'How much I like her is none of your concern.' Caspar said as they began their walk through the city. The sun had just began to rise in full, warming the day. Azzaran was magically influenced to be cooler than the desert, but it still felt some of the Sun's effects, making it a pleasant place to live.
'So you like her' Nasir confirmed, catching Caspar in his words. 'We will finally have a queen again!' Nasir looked content with this new turn of events.
'Nasir, keep your mouth shut, our royalty is still a secret except to the council. We are getting closer to our goal, but we cannot relax yet' Caspar scolded in a hushed tone.
Nasir just rolled his eyes but he quieted finally. They watched their surroundings as they drew closer and closer to the heart of the city, where the beautiful mirror-glass structures were located. The streets were beginning to fill with the people of Azzaran, everyone preparing the market and other business'. Caspar looked around, feeling peaceful. He had enjoyed his stay here, painful as it was to leave his birth place. Now that he knew his time here was drawing to an end after nearly 17 years, he was feeling a bit nostalgic.
Finally, they reached one of the tallest buildings within the city, it's point spiraling and reaching to the sky. The entrance was a beautifully carved wooden door with a guard standing at it's opening. The guard opened the door for the 2 men, recognizing them instantly. They both nodded with serious expressions and entered right away. The inside was always breathtaking. The mirror-windows on the outside fragmented the light that was coming in, causing rainbows to shoot in geometric shapes across the whole place, dazzling the eyes. There were plants everywhere, giving it an almost tropical feel. A grand stair case at least four stories high wrapped around the walls, surrounding them and leading to the councils main chamber.
Both men took to the stairs. The building's entrance was filled with lower council members discussing various matters, but they greeted each of the men kindly as they walked by. Finally after a good deal of climbing, the men stood in front of grand double doors, dark and wooden and very ancient looking. This door held no guards, for it was protected magically.
'Speak your names' whispered the door.
'Caspar Karim Shahzad'
'Nasir Heydari' they both whispered back to the door.
Without another word, the door pulled itself open slowly, revealing a simple round room inside. There were maroon cushions placed around the bare white room, and on four of them, sat the four high council members, Farhad and his wife Tabitha and Ehsan and his wife Maarit. Together they led this peaceful city, protecting them and teaching them the ways of magic.
Caspar and Nasir bowed to them in greeting and they in turn nodded at the boys. All of the council members had reached at least 50 in age, needing wisdom and experience to reach their position.
'How are you gentlemen, it has been too long since we last have seen you' began Farhad. Of all the council members, he was the oldest, reaching 68 years.
'We are doing well, Sir Farhad. I just completed the last scouting mission. Besides a sand shark, there was nothing else sighted. I met with the traders and they will be sending the goods to the designated meeting point a week from tomorrow.'
'That all sounds fine, dear one, but we could have received a written report for all of that. Is there another reason you have come here today' asked Farhad and the other council members nodded their heads.
Nasir stood stoically to the side while Caspar continued. 'Actually yes, wise council. While on my mission, I found a girl fleeing her home. She informed that she was from Bamm, which was under attack when she left' he said, cutting to the point directly.
The council looked at each other in concern before nodding for Caspar to continue.
'As you know, I have been petitioning you all for aid from this city, because I do suspect this is more than just a regular war that my birthplace has been struggling against for years. With this attack, that confirms that my uncle is no longer able to hold his ground. This could be my chance to take back my kingdom while there is still so much confusion.'
'Prince Caspar,' Maarit spoke 'we do not want your land to suffer, but our numbers are finally beginning to grow strong once again. If we are not successful, we could decimate our numbers completely' she said, expressing the concerns of the whole council.
'I do understand Madam Maarit, and I do not wish calamity on your people. But you all have been in the desert a long time. I have been scouting and I can see that others are getting closer and closer to this place. It is only a matter of time before you all are discovered. If I am able to retake Bamm, we are one of the strongest cities in any of the neighboring lands. We could join in treaty, exchanging protection for aid. Even with your powers, your resources are still limited here where all there is is sand. I implore you all to not only think about my city, but yours as well' Caspar finished the speech he had prepared to give them.
'Let us discuss this for a moment Caspar, Nasir' spoke Ehsan. He looked very concerned, but all of the members were kind to them, knowing them since they joined their city at only 10 years old.
'Of course, wise ones' it was Nasir who spoke, ushering Caspar out of the door that had silently opened for them.
The both stood directly outside the door that was closing now and waited patiently as the council within tried to come to a decision about their request.
'What do you think they'll say' asked Nasir quietly.
'I honestly don't know' answered Caspar. 'The have always been overly cautious so I am not too optimistic, but I have been trying to ask and explain for years, so I am hoping this catalyst will be enough to move them.'
The men now waited quietly for what had to be half an hour before the doors slowly opened again. They made their way back inside the simple place and waited for the council's answer.
'We have decided an answer' Farhad spoke once again. 'We will give you the aid you have requested.'
Caspar breathed out in relief; he had been holding his breath.
'We do have one condition though,' Farhad continued and Caspar tensed. 'I trust you immensely Prince Caspar, but I cannot take any chances with our coven. I need assurance that we will have the protection once you are able to take back your city. So, we have discussed and can agree as long as you join in marriage with my daughter, Vashti.'