The Treasures of Shamarkand 2: Daughter of the Gods

The Treasures of Shamarkand

2 - Daughter of the Gods

Copyright 2011 K.R.Columbus

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

-This is a young adult/children book that contains homosexual characters, but it can be enjoyed by everyone without care about sexual orientation. It doesn't contain sexual content or language. Only that some of the characters will be male and like each other, or have a sentimental relationship and so portraying it in a good light.-

Take your first steps towards a world without any prejudice and thank you for your time.

K.R.Columbus

Antiquarian Age Books

By K.R.Columbus

(Release dates and titles can change at any time…)

………….

(G) - Contains Gay Characters

(S) - Contains Strong Sexual Content

(M) - Contains Medium Sexual Content

(L) - Contains Light Sexual Content

(D) - Contains Disturbing Situations

(Ω) - Contains Speculative Religious Themes

-We Shall be as Gods Series- (L) - (D) - (G) - (Ω)

1st Testament - Vestigial Dream

2nd Testament - The Weaver and the Herder

3rd Testament - Shadows of Me

4th Testament - Children of Exile

5th Testament - Beyond Destiny (2012)

-Sodom’s X Duology- (M) - (D) - (Ω) - (G)

A Song for the End

The World Ends for You

Complete Duology Set (Also Available)

-Hyper Speed Inertia Series- (D) - (G)

-Yamato Trilogy-

Battle-Submarine Yamato

The Fires of Kawaita (2013)

-MAGNA MAQUINA Series- (G)

The Mall

The Greatest Machine of All

Simulation Earth (2013)

-YAKUZA RONDO Series- (M) - (D) - (G)

KUMA/GORO

-NOVELS- (Not part of a Series)

-Hall of the Mountain King- (S) - (G)

-StrayLand- (M) (2013)

-Atollon- (D) (2013)

-The Last Southern Mountain- (G) (2013)

-Young Adult Fiction-

-The Columns of the Universe Trilogy-

The Crown of Orion (2013)

-The Treasures of Shamarkand Series- (G)

Wanderers to Shamarkand

Daughter of the Gods

Carnival of Shadows

The Mechanical Labyrinth

The Mirror Tower (2012)

-Totemic Haven Series- (G)

Totemic Haven

WildChild

Father Sun, Mother Moon (2013)

-Young Adult Fiction- (Not part of a Series)

-Dirty Paws- (Winter 2012)

By K.R.Columbus

Welcome again to the world of -The Treasures of Shamarkand-. A few things first, the world of The Copper Seas even if it has lots of similitudes with our world during the metal ages it’s inspired by it, but it’s not Earth. Egyptos is based on Egypt but the way places are organized and how the whole dynamic of the river Nyle works is completely different from the actual river Nile. So upon reading have that in mind, and hope you enjoy this second adventure in search of the lost Ark city of Shamarkand. Mimico drools on you abundantly and the rest of the gang is happy to see you back on board Wanderer!

-K,R.Columbus

Chapter 1

-Separated-

They all were gathered at the deck of The Sea Wanderer, gathered around a fire inside a metal cauldron. At times the wind moved the flames into blazes of strange light that gently were painted against their furry faces, at other times the flames became firedust against the wind. Purron sniffed as he got closer to Mimico that in turn looked down at his friend with a wide puppy smile on his face. It had been almost a whole year since they departed Agrest; escaping from Harif, and his mechanical soldiers. Bastet was still with them, right there next to Kabu that moments before had fallen asleep against her lap. Steering the ship Durga kept his eyes on the horizon; there was promise of a storm, and he didn’t like it.

Captain Mimico. Durga said softly not wanting to wake the rest of the crew; even Purron had fallen into gentle slumber.

Even if the others had fallen asleep hours ago Mimico was still awake, he was always awake when he smelled water on the wind. No matter how much Durga had told him to get some rest he couldn’t do more than rest his bones before covering his self and Purron with a blanket before putting his unwavering attention on the stars.

We’ve been drifting from port to port, buying items, and goods that are on demand on nearby town, and so exporting them for a price, it’s a good way for us to’ve enough crescents to eat, and keep The Sea Wanderer in shape. Yet I know that very soon we’ll have to head into Egyptos to take Bastet to her family in Ashuan. Now fourteen years old, and a captain I find myself unable to give the order, maybe because I don’t know how to speak their tongue while everyone else in my crew can in some manner. I know it’s a poor excuse, but until now we’ve sailed in Arabim waters, and visited Arabim nations, yet apart from some rumors, and old stories we haven’t found anything new about Shamarkand. It’s like things are slowing down.

Thunder and lightning could be seen, and heard on the distance, turning portions of the stormy sea into daylight. As he heard the thunder Mimico’s heartfire beat wild, and with much care he pulled away from Purron’s warm embrace, and walked awkwardly towards Durga. The old bear rubbed his head against Mimico’s head, and then pointed at the sea beyond with one paw.

The storm will come at midnight. We’ve to find a small island or some sand docks before it reaches us.

What time is it? Mimico asked looking at the breaking thunder in the distance.

Close to eleven, we don’t have much time. Durga said as he steered the rudder. If we’re lucky we can make it back to port, but it’ll be a gamble; we’re way too far in, way closer to the crimson sea, closer to upper Egyptos, and the dark lands.

Do you think we can make it to Egyptos? Mimico asked looking at the old bear with worried eyes.

I am not sure, but we’ve to try to make it close to the River Nyle, we’re closer to the shores of Egyptos than to Arabim at the moment. It’s your call captain. Durga said looking at the big puppy in the eyes.

I don’t want to tell Durga, but I’ve been relying on his knowledge of the sea often, I’ve no experience in this while he’s a savored sea explorer. On the last few months I’ve tried to be the best captain I can be, but in truth, without Durga I’d have sunk The Sea Wanderer by now.

What’s your opinion Durga? Mimico said; his tail tucked between his legs.

My opinion is that we dare the storm, and we try to hit land on Egyptos, and then we can look for a way into the Nyle to get Bastet home to Ashuan, but this implies many dangers. In occasions like this a good captain should ask his crew their opinion on what to do. Durga smiled, and then hugged Mimico; Durga had noticed how nervous and scared the pup was.

Thanks. Mimico licked the side of Durga’s face, and then stood defiant, looking at the storm ahead. Now to wake the crew…

Durga suggested using buckets of water to wake everyone, it was the fastest way, and by now all of them needed a bath anyways, but Mimico said that he had a better idea. He came closer to Durga, and whispered something in his ear.

Well, yes, that will definitely save us some water, but I’m sure there will be collateral damage. Durga snickered.

By nature Mimico wasn’t the stealthiest of woolies, he was clumsy, walked odd, and had the worst of luck ever given to an Arabim dog wooly, but somehow no matter what he tried most of times things went smoothly; well, most times. Without them noticing Mimico approached his crew slowly while on the other side Durga approached Bastet very slowly, and woke her gently.

Master Durga, what is it? She whispered, her beautiful eyes reflecting the stars above.

You better look at this, don’t make a sound. Durga said as he pointed at Mimico approaching Purron on the tip of his paws.

What about Kabu? Bastet looked at her little brother sleeping there on the floor next to her, unaware of what was happening.

Let Mimico wake him. Durga smiled. 3, 2, 1…

Mimico jumped on Purron ready to tickle him awake, but the moment he jumped on the pup Purron’s leg went right into Mimico’s maw.

Mimico tried to say something, and walk away from Purron, but Purron asleep as he was got a hold of one of Mimico’s paws, and making him loose his balance Purron used the big puppy as a pillow. Taking his paw out of Mimico’s maw he used him as an oversized furry pillow. Mimico looked at Durga with pleading eyes.

Help! Mimico managed, but Purron hugged him tighter in his sleep.

Mmm this is one nice pillow. Purron said in his dreams as he began to drool.

Since Bastet was no longer supporting his back, Kabu rolled away towards where Mimico and Purron were, and just like that he came to the other side of Mimico’s belly. Sucking on his thumb Kabu hugged Mimico tight, and relaxed as in his dreams he felt how warm, and fluffy Mimico was.

Guys, help, please…. Mimico managed to say almost out of breath looking at Durga, and Bastet that were laughing hard. Storm!

When Bastet heard him she stood up touched a certain spot behind Kabu’s ears, and he woke almost instantaneously, and then taking a leather bag of water she rinsed some on Purron’s face.

What?! Purron woke with a foul mood looking around, while Kabu turned beet red when he noticed in what position he was hugging the captain.

With a jump Mimico stood up, and looked at his crew with his tail still between his legs. Trying as hard as he could not to show fear he stood straight, and then pointed towards the sea beyond, just as lightning was seen on the distance; prolonged, and menacing. Kabu, that still was as red as a beet noticed the fear Mimico was feeling, the way that he was trying to hide it, and then looked at Purron.

Mimico what is it? Kabu asked.

We’re about to enter a very strong storm, and we can’t get away from it, we’re too close. Either we can try, and return to Anmiha or we can keep going as we’re, and try to reach Egyptos at last. Mimico said looking at them; he noticed how Bastet’s chest began to move, and how her breathing was altered by what he said. It’ll be dangerous either ways, in the end it’s up to you, my crew, and friends.

Purron looked at Mimico, and then at Kabu that in turn looked at Bastet.

Well, I’m going where you’re going. Purron said finally as he