Purattu paused before climbing the steps into the actual complex and looked back at the small group of Seers.
Rember, the situation could very well be bad, like it was when we arrived on Mannemid. We need to be ready to fight at a monts notice. Nobody get killed, alright? Thats the last thing I need, to have my conscripts dead before I get them back to Sin-Amuhhu.
If theres fighting, follow my orders without question and without hesitation. In my absence, listen to Xerxes or Kashtiliash.
If theres no fighting, well you still need to follow my orders. Well assess the Abhorrent situation, make sure its under control, then conscript the best Seers they have available and nearby before continuing to the next starisle. We have a deadline to get back to Sin-Amuhhu and I want to beat it. Any questions?
There were none.
Xerxes expected Hannemid to be completely exotic to him. In so ways it was. For instance, the climate was different than the city where Xerxes had grown up. Instead of it being dry and dusty, it obviously rained a lot. And when they stepped out, it seed earlier than it should be. The sun was higher in the sky.
The architecture looked more like that in Harborview, except not as decrepit. However, in terms of the fashion, the art, the cut of the stones on the street, and nurous other small details, everything looked similar to Isin.
No massive Abhorrent invasion plagued the city.
In fact, an investigation revealed that, as far as anyone could tell, the Abhorrent hadnt arrived on Hannemid at all. There hadnt been a single attack, nor any unusual teor showers.
Purattu was obviously intent on moving as quickly as possible through the various planets. When they werent traveling, they were eating. When they werent eating, they were sleeping. Whenever they had a spare mont, he forced them to spend it in ditation or rune study. No conversation. No ti for relaxation. He did lead morning prayer on a regular basis, though. After a few such prayers, Xerxes noticed that Purattu never said Pontifarch, which was odd.
Theres no way hes a mber of the One Faith, is there? he thought. There wasnt an opportunity to ask. Nor did Xerxes find a chance to ask Gandash about his opinion, or his thoughts on the whirlwind of events in general. There just wasnt ti.
The constant activity also made it impossible to get to know the other Seers.
They conscripted so mages from the pool available in the city surrounding the Gateway, then left for Jehannemid after only two days. Unlike the Gateway complexes on Mannemid, Humusi, and Hannemid, all of which were surrounded by civilization, the Jehannemid complex was located amidst craggy mountains a good distance away from the nearest city. For Unsighted on horseback, the journey to the capital would have taken days. Moving at the speed of Seers, the trip went much faster.
Once out of the mountains and into civilization, they found that the Abhorrent had arrived even earlier than on Mannemid. However, there were no gigantic high-level juveniles.
Purattu and the Seers provided a bit of help cleaning out so of the remaining Abhorrent. It wasnt a particularly difficult task. There was no spellcasting involved, and Xerxes only used his sword once.
When the work was done, the Head Mage offered to hold a banquet in celebration. Xerxes expected Purattu to decline the offer, but he didnt. During the event, Purattu explained his conscription mission.
We would be honored to send our best and brightest with you, High Mystic Purattu, the Head Mage said.
Good, Purattu said. Before leaving, Id like to check the mage population of your sister city, Puabi.
Er, thats probably not necessary. We here in the capital
Cut the bullshit, Purattu interrupted. I know theres political tension between the capital and Sheik Hatim. Has it escalated into outright war?
Not war per se, but
So it has. You do know who Sheik Hatim is, right?
Of course. Hes the son-in-law of K-Kingallu.
High Archon Kingallu of Sin-Amuhhu. I honestly cant believe you have the guts to openly clash with the family mber of one of the most powerful mages in the Great Reef.
The Head Mage puffed his chest up. We arent clashing with him, Ill have you know. Hes the one who
I dont care, Purattu interrupted. I just want to make sure Im taking the best Seers to Sin-Amuhhu, so Ill be heading over to Puabi tomorrow.
Its on the other side of the continent, so one hundred a fifty leagues away. The roads are winding, and if you go off them
Im a High Mystic, rember?
Right.
Ill leave first thing in the morning and be back before the dinner hour.
That ant that Xerxes and the other off-world mages had an actual free day.
Make the best use of it, Purattu said before disappearing.
What does that an? said one of the mages theyd picked up on Hannemid.
Xerxes grinned. He didnt ntion ditation or study. My guess is he wants us to loosen up a bit.
I dont know Gandash said.
Xerxes shoved his shoulder. Co on, Gandy. Lets just look around. Weve been going nonstop for days now.
I guess it wouldnt hurt.
All of the other mages followed suit.
As Xerxes donned his wide-brimd cap and stepped out into the street, he suddenly found himself thinking about Bel. How long had it been since he dragged her out of the tavern in Kisiga on the fateful day when Gem died? Glancing over, he saw an odd expression on Gandashs face and assud similar thoughts were going through his head. Reaching down, he triple-checked that he had his component pouch, as well as a good knife. As for his sword, it was a bit too bulky to take along for a shopping trip. Besides, the city was well-patrolled by the local guard.
They spent the morning wandering the capital. It had its own characteristic flair, but was similar enough to Mannemid that they didnt feel out of place.
Gandash bought so trinkets at a market. A ring. A letter opener. A piece of coral. Xerxes kept his eyes open for longswords and dolphin jewelry but didnt see any, so in the end, he saved his money.
Lets get sothing to eat, Xerxes said. Im famished.
We have to try so of those saffron falafels. Youve seen the signs, right?
Yeah. Saffron falafels were so sort of specialty in this city. And apparently, saffron was as pricey as it was back ho. Theyre expensive though.
Co on, my treat.
Xerxes gritted his teeth but tried to smile. Its fine, Gandy. Ill pass. Lets save our money for when we get to Sin-Amuhhu.
Hmm fine.
Instead of the saffron falafels, they picked a street at vendor with small tables set up by the side of the road. Just before selecting a table to sit at, Xerxes noticed a familiar face a few tables down.
Oh, hey! he said, rather loudly. Kashtiliash?
The bearded Seer was sitting there with his legs stretched out and his arms crossed. Upon hearing Xerxes greeting, he looked over and gave them a nod.
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