They were greeted inside the cave entrance by a group of men in dark blue robes who took their horses and led Shammara’s party to temporary quarters where they could freshen up. The travelers were fed a simple meal and Shammara, tired after her lengthy journey, slept in preparation for her appointment this evening. Her companions stood guard around her while she slept; they would sleep later, while she was conducting her business with the high priest of this evil cult.
Her servants awakened her shortly before sunset and Shammara prepared for her interview by donning one of the finest—and warmest—outfits she had. Her heavy thawb was of black velvet embroidered with thread of silver and burgundy, while her black headpiece of shayla and gnaa had appliquéd silver triangles and squares, and bu
