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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.

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.

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. “

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.

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.

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

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. “

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. “

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.

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

♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
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.

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.

zesh:
na real oboy ooo

Lol was that for Ruel's skills at manipulation?

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.

♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠

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.

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.

Cyberrex:
lady Thorne

Do u know there is something about Ruel that I cleverly made a bit obscure except for a smart mind.
Hint, u will get it during the initial discuss btw Ruel and Jarrael at the office in the warehouse. Another clue.... Na if I give it finding it out will be too easy.... Come on guys lets have fun

meneski:
sumair.....

Nope sumair is not the one

meneski:
sumair.....

Lol, u like him? He seem mysterious right? Well nothing much about him... For now

meneski:
. All dis guys u just mentioned is ther history in the main book? Especialy dat enemy of the black robe.

Lol, no. There stories ends here.
So do u like them?
Anyway there is one more person to join this short expedition, try and guess who?

Jarrael watched Ruel for a long time, with conflicting thoughts going through his mind. Who really is Ruel? It’s glaring that he is not just a merchant, he knows too much. He knows things that even the wise men and sorcerers will take so long to acquire. How has he come by them? Who is he that the great magus of the league of mages owes him favor, that he can release a powerful acolyte to him at his call? Besides , what game is Ruel playing? What is his role in all these? One way to fine out.
“Why? “ Jarrael asked the merchant. “ Why are you involved in all these? What do you plan to gain or achieve? This definitely is not the concern of a rich merchant. What is in it for you? “
Ruel smiled, put his hand round Jarrael’s shoulders and slowly led him out of the room back to the stairs and they started climbing up. “All these I’m doing is not actually selfless, I have long term gain in mind. I consider all these as a sacrifice. See in a world ruled by the priests of Nemphis, my businesses will collapse, my wealth will vanish. I will end up pauper , a poor beggar or worse a slave to the totalitarian rule they will unleash. “
A questing look came on Jarrael’s face as the merchant spoke.
“Oh I know what you may be thinking, that as an opportunist, greedy and smart merchant, I can turn the rule by the priests to my advantage. “ After a hearty laugh that interrupted his talk he continued. “That should have been the normal thing to do, but the priests of Nemphis are dubious, unpredictable and you can’t be sure what their actions will be. Business can only thrive in an atmosphere of political stability. The priests fight among themselves, they hate each other as much as they hate the rest of the world. So I prefer things being the way they are. After all I made all my wealth in this present political landscape. “
“Ruel, I don’t thrust you. “
“Of course you don’t have to. “ Ruel replied jovially. “You don’t trust anyone. I don’t even think there is anyone that trusts me. Besides my friend, I’m paying you handsomely for your efforts, so what’s the need for trust when there is profit. “ Ruel laughed long and hard till they came out of the winding stairs.

Please guys just a reminder, if any of the names of the places mentioned seems confusing, refer to all the 3 maps I added initially, it will give u an idea of the places and events narrated about the areas will be clearer

“And here is Thrace, an acolyte of the league of mages. He is on loan to me from the head of the league, the chief magus, my friend who also owes me a lot of favour. Thrace is just an acolyte, who not long ago started his training in the mystic arts but don’t let that dissuade you, he is a natural with sorcery. What took others years of studies and discipline to achieve he accomplished at the start of his training. So he may not be an adept in the lore of sorcery but his is potentially and naturally powerful. “ Thrace just sat looking at them both with a condescending gaze. He was wearing the brown robe of an acolyte, a gnarled wooden staff lay by his side and a belt of gold gleamed around his waist. Jarrael quickly knew he was going have a problem with this one. Well he knows the moment he showed him that despite his magical powers, Jarrael can still take him out, he should fall in line.
“So these are your companions, they know as much as is needed for them to know. “ Ruel turned to face him. “They have been instructed to obey you at all times without questions and always follow your lead. “

“This is Khen, he is a Kyaki, from the continent of Kyaka, he was born and grew up in the city of Shoto. His family is a member of the white-lily society, fierce enemy of the Black Robes, Order of Assassins. They are such great fighters, that are a match to the ferocity and skill of the black robes, otherwise the black robes would have wiped them out. Khen is from a family whose sacred duty is to protect the ruling family members. Khen failed in that duty when an overwhelming number of black robes attacked a ruling family home. Khen couldn’t stop them all. The ruling family member was killed in the attack. Khen fought them off as best as he could but their numbers were more than he could have taken on alone. The black robes didn’t kill him, they left him to face the shame and dishonor that was bound to follow him.
“His family was disappointed in him, they said he should have committed the ritual suicide. But since Khen refused to kill himself. He was stripped of his position cast out by family and his people. “ Khen, is a man lithe and of small stature but with movements that looks like he is ready to spring at any moment. Jarrael noted silently that Khen is a trained killer, as well trained probably as he is. Khen bowed a little, he was putting on a white silk shirt with sleeves wrapped in white clothes, same silk material for trousers, his feet was covered with soft cloth like leather.

“Jarrael come let me introduce you to your fellow travelers who you will lead on this journey. “ Ruel gestured at the people occupying the three chairs. “This is Gamba “ He indicated a dark skinned man, that stood up respectfully as his name was mentioned. He is a giant, more than seven feet tall. His ebony skin was built of rippling muscles, evenly parted tummy and hardened flesh. He was dressed in a loin cloth made of spotted leather from a snow cat and waist wrapped about with thick black leather holding a leather twine on which hanged a huge double edged battle axe. “He is a Hakunian, from the far away land of Hakun Southeast beyond the Lesser sea. In the days of legends the Hakunians were part of the Gondolians. But a family among them proved too violent and blood thirsty for the Gondolians’ taste. The family, headed by their father called Hok, was banished. They travelled south for a long time and settled at the place they occupy now. They are a warlike people. Treacherous and untrustworthy. But Gamba seems different. His different view of things made him something of an outcast among his people. I saved his life once and since then he owes me a life gratitude. “
The black giant bowed to both Ruel and Jarrael.

Jarrael snickered privately as he heard that.
“Do not underrate Sumair, despite his outward appearance, there is so much more to him. You will be hard pressed to defeat him in combat besides that he have other skills you know nothing about. There are very few in Ghemmaria that can match him in might. “ Ruel said without turning to look back at his guest.
“If you say so merchant. “
The burning torch produced thick dark smoke that smell like burnt oil, which made Jarrael suspect that they have used pitch for the torches. This place will have very dark smudges for very long time. They walked for a while between close walls with very rough stone surfaces. The passage seem to go on level for a while then they encountered stairs that were heading down. The stairs were spiraling in continuous circle downward. At the end of the stairs are three heavy wooden doors held together by thick rusting irons. The two by the left and right were locked the one in the middle was open.
When they got in through the middle open door, it led into a spacious room, wide with some luxurious furniture. A long rich woolen recliner was at the left, a beautifully carved and shaped table occupies the center of the room with rich colored carpets. The few areas not covered by the carpet showed the floor is made of gray colored polished terrazzo. Beautifully decorated curtains with gossamer like appearance hanged on the walls and high ceiling. A throne like gold gleaming chair occupies the right and scattered at various parts of the room are comfortable chairs, five in numbers, but three of them were occupied. The room was well illuminated due to several small glass covered lamps put on in the rooms. Only among the richest of the rich can you find such obvious opulence and extravagance.

Getting out of the warehouse door, the compound surrounding it was in darkness, besides the four guards at the doors and in the warehouse, there appears to be no one else around. Most of the workers have gone, closed for the day’s work.
“Sumair, “ the merchant called quietly but insistently looking around in the dark compound, the light spilling from the open door of the warehouse extending the shadows of him and Jarrael long ahead of them to mix up with the darkness before them.
A sharp sound of metal striking a flint was loud in the quiet compound. A spark shown which turned into a blaze of a bright torch. The light from the touch dangles as the person holding it walked with awkward steps. Coming out of the shadow, a man dressed in hard leather jerkins, a round helmet on his his head, one hand lifting the burning torch above his head and the other grabbing a long metal spear, with a round buckler on the arm walked as if he is limping. A second look showed Jarrael that the man has a clubfoot. This should be the Sumair.
“Take us to the place. “ Ruel ordered him.
“The place? “ Sumair asked with a quizzical look directed at Jarrael.
“Yes, the place. “ Ruel insisted.
“Alright master, please follow me. “ Sumair led them swiftly through the dark compound, his blazing touch lighting the way. His clubfoot didn’t seem to hamper his quick and sure footed steps. At a low door, he stopped, dropping the spear and the buckler, he performed a complex hand symbols too fast for Jarrael’s keen eyes to decipher and the lips of Sumair seem to speak words that were completely inaudible even in the dead silence around them. He pulled a key out of the fold of his trousers, inserted it into a tiny key hole. He pushed the door open, went into the dark maw of the entrance and dim light flickered from it later. “You can come in now master. “ he bowed lowly as Ruel and Jarrael came in.
“Sumair no one, absolutely no one comes through this door until we are through. “ Ruel instructed the clubfooted man.
“Yes master, no one will.” Sumair picked up both his spear and buckler.

Lol u guys are just making this story all the more interesting and intriguing... Well one thing about Memoirs of Blood and Steel is nothing is really as it appears, and the story won't end the way most people will think it will. This is one story that the plot's outcome is hard to predict.
Please more contributions and insights, let me see if anyone can come close to predicting some of the directions this story will take.
Pls remember we are still debating who is a better manipulator, Ruel or Mibazar.. . Clue, look beyond the surface or what is revealed, try to read between the line. Focus on a lot of things that are not directly mentioned only inferred.

Wow intrigue upon intrigue, too many subterfuge. I like all the assessments you guys have made, they all have merits. But I'm going to promise you one thing... Em actually it's two. Before this chapter runs out, I'm going to give just a flash of a glace about who Ruel really is (at least at this ppint it's more glaring that Ruel is not just a rich greedy merchant).
The second thing is that at the end of this story, there will be a massive revelation of who Mibazar really is that none of you will see it coming.
You are all free to make ur guesses though... But it will be a shocker.
Guys you all know me, I keep the best for last.

So guys rate this story on a scale of one to ten.

Oh else i forget, for those who are fans of MARVEL CHRONICLES, I'm having this thought of writing a story on THE AFTERLIFE PRISON, what do u guys think?Though I want it open for any writer who likes writing science fiction to pick it up and write about it. I can produce most of the details that will be needed, I can even offer some plots suggestions. So any takers?

Lol you guys could be right... But I think very little have been revealed about Mibazar here, so it's very likely that he will be underrated. On the major story, GHEMARIA CANTICLES, Mibazar's skills are in full sway... Well let's just watch. Trust me neither Mibazar nor Ruel are what they appeared to be..... Let me not spill the beans

“Alright Ruel, we have an agreement. Show me where to source for supplies here in Zin and I will be on my way. “
“Oh I will do better than that my friend.“ Ruel stood up, pulled out a key and walked towards the locked door. “I already have supplies arranged for you. Also I have some selected professionals, in your line of work, I have employed to go along with you on this venture. “
“I work best alone, you should know that. “ Jarrael said as he stood to walk with the merchant.
“Yes that I know but I know you have worked with others when it suited your purpose, consider this one of those instances. “ the merchant turned with a conspiratorial smile as he put the key in the keyhole. “Still you will need these men of this job must be successful. “
“Well it’s your job, if it fails, you loose. I’d have gained five thousand gold and silver coins each. Anyway let your employees know, I won’t share my payment with them. What ever arrangements you made, you made with them directly and not me. Also let who ever will lead this poor expedition know that I move on my own when I want, where I want and how I want. I take no orders from anyone. “
Chuckling as he opened the door, he and Jarrael l stepped out of the office into the open warehouse, several torches fixed on sconces burning brightly, giving the wide storage space an orange colored glow with the arranged goods creating several shadows within the place.
“That won’t be a problem Jarrael, as you will be the one in charge of the poor expedition. “ he ended quoting Jarrael’s bitter remark.