Vae Victis - Khan

Dengil misses floors. Real floors. He wouldn't mind a nice, thick rug, of course. 

And a pair of nice legs standing on it, with a nice juicy vagina between them.

But he doesn't need a rug, just a floor. Dengil's cell doesn't have a floor, just dirt and a stone bunk. Bucket for his urine and feces. A few months ago the bucket started leaking and they replaced it after a few days. Dengil was so happy when they replaced it, he was ashamed of himself. But he was. After four years in a cell, anything new is exciting.

And still, he doesn't know why he's here. Was it four years ago when Dengil returned from the Academy? Yes. It was spring. He remembers stopping at that seamstress's house, just next to IIoleume's gate of Lions. He was hungry for that perverted seamstress. Nothing like banging a woman with her daughters in the same bed. HDengil was wondering if she would be pregnant when he'd walk into her house. He loved breeding them. Making royal bastards where he went. But the Shadow Guard waited for Dengil outside her house. Barlin's secret police. Dengil fought them. More out of annoyance of them attempting to arrest the prince. Maybe even showing off, hoping that seamstress would see him. Dengil even managesd to kill one guard. He was always to goddamn strong. Too goddamn fierce. But eventually they overwhelmed him, threw Dengil in here.

There were male guards back then. Now only women. Dengil be damned if he knew why. They wouldn't tell him when he asked. At least some are hot, gives Dengil something to mastubate to. Four years. 

The traders post is a quiet and cool hall, where traders, merchants, gamali drivers and other adventurers meet to trae information and gossip. Not necessarily in that order. Dengil spends a couple of minutes surveying the room, trying to find a person who seems knowledgeable in business and friendly enough to help him. Finally, he notices a man who drinks on his own and approaches him.

"Hello, may I join you?" Dengil said. "Be my guest. I will not deny my hospitality from anyone in the desert," he said. "Hospitality? How?" "Even in this space you are my guest and in the desert it is forbidden to deny hospitality."

"Ah. My name is Hanoor. Hanoor dal Sakim," Dengil said. "Zakir, at your service," he said. "I'm a wandering poet, I travel where my muse leads me. Would you like to hear my latest poem?" "Unfortunately, I don't have an ear for poetry. Your talent will be wasted on me."

You can't rely on friends, family or lovers but you can count on the fact that no one wants to hear a wandering poet's latest poem.

"Let me know if you change your mind," Dengil said. "Have I offended you, Saar?" Zakir said. "No, no. You're not the first who rejects my poetry. I'm starting to think I'm in the wrong business. Maybe I should become a trader like you." "You think this life is easy?" "You buy and sell. People always need... things, don't they?" Dengil said. "It's not as easy as that. There is supply and demand, bandits, tariffs, taxes, disasters. The list goes on an on. And that's before the Young Queen," Zakir said. "The what?" "The Young Queen. Her royal highness Nahir dar'Akad." "Never heard of her. I'm from the Western Sister," Dengil said. "I can hear that." "So what is the problem with the Young Queen?" "She makes our life a living hell," Zakir said. "Ors being...?" "Anyone travelling the roads. She wants to build. She wants to show the world that she is not a child. Building takes gold, gold she doesn't have. Her solution? More taxes. Road taxes. Sales taxes. Travel taxes. Market taxes. We're like cows to her. To be milked dry. All so that she will be remembered as a builder, not as a queen whose mother murdered her late husband's brother. King Forry." "Murdered her... uncle? Why?" Dengil said. "Rumors say that it's a Wakabia thing. That cult... they are not as peaceful as they seem." "Do you know anything about them?" "Not much, they preach only to women. They say they are a peaceful cult, but where they root, sinister things will happen," Zakir said. "And the... Young Queen... she is a Wakabia follower?" "Openly, yes." "All right, so I'll trade elsewhere. The wind carried me to Marbia. I can go where I please," Dengil said. "You think it's easier elsewhere?" "I hope so." "The essence of it is knowing what to buy, where to buy and where to sell it. If you know these three, the rest will be a technical problem which can be solved with gold. Hire a good caravan master. Hire trustworthy guards. Hire a reliable navigator where the roads are rough. They are all important but less important than the 'what, where and where,'" Zakir said. "Can you give me an example? Real life example?" "On account of offending your poetry earlier, I'll give you a tip. Kawaka is almost always in need of rare timber, on account of their dreadful culture. They will pay almost any price for rare timber and Telditu is the best source to get it." "So if I buy rare timber in Telditu and sell it in Kawaka, I'll make a profit?" Dengil said. "There are a thousand things that can go wrong, but if luck is on your side, it is a good route." "All right, thank you. Maybe it was the Red Stallion who brought you to my path." "The Red Stallion? Isn't he a royal deity? Are you a royal?" Zakir said. "Of course not. Just a wandering poet seeking my fortune. Thank you for your time, Saar Zakir." "Hmm..."

Dengil's heart beats as he rides towards the impressive mansion, guards eying him suscpiciously as he approaches the walls. The rock the gate is built of is clearly not from here and the trees beyond the wall seem luch and healthy. It takes a disgusing amount of power and money to build such a house in the middle of the desert, so far from civilization. Dengil shudders, thinking about the power of a woman who accomplished this feat. About turning her into his enemy.

"Halt. State your name and business," a guard said. "I'm Hanoor dal Sakim, a merchant, seeking an audience with the lady Fahda," Dengil said. "Very well. Wait here, Saar."

Dengil wait for some time as the guard goes to ask for instructions while his comrades stand alert. The way they stand, relaxed yet alert. How they hold their weapons with casual confidence. Their armour is oiled, straps tied tightly. These are no tavern bouncers or caravan guards, these are top of the line killers. Confronting them would be lethal.

A woman approaches the gate. She seems confident among the guards, carrying her athletic body proudly.

"Hell, Saar...?" she said. "dal Sakim. Hanoor dal Sakim, at your service," Dengil said. "Welcome, Sarr dal Sakim. My name is Domia, head of lady Fahda's guard. I understand that you seek an audience with lady Fahda?" "I would be grateful for one, yes." "Please, follow me," Domia said. 

As Dengil follows Domia into the house, he can't help feeling awed by the splendor of it. There are statues, paintings and jewelry all arpond him. Like a woman showing her charms proudly, water runs freely in carved tunnels and big birds sing from the trees as his steps echo on the marble floors. Eventually they reach a small internal yard, surprisingly modest compared to the rest of the house. 

"Hello, lady Fahda," Dengil said. "Hello, Saar dal Sakim," she said. "The tales of your beauty were not doing you justice." "You mean the tales about the size of my jugs? Or have you not noticed the gigantic mammaries below my head? In that case, I wil have to question your eyesight." "No, I..." he said. "Come on, Saar dal Sakim. I have been carrying these around since I was 17. At 13 I already had the biggest chst in Blazeer. I am well aware what people refer to when they speak of my 'beauty.'" "My apologies if my awkwardness caused you... discomfort." "The only thing causing me discomfort is standing here and waiting for you to get to the purpose of your visit," Fahda said. "Ah, please forgive me. I am a trader, looking to establish a new route. Rare timber." "Interesting. And where do you intend to sell it?" "Kawaka,"Dengil said. "Ah. And where would be the best place to purchase rare timber?" "Teltidu." "That is a most interesting route, Saar. Most interesting. And what is it you need of me?" she said. "Sadly, I am currently low on funds. Perhaps you were willing to finance this caravan in exchange for 30 percent of the profits." "Finance all of it? How muc do you require?" "I would say, 10 gold Scales," he said. "10 Scale? I could buy a war Wyvern with that sum." "10 Scales. I will need 8 to buy the merchandise and the rest for guards, tariffs and caravan." "If I agree, I will rent you my guards. This way I can make sure you don't get funny ideas about disappearing with my money," Fahda said. "Agreeable. Do we have a deal?" "I never give a positive answer on the spot, that's my golden rule. Come back in the evening, we will dine and I will get to know you better. In some parts of the world one can live like a king forever with 10 Scale. As you will learn, I don't part easily with my money. Leave me now, you're welcome to join us this evening so we can get to know you better." "Farewell, I will return in the evening," Dengil said. 

The head of guard escorts him back to the main gate and the guards open the gates like an oiled mechanism as they approach. A couple of minutes later and Dengil's back in town.

There's an unmistakable voice of a young woman getting banged. Brutally, if Dengil might guess. Echoing her moans is a cacophony of other voices. Not human by the sound of it. The final bend leads Dengil to a cave where the action is taking place, adrenaline shoots through his veins as the scene unfolds before him.

https://ibb.co/5TSnCyb

Well, it seems like Dengil has found Arzu... gang raped by four goblins. 

https://ibb.co/C7R0Rmp

Letting out a blood curdling scream, Dengil charges in, the goblins looking at him with terror in their eyes as they scramble to defensive positions. Dengil manages to stab one filthy goblin in the heart but there are three more and they seem eager to hurt him for disturbing their fun. The girl seems to be in shock.

"Get out of here! Run!" Dengil shouts.

But she just stands there, obviously not comprehending what's going on. Another goblin drowns in his own blood as Dengil punctures his lung and slits his throat and looks at the remaining two. One goblin seems less enthusiastic about fighting Dengil but his mate charges Dengil, albeit rather hesitantly.

"Stop! Stop this!" Arzu cries. 

As Dengil beheads another goblin, his last comrade turns and flees, leaving Dengil with the naked, terrified young woman.

https://ibb.co/19dvyF7

"You're safe now," Dengil said. "Safe now? I was safe until you came here, you butcher!" Arzu said. "What?" They gang raped you!" "No, they were not! We were just having fun! Until you murdered them." "Oh," he said. "What are you even doing here?" "Gamdoo, your brother sent me." "What does he want?" she said.

"He is leaving Ziruan. He wants you to come with him," Dengil said. "What? No! I'm not leaving... them," Arzu said. "You're not leaving your... goblins?" "Yes." "What are they to you?" he said. "Why is it your concern?" "I'm here to... well... rob lady Fahda." "Lady Fahda?! Are you insane? Do you know what you're up against?" she said. "I'm beginning to, yes. Anyway, your brother won't leave here without you and I need his gamali, so please grab your things and come with me." "Please, I don't want to leave them! They are like..." "I really don't want to know," Dengil said. "Can't you please convince Gamdoo to let me stay? Tell him you have seen me and that I'm well and happy." "Are you happy here?" "Happier than I have ever been. What am I on the surface? Nothing. Dung shuffler. Gamali feeder. Here they adore me. I'm a queen here," Arzu said. "Queen of the goblins." "So what? They feed me and worship me and..." "Gang bang you, yes," he said. "That's a very narrow perspective. Here I am something. Outside... nothing. The best I could hope for is for my brother to marry me to someone important. Probably some trader. You're obviously strong enough to carry me by force but please don't. Just convince my brother to let me stay, I beg you." "The reason you live down here is because you feel worthless outside?" "Yes," she said. "Because this is just a tiny oasis in the middle of the desert, with no options." "Exactly." "But we are leaving here. You can go anywhere after we leave," Dengil said. "I... what?" "Why not? You will not depend on Gamdoo anymore once you are out in the world. You can be... whatever you want to be. Look at lady Fahda, for example. She is richer than kings, they say. I don't know why you hate her so much and I don't care. But you can use her as a role model. Aspire to be as successful as she is. Stay with your brother or not, you can carve your own path. And if you're so fond of goblins... the world is filled with them, trust me. I even employ some. Clever fellows, after their fashion." "You employ goblins? As what?" Arzu said. "They have some deep, uncanny grap of machinery. A connection I don't fully understand and I'm not sure they do. But they build things. Machines. Devices. Other... contraptions. Their creations often need to be improved but they come up with the basic idea lighning quick." "So I can just... leave? And do what I want in the world?" "Yes," he said "How... How big is the world, actually?" "Very very big. There are two continents called 'The Sisters' each holding millions of people. And between them the Sea of Knives." "What does 'sea'mean?" she said. "You have never left the oasis, have you?" "No." "The sea is like... the desert, only made of water. Water everywhere. All you see is blue water. So blue. So... immense," Dengil said. "You're lying. Gamali can't swim, they will drown with the people riding them." "We have ships. They are like... huge crates built in order to float on the water." "I know so little," Arzu said. "And you will not learn more by hiding in a cave." "I... I will come with you. I will leave here and come with Gamdoo and you." "Do you wish to say goodbye to the goblins?" he said. "No. I'm ashamed." "Ashamed? Why?" "They worshipped me like a queen, and now I leave. Their queen leaves," she said. "I understand... maybe. Let's leave in a haste then." "And please say nothing of what happened here to Gamdoo. I'm not ashamed of anything which happened... before. But he might not understand. He might even blame himself." "I will tell him that you were lost in the caves, agreed?" Dengil said. "Agreed."

Gamdoo is immensely relieved to see his sister alive and well. They hug and speak in low, hushed tones, looking at Dengil from time to time.

"You have done me a great servive, Saar dal Sakim. My gamali are yours. I will cross the desert and risk my life to pay my debt. And get back at lady Fahda, of coyúrse," Gamdoo said. "That is good to hear. I will leave now, but be ready. Any night now I might come here in a haste. We will need to leave quickly," Dengil said. "I'll be ready."

Surprisingly, the air is actually hotter in the evening. The sizzling, dry, wind blowing through town makes it feel like walking into an oven. Dengil has nothing but admiration for the guards in their close helmets, standing like statues in the blistering he.

"Good evening," he said. "Good evening, Saar," a guard replied. "I have a meeting with lady Fahda," Dengil said. "Your name, please?" "Hanoor dal Sakim." "Yes, Saar. We were instructed to let you in. The lady is waiting for you," the guard said.

A guard opens the door and escorts Dengil inside, leading him through stairs to a roof, where a luxurious tent is set.

Dengil is already familiar with Fahda and her captain of the house guard, Domia, but he is surprised to see a young woman with them.

"Good evening lady Fahda, Domia..." he said. "Saar dal Sakim, allow me to introduce my daughter, Alam. Alam, this is Hanoor dal Sakim," Fahda said. "Pleased to meet you," Alam said. "The pleasure is mine. I thought the desert was barren, but I see it can grow the most amazing flowers," Dengil said. "Cantaloupes, as it happens in some cases," Fahda said. "Mother!" Alam said. "My daughter is embarrassed by my vulgarity but tell me the truth, Saar: after leaving here today isn't my bosom what you remembered the most?" Fahda said. "No. Do you want to know, after leaving the mansion? What impressed me the most?" he said. "Don't lie to me, Saar. If you want your gold scales, we should establish some pretense of honesty," she said. 

"What I remembered most was your house guard. How oiled their armour is. How all the straps are neatly tied. Not a speck of rust on a blade. How they stand in full attention in the blazing sun with full helmets, without moving. No complaints, no idle chat. And I thought: 'A woman who can choose a commander to set up such a guard in the middle of the desert is a mighty partner to have," Dengil said.

"Or a terruble foe," Domia said. "In the desert we say about people like you: 'there's a snake in his mouth.' And you, Saar dal Sakim, have a viper hiding behind your lips," Fahda said. "If I may..." "For the thousandth time: you don't have to ask for permission to speak." "Not every merchant notices the status of my guard's armour or the firmness of their posture," Domia said. "I was in the Khan Guard for four years before I became a merchant," Dengil said. "Where did you serve?" "Tsogsogt, Namia." "Why did you leave then? I heard the pay is good with the Khan Guard," Domia said. "I guess killing is not for me," he said. "Please, not before..." Fahda said. "... the little girl?" Alam said.

"That's not what I meant. I meant..." Fahda said. "She probably meant '... before we eat.', lady Alam," Dengil said. "Exactly. Let's eat and hear stories from the outside world," Fahda said. 

They start eating and for a couple of minutes the only sounds are mild chewing voices and the constant howling of the hot wind. Apparently cutlery is not required in Ziruan and the three ladies happily tear at the food with their fingers, wiping the dirty fingers on napkins. Not wishing to show disrespect, Dengil follows their lead, quickly learning to enjoy the raw eating experience. After the meal is finished a servant replaces the plates with desserts and they resume the conversation.

"You mentioned you grew up in Blazeer," Dengil said. "Yes, the capital of Oryeonguk," Fahda said. "Why did you leave?" "I have some... breathing difficulties, since I was a child. My da brought me here, the dry air is a boon for my poor lungs." "Was he rich?" he said. "Are you asking if I inherited his wealth?" "It happened before." "He was a great inspiration to me but he wasn't rich. He was a painter. Taught me to 'Go in.' If you see what you must do, if you see your destiny: Go In. Whatever the costs. Whatever the risks. Go in," she said. "What was his destiny?"

Dengil spends some time walking around the mansion, marveling at its beauty. 

The captain of the house guard seems preoccupied with a book when Dengil enters the room, but she puts it down when he enters.

"Saar dal Sakim," she said. "Please call me Hanoor," he said.

"All right, Hanoor. Is there anything I can help you with?" Domia said. "Does the mistress always allow stranger to roam in her mansion?" Dengil said. "Her instincts are rarely wrong and she seems to trust you."

"She also hinted that you trust me as well," Dengil said. "You are obviously not one of those arse lickers who wish to weasel their way into lady Fahda's vault with compliments... or Chieftain help me, her legs," Domia said. "'Chieftain help me'? Are you a follower of the Chieftain?" "What of it?" "I thought he was an orc god," he said. "He is a warrior god first." "Meant no offense, it is just that the only Chieftain followers I met were orc boyz." "I grew up in Daoyuen. Lots of orcs there, so..." she said. "How did you end up here then?" "She... lay Fahda bought me." "Bought you? As a guard?" Dengil said. "Guard? No. I was a... Farikhi... a slave in a caravan. she took pity on me and bought me, raised me with Alam, like a daughter." "Did she adopt you? Are you legally her daughter?" "What difference does it make?" Domia said. "Probably none. How old was Alam when you were bought?" "Ten. I remember her name day celebrations. The sky was bright as day for all the fireworks. I thought the Last Dragon came alive." "So the sky of Ziruan turned to day twice per year ever since?" he said. "Why twice?" "One for you and one for Alam, no?" "No, no. All these girly celebrations are not for me, not to mention that no one knows when is my name day," she said. "Of course, I'm sorry if I offended you." "Think nothing of it. But I am intrigued how you met orc boyz. I tought the Khan Guard was reserved for humans only." "I hired some boyz from Daoyuen as caravan guards. They were all Chieftain followers," Dengil said. "Yes, orcs are pretty narrow minded when it comes to their deities. Of course, now with the cult of Wakabia things are more tense, religion wise." "What about you? Are you a follower of Wakabia?" "Yes, but I will not speak of it. Tell me about the Khan Guard. What was it like?" Domia said. "What was it like to be a soldier? To fight?" "Yes." "You have never fought?" he said. "I will beat a man in one on one combat, but I have no experience in large scale warfare." "Well... as I said earlier. I hated battle. It's loud and it's chaotic and... arrows, coming up from nowhere. I hate archers," he said. 

"But the excitement! The rush! Don't you miss it? To beat your foes? Totally dominate them?" Domia said. "Actually, they are not really my foes. They are the Khan's foes and sometimes not even his. Some noble's political opposition. But yes, I will not deny it. There is a thrill which cannot be denied by beating another person. Dominating them completely until they submit. You don't get that as a house guard captain, do you?" Dengil said. "I have everything I need here." "All right, I meant no offense." "None taken. Anyway, I am not used to talking and I need to inspect the guard. Feel free to explore the mansion at your leisure," she said. "Good night."

Leaving Domia's chamber Dengil thinks about what he learned about her. Two weaknesses are woth exploring: It seemed she was raised like Alam's sister but Alam is Fhda's real daughter and Domia is not. She might bear some grudge to either or both. Also, while she says she is content in this dust filled nowhere, she is fascinated by real warfare and the dominance of a winning warrior.  

"Oh, Saar dal Hakim! You came to visit me! Do come in!" Alam said.

Dengil enters the room, closing the door behind him.

"I am exploring the mansion and it's amazing. You must be so proud of your mothe for accomplishing all this on her own," he said.

Someone knocks on the door.

"Lady Alam, your mother has strict instrucyions regarding this door," a guard said. "All right, please open it," Alam said.

Someone opens the door and footsteps are heard moving away. Alam sighs with irritation.

"She doesn't allow me to be with men in my room with the door closed. She says it is wrong," she ssaid. "Ah. I wasn't aware of this. Do you wish me to leave?" Dengil said. "No no no. Please stay. I get to meet so few people from outside. I'm the daughter of the richest woman in town, probably in the country if what Domia says is true. Ma suspects any man who comes near me." "Don't you have friends here?" "It's a trading oasis. Very few people actually live here and they are mostly gamali handlers, leathersmiths, guards and the like," Alam said. "So... no special... boy in your life?"

Alam shifts uncomfortably, then walks to the window.

"No..." she said. "You can probably talk to the guards, right? I knew some clever fellows in the Khan Guard," Dengil said. "The house guards won't talk to me." "They ignore you?" "They don't ignore me, they are polite. It's just that... whenever I start talking to one, after a few minutes someone wil replace him. I'm guessing Domia is behind this and that my mother is behind Domia... It is all right, though. They want what's best for me. They know what's best," Alam said. "Did you ever leave the oasis?" "No..." "Do you want to?" he said. "I have all my books. I can travel in my mind." "It's not the same as seeing the wonfders with your own eyes. The Last Dragon. The Bridge Between Heavens. Tongue of Hell and the trollmines. You can't read them in, you have to experience them." "Have you visited all these places?" she said.

"Yes. The world is filled with wonders and I think you do dream about seeing it in person. Am I right?" Dengil said. "I don't know... I don't want to upset ma," Alam said. "Yes, it seems like a 'Yes' to me... You do want to see the wonders of the world." "Maybe." "Does your mother know that you want to travel and see the world?" he said. "I mentioned it but she says it's dangerous. That here I'm protected. Safe." "What do you do here, anyway? If you don't talk to anyone but her and Domia, other than reading what do you do?" "Sometimes I help ma with the business. Balancing the books and the like," she said. 

"She trusts you with money? Impressive," Dengil said. "She double checks everything I do, though. Chides me when I make mistakes. She can get very angry when I do. I am not as smast as she is, you see. My mistakes can cost us money. It is good that she double checks my work. But don't get me wrong. Ma loves me," Alam said. "She told you that?" "What?" "Did your mother tell you that she loves you?" he said. "Oh, she is not like that. She is hard. She says she must be harder than the desert to defeat the desert. She doesn't hug or compliment, but... I'm sure she loves me, she is my mother." "I'm sure she does." "Life is good here. Although sometimes..." she said.

Alam gets up and walks towards the window, as if pulled there by invisible strings. She utters a sad sigh, then turns to sit before Dengil.

"Look at me, babbling like a stupid little girl. Ma is right: I am a little girl, the world would eat me alive. Right?" she said. "The world isn't as harsh as it seems and you are your mother's daughter and your grandfather's granddaughter, so I'm sure you're tough enough," he said. "My lady, your mother reminds you that you have some audit with her tomorrow morning and she would prefer if you did not sleep late," A guard said. "Yes, of course! I must beg you good night, Saar. It was... refreshing to talk to you. Like cool spring water on a hot day," Alam said. "Likewise. It was a pleasure," Dengil said.

As his steps echo betwen the marble walls Dengil analyzes his conversation with Alam. She seems to possess low self esteem and attempts to please authority figures in her life: her mother and Domia. Mesing with her self esteem, maybe Dengil can get Alam to betray her mother and assist him in finding where the gold is kept and drugging her mother. Alternatively, Alam seems a hopeless romantic. Maybe Dengil could try and see what advantage he can gain by playing on her romantic feelings.

"Good evening, Saar dal Sakim," Fahda said. "Thousandfold to you and your house," Dengil said. "Ah, someone's learning the speech of the desert, I see."

"I try. I hope it shows respect," he said. "It most certainly does. How was your day? Did you get to tour the oasis?" Fahda said. "Yes, I try to learn about the places I visit."

"Do you visit many places, Saar?" Alam said. "Yes, it's one of the best aspects of being a merchant. To travel and see new places, meet new people. What about you, lady Alam. Do you travel from time to time?" Dengil said. "Her place is here. With me. She helps me run the business," Fahda said. "Of course she does," Domia muttered. "What was that?" "I said, of course she helps you run the business. She's your daughter after all."

"That she is, even if she gets... confused... from time to time, don't you, Alam?" Fahda said. "Yes, I do. It's just that sometimes..." she said. "Shush, now. I heard the most troubling news today. That... mysterious usurper from Gaunteinguk is growing stronger." "Do we know where he's from? What does he want?" Alam said. "No one even knows what he looks like. They say he's some royalty from the Wstern Sister. Apparently out to rebel against the Khan," Fahda said. "The Khan is dead. The queen reigns now," Domia said. "What does he want in the Eatern Sister then?" Alam said. "Not sure. Technically we're part of the Khaganate, but we don't hear from the Western Sister much. I wish I could say the same about our capital," Fahda said. "Te Young Queen..." Dengil said.

"Damn her and her murderous mother. King Agdal was a fool, but a harmless fool. This... child... so eager to show the world she's a grown woman. Confusing power with tyranny, vision with illusion. With her in Shidu and the usurper lurking around..." Fahda said. "Will there be war, ma?" Alam said. "Even if there will be, I'm sure it's not going to reach Ziruan. We're just a tiny spot in the desert." "I wouldn't mind some action, though," the guard captain said. "Domia! Don't be a child, war is not a game!" Fahda said. "I know, lay Fahda, I know. It's just that sometimes I wouldn't mind some action. I envy you a little." "Don't be. I told you, war is... shit," Dengil said. "You're right... I guess," Domia said.

The rest of the night is spent on eating and telling stories. Domia does most of the talking, while Alam unsuccessfully attempts to join the conversatio but is usually ignored by Domia and her mother. Lady Fahda mostly listens, definitely studying Dengil. Does she suspect anything or is she simply assessing the risks of her investment?

"Saar dal Sakim, thank you for another wonderful evening," Fahda said. "The pleasure, lady Fahda, was all mine. The wine was delicious. Never tasted anything like it," Dengil said. "Ah, that's Ma'ayan wine. Ma'ayan means 'spring' in the local dialect. It always cools you, even in the harshest heat. It also does wonders to my breathing, can't fall asleep without a cup or two. Shame it must be imported from the north. Anyway, I need to think more about your proposal. 10 gold scales is no paltry sum." "You will get much more in return." "I am sure you feel that way, but it's my gold we're discussing. Let me dream on the matter, consult the stars. Next time we meet, I will give you my decision," she said. "Thank you, my lady. I trust your judgement." "You have no other options but trust it, do you? As always, feel free to enjoy our hospitality and the mansion. Good night."

The arrival of servants indicates the end of dinner and Dengil walks down the stairs to the courtyard. As he approaches Alam's room, he still contemplates which approach would work best for him: seducing her or abusing her low self esteem.

"Good evening, Saar dal Sakim," Alam said. "Please, call me Hanoor. I feel so old when you call me Saar," Dengil said.

"You don't mind when ma calls you that," she said. 

"This is business. I am trying to act like a grownup. 'Oh, look at me, I'm a big important man,'" he said.

"Well, you fooled her all right. She does feel you are a big important man. Important enough, at least, to make her richer," Alam said. "Money, money, money, gold, gold, gold. Sometimes I think it's all people think about," Dengil said. "Isn't that what you're thinking about all the time as well? You're a trader, you must love money." "Me? No. I love it because it allows me to travel, see the world and meet people. I don't enjoy just hoarding gold like some people." "Yeah, that makes sense. I don't love it too much either. It's nice to have what you need but you don't need a huge vault full of gold like ma has," she said. "Your ma has a vault?" "Of course, where do you think she stores all her gold? U nder her bed?"

"You're a funny one! You must have spent all your childhood climbing mountains of gold, right?" Dengil said. "No, why do you think so?" Alam said. "You are locked in this mansion, not much to do, a room full of treasure, I can picture you sliding down piles of gold..." "What makes you think it's in the mansion?" "It's not?" he said. "No. Ma didn't want me to grow up in a fortt, she said. She has another... place. Filled with guards. This is the vault." "Oh well, there goes my mental image of you sliding down piles of gold on a round shield... shouting 'weeee'!"

"You're right... This is silly. I'm just a silly girl with a head full of dreams," she said. 

"You are not silly, you are funny and brave. But what you are suggesting... you had better be sure you're sure about it," he said. "... and you're probably thinking about your precious gold," Alam said. "I told you, I love adventures more than gold." "Yes, you refuse to..." "To what? Run away with you? You hardly know me, Alam," Dengil said. "I know you well enough to know that you are a good man." "Stop, stop, stop. Think about what you want. What you really want. Take your time. When you make up your mind, we'll talk again, all right?" "Yes. I'm sorry for being so..." she said. "Adventurous? It's not a vice, little one. But let's not confuse wanderlust with recklessness, shall we?" "You're right, of course. And you are wise as well." "Now you're making me blush," he said. "How so?" "When a beautiful woman compliments a man... he may blush. I am not made of iron."

"Beautiful? Huh!" Alam said. "What?" Dengil said. "I am covered with freckles, the ugliest things in the world. You know what domia says? That I look like I was covered with bread crumbs." "She's envious because she looks like a man and you look like a princess. Did you know that the elfkin worship human with freckles?" "They do?" she said. "Yes. They call them 'Star Kissed'. Elfkin are very reclusive and will only fraternize with elfkin, elves and... 'Star Kissed' humans." "Really?" "Yes," he said. "And you? Do you like freckles?" "Yes, very much." "Well... if you like them they are probably not so bad..." Alam said. "That's the spirit." "Can you tell me about the world? Of the wonderful places uou have visited?" "Sure, what do you want to hear about first?" Dengil said. "Tell me about the Tongue Of Hell. Is it scary?"

For the next few hours Dengil tells Alam about the world outside. Some of his stories are of places Dingil visited himself, others he heard here and there and the rest are simply fiction. But for the girl who never left the oasis this is pure magic and she drinks Dengil's stories like a wanderer in the desert finding a cool spring.

"Lady Alam, I was asked to remind you that you are working tomorrow," a guard said. "Can I have five minutes more?" she said. "Let's not aggravate your mother. I will be leaving now, good night," Dengil said. "Good night Saar... Hanoor!"