SACRED SANDS

The red canyons

John Noble, and Samuel Ward along with a regiment of Crescent Shield soldiers, reach the southern nation of Wisperad. They had made their way south through the Argent Caves and into the Red Canyons, known as the Canyons of Atar. The palfrey horses had brought them to the southern desert in less than two weeks but there was still some ways to go to reach their destination. The letter indicated that they were to rendezvous at the city of Kivarenah. John and Sam ride at the front along with the Seneschal, Adam. Adam is the commander of the troops while John is considered an emissary acting on behalf of the King. He holds the Silver Nightfeather, like the one that Michael had carried as the High Champion.

The caravan reaches a crossroads in the canyon and stops for a rest. They have traveled far and should reach the edge of the canyon and enter the desert by nightfall. However, it will be another full days ride through the open desert to reach the city of Kivarenah. John dismounts his horse and speaks to Adam about the remainder of the journey. John states to Adam that they should not linger for too long as thieves were known to attack travelers in the Red Canyons. Adam had also known the risk but the canyons were the fastest route to Wisperad. He agrees with John and prepares the men to leave.

John then guides his horse to a small spring where he sees a relief etched into the wall of the canyon. Sam is already there sketching the relief as it seems to show some kind of creation myth, most likely from the people of the desert. John hears a rock fall somewhere and looks around but sees nothing. Sam steps over some of the rocks in the water to get closer to the relief. John says that they should probably get going since there was a reason that not many people travel south on their current route. Sam agrees but continues to approach the relief and attempts to touch it. Just before he does so, an arrow flies by his hand. He pulls back and he and John see several figures above them with bows trained on them.

John grasps the handle of his sword as Wisperadi archers have their bows trained on John and the caravan. A woman’s voice echoes in the canyon. She first asks that they not touch the relief which is sacred. She then commands John to let go of his sword and tell them who they are. John speaks first and tells them that they are envoys from Veiland. They were summoned by the White Sultan to help Wisperad. The woman states that they requested the Lunar Guardian and knows that John is not him. John introduces himself and says that they have come to help on behalf of the King of Veiland. John then shows them the Silver Nightfeather of Selene.

Another woman wearing a purple turban joins the Wisperadi scouts and tells the others that they can lower their guard.  The other women in orange turbans comply and the woman introduces herself as Elahei. Elahei asks to speak with the Lunar Guardian and John explains that he was unable to come but John is representing the King. She then leads the caravan to the Wisperadi encampment. The camp is protected by the female warriors from earlier called the Ravashii, of which Elahei is the commander.

The Crescent Shield are accommodated and await orders from Adam. Elahei then takes John, Sam and Adam to a small tent and introduces them to the Sultanah of Wisperad, Princess Farava. She is a young girl no older than 12. John introduces himself and Sam but the princess interrupts before he can get to Adam. The Princess welcomes them but asks where the Lunar Guardian is as she needs to speak with him. John claims that the Lunar Guardian could not make it but tries to assure her that they are there to help, if they would tell them why the Crescent Shield was needed. The letter only said that the city was attacked, and they needed help. The princess does not seem convinced but explains the situation.

16 days ago, there was an attack on the royal city of Kivarenah, during the Midgreen Festival.  A group of thieves called the Drauga attacked the Palace of Asha. They were led by two Champions, which are known as Yazata in the south. The intruders killed several guards before kidnapping the Sultan.

John questions why thieves would take the Sultan if they were already in the palace. He asks if the group of thieves had any demands. Elahei says that the Sultan used to be a holy practitioner. He has information on a great many things regarding the Majai religion. It seems that the leader of the Drauga, the Zahhak was looking for information regarding a religious artifact. It is something that only the Sultan would know how to find. It is the reason why they took him.

Adam then states that the Crescent Shield army will lend their forces to Wisperad. They will be more than enough to help retrieve the Sultan. Farava then looks to Elahei. Elahei then points out that it isn’t that simple. She explains that their High Champion, the Red Shahbaz already led a campaign with the Shivan Scimitar, the warrriors of Wisperad. They attempted to rescue the Sultan, but they have not returned. They were hoping for the Lunar Guardian to come help with the threat.

John insists that they have brought trained soldiers that will be able to help. He then asks why they need the Lunar Guardian himself for a group of thieves. Elahei then tells them that the reason the Drauga were brazen enough to attack the palace is because of the two Yazata that were with them. One is called the Zahhak and the other, the Jinn. It seems that the guild of Drauga seem to finally have the means to be more than just bandits.  The Red Shahbaz is the Yazata Protector for Kivarenah and it seems even he was no match for the Jinn.

Elahei then states that when the Palace was attacked, the Red Shahbaz, as well as the Shivan Scimitar warriors intervened to protect the Sultan. They killed the Drauga and subdued the Zahhak. However, the Jinn has some kind of spell that makes him very powerful. She attempts to explain more but princess Farava interjects. She says that it will be better to show them.

Temple of Sight

The princess will take John and Sam up the side of the canyon to a temple that will allow them to see out into the desert. When they return, the Ravashii and the Crescent Shield will continue toward Kivarenah to regroup with the remaining Shivan Scimitar, the warriors of Wisperad. Elahei is against this, stating that they should prepare to leave as soon as possible. The princess insists that she show the Westerners what they need to see. Elahei will accompany the group personally while Adam will remain behind to help with the preparations to leave.

Farava then leads John, Sam, and Elahei, up the cliffs of the Red Canyons. They soon reach a carved-out alcove that opens into a small temple. Farava explains that the temple had been used long ago for religion, then for science. It was turned into an observatory by a scientist named Hasan al-Hazen but the temple has been unused for some time. The wooden window slits are breaking and the reliefs on the walls have broken down with time. Sand has overtaken most of the main hall with large heaps in the center and corners of the room. They pass through an archway and make their way up a set of stairs leading to the upper floor. 

The group feels a breeze as they reach the open air of the second floor. Pillars adorn either side of the room with large window openings just past them. The roof has been worn away in some places and light from the late afternoon is shining through. At the far end, there is an opening that leads across a stone bridge. The bridge leads to an overlook carved into a natural stone pillar.

Elahei is on edge as they walk through the temple. Farava leads the group over the short bridge and into the overlook. The small overlook surveys the desert and John is in awe of the scenery. At the other side of the canyon, the cliff face has formed a natural ring out of the rock. Farava asks John to look toward the horizon. Below them is the edge of the canyon and past that is the open desert. Looking through the ring in the canyon, just visible to the naked eye is the city of Kivarenah.

Sam comments at how beautiful the desert is from their high vantage point. Farava agrees as she pushes a metallic viewing device in front of them. Sam is captivated by the telescopic device that sits on a track built into the wall and uses lenses and mirrors to view distant objects. He has heard of magic mirrors before and Farava asks him to look through it.

Sam sees the city but doesn't notice anything immediately. John looks through it and Farava asks what he sees. John doesn’t immediately notice anything but then sees that there is a large gap in the palace and part of the wall surrounding the city. It looks like part of the wall was missing completely. The princess says they need the Lunar Guardian because only a Yazata can defeat another Yazata. Elahei adds that the Jinn is a very powerful Yazata the likes of which she has never seen. He cannot be defeated by normal means. This is why they need the Lunar Guardian.

John doesn’t understand at first until Farava tells him that the Jinn is capable of destroying things with a strange supernatural light. It was how he destroyed the wall. Sam has heard of this before. He asks again that the Jinn brought down the wall with a blast of white light. The princess states that the Jinn did not bring the wall down, but it was like he made it disappear. He used the light to blow a hole in the wall of the Palace during his escape. It killed a great many people and injured others. John seems to lose himself at the mention of white light. He is unable to speak. Farava then tells them that only a Champion would be able to defeat another Champion and even the Red Shahbaz was no match for him.

Sam states that he is not so sure another Champion could defeat such power. Sam explains that the white light sounds very familiar. Another Champion had something like it almost 20 years ago. He asks John what he thinks but John seems to be deep in thought. He knows exactly who that Champion from 20 years ago was. The princess then asks why the Lunar Guardian could not come and John finally states that the High Champion of Veiland is gone. He died rescuing Princess Aletheia of Selene.

Farava is disheartened at the news and tells them that she is sorry for their loss. John says that he is sorry for hers as well. He then stands tall and states that although their Champions are gone, he and Veiland have come to help and that is what they are going to do. John then builds Sam up telling them that Sam is also a great Champion. Before Sam can protest, John tells them that he can create amazing things with his power. Elahei asks if this is true but before Sam can answer, John continues saying that it is true and the Crescent Shield has come to assist them in any way they can. They can help the princess without the Lunar Guardian. 

Farava begins to share John's outlook and thanks him. She is starting to believe that they can help. The group leaves the confines of the small outlook and step out into the open air of the bridge that leads back into the Temple of Sight. Sam pulls out his water skin for a drink and offers some to John.

Elahei then states that the two armies will continue to Kivarenah and fortify the city before setting out to rescue the Sultan. John remembers that they mentioned the Drauga kidnapped the Sultan for some kind of religious artifact. Elahei explains that that the Jinn is searching for a sacred object called the Circle of Urvan that was entrusted to the Sultan of Kivarenah. John persists, asking what the Circle of Urvan is. Elahei tell him that it is something that the Jinn cannot get ahold of which is why they must return to Kivarenah. They took the Sultan not only for his religious knowledge of the object but also where to use it.

John believes he understands and states that they need to go to the city is to protect the Circle. Elahai begins to agree but Farava interjects and says that the Circle is not at the city. It is with her. The princess holds up her bracelet. A small metallic circle is fitted to the top of the bracelet, decorated with small indentations and grooves. She states that her bracelet holds the Circle of Urvan, an important artifact among followers of the Majai religion. It was given to her by her grandmother.

John now understands that they have the key now and suggests why take the Circle back to the city. Farava begins to agree but Elahei explains that they are exposed in the canyon and it is unsafe. They can’t stay there. Elahei says that the Circle of Urvan is too important and the Jinn must not obtain it. Sam asks what the Circle of Urvan is and why it is so important to the Djinn. Farava explains that it is a key. One of two. When they are combined, it can be used to extend the Chinvat Bridge.

Neither John nor Sam understand what that means and they are visibly confused as the two women argue. Farava says that there is no time to go back to the city the Jinn would know that the Sultan does not have the key by now. Elahei reminds Farava that there are two keys and no one knows where the other is. The Jinn may already have it and he must not obtain the Circle of Urvan as well.

John tries to ask  what the Chinvat Bridge is but the women ignore him. Farava states that this is all the more reason to head directly to find the Drauga and save her father. They could even stop the Jinn altogether. Elahei is frustrated and states that this is not a discussion. She is to keep the princess safe and it is not safe in the canyons. They are all going back to the city together. She then states that they should go back to the camp and she enters the alcove back into the temple.

John is seemingly overwhelmed but touches Farava’s shoulder to comfort her. Sam asks what the Chinvat Bridge is and Farava seems uncertain of what to say at first. She has never had to explain it. Farava finally says that the The Chinvat Bridge is said to be many things, but some believe that it leads to Paradise, others believe it leads to…something else. Before Farava can explain further, Elahei calls out to John.

The Bone Serpent

John rushes back down the steps followed by Sam and Farava. Elahei has taken a defensive stance with her bow and has nocked an arrow. In front of her are four men in cloth veils. Farava recognizes the masked men as Drauga bandits. John immediately pulls out his sword and takes a defensive position next to Elahei. The four men in cloth masks are blocking their exit from the temple and they take special notice when they see Farava.

Elahei holds up her bow and speaks first. She tells the Drauga that they have no business there and they will leave if they value their lives. One of the Drauga state that they have come for the princess and they will leave with the princess. However, they have no need for her protectors. The Drauga each pull out curved swords. John signals to Farava telling her to stay close to Sam.

Farava then watches as Sam pours sand into his water skin. He tells John if he remembers the red potion in his lab that he showed him. John looks back momentarily to see Sam mixing sand and water in the skin. He then caps the bladder and shakes it. Farava sees the water skin turn red and she realizes that Sam is a Champion as well. John yells for Elahei as Sam throws the water skin over them. She sees the bottle fly over their heads and above the Drauga. Elahei looses the arrow which punctures the skin. Red dust explodes from the skin followed by a series of sparks that trails outward, igniting the dust. Small flames fall on the Drauga which set their clothing alight. All four Drauga are now fighting the flames on their clothing.

Elahei pulls out her Shamshir blade and she and John rush forward killing the front two bandits before moving to attack the back two. The Drauga defend themselves despite still having flames on their clothing. Sam begins coughing when Elahei calls to the princess. She takes Sam’s hand and leads them past John and Elahei who have created a gap. Farava and Sam continue through the temple and down the stairs. Elahei and John subdue their Drauga foes before making a break and following the Princess.

Sam and Farava reach the exit when another Drauga, a female with a black and gold mask steps in front of them. She is dressed in grey with a black mask. Farava recognizes her as the Zahhak. Sam stands in front of the princess. Right then, Elahei drops in from above and lunges at the Zahhak. The Zahhak repels the attack and knocks Elahei back. John arrives to help her up and stands in front of her as he holds out his sword.

The Zahhak addresses Farava and tells the princess to come with her, the Sultan is waiting. Farava hesitates and John says that they have two great armies in the canyon below that are on their way now. They should leave if they value their lives. The Zahhak laughs and says that she saw them and that their forces barely number around 80 altogether. The Shivan Scimitar and the True Yazata are gone. Kivarenah is has no one to protect it.  What do they expect to do now for the princess? She will be safer with her father.

Farava states that they will be coming for her father.  They have allies now that can defeat a Yazata. John worriedly asks Sam if he has any more of that fire concoction.  Sam Ward clears his throat and says that he has something better. He has turned the sand beneath them black that makes a trail to the Zahhak. Sam directs John to the black sand and John swipes the ground with his sword. The metal upon rock, creates a spark that ignites the black sand. The spark begins to travel toward the enemies in front of them. The spark grows into a flame. However, the Zahhak holds up her hand and the sands begin to part. A layer of sand then covers the spark and puts out the flame. John is confused as to what just happened and asks aloud what the Zahhak’s powers are.

At this, the Zahhak raises her hand and a pillar of sand rises quickly at John, hitting him in the chest and knocking him back. The Zahhak seems to be able to control the sand. The Zahhak moves forward toward the princess. John composes himself and attacks the Zahhak with his sword, telling Sam and Farava to fall back toward the stairs.

John is repelled easily, unable to keep up with the acrobatic movements of the Zahhak. As Farava and Sam reach the stairs, the two burned Drauga from earlier come down the steps and they are now surrounded at the front and back. Elahei rushes the Zahhak who uses her power once more and brings down a pillar of sandstone. Elahei and John now engage in a two on one fight with the Zahhak.

John gets knocked back once more and sees the two other Drauga coming for Farava. Sam puts the princess behind him and turns the sleeve of his coat to metal to repel the sword of one of the attackers. He begins to cough uncontrollably and is kicked away. Elahei sees the Drauga close in on Farava and is distracted enough to be knocked down by the Zahhak, who now stands between Elahei and Farava. John attempts to reach Farava but the Drauga near Sam now engages him.

Farava is then grabbed by the other Drauga and struggles to pull away. He attempts to remove the bangle from her wrist. Elahei then pulls out her bow and aims at the Zahhak who then dodges. The bow fires and hits at the Drauga holding Farava, as Elahei was aiming at him. The arrow hits the bandit’s forearm and knocks the bangle out of his hand dropping it down the stairs. Elahei is then attacked by the Zahhak and her bow is broken.  The bangle bounces and falls in the middle of the room between John and the Drauga.

Sam tries to reach for the bangle in between John and the Drauga, but the Drauga attacks him, making him stumble and kick the bangle away. John then grabs the bangle, but the Zahhak brings down another pillar that falls toward him and John. Sam and John jumps away but John then drops the bangle again. The pillar lands on the Drauga killing him as the temple begins to shake from the structure falling away. Farava stumbles at the foot of the stairs and Sam grabs her, making sure she is alright.

Elahei makes an attempt for the bangle but the Zahhak attacks her. Elahei is knocked back and her arm is cut. John now confronts the Zahhak to protect Elahei.  The Zahhak grabs the bangle and tosses it to the Drauga with an arrow in his arm, who was at the stairs. He then runs up toward the second floor. Farava yells that they have the bangle as Sam runs up the stairs after him.

John engages in a one on fight with the Zahhak but is unaccustomed to her acrobatic fighting style. Elahei composes herself and rushes to Farava to check on her. She tells Elahei that they have the bangle. They look back at John, fighting the Zahhak and see that 2 more Drauga are climbing into the windows.

Above them on the second floor, Sam throws his coat and it turns to metal. The coat wraps around the thief’s leg, tripping him. Sam begins to cough blood as the bangle drops once more and falls through the cracks. John is knocked to the floor by the Zahhak. He is battered and bruised when the bangle falls into his lap. The Zahhak and the other 2 Drauga approach him. Just then Adam arrives with the Ravashii and Crescent Shield Knights. The Zahhak turns and sees them as they fire two arrows hitting the Drauga next to her. One is killed and the other is hit in the shoulder. A third arrow is fired at the Zahhak who raises the sand as a shield. The Zahhak then begins to bring down two more pillars. John throws the bangle to Elahei as they then run up the stairs.

The pillars come down in front of Adam and the soldiers, blocking them. John, Elahei and Farava regroup with Sam on the second floor. Elahei begins to give the bangle back to Farava when she sees the Zahhak and another Drauga ascend the stairs behind them. Just then, the floor breaks and falls at an incline. Elahei falls and slides down back to the bottom floor. John tries to grab her but grabs the key instead. He is kicked away by the Zahhak. The other Drauga has grabbed Farava. The Zahhak then states that he will give her the key or the girl dies.

John tells them to let the girl go and he will relinquish the key. Zahhak states the key first. John begins to hand it over and the Zahhak reaches to take the key. Just as she does, behind them an arrow is fired and the Drauga is pierced from behind, freeing the Princess. The Zahhak dodges another bolt. Adam has come up the stairs with a crossbow along with two other Crescent Shield. The Zahhak kicks John in the stomach and jumps over him.

She then runs towards an opening in the wall and once more puts up her hands. Behind the group, part of the temple that was carved into the canyon comes away and the pillar falls toward them. John and Sam rush toward the bridge outside as the pillar falls across the temple. The second floor falls away and slides down, smashing past the wall and into the natural stone pillar that holds the outlook of the Temple of Sight. John, Sam and Farava are on the stone bridge leading to the outlook when it begins to fall away.

They run inside the outlook as the pillar breaks and begins to fall toward the canyon. John grabs Farava and looks to Sam. The pillar falls toward the other side of the canyon with them inside of the outlook. Sam tells them to hold on as he touches the floor and it begins to turn to into a black rock, then to metal. They see the adjacent side of the canyon coming at them as they fall. They are all yelling out and Sam’s nose begins to bleed. The outlook and much of the pillar has become a form of reinforced metal. It crashes into the other side of the canyon and the group is thrown out into a sandy inclined opening. They roll partway down before coming to a stop. The incline and the sand broke their fall and John helps Farava up. She is alright but she sees that Sam is unconscious. The effort took much out of him. John, Sam and Farava are now separated from the group.

FIRES OF GAHANBAR

The group had been thrown right into the center of the rock formation shaped like a ring. There seems to still be some ways down that they would need to climb to reach the open desert. The sun is setting as John climbs up the sandy hill back to the edge of the canyon. Looking across he sees Adam and Elahei climbing about the side of what remains of the temple. John whistles to them.

They all look toward the ring where John is standing. There are several Ravashi and Crescent Shield that are with Elahei and Adam. Elahei calls back asking for Farava. The princess has climbed the hill as well and signals to Elahei. The Ravashii leader looks relieved and Adam signals that they are going back. John signals that they will meet them at the foot of the cliff. The sun is going down and John looks back toward Sam who is still unconscious. He and princess Farava will have to rest for the night before they can climb down the next morning. John then gives the Circle of Urvan back to Elahei.

Later that night, Sam has awakened and the three of them sit by a grouping of sticks as John pulls out his fire striker for a fire. Farava is asking Sam about his power since she did not know that he was a Yazata. Sam explains that he cannot use his power successively otherwise he becomes ill. He has never used his power that much before but he will be alright if he can just rest for a while. Farava says that she is worried that the Zahhak and the Jinn can’t be beaten after all. It is widely known that only a Yazata can defeat another Yazata. But even the Red Shahbaz couldn’t beat the Jinn. John scratches a small flint with steel and asks what happened the night of the attack. The spark lights the kindling and a fire starts.

The princess is silent for a moment then complies.  

The Recount of Farava:

Farava recounts what had happened at Kivarenah during the festival known as Gahanbar. During Gahanbar, the people of Kivarenah often celebrate around the large sacred fire in the courtyard called the Atash Varam. The main courtyard sits at the entrance to the city where many people have gathered for the festivities and music. Some families celebrate while some pray to the hearths of their homes or in small shrines around the city. There are seven large fires that are lit for the Midgreen Festival, the Atash Varam at the entrance of town, as well as six others that surround the outside of the city.

The young princess Farava, sits alone praying in a temple in the Palace. At the far end of the temple is an altar that held a bangle from the previous Sultanah. The Red Shahbaz had just returned to the Palace from his rounds about the city and greets the young the princess Farava. The Red Shahbaz is the High Champion of Wisperad where Champions are known as Yazatas. The princess had wished to visit the main square with the large fire as she had done for years. Red Shahabaz offers to take her, but the Sultan interrupts, stating that the princess will need to remain at the palace for Gahanbar this year. He then requests that she join them in the dining hall. Farava looks back at the bangle before leaving.

The White Sultan and his wife, the Permaisuri, were having a feast with several noble families in the Palace of Asha. Princess Farava is less than enthusiastic about this as she was looking forward to celebrating at the sacred fire. Before the feast is started, it is noticed that two of the sacred fires go out on the eastern side of the city. The Red Shahbaz then goes to investigate.

The young princess Farava, sits with her family during the feast but is restless, even being rude to the other guests. Farava had always gone to the sacred fire and this would be the first year not doing so. The Sultan has expressed that she remains in the Palace for once, which upsets the girl. He then notices that she has the bangle from the temple. The Sultan tells her that it is not for her and the princess tells her that it is. She says that it was promised to her but he would not let her have it. Farava quarrels with the Sultan before running from the dining hall. One of the palace guards, Elahei, is asked to go with her.

Elahei is one of the Ravashi, the female Royal Guards of the Palace. She has known Farava since the princess was born and is like an older sister to her. Similarly, the Red Shahbaz, named Vahuma has become good friends to both her and Elahei.

The princess sits alone in the gardens of the palace. Elahei finds her there and says that she should not take what isn’t hers. Farava tells her that her grandmother was known as the Sultanah of Lilies and promised to pass down the gold bangle to the princess. Elahei says that she understands that it is difficult for the princess since it is the first year since her grandmother had passed. Elahei consoles her and they talk about their shared experiences with their grandparents.

Farava is clearly angry at her father. He would not let her have the bangle that was promised to her, then he would not let her go to the sacred fire in the plaza. Elahei suggests that perhaps her grandmother’s death has been hard on the Sultan as well. Perhaps he just wants her close. As they converse, Elahei notices that two more fires have gone out outside of the city.

Just then, Farava and Elahei are confronted by two Drauga bandits. Elahei stands in front of the princess and pulls out her Shamshir. She asks how the bandits got there. The two bandits wish for the pair to accompany them back to the dining hall where her family is waiting. Elahei holds out her weapon as the two bandits approach them. She attacks and kills one before engaging the other. As she does so, Farava runs back into the dining hall to her family.

The princess reaches the balcony of the dining hall but is stopped by Elahei, just as several Drauga come through the main entrance. The pair hide themselves and watch as the Ravashi in the dining hall draw their weapons in defense of the Sultan and the families. The Drauga are accompanied by a woman in light clothing and a black mask. The masked woman is the Zahhak, the leader of the Drauga. Farava attempts to go down into the dining hall before Elahei grabs her to stop her. They watch the scene unfold from above.

The Zahhak was accompanied by several Drauga that killed two Ravashii guards before entering the dining hall. They have the group of royals, as well as the Ravashi surrounded. The Zahhak then confronts the Sultan, asking about the Circle of Urvan.

The Sultan claims to know nothing of the Circle of Urvan. The Zahhak tells him that he does. She tells the Sultan that they are betrayed, she knows that it was brought to Kivarenah years ago. The Sultanah of Lilies was its caretaker. Elahei and Farava look at eachother. The Sultan tells her that she is mistaken, they do not have the Circle of Urvan.

The Zahhak states that she grows tired of his lies and steps forward. Just as she does this, a high-pitched sound emanates from the hall. The Zahhak jumps back as a slice of marble breaks away where she just was. The Drauga also step back from their positions as the Red Shahbaz drops down in front of the Sultan. He then tells the Zahhak that he should have known she could not let it go.

The Zahhak is slow with her words but speaks openly. She knows the Circle of Urvan is there because she was told by the one that brought it there. The Red Shahbaz. Farava is taken aback by this. The Sultan asks if this is true.

The Zahhak answers for him. She tells him that it is true and says the Shahbaz’s real name, Vahuma, who brought the Circle to Kivarenah when he was young.

She then directs several of the Drauga to attack him. He defeats them easily and attacks the Zahhak, He uses his power of wind to send blades of air at the bandit. She dodges them they engage once more before separating. The two are facing each other when Vahuma addresses the Zahhak as Burzine Mir. He asks how far she is willing to fall. The Zahhak tells her that it will be no further than him.

From behind a pillar a dark figure appears. He disarms the Red Shahbaz and grabs him by the neck. The figure is wearing a black cloak, along with a red mask with antlers adorned with red tips. He looked as if he was a Jinn from folklore. The Jinn confronts the Sultan as he holds the Red Shahbaz. Farava attempts to say something but Elahei covers her mouth.

The Jinn speaks aloud stating that “People often forget the fragility of a flame. It takes but a whisper to put one out if one does not burn out on its own.” He puts the Red Shahbaz on his knees. “When a flame goes out, some lose their way. Others go through hell to see that flame again.” The Jinn then pulls out a curved blade.

The Sultan begins to protest but the Jinn speaks again, “The people here understand that”. He puts the blade to Vahumas neck. He then asks the Sultan “Do you?”

The Sultan relinquishes and steps forward, saying that he does. He adds that he knows what it is the Jinn is speaking of. He is speaking of the Chinvat Bridge.

The Zahhak holds her knife to Vahuma’s neck as The Jinn steps toward the Sultan. The Sultan stands in front of the Ravashii, while the Jinn stands in front of the Drauga. Behind the Ravashii is the Permaisuri and the other families of Kivarenah. Behind the Drauga, are the Zahhak, that is standing above the Red Shahbaz, on his knees.

The Jinn speaks, saying that the Sultan possesses the Circle of Urvan. He also says that the Sultan knows the way to the Chinvat Bridge. The Jinn continues, saying that as a former priest, the Sultan is familiar with the nature of the Chinvat Bridge. He also knows what has been done in the name of the Bridge. He tells the Sultan to tell him where the key is and his family will be spared.

The Sultan tells him that the Circle of Urvan is in an altar in the palace temple. Farava looks at the bangle. The Jinn tells the Sultan that he will bring him the key. The Sultan attempts to speak but the Jinn cuts him off as he turns to the Red Shahbaz. He tells him that for every moment he does not have the key, he will blow out one flame. He turns to the Zahhak and asks her if they should start with the Red Shahbaz.

The Zahhak says nothing, seemingly surprised. However, Farava calls out to them from above the dining hall. Everyone turns to see Farava. Elahei immediately knocks and shoots an arrow that flies toward the Jinn, who catches it. The Sultan yells for her to run as the Zahhak sends several Drauga after her. Elahei grabs the princess and leaves.

Elahei and Farava flee and make their way out of the palace. Eventually, Farava and Elahei have snuck out of the palace successfully from a secret passage and acquired a horse. Outside, they are traveling at full speed toward a sanctuary in the rocks not far from the city. The rocks are at the base of the Red Canyons. They look back as a white light blasts forth from the palace, tearing apart the palace and nearly splitting the structure in half.

What Farava did not witness:

The commotion of Farava and Elahei allows for the Red Shahbaz to disarm the Zahhak and push her away with his powers. Immediately he lunges at the Jinn and stabs him in the chest, knocking him to the ground. He rolls away and immediately engages the Drauga. The Ravashii now push back the Drauga who begin a skirmish in the hall as the Permaisuri and the families move away from the fighting.

The Red Shahbaz handles the Drauga easily before the Zahhak attacks him once more. The Ravashii have gained the upper hand as the Red Shahbaz repels the Zahhak. Just then, the fighting stops as they all see the Sultan being held by the Jinn, who has the sword stuck in his chest. The Red Shahbaz and everyone are unsure what to make of the sight. He had just put a sword through the Jinn but he appears unscathed.

The intruders are now surrounded and hold their positions. The Jinn then holds out his hand as a white light is emitted. It creates a blinding white bubble of light. It tears apart the hall, the pillars and palace itself. Several Ravashii caught in the blast disappear. The Zahhak and the Jinn take the Sultan and flee with the remaining Drauga.

That is what Farava remembers the most clearly. After that, she and Elahei sent the letter from the mountains requesting help for the Lunar Guardian. Several days later, the Red Shahbaz found Farava and Elahei. He informed her that the Permaisuri and the other families were alright but many Ravashii were killed. Farava will not see Vahuma but Elahei meets with him. She asked the Red Shahbaz about what the Zahhak said, if it was true that he betrayed them by telling them of the Circle of Urvan. He tells her that he once loved the Zahhak when she was a different person, and he will now seek to make amends for it. He leaves with the Shivan Scimitar and set out for the Drauga hideout to rescue the Sultan.

John understands more of what happened, but Sam had fallen asleep. John talks with the princess more about what happened. It has occurred to him that the Red Shayir left when the Drauga entered the Palace. The princess knows what he is suggesting. She considers for a moment if the Red Shayir could be part of this, as the Zahhak told them that she learned of the Circle through him. Farava tells John that she was lying.

Farava doesn’t want to talk about it anymore and suggests they try and sleep for now. They will need to regroup with the others as soon as it is light out to not only rescue the Sultan. John agrees but they can do nothing more for the night and try to rest.

In the night while the John and Sam are sleeping, Farava sneaks away and climbs up part of the cliff face to the flat plateau. She then heads toward the Drauga hideout alone, intending to give the key to the Jinn herself.

Blood and SanD

Princess Farava travels for most of the night on the flat ridge. The canyon lies on her left while the desert lies on her right. In the morning the sun rises in front of her and she can make out several landmarks in the desert. The Drauga hideout is known to be further east past a small section of ruins that are visible from the ridge. Farava knows she is getting close when she sees several black and white banners and various other flags that have been placed indicating the danger of the area.

The princess was always told never to come this way and as such she never traveled too deeply into the canyon anywhere past the ruins. There is a river that runs through the canyons as well that flows into an underground cavern within the mountains. This part of the canyon begins to narrow and disappears completely somewhere ahead in the mountains called the Mountains of Mourning. The Drauga hideout is somewhere within these mountains.

By midday, the princess is descending the ridge as it becomes too steep as she approaches the cliffs. She sees no other sign of John and Sam and hopes that Sam is alright. She did not want to leave but knows there is little time to lose if the Djinn has both keys. Her grandmother has told her the stories of the ancient teachings, the Light of Ahva. She told her about the ancient city and what she knew of the secrets it holds. Farava knew that the men would not understand and would want to waste time regrouping at the city. It would cost them an additional 2 days at least. Days they don’t have.

It almost feels like the wind stops when Farava reaches the edge of the plateau. A little further and she will reach a lower sandy slope. There are no longer any signs or flags indicating her location. The princess takes a break and looks back toward the way she came. It is unclear if she is having doubts or hoped to see John or Sam. She hears carrion birds and looks over the edge of the rocks she is on. Below her she sees the body of a Shivan Scimitar warrior. She recoils when she sees that his arm is missing.

The Shivan Scimitar is dead and seemed to have been crawling. The blood trail from his arm leads to a dropoff where Farava sees a crater. The princess is horrified to see more bodies that surround the crater. John grabs her as he and Sam have been following and finally caught up with her. John hides her face in his chest. Sam surveys the scene and looks back at John with concern.

John takes Farava back up toward the rocks away from the scene. Sam speaks with him away from the girl. The bodies encircle the crater and there is nothing within the circle. It means whoever was in the crater was obliterated. Sam knows the scene is very similar to what happened at the Grey Plains albeit not as large.  It seems there were no survivors of the Shivan Scimitar campaign, not even the Red Shahbaz. Sam asks John what they should do.

John is not sure. At the base of the cliffs below them is a sandy slope leading into the mountain. There are also several black and white flags. It must be the way to the hideout. John is wary of their situation and they seem cut off. It took them most of the day to follow Farava and it will take them even longer to head back toward the city. They look back at the Princess and John says that they cannot stay there.

John approaches the girl and attempts to console her. Farava apologizes and says that she had to come, she needs to free her father, believing that everything is her fault. John says that he understands but they need to leave now. They cannot go any further with just the three of them. Farava says that it was her responsibility to keep the key safe. Her grandmother entrusted it to her. The Sultan was right that she should not have it. Now that they have two keys, the Djinn will force the Sultan to use them. They can’t leave without her father or the key.

John says that he will save the Sultan on his own. It isn’t safe for her there. He tells Sam to take her back and John will continue up the sandy slope up the cliffs. Sam begins to protest but Farava interjects first, saying that John cannot go alone. John argues that he has a responsibility to make sure nothing happens to her. She is a princess. Farava states that yes, she is a princess, but this is her responsibility. John does not stand a chance without powers. He is not a Yazata. Farava states that they have Sam, he is a Champion. He can defeat the Jinn. Sam finally says that he is no warrior. They all saw what happened here. There is nothing that even the three of them can do. They all need to go now.

Before Sam can say anything else, a Drauga reveals himself saying that there is no rush. Another bandit appears from behind another rock. Two more approach the group from behind. They are surrounded by Drauga bandits. The three of them are captured and John and Sam’s hands are bound.

The Drauga then take the group further into the canyon up the sandy slope that is flanked by cliffs on either side. The incline is gradual but difficult because of the sand. Halfway up the hill, the Drauga lead them to a small inlet in the canyon wall. Inside is a tunnel with stairs leading the rest of the way up. During the journey John asks if Sam can somehow break his binds with his power. Sam informs John that he cannot use his powers yet due to the strain from the day before. At the top, the tunnel opens into a large enclosure that is surrounded by sheer cliff face. Surrounding the sandy courtyard are various totems next to the tunnels that lead into the cliffs. A large, center tunnel is covered by a white curtain.

Coming out from behind the covering is the White Sultan. He did not expect to see Farava there. He tells her that she should not have come. The princess is glad to see him. She begins to runs to him when out from behind the white curtain comes a dark figure, clad in all black with a red mask and antlers. Farava stops and almost falls back when she recognizes him as the Djinn.

The Princess recoils and John struggles against the guards who knock him to his knees. Sam is pushed to his knees as well.

The Djinn looks over the three captives and states that he is very happy to see Farava. He bows to the princess and welcomes her. The Djinn tells her that he is sorry for what has happened to her so far and states that he is pleased to know the Permaisuri is doing better. The princess moves to hit the Djinn who takes her punches without flinching. The Sultan is the one to stop her.

The girl struggles to hit the Djinn again but the Sultan pulls her away and pleads for her to stop. Farava looks back to her father and states that she is sorry. The Princess begins to cry and apologizes for losing the key. He was right not to trust her with it. The Sultan states that it is alright, her grandmother was right to give it to her. But it no longer matters. The Djinn puts a hand on the Sultan’s shoulder and hands him a small piece of shaped metal. It is the Circle of Urvan.

Farava sees the key and says that the Djinn cannot be allowed to use it. She tells the Sultan that her grandmother told her the stories about what the two keys open. The girl says that her grandmother used to tell the Sultan the same stories as a child. She asks him if he remembers them. The Sultan says that he does. The Sultan then takes out the second key, the Star of Tanu and holds the two keys together. The two keys interlock together to make a single circle around a star.

John speaks up and addresses the Djinn. He says that they have the two keys now they can let the Sultan go. The Djinn glares at John, seeming to forget he was there. He mocks John and asks if this prisoner intended to come to the rescue. He tells John that he was not fit to help the princess. He is not fit to help anyone, least of all the Sultan. The Djinn says that the Sultan never needed saving. He is not a prisoner as John is. Farava asks what he means.

The Zahhak then shows up from another entrance and states that the Sultan is assisting them and will take them to the Holy City Estahker, where the Chinvat Bridge is located. The Djinn then says that the Sultan is free to go at any time, however, he would rather assist in extending the Chinvat Bridge. The Zahhak interjects once more and claims that there is untold fortune on the other side of the Chinvat Bridge and the Sultan will lead them to it. Farava says that that isn’t true. She then tells the Sultan that he cannot help them and that he knows where the Chinvat Bridge truly leads. The Sultan states that she does not understand. The Sultan addresses John and Sam and thanks them for keeping her safe. John says that he is welcome and tells him that they can now all be let go.

The Djinn says that he would not part a father from his daughter. This snake’s den is no place for a princess. The girl will come with them.

John speaks up and tells them that they don’t need the girl and to take him instead. The Zahhak tells the Djinn not to listen to these foreigners. She touches John’s face tenderly stating that he is nobody. She pushes his head away and asks John why they would take a nobody. She then puts a finger on Sam’s head and states that this one however is a Yazata like them. She then flicks his forehead saying that he could be useful. The Djinn then tells her that is enough. They don’t matter. It is time to leave.

The princess requests that they let John and Sam go. The Djinn is silent and The Zahhak suggest that the pair cannot be allowed to leave. It would be dangerous to let them go. The Djinn says so be it and the Zahhak pulls out her daggers. Princess Farava says no, she will go with them if they just not harm John and Sam. The Zahhak tells the girl that she will go with them regardless and informs the Sultan to take his daughter away if he does not wish for her to bear witness to killing the two men. The Djinn turns with the Sultan to walk away as Farava tries to protest.

John’s mind races. He knows Sam cannot help right now. The Zahhak approaches and John thinks of Aletheia, and of Basildes. He thinks of him failing. Failing Michael. Failing the King. He sees the Djinn walk away and he thinks of the destruction that the Djinn has wrought. How it reminds him of someone. John then blurts out the name Victor Noble. The Djinn stops. The Djinn turns around and pauses before telling the Zahhak to wait. The Zahhak stops a few feet away. John then asks if the name means anything to the Djinn. The Djinn then asks John what it means to him. John thinks for a minute and says “Death”. The Djinn is silent once more as he walks toward John, signaling for the Zahhak to stand down.

The Djinn is silent for a moment as he stares at John. He then asks him who he is. John is silent. Sam and the Zahhak looks on in silence as well. They have no understanding of what is happening. The Djinn turns and looks up at the setting sun. He tells the Drauga to take them to the cells. The Zahhak begins to protest but the Djinn shoots her a menacing glare. The Zahhak leaves. The Drauga hit John over the head and he falls unconscious, the last thing he sees is the Djinn putting his hand on Farava’s shoulder and taking her.

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