Note: To anyone reading/following this story, thanks for stopping by, and I am so sorry for not updating in so long. Believe it or not, when I planned this story out, I planned out a start and ending, but I guess I had a block when it came to filling out in the middle parts (hope I'm not alone in that, my fellow FF authors). In any case, I really do want to finish this story and will keep try to keep it going. Please continue to provide constructive criticism and your thoughts on the storyline.
SMACK!
The stinging slap cut across the assassin's face like a piece of leather. He staggered a bit but held his ground.
"IDIOT! IMBECILE! GOOD FOR NOTHING PILE OF GARBAGE!" bellowed Roshanak.
"W-we tried our b-best, My Lady. We lost most of our team-"
SMACK! Another stinging slap was delivered across the assassin's face.
"Your best? YOUR BEST?! You were clumsy and were bested by a savage princess and her bow! And how did she know you were there? Clearly, your master and I need to have a word about stealth training. All my plans gone to waste! Your actions almost killed members of the crowd and Sherfiruz, and Farah and that brat Yasmin both live! I gave you everything you needed to succeed and you failed miserably."
The assassin hung his head. "It will not happen again, My Lady. I swear it."
Roshanak gave the assassin a look of disgust. "Of course it won't happen again. You won't be around."
With those last words, Roshanak pulled out a blade and stabbed the assassin squarely in the chest. Blood gushed forward and he yelped in pain before landing on the ground, sputtering before his entire life force drained out in a red pool around him.
Reaching for the amulet around her neck, she placed in the pool of blood. Within moments, the wispy figure of the Dark Prince emerged.
"Well," began Roshanak, "it was not a complete waste. You still get something out of this."
The Dark Prince absorbed the blood and the essence of the body, and the marks on his body grew brighter as he gained strength.
"I told you not to underestimate Farah" he snapped. "She has emerged unscathed, again. It was her blood that I should have received today!"
"And you will have it soon enough" replied Roshanak.
"I grow tired of this, Roshanak" growled the Dark Prince. "You do know that Sherfiruz will be extra cautious about Farah's safety after today? Just what we needed! More obstruction and more delays!"
"Perhaps," began Roshanak. "The next time we strike, we will need Sherfiruz to be out of the way."
"Easier said than done" sneered the Dark Prince. "Don't forget, Farah also will have gained the court's favor after today's events. All because of the failure of your dimwitted hired assassins."
Once Farah entered the palace, she requested that hot water be delivered to her quarters. Once in her quarters, she placed Yasmin on the bed. She then summoned her maid, Neeti.
"Neeti, please tell Lady Anemone's head servant that Yasmin is safe and with me and that I will take care of her tonight."
"Yes, Lady Farah" said Neeti with a nod before she took off.
The news of the assassin would probably spread like wildfire throughout the palace. The last thing Farah wanted was for poor Lady Anemone to be stressed out, especially in her condition.
Once the hot water arrived, Farah removed her jewelry and coaxed a half-asleep Yasmin into a bath, gently cleaning off all the dirt and grime that had gotten on the poor child. Afterwards, she dressed Yasmin in a clean cotton gown, and fed her a special tea she had brought from her home. The child took the tea calmly and fell asleep on Farah's bed once again. Farah, feeling quite exhausted herself, decided to lie down with Yasmin without changing her clothes. In a matter of minutes, she had knocked out just like the child.
Later that evening, the King made his way to Farah's quarters, which were devoid of servants because it was supposed to be her wedding night, and she was supposed to have gone to his quarters. There, he found Farah, arms wrapped around Yasmin, both in a deep sleep. The king couldn't help but smile a bit at the scene. There was something quite endearing about the Yasmin was curled up into Farah like a ball. Given everything that had happened, he couldn't have exactly expected a normal wedding night, not from Farah at least, he thought with a slight chuckle. His smile faded however when he took a closer look at Farah.
Sleeping on her side, he could see the exposed part of her skin between her sari blouse and the bottom part of her garment that extended from her hips and covered her legs. A long but shallow scratch, red and swollen was visible on her side. Frowning, he also noticed various scratches on her arms and scrape on her left elbow. Biting down on his tongue, he felt a sudden wave of guilt. This was not the kind of treatment a newly married princess was supposed to get the day she was married. He would find a way to make it up to her.
Looking around the room and seeing that no one else was around, the king rummaged around until he came across a drawer filled with various medicinal herbs. Sifting through them, he found the ones he was looking for.
As a child, Sherfiruz used the climb around the back alleys and rooftops of the city, imagining himself to be all manner of creatures. More than a few times, however, he had returned home with a number of odd abrasions, scratches, and other wounds. Luckily for him, the old man, who had served him and helped rear him from a young age, had taught him a great deal about remedies. In fact, the King was close to an expert when it came to what herbs were best for treating particular combat wounds.
Once he had prepared the remedy he went over to Farah with a clean cloth he had found and slowly applied the liquid on her scratches. She fidgeted a little in her sleep, but did not wake up, so the King continued until he had covered all of her visible wounds. He hesitated a little bit as he applied the remedy to the scar on her side, remembering how she had stiffened when he had caught her by the hips when she stumbled during the ceremony. Nevertheless, she stayed asleep the entire time.
When he was finished, he adjusted himself on the side of the bed and continued to look at Farah. Tomorrow was their official Persian wedding ceremony. Perhaps he would get some time to speak to Farah privately then. It had bothered him that Farah was treating him like a total stranger, but her sudden reflexive actions during the afternoon had indicated to him that she was not acting stoically and distant by choice.
Leaning over, the King brushed a strand of hair out of her face and placed a small, light kiss on her forehead, being careful to not wake her up. He did the same with Yasmin and exited by climbing down a tree next to the balcony, as he wanted to keep his visit to Farah a secret.
The next day, Farah squinted as the first rays of sunlight hit her eyes. She sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"Good morning Lady Farah" said Indrani walking in with a basin of water and towel.
"Good morning, Indrani" said Farah with a yawn as she stretched her arms. Looking to her side, she noticed Yasmin still curled up in sleep.
Catching sight of her arms, she noticed the scrapes and scratches from the day before were no longer swollen or irritated. Even the large scratch on her side felt better. As she brought her arms close to her face, she caught a faint scent of medicinal herbs. On the side of the bed, she noticed a small bowl with a liquid with a matching smell. A small piece of cloth lay soaked in it.
"Indrani, did you prepare this?"
"The salve? No, my Lady. It was there when I arrived early this morning"
Strange…thought Farah.
"If I may interrupt your thoughts, my Lady" interjected Indrani. "We do need to get you ready for today's ceremonies. I have already drawn your bath."
"Yes, of course" replied Farah as she went off to the bathing room.
When she returned, Yasmin was up tapping her feet up and down.
"Good morning, Princess" said Farah with a smile.
"Good morning, Lady Farah" said Yasmin happily. "Did you like the flowers?"
Farah suddenly remembered that the jasmine flowers in her hair had been a gift from Yasmin and Lady Anemone.
"Yes, I did" she said smiling down at the girl, patting her messy blonde hair.
"I picked them myself and Mama put them on a string" said Yasmin proudly, but then her face suddenly fell. "I wanted to pick you other flowers, but that mean old Arzu told me I couldn't take any from the gardens in the back"
"Arzu?"
"I believe that is one of Lady Roshanak's servants" said Indrani, who was preparing Farah's clothes.
At the mention of Roshanak's name, Yasmin stuck out her tongue. "She's a mean old poop lady too" she said, pouting. "Nasty meanie. She told me to go away to the front palace."
Front palace? Farah suddenly stiffened. "Is that why you were at the front yesterday?"
Yasmin nodded. "I wanted to pick you some more flowers, and that was the only place she said I could do it."
Roshanak sent her there?
"Did someone go with you?"
"No, she just said 'get lost!' "
"No one stopped you?"
"No."
Farah could hardly believe this. In what world would someone think it was okay for a 3 year old to walk outside alone?
Before she could ask Yasmin anything else, Neeti came in.
"Pardon me, Lady Farah, but I am here to take Yasmin back to Lady Anemone"
"Awww" said Yasmin. "But I wanna stay a little longer.."
Farah smiled and smoothed Yasmin's hair. "Be a good girl and go back to your mother with Neeti." Seeing Yasmin's dejected look, she added. "I promise to take you on a real adventure soon."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
At this Yasmin's face immediately brightened, and she took Neeti's hand and waved goodbye to Farah.
Indrani walked into the room. "It's time to get ready, my lady."
Farah took a deep breath and cleared her thoughts. She would have to consider what Yasmin told her some other time.
For the second day in a row, Farah stood in front of the mirror with conflicted feelings. This time, she hardly recognized the person standing in front of her. The flowing white Persian dress made of white silk and embroidered with gold threads was undeniably beautiful and certainly comfortable. Its long sleeves also did a good job of covering the scratches and scrapes she had gotten the day before. Her hairstyle was an entirely different situation. Indrani had managed to curl Farah's long hair using some curling tongs, an experience that was nothing short of traumatic. As careful as she was and even with the use of paper, Farah was sure she smelled her hair being singed. Even the makeup and jewelry was different from what she was previously accustomed to wearing.
Shaking off her thoughts, Farah snapped herself back to reality as Indrani and a group of other servants came to escort her to the small room where the private Persian ceremony was to take place. As soon as she made her way up the small flight of steps leading into the room, she immediately saw the King, who turned around at the sound of her footsteps. He was dressed in elaborate Persian garb, his beard and hair both neatly trimmed. The various creases and scars that lined his face did not detract from his features; rather, they added a degree of character and ruggedness to his face that Farah, quite frankly, found attractive. Indeed, Farah would have never denied that she thought Sherfiruz to be handsome, especially with those blue-green eyes that reminded her of the sea, but the thought of admitting that out loud in front of anyone, especially him, made her face grow warm.
As soon as the King turned to see Farah, his face softened, a small smile broke out slowly on his face, and a look of gentleness and warmth entered his eyes.
She looks like an angel he thought to himself as she approached him. He held out his hand to help her into the room, and as he took her hand, he noticed that it was somewhat clammy.
Nerves..., I don't blame her.
Sherfiruz gave Farah's slightly damp hand a gentle squeeze and a small pat of reassurance as they took their places for the ceremony. Farah was able to relax a bit at this point, seeing how calm the King was. His gesture calmed her nerves, and she figured that if he was able to hold her sweaty hand reassuringly without being disgusted, perhaps he would treat her well. Still, Farah's mind wandered during the ceremony, and she couldn't help but think about Roshanak and Anemone and the circumstances of their respective unions with Sherfiruz.
Having multiple wives seems so draining and creates so much conflict...seems like more trouble than it's worth, but then again...what do I know?
Shaking her head slightly, she sighed and brought herself back to the reality around her. When the ceremony ended, she and the king had some time alone in the room for a while before they were due to make an appearance together for the celebration with the royal court. To her surprise, Sherfiruz took her hands into his and kissed her on the forehead.
"Farah," he began, as he reached over to push that same stubborn strand of hair out of her eyes, "I know that this entire ordeal has been difficult…Your having to leave your homeland, your family, and your people, you probably feel that you've been stripped of everything. And yesterday's occurrence was in no way a warm welcome"
Farah said nothing as she silently stared back at him. The tears had already long been shed and exhausted before she left home. She had accepted her duties as a princess, even if that meant she was destined to be a political pawn. She was surprised though to hear him bring up yesterday's events.
Too bad I can't reveal the person actually behind yesterday's assassination attempt..
Trying to implicate Roshanak, especially now, would be suicide. No one would believe Farah over Sherfiruz's first wife and the mother of the only heir to the Persian throne.
Sherfiruz took a deep breath and continued. "Many might see this union as political, and on many levels, yes, it is, but for me, it is much more personal than that."
Farah kept her face emotionless, but she felt her heartbeat quicken and was immediately reminded of the conversation she had with Lady Anemone. Maybe she was right about him…
"When my other two marriages were matched, I thought of not much other than my duty. When our marriage was announced, however, " he paused for a second, unable to stop a smile from breaking onto his face. "I was overcome with a wave of emotions-excitement, joy, and hope. The time we spent together, especially when we fought to get the kingdom back,-it changed me. You reminded me of what was truly important, even when I became oblivious and cold. The time you spent with me made me realize how important loyalty is and how essential it is to have people around you who you can actually trust. And yesterday, I was reminded of that again when you saved my life, as well as Yasmin's."
Sherfiruz placed his hand on the side of Farah's face.
"I want you know that I hold you in the highest regard, Farah. I trust you, and I care deeply for you.
He then removed his hand from her face and sighed. "Perhaps," he began, "it would not be fair to expect you to feel the same for me at this time, but I remain hopeful that perhaps one day, you will."
Farah wanted to meet his gaze, but her face was so warm and her pulse so quick that she chose to keep her eyes lowered. How she wanted to trust him. How she wanted to open up to him about her fears and concerns. She would have opened her soul to him if she felt that he could understand, but she still was not sure she could completely trust him. It was too early, and there was simply too much at stake for her to risk anything at this point. It would have to wait.
Later, both she and the King made their way to a celebratory banquet in one of the great halls of the palace. Members of the royal court and various nobles came to feast and congratulate the King on his new marriage. Farah sat quietly by his side, nodding her gratitude with each congratulatory comment. Roshanak, dressed in an elaborate garment with an embroidered melon-pink tunic and cerulean blue skirt, also sat nearby, listening to every word.
Farah's eyes wandered over the crowd in the hall, and she spotted Yasmin's blonde head. She was accompanied by Parisa and had a mournful look on her face. Farah immediately guessed why. Lady Anemone had probably taken ill again and was unable to accompany her daughter to the banquet. Seeing the sadness on Yasmin's face, Farah felt for the young girl.
"Lady Farah, does something trouble you?" asked Roshanak, her words piercing through Farah's thoughts like a knife. "You have been staring off for quite some time. Also, you have not touched the food in front of you. Is it not to your liking?"
Perhaps if someone else had asked these questions, they would sound like they came from a place of concern. Not with Roshanak. Every question was laced with accusation and jeering. And the food? Roshanak probably was not bold or stupid enough to poison anyone in front of the royal court, but she simply did not trust anything that came from Roshanak, be it words or anything else. In this situation, it was better to act simple-minded.
"My apologies, Lady Roshanak." she replied neutrally. "It seems that I drifted off for a moment." Forcing a smile, she continued, "I guess with all the excitement of today, I haven't had much of an appetite."
Roshanak returned Farah's answer with a rather saccharine smile. "Of course dear," she began. "I only ask that you take good care of yourself. Now that you have married into the royal family, we would not want you to fall ill and keep you from your royal duties, now would we?"
Farah almost snorted at Roshanak's words. Royal duties? What kind or royal duties did Roshanak carry out other than scheming? Luckily for Farah, Roshanak left her place and went to greet some other guests in the hall. Good riddance she thought shaking her head. Looking away from Roshanak, her eyes fell once again upon Parisa with little Yasmin, whose eyes were filled with loneliness and sadness. Farah could certainly relate. Her mother had died when she was young, and whenever there were ceremonies, festivals, or simply court events that she attended, she remembered being present with a servant, wishing her mother was there. Anemone's words echoed through her head once more.
I don't have much time left
Once again, Farah's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice.
"Farah," whispered King Sherfiruz softly
Farah immediately shook off her thoughts.
"My King?" she answered respectfully, trying to hide her surprise. I didn't even notice him come next to me...
"Forgive me, as I did not mean to startle you" began Sherfiruz, still in a soft voice, reaching over and gently taking her hand underneath the table. "I forgot to mention earlier, but we have a wedding custom in which you may ask me for a gift of your choice."
Farah's mind immediately went to Yasmin. Her mind also drifted to her servants' crude jokes about the "first night" when they had applied her henna. Perhaps there was something she could ask for.
"This gift...does it have to be an object?" asked Farah cautiously. "Or could it be something else? A request perhaps?"
"It could be almost anything" replied Sherfiruz, and then with a smile, he added, "well, anything within the realm of reason."
"Very well." replied Farah. "I would like to ask permission to…to..."
"Yes?" replied the King expectantly.
Just do it Farah!
"I would like to request permission to take care of Princess Yasmin tonight. I would like her to spend the night in my quarters."
As soon as she blurted out these words, Farah looked up at the king, not sure of what he would say.
Sherfiruz was indeed a bit taken aback by Farah's request. Not because of what it was but because of the timing in which it was requested. Tonight, the King would be expected to call his new bride to his quarters, and Farah would be expected to spend the night there. If Farah wasn't called or did not show up, it would certainly be the talk of the castle the next day.
"Your Highness, forgive me, as this might seem like an odd request," began Farah. "But, it is just that Lady Anemone has been ill, and I could not help but notice that Princess Yasmin has been quite lonely and sad without her mother."
King Sherfiruz sighed. He could hardly say no to this. Farah's request was nothing short of altruistic, and he knew Anemone's sickness and separation from Yasmin was hard on the child. At the same time, he could not help but feel a bit spurned. Farah was already being somewhat distant with him, and he had hoped that some time alone with her would allow them to be comfortable with one another as they once were. A promise was a promise though. He offered her any gift within reason, and she had made her choice.
"Very well, Farah. You may tend to Princess Yasmin tonight."
Farah's face relaxed and she managed a smile. "Thank you, your Highness, for this generous gift."
King Sherfiruz internally cringed when he heard "Your Highness". He knew that she had to address him that way in public, but he was looking forward to a time when she would call him by his name. Unfortunately, it looked like that was not going to happen for a while.
Nearby, Roshanak's servant Bahar whispered into her ear.
"She will not be accompanying His Highness tonight."
As Farah lay in bed that night accompanied by little Yasmin and the sounds of her sleep breathing, she couldn't help but think about what people in the palace would say. With a sigh, he turned to the other side, adjusting her pillow. No doubt the news that the king's new wife had not been to his quarters after the wedding would spread like wildfire. Rumors about her would spread, and Roshanak would probably be at the heart of it all. Shaking her head, she closed her eyes. She would deal with that tomorrow. Right now, she was just thankful that she had gotten out of another night with the king, and that she could watch over Yasmin.
"His Highness, the king wishes to not be disturbed tonight"
"What?" barked Roshanak at the manservant who had brought her the news.
"His Highness specifically ordered that he not be visited by anyone tonight."
Roshanak glared at the servant. "Fine!" she snapped. "What are you still doing there? Go!"
The servant dipped his head and walked out silently. As soon as he left Roshanak stormed into her room and dismissed all of her servants.
"Out! All of you" she hissed. As soon as the room was empty, she summoned the Dark Prince from the amulet.
"Something is going on" she said, pacing as the Dark Prince materialized in front of her. "This is the second time that Farah has not gone to the King's quarters. By choice!"
"Isn't that a good thing?" drawled the Dark Prince. "She's doing your work for you. The last thing you need is Farah producing his spawn..."
"But then Sherfiruz seems to be distant with me at the same time...What good is it for Farah not to see him when he avoids me as well?! And Farah, she can't be that stupid, can she? What is she playing at with this distance game? How could she possibly be benefitting from this?"
"I told you," growled the Dark Prince. "Farah is not some mere plaything for him. He put her in front of his quest for the throne! Her distance from him won't put him off. If anything, he'll do anything to close that distance."
"Well, everyone's patience has its levels" snarled Roshanak. "The longer she keeps up this game, the longer I have to trap her in some kind of a scandal. Then, we can have her marriage annulled and have her executed so she'll never talk. Then, our way will be clear."
"And what of her relationship with the brat?" growled the Dark Prince. "Did you forget to consider that the brat's mother may have told Farah about you?"
"That bag of bones?" said Roshanak with a cold laugh. "How much time does that weakling Anemone have left? She's a walking corpse. Sure, she certainly picked up on the slow poisoning; she never ate anything prepared in the kitchens again, but too little, too late with no evidence to point fingers. She'll be out of my hair soon enough."
"Don't be a fool Roshanak" spat the Dark Prince. "You gross underestimation already cost us once before. Did you forget that your hired assassins were bested by an amateur bow-wielding savage princess?"
"Sheer dumb luck" retorted Roshanak. "I assure you that she won't be so fortunate next time."
Whether it could be called luck or misfortune in Farah's case, King Sherfiruz came down with an affliction after the Persian ceremony. The manservant spread the news throughout the palace early in the morning, informing everyone that the King was not be disturbed and was being cared for by the royal physician.
To her own surprise, Farah felt an instant pang of worry for him. What kind of illness and what symptoms? Her second thought, which she was slightly ashamed for having, was gratitude that she had not spent last night with him. Not only would she have probably also gotten sick, but she would have undoubtedly been blamed for endangering the King's health. Also, it looked like she was spared from having to see him anytime soon. Still, she was concerned about his condition, and thoughts traveled to Roshanak.
I wasn't with him last night. Could Roshanak have... done something?
"Indrani," called Farah to her servant. "Could you please see if you can find out what ails the King? Discreetly, of course, just listen to what others are saying and see if you can find anything out."
Indrani nodded as she went off to do her daily duties. If anyone could filter through palace gossip, it was Indrani.
Turning back to her room, Farah sighed and began to sort through the trousseau of colorful persian dresses and jewelry that had been delivered to her room the day before. They were undoubtedly beautiful and of fine quality, but Farah couldn't help but think of her comfortable cotton saris and how nice it would have been to walk around in light garments that allowed the air to pass through them. Next to the new dresses lay her white and gold wedding Persian dress from the previous day's event and her crimson and gold sari from the day before, both folded and ready to be put away.
How ironic…my present/future and my past, both sided by side…
Reaching for the sari, something slipped out of its folds. There was the now slightly wilting and yellowed string of Jasmine flowers that Lady Anemone and Yasmin had given her. She had sent Yasmin back to her mother's quarters earlier this morning, but seeing the string of flowers made her think of the two once again. Her heart sank thinking about Lady Anemone's condition, but she was quickly reminded of her vow to care for Yasmin. It was not something that she took lightly, especially after that assassination attempt that almost claimed the lives of King Sherfiruz, Yasmin, and herself.
"My Lady," Indrani's voice snapped Farah out of her thoughts.
"Yes Indrani," she said. "Any news about the King?"
"Yes, my lady. It sounds like he has been coughing and sneezing all day. From what I heard, he has a hard time ingesting anything as well due to a sore throat."
Sounds like an infection, hmm…Farah suddenly had an idea.
"Indrani, do you remember that area of the gardens we were in when we sat and talked before the wedding and before I met Lady Anemone?"
"Yes, my lady. I do indeed."
"There was a hareer tree over there. Please have someone pick some of the fruits. Then go to the kitchens and have it boiled with sugar and cardamom until it reaches a good, thick consistency. Then, bring it back to me while it's still warm."
Indrani nodded and left to carry out Farah's request. Perhaps, a lay person would have been confused at Farah's orders to prepare a fruit preserve, but the recipe Farah referred to was a well known remedy in their homeland.
As a young girl, Farah took particular interest in watching the traditional healers use various plants and herbs to come up with effective remedies for practically anything. Farah remembered one particular winter when she had come down with a horribly sore throat accompanied by a stuffy nose and coughing. A healer had prepared a special preserve out of the green fruit using sugar and cardamom, and she had quickly recovered. From that point on, she spent a lot of time with the healers learning how to prepare various remedies. The hareer preserve was one that was commonly used, and she was confident it would work for the King as well.
Roshanak's Quarters
"The savage's servant, I saw her preparing something in the kitchens...Something with a fruit...I think it was for the King." reported Bahar.
Roshanak sniffed and rolled her eyes. "Our little savage is trying to earn good favor with King, is she? Well, she won't even make it to his quarters. Give my order to the guards: No one aside from the royal physician and myself is to enter the King's quarters. Lady Farah is not to leave her room."
Farah's Quarters
"Indrani, finally!" sighed Farah as her servant walked in with a covered bowl. "Is something going on outside? I heard some commotion...Did someone stop you along the way, or were the kitchens crowded?"
"My lady," began Indrani. "Forgive my tardiness, but there are two things you should know. Entrance to the King's quarters has been barred by guards to everyone minus Lady Roshanak and the royal physician."
"What!?" exclaimed Farah in surprise.
"Also," continued Indrani. "The outside of your quarters is also surrounded with guards."
Damn that woman! Thought Farah to herself. Roshanak was preventing her from getting to the king. Could she have seen Indrani preparing the remedy?
Shaking her head Farah headed to the balcony of her room in frustration, when she realized something.
No one is guarding the balcony.
Scanning all directions all around her from the balcony, she saw various architectural platforms, some of them close enough to other balconies and openings of the palace. Years ago, she had scaled and navigated these with Sherfiruz. Surely, she could once again find a way. Although she said nothing, it took Indrani but a few seconds to figure out what she was planning.
"My lady, that is incredibly dangerous, you mustn't!" said Indrani, the alarm visible in her eyes and voice.
"Indrani," Farah replied firmly, "I have made up by mind."
Note: The hareer fruit I've mentioned in this chapter, known scientifically as Terminalia chebula, is actually a well-known remedy in traditional eastern medicine. There is modern-day research on chebulagic acid, which comes from the fruit, and it has been scientifically demonstrated to have a lot of therapeutic uses.
