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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: 2608033" data-attributes="member: 16760"><p><strong>4: Searching for Water, Finding Lies Instead</strong></p><p></p><p>[This is basically the continuation of Yasir's solo adventure. I played Jamul the silk merchant (and a cameo of Abdul), while Farraj's player and the Narrator divided Shuri between them. Aaron, the Narrator, had intended to get to the rest of the storylines, but things went in unexpected directions, and then Farraj's player had computer trouble.]</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Wherein begins the evening tale, "Searching for Water, Finding Lies Instead"....</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The sun leaves the sky, the moon rises high, the call for prayer goes out and is answered. A bucket has gone down for water, and it has come up filled with lies and questions. Abdul awaits the messenger from Jamul, who travels with Yasir after concluding the water negotiations. Meanwhile, Farraj chats with the blacksmith as two youths look him over. The night is young in Huzuz, City of Delights, and the sorcerer-in-a-chest plots his treachery. The Forgotten Boys. Cemetery Square. Kara Iskendar. Familiar names which helped Metef keep his sanity in his new accursed form. Perhaps he had a chance to outwit these meddlers, but it would take every bit of cunning the blasphemous sorcerer possessed...before he lost his human mind forever to the bestial nature consuming him.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir stands back to let Jamul handle the negotiations. Shuri and Yasir, in Yasir's words, "are letting Jamul do the talking and keeping their hands on their swords." And given the constant quarrelling between Shuri and Jamul, this might not be a bad idea. Strange bedfellows are one thing, but their arguing waited on no man.</p><p></p><p>Jamul stands waiting for Kara Iskendar with an ingratiating expression on his face. Then again, such an expression is so natural to him it may well have been stamped there at birth.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Kara Iskendar has just been summoned by his daughter and he enters trailing his gaudy red silk robe behind him, two stout merchant guards flanking him. And his daughter, Jayla, appears to be no pushover either, though her love for her father certainly is in question. Several elephants are being loaded by workers overseen by merchant guards.</p><p></p><p>Shuri impatiently looks about.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Ah! Esteemed Iskendar, it is good to see you again!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Jamul al-Huzuzi, the silk merchant," says Iskendar with no hidden irritation in his voice. "Have you come on account of a debt I've neglected to collect from you? My memory does fail me at certain moments."</p><p></p><p>Shuri gives Yasir an exasperated look. People are dying of thirst while these men exchange pleasantries!</p><p></p><p>Jamul laughs as if Iskendar had just said something funny. "Why no, though any reason is good enough to see your noble visage again. I am come on a mission of charity - though profitable enough charity for you, I trust!"</p><p></p><p>Shuri bites his lip.</p><p></p><p>Yasir whispers to Shuri, "One wonders how much talk it takes before people can be helped."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Indeed," says Iskendar. "I will humour your requests though the meager sum Zarif's representative has brought impresses me not. However, I am a man of the common good, and should a caravanserai perish, it would hurt all business. Tell me, is master Metef still harassing travelers to his caravanserai?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Not at all, noble sir, not at all! His stepson Mamoun is master of the place now."</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Mamoun will bring prosperity to the caravanserai, all that Metef would leech."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Let me be clear with you, Jamul," says Iskendar walking away from the two strongmen with Jamul while eyeing Yasir, "the sum of money won't cover half the expenses of this mission of salvation. You and those traveling with you would become heavily in my debt." He rubs his fingers through his greasy beard. Being in debt to Kara Iskendar is one of those curious fates that Jamul might fear worse than death; he is said to have half of Huzuz in his debt.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir notices the group of rogues gambling for the ante (including his father's ring) making a ruckus between them.</p><p></p><p>Jamul laughs again, with an edge of nervousness this time. "Good Iskendar, surely you jest. I am come here to help relieve the poor souls of Zarif. I am sure that in time they can repay all that you ask. And what is more, think of the good you will do, for your own business not least!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Iskendar arches his brow. "Yes indeed. Of course, Zarif will need to pay me back in one year or I shall be forced to collect on my debt in more direct ways that I'm sure this Mamoun has never heard of. Shall a contract be drawn up?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir notices one of the young beggars playing the dice game swipe the ring from the ante pile without his fellows noticing.</p><p></p><p>======================================</p><p></p><p>Yasir approaches the beggars. "How much for the ring?" he asks of the one who just stole it.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The beggars look up at Yasir, taking him for one of the guards. The young urchin. "Ring?" He stares wide-eyed at Yasir. He produces a shiny piece of glass, "You mean this piece of blue glass?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "No, the ring. You wouldn't want Iskendar to know you were stealing, would you?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The young boy motions for Yasir to lean down close out of earshot of the other beggars.</p><p></p><p>Yasir leans closer.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "It's Kara. He won't let me leave, thinks I'll get picked up by the watch and say all sorts of mischief, though I'd never do that. It'd ruin my reputation, sahib. If you can get me out of here, I'll give you the ring." He looks at Yasir pleading.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Kara is busy now. I'll distract him further." He tries to spook one of the elephants.</p><p></p><p>=======================================</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "I have no objection. Shuri, are you able to act on behalf of good Mamoun?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "What do you ask, that I give you all that you would take?"</p><p></p><p>Jamul laughs again while his eyes lob desperate daggers at the young man. "You have such a sense of humor, Shuri! I am but asking if you can sign a contract on behalf of Zarif?"</p><p></p><p>Shuri has a sudden idea... "It is fortunate that I have made the acquaintance of one of the Caliph's own scribes, a man of impeccable honesty who would be perfect for brokering such an important contract. I am sure that with his assistance we can come to an abiding agreement, one that Mamoun will hold as though he had signed it himself!"</p><p></p><p>Jamul smiles as if humoring Shuri, meanwhile watching Iskendar out of the corner of his eye to see how he takes this.</p><p></p><p>Shuri nods and smiles. He has no intention of signing away the future of his home-town to this scorpion.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> All of a sudden Yasir trips into one of the guardsmen, and both fall backward, knocking a load of heavy bags from the elephant. The elephant tries to bolt and is held by its chain, but two servants go flying as the large animal thrashes about. "Look out!" comes the startled yell of a stablehand.</p><p></p><p>Jamul gapes. "God have mercy!" He backs away from the elephant.</p><p></p><p>Yasir steps toward the door to meet the beggar.</p><p></p><p>Shuri turns towards the ruckus and takes a step towards Yasir when he sees that he is at the heart of the matter.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Iskendar shouts at the guard, "You oaf!" Quickly his daughter dashes along side the elephant, and grabs a chain, wrapping it about a massive pillar. The elephant rears in terror at the feathers on her head and all the strange people around.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir meets the beggar boy, but notices two guards blocking the exit.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> (to guards) "Help us!"</p><p></p><p>Shuri strides towards Yasir at his call.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The guards grumble and rush to help Yasir with the elephant. </p><p></p><p>Jamul cowers like a merchant in danger. Why not?</p><p></p><p>Yasir slips through the guards toward the door</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Jayla Bint-Iskendar wrestles with the elephant and gets tossed through the air, landing in Shuri's arms.</p><p></p><p>Jamul murmurs frantic prayers in a corner of the room. Perhaps that will help.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir can't find a way through all the guards - they're closing from every direction. He does notice the beggar boy slip past them though and to the door, where he </p><p>gives one look back before vanishing.</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "You have flown like a bird and picked an unlikely tree to roost."</p><p></p><p>Yasir tries to run toward the door, unafraid of who sees him</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Jayla blinks at Shuri, "Unhand me this instant!"</p><p></p><p>Shuri puts her down and bows, smiling.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir knocks over several guards making a clear sprint for the door. A group of beggar boys shout after him, "Thief! Thief!" </p><p></p><p>Yasir heads out toward the beggar boy.</p><p></p><p>Shuri starts at the commotion.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Iskendar is distraught at the chaos, and starts barking orders. "Catch that man getting away! Jayla, cut him off. You guards, keep an eye on Jamul and his strongman ((Shuri))."</p><p> </p><p>Shuri steps towards Jamul, things have taken a very serious turn.</p><p></p><p>Jamul smiles frantically up at Shuri, for once glad to see his face.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Jayla groans at her father, "Do you think I owe you one thing?" He glares at her, and she sighs, "Yes, but remember this when you start raving about how ungrateful I am next time, father." With that Jayla rushes to a wall and grabs a sheathed scimitar before running out the back.</p><p></p><p>==================================</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir ploughs through the evening crowd. Soon the call for prayer will go out. He spots the beggar boy sprinting down a back alley.</p><p></p><p>Yasir follows.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir spots the beggar boy squeezing through a narrow grate leading to the city's underground waterways. Suddenly a cloaked woman drops down from the roof of a squat building. It is Jayla, daughter of Kara Iskendar. She draws her scimitar, "So, Yasir al-Ayyubi, you are full of surprises. I wonder if you will continue to surprise in your swordplay!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> She attempts to lure Yasir into a compromising position, but he holds his ground. It would take Allah himself to move the lion Yasir. Jayla takes a quick jab at his belt, hoping to cut his scabbard from his side. Yasir lunges out of her reach.</p><p></p><p>Yasir swings his scimitar at Jayla, crying, "Woman, get out of my way, or so help me, I'll avenge my father's death on you!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir plunges his scimitar deftly under Jayla's guard, grabbing her sword arm as he twists here about, drawing a bright line of blood as he wounds her. Gasping, she collapses; clearly not a warrior of any sort!</p><p></p><p>Yasir rushes past her toward the beggar boy.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The beggar boy struggles to squeeze through the grate, but is stuck halfway. Yasir hears him yelling something, it sounds like a swear word. Such language, from one so young! That's what he gets for hanging around a bunch of dirty heretics!</p><p></p><p>Yasir pulls him out, sword still in hand. He extends his hand to the boy, saying only "Ring."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The boy seems relieved when he sees it is Yasir. "Oh it's you! I thought for sure you were one of the guards! Oh, sahib," he continues, growing more distraught, "in my fear I dropped your ring into the waterways. Please sahib," he says, glancing nervously at the wounded Jayla.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Get it quickly before I cut off your tongue for lying and your hand for stealing."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Yes sahib, right away," says the boy, resuming his squirming and squiggling before slipping into the darkness under the grate.</p><p></p><p>Yasir peers into the grate</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The boy calls back, "Oh sahib, I cannot find it. It is so dark." Yasir hears guards rushing toward him.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Hurry, before I tell them where you are." He stands ready to meet the guards, scimitar in hand, blood still on his blade and clothing.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Six guards rush around the corner, and seeing Jayla wounded, draw their swords. Jayla points at Yasir as one of the guards helps her, "He, he and the boy are in league."</p><p></p><p>Yasir, growing quite irate, "Boy, where is the ring?!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> No answer comes from within the grate save the sound of rushing water.</p><p></p><p>==================================</p><p></p><p>Shuri has taken up a wide legged stance and has eased the first few inches of his scimitar from it's home.</p><p></p><p>Jamul gets to his feet, feeling much better now that he has a living shield between him and the distressing things. He knew Shuri was good for something...</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> A group of guards have surrounded Shuri and Jamul. Iskendar glares at Jamul, "If this is your doing, old friend, then we'll be negoatiating a new contract soon. What can you tell me about this other man who was with you? Was he really of the Ayyubi family?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Oh noble Iskendar, I am as shocked as you at this turn of events. Yasir al-Ayyubi is known to me as a great man without fear, peerless in his bravery and generosity. But what is in his mind in this thing now, I know not."</p><p></p><p>Shuri nods to Jamul, keep talking...</p><p></p><p>Jamul obliges Shuri readily enough. "I feel certain that whatever it may be, it is nothing ignoble or base. But I repeat, I knew nothing of this when I came to you."</p><p></p><p>Shuri is watching the surrounding guards. He is rhythmically turning his head to catch any movement to his flanks. When he twists his body he moves his feet.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Iskendar frowns at Jamul and Shuri. "Very well, you have proven honorable in the past, and your name carries weight even here, Jamul. I believe this man, if he is who he says he is, had come to negotiate with me regarding his father's debt..."</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "I believe he did not even know of his father's debt, good Iskendar, until it was mentioned to him by your man."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Iskendar eases up, indicating for his guards around Jamul and Shuri to lower their weapons. "It is no worry. Soon Jayla and my guards will have this Yasir and the truth of the matter shall come out. Do you wish to contact your scholar friend and have him review this contract for you?" asks Iskendar, presenting a contract to Jamul.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Ah... Yes, of course. My thanks to you, Iskendar."</p><p></p><p>Shuri turns to Jamul. "Perhaps we should be going, master. I am sure that Abdul the scribe will return with us tomorrow."</p><p></p><p>Jamul rather enjoys replying, "Yes, of course, my servant."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Very well," says Iskendar cannily. "You may go."</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "A pleasure doing business with you, as always, Iskendar."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Iskendar grins at Jamul. "Oh, the pleasure is all mine. I look forward to talking to you soon, Jamul, about these matters, and your eligible daughter."</p><p></p><p>Jamul blanches. "My, ah, daughter?"</p><p></p><p>Shuri hustles Jamul right out of there as soon as they have stopped lying and threatening each other.</p><p></p><p>Jamul struggles slightly against Shuri. "My daughter?!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Yes of course, your daughter. She is quite the young flower, so I hear." Iskendar continues, watching Jamul.</p><p></p><p>Jamul laughs weakly. "Ha ha ha. Yes, of course she is. Fatima, my jewel."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shuri and Jamul are led from the ominous building of Kara Iskendar's trading warehouse. The sun sets. The call for prayer is going out. Across the street the caravan guards Feyrouz and Jifar tend the camels. Somewhere in the city, Abdul is guarding the sorcerer-in-a-chest. Who save Fate knows where Farraj is?</p><p></p><p>==================================</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Five of the guards close on Yasir. "Well, young buck. How about facing a man? Or will you come willingly so Kara can come up with a punishment for you?" The lead guard pauses, sizing up Yasir, "Though I sincerely hope you choose the latter. I've no fondness for militant Moslems."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "She was between me and the thief that was trying to escape. I cannot abide by injustice."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Really?" says the lead guard, drawing closer. The guards are stopped when Jayla says, "Wait! What do you have to say for yourself? And be quick about it before I sic my father's dogs on you."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "I already told them. You tried to stop me from bringing him to justice."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Are you mad??" She gazes at Yasir with a mixture of bewilderment and hate. "It was you who came here armed to face my father over your family's debt and it was you who stole from him!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Stole what? If you are going to make accusations, show me proof."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The lead guard continues, "A ring, a vial, an amber necklace... Jayla, I tire with this fool's lies. Let me gut him like a fish."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "A what?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Jayla, while her wound is bound, glares at Yasir. "Against my better judgment, Yasir, you can go." She holds up her hand at the guard's protests. "You protected me from the assassin in the alley. Alas, he wounded me, but he could not finish me off. I think my father will thank you for his daughter's life and overlook any petty thievery you've stooped to." She looks at Yasir meaningfully, hoping the guards buy her bluff.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "You heard the woman!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The guards clear aside, letting Yasir pass through, amidst their grumbling and glares. As Yasir passes by Jayla, she looks him in the eye, "I'll be seeing you, Yasir al-Ayyubi." In her eyes shines a mixture of anger and respect.</p><p></p><p>Yasir smiles and walks away.</p><p></p><p>================================</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> As Jamul and Shuri begin to bicker again crossing the street, Yasir runs into them.</p><p></p><p>Jamul keeps trying to sneak a peek at the contract, but Shuri's words keep reminding him that he needs to be angry with someone. Preferably someone less dangerous than Kara Iskendar.</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Oh Yasir, are you well? I thought for sure the water merchants guards had slain you!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "I'm fine."</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Oh come, Shuri! Have you no more confidence in the great Yasir than that?! I knew he would be well."</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Six men to one? Pff! It just goes to show that merchants have no business once the scimitars are drawn. What happened back there, Yasir?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Don't you worry."</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "I will wager that Yasir could take on any number of Iskendar's thugs!" He suddenly gets a gleam in his eye. "Saaaaay."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "What happened is done."</p><p></p><p>Shuri eyes Yasir. He is a tremendous lion, besting six men at once! And his mysteries are as thick as his mane.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Iskendar is rather a man for a wager, I think... Perhaps we could wipe our your debt and Zarif's at one go, Yasir!" He carefully does not mention that his daughter might also be left out of account. "Yasir? What say you?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "I say nothing."</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "You have no wish to rescue Zarif and avenge your father at one blow?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Will he not give us water?"</p><p></p><p>Jamul admits, "He gave me a contract, though I have not yet looked at it. Given the way he was smiling, I fear his terms are very dear."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Read it first."</p><p></p><p>Jamul promises, "I will. We can discuss it over dinner. Did I mention that my daughter Fatima is in the very flower of youth? And you are not growing any younger, my friend..."</p><p></p><p>Yasir looks away.</p><p></p><p>Jamul smiles ingratiatingly. Warriors and their foibles! "It is the evening hour. Come, eat, and refresh yourself. My hospitality is of the best."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "That sounds wonderful."</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Hark, the call to prayer. Let us pray to God to forgive our enemies!" Indeed the call to prayer goes out again. Shuri reminds the other two, "Do you so quickly forget that a villainous sorcerer is with Abdul?"</p><p></p><p>Yasir prays.</p><p></p><p>Jamul sighs at the minor inconveniences of life. "I will send a servant to summon him to dinner, as I said I would." He also kneels in the dusty road and prays.</p><p></p><p>Shuri prays, in particular watching Yasir and attempting to mimic him. Having finished his prayers, "That's not good enough, Jamul. Or do you not remember how Metef controlled the will of even Farraj and Feyrouz? What if he has subdued Abdul even while we prattled with Kara Iskendar?"</p><p></p><p>Jamul raises his eyes to the heavens and says, exasperated, "God forfend that I should forget, Shuri! What measures do you suggest, then?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Let us first see what has become of them."</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Oh noble Yasir, will you accompany me to visit with Abdul? We can send word to Jamul later."</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Oh, very well. But I must see to my servants. I will send a man with you to show the way."</p><p></p><p>=====================================</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Abdul has just finished praying in his old apartment. His thoughts are distracted by the recent turn of events. He soon receives Yasir and Shuri, who knock at his door.</p><p></p><p>Abdul opens the door in relief. "God be praised! I am glad you are come."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Hello again."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I cannot come to dinner, my friend - please give my regrets to Jamul. Farraj has wandered off, AND I have had distressing news that must be attended to without delay."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "What news have you, Abdul?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul sighs. "If I tried to explain it to you, Yasir, we should be here until morning and all I must do would be left undone. Suffice to say that a very old friend to whom I owe an incalculable debt is... distressed. I have waited anxiously for you to come and take Metef from me, for I would not leave him here alone."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Where should Metef be taken?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul sighs. "I know not. To Jamul and his dinner, I suppose. We dare not leave him alone."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Let us bring him, then." He grabs the chest.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shuri considers Abdul's words. "I'll inform Jamul's man tha--- What? To dinner? I'm sorry, you can't be serious! I may not care for Jamul, but to put his entire family in peril?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul sighs. "I am at my wit's end, Shuri! Have you a better idea?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "We must, Abdul is right. Metef is too dangerous to leave alone."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "In any case, the chest is bound with Ittifaqi Hasanah, and that seems to prevent trouble."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "With what?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "Farraj's silk. It seems to have some virtue against Metef's powers."</p><p></p><p>Shuri considered the men. Great men, fearless men, pious men, but certainly not the brightest. Perhaps their time in the cities had dulled their minds; he had always suspected as much. Too much food in the belly. "We might bring it to a qadi now?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "We shall have to find one that can resist Metef, and that may take a careful search. Though perhaps with the silk..."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "It's best to stay close together with it."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shuri gnaws his lip. "Feyrouz was a pious man, so too Farraj, yet both of them succumbed to this treacherous wretch! How do we know he won't try his dark magic on one of us?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul says bluntly, "You don't. But I cannot stay here, and I cannot leave Metef here to cause mischief upon anyone who passes by, either. Do you not remember, though, how the silk freed the ferryman?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "We must be careful... That is why we should stay together."</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "The sooner we are done with with Metef, the sooner the people at the caravanserai will drink."</p><p></p><p>Abdul corrects him, "The sooner we are done with Metef, the sooner they will breathe easy. The water is a separate thing - I hope your negotiations were successful.?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shasti, who is in the room with Abdul, nudges the other pack camel, which bears the chest with Metef trapped within.</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> What I mean is that we must dispose of this sorcerer before we can safely find water for my home, ask Jamul how our meeting with his friend went."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "I will, but for now I must be off. God be with you, my friends!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "When will you return, Abdul?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "And with you."</p><p></p><p><strong>Abdul:</strong> "If God smiles upon me, by dawn."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Abdul hears a voice, like a thin smoke, emanating from the chest. "Take me with you, sha'ir......"</p><p></p><p>Abdul blinks and says angrily, "Cease your lies, Metef! I have no need of them."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "*gawk* And you haven't lied, sha'ir? There is much I know of where you are going. I could help you...."</p><p></p><p>Abdul shoos Shuri and Yasir out of the house. "Get the sorcerer out of my sight before I lose patience with him."</p><p></p><p>Yasir grabs the chest and takes it out.</p><p></p><p>Shuri looks at Yasir. "Today we have the luck of the fugitive!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir leads the camel with the chest on its back from Abdul's house. Shuri leads Shasti, Farraj's favored mare.</p><p></p><p>Shasti snuggles down in a corner. It will take more than the will of men to move her.</p><p></p><p>Shuri looks down at the Camel who thinks she is a cat.</p><p></p><p>Abdul hurries over to one of his less-talkative neighbors, pausing a moment to calm down. There he borrows an egg and a lump of lard. As long as he's there anyway, he casually inquires how long Ferej had been staying at his place.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Offhand, the old shepherdess mutters, "Why no more'n a week, dear. What a nice young man..."</p><p></p><p>Abdul thanks her and hurries back to his house. "You're still here??"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shasti snorts at Abdul's comment. To think! She is the pride of the desert! Soon they shall bring her cloved apricots and coconut water, surely.</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "It is too bad. We have gone to such effort to prepare your palace, oh great one. But if you would prefer to stay here..."</p><p></p><p>Shasti hops up and prances out the door. She gets outside and realises that she has been hoodwinked. SNORT.</p><p></p><p>Abdul rolls his eyes at the camel, then cracks the egg into a bowl. Opening his writing case, he takes one of his least-favored brushes, and uses it to "paint" the whites along his forehead, cheeks, and the backs of his hands. When it dries, it will shrink and make wrinkles.</p><p></p><p>Shuri follows the camel. "Where to, Yasir?"</p><p></p><p>Abdul then takes some ashes from the hearth, and mixes it with the lard, making a goopy mess that he smears on his hair and beard, to make them dull, stringy, and grey.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "We need to go to the dinner, Shuri." He heads toward Jamul's house.</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Very well, lead on."</p><p></p><p>Abdul finally dresses himself in some noisome rags he keeps for such occasions. Pausing in the inner courtyard, he rubs dirt liberally upon his flesh. Soon he is the very image of a down-and-out beggar. Then he slips his way cautiously out of his house and hurries off onto the street, hoping to remain unobserved.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shuri and Yasir make their way past the beggar man lurking near Abdul's house and head to the Merchant's District, with its bustling streets, smell of gold plating, and noisy cries from merchant houses. Even at this hour of night, the dull roar of the street is staggering, though it begins to die down as Yasir and Shuri arrive at Jamul's house. Looking at themselves they realize they are in no condition to attend a dinner party - the desert has a way of dirtying men. Their clothes at least. Of course, it purifies their spirit.</p><p></p><p>Yasir looks for a place to wash up.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> A barber appears to be closing shop not to far from Jamul's house.</p><p></p><p>Yasir approaches the barber. "May I trouble you to let me wash before you close?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The squint-eyed man could easily pass for a beggar, were it not for the jewels he adorns. "Ah, shave and a haircut?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "How much?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Well, for you noble sir, I only charge 1 dirham!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "That's an outrage!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Spreading his hands, the barber explains, "Ah, but I have a most amazing story to tell! Surely that alone is worth the price? May I also point out that all other barbers are now closed at this hour?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Six bits... for the story too."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Six bits? Alas, my wife and children will starve! Please have a seat, sahib." Says the barber, waxing his moustache. "What brings you to Huzuz?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Eight, then."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Yes, eight, very good." The barber begins trimming away at Yasir's hair, massaging his scalp with scented oils, washing his turban.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "What's your story?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Well sahib, it is the most stupendous story you have ever heard. There are sorcerers and thieves. And it all occurred in this very city!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Barber:</strong> "As I lay there watching the pretty girls go by in the Grand Bazaar, a man came up to me looking like he'd seen a ghost. He said to me 'Oh barber, quickly, you must tell me where to find Rafiqi?' "</p><p></p><p><strong>Barber:</strong> "And I said I did not, but the man must have mistaken me for someone else, claiming I was withholding from him, for he had a very important message for this Rafiqi. And thus I went on denying and he went on insisting, until he said: 'Do you know that a fearsome sorcerer has just threatened me should I not tell deliver a message to Rafiqi?' And I responded that I did not know, and bade him tell me more."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "And what happened?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Barber:</strong> "Well, he weeped and said his lies had landed him in this mess, and that he was thinking about leaving for the Maghrib to evade his master's wrath, but that he must deliver this message to Rafiqi before he left. Thereupon the man revealed he was an unscrupulous rogue who had just feigned being a housesitter for an upstanding scribe, who turned out to be a sha'ir with a speaking chest!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Barber:</strong> "There you are sahib! The finest specimen of man I have ever seen! Though a bit morose, I'm afraid I couldn't cure whatever ails your spirit." The barber finishes Yasir's haircut.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Thank you kindly, sir." He gets up and pays the man.</p><p></p><p>=======================================</p><p></p><p>Shuri watches Jamul's house, looking to see if anyone else is observing the place.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shuri notes two men across the street he recognizes from Kara Iskendar's warehouse. Guards perhaps keeping an eye on Jamul?</p><p></p><p>Shuri attempts to get closer to the men, perhaps close enough to hear what they might be saying?</p><p></p><p><strong>Brute Guard:</strong> "That swordsman was something else, huh? If he could drop Jayla like a hunter drops the sparrowhawk, surely he must be fearsome. And did you see the look in his eyes? Like a madman!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Veteran Guard:</strong> "Hmm. Did you see that street urchin that ran out with him? I'm guessing they'll start looking for that urchin soon enough. And that might mean Cemetery Square." Both guards shiver at the name.</p><p></p><p>Shuri approaches the men allowing them to see him. Quietly, he asks, "Has there been much movement this evening?"</p><p></p><p>Brute Guard : "Eh? Do I know you sahib? Hey, the merchant's guardsmen, aren't you?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Let us just say that we share the same master, eh? I must warn you that Yasir the Lion is coming. He has the eyes of the hawk and will surely see you. You must go home tonight. I will report to our master tomorrow."</p><p></p><p><strong>Veteran Guard:</strong> "Hmph. I haven't heard anything about it. What else can you tell me about 'Yasir the Lion'?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "He is a fine swordsman and can see through the thickest veil of deceit. Our master has commanded me to find the connection between Yasir and Jamul. You must not speak of me to any others, if you value the skin on your back."</p><p></p><p><strong>Veteran Guard:</strong> "Ok, what's the secret code? Just to make sure you are who you say you are..." says the veteran guard in plainclothes, keeping a hand on his club.</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "It is a phrase of course: "The waters flow to the sea.""</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong>: Both the guards look at one another, the younger giving the veteran a questioning look.</p><p></p><p><strong>Veteran Guard:</strong> "No, no, the new password."</p><p></p><p>Shuri looks exasperated and checks over his shoulder, looking at the barbers</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Yasir is finished at the barber's. The veteran guard follows his gaze. "Is that...Yasir?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Listen up. I am working for our master as a personal informant. I ask you kindly to forget the code phrase I just told you. It is the personal code between our master and myself. <strong>Shuri:</strong> It could be dangerous for you to know it. Yasir will be here any minute. If you mess with his plans you will be turned into saddles. Now go. And fill the world with silence on this matter."</p><p></p><p>Yasir approaches Shuri without a word.</p><p></p><p><strong>Veteran Guard:</strong> The guards exchange a look with each other. Whoever this man is he is a poor liar, to his credit. The veteran guard eyes Shuri up and down. "Right, so we'll just wander down the street to that coffee house. If you need us, just holler the secret password." He winks. The younger brute guard stiffles a laugh. The two guards walk down the street a short ways.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Come, Shuri, we must go."</p><p></p><p><strong>Shuri:</strong> "Of course."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The newly groomed Yasir and the grubby Shuri approach the splendid house of Jamul al-Huzuzi. A young porter greets them at the door. "Sahib, " he bows, "Welcome to my master's home. May I take your camels?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Yes." He takes the chest off the camel carrying it.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Appalled at this noble man bearing the chest, the porter inquires, "Far be it from me to presume, but may I help you with your burden, sahib? Ah, please remove your shoes here. And bow here. Watch your heads. And bow here again. Right this way, sahib."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "No thank you, kind sir."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Jamul's voice, "Hurry up children! My guests are coming soon! Ah!" He nearly runs into Yasir, before embracing him. Seeing the chest, his face loses color, "Good Yasir, the chest? What is the meaning of this?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "I'm sorry, friend, we must. I'll keep it close to me."</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "You must bring it HERE? Amidst my children and wives?</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "I'm sorry. We had no choice."</p><p></p><p>Jamul is quite flustered. "Ah... Perhaps we can keep some slaves nearby it, so the sorcerer does not seek the souls of my loved ones..."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Jamul's first wife's voice sounds out, "They sound like beggars, dear husband!" Thanks goodness his second wife isn't here - one is enough to deal with!</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "No. It needs to stay near me."</p><p></p><p>Jamul looks back in irritation. "Yasir is a man nobler than your family, dearest!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Now, now. This is only out of necessity."</p><p></p><p>Jamul forces a smile. "Of course, of course! Do come in."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Jamul's first of three wives emerges from the women's room, clad in a respldent white robe, her face thinly veiled. She is the picture of a mature woman, with as much cunning as Jamul himself. She can see the wheels of her husband's head spinning. "Shall I introduce our children, dear husband?" She looks Yasir and Shuri up and down with disdain.</p><p></p><p>Jamul says sourly, "Of course, dearest wife."</p><p></p><p>Yasir waits patiently</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> She goes about introducing the seven children, but dotes special attention upon Fatima. "My eldest. Isn't she the gem of her father's eye? Never has Huzuz seen such an eligible young woman." She looks shrewdly at her husband as 14 year old Fatima blushes.</p><p></p><p>Jamul smiles a sickly smile. "Never indeed!" he maintains loyally, but his is plainly worried.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Lovely."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> The young boy Dawar lunges forward, grabbing Yasir's leg. "Are you the lion my father sent word he'd met? I've been waiting all day to see a lion. I met a lion once, it went RARR! I wasn't scared, but, um..."</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Yes, Dawar. You'll be a brave warrior some day."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Now, now, Dawar, don't intimidate our high and mighty guests," says Jamul's first wife with a thick layer of sarcasm.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Yes, son, we must show courtesy to our guests."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Fatima leads the rest of the children to set out the meal which Bab-al-Sama, Jamul's first wife, lovingly prepared.</p><p></p><p>Jamul makes interminable small talk to set his guests at ease before broaching any delicate subjects.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Dawar tells stories of his imaginary adventures to Yasir with great relish, tugging on his leg impolitely whenever Yasir diverts his attention to other topics or...the looming chest. At length Bab-al-Sama inquires, "Honored guest, I must inquire about your chest. How long have you been cursed by djinn with carrying it upon your back?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Too long."</p><p></p><p>Jamul glares impatiently. "Oh, cease, woman! I have told you about the terrifying events of Zarif!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Ah yes, but I thought I'd demonstrate to our guest Fatima's God-given gifts. My husband thinks me too proud, but she is quite the gifted hakima. She knows truth a mile away. I suppose, though, that a husband who lies, should find no solace in her as his wife." She glances at Yasir. "Not that you would need worry about that, honored guest. More yogurt?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Certainly, thank you."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Fatima rises to clear the table, blushing greatly, aided by her brothers and sisters.</p><p></p><p>Jamul asks suspiciously, "What sort of demonstration?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Why I thought she might listen to our guest speak of his family. He might throw in a deliberate lie or two to try to catch Fatima, something convincing. She has gotten quite good at it during your latest venture away." Says Bab-al-Sama, somewhat indignantly. There she goes again, getting jealous of Jamul's ventures away.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Not I, no."</p><p></p><p>Jamul grins and leans back, relaxed. "Perhaps we should instead tell the tale of the events of Zarif, to set your mind at ease as to the truth of it all." He looks entirely too smug.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Bab-al-Sama stares suspiciously at Jamul. "Please husband, do tell."</p><p></p><p>Jamul gives a factual account of what he saw at Zarif, greatly enjoying spiting his dubious wife.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> She squints at Jamul. "And what of the coin in the chest?" She demands.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Well, what of it?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> "Is it real?"</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "The coin? I do not know, but doubtless it was a trick of the sorcerer's black arts.</p><p></p><p><strong>Yasir:</strong> "Enough."</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Blanching at Yasir's voice, Bab-al-Sama quickly excuses herself, glancing accusatorily at her husband. She removes their dishes, whispering to Jamul, "A fitting match for Fatima. Good luck." Bab has always been jealous of Fatima, the only child by Jamul's second wife. Bab should have been the one to bear a child to Jamul first, but Fate wasn't so kind.</p><p></p><p>Jamul looks to Fatima for confirmation of his story. That'll put Bab in her place.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Fatima nods to her father. "It is truth, father." She avoids her mother's gaze, finishing the cleaning.</p><p></p><p><strong>Jamul:</strong> "Of course it was, my darling.</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Bab grows red before storming off, "I'm going to pray and thank God for your safe return, and that it shall continue to be that way!"</p><p></p><p>Jamul calls after her smugly, "My thanks to you, most generous wife!"</p><p></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> Shuri leans forward, "Jamul, did you know you are being watched by Kara Iskendar?"</p><p></p><p>Jamul suddenly turns gloomy. "Oh, the man has eyes everywhere!"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="The Shadow, post: 2608033, member: 16760"] [b]4: Searching for Water, Finding Lies Instead[/b] [This is basically the continuation of Yasir's solo adventure. I played Jamul the silk merchant (and a cameo of Abdul), while Farraj's player and the Narrator divided Shuri between them. Aaron, the Narrator, had intended to get to the rest of the storylines, but things went in unexpected directions, and then Farraj's player had computer trouble.] [b]Narrator:[/b] Wherein begins the evening tale, "Searching for Water, Finding Lies Instead".... [b]Narrator:[/b] The sun leaves the sky, the moon rises high, the call for prayer goes out and is answered. A bucket has gone down for water, and it has come up filled with lies and questions. Abdul awaits the messenger from Jamul, who travels with Yasir after concluding the water negotiations. Meanwhile, Farraj chats with the blacksmith as two youths look him over. The night is young in Huzuz, City of Delights, and the sorcerer-in-a-chest plots his treachery. The Forgotten Boys. Cemetery Square. Kara Iskendar. Familiar names which helped Metef keep his sanity in his new accursed form. Perhaps he had a chance to outwit these meddlers, but it would take every bit of cunning the blasphemous sorcerer possessed...before he lost his human mind forever to the bestial nature consuming him. [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir stands back to let Jamul handle the negotiations. Shuri and Yasir, in Yasir's words, "are letting Jamul do the talking and keeping their hands on their swords." And given the constant quarrelling between Shuri and Jamul, this might not be a bad idea. Strange bedfellows are one thing, but their arguing waited on no man. Jamul stands waiting for Kara Iskendar with an ingratiating expression on his face. Then again, such an expression is so natural to him it may well have been stamped there at birth. [b]Narrator:[/b] Kara Iskendar has just been summoned by his daughter and he enters trailing his gaudy red silk robe behind him, two stout merchant guards flanking him. And his daughter, Jayla, appears to be no pushover either, though her love for her father certainly is in question. Several elephants are being loaded by workers overseen by merchant guards. Shuri impatiently looks about. [b]Jamul:[/b] "Ah! Esteemed Iskendar, it is good to see you again!" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Jamul al-Huzuzi, the silk merchant," says Iskendar with no hidden irritation in his voice. "Have you come on account of a debt I've neglected to collect from you? My memory does fail me at certain moments." Shuri gives Yasir an exasperated look. People are dying of thirst while these men exchange pleasantries! Jamul laughs as if Iskendar had just said something funny. "Why no, though any reason is good enough to see your noble visage again. I am come on a mission of charity - though profitable enough charity for you, I trust!" Shuri bites his lip. Yasir whispers to Shuri, "One wonders how much talk it takes before people can be helped." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Indeed," says Iskendar. "I will humour your requests though the meager sum Zarif's representative has brought impresses me not. However, I am a man of the common good, and should a caravanserai perish, it would hurt all business. Tell me, is master Metef still harassing travelers to his caravanserai?" [b]Jamul:[/b] "Not at all, noble sir, not at all! His stepson Mamoun is master of the place now." [b]Shuri:[/b] "Mamoun will bring prosperity to the caravanserai, all that Metef would leech." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Let me be clear with you, Jamul," says Iskendar walking away from the two strongmen with Jamul while eyeing Yasir, "the sum of money won't cover half the expenses of this mission of salvation. You and those traveling with you would become heavily in my debt." He rubs his fingers through his greasy beard. Being in debt to Kara Iskendar is one of those curious fates that Jamul might fear worse than death; he is said to have half of Huzuz in his debt. [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir notices the group of rogues gambling for the ante (including his father's ring) making a ruckus between them. Jamul laughs again, with an edge of nervousness this time. "Good Iskendar, surely you jest. I am come here to help relieve the poor souls of Zarif. I am sure that in time they can repay all that you ask. And what is more, think of the good you will do, for your own business not least!" [b]Narrator:[/b] Iskendar arches his brow. "Yes indeed. Of course, Zarif will need to pay me back in one year or I shall be forced to collect on my debt in more direct ways that I'm sure this Mamoun has never heard of. Shall a contract be drawn up?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir notices one of the young beggars playing the dice game swipe the ring from the ante pile without his fellows noticing. ====================================== Yasir approaches the beggars. "How much for the ring?" he asks of the one who just stole it. [b]Narrator:[/b] The beggars look up at Yasir, taking him for one of the guards. The young urchin. "Ring?" He stares wide-eyed at Yasir. He produces a shiny piece of glass, "You mean this piece of blue glass?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "No, the ring. You wouldn't want Iskendar to know you were stealing, would you?" [b]Narrator:[/b] The young boy motions for Yasir to lean down close out of earshot of the other beggars. Yasir leans closer. [b]Narrator:[/b] "It's Kara. He won't let me leave, thinks I'll get picked up by the watch and say all sorts of mischief, though I'd never do that. It'd ruin my reputation, sahib. If you can get me out of here, I'll give you the ring." He looks at Yasir pleading. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Kara is busy now. I'll distract him further." He tries to spook one of the elephants. ======================================= [b]Jamul:[/b] "I have no objection. Shuri, are you able to act on behalf of good Mamoun?" [b]Shuri:[/b] "What do you ask, that I give you all that you would take?" Jamul laughs again while his eyes lob desperate daggers at the young man. "You have such a sense of humor, Shuri! I am but asking if you can sign a contract on behalf of Zarif?" Shuri has a sudden idea... "It is fortunate that I have made the acquaintance of one of the Caliph's own scribes, a man of impeccable honesty who would be perfect for brokering such an important contract. I am sure that with his assistance we can come to an abiding agreement, one that Mamoun will hold as though he had signed it himself!" Jamul smiles as if humoring Shuri, meanwhile watching Iskendar out of the corner of his eye to see how he takes this. Shuri nods and smiles. He has no intention of signing away the future of his home-town to this scorpion. [b]Narrator:[/b] All of a sudden Yasir trips into one of the guardsmen, and both fall backward, knocking a load of heavy bags from the elephant. The elephant tries to bolt and is held by its chain, but two servants go flying as the large animal thrashes about. "Look out!" comes the startled yell of a stablehand. Jamul gapes. "God have mercy!" He backs away from the elephant. Yasir steps toward the door to meet the beggar. Shuri turns towards the ruckus and takes a step towards Yasir when he sees that he is at the heart of the matter. [b]Narrator:[/b] Iskendar shouts at the guard, "You oaf!" Quickly his daughter dashes along side the elephant, and grabs a chain, wrapping it about a massive pillar. The elephant rears in terror at the feathers on her head and all the strange people around. [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir meets the beggar boy, but notices two guards blocking the exit. [b]Yasir:[/b] (to guards) "Help us!" Shuri strides towards Yasir at his call. [b]Narrator:[/b] The guards grumble and rush to help Yasir with the elephant. Jamul cowers like a merchant in danger. Why not? Yasir slips through the guards toward the door [b]Narrator:[/b] Jayla Bint-Iskendar wrestles with the elephant and gets tossed through the air, landing in Shuri's arms. Jamul murmurs frantic prayers in a corner of the room. Perhaps that will help. [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir can't find a way through all the guards - they're closing from every direction. He does notice the beggar boy slip past them though and to the door, where he gives one look back before vanishing. [b]Shuri:[/b] "You have flown like a bird and picked an unlikely tree to roost." Yasir tries to run toward the door, unafraid of who sees him [b]Narrator:[/b] Jayla blinks at Shuri, "Unhand me this instant!" Shuri puts her down and bows, smiling. [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir knocks over several guards making a clear sprint for the door. A group of beggar boys shout after him, "Thief! Thief!" Yasir heads out toward the beggar boy. Shuri starts at the commotion. [b]Narrator:[/b] Iskendar is distraught at the chaos, and starts barking orders. "Catch that man getting away! Jayla, cut him off. You guards, keep an eye on Jamul and his strongman ((Shuri))." Shuri steps towards Jamul, things have taken a very serious turn. Jamul smiles frantically up at Shuri, for once glad to see his face. [b]Narrator:[/b] Jayla groans at her father, "Do you think I owe you one thing?" He glares at her, and she sighs, "Yes, but remember this when you start raving about how ungrateful I am next time, father." With that Jayla rushes to a wall and grabs a sheathed scimitar before running out the back. ================================== [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir ploughs through the evening crowd. Soon the call for prayer will go out. He spots the beggar boy sprinting down a back alley. Yasir follows. [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir spots the beggar boy squeezing through a narrow grate leading to the city's underground waterways. Suddenly a cloaked woman drops down from the roof of a squat building. It is Jayla, daughter of Kara Iskendar. She draws her scimitar, "So, Yasir al-Ayyubi, you are full of surprises. I wonder if you will continue to surprise in your swordplay!" [b]Narrator:[/b] She attempts to lure Yasir into a compromising position, but he holds his ground. It would take Allah himself to move the lion Yasir. Jayla takes a quick jab at his belt, hoping to cut his scabbard from his side. Yasir lunges out of her reach. Yasir swings his scimitar at Jayla, crying, "Woman, get out of my way, or so help me, I'll avenge my father's death on you!" [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir plunges his scimitar deftly under Jayla's guard, grabbing her sword arm as he twists here about, drawing a bright line of blood as he wounds her. Gasping, she collapses; clearly not a warrior of any sort! Yasir rushes past her toward the beggar boy. [b]Narrator:[/b] The beggar boy struggles to squeeze through the grate, but is stuck halfway. Yasir hears him yelling something, it sounds like a swear word. Such language, from one so young! That's what he gets for hanging around a bunch of dirty heretics! Yasir pulls him out, sword still in hand. He extends his hand to the boy, saying only "Ring." [b]Narrator:[/b] The boy seems relieved when he sees it is Yasir. "Oh it's you! I thought for sure you were one of the guards! Oh, sahib," he continues, growing more distraught, "in my fear I dropped your ring into the waterways. Please sahib," he says, glancing nervously at the wounded Jayla. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Get it quickly before I cut off your tongue for lying and your hand for stealing." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Yes sahib, right away," says the boy, resuming his squirming and squiggling before slipping into the darkness under the grate. Yasir peers into the grate [b]Narrator:[/b] The boy calls back, "Oh sahib, I cannot find it. It is so dark." Yasir hears guards rushing toward him. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Hurry, before I tell them where you are." He stands ready to meet the guards, scimitar in hand, blood still on his blade and clothing. [b]Narrator:[/b] Six guards rush around the corner, and seeing Jayla wounded, draw their swords. Jayla points at Yasir as one of the guards helps her, "He, he and the boy are in league." Yasir, growing quite irate, "Boy, where is the ring?!" [b]Narrator:[/b] No answer comes from within the grate save the sound of rushing water. ================================== Shuri has taken up a wide legged stance and has eased the first few inches of his scimitar from it's home. Jamul gets to his feet, feeling much better now that he has a living shield between him and the distressing things. He knew Shuri was good for something... [b]Narrator:[/b] A group of guards have surrounded Shuri and Jamul. Iskendar glares at Jamul, "If this is your doing, old friend, then we'll be negoatiating a new contract soon. What can you tell me about this other man who was with you? Was he really of the Ayyubi family?" [b]Jamul:[/b] "Oh noble Iskendar, I am as shocked as you at this turn of events. Yasir al-Ayyubi is known to me as a great man without fear, peerless in his bravery and generosity. But what is in his mind in this thing now, I know not." Shuri nods to Jamul, keep talking... Jamul obliges Shuri readily enough. "I feel certain that whatever it may be, it is nothing ignoble or base. But I repeat, I knew nothing of this when I came to you." Shuri is watching the surrounding guards. He is rhythmically turning his head to catch any movement to his flanks. When he twists his body he moves his feet. [b]Narrator:[/b] Iskendar frowns at Jamul and Shuri. "Very well, you have proven honorable in the past, and your name carries weight even here, Jamul. I believe this man, if he is who he says he is, had come to negotiate with me regarding his father's debt..." [b]Jamul:[/b] "I believe he did not even know of his father's debt, good Iskendar, until it was mentioned to him by your man." [b]Narrator:[/b] Iskendar eases up, indicating for his guards around Jamul and Shuri to lower their weapons. "It is no worry. Soon Jayla and my guards will have this Yasir and the truth of the matter shall come out. Do you wish to contact your scholar friend and have him review this contract for you?" asks Iskendar, presenting a contract to Jamul. [b]Jamul:[/b] "Ah... Yes, of course. My thanks to you, Iskendar." Shuri turns to Jamul. "Perhaps we should be going, master. I am sure that Abdul the scribe will return with us tomorrow." Jamul rather enjoys replying, "Yes, of course, my servant." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Very well," says Iskendar cannily. "You may go." [b]Jamul:[/b] "A pleasure doing business with you, as always, Iskendar." [b]Narrator:[/b] Iskendar grins at Jamul. "Oh, the pleasure is all mine. I look forward to talking to you soon, Jamul, about these matters, and your eligible daughter." Jamul blanches. "My, ah, daughter?" Shuri hustles Jamul right out of there as soon as they have stopped lying and threatening each other. Jamul struggles slightly against Shuri. "My daughter?!" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Yes of course, your daughter. She is quite the young flower, so I hear." Iskendar continues, watching Jamul. Jamul laughs weakly. "Ha ha ha. Yes, of course she is. Fatima, my jewel." [b]Narrator:[/b] Shuri and Jamul are led from the ominous building of Kara Iskendar's trading warehouse. The sun sets. The call for prayer is going out. Across the street the caravan guards Feyrouz and Jifar tend the camels. Somewhere in the city, Abdul is guarding the sorcerer-in-a-chest. Who save Fate knows where Farraj is? ================================== [b]Narrator:[/b] Five of the guards close on Yasir. "Well, young buck. How about facing a man? Or will you come willingly so Kara can come up with a punishment for you?" The lead guard pauses, sizing up Yasir, "Though I sincerely hope you choose the latter. I've no fondness for militant Moslems." [b]Yasir:[/b] "She was between me and the thief that was trying to escape. I cannot abide by injustice." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Really?" says the lead guard, drawing closer. The guards are stopped when Jayla says, "Wait! What do you have to say for yourself? And be quick about it before I sic my father's dogs on you." [b]Yasir:[/b] "I already told them. You tried to stop me from bringing him to justice." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Are you mad??" She gazes at Yasir with a mixture of bewilderment and hate. "It was you who came here armed to face my father over your family's debt and it was you who stole from him!" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Stole what? If you are going to make accusations, show me proof." [b]Narrator:[/b] The lead guard continues, "A ring, a vial, an amber necklace... Jayla, I tire with this fool's lies. Let me gut him like a fish." [b]Yasir:[/b] "A what?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Jayla, while her wound is bound, glares at Yasir. "Against my better judgment, Yasir, you can go." She holds up her hand at the guard's protests. "You protected me from the assassin in the alley. Alas, he wounded me, but he could not finish me off. I think my father will thank you for his daughter's life and overlook any petty thievery you've stooped to." She looks at Yasir meaningfully, hoping the guards buy her bluff. [b]Yasir:[/b] "You heard the woman!" [b]Narrator:[/b] The guards clear aside, letting Yasir pass through, amidst their grumbling and glares. As Yasir passes by Jayla, she looks him in the eye, "I'll be seeing you, Yasir al-Ayyubi." In her eyes shines a mixture of anger and respect. Yasir smiles and walks away. ================================ [b]Narrator:[/b] As Jamul and Shuri begin to bicker again crossing the street, Yasir runs into them. Jamul keeps trying to sneak a peek at the contract, but Shuri's words keep reminding him that he needs to be angry with someone. Preferably someone less dangerous than Kara Iskendar. [b]Shuri:[/b] "Oh Yasir, are you well? I thought for sure the water merchants guards had slain you!" [b]Yasir:[/b] "I'm fine." [b]Jamul:[/b] "Oh come, Shuri! Have you no more confidence in the great Yasir than that?! I knew he would be well." [b]Shuri:[/b] "Six men to one? Pff! It just goes to show that merchants have no business once the scimitars are drawn. What happened back there, Yasir?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Don't you worry." [b]Jamul:[/b] "I will wager that Yasir could take on any number of Iskendar's thugs!" He suddenly gets a gleam in his eye. "Saaaaay." [b]Yasir:[/b] "What happened is done." Shuri eyes Yasir. He is a tremendous lion, besting six men at once! And his mysteries are as thick as his mane. [b]Jamul:[/b] "Iskendar is rather a man for a wager, I think... Perhaps we could wipe our your debt and Zarif's at one go, Yasir!" He carefully does not mention that his daughter might also be left out of account. "Yasir? What say you?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "I say nothing." [b]Jamul:[/b] "You have no wish to rescue Zarif and avenge your father at one blow?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Will he not give us water?" Jamul admits, "He gave me a contract, though I have not yet looked at it. Given the way he was smiling, I fear his terms are very dear." [b]Yasir:[/b] "Read it first." Jamul promises, "I will. We can discuss it over dinner. Did I mention that my daughter Fatima is in the very flower of youth? And you are not growing any younger, my friend..." Yasir looks away. Jamul smiles ingratiatingly. Warriors and their foibles! "It is the evening hour. Come, eat, and refresh yourself. My hospitality is of the best." [b]Yasir:[/b] "That sounds wonderful." [b]Shuri:[/b] "Hark, the call to prayer. Let us pray to God to forgive our enemies!" Indeed the call to prayer goes out again. Shuri reminds the other two, "Do you so quickly forget that a villainous sorcerer is with Abdul?" Yasir prays. Jamul sighs at the minor inconveniences of life. "I will send a servant to summon him to dinner, as I said I would." He also kneels in the dusty road and prays. Shuri prays, in particular watching Yasir and attempting to mimic him. Having finished his prayers, "That's not good enough, Jamul. Or do you not remember how Metef controlled the will of even Farraj and Feyrouz? What if he has subdued Abdul even while we prattled with Kara Iskendar?" Jamul raises his eyes to the heavens and says, exasperated, "God forfend that I should forget, Shuri! What measures do you suggest, then?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Let us first see what has become of them." [b]Shuri:[/b] "Oh noble Yasir, will you accompany me to visit with Abdul? We can send word to Jamul later." [b]Jamul:[/b] "Oh, very well. But I must see to my servants. I will send a man with you to show the way." ===================================== [b]Narrator:[/b] Abdul has just finished praying in his old apartment. His thoughts are distracted by the recent turn of events. He soon receives Yasir and Shuri, who knock at his door. Abdul opens the door in relief. "God be praised! I am glad you are come." [b]Yasir:[/b] "Hello again." [b]Abdul:[/b] "I cannot come to dinner, my friend - please give my regrets to Jamul. Farraj has wandered off, AND I have had distressing news that must be attended to without delay." [b]Yasir:[/b] "What news have you, Abdul?" Abdul sighs. "If I tried to explain it to you, Yasir, we should be here until morning and all I must do would be left undone. Suffice to say that a very old friend to whom I owe an incalculable debt is... distressed. I have waited anxiously for you to come and take Metef from me, for I would not leave him here alone." [b]Yasir:[/b] "Where should Metef be taken?" Abdul sighs. "I know not. To Jamul and his dinner, I suppose. We dare not leave him alone." [b]Yasir:[/b] "Let us bring him, then." He grabs the chest. [b]Narrator:[/b] Shuri considers Abdul's words. "I'll inform Jamul's man tha--- What? To dinner? I'm sorry, you can't be serious! I may not care for Jamul, but to put his entire family in peril?" Abdul sighs. "I am at my wit's end, Shuri! Have you a better idea?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "We must, Abdul is right. Metef is too dangerous to leave alone." [b]Abdul:[/b] "In any case, the chest is bound with Ittifaqi Hasanah, and that seems to prevent trouble." [b]Yasir:[/b] "With what?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "Farraj's silk. It seems to have some virtue against Metef's powers." Shuri considered the men. Great men, fearless men, pious men, but certainly not the brightest. Perhaps their time in the cities had dulled their minds; he had always suspected as much. Too much food in the belly. "We might bring it to a qadi now?" [b]Abdul:[/b] "We shall have to find one that can resist Metef, and that may take a careful search. Though perhaps with the silk..." [b]Yasir:[/b] "It's best to stay close together with it." [b]Narrator:[/b] Shuri gnaws his lip. "Feyrouz was a pious man, so too Farraj, yet both of them succumbed to this treacherous wretch! How do we know he won't try his dark magic on one of us?" Abdul says bluntly, "You don't. But I cannot stay here, and I cannot leave Metef here to cause mischief upon anyone who passes by, either. Do you not remember, though, how the silk freed the ferryman?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "We must be careful... That is why we should stay together." [b]Shuri:[/b] "The sooner we are done with with Metef, the sooner the people at the caravanserai will drink." Abdul corrects him, "The sooner we are done with Metef, the sooner they will breathe easy. The water is a separate thing - I hope your negotiations were successful.?" [b]Narrator:[/b] Shasti, who is in the room with Abdul, nudges the other pack camel, which bears the chest with Metef trapped within. [b]Shuri:[/b] What I mean is that we must dispose of this sorcerer before we can safely find water for my home, ask Jamul how our meeting with his friend went." [b]Abdul:[/b] "I will, but for now I must be off. God be with you, my friends!" [b]Yasir:[/b] "When will you return, Abdul?" [b]Shuri:[/b] "And with you." [b]Abdul:[/b] "If God smiles upon me, by dawn." [b]Narrator:[/b] Abdul hears a voice, like a thin smoke, emanating from the chest. "Take me with you, sha'ir......" Abdul blinks and says angrily, "Cease your lies, Metef! I have no need of them." [b]Narrator:[/b] "*gawk* And you haven't lied, sha'ir? There is much I know of where you are going. I could help you...." Abdul shoos Shuri and Yasir out of the house. "Get the sorcerer out of my sight before I lose patience with him." Yasir grabs the chest and takes it out. Shuri looks at Yasir. "Today we have the luck of the fugitive!" [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir leads the camel with the chest on its back from Abdul's house. Shuri leads Shasti, Farraj's favored mare. Shasti snuggles down in a corner. It will take more than the will of men to move her. Shuri looks down at the Camel who thinks she is a cat. Abdul hurries over to one of his less-talkative neighbors, pausing a moment to calm down. There he borrows an egg and a lump of lard. As long as he's there anyway, he casually inquires how long Ferej had been staying at his place. [b]Narrator:[/b] Offhand, the old shepherdess mutters, "Why no more'n a week, dear. What a nice young man..." Abdul thanks her and hurries back to his house. "You're still here??" [b]Narrator:[/b] Shasti snorts at Abdul's comment. To think! She is the pride of the desert! Soon they shall bring her cloved apricots and coconut water, surely. [b]Shuri:[/b] "It is too bad. We have gone to such effort to prepare your palace, oh great one. But if you would prefer to stay here..." Shasti hops up and prances out the door. She gets outside and realises that she has been hoodwinked. SNORT. Abdul rolls his eyes at the camel, then cracks the egg into a bowl. Opening his writing case, he takes one of his least-favored brushes, and uses it to "paint" the whites along his forehead, cheeks, and the backs of his hands. When it dries, it will shrink and make wrinkles. Shuri follows the camel. "Where to, Yasir?" Abdul then takes some ashes from the hearth, and mixes it with the lard, making a goopy mess that he smears on his hair and beard, to make them dull, stringy, and grey. [b]Yasir:[/b] "We need to go to the dinner, Shuri." He heads toward Jamul's house. [b]Shuri:[/b] "Very well, lead on." Abdul finally dresses himself in some noisome rags he keeps for such occasions. Pausing in the inner courtyard, he rubs dirt liberally upon his flesh. Soon he is the very image of a down-and-out beggar. Then he slips his way cautiously out of his house and hurries off onto the street, hoping to remain unobserved. [b]Narrator:[/b] Shuri and Yasir make their way past the beggar man lurking near Abdul's house and head to the Merchant's District, with its bustling streets, smell of gold plating, and noisy cries from merchant houses. Even at this hour of night, the dull roar of the street is staggering, though it begins to die down as Yasir and Shuri arrive at Jamul's house. Looking at themselves they realize they are in no condition to attend a dinner party - the desert has a way of dirtying men. Their clothes at least. Of course, it purifies their spirit. Yasir looks for a place to wash up. [b]Narrator:[/b] A barber appears to be closing shop not to far from Jamul's house. Yasir approaches the barber. "May I trouble you to let me wash before you close?" [b]Narrator:[/b] The squint-eyed man could easily pass for a beggar, were it not for the jewels he adorns. "Ah, shave and a haircut?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "How much?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Well, for you noble sir, I only charge 1 dirham!" [b]Yasir:[/b] "That's an outrage!" [b]Narrator:[/b] Spreading his hands, the barber explains, "Ah, but I have a most amazing story to tell! Surely that alone is worth the price? May I also point out that all other barbers are now closed at this hour?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Six bits... for the story too." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Six bits? Alas, my wife and children will starve! Please have a seat, sahib." Says the barber, waxing his moustache. "What brings you to Huzuz?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Eight, then." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Yes, eight, very good." The barber begins trimming away at Yasir's hair, massaging his scalp with scented oils, washing his turban. [b]Yasir:[/b] "What's your story?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Well sahib, it is the most stupendous story you have ever heard. There are sorcerers and thieves. And it all occurred in this very city!" [b]Barber:[/b] "As I lay there watching the pretty girls go by in the Grand Bazaar, a man came up to me looking like he'd seen a ghost. He said to me 'Oh barber, quickly, you must tell me where to find Rafiqi?' " [b]Barber:[/b] "And I said I did not, but the man must have mistaken me for someone else, claiming I was withholding from him, for he had a very important message for this Rafiqi. And thus I went on denying and he went on insisting, until he said: 'Do you know that a fearsome sorcerer has just threatened me should I not tell deliver a message to Rafiqi?' And I responded that I did not know, and bade him tell me more." [b]Yasir:[/b] "And what happened?" [b]Barber:[/b] "Well, he weeped and said his lies had landed him in this mess, and that he was thinking about leaving for the Maghrib to evade his master's wrath, but that he must deliver this message to Rafiqi before he left. Thereupon the man revealed he was an unscrupulous rogue who had just feigned being a housesitter for an upstanding scribe, who turned out to be a sha'ir with a speaking chest!" [b]Barber:[/b] "There you are sahib! The finest specimen of man I have ever seen! Though a bit morose, I'm afraid I couldn't cure whatever ails your spirit." The barber finishes Yasir's haircut. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Thank you kindly, sir." He gets up and pays the man. ======================================= Shuri watches Jamul's house, looking to see if anyone else is observing the place. [b]Narrator:[/b] Shuri notes two men across the street he recognizes from Kara Iskendar's warehouse. Guards perhaps keeping an eye on Jamul? Shuri attempts to get closer to the men, perhaps close enough to hear what they might be saying? [b]Brute Guard:[/b] "That swordsman was something else, huh? If he could drop Jayla like a hunter drops the sparrowhawk, surely he must be fearsome. And did you see the look in his eyes? Like a madman!" [b]Veteran Guard:[/b] "Hmm. Did you see that street urchin that ran out with him? I'm guessing they'll start looking for that urchin soon enough. And that might mean Cemetery Square." Both guards shiver at the name. Shuri approaches the men allowing them to see him. Quietly, he asks, "Has there been much movement this evening?" Brute Guard : "Eh? Do I know you sahib? Hey, the merchant's guardsmen, aren't you?" [b]Shuri:[/b] "Let us just say that we share the same master, eh? I must warn you that Yasir the Lion is coming. He has the eyes of the hawk and will surely see you. You must go home tonight. I will report to our master tomorrow." [b]Veteran Guard:[/b] "Hmph. I haven't heard anything about it. What else can you tell me about 'Yasir the Lion'?" [b]Shuri:[/b] "He is a fine swordsman and can see through the thickest veil of deceit. Our master has commanded me to find the connection between Yasir and Jamul. You must not speak of me to any others, if you value the skin on your back." [b]Veteran Guard:[/b] "Ok, what's the secret code? Just to make sure you are who you say you are..." says the veteran guard in plainclothes, keeping a hand on his club. [b]Shuri:[/b] "It is a phrase of course: "The waters flow to the sea."" [b]Narrator:[/b]: Both the guards look at one another, the younger giving the veteran a questioning look. [b]Veteran Guard:[/b] "No, no, the new password." Shuri looks exasperated and checks over his shoulder, looking at the barbers [b]Narrator:[/b] Yasir is finished at the barber's. The veteran guard follows his gaze. "Is that...Yasir?" [b]Shuri:[/b] "Listen up. I am working for our master as a personal informant. I ask you kindly to forget the code phrase I just told you. It is the personal code between our master and myself. [b]Shuri:[/b] It could be dangerous for you to know it. Yasir will be here any minute. If you mess with his plans you will be turned into saddles. Now go. And fill the world with silence on this matter." Yasir approaches Shuri without a word. [b]Veteran Guard:[/b] The guards exchange a look with each other. Whoever this man is he is a poor liar, to his credit. The veteran guard eyes Shuri up and down. "Right, so we'll just wander down the street to that coffee house. If you need us, just holler the secret password." He winks. The younger brute guard stiffles a laugh. The two guards walk down the street a short ways. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Come, Shuri, we must go." [b]Shuri:[/b] "Of course." [b]Narrator:[/b] The newly groomed Yasir and the grubby Shuri approach the splendid house of Jamul al-Huzuzi. A young porter greets them at the door. "Sahib, " he bows, "Welcome to my master's home. May I take your camels?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Yes." He takes the chest off the camel carrying it. [b]Narrator:[/b] Appalled at this noble man bearing the chest, the porter inquires, "Far be it from me to presume, but may I help you with your burden, sahib? Ah, please remove your shoes here. And bow here. Watch your heads. And bow here again. Right this way, sahib." [b]Yasir:[/b] "No thank you, kind sir." [b]Narrator:[/b] Jamul's voice, "Hurry up children! My guests are coming soon! Ah!" He nearly runs into Yasir, before embracing him. Seeing the chest, his face loses color, "Good Yasir, the chest? What is the meaning of this?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "I'm sorry, friend, we must. I'll keep it close to me." [b]Jamul:[/b] "You must bring it HERE? Amidst my children and wives? [b]Yasir:[/b] "I'm sorry. We had no choice." Jamul is quite flustered. "Ah... Perhaps we can keep some slaves nearby it, so the sorcerer does not seek the souls of my loved ones..." [b]Narrator:[/b] Jamul's first wife's voice sounds out, "They sound like beggars, dear husband!" Thanks goodness his second wife isn't here - one is enough to deal with! [b]Yasir:[/b] "No. It needs to stay near me." Jamul looks back in irritation. "Yasir is a man nobler than your family, dearest!" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Now, now. This is only out of necessity." Jamul forces a smile. "Of course, of course! Do come in." [b]Narrator:[/b] Jamul's first of three wives emerges from the women's room, clad in a respldent white robe, her face thinly veiled. She is the picture of a mature woman, with as much cunning as Jamul himself. She can see the wheels of her husband's head spinning. "Shall I introduce our children, dear husband?" She looks Yasir and Shuri up and down with disdain. Jamul says sourly, "Of course, dearest wife." Yasir waits patiently [b]Narrator:[/b] She goes about introducing the seven children, but dotes special attention upon Fatima. "My eldest. Isn't she the gem of her father's eye? Never has Huzuz seen such an eligible young woman." She looks shrewdly at her husband as 14 year old Fatima blushes. Jamul smiles a sickly smile. "Never indeed!" he maintains loyally, but his is plainly worried. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Lovely." [b]Narrator:[/b] The young boy Dawar lunges forward, grabbing Yasir's leg. "Are you the lion my father sent word he'd met? I've been waiting all day to see a lion. I met a lion once, it went RARR! I wasn't scared, but, um..." [b]Yasir:[/b] "Yes, Dawar. You'll be a brave warrior some day." [b]Narrator:[/b] "Now, now, Dawar, don't intimidate our high and mighty guests," says Jamul's first wife with a thick layer of sarcasm. [b]Jamul:[/b] "Yes, son, we must show courtesy to our guests." [b]Narrator:[/b] Fatima leads the rest of the children to set out the meal which Bab-al-Sama, Jamul's first wife, lovingly prepared. Jamul makes interminable small talk to set his guests at ease before broaching any delicate subjects. [b]Narrator:[/b] Dawar tells stories of his imaginary adventures to Yasir with great relish, tugging on his leg impolitely whenever Yasir diverts his attention to other topics or...the looming chest. At length Bab-al-Sama inquires, "Honored guest, I must inquire about your chest. How long have you been cursed by djinn with carrying it upon your back?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Too long." Jamul glares impatiently. "Oh, cease, woman! I have told you about the terrifying events of Zarif!" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Ah yes, but I thought I'd demonstrate to our guest Fatima's God-given gifts. My husband thinks me too proud, but she is quite the gifted hakima. She knows truth a mile away. I suppose, though, that a husband who lies, should find no solace in her as his wife." She glances at Yasir. "Not that you would need worry about that, honored guest. More yogurt?" [b]Yasir:[/b] "Certainly, thank you." [b]Narrator:[/b] Fatima rises to clear the table, blushing greatly, aided by her brothers and sisters. Jamul asks suspiciously, "What sort of demonstration?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Why I thought she might listen to our guest speak of his family. He might throw in a deliberate lie or two to try to catch Fatima, something convincing. She has gotten quite good at it during your latest venture away." Says Bab-al-Sama, somewhat indignantly. There she goes again, getting jealous of Jamul's ventures away. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Not I, no." Jamul grins and leans back, relaxed. "Perhaps we should instead tell the tale of the events of Zarif, to set your mind at ease as to the truth of it all." He looks entirely too smug. [b]Narrator:[/b] Bab-al-Sama stares suspiciously at Jamul. "Please husband, do tell." Jamul gives a factual account of what he saw at Zarif, greatly enjoying spiting his dubious wife. [b]Narrator:[/b] She squints at Jamul. "And what of the coin in the chest?" She demands. [b]Jamul:[/b] "Well, what of it?" [b]Narrator:[/b] "Is it real?" [b]Jamul:[/b] "The coin? I do not know, but doubtless it was a trick of the sorcerer's black arts. [b]Yasir:[/b] "Enough." [b]Narrator:[/b] Blanching at Yasir's voice, Bab-al-Sama quickly excuses herself, glancing accusatorily at her husband. She removes their dishes, whispering to Jamul, "A fitting match for Fatima. Good luck." Bab has always been jealous of Fatima, the only child by Jamul's second wife. Bab should have been the one to bear a child to Jamul first, but Fate wasn't so kind. Jamul looks to Fatima for confirmation of his story. That'll put Bab in her place. [b]Narrator:[/b] Fatima nods to her father. "It is truth, father." She avoids her mother's gaze, finishing the cleaning. [b]Jamul:[/b] "Of course it was, my darling. [b]Narrator:[/b] Bab grows red before storming off, "I'm going to pray and thank God for your safe return, and that it shall continue to be that way!" Jamul calls after her smugly, "My thanks to you, most generous wife!" [b]Narrator:[/b] Shuri leans forward, "Jamul, did you know you are being watched by Kara Iskendar?" Jamul suddenly turns gloomy. "Oh, the man has eyes everywhere!" [/QUOTE]
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True20 Al-Qadim: Zakharan Nights (updated 6/21/06)
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