" What do you mean by there are no more Marine pods doing any rounds? "
Braze was talking to one of the surveillance guys when he scoffed.
" Giving up so early, are we, Kian? I thought Mira used to call you her savior. " He shook his head, " It was just a mere coincidence ,pretty boy. I never got to tell her that. "
" Brother, did you hear? The Marines have doubled their security and called back all their extra surveillance pods. I think someone knocked some sense into them."
Braze's expression gravened.
" Doubled their security? Were there any recent attacks or threats around their regions? "
" None that I heard about! " Brian shrugged, putting down his drink.
" Then why would they scale up on their security all of a sudden? " Braze asked.
" Beats me! I just wanted to let you know that they finally took a logical decision and I hope you would too. Sending our ships far and wide over a rumor about a dead girl... " He shrugged again, " I don't think that is princely . Father is disappointed and mother is desperately looking forward to an intimate visit. I hope you understand. "
He left the room with a bang but neither his action nor his words had any effect on Braze.
He was already lost in some deep analysis.
" Aaargh! " Suddenly Braze jumped up on his feet. It felt like he had touched hot coal. But it was his own flesh.
His wrist had suddenly heated up and he felt the power of the Heartstaff churn within his vein.
" Damn! What's happening? "
Braze wondered but the power flow was crazy.
It kept pumping throughout his body as he paced the room, wondering what was wrong with him.
Things were similar at the Xoron tribe as well.
Xen was unable to wrap him head around the fact that
his chest was suddenly about to explode for no reason.
He then realized that it was in fact treading with the resonance of the staff that was hidden within him.
He had almost forgotten about it.
" Master Braze, I am sorry to disrupt your peace. "
Braze was so startled that he was about to blast Azura off to oblivion.
" Azura, damn it, man! How many times did I tell you not to do that with me? I forbade you... "
Braze was furious. He was not in the mood for Azura's teleportation tricks.
But the Jinn floated towards his ear and whispered.
" You father doesn't know that I am here. " He winked.
Braze looked confused.
" What does that have to do with me? "
" I have been in your family for many generations. " Azura continued, " Don't you think it's time that I deserved a new master? "
" What are you talking about? "
Braze was puzzled.
" My ownership is not necessarily hereditary. " The Jinn continued with his gibberish. " There is a lamp. It's hidden inside your father's personal treasury. Whoever has it in their possession, has the dutiful me at their disposal. I can do all your biddings. "
Azura came close enough for Braze to stare into his eyes.
" I know what you want my prince. I want to give you what you want but for that you need to take my lamp in your possession. Without that, I am helpless and so are you. "
He smirked and pleaded at the same time.
Braze looked at him with a frown.
" Are you telling me to steal something from my father and in exchange you could tell me where Mira is? "
Braze asked, unhinged.
" No.I am saying that if I were to take orders from you, I could take you where your heart craves. "
Braze needed to hear no more.
He was headed towards his father's room when suddenly he stooped.
" How come you can't bring that lamp for me if you can take me where Mira is? Are you trying to get me into trouble? Did Brian pay you for this! Don't try to play me... "
" I never get paid by my prince. " Azura interrupted.
Braze was instantly taken aback. " What? "
" I am a bonded slave for life. That's my curse. The best that I can hope for is a generous and kind master. "
Azura almost whispered.
" My father doesn't treat you well? "
Braze was surprised.
" I am not complaining. I can not. I am just saying that my ownership has been passed down from one generation to another in your family for centuries. I see a better master in you. Would it be impossible for you to take the helm of the realm? "
Braze could not understand Azura's request nor could he see through his intentions.
" Let me get this straight. If I can get that goddamned lamp , you will take me to where Mira is. Is that correct?" Braze stood firm and tall , determination sparkling in his eyes.
" Precisely. I can do all that and more. " Azura bowed.
" So that means you already know where she is, don't you? "
Braze pressed.
" Our powers don't work like that. We do not possess knowledge of the unseen. When our master makes a wish and commands us accordingly, our curse helps us navigate to that object or destination. That's how our power world, Prince Braze. "
Azura bowed again.
" I did not know about that blue planet or its existence until your father commanded me to send you there in your fetal state." Then he added after a short paused,
" Neither did I know about its wonders. "
" Whatever. Stay right here. I am going to bring that lamp and then we set sail. " He hesitated for a moment. " Ummm, can you at least tell me if she is alright or not? "
Azura bowed and then shook his head.
" I am only doing your bidding once you have that lamp. "
"Right,that damned lamp. That's the key to your loyalty."
Braze gritted and smiled at the same time before sprinting towards his father's coveted treasury.