NOVEL WEB Chapter 394: 394 : Taurus Family Involvement
Note: Thank You ""@Nosliw"" for the Ice Cola. Thank You so much for sticking to the journey and commenting here and there. ;-)
_
Amidst the endless dunes of the Thar desert, where the golden sands shift with the winds and time seems to stand still, there exists a realm unbeknownst to the common man. An oasis of power, luxury, and mystery, the Taurus Stronghold stands as a testament to a family's dominion over an entire continent.
From a distance, the stronghold appears as a mirage — an illusion brought forth by the desert's trickery. But as one draws closer, the enormity and grandeur of this architectural marvel become undeniably real. Built using a blend of traditional African and Rajasthani designs, the structure pays homage to its African roots while embracing the essence of its desert location.
Majestic walls of golden-hued sandstone rise from the desert floor, adorned with intricate carvings that tell tales of the family's legacy, their conquests, and their unyielding power. These walls, standing tall and formidable, protect the vast expanse within from both the elements and unwanted intruders.
Within these walls, the stronghold sprawls out like a small city. A series of courtyards lead to palatial residences, ornate halls, and opulent chambers. Each building showcases craftsmanship of the highest order, with domes, archways, and balconies featuring delicate latticework and intricate mosaics made from precious stones imported from across Africa.
At the heart of the stronghold is the main palace, a structure so grand that it rivals the wonders of ancient empires. Its centrepiece, a vast throne room, holds a throne carved from a single block of ebony, inlaid with gold and diamonds — the seat of the Taurus patriarch.
Water, the most treasured resource in the desert, flows abundantly here. Ingenious aqueducts, designed using ancient knowledge, ensure that the numerous fountains, pools, and canals remain filled, turning the stronghold into a verdant paradise amidst the barren desert.
Palm trees sway gently, and exotic African flora blooms in manicured gardens, creating pockets of shade and respite from the desert heat.
Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire
But the stronghold is not just about luxury. It's a hub of power. Beneath its surface lies a network of underground chambers and tunnels. These serve as vaults safeguarding the vast riches of the Taurus family, archives that hold the secrets of their reign over Africa, and meeting rooms where decisions affecting the fate of the continent are made in hushed tones.
Guarding this fortress is an elite force trained in ancient African martial arts combined with modern warfare tactics. They stand sentinel, their presence discreet yet unmistakable, ensuring the safety of the stronghold and its inhabitants.
The stronghold also serves as the nerve centre for the Taurus family's vast operations across Africa. From here, they oversee their control of the continent's finances, resources, and politics. A vast communication network, blending traditional methods with cutting-edge technology, ensures they remain a step ahead of their adversaries and maintain their grip on power.
For those who know of its existence, the Taurus Stronghold is a symbol — of power, wealth, and the indomitable spirit of a family that rules an entire continent from the heart of the Thar desert.
In the heart of the desert, where traditions held stories as old as the land itself, the vast mansion of the Taurus family sprawled amidst an oasis of green. It was a testament to their dominion over the entire African continent.
Carved wooden sculptures adorned the entrance, whispering tales of ancient magic and power, and as the sun dipped, casting the grounds in a golden hue. An unusual guest made his way through these gates in this evening:
"The Aries family patriarch."
His entrance did not go unnoticed. Guards, draped in traditional garments with beads and metals denoting their rank, watched him intently. Their stoic faces, however, betrayed no emotion, their loyalty to the Taurus family unwavering.
Inside, the Taurus patriarch awaited, seated upon a throne of intricately carved mahogany, inlaid with gold. The air was heavy with the scent of burning incense, mingling with the earthy aroma of the African wilderness. Tall, broad-shouldered, with skin the shade of rich cocoa, he was an imposing figure, his eyes sharp, observing the desperate determination on the Aries patriarch's face.
"Welcome," his voice deep and resonant, echoed in the chamber. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
The Aries patriarch, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and lines of worry etched into his face, took a deep breath. "My son, Luis, is in enemy hands. My family is on the brink of ruin. I come seeking aid."
A soft chuckle emanated from the Taurus patriarch. "The mighty Aries, who once boasted of their spirit and their magical bow, who annihilated the entire Leo family in one night, now stands before me, asking for aid. What a wonder! Times have indeed changed."
Biting back a retort, the Aries patriarch pressed on. "The Farus family in India has grown too bold, too powerful. They hold my son, and with him, the balance of power. I need your support to shift the scales back in our favour."
The Taurus patriarch leaned forward, intrigued. "And why should I intervene in a war that does not concern my land or my people? Your family is a way more powerful than that Farus family. So, what are you afraid of?"
"Because my son is in their hands. I can't negotiate with them without proper wager. I need few cards to play against them. At present I have nothing against the Farus family. More than that the Farus family's ambition does not end with India. Today it's me, tomorrow it could be you.
Alone, we are vulnerable. Together, we are formidable."
Silence stretched between them, palpable tension filling the room. Outside, the night had deepened, and the sounds of Africa – the distant call of a lion, the chirping of crickets – played a symphony of nature.
The Taurus patriarch finally broke the silence, "Your desperation is evident. But I am no fool. The game of hidden families is one of strategy, not emotion. First you guys killed that Farus family young master to threaten them. Isn't it too much for you?"
"That's a mistake on my side. I didn't order that mission. I really don't which idiot did from my side. But I don't have time to explain you all this. Tell me, will you join hands with me or not?" The Aries family patriarch asked in a stern tone while staring at the face of Taurus family patriarch.
On the side, the family members of the Taurus family are discussing this allegiance matter in hushed tone.
The Taurus family patriarch took a long before opening his mouth. Before that, he asked the old man who is the retired patriarch of the clan about this deal.
"What do you offer in exchange for my support?" The Taurus family patriarch finally asked with a serene look.
The Aries patriarch hesitated for a moment, then with a resigned sigh said, "Access to our ancient archives, secrets that have been closely guarded for generations, and... a future alliance, sealed by blood." His last words rang heavily in the hall, as the sealing the two hidden families fate with a blood seal is big thing.
More than that, no other family will wish to seal their fate with Taurus family who practice poison arts and black-magic which a great taboo.
The proposition hung heavily in the room. The Taurus patriarch, ever the strategist, contemplated the offer. "I will consider it, give me some time to discuss it with my clam mates," he finally said. "For now, you will be our guest."
"Don't forget, I don't have much time. I can only wait until tomorrow morning. My son's life is at stake. I need to act swiftly." The Aries family patriarch stood before them, desperation evident in his posture. His voice, though filled with urgency, retained a hint of pride.
The Taurus patriarch, a tall man with skin as rich as the earth, his eyes sharp as an eagle, nodded. His voice was a calm juxtaposition to the tense atmosphere. "I understand your urgency. You will have my decision by dawn."
With that affirmation, the Aries patriarch, though still visibly tense, nodded his acknowledgment. His cloak fluttered behind him as he briskly walked out, the doors of the hall closing with a resonating thud, leaving behind an echoing silence.
As soon as they were alone, the old patriarch, his voice gravelly with age but still resonant, leaned in. "What's the situation in India?" he inquired, the weight of years of experience evident in his tone.
Without a word, the Taurus patriarch gestured to one of the attendants at the far end of the hall. In response, a door slid open, revealing a woman of unparalleled beauty. She moved gracefully, each step measured and elegant. Her attire, a blend of African and Rajasthani design, shimmered with every movement.
But what was most captivating was her face, obscured by a golden mask that was transparent enough to hint at her features but opaque enough to keep her identity a mystery.
_
Note: Thank You for the Power Stones and Golden Tickets.
_PeterPan_