Quest Of Power

Safah Baldar meticulously prepared for her journey to the north, disguising herself as a radiant bride. She embarked on this perilous mission with an entourage befitting her determination - a formidable escort of one hundred battle-hardened soldiers to safeguard her, seven loyal handmaids to attend to her needs, and dozens of gifted savants to offer their counsel and support.



In addition to her retinue, Safah brought a substantial caravan of supplies, symbolizing her unyielding resolve. Among the two thousand bags of precious grains, a thousand hardy female camels, and numerous exotic spices, there was a more significant and weighty treasure - double her own weight in gleaming gold. This golden offering was not merely a symbol of her intent but also a valuable bargaining chip in the treacherous political landscape she was about to enter in her quest for vengeance and the recovery of her lost lands.



Safah's escort resembled that of a noble bride hailing from the prestigious Ta'isha clan, a tradition deeply ingrained in the diverse tapestry of medieval clan culture. Each region had its distinct customs for sending off a bride, reflecting their unique values and priorities.



In the western clans, the essence of a bride was encapsulated in gold. The departure of a bride from her parents' home was marked by an extravagant caravan laden with intricate golden treasures, symbolizing prosperity and opulence.



In the east, grains held great honor as they signified the wealth and abundance associated with the bride's family. Sending off a bride was akin to bestowing a wealth of grains, a gesture of generosity and prosperity.



The northern clans, in stark contrast, placed their focus on aesthetics and superficial beauty. Brides from the north were primarily seen as ornamental figures, with lavish dresses, mirrors, and an emphasis on physical appearance. Little was expected of them beyond being pretty faces.



In the south, where Safah originated, a blending of these diverse customs created a unique and harmonious tapestry of cultures. It was a place where traditions merged, offering a dynamic reflection of the rich diversity that characterized the medieval world, and it was from this intriguing mosaic that Safah embarked on her journey, breaking away from these established norms and forging her own path. Additionally, within the Ta'isha clan, there existed a unique and deeply cherished practice that revolved around the significance of animals, particularly camels and cows. These creatures held a special place in their customs and traditions, symbolizing not only wealth but also strength and resilience. The Ta'isha people placed great value on these animals, and they were often included as a vital part of any bride's entourage, signifying the clan's commitment to nurturing and protecting their cherished herds, which were the lifeblood of their society.



Safah meticulously handpicked every member of her entourage herself, with a particular focus on the selection of her handmaids. These handmaids weren't just entrusted with attending to her needs; they held a multifaceted role that extended beyond the traditional bridal attendants. They were a blend of diverse skills, possessing knowledge of poisons, the art of seduction, and, most importantly, combat prowess. Safah's handmaids were her ultimate protectors, trained to defend her in the face of danger, ensuring her safety at all costs.



The savants in her retinue played a different but equally vital role. Most of them were young boys and girls, many of whom had not yet reached adulthood. They were not mere apprentices but budding spies, skilled in the art of espionage. These young savants were tasked with gathering information, weaving through the intricate web of northern politics, and ensuring that Safah had eyes and ears in every corner, despite their tender age. Among Safah's handmaids, two held a unique and cherished place in her heart - Jasma of House Hamil and Bitti of House Malik. These young women were more than just loyal attendants; they were Safah's childhood friends, a bond that ran deep through noble lineage within the Ta'isha clan.



Jasma, tall and unwavering in her demeanor, possessed eyes that captivated all who beheld them, reminiscent of a peacock's resplendent feathers. Her allure earned her a secret nickname among the boys who referred to her as the "charming flamingo" behind her back. The House Hamil was renowned and held a prestigious position in the clan, and when Safah extended her request for Jasma's service, it was met with not just approval but with the utmost honor and respect from her family.



In striking contrast, Bitti stood as the opposite to Jasma in both appearance and background. Slightly shorter, with a cascade of fiery red hair that spoke of her unique western heritage, she exhibited distinct western features owing to her father's lineage in one of the western clans. However, Bitti's true strength lay in her brilliant mind. Her intelligence was unparalleled, and her knowledge spanned across landscapes, maps, history, and the diverse cultures of countless civilizations. Her diverse insights and remarkable wisdom made her an indispensable asset to Safah's entourage.



Safah found comfort in the company of her trusted friends, Jasma and Bitti, as they shared a carriage on their journey. Together, they engaged in a thoughtful discussion, crafting a strategy to navigate the intricate web of the northern Court. Bitti, being the one with prior experience in traversing this challenging territory, took the lead in providing vital insights.



"In the North, the Ashraf house holds the reins of power, and Lady Nima Ashraf has ascended to the position of Nizar for the northern clan," Bitti explained with a tone of authority. "However, it's worth noting that the Ashraf family isn't as extensive as one might expect. Lady Nima's maternal grandfather serves as the sheikh of the clan, playing a significant role in its leadership."



She continued, her voice carrying a note of intrigue, "There have been whispers and rumors about the late Nizar having a son from another woman, and some suggest that he might have been born out of wedlock. These complexities within the Ashraf family's lineage could prove to be a potential point of contention and intrigue within the northern Court." The trio contemplated the implications of this revelation, aware that their journey was about to lead them into a world of political intrigue.



Bitti nodded in agreement, her expression carrying a sense of pragmatism. "Indeed, as the eligible son of the Ashraf family, unless you secure a marriage alliance with another noble house, he remains the primary contender for the Nizar position," she asserted.



Safah, with a determined look in her eyes, understood the gravity of the situation. "It's a gamble we must be prepared to take," she acknowledged, her voice laced with unwavering resolve. "We can't afford to be distraught over his legitimacy or birth circumstances. I must be ready to marry into the Ashraf family, regardless of whether the heir is legitimate or born out of wedlock. Our goal remains the recovery of our lost lands and the pursuit of justice, and we'll navigate the complexities of the northern Court accordingly."



Bitti nodded, her plan taking shape. "The rest of us will explore marriage alliances with other prominent noble families to garner additional support for your cause," she explained. "This way, we can secure valuable allies who will stand with us in our pursuit, reinforcing our position among the northern clan. Lady Safah, you won't be alone in this journey. We'll ensure you have a network of allies to bolster your efforts." 



Jasma raised a valid concern, her brow furrowing with worry. "They will scrutinize each one of us, and you, my lady, have brought with you dozens of spies," she pointed out.



"Don't worry," she reassured them, "most of them are so young that they won't be considered seasoned spies. They'll pass the scrutiny." They continued to strategize and adapt to the challenges that awaited them in the northern Court. "We must be cautious and clever in our actions. The northern Court is known for its cunning and political maneuvering. We can't afford any missteps."



Jasma voiced her concern, her eyes reflecting her worry. "I understand the need for an army, my lady, but how can you demand one without a signed pact? I'm deeply concerned about the risks involved."



Safah's thoughts turned to the night her father was brutally murdered. In his final moments, he had entrusted her with a signed pact between the Baldar and the Ashraf, a symbol of a bond that transcended words. She clutched the memory of that pact close to her heart, a sealed promises made between the two clans. "We have a sign pact from my father," she revealed, her voice tinged with firmness. "It's a bond that must be honored. With it, we hold a powerful symbol of our alliance and a rightful claim to support from the Ashraf. We'll use it as leverage to secure the army we need." 



The bridal entourage journeyed through the dense woods for five long days, yet they hadn't encountered any significant hindrances, not even the Rezaygat soldiers who had intercepted Safah once before. The absence of such obstacles allowed Safah's mind to wander and reflect on the complex journey she had shared with Bahar, whose fate had become entangled with her own since that fateful day in the woods. As the landscape passed by outside the carriage's windows, Safah couldn't help but remember how Bahar had nursed her back to health before she had inadvertently stabbed him to death in the midst of their finale. His selfless care in tending to her wounds, preventing infection and aiding in her recovery, weighed heavily on her mind. With each mile that brought them closer to the northern Court, Safah's thoughts were a whirlwind of memories and emotions, a stark contrast to the quiet and uneventful passage through the woods.



The North stretched out as a sprawling expanse of lush greenery, marked by vast and prosperous cities that stood as bastions of civilization. Unlike many other regions, unity was a defining characteristic of the North. Here, all the clans had come together under one banner, speaking a common language and sharing a harmonious culture.



Their shared heritage and purpose had created a formidable force, making it easy for them to stand united and emerge victorious in their endeavors. With the largest and most powerful army in the realm, the North held the potential to conquer vast territories at will. Their military might was so substantial that, if they chose to embark on a campaign of conquest, they could march and claim any land they desired, virtually unstoppable by any adversary. The people of the North were a remarkable blend of innovation and resilience, their strength not limited to physical prowess but extending into their keen intellect. Many among them were adept traders and astute commercial farmers, their produce known to reach far-flung lands across the sea through the employment of magnificent ships.



Rumors and legends abounded about their secret deck, a mystical port city that remained elusive to outsiders, with only a true northerner capable of discovering its hidden location. While these tales often carried an air of mystique, Safah had acquired valuable knowledge about these ports, learning that they were coveted trading hubs where people from distant lands ventured for commerce. Her cousin had once presented her with a luxuriously smooth dress crafted from a material known as silk, acquired from these exotic merchants. The North had a deep connection with foreign lands, trades and acquintance. Safah's weariness was evident as she turned to her companions, who had fallen fast asleep. They had been immersed in planning for their journey to the North for nearly a full day and night. Her own fatigue weighed heavily on her, with her body feeling stiff and tired from the prolonged period of inactivity and sleep deprivation.



The carriage finally began to glide more smoothly, which was a rare respite. Safah decided to peer outside, parting the curtain. The sight that met her eyes was of a bustling northern town, with people bustling to and fro. It seemed that they had reached their destination.



With a sense of urgency, Safah called out to a nearby soldier riding alongside the carriage. He swiftly dismounted and bowed before her. 



"My lady," he greeted respectfully.



"Are you familiar with this place?" Safah inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity and expectation.



The soldier, however, shook his head. "No, my lady! Let me inquire and find out," he replied, once again offering a bow before moving to investigate.



Safah decided to take matters into her own hands, instructing, "Locate Captain Rais and bring him to me," before allowing the soldier to depart. With a sense of anticipation, she lowered the curtain and turned her attention back to her slumbering friends, Bitti and Jasma, who were still deep in their dreams. 



Captain Rais, a man of unwavering principles, had been entrusted with the safety and protection of Safah and her entourage during their journey. He also oversaw a group of trained assassins, who were discreetly part of Safah's retinue, ready to carry out covert actions when needed. These skilled assassins were her insurance for dealing with matters in the Ashraf Court without getting her own hands dirty.



Captain Rais's loyalty was beyond question. He had previously served as Safah's father's guard for two years before undergoing assassin training. When Safah required trustworthy and capable individuals, she immediately thought of him and pulled him from the training camp to assist in her mission.



As the journey continued, Captain Rais knocked on the carriage door, and Safah invited him in. He explained their proximity to Saba, a significant northern city they were approaching.



"We've been riding for quite some time, and we are all exhausted," Safah pointed out, gesturing to her sleeping companions, Bitti and Jasma, who were clearly weary.



Captain Rais, however, expressed concern about losing the element of surprise by resting too early. Safah, though understanding the need for secrecy, was also keen on ensuring her companions' well-being.



She made a decision. "Find us a suitable place where we can rest. You can rent a house for me and my ladies while the rest of your men and our entourage continue the journey. We can complete the final stretch of our journey with fewer resources."



Captain Rais hesitated, concerned for their safety, but Safah reminded him of their location in the North, where Rezaygat's influence was minimal.



"We're in the North, Captain. The Rezaygat have no power to attack a bride here," she asserted.



Reluctantly, Captain Rais complied with her instructions. They soon arrived at a stately manor, and Safah and her ladies were warmly received by the lord and lady of the house, members of the Hara family. The Haras held a prominent position in the North, controlling the vital trading route between the southern and eastern regions. Their wealth and influence, along with their noble title, made them essential figures in the political landscape of the North.



Lord and Lady Hara welcomed Safah and her ladies with a generosity that matched their stature. Warm baths and inviting beds were offered, and half of the soldiers who accompanied them were also provided with food and a place to rest. Captain Rais, however, remained dutifully by Safah's side, a sentinel of unwavering vigilance. He stood outside her door as she bathed and positioned himself discreetly behind her at the dining table, where they were served an array of exotic northern delicacies. 



One of Safah's ladies meticulously ensured and tasted her food first, even though Safah was quite capable of detecting poison herself. Such protocols were the norm among nobility, where suspicions of poison were not unfounded.



Lady Hara, reflecting on Safah's presence in the North, expressed her thoughts. "A Ta'isha bride up here in the North," she mused, her statement carrying a hint of curiosity.



Safah responded with a smile, her tone conversational. "The North and Ta'isha have had a long-standing friendship. Such alliances should not come as a surprise. My aunt, too, was once brought to the North as part of an alliance."



Lady Hara seemed taken aback. "It does surprise me. In the North, we nobles are closely connected, and news of marriage alliances between the North and the South usually reaches my ears."



Bitti, with her characteristic subtlety, chimed in with an explanation. "Well, my lady, the pact was signed months ago, nearly a full season ago. Perhaps that's why it might have escaped your attention."



Lady Hara's expression softened as understanding dawned. "I see. Time has a way of making the present outshine the past. I apologize for my assumption."



Later, as they retired to their chambers within Lord and Lady Hara's welcoming manor, a hushed but stern conversation unfolded between Jasma and Bitti.



"Why would you say such a thing, Bitti? We are here to forge connections, not sabotage them," Jasma accused, her voice carrying a note of reproach.



Bitti defended her stance passionately. "I can't stand idly by when Lady Hara seemed to insult Safah."



Safah, who had been listening to their discussion, intervened with a calming tone. "She wasn't trying to insult me, Jasma. She was merely seeking information about the noble family to whom I am betrothed. It's a customary inquiry in these matters, and I'm here to maintain and strengthen our alliances, not let misunderstandings create rifts."



Understanding Safah's perspective, Jasma sighed and relented. "You're right, Safah. Let's put this matter to rest for now and get some sleep before Captain Rais prods us back on the road." The night enveloped them, and the chambers provided by Lord and Lady Hara offered respite from the fatigue of their journey. As they lay in their beds, thoughts turned to the complexity of their mission, where alliances needed to be nurtured and suspicions needed to be quelled.



Safah's words resonated with Bitti and Jasma as they considered the importance of their task. They had to remain steadfast in their commitment to forge new alliances and strengthen existing ones, even in the face of potential misunderstandings. With the promise of a fresh start in the morning, the trio closed their eyes and drifted into a well-deserved slumber, knowing that Captain Rais would ensure they continued their journey with the dawn, taking them one step closer to the heart of the northern Court.