Private Tales Might Makes Rite

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

The sultan and his retinue moved through the streets with little fuss or funfare. Rasoul considered this to be a welcome change. His early days were filled with either adulation or vitriol. He took the general indifference as a sign that his rule was becoming normalized. The sultan preferred slightly more deferrence but that would come in time. Many of his policies had still yet to take fruit. Patience would prove critical if Rasoul wished to maintain stability. He was content in knowing that his people were not openly after his life. The knife in the dark, however, could not be discounted.

Rasoul had brought only a small guard with him as the temple was close to his palace. Normally he could have just summoned a priest but his faith dictated otherwise. He regretted the lack of time he was able to devote to the Pantheon and their servants. The sultan wished to prioritize the restoration of the holy places but resources were limited. Rasoul was still dealing with the consequences of widespread embezzlement he inherited. Retrieving what assets had not already been spent would take time.

His people wished to see their temples restored but even they would not work for free. This served as the impetus for his visit to the Great Temple. It stood large above all other structures in Seluca. Resplendent, even after it had been sacked and pillaged. All the Pantheon was worshiped here but its dedication to Annuk in particular was apparent.

A pair of minor priests greeted him at the temple's doors and ushered the sultan inside. Rasoul was quickly guided to the heart of the temple and the marred, but glorious statue of Annuk.

"The Six shine upon you, Kahin Akramun," the sultan said with a bowed head.

Nahib Akramun

 

[Nahib Akramun]

Better for the sultan to approach him, for the first meeting on a matter had a way of establishing the bar for dealings to follow. Nahib was content to start them off on strong footing, and if the sultan's formality of visiting him was meant to put him at ease, it was successful. Nahib was quite comfortable on the day of his arrival.

Though relaxed, the ambitious priest remained focused on the meeting ahead. It was one to the benefit of the great gods of Amol-Kalit, and their worship which Nahib administrated. A boon for him, and it was boon he could simply not reject, for the state of the temples had been an issue plaguing him for some time. Beyond financing, the sultan provided a benefit that Nahib could not pursue unaided. Access to artisans worthy of restoring such holy works was limited, but royalty had the greatest of them in their pocket.

Denying such a generous offer was no option. To allow the temple's continued dilapidation in spite of it would earn him little approval, from either the priests or peasantry. And they would discover it, for it was dirt that determined political opponents were certain to find. Snubbing the sultan would earn no favours with him, either. Strategically, to do anything beyond accept was bound to become a blunder.

While had wealth, what liquid wealth he had available was at a premium. Much had been reinvested in bribes and loans, and could not be freely spent without forfeiting the power such endeavours helped him maintain. Further, was it not his reward to have, as the glue holding their society together? Wealth and status was his by right. If the peasantry had usefulness, then they would have a reward. But they did not, and their undying devotion to his word constituted part of his reward. One Nahib also reinvested in endeavours to maintain his hold on political power.

Nahib would accept, but he would do so on the most favourable grounds possible. Aid was never free, and he would be in the sultan's debt. That much was so sure enough as to be a safely held assumption. To minimize the costs, and to pay them in a means Nahib most found favourable was the priority of the day. The continued prosperity of the priesthood was paramount. Kingdoms and dynasties may rise and fall, but the religion and priests of The Six would always remain.

The Sultan could have his name in history and his law over the land. Nahib wanted power, and would pursue it with every deal he made.

“And may their blessings and prosperity be upon you, your highness. It is a fine honour upon us, to have you visit and grace us so.” Nahib said, his diplomatic words well practised and carefully conditioned.

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

"I admit great shame in not being able to visit sooner," admitted the Sultan. Words easily spoken but not entirely untrue. Rasoul's faith in the Six was not a facade. "Know that the Six and their servants are ever on my mind."

The Sultan's belief did not make him blind to the machinations and ambitions of the Temple. Priests may have been holy figures but they were still men. They were susceptible to the same desires of any other mortal. Religion could be a very powerful political tool if wielded effectively. The High Priest's preeminence within Seluca was testament to this fact. There were none who did not know the man's name and few who did not heed his word. One could convincingly argue that Nahib was just as influential as the Sultan, possibly even more so.

Rasoul knew that the stability and prosperity of Seluca depended on maintaining an amicable relationship with the High Priest. He suspected that this was not an easy task. Concede too much and the Sultan may find that his throne has no weight; too little and Nahib could turn the people against Rasoul. It was among the most dangerous of endeavors and yet Rasoul was not afraid. Rather, something more primal in him relished the inherent risks.

"As you may have guessed, I've come to discuss the restoration of our most sacred sites. This great temple among them," he began to explain. "I know much was stolen during the reign of the tyrant." Rasoul knew that the invaders had not been the only culprits. No, a portion of any funds given to the Temple were likely diverted. He could not say with complete certainty whether the High Priest was involved but power did not come cheap. Better the devil that you know.

"Now that we have achieved a measure of stability, more resources have become available. I would like to assist in the rebuilding of our holy places. My belief is that we should first focus on this temple. I wished to consult you on this matter. Annuk stands preeminent among the Six but I do not want to unintentionally cause offense to the other Five." The Sultan had avoided any mention of exactly what he was willing to contribute. First they would start with the more mundane details before the true negotiation started.

Nahib Akramun

 

[Nahib Akramun]

The Sultan was as diplomatic as he, speaking his response with likewise sweetened words. Truly a devout man, and for the best that he was. Nahib was as devout as any, and carried no doubt in the grace of The Six, nor of the need to revere them through ceremony and worship. He was organizer of it all, and never ceased to do so with the diligence expected of his position. To do so was his responsibility, but the influence gained in doing so was his privilege.

They shared the same goals, but surely different ambitions. Nahib was no fool, he knew he needed the Sultan, and the Sultan was surely aware likewise. How this arranged worked was a matter for interpretation, and the resulting conflict cause for social strategy. Nahib would happily relegate the Sultan to a ceremonial position without power, were he able. There was no doubt the Sultan regarded him likewise.

But much like the Sultan, he too saw the need for a strengthened city, and saw the strength found in unity. There was no benefit in a conflict that could cause the city's collapse. Nahib had no interest in ruling over the resulting rubble. If Sultan Rasoul was such a madman, then Nahib would need to act against him. Hungry as he might be for power, Nahib would not dare see Seluca weakened in it's pursuit.

“Yes, and relentless were they. A wonder we managed to save what we could from plundering hands.” Nahib answered, and the statement was true, but not entirely. He needed no suspicion, and his claims of such efforts were useful deflection towards that. He had taken some wealth from the temples, yes, but Nahib stole nothing. He merely safeguarded it, and to this day the gold was still sitting safely in his coffers.

The sultan continued, and did not offer much in the way of specifics. Namely, the price he was willing to pay for the needed restoration. No one worth their gold let such information go so freely. The topic would come up, once the Sultan had confidence his assessment was accurate enough to ascertain it. Nahib's task then, was to see this figure inflated, but carefully enough that it was without the Sultan's awareness.

“And we are most grateful for such aid, your highness. To see our temples restored shall please the Six and bring blessings upon us, and they have long been in need. But I agree. Annuk sits highest among all, and His temple ought be the first restored. Yet your concern is most wise, we need not neglect the other temples lest the gods cease their smiles upon us.” Nahib concluded. To serve Annuk first was the best way to go about the task, though Nahib served The Six in their entirety. To deny the others would not just be sacrilege, it would stem the flow of money. Nahib hardly wanted that.

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

"I am glad to know we are of the same mind," responded the Sultan. The High Priest had frustratingly given nothing up in his words. Rasoul however did not sense that the other man was attempting to mislead him. They were both men of faith, and the Sultan trusted in that connection. To a certain extent. It was rather a rare occurrence in the standard political landscape. This was not the Reach, nor the Wilds, nor even the Steppes. This was Amol-Kalit. The desert. A harshness which could not be survived without the blessings of the Six.

Rasoul stepped towards an intricately carved outcropping, hand running over smooth stone. There were nicks and mars where steel had clearly attempted to defile the sacred carving. Anger swelled in the Sultan, and he let it show for but a brief moment. He took a step back and then continued to walk along with the High Priest.

"My hope is that our work on this most holy of places will inspire others, both within Seluca and without," he began to explain. "I cannot imagine the faithful will sit idly by, especially those who have benefited from Munnun's favor. Surely with their contributions we can see the other temples restored in quick succession." Rasoul was clearly referring to those wealthy individuals who had enriched themselves during this turbulent time. The regular had already given much, though the Sultan expected they would still give more. Rasoul's tone was hardly threatening but both men knew that Nahib was well-acquainted with Seluca's elite, even those beyond the city's borders.

The Sultan, crossing his hands behind his back, looked to the domed ceiling of the Great Temple. "The ancient scholar Kheylna said 'A ruler should seek to be as of the desert. Only should he take after he has provided.' Thus Your Eminence, what is required to see this holy edifice restored to its proper glory?"

Nahib Akramun

 

[Nahib Akramun]

The temples themselves were far from an afterthought, and the High Priest Nahib was jubilant that they'd be returned to their former glory. He was simply further pragmatic and opportunistic. The temples may be in his care, but it would be the Sultan who would reap the reward of popularity among the people for restoring them. Nahib would not deny it, but he was further reluctant to pay more than the amount required to solidify his devotion to the Divine. The temples would be restored no matter whose purse the coin came from, and Nahib naturally felt it better for that to be the Rasoul's.

Every deal was a play to be made, and one that went foul was a threat to Nahib's position. Whether because it offends the Sultan for its greed, or because it upsets the clergy beneath him for lack thereof.

“A hope we both share in, your. Highness. It pains me to see such holy sites left in such ruined state, at the hands of heathens.” Nahib replied, turning the matter back upon him with his hopes that the faithful would offer further financial support. Too much however, he would have a new problem from the irritated nobles tithed.

Regardless, donations would need to be secured, and the greatest amounts could be procured from the merchant class. Which, also happened to be a more difficult subset of society to swindle. They had been so ever since they'd caught priest Hasut's embezzlement, a sloppy affair committed at a time before Nahib held his position. Getting rid of Hasut had been the first favour Nahib granted, but while relations were restored, the merchants remained wise. Donations were doled out directly to a treasurer who managed it and oversaw the spending. Which meant watchful eyes made misappropriating it all but impossible.

But they would donate.

“I am sure they shall. Their faith is strong your Highness, so much so that they have set up their own organization to fund holy works.” Nahib replied. Even poor news could be helpful – it was all a matter of how it was spun.

Now came the next question, an estimate of costs. Nahib desired as much as he could, but it would need to be an honest estimate, more or less. Rasoul would surely have him justify the figure given, as money of such quantity was not typically spent without care.

“We will need artisans, and only the best would suit The Six. They shall be the bottleneck in the efforts, for they cannot be rushed. We require workers, and a great many. As well as materials and transport, we will require white marble and the best source is a mine upriver. I am sure they too, shall be generous in the deal they cut with us, for a purpose so holy.” He began to explain in earnest, laying out clear the requirements to see the temples truly restored. Cost varied on how much the Sultan was willing to spend, as large contiguous blocks of marble were expensive and difficult to transport. Nothing smaller than twice the height of a person was suitable for their depictions, and for a great temple Nahib preferred it to be four times that height, at least. The Six deserved grandiose depiction, and what were the temples for if not to bring the populace closer to the gods?

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

Rasoul took a moment to consider the high priest's minor revelation. This was the first the sultan had heard of this holy fund. He suspected the offhand manner in which mentioned reflected Nahib's confidence in its value. Faith in the Six did run strong in Seluca and so Rasoul did not wish to completely dismiss the prospective of this charitable endeavor. He would ask Sinuhe to look in this matter more closely. The Sultan worried this may not just be a wasteful show but possibly something more nefarious.

The sultan anticipated what would be required but it still hurt to hear it from another. This would be an extremely expensive project even by conservative estimates. Number and figures tumbled through the sultan's mind, bringing even greater anxiety. Various solutions were considered beforehand but a decision had not yet been made.

He figured it best to approach each facet separately.

"Do you believe Seluca currently possesses the requisite talents?" asked the Sultan genuinely. Many had fled during the reign of the tyrant and were only just beginning to return to the city. There was also a distinct difference between a normal sculptor and those who sought to recreate the image of the Six. Rasoul agreed with Nahib on this, only the best would suffice. He suspected the high priest's connections throughout Amol-Kalit would prove useful in this endeavor.

"Labor should not be an issue," added Rasoul after a few moments. The problem would be paying them, but that was the sultan's burden. There were many able individuals in the city who had a desire to work. Those who wished for an opportunity, a purpose; one that was not forced upon them. More people flocked to the city with each passing day. The faithful especially would welcome the chance to contribute to their Gods' glory. "Before we get to the matter of the marble itself, we must ensure that it can be safely brought within our walls."

A purposeful pause sat between the two. "I was hoping that the Temple's holy warriors could provide protection for these sacred materials." Rasoul had offered to bear the cost of labor, how would the high priest answer in return. The sultan asked for much, but such had always been his way.

Nahib Akramun

 

[Nahib Akramun]

Rasoul appeared to contemplate the information Nahib had revealed, and though the priest remained outwardly stoic, he was inwardly pleased. The sultan was surely not so naïve as to take him at his word, but he could only dig so far into matters. Either he would take a brief look into matters and mistakenly applaud the piousness Nahib had fostered within the merchants, or he would look further and learn that the true reason such a structure had been organized was due to the greed of his predecessor.

Nahib had railed against this, at the time of discovery. Not out of honestly, but due to the blatancy Hasut had exposed during his embezzlement. Rearrangement of funds had been a common practice, one tolerated simply due to how widespread it was. Hasut was simply sloppy. His uncovered misappropriation was an insult to those merchants who had discovered it, and his lack of diligence an insult to his fellow priests. Nahib had stirred up negative sentiment within the order, ever with an accusatory finger pointing towards him. While the priesthood might look after their own, they were quick to shed clergy proven to be a problematic element. Better that they do so by council, than for the public to do so by angry demand.

Even if he desired to, Nahib could do only so much to quell the rampant corruption. The priests were simply too far gone. Were he to cut the flow of riches to those beneath him entirely, they would see Nahib removed from his position, likely by the removal of his head from his body. Allowing the priests to steal freely was likely to see him suffer the same fate, but by the direction of the Sultan. Keeping both parties pleased remained of utmost importance to his survival.

"Do you believe Seluca currently possesses the requisite talents?"The sultan asked of him. "Labour should not be an issue." He added, spurring a thought from the comment. Talented workers would require coin, but basic labour could be obtained from the populace for a frugal cost. To successfully sell them on the notion of holy duty would not be too much trouble, but the help he could obtain from them would be limited to carrying construction materials, and other trivial tasks that they couldn't mess up.

After all, if royal money was needlessly wasted, there would be less in the coffers for the clergy to acquire.

"I was hoping that the Temple's holy warriors could provide protection for these sacred materials." Rasoul added, and though the request was reasonable, it was also costly. Their presence was usually required at religious festivals, and they were always paid by the temple, as was required. As they were well aware of the wealth that passed through it, a high price was required to employ them. Given the ceremonial requirement to have them, the temple was obliged to pay. This would be both costly and unexpected, but Nahib couldn't shy away from obliging the Sultan's request. Nahib's reservations were not so great as to warrant protest. Were he to put up resistance against any notion that inconvenienced him, the Sultan could only become suspicious. Advising against the use of the temple's prestigious guard would raise questions, and portray dereliction.

No High Priest could have that.

“That they can, your highness. I will see that they are ready, for this occasion.” Nahib responded, giving no hint of his reluctance in his deliberate reply. There was but a benefit to it – the presence of the guard would display clearly that rebuilding the temple was a holy task, and the pious among the populace were bound to volunteer their efforts. It would not save enough to mitigate the cost, but it did blunt the financial blow.

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

The Sultan did not miss a step even with the surprise of Nahib's assent. Rasoul purposely put the priest in a difficult position to refuse, but had expected some resistance. He wanted to consider this a victory but that only made Rasoul more weary. The High Priest was notoriously shrewd, a trait which could not be attributed to his predecessor. Corruption had been blatantly overt in the temple's previous regime. It would have been all too easy to handle such a man. Rasoul never got the chance as Nahib ousted the old High Priest with dangerous efficiency.

"The Temple's assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated," stated the Sultan. "Knowing the Blessed Order of Iron is protecting our materials will leave no room for anxiety among our people, and myself." The warriors of the Temple were not to be taken likely. They also existed outside of the Sultan's purview. Thus it was imperative that Rasoul gain the High Priest's cooperation.

Rasoul was happy to see this particular hurdle overcome, but an another expensive proposition loomed. "You spoke of the marble mine earlier. Are your personally acquainted with its owner?" the Sultan inquired. Rasoul did not share Nahib's optimism regarding the suppliers piety; business was business. This was, after all, the costliest piece of the endeavor. "My understanding is that prices have become quite exorbitant due to the recent...instability."

Nahib Akramun

 

[Nahib Akramun]

Nahib hoped his ready acceptance of such terms would keep the matters that followed smooth, though there was purpose in it beyond that. Workers were required for the plans that the Sultan was discussing, and the recent conflict had rendered them a sparse resource. The presence of the guard, while costly, would at least be highly visible – and that the Sultan had requested their presence would grant a high degree of legitimacy to the project.

He knew most people of affluence within the region, and the mine’s owner, Masud, was no exception. However, the priest did not know him particularly well. No favours had changed hands between them as of yet, and there was little leverage available for Nahib’s benefit. Given that, it seemed doubtful that he could get a good deal out of him.

“Indeed. Times have been devastating, and there are few left to mine the marble.” Nahib responded. In the aftermath of it all, there were far fewer workers to perform the labour required for many commodities, with the marble mine among them. It was possible to supply the mine with temporary labour, though this would do little for the price of the precious stone. It would remain exorbitant until Masud had the means to extract it at high quantity again. And Were Nahib to arrange it, he could surely purchase it at a notable discount out of gratitude. Beyond that, getting the mine running again would be a boon, and a vital part of rebuilding.

“Masud will need more workers to mine the stone in the quantities we require. To the the mine running again would be a boon for the kingdom, your highness. Further, he would surely give us a good deal as repayment for the favour.” Nasib answered, and offered a suggestion for the issue. If the numbers was available, two problems could be solved at once. Further, gaining Masud in his back pocket would be a further boon that could be acquired. Yet such a resource happened to be at a premium, and needed to be spent wisely.

To this end, the judgement of the Sultan would prevail. Such a problem was truly a matter for the ruler.

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

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 toll taken was all too apparent to the new ruler of the area. How could any city truly prosper without a burgeoning populace? The Sultan was unfortunately learning just how dire a labor shortage could be. Many had already been committed to rebuilding the city, including the very edifice in which the two stood.

"The benefits indeed cannot be ignored but we must speak to matters of practicality," the Sultan replied, unable to completely hide his frustration at their current predicament. "As we just discussed, what labor is remaining shall be used for the great work of restoring Annuk's glory. There are no others and even if there were, working the mines is..." The Sultan left the rest unsaid, it was no secret that such a job was strenuous to put it in the lightest of terms.

A task that the Sultan was not readily willing to force upon his people. And with that simple thought, came serendipity. "We may still yet be able to provide Masud with some of the labor he requires, begrudging though they may be. Unfortunately they forfeited my sympathy by aiding the Oppressor." The implication of Rasoul's plan was noticeably straightforward. "Would Masud still be amenable to using these heathens?"


Nahib Akramun

 

[Nahib Akramun]

He listened intently to the Sultan’s answer, and it was a tempered answer fitting one bearing the burden of leadership. The irritation too was fitting, a consequence of the difficult decisions those in their positions had to make. To rebuild and restore Seluca was a task of high importance, though they had a limit on resources with which to do so. What was available had to be used wisely – these were no times for frivolous expenditure.

Nahib gave a nod, with a small smile at the suggestion. It was an answer he expected, though he could not assign any on his own. He hadn’t the authority, but the Sultan both did and would.

“A fine use for them, I’d say. I’ve no idea of his sentiment, but I doubt he’d mind. Of little matter, as he could not possibly refuse such a solution offered by the Sultan.” Nahib responded. The implications of doing so were clear enough, when the Sultan had arranged it. Times of rebuilding were times of solidarity. Whether or not Masud would accept, the resumed production of mined marble was implied certainty when Rasoul had provided a means to see to it. Not that Nahib expected any protest out of him. He had never been picky about whom worked the mines, so long as he could have his profit.

“We can safely consider our shortage of marble solved, with such labour available.” Nahib concluded, affirming his statement with a nod of his head.

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

"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 for him to actively apply pressure. The mere nature of his position was already doing that for him. He also sensed that Masud was not an overly scrupulous individual. Therefore he had little qualms with proceeding.

"Agreed." Matters were progressing smoothly, far more than anticipated. Rasoul supposed it was due to the High Priest's shrewdness. Disruption and chaos was often good business for merchants, but not necessarily the clergy. If the people were too busy spending money on provisions and weapons, they were not donating to the Six. Granted, the Temple's power of persistence was not to be underestimated. "We come to the final matter of the artisans then."

The issue of regular laborers had been handled but this matter still remained. A great exodus of skilled craftsmen had occurred during the reign of the Oppressor; those that hadn't been killed outright. It would take time for them to return, assuming they even wished to. Amol-Kalit was fortunately home to many great talents. A significant number of whom had found themselves in the Temple's debt. "Our city is no longer a sanctum for the those of great ability. We must work to restore that reputation. I've heard stories of master-artisans who ply their craft across the great cities of Kalit. Many of whom I believe have been commissioned by the Temple. Do you believe we could draw some of these talents to assist us in our Great Work?"

Nahib Akramun

 

[Nahib Akramun]

The Sultan accepted the answer readily, knowing full well the power he pulled. Inability might serve as an acceptable excuse to refuse a request, but unwillingness was never acceptable. Masud’s choices would only be to acquiesce, or to have his dedication called into question by the head priest. Though seemingly innocuous, such a statement carried negative consequences when publicly issued. Others would see the painted target, and his economic rivals would vie for the refused position through deceit, or even death. It was dangerous to be marked in such a way, and Masud knew it.

Nahib didn’t doubt he’d accept, but he did expect that Masud would attempt to fleece them. Better to bargain from a strong position. This was not an opportunity for Masud to profit as he had during the days of the Oppressor, and he meant to make sure this was understood. He ought consider himself fortune to take the meagre profit they’d allowed him. The labour had been provided, and direction was clear. Any excuses would be considered suspect, but Nahib doubted much trouble. Masud may be disloyal, but he was not unwise. Surely, he understood whom he ought to keep happy.

There was something further to address, that of their artisans and craftsmen who had fled for other lands during the tumultuous times. Some had been slain, and some had settled elsewhere. Without them, Seluca would look and run very different than it had before, and Rasoul was correct that their return was a matter of importance.

“The restoration of the temple should serve well to lure them back. It will be evidence of our ability to do so.” Nahib replied. Their reputation had to be rebuilt, and there were few better ways of accomplishing that. Repairs to the temple made for a valuable first step to achieving the Sultan’s stated aim. It would please the gods and ensure their blessings over them, and serve as testament to their dedication. Further, it would be a showing of wealth, which was important to display clearly. Coin was the lifeblood that could coax the artisans back, and the project they were discussing would show all that they were in possession of plenty enough.

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

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 knew that the prosperity of Seluca would be that of the Nahib's. The faithful that flocked to the city would surely bring their coin to the Temple as well. Rasoul was more than willing to accept that reality if it resulted in the betterment of his city.

The two had finally circled back to the entrance of the Iron Dome. He could not help but be satisfied with the result of the negotiations. Rasoul's greatest worry was that Nahib would be as greedy as his predecessors. Exiling a priest was rarely popular, let alone the High Priest. He simply could not afford to be at odds with Temple at this juncture. It was a fight the Sultan would lose.

He stepped forward into the scalding Selucan sun, then turned towards the High Priest. "May shade always find you, Kahin," recited the Sultan with a sweep of his garb and a bow. Rasoul knew that this meeting between the two would mark the first of many during his tenure as Sultan.

Nahib Akramun