10. FIRES OF GAHANBAR

PROLOGUE | STOLEN MOON | WANING CRESCENT | SACRED SANDS | FALLEN SELENE | EPILOGUE

FIRES OF GAHANBAR

John picks himself up and assesses the situation, making sure Farava is alright. Everyone is unharmed, though Sam is unconscious but breathing. Farava worriedly tells John that she lost the Circle of Urvan, believing that the Zahhak took it from them. John then shows her that he still has the Circle of Urvan. She seems relieved at first when she learns that the Zahhak took only the bracelet. John then gives the key back to Farava. The girl seems to hesitate before taking it back.

John moves Sam underneath a small indentation of rocks before surveying their surroundings. The group had been thrown right into the center of the rock formation shaped like a ring, with the sandy incline breaking their fall. 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.

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.

Sam asks what the Abode of Song is and Farava seems uncertain of what to say at first. She explains that it is a holy temple within the ancient city of Estahker. There are many stories of what is said to reside within the temple. Some believe it to be the source of ancient knowledge. Some believe that it leads to Paradise, others believe it leads to…something else. Some great evil. Sam is intrigued and asks what she means. The girl deflects the questions saying that it is only a story, something that people believe. John mentions that the Jinn certainly seems to believe it. Farava reminds him that terrible things are often done in the name of belief. Sam then asks why they would want the key if it is only story, but John interrupts saying that it doesn’t matter. They will stop the Jinn and rescue the Sultan.

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. John reminds her not to worry, they have a Yazata of their own. She looks at Sam and continues that even the Red Shahbaz couldn’t beat the Jinn. She takes a breath and then says that she wishes that she never took the key. 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 tells them what happened the night of the attack.  

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 and they die even quicker on their own.” He puts the Red Shahbaz on his knees. “When a flame goes out, some will lose their way. Others will 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. It does not exist.

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. It is proof of the existence of the Abode of Song. The Jinn continues, saying that as a former priest, the Sultan is familiar with what is within the Abode. The Sultan says the Chinvat Bridge.

The Jinn tells the Sultan that he knows what has been done in the name of the Bridge. He is prepared to do that and more if necessary. The Sultan is silent. The Jinn then 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 this traitor referring to 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. Once they reached the sanctuary, she and Elahei sent the letter from the requesting help for the Lunar Guardian.

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.

Several days later, the Red Shahbaz finds Farava and Elahei though Elahei is at first untrusting of him. He knew that she would keep him from seeing the princess and has come unarmed. He tells her that the Permaisuri and the other families are alright but though Ravashii were killed. He has come to tell her that the remaining Ravashii will come to assist in protecting the princess.

Elahei asked Vahuma if it was true that he betrayed them by informing the Zahhak of the Circle of Urvan. He says yes and no. He reveals that years ago he once loved a woman named Burzine Mir. He was a different person back then. He was weak and angry. She was strong but brimming with pain. She is now being devoured by anger, anger that he must have passed to her. He tells Elahei that he did not tell the Zahhak, but the person that she used to be. He will now seek to make amends for the person that he used to be.

He tells her that Farava will understand when he returns. He will rectify his mistakes and return with the Sultan. He leaves with the Shivan Scimitar and sets out for the Drauga hideout to rescue the Sultan.

That is what Farava remembers the most clearly. They then remained in the sanctuary until the remaining Ravashi arrived and then moved to the canyon to meet with the Lunar Guardian.

John understands more of what happened now as they see that Sam has fallen asleep. The fire is dying and Farava asks John if he still believes that they can help. John says that he is sure of it. Farava, is no longer convinced, saying that she believed the Red Shahbaz could help. John tries to encourage her by telling her that she is not to blame, it was the Drauga that entered the Palace and it was the Red Shahbaz that helped them do it. Farava disagrees, telling John that Zahhak was lying. She insists that Vahuma would never help the Jinn.

John says maybe, Vahuma seems like a good man. But everyone has both good and bad in them. They may do right for the wrong reasons, or they may do wrong when it seems right. People may be good but only their choices make it so.

Farava tells him that she doesn’t believe it. Vahuma chose to be their protector.

John then tells her that he hopes she is right. Everyone has different reasons for what they do. A friend once told him that even the best of us are human. Even the best of us make mistakes. Our mistakes may be right or they may be wrong. When that happens, it is our responsibility to make things right. He looks at Farava and tells her that they will make it right. He will help her do it. They will rescue her father and stop the Jinn.

Farava is silent and John suggests she try and sleep for now. They will need to regroup with the others as soon as it is light out. He tells the girl he will keep watch for now. He stays up for some time before dozing off. Farava however remains awake. John’s comments stirred something in Farava. She knows that she must make things right on her own.

In the night while 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.

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 left for her father. 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 her father does not 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. She isn’t sure 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 strewn about the edge of 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 he and John look to each other with concern.

John takes Farava back up toward the rocks away from the scene. Farava can only repeat that she is sorry. John holds her and reassures her that it is ok. Sam begins to survey the bloody scene. 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 up into the mountain. There are also several black and white flags further up the slope. It must be the way to the Drauga. 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.

John lets go of Farava and the girl apologizes, claiming that she had to come but she didn’t want to put them in harms way. John says that it is ok, but they need to leave. However, Farava protests, telling John that she cannot leave without her father. John says that he understands that she is worried about her father but they cannot rescue the Sultan with just the three of them. Farava now argues that he doesn’t understand, her father was only taken because she took the Circle of Urvan. If he only gave it to them none of this would have happened. John tells the girl that this isn’t her fault. Farava then claims that it is her fault, saying that she made a mistake and came to make things right. John is silent and looks at Sam. John understands now that she intends to give up the Circle of Urvan to the Jinn.

Sam interjects and questions if it is wise in giving the Jinn what he wants. They claim that the Abode of Song is just a story but Sam surmises that there must be some validity to it. Why would the Jinn go through all of this trouble chasing a myth. Farava then says that there is no defeating the Jinn. The only way to help her father is with the Circle of Urvan. It is the only way.

John says that he understands. It doesn’t matter if the story is real or not. The Sultan is real and is in need of help. If that is what she wishes to do then he will make sure it gets done. John tells Sam to take Farava back and says he will save the Sultan on his own. Farava pulls back when he reaches for the Circle of Urvan.

John asks for the key and Farava protests, claiming that this is her responsibility. He said it himself. John argues that he has a responsibility to make sure nothing happens to her. He came to help and that is what he will do. Farava rebukes this saying John cannot help. He never could. Farava tells him that John is not a Yazata. He does not stand a chance without powers. John is losing patience and the girl’s comments noticeably affect him. He tells the girl that they all saw what happened here. She needs to leave now.

Before John 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 and is surprised by her presence. The princess is relieved to see her father. 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 Jinn. John struggles against the guards who knock him to his knees. Sam is pushed to his knees as well.

The Jinn looks over the three captives for a moment before welcoming the princess.

Farava immediately grabs a dagger from the belt of a nearby Drauga and lunges at the Jinn. The Jinn doesn’t move. Before the dagger can reach him, the girl’s hand is grabbed by the Zahhak. Farava struggles and swings wildly as the Zahhak takes the dagger from her. She screams at the Jinn, telling him that he is evil. He killed the Red Shahbaz and the Shivan Scimitar.

The masked bandit then flings the girl back toward the Sultan. Farava is in tears as the Sultan kneels to hug her. Farava looks back to her father and cries that she is sorry. She tells him that she is sorry for taking the Circle of Urvan. He was right not to trust her with it. Her father consoles her and tells her not to be sorry. He asks her if she is hurt and checks her. Farava says that she isn’t and the Sultan hugs her once more. The Sultan then asks his daughter why she would come there.

The Jinn speaks for her telling her that the girl is the only one with sense. She has come to do what the Zahhak could not. He steps in front of the Zahhak and addresses the princess. The girl looks back toward the Jinn and she holds out the Circle of Urvan. She then says that she has come for her father.

The Zahhak looks to John and Sam and asks what of her friends. Have they come to die? Farava cries out that no, they are her escorts. She offers the key in exchange for all of their lives. The Jinn asks if that is a fair exchange, are they are all worth what the Circle can offer? Farava replies that it is for what the Abode can offer. She now offers it to him. As he said, she did what the Zahhak could not. The Jinn would not have the Circle if she did not bring it herself. It is a gift of good faith.

The Jinn is silent for a moment and then laughs. He tells the girl that she is very good. The Jinn says the hour grows late and he worried that they would miss their chance. He thanks the princess for seeing this through. The Jinn pulls out a small platinum gold star. He holds the second key, the Star of Tanu. He states that they will waste no more time and holds out his hand, gesturing for the Circle of Urvan. The girl hesitates at first as the others look on. She then approaches the Jinn with the Circle of Urvan. The Jinn tells Farava that she is a smart girl and asks her if she knows the history of the War of Two Flames. Farava replies that she does as she offers him the Circle.

The Jinn takes the Circle and tells her then she knows what the War was fought over. It was not the Circle or the Star. The girl says that it was over the Light of Ahva.

The Jinn then holds the two keys together. The two keys interlock together to make a single circle around a star. The combined keys begin to glow with an orange hue. He then says yes, it was the Light of Ahva. The Jinn now has what he needs to open the Abode of Song.

John speaks up and addresses the Djinn. He says that they have the two keys now they can let the Sultan and Farava go. The Jinn glares at John, seeming to forget that he was there. He mocks John and asks who this westerner is. The Zahhak tells the Jinn that he is the hero come to the save the day.

The Jinn asks John why he would come to Wisperad. He does not belong here, he has no stake in the plight of these people. John replies that he came because an evil man is doing evil things. That is more than enough for him. Jinn tells him that he has walked blindly into a den of snakes. He tells John that he is no longer fit to help the princess. He is not fit to help anyone.

Farava interrupts and says that they now have what they need, the Light of Ahva will open the Abode of Song. To what end he can find out himself. She requests that the Jinn let her father go. The Jinn says that he is no prisoner and gestures to the Sultan. The Sultan then addresses Farava and tells her he is proud of her. She is much braver than him. He then addresses John and Sam and thanks them for keeping her safe. However, he cannot leave with them. Farava asks what he means, they came here for him.

The Zahhak now speaks telling the girl she did well to bring the key but the Sultan will now show them the way to the Holy City. He will lead them to paradise. Farava begins to protest but the Sultan speaks to her first. The Sultan tells his daughter that he must go with them. It is the only way that she will be safe. Her mother and brother still need her, she needs to return to Kivarenah without him. The Sultan then addresses the Jinn and requests that they let the three of them go.

The Jinn 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 to the Holy City. The Sultan pleads with the Jinn that this was not part of the agreement. The Jinn says that their was no agreement, his family will not be harmed. Farava yells at the Jinn that he lied, her father has no choice. The Jinn proclaims flatly to the girl that the Sultan had a choice but the girl has now chosen for him by coming there.

John speaks up and tells them that they don’t need the girl, he tells them that he will help them if they let the girl go. The Zahhak humors John and asks him if he wishes to join the Drauga. John says that he will, if they let Farava go. The Zahhak touches John’s face tenderly and asks him why they would take him. He is a nobody. She pushes his head away and tells John that he can offer nothing. 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 and tells the Jinn that he could prove useful. The Jinn then tells her that 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 unwise 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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