The Temple of Zemerra was visible from the port of Nakhata. The entire city was carved from ocean cliffs, providing shelter from the desert air blowing in from the west. Statues of a wormlike creature slithered up pillars and topped fountains. The people of the desert wore brightly-colored robes and ornate masks obscuring the bottom half of their faces. The dock master gazed upon the Gairman ship, a smile crossing his lips as he spotted a few familiar faces. As the ship docked and the boarding ramp was lowered, a man appeared. He donned a dark brigandine and silver pauldrons bearing dragons on either side. The dockmaster assumed this was a common Dragonguard soldier. If that was the case, where were the others?
“Always a pleasure to see the Dragonguard.” The dock master said, “I did not know your people traveled alone.”
“I seek an audience with Amanei. Would you be able to point me there?” Siacus asked.
“For what purpose?” Replied the dock master.
“I’m taking a pilgrimage to Zemerra’s holy grounds.” Siacus raised a hand politely, “I wish for the Pharaoh’s blessing, as is the custom here.”
“I see.” The dock master nodded, “His palace is at the city’s zenith.” He pointed at the top of a long flight of stairs. The palace was but a speck on a golden horizon.
“Very well. Thank you.” Siacus nodded, beginning his trek.
Nakhata was the city of a thousand steps. It had been carved from the sandstone over centuries. It was full of aqueducts and gardens, homes chiseled through the rock and painted in a beautiful array of blues and reds. Entire markets sprouted up like an oasis in the desert, smelling of saffron. There were many new scents; Siacus had trouble smelling them all. They spun around him like flower petals in a whirlpool. Siacus could feel the pain in his legs as they neared the temple. By the time he reached the top, Siacus looked like he had just jumped into the bay. He wiped the sweat from his brow, panting as a small group of women looked at him curiously.
Siacus took a large gulp of his canteen. The color in his cheeks mellowed back to normal as his knees lifted off the ground.
I’m not going back down until we’re sailing home. He vowed, sneering at the stairs.
…
The palace was immaculate. Large columns of sandstone were lined the hall with perfect symmetry. Stone carvings of a serpentine dragon crept up the walls. Flowers and offerings sat at the feet of each statue. A woman approached, her body covered in thin satin. She smelled strongly of beeswax and an amalgam of other scents that made Siacus’ head hurt.
“Welcome to Nakhata, capital of Khadina.” She said, speaking in a tongue that was foreign to her. Men of Gairm were easy to spot, their attire was dull compared to desert fashion, “His holiness was informed of your arrival, Lord O’Mathuna. He is expecting you.”
“I didn’t realize I made that much of an appearance.” Siacus brows furrowed.
“Zemerra knows all. He has gifted us knowledge of your presence.” The woman smiled cryptically. She gestured for the man to continue down the elegant hall, swaying her hips hypnotically with each step. Siacus thought of the ways Amanei could learn of his whereabouts, but he fell short with each idea. He hadn’t written any letters to him, and the ship he took was an independent vessel. He couldn’t have known.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Amanei sat rigidly on his stone throne, hands gripping the armrests. His eyes beamed with excitement at Siacus’ arrival, but his face remained modest. A young boy stared at Siacus with a grin, standing beside his father as an advisor would.
“Your foresight never fails me, Khafra.” Amanei’s eyes did not meet the boy, but he could feel the pride emanating from him, “What is the purpose of your visit, Dragonguard?”
“I am Siacus O’Mathuna, Lord Knight Commander of the Dragonguard. I wish for your blessing to commune with Zemerra.” Siacus said.
“You are very straightforward.” Amanei’s lips flattened, “Zemerra only reveals himself to the holiest disciples.”
“I can be pretty convincing.” Siacus said.
“Your attire seems inadequate for the journey.” Amanei said, “How do you plan on crossing his domain?”
“I have a few ideas.” Siacus said, “I planned on traveling alone, if it comes to that.”
“Zemerra will not see you.” Khafra interjected. Amanei looked at the boy with intense focus, “If you go to him, you will not survive.”
Khafra’s words were disconcertingly clear for a boy his age.
“My son is gifted. Many of his predictions ring true.” Amanei nodded, “You should listen to him.”
Siacus couldn’t shake an underlying discomfort. It didn’t help that since his arrival the boy had been staring at him unblinking. He stood like a statue. His eyes held something sinister.
“I’m afraid I have to insist, regardless of the risk.” Siacus argued, “Council with Zemerra could save lives in Gairm.”
Khafra’s constant grin faltered. His deep brown eyes narrowed.
“What is so important that you would risk death?” Amanei said, “The palace has a grand library. I would be willing to grant you access and spare you from the desert’s venom.”
“I am honored by the offer, but no library has what I need.” Siacus nodded, “I seek knowledge of the Kreuzungs.”
“I have never heard of them.” Amanei turned his head to his son as though the boy may have an answer. Siacus thought that surely-
“A portal. Built before the shattering.” Khafra answered. Siacus looked at the boy in surprise.
“How did you know that?” Siacus asked, then looked at Amanei.
“Why do you seek these relics?” Amanei asked, adjusting himself.
“I believe The Cult of Noxwiin is using them to steal children.” Siacus said, “I want to learn how they work so we can find them.”
“I see.” Amanei said, “You wish to rescue these children.”
“Yes.” Siacus nodded, “I will do everything in my power to save them.”
“Your conviction is admirable, Lord O’Mathuna.” The name came off Amanei’s lips clunky, “I wish to make your final days comfortable, so I offer you a room in the palace until your departure.”