Lords of the Desert - A Saba AAR

**Hax** · 07-06-2009, 20:11

Chapter I - The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back

"Shlama*, my friend. In the lands of Almaqah I go by the name of Ayman el-Banu Khuza'a. My profession is the one of a trader, as it has been in our family for many generations. Our family knows the road from Maryab to Tamane and further.."

"One of my friends since childhood goes by the name of Zari', and he is of the tribe of Shams Asri'. Not too long ago, he was approached by the sheikh of our community. Zari had been travelling to the city of Maryab for quite some time and he was well-trained in the arts of diplomacy. A common tale in our village is he orchestrated a peace-treaty between the lords of two tribes, but the authenticity of that story is questioned."

"As it turned out, Zari' had been called upon to return to the city of Maryab and was told to prepare himself for a journey. No more than twenty days earlier we had celebrated the coming of the rain and gave praise to Almaq'ah. My father interpreted this as a sign by Almaq'ah that trade would flourish and he sent me to go to Maryab together with Zari' to accompany him and invest in the stocks of trade in the capital city. Within three days, we had left. We had chosen to travel during the night and morning, resting during the mid-day when the climate was unsuitable. With us came three young boys, who were tasked with looking after the camels.

Of the journey itself I remember very little, as we travelled mostly while the sun was down, but the more I remember from Maryab. I had been to larger cities around our village, but Maryab was different..the city seemed to live.

As we passed into the city the recent growth of the city was clearly visible; the most recent buildings were new homes for the immense amount of inhabitants coming from the southern city of Tamane, which consisted out of wooden planks hastily covered with loam to keep the harsh desert out. The inner city, including the bazaar and the city center were very old and the buildings were made of stone. As we rode towards the gate of the inner city we were stopped by a guard.

"Halt there, traveller. State your business and names." Zari' dismounted and removed the piece of cloth which covered his face.

"My name is Zari' Shams'Asri, and I have been sent for."

The two guards quickly discussed and pointed at me.

"Zari of the Shams'Asri has been recognized; my friend here tells me he has seen your face before. Tell us who your companion is, however."

"He is my aide, and goes by the name of Ayman. He is part of the Buna Khuza'a tribe and a well-faring trader."

The guard frowned and I quickly took a glance at Zari'. He still looked at the guard with an intense look on his face.

"Very well, your companion has also been granted access. Blessings of Almaq'ah and Athtar be upon you, friends."

Zari' smiled and we continued our way into the inner city, leaving our camels in the hands of the boys. I took a glance at Zari' again.

"Where are we supposed to go now?"

"Eventually, we are supposed to meet with one of the aides of the Malik* or perhaps the Malik himself, though he is an old man and leaves most of his business to his sons and aides. For now, however, I have a friend who lives in a large residence in the inner city. His name is Yusuf Yuhahmid and deals with the matters of..security for his Highness, so to speak." Zari' grinned at me and I smiled in return.

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Yusuf's residence was located some three-hundred feet from the palace of the Malik. As soon as we entered he came walking towards us with a large smile on his face. He was quite a long man, longer than most of the peoples of Saba and I wondered whether he had roots lying across the ocean. He embraced Zari' and spoke with a loud and welcoming voice.

"Shlama Zari', most trusted friend. It has been quite some time, and far too long it has been. I can see you have not come alone; tell me, who is your friend here?"

I bowed before the tall man.

"Shlama ha'Alma'qah, friend. My name is Ayman and I come from the north. I have been a friend of Zari' for quite some time now."

"So it is then. I welcome you, friend, to Maryab. If you would see fit, please come with me to my library. Zari', there are matters which need to be discussed." Zari' nodded gravely and beckoned me to come with him.

"As you may well know," Yusuf said whilst walking, "the people of Batra and Aqaba sent a message two moons ago that they had cast out the heirs of Iskandir and joined our league. At that point, we found out that for a long time there had been a struggle going on between the heirs of Iskandir. At one point is Ptelemayis of Al-Kemit and one the other point the Malik of Suri, Antyikkos. We had managed to form an alliance with the people of Suri."

Zari' nodded and spoke; "Yes, but this had been known for some time."

"Yes, of course. However, the situation has changed. We received word a week ago that the people of Bostra were attacked by the people of Suri. The people of Batra immediately responded and sent an armed force to reclaim the city. Antyikkos saw this as a manouvre of war and reacted by declaring the Kingdom of Nabataea, as they call themselves in that cursed language of Yawan*."

We had reached the balcony, which gave an astonishing sight of the entire city. The sun was already setting and the merchant stalls were closing down.

"The problem is," Yusuf continued, squinting his eyes, looking at the setting sun, "that our Malik has recognised the Nabataean Kingdom as an ally, which has sworn allegiance to us in return."

Yusuf turned to us and smiled cynically. "Relations had never been good between the people of Batra and the people of Suri. You could say this is...the straw that broke the camel's back."

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*Shlama = Ancient Arabic for "Peace", closely related to Arabic "Salaam" and Hebrew "Shalom"
*Malik = Arabic word for "King"