Jewels of the Heart

The sun shone in the sky, a burning fire that warmed bodies despite the autumn air. On either side of the street everyone bowed to the ground. Very few subjects of the capital did not wear grey clothing. Very few subjects of the capital lacked swollen red eyes. Or tear stained trails on their cheeks. King Saamun announced that the people who died outside the prison would receive a proper burial. For he understands the betrayal they must have felt and his heart went out to the people. 

Thus, men walked down the roads on either side of biers. The common people could not have their bodies moved in carriages along such a high ranking family, however one representative from each family was allowed a token to put on the carriages. A symbol of the one they lost. Some people placed flowers, others jewelry, some even placed a tea cup. 

The members of the Medes family lay atop of white lilies and yas flowers. Not even the king dared to ask for General Aljehni to aid her fallen family members. So the high prince's wife; High Princess Anahita, cleaned the bodies with oil, and unbraided the hair of each Medes member. Their hair was brushed and placed ever so gently at their sides. High Princess took the careful time to remove their jewelry and anything that could stand in the way of returning dust. It was her hands that placed the sacred lotus on their chests, directly above their hearts. 

High Princess Anahita surely met the beauty of her name. The goddess she was named after could not be more proud in the selflessness she showed to aid such a loyal family of the kingdom. She wished to walk with the carriage as well, but the king asked her not to. For fear that the Aljehni family would react with anger. 

The Aljehni family was not present at the funeral. Since the king publicly pleaded for peace no one had seen any of them. The estate doors had not opened. Some wondered if they were aware that the Medes family had passed at all. The precession made it to the entrance of the pyre and stopped. 7 children the age of 7 Blue moons dressed in grey walked in a single file line before the pyre. These were the moon children, born during the 1st and last week of the moon phase, because the Medes family had no one to sing the ancient song these children would bear the responsibility. 

Their faces were covered with sheer material and on their heads they wore crowns made from lotus flowers. Together they sang the song of exodus. The words of ancient Aidjeeken, this song is never to be rewritten or translated. The old gods shall hear this song and accept the souls of the people from the beginning to the end.

Finishing the song everyone rose and tossed one final white flower into the street. Then the bodies were burned one by one for their ashes to be collected and poured over the sacred lotus pond next to the main temple. 

The rest of the day was to be in silence, to grant peace for the departed. The king made an announcement showing in person high on his horse dressed in grey, his crown shining in the sunlight. At his left was Duke Majidi, his hardened face and cold eyes scanning the crowd. For what? No one could know for sure. 

King Saamun held a hand up, "People of Aidkjeen today we mourn a strong family. A loyal family. A group of men and women who laid their lives down for the safety of the kingdom, they burn with respect, they burn with honour." He placed his fist over his chest, "I know many of us grieve, but through these hard times let us stand united. It can be difficult to know who to trust." He wiped at his nose, "But I, King Saamun hereby vow to stand on the side of the people. I will capture all the Stilits. I will get to the bottom of this chaos. I will restore peace." 

All around him the people cheered and praised the Dlumaeni name. 

The scholar that was released from prison stepped forward after catching Duke Majidi's silent order. "Your majesty," he bowed, "permission to speak." 

A warm smile graced King Sammun's lips, "Granted." he responded warmly. 

"The Aljehnis would not really do this, right? Your majesty, have we really been fooled by them all along?" he asked with a pained expression. His fist gripped his garment tightly as if the words were too painful to say.

King Saamun dramatically turns to hide his face for a moment before turning back. Exhaling a soft laugh, "A king never aims to harm his people. A king tries to live by example. To follow the scriptures of Thoth, however," he paused to stare at the smoke rising in the air from the pyre, "This one was wrong. I placed my trust in the wrong people, as a result harming you." King Sammun bowed his head, "I apologize." 

At the king's actions every person in attendance dropped to their knees. 

"His majesty King Saamun is kind, please feel no guilt," someone shouted, causing the crowd to repeat the statement. 

From the back of the crowd some of the soldiers under General Aljehni's command frowned. Their hands shook as some of them hit the side of their head.

Dharam sat at the foot of the tree facing the gate. The sun had barely lit up the night sky when he had made his way to that spot. His grey cloak tied over his normal yellow clothes. The tie holding up his short hair was grey instead of yellow, and his eyes were bloodshot red. He sat humming the song of exodus, his fingers twirling the petal of a lotus flower. 

Feeling his eyes filled with tears he closed them, banging his head on the tree. One time, two times, three-. Opening his eyes was Chiara, "When did you get here?" 

Moving her hand from behind Dharam's head, "A long time ago. You have only just noticed." she rested her hands on her lap. 

"Are you here to tell me I must not leave the estate?" he asked, scoffing weakly. 

"I was under the impression that you already knew that." 

Dharam nodded. After some time he spoke once more, "Then why are you here?" 

Crossing her legs, "You are my brother," she turned her head, giving him a soft smile. "I do not think you should be alone." 

Dharam stared at the gate, "I see, who knew Chiara was so kind." 

Chiara frowned, her brother was trying to be sarcastic but she could hear the emptiness in his words. "Dharam-" 

"I know." he interrupted her. 

"What?" her wide eyes stared at him in shock.

"I know," he repeated.

"What do you know?" Chiara asked, confused. 

"I know what you were going to say."

"How? I do not even know what I was going to say," she twirled the cuff on her wrist.

Dharam smiled, a real one this time and leaned his head on Chiara's shoulder, "Thank you, Chiara." 

From inside the manor the strings of a lyre played. A soft melody that called for the hearts of those who were gone. The gentle vibrations of the stings attracted the attention of everyone who heard it. 

Dharam finally stood, his body stumbling after having sat for so long. Facing away from the gate he stared at the open window. 

From a balcony Asbed sat, the notes of the santur accompanied the Zale's lyre. The painful tune crying out for the loss of family. 

Chiara squeezed Dharam's hand and led him back to the manor, the words of the ancient song leaving her lips. 

As the song reached its end the members of the Aljehni family returned to the manor. Many of them had seen each other for the first time that day. Everyone dressed in grey clothes and red eyes. The only member missing was Roset, who had gone to sleep after crying. 

Aaleyah sat at the top of the steps, her long body closed in as if she wished to disappear completely. Her tight waves unbraided and fell around her face like a blanket. Her lips mouthing the words of the song.

Herom sat next to Amenah at the table, a brush in his hands. It had been many blue moons since he last drew, but in front of him sat a sketch of his grandfather.

The song ended and Zale returned to Aaleyah's side, his arm reaching around her to pull her into a hug. 

Asbed came and stood next to his father who tried his best to give his son a grateful smile. 

Havil stepped forward, "Make sure you eat today."

Herom visible shook, "Is that all you have to say?" he asked, rising from his seat. "How long?" he asked his father. "How long must we stay here?" 

Dharam and Amenah locked eyes and moved in sync to stand at Herom's side. 

"Herom, maybe now is not the time." Amenah whispered in warning. 

Herom brushed her hand away, his eyes glued on his father. "No more being in the dark," he told his father.

"Now is not the time," Havil told him tiredly. 

"How long shall we wait!" he raised his voice. "Shall we wait for another funeral we are unable to attend!" 

Dharam scratched at the back of his head nervously, "He did not mean it like that father, we are all just feeling a bit-"

"Do not alter my words." Herom dismissed, silencing Dharam. "Father, you told me to stop hunting for animals and I did. You told me to disband my group and I did. You told me not to go to the palace training grounds so I stayed home." He walked closer to his father. "Everytime I asked for an explanation, to know why, you always said you would tell me later." The brush in his hands broke into two. 

Havil shook his head, "Not know Herom." he warned. 

"Then when?" his voice cracked. "When can I know why mother tried to send me off? When can I know why I betrayed my best friends? When can I know how the king managed to kill off our family and we are unable to do anything about it?"

"I understand your questions, Herom, but you need to remember your place. You are grieving, yes. You are sacrificing, yes. You are struggling, yes." Havil listed. "However, a parents job is to protect their children, not to have the children fight out battles." 

"The battles are reaching the children." Herom gritted out.

"I will say nothing else about this matter." Havil coldly said. 

"When did you say anything at all!" 

The sound of the slap was met with 5 pairs of shocked scared eyes. Chiara took a step closer to reach out for her brother but Herom's pained gaze froze her in place. 

Havil's anger faltered, his fingers flexed to move before he let his hands fall by his sides. "Perhaps I have been too lenient with you all."

From the steps Zale stood, and the motion captured his father's attention. 

As if recalling something, "Zale and Aaleyah, come with me." He began to move in the direction of his study, "We have much to do." 

Aaleyah slowly lifted herself from the step she stooped on. Her tired golden eyes were so tired of crying, but tears seemed to continuously fill them. Her fingers clung to Zale's arm, hiding herself behind her twin's tall stance. 

Amenah's heart went out to her baby sister, "Father, can studying not wait?" she desperately asked. 

Havil moved his gaze to Amenah, "The actions of yesterday solidify the importance of why we must study." Beckoning the twins with his two fingers, "Quickly, I will teach you together." 

Herom scoffed and watched helplessly as his siblings were forced to follow their father. Amenah quietly walked behind Herom and placed a warning hand on his shoulder. Her silent way of telling him to stop. 

Asbed awkwardly fidgeted with his grey cloak, "Herom, is it really true that mom and dad were going to send you away?" he worriedly asked. 

Herom sighed and headed towards his room while saying, 'Why else do you think Amenah is being married off?" 

Asbed's worried expression quickly shifted to Amenah. "Really?" He rushed to her, "The only reason you are getting married is because mother and father wish to send you away? Why are we being sent away?" 

Amenah quickly soothed Asbed's worries. "Herom is really stressed," extending her hand to Dharam and Chiara, "we all are. Due to stress he said something he did not mean. You do not need to worry. No one is being sent away. Our family is going to be alright." 

Dharam rolled his eyes, "Half of it." he snorted. 

Elbowing him in the side, "Not helping." Amenah gritted out. 

Dharam huffed and glanced at Asbed, "Honestly Asbed too much has happened and we do not need to add more pain." he answered tirelessly. He pulled the grey small fabric out of his hair, and his small black curls fell to frame his face. "Did you know it was mother's soldiers who told the king that they were ordered to put the weapons at the academy?" His jaw tightened, "So much for trust." 

Asbed's eyes bulged, "That is impossible," he shook his head at the thought. "Mother's men are loyal, they would never act in a way to cause mother harm." He waved his hands, "Remember when Babu came, mother and her soldiers were here. They helped us, especially Zaccai and Sabni. They are mother's 2nd and 3rd in command." 

Dharam groaned, "Asbed that just goes to show that there is no such thing as trust." he muttered, leaning on the wall.

Amenah agreed, "Trust," she shook her head, "that word can only exist with family." She picked at the skin by her fingernail, "Even then it is still fragile." 

Asbed frowned, "That can not be true. Zaccai and Sabni must have a reason. There must be something that we do not know." he said, refusing to follow his siblings' pessimistic outlook. 

Back in the palace King Saamun rubbed at his temple. "Hammaan, I have done all that I can. I know it must come as a shock to you but I have warned you about Scholar Alkjehni," he sneered the Aljehni name. 

"King Saamun, I am not asking you to drop the charges," High Prince Hammaan stood up, "I am asking for permission to investigate the case." The last letter he sent Havil received no response. He had asked permission before allowing his wife to prepare the Medes family for the funeral. And then he sent another letter asking how Havil planned on moving forward and how he could help prove his innocence. Hammaan waited but there has been no response. 

King Saamun said nothing, from behind his son guard Izad pushed his fingers against his temple. Noticing the action he quickly dropped his own fingers from his temple and sat higher in his chair. "I should not have to explain to you why the close friend of the accused should not be on this case."

"Your majesty I-"

"No, Hammaan!" His own son was getting in the way of his joy for the family's demise. "You will have no involvement. You have other things to do with your time." He stood, "Have you not heard the news of the Nevalvn Kingdom?" 

"What do you mean?" Hammaan studied the slight curve of his father's lips, the twinkle in his eyes. What had his father done?

Clasping his hands at his back, "EunuchYosen." he called.

The doors opened and the small male rushed forward to answer the king's summon. "Yes, your majesty." 

With a lazy wave of his hand, "Tell High Prince Hammaan the news you told me earlier." he said as he made his way back to his throne. 

Eunuch Yosen glanced back and forth between the king and the high prince before catching onto what the order meant. He turned and gave a small bow to the high prince, "It is said that the Nevalvn is closing their sports and will cease their trade to mourn the loss of High Prince Niraj." 

King Saamun tsked at his son's shocked expression. "I have told you numerous times that your face must betray nothing." He crossed his ankle over his knee, "I can see that there was a plan in that head of yours that has fallen apart." he chuckled. 

High Prince Hammun exhaled and forced a neutral expression, "My shock comes from the loss of the Nevalvn Kingdom's only heir. As their ally surely we must send something to show our concern?" he asked his father. 

Holding his son's gaze King Saamun broke the tension by burping, "I think it best for theValvn royals to have silence during this time. It will provide them the opportunity to truly think about where they stand in the food chain." 

Hammaan watched his father with heated eyes. Once again he was one step too late. King Valvn would not reach out to help now that his son was killed. Now there was only King Ion.

Holding up a finger, "By the way, tomorrow I think it is wise to inspect the generals and the military tokens." Tilting his head to look around his son at Izad, "Have Izad retrieve the token from General Aljehni, after these crimes it should be revoked." 

Izad's strained eyes focused on the king and he bowed, "Yes, your majesty." 

"Take this silence as your cue to leave." King Saamun yawned. 

The two men left, leaving Eunuch Yosen who was so silent one could have forgotten that he was there. As the doors closed Eunuch Yosen shivered, "Your majesty, is it safe to send Izad out so soon?" he nervously asked. 

"Izad's position is different from that of General Nubian." King Saamun tapped his knee, "it will work faster with Izad, did you not see him rubbing his temple?" he asked with a sinister smile. "It is already starting."

Eunuch Yosen bows his head, "Of course. His majesty is so wise." 

As High Prince Hammaan made his way down the halls of the palace a soft voice from the shadows captured his attention. Recognizing the face he immediately bowed to show his respect, "Concubine Megere." he greeted.

Megera's face was covered with red sheer material, but her small hand beckoned the high prince closer. From underneath her cloth she squinted at guard Izad behind her. "High Prince Saan, you need not show such mannerisms before me." 

Standing before her Hammaan smiled, "I have never seen your grace outside of her chambers. Is all well?" he asked, noticing a bruise by her wrist. 

"Today a tune of grief has played, may you tell me who it was for?" she asked, not answering his questions. 

Hammaan motioned for Izad to step back. "Concubine Megera is unaware of the funeral that took place?" His brow furrowed in confusion. How was that possible? Surely his father would have told her. 

Holding her arm to stop it from shaking, "Is Duke Majidi-" her breath hitched nervously, "has he-"

Hammaan held up a hand, "Fear not, Concubine Megera, your brother is unharmed. He has returned to the capital." 

"Then who," she let her words fall off. 

"The Medes family has fallen. The funeral progression, the song you heard was for them." Hammaan patiently explained. 

Taking a step back to hide her body in the shadow to the left of the window, "Who in the Medes family has fallen?" she asked with a tight voice. 

"Concubine Megera," Hammaan whispered, his calm face morphing to shocked agony. "Everyone fell. The Ridge of Antingree was destroyed, the entire Medes family was killed," he explained slowly.

Megera dropped her head, "The ridge was destroyed by Duke Majidi, correct?"

His brow arched in question, "You know of this?" His eyes silently added, "How?" 

"Were the Medes the Stilits?" she asked sharply.

Taken aback, "No, of course not. Concubine Megera, the Medes family fell with honor, and received a proper send off. Their deaths were an accident." he told her, but both of them did not seem to believe his last words. 

Megera's breaths were uneven, "I see. Thank you High Prince Hammaan." she bowed and moved at a slow speed back to her chambers the tears soaking her face. 

Hammaan watched after her, "Izad," he called.

Standing at his side, "Here." 

Motioning to Concubine Megera, "Ensure she returns safely." he ordered. 

Izad bowed and took a step forward before he froze. "I am to retrieve the token from Genera Aljehni." he reported cooly. 

"I am aware, do so afterwards." Hammaan told him.

A grin filled the bottom half of his face, "High Prince Hammaan is loyal to the Aljenhis, yes?" he asked. 

Confused at the question, "Izad," he called, and turned to study his face. His skin was red at his temple, his eyes swollen. "Walk Concubine Megera to her chambers, and then get some rest," he told him, maybe Izad was just tired. 

Izad seemed to shake, the smile on his face not fading, "High Prince Hammaan is loyal-" he cut off his own sentence, instead he rubbed at the side of his temple. His smile dropped "High Prince Hammaan is kind, it seems I have exhausted myself." He bowed, "This one apologizes for his wrong actions." 

Hammaan nodded, "All is well, please go." he dismissed. As Izad left Hammaan rushed to send a letter to Havil.

Duke Majidi sat high on his horse watching the townsfolk. Under the king's orders he was no longer to interfere, and instead keep watch and report back to him. 

Thus he could do nothing as a teen was being dragged through the town and beaten for the drawn insignia on his skin. He could not hear the cries from here, but he knew the child pleaded for mercy. He was beaten until he no longer moved to defend himself, and the elders scrubbed at his skin, most likely causing him to bleed out as the Aljehni insignia was forcibly removed. The hatred was only growing, this was the 10th person. 

The rule was not stated, nobody had even written it down, but the people within the capital were learning quickly that showing support for the Aljehnis was only going to lead them to pain. 

His fingers tightened on the reins, what would the world look like without the Aljehnis? They had been here from the start of the kingdom. Was the king planning on exiling them? Or does gone mean killed? If they were dead would it bother him? He had never taken any time to think, and now that he was, the thoughts were giving him a headache. How would his sister react? 

He rubbed his fingers above his eye where the pain was slowly throbbing, forget we can think about that later. 

A knock on the Aljeheni estate gates was met with caution and then confusion. One of the servants rushed to find 2nd Lady Aljehni to alert her of the guest. As Amenah rushed to the gate her peace of seeing his face only lasted a moment before she pulled him inside; closing the gate and locking it behind her. 

"Kemal what are you thinking! You must not be here. The capital is-" 

"May I hug you?" Kemal asked with a hopeful glint in his eyes, his arms already outstretched silently pleading for her to take her place in his arms. 

Her hand swiftly moved to rub at her nose, hiding her shock. Her eyes scanned the gate's frame, the lock, and then the grass. "Scholar K-Kemal," she stuttered and cleared her throat to cover it up. "You are, it, there-" she huffed and ran her hand through her curls, "It is not safe for you to be here." she finally told him. 

"Lovely Amenah, will you leave my arms like this?" He motioned to his outstretched arms, "Is this a test of strength?" he asked with a smile. 

Amenah lowered one of his hands, but did not pull hers away, "Scholar Kemal," she addressed respectfully, "this one has broken the engagement with you," her voice grew softer with each word. 

"Did you?" Kemal shrugged, "I do not recall us agreeing to break it off." he told her patently. 

"It is dangerous for you to come here," she told him with sad eyes.

Kemal glanced down at her soft hand wrapped around his, "I see, however 2nd Lady Aljehni," each word of her title was carefully articulated, "I find myself not caring." With a gentle pull he had the skilled weapons maker falling into his arms. 

Resting her chin on his shoulder she whispered weakly, "You should not be here." 

Patting her back, "Shall I release you and leave?" When her hands tightened around him he chuckled. "I came to check on you," he pushed her back slightly so he could see her face. "These past nights must have been painful," he soothed, his thumb caressing her cheek. 

Amnah's face crumbled and she attempted to look away. 

"You need not hide, I am here Amenah. I am here for you," he ardently told her. Then softer, "Allow me to be here for you." 

Amenah's golden eyes shimmered with tears, a painful sunset residing in her orbs. "I do not know who to mourn first. I do not wish to cry," she confesses. "Mother surely feels the worst pain," her voice cracks, and she reaches up to cling to Kemal's hand that was caressing her cheek. "Mother lost her sibling, her parents," her hand tightened around his, "but she refuses to shed a tear, so I must, I should, it only makes sense if I-"

"Did you love your family?" Kemal asked as he took a step back. 

Flustered by the question, "Of course I did," her tearful eyes flashing with shocked anger. 

"Can you measure your love? Can you tell me how much?" 

Amenah's lips turned to an unrealized pout as she thought, "How could one measure love?" 

"You are asking me?" Kemal held up his hands. "You are the one who seems to already be doing so," he told her. 

She brushed her bangs back, "What do you mean? I have done no such thing," she told him while crossing her arms. 

"You said that your mother feels the worst pain. You said she refuses to shed a tear so you must as well," Kemal stated. "Your mother feeling pain is a fact, but her feeling the most," he titled his head, "how is this true? Is it not because you believe that your mother knew them longer, loved them more, thus feels the most pain. If this is true does that not mean you are measuring the pain? Which means you are measuring how much pain someone could feel due to loss of love, thus," he held out his hand as if he was balancing something, "measuring who loves more."

Amenah scratched her arms, "It is not measuring," she denied, "it is logical to know that mother feels pain." 

"More than yours?" he questioned. When Amenah did not respond he added, "Did you not love your grandparents and uncles?" 

Her confusion at his questions was replaced with anger, "How dare you?" She dropped her arms, her hands balled into tight fists.

"Exactly." Kemal did not fret her anger filled stance. "The family you love has passed, your heart aches at the loss. You were unable to attend the funeral. You were unable to sing the song to help them depart. You were unable to say goodbye to them, instead you were trapped here in this estate." 

"Enough!" Her foot slammed into the post by the gate. Dropping her foot she took deep breaths to calm herself, "I no longer wish for you to be here." 

"Crying for those who can no longer feel your love is not a crime. Why hold onto your grief as if it is a weapon, when grief should be shed?" 

Amenah ran her nails against each other, "I am done with this conversation, Kemal."

Kemal reached out his hand, "If you show your grief to me I promise nothing bad will happen. And if you wish for no one to see," he opened his cloak, "I promise to hide you here." He staggered back a step from Amenah flying into his arms. 

Megera watched the door to her chambers close after making everyone leave. She picked up the letters once more and recalled the words the king said to her. The order to attack the Ridge of Antingree came from her. The death of the Medes family is on her hands. Amenah's pain and loss are because of her, her body grew hot at the thought. Her friend that she had ignored for too many moons had pleaded to her. Had asked her for her help, and her response was to kill her family. 

Does she know that her brother was the one who did it? Does she know that the Majidi family is responsible for her pain? Megera's body sunk to the floor, there was nothing she could do to stop this. Her brother would continue to follow the king's orders all for her. The king could wield her brother however he wanted because of her. She could only watch powerless as all the ones she cared for were dragged down the path of pain. She could do nothing to stop it. How truly weak she was.

Her eyes fell on the silk cloth by the bed. Her brother would not listen to her, too fixated on saving her; he is blind to the fact that he plays a hand in destroying her. The king has never listened to her, but he used her so perfectly. Rising from the floor she picked up the cloth, she would be used no longer. 

Another guest arrived at the Aljehni estate, and this time he was greeted by General Aminah herself. "Captain Izad," she greeted formally. 

Izad bowed, "General Aljehni, I formally apologize for my future actions." He stood tall, "I have received an order from the king, and I hope you understand." 

Aminah steered herself for his next words. "What is it?" 

"I am here to retrieve your Leaf Token, due to recent events until your family is proven innocent you are not to have the ability to move troops." 

Aminah's face betrayed nothing, "I see. Will you step inside, or wait here?" 

"I shall wait here," Izad replied. 

With one nod the gate was closed and Aminah marched the armoury to retrieve the Leaf Token. When she was promoted general, she was given the Leaf Token. A gift that she never took for granted, a gift that her troops did not take lightly. They fought and died together, never did they think of running away. Never did they think to abandon each other and only look after oneself. So how was it her troops had the weapons? How could it be true?

Inside the armoury she picked up the box and took out the token. A silver leaf the size of her palm, there were two colored leaves, one red, and one blue. All one had to do was show this token and they could move the troops. Something so small and simple held so much power. 

Moments later the gate opened and Aminah placed the box into Captain Izad's hands. She caught him tapping on his head for a moment and could not help asking, "Are you hurt? What is wrong with your head?" 

Closing his eyes tightly, Izad shook his head a few times before opening them with an unsettling smile. "All is well, pain is never more important than loyalty." 

Aminah's forehead scrunched into thought, "Is that so?" 

With another hit to his head Izad's smile faded and he seemed to return to normal. "General Aminah, I warn you to be careful."

"Of whom?" 

Izad scrunched in pain, "Many mourners will meet by the gate to the capital. The king will provide rice and wine," he relayed the information, but stopped abruptly. 

"Captain?" Aminah lifted her foot to step closer.

"Stop!" Izad held his hand up, "Do not leave the estate." He rushed to bow, "I will leave now," he told her before running off. 

Meanwhile the mourners who had lost their family and friends from the prison attack made their way to the gates of the capital. Moving on foot some still have puffy eyes, children still cry for the loss of those they will never see again. 

The people are directed to move away from the gate to not block the walkway, and instead they sit on a side road behind the spice shop. 

Zaccai comes forward holding the reins to the horse they pulled the wagon of food. It seems the king was very kind and generous. He added silks and warm cloaks for the upcoming winter weather. Zaccai stumbled forward, his eyes sunken in. His brown hair that was always perfectly tied up was loose and some strands fell to his eye. The sad smile was glued to his pace, and despite the pained eyes and tight hand on the horse reins the smile did not falter. 

Reaching the people he motioned to the wagon, "Everyone please line up in an orderly fashion to receive the goods from the king." 

Everyone rushed to line up, another guard ordered for the line to loop around the wagon, keeping close. Zaccai dragged his nails through his hair and scratched from his head leaving a bloody mark from his forehead to his cheek. With watery eyes he lifted the cloth and the carriage exploded.

The people in line were blown back, some crashing into the walls of the building around them. For those who seemed to survive the blast Sabni rushed out with soldiers behind him, "For the Aljehnis!" he cried out killing the remaining survivors. He stepped over Zaccai's body that was broken in tow on the ground without hesitation. As he raced after the survivors a tear escaped his eye before a wide smile took over his face. 

The sound of the explosion attracted the attention of nearby palace guards who rushed to the scene. Making their way to the road there was no time to think of who the soldiers were. Pulling out their swords the fight between palace guards and General Aljehni's troops began. Helan hesitated and his sword missed its mark, only grazing Sabni's shoulder. "Lieutenant Sabni, why are you doing this? This could not have been General Aljehni's orders!" he argued. 

Sabni took the hilt of his sword and struck his head with it, "Loyal, I am loyal to the Aljehnis." He swung wildly at Helan, "I am loyal!" 

Normally Sabni's skills were a force to be reckoned with. To be 3rd in command after General Aljehni meant that he could fight and defend anyone. He could take on multiple fighters at once without being grazed. Helan ducked once more from his wild swing, "But that Sabni was not here. His skills were barely surpassing his own. "Lieutenant Sabni," he tried again, "why did you do this? Please tell me?" he asked while blocking his attacks. 

"Drink no- drink" Sabni gritted out and pounded his head before lunging for Helan's sword. Grasping the sword by the hand he thrust it into his chest. "I was always loyal," he grunted and blood poured from his mouth, "to the Aljehnis." 

Helan watched his body fall and heard one final whisper, "Do not drink-" 

At the palace King Saamun waved his hand in a bored fashion. "Duke, there will be much to clean up by the gate. I entrust it to you." 

Duke Majidid bowed, "Yes your majesty." He rose from the floor, "Am I to spread the news of this tragedy?" 

King Saamun snorted, "Tragedy?" he laughed. "The people who died had trouble with loyalty. Some were still unsure if they should place their trust in their king or their loved scholar. With their deaths no one will question." He smiled, "You will not need to spread the news, the sound of the explosion will have people talking. The guards will be recognized. General Aljehni's men," he chuckled, "only a fool will be confused on who did this." His dark eyes glared in the duke's direction, "Just clean up the bodies," he ordered. 

Throughout the capital one phrase grew louder and louder.

"Kill the Aljehnis!"