Nawra's hoof tapped impatiently on the tile floor as she sat waiting on the escort for her little adventure around the city. Looking out the window again she let out an annoyed huff, Fareed was doing this on purpose. She had been named the most honored guest and then had been not just poorly treated immediately after, but was toyed with and now left waiting. All very much on purpose, and as she brooded over the matter it she knew it was somewhat her own fault. The other guests had outdone her own offering considerably which made her own look paltry, but then again her offering was only the beginning of a much larger offering that would have smoothed any ruffled fur, not that she had any intention of doing so. None of that mattered now, she just needed some time away from the butchers palace and some "fresh air" if it existed in this dingy, claustrophobic city.

Tapping her hoof faster Nawra quickly stood and took another look at herself in the mirror. Everything was as it should be, the long lavender robe that hid her figure from the commoners view, a highly decorated shawl masked her face and lifting it up a a moment to cover her face she stared before dropping it again. She liked the silk outfit with its gold and silver embroidery with matching head piece made of gold with emerald inlays that formed small patterns of leaves, flowers and a simple mosaic in the center. Problem was the plate could shift if she did not stand just right and the jewelry would have to be righted again after a short walk, but she liked the design so much it was a trivial matter. Tugging her hood up so that her head was covered again and thus obscuring the jewelry from common view she began to turn around to check the back again when a heavy thudding sound filled the air along with a short, sharp call. It was time to go.

Ears perked upright Nawra hurried to the main room and sticking a hoof out waited as Pijasiros quickly slipped a leather and gold decorated sandal over her hoof and fastened it into place. Once both were on she stepped to the center of the room and with one last check of her jeweled necklace and the gold wrist circlets she stood upright and while flanked by J'Lail on her right Nawra gave Pijasiros a nod before calling out in a calm, careful tone.

"You may enter."

A servant slipped inside and quickly knelt down with their head lowered. "Your entourage is waiting just outside, his great majesty apologizes for the delay."

"Apology accepted, I will be out shortly." Watching them go Nawra turned to Pijasiros and gave him her best, fake smile.

Shaking his head her servant put a finger to each side of his mouth and lifted slightly causing her to twitch. "You must try harder princess, I know this place does wear on you so... But, you will not be here forever... Hm? Now, might I suggest the-"

Nawra dropped her fake smile as Pijasiros rattled off the name of perfume and instead stared at J'Lail who shrugged. Walking to the door she offhandedly accepted the vial of perfume and quickly adorning some to her neck she passed it back, took a deep breath and departed. Walking out of her room with a dignified grace Nawra kept a straight face as they passed through a formation of mercenaries before leaving the building and giving her tour guide a quick glance she forced a smile.

"Lady Ismat, a pleasure to see you again..."

"Yes..." Ismat tried to force a smile that came out twisted. "His great majesty Fareed has ordered me to accompany you today and be your guide around his the most illustrious of cities."

"Ordered?"

Ismat almost gagged before trying to force herself to smile again. "No disrespect intended princess! I am an officer and was so ordered as this is not part of my normal duties, but it is my greatest pleasure and joy to show you the city in which I was born and raised, you should find it a most enjoyable and joyous place!"

"Ye~sss..." Nawra gave a sarcastic smile. "Shall we go then?"

"At once! A carriage and bearers have been prepared at your convenience and are waiting just outside the palace in the main courtyard."

Watching Ismat spin on her hooves Nawra could see her muscles relax as the noble sighed, grateful that this much was over with at least. Taking a careful look around her surroundings Nawra noted that the only guards present were either her own or the mercenaries, not one guard was otherwise local which would be accompanying her on this outing and it bothered her as to why. Following Ismat to the palace entrance she almost balked at the procession which had been lined up for her, they offered anything she may want before departing along with servants to handle the burden of carrying everything that she might take a fancy to. Waving them off Nawra walked to the gilded tahtirevan and using the stepping stool provided so she did not have to lean in an unseemly fashion down towards the ground slipped inside. Righting herself on the plush silk cushions she pulled the curtains up save one so she could maintain eye contact with J'Lail who walked as close as he could without getting in the bearers way.

"Lady Ismat? Do you have any suggestions for our first visit?"

Nawra knew the answer would be scripted but if she played along perhaps she could get Ismat to let her guard down? It was worth a try, she knew all the rumors and facts of the city and wanted to see the macabre husk for herself instead of the newly plastered walls.

"As befitting your stature I would suggest we visit the noble quarter first."

"Of course you would, let us be off then."

Feeling carefully behind her just in case someone had snuck a needle into the back cushions Nawra felt carefully before sighing and leaning back. Fareed would butcher the entire family of anyone who dared attack his guests, this was quite clear from what she had learned but there was no such thing as being too careful when dealing with an asp. Feeling a moment of weightlessness as the bearers lifted the tahtirevan up she listened as a quiet shout was given to get the procession moving in step. Glancing out the narrow gap in the silk curtain at J'Lail who had a death grip on his shield with eyes scanning rapidly Nawra felt a little worried for a moment as they passed out of the palace grounds and into the city itself.

Why did it bother her? She knew the snake was busy with other matters and she was a nothing, a nobody to him, just one more furred visitor groveling at his hooves in the hopes he would not strangle their trade more than he already had. No, it was not him... Was it the city itself?

Looking out the curtain on the other side at the sparsely populated street Nawra could feel the oppressive air that surrounded her, it was always present in the palace and especially around Fareed but there was something sinister festering here. It made her fur threaten to stand on end but why did it bother her now? When she had first arrived she felt nothing, it was just a doomed diplomatic visit that wound end in another war like all the others had, so why now? Sitting forward and peeking out in earnest she examined her surroundings carefully, it was impeccably clean without a single basket out of place, freshly swept streets showing not a single sign of even oxen having passed by. No, it was something else, this much was expected... Eyes were watching but not those present nor was it the locals taking an interest. Watching them as they passed by she examined how they seemed to either run for their lives in advance of their passing or that they would hug the walls and pin themselves in place as best they could as if horrified of what might happen if they dared to even glance their way.

"A drink while we wait? Most unfortunate but a caravan seems to be passing through and-"

Nawra tuned out the servant who had approached the window and waved them off, it was more interesting to watch the hectic scramble up ahead as the merchants realized they were blocking the way of a guest of their ruler. Oxen moaned in pain as the merchants smacked them frantically in a wild rush to move the wagons through the gatehouse and clear a path, once done her procession continued but it was the reaction of the merchants in her passing that got her attention. They all but fell to their knees apologizing loudly and prostrated themselves on the ground, one had even grabbed one of the caravan guards by the neck and had begun bobbing the poor stallions head up and down against the cobblestone.

"Lady Ismat... Your population is quite good at, how shall I say it... "Apologizing." I am worried they might wear their backs out."

Ismat did not even look back but with a programmed and monotone voice spoke as she shrugged. "They know their place and to be courteous to their betters and to the guests of his majesty, the great sultan Fareed."

Her escort made a sharp turn up another wide road before passing through another, smaller gatehouse and once beyond their surroundings changed to that of well constructed mansions, impeccably kept gardens and privacy walls. Letting out a bored sigh Nawra pushed a curtain aside and stared out at the servants who stood on parade outside the well to do mansions but their masters were clearly absent. Every building was the same with everything in just the right place, servants standing by in case she wished to "visit" one of them but there was neither interest nor desire to partake in such a staged farce. A servant began droning on in a low but proud tone about how glorious the nobility lived, how things were better for them here than anywhere else, free of crime or concern, the list went on but she had quit listening.

"Hold." Lurching to a stop the small column froze as Ismat turned around to stare with a bit of dejection, it was clear to Nawra she had no interest in this either and dreaded making it last longer. "This is very nice but I must profess I did not travel all this way to see how the gilded live, I wish to see how your common folk live."

Ismat stared at the silken screen for a moment before nodding. "As you wish princess Nawra."

Turning around and departing Nawra watched their surroundings again but was curious when they turned left and back towards the way they had come instead of right and towards the outer part of the city. She had studied some of the few and wildly inaccurate maps of the city due to its decaying state but a right turn would have taken them to where the most common of commoner lived, the true peasantry.

"Is there not a common district the other way lady Ismat?"

"Yes, but it is no different than what you shall see this way and it is a shorter and less "congested" route. We do not wish to interrupt the peasants in their activies with the sudden appearance of royalty, do we?"

"Is that how this is going to be played?" Nawra narrowed her eyes. "I should like to see your common folk at work."

"His majesty has asked that we not disturb them." Ismat took a quick look back. "It would also cause them alarm to see a princess like yourself scrutinizing their work and may cause accidents, one so regal as yourself would naturally cause alarm."

Nawra almost laughed at the poor attempt of both flattery and one blatant case of fabrication. Or was it? Remembering how the locals had been acting perhaps it was not so far from the truth.

"Where are we going then?"

"There is a district near the markets that is more readily accessible, if you would like to see more the bridge should be mostly devoid of traffic this time of day and you may view the far district as well if you so wish."

"I MAY view?" Nawra cringed. "I should like to see the market as well."

"You shall find it most impressive!" The mouthy servant who walked near the tahtirevan smiled broadly. "A most impressive collection of goods and it is most bustling with activity!"

Nawra tuned him out again and began watching for what she truly wanted to see and giving a quick call to halt looked down a side road.

"I should like it that we travel that way..."

Ismat seemed to be perturbed by the request as she turned and walked closer. "There are only peasants that way and it is most narrow and cramped as one would expect of a place where peasants reside. There is of course where we are going... Which has more room-"

"That way." Nawra reached out through the curtain and pointed.

"As you wish..." Ismat's word came out a groan and giving out a quick order they waited as more mercenaries flooded to the front and forming up marched quickly ahead and out of sight. "We shall wait here for a moment, simple precaution in case the narrow street is blocked by the peasantry-"

"I should like to see them-"

"Princess, as I have said it might cause more harm than good and-"

"This place is much smaller than the other district yes?"

"Yes..."

"Then it shall not be a problem, there will be no throngs present and thus no alarmed crowds forthwith we must pass."

"Of course not."

Nawra listened intently as silence pervaded and after a moment a scuffle was heard along with the sound of others being beaten and chased away. Within moments they were moving again and passing into the poor area she quickly looked around at the dingy buildings. Peasants did indeed live here but it was also clear someone had bothered to patch things up to some extent, was it fate or had this to been planned? Sighing unhappily at their deserted surroundings she could just see a small splatter of blood around a corner but staring too long caused a mercenary to stare at her quickly before looking to Ismat, no sooner had their eyes met than Ismat stepped forward.

"Shall we see more or..."

"No, let us go."

A small smile of relief sprang to Ismat's face as they turned away and traveled back but leaning back into the cushion Nawra glared ahead. Back on the main road again they began passing small stores, stalls and vendors who began calling out in a more quiet tone their goods less they disturb her and it did. In Labrad the locals were not terrified of her passing and some even tried to sell her their wares but not here, instead they hid or looked away and it was deeply upsetting.

"Princess Nawra? Is there anything that catches your eye?"

"No."

Nawra knew better than to say yes, it was custom that when royalty took interest in something that they simply receive it but her own family had long forgone the practice and payed for their services and goods. Here however there was no doubt that if she were to point out an object or indeed, someone, they would be grabbed immediately and be given to her or forced to serve. Watching quietly Nawra traced her eyes to some items and without asking or proclaiming interest Ismat walked over and held one of the more expensive cups out for her to examine.

"Does this interest you?"

"I should not have lingered my gaze but why are you so eager to have me just take from them..." Nawra shook her head. "Well crafted but I shall pass, thank you."

"No please! Take it! As a gift!" The merchant quickly presented another silver cup which was of even greater craftsmanship.

"They are well made and a testament to the crafter but-" She looked at the sweating stallion and sighed. "That one over there... How much?"

"This?" Grabbing the ornately crafted cup the merchant held it out. "Free!"

"I shall pay."

Ismat shook her head. "As a guest of his majesty Fareed it is unthinkable that you be made to pay."

"I shall pay. J'Lail?"

"No!" The merchant grabbed another and held out both. "Take both! Please! No payment needed! It is an honor that you would take interest in my goods!"

Glaring at the merchant Ismat rocked her head slightly and the stallion immediately dropped to his knees, looked away and held the cups out while scooting away.

"This is madness... How did this even begin?!" Nawra motioned to J'Lail who presented a few coins and before the merchant nor Ismat could interrupt he snatched one cup from the merchant and shoved the coins into his hand before returning.

"Your cup princess..." J'Lail held it up before passing it back to a servant who offered to carry it.

Holding back a groan Nawra pulled the curtains open fully and waved at Ismat to continue, as the procession moved on though her gaze refocused onto Ismat. How long had they been walking? They moved slowly but with purpose and it was somewhat exhausting but that was probably on purpose, the sooner she got bored the sooner they would return to the palace where Fareed could continue his bloody little game. Eyes scanning ahead she spied a location that brought a smile to her face.

"Lady Ismat? I would like to stop at that shop there for tea."

"That is unnecessary, we can return to the palace at once-"

"I insist, it would make me happy to enjoy some of what your city has to offer and see the quality of what your people partake in..."

Ismat stared ahead before shaking her head. "Not there, farther ahead is a better place that you may enjoy more."

"That one has-"

"I do not mean to interrupt you princess but providing you with security is also my duty and it will not be so easy here in such a "congested" area."

"If this shop is burdened with many customers then it must be for a good reason, I should like to learn why. We stop here."

"But-" Ismat stopped and turned around shaking her head but Nawra stared at her through the open curtain and smiled.

"Here."

"As you wish... Halt!"

Nawra watched as the mercenaries began fanning out and scaring some customers off much to her dismay while at the same time Ismat picked a table out and began barking orders at the shop owner who fled inside with servants to bring her whatever she may desire.

"The only reason this location is "unsafe" is because of how you terrify your own people..."

Jaji sat outside a crumbling building boring a hole in the wall with a small stick as he poked and prodded at it in boredom. No one was allowed to cause trouble nor nick anything until all the over puffed and frilly looking thawb wearing guests had departed the city which meant boredom as they sat around doing nothing. It was aggravating. Stabbing at the wall more violently until the stick broke Jaji tossed it aside as he looked at what remained of his surviving friends, the rest had been hung from the walls as a warning.

"What wrong?"

Jaji looked at his mud colored friend and picking up a stone tossed it as she stared. "We do nothing, they hang us, hold big feast, eat till sick, we die from hunger."

"So?" She stared around the corner for a moment.

"This stupid! No let us steal and now no food! Not even steal food!"

"Steal food now "she" say we all get hung."

"Not care what boss mare say! Better die trying than die here!" Jaji picked up a piece of masonry and threw it at a broken pot and watched it take a piece off.

"Least we not die when they come to "clean up street" hm?"

They remembered that day, mercenaries butchered or hauled away anyone who got in their way while cleaning crews gave everything a quick plaster and white wash before leaving again but they only did the parts facing the main street. Simply walk around the building and anyone could see what the buildings normally looked like. Fortunately the lookout had given an advanced warning to everyone the second they had entered the district and most had already vacated the area save the desperate trying to get out to work for food. They had been the most unlucky of all.

"Not die to spear so we die in dust back here."

"Less painful? Maybe they take as slave, that very painful."

"Die of hunger painful!"

Holding her hands up they listened as the warning call went out that guards were approaching and shuffling themselves a little more out of sight they listened. There was no great scuffle as before but they could hear others being beaten with the butts of spears and shields while being chased off the street, looking at each other curiously the two shook their heads and scrambled to find a better viewing hole. Peaking through a small hole in a wall they fought over who got pear out at as mercenaries formed up a protective wall, but their curiosity peaked when a gold and silk adorned box came into view. It stayed still for a minute and staring through their hole intently Jaji could see the shadow of a figure inside looking around for a moment before pulling a curtain aside and peering out. The mare was adorned richly and his eyes locked immediately to the gold hanging from her wrist but as she shifted he could see gems and other priceless valuables sparkling now and then in the dim light.

Pushing his friend out of the way and placing his head against the hole so he could see better Jaji gaped at the wealth which hung from just one wrist and licked his lips as an idea formed. His thoughts were dashed though as the company turned around and departed back for the main road. He was quickly shoved aside violently by his friend who peeked out and she glared at him before huffing.

"That mean! Why you do that! I want to see to!"

"We go now!"

"Go where?" She cocked her head to the side as he pointed. "No, no, no! Boss say we no allowed to go! Have to stay!"

"No food tonight yes? Have idea and we get much, much food!"

"You only make problems for boss and she take it and make you go hungry!"

"We not tell boss and eat then."

"You know they watch..."

Jaji huffed. "Of course know, no blind. Know how to get away though, come!"

She opened her mouth to say something but Jaji was already scampering off down the alleyways with a greater purpose and hoofing it after him the filly stayed low as they ran. It was not long before they knew someone was after them but Jaji grabbed her and they ducked to the side before waiting on them to pass, once they were gone the two slipped out again and began running towards the gatehouse. Some had already come back into the light to begin milling about or continue their daily labor but there were too few to blend in with, hurrying they made a run for it and darting past the now relaxed guards they bolted into the next district.

"Where we go!?"

"Follow fancy thing!"

"That not plan!"

"Follow and wait! Fancy ones always lazy and make mistake, that how we steal from. Wait until get bored and when too many around we steal."

"Have many guard! How we get close?"

"They get lazy."

Running through the alleys and back streets before darting around passerby the two slowed to a stop before hiding in an alley to watch as a merchant groveled at the hooves of the procession. Looking at each other and shrugging they watched as the mercenaries kept a tight ring around whoever was inside the box and after a short exchange of words a heavily armored stallion snatched a silver cup from the merchant and jammed coins into his hand. The two were riveted to the cup as it exchanged hands but their eyes returned to the bulging coin pouch. A despondent sigh left them when it was safely tucked away where they could never hope to get it and returning their eyes to the cup they watched.

"We steal that?" Pointing her finger the filly looked at Jaji who shook his head.

"Boss say thing like that too ob-vi-youes, need coin, maybe steal her wrist things. Many, many sold in city, no missed or noticed."

"Boss also say no to steal from ones like that! Too many mercanyies anyway, no get close. We go back now."

As she began to scoot away Jaji patted her head and pointed. "They go again, go into selling area then maybe we slip and steal!"

"You get us killed! See enough, we go! Not want to be like Faya, Elusim, Hasa or Qur! Not want to hang from wall gagging!"

"We not hang from wall, we follow and wait."

Watching the procession move on Jaji guided them into the street and they began to blend in with the locals, as they walked he spotted a stallion improperly stash their coin pouch and as the two walked past he slipped it out and tossed it back to his partner in crime before moving on. No sooner had it fallen into her hands than she flicked it open and dumped out the contents into a hidden pouch in her ratty shirt before dropping the pouch. Following the distant gold box they slowed to a stop as an argument broke out between one of the officers and whoever was inside, watching quietly they moved aside as a hand pointed to one of the food shops along the street and after more arguing the officer nodded.

Mercenaries rushed the shop and scattered some of the customers and began clearing an area, Jaji pulled his friend aside and waited as the shop owner ran inside with his servers while an idea formed.

"Know how we steal now."

"How!?"

"Someone need serve her flavor water yes?"

"So?"

"Yes..."

"No."

"Yes, I go now, you come, we go back. Already get this!" She grabbed her shirt and shook making the coins jingle. "No need more now! Very lucky! No tempt fate!"

"Not tempting, this easy..."

"I no help!"

"Fine!" Jaji glared and waved her off. "You go then! When I steal you no get any!"

Staring at him worried she finally shook her head and stepping away disappeared into the alley leaving him alone with his thoughts. Running around the back of the shop and out of sight Jaji peaked inside and after looking the scurrying servers over spotted some extra clothing drying in a window. Looking the building over quickly he heaved a few empty crates over and making a run for it jumped and climbed on top, and then began reaching up until his fingers could grasp one of the beams. Struggling up and on top he perched like an oversized, striped pigeon and began hopping from one beam to the next until he was close enough to pull down the hanging laundry.

Smiling to himself a little at having found some clothes that almost fit but were still too big and baggy Jaji worked his way back and after a quick change peaked inside again, the staff was too busy running wild from their new guest to notice him as the stallion in charge shouted orders in a hurried and frantic tone. Slipping inside and grabbing a tray that had just been put down he half ran for the door leading outside, one of the workers stopped him a moment and opened their mouth to say something as they stared at him confused but was called away allowing him to continue. Others ran past him as they flooded a table with fruits, sweets and other delicacies but thankfully his mark was already seated at the table.

Jaji's pace slowed as he stared at the mare, she was stunning, he had seen pretty mares before but what he could see of her made this one stand out. She was so clean, kept and brushed she made the others look like the whores who plied their craft in the back alleys. Her face was fully exposed and her shawl pulled back to give her breathing space, it gave him a perfect view of the ornament which adorned her head and as he wondered how many piles of bread it would buy one of the older servants gave him a sharp prod in the side.

"Hurry along! Just do your job and keep your mouth shut!"

Nodding quickly Jaji hurried forward and kept eyeing the guards, most of whom were facing out with one or two looking in. How was this going to work? His confidence waned heavily as he drew closer to the regal mare who was looking more exasperated now that he could see her better. If he just dropped what he was carrying the others would immediately notice, he needed a diversion but his partner was gone. There was no one to cause the diversion and there had been no time to set one up either, how would he do that anyway? He had no idea. The other thieves would sometimes brag about what they had done but he could never figure out how they had done it, when he asked they always told him "when your older and more experienced." So now what? Jaji stared, he was just a few hoofsteps away from either attempting to rob her or put the tray down and walk away.

A commotion erupted in the street as everyone began fighting, biting and kicking at each other in a wild stampede. Everyone was screaming that the coins were theirs and to get their hands off, looking at the scene confused for a moment he caught sight of his partner peeking out of a window and smiling to himself he stepped forward and as planned, tripped.

The tray went flying and the jar sent water splashing across the table and nearly hit the mare who jumped startled with a small yelp. Jaji's hands were quick and as her eyes were in one location he brought out the drying rag and mumbling loud apologies offered it while slipping one of the bands off her wrist as she accepted the cloth. Bowing furiously as he tucked the gold and jeweled band down his sleeve Jaji backed away as another servant grabbed him and shoved him away while furiously announcing his permanent retirement from the job and any future job he ever thought he would have.

Pretending to be heartbroken at the loss of his job Jaji half ran towards the kitchen but froze as a sharp object pricked him in the chest. Staring up into the face of a mercenary he stepped back a little but the pressure on his chest remained as the mercenary glowered at him.

"Out with it."

"With what?"

The pressure increased cutting through the shirt. "Strip!"

"I not do anything! I not do anything! Only spill water!"

Reaching for him with their spare hand while the sword blade remained where it was Jaji backed away quickly still protesting. Behind him he could hear a confused voice calling out as more were drawn in to his little scene.

"What are you doing to him! He only spilled some water!"

The mercenary stared at the elaborately dressed mare and shook his head. "Check your wrists miss."

Jaji took a quick sideways glance at the lavender dressed figure who after a quick check glanced up with a glare. It was now or never. Bolting for his life Jaji ran around one of the servants who had their hands up in surrender and began fleeing towards the dense crowds but a shield swung out and with a heavy thud it caught him and sent him sprawling backwards and into the tables in a heap as blood poured from his nose. Not a second later a hoof shot out and cracked into his side sprawling him on the ground followed by another heavy slam to his back making his bones and back scream in agony. Air long gone from his lungs Jaji howled in silence as another voice rang out sharp and clearly forcing everyone to freeze.

"Enough! He is a thief but that is more than enough!"

The two mercenaries standing over him stared back and forth for a moment before one brought a spear down to his throat and began pushing.

"Dont. Move."

"What is the meaning of this!? Is this how you treat even a petty thief? He is hardly..." Nawra looked the colt over. "Eleven? Twelve? Are you mad?!"

"We have laws and the would be thieves know the punishment for breaking it, no matter their age miss. Alright you, strip!"

Nawra stared as one mercenary kept the spear point embedded in the colts throat while the other forced him to take his clothes off, but when he was unable to get the shirt off the mercenary violently ripped it off exposing the half starved figure for all to see but the jeweled circlet never hit the ground as he caught it. Walking back the mercenary handed it to Nawra and gave a short bow before returning to the colt who now stood dazed and wheezing.

"Commander, what do we do with him?"

Ismat stared at the colt blankly and after a quick look at Nawra gave them a short, curt nod. "The usual, take him away."

Nawra spun on Ismat and glared. "What does that mean?"

"It would be best not to concern yourself with such matters princess."

"Explain!"

Ismat flinched before sighing. "We hang thieves, as I am certain you are well aware as even your own laws-."

"Even when they are dying of starvation? I can count his ribs! We have laws as well in Labrad as you say but we show mercy for those who are just trying to survive, yes he is a thief and must be punished but let the punishment fit the crime and circumstances!"

"With all due respect princess... You are not in Labrad."

It was Nawra's turn to flinch as Ismat stared her straight in the eyes without backing down. "I ask that you show him mercy and if I must this matter will be-"

Ismat stared at Nawra as she spoke and gritting her teeth stepped forward and did the unthinkable, she took the princess by the wrist and leaned forward and whispered.

"Princess Nawra, this IS a mercy. Do not challenge it, I know you are playing a damn game with Fareed but dont involve yourself with this colt, let him hang! For your sake as well as his own!"

Nawra looked down at Ismat's hand for a moment before it departed, she was stunned. No one dared to touch royalty unless it was specifically requested, to do so otherwise would at the least result in a flogging but this noble had just broken the law of no doubt every kingdom in order to beg her to just stand by and allow the unthinkable to happen. To allow a young colt to be hung for thievery when it was clearly only to survive.

"I..." Nawra gaped at Ismat a moment before looking at the colt who was now shaking like a leaf on the wind but after taking a breath she hardened her expression. "I would be remiss if I did not at least try to gain clemency for this colt, it was my property he tried to steal and not that of Fareed. As royalty it is my right to request that his fate be handed over to me and his life become property of my person. And that... Game? I did not start this. He did. But I shall not allow a half starving colt to hang for it!"

Ismat's look made Nawra's ears droop as her eyes were full of pity and remorse. "I fear you just gave him what he wanted princess, but so be it. You! Take him to the dungeon for now, the princess challenges the punishment as is her right and the thief's punishment is postponed until Fareed can judge the matter." Ismat waved them off before looking back at Nawra. "I know you have some plan to twist him around and free the colt, but I think you do not understand yet the price involved."

Nawra watched Ismat order the procession back to the palace, she did not argue but quietly climbed into the tahtirevan while her brain screamed violently. How? How was she going to stop this? Ismat was right, Fareed would now try to do far worse to the thief but how could she stop him? She knew not the laws of Alzamard nor the punishments... Could she bribe him? With what? What price would he want for the colt? A game was being played, pieces were moving back and forth but now a new one had been thrown into the madness that no one had counted on. Ismat was absolutely right, it would have been easier to stand aside and let the colt hang but she couldn't do it. It was wrong, horrifically wrong to allow it to happen and if she had she could never have forgiven herself for doing so.

But what could she do then? Fareed now held all the pieces and her none, before now she could move and slip past him at will but now there was nowhere to go. No pieces to move as she had none to control, he now controlled the board and could do as he pleased.

"How am I going to do this?"

Ismat watched Nawra climb silently into the carriage before closing her eyes hard. "I will be lucky if I am not flogged for this." Turning her head she watched as the colt was carted off like a basket case.

Jaji stared back at the gilded box wide eyed as his lungs attempted to draw air, he felt terrified and helpless as he was carried away by the mercenaries. Looking around desperately for a way to escape he caught sight of his partner, she was following closely from the shadows and he could just make out a small, sharp and rusty object. Staring at her in panic he almost pleaded to be saved but shook his head and watched as she stared back at him confused, terrified and bereft before disappearing from his view. He was alone now and a single thought continued to cross his mind over and over again.

"Not want to die! Not want to die!"

Author's Notes:

Not sure if I will get another out this month, things are going about as well as drowning while someone else offers a cattle prod. My focus is gone at this point and I just want to strangle everyone.