Power and Steel (Nachthexe x Headwrapper)

[Nachthexe]

With the damage done and any means of easy transportation destroyed, heading immediately towards the capital was now little more than a hopeful fantasy. What were they to do? Journey on foot, inevitably delaying their journey further? Ismet realized that his companion was right. They would have to commute to the next town and hope, plea that they had horses available. This poor village they now found themselves in, well, they had their work on rebuilding cut out for them.

At least the stablemaster would not have to go about his work alone, though.

Ismet nodded at Kasim's suggestion. The least they could do for the man was giving his animals a proper burial in a tow ravaged by so much destruction already. Besides, it was growing far too late into the day to travel anywhere at all. They would have to derive a new plan, one that did not involve getting trapped into the path of dangerous beasts or perhaps the Safavid enemy that was restless at the border. Just what options did they have? Maybe that was something to discuss after nightfall over dinner.

The work around the stables was carried out with much effort, leaving Ismet exhausted by the time it was all over. The call to prayer came as a relief to the man as it blared across the village, thus forcing everyone away from their laborious tasks for the night.

It was upon finishing up his prayers that Ismet opted to join the stablemaster and his family in their home. He thanked the man and his family sincerely, particularly for their hospitality. It was once dinner, a rather late one, was served that his attention turned back towards his unlikely companion from the day's events. "We are obviously stuck up here until at least the morning, but we need a plan." He began.

It was between bites of his food that Ismet thought about the situation they were in and everything that could possibly go wrong. They were caught between a rock and a hard place, he realized. Each route came with its own set of risks with so much unrest occurring across the empire, but maybe some were simply easier than others.

"The monsters are restless recently. Perhaps they know how vulnerable we really are right now." Ismet explained, "I do not mean the Persians either, but they of course are another form of threat we may have to contend with. They have spies everywhere, according to a reliable source of mine." Monsters. Spies. Nowhere was safe, according to Javad. Oh no. Was Javad himself one of the spies he spoke of? No, he did not want to think about that, especially if the man eventually came around and opted to be useful. Maybe even now he could have been useful, particularly if they found themselves having to traverse through hostile territory.

[Headwrapper]

Kasim listened to Ismet's words carefully, mulling over the imminent risks of their journey. It was true, that there was a good possibility to run into more monsters on their way back to the capital, especially if they had to make the journey on foot. More time spent on the road only drew more risk. The same was true about the risk of spies, a constant threat that Kasim was already accustomed to, especially closer to the capital.

"We'll find more horses at the next town," Kasim said. "If we can make the journey on foot, then we'll be in the clear. I rode all the way here from the capital, after all. No reason to expect the journey back to be any more difficult, especially with two travelers now." He stifled a yawn before drawing his feet underneath of him, where he sat on the floor. "If today was any indication, I think we are well-suited to handle another monster situation if it came to it. Spies on the other hand... Well, we'll sleep with one eye open, won't we?"



They set out for the next town the following morning, just in time for the morning sun to illuminate their way. After the travelers made their way to the edge of the town, Kasim squinted in the direction of their heading, adjusting the straps of his bags and weapons to ensure they were secured. The weight was annoying, and he would much prefer being able to unload the burden on a horse or a mule, but that was not an option for the time being. At the very least, he was able to arrange his cargo in a way that he could release one strap and quickly drop the entirety of his bags, his bow, quiver, and sword excluded. A handy trick in the case of an ambush. A white cloth shielded his head and face from the sun that would rise above them in a few hours time, and prevented dust and sand from agitating his sinuses.

Finally, Kasim whispered a request for a safe journey under his breath, indicating to Ismet that it was time to depart.

The beginning of their journey was silent, for a while. Neither traveler were the type to waste their words and both of them were focused on their duties. Still, Kasim could not help but feel that it was in his best interest to increase their companionship, if they were going to be traveling together for a while. He pulled the white cloth away from his head, letting him get a good look at Ismet. "Tell me, how does one become a renowned monster hunter?"



Several days passed when they arrived at Constantinople, seated atop new horses. It was the second pair they had gone through, and the beasts were lathered with foamy sweat. Kasim lead the way to the palace, through the busy streets. Even in such a crowded town, two ragged travelers on equally exhausted horses earned enough glances to be noticeable. When they reached the gate, Kasim announced himself, and the guards let them in. Only when they reached the front courtyards did Kasim finally drop from his mount and hand it off to a nearby stable hand, and he indicated for Ismet to do the same.

"Welcome," Kasim said lightheartedly, leading the way into the palace.

[Nachthexe]

Much to Ismet's comfort Kasim seemed to listen intently as he explained the situation. Their journey, particularly now that they were on foot, would not be an easy one. The empire itself was a volatile powderkeg just waiting to explode. All it needed was that final spark to trigger it. Would he or his new companion be the one to send out that one final spark? He did not care to find out; thus caution was paramount.

"Whatever we face we can confront it as it comes toward us. I have experience with these things." Ismet assured his new companion confidently. Surely he could, right? Deep down he knew the truth was not so simple. Unease quickly overcame him, even if he did not express it openly to this man. Suddenly he simply wanted to be back safely in his quarters, undergoing further study or even building upon his own spiritual advancement. It was said that the most powerful magic channelled from those deeply attuned to the divine. Maybe that was what he needed right now. Maybe it was what they both needed right now if they hoped to make this journey safely.

Still feeling rather unsettled from the events of the day prior, Ismet awoke the following morning feeling restless. He spoke little at all as he and his companion readied themselves for the journey ahead. It was after prayer, breakfast, and proper farewells that they had begun on their way.

Yet mostly silence remained.

It was a silence almost as unsettling as Ismet's own worries that Kasim finally broke. The man asked questions, ones that had up until this moment been shrouded in mystery. Who exactly was he? An enigma that his companion was yet to crack. He realized it and reciprocated his gaze, leaving his icy blue gaze fixated on him. "I do what I must to survive." He said with a shrug.

"The sultan realized potential in me from an early age. Next thing I knew I was being whisked away to his court." Ismet explained, "I was taken away from everything I knew and had to become a new person. That changes you." He turned his focus towards the path ahead of him. His glance settled on a small rock. A small rock, about as insignificant as he was in the universe perhaps. It was a reminder, a humbling reminder. Maybe he was not destined for some glorious fate was was merely another tool? Maybe he would simply never know. The most he could do was continue forward. Perhaps this man even shared a background similar to his own, being of the loyal servants.

Images of Ismet's family, his true family, popped into his head before abruptly disappearing. They found themselves replaced by far more fierce images: the belly of the beast itself. There it had been sink or swim: either adopt the ways of the sultan or perish. "Not just anyone can confront a monster and come out alive. It requires a special skillset, one I happened to possess." He finally admitted as his glance met the face of his companion once more. "What about you? Instinct tells me that you're not a simple errand boy."

Many mysteries and uncertainties remained even days into the journey, one that Ismet was almost relieved was coming to an end. He sighed in relief as he took in the familiar sights and sounds of the city he had come to know all too well. He smiled and greeted curious passersby, namely wandering children, as he traversed towards the palace grounds atop hard earned horseback. It was finally upon arrival that he lowered his guard at last, knowing full well that he was secure within the mighty structure's enclosed walls.

Ismet smiled as he ushered for his companion to follow. He yanked on the reins of his horse and began to escort her, a strong healthy mare, towards the stables. "I suppose this is it then. I can finally find out why I was summoned all the way back here. I've been away for quite some time." He mused as his companion soon took the lead, determined to lead them both inside.

[Headwrapper]

It took a long time for the two travelers to finally make audience with the sultan and the sultana, both of whom had been attending to other matters. The other servants were outwardly critical about both Ismet and Kasim's rugged appearances and the accompanying odors they had accumulated during their travel. So, they were made to bath and put on fresh clothes before making an appearance before the leaders of the caliphate.

Kasim found the change to be very agreeable, happy to scrub off the dirt he had accumulated in his travels and to return back to the clean and simple robes he had grown accustomed to during his service at the palace. His robes were red and white, and lacked any sort of luxurious decorations such as fur or silk. Unlike many others at court, Kasim stayed away from large and showy headwear, and opted for a simple white cap that stayed close to the top of his head. As he began making his way back to the sultan's chambers, one of the servants stopped him. He turned up his nose at Kasim, before rubbing a thick, perfumed oil onto his wrists and neck. Only then did the servant nod and usher Kasim forward.

So picky, Kasim thought. He was accustomed to the common practices of at court, but he had assumed there to be some leeway after having made such a long journey.

When he found Ismet, they entered the sultan's chambers together. They found the sultan and the sultana there and exchanged greetings. Then, to Kasim's surprise, the sultan raised a hand to dismiss all of the guards and servants. The sultan looked towards his wife, Kasim's admired master, communicating to her without using any words. She raised her chin defiantly, communicating back just as silently. That settled the matter then, and both Kasim and Ismet found themselves alone with the two leaders.

"I have returned with Ismet, as you have requested," Kasim announced.

"You took much longer than expected," the sultan said with an accusing tone. The sultana shifted slightly, clearly holding back the urge to speak. She must have been interested in Kasim's explanation, also.

"We had a setback," Kasim explained. "I sent a letter ahead of us. There was a monster attack the same day I was able to locate Ismet. It destroyed the stable that my horses were kept in, so we had to make much of the journey on foot before I could replace the horses."

"It is just as you have described in your letters," the sultana said. She appeared satisfied with Kasim's explanation. "We had heard of the monster attack and received requests for aid from there."

A groan rumbled in the sultan's throat. "Yes, yes. Fine. We have more important matters to discuss. Matters that won't concern you Kasim, so thank you. You are dismissed."

The sultana was quick to interject. "Wait, Kasim," she commanded, before turning to the sultan. She muttered something to him, quietly, so that the others would not hear." The sultan's jaw tensed before addressing the servants again. "Fine. You may stay, Kasim. But know this, if anything discussed here today is revealed to anybody outside of this room, you will both be executed."