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Mibazar wasn’t going directly back to the Black tower yet, he intends to make a detour. The high priest had deduced that leaving the Muk-Anolis and the baron’s soldiers alone to chase the person he intends to stop isn’t going to be effective , they will be too late. Already the target has a long head start before them. So he needs another option that if it can’t out rightly stop him will at least to delay him enough for the Muk-Anolis . He has a faithful follower, at least as faithful as someone whom he has enslaved through blackmail and threat to destroy his family and people. His follower is a chief of one of the tribes of herdsmen in the Amirian desert. Zakfir anib Zubril, Zakfir son of Zubril, chief of the Wulmat tribe of the desert herdsmen. They are the tribe of hide tanners of the douri cattle. He is relatively wealthy among the herdsmen and wields considerable influence in the council of chiefs for the herdsmen tribes.
Zakfir was just about to call off the night grazing of the cattle after the missing calves have been found and returned to their jittery mother. He and his seven sons have taken the douri cattle deep into the clumps of grasses to feed and they had fed well. Also they had stopped by at the well to let them have a drink. The cattle of over seventy full grown bulls and one hundred and twenty oxen, with several calves have taken a long time to finish drinking. Zakfir wasn’t worried, though cattle bandits have been known to attack herdsmen during the night grazing for the douri, killing the owners of the herd and rustle the cattle. Night grazing for the douri is a must during the season just before their mating and also gestation period, so the bandits take advantage of that and attack herdsmen at night mostly during these times. For the area where Zakfir feed his cattle has been cleared of all bandits not long ago, so for now he has no fear neither for himself, his sons and cattle, though they are all armed. His two eldest sons carry with them bows and quivers of arrows along with their tulwars. The others are also carrying their tulwars with spears and staffs. As for his his tulwar,long knife and a strong rod will do for him.

Alright I love a good challenge j

♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠

As Mibazar left the city of Aram, he traveled through the shadow path. It is a more efficient way for them of the priest of Nemphis to travel. It requires less energy to use than a standard teleportation method common to most sorcerers. Going through the shadow path is an instantaneous means of traveling to any place by melding with the shadow at the point of origin and coming out of the shadow at your point of destination. Its only weakness Is it can only be effective at night. Shadow meld during the day required as much energy as a standard teleportation. This method of melding with the shadows was stolen by the priests of Nemphis from the gray sisters. While the gray sisters use the shadow to hide their appearance, the priests of Nemphis use it for traveling. No doubt the gray sisters have a better grasp at manipulating shadows and the gray ether of magic. Their god, Ehno is a god of shadow and darkness. Though not an evil deity, still his powers and nature droop at the edge of good and evil. He is referred to as the gray god, the hidden one and the in-between lord. He only accepts female as his servants. But his influence has waned since after the pantheon war when the all father Arl barred all gods from the world, yet the devoted servants of Ehno have continued to worship him, keeping his doctrines and cults alive also using the skills of power he had taught the gray sisters, his faithful worshippers who continued to worship him in his absence, to further maintain his will. In some quarters the gray sisters are called the shadow sisters.

“So you will have to send some of your personal guards to go with them, their job will be to protect and cover the Muk-Anolis during the light of the day when they will be inactive. Don’t worry about getting them a mount to ride on, they can run fast enough to keep up with your fastest horses. “
“It will be done as your wished your eminence. “ Tarikh said still casting an uneasy eye on the still standing Lizard men.
“I came to reiterate the importance of your personal mission. After agreeing on the terms of your treaty with Aram, you have another Job. You will have to journey South to the black tower of Nemphis carrying with you some very special magic artifact that will be essential to accomplishing our goals. Someone will be bringing it to you. “
Indicating to Khaufir, Mibazar continued, “Do not worry, from now on my servant will always be with you physically till all my plans are completed. “ He stood and headed for a shadow area. “My time is short and other matters calls for my attention. Well met Tarikh. “ So saying the shadow seem to elongate, engulfed him and swallowed him from their sight

Mibazar looking at the baron could see the paralyzing dread on him. He smiled his face taking on an ominous appearance in the lamp light of the wide room. That is another aspect of the Muk-Anolis that most people don’t know about. The Lizard men are creatures of sorcery, they have this aura of terror around them that paralyzes any human that laid eyes on them. The same kind of fear that freezes a prey upon a sudden appearance of a predator.
“Do not fear Tarikh, the Muk-Anolis are not a danger to you as long as you are in my grace. “ the high priest spoke a word of power and the baron felt like a scale fell from his eyes, the dread that have held him captive lifted.
“Now pay close attention, the Muk-Anolis are great trackers and hunters, ferocious warriors but with one limitation for now, they are only active at night. “ the high priest toyed a bit with a red colored gem hanging on a huge golden chain around his neck that Tarikh never noticed before until now. “The spell I used in waking them from their hibernation is only half potent, at least for now. When I’m ready to use them, I will create the full spell that awaken more than ten thousands of them.

Auric:
To say u are a great writer would do no justice to u. km look for a word to describe yourself, it feels like I am reading one of Dave Duncan's work. come o are u Nigerian.

simply amazing, please I'd like to know your other works

Thanks for the compliments. Yes I'm a Nigerian. My other works on Nairaland are Marvel Chronicles and Marvel Chronicles 2 : EXECUTIVE SANCTION. You can get to them when you check my Nairaland profile.

ExInferis:
The Tolkien, R.R. Martin and Terry Brooks influence is rife with this one.

Bit of a heavy read with a plodding narrative style, but a decent effort nonetheless.

Nice to see Nigerians tackling the fantasy genre as a relief from all the localized, boy-meets-girl nonsense that permeates the literary section.

Very astute and correct. Had influences from Tolkien and Terry Brooks but the greatest, like 85 to 90% is from R A Salvatore, especially the Drizzt stories.
Thanks for the mild criticism, I really appreciate them. I had noticed my weakness in the area of narrative but I am not a professional writer...at least not yet. For now it's just fun for me. But I will definitely improve as I write more.

Tualem:
This really is an interesting read.. I think you need to work on your use of tense so there is uniformity. Apart from that it really looks like you put a lot of work into this.. Theres even a map, which is no small thing

Thanks for the observation, you are correct. Most times I notice the mistakes but may not be in the mood to correct them. My grammer sucks by the way.

Mac2016:
I can help you promote your book and make sales for you..dont waste your talent..it is a potent money making avenue

Ok that is a nice idea, I'm interested. Please can you get in contact with me through my email?

Two handguns against more than twenty five heavily armed men doesn’t look like a fair odds to him. This time he can’t depend on the help from his friends. The Mole is still back at The Pit in Nuterra trying to build up his place that was destroyed during the Mantis raid. Hardwire is way back on earth having some R and R. After he was detained during his heroic adventure in destroying the space cruiser on its way to unleash very dangerous bio weapon intended to be released on earth. Hardwire was arrested on the mixed up charge that he destroyed a diplomatic vessel. Marvel had called on general Leyland to intervene, which he did and after some investigations, Hardwire was freed and cleared of all charges. He was given a honorary citizenship status on earth. And the young man has been having fun on earth since then. Jade is off grid, Marvel’s guess is she is on another high level under cover mission. So the bounty hunter can’t depend on any of his friends for help. He is totally alone on this one and completely under armed.
Well he is not totally alone, he has been promised of back up, all he has to do is press a panic button and his back up will rush down the fastest way they can. Which incidentally may be too late. No amount of back up will help him after his body have been cut to pieces by lazer fire. Well here goes nothing. Under the table, Marvel moved his hand to his wrist comm and activated the panic button and slowly released the straps on his suit to make easy access to his weapons.
Something is wrong, quickly flashed through his mind as he saw Khano’s face changed while still speaking to the caller on his comm unit. The Gecko bros spokesman turned to look at Marvel with his visage turned full red with anger, his mouth was opening and closing but no words came out he pointed and the next words that came out shocked Marvel to the core of his being.
“He, tha’ bloomin’ bastard ‘s a st’nkin spy. “ screamed Khano pointing at Marvel. And all things went to hell after that.

As the spokesman for the Gecko bros was attending to the call, Marvel took time to weigh what his next action should be. He needs to capture at least one of the Gecko brothers alive, but that is almost impossible. Any hostile attempt he makes will result in a lot of guns shooting at him. Apart from the stainless steel tables, nothing else appears like what can be used as a cover. Underneath the suit, he is putting on his specially modified enhanced super body armor . Molecularly strengthen with heat sink and thermal regulation tech. He wasn’t putting on his regular combat boot, but wearing a normal looking shoe to go with the suit. But the shoe is specially made to hold his feet well, then the same dual setting of rubber and steel sole was on the shoe too. Of cause for the moment the shoe is on the rubber sole setting. For offensive weapons, Marvel felt almost na.ked. He was only packing his twin hand guns, the NAX gauge 4 and the M2000,both holstered under his suit. Of course he was searched before he came into the meeting with the Gecko bros, the two guns were seen on him but he was allowed to go with them, no respectable weapon trader goes into a business discussion not been armed. So he packing two hand guns didn’t raise any suspicion among his targets.

“So matey les t’lk ‘bout payment sh’ll we. “ Khano smiling showing several platinum replaced teeth. “If’a rec’lled, y’u ‘s s’pposed ta pay me in’a black ore. “
“So how much of black ore do you want for the amount of hardware I’m requesting? “
“N’w y’u ‘r spe’kin’ me language Demilourd Ishaak, “ Khano laughed loudly as he tapped one of his brother. “Well about 500 tones of black ore ‘ught to do it. “
Marvel stayed quiet a bit. “That is a little above what I was made to believe I’d pay for my requisition. “
“Ah wel’ matey, the bus’ness environment just got mor’ dangerous ‘s al’. Lots mor’ people to get thru’ and-“ at this stage Khano’s hand held comm unit buzzed as a call came in. “ ‘scuse me matey got to atten’ to this. “ He picked the comm unit but as he saw the display screen on it, he put a listening device on his ears connected to the comm unit but he disabled the vid holo display of the comm.

Hi guys... If you're trying to guess Khano's accent, it's a cross between a British and an Irish one.
Lol I know that is hard to picture... Just use your imagination, let it eun wild.

Viruslord:
Apollux my G I yet to finish marvel chronicle 1,I sent U email but U have not send the completion of the story abeg I dey wait,lordvirus4all@gmail.com

Check ur mail, I sent it. If u didn't see it then send me and email message on my mail so I can reply u with the copy

The lower stairs leads to an underground storage three stories below the floor level. From what Marvel have glimpse when he was taken in there, that is a massive storage space for all the weapons and hardware the Gecko bros trade on. Because of the low light in the place, he couldn’t get a good look at most of what he saw, but he is convinced that with what is there, the Earthwatch and CSC will happily burst the gun running siblings. Racks upon racks of rifles of all sizes, hand guns, grenades in iron crates, old type sub-rocket launchers, anti personnel mines about a hundred years old. Anti grav back packs, head gears, old model super tinsel body amour, canisters for chemical and biological weapons. The place is an anarchist wildest dream. About fifteen guards were in that place, all with drawn out rifles. Marvel recalled two men guarding the entrance to the rest room another two guarding the stairs leading up. That is more than twenty five potential hostile guns against him not to mention the most dangerous of all, the three brothers sitting before him. The Steelbliss Suites is owned by them under false names and identities. The hotel is more of a front for their underground weapons runs.

“Oh no matey, y’u kn’w we c’nt pr’vide that. “ Khano said as he ran his right flesh hand on the left metallic hand. “Lik’ y’u kn’w tha’ earth g’vernment w’nt al’ow any form o’ military grade weapons be made in tha’ c’lonies. So nu w’ere to get em. Ev’n sourcing f’r a TEC2 RPGs now will draw too much heat.”
“Alright then, I will take everything you have. “ Marvel said as the speaker’s terrible accents makes understanding his speech difficult and taking his time to slowly scan his surrounding without appearing to do so. Beyond his chair, the stainless steel table, and the three chairs before him occupied by the Gecko bros, is a restaurant with several other tables and chairs for two or four settings but all were empty. To the right of Marvel is the door leading to the kitchen from which delicious smelling delicacies seem to be cooked by what he suspected to be an auto chef because no sign of any human have shown in that place. Just by the side of the kitchen is a small bar, a single barman stood by the table appearing to be mixing a drink but was in real sense looking at Marvel with unhidden suspicion and he was openly armed with a hand gun holstered at his chest. A single door leads to the outside of this restaurant which are guarded by four men, all holding short automatic lazer guns, all looking towards the place the business transactions between Marvel and their boss the Gecko bros. Beyond the door is a very short passage with three doors, the left leads to the rest room, the right opens to a stair way going up and down. The up stairs will take you to an access that turned toward the major passage from the lobby of the hotel the restaurant was part of. Here are several doors and lift leading to the multitude floors of the hotel building. The hotel is called Steelbliss Suites.

Earthwatch have gotten the contacts, created the new persona Marvel have taken up. They organized a micro surgery for him to give him a new look and appearance that will suit the person he is to act as. For now he is being presented as a business man who is desperately in need of some weapons at a cheaper rate, preferring to skip the official channels because it will cost more, too many eyes and questions will be asked and a compulsory investigation by CSC is a must to acquire weapons purchasing license. Well it was a common practice for very small corporate organizations to do that and due to their size, they easily get away with it. So the Gecko brothers weren’t surprised about the requirements and request from Mr. Demilourd Ishaak, who is the person Marvel is impersonating. A small top corporate executive fronting for his small organization to get needed weapons supply offgrid transaction. Payments are in physical exchange of some hundred tones of black ore for the weapons.
“Hey matey, w’at y’u t’ink of me collections? Pleasin’ enuf f’r y’u I h’pe? “ Khano asked, he seem to be the spokesman for the three.
With a little caugh Marvel replied. “Well what I saw wasn’t bad. Though would have preferred something higher for the RPGs, something better than a TEC 1.”

He was here on a job offered to him by a joint contract of Earthwatch International Agency and Alpha Tech Industries. The mega corporation is a weapon company that produces small arms weapons for other mega corporations for policing and civil security for the colonies. Despite the high security level on all their facilities, several break ins have occurred. Light assault rifles, RPGs, grenades are among the few items stolen. Alpha Tech have had breaking in one too many. After the debacle with Emmilio, the corporation have done a total security overhaul, upgraded and improved all their security apparatus. But that hadn’t stopped the break-ins. From the inventory reports of what was stolen from their weapon caches, they took some materials that can arm several hundred people in hardware and ammunition. Well that is enough to get some folks on the CSC (Colonial Security and Control) very worried.
Well in the case of Emmilio, it was easy because they had a target but for this one there is none. No single trace, no security video footage nothing to work on. The Earthwatch Intelligence Agency had eyes on the Gecko bros for a while now on past dealings on weapon profiteering. And they are especially good with the supply of small arms sale. Though there was no evidence in the past that the Gecko bros had been involved in break ins at anytime but they are good at moving and selling weapons, acts as agents and suppliers for criminals, Earthwatch is convinced that with a little persuasion, they can be made to give valuable information about any new weapon sells or shipment within the dwarf star system of Proxima Centauri. They are that good, their supply chains cut across all colony worlds of the star system. Hence Marvel have been hired to act as an under cover weapon merchant.

I'm Sorry o, was just too busy with some stuff o. Maybe an update will come tomorrow

stephenGee12:
Io swear down. D way u define and explain and expantiate the place, scenery, action. Words, movements. Uare sure dat angel did nt use to bring the updates to u. because this story is out of the world. God u are becoming a bomb. Seun beware apollux is. The next nairaland atomic bomb. U are da boss and to think dat this is just a part out of the main story sef.

Gee thanks, kinda swoon with these high level compliments I'm not sure I totally deserve.
Yes this is a spin over. If u watch the story carefully, u will notice lots of references to events that are not covered here. Hopefully I will be able to bring Ghemmaria Canticles to Nairaland in the future.

zesh:
i bow, this is a special great piece of art. you rarely see ancient themed stories like this(the names, places and organisation). Are you a vampire that lived for thousands of years because i wonder how you imagined to bring the events all together.

Lol, I will take that as a compliment. And no I'm not a vampire, all you read here are just imagination, none is real. Glad you like it though

The three of them lifted up their faces and Tarikh breath caught in his throat. Primordial fear took over all his body and paralyzed him. His whole limbs screamed at him to bolt out of this place but a forced seemed to hold him down on the spot. The three faces that stared at him weren’t humans. The eyes were cold and triangular, the pupils were vertical and black silts all colored amber as of flames that burns. The noses were on a short muzzle flat and long. Beneath the muzzle are rows of sharp teeth that gleams dangerously in the light of the room. From the light of the lamps, Tarikh noted that their skins were warty with scales that gave off a reptilian covering. In fact the whole faces were all identical and reptilian. Tarikh groped through his fear induced mind for the ancient name of the three legends that stand before him.
“They are the Muk-Anolis. “ Mibazar said as if reading the baron’s mind.
Yes, the Lizard men, that is name that the legend had given to them. Their tales are the worst of all that have been told about any people through the history of Ghemmaria. Tales of brutal savagery, slavery and the Muk-Anolis sees men as cattle and feed on them.
“I know you will be surprised seeing the Muk-Anolis here, I’m familiar with the stories that all men in this world are told from childhood. After the pantheon war that took place several millennia in the past before the reckoning of human history, the all father god, Arl, after prohibiting the gods from interfering with the affairs of mortals, banished the Muk-Anolis into the frozen wastes, locking them up in a deep pit, he cast them into an eternal hibernation because they were created and expensively used by the evil god Dali-Ma’Siva for conquest, subjugation and destruction during the pantheon war. Through long years of studies and research from several sources like The dark tomes of Scollatus, The iron bound volumes of Rhammon, The forbidden veda of the soul stealer and The mad prophecies of Nimrod the Aberrant, I discovered the secret of where they were banished to. There were thousands upon thousands sleeping the sleep Arl have decreed on them. I also learnt the spell that can break them out of the hibernation they are in. The Muk-Anolis will play vital roles in accomplishing our plans. I only awaken these three for now because of the need for them. “

Bowing a little, the baron said. “The assistance is graciously welcomed your eminence.”
Laughing with more mirth than Tarikh thought capable of a Nemphis priest the high priest said. “You really are turning out to be a diplomat aren’t you? Well I doubt you will find my assistance gracious once you see it. “ He spoke a word in an arcane language that was old when the inhabitants of the kingdoms still lived in caves. Pointing at the dark area of the room he had come through he said. “Come my peons. “
Three images covered in black woolen robes stepped out. They were about eight feet in height. The robe covered all their features and a cowl at the back of the robe covered their faces, but it was certain they where humans because they stood upright and walked same way too.
“Tarikh here are my assistance to you. They will track, locate and if possible destroy your attacker. No better trackers in all of Ghemmaria will you find. “ turning to the three shapes he said. “Hey don’t be shy, you are among friends, you can show your face. “

“I will aid you in your fight to break Hocklam free from Dhremoria and in your further attempts to conquer it. “ The high priest ran his index finger on his well trimmed beard and he spoke in an absent minded manner. “The events I have set in motion have met a little twist and this came about as a result of your encounter with your attacker. He is on a journey that if allowed to continue will greatly affect the possibility of our plans coming to pass, so he has to be stopped. I doubt he is even aware of the great things destiny have set aside for him.”
Tarikh didn’t know how to take the words spoken by the high, if he should be comforted or worried. “Your eminence, who is he and how did he come to know me? He mentioned something I did to him in the past, back in Hocklam. “
“Yes both of you had a history. You made a simple decision then that set the inevitable convergence of your parts. Yet even then, what you did was part of our plans . I think it has been destined that he will be thrust into all these. “ Mibazar gave a warm smile. “I know who he is but won’t tell you that for now because it is not time for you to know. I only came to you at this moment to offer assistance in stopping him. He has to be prevented from completing the journey he just embarked on. “

“What we are aiming for Is far higher than you think. Much more valuable than your ambition or conquering several nations. It is more than the worth of all the kingdoms of Ghemmaria put together. “ He drank again from the cup before continuing. “Greater events than you are aware of are unfolding, events that even the gods, had they still rule this world the way they once did, wouldn’t even be able to stop.
“A tiny part of this is the crossing of paths between you and your attacker. Both of you have been destined to meet. And you will meet with him again but not here in Aram. I doubt even if he is aware of how entangled he is to all this. “
“Your eminence I do not understand all these. You have not really let me know what the overall goal is. All you said Is you want me to created an unstable situation in the south, that will effectively render them powerless to send help when you will help me wrest power from the king of Dhremoria. “ Tarikh mind was reeling with bits of fear and doubt stabbing at his mind.

Mibazar laughed heartily as he walked to the golden table in the room. He pulled close to him the golden chair and sat down. “There is no need for that kind of formalities between us baron Tarikh, we are practically partners in this venture. “ He waved the baron up from his kneeling position.
“Your eminence I never believed you will reveal your self to me this soon. “ Tarikh spoke in very subdued voice.
“Well Tarikh I have never really been far from you, I have always watched you and none of what Is happening now Is strange to me or caught me unawares. “ The high priest pulled the golden jug to him self, poured the bright ruby liquid from it into a golden cup and drank deeply. Some cherry seeds were on a platter on the table. He took from it and started to chew. “My reaching out to you this way at this moment is to bring important things to your notice. Hey sit down and be comfortable. “
The baron sat down as he did all he can to pay attention to all the high priest have to say.

“It is my master high priest Mibazar. “ the priest stretched his hand to the left at another dark corner beside him that rippled too and seem to suck the light in the room into the darkened area. “And he Is here. “
“What? “ was all the baron could say as another figure stepped away from the darkness. The new Comer was taller that Khaufir, though as slim as him. He was not wearing a long black robe like Khaufir, but a shorter robe that Is black with wide cuffs. Loose fitting trousers and a gold colored sandals on his feet. The neck, cuff and hem of the short robe he was wearing were having golden embroidery, that were actually rune of an ancient hieroglyphs, a language that have passed out of existence some millennia ago. His face was normal. A bit too light for someone from the southern lands, but the characteristics long slim face, hook nose and black hair was there. Unlike the priest Khaufir, his master is mundane in appearance, he could walked through any street in the southern cities and not raise any eyebrows. But the high priest Mibazar exudes power. His aura seem to produce darkness. His appearance draws the light to himself and consume it. Staring long at his face can drive you mad. His eyes are black, like the blackness of the heavens on very dark nights without a single star.
The high priest’s presence was so compelling that before the baron could realize it, he was bowing down before him. “Your eminence, you honor an unworthy me with your presence. “

“My suspicion is my attacker have escaped from the city despite all attempts to prevent that. “ Tarikh said without a formal greeting as he walked down to the bed and sat down.
“From my findings, he escaped several days ago. “ The priest spoke, his voice sounding like sands robbing on each other.
“How was that even possible? “
“Your attacker escaped through the wagon that was allowed out of the gate that night. That is why the suggestions you gave to Shammir is the best thing to do at the moment “ Khaufir stepped out of the shadow, he was still covered all in black, his clothes looking like shadows too.
“So have you been able to determine his identity? “ Tarikh asked hopefully.
“No. Something keeps me from determining his identity, but it’s only temporary. “ at this moment the priest stopped as if something pulled his attention. “But I have one who already know everything about your attacker. “
Tarikh turned to the shadowy figure of the priest and asked. “ And who will that be? “

He walked through the door after it was open for him by one of his personal guard. The room he entered was formally the bedroom Shammir himself was using, but after the attack on the baron, the Grand Khardi gave up this room for the baron and took another room in the palace. Shammir might be a bumbling fool but he knows how to tastily decorate a room with riches. The bedroom was very wide, at least twice in size of the one the baron was using before. The floor of the room was made in rear polished marble colored red. At the center of the room was a circular design with a mountain eagle figure in the middle made with pure gold. The table, chairs, wine jug, a cupboard and the bed were all made with gold. The mattress of the bed, the seat and back rest of the chair were of rich red Romilarian fur. Six golden lamp stands burning brightly gave light to the room that makes the whole room gleamed like a gold colored gem.
As he got in he immediately noticed a part of the room that was covered in shadow rippled. Knowing what it means, he ordered all his personal guards off the bed room. The rippling part of the shadow took form and became the Nemphis priest Khaufir.

“So has anybody been watching her since she returned? “ the baron asked as he resumed walking.
“Yes my lord baron, careful eyes have been watching her and all her movements are closely monitored. “
“What about the night watch captain that was on duty at the gate that night and his fellow soldiers? “
“He has been disciplined both he and those on watch that night are locked up in the dungeon. “ Shammir said proudly.
“Here are my suggestions, Khardi, execute all those soldiers for dereliction of duty. “ At this point the baron got to a door and stopped turning to the Grand Khardi he continued. “As for the woman, have her arrested immediately and interrogated to find out if she knows anything about it. “
“It shall be done according to your wishes my lord baron. “ Shammir bowed.
“I will like to retire for the night, fill me on any new development tomorrow. Oh and by the way, you can lift the curfew from the city now, there is no more need for it. “
“Yes my lord. “ the Grand Khardi bowed again as he left with his palace guards trailing behind him.
Tarikh took a while to watch him as he left. Shammir is such a fool, a puppet and can be easily manipulated. The baron would have preferred working with Bar-Shibiar, the overlord, that would have made available to him all the military might of the four city states. But the overlord of Dayir is too close to the king of Dhremoria, so he can’t be convinced to break the treaty with the kingdom. Besides, Bar-Shibiar is too smart to be easily manipulated. He will just have to go with Shammir for now till he accomplish his purpose.

“Yes that is true, her name Is lady Thorn . She Is a well known woman, popular among the highest nobles of the city and richest merchants. She owns one of the most prestigious pleasure house in Aram. Her trip wasn’t strange. She makes that trip around that time regularly. That was why she didn’t raise any suspicion, though she was thoroughly searched. “
“Is she back in the city? “
“Yes she returned the following morning. “
“So has anybody been watching her since she returned? “ the baron asked as he resumed walking.
“Yes my lord baron, careful eyes have been watching her and all her movements are closely monitored. “
“What about the night watch captain that was on duty at the gate that night and his fellow soldiers? “
“He has been disciplined both he and those on watch that night are locked up in the dungeon. “ Shammir said proudly.
“Here are my suggestions, Khardi, execute all those soldiers for dereliction of duty. “ At this point the baron got to a door and stopped turning to the Grand Khardi he continued. “As for the woman, have her arrested immediately and interrogated to find out if she knows anything about it. “

“Well my friend Shammir.... “ Tarikh felt total disgust at calling this gross incompetent friend, but diplomacy have taught him to act so. “Wishes and desires alone can’t get things done. Simply wishing he is dead doesn’t mean he is, that is I’m assuming the assailant is a man. But any idea how it will have been possible for him to escape despite the city lock down? “
“None my lord, but several possibilities have presented themselves. He may have dared the dangers of the city sewers and escape through that means… but that Is highly unlikely. “ Shammir puffed his chest up as if presenting a valuable information which the baron found distasteful. “Or through the city walls, which is impossible. But even if it was, a watcher would have seen him but we have not received such or missed any of the night watchers on duty after the night of the attack. “
Tarikh pretended as if he was in a deep thought. “I heard of someone, a woman, she went out of the city on a night when the curfew was in effect. “