The Tale of Shir Shaheen and the Caravanserai - Chapter 8: Fear and Sorrows

[Glitch]

“Ah, beloved friend, how sweet is the scent of hyacinths this gentle breeze brings to us, and the pomegranate and almond trees also have blossomed early, sending forth their perfume for thy delight. How different their fragrance from the stench which once assailed Shir Shaheen and Roshan as they stood in Paridiz and waited for battle to come to them.”

Midnight was long past when Shir Shaheen shed his eagle’s form, became incorporeal and slipped into the stone to begin the descent of his tower. Warm was the stonework, yet not from any lingering of the day’s heat. It seemed to him akin to something like a fever, one he had sensed elsewhere in the bones of Safar’s city in recent weeks. Was Paridiz itself now ailing as so many humans intruded on its peace?

Awaiting him at the tower’s base was Roshan, a scarf wound about his nose and mouth. “Friend Shaheen, with all thy great magic, canst thou not contrive that our enemies alone, and not ourselves, are beset with the reek of the foul concoction thou and Sima have created?”

“Give thanks the stinkpots are far distant and the wind blows away from us, so it is no worse. Riven with sickness are the men approaching from the north. Many will proceed no further.”

“And the men from the south?”

“Will be here within the hour.”

“Then, my friend, let us ensure all is ready for them.”

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[Cat's Cradle]

Another fine instalment in the epic of Shir Shaheen, TJ. This is really building nicely... building to something big and fantastic. Very excited for the next chapter.

Great photo too, Glitch. Perfect for the story, CC