Chapter 4
The Sun and the Desert
The camp of the Divs was nestled deep within the misty, dark valleys. A massive fire roared at the center of the giant black tents, its flames casting eerie shadows over the rough faces and wild eyes of the creatures. The air was thick with the stench of blood and burnt flesh, while piercing howls echoed through the heavy winds.
Amidst this ruthless hell, Kiyadiv, the newly risen ruler of the Divs, stood atop a high rock, surveying his followers.
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"We are not ready to attack yet. We must keep moving to avoid detection. Each pair must bring forth a new generation. We need greater numbers—until no army can stand against us. Prepare yourselves quickly. We are heading to the Valley of Shadows. Few humans dare to cross that place, which will give us more time to strengthen our forces!"
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A voice rose from the crowd. A Div with silver hair and dark eyes stepped forward with firm strides. His gaze locked onto Kiyadiv’s eyes as he spoke resolutely:
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"Your father fought for peace with humans years ago. He refused to sacrifice his own kind for Balis'' vengeance. But you—"
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Before he could finish his sentence, Kiyadiv’s furious roar split the air like a lightning strike. With one swift move, he lunged at the defiant Div, gripping his throat with razor-sharp claws. A savage grin spread across his face as he whispered:
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"My father? That fool who led his entire tribe to their deaths? I am not of his weak bloodline… I devoured my parents the moment I was born. And I will do the same to any Div who dares to challenge my command."
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Silence fell over the gathering. No one dared to speak. Yet, hidden within the veil of darkness, an unspoken truth flickered in the crimson flames of the campfire: Kiyadiv was vastly different from his father. But the full truth remained obscured. Only time would reveal the fate of Kiyadiv and the rebellious blood coursing through his veins. The Divs needed a leader—one who could save them from extinction at any cost. And so, they had no choice but to obey.
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The Fortress of Sun
Princess Samin, aided by the courtiers, was helped onto her throne. The royal physician examined her and declared that her condition was stable. He attributed her episode to stress and nervous exhaustion, finding no other apparent cause.
Once he departed, Samin sat on her soft and luxurious bed, but the unease surging within her robbed her of any sense of comfort. The worried face of King Bahram, the anxious gaze of Sahra Banoo, and the tense silence of the court all testified to the gravity of the situation. Yet, she wished to speak with only one person.
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"Father, Mother… may I speak with Tahmasb alone?"
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King Bahram and Sahra Banoo exchanged glances. Though reluctant to leave her side, they eventually nodded, and with a wave of the king’s hand, the courtiers followed him out of the room.
Old Tahmasb, his face calm and his gaze deep, settled into a chair across from her bed, waiting patiently.
Princess Samin sighed and began recounting the strange events she had experienced. She spoke of her dreamlike vision, the presence of Setayesh, the woodland beings that had come to her, and the words that still echoed in her mind: "You have been chosen…"
Tahmasb remained silent for a moment, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening as he clasped his hands together. Samin, expecting a response, asked, "What should I do? Is this real?"
At last, Tahmasb spoke.
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"Setayesh… I have come across this name many times while studying the records of the so-called ‘madmen.’ Those who claimed to possess the ‘grace of the forest’ all spoke of beings who served under Setayesh, the Mother of Nature. But no one ever believed them, and they were all dismissed as lunatics. But now, I see with my own eyes that you have been blessed by the grace of the forest. I promise to stand by your side. Today, I will send a group to investigate Mount Bidad. If Setayesh spoke the truth, we must uncover what lies there… and prepare ourselves."
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With a gentle kiss on her forehead, he left the room. Exhausted, Samin drifted into sleep.
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Meanwhile, in the grand hall of the palace, Sahra Banoo, overwhelmed with worry and frustration, turned to King Bahram.
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"How much longer will this old man know more about our daughter’s secrets than we do? Why does Samin trust Tahmasb more than us?"
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King Bahram, equally troubled, replied in a calm voice:
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"Perhaps Tahmasb knows things we do not. He was my father’s closest advisor for many years, and—"
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"Exactly!" Sahra Banoo interrupted sharply. "For years! That means he has been in this palace longer than you! What if he has a hidden agenda? What if he takes advantage of our trust?"
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King Bahram fell silent. The thought that Tahmasb might be hiding something was unsettling. But how could he suspect a man who had served the court faithfully his entire life?
Seeing his hesitation, Sahra Banoo stepped closer and said in a firm yet quiet voice:
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"We must act before it is too late."</li></ul>
King Bahram narrowed his eyes. He knew his wife would not say such things without reason. But what was he supposed to do? That dark night, two worries lingered in different corners of the palace—one in Semine’s heart, searching for the truth, and the other in the hearts of her parents, fearing that a truth had been kept from them.
King Bahram left the room and, upon seeing Tahmasb, followed him. Tahmasb called for a few soldiers, and together they left the palace.
“You must all set out for Mount Bidad. I want a full report so we can understand the situation. I''ve heard some important news, and if—”
“If what? What news am I not aware of?” King Bahram interrupted Tahmasb, stepping forward in anger.
Tahmasb stammered anxiously. “My lord… I will explain. But right now, we must not waste time. Please, allow the soldiers to—”
“Silence!” Bahram’s voice thundered. “Have you mistaken yourself for a king, that you send my soldiers wherever you please? How dare you show such audacity? The more patience I show, the more insolent you become, Tahmasb! I suppose this matter, like my daughter''s well-being, is also none of my concern, and I shouldn’t ask questions?”
Tahmasb was flustered. He could neither reveal Princess Semine’s secret before confirming it nor risk his own life in this confrontation. He hesitated, torn between his choices—until fate intervened.
Suddenly, a commotion arose, and several soldiers arrived at the palace, carrying what seemed to be a lifeless body. They laid down an armored soldier, his clothes drenched in blood.
One of the Sun Fortress guards explained, “We found him while patrolling. It seems he fell off his horse, got tangled in the reins, and was dragged for miles. His wounds were too severe for him to stand.”
King Bahram and the aged Tahmasb hurried over. The wounded soldier, who bore the insignia of the City of Zar’s reconnaissance corps, was in grave condition. Bahram knelt beside him, cradling his head, as the soldier began to mumble in a weak voice:
“Di… divs… they’re real… warn the king… prepare yourselves… the day of reckoning is near… our army… crushed by a single blow… they’re in Mount Bidad… tell the High King…”
And with that, he lost consciousness. The soldiers quickly carried him to the infirmary.
The color drained from King Bahram’s face. Now certain of everything, Tahmasb pleaded to speak in private. They rushed to the council chamber, where Bahram’s furious voice ordered all the soldiers out. Moments later, Ardeshir and Sahra Banoo joined them, and the advisors laid out all that had transpired over the past months.
Their only justification for the delay in revealing the truth was their uncertainty about Princess Semine’s visions.
“We didn''t know how you and Sahra Banoo would react,” Tahmasb explained. “We weren’t sure if the power of the Forest was real or just a figment of the princess’s imagination. We didn’t want to alarm you unnecessarily. But now, we are certain—everything is true. From the Forest’s power and its beings… to the return of the terrifying divs.”
Ardeshir interrupted. “Our problem just got worse… Did you notice the insignia on that soldier’s armor? He was one of the commanders of the City of Zar’s reconnaissance force. His encounter with the dovs was no coincidence—I’d bet my life that High King Nima already knows something about this. Information that has been deliberately hidden from us. I believe it’s best to keep his survival a secret for now until we can get more out of him.”
Just then, a royal page entered and handed over a letter. Amidst all the turmoil, a secret message had arrived from Daryashahr, bearing the seal of Commander Ashkbos.
Tahmasb glanced at the distressed King Bahram before breaking the seal and reading the letter aloud:
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To the rightful ruler of the western realms of Azharian, King Bahram the Just and Great,
I write this letter in haste and entrust it to the messenger birds to reach you swiftly. You must know that the City of Zar is not responsible for the attacks on your ships. I have personally seen their soldiers investigating this matter, just as we are, unaware of the truth. But I must share something else with you.
Yesterday, I encountered Princess Sophia, the youngest daughter of the High King. I regret to inform you that she has fled from her father. It seems King Nima, to secure his kingdom, had promised her to the Sheikh of the Red Realm. Upon learning of this, she escaped.
I tried to dissuade her, but for reasons I will explain later, I failed. In the end, I saw her with my own eyes, leaving for the Red Realm with her handmaiden—pursuing a love she truly believed in. I hope she remains safe.
I wanted to inform you of this so that you do not take any action against the High King. I know you already doubted the City of Zar’s involvement in the attacks on our fleet. May you remain in good health, my king. I will soon send you more information about the culprit behind this dishonor.
Your devoted servant, Commander Ashkbos
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Upon reading the letter, King Bahram was deeply shaken. The news of Sophia’s disappearance was heavy and unsettling—it struck too close to home. This could happen to Semine as well, and he had to keep a close watch over her.
Now, he was trapped in a dilemma. Either he could prove his loyalty to the High King by revealing everything he had learned—including the wounded commander’s testimony and Sophia’s whereabouts—or he could keep these secrets to uncover what the High King was truly hiding.
Worry for his daughter gnawed at him.
Sahra Banoo, seeing Bahram’s distress, took his hand and led him to the royal chambers. She turned to Tahmasb and said, “The king’s orders will be given soon.”
Once they were alone, Bahram lay on the bed, his mind in turmoil.
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Sahra Banoo asked, “Bahram… what are you going to do? Please, forget Ashkbos’ letter… All of this is part of the High King’s schemes! I swear, the reconnaissance team was sent to mislead us—to distract us from what’s truly happening. They have betrayed us… Your advisors are caught in a dirty game, and you are losing all your power! Bahram, wake up… I beg you, my love!”
King Bahram shot up in anger. His voice shook the chamber.
“Is this how you speak to your king? Have you forgotten what you were before you married me? Who gave you the right to question my rank and power? No one dares to play games with me, and your delusions will bring our downfall! I swear, Semine must have learned this foolish daydreaming from you. You should be a mother to her, yet you are tangled in court gossip and petty conspiracies!”
Blinded by rage, Bahram struck Sahra Banoo across the face and stormed out of the room.
Sahra Banoo pressed a trembling hand to her burning cheek. The fire of hatred burned stronger in her heart. She sat down, determined—she had to plan her next steps carefully.
The Crimson Realm
A commotion had erupted at the docks of the Crimson Realm. Several soldiers rushed to the bustling area in a frenzy and were left in shock. The Sheikh’s beloved, Princess Sophia, lay on the ground—frail, thinner than before, with cracked skin and wounded hands. Her handmaiden, Rana, was kneeling beside her, her hands covered in cuts and blisters. As soon as she saw the soldiers, she fainted, and both women were immediately taken to the physician’s house.
An hour later, the Sheikh arrived at Sophia’s bedside, taking her hands in his with worry. For months, he had heard no news of her—only that she had gone missing in the City of Zar. Rana, barely able to gather her senses, awoke and weakly spoke to the Sheikh:
"O Sheikh… forgive our disheveled appearance… I do not know how long we have been at sea, nor do I know how we made it here. The princess escaped from the Azharian Realm, and I did everything I could to ensure her safety. After weeks of being lost in the gulf due to storms and harsh weather, the captain lost his sanity. He tried to violate the princess, and when I defended her, his head struck the edge of the boat, and he died. We did not know the way, and I swear to the gods, out of sheer starvation, we were forced to feed on his flesh! We survived on mere morsels each day, holding onto the hope of rescue until we reached this shore… The princess fell unconscious from weakness along the way, and as soon as I saw land, I dragged her here. Save her… I beg you by whatever you hold sacred—save her.”
Rana could no longer contain herself and broke into loud sobs. The Sheikh gazed at Sophia with sorrowful eyes and ordered the physician to do everything in his power to restore her strength. A storm of thoughts raged in his mind—the promise he had made to Mared and the Jinn tribe, his faint compassion for Sophia, and the looming confrontation with the Azharian Realm.
At last, the Sheikh understood—the attacks on the ships of the Sun Fortress and the disrespect toward the Azharian Realm had been the savagery of the Jinn tribe. If this truth reached the Supreme King or King Bahram, there was no doubt they would place the blame squarely on the Sheikh. After all, every realm knew of his secret dealings with non-human entities, and sooner or later, it would be proven.
With urgency, he summoned his trusted emirs and secretly descended into the dungeons beneath the palace. Through bloodstained and darkened corridors, they reached the final cell—the prison where Mared had been held for over two years, yet his savage nature remained intact. He slammed his hooves against the grate and roared:
"It has been a year since our last meeting… What the hell have you been doing? Last time, you said Princess Sophia would return soon, but there was no sign of her… Do you need another reminder? My tribe is near… very near! They have refrained from further attacks at my request. Otherwise, they would have razed all your ships and wealth to the ground..."
The Sheikh, sweating in fear, wiped his forehead and gestured for the emirs to step back. He then answered Mared:
"What could I have done? You receive information from outside this prison as if by magic… Surely you knew that Sophia had fled the City of Zar. We finally found her today… Her condition is dire. It seems their captain died, and they were lost at sea… We are lucky she still breathes. I stand by my promise—just wait until she recovers. Mared… why is meeting Sophia so important to you?"
Mared let out a piercing shriek that made the Sheikh''s ears ring. Drool dripped from his sharp teeth as he growled:
"It is none of your concern! Do your duty, and in return, you shall receive the most powerful weapon in the world."
Terrified, the Sheikh stepped back and quickly left the dungeons with his men. After they were gone, a hidden figure emerged from an empty cell, pulling back their cloak. It was Rana. She had secretly followed the Sheikh and had now uncovered the truth. With her wounded hands and limping feet, she slowly made her way to the exit. She had to save Princess Sophia from this hell. Protecting the princess was the only thing that mattered in Rana''s life, and she would stop at nothing to fulfill that duty. But she had to wait until Sophia regained her strength—escape was impossible in their current condition. For now, she was certain that as long as Sophia lived, the Sheikh would not harm her.
Days passed, and at last, Princess Sophia regained consciousness. Rana, who had been resting in an inn, rushed to the physician’s house upon hearing the news. But her plan to rescue Sophia was shattered—Sophia was gone. In a frenzy, she attacked the physician, demanding to know what had happened to the princess. The physician stammered in fear, saying he knew nothing—only that a group of the Sheikh’s soldiers had come and taken her away. It seemed the Sheikh was so terrified of Mared that he had decided to deliver Sophia to him immediately, unwilling to delay any longer.
Panicked, Rana ran from the house, heading toward the hidden entrance of the underground dungeons—a small, concealed grate located at a distance from the palace. This time, she had no care for the guards. As soon as she reached them, she slit their throats without hesitation and rushed into the dark corridors.
In the distance, she could hear Sophia’s cries, sometimes lost amidst the moans of other prisoners. Rana pressed on, her steps determined. Before rounding the final corner, she paused, peeking toward Mared’s cell.
The Sheikh stood there, gripping Sophia’s hair in his fist as he spoke with Mared. A wicked grin spread across Mared’s face, his crooked teeth on full display. The Sheikh’s voice trembled as he spoke:
"I have kept my promise… But before I hand Sophia over to you, I want the truth. Why is she so important to you and your tribe? What makes her so special? I need to know that I am making the right decision… and what consequences it will have."
Mared let out a shriek—whether from excitement or fury, it was unclear. Drool dripped from his mouth, and he seemed barely able to contain himself. With a deep, growling voice, he said:
"The Sunborn… Sophia is a descendant of the most powerful rulers of the Azharian Realm… A lineage that has produced the mightiest kings. For years, prophets have foretold that a prodigy would be born from them—a girl with extraordinary power, capable of uniting all beings… Now imagine if the seed of the strongest Jinn in the world were to be combined with hers. Did you not wish for the deadliest weapon in existence? I will create it for you. But know this—once it is born, you must protect it at all costs… because every being in the world will come to destroy it!"
A hunger for power and a vision of a grand future glowed in the Sheikh’s eyes. He could already see the throne he was willing to sacrifice everything for.
Sophia, still sobbing and writhing in pain, pleaded:
"The Sunborn? What nonsense… I am of the lineage of King Nima, the Supreme King of the Azharian Realm. My father and ancestors were all kind and just… I swear to the gods, you have taken the wrong person! I only came here seeking help from the love of my life… That was my greatest mistake… Please, have mercy!"
Hearing Sophia’s desperate pleas, Rana prepared to act—but before she could move, a brutal kick sent her to the ground. One of the Sheikh’s emirs, having discovered the bodies of the guards, had arrived just in time. He pressed his foot against Rana’s back, pinning her down.
The Sheikh turned, smirking at the sight of the defenseless Rana. With a wave of his hand, he unlocked the cell and threw Sophia inside.
Sophia recoiled in horror as Mared loomed over her. The monstrous Jinn ran a clawed hand through her hair, his foul breath washing over her. With a firm, menacing voice, he declared:
"A descendant of King Nima? Then you still do not know… King Bahram, ruler of the Sun Fortress, lost many children during childbirth. The whispers of the court called Queen Sahra barren. But at the same time, rumors spread of an affair between King Bahram and one of the realm’s queens. You, Sophia, are the result of his secret union with your mother, Shirin. You are the Sunborn that all Jinn have sought!"
The world turned to darkness before Sophia’s eyes. Everything she had believed in was a lie, and now, she was on the verge of destruction.
With a savage motion, Mared threw Sophia to the ground, tearing at her dress. He roared:
"And now, the Sunborn shall bear the Child of Fire… Our union will change the world forever!"
At that moment, Rana’s blood boiled with fury. In a swift movement, she broke free, snapping the emir’s neck. She lunged forward, hurling the Sheikh aside and charging into the cell.
Without thinking, she stabbed Mared in the back with a knife and grabbed Sophia’s hands to lift her. With trembling legs, Sophia stood up and gave Rana a grateful smile. Rana locked eyes with Sophia, momentarily frozen. Hope surged in Sophia’s heart as she pleaded for them to flee quickly. But Rana did not move anymore.
A moment later, the sound of something heavy hitting the ground echoed, and Sophia froze. Rana’s head was still in front of her eyes, but her body had fallen to the ground. Sophia could not believe she had lost her last hope of rescue. Mared, who had severed Rana’s head with his sharp hoof and now held it aloft, grinned even more terrifyingly than before. There was no escape for Sophia now. Her hands trembled, and she struggled to breathe. This was the most brutal scene she had ever witnessed.
Sheikh, his whole body tense from the horrifying sight, quickly locked the cell door. Now, Mared was ready to unleash his full savagery and do as he pleased. He threw Sophia to the ground again and lunged at her with his monstrous, unnatural body. But before he could proceed, he suddenly stopped. He sniffed her body, then rose, more furious than before. He roared at Sheikh, "What kind of ridiculous game is this? I don’t feel the Earth within her… A child of the Sun shouldn’t be like this!"
Sheikh was bewildered, not understanding what Mared meant. But Mared, now completely losing control, smashed the cell door with a ruthless strike. He threw Sheikh to the ground and let out a roar that made the entire dungeon tremble.
Sophia remained frozen, unable to tear her eyes away from Rana’s severed head. She had lost the only person she trusted, and now, she had no idea what fate awaited her.
Mared turned to Sheikh. "The prophecy spoke of a child born of three elements—Earth, Fire, and Sun—who would change the world. Earth represents all humans, Fire the Jinn, and the Sun… the bloodline of King Bahram. What kind of trick is this?"
Sheikh stammered, desperate to save his own life. "Have mercy… Spare me… Samin… King Bahram has another daughter… Her mother is Sahra Banu… Maybe you should have searched for her instead… Sahra provides the Earth element… Have mercy… I will bring her to you… Just let me live!"
Mared exhaled sharply in rage, stepping away from Sheikh. In a calmer but still menacing tone, he said, "If Sophia is not the child of the Sun, I must inform my tribe. You have one year to bring Samin to me. If you fail, I will let the other Jinn tear you apart and feast on your flesh! I have no patience for staying in your dungeons and playing your pointless games. One year. When you find Samin, call my name. I will come."
Sheikh sighed in relief. He asked, "What should we do with Sophia?"
As they stepped out of the cell, they realized she was gone. The trail of blood on the floor indicated she had escaped the dungeon.
Mared scoffed. "She is your problem now." And in the blink of an eye, he vanished.
Sheikh, limping, made his way toward the dungeon’s exit, but Sophia was nowhere to be found. He and his guards searched everywhere, but it was as if she had vanished into thin air. None of the dock captains, nor any of the people near the palace, had seen her. Sheikh grew more worried than ever. If news of this reached the Azarian kingdom, he would undoubtedly face a brutal attack—one with no good outcome.
A Mud House, Far Away
Sophia, wounded and exhausted, sat in the corner of a small, earthen house. A man was beside her, his face covered with a cloth. She thanked him for rescuing her and asked his name. The man uncovered his face.
It was none other than Ashkabos, King Bahram’s advisor.
Seeing his face, Sophia threw herself into his arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Ashkabos gently stroked her hair, trying to comfort her. After several minutes, her tears subsided, and she asked how he had found her.
Ashkabos explained that he had been in the Red Kingdom for months, searching for her. He knew he had to bring her back to King Bahram. Since the moment Rana and Sophia had arrived, he had been watching them. When he saw Rana running in panic, he followed her—and witnessed everything.
Sophia wept again, and Ashkabos embraced her. They both grieved for Rana’s death.
"I will take you home," Ashkabos promised. "I swear, nothing will happen to you again."
Overcome with exhaustion, Sophia fell asleep in his arms.
The City of Zar
Supreme King Nima visited his advisor, Siamak Dana—a man who, months ago, had lost one of his hands in a shocking, inexplicable incident. Since then, Siamak had lost his mind, descending into madness. He was now bound to his bed, and the king visited him occasionally.
Sitting beside him, the king spoke. "The army is finally ready. I am certain that King Bahram is responsible for kidnapping my daughter. Next week, we march on the Fortress of the Sun. I know all this magic and sorcery are connected to him, and I am sure that even your madness is Bahram’s doing. I will make him pay for his crimes!"
Siamak, eyes vacant, mumbled strange words under his breath. His voice grew louder with each passing moment: "Mared… Mared… Child of the Sun… Mared…"
Frustrated by his advisor’s ramblings, the king left the room. He entered the council chamber and summoned his commanders. One last time, they reviewed the battle plans for their invasion of the Fortress of the Sun.
He turned to his generals and declared, "Bring my daughter back to me. Whoever does this will be rewarded with gold and jewels for five generations. Return my child to me, and I will make your lives paradise!"
His commanders, driven by dreams of wealth and power, rushed out of the palace to prepare their troops.
Darkness was approaching.
And the Supreme King was preparing to attack the last glimmer of hope and light…