Episode 2
Janzad gazed at the luxurious outfit laid out before him. A wave of sadness surged in his heart. Tonight, a grand celebration was being held to honor his ascension as the new chieftain, and he was supposed to wear this new ceremonial outfit—but joy was far from his heart.
Even when Chief Aman had placed the turban of leadership on his head during his lifetime, Janzad had not felt happiness. How could a son rejoice over a title inherited in exchange for the eternal loss of a beloved father? But emotions do not dictate the rules of the world. Someone had to take over after Chief Aman, and who better than his brave and capable son?
The decision had been made by the chief himself during his life, and tonight's celebration served as a public endorsement of that decision. The gathering was also a declaration of loyalty. Through it, the people were showing that they were happy with Janzad as their leader. For their happiness, he had to bury his sorrow.
"After the celebration, I will ask Hakim Hazik for Mutribah's hand in marriage."
This thought brushed his mind amidst the sadness, and a smile formed on his lips. He reached out and picked up the outfit. As he changed out of his regular clothes into the fine ceremonial attire, his mind remained consumed by thoughts of Mutribah.
For the past three days, she hadn't let him catch even a glimpse of her—and he knew it was intentional, meant to stoke the fire of his longing. He was truly restless for her. She was the first woman to ever enter his life, and she had taken hold of his senses so quickly that life without her seemed impossible.
"Tonight will be the last time you sneak to see me," he thought. "After this, you'll be mine forever, openly and proudly."
Just then, a sudden sense of a presence outside his tent startled him.
"Who's there? Come in!" he called loudly.
He assumed it was a messenger, sent to summon him to the celebration. But the voice that responded took him by surprise—it was a woman, offering a respectful greeting.
It was the servant girl of Hakim Hazik.
"You? At this hour? What's going on?"
Her presence was unexpected.
"There's no problem now, my lord. But danger is fast approaching," she said in a hushed voice.
"I don't understand what you mean," Janzad frowned deeply.
"I bring urgent news. Once you hear it, everything will make sense," she said.
"Did Mutribah send you with this message?" he asked, trying to guess.
"No, my lord. I don't have much time. Please, listen carefully."
"Speak. I'm listening," he said, sitting back down on his seat.
"Tonight, during the celebration, someone will poison your drink with a slow-acting toxin. The symptoms will be mistaken for drunkenness. Gradually, your mind will slip away, and you'll begin to reveal the secrets Chief Aman told you before his death. Eventually, it will kill you."
Though her head was bowed and her voice quiet, to Janzad it felt like thunder was exploding all around him.
"If you're lying, you're risking your life for nothing," he growled and, overcome with rage, leapt up and grabbed her by the throat.
"I have no enmity with you, my lord, to risk my life by delivering a false warning," she gasped.
"Who's behind this plot against me?" His face burned hotter than fire.
"The same man who poisoned a minor wound of the former chief so subtly that it led him to the grave instead of recovery."
Her words hit him like a second bomb.
Janzad's mouth fell open.
"Hakim Hazik…"
He said the name through clenched teeth, as though his very jaw might crush it.
"But why? Why would he do this? He was among the closest to my father!"
"Even the closest of friends can become enemies when blinded by love for their own children. My master sees no one more fit for leadership than his own son."
"And Mutribah?"
Janzad couldn't even finish the question.
"A sister can go to any lengths for her brother's success, my lord," the servant girl replied solemnly.
Her words stabbed Janzad in the heart.
The woman he had adored day and night—her love had been nothing but a deception. His fists clenched in fury.
Now it all made sense—why Mutribah suddenly became interested in him the moment he became chief.
"Hazik and his family must be held accountable for their deeds right now!"
His voice trembled with rage as he drew his sword.
"No, my lord! You cannot defeat them alone. They are too many, and your loyal followers are too few. If all they wanted was your death, they wouldn't need such careful planning. They want the secrets Chief Aman entrusted to you."
She grabbed his hands in desperation.
"Why risk your life to tell me all this? Why show me such loyalty?"
He stared at her, searching her eyes.
"Maybe one day you'll know. But for now, I beg you—leave immediately. If you delay any longer, I risked my life in vain."
She gently pushed him.
"Please, go now! I don't know your destination, but I've placed food and water in your saddlebag."
"Fine," he said.
"To honor your loyalty, I will leave for now. But tell my enemies this—I will return to avenge my father's blood."
He looked into her eyes, then, instead of heading for the door, slashed the back of the tent open with his sword and slipped into the darkness beyond.
Drums and voices filled the air, but to his storm-tossed heart and mind, it all seemed meaningless. He didn't fully trust the servant girl, but he knew leaving immediately was his best option.
Not long after setting out, he thought about stopping somewhere safe to uncover the truth. But he never got the chance.
Death's agents had already begun closing in on him.
For now, he had only one goal—to escape their reach at any cost.
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