Recent content by Rasoul Ibn Shahin

"No, and nor should you ever. I trust that you shall keep that in mind going forward," the Sultan stated sharply. He was less insulted by the nature of the merchant's comments and rather the audacity. A merchant this well-connected would know everything about Rasoul and his proclivities at this...

Casual words and easy smiles, Rasoul was very much dealing with a merchant. The Sultan took a moment to study the person across from him. They couldn't have appeared any more different, Ahmir's bright clothing contrasting heavily with Rasoul's sandy-browns. A person's attire could say much about...

"And the shipment of marble?" "It has arrived without incident, Your Highness." The Sultan was glad to hear that the High Priest had kept to his end of the agreement. It was a matter of no small importance and weighed heavily on Rasoul's mind these last days. Restoration of Seluca to its...

He considered the High Priest's words before finally nodding in agreement. "You are right. The virtue of our endeavor shall act as a beacon to the faithful. Even so, I hope you will continue to spread the word of our city's revival." His final words were not a plea but rather a statement. He...

"There always is," replied Rasoul with a knowing smile. A sword that one could truly trust was invaluable for a man in his position. He was no great warrior or clever mage. A simple knife in the dark was all it took while he was sleeping. The Sultan very much had to entrust himself to the system...

"I will see that word is sent to our people. This matter must be handled swiftly." The Sultan placed significant emphasis on the last word. Rasoul had remained passive during the earlier meeting with his advisors; concerned but not panicked. He managed to hide his anxiety well until this moment...

The Sultan unconsciously leaned forward in anticipation of the vizier's request and then sighed moments later. "You're no fun." He did not see Sinuhe's request as trivial in the slightest, but did feel a small sense of disappointment. The offer was very much congruent with what Rasoul knew of...

"The desert is oft a harsh and unforgiving place but it is said that an oasis appears to those who are worthy. You and your stalwart warriors have certainly proven as much." Rasoul had been personally saved by Ishi a number of times since she had come into his service. The Royal Guard was still...

"Let us hope it is not too long." For both of their sake. He left the latter part unsaid. The trust of the people also meant the protection of the people. Those that guarded him, those that cooked his food, even those that dressed him; they were people of Seluca. Caution to the point of paranoia...

"Good." A satisfied nod followed. Rasoul could see the resolve in his vizier's eyes. "Better that their boundless avarice leads to ruin." It would have been far too difficult to track them down. Some grudges were simply too expensive to pursue. It appeared that the Sultan would be able to avoid...

"True enough," replied the Sultan with a knowing smile. Simply put, it would not do Masud any good to get on the wrong side of Seluca's ruler. Rasoul respected the value of an equitable relationship but certain situations required leverage. It just so happened that in this case there was no need...

Rasoul anticipated the response and still reconciliation was not easily had. The instability of area had its consequences. Many simply perished in the chaos of territorial battles or to banditry, even hunger. Seluca had once been a place for the hopeful to seek refuge but not in recent years...

The Sultan opened his mouth as if to say something and then closed it slowly. He nearly wished that the Djinn simply speak plainly. Rasoul did enjoy their discussions but the spymaster epitomized the concept of misdirection. A game often played in the machinations of normal beings but the Djinn...

The Sultan made no remark of the First Blade's axiom but it rang true to his own beliefs. Yet he did not always have the luxury of judging with his own senses. Rasoul was only one man and while the Six had granted him much, infinite time was not among their boons. Therefore it was necessary to...

The vizier's words were bolstered by the bastion of reason and that gave the Sultan pause. Since hearing of Basri's treachery, Rasoul had already made his decision. Still, he could not argue against the merits of Sinuhe's proposition. No doubt much trouble would be saved if they purged the...