Beholder Battle

Bing AI Copilot: 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.

Bing: 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 Marrakesh. 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.

Bing: 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.

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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.

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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 parlay 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".

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Dervish Sanders Seeks The Assistance of Hasan The Carpet Merchant

Dervish Sanders: Bing Copilot AI, 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.

Bing Copilot AI: 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.

Bing: 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?

Bing: 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.

Bing: 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 200 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".

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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.

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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.

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The Bard Ceraifiot Hoodwinks The Stable Master Rufus

Profit is sweet, even if it comes from deception -- Sophocles (c. 497/496 to 406/405 BC). An ancient Greek tragedian.

Opening his mouth wide and sticking out his tongue, Rufus the stable master went in for a smooch. "Come on, baby," the horny horse keeper purred as he slobbered on Suri's face, some drool dribbling down his chin and onto the mage's cleavage, running down between her breasts (which were pressed tight against the sweaty barrel chest of her assailant).

Closing her eyes, Suri took a breath to calm herself before reciting a minor shock incantation that would knock her amorous attacker on his ass.

Before the first syllable escaped her lips, however, she was suddenly released and shoved violently. Falling backward, the indignant magic user landed with a thud on her curvaceous derrière.

"Ugh! What the hell is up with your face?" Rufus exclaimed. "Disgusting", a shaken Rufus remarked as he shook off the bard Ceraifiot. "Unhand me, you middle-aged bieber", Rufus growled, looking mildly annoyed, yet at the same time sick.

"By the gods, it appears as though your face has just about melted off. I think I'm going to be ill". Rufus sat down on a bail of hay and shook his head. "Tis a pity. I mistook you for a 10 when you are but a 4 at best. I would not do you even with a bag over your head".

Olaf, who had drawn his weapon and sprung forward, about to swing, resheathed his sword.

Suri, whose glamer had expired, rose to her feet, removed a kerchief from her pocket, and wiped the drool from her chest. "Do not lay hands on me again or I will remove the equipment you value so highly", the angry mage warned.

"Take it easy. I aint interested in a melted butterface. I don't care how smoking hot your body is", Rufus replied, sticking his finger down his throat while gagging sounds.

I've had enough of this, Rufus thought, wishing the strangers were gone. "Back there", Rufus said, pointing to the rear of the stable. "There is a grate that I shovel the horseshit down. It stinks like hell but it connects directly to the city's sewer system, which empties into the eastern ocean. That is your way out of the city. If you wish to bypass the gates, that is".

"It is many miles though twists and turns", Paulina reminded everyone. "We are going to need that guide your stable boy just helpfully offered to go fetch". The gnomish rogue, having grown up in the city, was familiar with that much, at least. Although she had only been beneath the city a couple of times. The vast labyrinth that lay beneath was not a place that very many residents of the city, nor even members of the guild ventured often. Excepting the few established routes in and out of the city. Monsters lurked everywhere, which is why a guide was absolutely necessary to navigate the route below.

Erik the stable boy spoke up again. "Yes, I will deliver a message to the Thieves Guild that a guide is required".

"Go ahead" Rufus said, agreeing. Rufus went to the desk he used to keep the stable records and pulled out a sheet of parchment. Dipping a quill into a bottle of ink, he wrote out a message. "Here", he said, handing the note to Erik. "Deliver this and pretty boy will pay you a copper".

Erik took the note and, after folding it and placing it in his pocket, departed.

Steve wandered over to the back of the stables where Rufus had indicated the sewer entrance was located.

"I aint going down there", Barry remarked, his nose wrinkled up at the horrid smell emanating from the shaft descending into blackness.

"I'm with Barry", Steve concurred, his eyes watering as he also examined the grate. "The law aint looking for nobody but Suri. I say she and this guide use the sewers while the rest of us exit in the normal manner like civilized people. We can meet outside the city with the horses".

"Hold on", Rufus interjected. "Your steeds are already sold. And I was giving you a deal, at that". "However", the stable master continued, "I'd be willing to sell your four horses back to you for... let's say 800 gold crowns?".

"No way" an angry looking Steve retorted. "We're simply canceling the deal".

"Look, here!" Rufus remarked. "You need to pay me. And you need to pay the Thieves Guild guide that Erik will be returning with. If you can't pay that is going to be a big problem. With me and with the Guild. The guide will definitely be expecting payment when he gets here. My price is 500 gold crowns. That includes a 100 gp cancellation fee for voiding our prior deal".

"Given that you have us over a barrel, I guess I have no choice", Ceraifiot announced, removing a golden ring from a finger. "This has been in my family for generations. It is easily worth 5 thousand gold crowns".

The stable master was clearly very interested in this new deal. "That is more like it" he said, smiling. "But don't be expecting me to be paying the difference between my fee and the value of your ring".

"Of course not", Ceraifiot relented. "But, given that this is such a valuable family heirloom, I will ask that you pay the Thieves Guild fee charged for providing a guide".

"It's a deal" Rufus agreed. He was very eager to complete the transaction, given that 5 thousand gold coins was more money than he had ever seen in his life.

But then a thought crossed his mind. "I would like to examine it first, however. Just in case you're trying to pull a fast one. As a member of the Thieves Guild, I do have some knowledge when it comes to assessing the value of such trinkets", Rufus said, partially bluffing. He did believe he could definitely detect a fake.

Ceraifiot turned on the charm (magic). "You don't need to see the ring. Take my word for it, this is an extremely valuable piece. See how the emerald's sparkle", he added, slyly casting a minor illusion to make it appear that the plain copper band was encrusted with gemstones.

"OK, I'll take your word for it", Rufus agreed. To him the bard suddenly appeared very trustworthy. And he certainly would not dare to incur the stable master's wrath. "I'll rip you limb from limb if you shaft me", Rufus warned.

Steve could see what was going on, but he said nothing. The fact was he found the trick Ceraifiot was playing on the stable master quite humorous. He chuckled softly. Ceraifiot was shaking out to be a better leader than he had anticipated. Despite the fact that he still hated his guts, Steve couldn't help but admire the bard. Just a little.

Paulina also noticed what was going on but said nothing. Though she did worry what might happen when she returned to Wallis after completing their quest. Surely Rufus would hold her responsible. As a fellow Guild member who vouched for her companions. But the gnome decided that was something to worry about later. Much later. Right now departing the city was what was important.

Ceraifiot offered Rufus the ring and he accepted and pocketed it without examining it. He did hold it up to the light to marvel at how beautiful it was first. Then they shook on the deal. Rufus was very happy with his sudden riches. This had worked out for him very well after all. Or, he would continue to believe it had until he removed the plain copper band from his pocket and discovered it was virtually worthless.

Though that wouldn't occur until the charm magics Ceraifiot had employed wore off. So, likely not for several hours. By then the companions would be long gone. Steve and Barry took the horses and departed, planning to exit the city via the North Gate. Everyone agreed they would meet up later at their camp outside the city walls. Where they would also wait and see if William showed up.

"If not he will be left behind", Ceraifiot insisted. This was sentiment everyone but Suri agreed with.

"What a strange hold this a-hole has on Suri" the bard thought. Possibly the result of a curse? He was completely baffled as to why she wasn't immediately agreeable to ditching him. Well, hopefully William would not show up. And maybe Ceraifiot could convince her not to wait. Because, if William were taken into custody, he certainly could disclose to the authorities the location they had agreed to meet up at if they got separated. The bard considered it to be highly likely.

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A Message From Roger The Talking Canine

Despite the constant negative press covfefe -- A 6/1/2017 tweet from the Moron-in-chief. Sean Spicer says it wasn't typo, but that "the president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant".

Note that this is a recounting of events that took place the morning following my journey to the land of nightmares. So, sometime in late March of 2017.

"If you meditate on it, you will find that you have the ability to astrally project" Roger told me. This was the morning after I ate some bad pizza and had a nightmare. Much of which I forgot. I did, however, remember taking a bite out of a piece of a delicious deep dish pizza, then discovering, to my horror, that it was squirming with maggots. That was after I encountered a winged dameon in my bedchamber, and later, a talking dog.

"I thought that I dreamt you" I told Roger, the neighborhood dog I met before utilizing the portal (one that took the form of an atramentous orb), presumably to another dimension. Although I couldn't remember what happened after I entered the swirl of inky blackness, a mini black hole that transported me elsewhere. Though I did recall the events that took place before entering the gateway. Including my encounter with a talking canine.

I would have written down my remembrances in the dream journal I kept next to my bed, but the dog that wasn't mine was staring into my eyes when I awoke, which distracted me from my usual practice. And imagine my shock when he spoke! I had assumed it was a dream. Yet here he was, telling me that his name was Roger. Despite the strangeness of a talking canine, I took it in stride. It was nothing compared to my experience of having been abducted by aliens, after all.

"What are you talking about?", I inquired, referring to the suggestion that I was capable of astral projection. Being someone who has played Dungeons & Dragons, I know what astral projection is. It is a method by which an individual can leave their body and travel the multiverse in spirit form.

"I detect within you the ability to astrally project. It isn't something that everyone can do easily. But you? I definitely can sense that you are capable of it". I pondered what this canine was telling me for a while. In the meantime I got up, put on my robe, went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. "That is interesting" I finally replied. Roger had been following me around as I went about my morning routine, all the while wagging his tail.

"I think you should try it" Roger suggested. "I don't know much about it" I confessed. "I mean, I've heard about it. But I suspect that, in practice, astral projection can't operate the same as in D&D". "You'd be surprised" Roger replied. "Hmm" I muttered, shuffling into the kitchen. There I noted an empty pizza box lying on the floor. "This must be the pizza I dropped last night. Except I only took a bite of one slice". Where did the rest of it go, I wondered.

"Your pizza was very tasty. Thank you for leaving it out for me" Roger barked happily. "But it was covered in maggots" I exclaimed. "I didn't see any maggots" Roger answered. "It was a bit much for me, however. You might want to check behind your couch. Sorry about the pizza barf".

"Ugh" I said, looking at Roger disgustedly. But he did not hang his head in shame. "It's not my fault my eyes were bigger than my stomach. You're the one who left it there", Roger replied, defending himself. While returning my look of disgust. "I was going to offer you some scrambled eggs, but I've changed my mind" I said, taking a pan out of my cupboard and moving to the fridge to get the eggs. First I picked up the empty pizza box and tossed it into the paper recycling bin.

"That's OK, I've got to be going" Roger said, declining my rescinded offer. Then he left, exiting my residence the way (I presume) he entered. Through the dog door. I had a canine previously, but she passed away a few months ago from old age. I was going to ask Roger if he'd like to live with me, but I guess he had other things to do. I rushed to the door to see if he was still there, but I didn't see him anywhere.

Guess I should clean up that barf. At least Roger told me about it, instead of leaving it as a surprise for me to find later. As I ate my scrambled eggs I thought about what Roger has said. I didn't know if I believed what he told me about astral projection. Something I also didn't know was what covfefe was. Suddenly the word or name popped into my head. I think it had something to do with the dream I could only partially remember.

It wasn't until some time later that I heard the word covfefe again. A tweet from the moron Vlad Putin helped steal the 2016 election. It must mean something, but WHAT I don't know. People who report on such things say they think he misspelled coverage. But my remembrance of the word 2 months prior suggested to me it must mean something.

I did look into astral projection a few weeks later. I was browsing in an old book store when I happened across a musty tome. This book appears to be some kind of instruction manual when it comes to astral projection I noted, flipping through the book. Plus it said Astra Projection Instruction Manual right on the cover.

"Careful with that" the shop owner shouted at me from behind the register at the front of the store. "That is a very old and very valuable manuscript" he exclaimed, approaching me. I could let you have it for $200" the shopkeeper said. "Ah, no thanks" I said, handing the tome to the shop owner. I was interested, but not at that price. "How about $150?" the shop owner countered, seeing the sale slipping away. "I'll give you 20 bucks. Final offer" I countered. "Surely you jest sir. You must not be interested in this historically significant work at all". "Not really" I replied.

Long story short, I got the book for $20, which (I thought at the time) was likely more than it was worth. For several nights I cracked the book and read before drifting off to sleep. It was actually quite interesting. But did it help me astrally project, the ability that Roger was sure I had? The answer is no. I followed the instructions but nothing happened.

A number of years passed and the memory of the encounter with the talking dog and his suggestion that I was a natural astral projector faded. I did see Roger running around the neighborhood just recently, but when I called out to him, he gave no indication that he remembered me or that "Roger" was his name. Perhaps it had all been a dream?

It was some time after that night that I received a message from the FBI. Specifically an Agent Smith. Possibly not his real name. Also, possibly not an FBI agent. This person might have been an agent for some other government agency.

The message? That I was being watched. Surveillance that likely ended after d0n-0ld tRump lost the election and Joe Biden was inaugurated. Americans celebrated that day bigly. At the time I thought that meant that d0n-0ld would be investigated swiftly, prosecuted and sent to prison where he belongs. But unfortunately that didn't happen.

But back to my story. Obviously I recovered the memories of what happened after I entered the portal, otherwise I couldn't have written about them on this blog. Also, While you may have expected there would be some astral projecting taking place following my discussion with Roger, this story isn't going to conclude with a successful journey to that plane of existence.

While you might be thinking that is an anticlimactic conclusion for this tale, all I can say is that's what happened. Nothing. Not as far as astrally projecting goes. Not at this point in the story, at least. Although that could happen in a future installment.

 swtd-431. mes-8.  Previous. Next.

My Message From The FBI, Delivered Via The Radio Waves Picked Up By The Fillings In My Teeth

One night I came into the Valley over Coldwater Canyon, and I heard music. I reached down to turn the radio off, and it wasn't on. The music kept getting louder and louder, and then I realized it was coming from my mouth. I even recognized the tune. My mouth was humming and thumping with the drumbeat, and I thought I was losing my mind. I thought, What the hell is this? Then it started to subside. I got home and went to bed, not sure if I should tell anybody what had happened because they would think I was crazy -- Lucille Ball (8/6/1911 to 4/26/1989) anecdote circa 1942 (attributed, although Snopes says "undetermined").

This is a recounting of events that took place in 2017. I wrote it up and put it away to be completed later. Though I never got around to finishing it. Now the teevee says there has been a second assassination attempt on the life of the horrible ex-predisent. Hearing this news jogged my memory. If you read the story you will discover why.

According to one of my detractors, I am a "Left-wing nutjob who probably claims he gets radio stations off his teeth". Although I think this person meant off the FILLINGS in my teeth. Some people, including Lucille Ball (supposedly), have reported receiving radio transmission via the fillings in their teeth. Although Mythbusters says it's impossible.

So imagine my surprise when it happened to me! I mean, especially given what my detractor wrote about me on his blog. He meant it as an insult; to imply that I'm insane (confirmed in a comment in which he wrote "his writings on his blog... prove he is insane"). But (at the time) I had not made such a claim. It wasn't until after a visit to my dentist to have a tooth repaired that it happened.

I was driving home in my company car (a 2011 Nissan Leaf) when the radio came on by itself. That's odd, I thought, reaching for the knob to turn it off. But it was already off. It was then that I realized that the music was coming from my mouth (like in the Lucille Ball story). Then, as I turned onto the road where I lived, the music stopped and I heard a man speak.

"We're outside the suspect's home right now" the voice (which wasn't my own) said from my mouth. "This is the guy who thinks he will become a true American patriot and save America from another Hitler by assassinating President Trump?" another voice said. "Yeah, that guy" the first voice said in response. "A Dervish Sanders. According to my notes he is a sad, useless person who could be sacrificed for the cause".

WTF?! I thought, slowing my vehicle. As I approached my home I noticed a black van parked across the road. The windows were heavily tinted. The closer I got the louder the voices coming out of my mouth got. Apparently whoever was in the van was responding to possible threats against the president's life made by some drunk who thought it was his duty to his country to kill tRump.

I accelerated past the van and pulled into my driveway. pushing the button on my clicker I parked and exited my vehicle as the garage door closed. What's going on here? What the man in the van was discussing sounded very much like words written by a troll on an internet messageboard I sometimes visit.

Peering out my front window I saw the black van parked across the street from where I live. While I am surely no fan of tRump and believe his election was illegitimate, and that he could be a possible Hitler-like figure (due to his association with the alt-Right), I've certainly never threatened to assassinate him.

Whoever these people were, their information was clearly wrong. Unless this was some kind of prank. Sitting in a bay window of an upstairs bedroom, I peered out the window. The black van remained for many hours as the sun descended in the sky and darkness fell. I had almost fallen asleep when I heard a voice again. Again the voice came from my mouth. A radio transmission picked up by the fillings in my teeth, I presumed.

"Agent Smith, what is the suspect doing?" the voice inquired. "We are monitoring his internet activity and have determined he isn't online" a 2nd voice (Agent Smith?) responded. "An infrared scan of the suspect's home shows that he's been looking out a second story window for several hours now. I think he is aware of our presence".

Hearing that shocked me. They were watching me and knew I was watching them. Did they know I was listening to them? I thought not. That is, until Agent Smith got on his radio and said "we know you're listening Mr. Sanders. Your home is bugged and we can hear our own communications coming from your residence".

"You want to kill President Trump, as$hole?" Agent Smith said (over the radio), an angry tone in his voice. "No, I do not" I replied (a reply I assumed would be picked up by the just mentioned listening devices). "The message board posting you referred to earlier was something posted by an internet troll that goes by the name of Luke Spencer, although he says his name is Luke Smith.

Several minutes passed. "You hear me?" I asked. "Yeah, I hear you Sanders" Agent Smith answered. "You should be investigating Luke Spencer, not me" I exclaimed. "Sure, scumbag" Smith said. "I've read your file. Seems you have an extremely anti-Trump blog. A blog where you claim that President Trump is both the reincarnation of Hitler and the Antichrist. Just the kind of nutjob that needs to be watched, in my opinion".

Peering out my window, I noticed that the headlights on the van came on suddenly, along with the vehicle's engine. Backing out, the van turned around and roared off. Apparently the man in the van decided watching me when I knew they were watching me was pointless.

Given the fact that I didn't want to walk around with radio transmissions coming from my mouth, I called up several dentists the next morning in an attempt to schedule an appointment, but none had any openings. I went into my bathroom with a pair of plyers. "Looks like I'm getting this out of my mouth by myself, then".

The message I received that night was that I was being watched. Or that agents belonging to a government agency had been watching me. I don't know if the surveillance continued after that night. I have no evidence that it did. Whoever the watchers were. The FBI perhaps? Or maybe the Secret Service?

I think it is possible that they might have taken my tip and looked into Luke Spencer (aka Luke Smith) and arrested him. He vanished and hasn't been seen online for several years. It could be because he is currently in prison. Or disappeared to a Black Site.


So now there have been two assassination attempts. This is what the fake prophet Troy Black said God told him would happen. Now that his "prophecy" has come to pass, the mentally ill trumper known as Mystere will likely see it as confirmation his delusions are reality.

Those delusions being that d0n0ld tRump is "God's chosen leader". I'm hearing that republiturds are saying that God is continuing to protect the horrible Orange Turd. Which I say is BS. Why would God protect an evil man like d0n0ld tRump? My mind has not been changed. God has never spoken to Troy Black and never will.

By the way, I have heard that the most current failed tRump assassin is again, a republican. Ryan Routh voted for tRump in 2016. Thomas Crooks was a registered republican. Yet the mentally ill nutter Mystere says that Biden "ordered" the first assassination. No doubt he believes Joe Biden ordered the 2nd one as well.

Violence and killing enemies is what rightturds believe in. As per Mystere, "The jackal and his hyena sidekick will be taken out very soon by God Almighty". Apparently God himself is going to assassinate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Or "take them out". And he doesn't mean remove from office, he means God is going to kill them. You can follow the link and read the rest of the comment.

 swtd-430. mes-7.  Previous. Next.

Zahra Najjar Qadir Returns To The Al-Qarawiyyin Library

Bing Copilot AI: This is the tale you've been waiting for, the one in which Zahra completes her translation of The Secrets Of The Sun Palace (pictured above).

Dervish Sanders: OK. I thought we might be continuing the story that you sidetracked me with previously. I assume we're going to find out at some point in the future what happens to Bijan and Zahid, given that, when that story ended, they were right outside Fes and on their way to the Al-Qarawiyyin Library. Perhaps they are already there when I, Zahra and Ayla arrive?

Bing: Actually, no. Not when you get there, at least. But who knows? You'll have to wait and see. They might show up in this installment, or I might put that off until later. In any case, let me begin this chapter in your ongoing adventures.

Dervish Sanders, Ayla and Zahra dressed and prepped to leave their villa outside of Fes.

"I would like to consult with my former colleague Ehsan about the translation", Zahra exxplained. "He is very familiar with that manuscript I mentioned previously. There is a problem, though. Which is that he obviously won't recognize me".

"I can fix that", Ayla replied. Ayla spoke some arcane words. The sound of tinkling bells could be heard faintly. Sparkling motes filled the air, blown by Ayla from the palm of her hand. The dust swirled about and settled over Zahra's body. Before Dervish's eyes Zahra's appearance shifted from that of a beautiful young woman to that of an elderly one. She appeared as she formerly had before imbibing the youth potion which de-aged her from 80 to 20.

"That is an advanced illusion spell that will fool just about anyone. It is more powerful than a minor illusion, which can be seen though by those who are more intelligent".

Zahra held her wrinkled hands up and starred at them. "I don't feel old, but I sure look it". Glancing in a mirror, Zahra saw a pruney face staring back at her. "Ugh" she shuddered. "Well this should do the trick. I look exactly as I did before". Zahra sighed, disappointment in her voice.

Everyone was ready so the trio departed. Soon they were moving through the streets of Fes, on their way to the Al-Qarawiyyin Library, near the center of the city.

"I spent some time soaking in the Moulay Yacoub Hot Springs", Zahra explained when Ehsan asked what happened to Zahra's cane. Also, he said, her posture was very much improved. That was after, upon first seeing her, a look of utter astonishment crossed his face.

"Administrator al-Qurashiyya was very alarmed in regards to your strange departure", Ehsan explained. "But I was promoted to head librarian. Administrator al-Qurashiyya said upon your recommendation".

Ehsan, a man in his early fifties with graying hair and beard smiled broadly. "I am quite pleased to see you, though I hope you don't want your old position back. You could fill in for me, however. I'd like to travel to the springs. I had no idea they were so regenerative".

"No, I'm not looking to get my job back. I have a new position as researcher for the famed adventurer Dervish Sanders", Zhara explained. Eshan looked impressed. "There he is, with his wife Ayla". Zahra pointed to Dervish and Ayla, seated at a library table a short distance away.

"I will absolutely help with whatever you are researching for Sayid Sanders. And, as librarian emeritus, you are entitled to enter the sections of the library that are off limits to the public".

Ehsan was very eager to meet the famed batal Dervish Sanders. His eyes got even wider when Zahra removed the Secrets of the Sun Place from her satchel.

"This is obviously an ancient and valuable tome!" Ehsan exclaimed. "Where did you acquire it?"

"From a merchant in the Fes Bazaar", Zahra fibbed. "I am willing to gift this to the library if you can help me with the translation". Eshan was very eager to help.

"Here, take it", Zahra said. "As well as these papers. These are notes that contain copies of some passages I'm having some issues with".

Eshan donned a pair of sheepskin gloves, so as to not get any oils on the valuable manuscript. "This gem definitely belongs in the library", Eshan agreed.

Dervish signed an autograph for Eshan and he departed. Though he did inform Zahra that the rest of her belongings were in storage. "I moved into your apartment, and the belongings you left behind were moved to the east storage room. You can retrieve your them at your convenience".

"I'll get right on this translation", he promised, taking the Sun Place tome with him.

"Uhhh", Dervish sighed. "I thought you were almost finished. Now we have to wait on Eshan?"

"Naah", Zahra replied. "I'm pretty sure of my translation. If you want to be sure, we can wait on Eshan. Otherwise I say it is complete".

"I'll go with complete", Dervish replied, relieved. "But if the translation is complete, why are we here?"

"To return library property", Zahra explained. "Also, as per the text of The Secrets of the Sun Palace, locating the Sun Palace within the Agafay Desert is nearly impossible. Unless one possesses the buslat al shams. This is a magical item also known as The Sun Compass.

Dervish looked crestfallen.

"No, I have good news", Zahra announced. "The buslat al shams is here, at the library".

"It is in the storage room with my belongings. I found it in the library long ago. I would have brought it with me had I remembered I had it. Though I didn't know what it was until I began deciphering the Sun Place tome".

A ghostly figure floated toward them. The former librarian Ibn Al-Hasan had an expression of anger on his face. "I am not deceived by your illusion, Zahra" Ibn announced.

The companions, having just entered the library storage room retreated as the specter menacingly advanced. "Why are you angry, Ibn?" Zahra cried. She was quite frightened, given what happened the last time she encountered the ghost of Ibn.

"You stole my youth potion!" Ibn replied.

"That is a false accusation", Dervish stated. "You gave it to me".

"You lie!" Ibn screeched. "That was my most valuable possession. I would never part with it". The phantom continued to advance. "I am however, willing to deal". Ibn retreated, drifting back into the shadows. "Given that a shabab elixir is of no use to someone who is no longer alive".

"And what if we have no interest in your deal?" Ayla asked.

"Well, I've been waiting here, certain that you would return for the buslat al shams. Given that, the last time we interacted, you took the shams al-qaṣr tome. Library property you likely stole. Same as you stole my potions. Clearly you are thieves. I am very disappointed with you, Zhara".

"What do you know of the Sun Compass?" Dervish asked.

The shabah smirked. "I know its location. Which was previously this storage room. It was here, though it no longer is".

"And what deal do you propose to reveal its location?" Ayla inquired.

A chill could be felt in the air. Ibn furrowed his ghostly brow. "My deepest desire is to be freed from the curse that holds me here and be reunited with my loved ones in the afterlife".

"And how might that be accomplished?" Ayla inquired.

"Deep within the bowels of the library there is a scroll that can alter reality itself. This scroll can most assuredly be used to free me".

"And you know the location of this scroll?"

"Yes", Ibn insisted. "My search for this scroll is what led to my death. But even after death I continued searching. And I did, after nearly 100 years, finally locate it. Though, due to my incorporeal existence, I am unable to use it".

Dervish considered what Ibn said. "Doesn't your curse have something to do with The Whispering Stacks?" he asked.

A look of alarm came over Zahra's face. "Beware the Stacks!" she exclaimed. That was library lore. A number of past adventurers had descended into the bowels of the library never to return. Victims of a malevolent entity. It was presumed. Zahra certainly never wanted to encounter the Stacks. Nor did she want Dervish and Ayla confronting them.

"Well, you can retrieve the scroll and bring it back here", Dervish concluded. "After looking it over we will decide if we can help" Dervish continued, calling Ibn's bluff. Dervish suspected the ghost was unable to manipulate physical objects. Therefore the Sun Compass was likely present in the storage room and had not been moved by Ibn.

Ibn seemed panicked. "The Kutub Sharira will prevent me from retrieving the scroll". He decided that lie sounded believable. "Despite being incorporeal, I am able to move physical objects".

"Prove it", Dervish challenged him.

Ibn, visibly enraged, suddenly charged the companions. Zahra shrieked and tried to flee, but Dervish grabbed her arm.

Dervish knew that Ayla was prepared. Quickly she completed casting a spell of protection that repelled Ibn, forcing him to flee. "We are protected for the duration of the spell. Ibn may not approach".

With Ibn gone, Ayla and Dervish and Zahra began searching the room.

"These must contain the rest of your possessions", Dervish remarked, spotting several wood crates.

Zahra described what they were looking for. "The compass is in a small polished teak box with gold hinges". They searched all the boxes, but couldn't find it. "It doesn't appear to be here", Zahra concluded.

"I never said I moved the compass, only that it was in this room but no longer is" a distant disembodied voice whispered. "Please help me", Ibn cried. He reappeared and tried to approach again, but the magical barrier prevented him from doing so.

"You cannot enter the zone of protection", Ayla declared.

"The Library administrator Fihriya al-Qurashiyya has the Sun Compass", Ibn revealed. "She thought that you must have left it behind by mistake and decided to take it to her office for safe keeping. She recognized immediately that it was more valuable than any of the other things Zahra left behind".

"Now, are you going to help me?" Ibn pleaded.

"I don't know", Dervish replied. "The mission sounds far too dangerous. I don't know much about these Whispering Stacks, but apparently they are some kind of malevolent entity that would be angered if we attempted to free you".

"You don't want to confront the stacks!" Zhara agreed.

"There might be some other way we can help free you from your curse", Ayla added.

"Ya Sharmouta! Ayreh Feek, Sanders!" Ibn screeched. "If I see you in this library again you better be here to help me". Then Ibn drifted into the shadows and vanished.

Dervish Sanders: Ibn is obviously super pissed off. If we return to the library in the future, we better be prepared to help him.

Bing: I agree. Anyway, concerning Zahra's belongings, Dervish says he will hire someone to come get them later and transport them to their villa. Then they find the library administrator. Turns out she does have the Sun Compass, which she hands over to Zahra. Although she thought it valuable because it is made of gold. She didn't recognize it as a magical item.

Dervish Sanders: And so ends this installment of my adventures? I think that, if we do encounter Bijan and Zahid shortly, I should task them with collecting Zahra's possessions and transporting them back to my villa. They did say they wanted to be my servants. No way they're going with Ayla and I to the Sun Palace. They are far too inexperienced.

Bing: Sounds like a plan. You might take them on as servants. I agree they'd likely be killed if they tried to tag along with you when you set off for the Sun Palace.

Image: Zahra consults other manuscripts while translating the Sun Tome. Forgetting she no longer needs her glasses, she places them on her face. Glancing at the page the former librarian is briefly confused by the blurry text.

 swtd-429. dsa-13.  Previous. Next.