Zahir yawned slowly as he walked down the hallway with Alim, around them servants popped in and out of view running errands for their temporary charges while others went about their daily routines. His traveling companion had been muttering quietly to him for some time as they wandered aimlessly throughout the palace, but now and then he would nod or make a small remark. Looking around one more time before waving for them to take another hallway he sighed again, they were utterly bored, bored stiff, bored to death. Fareed had no use for them during this time but all were required to be in admittance at the palace during the day to keep up appearances.

Nudging him slightly Zahir almost yawned again before looking at Alim curiously. "Yes? Oh dont give me that look Alim, you know-"

"Yes but we are walking towards the gardens."

Stopping to stare ahead Zahir narrowed his eyes for a moment before nodding. "Ah yes... Today our glorious... Sultan, is finishing the prostrations and now we will have the great honor of humoring his "guests" for a week or two more before they leave. Hopefully they will leave sooner."

"And it is being held in the gardens, best we not make ourselves seen there? You know we were instructed to make ourselves seen but scarce and while we can allay his ire any other time of year he is particularly... How shall I put it?"

"Barbarous? Brutal? Cold-hearted? Sadistic, bloodthirsty-"

Alim scowled at Zahir. "Yes. Better to not draw attention by getting involved with the guests would you not agree?"

"Then tell me old friend." Zahir turned and stared blankly. "Where exactly do we go? I know at least two hover in the library wing and not out of a love for literature of the educational type, the others are either lazing about the palace or down in the lower section arguing with each other over petty politics and trade agreements. Where shall we go? I have no desire what-so-ever to see them nor make conversation of any kind with a single one of them and neither do you; which is why we are wandering the halls instead of haunting the rooms. The garden is probably the only place we can find some peace and quiet because the servants are busy preparing it for this evening and the great, glorious and noble visitors do not care to see the peasants at work, toiling, sweating and... Doing peasanty things."

"We can go to the servants quarters."

"If he found out we hid there rather than walk around looking self important because we are his "advisors" what do you think he would do?"

"Your point is taken but my hooves are getting tired from all this pointless wandering. We just need somewhere to hide until he dismisses us tonight."

"Ah, the luxury of not being a noble! But damned as an employee."

"Advisor, for all the more that means."

"Well the gardens shall grant us a reprieve as the workers wont bother us and we know to stay out of their way. We can rest for a spell there until later."

Continuing their walk to the palace gardens Alim sighed. "It is supposed to be an honor to partake in the festivities but never is there a part of my life that I am so grateful for my menial rank than during his attempts to swagger before his neighbors."

"Not a truer statement has been said... Though I do pity that poor girl from Labrad."

"Princess Nawra? Ah yes... Her offering was most menial compared to the others and also why she was so poorly treated I believe, it might mean war."

"Yes, one more pointless war with the neighbors. Seize a little land here... Lose some land over there... Gain a town, burn a town, lose a town. I do not understand why their offering was so paltry though, most surely their king knew better!"

Alim shrugged. "Maybe if we are lucky there shall be no war. It is not as if the sultan has any real target he can lash out at! Well, none that holds any real meaning on the grand scale of things." Catching Zahir's glance he shook his head. "Not that it will not stop him from making an example of some poor village of course."

"Labrad has also built their military up... Maybe they are trying to temp him? Insult the sultan so that he must answer, force him into a battle and then attain a victory to shatter his image?"

Taking a quick look around Alim gave a quick nod. "Perhaps, and nothing would make me happier than to see a certain individual slapped across the face but that would mean they intent to retake Tuli."

"He would never allow it. The... City..." Zahir paused. "What is left of it that is, remains an important "location" and now secures his northern border. Besides, I am certain Adil has seen to it that what remains of it is well protected from incursion and if they did make a move against the city he would march the army after them with great haste."

"Or perhaps send Xerin, he has a certain... Reputation, with the Labradians."

Zahir laughed. "If he sends Xerin the cost of having to pay him for it would be staggering! It already cost a fortune to hire him for the task in the first place, to ask again either in defense or recapture outweighs the gains! No my friend, he will not do so. Better to keep Xerin close at hand here in the city where he can be watched and have no excuse for utterly exorbitant compensation for his efforts. He has suited his purpose quite well here as a watchdog, sending him off on such a chase would be, quite wasteful I think."

"Maybe you are correct but at least having him make an appearance might scare them, though I strongly suspect that is why our sultan keeps him in clear view of his guests, a deadly but silent reminder of the devil he has leashed up."

"I just can not fathom why they would send the heir to their throne here with such a paltry offering if not to offend him... No matter! Speaking of offense I do believe Tasid has been behaving!"

"A minor miracle... Ah, that reminds me! Did you hear the rumor that has been going around?"

"About the visitors at the temple?"

"Yes but I believe it was just one though. Some officer was seen entering the temple and spent quite some time inside before leaving, no one knows who but I suspect the spies are digging furiously to find out who they are if they have not discovered their identity already."

"I wonder what would happen if we visited the temple?"

"Be turned to ash? We know what happened to the company that was sent, but I would not be surprised if we were not reduced to nothing more than a soot stain for what we have done."

"So you still believe the gods are real do you? Quite surprised that you would believe in such superstitious nonsense!"

Zahir slowed and turned to his friend. "After all we have seen do you not believe that devils walk among us? If they can exist and what happened at the temple..." He stopped and shook his head. "Perhaps you are right though, but that does not mean I will not quietly pray for the opposite."

"Just be careful, you know what happened to the last officer-"

"Shh! Silence you fool!" Zahir held his hand up and glared. "I do not want my spleen carved out with a wooden spoon!"

"Oh tut, I know you are a fast runner and would jump off one of the towers before being captured!"

"I do not find that amusing Alim..."

"Maybe you should, if he takes our humor from us under these grim circumstances we are better off deceased and left up for the buzzards!"

"Perhaps." Zahir sighed. "This is too depressing-"

They both froze as they stared at a colorful mare in the gardens and after nodding made a sharp turn and walked down an opposite hallway with Zahir in the lead.

Nawra was bored out of her mind again, for two days the hoof licking and flank kissing had droned on and on with both visitors and local nobles slowly giving their regards to Fareed. Grateful to be almost forgotten she had moved herself more out of sight each day until few even noticed her presence, save Fareed who always kept one eye on her or at least it felt that way. Humiliated but not cast out nor harmed, the doors remained open and servants ever eager to please her every whim. Still, it did not change anything. Each morning they would line up, listen for a few hours to blathering and then be dismissed for the day.

"Why not just get it over with rather than drag it out?!" Fuming to herself Nawra glared out the window and up at the blue, cloudless sky. "Are you trying to make us think that your so important that you attention is needed at all times and that you are somehow being gracious by permitting us to see you for a few hours at a time? Bah!"

Pulling her dress on the rest of the way and taking a quick look in the mirror she growled to herself, he was not just toying with her but all of them. Pijasiros was an excellent servant but also a fairly good spy for household matters while the captain was master at keeping others from being curious. After being dismissed she had assigned her servant to wandering and always having some petty excuse on his lips for being in his current location. It had paid off quite well as it was very quickly made obviously apparent that Fareed did not in fact have anything to do either most of the time, there were no great lines of visitors to see him nor a great demand for his attention on the details of kingdom management.

In fact he retired to his private chambers and would not permit admission to anyone, his little nook of the palace was firmly sealed off and the throne room abandoned all day after they had left except for a handful of advisors who wandered around. Trying to question them was pointless as most never sat still for very long, always pretending to be busy for his gloriousness or if they did pause it was only to beg her forgiveness, they were busy and had little time. But by all means, please, tell them what was wrong and it would be passed along in due time assuming they had a moment to spare. Fareed might not be available either! He might be so busy that there was no time to handle the matter, and perhaps it should be brought up during the semi-private trade talks instead.

"A kingdom unable to run for a few days without its sultan is a kingdom collapsed."

Her father had been right but Alzamard was not collapsing just yet. It still had very strong supports holding it up but as she spent her days staring out the windows or finding just the right spot to view the far side of the river it was clear to even a fool that the supports were strong but wearing down. A brief rain had swept through and the whitewash had come off a few houses on the far side causing them to stand out quite remarkably while also making it clear from the glimmering light of the sun on the standing water in the streets that the drainage system was long gone or damaged. J'Lail was a hawk for such details, eager to see them and then ever more eager to point them out through quiet whispering.

A shattering sound made her ears perk up and head jerking towards the door she waited a moment as a familiar voice lambasted what sounded like a sobbing Aaarabisk. Moving quickly to the door and throwing it open Nawra looked at the gathering before glancing at the broken jar and then sighed.

"Explain."

Pijasiros was standing between Aaila and Aaarabisk while slapping away a grab from her he pushed the colt back further before answering. "He wished to help and I asked him to carry one of the oil jars for me, I was going to fetch more oil for the lamps but-"

"He dropped it and must be punished for breaking your property." Aaila made another snatching attempt at the colt.

Nawra stared for a moment and remembering the evening before smiled quietly before waving the colt over while glaring at Aaila. "Tell me Aaarabisk... Did you mean to drop it?" He shook his head. "You are forgiven. Now... Come with me."

Giving a quick nod to the sergeant she escorted the colt into her room and shut the door before pointing to a box and after giving him a few instructions sat down while he brought the jewelry over.

"Are you scared of her?"

"Princess?"

"Aaila. Are you scared of her?"

"Yes."

"Would you rather sleep somewhere else than in the same room as her and Mudahash?" Watching him quietly as she removed the necklace and placed it around her neck Nawra watched the colts face like a hawk and withheld a smile when she got her answer. "You dont need to answer, I understand your fear and no harm shall come to you. Neither shall you sleep in the same room as her from this day forth, understood?"

The look on Aaarabisk's face made her smile warmly at him though it was entirely fake, giving him a nod and making a few final adjustments the princess stood and walked to the door before waiting.

"Aaarabisk? Open the door, I shall have Pijasiros teach you how to be a proper servant. You will learn and then I shall teach you other things on my own in due course. Do you understand?"

"Yes princess."

The colts broken and childish speech lended one to pity them and the desire to shelter him but a devious thought had crossed her mind and after seeing his reaction she had a few theories of her own as to what Fareed was up to. After he had opened the door she stepped through and called the captain and her servant over, one quick explanation later she handed the colt off and turned to Aaila.

"I wish for you to understand something..." Aaila nodded and as she did Nawra put on the sweetest smile she could. "If you touch one hair in Aaarabisk's mane I will have you tied up and hung from the tower facing the rising and then shifted to face the setting sun. Not around the neck, but from the arms. Left to dangle like a dead animal that is inviting the vultures to come feast of them. I will see you left there, baked alive until you are a withered husk covered in fur. Understood?"

A hushed silence filled the room as jaws slackened but keeping her sweet smile and cheerful tone Nawra dismissed them before taking a profoundly confused J'Lail with her. Leaving the building quickly and being in the open air she felt a little better as the captain walked beside her quietly but it was easy to catch his quick glances. Without waiting on him to ask Nawra pointed down a long, empty corridor. Behind them the ever present mercenaries marched along quietly but kept a respectful distance from them.

"Let us go this way yes?"

"As you wish princess..."

Making a sharp turn and speeding up before darting around the next bend to put a little extra distance between themselves and the mercenaries Nawra glanced back once before looking at J'Lail.

"Confused?"

"Never in my life have I known you to speak in such a way nor in such a manner princess."

Lowering her voice so others could not hear Nawra stared ahead without looking back at their shadows. "Well do not fret, I believe I now know what Fareed has been trying to do with those two. Quite the scripted little charade he has going but just play along."

"I would feel much better if you were to explain what you believe he is up to..."

"Most certainly captain but the less you know the better, lets just say his three little spies will tell him exactly what he wanted to hear and that everything is going according to plan. Over the next two weeks we shall all play our parts, they will continue on with his script believing it needs no changing and by the time they realize it was for naught... We will be long gone."

J'Lail shook his head. "That only raises more questions and a greater concern on my part for your well being."

"I planted a seed." Nawra smiled at him earnestly. "A little seed that will grow into a tree which shall bear no fruit for him to pluck. Fareed expects pity to flow forth and a compromising situation to grow forthwith, I dangle temptation in return, but dance away when they draw close. He probes further, again I tempt and back away..." Opening his mouth to say something the captain instead shook his head in confusion but Nawra only smiled and pointed. "Now then! The gardens... For this to work I need to spend even less time in my chambers this week and the gardens looked lovely. Shall we?"

"They were... That way I believe but Mudahash is the guide, not I."

"Then we shall wander for a time, who knows what we will see."

"At least you are smiling princess."

As they wandered the halls passing servants as they scurried about the palace grounds Nawra enjoyed the fresh air, many things were still looming over them but there was one less for the time being. Enjoying the walk Nawra guessed a turn correctly and after much more walking they emerged from a hallway into the gardens. Looking around as things were being cleaned with great care, the bushes trimmed and grasses checked for twigs or unwanted objects that could intrude upon the soft underside of a hoof or worse, an unsuspecting flank. Other than the servants she could not see anyone else though, not even the roaming advisors who skittered to and fro like possessed ghosts of habit.

Everything was truly marvelous even without the nit picking though, some flowers were in full bloom filling the air with an enchanting scent that flowed freely from their colorful flowers. Trees with lush and broad canopies promised shade to those who sat under them to escape the blistering sun while here and there small critters darted in and out of view. A tiny few exotic birds including an ibis stalked around the grounds but were clearly leashed to keep them from causing problems or making a mess. As she watched one of the birds stretch its clipped wings her eyes narrowed upon seeing the large pool of water they had passed a few days ago upon arrival.

"Lets go see the fish pond shall we?"

Nodding the captain followed her as they walked across the grounds while servants moved off the path and to the side bowing low while looking away or prostrated themselves before jumping up and going on their way. Ignoring them Nawra walked straight to the ponds clear water and smiled before walking away.

"No fish. Lets sit under a tree... That one looks promising."

"As you command but..." J'Lail lowered his voice. "Why does a lack of fish bring a smile to your face?"

"We used to have a pond much like that in the palace back in Labrad but the cost was more than it was worth to maintain, this was before you were a captain I believe... For all his strutting, and yet to leave the pond devoid of fish! He must not have as much gold in his coffers as he would have liked, perhaps something happened? I do not believe he would overlook a detail like that."

"Or maybe he has the guests so enthralled with their personal pleasures he suspects no one would bother to look nor care?"

"Very true captain but he does not hold back on making a show of things."

J'Lail straightened up as one of the servants directing the others in the gardens made their way over and bowing low on the ground did not raise their head until Nawra had addressed them.

"Most noble guest, it is with deepest apologies that I must inform you that the gardens are largely... Off limits for the time being."

Rocking her head to the side Nawra stared for a moment. "Oh? Why is that?"

"We were ordered to clean the garden and prepare it for the guests as part of tonight's dining and entertainment."

Standing up slowly Nawra glanced around the vast gardens. "I see... Why was I not informed?"

"I would not know, nor is it my place to question such matters. Only that I must inform any guests that this section is off limits until tonight."

"What areas are not?"

Raising their head enough to look around the gardener pointed further in. "We have finished with that section and it will have no place in the preparations to come, deepest apologies to you honored guest!"

"Yes, yes... You may go. Oh! Wait!" Nawra snapped her fingers and the servant flinched. "Whom would I seek out to have my seating arrangement handled?"

"I... Uhm." The stallion stuttered a moment. "I shall send someone to inquire, may I have your name?"

"Princess Nawra."

"A servant shall be dispatched at once to find out."

"Good, that is all." Waving them off Nawra walked back towards the front of the gardens and finding a new spot to sit and bask in the fragrant surroundings she sat down once more as J'Lail stared at her. "What is it now?"

"I imagine Pijasiros would have a fit over stains on your dress. Shall I request a cushion or at least a mat?"

"While I may be a princess that does not mean I can not enjoy simply sitting on the grass."

"A mat then."

Nawra sighed as J'Lail snagged a servant and made the request leaving her to scan the surroundings, the shadows remained nearby but not so close as to be considered harassing while the servants continued to pile up supplies for the coming evening. Eyes roaming she caught sight of two very well dressed stallions as they popped into view from a side hallway and as their eyes met hers they froze. Staring back and forth at each other the two exchanged a quick glance before giving a quick nod to her and with a quickened step evacuated the gardens for another hallway. Snapping her fingers at a passing servant to get their attention she pointed quickly at the two before they could escape view.

"Who were they?"

"I think they are... Zahir and Alim, two of his glorious majesties advisors."

Watching the servant retreat quickly she waited on J'Lail to return and after a mat was brought over and laid out she shifted her position.

"So who were they?" J'Lail gave a quiet nod.

"Advisors."

"More roaming ghosts."

"These ghosts were arguing and quite earnestly as well."

"With all due respect, advisors tend to argue more than talk princess."

"Mmm..."

As evening came the gardens had become largely devoid of equine life save the occasional passerby or the usual sentries and having slept part of the day away before retiring, only to come back later with some reading material Nawra decided to just watch and wait. A true spectacle was given as maintenance teams went to work with nervous glances thrown her way as they attempted to get small canals working and after a great deal of effort had managed to succeed before leaving. Watching the preparations continue as cushions were neatly laid out for each guest including bowls for washing of hands, faces, towels and all the other items required for proper etiquette.

When it had all but been finished she left for her room to prepare for the evening and waited to see how long it would take for the invitation to arrive, but when it did the invitation came with an extra sentence: Her seating arrangements had been altered to fit her request.

Deciding she needed to make a show again Nawra ordered Mudahash to guide them to save time, a look of some relief had crossed his face when she had given the order making her wonder just how much broader this game really was. Arriving at the gardens once more and after being ushered to her seat Nawra waved the others away, only a few guests had arrived early but none were the two she had seen earlier. To her knowledge only three advisors had ever attended the evening dinners Fareed hosted, the rest were always curiously absent but could be seen during the day moving around the palace grounds now and then.

Looking at the next seat over she smiled to herself and brushed it all aside, tonight would be more strutting on the part of his greatness followed by what she assumed would be more of the same quiet and aloof debauchery that would remain suppressed until behind closed doors. No one would cause a scene but enough attention would be elsewhere that it would keep her utter contempt of the gathering unknown.

Incense was finally lit and as it wisped around the garden the quiet humm of insects slowly faded away as a pleasant smell filled the air. All final touches were also in place near as she could tell, small canopies had long been opened up to shelter the guests from the remaining sunlight as it dipped lower and she could see masses of servants hauling in great platters of covered trays, pots and other storage vessels. The water canal was working the flow was slow and lazy, it was working but only just. Continuing to scan the new arrivals she smirked a little as the one she had asked to be seated next to her arrived.

"Hello again lady Ismat."

Staring down with tired eyes Ismat finally straightened up a little before bowing, exhaustion was written all over her face. "Princess Nawra, it is a pleasure."

"Are you not going to sit?" Nawra watched Ismat as she hesitated before beginning lower herself down but as she studied the officer it was not physical exhaustion on her face. "You seem tired, are you well?"

"Yes! Just a very long day of dealing with... Political matters in the throne room. I hope you have been well and enjoying his greatest majesties hospitality?" Ismat forced a smile at Nawra. "If only I could, instead I spent the day fighting with the other nobles and their pathetic attempts at preparation for the coming campaign. Not that they care, the last invasion was a shambles thanks to Fareeds demands. That and I had to oversee setting up a personal tour for you!"

"Quite well! I am actually looking forward to seeing the city tomorrow!" Nawra smiled and kept a chipper tone in her voice. "I hope it was all arranged?"

"Oh yes! But sadly not tomorrow... You see his greatest majesty wished for a day or two for other matters, he did not explain why and it is not my place to question." Ismat smiled at Nawra but the glint in the princesses eyes told her she was not buying it. "Dont ask questions... For the love of the gods dont ask questions... We just need time to set up a fake area for you to see..."

Nawra beamed at her. "What a pity! But I suppose it can not be helped." Studying Ismat's face as she almost physically breathed a sight of relief the princess narrowed her eyes and kept a smile plastered to her face. "So... When will it be possible? Soon I hope."

"Oh yes, very soon." Ismat nodded. "It will only take another day or two to get it set up, the plaster and clay needs time to dry so it wont fall off when you touch it."

"Wonderful!" Giving a slow and lazy point Nawra diverted Ismat's attention. "Your most gracious and glorious leader has arrived."

The other guests had already been seated when Fareed strode into the gardens and stood under his private canopy, and then while smiling he gestured to everyone gathered. "The formalities have now been concluded and all that awaits is for business to be attended to in earnest, while my own gifts to you have been received and I can only hope most agreeable to your persons..." Fareed watched as heads bobbed up and down but his eyes mostly lingered over a few including Nawra. "For the next few days we rest before addressing the primary reason we are all here... Access to the trade road, river and the taxes levied against. Also the extension of any peace agreements or cessation of hostilities that require extension. I am certain we can come to some kind of agreement rather than waste lives fighting."

Nawra kept a straight face but watched Ismat gag slightly. "Peace, hardly... But neither do the rest of them care for peace, they would tear each other apart if they believed they could get away with it and half of them will be at war within the next season."

Voices of agreement that peace was the best option flowed forward as an invisible cloud of poison while those gathered nodded to each other, but refusing to make eye contact with any one in particular. Fareed watched quietly taking tally as did the others before continuing.

"But until then! Rest and save your energy for the haggling and rough bargaining ahead."

Clapping his hands Fareed sat down quickly and watched with a small smile on his face. "You bastards will kill each other trying to oust each other in both trade agreements and concessions before the week is out, but by the time you do your own plans will be made manifest." Fareed watched the servants begin fitting small, floating baskets with plates before filling them with food. "And when I begin my own campaign against you the old deal will be back in place, unquestioned for a few more years and only two of you will once more be trying to get around it."

Ismat watched the baskets being placed in the various channels of water where the current slowly floated the food along, curious at first considering the novelty of the system, she was soon impressed. It was expensive, precise and flamboyant to the extreme but also effective if one wanted to wow their guests. Such engineering was unheard of but as she stared the reality of it glared back, there was no denying this marvel of engineering as it functioned.

"Impressive isnt it?" Nawra's voice broke Ismat's attention.

"Yes. Very." Ismat stared ahead bored. "If I could have just half the funds it took to make this work for one day perhaps a few more companies might have better armor than a simple gambeson and plate to keep their guts from being skewered."

"It seems it is not functioning quite as it should though..." Nawra pointed lazily as the baskets struggled to make their way Ismat's face quickly blanched.

"The servants must have failed then."

"Oh it looks like it is quite ancient, must be very hard to keep it running hm?"

"Yes... Very hard."

Nawra smiled before plucking a small basket from the water. "You had no idea it even existed until now did you poor mare?" Looking to a servant standing to the side Nawra clicked her fingers at them. "A request." Stepping forward and bowing the servant waited and after receiving it walked away to deliver the message allowing her to once more focus on Ismat. "I would very much like to see the temple despite the dangers."

"Impossible."

"Could you ask for me? As a small favor?"

Ismat stared at the warm, smiling visage of Nawra feeling like a mouse hemmed into a corner. "I... I shall ask but due to the circumstances I strongly believe it to be a waste of time."

"At a distance then? At least from the street?"

"Well-"

"The emissary from Samati came by carriage and not boat, surely the street must be safe if one can pass by?"

"Well... Its- I will ask."

"Good girl..." Nawra watched as a small basket bearing her name floated along with her request and after catching it raised an eyebrow. "Tell me, who constructed this?"

"I would not know but I assume it was built by the last conquerors of the city."

"You mean the last empire that claimed this part of the world then? Not Fareed's great, great-" Nawra trailed off causing Ismat to freeze.

"One would not presume to say his family is or is not the creator of this marvel. But! It is his glorious majesties family who conquered the unsightly ruin that was this once great city and once more brought it to glory."

"Of course they did. Oh, I have not seen many of his advisors about at these formal dinners... Are they not allowed to attend?"

"It is not my place to question his decisions."

"Well surely they are not being punished, are they?"

"No..." Ismat stopped and thought for a moment. "One would assume this is for his guests only along with a few of his most loyal of subjects."

"He keeps advisors who are disloyal? How odd..."

Ismat choked on her drink. "I mean to say! That he is also most gracious by not punishing those who do not always agree with his great wisdom, he is a most wise and gracious ruler who values opinions, even those who some might consider to be of questionable loyalties."

Nawra smiled. "How many of these other guests do you suspect will be at war when this is over?"

"More than half I suspect, except Samati and Salai, they-" Ismat stopped and looked strangely at her dining companion.

"Please, go on. Samati is no ally of ours either mind you."

"No, they are not... Allies of none truth be known, their queen is quite ambitious and devious. A true scorpion that eats her own mates if it fancies her."

"Isnt she though? I suspect you plan to continue your war efforts against them, after all if a bridge were to be made..."

"It will never happen but neither would I reveal such plans to you."

"Good! Then can you tell me why I am seated at the far end, the most dishonored position and also was treated so poorly in the throne room?"

"One would not know, perhaps you caused offense?"

"The gift was most generous and of great value."

"Then I would not presume to know."

"Would you know why he seated that... Pig, so close to us though? I find it offensive to sit so close to one that is..." Nawra trailed off as Tasid continued to eat.

Ismat looked at Tasid before almost laughing. "You are not the only one to find him offensive."

"Then why is he permitted to dine here instead of... Outside, at least?"

"He offended Fareed and is being made an example of-" Ismat stopped quickly.

"Oh, its alright to admit that every kingdom has its thorns, or pigs."

"Yes, well... If his presence causes offence I shall pass your concerns along."

"Please do, and thank you." Ismat nodded. "You will of course be my guide when I visit the city and explore it?"

The piece of food Ismat was holding fell out of her hand and splattered on the ground as her mouth stayed open for a moment while her eyes stared widely at Nawra.

"I beg pardon princess?"

"You will of course be my guide! I could think of no one else!"

"But- Why... A guide was already chosen-"

"I will not stand for it, I want you to be my guide! Who better than one who is so knowledgeable about the city, you were born here yes? Good! If I must then I shall make a formal request."

Ismat stared slack jawed at Nawra before righting herself. "If that is what you wish then the message shall be passed along... However, I am not a guide but an officer, a soldier. Your questions would be wasted on me as I do not know all the history of the city, my life has been dedicated to serving his great majesties army."

"Living here though I imagine you have a story or two to tell..."

Ismat stared blankly before shrugging and remaining quiet. "I do but it is not worth being hanged over."

Nawra watched Ismat for a moment and while still quietly smiling took a bite of candied fruit.

Sitting down heavily causing his chainmail to rattle the mercenary officer let out a long sight as he stared down at the table covered in scrolls and paperwork. Running Iuny was a pain in the flank he had never asked for but had been compensated for quite well, he had been told it would be an easy job to. Just sit there, keep them from rioting, deal with the petty criminals, keep the city from collapsing and once Tasid was back hand the keys over and bug out fast. Instead, every day was a royal pain, so much was falling apart all he ever received was one complaint after another. Now that Tasid was elsewhere the wealthy locals and nobles had decided to dump their problems on him in the hopes he would listen, not that he would. It was not part of the contract.

All of it was rubbish anyway, complaints about merchants and their prices, harbor rights, rights of access for land, it was all one long and petty squabble. Only a single concern had graced his desk since arrival and it was one he honestly agreed with whole heartedly. The front gates were so useless they were better off being removed until repairs made, a message had been sent back to Alzamard for approval but he knew what they would say without having to wait on a reply. By the time it came back his posting would be over anyway but at least he had said something in case the damn things collapsed on his watch. Instead, the gates had been forced open almost completely and a crude palisade gate installed for temporary use during the day. The main gates could still be slammed shut at night with great effort and time but at least his measure would buy time if something happened. Meanwhile a rope system was being installed in the doors so oxen, slaves or just anyone in general could be put on the rope and ordered to heave the gates shut. It beat the current system which involved a great deal of prayer.

"Sir? Sir?"

Glancing up at one of his fellow mercenaries he sighed before holding his hand out to receive the usual evening status report. Looking it over quickly while knowing nothing was really being done because they couldnt he finally nodded, signed it and dumped the document into the growing pile. Wall repairs were impossible, they needed torn down and rebuilt. Two towers ready to collapse, no fix possible without formal aid. Houses ready to collapse, he didnt care, they were not part of any defence anyhow. Sitting and staring at his hands he looked back up at the mercenary.

"Well!? I received your report."

"Yes sir, but-"

Grabbing it again the glance it over his eyes caught a single sentence before he rolled it up and tossed it aside again. "Dont give a damn, were not being paid enough for that crap."

"Understood sir, but the company could use a better and more defensible-"

"I will not waste our coin! Who in the hell is going to raid this piece of shit? Ants?! They would be lucky to walk away with anything worth a damn as it is! Sentries were posted and-" He narrowed his eyes. "What happened?"

"It failed to make it in time to be recorded in the report, but a handful of guards-"

"Crime? You know what, never mind. Dont give a damn anymore. How many?"

"Six."

"In this order then from highest to lowest rank: hang, hang, brand, whip, whip, whip. Understood?"

"Yes sir, but a concern was also raised about the... Slaves and servants."

Looking around the room before back to the young stallion the officer shrugged. "They stay quiet and we are not being paid to care, not that I do either way. What about them?"

"One attacked a corporal when he openly spoke against their master."

"Well trained animals then. Whip them. Anything else?"

"A few minutes ago we caught two foals digging through the refuse pile, how they got in we do not know but I can only assume-"

"Find the city guards who were on duty and belt them."

"And the foals?"

"Are they worth anything?"

"No sir, very sickly and with bloating."

"Hmm... Beat them."

"Understood, and if they should... Pop?"

The officer looked up from the table. "Toss them in the river, let the fish have them. I want it clearly understood we are not being paid to do anything more than keep this place operational, nothing more, nothing less and that is what we are going to do. It's Tasid's problem if the city collapses in the meantime, so long as we keep the slaves working the fields and from running off it doesnt matter. Those were our orders."

"Understood sir."

Watching the messenger depart the officer leaned back in the well cushioned chair and sighed, it was a miserable assignment but at least it was quiet.

Author's Notes:

I decided to rewrite some things that are going to happen in the future chapters... Anyway, here is your update. If you enjoy the story consider tossing a dollar in the donation plate on my Patreon.