*

Perplexed, Suzanne asked, "What do you mean?"

Rubina elucidated, "Think about it. Despite our rigorous training and preparation, we've been repeatedly caught off guard and encountered entirely novel phenomena. Despite our combat prowess, we're either out of sync with one another or the perils here have intensified and grown more lethal since the last batch of apprentices ventured south from Ashuban. We've been fortunate thus far, experiencing minimal casualties, with the exception of Arjang, who might not garner much attention outside his kazhamuz. However, if we continue further, and conditions remain unchanged, we may be subjected to even graver perils. I see no indication that the circumstances have shifted for the better."

Suzanne's response bore a trace of agitation as she countered, "So, are you suggesting that we retreat, tails between our legs? It was I who emphasized caution, but let's face the truth. Our group comprises the finest apprentices of our generation. Yet, when you consider the figures and statistics of what we've accomplished versus the disqualifying setbacks we've encountered, it's undeniably abysmal. I'm not being stubborn; I'm simply speaking the unvarnished truth. My family's honor holds far too much significance for me to subject it to such shame. We remain shrouded in ignorance, have incurred losses, and you propose that we return, whining like petulant children, complaining of their alleged cruelty in sending us down here?"

Suzanne, withholding a myriad of thoughts that she couldn't share with the others, continued after a brief pause, her tone now calmer. "However, perhaps I could allow you to return, for you bear no concern for your family name."

Rubina, unfazed by Suzanne's words, nodded in acquiescence.

"I can't let you journey back alone the way we arrived. If someone else is willing to accompany you, then it becomes a plausible option."

Turning their gaze towards the rest of the group, Rubina and Suzanne silently posed the question. Shahab, his eyes fixed on the sky, remained lost in contemplation. In the shadowy depths of Dianush's gaze, he nodded subtly in Shahab's direction, conveying his readiness to stand by his side. Parisa declared to Suzanne, "I won't leave your side."

Suzanne smiled at her and then turned her skeptical gaze to the final possibility, awaiting their response. Tufan’s gaze moved between the eyes of both of them, and then he said:

“I... I don't have a problem... only if...”

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“Go with her.”

Shahab's voice interrupted him and put an end to this discussion. Rubina and Tufan's eyes turned towards the leader of the group. Suzanne sighed and conceded, "Alright. With Gerdavar gone, our ability to remain unseen when needed diminishes. Also, in the absence of Mar-chap, we've lost one of our scouts, leaving only Tizpa to fill that role."

Pausing for a moment to avoid appearing as if she were attempting to dissuade them from leaving – although she privately grappled with the decision – Suzanne continued, "Both of you, regardless of the time it takes to reach the sea, travel along the main roads, day or night. It seems, as we've learned, it's the less perilous route. Maintain your invisibility. Once you arrive in Ashuban, promptly inform the kazhamuzes of what has transpired here. Do not divulge this to anyone else. We will strive to gather pertinent information and rejoin you as soon as possible."

Rubina stepped closer, her concern evident. "But... don't you think it's too risky for you to remain here? I mean, sure, you may gather information, but given the current circumstances, how can you be certain of returning safely to relay that information?"

Suzanne had to exert herself to present her words as natural, because from Rubina's perspective, her concerns were entirely valid. However, now that things had calmed down again, the tempter inside her, the firecracker inside her was burning in the thirst for achieving the upper hand. Danger was one reality, and Tarikan, her family, and glory, another. To make her actions appear natural, she needed to convey a willingness to engage in calculated self-sacrifice for a greater, more illustrious cause.

"I must acknowledge that I made an error by not suggesting you return sooner. Perhaps, had I done so, Arjang would still be alive and on his way home. However, with the two of you departing, I believe these lands should not be devoid of Ashuban's representatives, even for a moment. They require constant vigilance," Suzanne admitted, her eyes bearing a faint smile as she placed her hand on Rubina's shoulder. "Don't worry. Nothing untoward will occur again."

For the first time in her life, Suzanne had ventured into the realm of acting and pretending, and she found the experience revolting. Surprisingly, her seemingly incongruous words did not raise suspicion among her companions. It appeared that her aptitude for this undertaking was either exceptional or that her words were so out of character that they defied scrutiny.

The farewell ceremony proved brief. Suzanne imparted additional instructions, and Parisa bid farewell to Rubina after a brief exchange. Given their experiences thus far, the night did not promise to be significantly more dangerous than the day.

As Suzanne's brain felt compressed, her capacity for cogitation waned, and she watched the two shadows vanish into the darkness. Leadership allowed no respite, demanding consideration of all facets of her decisions, but her heavy eyelids now posed her greatest adversary, and her bodily faculties exhibited no inclination to cooperate with her mind.

The remaining quartet, each lost in their thoughts, made their way to the garden. Within sight of the raised stonework of the garden, they gathered a few bushes, forming a makeshift concealment beneath a rock. Silently, they succumbed to slumber, their minds devoid of dreams for that particular night.

*

“Suzanne! Suzanne, wake up!”

Suzanne's eyelids slowly parted, and from the tone of Parisa's voice, she anticipated receiving the good news with a bitter smile. She had been awake for a while, and although she had not stirred or opened her eyes, she felt more attuned to their surroundings than Parisa.

"Shahab is gone! And he's taken Tizpa with him!" Parisa announced.