To the simple and common man, it must seem that the most puissant and powerful all wear the most monstrous of masks.

- Attributed to the playwright Vlan di Panoli.

“Your daughter is free. I do not keep chattel. I find it unseemly and unworthy,” I exclaimed with a smug smile.

“And you would state such before a magistrate?”

“Of course. Your daughter’s freedom was never mine to possess. That being said, I would still much appreciate it if Zariyah showed me some of the basic sights of the city. I have some alchemical samples that may be of some monetary value that I will need to sell, and the gear of my companions and I are in sore need of maintenance.”

“Might I suggest that you leave such matters with me? A foreigner unversed in the ways of the city may not command the most competitive price. I will send one of the boys to have these small matters seen to. It is the least I can do,” Naira offered, her voice almost breaking with emotion as she drew an unprotesting Zariyah to her.

Wiping away a loose strand of her hair from her daughter's face, she looked at Zariyah with eyes full of a mother’s love. “Take Master Gilgamesh to the Grand Bazaar and the Artificer’s Quarter. Show him the wonders of our home,” Naira paused for a moment, pursing her lips in thought. “You are a man of your letters, I presume?”

“I can certainly read, much better than I can write. In my land I would be considered somewhat of a scholar,” I replied casually.

“Then Scholar’s Row may be of some interest to you. Zari, take him there, but be sure to stay away from the Dust Dens.”

Zariyah simply nodded, no words needed for her part of acceptance as she played the part of the obedient child.

“With your permission, I will send the gear of you and your companions to a trusted armorer that comes recommended from the Guild. Also, when you return, there is something I must speak to you about. Another service that I can perhaps do for you, is to make the most of the predicament that you find yourself in.”

While I appreciated the offer of a small tour and being relieved from the drudgery of a minor chore, I could not help but feel that I was getting the worse end of the deal.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“Well then, since this matter is sorted, I would like to see the city now,” I said perhaps a little brusquely.

“As you wish, Samasa,” was in turn her curt reply.

Zariyah rose and inclined her head towards me, gesturing that it was finally time to see the rest of the city.

“Oh, and Zari, you had best wear the veil when you are outside. We have had far more foreigners come in this year and there is no need to provoke them. Along with other… less desirable sorts and riff raff,” Naira added almost offhandedly.

Zariyah stiffened slightly in protest, her fingers about to sign her displeasure, but she stopped herself. It must be a tough thing to learn that the prejudices of yesterday followed us to the present.

I could contain myself no longer. “It must be boorish of me, no doubt of that, but why is it that your people are hated so?” I asked with a frown.

Both women bristled at the inquiry, but it was the mother that decided to answer. “Master Gilgamesh, you must be from lands further away than most to not know of our people and the feud that others have against us. There are those that blame our people for the Cataclysm, the event that once broke the world,” she answered, looking away with a long sigh. “I will not go into the history or theological debate that those not of the Hazagadam justify their cruelty. Just let it be simply said that they believe, because we worship only the One God, our so-called sins brought about that dark event.”

“I am no stranger to cruelty and prejudice. It can be found in places high and low. A common affliction of the human condition, we don’t need many reasons to learn to hate,” I responded, perhaps a little too vehemently.

“But there is more to it than that, isn’t there? There is a reason that the children of the Hazagadam must bear the price of their parent’s sins, no?” added Cordelia cooly, in almost a half-whisper.

They both looked taken aback, the daughter oddly looking more confused than the mother.

“Perhaps you are right. I only know I was not born in the time of the Cataclysm, and neither were my parents nor my daughter. We had no responsibility for the breaking of the world,” Naira responded, her eyes flashing with fire.

“Cordelia…” I said through gritted teeth

The lady knight nodded at this, giving out a radiant smile but holding her tongue. Truly, the woman did not learn and needed to be kept on a shorter leash. Why did she always deem it proper to obnoxiously add fuel to the flames? Perhaps it was time for a different approach.

“We really must be on our way. Cordelia will, of course, see to my equipment and Larynda’s care. And keep the north man in check. I trust you above all to see to things in my absence,” I said placatingly, finally standing up. “Naira,” I added, in a brief goodbye.

Cordelia stood up and gave me a deep bow as if she were receiving the command of a king or lord. “By your will,” she accepted most meekly, presenting an attitude at odds with her earlier displays and snide comments.