Thirty-one days later, near Babilim's western walls.
On a hot sunny morning.
The group arrived at Babilim, greeted by the royal guard as the prominent officers stood outside the capital's gate.
They let go of their horses and handed them to the royal guard.
A'saal Bid Taz farewell as she had important matters to attend to.
Rahul approached Taz and said, "It's been an eventful journey. What are you going to do next?"
Taz turned to Rahul and said, "I'll have a long discussion with my uncle. He must explain himself."
"Careful, that man holds my fee for protecting you," Rahul replied.
"Without my intervention, you would have been eaten by that Qutrub," Taz said.
"Without mine, your uncle would have received his niece headless," Rahul said.
"Let's agree never to interact with each other again," Taz replied.
Rahul turned around, walked away and said, "Agreed, never cross paths with me, you half-cooked woman."
Taz watched as he left, sighed and said, "Fucking cunt."
She went into babilim and headed straight to her uncle's villa. When she arrived, the guards stopped her before going into the gate.
She looked at them, furious and said, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?"
"This is the home of the advisor. Identify yourself!" One of the guards said.
"I'm his fucking niece, Tanaz," She replied.
The guard stared at her briefly and said, "I didn't recognize you with that long hair, Lady Tanaz."
She went past them and sighed.
She went into the villa and climbed the stairs until she reached the third floor, then strolled into the hallway until she got to her uncle's study room.
She knocked on the door roughly, then heard her uncle's voice from inside telling her to come in.
She walked in and saw Ahmad. He was wearing homey garments and didn't wear his turban. His hair was shoulder length, dark grey with strands of black.
He sat behind his desk, smoked his pipe, and held a small notebook with his left arm.
His desk was dark wood. It had letters on it and a glass of wine.
She stood before him, crossed her arms and said, "Why didn't you tell me?"
Ahmad stared at her, let down his notebook, took a puff from his pipe and said, "About what, Tanaz?"
"Everything!" Taz argued.
Ahmad leaned back, took another puff from his pipe and said, "You have to be specific."
Taz stepped forward and said, "You could've told me about my position in the military."
Ahmad rested his pipe and said, "I told you everything you needed to know."
"You only told me I don't have to follow the military's ethics. You never mentioned anything about me being in a renowned group or getting paid for my efforts," Taz argued.
"Why are you worried about money? Haven't I given you everything you asked for," Ahmad said.
"For once, I would like to earn my wealth. I can't keep taking your funds forever," Taz replied.
Ahmad stood up and argued, "Ever since your father died, I promised never to let you experience poverty again! And I intend to keep that promise."
Taz pouted and said brokenly, "His death is not your fault, uncle. How long will you keep burdening yourself with guilt?"
"It's my responsibility to protect my family. I failed once, never again," Ahmad sadly said.
"I am not your responsibility anymore, uncle. You've done more than enough; set yourself free and let go of this guilt," Taz said.
Ahmad chuckled, then sat down and said bitterly, "As much as I want to convince myself of what you told me, I can't."
"Why, Uncle?" Taz said in frustration.
Ahmad leaned back, rested his arms on the armrest, tapped his finger and said, "I have seen and caused many deaths in my life, but the end of a family member isn't something to be quickly forgotten."
Taz stepped back, looked at Ahmad and said in frustration, "You always told me to adapt and overcome my pain, but for once, I want you to listen to your words."
She walked out of the room as Ahmad watched and sighed as he did.
She descended the stairs and headed for the exit of the villa.
But as she opened the villa's large door, she met Hajras standing in the villa's courtyard with another man in light-colored garments and short black hair.
Hajras looked at her as he was alerted by the door's noise.
She approached him and greeted him. It was the first time they had seen each other after her journey.
Hajras chuckled and said, "The long hair suits you. At least this way, everyone will know you're a girl."
Taz smirked and said, "With those big breasts of yours, I'm surprised no one mistook you for a woman."
The man laughed.
Hajras turned to him, pointed at Taz and said, "Nadir, this is my cousin. The one I told you about."
Nadir smiled at Taz and said, "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Tanaz."
She looked at Nadir, smiled and said, "Likewise, Nadir." She then looked at Hajras and said, "Your friend is well-mannered. You should learn more from him, Hajras."
Hajras chuckled and said, "I am well-mannered in the presence of fetching women, and currently, there are none."
Taz furrowed her eyebrows, glared at Hajras and said, "The only reason I won't beat you to death is my fatigue."
Nadir chuckled, stepped in and chirped, "I believe there's no need for extreme measures, Lady Tanaz."
"Speaking of fatigue, what happened in your journey?" Hajras said.
Taz crossed her arms and said, "I found out uncle was lying to me, and I happened to gain a title from a fruity village leader."
Hajras chuckled and said, "Fruity?"
"His name is Hamza. The chief of a village near the southwest border," Taz replied.
Nadir and Hajras laughed.
"I know him. He's more sinister than he looks," Nadir replied.
"How?" Taz asked.
"He has connections to notorious groups and organizations. Rumors spread about his indoctrination to his people," Hajras said.
"I knew that village felt wrong. Nothing seems natural in it," Taz replied.
"But since you said the chief gave you a title, I assume you're the one they call Luna-wolf?" Nadir asked.
"I never liked the title, but yes," Taz answered.
"I heard you killed a Qutrub. Is that true?" Nadir asked.
"With the help of two individuals, I didn't do it alone," Taz answered.
"I guess some wishes never come true," Hajras said.
"Truly impressive nonetheless," Nadir said.
"Nadir, are you familiar with the military's leaders?" Taz asked.
"Why? Are you planning to quit?" Hajras said.
"No, but I found out I get rewarded after completing tasks. I want to go collect my dinars," Taz said.
"If I remember correctly, you're with the generals' fighters, correct?" Hajras asked.
"Yes," Taz replied.
"That sector works with the military, not for them. Initially, nobles and high priests created the order to be their soldiers until it got dismantled and merged with Mesopotamia's forces," Nadir informed.
"Huh, I never knew that," Taz replied.
"There's more to it than that. It was done to limit the nobles' power over the people and other lower-status nobles," Hajras informed.
"True, the order was often used for assassinations among the nobles. You had to pay large sums of dinars to become a leading member. Only the wealthiest nobles could afford that, and the others were either eliminated or forced into cooperating with them," Nadir informed.
"Since you said the order works with the military. What authority does it follow?" Taz asked.
"The royal family, so to answer your question. Your reward is collected from the royal palace," Nadir replied.
Taz sighed, then said, "They won't let me go in; I need a noble to accompany me."
"You have two nobles before you, Tanaz. We'll go with you," Hajras said.
They walked out together.
As they strolled on the road.
Taz looked at Nadir and said, "How do you know so much about the military?"
Nadir chuckled and said, "Because I'm affiliated with them."
They later arrived at the royal palace. It was a large building, colored light blue with golden window framing.
They approached the gate that had two royal guards watching over it.
The guards saw them. They didn't attempt to stop or question their identities. They merely opened the gates for them, greeted Nadir and Hajras, and ignored Taz.
Though Taz was used to being looked down upon. She wanted to change that, though it was challenging to accomplish.
They soon reached a door with the sigil of Ishtar's bow.
Nadir knocked on it and called, "Are you there, Qutaibah?"
"Come in," He said.
They went inside.
It was a small room with wooden flooring and stone walls. It had a large window behind the desk facing the door and bookshelves lined with the walls.
The old man Qutaibah Sat behind the desk.
He had a sharp stare with deep-set eyes and a thick black beard. He wore dark garments, and his hair was shoulder-length with thick braids.
Taz stepped forward and said, "I remember you. You were at my uncle's villa days before my departure."
Qutaibah tapped his finger on the desk and said, "I remember you as well. You're the biggest disappointment I have witnessed."
Taz glared at him and said, "And who the fuck do you think you are?"
"I am the leader of Ishtar's arrows, one of the king's advisors, the most accomplished warrior in the history of Mesopotamia, a Master-class magic user. Qutaibah, son of David," Qutaibah bragged.
Taz pouted, then Nadir stepped in as he laughed and said, "Qutaibah, we're here to get her rewards for her accomplished tasks, not to break her confidence."
"Besides, my little cousin managed to beat your test lion, even though it was not the legal way to test a fighter's performance," Hajras said.
"And yet, that lion managed to land his claws on her gut," Qutaibah replied.
He then leaned forward and said, "Don't misunderstand what I said as hate, but the arrows of Ishtar are held to the highest standard among human warriors. We are the reason every nation thinks thrice before attacking our borders."
Taz glared at him and retorted, "Then it would've been best if someone explained my position among the forces before throwing me into battle."
"That was Ahmad's task to do, yet, as always, that man is better at hiding information than sharing them," Qutaibah replied.
Taz crossed her arms and said, "I plan to reach the pinnacle of our species, be it as an arrow or a soldier."
Qutaibah crossed his arms and said, "You may have allegedly fought and won against the hordes of Jinn, slayed a Qutrub, but you still have a long way to go. Being an arrow wasn't always about vigor. It's also about the wisdom of battle and mastery of the gift. From what I read from the reports about your performance, you're barely an advanced-level magic user."
"Wisdom is gained through experience; it's not something to be taught," Taz replied.
Qutaibah smiled and said, "Well said; you have potential, after all."
Though what Taz said was Nasya's catchphrase after beating her senseless in their daily duels.
"I guess that means you're willing to give her the arrows' medallion, Qutaibah," Nadir said.
Qutaibah chuckled profoundly and said, "Of course, Prince Nadir."
Taz looked at Hajras and whispered, "You didn't tell me Nadir is a prince!"
Hajras leaned closer and whispered, "It was painfully obvious from how he talks."
Qutaibah stood up, opened his drawer, pulled out two medallions and said, "The leader of Al Mutahirun came by last week and gave me your team's medallion. He told me to hand it to you if you ever came by."
Taz approached him and extended her arm, wanting to receive the medallions.
"Pull up your sleeve," Qutaibah said.
To which Taz complied and replied, "Why?"
"The arrows' medallion demands blood to activate," Qutaibah informed.
He placed the medallion on her forearm and then watched.
The medallion's chain wrapped around her arm and sank into her skin. Her veins began to expand as her lightning sparked wildly.
She grunted and whimpered as she tried to withstand the medallion's gluttony for blood.
A few moments passed, and the medallion stopped and started to shine a blue flicker. The chains went loose and hung around her arm.
Taz took it off, stared at Qutaibah and said, "This medallion took more than my blood!"
"The medallion serves more than being an accessory; You'll learn more about it with time," Qutaibah replied.
Taz began to wobble, felt light-headed and tried to get a hold of her senses.
Hajras held her firmly and said, "What did that medallion do to her?"
"The medallion infused itself into her soul. The effect should wear off the next day," Qutaibah said.
"What remains now is her reward," Nadir said.
Qutaibah went to a chest next to his desk and opened it. He pulled two large pouches and placed them on his desk.
She stood up straight, still feeling the effects of the medallion. She wore both and took her reward.
They exchanged their farewells and left the room.
They walked out of the palace and stood outside on the road.
Nadir turned to them and said, "Hopefully, the reward pleases you, Tanaz."
Taz looked at the pouches she carried and said, "I never expected it to be this much, to be honest."
"That's enough to buy a house," Hajras said.
"What are you planning to spend your dinars on, Tanaz?" Nadir asked.
"A house doesn't sound too bad. I could use the space and privacy," Taz replied.
"Are you serious? You won't have any money left," Hajras asked.
"If it means having my own home, then I don't mind it," Taz said.
"Independence is a sign of being a responsible person. I hope your new home fits your needs, Tanaz," Nadir said.
Nadir bid his farewell to them and left.
Hajras and Taz strolled to Ahmad's villa.
On their way. Hajras looked at Taz and asked, "Are you serious about buying a home, Taz?"
"Yes," Taz replied.
"Are you sure?" Hajras asked.
"Yes," Taz replied.
"Are you responsible enough to maintain your own house?" Hajras asked.
"Yes! Why are you asking all these questions?" Taz said.
"Come with me. I have something to show you," Hajras said.
Hajras took Taz deeper into the eastern district of Babilim and went to a small house.
They approached the tiny house and went inside. It had a small living room and two bedrooms that were fully furnished. It also had a storage room that was filled with drinks and spices.
They stood in the living room.
Hajras looked at Taz and asked, "What do you think of this house?"
Taz looked around and said, "It is a small house, but I liked it."
Hajras smiled and said, "It's yours if you want to."
Taz placed her money pouches on the floor and said, "How much will you sell it for?"
Hajras chuckled and said, "What kind of man do you take me for? It's free."
Taz was too stunned to speak.
She hugged Hajras tightly as she muttered, "Thank you."
Hajras hugged her back, chuckled and said, "You deserve it, little cousin."
They hugged in joy and laughter.
Hajras gave Taz the key to her new home, bid her farewell, and left her to enjoy her new place.
Taz then did what adults would do when they first had their own homes. She took off her clothes and slept naked, ending her tiring day.
The next day, in the morning time.
She woke up feeling heavy and sore. She got off her bed sluggishly.
Then she did her daily exercises to improve her agility and flexibility, followed by another training to strengthen her legs.
After her morning routine, she stood in her room and panted.
Her sweaty and scarred body glistened as the sun shined on her through the windows. Her sweat dripped along her rugged veiny shoulders and her shredded abdominal muscles.
She went to bathe and wash her hair. Then wore her dark garments and strapped her sword to her back and her dagger to her waist.
She headed out to add her touches to her new home. She went to a carpenter's workshop and ordered a weapons rack, enough to hold three swords and four daggers.
Then a thought crossed her mind. She always wore the same garments as she had none other. Then again, she never bought her clothes; they were always brought to her by Ahmad's tailor.
She headed to the library to ask A'saal, as she was the only woman she had befriended.
She went inside, but no one was to be seen.
She scuffed and muttered, "That woman never stops shopping during work."
She sat on A'saal's desk chair and rested her sword on the desk.
As she waited, two children walked inside: a boy and a girl.
Taz quickly hid her sword and crossed her arms.
The children approached her, and the girl asked, "Where is A'saal?"
Taz smiled and said, "She'll be back soon. What are you looking for?"
"Our tutor asked us to bring a book about Kemetic science," The boy said.
Taz felt confused and said, "Aren't those forbidden?"
The boy shook his head.
"Kemetic books are allowed," The girl said.
Taz stood up and said, "I'll look for it. Although I don't recall Kemet's books were allowed in the kingdom."
She went to the second floor and strolled to the science bookshelf. She searched until she found a golden book titled Kemetic Science.
She returned to them and found the boy struggling to lift Taz's sword off the ground.
She approached, smirked and chirped, "It's rude to play with people's belongings."
The boy gasped, looked at her, and said, "Is this sword yours?"
Taz handed the book to the girl, looked at the boy and said, "Do you like it?"
The boy steadied the sword on the floor and said, "It's heavy! How do you wield it?"
Taz took the sword from the boy's hand, strapped it to her back and said, "By being strong." Then smiled.
The children thanked her for finding the book they wanted and left as they waved to her. They walked through the door, and after them, A'saal came in.
She approached Taz, smiled and said, "If I didn't know any better, you like the library work."
Taz chuckled and said, "Forget it. You worked me like a mule when I was here."
"Are you here to continue your research on beasts?" A'saal asked.
"Not today. I'm running errands for myself," Taz replied.
"Did Ahmad decide to stop spoiling you?" A'saal teased.
Taz crossed her arms and said, "I left the villa. I have my own house now."
"Surprised he didn't send his guards to stop you," A'saal replied.
"He knows I'll kill them," Taz replied.
A'saal chuckled and said, "So, what brings you here?"
"I need clothes, and I don't know how to get any," Taz said.
A'saal smirked and said, "Your uncle spoiled you too much if you don't know how to buy clothes."
"You used to spoil me when I worked here," Taz chirped.
"You were tiny and adorable. Now you're beefy like that obnoxious woman," A'saal replied.
"I liked Nasya more than you; at least she is honest," Taz mocked.
A'saal stared at Taz, smirked wickedly and said softly, "I'm sure she left all those cut wounds on your body so you can remember her at night."
"Now I understand why Nasya hated you," Taz said.
A'saal chuckled, walked past Taz and said, "I'll go drop my bags; we'll head out shortly."
A'saal soon returned and walked out of the library with Taz.
They headed to the tailor workshop on the river road and went inside.
An old woman approached them and greeted them. A'saal explained to Taz how to order clothes, which materials to use and what designs were fashionable.
Though the old woman never stopped staring at Taz as she reminded her of someone.
"You look familiar, young woman," the old woman said.
"You must be mistaken," Taz replied.
"You remind me so much of a woman I knew. Her name was Yasmine Al Dakheel," the old woman said.
Taz stared at the old woman with a poker face and said flatly, "Never heard of her."
The old woman sighed and said, "I miss her. She died too young."
A'saal helped Taz finish her order then they left the workshop.
They stood outside. A'saal looked at her and said, "You handled it better than I expected."
Taz sighed and said, "I've done enough errands for today. That old woman put me in a foul mood."
They parted ways after they exchanged farewells.
Taz headed home. On her way, she saw a fancy-looking tavern near her home. She had plenty of drinks at home but lacked food, cooking ingredients, and firewood.
She went inside the tavern and sat on the stool. As she waited for the tavern worker, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
She turned around to see who it was, and to her surprise, it was Talal.
He was sitting with two women; they were chatting casually.
She felt uneasy, worried that the spell didn't work. She checked out the women who sat beside him.
One was average at best and old, though the other had an appealing figure, seen through her loose dress. Her thighs were large, and her breasts were of apparent size.
She looked beautiful, too beautiful.
Taz felt competing with such a woman was impossible. Unlike Taz, the woman had a complete set of teeth; Taz lost a couple of hers during her battle with the Jinns.
She turned her eyes back to the table and sighed.
The tavern worker came to Taz. She ordered a bottle of wine and snacks. To which she received.
She tore open the lid, chugged it like a thirsty soldier, and ate her snacks by the handful as she sighed.
She felt a hand tapping her shoulder. When she turned around, it was Talal.
He looked into her eyes and said in a deep voice, "Hail Luna-wolf."
Taz couldn't help but laugh as she heard him.
Talal sat beside her, smiled and said, "It's good to see you again, Tanaz. How've you been?"
Taz wiped the wine off her dry lips and chirped, "I'm surprised you recognized me."
"You're the only one who carries weapons in this fancy tavern, and they're unique," Talal said.
"I don't have any place to store them in my new house, and I feel worried leaving them unattended," Taz said.
"You bought a new house?" Talal asked.
"Yes, it's close to here. I'm still decorating it to feel homier," Taz replied.
Talal chuckled and asked, "What does it take for a house to feel homie for you?"
"Doesn't take much to please my taste, only a weapons rack and a dresser," Taz said.
"Does the same go for your taste in men?" Talal flirted.
Taz chuckled, blushed, then chugged her wine bottle.
She looked at Talal, leaned closer and said, "I prefer my men bold and strong...."
Talal leaned closer and said, "If I didn't know any better, it seems you're describing me, Tanaz...."
He held her nape and pulled her head closer, engaging her in a passionate kiss. Then he whispered, "How about we continue in your home?"
The next day, in the afternoon.
She woke up all alone in her bed. She looked around the room, and Talal was nowhere to be seen.
She picked up on the scent of food from the living room. She got up, wore her green dress, and left the bedroom.
When she reached the living room, she found Talal reading one of her books and food placed on the table.
She sat next to him and whispered, "Good morning."
Talal looked at her, smirked and said, "It's midday, Tanaz."
Taz went silent momentarily and looked away as she tried to process how much she had slept.
Talal put the book beside him and said, "Do you have something urgent today?"
"I need to go to the carpenter," Taz replied.
Talal unwrapped the food and said, "Eat first, then we can go."
Taz smiled and said, "Do you want to come with me?"
Talal smiled and said, "I am your leader, after all."
They ate together and exchanged small talk. Then Taz bathed herself as Talal waited for her in the living room.
After she was done, they headed out together and walked close, never holding hands.
They soon reached the carpenter and saw the final product that Taz had ordered. They stood in front of it and stared at its details.
Talal turned to Taz and asked, "Isn't it a bit much for your current weapons?"
Taz crossed her arms, looked at Talal and said, "Before I went into the military, I heard of enchanted swords and daggers. I made it this way in case I encounter them in my lifetime."
"And if you don't find any?"
"I'll use it to store my spare weapons," Taz replied.
Talal hummed in agreement.
One of the workers in the workshop came to them and said, "I hope you liked it?"
Taz turned to the worker and said, "Is it sturdy enough to carry silver weapons?"
"Silver? Are you a huntress by any chance?" The worker wondered.
"No," Taz replied.
"The rack is strong to carry the weight of silver. If it cracks or breaks, I'll fix it for you," The worker replied.
She paid the worker the sum of thirty dinars and went on to the rack to carry it.
Talal approached her and said, "I'll carry it."
Taz looked at him and said, "Are you sure? It's heavy."
Talal winked at her, lifted it and rested the top bar on his shoulders.
They went out of the workshop and headed home.
They arrived later and placed the weapons rack in Taz's bedroom next to the door.
Talal lay on Taz's bed, sighed in relief and said, "That reminded me of my first days in the military."
Taz sat beside him, smiled, and said, "Thank you for carrying it."
Talal sat up and said, "You're welcome. Though I never want to carry it again."
Taz chuckled and said, "I did warn you."
Talal chuckled and said, "Blame my chivalry."
Taz crossed her legs, faced Talal and said, "How's everyone from the team?"
"Speaking of the team. I have good news," Talal said.
"What?" Taz wondered.
"I received a letter a couple of days ago. We will be back to our duties soon," Talal replied.
"Usually, soldiers hate that," Taz said.
"Anywhere away from the temple is good for me," Talal said.
"And here I thought you liked the temple since you represent their presence in the military," Taz said.
"It's more like I climbed my way through the ranks only for the temple to claim my efforts as their own," Talal replied.
"Does the temple give you anything in return?" Taz asked.
"They pay me to keep up their façade, though recently they proved to be more of a hindrance than an ally," Talal said.
"What happened?" Taz asked.
"They began questioning my leadership and tactics in my missions, so they planted a watcher over me," Talal replied.
"Is it Roheen?" Taz replied.
"Yes, but how did you know?" Talal wondered.
"She is horrible at hiding her goals. Her prying on my private matters proved it," Taz replied.
"She's a good woman. We grew up together, but sadly her allegiance belongs to my father," Talal replied.
Taz leaned against her bed frame and said, "Respectfully, Talal. Your friend is a cunt."
Talal chuckled and said, "Enough about me. Let's talk about you."
Taz smiled and said, "What do you want to know?"
"Let's start with your combat training. Who trained you? I've read the reports about your last encounters, so don't think about lying to me," Talal chirped.
Taz chuckled and said, "I promised not to tell anyone, but I'll make an exception for you."
Talal crossed his legs, faced Taz and said, "Go ahead."
"I was trained by a huntress called Nasya the cheetah," Taz informed.
Talal was stunned and took a while to process.
He sat closer to Taz and said, "The cheetah?"
"The rudest and most violent huntress I've ever met, and the reason I kept my hair short," Taz said.
"She's a legend in both Alkebu-lan and the peninsula. Her presence in an area means the death of all beasts nearby," Talal said.
Taz chuckled and said, "I didn't know she had admirers."
"I didn't know anything about her until Numair told me. First, I thought it was a load of shit until she came to Mesopotamia, and then I saw her in battle," Talal said.
"What did she do?" Taz asked.
"The capital shut its gates when a pair of beasts came near; it was a were hyena. I was sent to intercept them and prevent them from approaching Babilim. A rider wearing a dark cloak came from the other side when we arrived. She jumped out of her horse and ran towards the beasts with unnatural speed; even the fastest men alive won't be able to keep up with her," Talal said.
"Her speed in combat and running is terrifying," Taz added.
"Was she using magic when you were with her?" Talal asked.
"Rarely, her excuse was I wasn't worthy enough to face her magic," Taz said.
"That's cruel, even for a trainer," Talal said.
"She was correct. Humans don't come close to the might of hunters. But don't mind me, continue your story about her," Taz said.
"She threw her spear at one of them, and it pierced through the tough skin of the beast. For the second beast, she faced it with her axe, though it's considered risky even among hunters to battle a beast in close quarters. But for a hunter of her caliber, it was child's play. She evaded the strikes and blows of the beast swiftly and easily and killed it. And all that didn't take more than two minutes," Talal said.
"But how did you identify her?" Taz wondered.
Talal chuckled, then said, "She walked casually to us and asked us for directions to Babilim. Numair had his doubts at first and asked her who she was. She told us, 'I'm Nasya. I traveled to meet a bitter old woman in babilim.' I guess by now, you can imagine how everyone reacted."
Taz laughed as she covered her mouth and said, "That answer fits her personality so well."
Talal chuckled and said, "That was the gossip of the team for the entire week."
The End