Chapter 12: The Departures
Rapthwen, the yazata who guarded the sun from the jealousy of Rimahn, looked down upon Ravan and smiled; and so morning came at last to the Holy City, a bright morning filled with sunshine and hope. Journeys would begin today that would stretch across the expanses of Parsina and culminate so dramatically that the entire world would shake.
At Palace Gate, all the work of outfitting Prince Ahmad’s entourage was now over and the assembled party was ready to proceed. The honor guard that would accompany the prince numbered fifty of the best, most loyal men Umar bin Ibrahim could find on such short notice. Each man was armor-clad and wearing his finest raiment, with shield and sword providently tied to the saddle in case of trouble on the road. The horses they rode
