Chapter 3
Amira stood in front of the building housing the Sindria Trading Company. It was a bustle with life as people from all walks of life browsing the many imported goods from across the world. She was out of breath, she'd run through an entire town just to get here after all. Was this really the same Sinbad that she'd been friends with all those years ago? It seemed like more than a lifetime ago she'd been a child sparing in an alley with the boy who might have become a dungeon capturer.
Then again if she was a dungeon capturer herself then how surprising would it be that the one who taught her how to properly use a sword would be the one to capture the first dungeon? She was frozen, not in fear, not with anticipation, just frozen. What would she say? What would they do? Would it be that boy? And if it was would he even remember her?
"Well hello, lovely lady. Don't be shy step right in, I'm sure we've got something that might catch your fancy, certainly something to augment your beauty," the voice was smooth as chocolate, Amira nearly melted before she snapped herself back to reality. Standing before her, he'd taken her hand, was unmistakably the boy she remembered. The same violet eyes, with kindness and a sort of ferocity behind them, Sinbad.
Amira wasn't sure if she was blushing or not but she shook her head to clear the thoughts raging in, she was after all standing there like an idiot gawking. Certainly she'd already inflated his ego enough. "Sinbad?" she questioned though already knowing the answer.
He looked puzzled for a moment, "That's me!" he responded cheerfully, "I have to say milady I never forget the face of one so beautiful, tell me have we met before?"
This was certainly enough to shake Amira from her daze. Not only did he not recognize her but he was trying to flirt his way out? She was having none of it, "Blocking out memories from home? Or maybe being away for so long has just made you forget your friends."
Visually hurt Sinbad stepped back a pace, then he noticed the glowing of their metal vessels, "Oh I see, you've come to challenge me. Well, I have to say this is neither the time nor place for such of a duel."
"I'm not here for a duel!" Amira growled, "I was here to see a friend from home." Admittedly she was a little hurt, there didn't seem to be much, if any of the friend she was hoping to find left in this philanderer.
"From what home?" Sinbad seemed honestly confused. Seeing how hurt she was he thought long and hard, studying her face, he circled her a few times as she looked on in confusion. Then he finally stopped, "Amir?" he asked genuinely confused.
Amira laughed; of course he didn't recognize her! She'd been posing as a boy when they'd met! It was one of the only ways to keep her from being hounded by the soldiers as her mother had been. "Well I haven't gone by that name in three or four years now," she chuckled, "You've barely changed, Sin!"
Sinbad was still definitely confused, "So you're definitely a girl then… How did I miss that?"
Amira took his hand in hers as a sort of formal greeting, "I'm Amira, nice to re-meet you."
"Amira… That makes more sense," he laughed, "So you went off and captured a few dungeons yourself did you?"
Amira was surprised at how fast the comradery had come back, it felt effortless, but there was something dark brewing behind his eyes now. Was he suspicious? "Yeah, I suppose the adventure always called me. Though I must say I read that book you put out, my adventures haven't been anywhere near as exciting as yours seem."
He smiled, "I never went looking for adventure, and in fact I think adventure came looking for me."
She laughed, "Says the man who jumped ship and started a trading company after acquiring two Djinn."
Sinbad gave her a quick wink, "We should catch up soon. I had some things I had to get done around the shop today, but we could grab a drink later!"
Amira nodded, she'd really like that. She'd have to keep her inner booze demon at bay if they hoped to get any real talking done but that was fine. They talked quickly about what inn to meet up at and then Sinbad was off to things unknown.
Now Amira knew she was blushing. Sinbad had gotten quite handsome, and had grown a nice set of muscles while he was at it. She shook her head as she walked; he was her friend, and nothing more. But the familiarity of his eyes had caught her off guard. But what a flirt! She figured that's how he treated all women but still something within it had her captivated.
She managed to wander her way all the way back to the estate before coming to her sense. The assassin stood on the steps before her, though she looked in no way vengeful.
"You're part of Scheherazade's inner circle aren't you?" the assassin girl asked, though it was clear from her tone that she already knew the answer.
"Yes. I was under orders back in that dungeon not to tell anyone," Amira replied.
"I could have killed you," she muttered.
Amira laughed lightly, "But you didn't. Unless that's why you're here now?"
The assassin girl shrugged, "Haven't talked to my master yet, I wanted the full story before I went back as a failure."
Amira smiled uncomfortably, there was no reason to call out a Djinn here or now but for some reason she couldn't help but keep her hand hovering above the hilt of her sword, "So what's going to keep you from trying again today?"
"Simple," the girl replied, "You spared my life where you could have so easily taken it. So answer my questions honestly and I will bring you no further trouble today." Amira nodded and so the girl continued, "You're from Parthevia?"
"I haven't been to Parthevia in almost three years," Amira responded.
"So you are Parthevian," it wasn't a question this time, "Why did you leave?"
Amira paused; honesty was all this girl was asking for, "I was sold because the man taking care of me thought it would be beneficial for me to be a slave rather than a whore like my mother."
The assassin looked a little shocked, "But you are no longer a slave?" she didn't let Amira answer, it was obvious, "How did you come to work for the Lady Scheherazade?"
"I was out with my master when we came to a crowd and I tried to run, he hadn't chained me yet so I figured if I got far enough away then I could be free. A few feet into the crowd I actually collided with the Lady," Amira paused, "I think she may have seen something in me and so she took me back to her Villa and I've been working for her ever since."
"So for around three years?" the assassin asked.
"It's closer to two than three, to be totally honest," Amira replied.
The assassin sighed, "Do you think of my master to be a traitor?" the assassin's eyes were gleaming now, as if she'd finally found the question that would unlock all her answers.
Amira thought long and hard. When she'd talked with Scheherazade they were looking for traitors but how long had this girl been out in the world? Was it even specifically Amira she'd been ordered to hunt down or just Parthevians in general? "That would depend entirely on your master and his or her orders specifically," Amira finally answered. There really were many truths to this question after all.
The assassin seemed satisfied with her answers and visually relaxed. "I do not think my master had all the facts, if in fact you were supposed to keep your allegiance a secret. But I will apologize if he sends me back, I will not fail next time."
Amira nodded, "If your master sends you back I will mark him a traitor."
This seemed to spark something in the young girl, "My master is no traitor. He simply sees the truth."
Amira smiled, "Of course," but she wasn't done just yet, she wanted this girl's name. Anything to tie back to her master in case something were to happen Scheherazade would have information. "Will you at least lend me the name of the assassin whom seeks my death?"
"Knell," was all she said before dashing off.
"Knell, huh?" Amira had to tell Scheherazade. Today had felt like the most accomplished day she'd had in months. She reconnected with an old friend and had gained possible information on the would-be traitor. Things were starting to look up.
Evening rolled in and Amira was still waiting for Scheherazade to be available. Ruling a country at war had its downfalls she supposed. She looked out over the water and noticed how low the sun had gotten. She was supposed to be meeting Sinbad right now. Shit. There was nothing she could do about it now, but she supposed Scheherazade could wait till morning right? No, her duty was to her country.
One of the guards must have seen her looking antsy, "You're going to be here all night if you're waiting for The Lady," he said kindly, "Otherwise you'd be in there already."
If she hurried maybe she'd make it before Sinbad left. "Thanks," she told the guard before dashing out into the evening. Now all I have to do is try not to let the booze go to my head. And get there before I look like a horrible person. Amira dashed off faster.
She stopped maybe a block away from the tavern. With any luck she could pull herself together in that amount of time and just make it look like time had gotten away from her. But all her fears were solidified when she finally arrived to see Sinbad leaving, looking a little worse for wear than she'd anticipated.
"Hey!" she called as she hurried closer, waving an arm, "Sorry I'm late. The day got away from me."
Sinbad seemed to perk up a little but he was still clearly disappointed, "Well I suppose we never did set a specific time to meet up, it was just "later." But you owe me."
Amira smiled and pulled out a coin purse that was obviously full, "Benefits of working for the Empire."
They spent a good portion of the night eating and drinking, sharing stories and laughs. It was as if they'd never been separated. "So you've had no ambition to capture another dungeon since you visited Imuchakk?" Amira asked.
"I haven't come across another dungeon since then," Sinbad chuckled, "Although if I ever came across another one, you know it would be mine. But I trust that destiny is pushing me in the right direction."
Amira laughed, "Destiny is a fickle mistress, you should be careful though, Sin… that ego of yours is going to get you into real trouble someday." Though Amira could not see or sense the Rukh, they fluttered around her as if to warn of an upcoming decision.
"You worry too much," Sinbad said with a smile.
They drank a good portion of the rest of the night before the tavern owner practically had to throw them out. By some miracle Amira managed to keep from drinking herself under the table and was still standing, maybe a bit unsteady, as they left.
"This was fun," Amira said leaning against the wall as she took a deep breath of the night air, "We should try not to wait years before sitting down again."
Sinbad smiled, "If you're not doing anything tomorrow, you should come by the company so I can introduce you to everyone." Amira thought to herself for a moment, it would be nice to meet some of these people from his journeys but she had diplomatic matters to take care of too. She hadn't realized how long she'd been thinking until Sinbad cast a shadow over her, he was leaning against the wall behind her, one of his arms above her head as if to pin her in. "Unless you're only interested in me, which is perfectly reasonable," his face was mere inches from hers.
She had to keep herself from laughing. She'd been caught off guard when seeing him for the first time in front of his company but that was because she hadn't seen him for years. Now she was fully aware of the womanizing act he was putting on, in fact she was quite aware of how to use it herself, after all most of her travels were made easier by manipulating the men in the towns she visited. And because he was so blatantly flirting, she of course had to throw it back right?
Amira dug deep; the more flirtatious this looked the better. She looked up at him and arched her back bringing them closer together, so close in fact the night almost started to feel warm, "Well all this extra attention you're paying me is quite nice, and it would just make my day to spend more time together but I'm sure you have more important things to do. Plus I have duties to this nation. But I'll see if I can't find a way to come by tomorrow evening."
Sinbad looked almost shocked for a brief moment before resuming his smile. He leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Call upon me any time you're in need malady," and with that he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and turned to leave, "we will wait with baited breath for you tomorrow."
Amira was almost ready to chase after him when she realized how stupid she was being. Flirting back with a man such as Sinbad would have never ended well; still it was rather fun to get him to lower his guard a little.
She would return to the villa then and first thing in the morning would be off to speak with Lady Scheherazade.
As the sun was rising over the horizon Amira was slipping on her best silk. She'd received a messenger when she'd arrived home the night prior to let her know that Scheherazade would need to see her first thing in the morning and that she needed to look presentable. The Lady never specified what Amira needed to appear as ever, so she figured this must be especially important.
As she walked down the hallway she heard the voices of diplomats from all over. She knew the annual conference was being held soon but there were far more here than she expected. What was The Lady up to at the Temple that required this sort of audience?
As she rounded the last corner to the meeting room she'd been summoned to she noticed Scheherazade politely greeting those in attendance. When she saw Amira she motioned for her to join her. From the way Scheherazade was acting she thought it best not to question and just to go along with it. So for the next hour she helped greet the diplomats as if she herself were one.
Finally Scheherazade addressed the whole assembly, "Thank you all for joining me. As you've all no doubt heard there are mystical structures appearing all over the world. We have come to know them as dungeons. I wanted to address all the nations before our annual assembly to put your minds at ease. The powers coming from these places are being obtained by more than just Reim, and though I do not personally know how the rest of the people who have conquered them plan to use them, I can assure you that those whom I have personally sent will not be coming to conquer you anytime soon. Reim has just seen the power in the world rise and thus we have risen with it." She then pulled Amira forward and addressed the room again, "This is one of my most promising young warriors. Amira of Parthevia." Shocked noises and whispers rose in the air but were silenced by Scheherazade, "I know she is not what most of you would recognize as a citizen of Reim but I assure you I've spent the last few years grooming her and now I plan to send her out as my envoy to the rest of the world. That is why she stands here before you today. If she ever comes to visit any of you, I wish for you to treat her as you would me. If she is seen without me, she speaks for me, from me, with my power and authority."
Amira's mind was racing, she was being sent out as a diplomat? Why had nothing been said of this sooner? She still had to tell the priestess of the possible traitor still in her midst. But through all this she smiled at the waiting audience. It was uncomfortable, as if each man in the room was stripping her bare to find her inner workings. Scheherazade had gained authority and respect many years prior, Amira, well she was just getting started out in the world. Scheherazade had more words for her audience but Amira paid little attention as she focused on keeping her composure.
When the assembly was finally dismissed Scheherazade pulled Amira into a back room. She looked suspiciously at doors and other archways, "One can never be too careful." When she seemed satisfied she pulled Amira to sit with her. "I'm sorry to spring this upon you so suddenly. Ignatius thought it best that we get you out of Reim for a little while. You see things have escalated a bit with Parthevia and we've just received word that their Princess has gone missing. Things are going to get messy and we don't want you to get caught in the crosshairs."
Amira was still a bit in shock, "So do you actually want me to go off on some diplomatic mission or are you just sending me away?"
Scheherazade looked kindly at her, "My dear, I consider you like one of my children. I would never just send you away. However I think your training has come as far as it might unless I send you to the arena, and that's no place for a lady that I might ask to lead one day. So I'm sending you on a diplomatic mission of your choosing. You can go anywhere and now you have my support and those around the world will treat you like royalty."
Amira nodded, "But the traitor?"
Scheherazade held up a hand, "I hate to say it, but he is probably more interested in killing you than going against me. I think with you out in the world he may at least be preoccupied long enough for me to resolve this conflict."
"The assassin girl, I saw her yesterday. I thought it may help to know her by name, Knell." Amira needed to get as much information as she could to the priestess, in case something happened while she was gone.
"That may prove useful, thank you Amira. But your focus now needs to be on travel plans. I want to know where you plan on going by tonight and I want you on a ship tomorrow as the day dawns. No one can oppose this," Scheherazade's eyes were kind but firm.
Amira nodded, she wasn't sure where she might go, but thanks to the new kinship she'd found with Sinbad she might gain some ideas. "There is a merchant in town, a very green fellow, but he has just spent some time travelling to small countries, with your influence and his connections I'm sure there's an adventure waiting out there for me."
Scheherazade laughed but wished her luck as she sent Amira off. The Rukh fluttered about and Scheherazade was left feeling more confident, "And destinies entwine."
Amira was off quickly in the midday heat toward the Sindria Trading Company headquarters. When she arrived Sinbad was up to his usual womanizing ways as ladies gathered to look at the jewelry in his shop. She was really curious to meet some of his friends and see what sort of people actually put up with his behavior on a regular basis. She certainly hadn't found anyone who would put up with her flirtatious ways as of yet, but that might be easily true of gender standards.
As she approached she saw Sinbad's eyes light up, "Back for more malady?" he asked somewhere between polite and creepy.
"Maybe today you'll spend some money on me rather than the other way around," Amira flirted back.
"You really shouldn't goad him on, it'll go straight to his head," a child stepped up, though incredibly mannered and well dressed.
"Amira, this is Ja'far. He's been with me for almost the entire journey, my right hand man if you will," Sinbad introduced him.
"Pleased to meet you, Ja'far," Amira smiled, "Of you he talks the most."
Ja'far blushed, "And since last night he has rarely found a quiet moment about you."
"Please, Ja'far," Sinbad wined, "There's really no need. I want to introduce her to everyone!"
So one by one Amira met Hinahoho, the warrior from Imuchakk, Mystras, the Sasan warrior, Vittel and Mahad, and finally Parsine from Artemyra. Per Sinbad's enthusiasm Amira sat and talked with Parsine for quite some time. While talking Mystras joined in; they told her of the adventures they'd had and the force of will in Sinbad that was so admirably strong. Mystras mused that the time they were in Artemyra Hinahoho spent time with the women for research purposes, which made Amira laugh because of his over exaggerated enunciation as well as sideways glances. Hinahoho was married to Rurrumu, who was currently away in Imuchakk giving birth. They talked and eventually drank and had a great time. Amira noticed however that after introducing her to all his friends he'd conveniently left to his own devices. She wanted to tell him she was going away after all; she was growing a soft spot for her old friend again.
After a decent portion of the day was gone Amira pulled Parsine away from everyone to ask her about what she would need if she wanted to go and say in Artemyra for a while. Of course Parsine wanted the whole story and seemed satisfied after hearing it. She sent a messenger bird off to her Queen right away to expect Amira soon.
Amira thanked her before returning to Scheherazade with her decision. Amira packed a bag and was back to the docks before the moon rose. In order to leave at first light she'd have to be on the ship tonight. Though she was glad to be going on a new adventure she was sad to be leaving without thanking Sinbad for everything he'd done, if he'd intended it or not.
When Amira had settled in she decided to go out on deck and watch the stars, and much to her surprise a couple ship spaces away there was Sinbad looking rather melancholy. She walked over and laid a hand on his shoulder, "What has you looking so blue? You know I'm not going to be gone forever."
Sinbad laughed, "I didn't even know you were leaving." His laugh seemed insincere and something truly seemed to be bothering him.
"Sin, what's really bothering you?" she planed herself in front of him, though on a rather precarious edge of the dock, "I haven't known you in this new life for long but I know you're not someone to get so down over nothing, and it's written all over your face."
"Just some troubling matters with the company," Sinbad revealed, "Something that I truly wasn't expecting." If she looked deep into his eyes she could see the spiraling confusion and anxiety. They were things she never expected to see in his eyes.
"Hey Sin, nothing is ever as bad as it seems. Just don't let your ego get in the way of your dreams, because I can already tell it's going to be an issue." Amira smiled, "How about in a couple months when I come back from Artemyra you can tell me how well this little issue was no more than a pea on your plate? It'll be fine."
Sinbad smiled back, "You know you're pretty cute when you're not overly flirty."
"You look better when you're drunk," Amira laughed. When she took her hands off his shoulders she tried to take a step to balance herself only to fall backwards. Luckily Sinbad's reflexes were quick enough to catch her before she went plummeting into the sea.
He pulled her up and they stood, bodies pressed together for what seemed like an eternity as the Rukh swirled around them. Amira finally composed herself and took a couple steps away; a light blush graced her cheeks, "Keep that up and maybe we'll make use of a bed in a couple months."
"Or you could not leave and we could make use of one now," Sinbad offered.
Amira wanted maybe a little stronger than she should have to say yes but she needed to be off at first light and she really couldn't go against the priestess's words. So instead she walked up and let herself dream for a moment as she reached up and kissed him. She'd never really experienced a nice kiss, it was always drunk and sloppy and fulfilling a need. This time it was something she wanted and from the way he was grabbing her waist it was something he wanted too.
All too soon she had to pull away, "Let me know if you ever decide to settle down. I don't want to be a homewrecker," she whispered as she parted with him and headed toward the ship.
"I'll see you in a couple months!" he called after her though the paths of destiny told him he needed to stay.
Little did either of them know how much their lives would change before they saw each other again.
A/N: Hey there! Hope ya'll are enjoying so far! Longest chapter yet. Anyway thanks for reading. I've done some reading of the manga since I started the story because I came across some spoilers online and because I knew them I had to make them work with the story. So I will put potential anime spoiler warnings above the next chapter that it may effect should they continue the anime.
