[sblock=At the palace]Salahuddin is awakened by his valet early. He walks to the small desk he had been working at late into the night. He lifts the spellbook looking at the strange patterns scrawled in the margins and the back cover. They nagged at his mind but he could not figure out their purpose. He placed the book into his bag intent to ask his companions about the markings at a later time. He kneels to begin his prayers. The Sha'ir faces the north winds and lowers his head to the carpet.
Mistress of the Northern Gale, I thank you for the knowledge you have granted me your loyal consort. I will use the powers wisely to vanquish those who stand against the Djinn.
Salahuddin then stands turning clockwise to face east.
Master of the Eastern Tradewinds, please grant this humble Sha'ir your wisdom to see the path through the storms. Open my eyes to any that wish to thwart and deceive me.
He then sands and turns once more.
Master of the Southern Tempest, please grant this mortal courage to stand against the deluge. Your steadfast strength will carry me through my journey.
Turning west Salahuddin bows one last time.
Mistress of the Western Zephyr, please grant this Wind Called fortitude so I can do what must be done. Your insight will be my guide post.
Salahuddin then stands and looks to the sky.
Oh Great Caliph Husam al-Balil ben Nafhat al-Yugayyim, the Master of the Clouds and Son of the Breezes. Please guide your Mortal Hand on his journey.
Salahuddin bows to the floor one last time then stands. He looks over to Sinjin who has spread a small meal for him at a table. He nods to his friend and turns back to the desk and lifts the beginnings of the puzzle box he started last night. He warps the box in a cloth and places it with his tinker's tools placing them in his bag with his other belongings. He moves to the table and sits to eat. After finishing he heads down to meet the others.[/sblock]
Salahuddin moves up with the others as they discuss their departure. Sinjin shadows him as always and Easifa is visible perched on the Sha'ir's shoulder eating a slice of mango from breakfast. Salahuddin nods to the others.
"I have learned that visions are never nothing. But determining what their meaning is often beyond us mortals."
As he speaks he pulls the spellbook from his bag and shows it to the others.
"I have studied this book and it appears to be nothing more than a traveling spellbook. However there are patterns drawn in the margins that do not seem as random as they appear. Perhaps the Hakima can discern the truth that seems to evade me?"
Salahuddin smiles at Akilah.
"Perhaps we can study this together and try to unlock the secrets it seems to posses?"
After the others finish their discussion he is ready to travel and meet the Sheiks nephew and their desert guides.
)
Ajan bin Najon al-Yaqud bows and embraces Akilah with one arm, the other holding reigns to a proud squint-eyed camel before passing it to one of his men. "Cousin, it has been many seasons. Your eyes remain as clear as ever," Ajan intones with as much mirth as he can muster, a warm yet far-away look in his eyes. Gesturing to one of his men, Ajan offers a waterskin full of sheep's milk and dates covered in ground walnuts to the party.
