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 message that says the citizen of the coastal village of Oualidia 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, saying that the people of Oualidia are desperate. A number of townsfolk had been found slain, there 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 Oualidia" Dervish remarked. In order to travel faster he suggested they buy some horses. I know someone. We could get there in 3 to 4 days with fast horses.
"Or we could teleport", Ayla proposed. 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 Dreamweaver's labyrinth has multiple access points" Ayla revealed. "One is in Marrakech, another is much closer".
"A magic travel mirror, huh?" "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 breasts.
The morning was crisp and cool, the sun having just risen. "So, where are we going?" Dervish inquired. "To see the carpet merchant, Hasan, of course". Dervish considered what Ayla told him. The last time he had encountered Hasan was in the Marrakech bazzar. Some 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 confessed. "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 see" Hasan replied. "You wish to utilize the alternate enterance". 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.
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