Snippet #2483090

Moloch, King's Landing

Moloch looked upon his old friend, allowing kindness to seep into his features. It was not often that he could afford to show compassion without the undercurrent of command in his tone, but here, among his friends and equals, he felt he could. He gripped Orys' arm.

"Do you think I came to my throne under ideal circumstances? My parents were murdered and my own nobles plotted with our enemies to usurp the throne. I was armed only with my intellect and force of will to oppose my enemies and protect my city, my people, and my little brother. If I couldn't rally my people to war at that time, I do not doubt that I would not be alive right now."

He paused for a moment, smiling slightly at his friend, "Of course, you would say that I couldn't have done it without your uncle's support and you would be right. My army was superior, but outnumbered. But, you will not be alone either. You have your uncle, your father, and the love of your people. Lord Stannis disagrees with his brother nine times out of ten if I recall correctly, but he is always there for him. How much more would he be there for you, his own son and one of the few people he values outside of Ser Jorah?

"You also give yourself too little credit. You are an incredible warrior. I would be hard-pressed to defeat you in battle. You excel on and off the battlefield. You are wise and just. You have your father's mind, but you have your uncle's heart. It is a potent combination. The gods favor you. And, if it comes down to it, you will always have me as a friend."

He allowed his words to hang in the air for a moment. He eyed Princess Kenna across the room as well as Queen Amelia. He was beginning to have his suspicions about just who was joining her, but he had no definite proof yet. He continued, his voice sterner this time, but not accusatory. Rather, he was totally honest.

"But you will have to make difficult choices, Orys. Will you be willing to betray me if my enemies are more numerous and powerful than before? What if Queen Amelia rode out against me at Princess Kenna of the South Atlantic Kingdom? Would you join me? Her? Or will you find a way to dissuade her?"

Again, Moloch looked on Orys with compassion, "Don't worry, though. No matter what happens, I will always consider you my friend."

Western Desert
Caliphate of Andalusia

The desert was everything Kallias had read about. The sun scorched the desert with its light an one could see for miles. He and his men sweated beneath their heavy armor and it was only thanks to their Andalusian guide that they had not gotten lost or become dehydrated as he directed them to the oases hidden in the desert. Kallis did not complain once. Despite his luxurious upbringing, he was too enamored with the beauty around him to care about his discomfort. He even ordered a rest at dusk so he could watch the sun set.

"It is beautiful. You say that you can guide us using the stars?" Kallias asked. The guide had donned his country's clothes and Kallias could not help but mark how at ease he looked in his turban and loose clothes.

"Yes, my prince. My people had learn to use stars Al-'Uzzá made. The sands move," his guide stated.

They had rested only a couple hours when they set out again. They had traveled only a while before they ere hailed by a contingent of the Caliphate's soldiers. Kallias grinned and waved at them.

"Of course! Come close! I am Prince Kallias of Drake, here to pay my respects to your Caliph!"

The company's old magi grunted. The prince could play the diplomat, he'd give the boy that. Still, he was far too reckless.

Caliphate of Andalusia

Farid stood nervously outside the door leading to the Caliph's rooms. He was aware that the Caliph could easily order his death if he displeased him. The tales that the older servants told about the current Caliph's father was still used as a bedtime story to teach the younger servants and slaves to behave. His mother hadn't liked him to hear them, but she could never stop him from listening, especially now that she was dead.

Still, it was past sundown and he was ordered to bring the Caliph and the general visiting him refreshments. If the Caliph was displeased, he felt that he wouldn't blame him and, who knows, he might catch a glimpse of Princess Zahida. He knocked the on the door and held the tray in front of him.