>>6302377
Simbar has been deluded into believing he can cleanse himself and others of weakness, though much of that is true depending on your goodwill. What is true is that you have sown the seeds of contempt for the poor and weak in his heart.

Another week of travelling came and went before you reached the city of Almurbah, but when it came in sight, it brought the sounds of relief to the caravan you had inadvertently become a passenger with.

The city of Almurbah was a shining pearl in the desert, with its towering minarets and bustling bazaars. A wall of sandstone protected it from the outside world, and onion-shaped domes crowned the towers; it was the capital of the Azamoranid Sultanate, from where the Sultan reigned over his great realm, in accord with his vizier and court of advisors. The air was filled with the scents of spices and the calls of merchants, even from outside the walls.

Even outside there was the evidence of hard work; norias and qanats brought life to the land surrounding it, and the fig trees and date palms provided shade and sustenance to the people.

Though the trio wouldn't go in just yet, no, Naram first had his followers set up camp outside the walls, as was customary.

''You know how it goes, Simbar. I will be out in the city. I will contact the members of our clan first, deliver the letters we have been paid to deliver, and make the necessary arrangements for tomorrow. You stay and guard the caravan with the guards; they'll be paid the day before we leave. Tomorrow the city merchants will come for our goods; you're our best haggler, so try to keep in shape. As for you.'' He turned to Samarda.

"You will stay here as well, at least for today; when one of us is available, we will escort you around. This place is no place for a woman to be alone.'' [/b]

''I can fend for myself, you know. I spent several months on the street and with you in the desert.'' Samarda protested against her brother's decision.

''That may be so, but San'na is no Almurbah; this is the capital of a Sultanate, and I would feel much better knowing you are safe with one of us nearby,'' he replied firmly.

The squabbling of these mortals was of little concern to you; the sense of the sheer amount of thoughts, hopes, fears, loves, and hates within this city beckoned you forth like a fat man to the buffet.