Chapter 9

Southland has been known for its richness in both land, agriculture, army of men and rare gems that were gotten from their plentiful, resources such as gold, aluminum, limestone, zinc.
It was the best place to cater a business. It was still a myth of how after twenty-five years of the war,they were still a strong kingdom. How were they able to transact with outside kingdoms all these years? They did not lack in resources nor did famine reach their lands. It is a blessed land.
And now that the war has finally ended,there were people who wanted join hands with them and benefit from their resources and as well bring with them spontaneous deals.
The most popular trading investors had reached their lands and Southland wanted to see what they could offer. It was the first that they allowed into their borders because of their popularity that spread through the lands like wild fire. The group had started since ages,as the people gossiped. It was a generational trading family.
Only strong kingdoms did they trade with but nobody ever seems to know what exactly they sell to these kingdoms.
The surprising thing about their deals is that they never come back empty handed. Whatever and whoever the king is, he strikes a deal with them and they usually get something in return. The leader of the group was called an Arak Lord. The called themselves the Arak group from the Kingdom of Jigidin?.
The? Jigidin whose beginning involved in a thick,deep forest? unknown to any man. They lived there for ages until one day, they saw the light and they journeyed to that light and saw the beach, the twitching sun and mankind.
The journey to the light took them thirty years to reach, some died, some gave up and the rest were called Araks, the undivided.
It is said that the journey away from the forest was haunted by spirits, ghost and paranormal and eerie creatures. Lurking and Jacking people from dark areas. Feeding on them or disposing their souls. The journey to the light made them stronger, they were able to speak with animals and dominate them.
They weren't fret of that of Lions, tigers or bears. In fact they carried these animals anywhere they went.
The Araks who reached the light all had something in common,they all had a sacred item on their wrists that may have protected them from the land of the dead.
Hunter turns his head to the King who was rubbing his hand against his chin.
And yet we invite these people to our lands,am I correct? He asked interrupting the speaker.
The King smiles facing him. Yes,brother.
"They may be dangerous, for who knows, they may be able to cast a spell on us." The King laughed standing up and dismissing the speaker.
"I've spoken to the King of Wryland after they had a transaction with the...Arak Lord and he seemed fine.
Fine? Hunter says like he is disciplining him.
Did you ask him what they gave his kingdom or what they asked for?
No. They signed an agreement not to tell a third party. The king replied.
Really! Hunter says facing the Dowager Alice who is as worried as me.
"Well, since you've invited them already, we cannot send them back." We have to make sure the castle and people are tightly guarded. She said sighing and facing her senior attendant, Oparah.
"She will be here soon." The woman whispers to her ear.
"I agree with the Queen Dowager." Richard Dounty says. We have to make sure the castle is secure incase of any undue attack from external aggression.
"Yes, of course." He says.
The door opens when the Dowager was trying to say something. Hunter raises his head up and there she is.
Vixen is wearing a white sparkling gown that started at her shoulders showing her honey caramelized skin which was shiny, spotless Hunter would say. Her hands were hidden in a black glove as she holds them together and walks to the large table.
Her hair was kept sleek and a beautiful bun was at the centre of her head, catered with shiny little jewels. Her face was smooth, her eye brows were thick and brushed.
He removes his face from hers after much difficulty and he meets the King who is staring at this beautiful bride forgetting the situation he was.
The Dowager coughs noticing her son's gaze.
Lady Vixen walks closer to the round table and her father nods towards her.
"I'm sorry for being late." She says slowly.
"It won't happen again." I promise. Vixen says looking at the King who was probably not hearing anything that came from her lips.
"No need to apologise,Vixen."Make yourself comfortable. The Dowager says smiling and answering for her son.
"I asked for your presence because very soon, very, very soon. You will be queen and you will have to help your husband and King discuss these matters." It is better to become used to state matters,so that you wouldn't be lost, my dear.
"Thank you....mother-in-law." She said and the woman smiled.
"I will do all I can to make sure that the King's burden is eased at time as these." Her eyes shifts to Hunter and she took it away spitefully.
The whole process reminds Hunter once again that she wasn't is. She is the future Queen of Southland. She is his future sister in law.
Hunter has never lost a game once in my life even when he thought he lost that animal in the forest. He found my arrow on her. She was never supposed to be there but yet it captured her, just like she is never supposed to be in my heart, yet it captures her.
This would his first and last hunt.
Thank you for reading!?