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Date Posted: 15:16:31 01/08/02 Tue
Author: Sheik Daraba (and Ravin)
Subject: The Sheik speaks
In reply to: Marz 's message, "Leaving the swords behind" on 10:23:46 01/07/02 Mon

While everyone was in the process of eating lunch, Sheik Daraba came out of his tent, accompanied by his sister, Safina and his first lieutenant, Ardesmar. The tall, muscular ruler of this particular clan of Jann glanced around; a smile caressed his lips as he eyed the humans that visited his camp. It was always a pleasure having guests. The Haunted Lands could be quite lonely, especially during the summer months when people avoided traveling due to the extremely hot days.

The four major cities of Jayib, Himal, Tayif, and Jabal that made up the Haunted Lands were located on the coast with everything in between belonging to the numerous Jann clans. Right now the Jann were without an Amir to rule over all the various clans and Daraba was hoping to fill that position soon.

The Sheik clapped his massive hands together drawing the attention of his guests. "What brings you foreigners to the Haunted Lands, away from any civilized city, if I may ask without intending to be too personal?"

When it looked like no one else was going to speak, Ravin excused himself from Laurel and moved a little closer to the camp before answering the man. "We're looking for a specific wood called the Hue of Midnight Darkness that is supposedly hidden in the Sea of Salt." The thief didn't feel the need to hide the information since the assassins probably already knew where they were headed.

A thoughtful look came over the Sheik's face. "Perhaps what you seek can be found in the ruins of the city of Twilight rather than in the salty sea itself," he suggested. "Ages ago, Twilight was a city of jewels and light, renowned for its beautiful architecture, accomplished gem cutters, and art work. However, as you might well know, my friends, humans cannot hold mere joy and beauty in their hearts for long. Eventually the residents of the magnificent city scorned the enlightened ways and instead embraced a religion based on decadence and vain idolatry. The people soon became slothful and indolent, turning their passion for the gentle, creative arts into a thirst for war and destruction."

Daraba paused to accept a goblet of wine from Ardesmar, moistening his throat with the beverage before continuing. "Twilight's ruins now overlook the acrid Sea of Salt. Sand and wind have eroded most traces of its former beauty, but the city's jeweled idols still remain hidden in ancient temples deep beneath the sand, in vaults heaped with the treasures of the doomed civilization. There is a lot of area to explore there you see, and a wise man once told me that the catacombs still echo with the whispers of ghosts, but I believe his is just a tale to cause fear."

The Sheik turned back to Ravin since he had been the one to answer his initial question. "Do you plan to investigate the ruins of Twilight?"

The thief could only shrug. "Perhaps. We aren't exactly sure where the wood we seek is located. We were only told to search for it beneath the Sea of Salt."

Smiles formed on the faces of all the Jann present to hear the conversation. Daraba seemed especially pleased with the news. "It is then possible for your group to join forces with me and a few of my men since we intend to travel to the Sea of Salt as well."

Upon seeing the questioning look upon Ravin's face, the Sheik let out a hearty laugh. "No, I do not want your mysterious wood, my human friend," he said quickly. "I, Sheik Daraba al-Mussat, the incomparable, am seeking the fabled Peacock Throne, and you must be wondering why this is, yes?"

After receiving a nod from Ravin and his comrades, the Sheik explained. "I am the nephew of Amir Heildar al-Qan, former ruler of all the Jann clans in the Haunted Lands, who disappeared mysteriously decades ago. Believing he will never return to restore order among the clans, I am hoping to assume my uncle's vacant position."

Immediately the Jann that had gathered around began clapping, obviously in favor of their Sheik's idea. Daraba took a bow then waited for things to quiet down before he went on with his explanation. "A few months ago I drank from the magical waters of the Destiny Well in the Weeping Meadow and had a vision of myself as Amir, ruling from a magnificent throne adorned with peacocks. Now I believe that I must have this throne before the other Sheik's of the various clans will accept me as their supreme ruler. Spirits of the desert told me that the Peacock Throne is located within the ruins of Twilight."

A broad smile came to the Sheik's face. "Since we are both headed to the same place I have decided that we will work together in this. My men and I shall keep our eyes out for your wood, and your group will notify us should you find the throne in a location that you are exploring."

Daraba turned to speak with Ardesmar in the genie language then hurried back into his massive tent, accompanied by his sister. The first lieutenant drew in a deep breath then addressed the humans. "You should all rest now. The sun makes the Sea of Salt much too hot to travel upon therefore we will depart for the area very late tonight. I will have the men set up extra tents for your comfort and privacy. The food tent will constantly be replenished with delicacies to delight your taste buds so eat as often and as much as you like."

Ardesmar began shouting out orders and immediately a number of Jann got to work setting up the additional tents. The first lieutenant bowed to the guests then went off to attend to other matters.

Ravin made his way back to the boulder and sat down beside Laurel. "It looks like some of the Jann will be coming with us whether we like it or not. That might be a good thing though since there's safety in numbers. A larger group, made up in part by powerful looking Jann might be enough to hold off any attacks by the assassins for a time."

He popped a piece of bread into his mouth, washing it down with ale. "I'm too wound up to sleep right now so practicing my letters sounds like a good idea." When he remembered how sullen the druidess sounded when she spoke about Erlic, he got to his feet again. "Excuse me a moment, Laurel. I'll be right back."

Ravin made his way over to the guildmaster, pausing when he spotted Isobel attired in a very alluring outfit. When he realized he was staring, he tore his eyes away from the woman and continued on his way, clearing his throat loudly to alert Erlic and Rowan of his presence. "When you're finished here could you come join me and Laurel?" he asked, his eyes upon the guildmaster. "The druidess is about to help me spell out a few words but there are a few of this world that she is unfamiliar with so I was hoping you might give her a hand in teaching me." He grinned then turned away. "We could also discuss that magnificent speech the sheik just gave," he added before making his way back to Laurel.

He reclaimed his food plate from the rock and bit into a piece of cheese while meeting the eyes of the druidess. "I hope you don't mind, but I've invited Erlic to join us to help with such words as, Kyri." Ravin could sense that she wanted to get a little closer to the guildmaster but had no idea how to go about it. Since he wasn't an expert on relationships, he wasn't about to give her advice but the least he could was bring the two of them together and hope that Fate would handle the rest.

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