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Date Posted: 11:27:50 01/07/02 Mon
Author: Ravin
Subject: Moving forward under the hot afternoon sun
In reply to: Marz 's message, "Leaving the swords behind" on 10:23:46 01/07/02 Mon

After his short conversation with Erlic, Ravin returned Tia's knife to her then glanced at Isobel. The woman seemed determined to go on without any assistance from anyone. Normally, he would have found her actions quite admirable, but at present he thought she was being rather foolish. Speed was of the essence if they intended to stay ahead of the assassins, and she would only slow them down because of her injured leg. Since Isobel was quite petite, it wouldn't have taken much effort for someone to carry her, but she already voiced her displeasure at such an idea.

Shrugging, the thief placed his retrieved knives in their sheaths then announced that it was time to leave after receiving a nod from Erlic, who just finished speaking with the druidess. Rowan slipped into position beside Ravin and Alakbar hurried to take his place next to Isobel. Laurel offered her arm to Tia in an effort to guide her along while Justin moved as far away from Marz and Tristan as possible. Once Jeremy fell into step beside Corum and Val, and Erlic took to guarding the rear of the group, they went on their way.

Judging by the position of the sun, they had another two hours to go before reaching the Sea of Salt, IF the chieftain's estimations were correct. Knowing that Isobel's leg was probably giving her a lot of pain, Ravin moved along slower than he normally would, his eyes scanning the area ahead for anything out of the ordinary. At least Marz wasn't calling a halt every few minutes this time. Hopefully, the youth was too busy keeping his focus on the footsteps he heard in the distance that Erlic told him about and would be able to warn them if they got too close.

A little over an hour later, Marz stopped abruptly. "I hear someone singing in the distance. It's a woman's voice, and she sings about the reunion of lovers who where separated by lengthy travels in the desert."

Ravin squinted his eyes but saw nothing other than what looked like some hills a few hundred yards away. The glare of the hot sun made it difficult to distinguish anything from a distance. Barry, who had been scouting out the area ahead, floated toward them and announced that the hills Ravin thought he saw were actually huge tents. He went on to say that there were some rather tall humanoids milling around the area and that singing came from within one of the tents.

"Told you I heard singing!" Marz stated.

After alerting everyone to be on guard, Ravin palmed a throwing knife and proceeded forward with caution. Several minutes later they reached what looked like a camp, with several tents set up. A woman's beautiful singing voice drifted out from one of the tents, accompanied by the soft chords of a stringed instrument A huge tarp covered a dozen camels that were being tended to by tall, sturdy men wearing loose fitting dark cloaks over their clothing. They were armed with long bows and scimitars.

"Jann!" Alakbar whispered. "They are being lowest and weakest of all genie race. Mostly like humans but very, very strong. Can be speaking with animals and can be using a little of spells I am thinking."

While Alakbar was talking, one of the tall humanoids noticed the group in the distance and pointed them out to his companions before rushing into the tent where the singing came from.

"Everyone on guard!" Ravin said. "We've been seen!"

A moment later the music ceased then the dark robed figure came out of the tent and approached the group. Ravin's eyes widened when he realized that the man was at least seven feet tall. A massive, muscular body was revealed beneath the lightweight cloak, and the man now wore a scimitar sheathed across his back to go with the one at his side and the bow strung across one shoulder. Despite his encumbrance, he moved gracefully, finally coming to a stop a few yards away from Ravin and Rowan who stood in front of the rest of the group.

The man dropped to his knees and kissed the ground before his eyes came to rest on the people before him. "I greet you in the name of my most honorable master, Daraba al-Mussat, the Sheikh of the desert Jann. He welcomes you to his encampment, requesting that you honor his humble tent with your illuminating presence and that afterward you take shelter here from the elements and relax from your long and arduous travels."

Ravin could sense many of his friends tensing up yet he felt no animosity coming from the tall man. Deciding to trust in his empathy for a change, he nodded and let the so-called Jann lead them into the largest tent that was set up. He remained alert in case trouble started and knew that his companions would be ready to fight if the need arose.

The inside of the huge tent was scented with musk and the floor was covered with thick, costly carpets. A big Jann, apparently Sheikh Daraba reclined in the center of the tent on a majestic pile of pillows. Behind him a beautiful, raven-haired woman, stretched out upon a single cushion, the silk blue gown she wore clinging to her curvaceous body.

"Welcome to the Ghost Lands," the big man said. "I am Sheikh Daraba and this is my beloved daughter, Safina. My first lieutenant, Ardesmar, who escorted you in here, will now lead you to the food tent. After the afternoon meal, I am hoping we can get to know each other better. I'm interested in knowing what has brought a group of foreigners to the Ghost Lands."

Before anyone could say anything, Ardesmar was ushering them from the Sheikh's tent and leading them into another that held a large table in the center of it filled with all manner of food. "Please help yourselves then join the rest of the camp outside where we may all converse while we eat."

Once Ardesmar departed, Ravin turned to his friends, his eyes falling upon Isobel's injured leg again before he spoke. "It might be wise to rest here for awhile," he said. "Those assassins might think twice before trying to attack us while we are surrounded by these huge Jann. This might also give us the opportunity to draw the assassins closer then perhaps WE can sneak up around them and gain the upper hand, especially if Marz can hear their approach."

While waiting for some feedback from his friends, Ravin helped himself to some bread and cheese since his stomach was starting to growl. He sniffed the contents of a pitcher and grinned when he discovered it was ale. After finding a large goblet on the table he filled it then sipped the ale contentedly before taking a bite of the robust cheese.

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