In the capital of the Persian kingdom.
A week later, at midday.
The king of Persia, Darius the First.
He sat in his throne room with his advisors as they argued over the death of Ali Ras Al Ghoul.
It was a large hall decorated with gold on its walls.
Darius was bored of their ramblings and stared at the ceiling to distract himself. He soon felt the vibrations of the floor and his throne.
It was faint, but he knew it was unnatural.
He stood up, worried, and looked out the window to figure out what was happening.
The ceiling broke, and its debris fell on his advisors.
Smoke filled the room as he sensed the temperature began to rise. His windows shattered, and a strong wind vented the smoke out.
From the smoke, Prince Haider appeared.
The king was furious with Haider's intrusion. He glared at Haider and demanded an explanation.
Haider glared and said casually, "Darius..."
Darius sat on his throne and said calmly, "Haider, it is unwise for a mere prince to intrude into the king's court."
Haider approached him and said, "I'm here to bring justice."
The king's guard stepped into the court and surrounded Haider.
Darius smirked arrogantly and said, "You don't have the power in this court; I do."
Haider's blue Jinn soldiers manifested behind the guards. They held them and engulfed themselves in intense blue flames. The king's guards screamed in agony as they were burned alive.
"The lions will always have the power, wherever they are," Haider said confidently.
The guards' corpses fell to the ground one by one as they reeked the scent of burned flesh, and smoke rose from them.
"You'll risk war for mere vengeance, Haider!" Darius argued.
"After your crime in my city, the entirety of Mesopotamia is crying for war," Haider said.
"It would be wiser to avoid it unless you want Kemet to seize the opportunity to conquer us both!" Darius argued.
"You have two options, Darius. You either surrender yourself, and we'll set your people free, or we'll change your kingdom's government and rule your people as we see fit," Haider said.
Darius stood up, approached him and shouted, "This is madness!"
Haider glared down at him and said, "You stole our information, poisoned the minds of my people, and sent your soldiers to kill my men. If anything, my brother is too merciful."
Darius looked at the floor as he pondered.
He looked at Haider and said, "I have something more valuable than my head. I can offer you Persia as a vassal state."
Haider grabbed Darius's collar, shoved him toward his throne and said, "You coward! I have hoped you'd accept your fate with honor, but I was gravely mistaken."
He walked away and told his Jinn, "Bring him."
Five days later, with Taz, in the morning.
She went into the royal palace and strolled to Qutaibah's office.
She knocked on his door and mimicked A'saal's voice, "Are you there, Qutaibah? I am the old witch of the library, A'saal!"
"Come in, Tanaz," Qutaibah chirped.
She entered the office, closed the door, and said, "I thought my impression was good."
Qutaibah chuckled and said, "It was amusing, yet terrible simultaneously."
Taz smiled and said, "I'll take it as a compliment."
"Are you here for your reward?" Qutaibah asked.
Taz approached his desk and said, "Yes, but also for one other thing."
Qutaibah leaned back and said, "Go ahead, tell me."
"I need guidance on magic, preferably from a master-class magic user," Taz said.
Qutaibah chuckled and said, "You want me to train you?"
"If it's possible," Taz replied.
Qutaibah leaned forward, placed his arms on his desk and said, "I don't have time to spare for training anyone, but Babilim has a few master-class magic users apart from me."
Taz smiled and said, "Hopefully, they're not as busy as you."
"What's the type of magic you want to improve?" Qutaibah asked.
"Destruction Magic, Especially the lightning element," Taz replied.
Qutaibah hummed, then said, "That's a difficult element to learn, but there's one who specializes in it."
"Who is he?" Taz asked.
"It's a woman. She served with the royal army until she eventually retired," Qutaibah replied.
"Huh, interesting woman," Taz replied.
"She could still fight with the royal army, but your uncle made her retire against her will," Qutaibah said.
Taz grew a confused expression and said, "That's weird. Why would he do that?"
Qutaibah laughed, then said, "Because she tortured your uncle once, and he held a grudge against her."
Taz raised her eyebrows and said, "That's quite a revelation."
"I can contact her if you want, but be warned, she's not merciful to anyone," Qutaibah said.
"She can't be worse than Nasya, but I would appreciate all the help I can get," Taz said.
"Come back after a couple of days; I should have her reply by then," Qutaibah said.
Taz left the royal palace and headed home.
She strolled to the alleyway where her house was located and saw guards banging on her door.
She approached them and said, "What are you all doing to my house?"
"We received a report that said you have a slave in your home," One of the guards said.
"And?" Taz said.
"It's forbidden to own slaves in Mesopotamia," The guard said.
"I know, but the law applies to peasants, not me," Taz said arrogantly.
"Who the fuck do you think you are?" The guard retorted.
"The woman who is about to kill you if you don't know your place," Taz threatened.
The guard approached her and growled, "How will you do that? You fucking whore."
"Maybe we should let Sergeant Nawar handle this situation," The other guard said.
Taz looked at the guard who spoke and said, "I'd be interested in talking to someone higher ranked than this pest."
The guards fetched Nawar and came back with him.
Nawar approached Taz and chirped, "I thought you were still in Baghdad, Luna-wolf."
Taz chuckled and said, "I was, but the team left quickly because they all hated it there."
Nawar stood straight, crossed his arms and said, "I still remember escorting you that day. To think you were on your way to becoming one of the generals' fighters still amazes me."
Taz smiled and said, "To be fair, I didn't know either. I thought I was being lumped into a special military team."
Nawar looked back at the guards and said, "You can go now; I know her."
The guards left.
Nawar looked at Taz and said, "The generals' fighters are more than unique; they're legends among the military."
Taz giggled and said, "Qutaibah made that very clear to me. He keeps lecturing me about the responsibilities and standards an arrow should meet."
"He's not wrong. As a soldier, seeing an arrow in battle often means victory," Nawar said.
"They expect too much out of me, but I'll try my best to develop myself," Taz replied.
Nawar looked at Taz's house door and asked, "Are the guards telling the truth?"
"About?" Taz stalled.
"The slave in your home," Nawar said.
"If it makes it any better, I see him as a pet more than a slave," Taz said.
Nawar looked at her stunned and said, "Tanaz…."
Taz pouted and said, "I need that slave, Nawar. Getting a man through traditional ways is difficult for me."
Nawar approached Taz and argued, "Is that why you kept the slave!? You could've married and avoided this whole situation."
Taz crossed her arms and said, "Do you think anyone would accept the daughter of Hayja as their son's wife?"
Nawar stepped back and said, "Good point…."
"To add, I'm not the most feminine-looking woman in Babilim; my arms are bigger than most of the other men's arms," Taz said.
Nawar sighed loudly and said, "Enough! I get your fucking point."
Taz looked doubtfully at him and asked, "You'll let me keep him?"
Nawar rubbed his chin and said, "Are you still in contact with your cousin?"
"Yes," Taz replied.
"Tell him that you want a special permit for owning slaves. He should be able to get one for you," Nawar informed.
Taz smirked and said, "I thought owning slaves was forbidden, sergeant of the guards."
"Because there will always be unique cunts like you who want to bend the rules; that's why special exceptions exist," Nawar replied.
Taz giggled and said, "All right, you short-tempered prick. I'll visit Hajras tomorrow and tell him."
Nawar walked away and said, "Take care of yourself, and don't cause any trouble."
"You as well, Nawar," Taz chirped.
She entered her house and found her slave sitting anxiously on the couch.
He wore a flappy white shirt and pants made from silk.
She approached him, sat beside him, wrapped her arm around him and said, "Don't worry, my little pet; The evil men are gone."
He leaned on her and said, "Are they going to take me away?"
Taz kissed his head and whispered, "No one will take you away from me."
He hugged her like a lonely child and closed his eyes.
Taz rubbed his back, kissed his head again, and held him like a gentle mother.
Meanwhile, with Numair and Hilal, at midday.
They ate their fill in their sister's tavern along with Maimun.
Maimun looked at Numair and said, "Even though you had plenty of time to rest and recover, you still look like shit."
Numair laughed, looked at Maimun and said, "Good point, but now I became famous with the women here, and you're still struggling to find a woman."
Maimun chuckled and said, "At the end of the day, I still have a pair of eyes and hands while you lack them. How does it feel to bed a woman with one eye?"
Numair laughed and said, "I'm sure your old mother will give you a detailed answer to your question."
Numair and Maimun laughed it out.
Hilal, who sat beside Maimun, still felt guilty about what had happened to his brother. He didn't laugh or participate in their conversation.
Numair looked at Hilal and said, "Why the sad face, Hilal? You already look ugly enough when you're happy."
Hilal let out a suppressed chuckle. He looked at Numair and said, "Your injuries could've been avoided if I didn't vote for that plan."
Numair raised his amputated left arm and said, "I might have lost a hand, but Tanaz told me about a smith who can give me a perfect replacement."
Maimun looked at Numair and said, "Who's he?"
Numair leaned on the bar table, faced Maimun and Hilal and said, "New to my knowledge, there's a particular grade of smiths who are said to be master-class. That man is one of them. He can make a new hand for me, made out of silver."
Hilal furrowed his eyebrows and said, "If he's a master-class smith, then his crafts are expensive."
Numair smiled and said, "I may have lost an eye and a hand due to your foolish morals, but in return, I was rewarded by the king and Prince Haider for my efforts."
Maimun widened his eyes and said, "How much did they give you?"
"Enough to buy Talal's house and kick him out of it by bribing the guards," Numair replied.
Layla came to them as she heard Numair talk and said, "I'm sure my dear elder brother will not forget about me."
Numair chuckled and said, "I never did…."
Meanwhile, with Talal and Roheen, in the evening.
Roheen was in her Room. It was small yet had fancy wooden decorations.
She wore a blue dress and a blue head veil.
She opened a small box on the table next to a large mirror, and it had specially made perfume that was brought from Kemet. Noblewomen and queens often used it on occasion.
It was made from herbs, spices and the pheromones of a civet.
She sprayed it on her hair, neck and chest, returned it to the box, and sealed it.
She left her room and headed to Talal's house.
Upon her arrival. She tidied her clothes and flapped her hair. She knocked on his door and waited.
Talal was wearing homey flappy garments. He opened the door, leaned on the frame and said, "Good evening, Roheen."
Roheen smiled and said, "Good evening. Can I come in?"
Talal pushed the door open and said, "Sure."
She walked past, slower than usual.
Talal sniffed her scent subtly and felt a warm surge within him. He closed the door and followed her into the living room.
They sat next to each other.
Roheen looked around the house and said, "Your home is tidy as usual."
Talal smirked and said, "I live alone, after all."
"Doesn't Tanaz help you at home?" Roheen asked.
"She has her matters to tend to; besides, she's not my wife," Talal said.
"You're not young. Don't you think it's time to settle and marry?" Roheen said.
"My current problem won't allow me," Talal replied.
Roheen rubbed her hands and said, "Are you referring to the charm spell Tanaz placed on you…."
Talal looked at her smugly and said, "How did you know about that?"
"You keep forgetting I'm the sorceress of the temple. It's my task to break harmful spells," Roheen replied.
Talal giggled, then said, "You don't have to worry about the spell; I broke it in Baghdad."
Roheen looked at him confused and said, "Then why did you let Tanaz have her way with you?"
Talal smiled and said, "The sex was great, though I tend to leave her bed with scars and wounds."
"Does she know about it?" Roheen asked.
"I'm not sure, but I bet she figured it out after our little brawl," Talal said.
"Does that mean you'll return to the temple?" Roheen asked with excitement.
"No, not yet," Talal replied.
Roheen stood up, sighed, walked away, stopped as she faced the wall and said, "I keep trying to fix your relationship with the high priest or at least keep you close to me, but you never listen."
Talal approached her and said, "I am still the same man you knew; nothing Has changed."
Roheen turned to him and said, "If you abandon the temple, how can I ensure you won't abandon me as well?"
Talal grabbed her shoulders and said, "I won't abandon you, Roheen."
Roheen stared into Talal's eyes and said, "Then take me as your wife, Talal, and swear you'll be by my side until the day we perish."
She held his face gently, grew a sad expression and said, "Please…."
Her scent, beauty and sad stare, filled with need and desperation, were too much for any man to refuse.
Talal gave in to her plea.
He held her waist, pulled her closer and kissed her passionately as their breaths grew heavier. She held him and stroked his hair as she moaned softly.
Four days later, with Taz in the late morning.
Taz went to an open field, and the capital was behind her.
She found a woman in her fifties, along with Qutaibah. The woman was of average height, fair skin tone, short-haired and had rich brown round small eyes.
She approached them and greeted them.
Qutaibah looked at Taz and said, "This is Safira, the woman I told you about."
Taz looked at Safira and said, "I expected her to be younger."
Safira looked at Taz and said, "I can see that rudeness runs in the family."
"I heard you're a horrible woman, Safira," Taz said.
Safira smirked and said, "Will that be a problem?"
Taz smiled and said, "No, I began to like you the more I read about your history."
Safira chuckled, approached her and said, "You have a history of your own as well, daughter of Hayja. I saw a report that said you ate five Qutrub cubs."
"I craved tender meat that night," Taz said.
Safira looked at Qutaibah and said, "I like this girl. I'll accept the role of being her mentor."
Qutaibah smiled and said, "That's good to hear."
He approached Taz and said, "From this day on, you will no longer participate in any military activities, and you are no longer a part of Al Mutahirun." "You'll resume your duties once your training is done."
Taz looked at Qutaibah and said, "How much time do I have?"
"One year, once it has passed, I'll reevaluate your skill. If you reach the required level, I'll appoint you as an official arrow," Qutaibah replied.
"If I complete my training, will I return to the military?" Taz asked.
"No, the arrows work with the military, not for them. We have other important matters to attend to," Qutaibah replied.
"I understand," Taz said.
Qutaibah walked to his horse and said, "Farewell and good fortune."
Taz looked at Safira and said, "So, old woman. Where do we start?"
Safira faced Taz, crossed her arms behind her back and said, "We start with how you address me. Every time you make a mistake, I'll zap your mouth."
"Child Slayer sounds nice?" Taz jested.
Safira smiled, then a sphere of lightning manifested beside her and zapped Taz's mouth.
Taz screamed, covered her mouth and stepped away.
"Don't let my appearance fool you. After all, destruction magic doesn't require strength," Safira said.
Taz kept her distance from her and said, "How did you do that?"
"Mastery of the gift, for each element of destruction magic, the results vary," Safira said.
"How did your magic manifest away from your body?" Taz asked.
Safira conjured a lightning ball behind Taz, zapped her bottom and said, "Do you mean that trick?"
Taz screamed again, held her bottom and shouted, "Stop it!"
Safira giggled.
Taz growled and shot Safira with lightning.
She blocked it by coating her body with the same element and said in confusion, "Did you try to attack me with the element I have full mastery of?"
"Stop zapping me!" Taz shouted.
Safira crossed her arms and said, "Fine, but remember one mistake, and you'll get the same experience."
Taz relaxed and said, "Fine! I understand."
Safira rode her horse and said, "Follow me; you still have so much to learn."
Taz rode her horse and followed Safira to the Royal military base.
She spent her time off in it as she slowly yet painfully worked her way into the advanced rank of Magic users.
The End