In the late morning, in Daghir’s villa.
Taz sat with Daghir and his family at a long table in a large, well-decorated dining room. The walls were blood red, and the floor was shining marble.
Daghir sat at the head of the table, and to his right was Tanaz, followed by his children. To his left were his three wives, followed by more of his kin.
While they ate.
Taz looked around at the table subtly. She was surprised to see that Daghir wasn’t only an accomplished arrow but a father of a massive family of twenty children.
She ate her breakfast of meat and vegetables, then drank the juice beside her plate.
She looked at Daghir and said, “When you told me about your family, I thought you were jesting.”
Daghir smiled at her and asked, “Why’s that?”
“Aren’t you twenty-four years old?” Taz asked.
Daghir nodded and said, “I am.”
Taz glanced at his family again and muttered, “Damn….”
Daghir took a bite, then said, “The dean wants to meet you soon.”
“Dean?” Taz asked.
“Akram, the old man who signed your marriage contract,” Daghir replied.
“Did he tell you why?” Taz asked.
“No, if I had to guess, he wants to transfer the farm’s lease to your name,” Daghir said.
Taz took a bite, then said, “I need to be honest with you.”
Daghir looked at her.
Taz chuckled, then said, “I don’t know how to run a farm. I only accepted it because it sounded nice.”
Daghir giggled and said, “Don’t worry; I’ll help you.”
Taz smiled and chirped, “Why, thank you! O’ cousin.”
Daghir laughed loudly.
Daghir’s wives stared at Taz in contempt.
One of them cleared her throat and told Taz, “We haven’t got the chance to know each other, Tanaz.”
Taz took a bite while she smiled, then asked, “What do you want to know?”
“What’s the nature of your relationship with Daghir?” The first wife asked.
“Used to be only work―now I’m his cousin’s betrothed,” Taz replied.
“I heard the famous advisor was your uncle. Is that true?” The first wife asked.
“Yes, he is,” Taz replied.
“Strange, you have notably different features from your family,” The first wife asked.
Taz knew precisely why that was the case, but she decided to avoid the answer and deflect it with a joke.
Taz smiled, then said, “Mother told me I’m special because she picked me from an apple tree.”
Daghir’s child beside Taz jolted and said, “My mother told me that too, Tanaz!”
Taz smiled at him, stroked his hair and chirped, “It seems I have found my long-lost brother!”
A while later, with Taz and Daghir.
They walked through the palace halls, headed to the dean’s office, and chatted.
Taz looked at Daghir and asked, “How do you afford to have a large family like yours?”
Daghir chuckled, then said, “I see you’re settling here quite well, especially after seeing you sleeping on Nash’s lap like a maiden in love.”
Taz blushed, then said, “I was tired, and Nash offered help.”
“To see the fearsome wolf sleeping on his lap like a child is sure to be the gossip of the entire military,” Daghir jested.
Taz pushed him, then said, “I hate talking to you sometimes.”
Daghir laughed, then said, “Back to your question. My income isn’t solely from the arrows. Me, Caleb and that bitch Athir are all sponsored by our family branches.”
Taz hummed, then said, “The bear, the tiger and the siren. I guess those are labels of your positions?”
“Correct, but depending on the gender of the title holders, the name changes,” Daghir replied.
Taz smiled, then asked, “If you were a woman, what would your title be?”
Daghir smiled, then said, “If it were from my family branch, the title would become Hawk.”
Taz chuckled, then said, “You know, you can choose names from prey animals. It wouldn’t make you look any weaker.”
“Tell that to the royal family. They made the name lion their entire personality,” Daghir jested.
They soon reached the dean’s office and knocked on the door. Then they went inside after hearing Akram inviting them in.
They sat on the chairs before his desk and greeted each other.
Akram smiled at Taz and said, “I heard your initial meeting with Nash went well.”
Taz furrowed her eyebrows and asked in contempt, “Does this palace prohibit privacy?”
Akram chuckled, then said, “Apologies, the wedding is essential for us.”
Taz crossed her arms and said, “So I heard.”
“Would you like tea?” Akram asked.
“I prefer coffee, but your tea is addictive for some reason,” Taz said.
Akram chuckled, then said, “Our tea is special, unlike the ones you find in the markets.”
Akram called for the maid and told her to bring coffee to the office.
He looked at Taz and said, “I summoned you here to finalize a few things. One is the lease for your new farm.”
Taz leaned closer and said, “I’m ready to sign.”
Akram handed her the lease, then Taz inspected it to check for loopholes and unfair bullet points.
After she read it, she signed her name at the bottom of the paper and kept it with her.
The maid soon entered the office, placed a pot of coffee for Taz and Daghir, then filled and gave each a cup.
Akram crossed his hands and asked, “As for the dinars, would you like to have them now, or do you want them to be transferred to your family’s treasury?”
“Transfer it. I don’t like walking around with too many dinars,” Taz said.
Akram smiled and said, “It will be done.” He sipped his coffee and said, “Now, since the tiger is here. I want to discuss our current situation.”
Akram gestured to Daghir.
Daghir sipped his coffee and said, “Caleb has captured five assassins and found their hideout.”
Taz sipped her coffee and said, “He works fast.”
“Has Ahmad updated you on his side of the plan?” Akram asked.
Taz looked at Akram and said, “We captured three of them and convinced Prince Nadir to join our side.”
“Did Nadir bring any good news?” Akram asked.
“He identified those who’re hunting Daghir and me and told us he would bring them to face the royal court once we lure the golden lion,” Taz said.
Akram looked down, sighed and said, “It seems confrontation with that beast is unavoidable.”
Daghir sipped his coffee and said, “I know his strength and weaknesses. His true threat is his unnatural strength and the Ifrit under his command.”
Taz looked at Daghir and asked, “Isn’t he a master class magic user?”
Daghir placed down his cup and said, “Do you honestly think his element’s lethality compares to ours?”
Taz sipped her coffee and said, “The problem we face with our elements is that they must be controlled properly or else everyone near us dies, especially yours.”
Daghir scoffed and said, “I’m not a novice.”
Taz placed her cup on the table and said, “I also heard from Hajras that the sword Asad wields is a master-class sword.” “You, of all people, should know what that means.”
“Are you saying I’m ill-equipped?” Daghir asked.
Taz leaned back and said, “Yes, your tools aren’t designed to face a sword of that caliber. If anything, master class swords are known to break weapons and armor of lower quality.”
Daghir leaned forward and said, “I’ll humor your request, but where can I find a smith who can make a weapon like the ones you have?”
“There’s a master class smith in Babilim; I can take you to him,” Taz said.
Daghir stood up and said, “Let’s go and see him then.”
Taz stood up, looked at Akram and said, “Thank you for the coffee.”
Akram nodded and replied, “You’re welcome.”
They left the office. Taz took her weapons before they left the palace, as she wanted to use the opportunity to maintain her swords.
They soon reached Hakeem’s shop, and to their surprise, they didn’t find him. They only found his odd pet inside.
Daghir looked from a distance in awe. It was the first time he ever saw a monkey of that rare breed.
He approached it slowly and talked to it like a child, “What are you doing here, you orange ape?”
The orangutan looked at Daghir, sat down and rubbed its belly.
Taz smiled, then said, “She’s jumpy when Hakeem isn’t here.”
Daghir looked behind at Taz and asked, “It’s a female?”
While he looked away, the orangutan approached and grabbed Daghir’s leg. Daghir, startled, gripped its shoulder and said, “If you’re as smart as they say, you’ll let go of my leg.”
Taz approached and said, “Latifa, be a good girl and let go.”
Latifa, the orangutan, didn’t know human speech, so it ignored their warnings and pulled Daghir’s leg.
Daghir pulled back his leg forcefully and said, “Don’t make me hurt you, you fat furball.”
Latifa went on to act like a spoiled child and hugged Daghir’s leg as it made a deep and gentle guttural sound.
Taz laughed, then chirped, “I think Latifa wants to be your fourth wife.”
Daghir chuckled, then said, “She’s too short and hairy for my liking.”
Taz approached Latifa, squatted, patted her head and said, “Don’t listen to this cunt, Latifa. You’re a beautiful girl.”
Latifa looked at Taz, pushed her away and made another guttural sound.
Taz stared in disbelief and retorted, “You orange whore! You’ll leave your best friend for a man you just met!”
Hakeem walked in on the commotion, glanced around quickly and said, “Latifa! That’s not how we greet our customers. Have some decency, girl!”
Latifa let go of Daghir, went and sat in the corner and kept her head down in frustration.
Hakeem went to the table in the back, placed his bags and asked, “Who’s the guy with the mustache, Tanaz?”
Daghir approached him and said, “The name is Daghir, son of Shihab. I was told you’re a man who can make master-class weapons.”
Hakeem turned to Daghir and said, “I am the man you seek, the only master class smith in the capital.”
Daghir took Taz’s curved sword and said, “So I heard, but can you make a weapon of this caliber?”
Hakeem took the sword, inspected it and sarcastically said, “This is a legendary sword! The man who made it must be a genius!”
Taz laughed.
Daghir glanced at Taz, furrowed his eyebrows, then looked at Hakeem and asked in confusion, “Is there something I’m missing here?”
Hakeem smiled, then said, “Daghir―You’re looking at the man who made Tanaz’s swords, dagger and mask.”
Daghir nodded, pouted, then said, “I’ve taken the liberty to try Tanaz’s weapons while we were on a mission. I have to say the durability of your crafts is unmatched.”
Hakeem wrapped the sword’s strap on his shoulder, crossed his hands and said, “I have a feeling that you’re going to give me a challenging request.”
Daghir smiled and said, “You’re correct. You see, the reason why I don’t use standard weapons is because they break easily.” He lifted his hands and said, “With these hands, countless spears, swords and axes broke.” “Can you make me a weapon that’ll handle my strength?”
“I can, but first, I need to ask you some questions to decide which weapon would suit you,” Hakeem said.
“Sure,” Daghir replied.
Hakeem opened a drawer, pulled out a notebook and a pencil, then started writing on it and said, “First, Tell me about your fighting style.”
“I tend to tire out my foes, then land a lethal strike, but sometimes I attack preemptively if I see a chance,” Daghir said.
Hakeem wrote, then asked, “What’s your height? If I guessed correctly, you’re about two meters tall, correct?”
Daghir crossed his arms behind his back and said, “Close. I’m two hundred and twenty-six centimeters tall.”
Hakeem wrote, then asked, “How much are you willing to pay? This will let me know how I’ll make your weapon.”
Daghir smiled, then said, “Money isn’t a problem.”
Hakeem closed the notebook and said, “That’ll be all. The best choices are either a broad sword or a club.”
“You should keep this in mind. I’m an arrow. Not all my foes are human,” Daghir said.
Hakeem hummed, opened his notebook again, wrote and said, “That opens a chance for more questions.” He looked at Daghir and asked, “Do you want to add a talisman or charms to your weapon?”
“You never gave me that option!” Taz said.
Hakeem looked at her and said, “Because I already added a charm to your weapons; look at your pummel.”
Taz looked at the pummel of her broad sword, hummed and said, “I never noticed it.”
“Of course, you didn’t―because you treat my crafts like cheap whores,” Hakeem retorted.
Daghir chuckled, then said, “I’ll accept the charm.”
Hakeem looked at Daghir and asked, “What will it be? A sword or a club?”
Daghir rubbed his chin and said, “I’ll choose the club. Not all my encounters end in death.”
Hakeem closed his notebook, placed it in the drawer and said, “Your weapon will be done in two weeks.”
Taz approached and said, “I want to make a request too.”
Hakeem extended his hand and said, “Give me your blades. Knowing you, they’ll be close to breaking.”
Taz handed over her weapons and said, “I’m offended you don’t have enough faith in my care for weapons.”
Hakeem took her blades and said, “And I’m more offended you constantly try to ruin my crafts.”
They exchanged farewells, and the pair left the shop.
On their way back, Taz looked at Daghir and said, “We should visit the guard station. I need to check in on Nawar’s progress.”
Daghir hummed, then said, “I don’t mind. It’s not like Qutaibah will change his mind about our suspension.”
“I asked my uncle to check in on him―after the execution of Prince Thabit, he left Babilim,” Taz said.
Daghir looked at her and said, “Where did he go?”
“I’m not sure. The only thing he mentioned was the garden of masters,” Taz said.
“That prick! When everything goes to shit. He decides to relive his past glories,” Daghir said.
Taz sighed, then said, “I wonder if a civil war breaks out, and we’re the ones who ignited it.”
Daghir laughed, then said, “If those cunts were able to overpower the king, I’d pledge allegiance to them.”
Taz looked at him and said, “I know the king has authority over the Jinn, but is it enough?”
“The king not only has authority over the Jinn, but he could also easily strip away the royals’ Jinn guards. What makes him truly unmatched is that he has legions of blue Jinns, Ifrits and other types of Jinn that answer to his every whim,” Daghir said.
“….How do you know all of that?” Taz wondered.
Daghir chuckled, then said, “You never heard of the Hebrew Rebellion? The event where the king gained his title, the avatar of Nergal.”
Taz furrowed her eyebrows and said, “Nergal? As in the god of death, Nergal?”
“Yes. To give you a summary of the war. Seven nations, along with the Hebrews, allied against Mesopotamia. Where most people thought the kingdom would fall, they were instantly proven wrong after the king conjured the legions of Jinn,” Daghir said.
“How long did the war last?” Taz asked.
Daghir looked at her and said, “Six months and those nations burned to the ground, their kings were slain, and the Jinn took their women and children. One of those nation’s people you already met.”
Taz looked at him and asked, “Who?”
“It’s Yara and the pale triplets who serve your uncle. They’re called snow people,” Daghir said.
A while later, at the guard station.
Once they reached their destination, one of the guards tried to stop them from entering, only to be yanked back by his comrade, who warned him about Taz and Daghir being arrows.
Taz approached them and asked, “Where’s Sergeant Nawar?”
“He’s a major now,” The guard said.
Taz pressed her lips, nodded and said, “Interesting! But answer my question, guard. Where’s he?”
“He’s in the basement interrogating a criminal,” The guard said.
The pair went inside and descended to the lower level. Once they entered through the door, they heard screams and pleas from a man in pain.
They followed the source of the noise and reached a room deep inside.
Taz opened the door and saw Nawar smashing the knee of the criminal he interrogated with a large hammer.
Nawar panted, looked at her and said, “Wolf! It’s good to see you again. Who’s the giant you brought along?”
Daghir entered after Taz, then closed the door, leaned on it and said, “I’m Caleb’s cousin, Daghir.”
Nawar dropped the hammer while the whimpers of the criminal roamed and said, “Ah, yes. Do you have any new information for me?”
Taz sat on the tool table and said, “We’re here to check your progress.”
Nawar approached Taz, smiled and said, “Well, Well. Look who’s bossing me now.”
Taz smiled, then jested, “I outrank you in terms of authority. I recommend you to stay on my good side to avoid trouble.”
Nawar laughed, then said, “I taught her how to shoot, then she shot me when her forearms got firm.”
Daghir laughed, then said, “It’s funnier because wolves are loyal, and this one isn’t.”
The bloodied criminal chuckled.
Nawar looked at him and said, “I told you to speak, not to laugh!” Then he punched him.
Taz looked at the criminal and said, “What Nawar said!” then shot him with lightning.
Daghir looked at the criminal and said, “I hate to be left out.” Then shot his foot with fire.
The criminal screamed and whimpered.
Taz looked at Daghir and said, “I didn’t know you could use two elements.”
Daghir looked at Taz and said, “Flames are easier to learn, unlike lightning.”
Nawar looked at Taz, approached and said, “Back to your question. We found a couple of their hideouts and apprehended ten of them. I ordered more frequent patrols all over the capital.”
Taz nodded and said, “Good, they can’t move freely anymore.”
Nawar crossed his arms and asked, “Is there anything else you want to know?”
“What’s the condition of A’saal?” Taz asked.
“Sadly, the old bitch lives. She’s recovering from her wounds,” Nawar said.
“Beast hunters are incredible, to get a hole in your gut and survive….” Daghir said.
Nawar looked at Daghir and said, “She didn’t recover unscathed. Her appearance changed.”
Taz furrowed her eyebrows and asked, “How?”
Nawar looked at Taz and said, “I don’t know; she banned anyone from seeing her. Even the king can’t get inside.”
“I’m not surprised. She cared about her appearance more than anything,” Taz said.
“What happened with you and the royals?” Nawar asked.
“Threats and empty words, nothing of importance,” Taz said.
“That advisor you angered tried to bribe my men into harassing and detaining you,” Nawar said.
“What did you do?” Taz asked.
“Well, I told him I can bribe you into beating his son again. He didn’t like what I said,” Nawar said.
Taz chuckled and asked, “Does he even know who I am?”
“He does, but he’s a cunt. He doesn’t care about it,” Nawar said.
Taz rested her arms and said, “I almost forgot to tell you. I’m getting married.”
Nawar grinned and said, “Congratulations!” Then he hugged her. He stepped back and asked, “Who’s the lucky man?”
“My cousin, Nash,” Daghir said.
Nawar looked at Daghir and asked worriedly, “But isn’t it dangerous to have a wedding currently?”
Taz stood and said, “Yes, but that’s the point.” She approached Nawar and said, “The wedding will be bloody. I wanted to warn you about it.”
Nawar frowned, looked at Taz and asked, “Do you want me to send guards to it?”
Taz grabbed Nawar’s shoulder and said, “No, I want you to clear out any patrols near the location. We’re planning to trap a certain foe.”
Nawar shrugged off Taz’s hand and said in frustration, “I can’t leave you in danger! At least let me send one of my best men discreetly.”
Taz looked at Daghir and said, “Doesn’t sound too bad.”
Daghir looked at Nawar and said, “Tell me more about this man.”
Nawar looked at Daghir and said, “He’s a hardened warrior and an officer. He recently transferred her from the military.”
Taz nodded and said, “I’ll send you an invitation when the wedding is arranged; make sure he gets it.”
The pair left the basement and stood outside.
Daghir looked at Taz and asked, “Anywhere else you want us to visit?”
“No, I’m returning to the villa,” Taz replied.
“Remember the plan when the wedding date is set. Invite more people who’re valuable witnesses, and I’ll do the same,” Daghir said.
Taz smiled, then said, “I have more people in mind. Their testimonies will be undeniable.”
The pair parted after spending the day together.
Taz returned to the villa and entered the gate. When she stepped inside, she found Yara waiting for her near the villa’s entrance.
Yara looked at Taz, rushed to her, hugged her and said, “I was worried.”
Taz chuckled, hugged her, then said, “I was away for one day.”
Yara stepped back, looked at Taz and said, “Some thugs tried to break in!”
Taz became concerned, then said, “What happened!?”
“Siraj and Afra killed them, but I don’t feel safe anymore,” Yara said.
Taz placed her hands on her waist and said, “Yara, the thugs are dead. There’s no danger anymore.”
Yara wiped her tears and said, “A stranger is looking for you. He’s sitting in the garden. I don’t think he came here peacefully.”
Taz sighed, then said, “Fine! I’ll go talk to him.”
Taz hurried inside, then ran the stairs till she reached the roof. She stepped through the door and found Nash sitting under a tree.
Taz turned back and muttered, “Fuck! I’m not dressed properly.”
“Tanaz!” Nash called.
Taz cleared her throat, turned to him, smiled and approached. She stood before him and said softly, “Hello, darling! It’s good to see you again.”
Nash smiled, then said, “I’m sorry for visiting without telling you. But Athir wouldn’t let me see you again.”
Taz chuckled, then said, “Don’t worry, darling. I’m happy you came to see me. Do you want to spend the evening in the garden?”
“I don’t want to be a bother; I won’t stay long,” Nash said.
Taz approached him, stroked his hair and said, “That’s nonsense! I want to spend more time with you.”
Nash stared into her eyes with his adorable sad eyes and said, “But the pale woman doesn’t want me here.”
Taz smiled, then said, “She’s mentally unstable, darling. Please be patient with her. I’m sure she’ll grow to like you.”
Nash pointed at the garden’s entrance and said, “She’s still monitoring me.”
Taz looked behind, glared at Yara and said, “Come here, Yara!”
Yara approached, clasped her hands and kept her head down.
Taz sighed, then said, “Yara, do you know I went out yesterday?”
Yara shook her head.
Taz pushed Nash forward and said, “The stranger you mentioned is my fiancé.”
Yara looked at them with awe.
“Be a good girl and apologies to Nash,” Taz said.
“I’m sorry, Nash,” Yara said.
Taz inhaled deeply, then said, “Good, now tell the maids to bring a carpet and prepare snacks and beverages.”
Yara turned around and left.
Soon after, the maids arrived, placed a carpet, and brought snacks, tea, and coffee.
Taz and Nash sat down and continued their chat.
Nash poured tea for Taz and said, “You have a beautiful garden.”
Taz placed snacks for Nash and said, “My uncle would be happy to hear that.”
Nash poured tea for himself and asked, “Isn’t this your house?”
Taz chuckled, then said, “It was. Then I bought my own house and left.”
“What’s your job?” Nash innocently asked.
“Didn’t your family tell you?” Taz asked.
“…. You kill people,” Nash said.
Taz froze and said, “Perhaps….”
Nash smiled and said, “It’s fine. My sister does too. She doesn’t tell me, but I figured it out.”
Taz sighed in relief, chuckled and said, “How so?”
Nash sipped his tea and said, “Once, I snuck into her room and found her journal. She keeps documenting her missions and draws the faces of her victims.”
Taz furrowed her eyebrows and asked, “How did that lead you to the conclusion?”
“In her last mission, she wrote that her sword got damaged from striking down a rouge beast hunter, and I inspected her sword and found it nicked,” Nash said.
“Impressive,” Taz said.
Nash looked at her and said, “She wrote about you when she first met you.”
Taz sipped her tea and said, “I hope she didn’t falsely accuse me of vile acts.”
Nash ate a few nuts, then said, “She didn’t. I don’t know for sure, but she kept calling you the key or the mad wolf.”
Taz smiled at him and asked, “And what do you think of me, darling?”
Nash smiled, then said, “I can’t tell. You seem truthful yet threatening. Joyful yet burdened.” He pointed at her eyes and said, “And those green eyes of yours are charming, but it feels like they belong to a beast.”
Taz’s smile faded as she realized that Nash saw through her fake persona. He didn’t conclude his readings, but his answer hinted that he was almost at the finish line, and Taz’s fraudulent acts would be exposed.
What would she do now?
Nash can’t nullify the contract even if he wanted because if he did, his house would be left as the lion’s prey.
Yet Taz never wanted to let go of him; she emotionally became dependent on him. Even if she decided to go her separate way, she knew that no matter how many slaves she collected, she’d never receive genuine affection from them.
It was a stalemate. One Taz had to break out of.
“You’re a sharp man, Nash,” Taz said.
“What made you turn into the woman you are?” Nash asked.
Taz sighed, kept her head down, rubbed the top of her cup and stayed silent.
Nash touched her knee and said, “I need to know the woman I’m marrying, Tanaz.”
“No one has the bear my burden, especially you,” Taz said.
“Look at me, Tanaz,” Nash said.
Taz looked into his eyes.
Nash looked into her eyes and said, “As your future husband, I demand that you let me share that burden; I will not accept any other answer.”
Taz chuckled, blushed, wiped her tear and said, “You sound so adorable when you say that.”
Nash pressed her knee and asserted, “I mean it, Tanaz!”
Taz sniffled, then said, “Fine, but if you tell anyone what I’m about to tell you. You’ll find out why there are many bad rumors about me.”
“I’m doing it for the sake of knowing you better, not to use it as gossip,” Nash said.
Taz began telling her story to Nash, down to every detail, while leaving the unsavory parts out.
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The End
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