“This is my true home, stubborn warrior,” said Rayshabu, running a loving hand along the kid leather surface of her couch. “I was born a noblewoman of Bahteel. My family founded the great city. My father has the ear of the king. You are welcome to stay as my guest.” A servant offered dainty strips … Read more
Rayshabu led Sabit through the narrow streets of Ghabar toward the northern gate. The streets were filled with people hurrying about their business—delicate bundles balanced upon heads and sloshing amphorae strapped to the flanks of donkeys. Every face was familiar to Sabit. She had passed each of them on the streets of the true Ghabar … Read more
Sabit looked from the bloody, broken body of Kehnan into the dark, beautiful eyes of Rayshabu. “This is another trick. You offer me the blood of this shadow monster in return for my name. I see your trickery, witch!” Sabit pulled her spear from Kehnan’s throat, its tip dyed red. She brought the iron point … Read more
Content warning: Graphic violence A scream of rage erupted from deep inside Sabit’s gut, filling the courtyard. She grabbed a spear from one of the bandits. The surface of its shaft was worn smooth in all the places Sabit’s own spear shaft had been. Her own iron spear tip was mounted on top of a shaft … Read more
“You are dead, Nerit.” Sabit trembled as she looked at the rows of eager bandit faces. “Kehnan killed you. He killed all of you. Just to hurt me.” Rayshabu laid a hand on Sabit’s shoulder, the skin warm and soft against her own. “This man may have died in the other world, but he lives … Read more
“I offer guidance, proud warrior. I ask your name only that we might be friends. I am Rayshabu. What may I call you?” The woman’s voice was warm and full of kindness. Her smile offered comfort. Sabit recalled that comfort in another place. Recalled the soothing touch of a poultice spread upon a burning shoulder. … Read more
The warm caress of sunlight on her shoulder woke Sabit from slumber. The bed she lay upon was soft. No chains encircled her wrists. The A fountain burbled nearby. The scent of springtime jasmine filled the air. Rising from her couch, Sabit took in her surroundings. She lay in a lush garden of vibrant blooms … Read more
Sabit couldn’t stop herself from trembling as the slave merchant loomed over her. She had felt fear before, of course. Storms would ravage her homeland every summer. As a girl, Sabit would crawl under the sacks of grain in the storehouse to hide from the from the rolls of thunder that seemed powerful enough to … Read more
Sabit glared at Heguir with hatred smoldering n her eyes. “I was going to let you live. But now you are a walking dead man.” “That is powerful talk for the woman chained to the wall,” Heguir said. He loomed over Sabit just out of the reach of any kick she might throw. “You are … Read more
Sabit struggled to wake from the pack of terrors that piled upon her like wild dogs in her slumber. Her head pounded. Her throat burned. Cold metal weighed on her wrists. Forcing open her eyes, Sabit slowly focused on the dimly-lit roof far above. Distant sunlight smeared across the ceiling of rough stucco. She lay … Read more