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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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<blockquote data-quote="EternalNewbie" data-source="post: 1307670" data-attributes="member: 6489"><p>As promised, here's your weekend update. I didn't get quite as far as I'd originally planned with this update either and faced with the prospect of splitting it into two parts and delaying it until I can get the rest of it finished, I opted for the former. Gorak has been complaining about the title of the thread too, so I'm going to change it, yet again. Now, without further ado, I present:</p><p></p><p>CHAPTER 2: THE CITY OF SIN</p><p></p><p>The caravan rolled slowly through the crowded streets of Shalazar. The cramped, dingy hovels and press of bodies tainted the cool river breeze, creating a stale humidity that coated the skin. An endless stream of people flowed around the caravan, urged aside by the implacable horses and occasionally by Nasim's stinging whip. He seemed to Khalid to be even more nervous now than he had been out in the desert. Glancing back over his shoulder, Khalid saw Gorak and Shayla sharing a laugh with the other guard. They didn't seem the least bit worried. Khalid sighed and tried to find a more comfortable spot on the hard buckboard wagon.</p><p></p><p>Finally, after the third time he saw Nasim flinch toward his sword, Khalid could no longer stand the tension. "Ah, you seem a bit agitated, yes agitated, Nasim. Is there a problem?"</p><p></p><p>Nasim turned to Khalid, his expression grim. "It is not unheard of for caravans to be attacked in broad daylight in the streets of Shalazar."</p><p></p><p>"Indeed?"</p><p></p><p>Nasim nodded. "Most of the time, it is a simple robbery. But Haroun, he's dead now, we buried him in the desert, he told me that he saw it happen once. He said that they swarmed over the caravan like ants and dragged the guards out of their saddles. Hacked them to pieces right in the middle of the street." As he said the word hacked, he made a little chopping motion with his hand. "All over the price of coffee in Gem-Sharad." He shook his head sadly, "I'm sure it made the merchant prince behind it a lot of money." Then he grinned sheepishly. "Ah, forgive me my friend, I'm certain there is nothing to worry about…you can't blame me for being a bit jumpy after that trip we just had through the desert."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, quite," replied Khalid, his eyes darting nervous around the street. Suddenly everyone in the mob pressed around the wagon seemed to be paying it undue attention. Khalid saw daggers within every shadowed alley and cursed the gloom for hiding would be assassins from his scrutiny. Then he saw something that he wished had gone unnoticed. A thin rivulet of blood was flowing from an alley and pooling in the gutter. As they passed by the alley, Khalid saw three men, steel in hand, standing over a fourth who was badly injured or dead. One of the men looked up, straight at Khalid whose morbid fascination would not let him turn away.</p><p></p><p>"Don't look!" hissed Nasim. "If you don't see them, they won't see you. It is the way of things here."</p><p></p><p>Khalid snapped his head around and stared straight ahead as the wagon slowly trundled past the scene. The people in the street were doing much the same, carefully looking anywhere but at the alley. He even saw one man step over the pool of blood and continue on his way. Khalid bit his lip uneasily. Gem-Sharad could be a dangerous place. Fights were common and bodies turned up in the poor quarter with disturbing frequency but a murder in broad daylight, with nobody calling for the guard or even reacting too it, that would never happen, even in the seediest parts of the city. Khalid began to question the wisdom of coming to Shalazar.</p><p></p><p>His attitude changed however, as they left the poor quarter and entered a more prosperous area of the city. As the squalid buildings changed from crude mud huts to brick buildings and storefronts, Khalid began to relax a little. Slowly, the surroundings became cleaner and less congested. The merchant quarter slowly gave way to an upscale neighborhood that reminded Khalid of Gem-Sharad, albeit a part of Gem-Sharad he had rarely set foot in. There were more armed men in evidence here, moving through the streets in two's and three's, or lounging outside various shops and establishments. They each wore a different tabard or insignia on their clothing.</p><p></p><p>Nasim smiled then, and called out a greeting to a group of men wearing white armbands with some sort of green sigil emblazoned on it. As the men approached, Nasim leaned closer to Khalid and said, "Ah, excellent. These men are in Arbaq's employ. They will take the caravan the rest of the way to Arbaq's estate." The four men hopped up on the slow moving wagons and Nasim handed the reins to one of them. "Come, come, I will show you to the accommodations Arbaq has arranged for you," he gestured at Khalid as he leaped off the wagon.</p><p></p><p>Khalid jumped down too and joined Shayla and Gorak with Nasim, who led them through the city streets while delivering a running commentary on the various places of interest. He indicated which restaurants served the best al machboos, which wineshops cut their wine and which brothels had the best women. Shayla rolled her eyes as Gorak made several pointed inquires into the latter subject.</p><p></p><p>Finally, they arrived at the inn, a tall building whose brick walls had been covered with a gleaming white plaster. A large garden surrounded the building and liveried guards stood at attention outside the door. As they entered the inn, Khalid's mouth began to water at the savory smells that enveloped him. The room was shaped like a horseshoe, with a large bar on the eastern wall. High vaulted windows stood open to the breeze and the air carried the mingled aroma of roasting lamb and fragrant herbs.</p><p></p><p>"I will make arrangements with the owner. All of your expenses will be taken care of while you are a guest of Arbaq." Nasim said.</p><p></p><p>"Join us for a drink?" Gorak rumbled.</p><p></p><p>Nasim smiled broadly, "But of course my friends."</p><p></p><p>They had no difficulty finding a table in a secluded corner. It was after siesta and the bar was almost completely empty. Nasim returned to their table with four glasses of wine. Khalid took his glass and was about to taste it when he stopped and spoke. "Ah, if I may offer a toast," Khalid said as he raised his glass. "To journeys, both the ones behind us and the ones which still lay ahead."</p><p></p><p>"To journeys," the others replied and the all drank. Khalid was absolutely certain he had never had wine this good.</p><p></p><p>They laughed and joked and enjoyed each other's company for a time, before Nasim grew serious again. "I must caution you, my friends, Shalazar is not like Gem-Sharad. There is no Sultan here. The city councilors are the puppets of the merchant princes, and the city guards are, for the most part, ineffectual and corrupt. The merchant princes and their retinues dictate the real law here. The politics of Shalazar are murky and treacherous and the most unassuming of its denizens may carry great influence." He looked at Shayla. "I would recommend that you do not venture out into the city unescorted." He glanced at Khalid as well. "You either." Khalid flushed slightly but in all honestly had already reached that conclusion on his own.</p><p></p><p>"And where does Arbaq fit into this snake's warren?" Gorak grumbled.</p><p></p><p>"Ah, you will have to forgive me, for it is not my place to discuss such things," Nasim replied apologetically. "Suffice it to say however, that the name of Arbaq is known in this city and he will be able to shield you, to a certain extent." Nasim stood up then and drained the last of his wine. "Now I must return to my duties. Arbaq will call on you shortly, I am sure. Until then, enjoy yourselves and fare well." He bowed low, then left the inn.</p><p></p><p>Alone for the first time in several days, the three looked at each other. Then Gorak grinned. "You heard the man, it's time to enjoy ourselves. Khalid, go get us a few more bottles of that wine.</p><p></p><p>The common room began to fill up as darkness shrouded the city. Musicians and dancing girls appeared and entertained the growing crowd. A never-ending stream of servants kept their table laden with food and their glasses full of wine. At one point, Gorak left the table and returned with a pouch of pipe weed and a large hookah. The smoke it produced was aromatic and heavy. The rest of the evening faded from Khalid's memory, carried away on wispy curls of bluish smoke.</p><p></p><p>Khalid awoke late in the morning, with his mouth tasting like ashes and a head that felt as though it had been used as an anvil. He stumbled around in a daze, finally deciding that a bath would be the best thing to clear his head. When he returned to his room, he found that Arbaq had generously provided him with a wardrobe. Khalid immediately threw his worn rags aside and donned a richly appointed crimson robe. Examining the effect in a mirror, Khalid was pleased with the result. With his head freshly shaved and beard neatly trimmed, Khalid headed down to the common room.</p><p></p><p>Gorak was already there, seated at the same table they had occupied last night, surrounded by the remnants of an enormous lunch. As Khalid sat down, a serving girl appeared immediately bearing a glass of mango juice. Khalid ordered a meal that rivaled the one Gorak had just consumed. As the girl left, he pulled a piece of roast fowl off one of the many plates surrounding Gorak and popped it into his mouth. Gorak, Khalid noticed, had a broad grin on his face the entire time. Arbaq had evidently provided them all with new clothing, and Gorak was wearing a pair of pantaloons and a dark green silk vest that left his muscled chest bare.</p><p></p><p>Khalid, unnerved by Gorak's silent mirth, spoke. "Ah, you seem in good humor this morning, yes, quite. What is it?"</p><p></p><p>"Have you been to the baths yet?" Gorak asked. His smile was immediately mirrored by the one on Khalid's face.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, quite." Khalid replied, and both men shared a knowing laugh.</p><p></p><p>He saw Gorak's eyes widen then, and turned to see what he was looking at. Shayla had just entered the common area, wearing a stunning dress of pale blue. Her hair, combed straight now and pulled back with an ivory comb, shone in the morning light. She looked absolutely stunning and she practically glided over to their table and joined them. Every eye in the room was on her and she knew it.</p><p></p><p>"What are you two grinning at?" Shayla asked as she sat down and bit into a piece of fruit.</p><p></p><p>"We was just talking about the baths," Gorak rumbled.</p><p></p><p>"The baths? They certainly are delightful here. I think I spent two hours down there this morning. I can't remember the last time I felt this clean…" She trailed off as she realized that both men were on the verge of open laughter. "What is it?" she demanded, then her eyes narrowed as she looked at both men in turn. "Wait a minute, were their naked women in your bath rooms as well?"</p><p></p><p>Gorak, unable to contain himself, burst out laughing as Khalid replied, "Yes, quite!"</p><p></p><p>Shayla rolled her eyes and exclaimed with some exasperation, "Men!"</p><p></p><p>After they had eaten, they discussed their plans their for the day. Shayla insisted that Gorak take her to the marketplace, and he agreed without requiring too much cajoling. "Might be a good idea to get a feel for the city, until we figure out what we're gonna do," he rumbled. "What about you Khalid, whadda you gonna do today?"</p><p></p><p>"Ah, yes, I think I'll take advantage of the peace and quiet to return to my studies. I'm on the verge of unlocking a new formula which may prove quite, yes, quite useful. I think I've found a way to use Ibrahim's theory on trans-substantiation to force an opening into a dimensional abnormality. I'm having difficulty achieving any sort of stability however and…" His voice trailed off as he realized that Shayla's eyes had become unfocused and were staring past him as she absently picked at the fruit she was eating. Gorak wasn't even pretending to pay attention anymore, and was staring appreciatively at one of the serving girls. "Ah, yes, well suffice it to say that I will be continuing my research and will remain here for the next several days." He pushed the last plate of his lunch away from him and glanced down at his greasy hands. "Of course, ah, first I think I will take another trip down to the baths to freshen up. Yes quite."</p><p></p><p>Shayla frowned disapprovingly, but her comment was lost beneath Gorak's rumbling laugh.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">* * * * * * * * * *</p><p></p><p>Three days went past before they heard any word from Arbaq. Khalid stayed for the most part, within the luxurious rooms of the inn. Arbaq had rented out the entire third floor and Khalid's room was roughly twice the size of his dingy hovel in Gem-Sharad. By the time three days had passed however, it looked remarkably similar, with papers and books strewn around the room, and plates of half eaten food decorating the various end tables and desks he had requested. In addition to his research, Khalid had taken the time to inscribe a number of scrolls, storing his arcane power for use in an emergency. Shayla and Gorak spent most of the time walking the streets of Shalazar, learning the city.</p><p></p><p>They were enjoying an evening meal together when a young boy approached their table. He bowed low and then said quietly, "Master Arbaq humbly requests your presence at his estate. When you are ready, I will take you there."</p><p></p><p>The three glanced at one another, then pushed their plates away and stood up. "No time like the present." Gorak rumbled.</p><p></p><p>The boy led them through the darkening streets of Shalazar into the richest part of the city. The lamplighters were out in full force, lighting the various torches and lamps that hung in the affluent areas of the city. Gradually the houses became larger and more opulent and eventually they passed out of the city proper altogether. High walls surrounded the houses in this area and their gates were manned with armed sentries. Finally the boy stopped in front of a huge wrought iron gate and spoke to the men guarding it. They admitted the four of them and then locked the gate. Khalid was awestruck by what lay beyond. Palatial estate was barely adequate to describe Arbaq's residence. Beyond the walls, a palm tree lined cobblestone path led the way to the main house through an immaculately groomed carpet of grass. The house itself was enormous, with two wings angled back away from the main building. A huge golden dome capped the center building, and carefully concealed lamps illuminated the entire structure. The boy led them to the front door, where an elderly man dressed in fine silken robes greeted them. "Welcome to the humble home of Arbaq ibn Asadel. He has asked me to show you to him, straight away, so if you would please follow me."</p><p></p><p>They saw little of the house itself, save for the maze of marbled hallways that the servant led them down. The servant stopped finally in front of two large wooden double doors. "You will find Master Arbaq within," he said as he bowed low before them.</p><p></p><p>As Gorak opened the door and the three walked into the room their eyes widened in shock. If Khalid was awestruck by the sight of Arbaq's estate, he was rendered speechless by what lay beyond the doors. The room itself was enormous. Marble columns carved in the likeness of heroic warriors stretched towards the ceiling at regular intervals. Rich tapestries lined the walls and plush divans and sitting chairs were arranged around the room. There was even a fountain feeding a small pool at one side of the room. None of these things, however, were the cause of the surprise. The room was also occupied by about twenty or so gorgeous young women in various states of undress. Some were lounging on the divans talking quietly while others were bathing in the pool. As the three walked through the center of the room, Khalid flushed as he felt the eyes of the women upon him. A young woman with dusky skin leaned over and whispered something to one of the other girls while pointing at Gorak. They both laughed demurely behind their hands as he walked past. </p><p></p><p>Arbaq's voice reached them from the far side of the room and cut through the distraction. "Gorak. Khalid. Shayla. It is good to see you again. Please, join me here."</p><p></p><p>Khalid hurried forward, anxious to catch a glimpse of the mysterious merchant. He was foiled again however, as Arbaq was concealed by three huge silken screens. Once again, all they could see of him was a silhouette against the silk.</p><p></p><p>Arbaq continued, "I am pleased at your prompt response to my summons. I had hoped to discuss with you the possibility of future employment with you, if you are interested."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, well, that depends I suppose, on ah, what you would have us do?" Khalid replied, his gaze still flickering around the room.</p><p></p><p>"Indeed. I have something in mind for you three, which I think will be well within the range of your unique skills. If, after you hear me out, you decide that the task is too difficult or distasteful, then you may leave here with my thanks, and enjoy the rest of the week in Shalazar at my expense."</p><p></p><p>"Sounds fair," Gorak rumbled.</p><p></p><p>"Excellent. There is a man, here in Shalazar, who has betrayed me in a sense. I wish for you three to…reprimand him for me."</p><p></p><p>"You want us to give him the kind of reprimand that involves a hole out in the desert somewhere?" Gorak asked.</p><p></p><p>"While I would find that deeply satisfying, I'm afraid that he is too valuable to simply discard. I simply want you to show him the wisdom of continuing to deal with me, rather than one of my competitors. Now I must caution you, he is a wealthy man and wealth of course, breeds paranoia. He surrounds himself with guards, which is why I am asking this of you. While I have no shortage of men at my disposal, I would prefer that things remain relatively, shall we say, tidy."</p><p></p><p>"Right. So what's his game?" Gorak rumbled.</p><p></p><p>"His name is Festran," Arbaq continued, "and he runs a house of ill repute called the Blessed Sin here in the city. He dabbles in prostitution, gambling and to a lessor extent, drugs. He is reasonably well known and prosperous within the city, but you need fear no retribution in this. Simply inform him on whose behalf you are acting and let him direct his enmity towards me, if he is so foolish. I will reward you with a sum equal to that I gave you for your fortunate assistance in the desert. So, what do you say, will you assist me in this endeavor?"</p><p></p><p>Khalid, realizing that he had just been asked a question, jerked his gaze away from the nubile young women lounging around the room. "Ah, we may need some additional, resources, yes quite."</p><p></p><p>"Of course," Arbaq replied. "I can provide you with anything you may require."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, yes, rather than having us running back and forth to your estate all the time, perhaps you could simply reimburse us?" Khalid asked.</p><p></p><p>Arbaq paused for a moment then replied, "That is acceptable, within reason of course."</p><p></p><p>"Sounds good to me," Gorak growled. "I'll do it, if Khalid and Shayla are up for it."</p><p></p><p>"I'm in," Shayla replied without hesitation. "This sounds like far too much fun to pass up."</p><p></p><p>Khalid deliberated for a moment before giving his answer. Waylaying merchants wasn't exactly what he had in mind when he set out for Shalazar. Still, he reasoned, Gorak and Shayla seemed enthusiastic about it and he owed them both a great deal. He glanced about the room again and decided to accept the offer. Khalid was however, honest enough with himself to realize that his decision was influenced as much by Arbaq's exorbitant wealth as his loyalty to Shayla and Gorak. "I ah, see no reason why we can't aid you in resolving this little matter. Yes, quite."</p><p></p><p>"I am very glad to hear that," Arbaq responded. "Perhaps after you finish this little task, we can discuss a more permanent arrangement which I assure you, has the potential to benefit us both greatly."</p><p></p><p>"Indeed," Khalid replied.</p><p></p><p>"Well then, return to me when you have finished this business. I'll have one of the servants show you out." And with that, they were dismissed.</p><p></p><p>As they walked back to their inn, they discussed their next move. "Ah, if I might make a suggestion," Khalid offered, "I think perhaps Gorak, yes, Gorak should indulge himself at this fine establishment."</p><p></p><p>Gorak grinned eagerly. "Sure, lend me some money."</p><p></p><p>Khalid frowned, "Ah, yes quite. Try to keep your wits about you."</p><p></p><p>Gorak chuckled, "You worry to much. I got the idea. I'll check the place out, see what kind of security he's got."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, yes. After that we should have a better, yes quite, better idea of how to approach this situation." Khalid said.</p><p></p><p>They parted ways a few streets away from the inn as Shayla and Khalid headed back to their rooms and Gorak ventured off to do some late night reconnaissance. The inn was still reasonably busy when they arrived. Khalid hesitated at the foot of the stairs, and then finally decided it was probably too late to visit the baths. He climbed the stairs and unlocked the door to his room, still thinking about the meeting with Arbaq. He disrobed and climbed into his gigantic four poster bed, settling deep into the plush mattress. Surrounded by opulence, entangled with a man who wielded his wealth like a weapon and embarking on a task of questionable legality and indeed, morality, Khalid sighed to himself and wondered if he had made the right decision in leaving Gem-Sharad.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="EternalNewbie, post: 1307670, member: 6489"] As promised, here's your weekend update. I didn't get quite as far as I'd originally planned with this update either and faced with the prospect of splitting it into two parts and delaying it until I can get the rest of it finished, I opted for the former. Gorak has been complaining about the title of the thread too, so I'm going to change it, yet again. Now, without further ado, I present: CHAPTER 2: THE CITY OF SIN The caravan rolled slowly through the crowded streets of Shalazar. The cramped, dingy hovels and press of bodies tainted the cool river breeze, creating a stale humidity that coated the skin. An endless stream of people flowed around the caravan, urged aside by the implacable horses and occasionally by Nasim's stinging whip. He seemed to Khalid to be even more nervous now than he had been out in the desert. Glancing back over his shoulder, Khalid saw Gorak and Shayla sharing a laugh with the other guard. They didn't seem the least bit worried. Khalid sighed and tried to find a more comfortable spot on the hard buckboard wagon. Finally, after the third time he saw Nasim flinch toward his sword, Khalid could no longer stand the tension. "Ah, you seem a bit agitated, yes agitated, Nasim. Is there a problem?" Nasim turned to Khalid, his expression grim. "It is not unheard of for caravans to be attacked in broad daylight in the streets of Shalazar." "Indeed?" Nasim nodded. "Most of the time, it is a simple robbery. But Haroun, he's dead now, we buried him in the desert, he told me that he saw it happen once. He said that they swarmed over the caravan like ants and dragged the guards out of their saddles. Hacked them to pieces right in the middle of the street." As he said the word hacked, he made a little chopping motion with his hand. "All over the price of coffee in Gem-Sharad." He shook his head sadly, "I'm sure it made the merchant prince behind it a lot of money." Then he grinned sheepishly. "Ah, forgive me my friend, I'm certain there is nothing to worry about…you can't blame me for being a bit jumpy after that trip we just had through the desert." "Yes, quite," replied Khalid, his eyes darting nervous around the street. Suddenly everyone in the mob pressed around the wagon seemed to be paying it undue attention. Khalid saw daggers within every shadowed alley and cursed the gloom for hiding would be assassins from his scrutiny. Then he saw something that he wished had gone unnoticed. A thin rivulet of blood was flowing from an alley and pooling in the gutter. As they passed by the alley, Khalid saw three men, steel in hand, standing over a fourth who was badly injured or dead. One of the men looked up, straight at Khalid whose morbid fascination would not let him turn away. "Don't look!" hissed Nasim. "If you don't see them, they won't see you. It is the way of things here." Khalid snapped his head around and stared straight ahead as the wagon slowly trundled past the scene. The people in the street were doing much the same, carefully looking anywhere but at the alley. He even saw one man step over the pool of blood and continue on his way. Khalid bit his lip uneasily. Gem-Sharad could be a dangerous place. Fights were common and bodies turned up in the poor quarter with disturbing frequency but a murder in broad daylight, with nobody calling for the guard or even reacting too it, that would never happen, even in the seediest parts of the city. Khalid began to question the wisdom of coming to Shalazar. His attitude changed however, as they left the poor quarter and entered a more prosperous area of the city. As the squalid buildings changed from crude mud huts to brick buildings and storefronts, Khalid began to relax a little. Slowly, the surroundings became cleaner and less congested. The merchant quarter slowly gave way to an upscale neighborhood that reminded Khalid of Gem-Sharad, albeit a part of Gem-Sharad he had rarely set foot in. There were more armed men in evidence here, moving through the streets in two's and three's, or lounging outside various shops and establishments. They each wore a different tabard or insignia on their clothing. Nasim smiled then, and called out a greeting to a group of men wearing white armbands with some sort of green sigil emblazoned on it. As the men approached, Nasim leaned closer to Khalid and said, "Ah, excellent. These men are in Arbaq's employ. They will take the caravan the rest of the way to Arbaq's estate." The four men hopped up on the slow moving wagons and Nasim handed the reins to one of them. "Come, come, I will show you to the accommodations Arbaq has arranged for you," he gestured at Khalid as he leaped off the wagon. Khalid jumped down too and joined Shayla and Gorak with Nasim, who led them through the city streets while delivering a running commentary on the various places of interest. He indicated which restaurants served the best al machboos, which wineshops cut their wine and which brothels had the best women. Shayla rolled her eyes as Gorak made several pointed inquires into the latter subject. Finally, they arrived at the inn, a tall building whose brick walls had been covered with a gleaming white plaster. A large garden surrounded the building and liveried guards stood at attention outside the door. As they entered the inn, Khalid's mouth began to water at the savory smells that enveloped him. The room was shaped like a horseshoe, with a large bar on the eastern wall. High vaulted windows stood open to the breeze and the air carried the mingled aroma of roasting lamb and fragrant herbs. "I will make arrangements with the owner. All of your expenses will be taken care of while you are a guest of Arbaq." Nasim said. "Join us for a drink?" Gorak rumbled. Nasim smiled broadly, "But of course my friends." They had no difficulty finding a table in a secluded corner. It was after siesta and the bar was almost completely empty. Nasim returned to their table with four glasses of wine. Khalid took his glass and was about to taste it when he stopped and spoke. "Ah, if I may offer a toast," Khalid said as he raised his glass. "To journeys, both the ones behind us and the ones which still lay ahead." "To journeys," the others replied and the all drank. Khalid was absolutely certain he had never had wine this good. They laughed and joked and enjoyed each other's company for a time, before Nasim grew serious again. "I must caution you, my friends, Shalazar is not like Gem-Sharad. There is no Sultan here. The city councilors are the puppets of the merchant princes, and the city guards are, for the most part, ineffectual and corrupt. The merchant princes and their retinues dictate the real law here. The politics of Shalazar are murky and treacherous and the most unassuming of its denizens may carry great influence." He looked at Shayla. "I would recommend that you do not venture out into the city unescorted." He glanced at Khalid as well. "You either." Khalid flushed slightly but in all honestly had already reached that conclusion on his own. "And where does Arbaq fit into this snake's warren?" Gorak grumbled. "Ah, you will have to forgive me, for it is not my place to discuss such things," Nasim replied apologetically. "Suffice it to say however, that the name of Arbaq is known in this city and he will be able to shield you, to a certain extent." Nasim stood up then and drained the last of his wine. "Now I must return to my duties. Arbaq will call on you shortly, I am sure. Until then, enjoy yourselves and fare well." He bowed low, then left the inn. Alone for the first time in several days, the three looked at each other. Then Gorak grinned. "You heard the man, it's time to enjoy ourselves. Khalid, go get us a few more bottles of that wine. The common room began to fill up as darkness shrouded the city. Musicians and dancing girls appeared and entertained the growing crowd. A never-ending stream of servants kept their table laden with food and their glasses full of wine. At one point, Gorak left the table and returned with a pouch of pipe weed and a large hookah. The smoke it produced was aromatic and heavy. The rest of the evening faded from Khalid's memory, carried away on wispy curls of bluish smoke. Khalid awoke late in the morning, with his mouth tasting like ashes and a head that felt as though it had been used as an anvil. He stumbled around in a daze, finally deciding that a bath would be the best thing to clear his head. When he returned to his room, he found that Arbaq had generously provided him with a wardrobe. Khalid immediately threw his worn rags aside and donned a richly appointed crimson robe. Examining the effect in a mirror, Khalid was pleased with the result. With his head freshly shaved and beard neatly trimmed, Khalid headed down to the common room. Gorak was already there, seated at the same table they had occupied last night, surrounded by the remnants of an enormous lunch. As Khalid sat down, a serving girl appeared immediately bearing a glass of mango juice. Khalid ordered a meal that rivaled the one Gorak had just consumed. As the girl left, he pulled a piece of roast fowl off one of the many plates surrounding Gorak and popped it into his mouth. Gorak, Khalid noticed, had a broad grin on his face the entire time. Arbaq had evidently provided them all with new clothing, and Gorak was wearing a pair of pantaloons and a dark green silk vest that left his muscled chest bare. Khalid, unnerved by Gorak's silent mirth, spoke. "Ah, you seem in good humor this morning, yes, quite. What is it?" "Have you been to the baths yet?" Gorak asked. His smile was immediately mirrored by the one on Khalid's face. "Yes, quite." Khalid replied, and both men shared a knowing laugh. He saw Gorak's eyes widen then, and turned to see what he was looking at. Shayla had just entered the common area, wearing a stunning dress of pale blue. Her hair, combed straight now and pulled back with an ivory comb, shone in the morning light. She looked absolutely stunning and she practically glided over to their table and joined them. Every eye in the room was on her and she knew it. "What are you two grinning at?" Shayla asked as she sat down and bit into a piece of fruit. "We was just talking about the baths," Gorak rumbled. "The baths? They certainly are delightful here. I think I spent two hours down there this morning. I can't remember the last time I felt this clean…" She trailed off as she realized that both men were on the verge of open laughter. "What is it?" she demanded, then her eyes narrowed as she looked at both men in turn. "Wait a minute, were their naked women in your bath rooms as well?" Gorak, unable to contain himself, burst out laughing as Khalid replied, "Yes, quite!" Shayla rolled her eyes and exclaimed with some exasperation, "Men!" After they had eaten, they discussed their plans their for the day. Shayla insisted that Gorak take her to the marketplace, and he agreed without requiring too much cajoling. "Might be a good idea to get a feel for the city, until we figure out what we're gonna do," he rumbled. "What about you Khalid, whadda you gonna do today?" "Ah, yes, I think I'll take advantage of the peace and quiet to return to my studies. I'm on the verge of unlocking a new formula which may prove quite, yes, quite useful. I think I've found a way to use Ibrahim's theory on trans-substantiation to force an opening into a dimensional abnormality. I'm having difficulty achieving any sort of stability however and…" His voice trailed off as he realized that Shayla's eyes had become unfocused and were staring past him as she absently picked at the fruit she was eating. Gorak wasn't even pretending to pay attention anymore, and was staring appreciatively at one of the serving girls. "Ah, yes, well suffice it to say that I will be continuing my research and will remain here for the next several days." He pushed the last plate of his lunch away from him and glanced down at his greasy hands. "Of course, ah, first I think I will take another trip down to the baths to freshen up. Yes quite." Shayla frowned disapprovingly, but her comment was lost beneath Gorak's rumbling laugh. [CENTER]* * * * * * * * * *[/CENTER] Three days went past before they heard any word from Arbaq. Khalid stayed for the most part, within the luxurious rooms of the inn. Arbaq had rented out the entire third floor and Khalid's room was roughly twice the size of his dingy hovel in Gem-Sharad. By the time three days had passed however, it looked remarkably similar, with papers and books strewn around the room, and plates of half eaten food decorating the various end tables and desks he had requested. In addition to his research, Khalid had taken the time to inscribe a number of scrolls, storing his arcane power for use in an emergency. Shayla and Gorak spent most of the time walking the streets of Shalazar, learning the city. They were enjoying an evening meal together when a young boy approached their table. He bowed low and then said quietly, "Master Arbaq humbly requests your presence at his estate. When you are ready, I will take you there." The three glanced at one another, then pushed their plates away and stood up. "No time like the present." Gorak rumbled. The boy led them through the darkening streets of Shalazar into the richest part of the city. The lamplighters were out in full force, lighting the various torches and lamps that hung in the affluent areas of the city. Gradually the houses became larger and more opulent and eventually they passed out of the city proper altogether. High walls surrounded the houses in this area and their gates were manned with armed sentries. Finally the boy stopped in front of a huge wrought iron gate and spoke to the men guarding it. They admitted the four of them and then locked the gate. Khalid was awestruck by what lay beyond. Palatial estate was barely adequate to describe Arbaq's residence. Beyond the walls, a palm tree lined cobblestone path led the way to the main house through an immaculately groomed carpet of grass. The house itself was enormous, with two wings angled back away from the main building. A huge golden dome capped the center building, and carefully concealed lamps illuminated the entire structure. The boy led them to the front door, where an elderly man dressed in fine silken robes greeted them. "Welcome to the humble home of Arbaq ibn Asadel. He has asked me to show you to him, straight away, so if you would please follow me." They saw little of the house itself, save for the maze of marbled hallways that the servant led them down. The servant stopped finally in front of two large wooden double doors. "You will find Master Arbaq within," he said as he bowed low before them. As Gorak opened the door and the three walked into the room their eyes widened in shock. If Khalid was awestruck by the sight of Arbaq's estate, he was rendered speechless by what lay beyond the doors. The room itself was enormous. Marble columns carved in the likeness of heroic warriors stretched towards the ceiling at regular intervals. Rich tapestries lined the walls and plush divans and sitting chairs were arranged around the room. There was even a fountain feeding a small pool at one side of the room. None of these things, however, were the cause of the surprise. The room was also occupied by about twenty or so gorgeous young women in various states of undress. Some were lounging on the divans talking quietly while others were bathing in the pool. As the three walked through the center of the room, Khalid flushed as he felt the eyes of the women upon him. A young woman with dusky skin leaned over and whispered something to one of the other girls while pointing at Gorak. They both laughed demurely behind their hands as he walked past. Arbaq's voice reached them from the far side of the room and cut through the distraction. "Gorak. Khalid. Shayla. It is good to see you again. Please, join me here." Khalid hurried forward, anxious to catch a glimpse of the mysterious merchant. He was foiled again however, as Arbaq was concealed by three huge silken screens. Once again, all they could see of him was a silhouette against the silk. Arbaq continued, "I am pleased at your prompt response to my summons. I had hoped to discuss with you the possibility of future employment with you, if you are interested." "Ah, well, that depends I suppose, on ah, what you would have us do?" Khalid replied, his gaze still flickering around the room. "Indeed. I have something in mind for you three, which I think will be well within the range of your unique skills. If, after you hear me out, you decide that the task is too difficult or distasteful, then you may leave here with my thanks, and enjoy the rest of the week in Shalazar at my expense." "Sounds fair," Gorak rumbled. "Excellent. There is a man, here in Shalazar, who has betrayed me in a sense. I wish for you three to…reprimand him for me." "You want us to give him the kind of reprimand that involves a hole out in the desert somewhere?" Gorak asked. "While I would find that deeply satisfying, I'm afraid that he is too valuable to simply discard. I simply want you to show him the wisdom of continuing to deal with me, rather than one of my competitors. Now I must caution you, he is a wealthy man and wealth of course, breeds paranoia. He surrounds himself with guards, which is why I am asking this of you. While I have no shortage of men at my disposal, I would prefer that things remain relatively, shall we say, tidy." "Right. So what's his game?" Gorak rumbled. "His name is Festran," Arbaq continued, "and he runs a house of ill repute called the Blessed Sin here in the city. He dabbles in prostitution, gambling and to a lessor extent, drugs. He is reasonably well known and prosperous within the city, but you need fear no retribution in this. Simply inform him on whose behalf you are acting and let him direct his enmity towards me, if he is so foolish. I will reward you with a sum equal to that I gave you for your fortunate assistance in the desert. So, what do you say, will you assist me in this endeavor?" Khalid, realizing that he had just been asked a question, jerked his gaze away from the nubile young women lounging around the room. "Ah, we may need some additional, resources, yes quite." "Of course," Arbaq replied. "I can provide you with anything you may require." "Ah, yes, rather than having us running back and forth to your estate all the time, perhaps you could simply reimburse us?" Khalid asked. Arbaq paused for a moment then replied, "That is acceptable, within reason of course." "Sounds good to me," Gorak growled. "I'll do it, if Khalid and Shayla are up for it." "I'm in," Shayla replied without hesitation. "This sounds like far too much fun to pass up." Khalid deliberated for a moment before giving his answer. Waylaying merchants wasn't exactly what he had in mind when he set out for Shalazar. Still, he reasoned, Gorak and Shayla seemed enthusiastic about it and he owed them both a great deal. He glanced about the room again and decided to accept the offer. Khalid was however, honest enough with himself to realize that his decision was influenced as much by Arbaq's exorbitant wealth as his loyalty to Shayla and Gorak. "I ah, see no reason why we can't aid you in resolving this little matter. Yes, quite." "I am very glad to hear that," Arbaq responded. "Perhaps after you finish this little task, we can discuss a more permanent arrangement which I assure you, has the potential to benefit us both greatly." "Indeed," Khalid replied. "Well then, return to me when you have finished this business. I'll have one of the servants show you out." And with that, they were dismissed. As they walked back to their inn, they discussed their next move. "Ah, if I might make a suggestion," Khalid offered, "I think perhaps Gorak, yes, Gorak should indulge himself at this fine establishment." Gorak grinned eagerly. "Sure, lend me some money." Khalid frowned, "Ah, yes quite. Try to keep your wits about you." Gorak chuckled, "You worry to much. I got the idea. I'll check the place out, see what kind of security he's got." "Ah, yes. After that we should have a better, yes quite, better idea of how to approach this situation." Khalid said. They parted ways a few streets away from the inn as Shayla and Khalid headed back to their rooms and Gorak ventured off to do some late night reconnaissance. The inn was still reasonably busy when they arrived. Khalid hesitated at the foot of the stairs, and then finally decided it was probably too late to visit the baths. He climbed the stairs and unlocked the door to his room, still thinking about the meeting with Arbaq. He disrobed and climbed into his gigantic four poster bed, settling deep into the plush mattress. Surrounded by opulence, entangled with a man who wielded his wealth like a weapon and embarking on a task of questionable legality and indeed, morality, Khalid sighed to himself and wondered if he had made the right decision in leaving Gem-Sharad. [/QUOTE]
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Al-Qarin: Into the Desert (3-1-24)
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