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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Quickleaf" data-source="post: 6967033" data-attributes="member: 20323">[SECTION][align=left]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/eb/1d/0c/eb1d0ce2dbac2a2b4a1f8d1c65366c7f.jpg[/align]Contemplating the sha'ir's words, Sheikh Ali runs a hand through his beard, his gaze rising from the map stretched across the war table. He is taking measure of this Salahuddin, but the pure fact that Salahuddin stands in the Sheikh's throne room speaks volumes of the Citadel of Ice and Steel's reach even here in the land of ins (mortals). Genies make the Sheikh unsteady, and Salahuddin's nearness to that race born of smokeless flame (or so sayeth the poets) even moreso. Yet if there are troubles brewing among the jann, it is precisely Salahuddin's type of knowledge that the expedition will need. Remaining silent, the Sheikh listens to Najiyah's words with a bowed head, nodding quietly to himself as his eyes return to the map."We can't rule out that it is jann who've allegiance to the efreet, but neither can we assume it is. Well said, Najiyah." He also sees an emerging pattern, but is disturbed by it. Pursing his lips, the Sheikh continues gazing at the map as if he might have a sudden flash of divine insight if he stared at it long enough. "Indeed, Salahuddin al-Qadib, these are bold claims. White robes, you say? Hmm. You seem to know more than most of the merchants my aides have spoken with about who is behind these raids."  "Ah, that reminds me..." Finding the bowl of salt on the table, the Sheikh consumes a sprinkle, tossing the rest habitually over his shoulder - a warding gesture carried down from the al-Badia. He passes the bowl among you, sharing the bond of salt, that universal sign of guest hospitality known throughout Zakhara."Akilah?" The Sheikh beckons his vizier in temporal matters to his side. "There are several merchants you may wish to speak with in the bazaar who've encountered these black-robed raiders... There is a woman known only as Jina the Bold who operates a small but specialized trading firra (firm) between the Pearl Cities and Pantheist League; she deals in antiquities with many tribes of the High Desert and isn't known for her honesty.""Then there is Suelasta the Magnificent, who received my writ to create a menagerie of wondrous creatures from across the land by the riverside. Several creatures bound for Suelasta's menagerie were taken by the raiders in transport for reasons unknown. The poor man is quite distraught.""And another merchant I recall, Hamsar the Swift, operates funerary caravans and mourners for the noble families of Tajar. Such vile and low morals, these raiders, that they would attack a funeral! What honor can be found in stealing from the dead?"[/SECTION]</blockquote>

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