Post by Zaim al-Daleel on Jul 9, 2008 22:34:57 GMT -7
PCs
Keesha the sorceress
Maher the sailor
Saqir the adventurer
Waleed the scholar
Ya'qub the merchant
NPCs
Noora - the nursemaid
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
--
8th of Saris
Waleed, having been turned away at the gates of the ministry of secrets, returned to the Jasmine Dream to find his companions gathered inside the covered gardens enjoying an early meal.
Keesha, despite Noora's enthusiasm to hasten to her master's house, had delayed, pointing out that her father was not yet within the city walls and hence a slight delay would be of little consequence.
Ya'qub, Saqir and Maher were sharing their day's events with Keesha when Waleed joined them. The diminuative innkeeper clapped his hands and the servants redoubled their efforts and brought out more food and drinks.
Waleed greeted his friends with a sly smile, "Hello," then looking to Noora and bowing his head slightly, "hello." Waleed sat and motioned for his entourage to also be seated and then took a long drink from one of the proffered wine glasses. "Ah, very refreshing after such a long ride." He looked to Mamoun who had walked the entire way and was still too young for strong drink. "Mamoun," taking another long glass of chilled wine, "drink this and tell what you think of it. Take your time and finish the entire glass, if you need another glass to be sure of your findings, so be it."
Maher, tired from the day, sat down with a happy sigh and took a nice cool clear wine. Humming to himself. He introduced himself to Noora. Maher continued his daily daydreaming after a moment.
Ya'qub orders a bottle of wine. Then, picking it up, we walks over to Waleed's table. and sits down, himself bearing a wide smile.
"Friend," He begins. "It seems we got separated today. I pray that Fate blessed your path richly."
Then, in a hushed whisper, as he refilled Waleed's glass,
"Did you learn anything more about Adila's condition?"
Noora's impatience to leave was only apparent to those who'd grown up around well-behaved servants. To all others she appeared calm and still, if overly so.
"It is nice to meet you Maher," she replied. "What service do you provide for Lady al-Reehan?"
Haroun entered the covered garden, his traveling bag over his shoulder. A pair of hummingbirds blurred past his smiling face and rose into the flowered blossoms that wove through lattices above.
"I am taking a pilgrimage! This afternoon I met a holy man bound for Rog'osto, City of Spires. He spoke of this marvelous city and his pilgrimage to the Mosque of the New Moon, dedicated to Selan. So glorious it must be! A trio of graceful minarets that echo the design of the royal palace of Huzuz. When I pressed for more information, he told me of Rog'osto's other mosques: The Mosque of the Venerable Kor, fashioned from white-washed limestone and covered in intricate mosaics of colored glass that reflect the morning sun like a shower of precious gems, and Zann's Mosque of the Visionary Spring!"
Haroun spread his arms as if to say: the hand of Fate doth push me forward, how can I resist?
"The spring waters within the mosque are said to inspire profound, revelatory trances. So you see, I am saddened to part with you my friends, but I leave this very moment, they await me at the docks. A journey of more than three hundred miles northward along the coast also awaits, the sooner begun the better."
Embracing his friends he left the inn hastily, calling back over his shoulder, "May Fate guide us together again soon!"
Noora bowed in return, smiling politely. As Waleed walked away she bent and quietly asked Keesha: "One of your suitors?"
Mamoun took the proffered glass and stared into the deep red liquid.
"The Misr say: 'In water you see your own face, but in wine the heart of its garden'," the diminutive innkeeper Ahamed al-Dihliz said, stepping into the room. 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 his round face.
After asking permission to do so, Ahamed reached up and respectfully lifted the bottle of wine from the table. Cradling it carefully with two hands, he read the label aloud. "The Star of Horus on the Height of Heaven, Northern Xois District, Chassut Red, Sekem-Ka, vintner. I would present no less to such honored guests and friends of Batul al-Reehan."
As Mamoun lifted the glass to his lips, the innkeeper's smile dropped just a slightest bit. "Please, if I may?" he asked, his voice betraying none of the panic he felt. Setting the bottle back on the table, he instructed the young Mamoun on how to properly drink wine, something the young servant had seen on countless occasions but had only sneered at as pretentious snobbery.
"This wine was bottled in distant Misr when the foundation of this very city was being laid, over one hundred years ago," the Ahamed explained.
Mamoun went though the rituals of wine drinking, his facial expressions passing through various stages of trepidation and embarrassment before souring up as if sucking on a lemon.
"Master Waleed, I can't say which it tastes more like, blackberries or black pepper, but I am not worthy of such..." the young man struggled to find the right word, "such rarities."
Maher woke from his daydream and answered nicely"I'm a friendly worker of the Ya'qubs ship. I am helping out, i am, of course, a huge fan of adventure of sorts".
Waleed nodded at Mamoun's obvious distaste for the wine and took it from him and began to drink from it, "Waste not, want not."
After finishing the wine, he motioned for more and motioned to his entourage to order whatever they liked. While everyone was busy with their orders, Waleed leaned over to Ya'qub and whispered, "I was at the Ministry of Secrets today, but was too late to gain entry. However, I will gain entry tonight at midnight with the help of the guard." Waleed shook his money purse lightly and smiled.
Keesha cringed. "No. He's but a travelling companion and a thorn in my sandal."
Noora eyed Waleed appreciatively as he leaned over in discussion with Ya'qub. "Oh?... well, he's very easy on the eyes."
Noora looked puzzled. "Another traveling companion?" she turned and asked Keesha.
Keesha nodded affirmatively, appearing slightly annoyed at the continued questioning from the old woman.
As Waleed was covertly as possible trying to relay his information to Ya'qub, he noticed Noora sizing him up. Always willing to play the dilletante, Waleed gave the old woman a wink and smile.
Ya'qub nodded. "I do advise you to be careful. It is said that there is some type of water beast that hunts at night. The locals fear it greatly."
He yawned. "Well, it has certainly been a full day, and I have spent most of it away from bride. I believe we shall retire early...." He added with a good-natured grin.
"Retire early?" Keesha stood up and nodded to Noora. "My companions appear tired and if I'm to have any hope of them joining me we should go now."
Sahra laid a hand lightly on her husband's. "I'm feeling much better. Let's go with Keesha and see what she learns. It seems so unlikely but... who knows? She is an orphan."
The excited fluttering of many birds lifting off from their perches in the canopy above must have covered the twang of the bow shot. Keesha gasped and clutched at the shaft of the black feathered arrow which pierced her shoulder.
"Holy crap!" Waleed blurted out as he jumped out of his seat. Quickly following the path of the arrow back up into the canopy, Waleed instinctively casted a spell, "Shaloo Shakar!" With little concern of propriety, he unleashed a shockwave of air at the location of the attacker in hopes of sending them skyward and letting their fall to mother earth dispatch them.
Maher Started, squeezes the silver necklace bearing a roc-shaped pendant of precious jade from the lands of the infidels, from Ya'qub, hoping to bring him luck and safety.
Maher takes out his small curved sword in defence and carefully went over to try to aid his injured companion.
The sudden and vicious attack on one of their own stopped Ya'qub dead in his tracks. Forgetting to focus on his decorum, he sputtered out "Thahra! See what you can do to care for Keesha!"
He then bolted to the area where the shot must have come from, attempting to add a little light to illuminate the darkened area. If there was anything to be seen, he wanted to be able to see it clearly.
"Arrgggf" she shouts, surprised by the attack. She lowers herself while mentally ordering Eakon to come out and look for whats going on there.
She then looks quickly at Nooras face, trying to read anything from her eyes - trying to figure out if she could have...
Saqir, always jumping at shadows, was out of his chair with a jambiya in hand and ready to throw as Waleed yelled out in surprise. The quiet Saqir moved with the cat-like grace of a predator, ignoring the rising confusion around him as he searched for his prey. Viciously he hurled his curved blade into the canopy, a wicked grin spreading across his face. The grin disappeared suddenly just as Waleed shouted the words of his spell. If Saqir cried out in pain from the black arrow that pierced his hand, it was swallowed in the roar of wind and splintering of wood Waleed had unleashed upon the canopy.
Ahamed al-Dihliz was only a heartbeat behind his fleeing servants and guests, dismay at the destruction of his property marked his face more so than any fear, still none were unable to escape the garden entirely before the shredded lattice and vegetation began to rain down upon them.
Maher did his best to shield the wounded Keesha from the debris as Sahra and Noora looked to the wound, heedless of the danger to themselves.
Ya'qub waved his hand skyward and with a hasty word the shadowy blue evening sky glowed as if lit by an unseen fire. In that sky, amid a mass of twirling, fluttering and falling birds a man flailed about in billowing red robes. His turban, partially unwrapped and revealing a dark skinned face inscribed with elaborate tattoos, was as white as the hair it covered.
Keesha sensed Eakon had escaped the blast of air and he wheeled in the sky above, eyeing the struggling birds of prey below with a predator's lust for the kill. Returning her attention to her surroundings, Keesha tried to read Noora's face and saw only concern.
Sahra, who was on her knees behind Keesha, gasped in alarm. "Noora! Look!"
Focusing on the bright white turban of the retreating attacker, Ya'qub closes his eyes and attempts a most difficult enhantment; he will try to set the turban alight, in the hopes of breaking the concentration of the figure enough to get him to fall.
Looking into Nooras eyes she whispers "don't worry" at the time she moves her hands and a brief circular breeze envolves her and the ones close to her, much lighter and caring than Waleeds breeze - and aimed at deflecting any incoming arrows that might be fired their way.
Waleed was a bit astonished at the hovering assassin above him, he thought to himself he would have to learn that skill. With a grin at the 'Sins ingenuity, Waleed unleashed a new spell he had been concocting in the back of his head. Directing his palms at the 'Sin, Waleed invoked the chant of destruction, gathering the electricity in the surrounding air aided by Keesha's spell and sending it in a bolt at their hovering foe.
Behind the protection of the sorceress Keesha's magical shield, Sahra and Noora studied the arrow tip. Cunningly crafted, it held the broken shards of a glass vial streaked with blood, flesh, and a noxious green icor.
Wasting no time with words, Sahra pulled a small knife from the table and deftly sliced the black feathers from arrow's shaft. Without warning she pushed then pulled the arrow the rest of the way through Keesha's body. High above, Eakon's cry joined his master's in a duet of suffering.
Keesha felt the first effects of the poison worming its way past the waves of pain radiating from her shoulder.
Waleed and Ya'qub where focused on the threat above, unleashing the forces of elemental fire and electricity simultaneously at their foe.
Waleed's electric bolt rocked the man, his body momentarily jerking spasmodically while Ya'qub's flames swept up the loose end of the man's turban, bathing his face and head in flames.
The spasms past, the man sneered down, seemingly oblivious to the flames crowning his head. Turning suddenly in mid air he dove away heading toward a flock of fleeing birds.
Waleed began to think quickly and silently admonished himself for not having his girls in their bodyguard attire with their accompanying crossbows then decided upon a most perilous action. Drawing his sword, Waleed intoned the spell of flight and leap skyward to chase after the fleeing assassin.
Looking at the intrepid Waleed she shakes her head and orders Eakon to signal for him to come back. She knows that if they are to uproot this evil - it wont be something that just one can do. Then she touches her head, as if hearing some voices and looks worried.
Maher amazed by seeing Ya'qub, Keesha, and Waleed do there best against the demon, especially when they shocked its brain. Maher was too shocked and stood up straight and put his sword away and was trying to say a brave comment.
Making up in confidence what he lacked in skill, Waleed flew unsteadily into the evening sky, looking nothing so much as a man falling upwards. Below him trailed the young Mamoun, wide-eyed and leaping over tables and chairs to keep his master in sight.
At Keesha’s command, Eakon briefly beat the air in Waleed’s path, but to no avail. The hawk tucked and rolled away just Waleed tore past, propelled by a violent wind. Reaching for his scimitar, Waleed veered off his intended path and discovered a principal of flight… body position matters. Raising his drawn sword, he lowered his other arm and turned back, and after a few overcompensating attempts continued forward, the sword clasped in both hands.
Noora spoke a few words in a language Maher and Keesha didn’t understand but that called to mind a mother’s lullaby. The old woman’s hand began to radiate with a warm yellow energy that defied the eyes to focus on it. As if coaxing a timid child from behind its mother’s leg, Noora drew the poison from Keesha’s wound. It wormed out reluctantly, as if a living creature, before falling in strands to the floor.
Above, Waleed pursued the feeling assassin amongst the inn’s heavenward reaching minarets. Mamoun stood slack jawed far below, now joined by Waleed’s three beautiful body guards. They stared up at their master, single-minded in his pursuit, and marveled that man who spent countless hours with his nose buried in his books was now flying, heedless of the danger of falling to his death.
Ya’qub turned at the sound of choking and saw Saqir fall, eye’s wide and panicked. Noora lifted her large frame and hitching up her robes rushed over to help.
The flames crowning the assassin’s head had been extinguished, but the smell of burning turban reached Waleed as he closed in on his target. With perfect control, the assassin spun and faced Waleed, sneering as he hovered, arms across his chest. Waleed raised his sword to strike, adjusting his other arm to compensate and swung violently, his characteristic confidence etched sharply on his face. Instead of flesh, his scimitar bit deep into nothing and Waleed spun away, out of control. As the ground and sky repeatedly swapped places before his eyes, Waleed glimpsed a hummingbird fluttering away. By the time Waleed regained control the bird was gone.
"Coward!" Waleed cried out at the fleeing form of the hummingbird. He thought about casting another spell to attack his assailant, but decided instead to return to his companions.
Occasionally glancing behind him as he flew back, wary of his foe's possible counter attack, Waleed was happy with his flying success, but would have to work on it more during less stressful times he told himself.
Maher, heard some choking, while seeing Waleed amazing fly down. I wish I can fly he thought, but he quickly ignored the thought while seeing Saqir on the ground.
Maher looked around the scene. Who and what is this really about? he thought to himself.
He rushed over to help the others.
Saqir look after the fleeing assassin.
"Fedayin!!! Get back here!!!" Eyes blazing in anger, he snaps off the arrow sticking through his hand and pulls the shaft through. Casting the arrow away, he pivots on his heel, drawing his jarid from behind him and sending it shuddering into a nearby door.
"Stop hiding!!! You can't take me!!!" His other jambiya appears in his good hand, waving about angrily.
[Dramatis personae]
Keesha the sorceress: once an orphan on the streets of Huzuz, now a powerful woman of some renown
Maher the sailor: a young man on his first voyage, eager to prove his mettle
Saqir the adventurer: a mysterious adventurer who’s so far proved trustworthy, though secretive
Waleed the scholar: a young noble who’s left the comforts of palaces for the hard lessons of first-hand knowledge
Ya’qub the merchant: a wealthy yet honest merchant who has a deep well of courage in the face of great danger
NPCs:
Noora: “the nursemaid” claims that Keesha is the missing are of the wealthy merchant Batul al-Reehan
Sahra: Ya’qub’s steadfast wife
Eakon: Keesha’s familiar (hawk)
Mamoun: Waleed’s young servant who’s proven his loyalty 1000 and 1 times
Jaheira, Wudei’a, Najiba: Waleed’s as alluring as they are dangerous bodyguards
Adila: cursed wanderer depending on our heroes
8th of Saris
At the home of Batul al-Reehan al-Dihlizi
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The gates of the estate where thrown wide by two large mamluks and you hastened inside. Another guard, with similar facial tattoos and dark skin, stood to one side holding the straining leashes of three large greyhounds. The heavy gates swung closed with a clang and with a glance over your shoulder and around the starry sky above, you and the others walked briskly across the courtyard and into the arched entryway of a palatial home.
Standing in the doorway is a beautiful, mature woman. The oil lamps above illuminated her concerned face as she saw the blood staining Keesha and Saqir’s clothing. “Oh! Hurry inside please! Noora, what happened, what can I do to help?”
"The gravest danger has passed, fair nabila Mabruk," Noora said, breathing a sigh of relief and leading Keesha to a low cushioned couch. "The poison of an assassin's arrow nearly prevented the reunion of master Batul with his daughter."
Lady Mabruk al-Hanash al-Reehan, wife of Batul, gasped. "The resemblance! You were right Noora, it could be my husband's lost child!"
"It is her," Noora countered, lovingly sweeping back a stray lock of Keesha’s hair. "Is'ad al-Reehan al-Dihlizi has returned."
With his wife embraced tightly to his chest, Keesha and Saqir's blood drying on her hands, Ya'qub recalled two events that rose unbidden to his mind. One as they first set sail so long ago:
Shabab Eblis was kneeling at the base of a mast, inspecting a length of rope that ran through a block and tackle. He finished his inspection before standing to acknowledge Ya’qub’s introduction. "Quality restoration work…" he was saying to himself.
Shabab was indeed young for a rubban--that was evident in his youthful face. He bowed with a flourish and a smile. “Thank you for the welcome, nabila Keesha. We are nearly ready to sail.” Despite his youth Shabab was muscular and tall; a full head taller than any present. He spoke perfect Midani but with a distinct accent. "Nabila," he said to Keesha, using the formal title of ‘Lady’, "your face… it reminds me of someone. May I ask your family name?"
...and another upon their arrival in this land.
"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?"
"My dearest husband will be here any moment now, Noora," Mabruk said. "Show our guests to washrooms and get them fresh clothing if they require it." With a slight bow, she excused herself from the entryway. "I must check on the cooks... my husband would never forgive me if this dinner was less than befitting such an occasion!"
Noora helped Keesha stand and motioned everyone to follow them deeper into the home. As you leave the room, a harried-looking group of musicians were admitted and hastened off to another part of the palace, instruments and costumes in hand.
Family servants appear, assisting as permitted, and offering cool water and fresh grapes. Along the way to the guest quarters, Noora points out the various rooms and gardens. The décor is extravagant and marred only by elaborate security precautions.
“Ever since Is’ad’s kidnapping by slavers,” Noora explained as she eyed Keesha lovingly, “the family purchased mamluks and war dogs to keep the household safe. Clasping Keesha’s hand tightly within her own, Noora paused mid-step. “The kidnappers were never caught… Could they have been responsible for this evening’s ambush?” Noticing they had stopped near a second story window, she started suddenly and hastened Keesha forward.
Leaving each of you to private rooms with a handful of servants, Noora escorted Keesha toward the family’s harim. “Please be comfortable and should you want of anything, just ask and the servant’s will do their best to provide it. The master of the house should be here any moment…” she trailed off, leading Keesha out of sight.
Passing through a small chamber guarded by a mamluk and a greyhound, Noora and Keesha entered the harim. Noora pointed out the various chambers to Keesha: Master Batul’s, Lady Mabruks, Lady Liana’s…
Keesha paused, firmly resisting Noora prompting her past Lady Liana’s chamber. Translucent silks covered the chamber entryway, hanging still and forlornly. Inside Keesha heard faint weeping, and thought she saw a shadowy figure on a bed. “Who’s that,” she began to ask, reaching for the covering. Noora looked alarmed but made no move to stop her. “The chamber has remained untouched since your mother’s death,” Noora said, “some servants consider the room haunted. Korrite priests have been in this room several times since to exorcise any restless spirit, but still rumors persist. Perhaps it is the wind.”
Keesha pulled aside the curtain and peered inside. A bed covered in dusty blankets and pillows- no one in sight. Even the dust on the floor was undisturbed.
You had barely time to clean up and change for the dinner when the greyhounds began to bray. Batul al-Reehan had arrived, leaning on his son Omar's arm for support. Keesha's resemblance to the famous merchant Batul is striking and you now understand why so many noticed it. Though his health was fading, his face retained its handsome lines and his eyes were bright with excitement.
Pulling away from his son, he embraced Keesha in his arms and welcomed her home repeatedly as tears flowed into his beard.
Batul's wife Mabruk stepped foward and embraced her son Omar, kissing him on both cheeks. "Such a joyous occasion!" she exclaimed. "Husband, you'll be pleased with my preparations for this joyous occasion. A feast is ready, musicians and dancers stand ready to entertain, our finest laid at the feet of our guests! Your chambers in the harim are freshly cleaned and ready, husband..."
The old man's smile faltered at this last, his surprised eyes taking in the thinly veiled promise in her's. Blushing he grinned like a teenager.
Omar stepped forward and embraced Keesha as everyone was being herded into the area prepared for the feast.
"Welcome home honored sister. I look forward to hearing of your life thus far and I would be glad to tell you all that you've missed here." He was several years younger than Keesha and would be considered handsome by some. He resembled his mother moreso than his father.
As they take their places around the feast table, Ya'qub's easy, gap-toothed smile returns with a vengeance.
In a good natured way, he regales any who will listen with his tales of the far off, exotic lands he has seen and adventures he has had.
Waleed politely smiled as he joined the feast. It had been some time that he had been to such a welcomed affair, but his smile did not reach his eyes. He, more than most gathered there today, knew the machinations of a devious mind. Omar would have to be watched, for Keesha was the older sibling and much would be due to her, and if Waleed knew anything, once you become accustomed to wealth, you are loath to give any of it up.
Turning to his personal entourage, he quirked an eyebrow to let the three girls know to keep on their toes, then awaited for them to feed him grapes and other foodstuffs. This, he enjoyed.
The air of the huge banquet hall was filled with the delicate fragrance of white hyacinths; their bell-shaped petals decorating a marble fountain in the central area. It was common knowledge that hyacinths were associated with rebirth, but few knew why. You recall the Ellasian sailor aboard the Bright Dancer who told the myths of his country Ellas by the light of the stars to any who would listen. "Apollo did not allow Hades to claim the boy; rather, he made a flower, the hyacinth, from his spilled blood."
The family and yourselves as honored guests sat at the highest end of the gently sloping hall, permitting a view of all the activities. As tray after tray of culinary offerings where paraded before you, the floral scented air fled, routed by the competing smells of sharp spices, succulent meats and sweet breads.
Ya'qub's tales found no listener more eager than Omar.
"It rose from the sands and carried off a camel?" Omar repeated, wide eyed and excited. He impatiently shooed away a servant's offered helping of sliced mutton. "Had I but been there! I would have ridden the beast alongside the mighty mamluk Lum! Together we could slay a thousand such beasts!"
"Oh my dearest son," Mabruk said, laying a hand on his arm as he started to rise and made as if to draw and imaginary scimitar. "Your place is here with me. There are adventures enough in your books; no need to go and seek them out."
Omar reddened, cleared his throat and sat down. His eyes returned from distant sands and settled on the musicians gathered below, preparing for their next song. This turned out to be a popular tune- if a bit risqué. Sure enough, a company of veiled dancers swept into the hall, spinning seductively like desert whirlwinds.
Mabruk appeared pleased with her husband's response and Batul in turn appeared delighted with his wife’s efforts.
As the evening deepened into night, Keesha acquiesced to Batul's request of recounting her life up to this point. How much she withheld only she would know; the hardships of an orphan on the streets where such that few could imagine. Still, her tale did much to explain her steadfastness in the face of danger.
Batul told of his business and how it prospered in the last decade, though his heart was hardly in it. "In fact, I fear my heart has weakened beyond repair, though your return has given me much joy, my daughter." He stood with a grimace and a helping hand from his wife. Raising his cup, the hall fell quiet in anticipation. "Tomorrow, in the palace of Emira Hassana Alim al-Gaib, you are all invited to attend the recognition ceremony of my legal heir!"
Waleed carefully watched Omar's reaction when the news was announced about tomorrow's ceremony to recognize Keesha as the official heir.
Omar leapt up and cheered excitedly, eliciting a momentary disapproving glance from his mother as the young man hastened over to embrace his bewildered sister. Mabruk stood with more decorum and joined in the applause.Re: 060: A Stepmother's Welcome
Post by jchalder on Oct 11, 2006, 3:33pm
Omar had to be either a simpleton, Waleed thought to himself, a madman, or the worlds most cunning, devious and skilled actor/assassin he had ever met. Back home, such an announcement was akin to a death sentence to the receiptient lest they take extraordinary precautions to survive the night. Hence, one reason why Waleed was glad he was never acknowledged openly.
Waleed clapped merrily, he too knew when to act appropriately in such cases. The sly smile came to this face as he thought that Keesha was probably going to require a husband shortly, and it seemed her family was quite wealthy, but alas, he never found himself attracted to the woman and he felt he had wealth enough. Besides, she had a face like a frying pan and smelled awful at times.
A strange notion occurred to Waleed. Batul would die tonight due to the machinations of his wife Mabruk, then Omar, through no effort on his part, would be named heir because Keesha had yet to be formally recognized. He could see the love Mabruk had for her son over that of Keesha and why shouldn't she? Omar seemed genuinely... genuine. Keesha was like a warm bottle of ale, half empty lying in a ditch with a slug in it. Tonight would be interesting.
That evening, the meal weighed heavy on Ya'qub's stomach. He found himself unable to sleep his accustomed deep sleep of a contented man. Stealthily rising from his bed so as not to disturb his devoted wife, Sahra, the gap-toothed Merchant begins to wander the halls of their host's home.
Down the darkened corridor, he saw a shadow moving quickly, yet carefully. As he watched, he realized it to be Waleed. Ya'qub resolved to accompany his companion on his midnight mission. "Waleed!" he called in a loud whisper, to get his attention. "Wait! I will come with you!"
Waleed placed his finger over his mouth and made the "shh" sound when Ya'qub called out to him then smiled. The gap-toothed merchant was many things, but stealthy was not one of them. Motioning for him, Mamoun and his bodyguards to move out, Waleed lead the way to the exterior and on their way to the ministry of secrets.
Saqir stood leaning against the door frame of his room watching Waleed and Ya’qub disappear down the marble corridors. When they were gone he turned his attention back toward where Keesha stood staring through the translucent silks into the chamber where her mother had died. He strained to hear what she heard, but nothing but a faint night breeze reached his ears. In the room behind him, Maher turned in a restless sleep.
Though he had seldom spoken to the aloof sorceress, he was drawn to her; a kindred spirit in loneliness he fancied to himself with a sardonic smile. Pushing off from the wall he padded quietly toward her. If she noticed, she made no sign. Saqir brazenly peered into the room, and seeing nothing began to turn back when a faint sound stopped him. It wasn’t from the chamber and Keesha’s distant stare was unchanged. Sliding past her he made his way down the hall and silently slipped into Keesha’s room.
Inside, thin curtains fluttered inward on the slightest breeze and revealed the moonlit city beyond. Below he could hear the lapping of running water against the stone walls —one of the city’s many waterways. The night air was rich with the odors of the jungle and Saqir breathed deep the scent of earthy, wet vegetation. The sound repeated—wood on stone, boat hull against the wall. Saqir was reaching for his weapon when a dark figure leapt lightly through, eyes gleaming from behind a mask of mud. In a flash Saqir and the lithe figure were locked in a grim struggle, wrestling for control of an assassin’s black dagger.
---
Keesha listened to her mother’s falling tears… ‘someone’s mother weeping anyway’, she thought. Regardless she was overwhelmed with powerful emotions. Her childhood had been a brief unpleasant time where survival left little time for wondering if somewhere her mother wept for her. Whether the apparition on the bed was her mother or not, she knew the truth: she was not discarded, not a castoff. Someone had cared for her deeply and mourned her absence. Before turning in for the night she pulled back the curtains again, and again the apparition faded away.
Walking into her room, she crossed over to the window and called out to Eakon. With a cry he leapt from a minaret and into the sky. Through his eyes she surveyed the city of Dihliz and her thoughts turned toward the home and the family she never knew she had.
Keesha the sorceress
Maher the sailor
Saqir the adventurer
Waleed the scholar
Ya'qub the merchant
NPCs
Noora - the nursemaid
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
--
8th of Saris
Waleed, having been turned away at the gates of the ministry of secrets, returned to the Jasmine Dream to find his companions gathered inside the covered gardens enjoying an early meal.
Keesha, despite Noora's enthusiasm to hasten to her master's house, had delayed, pointing out that her father was not yet within the city walls and hence a slight delay would be of little consequence.
Ya'qub, Saqir and Maher were sharing their day's events with Keesha when Waleed joined them. The diminuative innkeeper clapped his hands and the servants redoubled their efforts and brought out more food and drinks.
Waleed greeted his friends with a sly smile, "Hello," then looking to Noora and bowing his head slightly, "hello." Waleed sat and motioned for his entourage to also be seated and then took a long drink from one of the proffered wine glasses. "Ah, very refreshing after such a long ride." He looked to Mamoun who had walked the entire way and was still too young for strong drink. "Mamoun," taking another long glass of chilled wine, "drink this and tell what you think of it. Take your time and finish the entire glass, if you need another glass to be sure of your findings, so be it."
Maher, tired from the day, sat down with a happy sigh and took a nice cool clear wine. Humming to himself. He introduced himself to Noora. Maher continued his daily daydreaming after a moment.
Ya'qub orders a bottle of wine. Then, picking it up, we walks over to Waleed's table. and sits down, himself bearing a wide smile.
"Friend," He begins. "It seems we got separated today. I pray that Fate blessed your path richly."
Then, in a hushed whisper, as he refilled Waleed's glass,
"Did you learn anything more about Adila's condition?"
Noora's impatience to leave was only apparent to those who'd grown up around well-behaved servants. To all others she appeared calm and still, if overly so.
"It is nice to meet you Maher," she replied. "What service do you provide for Lady al-Reehan?"
Haroun entered the covered garden, his traveling bag over his shoulder. A pair of hummingbirds blurred past his smiling face and rose into the flowered blossoms that wove through lattices above.
"I am taking a pilgrimage! This afternoon I met a holy man bound for Rog'osto, City of Spires. He spoke of this marvelous city and his pilgrimage to the Mosque of the New Moon, dedicated to Selan. So glorious it must be! A trio of graceful minarets that echo the design of the royal palace of Huzuz. When I pressed for more information, he told me of Rog'osto's other mosques: The Mosque of the Venerable Kor, fashioned from white-washed limestone and covered in intricate mosaics of colored glass that reflect the morning sun like a shower of precious gems, and Zann's Mosque of the Visionary Spring!"
Haroun spread his arms as if to say: the hand of Fate doth push me forward, how can I resist?
"The spring waters within the mosque are said to inspire profound, revelatory trances. So you see, I am saddened to part with you my friends, but I leave this very moment, they await me at the docks. A journey of more than three hundred miles northward along the coast also awaits, the sooner begun the better."
Embracing his friends he left the inn hastily, calling back over his shoulder, "May Fate guide us together again soon!"
Noora bowed in return, smiling politely. As Waleed walked away she bent and quietly asked Keesha: "One of your suitors?"
Mamoun took the proffered glass and stared into the deep red liquid.
"The Misr say: 'In water you see your own face, but in wine the heart of its garden'," the diminutive innkeeper Ahamed al-Dihliz said, stepping into the room. 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 his round face.
After asking permission to do so, Ahamed reached up and respectfully lifted the bottle of wine from the table. Cradling it carefully with two hands, he read the label aloud. "The Star of Horus on the Height of Heaven, Northern Xois District, Chassut Red, Sekem-Ka, vintner. I would present no less to such honored guests and friends of Batul al-Reehan."
As Mamoun lifted the glass to his lips, the innkeeper's smile dropped just a slightest bit. "Please, if I may?" he asked, his voice betraying none of the panic he felt. Setting the bottle back on the table, he instructed the young Mamoun on how to properly drink wine, something the young servant had seen on countless occasions but had only sneered at as pretentious snobbery.
"This wine was bottled in distant Misr when the foundation of this very city was being laid, over one hundred years ago," the Ahamed explained.
Mamoun went though the rituals of wine drinking, his facial expressions passing through various stages of trepidation and embarrassment before souring up as if sucking on a lemon.
"Master Waleed, I can't say which it tastes more like, blackberries or black pepper, but I am not worthy of such..." the young man struggled to find the right word, "such rarities."
Maher woke from his daydream and answered nicely"I'm a friendly worker of the Ya'qubs ship. I am helping out, i am, of course, a huge fan of adventure of sorts".
Waleed nodded at Mamoun's obvious distaste for the wine and took it from him and began to drink from it, "Waste not, want not."
After finishing the wine, he motioned for more and motioned to his entourage to order whatever they liked. While everyone was busy with their orders, Waleed leaned over to Ya'qub and whispered, "I was at the Ministry of Secrets today, but was too late to gain entry. However, I will gain entry tonight at midnight with the help of the guard." Waleed shook his money purse lightly and smiled.
Keesha cringed. "No. He's but a travelling companion and a thorn in my sandal."
Noora eyed Waleed appreciatively as he leaned over in discussion with Ya'qub. "Oh?... well, he's very easy on the eyes."
Noora looked puzzled. "Another traveling companion?" she turned and asked Keesha.
Keesha nodded affirmatively, appearing slightly annoyed at the continued questioning from the old woman.
As Waleed was covertly as possible trying to relay his information to Ya'qub, he noticed Noora sizing him up. Always willing to play the dilletante, Waleed gave the old woman a wink and smile.
Ya'qub nodded. "I do advise you to be careful. It is said that there is some type of water beast that hunts at night. The locals fear it greatly."
He yawned. "Well, it has certainly been a full day, and I have spent most of it away from bride. I believe we shall retire early...." He added with a good-natured grin.
"Retire early?" Keesha stood up and nodded to Noora. "My companions appear tired and if I'm to have any hope of them joining me we should go now."
Sahra laid a hand lightly on her husband's. "I'm feeling much better. Let's go with Keesha and see what she learns. It seems so unlikely but... who knows? She is an orphan."
The excited fluttering of many birds lifting off from their perches in the canopy above must have covered the twang of the bow shot. Keesha gasped and clutched at the shaft of the black feathered arrow which pierced her shoulder.
"Holy crap!" Waleed blurted out as he jumped out of his seat. Quickly following the path of the arrow back up into the canopy, Waleed instinctively casted a spell, "Shaloo Shakar!" With little concern of propriety, he unleashed a shockwave of air at the location of the attacker in hopes of sending them skyward and letting their fall to mother earth dispatch them.
Maher Started, squeezes the silver necklace bearing a roc-shaped pendant of precious jade from the lands of the infidels, from Ya'qub, hoping to bring him luck and safety.
Maher takes out his small curved sword in defence and carefully went over to try to aid his injured companion.
The sudden and vicious attack on one of their own stopped Ya'qub dead in his tracks. Forgetting to focus on his decorum, he sputtered out "Thahra! See what you can do to care for Keesha!"
He then bolted to the area where the shot must have come from, attempting to add a little light to illuminate the darkened area. If there was anything to be seen, he wanted to be able to see it clearly.
"Arrgggf" she shouts, surprised by the attack. She lowers herself while mentally ordering Eakon to come out and look for whats going on there.
She then looks quickly at Nooras face, trying to read anything from her eyes - trying to figure out if she could have...
Saqir, always jumping at shadows, was out of his chair with a jambiya in hand and ready to throw as Waleed yelled out in surprise. The quiet Saqir moved with the cat-like grace of a predator, ignoring the rising confusion around him as he searched for his prey. Viciously he hurled his curved blade into the canopy, a wicked grin spreading across his face. The grin disappeared suddenly just as Waleed shouted the words of his spell. If Saqir cried out in pain from the black arrow that pierced his hand, it was swallowed in the roar of wind and splintering of wood Waleed had unleashed upon the canopy.
Ahamed al-Dihliz was only a heartbeat behind his fleeing servants and guests, dismay at the destruction of his property marked his face more so than any fear, still none were unable to escape the garden entirely before the shredded lattice and vegetation began to rain down upon them.
Maher did his best to shield the wounded Keesha from the debris as Sahra and Noora looked to the wound, heedless of the danger to themselves.
Ya'qub waved his hand skyward and with a hasty word the shadowy blue evening sky glowed as if lit by an unseen fire. In that sky, amid a mass of twirling, fluttering and falling birds a man flailed about in billowing red robes. His turban, partially unwrapped and revealing a dark skinned face inscribed with elaborate tattoos, was as white as the hair it covered.
Keesha sensed Eakon had escaped the blast of air and he wheeled in the sky above, eyeing the struggling birds of prey below with a predator's lust for the kill. Returning her attention to her surroundings, Keesha tried to read Noora's face and saw only concern.
Sahra, who was on her knees behind Keesha, gasped in alarm. "Noora! Look!"
Focusing on the bright white turban of the retreating attacker, Ya'qub closes his eyes and attempts a most difficult enhantment; he will try to set the turban alight, in the hopes of breaking the concentration of the figure enough to get him to fall.
Looking into Nooras eyes she whispers "don't worry" at the time she moves her hands and a brief circular breeze envolves her and the ones close to her, much lighter and caring than Waleeds breeze - and aimed at deflecting any incoming arrows that might be fired their way.
Waleed was a bit astonished at the hovering assassin above him, he thought to himself he would have to learn that skill. With a grin at the 'Sins ingenuity, Waleed unleashed a new spell he had been concocting in the back of his head. Directing his palms at the 'Sin, Waleed invoked the chant of destruction, gathering the electricity in the surrounding air aided by Keesha's spell and sending it in a bolt at their hovering foe.
Behind the protection of the sorceress Keesha's magical shield, Sahra and Noora studied the arrow tip. Cunningly crafted, it held the broken shards of a glass vial streaked with blood, flesh, and a noxious green icor.
Wasting no time with words, Sahra pulled a small knife from the table and deftly sliced the black feathers from arrow's shaft. Without warning she pushed then pulled the arrow the rest of the way through Keesha's body. High above, Eakon's cry joined his master's in a duet of suffering.
Keesha felt the first effects of the poison worming its way past the waves of pain radiating from her shoulder.
Waleed and Ya'qub where focused on the threat above, unleashing the forces of elemental fire and electricity simultaneously at their foe.
Waleed's electric bolt rocked the man, his body momentarily jerking spasmodically while Ya'qub's flames swept up the loose end of the man's turban, bathing his face and head in flames.
The spasms past, the man sneered down, seemingly oblivious to the flames crowning his head. Turning suddenly in mid air he dove away heading toward a flock of fleeing birds.
Waleed began to think quickly and silently admonished himself for not having his girls in their bodyguard attire with their accompanying crossbows then decided upon a most perilous action. Drawing his sword, Waleed intoned the spell of flight and leap skyward to chase after the fleeing assassin.
Looking at the intrepid Waleed she shakes her head and orders Eakon to signal for him to come back. She knows that if they are to uproot this evil - it wont be something that just one can do. Then she touches her head, as if hearing some voices and looks worried.
Maher amazed by seeing Ya'qub, Keesha, and Waleed do there best against the demon, especially when they shocked its brain. Maher was too shocked and stood up straight and put his sword away and was trying to say a brave comment.
Making up in confidence what he lacked in skill, Waleed flew unsteadily into the evening sky, looking nothing so much as a man falling upwards. Below him trailed the young Mamoun, wide-eyed and leaping over tables and chairs to keep his master in sight.
At Keesha’s command, Eakon briefly beat the air in Waleed’s path, but to no avail. The hawk tucked and rolled away just Waleed tore past, propelled by a violent wind. Reaching for his scimitar, Waleed veered off his intended path and discovered a principal of flight… body position matters. Raising his drawn sword, he lowered his other arm and turned back, and after a few overcompensating attempts continued forward, the sword clasped in both hands.
Noora spoke a few words in a language Maher and Keesha didn’t understand but that called to mind a mother’s lullaby. The old woman’s hand began to radiate with a warm yellow energy that defied the eyes to focus on it. As if coaxing a timid child from behind its mother’s leg, Noora drew the poison from Keesha’s wound. It wormed out reluctantly, as if a living creature, before falling in strands to the floor.
Above, Waleed pursued the feeling assassin amongst the inn’s heavenward reaching minarets. Mamoun stood slack jawed far below, now joined by Waleed’s three beautiful body guards. They stared up at their master, single-minded in his pursuit, and marveled that man who spent countless hours with his nose buried in his books was now flying, heedless of the danger of falling to his death.
Ya’qub turned at the sound of choking and saw Saqir fall, eye’s wide and panicked. Noora lifted her large frame and hitching up her robes rushed over to help.
The flames crowning the assassin’s head had been extinguished, but the smell of burning turban reached Waleed as he closed in on his target. With perfect control, the assassin spun and faced Waleed, sneering as he hovered, arms across his chest. Waleed raised his sword to strike, adjusting his other arm to compensate and swung violently, his characteristic confidence etched sharply on his face. Instead of flesh, his scimitar bit deep into nothing and Waleed spun away, out of control. As the ground and sky repeatedly swapped places before his eyes, Waleed glimpsed a hummingbird fluttering away. By the time Waleed regained control the bird was gone.
"Coward!" Waleed cried out at the fleeing form of the hummingbird. He thought about casting another spell to attack his assailant, but decided instead to return to his companions.
Occasionally glancing behind him as he flew back, wary of his foe's possible counter attack, Waleed was happy with his flying success, but would have to work on it more during less stressful times he told himself.
Maher, heard some choking, while seeing Waleed amazing fly down. I wish I can fly he thought, but he quickly ignored the thought while seeing Saqir on the ground.
Maher looked around the scene. Who and what is this really about? he thought to himself.
He rushed over to help the others.
Saqir look after the fleeing assassin.
"Fedayin!!! Get back here!!!" Eyes blazing in anger, he snaps off the arrow sticking through his hand and pulls the shaft through. Casting the arrow away, he pivots on his heel, drawing his jarid from behind him and sending it shuddering into a nearby door.
"Stop hiding!!! You can't take me!!!" His other jambiya appears in his good hand, waving about angrily.
[Dramatis personae]
Keesha the sorceress: once an orphan on the streets of Huzuz, now a powerful woman of some renown
Maher the sailor: a young man on his first voyage, eager to prove his mettle
Saqir the adventurer: a mysterious adventurer who’s so far proved trustworthy, though secretive
Waleed the scholar: a young noble who’s left the comforts of palaces for the hard lessons of first-hand knowledge
Ya’qub the merchant: a wealthy yet honest merchant who has a deep well of courage in the face of great danger
NPCs:
Noora: “the nursemaid” claims that Keesha is the missing are of the wealthy merchant Batul al-Reehan
Sahra: Ya’qub’s steadfast wife
Eakon: Keesha’s familiar (hawk)
Mamoun: Waleed’s young servant who’s proven his loyalty 1000 and 1 times
Jaheira, Wudei’a, Najiba: Waleed’s as alluring as they are dangerous bodyguards
Adila: cursed wanderer depending on our heroes
8th of Saris
At the home of Batul al-Reehan al-Dihlizi
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The gates of the estate where thrown wide by two large mamluks and you hastened inside. Another guard, with similar facial tattoos and dark skin, stood to one side holding the straining leashes of three large greyhounds. The heavy gates swung closed with a clang and with a glance over your shoulder and around the starry sky above, you and the others walked briskly across the courtyard and into the arched entryway of a palatial home.
Standing in the doorway is a beautiful, mature woman. The oil lamps above illuminated her concerned face as she saw the blood staining Keesha and Saqir’s clothing. “Oh! Hurry inside please! Noora, what happened, what can I do to help?”
"The gravest danger has passed, fair nabila Mabruk," Noora said, breathing a sigh of relief and leading Keesha to a low cushioned couch. "The poison of an assassin's arrow nearly prevented the reunion of master Batul with his daughter."
Lady Mabruk al-Hanash al-Reehan, wife of Batul, gasped. "The resemblance! You were right Noora, it could be my husband's lost child!"
"It is her," Noora countered, lovingly sweeping back a stray lock of Keesha’s hair. "Is'ad al-Reehan al-Dihlizi has returned."
With his wife embraced tightly to his chest, Keesha and Saqir's blood drying on her hands, Ya'qub recalled two events that rose unbidden to his mind. One as they first set sail so long ago:
Shabab Eblis was kneeling at the base of a mast, inspecting a length of rope that ran through a block and tackle. He finished his inspection before standing to acknowledge Ya’qub’s introduction. "Quality restoration work…" he was saying to himself.
Shabab was indeed young for a rubban--that was evident in his youthful face. He bowed with a flourish and a smile. “Thank you for the welcome, nabila Keesha. We are nearly ready to sail.” Despite his youth Shabab was muscular and tall; a full head taller than any present. He spoke perfect Midani but with a distinct accent. "Nabila," he said to Keesha, using the formal title of ‘Lady’, "your face… it reminds me of someone. May I ask your family name?"
...and another upon their arrival in this land.
"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?"
"My dearest husband will be here any moment now, Noora," Mabruk said. "Show our guests to washrooms and get them fresh clothing if they require it." With a slight bow, she excused herself from the entryway. "I must check on the cooks... my husband would never forgive me if this dinner was less than befitting such an occasion!"
Noora helped Keesha stand and motioned everyone to follow them deeper into the home. As you leave the room, a harried-looking group of musicians were admitted and hastened off to another part of the palace, instruments and costumes in hand.
Family servants appear, assisting as permitted, and offering cool water and fresh grapes. Along the way to the guest quarters, Noora points out the various rooms and gardens. The décor is extravagant and marred only by elaborate security precautions.
“Ever since Is’ad’s kidnapping by slavers,” Noora explained as she eyed Keesha lovingly, “the family purchased mamluks and war dogs to keep the household safe. Clasping Keesha’s hand tightly within her own, Noora paused mid-step. “The kidnappers were never caught… Could they have been responsible for this evening’s ambush?” Noticing they had stopped near a second story window, she started suddenly and hastened Keesha forward.
Leaving each of you to private rooms with a handful of servants, Noora escorted Keesha toward the family’s harim. “Please be comfortable and should you want of anything, just ask and the servant’s will do their best to provide it. The master of the house should be here any moment…” she trailed off, leading Keesha out of sight.
Passing through a small chamber guarded by a mamluk and a greyhound, Noora and Keesha entered the harim. Noora pointed out the various chambers to Keesha: Master Batul’s, Lady Mabruks, Lady Liana’s…
Keesha paused, firmly resisting Noora prompting her past Lady Liana’s chamber. Translucent silks covered the chamber entryway, hanging still and forlornly. Inside Keesha heard faint weeping, and thought she saw a shadowy figure on a bed. “Who’s that,” she began to ask, reaching for the covering. Noora looked alarmed but made no move to stop her. “The chamber has remained untouched since your mother’s death,” Noora said, “some servants consider the room haunted. Korrite priests have been in this room several times since to exorcise any restless spirit, but still rumors persist. Perhaps it is the wind.”
Keesha pulled aside the curtain and peered inside. A bed covered in dusty blankets and pillows- no one in sight. Even the dust on the floor was undisturbed.
You had barely time to clean up and change for the dinner when the greyhounds began to bray. Batul al-Reehan had arrived, leaning on his son Omar's arm for support. Keesha's resemblance to the famous merchant Batul is striking and you now understand why so many noticed it. Though his health was fading, his face retained its handsome lines and his eyes were bright with excitement.
Pulling away from his son, he embraced Keesha in his arms and welcomed her home repeatedly as tears flowed into his beard.
Batul's wife Mabruk stepped foward and embraced her son Omar, kissing him on both cheeks. "Such a joyous occasion!" she exclaimed. "Husband, you'll be pleased with my preparations for this joyous occasion. A feast is ready, musicians and dancers stand ready to entertain, our finest laid at the feet of our guests! Your chambers in the harim are freshly cleaned and ready, husband..."
The old man's smile faltered at this last, his surprised eyes taking in the thinly veiled promise in her's. Blushing he grinned like a teenager.
Omar stepped forward and embraced Keesha as everyone was being herded into the area prepared for the feast.
"Welcome home honored sister. I look forward to hearing of your life thus far and I would be glad to tell you all that you've missed here." He was several years younger than Keesha and would be considered handsome by some. He resembled his mother moreso than his father.
As they take their places around the feast table, Ya'qub's easy, gap-toothed smile returns with a vengeance.
In a good natured way, he regales any who will listen with his tales of the far off, exotic lands he has seen and adventures he has had.
Waleed politely smiled as he joined the feast. It had been some time that he had been to such a welcomed affair, but his smile did not reach his eyes. He, more than most gathered there today, knew the machinations of a devious mind. Omar would have to be watched, for Keesha was the older sibling and much would be due to her, and if Waleed knew anything, once you become accustomed to wealth, you are loath to give any of it up.
Turning to his personal entourage, he quirked an eyebrow to let the three girls know to keep on their toes, then awaited for them to feed him grapes and other foodstuffs. This, he enjoyed.
The air of the huge banquet hall was filled with the delicate fragrance of white hyacinths; their bell-shaped petals decorating a marble fountain in the central area. It was common knowledge that hyacinths were associated with rebirth, but few knew why. You recall the Ellasian sailor aboard the Bright Dancer who told the myths of his country Ellas by the light of the stars to any who would listen. "Apollo did not allow Hades to claim the boy; rather, he made a flower, the hyacinth, from his spilled blood."
The family and yourselves as honored guests sat at the highest end of the gently sloping hall, permitting a view of all the activities. As tray after tray of culinary offerings where paraded before you, the floral scented air fled, routed by the competing smells of sharp spices, succulent meats and sweet breads.
Ya'qub's tales found no listener more eager than Omar.
"It rose from the sands and carried off a camel?" Omar repeated, wide eyed and excited. He impatiently shooed away a servant's offered helping of sliced mutton. "Had I but been there! I would have ridden the beast alongside the mighty mamluk Lum! Together we could slay a thousand such beasts!"
"Oh my dearest son," Mabruk said, laying a hand on his arm as he started to rise and made as if to draw and imaginary scimitar. "Your place is here with me. There are adventures enough in your books; no need to go and seek them out."
Omar reddened, cleared his throat and sat down. His eyes returned from distant sands and settled on the musicians gathered below, preparing for their next song. This turned out to be a popular tune- if a bit risqué. Sure enough, a company of veiled dancers swept into the hall, spinning seductively like desert whirlwinds.
Mabruk appeared pleased with her husband's response and Batul in turn appeared delighted with his wife’s efforts.
As the evening deepened into night, Keesha acquiesced to Batul's request of recounting her life up to this point. How much she withheld only she would know; the hardships of an orphan on the streets where such that few could imagine. Still, her tale did much to explain her steadfastness in the face of danger.
Batul told of his business and how it prospered in the last decade, though his heart was hardly in it. "In fact, I fear my heart has weakened beyond repair, though your return has given me much joy, my daughter." He stood with a grimace and a helping hand from his wife. Raising his cup, the hall fell quiet in anticipation. "Tomorrow, in the palace of Emira Hassana Alim al-Gaib, you are all invited to attend the recognition ceremony of my legal heir!"
Waleed carefully watched Omar's reaction when the news was announced about tomorrow's ceremony to recognize Keesha as the official heir.
Omar leapt up and cheered excitedly, eliciting a momentary disapproving glance from his mother as the young man hastened over to embrace his bewildered sister. Mabruk stood with more decorum and joined in the applause.Re: 060: A Stepmother's Welcome
Post by jchalder on Oct 11, 2006, 3:33pm
Omar had to be either a simpleton, Waleed thought to himself, a madman, or the worlds most cunning, devious and skilled actor/assassin he had ever met. Back home, such an announcement was akin to a death sentence to the receiptient lest they take extraordinary precautions to survive the night. Hence, one reason why Waleed was glad he was never acknowledged openly.
Waleed clapped merrily, he too knew when to act appropriately in such cases. The sly smile came to this face as he thought that Keesha was probably going to require a husband shortly, and it seemed her family was quite wealthy, but alas, he never found himself attracted to the woman and he felt he had wealth enough. Besides, she had a face like a frying pan and smelled awful at times.
A strange notion occurred to Waleed. Batul would die tonight due to the machinations of his wife Mabruk, then Omar, through no effort on his part, would be named heir because Keesha had yet to be formally recognized. He could see the love Mabruk had for her son over that of Keesha and why shouldn't she? Omar seemed genuinely... genuine. Keesha was like a warm bottle of ale, half empty lying in a ditch with a slug in it. Tonight would be interesting.
That evening, the meal weighed heavy on Ya'qub's stomach. He found himself unable to sleep his accustomed deep sleep of a contented man. Stealthily rising from his bed so as not to disturb his devoted wife, Sahra, the gap-toothed Merchant begins to wander the halls of their host's home.
Down the darkened corridor, he saw a shadow moving quickly, yet carefully. As he watched, he realized it to be Waleed. Ya'qub resolved to accompany his companion on his midnight mission. "Waleed!" he called in a loud whisper, to get his attention. "Wait! I will come with you!"
Waleed placed his finger over his mouth and made the "shh" sound when Ya'qub called out to him then smiled. The gap-toothed merchant was many things, but stealthy was not one of them. Motioning for him, Mamoun and his bodyguards to move out, Waleed lead the way to the exterior and on their way to the ministry of secrets.
Saqir stood leaning against the door frame of his room watching Waleed and Ya’qub disappear down the marble corridors. When they were gone he turned his attention back toward where Keesha stood staring through the translucent silks into the chamber where her mother had died. He strained to hear what she heard, but nothing but a faint night breeze reached his ears. In the room behind him, Maher turned in a restless sleep.
Though he had seldom spoken to the aloof sorceress, he was drawn to her; a kindred spirit in loneliness he fancied to himself with a sardonic smile. Pushing off from the wall he padded quietly toward her. If she noticed, she made no sign. Saqir brazenly peered into the room, and seeing nothing began to turn back when a faint sound stopped him. It wasn’t from the chamber and Keesha’s distant stare was unchanged. Sliding past her he made his way down the hall and silently slipped into Keesha’s room.
Inside, thin curtains fluttered inward on the slightest breeze and revealed the moonlit city beyond. Below he could hear the lapping of running water against the stone walls —one of the city’s many waterways. The night air was rich with the odors of the jungle and Saqir breathed deep the scent of earthy, wet vegetation. The sound repeated—wood on stone, boat hull against the wall. Saqir was reaching for his weapon when a dark figure leapt lightly through, eyes gleaming from behind a mask of mud. In a flash Saqir and the lithe figure were locked in a grim struggle, wrestling for control of an assassin’s black dagger.
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Keesha listened to her mother’s falling tears… ‘someone’s mother weeping anyway’, she thought. Regardless she was overwhelmed with powerful emotions. Her childhood had been a brief unpleasant time where survival left little time for wondering if somewhere her mother wept for her. Whether the apparition on the bed was her mother or not, she knew the truth: she was not discarded, not a castoff. Someone had cared for her deeply and mourned her absence. Before turning in for the night she pulled back the curtains again, and again the apparition faded away.
Walking into her room, she crossed over to the window and called out to Eakon. With a cry he leapt from a minaret and into the sky. Through his eyes she surveyed the city of Dihliz and her thoughts turned toward the home and the family she never knew she had.