The Birthright Scrolls

[Zaim al-Daleel]

Chapter 059: Birthright
Post by Gamemaster on Jan 15, 2006, 5:59pm

PCs
Keesha the sorceress
Maher the sailor
Waleed the scholar
Ya'qub the merchant
Saqir

NPCs
Sahra - Ya'qub's wife
Eakon - Keesha's familiar
Mamoun - Waleed's servant
Jaheira, Wudei'a, Najiba - Waleed's bodyguards
Shabab Eblis - Bright Dancer's young captain
Haroun the faris
Adila - bearer of the curse

Notable crew
Rasool
Yameena
Galeel
--
7th of Saris

Fahhas, City of Searching and I'tiraf, City of Confessions are contrasting memories several weeks sailing behind you. The former yielding a mundane cargo of dried fish and little else except a joy to be leaving the sullen city, the latter a modest cargo of some potential, a small collection of ancient texts, and the promise of a quick death should you ever return without a convincing disguise.

Yameena's laughing, "It is as I said, no?" as you sailed hastily away echoes yet in your mind. To be fair, blame however unjust the circumstances, was shared by all. Waleed's search for and purchase of forbidden texts of the forgotten savage gods; Ya'qub's skillful trading with an unscrupulous trader; Keesha's unbending will in the face of bigotry; Haroun's offense at an insult that bordered on questioning his piety; Maher's innocent flirtation with a wealthy man's daughter.

Southeasterly through the Golden Gulf you'd raced, into Bahr al-Izdiham, the Crowded Sea. At that point Shabab became ever more vigilant. "The countless isles hide a thousand and one coves and more than enough corsairs ready to relieve a careless ship of its cargo."

Finally rounding the cape that marked the beginning of the ruined kingdoms of Nog and Kadara, you began to tack northeasterly in high swells caused by the warm Bahr al-Izdiham currents mixing with cold currents of Bahr al-Ajami, the Foreigner's Sea.

Gone were the shining deserts with their cold beauty. Solid green vegetation of all hues and shapes stretched inland, broken only by the occasional cliff covered hill with the temerity to pierce the jungle.

Three days tough sailing finds you waiting for an early morning high tide at the mouth of the Nogaro River; the river delta's sandy bank impassible except at high tide.

"The Gateway City." Shabab said. "That is how foreigners call Dihliz as it is considered the gateway into the ruined kingdoms. It's built on the river's edge fifty miles upriver from here. It is no small feat to sail up the mighty Nogaro, but I have made the journey many times."

As the sky lightened, the captain turns and points out the dark line on the eastern horizon: "Sahu, Isle of Serenity. Beyond Sahu to the northeast lies Afyal, Isle of the Elephant. There the enlightened city Medina al-Afyal's blessings of riches are only rivaled by Huzuz." Lowering his voice, "The Mad Padishah. Fate in her wisdom has allowed the House of Alon to rule there for 500 years. Its no secret the family's blood runs very thin, producing heir after heir who are at best, eccentric." With a shake of his head, he said, "That whole civilization is a bit odd... it would almost be the opposite of I'tiraf. The land is yet rich with artifacts from the time of the forgotten gods."

[Zaim al-Daleel]

Saqir had spent the whole of the eventful voyage with his ears wide open. He had managed to piece together parts of the passenger's quest, but he still couldn't understand why he had to follow them. Or even where his orders came from... The Fedayin?

No, he thought, it couldn't be. They want me dead. Don't they?
Yes. The Fedayin want me dead. I'm doing this for myself.

But why?

As he sat on the poopdeck, splicing a line with his knife, he caught parts of the captain's explanation. The part that most caught his attention was the information about the ruling family's inbred nature... The thought came to his mind that they could do with fewer relatives.

After he was done with whatever he was following these travellers for.

Re: Chapter 059: Birthright
Post by keesha on Jan 16, 2006, 7:23am

Watching themselves arrive she smiles going on deck, looking at the city. "Finally we are here.. now I understand old Methabas" she laughs then, remembering owne of her old friends. The old one once told her "schew such mundane ways of travel as soon as you can; when you are powerfull enough you will be able to teleport; fly and simply avoid the boredom of a long trip by sea". Hurridely she calls Eakon to her side and starts heading into the docks.

With the sunrise came the tide and Rubban Shabab's order to haul up the anchor. Piloting the sandbar with the precision of one who'd passed this way more than once, he plunged the Bright Dancer into the maw of the jungle. Tall, strange trees loomed over the banks of the dark green river; the still air heavy with the smell of vegetation grown fat cannibalizing the decaying layers of plants beneath them.

Here, wide open expanses did not exist. What lay a stone's throw beyond the river's banks was hidden from view as if a thatched wall of shadow. Beyond that wall, unseen wildlife teemed in a cacophony of strange calls.

During the trek up the Nogaro you learn a little more about the Gateway City.

Established less than a century ago by the padishah of Afyal to regulate the flow of magical antiquities out of the Ruined Kingdoms, Dihliz also provides a base of trade with the Pantheon cities.

Dihliz is the only major city in the Ruined Kingdoms not built on the wreckage of an older metropolis. Carved from the banks of the Nogaro, which flows along its western and southern sides, the city is bounded to the north and east by wide canals separating it from the jungle.

Those brave enough to seek fortune and high adventure commonly use Dihliz as their debarkation point. It also serves as a major trading center between the inland towns and the civilized world.

Since the city's founding, the Grand Caliph, blessed be his name and may Fate guide and keep him, has appointed new rulers with ever-increasing frequency, whenever the level of corruption in the government becomes obvious. Since the new emirs are appointed by the Grand Caliph based upon the recommendation from the padishah of Afyal, the trend has been rulers who have been to busy catering to Afyal's interests and profiting from their own positions to exert the force of civilization.

The current ruler is provisional Emira Hassana Alim al-Gaib, until recently a wealthy merchant from Afyal, four years into her provisional period of five. It is rumored that she is busy hiding away her riches for her inevitable retirement. The emira operates a wide-open town, the sort favored by adventurers (especially foreigners). Interpretation of the Loregiver's law is loose and usually to the advantage of the emira and her cronies.

The city is home to nearly 80,000 people living in homes of baked brick and distinctive stone. The stone was hauled from a distant temple, or so it is claimed, for those who can see such things say the city radiates a low-level magic. Rumors among the Bright Dancer's crew say Dihliz was built upon some sort of holy or taboo site of the lost civilizations of the Ruined Kingdoms. The city is also unusual in that it lacks the ruins found elsewhere throughout the region. All cut stone was imported.

Two places to stay are recommended by those who know the city well enough to do so: The Jasmine Dream and the Steel Serpent. The former a poshly decorated inn with a reputation for providing safe, immaculate rooms; the latter a favorite among low-budget adventurers, owned by a retired treasure-hunter named Tahani. Visitors in the Steel Serpent share a common room for sleeping- "...mind your coin purse does not run away during the night."


8th of Saris

Midmorning of the following day, the Bright Dancer docked in the stone wharves after carefully weaving through the small teak canoes from nearby villages, barges from Kadarasto, and sailing ships from Afyal and the Pantheon cities. The docks are bustling with merchants and the sound of business is in the air.

[Zaim al-Daleel]

Post by yaqub on Jan 23, 2006, 1:08pm

While the sailors were busying themselves with the docking procedures, Ya'qub and Sahra were in the hold, looking over their stores of merchandise and planning to visit the bazaar to sell their goods in hopes of making a fine profit.

While there, Ya'qub reminded his lovely bride, perhaps they could pick up some juicy rumors to share with the others.

"I hear the Jasmine Dream will make a fine respite from sleeping aboardships," he said.

Post by keesha on Jan 23, 2006, 6:31pm

Descending in an unpreocupied manner into the docks, she cautiously nevertheless watches the people around, suspicious to anyone who might have recognized or followed them as well to the adventuring young trying to make a quick profit on the party...

I heard there was an inn with good rooms in here. We could head there if you are afraid to share a room.

Then she grins moving around the docking area, relieved to be on firm ground.

Post by maher on Jan 23, 2006, 8:53pm

Maher looks at the craziness and the people trying to sell him fruit and told them that a person named Haroun the faris will buy some( it was mean but they would not go away).

If we sleep in that Steel Serpent Inn or any other Inn, sharing a room with five people, it will be crowed in there, with little air, no comfort, and maybe no "Good Morning" in the morning.

Maher sighed........"You all can fight over the blankets and which spot on the floor is your territory and such, but I get the Bed!"

[Zaim al-Daleel]

Discreetly, Sahra asked that they begin with getting a room at the inn.

"At the Jasmine Dream or another inn with privacy... I need to lay down and rest. This air weighs heavy on me."

She dabbed a bead of sweat from her temple and smiled wanly. "My appreciation for the desert grows with each moment."

Post by maher on Jan 25, 2006, 12:43pm

Maher stares at the sky, I don't trust city's when it's dark thought Maher.

"I am ready to go to sleep any time you are, I'm going to buy some good old fashioned sweets in that shop over there sooner or later , before it closes".

Maher grinned and headed that direction.( he wondered if he had any gold on him? or if he did, was it snatched by a pick-pocket stranger? I'll check later...

Post by Gamemaster on Jan 25, 2006, 1:03pm

"Three dirham for each half day docked," a whip thin, grey-beard bureaucrat called out as he hastened toward the gang plank. Bright Dancer’s sailors darted around him, securing the ship to its moorings. "And have your manifest ready for the tax inspector..." His obviously oft repeated new arrival speech losing its focus as his eyes fell on Keesha. "...he'll...need...full..." Blinking, he regained his composure and strode past her, stopping at the foot of the gangplank. "He'll need full access to the hold. Who's in charge here?"

Post by saqir on Jan 25, 2006, 6:44pm

Saqir watched the obseqious little functionary putter around the dock, finally coming over to pester the Bright Dancer and her burden; people and goods both. His lip curled as he strained to pull the ship to and tighten the berthing lines, and not from the strain. He hated politicians. Especially lecherous politicians....

But then, the only time Saqir ever understood women was when they were trying to kill him.

Post by yaqub on Jan 26, 2006, 7:36am

"The Lady has spoken!" Ya'qub said, with a hearty, gap-toothed smile crossing his face. "To the Jasmine Dream it is!"

Turning to Shabab, he called out "Captain! I leave Bright Dancer in your capable hands. See to it that she is well-moored and guarded." Noticing the official, he addded, "And I trust you will negotiate a reasonable docking fee for us..."

Post by Gamemaster on Jan 27, 2006, 8:52am

"He'll not collect one dirham more than the Emira has decreed, the toothless dog," Shabab replied in a voice only those nearest him could hear. His face betrayed none of this as he smiled and waved the old inspector aboard.

Post by saqir on Jan 27, 2006, 2:33pm

Saqir finished tightening the ropes and stalked up the gangplank after the nosy little inspector. He had to retrieve his weapons from belowdecks, and he might as well do the captain one last service and keep an eye on the inspector before he was paid.

Post by Gamemaster on Jan 27, 2006, 2:40pm

"Saqir!" the captain called, leaning over the rail and gesturing to the sailor below. "Leave the mooring to the others and carry Nabila Sahra's luggage to the inn. Assist them until they need you no longer and return to the ship. Your wages will be here upon your return."

Adila followed Sahra and Ya'qub, her eyes wide as she took in the bustling docks with its hardened sailors, traders, and beggars, both Zakharan and ajami.

Post by saqir on Jan 27, 2006, 2:44pm

Sawir paused halfway up the gangplank, narrowing his eyes. Nonetheless, he continued up the plank, and down into the passenger cabins, gathering the woman's bags, and stopping in his own room on the way out to pick up his jambiya. He left two of the jambiyas and his saif behind - if he carried the sword, someone might challenge him, and carrying this much baggage put a damper on his fighting style...

He darted up on deck in time to see those he was supposed to escort disappearing into the crowd. Stifling a growl, he dove in, driving a path to where he had seen them last.

Post by maher on Jan 27, 2006, 8:18pm

Maher was probably in the busy streets or possibly in the ship still, he was not a tall as these folk or was he imagining? he was being pushed and shoved, getting pushed in directions with such force that he might as well get picked up a thrown in any direction.

He checked for his coin bag, it's not there! oh wait it was never there. He found a coin on the ground earlier and was why he was probably lost. He was getting frustrated and tired. So he tried the old sailors trick when getting lost in a crowed place.

"Boga oga roa dheow how'd hed doe compaqi additry" Maher yelled and waving his arms wildly. Sounding like a foreign creature. The village people moved away from him like he was not human( could be true, you never know) .

He jumped before the chaos started again, he saw the ship.
"Wow , I was that close to the ship the whole time. I need some sleep and spend this coin I found."
Maher had no where to put the coin, and put it in his shoe for safe investment.

Maher headed back to the ship.

Post by jchalder on Jan 29, 2006, 12:46pm

"No, no, no Mamoun, you scurrilous dog. Have you forgotten your training during your stay aboard this ship?" Waleed shook his head and continued, "These are city streets, I'll need my hard soled boots, do you want me to blister my feet?" Waleed gived out a loud sigh, he had been very lax with Mamoun during the trip and actually didn't mind it since he had little need for his attending, but now that there was people about, Waleed needed to look his best.

Glancing over to his three "bodyguards", he smiled a smile that reached his eyes. No luckier man there was than he, he truly believed. Waleed could see the anxiousness in the girls movements as they dressed in their armor and donned their weapons. Security wouldn't be taken to lightly here, but he also knew the women wanted to shop, and to appease them as they had pleased him many times during the trip, he would not deny them their just rewards.

"Okay, okay, fine Mamoun. Let us be off before we lose sight of the others." Waleed rose and open the doors to the bright outdoors and gasped in shock, "By all that is holy, is the sun twice as bright as it used to be?" Waleed shielded his eyes briefly to regain his eyesight and then stepped out onto the deck. During the trip Waleed had made very few visits to the deck of the ship, having sequestered himself to reading his Tome and other literature he had recently attained, and also partaking of the favors of this "bodyguards".

Seeing the others had left the ship, Waleed called out, "Wait for us, we're coming!" Hurridly he and his entourage whisked past the dock official paying him no heed as if he was a fly to be shooed away if approached. One brief glance over his attire, to assure he looked as good as he should, Waleed left the ship with his bodyguards who made a path to the others so that he could join them in whatever endeavor they were set on. Seeing Maher pass him by, he called out, "Where are you going? Why aren't you going with Ya'qub and the others?" Waleed did not slow his forward progression and did not wait for Maher's answer. If the man wanted to reply to Waleed, he had better keep up.

Post by maher on Jan 29, 2006, 6:21pm

Maher started up the plank, then heard he Waleed. Started, he turned and said " I am tired from this city and it's people, I was going to take a rest, but I would rather follow you and the rest of the group."

Maher hurried and followed Waleed. Not sure if he heared him. him himself was worried he might get lost again. At least he might get some sleep and some adventure.


Post by keesha on Jan 30, 2006, 10:18am

Overhearing Waleed she frowns - somehow even while having to tolerate it in the civilization she is in, she has never agreed with slavery - nor with demeaning a servant in public.

Then she hears Waleed moving hastily and unpreocupied after arguing with Maher.

She briefly closes her eyes. Focussing on the street vendors around him through Eakon, and conscious that Waleed can not see her she slowly moves a ripe banana out of a stall and in front of Waleeds sole, ready for him to step on it as he is crossing a stall full of vegetables - ready to catch him on the floor unharmed - at least physically that is.

Post by Gamemaster on Jan 31, 2006, 5:23am

The banana tumbles down and rolls into the street in front of Waleed...


...he steps over it with nothing more than a hitch in his step.


"Welcome to the Jasmine Dream," the speaker whole-heartedly called up to the newest arrivals. Only the young sailor Maher found it unnecessary to look down at their greeter. The turbaned man was immaculately dressed in stylish red and yellow silk robes, which he neatly filled with a wealthy man’s large belly. From beneath his bulbous nose a waxed and curled mustache defied gravity on each side of this cheerful face.

"As it is your first time in my inn," he bowed, "let me welcome you accordingly. Come in, come in!" He clapped his small hands twice, sharply. Servants sprang into action with overflowing trays of fruits and nuts, shady palm fronds, and pitchers of cool water.

"I am Ahamed al-Dihliz, your humble innkeeper and honored host should you find my simple establishment to your liking."

His disparaging remarks to the contrary, the Jasmine Dream was on par with any in Tajar, as evidenced by the many wealthy merchants who took coffee in the terraced gardens and young couples who flirted as they cast coins into the fountains and wishing-wells that wove through shady aviaries.

Post by jchalder on Feb 1, 2006, 11:42am

"Ahhh..." Waleed sighed softly, "My compliments to you innkeeper, your place here is quite to my liking, very beautiful, very beautiful indeed. Fate has smiled upon you for you are indeed a lucky man." Waleed cast a galnce about the inn and continued, "My companions and I will require some rooms, seven in all I believe, will this be possible?" Waleed took a proffered date and glass of cool water and awaited the man's answer.

[Zaim al-Daleel]

Post by saqir on Feb 1, 2006, 7:35pm

Saqir walked in, distinctly uncomfortable in the opulence. He was already beginning to lose tolerance for Waleed's superior attitude... Being surrounded by the sort of wealthy, leisurely people he used to eliminate for the Fedayin brought back disturbing memories. He snarled slightly as he shifted the bag on his shoulder.

"If this is your destination, I leave your bags. Enjoy your stay.

Placing the baggage on the floor, and somewhat uncaring of the fact that the captain probably intended for him to accompany the passengers to their room... No matter. They wouldn't be out of his sight for long. Just long enough to collect his pay, his weapons, and his falcon.

Post by keesha on Feb 2, 2006, 2:30am

Noticing the disturbance in Saqirs face, having recognized him as usefull arm in their quest and watching him heading out she steps back and smiles. "I see you are a talented falconeer yourself" then she whistles and continues....

"Let me introduce you to Eakon"... smiling as she watches Eakon entering through the inn opened window. Maybe we can share a training tip or two .. he can certainly.." then petting his head ".. improve".

Post by Gamemaster on Feb 2, 2006, 10:58am

"You honor me, effendi," the small man cried in great delight. With a look and a gesture from Ahamed, a group of young men hastened over to carry any luggage and stood ready to lead you to your respective rooms.

"Should any need arise, honored guests, you have but to ask and I will do all in my power to accommodate you," Ahamed al-Dihliz stated without a hint of sarcasm.


"You are most kind and very generous, Ahamed." Waleed said with a genuine smile-- it was good to be back in the lap of luxury after the long trip aboard ship. "I will require two rooms, one large for myself and my bodyguards, and one smaller for my manservant, thank you." Waleed motioned for the baggage handlers to show them the way and began to follow behind.

Stopping on his way out the door, Saqir turned.

"Perhaps. If we meet again. For now, I must return to the ship for my pay, my weapons, and that very falcon you just mentioned."

He turned and left.

Waleed noted the man's egress and murmured to himself, "Funny little man." Waleed thought to himself that Saqir was probably one of those angst ridden youth that felt the world owed him something more than it had given, but was too lazy to get it himself. "Oh well..."

Settling Sahra into their room so that she can rest on a more stable bed in a non-moving room after so many days at sea, Ya'qub immediately begins making inquiries regarding the locale's bazaar. 'I need to make hay whilst the sun shines,' he thought, smiling to himself.

“Undoubtedly, sir, your ship is moored in one of the four stone wharves,” the old Bharat merchant responded to Ya’qub’s questioning regarding the local markets. Smiling a toothy yellow smile, he invited Ya’qub to sit and share his coffee while he shared some local knowledge with the newcomer. The man wore a bright red turban in a style Ya’qub would later learn was called the Kavi - the style favored by the largest ethnic group in the Ruined Kingdoms: the Bharat.

“I am Lakshman, and it is a pleasure to take your acquaintance.”

“Many transactions occur on the wharves before the cargoes are unloaded. There are stone wharves on the eastern and southern sides of the city,” Lakshman explained. “Actually two on each side. However you do a disservice to yourself if you fail to visit the famed floating bazaar. Oh, the glory of it! A covered market with canals not dusty streets! For a small fee, and this I can guarantee if I can recommend the services of my honest nephew Rujul, you can hire a boat to explore this marvelous suq.” Momentarily solemn, he informed Ya’qub the floating bazaar shuts its shops promptly at sunset because of the “semmukhan muthlelei”. Seeing Ya’qub’s confused look the merchant tried to find another word for it. “The ajami Ellas call the creatures, ‘krokodeilos’”.

After having directed the Innkeepers men where to place the bags in his rooms and tipping them very generously before they left, Waleed had noted Mamoun's concealed attempts to hide his pain of carrying all the baggage from the ship to the inn. Taking solace upon his manservant, he approached him and said with a smile and a hand on his shoulder in a familial way while no one else was around, "Why don't you, I and the girls go out for some sweet to eat, eh?"

He knew Mamoun would not decline, if anyone liked sweets more than Waleed, it was Mamoun. Asking his girls to dress a little less aggressively, but still armed, Waleed made way for the city proper with his entourage in tow in search of hidden delights. Murmuring quietly to Mamoun and the girls, Waleed reminded them, "Ask no questions of Tadabbur, but if you hear of anyone speaking of the secret stronghold, inform me immediately."

In the back of his mind, Waleed wondered who or where he could seek out information of the place and it occurred to him that the other place that was recommended to stay at, the Steel Serpent Inn, was owned by a former treasure hunter. Perhaps a quick check of the place and greasing the palm of the innkeeper may turn up some clues.


Maher set his treasures(useless stuff) on the ground in his room. He was tired of his legs falling asleep on him at any time. He sat down and wondered" I want to be the first to find some useful information" he said to himself with a chuckle.

Maher started off to join with the others, while thinking of the pieces to the puzzles of current events and facts.


After entering her room she tosses her stuff aside and starts placing it inside the chest next to the bed. Satisfied with its sturdiness, she murmurs something and smiles watchin the familiar red glow on its border for a minute.

Who would have thought that she would have came to learn that enhancement the hard way.. by having had to feel the consequences of it when trying to get some valuables out of an old house. There she stood that day - held immobile - until the old Vanthos came to see her. But then, it was old Vanthos who taught her the first ways with magic, captivated by her charms in a weird twist of fate.

Coming back to reality she looks at the clothings she left on the bed. It has been a while she hasnt worn them indeed. Then tries them on, a mixture of dark hues, gray and black, ideal for hiding around city shadows if need be.

Strapping a dagger to her tight, she looks at the window and convinced theres no one around she climbs outside it, climbing down the wall and into the street on the back of the inn.

Looking carefully left and right, she starts scouting the city, looking to find the familiar signs of the underworld, working its way around a busy rich port.

While speaking with the innkeeper, Ya'qub noticed Waleed.

"Friend Waleed!" he shouted, smiling expansively, "the noble innkeeper here has been informing me of the delightful opportunities available to a simple businessman like myself. I am most anxious to see the locations he has described for myself. However, my lady wife is in need of rest, and I would like some company. Would you honor me by going on a little excursion with me?"


Waleed smiled in return, "Trying to keep me out of trouble, Ya'qub?" Chuckling a bit, Waleed continued, "Yes, yes, we were just leaving to find something sweet to eat, let us travel together in search of these culinary delights."

While Maher was looking for the rest of the group he found Waleed and Ya'qub, he overheard enough and said:

"I would like to join you in the search of the area, and join in the festivities"

After walking a couple of blocks, she caught sight of Eakon and calls him into an alley.

"My love.. " she smiles petting his head "I am afraid we need to separate for a while, I need you to watch over our friends. And.. I will be needing to use your eyes. Fly back to the inn."

She nods and taps his head, as she sees Eakon flapping his wings, a familiar sign that he knew what was required of him.

Ya'qub flashes Maher a full, gap-toothed smile. "Your company would be most welcome! However, we would need to exercise some discretion. It would not do well for me to be seen with so many companions....It might look as if I were a too-wealthy merchant complete with bodyguards. My profit margin might suffer.

So, if we go together, please be discrete!"

"Well agreed" said Maher with rather understandably.


A hush spread across the small crowd gathered outside the gates of the Jasmine Dream. Their collective gaze fell first on, then past you. Then disappointment shown clearly on their faces.

"Bah!" A heavily overweight woman in her late fifties blurted out. She turned away from the gates and began pushing through the crowd. "Curse you fools for your cruelty to an old woman..."

"Its true Noora," someone called out. "she was with them." This was affirmed in a chorus of voices from the crowd.

Waleed raised his right hand in a sign of greeting and to show he had no weapon in it. "Excuse me, who is this woman you speak of?"

Saqir was on his way back from the ship, his falcon on his wrist and a newly acquired jarid slung over his back. He had traded one of his jambiyas for it, along with a bit of the silver from his voyage.

As he passed through the market, he spotted a falcon rising from an alleyway in the city. A falcon... There may be other falconers in this city, but he wasn't willing to miss a chance. He unhooded his falcon and sent him soaring into the sky, rising in widening circles. On foot, he headed for the alley he had seen the bird take off from.

"You had a young woman with you, effendi..." someone called out hesitantly from the crowd.

"Ah yes," Waleed replied, rubbing his chin. "Dark hair, about this high," holding his hand out at about the height that Keesha was, "smells of garlic and has a face like a frying pan?" Waleed could barely stifle the laughter trying to erupt from his throat.


There was a moment of confused silence. The old lady had stopped, but now snorted and resumed pushing her way through the small crowd.

"No, effendi," an old dockworker said hastily. "Another young woman, effendi." He then described Keesha.


Waleed feigned a perplexed look, "Hmm, well, that was the woman I was talking about... perhaps we differ in our assessment of her physical attributes, but there is no question she reeks of garlic. An unholy alliance that smell when coupled with not bathing for a month on the high seas." Waleed let out a sigh and shook his head, all the while laughing inside at the mischievous disparagement he was making at Keesha's expense. "Well, anyways, yes, she is a member of my group. Has she done any wrong to someone here?"

A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd.

"Nothing wrong."
"No."
"Wait Noora!"

The old lady turned and made her way back to the front of the small crowd.

"Forgive them sir," she sighed. "They are convinced the young woman is someone who long ago went missing from my household. It is without doubt a coincidence, but they insisted I come and see the family resemblance. If it is not too much trouble, I would see this girl." She let loose a long exasperated sigh. "Perhaps then they would leave us in peace to finish our day's tasks."

Waleed nodded and replied, "Let me go look for her, I shall return shortly." The young dilettante turned and walked back into the Jasmine Dream.

Looking at the apparent commotion around the inn, she decides to trace back her steps and approach the inn. As she gets close to it, she decides to stay behind the crowd covering herself with her clothings to figure out what is going on first.

The merchant Lakshman strode out of the inn adjusting his red turban and picking a bit of something or another out of his teeth. He paused at the sight of the gathered newcomers and locals. "So many laborers in need of work? Or beggars who descend like vultures on a carcass?"

The old Noora gestured derisively at the merchant. "This does not concern you, Lakshman."


Noticing something strange on the crowd, she orders Eakon to circle above them - knowing that her friends will recognize that as a sign that she is nearby.

Maher, watching Waleed going to find Keesha, and Ya'qub just standing a good distance from Maher.

Maher noticed a bird, in-fact, It's Keesha's! Maher walked close to Ya'qub and whispered to him and said" look up, It's Kess's Eakon".

Maher started over to also tell Waleed.

Saqir's falcon darted past Eakon, twirling in flight to meet the other bird in the air. He flashed past again, quite harmlessly, then turned and dropped like a rock for Saqir's glove, just as he arrived at a jog at the rear of the crowd. He scanned it quickly. He saw his traveling companions at the middle of a large crowd, less the woman.... Who he then spotted at the rear of the crowd. He headed towards her, using his height to keep her in sight and forge a path through the jumble.


Ya'qub plucked Maher's sleeve. "Hold a bit," he whispered. "Let this play out a little more. We don't want to give our hand away before we have to play it."

Waleed returned from his fruitless search empty handed and was about to address the gathering crowd until he spied Keesha's falcon. Looking about carefully, Waleed spied the woman at the back of the crowd, trying to remain incognito. "There she is" Waleed said pointing directly at Keesha. He knew she could take care of herself and what did she have to fear from an old woman, except maybe some horrendous curse. Waleed smiled.

Unhooding herself, she walks towards Waleed with a serious look in her face.

"Whats going on here?"

"These people think you may be known to this old woman here, Noora." Waleed motioned to the old woman nearby, never losing his smile.

"Is that the case?" then she looks at the old woman intensely.

"A wise man once said," Ya'qub muttered to himself, "The enemy is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he's on." (Joseph Heller)

Saqir quickly ducked low when she revealed herself, pulling his jarid quickly from behind himself and palming the head, using the butt end as a cane. He hobbled through the crowd now, seeking openings where they could be found, crouched over like an old man. His hood was pulled up over his head, as usual, and a scarf covered his face. He faded towards the edge of the crowd, ready to make deadly use of his weapon if things got ugly.

One look was all it took to elicit a squeal of delight from the old woman. Seconds later she was weeping at Keesha's feet, blubbering nearly incoherently.

"...finally come home, after all these years... your poor father gave you up for dead... who could blame him..."

The large woman who smelled faintly of fish, regained some composure, wiped her eyes and the crowd helped her to her feet. Dusting off her silk robes, she lovingly smiled at Keesha. "I was your nursemaid! With these lips I kissed your forehead and sang you to sleep. In these arms you slept! "

Then wide-eyed she squealed again. "Master Reehan will be so pleased!" The tears again flowed. "Come with me! Have your servants gather your things! Hurry!"

Waleed cocked an eyebrow, pursed his lips, and then pulled aside one of the bystanders and asked quietly, "Who is this Master Reehan she speaks of?"

"One of this city's most honored merchants," came the reply.

Waleed slipped the man ten dinar discretely and asked in a hushed voice, "Anything else you can tell me about him?"

She gives the woman a soft smile and looks at her approvingly. "Let's just share some tea while my things are readied. Please come into the inn. I am sure there is plenty of things we need to speak about." With that, she moves in the direction to the inn, pushing her slightly by the shoulder.


"Your generosity it overwhelms me effendi!" the man said, "surely Fate has blessed me this day!" He looked to the heavens in gratitude. He danced a little jig, his sandaled feet kicking up some dust as he pocketed the coins. "Fate has blessed me with seven children, but has often left the providing up to me... Oh, yes, the merchant al-Reehan."

Tapping his fingers on his thin-bearded chin, he pursed his lips and stared thoughtfully at the ground. "Batul al-Reehan al-Dihlizi. They say he was a kindhearted man, vibrant and active. Now his once-strong body is gaunt and twisted with infirmity. Still they say a smile will come easy to his sallow pale face."

Warming up to his tale, the stranger spoke faster and gestured animatedly. "While searching for a new trade route to Talab through the Grey Jungle, the adventurous merchant contracted a deadly fever which left him in a coma. Although Batul eventually emerged from the delirium, the ailment weakened his heart and destroyed his health forever. Now Batul spends almost all of his time at home or at the Mosque of Kor, whose priests do what they can to prevent a relapse of the disease."

The old lady follows Keesha into the inn, but gestures in toward the city. "What of your father..." she asked as they walked.


As she enter the inn, she instructs the woman in charge of the service. "Please send us some tea to my room.. My old nursemaid and myself will be packing upstairs. I am sure she will love to see some of my clothing!" then she winks an eye in a friendly manner to the woman and leads her into her room.

After they have entered the room, she doesn't waste a minute, knowing that it will take a little while for the tea to arrive and sharply stands between the door and the woman, locking it for extra safety.

"So, you said my father though I was dead?" she laughs "Tell me all you know. And better for you for it to be in line with what I know - I don't have time for playing games here"

"Thank you my friend, you have my gratitude." Waleed slipped the man another ten dinar, "If you know anything of Taddabur, or can tell me someone who does, I would appreciate it even more."


Looking over the scenes that were not unfolding before him, Keesha talking arm-in-arm with a woman claiming to be her long-lost nursemaid, and Waleed accosting a voluble citizen, Ya'qub leans over the Maher and speaks to him in a hushed voice.

"Now would be a good time to begin our expedition to the bazaar, while everyone else is engaged in other business. No one will notice two merchants on a small shopping trip..."

With that, he pulls a stray piece of his turban over his face and begins to slip in amongst the dispersing crowd.

Maher understanding, slowly follows Ya'qub a good distance.

Thinking to himself, I bet Saqir would follow us with out me knowing....

Maher takes a glance back, smiling to himself, continues to follow Ya'qub.

Noora seemed taken aback by the abruptness of Keesha's manner. "You don't..." she began, then smiled wanly. "Of course you would. It is so much, so quickly. Listen with your heart then, and you will recognize the truth of my words."

The old woman's stare grew distant and she absentmindedly pulled a string of prayer beads from her pocket and began working them through her fingers. "That night... as hard as it was for master Batul, Liana was was inconsolable. A depression, strong as any poison took your mother from us," Noora's voice trailed off, her face pained. "All signs pointed to slavers, though even turning every stone in the city was fruitless and no ransom was ever asked!" The old woman's gaze fell pleadingly on Keesha. "It would have been paid, whatever the price."


Slack-jawed shock at the appearance of more shiny coins was replaced with a look somewhere between blank and panic. Then self-congratulatory joy with a snap of his calloused fingers. "Ministry of Secrets! That is no, I don't know of Taddabird- be it man, place, or item, but that is as good a place as any to start. I could even show you the way."


"Lead on my friend," Waleed motioned with an open hand. Once underway Waleed asked curiously, "This ministry, how do they take to foreigners? Is it a repository of knowledge, or a place that ensures secrets stay secrets, if you know what I mean?" Waleed glanced over to his three girls and Mamoun and whispered, "Be wary."


Years of roaming the streets have served well and she throws one of her charms at her.

"Ohh but of course!.. I.. would have never though..." then she drops a fake tear "please forgive me if I made you feel bad... it is just.. all this.. all at once.. it is a lot... too fast" then she looks at her "please tell me.. what happen since we were gone? what happened to father?.. and help me... i want him to see me pretty"

the she pours some water on the basin

Attempting to slip through the crowd unnoticed, hoping Maher was still following, Ya'qub heads for the bazaar. There, he intends to trade some of his cargo, and to listen carefully for rumors, particularly any that might help Adila...


Maher, Still following Ya'qub, Was wondering were he was going with all this sneaking.Maybe Ya'qub has changed his destination. Then the bazaar came into view in the far distance."AWww" Maher said with his breath and thought"I understand'.


"Foreigners especially!" the man called back as he led Waleed northward into the city. "Ministry's full of bureaucrats mostly. Tasked with licensing treasure hunters. I'd wager most people pay them no never-mind, but..." deftly the man dodged a fast moving line of porters, each carrying huge racks of bananas bound for the docks. "...but they say a man can copy maps of known ruins for a fee."


Noora hastened to grab an elegant cotton washcloth and a hairbrush from beside the mirror. Seeing a basket of scented flower petals, she grabbed a handful and dropped them into the basin. Then she sat Keesha down and began grooming her hair while the petals soaked in the water, the aroma faint but pleasant.

"Your father did as any father would who has lost his first child. He grieved." The old woman paused. "So much so I think he blames himself for your mother's death." She sighed and resumed combing Keesha's long hair. "Foolishness... grief can be shared but not borne by another."

Gently wiping Keesha's face with the scented water, Noora continued. "Master al-Reehan lost you and then his first wife in less than one season. It is no wonder he is but a shadow of the man he once was."

A gentle knock at the door signaled the tea had arrived.

Maher, Ya'qub, and Saqir hastened away from the crowd and drew up short at a canal that stretched north out of sight through overhanging homes and shops. A cacophony of calls assailed them as men in small boats spotted the obvious foreigners. Each tried to out-bid the other in lower fees and promises of all manner of trade goods exotic that only they could take them to.

Selecting one, mostly based on the sturdy appearance of the craft, the three stepped into the small boat.

"Where shall we begin, my friends?" the smiling young man called out at he used his long bamboo pole to shove away from the street and into the canals of the floating bazaar. "Girls? Spirits? Nothing is beyond your grasp now! Only we must be back before dark."

"Ah, very good, exactly what I need." Waleed continued to follow the wily man to his destination, but kept a wary eye about for he was still a stranger in a strange land.

Maher stopped Saqir in time before he said "Girls".
He turned his attention to the young boy" Are there any spacial events today?"

Ya'qub looked over at their ferryman. "Why before dark?"

Saqir settled into the prow of the boat, facing back along the little craft to watch the boy at the tail paddling them into the chaos of a busy river. He scanned the boat quickly, looking for a spare paddle in case their ferryman jumped ship. He looked at Maher with some annoyance as he burst out grinning at the thought of girls. Some people had very few trails blazed in their minds.... As Ya'qub asked about the dark, Saqir settled his eyes on the ferryman, adding the weight of his gaze to the man's considerations of honesty.


This young boy must be a little slow Maher thought. Maher just relaxed and waited for the young boys reply.


"Semmukhan muthlelei," the young man replied as he diligently worked the small boat into the shade and excitement of the floating bazaar. He pulled a necklace from beneath his robes. Jagged teeth, the size of a man's thumb were threaded on either side of a small soapstone figurine in the shape of a long-nosed reptile. "Rarely do they hunt during the day…"

The smells and sounds of the bazaar were a direct assault on the senses. The impenetrable green river teemed with trade on its surface as buyers and traders haggled over goods exotic and mundane. Shops ranged from strings of boats tied together with small children darting from one to the other while parents worked, to full fledged store fronts with large outdoor displays on stone wharves.

With a start, the boy turned to Maher. "You'd asked me a question! Yes, there is a special event today…, um… my cousin's birthday! If you tip generous I can give him a proper gift."


When it became clear the man meant to walk what surely was the length and breadth of the entire city of Dihliz, Waleed called a halt to the nonsense and sent Mamoun off to hire a litter. The young servant reappeared shortly, his smiling face protruding from a curtained litter being born by four bare-chested laborers. He stepped out with a bow and a triumphant "Tada!" As first Waleed, then Jaheira, followed by Wudei'a, and Najiba climbed into the litter he nodded and smiled to each, quite pleased with himself until he turned to follow them inside. The girls were hardly able to conceal their amusement at his dismay… no room remained inside. "Thank you, Mamoun!" the three called out coquettishly in near unison. Crestfallen, he joined their guide and the group continued northward through the city.

Most of the trip was through residential neighborhoods on a main thoroughfare, but they passed some small suqs and workshops at intersections, pausing occasionally to browse the wares. At one such market, partially concealed behind a faded sheet Mamoun noticed a small shrine tucked inside a small alcove; a white cobra idol with a smiling woman's face peered sightlessly out at him.

A little more than an hour later, the street opened onto a wide plaza which circled a tall mosque of elaborate beauty. From its center a tall fountain bubbled, pouring slowly down columns covered with black hornets and wasps. The plaza itself thronged with enthusiastic supplicants, attentive beggars and varied opportunists. At the far side of the plaza a less interesting structure, built with the functional simplicity preferred by bureaucrats.

"The ministry of secrets," their guide called out with a smile and a wave of his hand.

"Is that figure this 'Semmukhan muthlelei?' What are they and what do they hunt?" Ya'qub asked, eying the pendant, trying to ascertain its value, and to determine if he's seen anything like it before.

"This," the boy replied, looking down at the pendant around his neck. "Yes, but even in the egg they're larger than this! A full grown male could swallow you in two gulps." The boy smiled and glanced around roguishly at his passengers.

The pendant's only value was in its novelty, for the teeth were truly imposing.


Noora paused and glanced toward the door. Recalling the expected tea, she hastened to retrieve it. Moments later she had served both of them and patiently awaited some word from Keesha.


"You must be experienced, and know yar way past ye beast safely if it should cross, do you not?"

Post by keesha on Apr 26, 2006, 12:49am
"Thanks Noora, thats very kind of you. Now how you say we go and see my father?"

Post by yaqub on Apr 26, 2006, 6:30am

"If it so fearsome, why do you honor it so with such a pendant? Were it me, I think I would not want to look at it everyday."

Ya'qub pressed, thinking that there still seemed to be more to the story than they had heard so far....


The boy's face twisted in confusion as he listened to Maher's words. "I try not to pass them at all and stay out of the water at night."

The boy shrugged. "I dunno... it looks nice."


Saqir eyes the pendant, recalling some vague rumors he heard in his travels. He is suddenly glad he didn't give in to his first impulse to throw Maher into the noisome waters.

Maher relaxed, waiting for Ya'qub to tell the lad were their destination


"Yes, " Noora replied, her round face full of joy. "We'll leave instructions for your servants with the innkeeper to join us at your father's estate. He'll gladly arrange transportation for them and your belongings. Oh! And he could send word to Master al-Reehan..."

The old woman practically tossed her tea cup to the tray and swept out of the room calling out for the owner of the inn by name.

Post by jchalder on May 9, 2006, 12:49pm

Gentle winds caressed his face as he looked out over the lake, the sun's gaze bathing him in warmth and the chirping of birds nearby became his symphony of nature. His fishing line lazily drifted on the lapping waves as overhead nary a cloud could be seen.

"The ministry of secrets!" Their guide called out with a smile and a wave of his hand.

With a start, Waleed awoke from his pleasant dream, somewhat disappointed that the dream had ended so abruptly. His face however had been lovingly held and nurtured by Wudei'a as he had fallen asleep and languidly draped himself beside her, so it had not all been bad. With his usual smile, he thanked his guide and proffered another 10 dinar to thank the man. "I have need of a guide during my stay here in, um, in this city. If you are available, please meet me outside my inn tomorrow morning. Thank you." Waleed bowed, even though one of his station would never bow to a commoner, Waleed was thankful enough to have arrived at the ministry in one piece.

Dismounting his litter, Waleed walked up the steps and into the main entry of the Ministry of Secrets, only to find it was closing. "Hmm, perhaps his will grant me a little more time." Waleed clutched the purse of 50 dinars and sought the right person who's palm needed greasing.


The sound of so many coins caught the ears of a stony faced door guard. Beneath thick eyebrows his eyes betrayed a hint of excitement as he stepped in front of Waleed, blocking his entry while three robed city officials strode out the ornate double doors.

"Forgive me, effendi but the ministry is now closed," the guard said. Glancing furtively at the passing officials, he discreetly motioned for Waleed to stand fast. When the officials were down the steps and out of earshot, the guard whispered. "When the chief administrator leaves I can let you in. Meet me at the fountain at midnight."

In a loud voice he called out, "We open one hour after sunrise, effendi. May Fate guide and keep you." He then stepped inside, pulling the doors closed behind him.