Dervish Sanders & The Hyperthemesiatic Recalling

Dervish Sanders: So, what's next? I'm thinking it might be time for another backstory? Maybe you'll tell me how the tiefing Char Umi from the prior tale came to be in the Garden of Respite? I actually am interested in hearing more about that.

The Biographer: You guessed right about the backstory, although what I have actually prepared is something new. I'm calling this one, "Dervish Sanders & The Hyperthemesiatic Recalling". If you look it up you'll find that "hyperthymesia syndrome is also known as Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory or HSAM. This is a rare condition characterized by an extraordinary ability to recall and retain autobiographical memories".

Dervish Sanders: That sounds interesting. As per your prior tale, Ayla expressed interest in hearing about my mother. Later you said that Ayla, Char and I talked for hours while at the visitor's cottage in the Garden of Respite. Could this narrative be my recounting of an event from my past in Englaland, as told by me during this hours long conversation?

The Biographer: Precisely. Your guess is spot on. What follows is the story, told exactly as it happened. Because you have an an extraordinary ability to recall autobiographical memories.

Dervish Sanders: Wow! I didn't know that about myself. So, I take it there will be no backstory for the tiefling character?

The Biographer: I can give you one if you wish. Following the Dervish Sanders backstory. Now, let me begin. As you surmised, this tale takes place in Englaland, which is where Dervish is originally from before he relocated to Mauretania several decades prior to the "present day". By which I mean the in-story timeline.

On a cool spring morning, as the sun climbed into the sky, a magpie alit outside Dervish's window and began to chirp. "Wake up", it seemed to cheep. This went on for some time, eventually rousing Dervish. Annoyed, he pulled the covers over his head, but the incessant chattering continued unabated.

Dervish threw back his blanket and went to his open window. He gazed about for the source of the ruckus before spotting the offending noisemaker in a nearby Kentish cobnut.

"The road ahead gleams bright and gold; a treasure lies where shadows fold", the magpie said in Birdspeak.

Dervish, having a passing familiarity with Birdspeak, was able to decipher the warbler's verbalizing.

"Say what?" he replied in rudimentary birdspeak.

The avian quickly jumped from one branch to another, its inky plumage shimmering like an obsidian jewel in the morning light. In a trice it turned and starred directly at the man in the window.

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants", the black and white songbird counseled, a twinkle in one violet-blue iris.

"That is wise advice", Dervish replied in human speak. He listened some more and, though he didn't understand all of what the magpie piped, decided he had enough information to go on.

Despite having recently come into a large sum of money, Dervish decided to investigate this alleged treasure, if only for his amusement. Something about the magpie's words stirred a restless energy in him, too tempting to ignore.

Dervish washed his face in a basin on his nightstand, dressed, then departed his abode. His mother, father and sister were still asleep, so he trod lightly on the wood plank floor. Little did he know this would be the last time he would set foot in his family's home.

Dervish silently closed the door behind him and set out. The morning air was cold and crisp, the sky painted orange and gold as the new day dawned. Following the magpie's directions, Dervish set out from Waltham Abbey, heading east along a winding path that cut through rolling meadows and whispering hedgerows. A short while later Boudicca's Obelisk, rising solemnly from the forest's edge near Ambresbury Banks, came into view. Its timeworn surface seemed to echo with the distant voices of battle and rebellion, though Dervish gave it only a passing glance as he pressed onward into the wooded expanse.

Navigating the trails of Epping Forest, he headed southeast, a journey that brought him to Copt Hall. The grand manor emerged like a vision from behind clustered oaks, its stone façade radiating an air of authority. Yet Dervish regarded it less as a marvel of permanence and more as a fortress of privilege. He had it on good authority that the inhabitants wouldn't hesitate to run trespassing peasants off their land with dogs. Or worse. So he was careful to keep to the public road, clear of the estate's boundaries.

Leaving Copt Hall behind, an hour and a half after beginning his trek, Dervish entered the secluded tranquility of Griffin's Wood. Here he found a large downed Hornbeam that conformed to the description imparted to him by his avian friend.

The minutes passed as Dervish took a swig from his waterskin while taking a rest on the moss covered log. Clearly it had been on the forest floor for some time, as it was afflicted with rot and covered with various mosses, as well as some English Ivy. The leaves of the Griffin Wood trees rustled in the warm breeze as Dervish scanned his surroundings, but no gleamings of bright and gold immediately caught his attention.

Hearing branches snapping, Dervish spotted a short, stout, black-haired man emerge from the trees.

"You there!" the man shouted. "I lost something very valuable in the vicinity. You didn't happen to find it, did you?" The man eyed him with suspicion.

"No, sir", Dervish replied. "But I could help you look. Maybe you can describe what it is you lost?"

"A twill pouch filled with gold nobels that was tied to my belt", the man explained, a look of extreme worry on his bearded face. "Those coins were intended as repayment of a loan from my uncle. It will be very bad trouble for me and my household if I do not find it".

Dervish assumed this was the treasure the magpie tweeted about, and so decided to help the man attempt to locate it.

While searching, the man told Dervish that he lost the coins while running through the woods in fright.

"A harbinger of my misfortune, I fear", he lamented. "I am Ashley of Wood House, by the way. I am employed there as a handyman".

Dervish shook the man's hand and introduced himself. "I am Dervish of Waltham Abbey. I am employed there as a scribe". Though this was a white lie, given that Dervish had not worked as a scribe for several years, having resigned his position to test his fortunes as a fulltime adventurer.

A surprised expression crossed the man's face. "I have heard of you!" he exclaimed. "The rumor is that your family came into a great fortune recently. If your last name is Sanders, that is".

"It is not that great", Dervish replied, downplaying the magnitude of his family's recently acquired riches. "But, yes, my family name is Sanders". In his estimation the last thing the Sanders family needed was for word to spread and beggars to come knocking, looking for handouts. Not that he was opposed to giving to charitable causes. In fact, he had only recently anonymously donated a large sum to the local orphanage.

"Hmm. That's not what I heard", Ashley remarked. "I heard that that Sanders family is fabulously wealthy".

Dervish chuckled dismissively. "That is a great exaggeration. You know how it is with rumors".

Ashley of Wood House seemed to take Dervish at his word, remarking, "you seem like a decent bloke, unlike the snooty yfels that reside at Copt Hall".

After a half hour of searching, the two found nothing, so they decided to expand the perimeter. Shorty thereafter, a glint among the blades of grass caught Dervish's eye and he bent over, finding a torn pouch. It appeared to him that Ashley's purse had caught on the prickers of a hawthorn bush.

"By God's light, tis my pouch!" Ashley cried.

Dervish handed Ashley the pouch, though he could tell by the weight it was devoid of coinage. Ashley noticed this immediately as well.

"Woe is me! There is but one coin here of the eleven there should be", Ashley remarked after looking inside. Then turning it inside out. Then frantically searching the ground on his hands and knees; getting scraped across the face by the bush's thorns for his trouble.

Giving up, he sat dejectedly on the log, small drops of blood dripping from the light scratches on his face.

"Whatever will I do?" Ashley cried.

Dervish took pity on the man and offered a solution. "I tell you what, so long as you promise to tell no one, I will replace your coins. I happen to have some with me. Although, as I already said, my family has not come into a great fortune. We have been moderately blessed. I beg you not to perpetuate any false gossip on this matter".

Ashley readily agreed and Dervish handed him 10 gold nobles.

"I'll hunt you down and give you a severe thrashing if I hear of this", Dervish warned. He was not sure he would actually carry though with this threat, but issued it regardless.

Ashley grasped his hand and thanked him profusely. "I solemnly swear, I will tell no one".

It was then that a faint unnerving tittering rippled through the grove, carried on the breeze like the tinkling of distant wind chimes.

"Fey folk! I saw them earlier, which is why I was running". Ashley looked around fearfully. Dervish looked about as well. He saw no faeries.

"I bid thee good fortune!" Ashley blurted, clutching the coins close to his breast. Then he took to his heels and bolted, his shoes crunching the underbrush, as though the (presumed) faerie laughter was a hound at his heels.

Dervish recalled, having read something about it while working as a scribe, that the common folk believed faeries to be mischievous, and even dangerous beings. Also that they were sometimes associated with illness or misfortune. It is better to be safe than sorry, he told himself. Therefore he decided to return home, convinced that if he was able to locate the magpie nest, it definitely might contain the missing 10 gold nobels.

The Biographer: And with that, I will conclude this installment. I imagine you're wondering if Dervish will encounter these alluded to faeries.

Dervish Sanders: Not really. I'm assuming he will. I think the foreshadowing made it apparent. And that might explain why I never return home. By the way, what was Ashley doing tramping around in the woods with so much money? This doesn't seem like a wise thing for him doing. Proven by him losing his money pouch.

The Biographer: Well, that's something you will never know. Given that you might have asked Ashley before he ran away, but didn't. Though, in order to satisfy your curiosity, I will tell you. Ashley traveled from Wood House to Waltham Abbey to sell some of his belongings to raise funds to pay his debt. Then returned, passing though Griffin's Wood, which is where he spotted the faeries. Or imagined he did. And took off running, returning after he realized his money pouch was missing.

Now, if you have no further questions, we can conclude for today and get back to your encounter with the faeries next time. Which I won't deny will be occurring, as you correctly deduced.

 swtd-441. dsa-21.  Previous. Next.

Dervish And Ayla Spend The Night At The Garden Of Respite Visitor's Cottage

As dusk blanketed the Garden of Tranquility, Dervish Sanders stood outside the visitor's cottage. The air was alive with drifting dandelion fluff, catching the amber glow of the setting sun. Ayla, a step ahead, beckoned him to hurry, but Dervish lingered, plucking a dandelion from the earth.

"Good fortune", he explained as he blew on it, releasing the seeds to the wind. They spiraled upward as though carried by invisible hands.

"You believe that?", Ayla asked with a raised eyebrow.

"It's something my mother told me", Dervish replied wistfully. "I doubt there is any truth to it, but who knows?"

"I guess it couldn't hurt", Ayla concluded. "You should tell me about your family some day".

"They are long gone", Dervish revealed, a tinge of sadness in his voice.

Ayla decided to let the subject drop for the time being. She picked a dandelion herself and blew on it, making her own wish. The pappus took flight intact, drifting away into the night sky.

Inside the visitor's cottage, a warm glow radiated from an already crackling fire. Its presence hinted at the possibility of other visitors. Or perhaps the hearth itself was enchanted. A pot of stew hung above the flames, gently simmering as the firelight danced across the walls. The air was heavy with the intoxicating aroma of sage, its source a smoldering bundle of dried leaves resting on a plate in the middle of the stout wooden table. The herbal fragrance intertwined with the earthy, savory notes of the bubbling stew

"It looks like a vegetarian shurba", Ayla remarked, removing the pot's cover using a oven mitt she found on a nearby hook.

"You think we should eat this?" Dervish asked, eyeing the pot warily. Then he caught a whiff and reconsidered. "It smells delicious".

"Perhaps we shouldn't", Ayla agreed. "If for no other reason that it belongs to someone else".

"My dandelion soup is quite safe to eat, travelers", a disembodied female voice assured them. "And you are welcome to it".

Dervish looked around in alarm. Aside from Ayla and himself, there was no one else present. Where was the voice coming from?

"Look", Ayla said pointing.

Dervish looked where Ayla indicated and noticed a mouse perched on the mantel above the fire, starring at them with beady black eyes. Then the mouse spoke.

"I am Fawaz, the familiar of the mistress of the kukh", the small brown rodent said. Its nose twitched though its lips did not move.

"I see", Dervish replied. And where are you, mistress of the Kukh? Are you nearby?"

"I am", the mistress revealed by way of her mouse familiar. "I'm in this very building on an upper floor. I don't usually interact with guests. Though the humster did tell me you were on your way. And vouched for you".

"Will you join us for some of the food you prepared?" Ayla inquired.

"I think I may", the mistress replied. "Though I am apprehensive. It is possible you could be disturbed by my appearance".

Ayla thought, but assured the possibly hideous female that she would not be at all alarmed, so the voice agreed. The mouse squeaked, then dashed into a crack in the wall behind the mantel, disappearing like a shadow at twilight.


A few minutes later the mysterious stranger joined them. Both Dervish and Ayla agreed she was quite beautiful and not at all hideous. Despite her horns, tail and pitch black eyes. Though Dervish was momentarily taken aback when she sashayed in, joining them for dinner.

The reason for her demonic appearance, she said, was due to being planetouched. She asserted that her bloodline reached back to an ancestor that hailed from the Feywild.

"Or, so my grandfather claimed", the lady disclosed, brushing a strand of gray hair tinged with lavender from her face. "You can call me Char", she added, flashing Dervish a smile which revealed her pearly whites. Also a set of razor sharp canines.

Char ladled her guests some soup and they sat down to eat. Dervish and Ayla explained what they were doing here, in the Dreamweaver's demiplane, which was to utilize a travel mirror in the West Hall of the Hall of Mirrors.

"That is quite interesting", Char commented, her eyes suddenly metamorphosing to a more human-appearing state. Upon blinking, her scleras were revealed to be white; her irises a striking emerald. "My nictitating membranes", she explained after noticing Dervish was starring at her.

"Your eyes are quite beautiful", Dervish confessed, noticing that Char's emerald irises were literally glowing.

This caused the tiefling lady to blush. "Thank you", she demurred.

Dervish took a sip of the soup, its rich aroma giving way to a blend of savory spices that danced on his tongue. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was until the warm broth filled his belly, chasing away the day's weariness. Without thinking, he went back for another spoonful, then another.

Ayla took a sip of rose wine. Gazing at Dervish across the table, she inquired, "do you find this female attractive, my love?"

Dervish confessed that he did, causing Char to blush more.

The three spoke at length for many hours as Dervish and Ayla continued flirting with their host.

"You can correct me if I'm wrong, but I get the feeling that you are both attracted to me", Char eventually concluded. Though she found this prospect confusing.

The tiefling emptied her wine glass and Ayla poured her another. Suddenly she felt uneasy with her accusation and regretted asking. Perhaps she was completely wrong?

"Absolutely", Ayla breathed, her voice quivering lustfully.

Char felt slightly tipsy. Though less from the alcohol and more from nerves. She felt as if butterflies filled her stomach. She stood and began to clear the table, setting the empty soup bowls and glasses aside. She was going to recork the wine bottle, but found it empty. In fact there were several empties.

"Let me help", Ayla offered, though all the dishes had been removed.

"No need", Char insisted. Cleanup can wait until tomorrow.

"I meant with this", Ayla elucidated, approaching Char and gingerly unhitching her dungarees.

Offering no resistance, Char allowed the front of her overalls to fall, exposing her shapely breasts, which Ayla began to massage. Things progressed from there, and soon everyone was naqis. After that, Ayla and Dervish took turns pleasuring the tiefling woman sexually.

"Pull my tail!" Char demanded as Dervish bent her over the table and inserted his qadib into her almihbal, which exuded an incredible heat.

Dervish did as requested, yanking her tail as he thrusted into the tiefling from behind. He plunged his fua deep inside her. The juices began to flow, providing ample lubrication. Her rounded buttocks jiggled as he continued pounding until she climaxed.

Char sighed deeply, wiping the sweat from her brow. Following some encouragement from Ayla, Char went to her knees in front of Dervish and took hold of his qadib. Given the tiefling's sharp teeth, Dervish was a bit apprehensive in allowing her to perform eamiq halaq, but Char insisted she would not bite. Or only bite gently.

Char gulped and swallowed when the allisan was complete. Then licked her lips and grinned. "That is the most fun I've had in a long time", she concluded.

It was growing quite late, so they decided to retire to the bedroom, Char leading the way. Once there, Ayla and Char climbed onto the feather bed and started scissoring while Dervish recovered. Then, when the two women had finished, he laid Char out and delighted her with a second orgasm. They switched positions and Char rode Dervish until she experienced a third orgasm. The tiefling screamed in ecstasy, then collapsed on Dervish's chest.

Lying beside him, Ayla whispered, "That was far superior than what I actually wished for"; her lips gently kissing Dervish's ear. Soon everyone was fast asleep, exhausted after many hours of physical exertion.

 swtd-440. dsa-20.  Previous. Next.

Dervish And Ayla Encounter The Hadbat Hadi'a Humster And The Dafdae Barma Yiy

"HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM".

A low, resonant hum rippled through the forest, a sound so deep it seemed to stir the very roots of the towering trees around them. Dervish paused mid-step, his hand instinctively drifting toward the hilt of his scimitar.

"What is that humming noise?" he asked, glancing at Ayla. They had just entered the Habat Hadi'a forest after climbing the massive staircase and leaving the East wing of the Hall of Mirrors complex behind.

"HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM".

Ayla tilted her head, listening intently. "It's coming from this direction". She gestured toward a narrow path that forked off from the main thoroughfare. Her curiosity sparked, she added, "Let's check it out".

Dervish was also intrigued, so followed as Ayla turned onto the narrower path. The stone trail wound through the trees, which seemed to grow denser with every step. The humming grew louder, a soothing rhythm that pulsed through the air like a heartbeat.

"Perhaps we should turn back", Dervish suggested after a while, his voice uneasy. Could this be a trap? Yet even as he said it, he realized the sound was oddly calming, almost hypnotic.

Before Ayla could answer, something scurried into view. A small, antlered creature emerged from the shadows -- a rodent-like being with sleek brown fur. It stopped directly in their path and regarded them with glowing eyes.

"Greetings, humanoids", it hummed, its voice vibrating in perfect harmony with the forest's strange resonance. "I am the humster".

Dervish had never heard of a humster before and had no idea what one was. Ayla indicated that she also did not know what a humster is by shrugging her shoulders when Dervish turned and looked at her.

"Relax", the humster hummed.

Dervish and Ayla both found themselves feeling very relaxed. The soundwaves gently caressed their bodies like millions of tiny finger massaging every inch of their bodies.

"This feels fantastic!" Ayla exclaimed, her voice quivering.

Dervish felt the soundwaves massage his body, including down below. This caused him to become aroused. Waves of pleasure washed over him as the soundwaves continued to edge him toward an orgasmic crescendo. Ayla cried out in ecstasy as she climaxed. Dervish dropped his pants just in time to avoid soiling himself.

A powerful stream of almani shot forth as Dervish erupted. When finished he went to his knees, exhausted. A feeling of euphoria overtook him. He sat on the stone path with his pants around his ankles.

"I call that the orgasmic hum", the humster explained. The humming decreased, then petered out.

Dervish wondered if this was some sort of attack. If so, he and Ayla were in quite a vulnerable position. She was also down on her knees, her face looking flushed.

"That was one of the most powerful orgasms I have ever experienced", Ayla declared. Dervish found himself agreeing. He found a rag and cleaned himself off. Then pulled up his pants.

The creature started humming again. "Are you sure you two wouldn't like to go at it?" the humster asked.

Both Dervish and Ayla agreed that sounded like an excellent idea. As the humming continued, Dervish removed his pants and Ayla her panties. Then she climbed on. Moving her body faster and faster, she rode his qadib until they both orgasmed once again.

The humster approached, looking very satisfied. Ayla picked up the creature. "So cute", she concluded. "Obviously this humster is no threat".

"Indeed, I am no threat", the humster concurred. "And your reaction to my hum defense has proven that you are no threat to me", the humster squeaked. "Those who are good react as you did. Those who are evil react in another manner".

"What would be the manner of the reaction of those who are evil be?" Dervish asked, pulling up his pants a second time.

"With violence instead of love", the humster replied. "But you passed the test".

The humster looked deeply in Ayla's eyes. "You do not require my assistance", it concluded. It jumped from Ayla's hand and approached Dervish Sanders. "I have a gift for you", the humster said.

Dervish picked up the humster, which proceeded to look deeply into his eyes. Then the humster started straining and grunting. It finished by taking a poop in Dervish's hand. The humster jumped down and ran off, leaving behind a sparkling cool blue gem in Dervish's palm.

Both Dervish and Ayla agreed this was a very strange encounter, but returned to the main path. After Dervish pocketed the humster's gift.

"I don't know what to make of what just happened, but I guess I'll hold onto this", Dervish remarked, examining the jewel.

"This gem seems to have magical properties. What they are I cannot say", Ayla concluded after scrutinizing the gem. She handed it back to Dervish.

The couple resumed walking the main path though the forest as the light diminished in the sky above. Stars appeared and Dervish and Ayla eventually came to a large stone wall that extended in both directions as far as the eye could see. A metal gate swung open when pushed by Ayla.

A soft creak echoed through the air as the gate opened, swallowed quickly by the gentle hum of fireflies and the rustling of frangipani petals in the breeze. After some time, the path led to a circular clearing dominated by a reflecting pool at its center. Moonlight danced on the water's surface, casting rippling shadows on the surrounding Yoshino cherry trees.

They approached the reflecting pool, its water impossibly still, as if it defied the breeze entirely. Then, without warning, the silence shattered -- a series of deep, resonant croaks broke through the night. The croaking intensified, reaching an almost deafening volume.

Hundreds of blue-green amphibians suddenly swarmed the two, hopping and jumping several feet into the air. Dervish and Ayla were pelted with tiny frog bodies. Dervish attempted to draw his scimitar, but the pommel slipped from his grasp, as it was coated with some kind of slime.

One slightly larger frog, with a form that appeared to be composed of water, sat at the pool's edge. "Welcome, travelers, to the Garden of Respite. It is rare for adimi to tread here uninvited", the frog said, speaking.

Was this was a threat?

Ayla blinked, "we have been invited and travel with the permission of the master of this realm", she insisted.

"I am Barma Yiy, and this is my realm. I did not grant permission", the iridescent amphibian croaked.

"I see", Dervish replied. He deduced that the frog was referring to the pool as its realm. As opposed to the demiplane the Hall of Mirrors was located in. "We apologize".

"la mushkila", Barma replied. "Though I am curious as to who you are referring. Who granted you the permission you claim to have?" Barma eyed Ayla.

In the meantime, while they had been conversing, the small hopping frogs stopped jumping. Though they remained on the ground surrounding Dervish and Ayla.

"The Dreamweaver", Ayla answered. "Though it appears you may not know who that is".

"I do know!" Barma croaked. Its internal organs glowed though its translucent skin. "The Dreamweaver is a powerful human wizard. Long ago an ancestor of mine was this wizard's familiar. The Dreamweaver's name is etched in the waters of memory", Barma croaked, his throat pouch inflating as he spoke.

Dervish didn't know about this. He deduced that the wizard this amphibian referred to must be the creator of the artifact known as the Dreamweaver's cloak. "That is who gave us permission. The one that wears the Dreamweaver's cloak".

"I assess this to be truthful", Barma concluded after considering Dervish's statement. "The fact is, I had a vision that foretold of your arrival". Just then Barma's tounge darted from his mouth, snagging a firefly that floated nearby. He crunched it in his mouth for a while before swallowing. "You are welcome here".

Barma's eyes gleamed. "I invite you to gaze into the reflecting pool and gain some insight from the reflection's truth". The frogs surrounding them departed, hopping away and plopping into the pool. Soon only Dervish, Ayla, Barma and the fireflies remained. Though the remaining fireflies kept their distance from Barma.

"Why would we want to do that?" Dervish asked, stepping forward.

Many frog heads appeared above the water. They croaked in unison, an eerie harmony that sent a chill through the air. "Worry not. Step to the water's edge, gaze into its depths, and find out", Barma assured them.

"Allow me", Alya interjected, sensing Dervish's hesitation. Ayla gazed into the dark reflective waters. She took in what she saw, sighing. Ayla saw a vision of the future. A future in which she betrayed her love, Dervish. "Not yet", she whispered.

Dervish stood beside her, though he saw nothing of Ayla's vision. Instead he saw a vision of his past. The face of his first love, Everly. The woman he proposed to long ago. This perplexed him, given that, since then he had met the love of his life, Ayla. "What do you make of this?" he wondered out loud.

"What do you see?" Ayla inquired.

"The face of the woman who broke my heart", Dervish replied. "Though my heart is healed now. Thanks to you". This seemed to trouble Ayla. "Are you troubled?" Dervish asked.

"Only by what I saw in the waters", Ayla replied. She embraced Dervish. "It's nothing to worry about", she whispered in his ear. "Our love is strong".

"It appears as though today is a day of inexplicable encounters", Dervish concluded.

Barma noted the confusion on the human male's face. "If you are perplexed by the truth you saw, the meaning is likely to be revealed at a later date", the blue frog said as its skin shimmered. "As often is the case with visions". Then Barma departed, slipping silently into the water.

Dervish and Ayla drank deeply from the waters of the reflecting pool, then plucked some cherries for sustenance. The water was cool and soothed their dry throats. The cherries were sweet and calmed their hunger pangs.

"The visitor's cottage is up the path a bit", Ayla explained after kneeling down beside the pool. Removing them from her pocket, she proceeded to wash her panties. "I doubt I've ever squirted more intensely", she revealed, wringing out the undergarment.

 swtd-439. dsa-19.  Previous. Next.

Beholder Battle

The Biographer: Before we proceed with the current chapter in your ongoing adventures, which involves Dervish Sanders and Ayla navigating the Hall of Mirrors complex, I'm going to relate to you another tale. Strap in for the gripping backstory of the two beholders you just encountered. If that is ok with you.

Dervish Sanders: What if I say no, I don't want to hear about the backstory of those two beholders? I recall you previously told me the backstory of Ibn Al-Hasan, a ghost that haunts the Al-Qarawiyyin Library. I'm sorry to say I didn't care for it. If this one is improved I might be open to hearing it.

The Biographer: I apologize that the previous story you bring up did not meet with your approval. I will try to do better this time. Let me begin. This one takes place in the Underdark, some place far beneath Mauretania. Roughly 50 to 60 years before the last story I told. The setting is a laboratory filled with many vials and bottles containing various liquids.

The Eye Tyrant known as Don the Old levitated the potion xe had just finished mixing onto a nearby table via telekinesis. "This should do the trick", Don declared, contemplating xyr grand accomplishment. A human slave knelt before Don, trembling. Don grinned, thinking of the horror xe was about to inflict on this pathetic creature.

"Drink up", Don commanded xyr slave.

The slave looked hesitant, but did not dare defy his master. He stood and walked to the table where the completed potion awaited. "What will this do to me, master?" Ted inquired, his face filled with fear.

"Do not worry, my dear Ted. This potion will be highly beneficial to you".

Ted picked up the vial and brought it to his lips, his hands shaking.

"Good human", Don intoned, smiling broadly. The fun was about to begin. "Hurry and consume the potion and I promise to let the one that is your mate live".

Ted didn't want to drink the concoction, but didn't wish harm to befall his wife either. Which it surely would if he did not comply. Fearing he would regret it, Ted tipped the vial back and drank the foul liquid.

It burned going down, but, after it passed his esophagus and entered his stomach, he felt nothing. Momentarily Ted was relieved. He had feared instant death. Or worse. Turns out he was correct, as he was about to find out. Ted stood before his master for a few moments.

"Can I return to my wife?" Ted asked.

"Shortly", Don replied.

Ted suddenly felt a burning sensation in his gut. Pain, such as he had never know in his life consumed him. His belly exploded and his intestines gushed forth, hitting the floor. Then his eyes bugged out and his head exploded. When the transformation was complete a hideous creature remained where Ted had previously stood. A brain attached to a spinal column. The thing was still alive, as Don could see its heart beat in its chest. Though perhaps it would prefer not to be.

Don's tongue rolled out of xyr mouth and it slurped up Ted's spilled guts. Then xe felt a psychic connection to the creature and found that xe could control it with xyr thoughts. "Perfection!" Don exclaimed.

Now to mass produce them. It was a plan xe had been working on for many years, ever since traveling to this plane through the Great Rift. As had xyr rival, the one that laughably called itself The Wise One.

"I shall rule this realm, and not the inferior TWO. The name certainly befits it. It may be TWO, but I am Number One". Don grinned at xyr success.

Xyr spies reported that TWO was gathering followers and presenting itself as a deity. Don had no interest in convincing these pathetic creatures known as humans to cooperate with xe. Instead, xe would exterminate them. Don hated them intensely as soon as xe spotted them while gazing into the Great Rift -- as xe scryed upon this other realm from xyr home plane of existence.

"I can conquer them before you", TWO proclaimed confidently.

Don scoffed. "I accept your wager". Don was sure xe would be victorious. There was no chance at all xe would lose this contest to the inferior TWO.

And so both entered the Great Rift and crossed over to the Prime Material plane. Or one of them. Don had heard there were other rifts that connected to alternate prime material planes. Many inhabited by these humans. Though xe was not sure how much stock it placed in such rumors.

These life forms are clearly incredibly inferior, yet xe was to believe they were the most plentiful form of intelligent life in the multiverse? They were obviously barely intelligent. Not when compared to Don. Or even TWO. Or others of xyr kind. Why Don despised his kin. Even more than these humans.

Don dispatched xyr underlings into the Underdark to gather more components. Soon xe would assemble an army and it would march on the stronghold of TWO. Then xyr minions would kill TWO. Which was the wager. They would not face each other in direct combat, but assemble and send their puppets to kill the other.

Don found that the more such creatures xe created, the more they drained xe. It seemed that, while they did not need to feed themselves, they gained sustenance though their psychic connection to xe.

"It looks like I will have to scale back my plans", Don lamented. Xe did some calculations to determine how large an army xe could create without having to constantly seek nourishment.

Alternately, xe could allow xyr creations, which xe dubbed Teds, some autonomy. That was probably the better solution, Don concluded. Then they could feed themselves. And they would be much more lethal if each was capable of attacking TWO psychically.

Xe experimented on the Teds xe had previously created. This mostly resulted in failure. Their brains turned to goo when xe attempted to modify them using psionic surgery. Theoretically xe determined it could be done, but xe skill at psionic surgery was lacking -- Don had to ruefully admit.

The only solution was to modify the formula and destroy the Teds xe had already created. Finally, xe was ready. The latest formula proved successful after several failed attempts. According to Don's spies, the idiot TWO was still playing as a deity, attracting thralls from a human settlement on the surface. Don would strike hard and fast and wipe them out before TWO knew what hit xe. Don chuckled as he envisioned striking the moron TWO down.

Don determined xe should make xyr move soon. Don decided xe would deal the final death blow xeself, in violation of the agreement that had been made so many years ago. While xyr Teds addled TWO's mind with their psychic attacks, Don would blast his enemy with a death ray. Or perhaps xe would try an enervation ray first and inflict some serious necrotic damage, then gloat as TWO expired.

Don laughed, confident xyr victory was at hand. Finally, the last of the preparations were complete, and xe was ready. What Don didn't know was that TWO had found a way to channel energy from the Far Realm through the Great Rift. In doing so, TWO discovered xe could grant xyr most loyal worshipers the ability to wield clerical magicks. TWO wasn't just pretending to be a deity; TWO was, in a way, a genuine deity. TWO was confident that, over time, xe would learn to better channel mystical power through the rift, and eventually, xe would ascend to true godhood.

Which is why the sneak attack failed. Also, TWO was aware when the incursion into xyr territory was planned. Thanks to xyr spies. TWO's clerics and mages were prepared for the Teds and struck them down as they advanced, wave after wave. Dozens were cut down, incinerated by fireballs and cut to pieces by TWO's human thralls. Under psychic assault some had their brains turned to jelly. The ones that survived retreated and their wounds were healed by TWO's clerics. Then they returned to the fray.

Don lurked in the rear, prepared to deal the final death blow to the hated TWO. But, when Don realized xe was losing, xe decided to flee. It was then Don found TWO waiting for xe.

"This ends today", TWO informed xyr rival. Xe chuckled, assured that xyr success was imminent.

"You're cheating!" Don exclaimed. "The battle was to be my minions against yours".

"Indeed, I am cheating", TWO smirked. "I have had my fill of our rivalry. I have much bigger plans and no more time to waste on this foolishness".

Don doubted these boasts. "I am the far superior specimen. When you are dead the humans who stupidly believe you to be a deity will become my slaves. I will create more Teds which will swarm the surface and I will rule this domain".

Xyr rival's confidence amused TWO, given that Don's downfall was at hand. Then xe sprung xyr trap. Several large cave trolls appeared out of nowhere, swinging large broadswords and battle hammers. TWO's mages had concealed the trolls using invisibility magicks. The broadswords sliced deeply into Don's hide. Several of xyr eyestalks were severed and fell to the ground. The battle hammers pummeled xe's thick derma, inflicting massive damage.

Don fired off a disintegration ray, striking one of the cave trolls and turning it to dust. Given that xe had a 360 degree field of vision (typical of xyr kind), Don noticed that TWO was rotating xyr most deadly eyestalk toward xe -- the death ray. Don dodged it easily and it hit one of the cave trolls, causing its instant demise.

The last cave troll fell when Don caused it grievous wounds. A beam from that eyestalk hit it squarely in the chest. The troll howled in agony and collapsed, mortally injured. At the same time Don fired off xyr disintegration ray a second time, aiming for TWO. TWO neutralized the ray using xyr antimagic cone, then returned fire, using xyr own disintegration ray. Don rotated xyr body, in order to utilize the antimagic ability of xyr central eye, but was grazed by the blast before completing xyr rotation. Don's remaining eyestalks were obliterated.

"Your luck has run out!" Don roared. Though Don realized xe was in serious trouble. Don decided to charge TWO and rip xe to shreds. Given that the freak TWO lacked a central maw, xe was confident TWO would be torn to pieces. But xe did not make it, crashing into the ground instead. Unbeknownst to Don, the disintegration ray had obliterated a large portion of xyr brain. In addition to xyr eyestalks.

Then everything went dark.

When Don came to xe found xeself confined. Pain raked xyr body as xe attempted to levitate. Don was imprisoned in a formidable metal cage. A human minion, noticing that Don was stirring, rushed off to inform his master. Some time later an unfamiliar beholder entered the chamber.

"You are my prisoner. For now. As long as I allow you to live", the beholder declared.

Don was confused. "What have I done to anger you?" Don implored.

TWO did not know what game Don thought xe was playing, though eventually TWO realized Don had a seriously reduced mental capacity. The disintegration ray had caused major brain damage. Don did not remember who TWO was. At first xe was incredibly angry. How dare xyr enemy forget all about xe?

Then TWO reconsidered. "Another beholder attacked you and left you for dead. I, being an unusually good-hearted example of our kin, instructed my servants to save you".

Don was relieved and counted his blessings. To be found by this idiot, when a more sensible beholder would have made certain xe was killed. "My thanks", Don lied.

"Not so fast", TWO replied. "I'm not that good-hearted. I propose an arrangement. You will serve me and I will allow you to live. With no eyestalks, you will be marked for death. Especially by others of our kin".

"Very well", Don acquiesced. Though xe had no intention of doing anything of the sort. Xe would never submit. As a beholder, it was not in xyr nature.

"I should execute Don", TWO mused. Xyr most loyal mage suggested something else that absolutely delighted TWO. Xyr mage informed xe that he had heard, while securing spell components and other supplies in a Underdark settlement nearby, that there was an illithid who, for a price, would perform psionic surgery on intelligent beings. In order to remove their will to resist.

TWO decided this was an excellent idea. Though xe did not tell xyr mage that. Xe did not want the fellow to get a swelled head and think itself not disposable. "That could work", TWO replied. Xe gave permission for the mage to seek out this illitihid and secure its services. Word was sent out that the great and powerful TWO was looking to hire the illithid known as The Will Breaker.

Meanwhile, TWO's servants provided xe with sustenance and Don's wounds healed.

"Release me from this cage", Don pleaded. "I have agreed to serve TWO". But TWO's servants did not listen. "This 'ahbil is no friend", Don concluded. How dare xe keep Don confined to this cage? Xyr anger grew and xe vowed revenge.

That changed after the psionic surgery was performed. The price was steep, but TWO paid it gladly. Using donations from xyr followers. They were diminished in number after the battle with Don's Teds, but, when word spread of xyr glorious victory, more decided to bow and worship The Wise One.

Long story short, the surgery was a success and Don's will was broken. Xe was reduced to a servile blithering boob. Don remembered nothing of xyr past existence, including xyr vow to exact vengeance. Don now willingly served TWO. Xe found it fulfilling and was pleased to do it. It was a very honorable position, to be the right hand of a god.

"Is the change permanent?" TWO inquired.

The illithid assured TWO it was. That portion of Don's brain had been burned away. Xe would never recover any memories of xyr past life or intellect. Satisfied, TWO instructed xyr minion to pay the great fee the illithid demanded. But The Will Breaker had another idea.

"I will take these Teds you mentioned off your, err, hands", it suggested. These creatures interested it more than gold.

"Unfortunately, none remain. My worshipers detest them. The few that remain were hunted down and slaughtered".

The Will Breaker expressed it's profound disappointment.

"But the research done by my rival remains".

This piqued the mind flayer's interest. "I will accept half my usual payment in exchange for this research. As well as your rival's slaves", the illithid proposed. It had heard that this beholder had numerous slaves, and it was hungry for brains. Also subjects to experiment on.

TWO readily agreed. "You may remove all manuscripts from Don's laboratory. My minions say there are many pages documenting years of research".

This pleased the illithid greatly and it did so. After which it departed, proud its work resulted in another satisfied customer. Also eager to start studying the manuscripts its slaves retrieved from Don's laboratory.


Dervish Sanders: That explains why two beholders were working together. I knew that was unusual. Also, even though this story was longer than usual, it really held my attention.

The Biographer: Clearly you are highly intelligent. I am not surprised you knew beholders are usually solitary. Also, I'm glad you liked this backstory better than the prior one. When you return to hear another tale I will dive right in and resume with the story about your travel through the Hall of Mirrors.

Dervish Sanders: Great. I look forward to the next installment. Also eventually making it to the Sun Palace. Unless that is a red herring.

 swtd-438. dsa-18.  Previous. Next.

Dervish Sanders Passes Through The Cathedral Of The Wise One

The intrepid adventurer Dervish Sanders and his love Ayla stood in the grand cathedral, three stories of balconies rising above them. While no worshipers were present at the time, there was space for several hundred, at least. In his estimation. This appeared to be relic of the past. Perhaps built to honor a long-lost deity. Dervish doubted that the Cult of the Wise One had that many members, though it was possible in a city as populous as Fes that they were numerous.

The current resident of this sanatorium, an odd looking eye tyrant, descended lower.

"Of course", Dervish replied in answer to the declaration TWO had just made. "Two people equals double the price".

The eye tyrant was now level with Dervish and Ayla. "I meant double the price for you", TWO clarified.

Dervish looked at Ayla. She seemed calm even though Dervish was quite uneasy.

"I will pay the tribute", Ayla declared, breaking the tension. She dug in her belt pouch and produced some items for TWO to examine.

One eyestalk extended and peered closely at whatever Ayla held in her outstretched palm. Some light filtered down from above and caused an item in Ayla's hand to sparkle.

"Pathetic", the beholder kin announced after a few moments passed. "I sense you possess objects imbued with greater magicks".

"We do", Ayla conceded. "But those are personal items we require for our journey".

The Beholder mulled Ayla's offer. "I find these tributes to be inadequate. A diamond broach which causes haste with but one charge remaining. Also a Ring of Resistance. The beholder blinked. Was it angry? Dervish could not tell.

Several uncomfortable moments passed. While they waited, Dervish continued to scan the room. Looking behind him, he saw a glint in a dark corner. Another large eye peering at them. And he heard breathing. Perhaps also the quite gnashing of teeth.

TWO took note. "I see you have detected my companion, Sanders".

"Are your kin not solitary?" Dervish inquired.

"Yes", TWO agreed. "Usually".

This had to be the being Hasan had cautioned him about, Don The Old. A larger beholder glided out of the shadows, levitating above the stone floor. The creature, which was strangely devoid of eyestalks, growled.

Then it spoke. "Jayiey", Don gutturally grumbled.

"I am a magnanimous deity", TWO proclaimed. "I will accept your baubles. You should depart now. It is almost time for my mentally impaired friend to feed. Xe believes you are here for that purpose".

Indeed, this appeared to be the case. Copious quantities of drool ran from Don's slightly open maw, pooling on the floor.

"Once in a great while a human sacrifice is made. For the benefit of Don. Xe hungers for human flesh. Or a goat, which is the meal xe will be receiving today".

"Insaan lahme?" Don whined, looking quite disappointed it would not be fed human meat. Not at this time, at least. Unless the encounter went south.

"There is no need for you to worry, Sanders. Don obeys me". Don levitated back into the shadows, as if to prove this point.

"Luein zalim" (damn unfair) Don murmured.

A small mouth that had not been previously noticeable opened below TWO's central eye.

"Proffer your tribute", xe instructed Ayla. The magic user tossed the broach and ring into the open orifice, which closed promptly. "Your ring of resistance is bitter", TWO complained, spitting it out. "Do you have any gold?"

They agreed upon 200 gold and Dervish placed it in the offertory box, along with the ring which TWO said xe would consume later. "If you wish passage in the future I expect finer tributes. Or I might decide to inform my worshipers of your secret door".

TWO reascended to the ceiling, allowing Dervish and Ayla to pass. Later Ayla assured Dervish that TWO had been bluffing. "As long as TWO gets the magical items xe desires, xe will continue to allow passage".

They walked the length of the cathedral. At the rear was an alcove. A full length mirror was firmly attached to the niche's rear wall. Dervish touched a fingertip to the surface of the mirror. It appeared quite ordinary.


Ayla spoke a command word and, after grasping Dervish by the hand, the two stepped through the now active portal. Instantly the couple found themselves transported to the Hall of Mirrors. Though it was a location within it Dervish was unfamiliar with.

"This is the East Hall. You first encountered me in the West Hall. The travel mirror we want is at the far end of the Hall of Mirrors complex. In the North West Hall".

"How far?" Dervish inquired. It seemed that it might be quite far.

Alya informed him it was approximately 40 miles. He had no idea the Hall of Mirrors was so massive. The way was lit by a glow emanating from the tiles. Dervish caught their distorted reflections on the shiny surface of each crystalline column as the couple traveled. The place had an incredibly eerie vibe to it.

"Once we make the halfway point, we can make camp in the Garden of Respite. It's a safe place to rest and recover before the final leg of the journey".

An hour later they came to a junction, where, unbelievably, the corridor widened. Dervish looked up, but the ceiling was too far above to see. He assumed there was a ceiling. Every footstep produced an echo that reverberated and was amplified. They surely were not traveling with any degree of stealth. The pair continued along the same trajectory, going straight instead of right or left.

"Right is the ascending staircase and Left is the descending staircase. Though I've never traveled either", Ayla informed him as they paused briefly, drinking some water from their canteens before they pressed on.

Rows and rows of mirrors filled the corridor, their glassy surfaces reflecting an infinity of corridors. As Dervish walked past a grand, ornate mirror, a flicker of movement caught his eye. He paused, heart racing, and glanced back at his reflection. For a brief, unsettling moment, he could have sworn his own image had winked at him -- a mischievous, knowing glint in its eye sent a shiver down his spine. He shook his head, trying to dismiss it as a trick of the light or a fragment of his overactive imagination.

"The mirrors play tricks", Ayla explained, her voice echoing softly.

Some time later, Dervish was certain he heard laughter. "Do the mirrors also play auditory tricks?"

"Possibly", Ayla answered, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She confirmed she also heard the laughter. "Sometimes creatures enter the hall from outside. Either from the labyrinth, from above or below via the staircases, or even through the mirrors. Some mirrors are portals to other planes of existence".

"Really?" Dervish asked. "Which ones?"

Ayla shook her head. "I don't know. The portals are likely temporary or one-way only. That's how I arrived here", she reminded Dervish. Though he didn't need reminding -- he remembered the moment vividly, the way she had seemed to step out of a dream, her celestial grace and beauty captivating him instantly.

They walked and walked, but their surroundings seemed to stay the same. They passed tens of thousands of mirrors. Their footsteps continued to echo though the massive chamber. Dervish kept his guard up despite the growing monotony. Some mirrors were freestanding and could be moved, while others were firmly affixed to the floor. He checked. Some were large full length mirrors, while others were massive. They rose from the floor and towered stories above them. "Hassan could be a mirror merchant instead of a carpet merchant", Dervish joked.

Still they journeyed on, passing though another junction. Ayla informed him that this was the last leg of the journey before they exited the East Hall Complex.

"Then what?" Dervish asked. He anticipated that next would be the Garden of Respite, but he was wrong. After ascending the East staircase, they would need to trek through the Hadbat Hadi'a forest.

 swtd-437. dsa-17.  Previous. Next.

Dervish Sanders And Ayla Jamila Samawi Barter With Hasan Al Hulma Wayafar

"There is the matter of my fee".

"Fee?" Ayla asked.

Hasan moved the tapestry back into place, concealing the yellow door. "Yes. You may come and go as you please, as per our prior arrangement, Ayla. But that agreement did not include guests".

That's fine", Dervish said, interrupting the two. "I have some gold I brought for incidentals. Also bribes".

"It is a fee, not a bribe", Hasan corrected him. "Most of my income comes from selling carpets. I am a man of modest means. I did not charge you when I allowed you entry to my labyrinth. Nor for the use of my cloak. I am a very generous man".

"What about 200 Zahiran Dinars?" Dervish asked.

Hasan raised his eyebrows. "That is a decent opening offer", he concluded. "Yet quite far from where I would like to end up. As the Dreamweaver, the labyrith is mine and mine alone. As is the Hall of Mirrors. Others have accessed it without my permission, though many of them perished. Negotiating the labyrith is nigh impossible for someone who does not possess the cloak. Though you should be safe as long as you do not venture into the labyrinth".

"500 Zahiran Dinars?" Dervish countered.

Hasan appeared to be considering the offer. "The price is 1000 Zahiran Dinars", he declared defiantly. "Though, for a friend such as Dervish Sanders, I can give a 20 percent discount. Something I have never done before. I have collected the fee several times previously". Hasan counted on his fingers. "You will be the 6th. To only 5 others have I ever granted access. Each of those individuals paid 1000 Zahiran Dinars. They talked me down from a greater price. 1000 was as low as I was willing to go".

"For you, my good friend, I will settle for 800".

Dervish considered the offer. "How much for a lifetime unlimited pass?" he asked.

Hasan looked shocked. He stroked his beard. "Yes, for you, and only you, that is a possibility. But the price would be steep. I would grant you lifetime free unlimited access if you were to kill The Wise One. Though that task is likely impossible, even for the legendary Dervish Sanders".

"What is this Wise One?" Dervish asked.

Then he remembered rumors he heard in discussions with fellow intellectuals. An Al-Qarawiyyin University professor elaborated on some rumors he heard in the streets of Fes. The Wise One was a being worshiped by the organization known as The Church Of The Wise One. The Wise One, as per the professor, was some kind of malevolent deity or demigod. One that supposedly resided within Fes itself.

"We can negotiate with a demigod?" Dervish pondered after relating what he knew of The Wise One.

Ayla explained, "The Wise One is a very powerful entity, but it is not a demigod or a god. It has only fooled its gullible followers into believing it is".

Hasan agreed. "They are fools", The carpet merchant remarked.

Dervish considered Ayla and Hasan's words. "You've encountered The Wise One before? I'm getting a sense you have".

"A couple of times", Ayla confessed. Before we met".

Hasan confirmed that he too had parlayed with the Wise One. Dervish weighed his inclination toward caution with the need for speed. He trusted Ayla unreservedly, so he paid Hasan the 800 Zahiran Dinars. Though it was most of the gold he brought with him for the journey.

"Be careful, my friend", Hasan cautioned. "By the way, if you are able to defeat The Wise One, or come to some other arrangement with xe, I would greatly appreciate it. I don't like it at all that xe set up shop next to an access point to my demiplane".

Dervish and Ayla approached the yellow door.

"Some other things you should be aware of", Hasan remarked. "The Wise One knows not that there is a portal to my demiplane in it's chamber. Or anything about it's existence at all. So keep your guard up and do not disclose this. Also, beware Don The Old".

Dervish did not know who this Don The Old was, but Hasan assured him Ayla would fill him in.

"There is much more to Hasan than I realized previously", Dervish remarked when the yellow door shut behind them. "Dude has his own demiplane".

"Actually", Ayla replied, "the Dreamweaver's labyrinth is accessible to the one who possesses the Dreamweaver's cloak. The cloak is an artifact".

"An artifact? That's a magical item with extraordinary powers". Dervish was impressed. "Maybe I should have held on to the cloak while I had it".

"The cloak has but one master at a time. It would have simply dematerialized and returned to Hasan had you not returned it. Hassan was only worried that he had misjudged your character, not that he would not get his cloak back".

Dervish agreed that made sense. They walked along a dimly lit passage for some time, continual light lanterns illuminating the way.


Eventually the tunnel dead-ended. Or seemed to. Ayla pressed her face to the cold stone wall. She seemed to be looking closely at something. "The coast seems to be clear", she finally declared. When she stepped back Dervish noticed a small peephole. Then, after a command word was spoken, a hidden door appeared.

"Don't worry about The Wise One", Ayla assured Dervish. "I have parlayed with xe before".

Dervish wasn't sure what he was about to see, but did recgonize it when it floated down from above. He read about such creatures back in his early days before he became an adventurer and was but a scribe.

Who was the coast clear of? Members of the Church of the Wise One. Inhabitants of Fes who came here to worship and pay tribute to the creature. A shaft of light from above illuminated the cathedral as a giant spherical being floated down from the ceiling high above. The beholder had spotted them. Its central eye was fixed on the couple.

It's numerous eyestalks rotated to face them as well. Dervish realized this encounter was deadly serious, given that the beholder could likely annihilate them easily. So Dervish was relieved that Ayla said she could negotiate with it. Yet he was still very uneasy to be in it's presence. It was understandable why some might view xe as a demigod.

Although he recognized it as a beholder, sometimes called an Eye Tyrant, it was unlike any one he had read about. Dervish had never seen one before. Even so, he could see xe was not a typical specimen. It had more than the usual 10 eyestalks. And it appeared to lack a large fanged mouth. Though the lack of a maw filled with razor sharp teeth did not put him at ease. Not in the least.

It was his understanding that each eye atop every eyestalk was capable of emitting magick energies that could cause instant death, disintegrate objects, transmute flesh to stone, and so on.

"It is good to see you again, Ayla", the creature thought.

While the beholder only thought this, Dervish could hear the creature's words in his mind.

"What have you brought to pay for passage though my chamber?" The creature inquired. "And who have you brought with you?"

"Dervish Sanders", Ayla replied, honestly.

TWO (aka The Wise One) considered what Ayla said. "I have heard of the human adventurer called Dervish Sanders", xe said, descending to ground level and floating closer. TWO eyed Dervish. "You wish passage as well? The price will be double".

 swtd-436. dsa-16.  Previous. Next.

Dervish Sanders Seeks The Assistance of Hasan The Carpet Merchant

Dervish Sanders: Biographer, what was the deal with that last story you told me? I regret to say it was very boring. I was waiting for something exciting to happen, but nothing did. Zahid got lucky, but you didn't go into many details regarding his encounter with the librarian employee, Amina. Then that kid threw up and the story ended.

The Biographer: You're looking for a tale with a little more excitement? I might be able to oblige.

Dervish Sanders: ok, that sounds more like it. By the way, I've been thinking about it and decided that I should check in at the Al-Qarawiyyin Library more often. In case anyone in need of my assistance comes looking for me. Or sends a message, like what happened when I received word that the citizens of Abu Qilyub were under assault by a goblin horde.

Additionally, I assume that nobody at the library knows where I live. For security reasons I think it would be best to keep the location of my home base secret.

The Biographer: Absolutely. Nobody at the library knows where you live. And not only for security reasons. You wouldn't people showing up and hassling you at your home. Which is why you purchased your villa using an alias. As far as the city of Fes officials are concerned, Haris Rayan Shalhoub owns your estate.

Dervish Sanders: That sounds like a good idea I had. Who are these city of Fes officials and what do they want?

The Biographer: Various officials. The deed for your property says Haris Rayan Shalhoub owns your property, like I said. And that's who pays the taxes. Ayla uses an illusion to appear as this person whenever necessary. Which has only been a handful of times. Now, maybe I can continue with the story?

Dervish Sanders: Absolutely. I'm looking forward to finally making the journey to the Sun Place. That sounds super exciting. It certainly should be, given all the build up. Not to mention all the delays and boring side non-adventures of ancillary characters.

The Biographer: ok. Gotcha. Things are about to get considerably more interesting. You can trust me on that. In regards to that idea of checking in periodically at the Al-Qarawiyyin Library, the administrator Fihriya al-Qurashiyya gave you a message the last time you were at the library. A carrier pigeon delivered a note that says the citizens of the coastal village of El Beddouza require the assistance of the legendary adventurer Dervish Sanders. But administrator al-Qurashiyya didn't know where you were or how to contact you, so she sent a pigeon back saying you were unavailable.

Another message arrived after that, which indicated that the people of El Beddouza are desperate. A number of townsfolk had been found slain, their bodies drained of blood. That was an escalation from the prior communication that indicated some livestock had been found, also drained of blood.

"I have no idea", Zahra remarked when filled in. "Perhaps a ghoul?" She looked extremely worried. "I don't think you should go".

"But that's what I do. I help people in need", Dervish explained. "Besides, Ayla will be with me. Don't worry".

But Zahra was worried. She reminded Dervish that she was about to give birth to his child.

"I certainly haven't forgotten, my love", Dervish said.

"There are a few months left", Ayla interjected. She convinced Dervish to go down to the vault to collect the rest of the supplies they required for the trip. Then she had a talk with Zahra.

"Dervish is an adventurer", she said. "It's what he does. So, you'll have to get used to it. I will be there to protect him".

Zahra acquiesced. "I trust you to take care of Dervish. As you know, my first husband was an adventurer. He was killed while adventuring. And his body was lost. He was devoured, apparently. That's what his companions told me".

"I know" Ayla said, comforting Zahra. The two women embraced. "By the way" Ayla added, "I want you to tell Dervish before we leave that whatever I say goes".

"Of course" Zahra agreed. "Whatever you say goes. I'll tell him".

Dervish was unsure, but he agreed. Ayla was in charge. And so Dervish and Ayla departed. The road and adventure awaited.

"Let us hope we are not too late to help the people of El Beddouza", Dervish remarked.

In order to travel faster he suggested they buy some horses. He said he knew someone. Even with fast horsers, it will take several weeks to get there. But Ayla had an alternate proposition. Travel by magical means could get them there much faster, she claimed. Dervish inquired as to what Ayla had in mind. What she had in mind was a travel mirror located within the Hall of Mirrors.

"In the Dreamweaver's labyrinth?" Dervish asked. "I didn't think either of us could return".

"The Hall of Mirrors has multiple access points", Ayla revealed. "One is in Marrakech, another is much closer".

"A magic travel mirror, huh?" Dervish said, guessing what Ayla might be referring to.

"Yes", Ayla confirmed. "There are actually several in the Hall of Mirrors".

Dervish considered what Ayla said. "Why didn't I know that? Given that I was a dream weaver, even if briefly".

Ayla smiled. She moved closer, so that the two were face to face. "You received your dream. Me".

"Yes", Dervish agreed. "You are my dream". He kissed Ayla deeply. "These are also my dream" Dervish remarked, fondling Ayla's firm pert breasts, which were a very generous C cup. He massaged them for a while, which brought Ayla great pleasure. She began to moan softly.

The morning was crisp and cool, the sun having just risen.

"So, where are we going?" Dervish inquired, withdrawing his hands.

"To see the carpet merchant, Hasan, of course", Ayla replied as she buttoned her top, concealing her exposed breasts.

Dervish considered what Ayla told him. The last time he had encountered Hasan was in the Marrakech bazzar. Over 500 miles west of their current location. What might explain how Hasan could be here in Fes? Dervish had a few theories, but decided it would just be easier to see how this played out.

Hasan's eyes held the wisdom of centuries. It turned out the reason was he had been around for centuries.

"I am The one and only Dreamweaver", Hasan revealed. "Though there are others I have allowed to enter the labyrinth. Like you. And borrow my cloak". Dervish and Ayla sat on a rug in Hasan's shop. "It's a good thing you gave it back. I was worried there had been a misundertanding, and that you thought I gifted it to you. Instead of only loaning it to you".

Hasan cleared his throat. "I'm glad things worked out so well", he remarked, a twinkle in his eye. "She is an extraordinary beauty. Now you've returned. I assume you believe there is something I can do for you? I only loan my Dreamweaver cloak to deserving people once. No repeat customers and no exceptions. You already have your dream".

"That's ok", Ayla said, interrupting. "We only desire to enter the Hall of Mirrors, not the labyrinth".

"I figured", Hasan replied. "You wish to utilize the alternate entrance". Hasan stood, using his cane to push himself up from the floor. Pushing a tapestry aside, a door was revealed. "Through here", he said. "Although, you will have to contend with The Wise One".

 swtd-435. dsa-15.  Previous. Next.

Bijan Ali Burhan & Zahid Abdul Alim Attempt To Locate Dervish Sanders In Fes

Childhood friends Bijan and Zahid finally located the Al-Qarawiyyin Library. Fes, an extremely populous sprawling city, concealed it from them, despite the building being quite large. Now that they finally found it, they were both impressed by how immense it was.

"About my payment?" the tifl alshaarie (street child) who had served as their guide inquired.

"Uh, we are looking for the famed adventurer Dervish Sanders", Zahid remarked.

The boy's face lit up. "I have heard he can be found here at the library quite often". The child held out his hand, expecting payment.

"Uh, don't you want to meet the mashhur Dervish Sanders?" Bijan asked.

"We are friends of his", Zahid added, which was a tiny fib.

The child looked intrigued. Suddenly there was a loud grumble. "Please, sir, I am very hungry. Do you have any food?"

Bijan felt very guilty. "No. Also, we can't pay you as promised until we locate Majstir Sanders".

The boy's expression changed. Now he appeared to be very angry. "You lied to me? You don't even have a single copper Habb? I don't know if I should cut my losses or continue helping you liars". The child was visibly enraged. "I doubt you have even ever met Majstir Sanders", the boy declared.

"Yes, we do know him", Zahid insisted. "We fought side by side with him to defeat a goblin horde".

The boy looked Bijan and Zahid up and down. "Hara'. I don't believe you. Where are your weapons?" the boy asked, incredulous.

We were beset by bandits and all our belongings were stolen on the road from Abu Qilyub", Bijan explained. "There must have been at least 20 of them. We were outnumbered".

Zahid could see the boy didn't believe his friend. "My friend Bijan exaggerates. There were not 20 bandits. I think it was four or five. Though they did ambush us. We surrendered our belongings in order to avoid being killed. Including our barb, Nina".

"I don't give a ghayit about your horse's name", the boy interjected. "Stupid falahs".

"Stick with us and you'll get paid", Bijan fibbed. He had no idea if they'd even be able to find Dervish Sanders. He was now very worried they would not. "He is very wealthy. He can pay you double", Bijan lied. Though maybe Dervish would pay a mere 2 copper Habbs. It would surely be nothing to him. Therefore he did not lie. Or so he convinced himself. If they could only find him he'd probably pay. He was a very generous man. He would almost certainly be very happy to help this poor street child.

The child produced a small knife from his pocket. "I could be shoplifting a piece of fruit for my lunch", the boy complained while handling the knife. He thrust it forward a few times, stabbing an imaginary foe. "I'll stick this in your gut if you screw me", the boy promised. "I want 5 copper Habbs", he declared.

"Majstir Sanders will pay you one silver dirham", Bijan promised.

The boy's eyes grew wide. That was lot of money. For him, at least. "OK", he agreed. "But you'll regret it if you nakah me", the boy said, waving his small knife around to frighten the two stupid falahs. "You can call me Adin, by the way".

People were coming and going from the library entrance.

"Let's go", Bijan decided, starting to walk in the direction of the library on the other side of the busy street.

"Where are you going, stupid falah?" Adin asked.

What was this dumb kid talking about? "The library. To inquire about Dervish Sanders".

"The library is that building", Adin stated, pointing at a building on the side of the street they had been standing on. "That building is the University".

"Right. Of course", Bijan said, embarrassed. He turned around and came back. A young man wearing silk robes almost ran into him.

"Watch where you're going, ghabi" the young man remarked.

"I'm sorry, sir", Bihjan apologized.

The three of them crossed the courtyard and approached the library doors.

"They don't allow in riffraff", Adin remarked.

Zahid looked in. "I don't see any security".

He walked into a large vestibule. The place seemed empty. He saw a woman sitting behind a counter. She noticed Zahid and asked if he needed help.

"I'm looking for a man", Zahid began.

"He isn't here", the woman exclaimed abruptly. Ever so often people came looking for the famed adventurer Dervish Sanders. She always told them he was not there. Whether he was or not. This man looked like a person of no importance. "The library isn't open to the public", the woman said as Zahid approached the desk.

"I am a personal friend of Majstir Sanders", Zahid informed her.

"Do you have an ID or a pass?" the middle-aged woman with graying black hair asked.

"I am Zahid, a very good friend of Dervish Sanders", he said, repeating himself.

"I tell you what, you can leave a message and I'll make sure he gets it".

"You're sure he isn't here? Maybe we can wait outside and he will show up later today?" Zahid had no idea how they were going to locate Sanders. He didn't think about it too much before departing on the journey, but now he was wondering how in jahim they were going to find him.

"I heard he was here yesterday, but prior to that it was a few months. I wouldn't count on him showing up today". She answered honestly. Though she would have said the same if she knew Dervish would be coming today. He had previously spent a lot of time at the library. Not recently, however. She had no idea why.

"I guess I'll leave a note then", Zahid concluded. "Though I don't write good. Let me get my friend".

The woman sighed. In the meantime a group of students entered the room and they showed some badges. The woman waved them in. Seeing what happened, Zahid asked if he could go in a take a look around. "You? No, you can't go in".

Zahid could feel the woman's eyes on him. She was staring at him. With disgust, he felt.

Though, as it turned out, that look in her eyes was not disgust. It was another emotion. The lady, whose name it turned out was Amina, invited Zahid and Bijan back to her home.

"You are a very handsome strong young man", Amina remarked as she began undressing. This was after they entered her bedroom. She appeared to be in her 40s, yet still in excellent shape. Zahid admired her lithe nude body.

"I have not been with a man for some time", Amina confessed.

"I have never lain with a woman", Zahid replied sheepishly.

"Really?" Amina remarked. She was definitely intrigued. "Make love to me", Amina implored. She approached Zahid. Zahid embraced and began kissing her.

"Nakah me again" Amina demanded, kissing Zahid gently as they lay in bed together, their bodies intertwined.

"Again?" Zahid replied. Honestly, he was exhausted. And very hungry. "It's been almost two days since I have eaten", he complained.

"You just ate me", Amina said, smiling.

"I enjoyed it very much", Zahid admitted.

"The baba ghanoush and shawarma are very tasty", Bijan remarked when he saw his friend.

Where had Zahid been for the last hour? Zahid joined his friend at the table and began to devour the plate of food Bijan pushed in front of him. Aidn was there as well, shoveling food into his open maw. Finally, the little boy slowed down.

"I was so hungry", Adin exclaimed. "I've never eaten so much food in my entire life". The boy leaned back in his chair and started groaning. "I don't feel so well", Adin moaned. Then he threw up on his plate.

 swtd-434. dsa-14.  Previous. Next.

Kamala Kills... The Tragic Account Of A Pea Brain That Raced To Idiocy

"I'm going to fillet and consume you!" Kamala Harris, razor-sharp butcher knife in hand, screamed. She was insane with rage, determined to murder the innocent and beloved Peanut, an internet sensation. What she didn't realize was that Peanut's best friend, the 45th and 47th president of the United States, was nearby.

Seeing the knife-wielding maniac barreling toward him, Peanut squealed in terror. Luckily his buddy d0n0ld tRump was taking a nap under an elm tree growing on the Nonprofit Animal Rescue known as Peanut's Freedom Farm. Peanut's cries jolted d0n0ld from his siesta. Quickly and nimbly he leapt to his feet and snatched up the squirrel. Kamala started slashing, but d0n0ld deftly dodged her wild hacks.

"d0n0ld!" Kamala screeched. She of course knew that her nemesis d0n0ld and Peanut were lifelong best friends. Which is why she decided Peanut had to die. The hope was that d0n0ld would be overcome with despair when he found out his friend was dead. Then he would drop out of the potus race, to grief-stricken too continue seeking the presidency.

It was the only way Kamala could win. Even given the massive cheating effort currently underway. The American people were simply turning out too bigly for Democrat vote fraud to assure her victory. Killing her opponent's best friend could give her the advantage. Also, she was curious to discover what squirrel tasted like. Kamala had expected d0n0ld to be campaigning, which is why she flew to New York on that morning. It just seemed like a perfect day for homicide.

Kamala screamed again, frustrated that d0n0ld was there when he should not be. Having left his gun at home, d0n0ld was defenseless. Cursing Kamala, he knew his duty was to keep his friend safe, so he turned and ran. Being fleet of foot, d0n0ld was able to save Peanut! He ran like the wind and left Kamala Harris in the dust. She was only armed with a knife, and therefore d0n0ld and Peanut got away safely.

Thinking Kamala had given up, d0n0ld departed. Little did he know that Kamala was extremely determined to assassinate Peanut and Fred, two innocent critters for whom her hatred burned intensely. Why she returned later with a gun and blew Fred's brains out. She would have used her gun to murder Peanut as well, but he had already been taken into custody by Kathy Hochul's jackbooted thugs.

It seems a libtard witch whined when she saw the world-famous squirrel online. "Peanut should be free, not held captive by a human" the libtard shrew determined. That libtard was Kathy Hochul. She was very angry when she saw Peanut performing his antics on the internet.

"Keeping wildlife as a pet is not permitted in New York. He must be removed from the residence and returned to his natural habitat". Hochul fumed. Then she made a phone call to the head of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). "Arrest the rodent" she instructed.

Peanut was locked up. No call to his lawyer was permitted. No opportunity to be released on bail was allowed. Later, in court, Judge Sicko pronounced his sentence. "Based on the testimony of the DEC agent you bit, I hereby sentence you, Peanut the squirrel, to death. Obviously you have rabies".

The Democrat judge smirked. This was the part of his job he enjoyed the most. Inflicting misery on supporters of d0n0ld tRump, which Peanut's captors were. He was sure. Though he was unaware that Peanut and the about-to-be-reelected maga predisent, d0n0ld tRump, were besties. If he had known? Then pronouncing that Peanut should die would have filled him with great joy. As opposed to the mild happiness he currently felt.

"He will be euthanized at dawn", the evil Democrat judge proclaimed. "Then we will test his brain matter. To confirm the self-evident fact that he is infected with the rabies virus". The judge glared at the squirrel. Peanut was quivering in fear. Yes, the judge decided. He could definitely see that Peanut was foaming at the mouth. "Get him out of here!" Sicko roared, suddenly concerned the squirrel would lunge at him and possibly tear his throat out.

A Democrat animal-hating DEC employee filled a syringe. "Nighty night", he chuckled. Then he injected Peanut with the deadly poison.

"Wait!" Kathy Hochul (who had been watching) suddenly cried. "The Vice President, Kamala Harris is here, and she wants to euthanize Peanut herself". "It's too late" the DEC employee informed the governor.

"Is there an antidote? If so, administer it. We will kill Peanut twice!" Hochul exclaimed, smiling.

And so Peanut was revived and then injected with poison a second time. This time it was fatal. Kamala smiled and laughed as she stabbed Peanut with the needle. "This has been a very good day" she proclaimed when Peanut gasped his last breath. "tRump will be devastated".

"Why is that?" Kathy Hochul inquired. "Simply because he is an animal lover?" the governor asked, referring to the well-know fact that d0n0ld tRump loves all of God's creatures. But this was a squirrel and not man's best friend. "Everyone knows the deep affection the former president has for canines, but why would he care about a squirrel?" Hochul said, looking confused.

Kathy Hochul was delighted when the Vice president informed her that Peanut and d0n0ld were the best of friends. "Some people say Peanut and d0n0ld are soul mates", Kamala informed Kathy.

"Really?" Hochul replied, finding the claim hard to believe.

"Yes, it is true. d0n0ld considers Peanut to be like a brother to him" Harris revealed. "Not many people know, but it's completely true".

As per jd Vance, a single tear ran down d0n0ld's face when he found out. Being an Alpha Male, he buried his unbearable sorrow deep down and channeled his rage into the campaign.

"We will win this for Peanut" he vowed. "Those responsible for murdering my friends Peanut and Fred will pay dearly. I will dedicate my 2nd term to ensuring all those involved are brought to justice".



"Wow, that's quite the tall tale", Doctor Edwin Meyers Jr remarked.

His patient, a man named end0, scowled. "What do you mean?" he asked. end0 sensed the psychiatrist wasn't buying his story. "I swear it's true" end0 protested. I read all about it on Robby Starbuck's X page.

"Well, there is no antidote to pentobarbital" Meyers informed his patient. Edwin could see the nutter was confused. "It's the drug used to euthanize animals. That is but one reason why your story could not be true".

"It is true!" end0 insisted. "And there is definitely no way you could possibly convince me otherwise!".

"I'm going to increase your dosage of Seroquel", the doctor said, scribbling on a prescription pad.

"OK" end0 replied, seemingly agreeing. But he had no intention of taking the antipsychotic drug. Why should he? There was absolutely nothing wrong with him, as far as his mental health was concerned.

The only reason he had agreed to sessions with Dr. Meyers was because the authorities insisted. That, or he could have chosen to be locked up for an extended stay at a state-run mental institution. But that was avoided when his husband agreed to pay for him to get treatment from this quack. But he didn't need any antipsychotic medications, given the fact that he was 100 percent sane.

Democrats are pure evil. That was how end0 knew Kamala Harris was personally responsible for the murder of Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. She wanted them dead and was directly involved in putting them down. As Slugga told him, "The tragic tale of Peanut the Squirrel is Kamala's America in a nutshell".

Note: Civil Service employees following state regulations removed Peanut and Fred from Mark Longo's home and euthanized them. I disagree with this decision. Neither NY Governor Kathy Hochul nor Vice President Kamala Harris had anything to do with what happened or were even aware of it. Civil Service jobs are not political appointments. Civil Service employees are not hired on the basis of political alignment. The people who made this decision (following NY State regulations) could have been either Democrats or Republicans.

 swtd-433. pif-25.  Previous. Next.