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True20 Al-Qadim: Zakharan Nights (updated 6/21/06)
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<blockquote data-quote="The Shadow" data-source="post: 2588893" data-attributes="member: 16760"><p><strong>Interlude: The Plot Thickens</strong></p><p></p><p>[Abdul decided after the last session to summon a young noble jinn of his acquaintance: Fajhoul ibn-Shisas al-Kitab e Seif. (Fajhoul, son of Shisas, of the Book and Blade.) He is the thirteenth (and therefore extremely minor) son of the Khedive of the Court of Rising Winds, a noble jinni house. Aqisan has a position there as the Royal Drummer.]</p><p></p><p>[This scene occurs just after the end of the last session, and Yazid's storytelling.]</p><p></p><p>Abdul retreats to his tent at the nearest decent moment. He pauses, considering how best to go about things, then places a stick or two of incense on a brazier to help him concentrate. Then he rocks back and forth, calling the young jinn to mind and associating his image with various arcane symbols for a time. Abruptly he opens his arms wide, throws back his head, and states, "Fajhoul!" His voice is not especially loud, but is penetrating enough to pierce the veil between worlds. </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> The sound of boastful laughter of youth fills the tent as a blast of air rushes through Abdul's hair. Trails of colored smoke pour from the incense, wrapping around each other, filling the tent. There in the smoke a pair of brilliant purple eyes are visible. "Brash youth! Is this how you call upon your betters?" booms the voice.</p><p></p><p>Abdul salaams deeply. "Lord Fajhoul, I am pleased that you chose to respond to my humble summons. Please forgive the lack of formality." </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> The form of a statuesque black haired youth with aquiline features materializes, wiping the sleeves of his shirt which bears a single tear. "May I remind you Abdul <em>al-Jann</em> that it was your lack of formality which got you expelled from my father's court in the first place." Slowly the smoke clears.</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Be that as it may... I would not have called you were there not need, my lord. Aqisan has been injured, and vanished - leaving this behind." Abdul produces the pendant and displays it. "I do not know what this means, but my heart is heavy for him. Has he appeared in the Court of Rising Winds?"</p><p></p><p>Fajhoul examines the pendant. "The seal of Suleiman...What care have I for some common drummer boy?" He looks with disdain at the conditions within the tent. "Are these the rewards of your office now? Hardly suiting one of your caliber, Abdul." He tsk-tsks with mock admonition. </p><p></p><p>Abdul suppresses a flash of anger and says evenly, "My birth is humble, as I am sure you know, my lord. I am not troubled by simplicity. But surely, it is of at least some moment to your father, the great Khedive, what has become of a member of his court. And even if it be not, I would appeal to you based on our old acquaintance on behalf of my friend. For does not God smile upon generosity?" </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> Grinning wide, Fajhoul raises a finger. "He does indeed. And God also said to Suleiman, "Lose not track of your djinni." For if what you say is true, and your servant is vanished, then all suspicion lies upon you." </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "According to the law, whatever your servant does, then you are culpable for." Fajhoul looks irritatedly at the rip in his shirt. "I certainly hope you don't ask me to do anything once I return to the Court; today I am training at swordplay, and, as it is readily clear, I have a score to settle with my teacher."</p><p></p><p>Abdul says with quiet dignity, "He is not 'mine', my lord, but my friend. Perhaps you have forgotten this thing. None can say I have bound any djinn to my will." Though those who know Abdul well might guess that he's getting tempted. </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> As if remembering a childhood fantasy, Fajhoul says with a far off look. "Ah, Nakhlouf would be proud if he could but see you today."</p><p></p><p>Abdul bows his head at the mention of Nakhlouf. "I have missed our old teacher greatly. I hope that he is well." </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "Yes he is, and happy he would be to see you walking the path of the virtuous sha'ir, but I am afraid he would find your current accomodations rather reprehensible." He removes the pad of leather armor at his chest and wipes sweat from his brow. "He often speaks of you, Abdul, saying that he never had a student such as you." And then he adds darkly. "Save for the one he dreams up now."</p><p></p><p>Abdul smiles. "Were he lecturing on a subject dear to him, the accomodations might be fire, knives, and acid, and he would notice not at all!" </p><p></p><p>Fajhoul lets out a laugh which shakes the tent, sending wisps of wind through the flaps. "I say," he says in mockery of his beloved teacher, "my feet do seem to be melting and I'm up to my neck in acid. Have you found that autobiography yet?" </p><p></p><p>Abdul laughs also. "But now, my lord, I implore you: You have heard nothing of Aqisan?" </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "Verily I have heard nothing, Abdul," Fajhoul shakes his head. "It is most unlike him to quit your presence unannounced. The last I recall he had received an earthly summons, and he hastily departed with great eagerness. Surely it was you who summoned him?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "It was. I have at second hand that he bravely fought another djinn, without my knowledge or request, to rescue an innocent man. He succeeded, but was sorely wounded, then vanished... leaving the Seal behind."</p><p> </p><p>Fajhoul's eyes narrow and his knuckles whiten. "Was this an ifreet that harmed a member of my court? One of the servants of Malik Sayoun?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I do not know, my lord. The man who witnessed this was unclear as to the details. The other djinn bore fearsome tusks, and taunted him saying he had been sent by a man who had eaten at his board. This same man has been troubled by the servants of the Malik Hakiziman, if that name means anything to you."</p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "If it bore tusks then it was surely no djinni I have ever seen, unless a devolved ghul. Malik Hakiziman?" At the mention of the name, Fajhoul goes stiff.</p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> The lights inside the tent flicker, and strange shadows cross over Fajhoul's face. "Would to the Almighty that you had not uttered that name, Abdul. Shall I tell you of what I know of that dark one?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I must hear, though the danger be great, Lord Fajhoul. I would give my own life for Aqisan if need were."</p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "Even that may not suffice, if Aqisan has fallen into the clutches of Hakiziman. Know, oh young Abdul, that of the nobles of the City of Brass, the title of "Malik" is reserved for the eldest ifreeti who adhered to their pagan ways even after being offered the Choice. The ifreeti were great servants of Himyar, that kingdom which stood to the East in the lands of Nog, before the coming of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Malik Hakiziman roamed for many years as a fearsome dragon, but was tamed by a descendant of the Prophet, who bound him to watch over one of the beacons which was lit to announce the First Caliph's ascension to the throne of man."</p><p></p><p>Abdul's eyes widen slightly at this recital. </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "Bound for many years, Hakiziman believed the sha'ir that bound him was ever present until a foolish rawun one day reported that the descendant of the prophet had died a century ago. In a rage, Hakiziman destroyed the beacon and returned to the City of Brass. His is a feared noble house, with great influence over the ifreeti sultana. I know this because in the madrasah after hours all my brothers (save my beloved who my father wrongly exiled as he did you) and I study our enemies, the ifreet, in preparation for battle."</p><p></p><p>Abdul squares his shoulders as if to accept a heavy burden. "I will do what I must. But if he was victorious in battle, how could he have been taken by the Malik? Are there sha'ir among djinni as well?" </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "Alas, you need to consult Nakhlouf, for I am ignorant of such things. Even the ifreeti will not take captive one who defeats their captor in honorable battle. It sounds as though your servant defeated some creature (and I do not know if it was djinni) in single combat. But, perhaps he was willingly taken hostage...." Muses Fajhoul, an idea coming to his head. "If he is as brave as Nakhlouf, and as you have promise to be, then perhaps he faked his defeat and allowed himself to be taken captive, hoping to learn the secrets of the ifreeti?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "He is brave enough for that, though I find it passing strange he would not inform me of his intention. Perhaps, if you are right, there was no time."</p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "You are only mortal, Abdul al-Jann. To inform you may have exposed you to the Malik and his allies."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Do you know anything of a golden treasure of the Malik, hidden in the sands? I have heard a tale of such."</p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "There is a story that when the Malik was bound, the descendant of the Prophet who bound him placed an iron and ivory necklace upon his neck, as a symbol of his servitude. Unable to destroy the neckalce upon learning of the descendant's death, he cast it into the Ghul's Anvil in the High Desert."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Ahhh! Perhaps this also was the Seal of Suleiman that bound him. Iron, for one who made the wrong Choice."</p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "Abdul, if it is true that the Malik Hakiziman has come after your servant, you must know that he intends to bring ruin to the entire Court of Rising Winds through this act, though I am not far-sighted enough to predict how this shall unfold."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Then, clearly, your father must be informed at once. And Hafiz Nakhlouf must be consulted for whatever knowledge he has on this subject. Are you willing to do these things, my Lord? Please give my compliments and tenderest greetings to your illustrious father, as well, for I never intended to cause him anger or grief. And would it be unwelcome to you if I called you again in, shall we say, three days?" He adds, "I am willing to come with you and repeat all I know, should that be desired."</p><p></p><p>Fajhoul unsheathes his blade drawing a symbol in the sand. His body sways back and forth with ease, his wrist snapping at the far edges of the symbol, sweeping like an artist through broad strokes and pausing at the apex. "I shall do all that you ask of me. Beware, Abdul, for you are a valuable commodity to any Malik of the ifreeti, and as you are outside the protection of my Court and without your faithful servant, others may seek you out. When you call me in three days I shall report how the court has responded to this news." Finishing the symbol he steps back, sheathing his sword. </p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "It is good to see you again, my Lord. Though we differ in station, I have often enjoyed our talks. May we speak again under more pleasant circumstances."</p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> "The symbol I have written can be used to call me at a moment's notice. You need but inscribe it upon the earth, and I shall appear." His eyes shine with deep trust when looks into Abdul's eyes.</p><p></p><p>Abdul salaams deeply. "I am honored by your trust in me, my lord." </p><p></p><p><strong>Fajhoul:</strong> Smoke again pours from the long-dead incense, or rather pours into them, as if reversing the summoning he made. Ribbons of pastel pink and blue surround Fajhoul as he departs for the Court of Rising Winds.</p><p></p><p>Abdul turns to the symbol and studies it carefully, committing it thoroughly to memory before rubbing it out with his sandal. Then he marches out of the tent, head held high, intending to question Yazid more closely about his experiences.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="The Shadow, post: 2588893, member: 16760"] [b]Interlude: The Plot Thickens[/b] [Abdul decided after the last session to summon a young noble jinn of his acquaintance: Fajhoul ibn-Shisas al-Kitab e Seif. (Fajhoul, son of Shisas, of the Book and Blade.) He is the thirteenth (and therefore extremely minor) son of the Khedive of the Court of Rising Winds, a noble jinni house. Aqisan has a position there as the Royal Drummer.] [This scene occurs just after the end of the last session, and Yazid's storytelling.] Abdul retreats to his tent at the nearest decent moment. He pauses, considering how best to go about things, then places a stick or two of incense on a brazier to help him concentrate. Then he rocks back and forth, calling the young jinn to mind and associating his image with various arcane symbols for a time. Abruptly he opens his arms wide, throws back his head, and states, "Fajhoul!" His voice is not especially loud, but is penetrating enough to pierce the veil between worlds. [b]Fajhoul:[/b] The sound of boastful laughter of youth fills the tent as a blast of air rushes through Abdul's hair. Trails of colored smoke pour from the incense, wrapping around each other, filling the tent. There in the smoke a pair of brilliant purple eyes are visible. "Brash youth! Is this how you call upon your betters?" booms the voice. Abdul salaams deeply. "Lord Fajhoul, I am pleased that you chose to respond to my humble summons. Please forgive the lack of formality." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] The form of a statuesque black haired youth with aquiline features materializes, wiping the sleeves of his shirt which bears a single tear. "May I remind you Abdul [i]al-Jann[/i] that it was your lack of formality which got you expelled from my father's court in the first place." Slowly the smoke clears. [b]Abdul:[/b] "Be that as it may... I would not have called you were there not need, my lord. Aqisan has been injured, and vanished - leaving this behind." Abdul produces the pendant and displays it. "I do not know what this means, but my heart is heavy for him. Has he appeared in the Court of Rising Winds?" Fajhoul examines the pendant. "The seal of Suleiman...What care have I for some common drummer boy?" He looks with disdain at the conditions within the tent. "Are these the rewards of your office now? Hardly suiting one of your caliber, Abdul." He tsk-tsks with mock admonition. Abdul suppresses a flash of anger and says evenly, "My birth is humble, as I am sure you know, my lord. I am not troubled by simplicity. But surely, it is of at least some moment to your father, the great Khedive, what has become of a member of his court. And even if it be not, I would appeal to you based on our old acquaintance on behalf of my friend. For does not God smile upon generosity?" [b]Fajhoul:[/b] Grinning wide, Fajhoul raises a finger. "He does indeed. And God also said to Suleiman, "Lose not track of your djinni." For if what you say is true, and your servant is vanished, then all suspicion lies upon you." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "According to the law, whatever your servant does, then you are culpable for." Fajhoul looks irritatedly at the rip in his shirt. "I certainly hope you don't ask me to do anything once I return to the Court; today I am training at swordplay, and, as it is readily clear, I have a score to settle with my teacher." Abdul says with quiet dignity, "He is not 'mine', my lord, but my friend. Perhaps you have forgotten this thing. None can say I have bound any djinn to my will." Though those who know Abdul well might guess that he's getting tempted. [b]Fajhoul:[/b] As if remembering a childhood fantasy, Fajhoul says with a far off look. "Ah, Nakhlouf would be proud if he could but see you today." Abdul bows his head at the mention of Nakhlouf. "I have missed our old teacher greatly. I hope that he is well." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "Yes he is, and happy he would be to see you walking the path of the virtuous sha'ir, but I am afraid he would find your current accomodations rather reprehensible." He removes the pad of leather armor at his chest and wipes sweat from his brow. "He often speaks of you, Abdul, saying that he never had a student such as you." And then he adds darkly. "Save for the one he dreams up now." Abdul smiles. "Were he lecturing on a subject dear to him, the accomodations might be fire, knives, and acid, and he would notice not at all!" Fajhoul lets out a laugh which shakes the tent, sending wisps of wind through the flaps. "I say," he says in mockery of his beloved teacher, "my feet do seem to be melting and I'm up to my neck in acid. Have you found that autobiography yet?" Abdul laughs also. "But now, my lord, I implore you: You have heard nothing of Aqisan?" [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "Verily I have heard nothing, Abdul," Fajhoul shakes his head. "It is most unlike him to quit your presence unannounced. The last I recall he had received an earthly summons, and he hastily departed with great eagerness. Surely it was you who summoned him?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "It was. I have at second hand that he bravely fought another djinn, without my knowledge or request, to rescue an innocent man. He succeeded, but was sorely wounded, then vanished... leaving the Seal behind." Fajhoul's eyes narrow and his knuckles whiten. "Was this an ifreet that harmed a member of my court? One of the servants of Malik Sayoun?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "I do not know, my lord. The man who witnessed this was unclear as to the details. The other djinn bore fearsome tusks, and taunted him saying he had been sent by a man who had eaten at his board. This same man has been troubled by the servants of the Malik Hakiziman, if that name means anything to you." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "If it bore tusks then it was surely no djinni I have ever seen, unless a devolved ghul. Malik Hakiziman?" At the mention of the name, Fajhoul goes stiff. [b]Fajhoul:[/b] The lights inside the tent flicker, and strange shadows cross over Fajhoul's face. "Would to the Almighty that you had not uttered that name, Abdul. Shall I tell you of what I know of that dark one?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "I must hear, though the danger be great, Lord Fajhoul. I would give my own life for Aqisan if need were." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "Even that may not suffice, if Aqisan has fallen into the clutches of Hakiziman. Know, oh young Abdul, that of the nobles of the City of Brass, the title of "Malik" is reserved for the eldest ifreeti who adhered to their pagan ways even after being offered the Choice. The ifreeti were great servants of Himyar, that kingdom which stood to the East in the lands of Nog, before the coming of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Malik Hakiziman roamed for many years as a fearsome dragon, but was tamed by a descendant of the Prophet, who bound him to watch over one of the beacons which was lit to announce the First Caliph's ascension to the throne of man." Abdul's eyes widen slightly at this recital. [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "Bound for many years, Hakiziman believed the sha'ir that bound him was ever present until a foolish rawun one day reported that the descendant of the prophet had died a century ago. In a rage, Hakiziman destroyed the beacon and returned to the City of Brass. His is a feared noble house, with great influence over the ifreeti sultana. I know this because in the madrasah after hours all my brothers (save my beloved who my father wrongly exiled as he did you) and I study our enemies, the ifreet, in preparation for battle." Abdul squares his shoulders as if to accept a heavy burden. "I will do what I must. But if he was victorious in battle, how could he have been taken by the Malik? Are there sha'ir among djinni as well?" [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "Alas, you need to consult Nakhlouf, for I am ignorant of such things. Even the ifreeti will not take captive one who defeats their captor in honorable battle. It sounds as though your servant defeated some creature (and I do not know if it was djinni) in single combat. But, perhaps he was willingly taken hostage...." Muses Fajhoul, an idea coming to his head. "If he is as brave as Nakhlouf, and as you have promise to be, then perhaps he faked his defeat and allowed himself to be taken captive, hoping to learn the secrets of the ifreeti?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "He is brave enough for that, though I find it passing strange he would not inform me of his intention. Perhaps, if you are right, there was no time." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "You are only mortal, Abdul al-Jann. To inform you may have exposed you to the Malik and his allies." [b]Abdul:[/b] "Do you know anything of a golden treasure of the Malik, hidden in the sands? I have heard a tale of such." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "There is a story that when the Malik was bound, the descendant of the Prophet who bound him placed an iron and ivory necklace upon his neck, as a symbol of his servitude. Unable to destroy the neckalce upon learning of the descendant's death, he cast it into the Ghul's Anvil in the High Desert." [b]Abdul:[/b] "Ahhh! Perhaps this also was the Seal of Suleiman that bound him. Iron, for one who made the wrong Choice." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "Abdul, if it is true that the Malik Hakiziman has come after your servant, you must know that he intends to bring ruin to the entire Court of Rising Winds through this act, though I am not far-sighted enough to predict how this shall unfold." [b]Abdul:[/b] "Then, clearly, your father must be informed at once. And Hafiz Nakhlouf must be consulted for whatever knowledge he has on this subject. Are you willing to do these things, my Lord? Please give my compliments and tenderest greetings to your illustrious father, as well, for I never intended to cause him anger or grief. And would it be unwelcome to you if I called you again in, shall we say, three days?" He adds, "I am willing to come with you and repeat all I know, should that be desired." Fajhoul unsheathes his blade drawing a symbol in the sand. His body sways back and forth with ease, his wrist snapping at the far edges of the symbol, sweeping like an artist through broad strokes and pausing at the apex. "I shall do all that you ask of me. Beware, Abdul, for you are a valuable commodity to any Malik of the ifreeti, and as you are outside the protection of my Court and without your faithful servant, others may seek you out. When you call me in three days I shall report how the court has responded to this news." Finishing the symbol he steps back, sheathing his sword. [b]Abdul:[/b] "It is good to see you again, my Lord. Though we differ in station, I have often enjoyed our talks. May we speak again under more pleasant circumstances." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] "The symbol I have written can be used to call me at a moment's notice. You need but inscribe it upon the earth, and I shall appear." His eyes shine with deep trust when looks into Abdul's eyes. Abdul salaams deeply. "I am honored by your trust in me, my lord." [b]Fajhoul:[/b] Smoke again pours from the long-dead incense, or rather pours into them, as if reversing the summoning he made. Ribbons of pastel pink and blue surround Fajhoul as he departs for the Court of Rising Winds. Abdul turns to the symbol and studies it carefully, committing it thoroughly to memory before rubbing it out with his sandal. Then he marches out of the tent, head held high, intending to question Yazid more closely about his experiences. [/QUOTE]
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