Jarrael was led by the merchant to a stable. Four horses were already brought out, set apart from others, groomed and prepared for the trip. One of the four horses was a special breed of park horse. On closer examination of the other three horses, Jarrael was glad to notice they are specifically well bread warhorse after generations of several careful and selective breeding, these horses are made for speed, strength and stamina. The very best for what they have to go for. But if there are just three free horses here and a pack horse, where is…?
“Excuse me Jarrael, “ Ruel called out to him. “I hope you don’t mind, I took the liberty of sending for you horse, while you were with me. It’s already well fed and rested. “
Jarrael saw the merchant pointing at his horse. The steed neighed as it sighted Jarrael. He walked to the horse, stroke its rich silky mane and spoke softly to it. “Do you know this horse hasn’t stayed long enough with me to name it. But within the short period with me, it has been very valuable. “
“So do you plan rectifying that now? “
“No, I’m always on the move to very far places that taking the horse with me every where won’t be reasonable. “Jarrael responded to the question.
“Quite correct, Jarrael. “ Showing him all the packed provisions, Ruel asked. “Since you are all packed and prepared, I believe you will want to leave early first light of tomorrow? “
“Tell my companions to get ready, we leave immediately. “ Jarrael said curtly.

♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠

Ruel was sitting down on the chair in his office filling out a trade parchment after counting and carefully arranging a pile of coins into neat rows. Other parchments were also arranged and neatly lined up, all sealed with wax bearing his personal signet icon. As he bent down on the table, with the candles giving out their orange color tinted glow, a light breeze blew in that was barely perceptible.
“Ah my dear, you are just in right on time. “ Ruel said without raising his head in a any form of recognition.
“So you told him too? “ a soft sing song voice said from the doorway to the office.
At that the merchant lifted up his eyes to the shadowed silhouette framed at the door. “Yes my dear, I couldn’t resist the temptation of using that to break down any form of emotional resistance he might have put up to reject my offer. “
As the silhouette walked in slowly into the office room, the candle lights in the room played on its figure. It was a slim woman putting on tight fitting all body leather clothing, her hair and lips colored green having fierce emerald eyes burning with inner fire.
“It took me a long time to emotionally deal with the truth and readjust myself mentally to carry on. But my brother seems to be a lot more stronger. “ the shadow said. “He took it a lot more easily than I did. “
“You should know, Meera, that your brother has always been the stronger of you too. “ Ruel said casting a careful look at her.
“Stop calling me that, Ruel. That name died with my innocence and every good thing I held dear in this cruel world. “ She said, her face taking on a darker shade as the anger colored her visage.

Laughing lightly the merchant asked, “I presume you prefer me to address you as… “
“Do not play such games with me Ruel, I know a lot about your scheming and machinations. It won’t work easily on me as it worked on Kezzan, I was a well brought up daughter of the snake queen and I make my living and wealth by scheming too. “ the lady called Meera said putting up a smug smile of her own.
“Well I think your brother also cast off the use of his name too. “ Ruel gathered all the sealed parchments, took them to the cupboard on his wall, put them in and locked the cupboard back up. “So my dear, you were able to sneak out of Aram successfully even under the watchful eyes of the Grand Khardi Shammir and his touts? “
“The Grand Khardi has always been a fool and easy to deal with. The problems I had started with the coming of Tarikh. “ Meera sat down facing the merchant. “I heard a priest of Nemphis is involved. Tarikh’s hand has grown real long if a dark priest does his bidding. “
“Oh it’s never that way my dear. “ Ruel said dismissively with a casual wave of his hand. "Tarikh in all his wisdom has fallen short in this one. He is actually the slave here, a puppet with strings held mighty tight by those whom he plot with. His greed and desperate quest for the crown that is not his has made his circumspection void. “
The legs of the chair scrapped the floor loudly as it was adjusted by Meera to extend her body and putting both her legs, encased in soft leather boots on the table consequently tumbling all the clean rows of coins Ruel had painstakingly arranged back into scattered piles. “How can any sane person knowingly have dealings with a Nemphis priest without coercion. “
Ruel didn’t show any sign as if he was concerned with the mess she just created. “Who ever said Tarikh was sane? Greed is a strong mental illness that blinds one to the truth and snatches away contentment and peace. “
“Awfully philosophical of you Ruel. “ Meera smiled bemusedly. “You are a merchant, a rich one at that. All rich men are greedy. That is a fact of life experience had taught me. I deal with them everyday. “
“All men are greedy, the degree of it is how much we are willing to surrender to it. “ he leaned closer. “ Tell me how you were able to escape the trap set for you in Aram? I’m a bit curious. “
Meera sat down her mind sinking back to the painful details.

oboy!!!!!!

na real oboy ooo

zesh:
na real oboy ooo

Lol was that for Ruel's skills at manipulation?

Apollux:

Lol was that for Ruel's skills at manipulation?

not only Ruel. Both Apollux self.

What a story!
It keeps getting better and better. Appollux, your creativity is out of this word. The way you arrange and unfold events is simply astonishing. And that character called Ruel,he is something else, he is someone else...
More updates needed ASAP!!!

apollux now I'm bewildered

how come reul knows meera and if meera is Thorne, how come she's trying to seduce him INCEST!!!!

and things ain't adding up

Cyberrex:
apollux now I'm bewildered

how come reul knows meera and if meera is Thorne, how come she's trying to seduce him INCEST!!!!

and things ain't adding up

OK let me answer the second question first. It's obvious from the story that Jarral and Thorn knew each other for a while before their meeting in Aram in the story. One thing clear was that Thorn knew in her heart that she loves Jarrael but couldn't tell why? She just have this warm feelings for him.she never knew Jarrael was her brother till she came to visit Ruel. If you take a more careful look at the story, it indirectly hinted that Meera had visited Ruel before Jarrael came.
Now to the first question, the answer is simple,Ruel knows a lot about her father.

I don't think Ruel is just a mere manipulative merchant...He might be a powerful sorcerer.

Keep up the good work sir.

♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
Ruel led Meera out of the warehouse to the same stable Jarrael and others have ridden out from a while back. Sumair hobbled to them, on one hand he held his blazing torch and on the second, he held the reins of a stout horse already saddled and packed for a trip.
Ruel took the reins from Sumair and handed them to Meera. “I kept the fastest horse in my stable for you. You can catch up with them with this mount. “
Meera took the reins, climbed the horse without saying anything urging the steed to move at a fast gallop.
“Master is this wise? “ Sumair asked Ruel as he moved closer.
“It’s as it should be. “ He replied as he watched the darkness swallow the horse and rider in the distance. “It is all happening as fate has meant it to be. “
As Ruel finished, the light from the blazing torch held by Sumair played on his face. The visage of the merchant started to take a different appearance. The rich brown short hair started to stretch out and changed in color to full silvery white. The length going down way beyond his shoulders. The well trimmed brown beard became elongated, turned white too, became much fuller and growing down to reach below his stomach. His face now took on the appearance of an ancient figure, with the look of agedness but smoothness of skin of a youth. His simple blue garment with the brown over coat took on the appearance of a dull white robe. Now on his hand, Ruel held a thin gnarled staff with a jeweled gem at the head that glowed a dull green. Ruel with his now aged looking face brightened by the soft glow of the touch smiled, but it was a dark smile that the light couldn’t dissipate.

JohnGainsville:
I don't think Ruel is just a mere manipulative merchant...He might be a powerful sorcerer.

Keep up the good work sir.

It should beobvious to a keen reader that Ruel, if not an outright sorcerer at least has a limited use of magic. Go back to when he was with Jarrael in his office. When he stood up to collect the map, it was a plain wall but after muttering some words with a particular movement of his hands the plain wall opened. Jarrael who was sitting by with all keenness and alertness didn't even notice.
I think same with Ruel's servant Sumair. Before he opened the door, he spoke some words and did some signs with his hand before opening the door with a key. Still Jarrael couldn't see any of these because it was magic. I think my latest update is a final prove.
But don't get too comfortable, more surprises are in store. Lol

CHAPTER FOUR

Jarrael knelt down beside a sand stone dune, that had been caked solid like a rock due to countless centuries of buffets from sun and wind. He took a peak back at the route they are coming from to confirm what he had suspected for a while now. But the deepening sun in the east casting long shadows along the undulating sand dunes of the desert was making it difficult. Moreover the haze been generated by the reducing heat of this place as the sun goes down was giving far objects surreal appearances that makes his keen eyes exact effort to discern. Still he wasn’t able to get full answer.
They had been riding almost none stop since they left Zin last night. It had been a hard ride with just two stops to rest the horses, feed them and continue. Jarrael had taken the trade route from the Oasis of Tull. The route goes down south from the Oasis, shifted a bit to the west and down south instead of cutting across to Zin directly just before the Sand cat nests. This is to avoid the very deadly pit vipers holes that is the breeding ground of those dangerous vipers. This diversion brings the trade route very close to the Ruins of Kedesh, their destination, before turning northeast to Zin.
Jarrael decided to take the reverse part of the trade route, it will lead directly to the Ruins of Kedesh. Still the merchants that ply that route always move in long caravans with rented battle harden mercenaries to serve as escorts due to the heavy presence of bandits in the area around the Ruins. But Jarrael hoped with speed on their side they could easily avoid encountering any company of bandits. Also he wanted to keep to the marked part of the trade route because it’s so easy to wonder off around there and before you know it, you are in the middle of a pit viper’s hole.

Sounds like soft shift of sand came from behind him as if someone was taking careful step to walk, while not allowing the footsteps to sound and still move swiftly. Jarrael immediately guessed who was coming to him. Within the hours he had been with the copany, it had become easy to tell them apart without even looking at them. Among the three, Khen is the lightest on his feet. Well disciplined and Jarrael believes the best fighter they have. He is never satisfied with the security of any situation. He always check out everything so many times and still will not be satisfied. His primary weapon is a curved,thin single-edged blade with circular guard and long grip on the hilt to accommodate for two hand use. He hangs it on a back scabbard just the same way Jarrael hangs his twin scimitars. He has another sword like it too but much shorter and less than a half of its length hanged on his waist. Jarrael believes there other weapons scattered around his person.
Jarrael knew a lot about the White-Lilly society, he had faced off some and killed them in battle before now. They are skillful and deadly. Technically, Jarrael and Khen should be enemies, but the situation has changed. Khen is a dishonored White-Lilly while Jarrael has abandoned the called of the black robes.
“You felt it too I guess? “ Khen said as he got closer. His language heavily accented with the dialect of Kyaki.
“Felt what, Khen? “
“Someone has been following us since the early sunrise of today. “ Khen pointed at a tiny shadow that rippled just a bit before been swallowed by a high sand dune. “There it Is again. “

Jarrael observed him and looked at where he pointed. Nodding his head he agreed. “I had been watching and thinking that either by new the rider would have revealed himself or stop following us. “
Khen's white clothes seems to always appear clean despite the sands and dusts around. “Do you think it is a scout, sent ahead to spy or search for us? “
“I don’t think so. “ Jarrael replied trying his best to see that distant shadow again. “If it was a scout, he would had gone back to his group the moment he located us. But our stalker had continued on our trail careful to stay far enough for us not to be able to get a positive identification but close enough not to loose sight of us. “
“Will you want me to go and take care of him? “ Khen asked his eyes squinting as he continues to pick out more details as the day grew darker. “ I will wait till it’s dark, before the rise of the twin moons. He won’t see me coming. “
“No “ Jarrael told him quietly, not that he doubted that the Kyaki won’t be able to carry that out. “There won’t be need for it. Doing as you suggested will delay us more. Time we have very precious few of will be spent on in. We continue as planned. “
Both of them turned suddenly as heavy steps sounded behind them. Khen’s hand was already on the hilt of his sword Jarrael did bother because he already knew who was coming.
Gamba’s body blended perfectly with the darkening sky as the sun’s few rays were been swallowed up by the western horizon. The dark skinned giant have been the easiest to get along with. He is mostly quiet, speaks only when spoken to, obeys all orders given to him. Always wait for Instructions before doing anything. A casual observer my think he is stupid. But Jarrael knows better, the Hakunian is very intelligent. One unbearable attitude of his is the constant reference to Jarrael as master.
“Master, may I be allowed to speak? “ the giant asked as he got to were Jarrael and Khen were standing.
“Gamba I have already told you, I’m not your master, so you don’t have to call me that. “
“My lord and master Ruel told me that you are my master as we go on this journey. “ Gamba replied bowing a little. “That is how it must stand. You are now my master. “
Jarrael sighed. “What is it you want to talk to me about? “
“The chattering small wizard is on again. Speaking against everything, even you master. “ the giant’s voice sounded too soft for such a large person. “ I would have slain him but master have not commanded me to do so. He does not respect master not regard anything master says. His constant complaints will attract dangerous enemies to us. “

bros may God continue to bless u with more knowledge to bless us with more update!

Am pretty sure that both Reul and the Mbadiar have many things in common as both happen to be very skilled in socerey and manipulations.

If I am to go by your give away clue, I think the clause" as it should be" which was in response to sumair question clearly indicates that both Reul and Mbadiar are likely priests of the nephlims with former been the high priests whose role hasn't been challenged for years, and the latter been Mbadiar.

But appollux I still wonder why the ruler of dh has been quiet all along,cos I find it hard for him to be oblivious of his nephews plan to succeed him.

MummyIMadeIt:
Am pretty sure that both Reul and the Mbadiar have many things in common as both happen to be very skilled in socerey and manipulations.

If I am to go by your give away clue, I think the clause" as it should be" which was in response to sumair question clearly indicates that both Reul and Mbadiar are likely priests of the nephlims with former been the high priests whose role hasn't been challenged for years, and the latter been Mbadiar.

But appollux I still wonder why the ruler of dh has been quiet all along,cos I find it hard for him to be oblivious of his nephews plan to succeed him.

Well the real conflict won't happen in this story, this is just a spin off which focus on Jarrael. Trust me all you are seeing here are just peripherals. The conflicts brewing is so massive it will create another Pantheon War, Arl will be forced to step in. Oh let me not say more

MummyIMadeIt:
Am pretty sure that both Reul and the Mbadiar have many things in common as both happen to be very skilled in socerey and manipulations.

If I am to go by your give away clue, I think the clause" as it should be" which was in response to sumair question clearly indicates that both Reul and Mbadiar are likely priests of the nephlims with former been the high priests whose role hasn't been challenged for years, and the latter been Mbadiar.

But appollux I still wonder why the ruler of dh has been quiet all along,cos I find it hard for him to be oblivious of his nephews plan to succeed him.

And as for why the king of the kingdom of Dhremoria is quiet, it's all politics. For now the king is still treating it all as rumors, hear-says and propaganda from people who are unhappy that he gave the barony of Hocklam to Tarikh and are envious of his position. So it's a very delicate situation.

Signing again Jarrael moved to were they had stopped for a while for him to scout behind them. He knew from the start that Thrace was going to be a problem. The acolyte sorcerer had started complaining right from the start of the journey. He had opposed Jarrael on every step of the way, question and disregarded all his instructions. Thrace has shown that he is overbearing and a nuisance. He had practically got on everyone’s nerve. Jarrael wouldn’t have mind in anyway, as Thrace has shown he is a weak simpleton with no heart for hardwork. But his continued insolence will endanger the mission if allowed to continue. Jarrael has made up his mind to put a stop to all of it now. He may be powerful with sorcery, but magic has its weakness too as Jarrael plans to educate the arrogant fool soon.
Before getting to the place they had stopped to rest for a while, the soft glow and smell of roasting meat whiffing from that place got Jarrael enraged. He had expressly instructed all of them that they will stick to their dry rationed food for the duration of the trip to Kedesh, no lighting of fire or cooking, either night or day. Lighting a fire during the day unless expertly done, the smoke from it can be seen for miles around the almost level plains of the desert. Same with lighting fire in the night. The glow from a small fire in the darkness can attract unwanted guest from far-off or near. He had also prohibited cooking for almost the same reason. The smell of cooked food is the easiest way to announce to predators like sand cats, pit vipers and bandits that you are around. The stupid acolyte had criticized all of his instructions and had done everything to disobey them.

Jarrael started hearing the bitter words of complaints directed at him. The acolyte was even speaking bitterly at Jarrael even behind him. The others with him just stared stoically awaiting his next response. Jarrael said nothing as he got to the place and saw Thrace sitting down before a small fire and a small rodent like animal roasting on a spit placed over the fire. The items with them to make fire, the flint and iron specifically prepared for it are in the possession of Gamba and the Hakunian guards it jealousy after Jarrael’s instructions. So how could the acolyte have started the fire. He stopped wondering when he saw that the fire was just burning without wood or any source of fuel for it. Of course he used sorcery to kindle and maintain the fire. If he did that to impressed Jarrael, well it failed and Jarrael is not impressed.
When he got to the sitting acolyte, Thrace looked up at Jarrael with scorn on his face and a daring appearance with apparent challenge.
“You knew I specifically stated that no fire or cooking should be made at the first part of this journey. “ Jarrael spoke, his voice steady and very light. “I also outlined the risk and dangers involved in it. “
“And so what? “ Thrace replied with a snarl. “I got tired of eating dry cold rations for almost two days now. I wanted warm cooked meal. Tell me again what danger you are afraid of. If you are scared, leave them all to me and I will take care of them for you. “
Jarrael allowed the effects and meaning of the acolyte’s words to take root on the other two listeners who are just standing beside him. “So you think I don’t have what it takes to lead this quest? “
“Yes that is what I think exactly. “ the acolyte stood up with a defiant stance as he faced Jarrael. “I wonder what Ruel was thinking giving this all important quest to you to lead. I am the best suited to complete this quest. With me handling the quest, there won’t be need for any of you to tag along. I can complete it on my own. No offense meant to you all. “

The silence that descended after Thrace words was palpable. Khen’s look was just passive with no sign of any emotion. Gamba on the other hand fumed, he looked at Jarrael, his eyes pleading for Jarrael to just give the order and Thrace will be dead by his hand. Jarrael decided to deny him of that.
“So you think you are better than me? “ he asked the acolyte instead.
“Of course I am. I should be the one leading and not you. “ Thrace spoke with barely concealed arrogance, he foot tapping with annoyance on the floor.
Jarrael twirl his two hands in a blur of motion. Two razor sharp edged metal stars flew from his hand and headed towards Thrace. The acolyte merely lifted up his right hand and both stars froze in mid flight suspended on the air before they got close to him.
“There can you see how I easily stopped your pitiful attacks.” He spoke with heavy scorn. “I can as well easily dis-“ the words stopped in mid sentence as his felt a tiny sharp pressure on his neck.
“You were saying? “ Jarrael’s voice spoke quietly beside his ear as the sharp point of his scimitar was pressed lightly at the acolyte’s neck.

Thrace swallowed with some difficulty, the slight bump on his neck moved with up and down. He didn’t even see the assassin move to get behind him after throwing those stars. The stars may have been made distraction.
“Now anymore words to spill from your dirt encrusted maw about how you are better than I am? “ Jarrael asked. As the acolyte’s face darkened a bit with anger, Jarrael pressed the point of his scimitar a little harder to his neck which produced a thin trickle of blood. The anger on Thrace face was quickly replaced by fear.
“I will say this only once. The next time you defy me, there won’t even be enough time for you to recall what you have done before your shoulders will cease to bear the burden of the stupidity of your head. “ he withdraw the blade and walked to a place where his horse. “We rest here, eat and feed the horses. We are moving in the next hour. “
After feeding his horse and stroking it, he chewed on the dried bread and dried salted meat. He drank water from his canteen. He looked around, saw the acolyte has doused the fire after finishing with the roasting his meal. He was chewing the barbecue and was drinking something that obviously wine. Gamba was going over their stores on the park horse, checking and retying them. Khen was no where to be seen. Jarrael wasn’t surprised though, each time they stop for a rest he normally disappear for a while without telling anyone where he is going.

bros @Apollux update too small...

thanks for d update, more please @Apollux d general

Just then the Kyaki came running out of the darkness towards Jarrael. “We have riders coming this way. “
Jarrael’s response was instantaneous. “Who are they, bandits? “
“I don’t think so, they appeared more like herdsmen. “
“That is impossible, herdsmen don’t come this far to graze their herds because there is little to feed them with. Besides this place has too many predators that will feed of them. “
“I considered that too, but discarded it when I saw their riding pattern, they are herdsmen. “ Khen slowly pulled out his sword as he spoke. “Something else worried me about this. How could they have got this close without us seeing them for a while? There are no trees or major coverings they could have used. The only possibility is they were here before us and waiting. They were somehow able to know that we have arrived here before they start their move. Could the rider following us have been their scout? “
“Seem unlikely, but at this stage nothing should be seen as impossible. How many are they? “ Jarrael asked as he brought out his scimitars.
“Between a score and two dozen but no more. “
“Alright everyone take your position, there is little covering, so not much space to hide. “ Jarrael pointed at the Hokunian, “Gamba you will stand with me. “ To the Kyaki and the acolyte he instructed. “Khen stay in the shadows and attack from there, then Thrace stay further back, you will be more useful for long distance attack. Hope you have some skills in magical combat? “
The acolyte simply grunted as a reply. Just then the thunderous drums of hoof beats sounded all around them.

I think Ruel purposely hid the part about the Nemphis priest when giving Ah'moud information about Baron Tarikh just to see how Jarrael will fare in a face off with a Priest of Nemphis.
.
As I'm reading this, I'm visualizing it in my mind. I'm watching a movie!!

Nice one appolux u always wow me, now lets talk about Ruel, he is another powerful high priest from another temple certainly not from the black tower and he is doing all he can to frustrate the plans of the nephis priest in the other hand those herdsmen were already there waiting for jazeer remember earlier on priest mabizar meet a herdsman who happen to be his long time servicing servant worship him and the lunatic of a magician help Dem made their work easy by lighting that fire so the herdsmen had a clue that jazreel was around

Dare2Try:
Nice one appolux u always wow me, now lets talk about Ruel, he is another powerful high priest from another temple certainly not from the black tower and he is doing all he can to frustrate the plans of the nephis priest in the other hand those herdsmen were already there waiting for jazeer remember earlier on priest mabizar meet a herdsman who happen to be his long time servicing servant worship him and the lunatic of a magician help Dem made their work easy by lighting that fire so the herdsmen had a clue that jazreel was around

Lol good assessments... Well I will say nothing, just allow the story to unfold

Apollux:

Lol good assessments... Well I will say nothing, just allow the story to unfold

waiting impatiently