Book 4. Choices through time and space.

The duel in the Astral world part 1.

"I do recall you asked for my healer's assistance. Caught in the crossfire between mine and Vector's army, correct?" Nash tried to get clarified.

"Yes, I believe so. I believe the only reason she survived was because a holy creature has chosen her. Just like Mach chose me", Dumon told him. "That was the reason I had to leave the meeting. It demanded to see her. When a holy creature call...".

"...You answer. I know. Marin taught me to be respectful to the gods above", Nash said and clenched his fists. "She would have healed her up in a flash. Sadly, she is not among us. It is all Vector's fault! I will not rest until I see him dead! This I swear!".

That had me gulp inside. Seemed like my brother had been busy since I saw him last time. It did sound reasonable. Vector would never leave a kingdom without leaving casualties. That was for sure. Although killing the king's sister really did not help my predicament. If they knew my true identity, I was sure I would be dead too. Especially, since the king just had sworn an oath in killing my brother. I would be a close second in his vengeance. That was for sure. Only consolation was that none of them had spoken to me directly yet. Sure, in normal customs that would indeed be rude, but right now I was just grateful. I needed time to come up with a good story.

"...So, who is she?" Nash asked.

I had a feeling that him and Dumon just had a longer debate about my arrival, but I had been too caught up in my own problems to listen. Now I regretted it.

"Ah, this is Zaira...", Dumon began, but then realized I never properly introduced myself and turned towards me. "Excuse me, may we know your full name my lady?".

"It is Zaira..." I began and were indeed panicking inside. Why the hell had I told him my real name. I needed a good cover. "Zaira... Wroom. May I say it is very rude to talk about someone else while they are in their presence".

"Ah yes. My apologies", Nash said and bowed to me. "My name is Nash, and I am the king of the land of Poseidon. Nice to make your acquaintance".

"Likewise. I would give you the same courtesy, but my wounds prevent me from doing so. I do apologize", I spoke back in the same formality.

Sure, king Nash was indeed my enemy, but he didn't need to know that. The only thing I could do for now was making them believe I would be no threat to them. Just until I figured a way out of this predicament. Maybe in the future he could be of use to me. He was after all fighting my brother. One day Nash might be able to reunite me with him. Only problem was I had to give my best performance. Usually, my brother was the big deceiver out of both of us, but I had learned a thing or two over the time together.

"You seem very well spoken my lady. It is clear that you are no commoner. Mind telling me why you are here in my kingdom", Nash then asked me suspiciously. "Unannounced at that in these war-like times".

"It was never my intentions to come unannounced my king. My mother had issued a letter to be sent, but that was when the attacks happened. I was lucky to have escaped this far when...". I bit my lip in pain as I recalled the fake memories. "...They found me! The mad prince's army! Your army fought bravely for my sake, but... I believe I went unconscious. I am so sorry for intruding...".

"And why go to my kingdom?" Nash questioned in a firm tone.

It was clear he was not believing my story as of yet. However, just as my brother had told me once. To make a believable lie, you have to have a piece of the truth in there.

"We... our nations have good relations with each other. My mother told me if something ever happened, I should go there. You would protect me", I told him.