Aurora was still in awe even as she stepped aside, briefly letting go of her Lord and most-likely conqueror. He looked so majestic despite the fact that his Middle clothing was too large, but the fact that he displayed her fire for all to see while the halo around his eyes stood as proof that their covenant was intact and well underway to deepen further.
All around her, everything was amazing as well. The dry hot air, the thin splashes of the spout of water, the scented oils, the fragrance of chocolate, vanilla, pastries and so many different spices all stacking on top of one another without ever becoming pungent – it was delightful.
The colorful people of the desert with their wide and airy garments and most importantly, the so-called Mirrorguard and the jinnum couple especially looked so very splendid and a worthy reception for the man who would soon rule this entire plane.
To see her Lord receive so much positive reception, to see his deeds being appreciated like this… to see the captives submitting to his command and order – it was all so very exciting and definitely the path that he should follow.
He looked proud, content and satisfied, the shadows of doubt in his mind having been cleared the moment he struck down the maddened Zari Amar.
Truly a man worthy of sheltering her and Aurora liked to imagine she was the reason that he was right here, right now – in this manner.
Next to her, Jenaya saaba Zimraan al-Aliriq met the jinnum couple’s ruby eyes on equal terms. They made three ceremonial steps forward and then both bowed down, speaking at the same time. The two’s voices resounded in unison, their melody one and the same.
Aurora found it fascinating.
“Welcome home, elder sister! We, Aisha and Akili, are delighted and honored to see you safely delivered towards the Djinnum Palace! Our father eagerly awaits your return.”
The pregnant jinnum nodded, a slight smile written across her face, holding a kind of warmth that had been missing from her face for a while now. “Thank you for the warm reception. I would ask that my saviors be invited as guests of honor, for it is only because of them that my daughter and I are here.”
Pride filled Aurora’s chest for it was true, and it felt good to hear it. The jinnum woman was an odd character, but she was very kind and had given her quite a few interesting insights into various concepts that she hadn’t considered before – to see her accepting the new dawn so willingly; it made Aurora very happy, fulfilled.
The pair of jinnum siblings turned towards Arakiel and Aurora each, saying. “Honored guests from afar, we will deliver our elder kin’s request to the Sultan. Please do not take offense that we cannot escort you right away and you can be assured that we will seek you out as soon as a decision has been made.”
Arakiel nodded slightly, saying in a calm but polite tone. “Of course. Thank you for the honor of receiving us in the first place.”
“Then please, elder sister – follow us.” The two jinnum invited graciously, warmly.
Jenaya briefly turned towards Aurora, gifting her a slight smile before she turned to Arakiel, requesting. “Please deliver our thanks to Lord Ezekiel, Lady Selene and Lady Mellia.”
Afterwards, Jenaya and her daughter were embraced and led towards the Djinnum Palace in the distance, the Mirrorguard hit the ground once with the shafts of their halberds, after which they moved out, fulfilling their role of guarding over the jinnum to the absolute.
Masus the Speaker, the old man responsible for the city’s affairs, immediately went in to fill the void in order to also welcome Aurora’s Lord. He had dressed in a thin robe of four different mismatched colors and was accompanied by one of the guild masters as well as the so-called Master of the Arena. Aurora recalled both from the vespertine meeting earlier.
“Welcome home, Divine Envoy of Prosperity,” the Speaker greeted humbly while the two other man made a respectful but silent bow.
“Speaker Masus, it is an honor to meet you again,” Arakiel replied in a curt but polite manner while Aurora joined her Lord once more, reaching for his hand. He accepted and squeezed hers lightly.
“The fate of the Shamshierum is lamentable, but the return of Lady Jenaya truly makes for an excellent piece of news! Its importance cannot be overstated!” The elder desert dweller said in a grave, joyous tone.
“Nor can your other gifts be,” the chubby guild master added in from the side, rubbing his hands just a little too eager. “I request you bequeath the management of your spoils to me…”
Greed, so much greed in his eyes.
“Restrain yourself, Guild Master.” Speaker Masus interrupted as he looked over the first of a long line of prisoners. “Your foresight is admirable, Divine Envoy of Wisdom. This fair, unclaimed flesh will attract many more fighters to our cause.”
“Naturally,” Arakiel responded casually, adding in a slightly quieter and warning tone. “But if I see you misusing these resources, I will find worthier people – are we clear?”
“Did you hear that, Master Abduhallah?” Speaker Masus repeated and the greedy man smiled obsequiously.
“Of course, of course. I will ensure that only worthy fighters will be able to purchase one, everyone else will need to prove their merit first!”
“Which is where I come in,” the Master of the Arena added in an authoritative tone. “The influx of new warriors has been considerable since the rumors spread. The attempted poisonings on all three cities’ wells have caused quite a bit of unrest – the people demand action and… vengenace. We will give them that chance.”
“I am ever glad to hear that,” Arakiel replied as he let his gaze wander around, taking in some of the considerable festive sights and atmosphere. “A very fitting reception – you have my thanks.”
“It is the least we can do, Divine Envoy of Prosperity,” Speaker Masus answered in a meaningful manner. “I trust you are content with letting us distribute your contributions in the best possible manner?”
“Of course,” Arakiel affirmed right away, giving the man a smile.
Aurora felt as though there was more to this little exchange than she realized, but she couldn’t figure it out. Granted, she didn’t really give it a try, instead choosing to mostly feast her eyes on the atmosphere while her ears caught snippets.
Al-Aliriq was much more beautiful and majestic than the town of Boundary. It wasn’t even a contest.
The other three man smiled as well, with the tall, broad-shouldered Master of the Arena nodding while the Speaker held out his wrinkled, sunburnt hand. “It is a pleasure doing business with you.”
“Likewise,” Arakiel responded in a cordial manner while accepting the man’s gesture. “Remember the premise.”
“We would not dare to displease you.” Speaker Masus reassured and then added. “Master Abduhallah, now you may act.”
This caused the chubby man to raise his hand. Immediately afterwards, shouts were being raised and echoed to appraise and prepare the goods for further processing.
“Come,” Arakiel ordered quietly and turned around, walking back over towards Countess Muirne who looked towards them with a hateful expression, making no distinction between Arakiel, Aurora and perhaps even Nyanna.
They stopped in front of her, but many women’s eyes rested atop her Lord.
Arakiel raised his voice, announcing. “This is where we part ways. If you internalize what we’ve shown you over the past two weeks, you will undoubtedly find that life remains worth living.”
Aurora briefly glimpsed over some of the captives she could make out and… found basically no resistance. So great was her Lord’s influence. These Middles would also find their own new dawn – of this she had no doubt.
She noticed her wings having fluttered on their own again, as they liked to do whenever she was happy or excited. To this day, she still couldn’t suppress them.
Not that she needed to, but she still found it a little embarrassing.
“Nyanna,” he then asked. “Are there any final words you wish to say to your mother?”
The countess looked at her own daughter with a mixture of disdain and hope, seemingly unable to decide which one she felt more.
“L-last words?” The captive sorceress queried in a meek tone. “You’re not going to kill her, are you!?”
“I would hope not,” Arakiel responded ambiguously, repeating. “But you’re most likely not going to see her again.”
The countess tried to say something, but her gag made her do only muffled noises that served no purpose.
“W-why?”
“You know why,” Aurora chimed in, addressing the servant in a slightly lecturing manner since that feigned ignorance rubbed her the wrong way.
Aurora then turned to her mother instead, feeling the need to give her a final piece of mind. “You are a cruel woman, Countess Muirne. But I still hope you find peace in whatever future awaits you. I further pray no one ever realizes your involvement.”
In response, the countess offered nothing but muffled contempt. Aurora met her gaze without fail.
Meanwhile Nyanna spoke to her mother. “Honored Mother, if this is to be our fate, then forgive me for being selfish.”
The sorceress turned towards Arakiel and lowered her head in submission, whispering with a slight blush on her face. “I will rather serve this foreigner than be given to a rat.”
Arakiel pulled her leash and immediately reached for Nyanna’s chin right as a new, male voice joined in from the side. It sounded very upset. “Such uncouth behavior!”
A dark-skinned muscular man wearing a red turban, a red, dark blue vest and white trousers joined in from the side. His brown eyes looked at Nyanna with disdain.
“You will treat the God-in-Gold’s Chosen people with respect!” Arakiel admonished right away, ordering. “Apologize to this man at once!”
A brief glimpse of irritation and disgust rushed across the servant’s face, but she hid it with a low bow, apologizing in a meek tone. “Forgive me for my insolence.”
The citizen of al-Aliriq sniffed at her comment as he began to appraise the countess’s body who squirmed, but ultimately had nowhere to go.
“At least you can be taught manners,” he said, immediately adding with a sigh. “But I pity the man who needs to teach his woman instead of learning from her.”
“Wise words!” Another man added with some approval and since Nyanna had nothing else to say, Arakiel and Aurora headed towards the back of the caravan, where Ezekiel, Lady Mellia and the two other servants watched and waited for them.
Unlike their sister, the teenagers only wore an iron collar with no shackles or bindings. Right now, they were greedily taking in the sights of all the people beginning to dissolve the caravan in addition to al-Aliriq’s rather spectacular cityscape with its many beautifully flourished facades, its nigh uncountable domes of different shapes, never minding its little towers and beautiful strips of colorful gardens.
Despite being hailed as heroes on their entry, the people of the city soon returned to their usual routine, leaving Arakiel’s party to their own devices, which – in accordance of Aurora’s wishes – ended up being a stroll towards the bazaar, where they enjoyed some sweet pastries, spicy meat and other delicacies. Aurora kind of missed Kalanaar’s honeyed tart, but she shouldn’t be too greedy.
All of them needed to relax after these rather strenuous weeks and although both Ezekiel and Arakiel were close to collapse as far as Aurora could tell, they still held on for just a little longer. Without Lady Mellia’s support, they would’ve both undoubtedly been unable to persist up to this point.
Aurora herself wasn’t feeling too sprightly even if the current rush of excitement helped keep the overall fatigue at bay. After all, her Lord and conqueror had accepted her daily offering, but made no actual use of her light. Instead, her shards dissolved without ever having been given the chance to shine again.
It irritated her a little and she would address it soon, but given the situation they had been in, her Lord’s lapse in judgment was understandable, but it still stung a little every time.
It was especially so since Aurora felt as though she could make use of the dawn’s light, even if she couldn’t exactly pinpoint why yet. The thought had first appeared when she caught the dawn right after sealing the next step of their covenant in blood, but her Lord’s actions that day had charted the course.
Given how satisfied he looked right now, she didn’t mind it too much, she just disliked her light being denied its chance to radiate.
Some hours later, the pair of jinnum siblings called Aisha and Akili found the relaxing group of planeswalkers close to the oasis, where they had chosen to rest for the time being.
Unlike last time, the two were without the mirror guard, although they had chosen to keep their ceremonial garbs which were so very decadent… but Aurora wanted to wear Aisha’s clothes. If she wore this while playing the violin, she could surely sway her conqueror to return her shards before they dispersed.
The pair once again thanked them for the rescue of Lady Jenaya and her daughter before extending an immediate summon by none other than Sultan Zimraan al al-Aliriq himself.
Not wanting to offend the ruler of al-Aliriq, Arakiel ordered his party to move out.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
They were led towards the Djinnum Palace, raising quite a bit of attention as their summon did not remain unnoticed. Aurora had no doubt that the whole city would hear of it by the end of tomorrow, which was good. Let the people of al-Aliriq hear and acknowledge her Lord’s greatness.
In according to her sentiment, the majestic amalgamation of buildings, towers and domes that only grew more awesome the closer one came seemed like a perfect fit – or did it?
Aurora kind of lost track of her own thoughts, the constant distractions proving too much in the end. The people, the scents, the flowers, her imposing Lord or the dazzling array of clothes on Aisha.
Deciding to start over, Aurora refocused her senses onto her immediate surroundings right as they passed the perimeter that none was allowed to cross lest summoned.
It seemed fairly arbitrary at first because nothing exciting happened right away, but when the two massive gates of lacquered wood swung open, she held her breath in suspense and once they stepped across the threshold of the Djinnum Palace, she was left to gape in awe, barely noticing the heavy door closing behind them all on its own.
Everything here was made of colored marble, be it the white floor, the rose-colored ceiling or the green, pink and red walls and little playful columns that acted more as decoration than a structural measure.
The air inside the palace was temperate, slightly cool and incredibly fresh.
A scent of fresh milk, honey and a slight note of something pleasantly fragrant hung in the air, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint it. Jasmine perhaps?
At the same time, a constant soft flow of water could be heard from two small lines of grates at the edges of this entrance hall which was so majestic despite lacking any furniture besides two sets of – much to her surprise – lighting crystals that gave off a cool, bluish light.
The environment demanded reverence, silence – and was given its due by the visitors.
Akili and Aisha led them through a partially opened corridor that allowed glimpses onto wondrously colorful and secretive gardens where animal life teemed and buzzed with joyous activity.
The floral scent mixed harmoniously with the previous ones, proving a true delight for the senses, as just about everything else here.
Somewhere in the distance, several people played soft string instruments which ever so faintly echoed off of the walls, columns and little domes, rounding out the stimulus to the senses.
It was a true paradise in the middle of the desert, which Aurora found not only romantically enchanting, but also praiseworthy.
The following two halls proved even more awe-inducing than the previous ones, their interior not only being beautiful on their own, but they were also magical in a way that Aurora hadn’t seen before.
There were little blue shards suspended in crystalline cylinders that emitted a low chill like a chiller, only for the entire room.
The silken curtains lightly fluttered on their own, causing a constant, low sound in addition to slightly moving the air about while somehow keeping out the sun in a most effective manner.
A few sets of lemon-colored flame burned at steady, seemingly permanent height, ensuring that the two little fountains of liquid honey and chocolate never ceased.
And then there were the constantly blooming ivies that playfully clad around decorative columns and crossbeams, never mind the floating paintings that decorated parts of the wall, occasionally realigning their order to tell a slightly different tale of the foundation of al-Aliriq.
But all of that paled in comparison to the aula regia, a spacious hall built underneath a wide, circular dome which broke the sun’s light in differently colored hues, most notably white, red and blue. It divided the hall on that basis alone, with the red portion acting as the center, where the marbled ground became notably elevated, perhaps around one-and-a-half meters above ground.
The elevation was flanked by seventeen braziers, sixteen of which were burning in more or less pure yellow flames, although some were a little more pure than the others. The central, largest one burned in spotless, pure yellow.
On it, a small sea of red pillows with golden flourishes rested alongside three little tables which were lined with golden plates, each one filled with evermore tasty looking delicacies.
And in the middle lay a dangerously handsome man with perfect, flawless bronze skin and eyes that shone red like cut rubies. The extremely athletic sultan lay there sideways, his head lazily resting atop his hand. He only wore a pair of white, puffy pants while his upper, chiseled body lay exposed, adorned only with several pieces of jewelry. Two golden bracelets that coiled around his upper arms, each one ending in a different set of cut gems. One of ruby and one of sapphire. Each of his hands was adorned by a differently monochrome ring. It almost seemed as though they had been made out of actual gems or some kind of crystal. His left hand’s pointing finger was adorned with a brass claw and his open, red hair held no decorations whatsoever.
Aurora heard the two teenage girls next to her gasp audibly and even she had to admit that this man was excessively beautiful with his fine-yet-dangerous features.
But instead of swooning over him, Aurora perceived him as a threat, for this was man was undoubtedly a true Monarch, a Greater Lord in his own right – and he exuded that power with every fiber of his being.
She barely noticed the rest of the room, her entire focus being on Sultan Zimraan al al-Aliriq.
Columns, works of art, flames, water, even some veiled men and women in the shadows – none of that mattered.
Aisha and Akili approached, with Arakiel and Ezekiel taking the front while Aurora and Selene walked slightly behind their Lords. Lady Mellia and the three servants remained in the background, but followed in lockstep nonetheless.
“Venerable Father,” Akili began in a deeply respectful tone. His sister continued. “Allow us to present the saviors of our elder sister Jenaya, your fifth daughter.”
Aisha then continued for the first half, saying on a celebratory manner. “Lord Arakiel il Kalanaar, Divine Envoy from Afar and his chosen, Lady Aurea Aurora.”
Arakiel made a slight, respectful bow while Aurora offered her best curtsy, even briefly letting her wings spread wide before they returned to a resting position.
Akili went on without delay. “Lord Ezekiel il Kalanaar and his Lady Argent Selene.”
Ezekiel saluted the man while Selene made a deep curtsy, choosing to keep her wings in check.
And then both went on to say. “And last, Lady Ascendant Mellia, kin to Arakiel.”
The pair then turned around while gesturing towards the jinnum who looked the newcomers over with genuine interest. No, he was examining them, weighing them.
“Please allow us to introduce Sultan Zimraan al al-Aliriq, founder of our fair dynasty and ruling monarch of our prosperous city.”
The sultan then spoke up without changing his posture. His voice held harmony, melody but above all, authority. A true Monarch. “Aisha, Akili – you are dismissed.”
The two jinnum bowed deeply and then hurried out of the room while their father lightly moved his free hand, causing a single dark grape to float towards his mouth.
When Arakiel opened his mouth to speak, the jinnum lightly turned his finger, causing the grape to shoot straight ahead, right into his mouth before he could even react.
A smile formed on the sultan’s lips while Arakiel stood there, stupefied.
He was the first to speak, in the end. His tone was polite, but there was a tinge of menace in it. “Welcome to my humble abode, planeswalkers.”
Seeing her Lord indisposed, Aurora ever so briefly opened her mouth as she pondered on whether or not to speak up, yet when a sweet grape suddenly crashed into her gums, she ended up just as stunned.
“You have been busy in the short amount of time you have remained in my city,” the sultan went on in the same tone.
His lips inverted. “A good ploy, I must say.”
Arakiel, having chewed through his first grape, once again opened his mouth to speak, yet the sultan lightly moved his finger once again, causing another grape to shoot out.
This time, Arakiel closed his mouth in time, which made the sultan smile once again.
“Let me speak,” he warned as the grape began to float into the air once more, remaining right in front of Arakiel.
Aurora found them delectably sweet and when, just out of curiosity, opened her mouth, the grape immediately went towards her.
With a triumphant glare and bite, she chewed through it right away, causing the sultan to briefly glimpse at her and when he did, he seemed quite pleased with her actions.
“Allow me to be frank,” Sultan Zimraan went on, his voice retaining its current composure. It was just the underlying threat that increased ever so slightly. “Had you not rescued my daughter, I would’ve killed you on the spot, Arakiel il Kalanaar, murderer of my son Zari Amar.”
“Your son had fallen to madness,” Arakiel returned out loud right away without denying the deed. This time, no grape flew his way.
Aurora saw both Arakiel and Ezekiel – still ablaze in gold and silver respectively – tense up, their posture ready to strike at any moment.
“Jenaya told me as much,” the sultan went on, never once changing his lying, relaxed posture. “Which is why you needn’t fear for your life. You killed my son, but you also killed the defilers of my daughter. I value Jenaya higher.”
Despite his words, neither planeswalker relaxed, but the sultan did not seem to take offense or if he did, he did not show it.
“In your short time here, you have set in motion a chain of events that will invariably affect the outcome of my domain,” the sultan went on without judging yet. “You are not as weak as you appear, but you realize that you need others to fight your true battles.”
Aurora wondered how he knew all of this and perhaps more importantly, why it didn’t seem to affect him in the slightest.
“You are wise and well informed, Sultan.” Arakiel stated neutrally, although there was a hint of approval in it.
“Al-Aliriq is my domain, planeswalker. Just because my people and Masus in particular think me detached, it doesn’t necessarily make it true. It’s best if your subjects think you inert and complacent. I found it reveals true intentions quite well,” Zimraan mused openly and then actually got up into a relaxed, sitting position. With a snap, one of the thoroughly veiled women in dark silk stepped out of the shadow.
“Summarize,” the sultan ordered without looking at the servant. Instead, he seemed to examine some object slightly behind and above Aurora that she didn’t dare to figure out right now.
The woman knelt down in front of the elevation and delivered her report in a clear and concise tone. “The formation of a Smokeless Host is inevitable once news of the raid reach the other cities’ ears. In addition, Anti-Middle sentiments have reached a boiling point. News of Lady Jenaya will cause it to tip. Each day, more young men arrive and unlike earlier, there are those who have already proven their worth. Furthermore, the merchants and craftsmen are calling for support in order to save their livelihood.”
“Anything noteworthy?” The sultan queried, having listened closely to every single word.
“Countess Muirne and three of her daughters have been spotted.”
For a brief moment, the sultan’s face gained a glint of hatred, but his voice remained calm. “Buy the countess, report her crimes against Jenaya and then brand her with fire. Make her the prize for an upcoming competition.”
Aurora noticed Nyanna and her sisters wincing.
“Her daughters?” The woman queried without looking towards the planeswalking parties.
“Try to buy them from their current owners. If you succeed, give them the same treatment.” The sultan ordered as his ruby gaze briefly crossed over Arakiel and Ezekiel.
Meanwhile, the servants had begun to tremble and whimper lightly.
“What else do you require?”
“Find the other spawn of Count Eremon and Countess Muirne. Bring them here if possible, kill them if it is not. I want this entire plane scoured.”
“Yes, Lord Djinn.” The woman responded and then retreated back into the shadows first, before she seemed to exit by another means.
After this little show of force, the sultan turned towards the planeswalkers once again, only that his face had a more serious tone to it, but his grin had a predatory touch to it.
“Planeswalkers,” he spoke out aloud. “You are here because you wish to conquer this plane, are you not?”
“I am indeed here to subjugate this plane for my House,” Arakiel affirmed although his words held caution and wariness.
“You are honest when it matters, I value that highly.” The sultan responded and then clasped his hands together. “I am far too old for petty squabbles and skulduggery,” Zimraan went on say, although Aurora found that hard to believe.
Both him being old and him taking no offense at ‘petty squabbles’.
“State your demands,” Arakiel countered, meeting the man’s gaze, but his right hand squeezed Aurora’s quite tightly. He was very stressed right now.
“I demand that you take charge of this war you incited,” Zimraan began to order and list. “I further demand that you win this war and at least take control of the two southernmost duchies before the end of the year. If you cannot achieve this, then I deem you incapable of leading the push into the Middle Kingdom’s heartland.”
“You want me to fight your war for you?” Arakiel asked to reconfirm and even Ezekiel seemed surprised.
The sultan’s grin only widened. “Yes, that is precisely what I want from you. Conquer this plane for me, foreigner – and when you suceeded, we will talk about terms of vassalage to your House.”
“Will I have access to your resources?” Arakiel queried in a polite but firm manner.
“Naturally,” Sultan Zimraan responded. “But there are limitations. Furthermore, I will ensure these following rules are known throughout the warriors, so heed them well. You are acting as my executor, but my children Akili and Aisha will be your advisors. You may heed or disregard their advice, but you must listen to it.”
Aurora once again felt pride swelling inside her. Even this Monarch recognized her Lord’s potential! She wanted to hug, kiss and congratulate him, but she had to keep it in for now. Too great was her fear of spoiling the moment, of offending the power that sat over there.
Sultan Zimraan issued his further precepts in the meantime. “Disobeying you means disobeying me, but there are exceptions which are enshrined in the temporary rights and obligations I bestow upon anyone who joins the Smokeless Host: no member of the warband is allowed to attack the Middle peasantry, be they man, woman or child. Furthermore, their farms are to be secured and not torched, damaged or destroyed unless absolutely necessary. Any disputes between members of the warband are to be resolved in a separate, martial court which my children Akili and Aisha will oversee.”
Aurora, never having witnessed such a bestowal of command, listened closely, although she wondered why her novels had never mentioned something like this.
The sultan snapped with his fingers and another veiled woman stepped out of the shadows. She protruded a piece of parchment alongside an inkwell and a quill. She then began to quietly cast a series of spells that kept the parchment floating midair while her finger telepathically instructed the quill to write down the sultan’s words.
Satisfied, the Monarch waited a brief moment for the scribe to catch up after which he continued to issue a long and extensive list of rules that mostly concerned warfare, spoils and the fate of those conquered before it switched to rules of conduct,
Aurora’s initial interest faded rapidly with each new rule, but one particular sentiment did make her sit up, for the sultan explicitly forbade a repeat of what happened in Boundary, most notably the massacre of the residential population. While Arakiel had to allow one entire day of looting after taking a town or city, it explicitly forbade pillaging. Minors, meaning children up to fourteen years of age, were further placed under special protection for that period and anyone caught breaking this set of rules would face severe consequences which would most likely result in the loss of all status and maybe even one’s life.
Overall, the Djinn Sultan seemed to have a fairly accurate picture of how he perceived the conduct war and the more he spoke, the more Aurora wondered if he hadn’t done this one or perhaps even several times. Sadly, he did not answer her when she directly posed the question to him.
When he eventually finished, he once again addressed Arakiel, asking him whether these rules were acceptable.
Aurora’s Lord affirmed.
With another snap, Sultan Zimraan summoned Akili and Aisha once more only to immediately declare the formation of the Smokeless Host under leadership of al-Aliriq.
Furthermore, the red-haired sultan named Arakiel his ‘Executor Djinni’ which was akin to the position of general, although it mainly spoke of Sultan Zimraan’s confidence and supposed trust. Right afterwards, he declared Aisha and Akili as advisors and arbiters to the Smokeless Host while further instructing them to coordinate with Speaker Masus.
With his will declared, the Monarch then motioned for another veiled woman to lead the Executor Djinni and his group to the guests’ wing, where they were to stay and strategize until the Host was assembled.
When Arakiel inquired whether he was to play a part in raising the troops, the Sultan denied him, stating that he was well capable of managing his own domain. The Lord Executor was to focus solely onto his upcoming and immediate task of occupying the two southernmost duchies.
With that, they were dismissed.