tags to
@MadEmperor -----------------------------------------------
"I've... been having dreams....... the images are vivid and bold... ...sand falling backwards in an hour glass before it shatters at my feet and turns into a pool of blood. The blood then turns into two twin serpents that curl around me. They twist and press into my skin, curl around my throat and choke me of breath....and then I am resting.... arms folded... and it's very cold. can not open my eyes... and then I realize I am in a golden coffin that's floating up into the skies...."The dreams persisted for weeks. Her scribes would be called, and they would furiously write down the Shah's words. Each day for weeks now.. the dream had been the same. Occasionally, she would see
more. But the the pattern always remained.
An hour glass.
Blood.
Serpents...
and a golden coffin in the sky.
Today she had woke up screaming- afraid she was in that coffin as she threw herself out of bed and wept into her maidservants. The priests would come, as would the scribes, and they were beginning to denote each time the dreams happened.
Some nights she didn't dream at all, and those- thank Hakeshna, finally allowed her some peace.
But for the last few weeks...
It had been torture. And the dream kept moving forward, like a ship on the Niafi, the waters pulling.. moving.. always going in the same direction...
Towards the sea...
Towards the golden coffin in the sky.
Priests have been trying to puzzle over the meaning of her dream- clearly the Shah's dream had to be of some significance if she were to have it so many nights for so many weeks. Many tried to use the telling of ropes- a ceremony where priests would bind the dreamer in a series of different colored ropes and when the sleeper awoke- where she lay, what direction she was in- it all pointed to signs.. reasons.. logics that were calculated by the stars.
Her Telling made her belly grow cold when they spoke it-
That the great dual serpent Hakeshna was calling out to her to speak it's will...
And she would need to travel to the scared hot springs of O'dhavbarr.
Why did all of the rituals the priests perform point her to Hakeshna's will? Persea chewed her lip as she considered her goddess. Everything was to to the will of she. Was she doing something so wrong that the two-bodied god itself tried to communicate with her by her dreams?
So it was decided that the Shah make a pilgrimage to the hot springs of O'dhavbarr.
And there was great fanfare on this day- a sacred pilgrimage by the Shah herself! None outside of the palace would understand the intricacies or reasons as to
why the Shah was making such a journey- but it gave the city an excuse for lively music and dance, as the entire city was set to life, wishing blessings upon their Goddess as the Shah passed through the city towards the western gates.
Colorful flowers, ribbons and confetti were tossed as the entourage passed- and enthusiastic Essyrni and their children were outside ringing bells. As the procession continued, many would get down to their knees to bow in reverence to their Shah, as she sat on her cushioned chair inside her curtained palanquin. It was extravagant and ornate, featuring the lush colors of purples and golds- the colors of her kingdom, her country, her pride...
and many ornaments crowned the outside, as fan barers walked beside her, even they wearing elegant dresses or robes and were decorated in lavish gold trinkets from head to toe. None, clearly, were more grand than the Shah herself- who was wrapped in ornaments and colorful plush clothes from head to toe. Her gown was so long that it was layered well past her feet in a train her maid servants had to be on vigilant attendance of- lest the sacred clothing of their Shah become soiled on the dirts and sand.
But despite the fanfare going on inside the city, Persea was too anxious, hands fidgeting where they remained at rest to one side of her leg, the other across her lap. She was meant to sit in such a way to honor Hakeshna, and to bless the travels and keep them safe. Odd how a little thing such as the way the Shah would sit could affect their journey. Occasionally she would wonder how it possible,- but dare she question the will and might of the Gods?
She chewed on her lip, trying not to frown and keep herself in that air of indifference and serenity. It was times like this she had missed her mother.. missed her father. She had no one close to truly guide her. Sure, she had priests but...
It was not the same as those of flesh and blood, and ever since her rise to power, she felt that empty bite of mourning.
No, she needed to remain focused. She would have answers. She would. If Hakeshna was trying to communicate with her and the Telling Ropes foretold what she ought to do- then she would do it.
Perhaps it would be a good sign, nothing so ominous as what her imagination conjured up - for that she truly feared. Persea wasn't stupid enough not to see the signs of Mortality and Death from Blood... and an Hour Glass- for time... but the serpent...
That she still was uncertain.
But the coffin...
and the sky....
Was it a prophecy of her death?
She could only hope to find answers in O'dhavbarr.
Part 2:
O'dhavbarr was no easy place to travel. It would take more than a day to reach the springs and find her answers. And a good portion of the trail curled around the outskirts of the desert, and could be prone to desert dangers just the same. Persea, although anxious, knew she had an impressive entourage escorting her- not unlike that of a small army. She would be safe. Would a sand storm kick up- they had double layered tents in which to wait it out, and many fan barers and maids would accompany her to ensure her comfort.
Even still, she was not much of a fan of travel, so sleep outside in the desert in such barbaric terrain. But...
Well, the Shah wanted answers to what plagued her at night.
An Hour Glass with Blood.
a golden coffin in the sky...
The day was growing late, and it was proposed they continue on for the hour so as to rest in the ideal plateaus of Ganvib. There, they would have natural barriers in case the sands rose up in storm, and shield them comfortably from the elements. The desert sun, after all, was frightfully hot, and even though she remained inside her palanquin for the duration of travel, she could still feel that desert heat- even through the gilded drapes.
When the party finally found their way to the plateaus, Persea waited comfortably as her servants and royal guard worked at constructing the camp. They still had quite a bit of travel a head of them, the rest of it being far less comfortable, as there would be no out posts in the desert on their next three days journey through the desert, so it was discussed that they wait here and would need to take enough breaks over the next few days to get to O'dhavbarr safely.
But the Shah was still anxious- the night in Ganvib resulted in another dream- much the same but..
There was something more.
And it frightened her. She almost did not wish to speak it.
But as the golden coffin flew the way it did in previous dreams- a massive serpent rose up from the earth, ready to gobble the thing up whole. And when the serpent rose- it was so grand it blotted out the sun.
Persea had awoken in screams and sweat. Her attendants were immediately there to handle her, calming her and wiping her sweat slicked body down with calming sweet waters laced with perfume. It barely helped, her priests rushing over to calm as well, scribes also rushing to collect quill and ink to write down the dreams.
The priests debated if another telling was in order, but considered better of it. If her dreams were continuing to enhance as they neared the springs, then they were on the right track to finding answers. So the next day, right before the sun began to rise, the entourage broke camp and continued onto the road to O'dhavbarr.
It was estimated to take about a week to reach the springs. And they continued on with little trouble. Not many traveled these roads, and the next establishment was a small village jut to the north of the springs, where they would elect to stay, at least in the outter shell of that oasis- but for now, they had to still traverse the long, long path that snaked beside the desert.
And as the sun was rising to high noon, calls to set up camp were sent like a wave throughout the servants, maids and escorts and their pace slowed to a halt. Persea was tired of sitting inside of her palanquin, her legs aching as she all but jumped out of the thing once her servants set it down to rest. Immediately, she was surrounded by her fan barers, and a set of women carrying parasols to protect her from the intensity of the sun.
She moved away from the main group, stepping out openly into the wide expanse of desert to her east, and paused a moment to enjoy the small breeze that lapped at the sweat upon her face. It was a dry heat, but was welcomed- as was the fresh air of the arid desert. It was dry, but she had plenty of water, carried with them all the way from the city in dried gourds and massive water bins pulled by animals.
Her servants follows along, the dry, hot sands puffing up as they walked. The sensation of sand in her sandals made her wrinkle her nose, but she'd tolerate it for the moment as she moved about to simply stretch her limbs. But as she did so.. something gaze her paused. An odd sight forming against the wavering heat of the desert's sky line.
Strange.. that looked like...
She began to hear men cursing back amongst her entourage's gathering. She frowned and looked towards them. Then a maid realized what it was and rushed closer to Persea.
"Oh great, Shah! We need to get back to the caravan! Out there,on the desert.."
Persea's eyes followed back- and now she could see the mass more clearly-
It looked like a lot of dust and...
She felt herself tense as she froze.
A sand storm. She was looking straight into the heart of a sand storm.
In a rush, she was guided back to the caravan, where servants of all kinds were rushing about, quickly erecting the tents as best they could..
Except the ground here was unforgiving, and it was hard to get any good footing to establish safe depths for the tent's poles.
Only a few were erected before the winds suddenly swept up, the sky darkening as the storm advanced. Persea felt her heart racing anxiously as the massive swell of the storm reached up towards the sun- not unlike the great serpent from her dream.
"Great Shah.."
She was all but pulled along into the largest of tents, her few choice servants filing in behind her, along with any of the exalted priests. So it was a little over half a dozen who fit into the largest tent, while over a dozen were attempting to huddle into the other tents that got erected, while others rushed around to bind animals, cover them with heavy clothes to wait out the storm.
It was chaos, and it happened in a rush- and when it did, the sand and winds slammed into her tent side, causing the maid servants to scream in alarm. the whole thing rattled at the intensity, poles shaking at the great force.
Persea's heart was now hammering inside her ears. The sandstorm's wrath was intense, threatening every minute to tear the tent they all huddled in for safety, clean from the ground. It was wild, it was furious-
But then something else made a terrible noise within the howls of the winds- a much more hideous sound that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. And although much of the light was being suffocated by the sand storm- something moved alongside the camp in a massive silhouette....
Not unlike the snake from her dream.
A moment later, a bellowing call from a horn sounded an alarm and she could hear the sudden scurrying and cry of men. What was this? That was a battle cry! Surely...
But to her horror, she saw the massive move and strike with such fierce quickness, it froze the Shah into place.
What on earth.. what was...
A soldier suddenly dove into the tent, an explosion of wind and sand following after- he didnt' bother to fully secure the flap of the tent in his wake.
"Your greatness!" he said, face paled in fear and alarm. "We must move you to safety! A great beast attacks!"
Persea's heart sunk.
It was like the dream. The snake had come.
Numbly, she had sand robes tossed onto her, her women moving frantic for her quick supplies. And then they moved out the opposing tent flap, out into the elements, as she felt it pelt against her thick robes as she held her breath, despite being protected beneath the clothe from the elements.
She couldn't see, and had to trust the warrior was to lead them to safety. Another even joined in, flanking - from what she could hear, as the gaggle of women and priests all were ushered about within the crazy gales of the unforgiving storm.
They were moving for some time- the calls of fighting men growing more muffled int he winds-
And then another horn was wailing, and she began to hear a rushing, massive hiss over the sands. An ungodly scream came from behind her, one that she heard be carried clear into the air. What was going on? She was stumbling now, being ushered to move more quickly as the women around her all but screamed.
And then one did..
then another...
And then she could all but feel the looming shadow behind her of whatever foul beast aimed to attack them was gaining on her and her little group of huddled priests and serving girls.
And then she felt it- it sounded like a hundred swords hacking into the ground. The women and priests behind her screamed. Persea just continued to blindly run, and run and run and run against the unforgiving terrain until she realized...
Was she alone? She only heard silence and the terrifying sand clawing behind her at what she could only presume might be death to those that had fallen in their path.
No, no, no..
She had to keep running...
It was only a dream...
And then she fell, gasping as she went into a tumble- her body getting tangled into the thick clothe protecting her as she was falling down the side of a tall sand dune.
At the bottom, she lay, half exposed to the elements, while her face was eating sand. She quickly fought against the blanket, removing just enough from her face to peer up at the dune she had fallen down from-
Just in time to watch the massive moving form of a dire desert centipede gobble up a poor screaming maiden in it's thousand arm lock.
Ghaej had weathered more storms than he could count. As such, he was quite skilled at tuning out the chaos outside of his meager tent. He was no longer fearful of what it might do, except for the nightmare scenario of being buried alive under the sand until such time as the winds released him. But as this storm neared, something unusual occurred.
Screaming.
A lot of screaming.
Against his better judgment, he pulled back the flap of his tent to investigate. Atop a dune in the near distance, he spotted the cause. The silhouette of a dire centipede thrashed within the storm. He watched as a person emerged from the whirling sand and rolled down the tall dune. Then another emerged, but was immediately followed by the massive arthropod, which pulled them screaming into it's snapping maw.
Normally, he would do nothing. If Hakeshna willed it to be their time, then so be it. Who was he, a cursed, forsaken soul, to interfere? But something was different about the one on the cusp of escaping the horror. Perhaps it was something about her clothes, for now he was certain they were at least dressed like a woman, that led him to suspect she was someone who was too important to allow to die. Or perhaps he was simply lonely enough that any social contact would do.
He rushed to his Kaadir, which was secured on the leeward side of his tent, and quickly freed her. He made a clicking sound with his tongue, and she rose. "Come, Luna, there is work to be done."
He smoothly mounted his one true companion and got her moving. Swift as the wind, he rode towards the fallen woman, praying to the gods that he would make it in time.
Her instincts were screaming for her to run. But she remained, frozen in shock as the massive beast rolled after another person who attacked its flank. It's massive body rolled as each set of legs moved to trample over top of its prey, snapping its jaws towards the man as it stabbed upward with a spear.
Was this meant to be a foretelling from her dream? This massive beast was no snake. Her dream definitely had that beast preserved in obvious detail inside her head. But the way it had appeared....
Finally near, the masked man leaped from his Kaadir. Commanding it to keep its distance, he left it and rushed to the woman's side. Now that he had a closer look, he couldn't help but note the opulence of her attire. Surely she couldn't be... No, what would be the odds of that?
Kneeling slightly, he held out a gloved hand. She might note that his arm is wrapped in bandages. "Please forgive the lack of etiquette, but it seems the situation is rather urgent. Surely we can forego formalities and beat a hasty retreat?" he asked, his voice deep and dignified.
Persea just gaped at the man. He wasn't one of her men from the entourage.. was he? She had been bored enough she thought she knew them all... however...
She hesitated, hand reaching out for his- when she began to make a peculiar expression at his mask when her eyes went past him and they widened suddenly as she screamed.
The massive beast was heading straight for them.
The stranger whirled around, his cloak fluttering open as he drew a shimmering silver khopesh. "Luna will protect you to the best of her ability. I shall do my best to drive off the beast."
He cut a rather valiant figure as he strode fearlessly towards the monster. His blade shone with silvery light, the wrong color to merely be a reflection of the sun. Suddenly, he dashed forward and, with a whirl, slashed the air before the creature. A great crescent of light flew at the beast, aimed at one of it's vulnerable antennae. At high noon, it was the best his magic could do.
It released an unholy shriek as one of the thick, devilish antennae was all but sliced through. It thrashed, rearing back like an angry serpent. He took the opportunity that this bestowed to go for its underbelly. His plan was to sink his blade between its armored plates and dash to the side, tearing open its belly. However, he first needed to see what it would do.
The creature had almost not seen the man approach in it's painfilled wrath, but once it did, it curled it's legs beneath itself and in a fury, began to lash out it's hundreds of pointed legs into the ground, aiming to shred the man into a thousand little pieces.
The warrior danced between the stabbing legs, disappearing among them for a moment before a flash of silver cut through a nest of them all at once. He continued on his path to the creature's underside, slicing through leg joints until finally sinking his blade between its plates. With a battle cry, he dashed sideways, tearing a huge gash in the monster's belly.
Persea watched in awe and horror as the man danced around the beast's deadly legs. Each pierce into the desert and near miss, she felt grip at her heart. And then the beast let out such a shriek, she nearly fell over from the sheer terror of it-
and then...
watched, in horror as the beast swayed- a blackness tumbling in her direction-
As the massive beast began to fall directly towards the unmoving form of the Shah.
The man cursed and dashed for the Shah with a speed honed over a millennia. He swept her up without a word, just before, a mere instant later, the beast crashed into the sand. After the spray of sand finished peppering his back, he continued until they were a safe distance away before releasing her.
He prepared himself to be chastised for daring to manhandle his betters, but spoke anyway. "Are you unharmed, my..." Lady? Highness? He only knew she was likely royalty, judging from her finery. He had heard the Shah was young, but this was nought but a girl. Surely this could not be her.
Persea was too numb to react, and once scooped up into the man's protective arms, she clung to him without reserve. It wasn't until they were both on the ground, he protecting her with his back side from the wave of sands that kicked up from the monster's fall, did she begin to remind herself she knew not this man. However, she was too stunned to speak.
Years of training did not prepare her for this. And she simply stared at the man, tongue unable to move, before a loud, twitching noise in the sand drew her attention-
and slowly a large, black shadow painted over their figures- as the menacing monster rose viscously up from the sands, crying out in vicious pain from it's lack of limbs and bleeding side, arms raging wildly before suddenly-
It began to lurch over them!
Ghaej chastised himself for leaving his back exposed to a threat. But he had already risked his safety for her; she was his responsibility now. He turned back to the beast and quickly calculated a plan of action.
Putting all of his current magical power into a final strike, he launched a large crescent of energy directly at the injury, hoping to slice clear through the monster. He knew he would feel drained afterwards and would have to use his cursed gaze on some poor animal if he was going to protect anyone. Though perhaps the beast would live long enough to top him off without alarming the girl.
Persea let out a whimper when the man turned form her, she- remaining on her knees in the soft sands of the wild rage of t he storm. It was fading now, that at least they could be thankful for- but the beast was still very much a threat.
She watched the strange man heroically raise his weapon, facing down the beast in a triumphant blast of mighty power from his blade. Persea's heart rose with the action, completely stunned as the blast of power lashed at the under belly of the beast- who let out another final cry of pure agony, before twisting away and topping in a twitch of monstrous arms in the sand.
And Persea could only stare, wide eyed in shock, as the storm - though waning, continued to rage and pelt all around them.
Ghaej marched to where its head lay and took off his mask before staring into one of its eyes. He didn't know if it had enough life left, but at least he could ease its final moments. The connection was made, and slowly the beast became still as he drained what it had to give.
Putting his mask back on before she could see, he turned and walked back towards the girl. "We should go before the storm decides it isn't done."
He clicked his tongue and his golden Kaadir trotted over, cooing as it nuzzled him. "Yes, Luna," he chuckled as he stroked its neck. "I'm alright."
Persea wasn't sure what to make of all of this. First the storm, then the beast...
And who was this strange man? She was too much in shock to question what he was doing or why he wore a mask- although reason dictated because of the storm.
But despite his suggestion they get moving, she found her legs neither worked nor wanted to obeyed- and she remained, still trembling as she stared towards where the beast remain- still as death..
but part of her dreaded it might rise again.
"Believe me, it is quite dead," he assured her calmly.
He kneeled and offered his hand again. "Please allow me to help you up. I'm sure neither of us wants me to carry you like a sack of grain. I suspect you have more dignity than that. But if it means you live, I will do what I must."
It wasn't until he fully confronted her was she broken from her stupor.
"You.." she found herself asking, voice somehow crisp, despite the wild winds of rhe sand and storm. "Who are you to address your Shah? What is your name so that I can properly give thanks for rescuing me?"
Ghaej was momentarily taken aback. He had been in denial that his path had finally brought him before a Shah once again, but he knew it to be the truth. In that moment, old training took over, and he bent the knee, bowing respectfully.
"I am but a simple traveler; my name is unimportant. But if you must call me something, I have been known as Ghaej."
Persea was still trying to gather her wits about her. He knew well enough to bow before her majesty- and his name...
"Ghaej.." she repeated, wild winds still whipping at her clothing and hair. "For your bravery, I shall welcome you into my traveling guard- to protect my life until we reach our destination."
He knew better than to refuse if he valued his continued freedom. Besides, it wasn't as if he had anything better to do at the moment. So, he would be a royal once more, albeit temporarily.
"It would be my honor, my Shah." His reverence was interrupted by the howl of the dying storm crashing over the dune.
"Further formalities can wait, I trust?" he asked with urgency in his voice.
Persea blinked.
Right- the beast and storm.
She nodded then pointed up at the top of the dune.
"My entourage.. they were attacked up there. We should see if they are alright."
Although she knew, regrettably, that some had been slain by the wicked beast-
she just hoped not too many had fallen or had become injured.
She tried to swallow down that fear but.. well...
Who could blame her? She'd never experienced such true threats and fear as this!
"We will investigate, have no doubt. However, we can't help anyone if we find ourselves buried by a sandstorm."
Helping her to her feet, he added, "My tent is not far. It will be safe there."
Persea hesitated. She didn't know this man, despite him having just saved her life. He single handedly slaughtered the beast that could have easily killed them all.
Yet here he was, offering shelter.
She nodded, peering up into his mask- seeking his eyes.
"Let us hope the storm will not be long."
She thought she saw a flash of red as he quickly averted his gaze. "I would not presume to look you in the eyes, my Shah." Something about the statement rang as a deflection from the true problem.
He wasted no further time before climbing onto Luna. He reached down to help her up and, once behind him, said, "You may wish to hold onto me; she is quite swift."
The way he spoke was far too formal for him to be a simple peasant. An exiled noble, perhaps? If so, why?
Once on the mount, she heard his command and gripped onto him, best she could. She wasn't fully used to riding in such conditions, and kept her head buried against his back, both for safety and to protect her eyes from the sands.
She could only hope they'd get to shelter quickly- the sands were rubbing her exposed skins raw.. and she.. well, she didn't even know how to begin. So she simply buried her face into his back and let his scents of musk and leathers drown out the raging storm.
Luna raced ahead, quickly outpacing the weakening storm. Even then, the pair barely had time to secure the flap of Ghaej's tent before the storm rolled over them. The following moments were a harrowing ordeal of chaotically screaming winds, so loud as to drown out any attempts to speak.
The man himself remained eerily calm throughout, as if this was nothing more than a stiff breeze. In fact, he had remained perfectly composed from the moment she laid eyes on him.
Persea stood inside the tent, stunned. The winds were howling and pawing at the flaps like a vicious wild animal and after a few moments, she was able to collect herself and looked towards her rescuer.
Despite him having saved her life, she couldn't shake the paranoid teachings that those not her own were likely out to get her for their own gain. Could this strange, masked man have been plotting something from the start? And was using the storm to get close to her?
She studied him still before asking.
"You should remove your mask in the presence of your Shah."
What was he hiding? Did he not honestly wish to show his face to her?
If he were a kidnapper, or murderder, it made sense he'd want to hide his face...
But if he were truly as it seemed... how was she to address the man that rescued her?
Ghaej had known such a demand would be coming but still knew not how to address it. If she saw his face, would she faint? Would she scream? She certainly wouldn't understand.
"I am sorry, my Shah, but this I cannot do. I can only give you my word that I am an ally."
Persea started. She had not expected him to refuse. Was she being too generous when she have him an option. She glared at him, and threw her chin up.
"And if I were to command it? Surely you would not address your Shah behind a mask."
"You--you do not know what you ask," he said with a shake in his voice. It pained him to refuse her, his old vows clawing furrows in his heart. He had thought such devotion had died with his love's summary execution.
"I haven't shown my face to anyone since long before you were born." He hadn't even looked at his own reflection in centuries. He was afraid of what he might see.
Persea simply stared at him, anger flashing in her eyes, anger laced with impatience.
"How am I to thank and know the man who had saved my life when he hides behind a mask?" she demanded.
Hadn't shown his face? Was he so grizzly behind the mask he feared the terrorified reactions of others?
Or...
Was he afraid someone might identify him?
Oh.. what if he were some criminal?
"You would fear me if you saw," he said, pleading despite his pride. "I beg of you. Do not ask this of me."
"Fear the man who saved my life?" she pressed, not exactly tactful in respecting other's boundaries. After all, she was the Shah, you were to placate her, not the other way around.
"Shouldn't I be the one to decide that?"
"It seems that I have no choice if I have any hope that you will trust me." Ghaej sighed heavily, knowing there was a good chance that she would think him a monster. "But I must warn you; do not look directly into my eyes. After expending so much magic, I may not be able to fully control what happens."
Hesitantly, he reached up and removed his mask. Careful to keep his strange, red eyes averted, he turned his face towards her. His skin was a dark green but not like a half-orc, for it was veined like the surface of a leaf. Thorns lined his cheekbones and jawline, which was extended slightly as if stuck in the earliest stages of some beastly transformation. He had no hair on his face, possessing thorns where eyebrows should be. And peeking out from his headscarf were thin vines where his hair would be.
"You've already proved your loyalty by saving my life," came her flippant reply. "But I will give you this thing."
But why was he so adamant about not looking into his eyes?
And then her lips fell open as his face was reveeled, and she took a step back in shock.
The skin.. it was so.. so unnatural. She couldn't help but stare, before some semblance of her wits returned and.. inspite of herself- she screamed.
It wasn't even just a little scream- it came clear from her belly and before she knew it- she was dashing outside of the tent.
With inhuman speed, he raced after her and grabbed her arm. Even then, it was all he could do to pull her inside before the storm tore at her. "Fear me if you wish! But fear the storm more!" he shouted over the howling wind.
She hadn't expected his reaction, and felt herself being pulled away from the sting of the winds and into the safety of the tent. She shrunk back reflexively, before her wit began to return.
Slowly, timidly, she turned towards the man- her hair and clothing a tossed mess, as she slowly, cautiously, began to study what she feared.
And before she could think better of it, she asked,"What are you?"
"Human," Ghaej answered with a sense of melancholy. "At least... I was. But that was long ago, before I lost everything."
"As for who I was? That is a very long story; one I have told no one in a very long time."
Persea's nrows furrowed and she took a step back, bewildered.
"You can not. No human sort looks like.. like .."
She was too surprised to even look at him. Why was his skin green? Surely he was some demon.. was his aim to save her trickery?
She wasn't sure how she felt, and took another step away from him.
And then he went on about his past.. As if it were so long ago.
"Are.. are you Essryni?" She asked, hating that her words sounded so shakey.
"I was. But I was cursed by a cruel, spiteful man for breaking my oath after he forced my betrothed to marry him instead. Do not get me wrong; I deserved punishment, but not this endless torment. Death would have been kinder."
"I will tell you the whole story, if that is your wish. If, at the end of it, you still think me a mere monster, I will not stop you from leaving my company."
She tried to digest all of what he said- but it was a lot to take in... and they had just survived a massive desert beast attack.
"So you are... .cursed.." she said, moving nervously where she stood.
"Yes. I was forced to eat the cursed fruit of a monstrous tree. Because of it, I have slowly become whatever it is I am. And my eyes drain the life force from any living thing that makes eye contact. That is why I cannot meet your gaze. I can stop the process, but I would much prefer not to cause you harm."
"You are in no other danger from me."
She was trying to process all he said but there was just so much!
And at his words, although he tried to comfort her- it actually made her angry.
"Do not tell me such lies! How am I not in danger after you confessed the opposite!? Your eyes.." she looked up then hurriedly away. "You claim death to those who gaze upon you! How am I to feel safe!" She snapped
"I have long since gained enough control to avoid that," the man said distastefully. Plaintively, he added, "Please, my Shah, I have waited over a millennia to serve Essyrn once more!"
He held out his khopesh as if a gift presented in court. "Take my head if you wish. It is better than living in shame."
She couldn't help but feel such anger broil within her.
But she remembered how she got here..
She shook her head.
"I would not take the life of the man who guards me,.. even through his flaws."
She was slow to lift her gaze, still disgusted at what he was.
"You will travel with my entourage. Prove yourself as my protector and perhaps past sins can be forgiven "
He returned his sword to his side, never rising from his bow. He never expected that she would take his head, which was all the same to him; he wasn't even sure that would end his life.
"Thank you, my Shah. You cannot know how much this chance means to me."
Persea continued to look down at the ground, or his legs or feet or anything not his face or that.. that skin.
She reprssed a shiver.
"You had saved my life.. surely not all of you can be bad."
"I have regrettably become somewhat apathetic, but I have meant no one harm that did not first harm or threaten to harm others." It was the best he could do to ease her mind as they waited for the winds to calm.
He was never skilled at such things; he was better at protecting bodies than soothing minds.
Persea kept her eyes averted, either because she forgot he had his mask on or it hadn't registered.
She felt so strange... so much had happened and then..
Before she realized it, her legs felt useless and she began to faint towards the ground.
Ghaej swiftly caught her and eased her onto the animal skins that served as his bed.
Releasing her and stepping back to again keep his distance, he said, "You have been through much. Please, relax. The storm should abate shortly."
Shortly thereafter, the winds died down and the sun shone. The storm has passed.
She stiffened as he caught her- despite being repulsed by his appearance, which she realized he had properly hidden away, her body still reacted to the strength of a man's protective embrace- and she blushed.
She couldn't believe she'd show such weak a face to nearly faint! But then he was taking her to his bed and her mind got wound up over the idea and then-
Right..
What was she thinking!?
Surely a man of his standing.. and condition, wouldn't seek to just openly bed the Shah!
She nodded numbly at his words and things remained quiet for a time before the wild whipping winds of the storm has passed. She rose anxiously from the bed.
"Do you think it safe to press on and join my entourage? "
He lifted the tent flap to peek outside. "I see no danger. Let us hope the casualties from the storm are lighter than those from the monster."
Escorting her outside, he helped her onto Luna, and soon the two were on their way to where what remained of her worried entourage was waiting.
She wrapped an arm around his waist and held on close. Despite the apprehension she still felt towards him, she still felt a sense of security with him . It felt strange to her and she was thankful for when her entourage came into view so her thoughts wouldn't continue to tie into knots.
"Thank Hakeshna," She Whispered. Part of her feared all of them had parished. "Over there. I can see my priests!" She gestured. And as they neared they passed the great body of the slain beast, which forced her to press into and cling more tightly onto Ghaej.
Seeing the beast in the daylight without the sands...
"Hakeshna's name..."
And she felt all the more respect towards her savior.
Luna stopped near the priests, her master allowing the worried clergy to help the Shah down. As they fretted over her state like a gaggle of mother hens, they seemed to completely forget about the stranger in their midst.
Ghaej, meanwhile, scanned the area for other survivors. He was concerned that not a single soldier or Immortal Guard had yet drawn weapons on him. The kingdom had truly weakened if not a single one had survived what the Guard, under his command, would have withstood easily.
It was then a priest approached Ghaej.
"Desert warrior, thank you for your actions. You have protected the Shah, the goddess of our world and our days. For that, we humbly worship you as her hero."
Persea turned to give the masked man a look, as she stood there, her entire entourage of priests moving to bow their hands at his feet.
"The rescuer of the Shah!" One exclaimed.
"The hero of Essryn!" Another professed.
And they all chanted in prayer, women who bore fans rushing to stoke the winds at his side.
And the Shah just stared at him, chin held high and some sort of twinkle held within her eyes.
Ghaej... had not expected such a warm reception. Such attention made him incredibly uncomfortable, but he tried not to let it show.
"Please, rise," he said stiffly. "This is more than I deserve. Any true child of Essyrn would have laid down their life for their Shah."
Except for the one Shah, obviously. His suffering and dishonor would have been less if he had just killed the man. But then this young Shah might not exist.
"Do you not feel it is well deserved? Your praise?" The Shah asked as the gaggle of her people calmed around him.
"It is admirable to rescue a life, and as you can see, to save the life of the Shah means even more so." She inclined her head to him, trying not to smirk over the fact he looked so obviously uncomfortable- even with his mask on.
"I... I am not accustomed to such attention, be it praise or condemnation," he explained, his words even more formal when nervous.
When one reached to investigate the wrappings on his hand, he jerked back. "N-no need to worry! I am uninjured, truly! I merely have a skin condition. It is not contagious, but it is no pleasant sight."
As they fussed over him and he balked, they turned to the Shah and she raised a hand, then gave a shake of her head.
"Leave him. He.. will be able to handle his own care, I'm sure." She smirked at him, delighted by the distraction from the storm and death all around them. But then her attention turned somber as it was brought to her attention where a row of the dead lay in a line.
She wasn't sure how she ought to feel. She'd never had to deal with such a catastrophe and she felt so childish and small and wished she could simply hide away- like in her youth, behind the legs of her mother.
But her mother was dead, she was here to rule alone. And it was her job to instruct her people on what to do with the bodies.
"We will take the time to treat the bodies. Inform the priest's we will paused here for them to prepare. We can offer their bodies to the desert nights."
"Take care to bury them deep, lest you only feed the scavengers," Ghaej advised. They deserved not to be eaten by beasts, although there was no stopping insects.
"I will keep watch for further danger, should the Shah not object."
She turned to him, curiously.
"Further danger? Are you implying there might be more of those creatures?"
Some of her attendants startled at that.
Ghaej shook his head and held up a placating hand. "Simply a precaution, I assure you. The beasts of the desert are restless and unpredictable of late. I would be remiss not to remain vigilant."
Such things bore ill tidings, for wild creatures were far better at sensing danger before it presented itself than people were.
She frowned at this.
"So you are familiar with these areas. And you are saying the beasts are unsettled?"
Ghaej nodded, his mask glinting in the sun. "It is as if they perceive some fearful shadow that we mortal kin cannot. It is best we heed their warning and seek shelter from whatever unknown peril draws near."
Persea frowned.
"We are here on a very specific journey. We must get to O'dhavbarr."
Surely he was not implying she abandon her quest.
Under his mask, Ghaej raised a brow. Was it possible that his observations were connected to whatever sent her to O'dhavbarr?
"You seek the sacred spring, then? The reason must be dire to stray so far from the city yourself, my Shah. Far be it from me to deter such a pilgrimage."
That.. was the correct response, and she released a held breath. She.. why had she expected him to fight her on this? Perhaps she was still haunted after the incident...
She nodded then peered over at the masked man.
Although the mask made him less unsettling, it was still strange to have a masked stranger in her caravan. Even if he had saved her life. She wasn't sure what to make of this. But if the man had wanted her dead- surely he wouldn't have saved her.
"So you are familiar with the area? With this terrain?" she found herself asking.
"Indeed, I am," the masked man responded with a nod. "I can guide you as well as any... formerly in your retinue could have. Better, if I may boast."
Centuries spent wandering the desert made him an invaluable resource, and he could tell she was realizing it. Despite her reservations, she had no better option than to trust him.
"So you've been to O'dhavbarr?" She asked curiously. "I have only been there but once. And I was so young, barely a few years old."
"In the early days of my... condition, I had hoped the sacred waters might heal my affliction. I never tried, though, for fear I would only anger Hakeshna by trying," he answered as honestly as possible.
"It is a beautiful place deserving of its name. I would not risk defiling it."
Persea found herself clenching her jaw, but it almost felt as if she ought to speak- unspoken words just hanging between them.
But the Shah said nothing.
She wanted to ask and pry so much but...
For some reason, she could not form the words. So she simply nodded rigidly and turned to regard the others.
"We can speak more of this once we handle the dead." And she gestured towards her priests, whom nodded and moved forward to handle the bodies.
She observed them moving about. Should she offer to let them burn? But no... the dead ought to bury and return to the earth when allowed. However...
She chewed on her lip and then paused, realizing what she was doing.
No...
Best to let the priests handle this. She did all she could- and she was thankful things did not get worse-
For had they lost any more in her caravan...
She wasn't sure it would have been wise to proceed.
Ghaej was content to silently keep watch as the priests went about burying the dead. He was motionless enough that anyone who hadn't seen him move earlier might have mistaken him for a statue.
It was dusk by the time the grim business was done, and he sought fit to join everyone by the fire that he deigned to show signs of life.
By the time Ghaej had joined those at the fire, it was being discussed that the Shah was preparing for bed- and that after today's events- her priests were commanded to set up another series of Telling Ropes.
The Shah was anxious. She needed to know exactly what Hakeshna wanted and more confirmation- too many died today. Was she truly on the right path?
Her servants worked to undress her, slipping her into a thin, sheer sheet of white cloth that they tied loose against her body. She was so distracted, thinking over the beast and the storm and the deaths that she almost didn't notice the scorpion approach in the dimlight of her tent.
Her servants turned, gasping as they moved to grab at the long poled royal fans nearby, and began to use them to shoo the scorpion away. But as they did so- the Shah did not see the other scorpion until it was too late- and it struck her ankle three times as she had been backing away.
The Shah screamed.
Hearing the scream, Ghaej shot to his feet and ran for the Shah's tent. He exploded through the tent flap and surveyed the scene in an instant. Rushing to her side like the wind, he stabbed the scorpion with a blade nobody even saw him draw.
"Hurry! Suck out the poison!" he commanded the priests.
There was chaos, absolute chaos- and the women who crowded around stared over at Ghaej's command, confused.
They would dare not touch the Shah!
They bowed their heads reverently and apologetically while Persea remained doubled over, stunned by what just occured.
"Better your reverent lips than mine! But, unless you want her to die, I will if I have to! Even if she would have my head for it." Ghaej couldn't believe that the priests were so subservient that they would rather let the object of their reverence die than touch her.
"May devils take you!" he snapped as he hurried to Persea's side.
Kneeling, he said, "I apologize, my Shah, but I have no choice but to touch your leg with my unworthy lips. Please forgive me; there is no more time to waste."
He raised his mask and began to suck out the poison. It took no time at all. He then replaced his mask. "It is done. You may feel ill, but you will not die.
The priestesses shied away, gasping as the man threw himself at the Shah. And when he drew his mask back.. one of the priestesses fainted- the others just weren't sure what they had seen. Was.. did this man... was he.. green?
Persea was still stunned, until she felt something touch her leg and she let out a start, drawing back instinctively but his hands held firm.
And then lips were upon her legs, sucking at rhe wound and... Persea flushed in the after math, remembering how close Ghaej had gotten and had placed his lips upon her leg.
Then she blinked, realizing she was lying down. Someone had guided her there or.. no.. had she fallen? She looked up at those gathered around her, feeling flush all over. She placed a hand to her forehead, still confused until...
Then she saw Ghaej and froze.. remembering. Then she flushed again.
"This is the second time that I have saved your life in barely more than a day, my Shah. A superstitious man might think some force is conspiring to keep you from O'dhavbarr," the strange man said without further apology.
"I ask for no reward and make no demand, but I feel it would behoove you to share with me the goal of this trip. What dire portent draws you to the sacred spring with such urgency?"
The priestesses exchanged glances before the Shah rose. Although she was much shorter than he, she held a commanding air about her as she raised her chin and almost seemed to look down her nose at him- even though she was looking up.
"I've been having vivid dreams. Ones that the telling ropes hold true. I am here.." she went on, drawing in a breath. "To get answers from my dreams. "
Ghaej was old enough to know the power dreams held and that when they demanded your attention, it was best to give it. His own told him time and time again that he had not yet served his purpose. He had assumed he had spoiled his chance to do so, but perhaps meeting Persea was no mere coincidence.
"If someone or something indeed conspires against you, perhaps destiny nudged me onto your path to tip the scales in your direction. Humility aside, I am uniquely suited to see you safely to your destination."
Persea felt herself warm. Was it from the venom? Could it still affect her? She even felt sweaty...
Surely she couldn't simply be flushed. The Shah did not simply blush over such things. She ignored it. The day had been so long... so she simply nodded at the statement .
"Hakeshna works miracles through us all everyday. Though tell me... were fate not to pull you towards my caravan.. where would that storm have taken you?"
"Merely to the nearest settlement for fresh supplies. I never stay in one place for long, lest people become too curious about the mask," Ghaej answered. If he put much stock in the color in her cheeks, he chose not to comment on it.
"Becoming attached to any one place has only ended in heartache."
She eyed him over; quiet and thoughtful.
"And do you not fear those consequences now?" She found herself asking, genuinely curious.
Ghaej regarded her with curiosity of his own. "That depends; Am I going to be by your side long enough to find myself attached? Or are we to part at O'dhavbarr?"
Becoming a Shah's protector again was a tempting prospect. Enough that he was reluctant to get his hopes up.
Persea's cheeks flushed hotter. She.. that's not exactly what she meant.
.. was it?
She studied him as she held her tongue. Best not to say too much, not that she knew what to say.
"It will depend on what happens when we get to O'dhavbarr."
"Indeed, my Shah."
He wondered curiously why his words flustered her so. Was it his appearance, or was there something more to it? He doubted O'dhavbarr would clarify that.
"This night.. we are to use The Telling ropes to interpret my dreams. It.. should confirm what we question," She said.
A male priest nearby nodded and bowed his head.
"We are hopeful they'll continue to point the way. Such vivid dreams from our Shah .. and reoccurring ones at that, are rare indeed. We must continue to analyze them.. to see what they say. We will also have sky watchers and scribes to dictate should the heavens wish to help show us the path ." The priest said. He lowered his head reverently.
"Far be it from me to delay you any further." Ghaej bowed his head to the Shah. "With your leave, I will keep watch outside in case any other dangers decide to interrupt you."
The Shah felt herself tense at that. Twice in one day this man had saved her life. What a strange twist of luck. And although she hardly knew this man, she felt relieved he offered to remain on guard.
"Very well. After my tent is checked again to confirm there are no more scorpions, I shall retire to the night."
What would the dreams tell her now? She felt anxious, considering all that has occured.
Ghaej spent the night sleeplessly watching over the camp like a statue. He simply no longer expressly required sleep, though it did help to delay his need to draw energy from a living source. But he was the only protection the Shah and her priests had, and so he didn't have the luxury of rest.
As the sun rose once more without another incident, he grew anxious to get moving. Time, he feared, was not on their side.
It was as it was before- and all the days past.
The dream..that horrible dream but this time- while she awoke with a start- she did not scream, although her body was entangled and had pulled upon the ropes throughout her room.
The priests were alerted she'd awaken and were soon crowding inside the tent, fussing and trying to make notes of the ropes movements during the night.
She had stepped outside, offered a cup of fresh brewed coffee, and sipped the bitter drink as she stared off towards the rising sun. It was then she noted Ghaej, standing before the tent.
Had he been guarding her the whole night?
"Good morning, my Shah," the warrior said with a polite quarter-bow. "Was your troubled sleep at least illuminating?"
He rather doubted that anything new would be learned before they reached the sacred spring. Few things were that easy, least of all matters of destiny. It seemed certain that there would be a need for him before they arrived.
She stared up at him thoughtfully.
"You presumed it to be troubled?" She asked, genuinely curious. Although she shouldn't have been surprised.
"Why would last night have been an exception? Nothing has yet been done to alleviate the root cause, whatever that may be. Until then, I fear your recurring dreams will continue," Ghaej responded with an air of time-earned wisdom.
"Or that of which you are being warned has already come to pass."
She wanted to be mad at him, for being right. But she held her tongue. She had asked and he was just being honest.
"No.." she mused, nodding at the sentiment. "No.. I think this journey has just begun. "
She looked away from him now, towards the horizon- towards the supposed direction of the oasis. They would be there before the day was through, and she felt anxious.
"We should not dawdle.."
She said.. but not really all to him as she returned her focus to her entourage.
"We leave now! Clean up the campsite with haste!"
They were going to make it to the oasis of O'dhavbarr.
Ghaej led the remains of the royal contingent onward, every step confident that he was headed in the right direction. The journey was as lonely as he was, empty of all but the simplest of desert creatures. Nothing of note occurred until, suddenly, he held up a hand to stop.
He climbed down from his mount and kneeled to examine some tracks in the sand. "A sand drake passed here recently. I advise caution. They are known to ambush travelers.""
She had been traveling within her palanquin, the sun off her form as was blocked by layers of decorative, sheer curtains and beads. So when they stopped, she frowned and questioned it- but then it was reported the commands came from the masked one.
"A sand drake?" She questioned, frowning at her servants. "Well go ahead and ask him what we ought to do-" She went on with a wave of her hand. The servants scattered and one approached Ghaej as he surveyed the land.
"Sir.. the Shah wishes to know your thoughts on this.. how should we proceed?"
"Stay put for the moment. I will follow the tracks and discover whether it is on our path." Ghaej wasted no more time talking before mounting Luna and following the tracks.
He wasn't even out of sight before a massive lizard the size of a horse burst from the dune beside him. It was only thanks to his experienced eyes that he stopped short, saving his kaadir from an untimely demise. He leaped from Luna's back, drawing his blade mid-air and coming down on the beast, piercing its back.
Persea watched the fight unfold. At first she was too shocked to react, then she was quickly barking commands at her soldiers.
"Quickly now! Help him slay the beast!"
The men saluted and dashed off across the sands, spears at the ready.
The desert predator managed to throw Ghaej off, who went crashing into the adjacent dune. The warrior rolled down the slope and flipped to his feet in one smooth motion, dodging the beast's follow-up charge by a hair.
As the creature struggled to free itself from the side of the dune, the warrior motioned to the spearmen. They charged in, stabbing the animal with their spears. It thrashed and roared, smacking a couple of men away with its tail. Ghaej stepped in, dashing past its neck and tearing its throat open with the back of his khopesh. He was flicking the blood off of his blade before it even hit the ground.
A tickling thrill started in the pit of her belly and surged as the fight continued. To see the raw ability of men battle beast created a sort of satisfaction within the Shah, a sense of pride. Perhaps in part due to the lack of thrills in her own life, but watching Ghaej battle the beast had her completely mesmerized.
When the beast was slain, she raised her head up high and smiled over at Ghaej and her men. She felt in their triumphant and the warriors saluted to Ghaej for a job well done. He was quick to act and quick to slay.
The Shah could appreciate this.
"Hakeshna blesses this man!" Persea boasted. "A true hero of the desert!"
Ghaej scowled under his mask; if that was true, Hakeshna had a strange way of showing it. He had suffered far more than his sin demanded. What just deity would cause such misery to put someone in the position in which he found himself? But, he needed to abandon such thinking. He had spent enough years cursing the gods. It was time to make his life worth living by his own power.
"Pleas, my Shah, save your praise until I bring us to safety," he said with uncomfortable humility.
"Nonsense! Such heroics deserve praise." Her eyes shined. "Please! Accept the praise you are due and accept a drink from my personal wine skin." She gestured towards her servants to present it to him. It was the least she could do.
Self-consciously, he accepted the wine skin. They had already glimpsed his unusual skin, so what harm was there in tipping his mask up to take a pull of wine other than his discomfort at being seen? So he raised his mask and put his green lips to the wine skin. When he was done, he lowered his mask and nodded his thanks as he handed it back.
"A fine vintage. Many thanks."
The Shah beamed.
"Come, you may entertain me during this next leg of our journey." She gestured towards her palanquin. "You deserve such an audience with your Shah."
She gestured towards the servants that held the structure. "Come. You've proven yourself again an asset to your Shah. Let us embark."
And she gave him a glowing smile as she returned to her cushioned seat in the shade.
Ghaej had never liked the idea of using people as beasts of burden. But it wasn't his place to change the way of things, and they seemed honored to be used as such.
He politely accepted her invitation and followed her into the palanquin. As he took a seat, he asked, "What do you wish to know, my Shah?"
She studied the masked man as they were escorted forward. He had rescued her and her entourage time and time again.
"Tell me... what sort of reward would be fitting to a man of your station for assisting your Shah?"
She gave a small, knowing smile before adding ,"Clearly you would not think you may go unrewarded during this journey. You have, after all, your own life's journey to live- and your Shah is impressed by your loyalty and bravery. Surely you must have something you might request of me?"
Ghaej resisted but ultimately let hope win. She couldn't offer to end his curse, yet perhaps she could give him back his honor.
"Once, long ago, I served one of your ancestors. I would be honored to do so again."
"Are you asking for permanent employment?" She asked, happily curious. This man had proved himself time and time again. She could only see the benefit of bringing him onto her personal guard.
Hope rose in his chest. She seemed to be receptive to the idea. Of course, he worried that the full story of his transgression would change her attitude.
"If your majesty would give a cursed failure a path to redemption, he would gladly accept."
The palaquin swayed as the terrain began to shift, and Persea took the moment to peek through the curtain. Tall cliffs loomed ahead. They were getting closer, and her hands clenched anxiously.
Then her eyes returned to Ghaej.
"So you served my ancestor... how old does that make you, warrior?" She asked, genuinely curious.
Ghaej thought for a moment. "When you do not age, the number of years you have existed eventually loses all meaning. I stopped counting centuries ago, but I served Shah Asar."
He sighed sadly. "He wasn't always the vindictive tyrant history makes him out to have been. When he was but a lad, he was brave and, though not always kind, truly wanted to serve the people. But then his father died and he ascended to the throne. Power changed him. For years, I worried that I could have done something to protect his noble spirit, but it's arrogant to think I had that much influence."
She considered the ancient Shah's rein as she studied Ghaej in silence. She knew little of that Shah in particular, but why waste time on a man who was really not much greater in history than any other?
"That time was obviously precious to you. " Then she considered the enigma that he was and her curiosity continued to fuel her tongue.
"But you must have lived through much greatness. Why.. I bet you have many stories to tell about the ages you have lived!"
"A few, yes," Ghaej said bittersweetly. "The past ages of Essyrn were grand indeed, full of wonders lost to the ravages of time. Sadly, I felt it was necessary to avoid civilization as much as possible, so I'm afraid most of my tales worth telling are from my days in the Immortal Guard."
Persea's expression fell. Was he so resolute that he'd ignore the amazing gift of memories he likely possessed? Never mind he was telling her he may have been elsewhere throughout a good bit of the years...
The fact he had lived through any at all and still remained before her to this day...
She placed a hand upon his and pushed.
"Surely you should not think so lowly of your memories from your home town. Fate preserved you. Maybe not for this moment, but for many. And clearly many more!"
In truth, it was precisely because he had lived so long that his oldest memories were faded and bleeding together. He knew he was born to a noble family and grew up in a fine home in the Noble District, but he could no longer see it in his mind's eye. He could barely picture the face of the beloved that he got himself cursed for, let alone the grandeur of the city of his day. Only seeing it again at a later date allowed him to recall its glory properly.
"You have to understand; when you have lived as long as I, memory becomes even less reliable than it already is for anyone. I remember that the Essyrn of my day was even grander than it is today, but little in the way of concrete examples. I next visited over a century later and the golden age was already slipping away. A fire had gutted the great temple and the poor were on the verge of revolting. Yet, even then, it was beautiful. Gold still glittered across the rooftops in the dying light." He spoke as if surrendering a dear treasure held close to the chest.
That... was not exactly what she had been expecting. Certainly, she understood some of her people's past failures- but it always stung when anyone dare try to bring it up. She even had a heated retort broiling at the tip of her tongue, but then...
The idea of witnessing that.. seeing so much after many a years... her expression softened and the heat faded.
What would she have done were she to live so long?
And she couldn't help but ask the next question.
"So it is true... the city has fallen much in time."
"As much as it injures my pride, I have seen too much to deny that the days of Essyrn's dominance are long gone. I still believe it to be the greatest city in all of Le'raana, but fewer and fewer travelers come to marvel at its splendor. And I fear that the ravages of time will only worsen no matter what we do."
Ghaej was clearly troubled by the idea. But he couldn't see things any other way after seeing his nation wither firsthand.
Why did it still sting? She wanted to scream at him for his insolence. Who would dare tell the Shah to their face at the lack of power and awe their own nation ought to boast?
She felt the words simmer inside her, and needed another moment to swallow down her anger.
But... it... were... this true... what did it mean of her and her seat? Her power? Perhaps.. perhaps she had met this poor cursed man for a purpose. Surely Hakeshna would not save her just to throw her away on a weakening dynasty...
Weakening... from what the man said.. the country was well beyond that. She studied Ghaej, keeping herself humbled over the fact this man- thiugh ugly as he might look- had saved her life- and now.. was being honest with her over secrets many could not know.
So.. she swallowed her pride, though it proved difficult- the simple act making her feel sick.
"You.. make it sound like our fate is sealed," she said, voice low- and it was hard to hide her tartness.
Hearing the tartness in her voice was enough to make him realize how disrespectful he was being. No ruler would abide such a pessimistic outlook about their nation.
"Please forgive me. I meant not to imply that Essyrn's greatness is exclusively a thing of the past. I may fear what the future may bring, but Fate does have a tendency to defy expectations. And perhaps Hakeshna is merely testing us and the trials that are to come will only serve to strengthen our great land."