinbad was going to use it to his advantage whenever he saw a chance. And she couldn't withdraw this new liberty from Sinbad because she would be the one coming off as a hypocrite. He must know that as well.
'Damn, this sneaky guy.'
"It's your fault for ignoring him in the first place," pointed Sitri
'Shut it.'
"Okay fine, I forgive you." Sakura sighed in defeat, unable to look Sinbad in his eyes knowing he probably had a very triumphant look on his face. It's not like she was hurt because he had forgotten about her practically right after he saw those other women; when he vowed to 'stay committed' to her. Even though she knew he didn't mean it; she wanted to teach him a lesson.
A finger dipped under her chin and she was forced to look up, but when she saw Sinbad's face, all she saw was relief washed over it.
"I'm sorry," he said honestly, his voice grew soft. "But I told you before remember?"
Sakura felt her heart jump to a quick beat, she was about to say something in turn when a short 'ahem' caught her attention; seeing Ja'far, Masrur, Hinahoho, Drakon, and Mystras along with the three guides; she realized then that they were still in public.
"Yeah, yeah okay let's just go," Sakura said before grabbing Sinbad's wrist and pulling him along with the rest of the group trailing behind.
..
..
..
Sakura stopped at one particular store that caught her attention, there was a strong smell, it was similar to wet grass but had a strong tinge that stung the nose. Mystras came up next to Sinbad and Sakura to investigate as well. Sinbad and Mystras picked up a particularly odd item, a plant that appeared to have the shape of a turnip sprout, with roots split in two at the bottom making it look like it had legs; wavy hairs a little ways up to look like arms and it also had faces on it.
"What are those?" Sakura asked the merchant, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear only to feel it fall back out due to its length.
"Those are called Mandrulu, it's a plant that only grows in this area. If you boil it alive, it becomes a medicine that worlds well for headaches."
Looking past the 'boil it alive' points, Sakura's inner medic came into play as she questioned the man on the many items in his store. Apparently; many of them had medicinal properties. There was a flower that looked like Lilly's, only the petals were striped; it was called Toliri Helmet and had nectar that was good for your eyes. Then there was the 'Cypress Faces' and many others.
"That's amazing, I've never heard of any of these before," Ja'far said.
"Because Heliohapt is on the edge of the Dark Continent, we have many plants and animals that don't exist in other countries. And cultivating our knowledge and techniques for preparing these plants. The people of Heliohapt have been studying them since ancient times, our medicines work extremely well and people come here from all over the world to request them." Their guide then handed Sinbad and Mystras a piece of paper with several ball-shaped objects that had been rolled into bite-size. He said that these were meant to help recover from exhaustion and fatigue. They reminded Sakura of the ninja food pills.
After Sinbad and Mystras took one, their faces shone in amazement. "It's like my exhaustion vanished in an instant!" exclaimed Sinbad, "Sakura you've got to try this!"
Sakura held up her hand to push Sinbad back a little, "I'd like to first know what's in there."
Their guide smiled, "Oh; that was made from the urine of the Maurenia baboon, combined with a mandrel that has been pickled for a hundred days, it's one of our best medicines-huh are you two alright?"
Sakura couldn't choke back her laughter as she watched Sinbad and Mystras keel over and expel the medicine along with their recent meals onto the ground. She handed both of them water containers to wash the taste of their mouths, then attentively began to rub their backs as they finished dry-heaving.
"The medicines are amazing," Sakura said, distracting the tour guide from the scene. "If we started trading these, we'd be able to further expand our market."
Ja'far went over to the stand to inspect some of the items with Masrur, "It's true that all of these things are unusual and on top of that they've all been perfected throughout the years of refined techniques and research."
Sinbad shot up, rushing over to their tour guide, he grasped the boy's hands and began questioning him with an excited gleam, "How much are these medicines? How much do you have in stock? Can you produce them in mass quantities? Do you trade them!?"
"Sinbad!" Sakura quickly grabbed the back of his clothes and pulled him away, she looked back at their tour guide. "I'm sorry about that; you see we're merchants who somewhat specialize in trading with foreign countries as well as forming alliances with them-especially those that are still an enigma to most of the world. Where would we need to go in Heliohapt to discuss diplomatic procedures?"
The guide smiled, making sense of Sinbad's questions through his partner's explanation. "Well for that, you should try visiting the palace."
Sinbad immediately went to pulling Sakura in that direction before she was able to give a proper thanks and before Ja'far was able to point out that they hadn't come here on diplomatic business but Sinbad was far too engrossed in the opportunity to align his company with yet another foreign country.
"Here we go again," Sakura muttered to herself; although she was smiling under Sinbad's arm.
..
..
..
Heliohapt's Royal Palace was an architectural masterpiece; looking over the entire country from the center of it all, the sturdy structure looked like it could survive natural calamities like no other palace in existence. It made you curious about the inside as well; Sinbad and his companions did not accept that temptation. When they reached the front entrance of one of the pyramids, they were greeted by three people; their attire differed slightly from the other inhabitants of Heliohapt. These people were far more….decorated, with the slightest alterations to their clothing.
A tall, lean man, with the same white hair, as they have seen on most people of Heliohapt, wearing a golden headpiece carved with a cobra. Sakura figured then that this country must be fond of its snakes because she saw one wrapped around the man's wrist like an accessory. She had never been fond of the creatures and with plenty of reason.
"I am the King's Consul, Narmes," he said, the ends of his lips barely curved up. There was a woman behind him, she held her forearm up across her chest as the other two men were in greetings. Then there was a larger man; his face was covered by a mask that resembled an eagle. It was only Narmes addressing them at the moment. "Currently, our country is proactively seeking contact with the outside world. It seems that the king will meet with you."
"Not bad, this might be the first time we don't offend someone when we meet them," Sakura whispered to Ja'far while they were led further into the palace.
"I wouldn't hold your breath." Ja'far said back, smiling slightly, "We're with Sin after all."
Sinbad glared back at the two, pouting, "I can hear you, you know."
"We know." They deadpanned.
..
..
The throne room in the palace was yet another architectural sight to marvel at; there was a staircase that lined up to a platform, overlooking the entire room. On top, sat a man on a throne. He had short white hair, with a golden headpiece, there were marks painted from his eyes down his cheeks, and his attire resembled the other people of Heliohapt, only it was decorated and lined with jewels, giving the key to his social standing. There was a large snake longer than Sakura, that had its thick coil wrapped around the king's bicep, his eyes remained closed as he addressed the group that kneeled before him in respect. "Welcome to my country, Heliohapt, I welcome you as guests from a foreign land." The king paused, "….But what an interesting group you are. Imuchakk, and someone from Sasan. You're no ordinary travelers. Who are you?"
Sinbad did not hesitate in answering, he spoke with a respectful, firm tone. He explained who he was, of Sindria trading company, being a merchant formerly of Reim but was now based in Balbadd. He told the king of his allies in Imuchakk, Sasan, and Artemyra. "Your majesty, Heliohapt is a superb country. You have advanced construction technology, a wealth of resources, and excellent techniques for creating quality pharmaceuticals." Sinbad said, holding out his hand, "Your Majesty currently has an interest in foreign countries. Please allow us to tell the outside world about Heliohapt. Couldn't you let us serve as your bridge to the rest of the world? I'm sure that we can become a great source of power for both you and Heliohapt Your Majesty."
Then, that smooth atmosphere that they had when Sinbad and his group arrived in Heliohapt dissipated, by a single, gruff voice. "Please wait, young king. There's no need for you to waste time meeting personally with such a questionable bunch of visitors."
Turning their necks to the side, Sakura, Sinbad, Ja'far, Masrur, Mystras, and Hinahoho all became aware of the appearance of three newcomers to the throne room.
There was a woman and two men; one of them was wearing a mask resembling a dog. They were all wearing similar attire to the other people the group had seen in the palace, dressed in gold and they had snakes wrapped around their arms like accessories. What Sakura noticed was that they all appeared to be older than the people they met before; about in their thirties or so.
"I'm Heliohapt's grad vizier, Gafra Ka." Then he gestured to the bulky man in the mask, "This is Priest Anubis," then he waved his hand at the women, "This is the queen Dowager, Lady Patra. Wife of the late king."
There was an auspicious feeling in the air around the three; a tension formed in the room as Narme was addressed by the vizier Gafra. "Honestly, Consul Names. You're quite the disappointment, letting the young king meet with foreign travelers at a time like this…You're not fit to be consul."
'I have a bad feeling,' Sakura thought, craning her head to the side to get a better look at them.
"Don't you understand what's going on?" asked Queen Patra, her arms folded as she stood with a smirk of arrogance. "Ever since the death of the former king, and the enthronement of prince Armakan, this country has seen nothing but bad luck…"
The Sindria traders all listened in as the Heliohapts conversed before them.
"You are aware aren't you?" repeated the queen, "The increase in sudden deaths, healthy young people have started dropping dead for no known reason. We're using all of our resources to investigate the phenomenon but…do you know what they are calling it in the city?"
Everyone remained silent, so as not to break the dramatic pause.
"A 'curse'."
Sakura's shoulders' grew stiff, past experiences had not left her very fond of the word 'curse'; or what it meant or symbolized in any way. Sinbad placed a hand on her shoulder and she instantly went lax. They kept quiet as a matter that should've been private in their opinion was spoken opening in front of them.
"Our former king strove to keep Heliohapt independent from foreign influences. Despite that, our current king has chosen to ignore the will of the former king and has decided to let outsiders like these into our country. That's something unforgivable." Patra said, "I'm sure these actions must have invoked the rage of our great former king."
All Sakura could see was Narmes's rage being invoked, as he reminded the three that they were speaking in front of the king right now-who didn't say a word, he didn't give any reaction to the clear disrespect of these people. The vizier gave an empty apology in turn and said that he hoped the curse would not affect their king, but the tone in which these words were laced was insincere and almost sarcastic.
Due to the interruption, Sinbad and his group were not able to complete negotiations as Narmes pardoned the king and suggested that they leave this for another day and even offered to pay for their lodging. Thus they were led out of the palace with no dispute from anyone. It became clear that Heliohapt was not as 'stable' as they had first assumed it to be. They were met with their guides and on their way to the inn they were given a brief of the county's current predicament.
"The previous king of Heliohapt had passed away and Lord Armakan succeeded the throne." Their guide said in a solemn voice, "Our king wasn't interested in foreign policy and cut the country off from outside influence. However, because we were lagging behind the rest of the world's changes and advancements, our current king has changed that policy. We of the younger generations support that policy but the older generation…."
Their heads turned in the direction their guide's eyes fell in the city, some elderly people were standing near some boxes at a building. They seemed to glare with hostility. Their guide went on further to explain that the older generation was against the foreign policy that their new king had set and because of that, the city had been split into two separate factions. One supports the former king and the other supports the current king.
It made sense now why Masrur, Ja'far, and Sakura felt as if they were being watched. What happened back in the palace also made much more sense to them. There was division even within the government of Heliohapt.
Their guide then spoke, his voice taking on a more pleasant tone, "I'm sure someday they'll come to understand our point of view." He smiled brightly and Sakura saw the rukh fluttering around. This is what's best for the sake of Heliohapt's future. We believe that with all our hearts."
Sinbad and Sakura returned the smiles with their own.
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