《Azharian: The Battle of Shadows》 Prologue Prologue The battlefield was a grim tableau of death and despair. The ground beneath the soldiers'' feet was a muddy, blood-soaked sludge, the air thick with the stench of iron and smoke. Bodies lay scattered like broken dolls, their armor shattered, their faces frozen in expressions of terror and agony. Some were torn limb from limb, their limbs strewn about like discarded toys. Others bore wounds that defied explanation¡ªgaping holes in their chests, or skin blackened and cracked as if burned from within. In the distance, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the field in an eerie, blood-red glow. The silence was deafening, broken only by the occasional groan of a dying soldier or the caw of carrion birds circling overhead. Then, the ground began to tremble. At first, it was faint¡ªa low rumble like distant thunder. But it grew louder, more insistent, until the earth itself seemed to shudder. From the horizon, a shadow emerged¡ªa massive, hulking figure, its silhouette twisted and unnatural. Then another. And another. The "Divs" had come. They moved with a slow, deliberate pace, their grotesque forms illuminated by the dying light. Their skin glistened like oil, and their eyes burned with a malevolent glow. Some carried crude weapons¡ªmassive clubs studded with spikes or jagged blades that dripped with a black, tar-like substance. Others had no need for weapons; their claws and teeth were enough. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. As they drew closer, the air grew colder, and a sense of dread settled over the battlefield like a suffocating blanket. One of the wounded soldiers tried to crawl away, his breath coming in ragged gasps. A Div noticed him and let out a guttural laugh, a sound that sent chills down the spine of anyone who heard it. With a single, effortless motion, it reached down and crushed the soldier¡¯s skull like an eggshell. The Divs quickened their pace, their laughter echoing across the field like the howl of a storm. Their destination was clear: City of Zar, the gleaming capital of Azharian, its golden gates visible on the horizon. The city had stood for centuries, a symbol of the kingdom¡¯s power and glory. But now, as the Divs marched toward it, that glory seemed fragile, fleeting. Somewhere in the city, a bell began to toll¡ªa warning, a plea, or perhaps a funeral dirge. The Divs quickened their pace, their laughter echoing across the field like the howl of a storm. Ashkbos, the commander of the Azharian army, sank to his knees, his eyes filled with regret. He turned to the thin, bearded man standing beside him and said, ¡°You were right, Tahmasb. I should have listened to you years ago... I fear it¡¯s too late now.¡± Ashkbos closed his eyes and remembered a simpler time, ten years ago, when the world had felt safer, when the shadows had not yet begun to creep in. Chapter 1: The Fortress of the Sun The kingdom of Azharian stands on the brink of ruin. The battlefield is a graveyard of broken men, the air thick with the stench of blood and smoke. From the horizon, monstrous creatures known as the Divs emerge¡ªtowering, grotesque beings with glowing eyes and a hunger for destruction. Their target: Shahr-e Zar, the gleaming capital of Azharian. As the Divs march closer, Ashkbos, the commander of the Azharian army, realizes the gravity of their mistake. Years of ignoring the warnings have led to this moment. But it may already be too late. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Meanwhile, within the golden walls of the Fortress of the Sun, King Bahram rules with wisdom and compassion, unaware of the darkness creeping toward his kingdom. His daughter, Samin, the heir to the throne, begins to experience strange visions¡ªvisions that may hold the key to Azharian¡¯s survival¡ªor its doom. As the first chapter unfolds, the threads of fate tighten. The forest is dying, the Divs are rising, and Samin must confront a power she does not yet understand. The battle for Azharian has begun, but the true war lies in the shadows. Chapter 2 - The City of Zar Chapter 2 The City of Zar The caravan moved toward the royal palace of The City of Zar. Princess Sophia sat inside a lavish carriage while her handmaiden fanned her gently. Pushing aside the corner of her emerald-green silk gown, Sophia gazed out at the broad streets of The City of Zar. Street vendors shouted to attract buyers for their fresh, ripe fruits. In another corner, children chased each other, laughing and playing. But on the other side of the street, a dispute had broken out between several men. Sophia listened closely and quickly realized the reason for their quarrel¡ªmoney. The greatest concern of the people across the entire Azharian kingdom. Her handmaiden, trying to ease the tension, spoke with a hopeful tone: "Things have calmed down¡­ Ever since the Great King and the Shaikh made peace, many trade routes have become safe again. Soon, the people¡¯s hardships will also be resolved. I hope we will once again see peace in the city." Sophia turned her gaze to her handmaiden. With her usual arrogance and cutting tone, she snapped: "Oh? Are you a politician now? This country has never known peace, and it never will. The royal treasury has nothing to do with the lives of the common people. It has always been this way, and no king has ever handed out his wealth to the masses. My father is no exception, and even if he were to consider it, my brothers and I would never allow it! We have ambitions¡ªdreams¡ªfar greater than worrying about beggars. To fulfill them, we must ensure the palace¡¯s wealth remains untouched. Now, why is this carriage moving so slowly? That foolish driver is testing my patience!" The handmaiden wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, then shouted an order. The driver immediately snapped his whip, urging the horses forward. The speed of the caravan increased, forcing pedestrians to scatter in fear. Moments later, they arrived at the grand stairs of palace. Slaves rushed to open the carriage door, and with the utmost reverence, they lifted the princess onto their shoulders, carrying her through the palace gates. Only after placing her down did they retreat, never daring to turn their backs toward her. Sophia adjusted her silk gown and brushed her flowing hair back over her shoulder. She ascended the grand central staircase, but before she could enter her chambers, her father¡¯s voice called out to her. She turned, only to find herself enveloped in his warm embrace before she could utter a word. King Nima, the mighty ruler of the Azharian Empire, was the undisputed master of this vast realm. A warrior king who had personally fought in over 190 battles, standing alongside his soldiers on the battlefield. The scars of war were etched across his body, and his enemies trembled at the mere mention of his name. But this same great king transformed into the gentlest man on earth when it came to his children. It was impossible for them to ask for something and hear the word no from his lips. King Nima embraced his daughter tightly. After showering her with affectionate words, he inquired about her journey to the Crimson Realm. Ever since peace had been established between the king and the Shaikh, Sophia had traveled with a royal caravan to that distant land as an honored guest. Sophia pulled away from her father¡¯s embrace and replied: "The journey was fine, but I counted the moments until I could return. I can say with absolute certainty¡ªthere is not the slightest trace of civilization or peace in that place. Even though the Shaikh¡¯s soldiers constantly ensured my safety, I was still subjected to the insults or flattery of the commoners. Wherever we went, slaves were forced into brutal fights while their masters gambled on the victor. And the djinn¡­ don¡¯t even get me started on them. Here, their existence is still uncertain, but in the Crimson Realm, they live among the people as if they belong! I even saw¡ªwith my own eyes¡ªa nobleman with multiple cages in his estate. Inside them were strange creatures¡ªhumanoid in shape, but with goat-like hooves instead of feet. Their eyes burned like fire, and their voices were like beasts unknown to this world. But to be fair, I can¡¯t deny their hospitality. There wasn¡¯t a moment when we weren¡¯t served the finest meals and meats. The real problem was the Shaikh¡¯s sons. They constantly showered me with gifts, desperate to win my favor¡­ But, ugh! Their stench! I must bathe for hours before I feel clean of the Crimson Realm¡¯s filth!" The king chuckled at his daughter¡¯s dramatic complaints, expressing his joy at her safe return. He then made his way to the royal council chamber, where he took his seat on the throne. Sophia, meanwhile, withdrew from her father¡¯s bedchamber. But just before the doors closed, something caught her eye¡ªsomething she had never noticed before. On the king¡¯s mahogany desk, a half-unrolled ancient map lay spread out. Red ink marked various locations, and strange names were written upon it¡ªnames like "The Valley of Shadows", "The Silent Forest" and "Mount Bidad". A spark of curiosity ignited within her. Quietly, she approached the desk, trying to examine the map more closely. But before she could take a better look, the sound of her father¡¯s approaching footsteps startled her. King Nima¡¯s expression turned serious as he remarked, "You should bathe quickly¡­ The scent of the Crimson Realm still lingers on you." Sophia quickly called for her handmaidens. As they prepared the royal bath, she removed her silk gown and slipped into the warm water. Her closest handmaiden, Rana, knelt beside her, washing her hair with fragrant oils. With a playful smile, Rana asked: "So? How was it? Did everything go as you expected?" Princess Sophia smiled as she ran her fingers through her hair, responding: "It was better than I imagined¡­ Rana, everything they say about the men of the Crimson Realm is true. Shaikh was so strong and powerful that we stayed awake for two whole nights! But it was so enjoyable that I¡¯d go back this very instant if I could¡­ If only it weren¡¯t for my father¡¯s insistence. If he weren¡¯t so overprotective, I would have told him the truth. Shaikh is simply waiting for me to prepare the circumstances, and the moment I do, he will waste no time in coming to ask for my hand. He keeps telling me how much he longs for me to bear him many strong and handsome sons¡­" Rana, who was washing the princess¡¯s feet in the warm bathwater, let out another heartfelt laugh: "So, you finally experienced the Shaikh¡­ It¡¯s obvious he adores you. Otherwise, why would he have agreed to retreat and open the borders to our kingdom? Trust me, he will make even greater sacrifices for you. Just be patient and let the bond between the king and the Shaikh grow stronger¡­ Then, you can slowly bring this up to your father! Are you still sure he¡¯s the right choice? The man is practically as old as your father¡­" Sophia shot a haughty glance at Rana and replied: "And yet he never falls short¡ªnot for a moment! Physically, he¡¯s ten times stronger than the men my age. And as for wealth? He could fill this very palace with silver and gold just for me. Besides, he is the ruler of the Crimson Realm! A land that has remained untouchable for over five hundred years. No one dares to invade it. That means I will never have to taste the horrors of war." Their conversation continued as Rana eagerly asked more questions about the Crimson Realm. The Royal Court In the grand hall of palace, King Nima sat upon his throne, with the senior commanders of the City of Zar standing before him. At his command, all other court officials were dismissed, leaving only the royal advisors to step forward. The circle grew tighter, and in a lower voice, the king began to speak: "News has arrived from Seacity¡ªKing Bahram and the Fortress of the Sun have been dishonored. Their ships were lost, and they have suffered a great cost. If we do not find the culprit behind this violation soon, they will turn their accusations against us. If you have any proposals, speak now, for the situation is dire¡­" Siamak The Wise, the king¡¯s chief advisor, took a moment to think before responding: "It has not even been a full month since your treaty with the Shaikh¡­ He took an enormous amount of gold from us as tribute and promised to secure the entire gulf. My king, is it not wise to reconsider this deal? Everyone knows that a significant portion of the pirates in these waters are from the Crimson Realm. There is a real possibility that the Shaikh took our wealth and then turned against us, seizing even more of our assets!" King Nima furrowed his brows, his expression darkening with anger. He replied in a harsh tone: "Silence! The Shaikh is now our ally and friend. We must not distrust him. Besides, my daughter returned safely just today. If the Shaikh intended any harm toward me or our kingdom, he could have¡ªheaven forbid¡ªharmed her. I am certain he is not responsible for this." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The king turned his attention to his commanders and gave a firm order: "Prepare an elite unit of our finest soldiers and set out for Seacity immediately. Ready several warships and follow the trade route of the Fortress of the Sun. The attack must have occurred along that path, and there is a high chance you will encounter the raiders again. Whoever brings me the severed head of their leader will be rewarded with their weight in gold." The commanders saluted and quickly left the court to begin their mission. The king dismissed the other advisors and, together with Siamak the Wise, entered his private chamber. The room, located on the ground floor of the palace at the end of the last corridor, was secluded and far from the reach of others, perfect for the most secretive discussions. They sat around the table and began speaking in hushed tones. Siamak unfolded a map on the table¡ªthe same map that Sofia had seen earlier in her father''s bedchamber. "My king, a dove from the Silent Forest has brought news... but there is no sign there either. The soldiers have searched the entire area, yet they have found nothing. We have gathered reports from almost all the regions we focused on, except for the Mount Bidad and the Valley of Shadows. Yesterday, I sent a small army to confirm the status of our previous agents at the Mount Bidad," Siamak the Wise reported. The king asked with growing concern: "Do you think the attack was their doing?" Siamak narrowed his eyes and replied: "It is not impossible, but may the gods have mercy on us. If the Divs are still alive and have made it across the sea, we can never hope to defeat them with a mere army. Don¡¯t you remember that it took seventy cavalries just to destroy two of them? But it seems unlikely. There is no ship large enough to carry them, and if an army of them were gathered within our realm, our soldiers would have spotted them by now and reported back. Our patrols search every day. I am certain that the two Divs we encountered were the last survivors of their kind¡ªfateful survivors of the battle with your grandfather five hundred years ago. I¡¯m keeping a close watch, so do not worry." The king sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair. He turned to Siamak and said: "I hope it¡¯s just a rumor. Never mind that, Siamak, why do you still doubt the Shaikh? Why do you speak so hesitantly about him to others? He is no longer a threat to us. Sophia has him in hand. Everything has gone according to plan, and their secret relationship has created one of the safest channels for our realm! So be sure, as long as this relationship continues, he will not harm us. Just be cautious that no one, especially Sophia, discovers our role in their connection." Siamak stood up and, with a quieter tone, said: "Rest assured, my lord. I know how difficult it is for you to accept the secret intimacy between your daughter and the Shaikh, but you have done the kingdom a great service. Future generations will surely write countless tales about you." Suddenly, an ear-piercing scream echoed from the palace courtyard. The king, Siamak the Wise, and several soldiers hurried to the yard. The courtiers had gathered in one corner, and a few of them were trying to calm a woman who was still shrieking. The king stepped forward and froze. The garden was lush and green, but there was one tree in the center of the crowd that stood out. A tree that had been perfectly normal just a short while ago, now with its trunk entirely blood-red. Every second, more of it was drying up, and its leaves were quickly falling off. The woman, crying out before the courtiers, started chanting and speaking in incomprehensible phrases: "Set the water ablaze... daughter of light... where is the sun''s child? The shadows are too close..." The once vibrant tree¡¯s dried branches suddenly caught fire. The courtiers recoiled in fear, and the woman, in a frenzy, broke free from their grasp. She rushed toward the tree, chanting the same phrases, and before anyone could stop her, she was consumed by flames. Her screams rose louder, blending with her song, but then, suddenly, it stopped. The tree burned in an instant, and the flames extinguished just as quickly. The courtiers stood in stunned silence, staring in horror. The woman, who had been a servant in the palace kitchen, was now a charred corpse, her limbs wrapped around the trunk of the tree. When several soldiers tried to detach the body, not the slightest movement occurred. It was as if the woman had become part of the tree. No one could explain what had happened. minutes later, several woodcutters arrived to remove the tree and the body. The first woodcutter swung his axe, and as it struck the tree¡¯s trunk, the axe split in two. The same happened to the second woodcutter, and every attempt to separate the body failed. Reluctantly, they brought sheets to cover the tree, hoping to try again the following day. Private Chamber The king, accompanied by his soldiers, returned to the palace. A strange headache had overcome him, and the shock of what had just occurred was still gripping his mind. King Nima had fought in many battles and had witnessed many horrifying scenes, far worse than seeing a burned body. But this¡­ this was different. There was no logical explanation for the servant¡¯s behavior. King Nima returned to his private chamber and sat down in his heavy, luxurious chair. He closed his eyes, trying to push the woman¡¯s screams and the strange flames out of his mind, but the images danced before him. He couldn¡¯t understand what had happened. That woman, that tree, those flames¡­ everything seemed unnatural. He recalled how his grandfather, the late king, had often spoken about omens and warnings from the gods. Could this be a sign? A warning? Suddenly, the door opened slowly, and Siamak the Wise entered the room. His face was pale, and his hands trembled slightly. He stepped closer and said: "My lord, I need to speak with you." The king opened his eyes and looked at him wearily. "Speak, Siamak, what news do you bring?" Siamak took a deep breath and said: "My lord, I¡¯ve investigated that woman. She was just a simple servant, but a few weeks ago, her behavior started to change. Her colleagues say she spoke often about the ''shadows'' and feared something lurking in the dark. She even claimed to hear a voice in her head that was giving her commands." The king frowned and said, "A voice in her head? What are you talking about?" Siamak continued, "My lord, I don¡¯t think this was just simple madness. Something is changing. I searched the ancient court records and found texts that speak of ''the signs of the end''¡ªtrees turning the color of blood, spontaneous fires, and people falling under the influence of dark forces¡­ All of these were mentioned in the old texts." The king leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "So, you believe this is a warning as well?" Siamak nodded. "My lord, I don¡¯t mean to alarm you, but we must be prepared. If these signs are real, then something great is coming¡ªsomething that may be even more dangerous than war." The king was silent for a moment before asking, "What do you propose?" Siamak carefully replied, "My lord, we must reach out to other advisors and even the other rulers of the realm. If something big is approaching, only they can help us stand against it." The king nodded in agreement. "Very well. You are in charge of this. Do whatever must be done. I don¡¯t want to leave anything to chance." Siamak bowed respectfully and left the room. The king remained alone, staring at the candle flames on the table. His mind was filled with unanswered questions. Was this truly a warning? Were they prepared? And most importantly, could he protect his family and his kingdom? The king walked to the window and gazed upon the golden city. The night made it seem peaceful, but he knew that this peace might only be temporary. Something was coming¡ªsomething dark and dangerous¡ªand he had to be ready. With the king¡¯s departure to the inner chambers, his private quarters fell silent. Moments later, Princess Sophia, who had been hiding behind the window, slowly rose from her place. Her eyes were filled with confusion and turmoil, her hands trembling with an unexplainable rage. The words she had just heard had yet to fully settle in her mind. Her father¡ªthe king she had always believed in, the man she had trusted with all her heart¡ªhad willingly given her away to the Sheikh. The relationship she had thought was formed in secrecy and emotion was nothing more than a calculated move in her father¡¯s grand plan. A plan he believed was vital for the survival of Azarian lands. But in the end, all it did was shatter the image of the great King Nima that had been ingrained in her mind for seventeen years. Sophia slowly sank into a chair, still dizzy from the weight of the truth. She struggled to comprehend the rest of the conversation between the king and Siamak. "The demons¡­ still exist?" she thought. "But they were just old legends¡ªstories told to frighten children at night¡­ The Sheikh¡­ I hate this place¡­ I have to leave for the Red Kingdom as soon as I can. If the demons are real¡ªand if they are even remotely close to the myths¡ªAzarian lands will be destroyed. I will not die because of my father¡¯s arrogance and selfishness..." Crimson Realm South of the Azharian lands, beyond the great gulf, the Shaikh¡¯s royal palace stood tall with its emerald walls and domed rooftops¡ªan unmissable sight. But few knew of the dungeons hidden beneath the palace. Dungeons that whispered with secrets. Both sides of the dim corridors were lined with dark cells, filled with prisoners writhing on the cold stone floors, their bodies broken by torture. The further one walked, the stronger the stench of blood became, creeping into the smallest corners of one¡¯s being. And at the very end of this grim passage, the final cell came into view. The Shaikh and his warlord arrived at this point, a burning torch in hand. Someone sat hunched in the corner of the cell. Slowly, the figure opened its glowing red eyes and staggered toward the iron bars. It raised its scratched, cloven hands to shield its gaze from the torch¡¯s harsh light. With a commanding voice, the Shaikh spoke. "It is done. Sophia is now in my grasp¡­ Now it is your turn to fulfill your end of the bargain." The creature in the cell¡ªMared, a djinn¡ªgrinned, revealing jagged, uneven teeth. "Not so fast, Sheikh," he rasped. "There is still a part of your promise left unfulfilled¡­ You haven¡¯t forgotten, have you? You must bring her here. Only then will your mission be complete, and I will grant you a weapon unlike anything this world has ever seen. A weapon that will not only crush the Ahzarian realm but will give you dominion over all the realms." Mared¡¯s red eyes narrowed. "But remember¡­ time is not on your side." The Shaikh muttered under his breath and turned to leave. Mared¡¯s voice echoed through the dungeon. "Do not forget¡ªmy tribe will come looking for me. I suggest you keep your word before they arrive. If they find me still imprisoned¡­ their wrath will give you a fate so terrible, you will beg for death a hundred times a day." The Shaikh quickened his pace, leaving the dungeon behind as fast as he could. Chapter 3 - Savior In the shadow of Mount Bid¨¡d, Kiya Div, who had transformed into one of the most terrifying and formidable of his kind in just a few months, rose to his feet. The first group of demons, who had heard his thunderous call, had finally reached him after weeks of traveling in secrecy. The moment they laid eyes on his grotesque and monstrous form, they dropped to one knee and struck their fists against the ground in a sign of reverence. Any creature would smile upon seeing its allies¡ªbut not Kiya div. His voice rumbled with fury as he commanded, ¡°Rest for a while. Once the rest of the tribe arrives, we will begin our march.¡± At that very moment, a unit of soldiers from the city of Zar, who had been sent to investigate the rumors surrounding Mount Bid¨¡d, arrived at the scene. Upon hearing the guttural voices of the demons, they took cover, pressing themselves against the rocks. But when their eyes finally caught sight of the creatures, they froze in terror. They could not believe that beings of such monstrous proportions could truly exist. One of the soldiers, unable to contain his fear, turned to flee. That was all it took for Kiya Div to notice them. With only a few powerful strides, he reached them. The soldiers, paralyzed by sheer dread, could do nothing but let out a desperate scream¡ªbefore silence fell over the land once more. Kiya Div had crushed all twenty of them with a single strike of his fist. As if they had never existed at all. The lone survivor, the one who had begun his escape moments earlier, witnessed the horror unfold. He whipped his horse mercilessly, urging it to go faster. "Stop him!" one of the demons growled. "He¡¯ll escape!" But Kiya Div, with a wicked glint in his eye, merely smiled and said, "Let him go¡­ My kind do not fight dishonorably. We will give them the chance to stand and face us." The forests surrounding Mount Bid¨¡d were withering, the creeping darkness swallowing them whole. It was as if the spirit of nature itself had abandoned the land. In the distant villages, whispers of dread spread among the people. Thunder rumbled where there were no storms, and the nights grew darker than ever before. The villagers spoke in hushed tones of an ancient terror returning¡ªa curse, long forgotten, now awakening once more. -------------------------------------------- FORTRESS OF THE SUN Old Tahmasb, King Bahram¡¯s advisor, was deep in conversation with Esfandiar, the court¡¯s other counselor, within the palace¡¯s astronomy chamber. Esfandiar was carefully adjusting his astrolabe, observing the stars through the domed ceiling above. Tahmasb sighed and asked, ¡°Have you found nothing yet? Princess Samin still experiences the same visions. I don¡¯t know how to reassure her. She waits for more answers about the Farr of the forest, but I, too, have reached a dead end. Every clue leads back to that single book I read in the library of Zar¡ªnothing but a collection of records on the incurable madmen of the realm. I¡¯m beginning to doubt the Farr myself¡­ What if the princess truly has gone mad? The king and the desert queen¡­¡± Before he could finish, Ardeshir interrupted with a sharp breath. "Woe upon us¡­ May the gods have mercy." Tahmasb hurried to his side, glancing between the astrolabe and the sky. He struggled to understand what had caused such alarm. No matter how many questions he asked, Ardeshir remained silent, his mind lost among the stars. Finally, in a hushed voice, he whispered, ¡°Antares¡­ I cannot see Antares¡­ The guardian star of the western lands¡ªit¡¯s gone.¡± Tahmasb stiffened, grasping the weight of his words. ¡°How is that possible? A star of such magnitude cannot simply vanish. Stars do not extinguish¡­ Ardeshir, look again.¡± Ardeshir snapped at him in frustration. ¡°Do you take me for a fool? I have searched every sphere of the heavens! I¡¯ve scanned from west to east, and yet Antares is not there. Tahmasb¡­ this has happened only once before.¡± His voice grew lower, more grave. ¡°I once read in the palace archives that five hundred years ago, when Balis, the leader of the demon tribes, waged war against mankind, the star Aldebaran disappeared. No astrologer could find it. Even when the war between the demon clans escalated, and humans interfered¡ªleading to the near annihilation of both factions¡ªthe star remained unseen. Since then, many believe that Balis survived and escaped into hiding. But look.¡± Ardeshir raised his hands, tracing two constellations against the sky. ¡°See? Aldebaran has fully returned to its place¡­ but now Antares is gone. Who will save us now, Tahmasb? The western guardian is no more, and the gods have turned their backs on us!¡± Tahmasb¡¯s heart pounded. A thousand thoughts rushed through his mind as he paced anxiously. "We must help Princess Samin. If what she says is true, she might be the key to saving the realm." Ardeshir pressed his fingers against his temples, nodding grimly in agreement. His grip faltered, and with a hollow thud, the astrolabe slipped from his hands and crashed onto the floor. --------------------------------------------- City of Zar Far beyond the Fortress of the Sun, Princess Sophia, who had discovered her father¡¯s role in arranging her acquaintance with the Sheikh, packed her belongings in the dead of night. She made her way to the handmaidens¡¯ quarters, quietly waking her trusted servant, Rana, and summoning her to her chambers. As soon as Rana arrived, Sophia broke into tears and embraced her. She recounted everything¡ªthe conversations she had overheard while hiding in her father¡¯s private chamber, the scheme devised by the great King Nima to secure the realm. Rana listened attentively, the sorrow evident on her face. Once Sophia had regained her composure, Rana hesitantly asked, "Are you sure running away is the right choice? You barely know the Sheikh¡­ Perhaps staying in the City of Zar and ending this relationship is the wisest decision!" With a trembling voice, the princess responded, "I cannot stay here for a moment longer. My father has literally traded me to protect his throne. And my mother, Shirin, shows me not even the slightest affection or love. She only cares for my brothers, who are lost in their own indulgences. I must leave¡­ The Sheikh will protect me. I have no doubt about that!" She picked up her belongings and threw on a cloak. Rana, who had always stood by her side and loved her like a sister, quickly gathered a few peasant garments and followed. Their plan was to escape the palace unnoticed, steal two horses from the stables, and head towards Seacity. Their destination was clear¡ªthe Red Dominion. A place where Princess Sophia believed she would finally feel safe. As they were about to leave the main hall, they spotted two patrolling guards. Quickly, they took cover. The guards were speaking in hushed tones: ¡°I hope nothing terrible happens¡­ Everything is falling apart day by day. If the attacks on the Sunfortress¡¯s ships are truly the work of the Red Dominion¡­ another war is inevitable.¡± ¡°Would that be so bad? I¡¯d love to see the head of a few filthy Reds on a spear, parading them through the city¡­ Nothing impresses women more than slaughtering a few of those savages! I once visited a brothel and saw General Ashkbos there. The moment he spoke of killing Reds on the border, the women flocked to him without hesitation!¡± ¡°Oh, shut up¡­ How do you even know you¡¯ll survive to parade your spear? It¡¯s always been the same¡­ Politicians start wars, and fools like you fight them, driven by empty hopes¡ªmostly fueled by lust. Meanwhile, children become orphans, and women widows¡­¡± The first guard, irritated by the lecture, left to relieve himself, while the second remained. Just as he stood in silence, he heard something fall. Sophia, weary from staying still, had shifted her footing, causing her shoe to make a sound. The guard stepped forward, his eyes locking onto the princess and Rana. Sophia froze in terror. Before the guard could call for help, a dagger flew to his throat. With a gruesome gurgle, he collapsed, drowning in his own blood. Sophia was paralyzed with fear, but Rana quickly dragged the corpse behind a row of vases, dusting off her clothes as she concealed three more knives. Sophia gasped, her eyes fixed on the bloody wound, watching the soldier¡¯s futile struggle for air. Her heart pounded wildly, but before she could scream, Rana grabbed her hand and whispered, "Move!" They swiftly stole two horses and rode into the night. Less than an hour later, as dawn broke, a handmaiden entered Princess Sophia¡¯s chambers to wake her. Noticing her absence, she immediately alerted the guards, who then reported to the king. Soldiers soon discovered the slain guard, spreading further alarm. King Nima rushed to his daughter¡¯s room, his mind immediately jumping to the possibility of her abduction. Gathering his nearest commanders, he ordered a citywide search, threatening execution for failure. Enraged, he stormed into his private chambers and summoned Siamak the Wise. ¡°Which bastard dares defile my honor in this way?¡± the king roared. ¡°Call upon the outlaws and informants! Use every resource of the kingdom! If Sophia isn¡¯t found within the hour, I will have every last guard beheaded!¡± Siamak, pale with fear, knew the king¡¯s wrath was not to be taken lightly. He attempted to calm him. ¡°My lord, please, remain calm. The best commanders are searching, and we will soon have results. But who would dare commit such an act? You have had no known enemies; the people have been content and more loyal than ever. Do you suspect anyone?¡± The king pondered briefly before overturning a table in fury and striking the wall with his fist. ¡°Have you forgotten the attacks on the Sunfortress¡¯s ships? I warned that we needed to investigate sooner¡­ Perhaps King Bahram believes we are behind it! The entire kingdom expected the seas to be safe after my treaty with the Sheikh¡­ I am certain this is connected! Bahram must think I conspired with the Sheikh to raid their wealth!¡± Siamak was deep in thought. The king¡¯s words held weight, but there was no sign of a kidnapping. Yet, there was also no reason for the princess to leave voluntarily. As far as Siamak knew, Sophia had been content and had no reason to take such a drastic risk. The king¡¯s furious voice snapped him out of his thoughts. ¡°Why are you silent? Speak, or get out of my sight! I swear by the gods, if anything happens to my daughter, I will make sure you never speak again!¡± Siamak trembled, knowing King Nima never made idle threats. ¡°My life is yours, my lord¡­ Please, remain calm. If you wish, let us summon that wretched handmaiden, Rana. She is always whispering among the girls and might know who took the princess!¡± The king stormed out of the room, and Siamak followed closely. They interrogated the handmaidens and kitchen staff, but none had seen Rana. One of the servants mentioned that Rana often spent her free time in the palace garden. When they arrived, they saw a tree that had burned horribly the previous day. None of the woodcutters had been able to remove the charred corpse attached to it. The king growled in frustration and split up from Siamak to continue the search. Siamak wandered to the far end of the garden but saw no sign of Rana. Just as he was about to turn back, he heard a strange sound¡ªa whispering voice. "Darkness¡­ near¡­ Sunborn¡­ Darkness¡­ Where is the Sunborn?" His legs trembled as he stepped closer to the burnt tree. The voice seemed to come from within. As he leaned in, a charred hand suddenly moved, locking around his wrist. Siamak screamed in terror, and several soldiers, along with the king, rushed toward him. Before they could reach him, the corpse¡¯s head twisted towards him, revealing glowing red eyes. The lifeless body had transformed into something monstrous. It whispered a single word: "Mared." A hideous cackle echoed from the burnt body. Siamak shrieked in agony as the grip tightened. The king, upon hearing the name "Mared," was consumed with rage. Drawing his sword, he rushed forward to sever the corpse¡¯s hand. But at the last moment, the body pulled Siamak closer, and the strike instead severed Siamak¡¯s entire left arm from the shoulder down! Blood gushed, and the soldiers recoiled in horror. Siamak writhed in pain, his face pale as death. The corpse, having played its role, finally released the tree and crumbled into ashes. The soldiers quickly carried Siamak away to the royal physician, hoping to stop the bleeding before it was too late. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. --------------------------------------------------- Daryashahr Several weeks had passed since the disappearance of the ships from the Fortress of the Sun. Ashkbos, the commander of the Fortress of the Sun''s army, along with Ardashir, King Bahram''s advisor, and several other commanders and soldiers, arrived in Daryashahr. Following King Bahram''s orders, they headed straight to the docks and began their investigation. The atmosphere at the docks was heavy. Fishermen and merchants eyed Ashkbos and his group with suspicion, but no one dared approach them. Ashkbos, with his sharp eyes, paused briefly on each face. He was a man who understood silence better than anything else¡ªand Daryashahr was far too quiet. Ardashir stepped forward and said firmly, "We are here for the truth, not to start a war. If anyone knows anything about the ships of the Fortress of the Sun, speak now." A few sailors, their clothes still white with sea salt, exchanged glances. One of them, a man with a salt-and-pepper beard and a sunburnt face, finally took a deep breath and stepped forward. "We''re just fishermen and traders, sir... but that night, we saw something that didn¡¯t look like any ordinary attack." Ashkbos narrowed his eyes. "What did you see?" The man swallowed hard and continued in a shaky voice, "The ships were on fire, but not from fire arrows! It was as if something had set them ablaze from beneath the water. The fish went wild, as if the sea itself had turned angry. And then..." He paused, as if summoning the courage to continue. "And then what?" Ardashir asked impatiently. The man pointed toward the sea and said quietly, "That night... I saw shadows walking on the water." A heavy silence fell over the group. Some of the soldiers smirked, but Ashkbos didn¡¯t take his eyes off the sea. "Shadows walking on the water..." he muttered under his breath. Ashkbos asked, "Are you sure?" The man nodded firmly. "By the gods, they weren¡¯t human." Ardashir glanced at Ashkbos. "This is nonsense. It could have been pirates." But Ashkbos, who always paid attention to unusual signs, simply said, "If this is true, then we¡¯re not dealing with an ordinary war." The sea was calm, but the air in Daryashahr felt unnaturally heavy... One of the other commanders approached Ashkbos and said in a gruff tone, "Commander Ashkbos! Everyone believes this attack came from the Crimson Realm... Why are you entertaining these absurdities? The Supreme King must have authorized this. Surely, when the peace treaty was signed, the Sheikh made several demands, including permission to plunder the Fortress of the Sun, and the King agreed. We¡¯ve known about the savagery of those nomads for years, and listening to these delusions is a complete mistake!" Ashkbos replied irritably, "Quiet! Don¡¯t you know that slandering the royal family is treason? You¡¯ll lose your head! We¡¯re here to uncover the truth. Listening to the people is a crucial part of the investigation. If this lead doesn¡¯t yield anything, we¡¯ll follow other clues. Go and rest at an inn. We¡¯ll be staying here for a few weeks!" The merchants of Daryashahr, hearing this news, quickly began attracting customers and selling their goods to the soldiers. Some of the commanders headed to the local brothel to spend the night. Ashkbos and Ardashir walked to the edge of the dock and stared out at the vast gulf. Ardashir said quietly, "What do you think? Are ghostly shadows more logical, or is it the barbarians of the Crimson Realm? Ashkbos... you know as well as I do that these tales of ghosts and demons are just stories mothers tell to scare their children. Why are we wasting our time like this? If there¡¯s even the slightest clue left about this conspiracy, it¡¯s slipping away with every passing moment!" Ardashir, noticing Ashkbos''s impatience, decided to leave him alone. After he left, Ashkbos''s attention was drawn to a nearby boat. Two girls in cloaks and veiled faces were haggling with a captain to take them to the Crimson Realm. One of the girls pulled out a pouch of coins from under her cloak¡ªa silk pouch embroidered with several red rubies. A pouch like that was something only nobles could afford, far beyond the means of ordinary folk. Ashkbos grew suspicious and approached. He grabbed the girl¡¯s arm, startling both of them. Sophia, who after days of fleeing was finally within reach of this cursed realm, felt her hopes shatter. Commander Ashkbos had spent a long time in the City of Zar with King Bahram, and out of familiarity, Sophia used to call him "Uncle." The moment their eyes met, Ashkbos recognized her. A thousand questions flooded his mind. Sophia, the princess of the City of Zar, the capital of the Azharian Realm, was here in Daryashahr, disguised and in a state of distress. This was virtually impossible unless there was an extremely important and urgent reason. Making sure Ardashir and the other commanders weren¡¯t around, he angrily pulled Sophia aside to talk: "What are you doing here? What¡¯s with this state? You¡¯re the princess of this land! What business do you have in the Crimson Realm, Sophia? Haven¡¯t you heard that just a few weeks ago, they destroyed all the ships of the Fortress of the Sun? Right now, this gulf is more dangerous than anywhere else!" Sophia, who had started crying and was struggling to catch her breath, pleaded, "I swear by the gods, let me go... If my father finds me, he¡¯ll have my blood! Ashkbos... there are things you don¡¯t know... I have no place in this realm. I must go to my beloved... I beg you, don¡¯t stop me!" Ashkbos, his heart breaking at the sight of Sophia¡¯s tears, pulled her into an embrace. The first time they had met, Sophia was only nine years old¡ªa playful, sociable girl. Everyone loved her, and now, her face was filled with indescribable sorrow. After comforting her for a while, he asked her to stay the night. They would talk, and in the morning, Ashkbos would find a safe ship to take the princess to the Crimson Realm. It grew dark. Sophia, Rana, and Ashkbos went to a quiet inn near the docks to spend the night. After Rana and Sophia cleaned up and changed their clothes, they sat around a small table in the room. Ashkbos prepared several dishes, and as they ate dinner, they began to talk. Sophia told Ashkbos everything. She had no choice. Either she trusted him, or Ashkbos would undoubtedly return her to her father¡¯s palace. When the conversation turned to the secret discussions between the Supreme King and Siamak the Wise about the demons, Rana recounted the story of the woman who had burned in the royal garden. She repeated the woman¡¯s strange words. Ashkbos paled. His hands grew cold, and he replayed all the events in his mind... Darkness was approaching... and it was becoming more evident with every passing moment. When the conversation ended, all three fell silent. In Ashkbos''s mind, countless questions swirled: "Did the Supreme King really sell his daughter so easily? What do these recent events mean? Who destroyed the ships of the Fortress of the Sun? If Sophia¡¯s words are true and that filthy old man really loves her, he wouldn¡¯t allow an attack on the ships. That could cause countless conflicts between him and the Supreme King..." He turned to Sophia and said, "You shouldn¡¯t go there... the gulf isn¡¯t safe! Tomorrow, I¡¯ll leave the investigation to Ardashir and come with you. We¡¯ll go to the Fortress of the Sun together. King Bahram needs to know about these events. I promise no word will reach your father, and you can stay there in peace for as long as you want. Who knows what that wretched Sheikh is plotting? You¡¯re young, and you think you¡¯re in love... but going there right now is not in your best interest!" Rana, who had been silent, nodded in agreement. She too knew that going to the Crimson Realm was a mistake, and this was the best solution to bring some peace to Princess Sophia for the time being. The girl, her tears streaming down her face, felt the weight of heartbreak once again. Rana continued to explain the advantages of this choice to Sophia and finally convinced her to go along with it. Late into the night, Sophia and Rana went to bed, while Ashkbos lay on the floor in a corner, resting his head on his armor, and fell asleep. A few hours later, all three were awakened by shouts and screams coming from the docks. Ashkbos looked out the window and paled. A large number of soldiers and commanders were beating and interrogating sailors. Their golden armor, helmets, and banners could only mean one thing¡ªthe City of Zar! The army that the Supreme King had sent earlier to investigate the attack on the ships of the Fortress of the Sun had finally arrived. It was a small but powerful force, and they had already ruthlessly killed several sailors for refusing to cooperate, driving spears through their throats. Meanwhile, some soldiers and commanders had commandeered a ship and taken several sailors hostage, forcing them to reveal the trade route of the Fortress of the Sun. This was clear proof that the Supreme King had no involvement in the attack on the ships, but now the situation had changed. Ashkbos''s priority was to save Princess Sophia from her father, and at any moment, the soldiers could find her and take her back to the City of Zar. Ashkbos told Sophia and Rana to stay put and quickly left the inn. He met with the commander of Daryashahr, thanked him for the investigation, and paid his respects. Then, he hurried to Ardashir''s quarters. When he arrived, several half-naked prostitutes were leaving the room, clutching their clothes. Ashkbos entered, and Ardashir shouted, "What''s going on? I heard the commotion. I''m just changing!" Ashkbos, still catching his breath, said in a broken voice, "The City of Zar... they''ve sent an army to investigate the attack... There''s nothing more we can do... You take charge of our soldiers. They''ll leave soon, and you can continue the investigation. I need to return to the Fortress of the Sun... I have an important mission." Ardashir protested, shouting that Ashkbos shouldn''t leave them in this situation. But before Ardashir could finish, Ashkbos left the room and quickly made his way back to the inn by the docks. Princess Sophia and Rana had packed their belongings, their faces fully covered. They quickly followed Ashkbos through the alleys of Daryashahr. Suddenly, someone called out from behind, "Hey... Commander! Finally, we found you!" Ashkbos turned around, his legs trembling. The voice was familiar. One of the commanders from the City of Zar, with whom he had fought side by side against the Faras army, stood there smiling. He approached and hugged Ashkbos. After exchanging greetings, his gaze fell on the girls beside him: "I see you''re having a good time! Which brothel did you pick them from? I could have found you the best in the city. They look good... Take off your veils, let me see your faces!" Rana and Sophia were terrified. Ashkbos stepped forward and said, "We''re in a hurry... We''ll talk later!" The commander stepped closer, still smiling. "You''re too eager, Ashkbos... I just want to make sure you''ve chosen well. Daryashahr is full of ugly prostitutes who hide themselves to cheat their customers..." He reached for Rana''s veil, and Rana, who had prepared a knife in advance, raised her hand. The commander, quick on his feet, dodged, and the knife grazed his arm. He screamed and kicked Rana into the wall, delivering several more kicks to her side before turning back to Ashkbos. He froze for a moment, then dropped to his knees. Ashkbos had driven his sword into the commander''s left eye. He pushed harder, and blood gushed onto the ground. As the commander fell with the sword in his eye, the children who had been chatting in the alley fled. Sophia stood frozen in place. Just a short while ago, her biggest concern had been finding the most beautiful jewels, and now, in less than a few weeks, she had witnessed two horrific murders. She stared in horror at the blood pouring from the commander''s eye. His body twitched occasionally, as if he were still dying. Ashkbos ran to Rana and helped her up. At that moment, Sophia, completely exhausted, collapsed next to the corpse. She tried to stop the bleeding with her hands and finally pulled the sword from his eye. The sound of shouting drew their attention to the other end of the alley. Several soldiers and commanders were rushing toward them. The children had spread the news of the murder. Seeing the sword in Princess Sophia''s hands, the soldiers assumed she was the murderer¡ªa deranged commoner¡ªand moved to arrest her. Ashkbos stepped forward, ready to reveal the truth about Sophia to save her, but Rana grabbed Sophia''s hands, and they fled. Before Ashkbos could explain, the soldiers chased after them. In the maze of the city, the two girls managed to lose their pursuers and, in a corner, changed into their last set of clothes and veils to avoid being recognized. Ashkbos could do nothing. He had lost them too. He knew that if he told anyone the truth, he might be arrested for hiding the king''s daughter. So, he rejoined the army of the Fortress of the Sun and explained to Ardashir that he had postponed his mission and would stay for now. Night was falling. Ashkbos was worried about Sophia and searched everywhere, but there was no sign of the girls. At the request of one of the commanders of Daryashahr, a meeting was held by the docks to share findings between the armies of Daryashahr and the Fortress of the Sun. As Ashkbos was explaining, his gaze fell on the docks. Rana and Sophia, still veiled, were negotiating with the same captain from the day before. This time, there was nothing Ashkbos could do. Sophia''s eyes met his. With deep sorrow, she waved at him and boarded the boat. Ashkbos was forced to watch as an innocent girl was sent to an unknown land. He had done everything he could, but fate had other plans. As he continued the meeting, his gaze kept drifting to the gulf, watching the boat grow smaller and smaller until it disappeared from sight. Meanwhile, in the west of the Azharian Realm, King Bahram''s palace was completely silent. The courtiers were asleep, and no one knew what had just happened. Princess Samin, King Bahram''s daughter, woke up in terror. Instead of her colorful room, everything was dark and terrifying. She found herself in an unknown forest. Paralyzed with fear, she couldn''t stand. The last thing she remembered was her mother''s kisses and falling asleep in her own bed. She heard footsteps. Behind the bushes to her right, several glowing green eyes stared at her. The footsteps grew closer from the other side. When she turned, she saw the same strange creature she had seen several times outside her window. It was so tall that she could only see its legs. When she looked up, she saw its upper body¡ªhuman-like but without a head or neck. Its eyes were on its torso, and its mouth stretched several meters wide. Though it wasn''t bulky or muscular, its height rivaled the trees. Despite its strangeness, Samin felt no fear. It was as if she trusted it. Even when she felt it beside her, all her fear of the forest and the creatures behind the bushes vanished. Moments later, a woman appeared from behind the creature. Samin stared at her. In all her years, she had never seen anyone so beautiful. When the woman stood before her, it was as if the grass around her came back to life. Her strange eyes, glowing green, were mesmerizing. She wore a long black dress, her hair reaching the ground. When she spoke, everything fell silent. "It seems you''re not responding to my friends'' requests... How many times must they come to you for help? Believe me, if there were another way, I would never trouble a sweet girl like you." Samin swallowed hard. She stood up and spoke softly, "Who... who are you? Where is this?" The woman stroked Samin''s hair, smiled, and replied, "You can call me Mother... Mother of these creatures... Mother of the entire forest. If you''d like to call me by name, I am Setayesh!" Samin felt a strange mix of fear and calm. She still couldn''t process what was happening when Setayesh spoke again: "Samin... I know this is hard for you. But you have been chosen... You are our only link to the people now... I know it''s hard to believe, and others may not believe you. But the situation is critical. All my people near Mount Bidar have been destroyed. None of us can return alive from there, so we don''t know what''s happening... But the darkness is spreading moment by moment. If I can''t protect the land of the forest folk, we will all perish. Do you know how many thousands of years they''ve entrusted their lives to me? After all this time, for the first time, I am asking for help from you humans... Even hundreds of years ago, when the war between the demons began and Belis, the leader of one of their tribes, rose against humans, the darkness never reached us. It''s as if everything is being destroyed... We must find out what threatens us so we can fight back..." Setayesh, the Mother of Nature, squeezed Samin''s hands. With tears in her eyes, she said, "Please, Samin... We have little time... Do your best... You could be the savior of us all..." Before Samin could respond, everything blurred, and she closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she was lying in front of the palace gates. The courtiers, including Tahmaseb the Elder, were calling her name. No one knew what had happened. But Samin, more determined than ever, stood up. She had to find the answer, no matter what... even if Tahmaseb couldn''t help her! Chapter 4 - Sun and Desert 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. 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: 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: 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¡ªone who could save them from extinction at any cost. And so, they had no choice but to obey.
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. 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. With a gentle kiss on her forehead, he left the room. Exhausted, Samin drifted into sleep.
Meanwhile, in the grand hall of the palace, Sahra Banoo, overwhelmed with worry and frustration, turned to King Bahram. King Bahram, equally troubled, replied in a calm voice: 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: 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¡ªone 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¡ª¡± ¡°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¡ª¡± ¡°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¡ªuntil 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¡ªeverything 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¡ªI¡¯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:
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¡ªpursuing 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
Upon reading the letter, King Bahram was deeply shaken. The news of Sophia¡¯s disappearance was heavy and unsettling¡ªit 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¡ªincluding the wounded commander¡¯s testimony and Sophia¡¯s whereabouts¡ªor 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. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. 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¡ªto 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¡ªshe 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¡ªfrail, 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¡ªonly 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¡ªsave 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¡ªthe 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¡ªthe 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¡ªthe 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¡ªjust 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¡ªescape 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¡ªSophia 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¡ªonly 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¡ªa 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¡ªwhether 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¡ªa 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¡ªonce 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¡ªbut 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¡ªEarth, Fire, and Sun¡ªwho 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¡ªone 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¡ªand 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¡ªa 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¡­ Chapter 5: Bloody Shadows Fortress of the Sun The Fortress of the Sun no longer held its former tranquility. While everything appeared normal on the surface, an eerie atmosphere permeated King Bahram''s palace. Since the arrival of the reconnaissance agent from the City of Zar bearing news of demons, divisions had formed among the courtiers, with debates raging about the truth of these claims. The agent remained completely unconscious, and after several weeks, everyone awaited more information. Meanwhile, tensions between King Bahram and Sahra Banoo escalated by the minute. The king had restored his trust in Tahmasb, convinced his secrecy about Princess Samin''s condition had been well-intentioned, but Sahra Banoo still believed her husband had surrendered all his power to his advisors, playing no real role in court affairs. The night was dark as King Bahram and Sahra Banoo lay in bed, separated by miles of emotional distance. They should have been sleeping, but their troubled minds wouldn''t permit it. One was preoccupied with the demons and uncovering the truth, while the other plotted to regain power and remove the king''s advisors. Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Tahmasb stood outside:
"Please come with the queen to the princess''s chambers... something important has happened." Tahmasb said.
King Bahram and Sahra Banoo rushed to their daughter''s room. Samin stood motionless in the center, staring out the window at the forest.
"My child... what''s wrong?" Sahra Banoo asked anxiously.
"I must go... the forest calls me!" Samin turned her gaze and said softly
King Bahram was at a loss for words.
"She''s been like this for hours, unresponsive except to repeat that phrase. My lord, you know the situation - there''s no room for doubt now. Let me take some soldiers and accompany her to the forest. Something important may be happening." Tahmasb explained,
"Are you mad?" Sahra Banoo interrupted. "Send my daughter to that dreadful place in the dark? Have you lost your mind?" King Bahram shot her an angry glare. "B-Bahram?" she continued tremulously. "You''re seriously considering this? Come to your senses! Who knows what dangers lurk there?" The king ran a hand through his hair. Having witnessed his daughter''s powers, he could no longer deny her connection to the Farr of the Forest. Though Sahra Banoo knew of this too, she couldn''t bear to put her daughter in danger. Finally, the king decided: "Prepare our best soldiers. I''ll go too. We''ll take Samin to the forest and see the truth with our own eyes!" Sahra Banoo struck her forehead in despair and stormed out weeping. Her hatred for Tahmasb doubled - she felt all court decisions revolved around his counsel. But protecting her daughter came first. Though no skilled swordswoman, she grabbed a weapon and hurried after her husband. Soon, several soldiers stood ready. With Tahmasb, King Bahram, Sahra Banoo, and finally Princess Samin, they left the palace. The full moon shone through passing clouds as darkness enveloped the city. Reaching the forest, the soldiers led the way, pushing aside branches. Directionless, they let Samin pass them by. In a trance-like state, she moved ahead while the others followed warily, scanning their surroundings. They reached a clearing surrounded by towering cypress trees. "I''ve answered your call... Mother... come to me," Samin said in a strange, hoarse voice. As she finished speaking, a fierce wind arose, growing so strong no one could stand - except Samin, who remained unmoved at the center. Suddenly, a powerful gust threw everyone back into the trees. Sahra Banoo screamed in panic but found herself unable to move forward. In the clearing, Samin smiled. Just ahead, she saw Setayesh, the Mother of the Forest, approaching in her long black dress. Unseen creatures flanked her protectively. When Setayesh arrived, Samin instinctively bowed and kissed her hand. Setayesh smiled in return. "It''s been too long... I hope you bring good news." Samin, her childhood fears gone, eagerly recounted recent events - the City of Zar''s agent, the news of demons. At the mention of Mount Bidar, Setayesh knelt suddenly, chanting strange incantations as lightning flashed. The air grew colder, and Samin''s fear returned. "Please explain! These are just legends... we think that agent was mad, seeing demons in dreams!" Setayesh took Samin''s hands. "Remember the demon attack centuries ago? The evil demon Belis gathered forces to conquer Azharian lands. Another tribe opposed him and, with human help, defeated Belis in brutal battle. The opposing chieftain and his mate survived, taking refuge at Mount Bidar - kind souls I often visited. Unlike the Valley of Shadows, I could never enter Mount Bidar with my forest folk. Nature died there inexplicably... Now the same corruption spreads at Mount Bidar, drawing every foul creature from the Valley of Shadows..." Samin interrupted excitedly, "You can speak to anyone! You must meet Tahmasb - he knows everything!" Setayesh stroked Samin''s hair. "Without the Farr of the Forest, seeing me would drive men mad." "Then he''ll keep his eyes closed," Samin insisted. "This is important!" Setayesh nodded consent. Samin rushed to where Tahmasb lay immobilized by the wind. Touching his hand freed him. "Close your eyes," she instructed urgently. "You must help the Mother of Nature - but never look, or you''ll be destroyed!" The terrified advisor obeyed, letting Samin guide him near Setayesh. Kneeling, he shuddered at her mesmerizing voice as she repeated her tale. "Belis..." Tahmasb interrupted. "That vile demon whose body was never found after the battle 500 years ago... Could he have retained his power all this time in the Valley of Shadows?" Setayesh pondered. "The creature at Mount Bidar now is far stronger... yet the Valley''s corruption has lifted..." Tahmasb suddenly remembered astronomer Ardashir''s words about the stars Aldebaran and Antares. As he explained this, Setayesh paled, her hands turning icy. Samin tried supporting her as Tahmasb demanded answers. "The apocalypse comes to Azharian," Setayesh whispered. "Belis survived the battle, hiding in the Valley while his noble counterpart sheltered at Mount Bidar. Somehow Belis found them after 500 years... Aldebaran''s return means Belis perished in that final confrontation. But Antares has vanished... meaning something worse than Belis has been born..." Tahmasb finished the terrible thought: "Belis raped the chieftain''s mate before dying... We face not Belis now, but his far more terrible offspring... capable of destroying us all..." Silence fell. Samin blinked - Setayesh had vanished. Moments later, the wind stopped as King Bahram''s group rushed in. Samin nudged Tahmasb to open his eyes. Both stood speechless with horror. The Crimson Realm Several days had passed since Sophia had been hiding alongside Commander Ashkbos, yet the patrols of the guards remained as relentless as before, blocking all possible escape routes. Shaikh had done everything in his power to find Sophia before she could flee. He had even searched house by house, but Commander Ashkbos was cunning enough to mislead the soldiers and buy them some time. However, they could no longer stay in the house. Shaikh had ordered another round of house inspections, and this time, the searches were carried out with even greater brutality. In the darkness of the night, Ashkbos and Sophia reviewed their escape plan. There was no way to cross the gulf unless they could find a path far from the soldiers'' sight. But all water routes were under the strict surveillance of the Crimson Realm¡¯s guards, and any suspicious movement could lead to their capture. Commander Ashkbos, who had years of experience in battles, knew that crossing the gulf unnoticed was nearly impossible. Yet, he did not lose hope. Among his old friends, he remembered a former sailor from the Crimson realm who might be willing to provide them with a boat in exchange for gold. Silently, they left the house where they had been hiding. The night had cast a veil of darkness over the city, but the guards illuminated the alleys with their torches. Ashkbos took Sophia¡¯s hand and carefully moved through the shadows. After moments of anxiety, they reached the sailor¡¯s house. The old sailor, who had once known the seas of this Crimson Realm, initially refused to help them. "Shaikh has ordered that anyone who aids you will lose their life." But when Ashkbos threw a pouch full of gold coins onto the table, the old man took a deep breath and said, "There is only one way, but it is dangerous." Ashkbos was ready for any risk, and the sailor explained the only possible escape route. They had to reach an old, ruined dock in the northeast of the Crimson Realm. There, they would dig up a hidden boat and escape. However, they had to sail northward through the gulf until the fog enveloped them, then turn west toward the Azharian Realm. This way, the soldiers would not spot them at sea. Ashkbos thanked the sailor once more. The old man embraced Ashkbos and said, "Farewell, old friend... May the sea gods protect you!" Sophia followed Ashkbos, her mind so preoccupied that she didn¡¯t notice her ornamental money pouch falling in front of the sailor¡¯s house. Ashkbos and Sophia began their journey toward the northwest of the Crimson Realm. The distance wasn¡¯t great, and within less than ten hours, they found the ruined dock. Shaikh¡¯s soldiers had sealed the water borders but paid little attention to internal travel within the Crimson Realm. After a brief search, they located the mark left by the sailor in the ground and, with minimal digging, uncovered the buried boat. Now, it was time to wait. They had to endure until nightfall to begin their sea voyage. They settled down to rest, and Sophia, to pass the time, began talking to Ashkbos: "Do you think King Bahram will believe me? Imagine the daughter of one of your friends suddenly appearing before you, claiming you¡¯re her father... Isn¡¯t it a bit strange?" Ashkbos, while lighting a fire to roast a hunted rabbit, replied, "Don¡¯t worry. I will testify to the truth as well... But Sophia... I¡¯m sure King Bahram himself is somewhat aware of the situation. I knew about his secret relationship with your mother, Shirin. There was a time when King Nima was caught up in civil wars, and long before that, a close bond existed between King Bahram and Shirin. I even remember that every time we traveled to the city of Zar, he paid special attention to you. I felt there was a deep connection between you two... It¡¯s not something he would find hard to accept!" After eating, they decided to sleep to prepare for their late-night voyage. The journey would be long and exhausting. Hours later, darkness fell, and a sudden noise jolted them awake. Terror seized them¡ªShaikh¡¯s agents had surrounded them. Shaikh stood nearby, and moments later, he stepped forward with a rope around the old sailor¡¯s neck. Glaring at Sophia with contempt, he shouted, "Where were you going, my dear? Is this how a man abandons his beloved?" Then, right before Sophia and Ashkbos¡¯s eyes, he slit the old sailor¡¯s throat. Blood gushed out, and Ashkbos was horrified at the fate of his old friend. Nevertheless, he drew his sword and shielded Sophia, ready to fight. Shaikh screamed again, "You stand no chance against my soldiers! Take your hands off my beloved! I have business with her..." With a gesture, he sent his soldiers forward. Commander Ashkbos struck first, charging ahead and cutting down two soldiers with his sword. Sophia retreated to a corner, watching the battle in fear. The soldiers closed in on Ashkbos one after another. Finally, a spear pierced his shoulder, but he did not retreat. He knocked down several more soldiers before another spear struck his leg. Sophia screamed in terror, but her cry was muffled by hands gripping her. Shaikh stood behind her, his yellow teeth bared: "No savior remains, girl... Come, we have matters to settle!" With brutality, he grabbed Sophia¡¯s hair and yanked her back. He forced her head up to witness the battlefield one last time. Ashkbos beheaded several more soldiers with his sword. A mace struck his back, forcing him to his knees. Even then, he drove his sword into another soldier¡¯s stomach. But now, multiple soldiers aimed their weapons at him simultaneously. Spears pierced his back, shoulder, and leg. A soldier approached from behind and pressed a knife to his throat. With a bloodied face, Ashkbos cast his final glance at Sophia¡ªand suddenly, everything stopped. Sophia, who had been paralyzed with fear just moments ago, looked around in shock. No one was moving¡ªit was as if time itself had frozen. She felt the world shift around her, witnessing something impossible. The soldiers'' blades hung suspended in the air, even Shaikh¡¯s mouth was frozen mid-laugh. She stood up, took a few steps, and her first thought was that perhaps she had died. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The air gradually turned crimson. A sinister presence loomed beside her, and finally, she saw him¡ªthe vile, repulsive Jinn who had once tried to violate her. Mared stood just a few steps away. He let out a piercing shriek, then spoke in a commanding tone: "You know there¡¯s no escape now... The blade is pressed against Ashkbos¡¯ throat. The moment time resumes, you¡¯ll witness his brutal death." Sophia¡¯s voice trembled. "W-what do you want? You saw for yourself... I¡¯m not the one you were looking for..." Mared stepped closer. The hoof of his right hand brushed against Sophia¡¯s cheek. "No... you¡¯re not. But soon, you¡¯ll get close to her. Your stepsister, Samin, is the one we¡¯ve been waiting for all these centuries. I must claim her, and now I have an offer for you." He gestured to the frozen carnage around them. "You see my power? Just as I¡¯ve stopped time now, I can annihilate every soldier here in an instant¡ªclear your path to freedom. With a single touch, I can heal all of Ashkbos¡¯ wounds." Sophia pleaded, "Then please, do it! Ashkbos is innocent¡ªhe only wanted to save me!" Mared smirked. "Have you noticed how everyone who tries to save you meets a grim fate? Regardless, I can give you a second chance... under one condition." His voice darkened. "I know Shaikh is a weakling who won¡¯t keep his word. But you can bring Samin to me. The ancient magic of the Azharian Realm strips us Jinn of our power there. That¡¯s why I need you." He leaned in, his breath like sulfur. "All you have to do is find Samin and bring her to the middle of the gulf. I¡¯ll take her from you, and it¡¯ll all be over. But remember¡ªthis isn¡¯t an ordinary promise. Agree, and I¡¯ll pave your escape." Sophia¡¯s mind reeled. After years of loneliness, she had finally found a family¡ªa sister she could cherish. Now she had to choose: a gruesome fate at Shaikh¡¯s hands, or betraying her own blood and sacrificing an innocent girl... all while blind to the consequences. But if Jinn had no power in Azharian lands, then breaking her oath might carry no penalty. She could lie to Mared, escape, and forget. But was that the right choice? Could she outwit a creature like him? Her eyes flicked to Ashkbos¡ªbleeding, frozen at death¡¯s door. Her choice was made. "I¡¯ll do what you ask." The moment the words left her lips, Mared¡¯s jaw unhinged. A crimson light erupted from his throat, swirling in the air before shooting into Sophia¡¯s mouth. She screamed, clawing at her neck as searing pain wracked her body. The agony was unbearable¡ªshe collapsed, writhing. Mared crouched beside her. "Forget your promise at your peril... You have one year. Fail to deliver Samin, and your death will make a thousand sword wounds feel like mercy. Remember¡ªno one cheats Mared." Her hands shook. She could feel the curse inside her¡ªa monstrous seal that could snuff her life out in an instant. With a final laugh, Mared raised his arms. A gale-force wind blasted through the battlefield, forcing Sophia to shut her eyes. When she opened them again, the scene had transformed into a slaughterhouse. Shaikh¡¯s soldiers lay in pieces, limbs and entrails strewn across the ground. Nearby, Shaikh himself crawled, drenched in blood but still alive. "What did you do, you filthy whore?!" he snarled. "I¡¯ll make you pay¡ª" Sophia ignored him. Her gaze locked onto Ashkbos¡ªalive, unharmed, but unconscious. She dragged him to the boat, shoved it into the sea, and rowed north as the old sailor had instructed. Freedom was close... but the weight of her betrayal gnawed at her soul. She had damned herself to save a life. And now, she had to condemn another. Daryashahr Esfandiyar, the chief advisor to King Bahram, had just concluded a council meeting with the commanders of Zar City. Over a year had passed since the attack on the trade ships of Dezh-e Aftab (Fortress of the Sun), yet no explanation had been found. Even the ship sent by one of Zar City¡¯s commanders to investigate the attack zone had never returned. Just days after arriving in Daryashahr, Commander Ashkbos had bid Esfandiyar farewell, departing on a secret mission. Now, command of the soldiers stationed at Dezh-e Aftab fell to Esfandiyar. The endless confusion and fruitless search for answers had driven him to the brink of madness¡ªhis only solace being the company of the city¡¯s courtesans. After the meeting, Esfandiyar returned to his quarters. His favorite courtesan, Ahlam, had been waiting for him. For the past month, he had chosen her for her striking beauty, summoning her to his chambers every night. Through their repeated encounters and idle conversations, Ahlam had become privy to his investigations. Tonight was no different. "Still nothing¡­ I¡¯m losing my mind," Esfandiyar muttered as Ahlam helped him remove his armor. "How can such a savage attack leave no trace? An act of that brutality requires planning¡ªwe expected more assaults by now. Yet it seems that one attack was enough." Ahlam sighed. "Stop searching for reason. Some men do things simply because they can. Not everyone is as logical as we Azharians." She hesitated, then added, "I¡¯ve had lovers from the Crimson Realm. Once, they invited me to a feast¡­ and what I saw still haunts my nightmares." Esfandiyar turned to her, intrigued. "They dragged a virgin girl into a square, tied her to four horses, and sent them galloping in different directions. She was torn apart¡ªjust to answer a meaningless question: ¡®What happens if we do this to a human?¡¯" She shuddered. "I¡¯ve told you before¡ªblame the savages of the Crimson Realm. Return to Dezh-e Aftab, tell King Bahram they were behind it, and free yourself from this endless search." Esfandiyar guided her toward the bed. "King Bahram trusts me above all others. As his chief advisor, it¡¯s my duty to uncover the truth¡ªI won¡¯t falter." He kissed her. "I feel change is coming. Ashkbos should return soon. I hope his mission bore fruit¡­" Their nightly ritual began¡ªbut was abruptly interrupted. A scream echoed from the docks. Then another. And another. Esfandiyar threw on his clothes, grabbed his sword, and rushed outside. The ship carrying the commander and soldiers of Zar City had returned. After months of absence, it had come back in a ghastly state. One of its sails had turned crimson, and as Esfandiyar drew closer, the nauseating stench of blood and rotting flesh made him retch. Several commanders from Zar City and a few from the Fortress of the Sun, along with battle-ready soldiers, assumed defensive positions. Esfandiyar took the lead as the soldiers of the Fortress of the Sun waited, watching as the ship fully docked. No one disembarked. Seagulls, having fed on the corpses inside, took turns flying in and out. Esfandiyar cautiously stepped closer. At his command, several soldiers boarded the ship¡ªonly to immediately vomit. The remaining commanders, along with Esfandiyar, covered their noses and entered, only to be met with horror. What had happened to the soldiers inside was indescribable. None had ever witnessed such savagery before. The entire deck was smeared with a mixture of blood and flesh. The bodies of Zar City¡¯s soldiers lay arranged in a grotesque, meticulous pattern. None had heads or hands. Their placement was deliberate¡ªevery other corpse was positioned upside down, their legs aligned with the necks of the ones beside them. On the chest of each soldier, a letter had been written in blood. In the far right corner of the deck, the severed heads¡ªstill helmeted¡ªwere stacked in a pile. Each helmet bore a number, deeply scratched into the metal. The slain commander hung from the ship¡¯s mast, crucified, his face pecked beyond recognition by the seagulls. Esfandiyar leapt off the ship without thinking. His breath came in ragged gasps as he fought to steady his trembling limbs. One of Zar City¡¯s commanders, seeing his state, rushed to help, slapping his back until his breathing steadied. No one could stand to remain inside. Esfandiyar knew there was meaning in these symbols, in this calculated brutality¡ªbut he couldn¡¯t decipher it. Then, a familiar voice cut through his confusion, bringing a sliver of calm. Commander Ashkbos, having finally reached Daryashahr after weeks at sea, approached from behind and gripped Esfandiyar¡¯s arm. "Breathe¡­ They will pay for this." Sophia, her face veiled, stood at a distance. Since she was with Ashkbos, no one questioned her presence¡ªassuming she was his lover or concubine. Ashkbos tied a cloth over his mouth and stepped onto the ship to assess the scene. Esfandiyar, though disgusted, followed. At a glance, Ashkbos was certain¡ªthis was a message. He ordered the soldiers to remove the corpses exactly as they were arranged, laying them out on the shore for further examination. Next came the severed heads and helmets, placed separately. As the men circled the bodies, a howl pierced the air. Before the soldiers could react, a pack of dogs lunged at the helmets, snatching several heads as food. The men chased them, recovering some¡ªbut two dogs escaped, carrying two helmets with them. However, this brief interaction with the helmets gave Ashkbos an idea. He ordered the heads inside the helmets to be matched with the bodies, and as much as possible, based on skin color and the type of neck wound, each head was placed on its corresponding body. It took some time, but the operation was successful. Then, he gave another order: the bodies were to be arranged in the order of the numbers engraved on the helmets. Two helmets had been stolen, but when Ashkbos cross-referenced the letters written on each corpse''s armor, they managed to guess the sequence of the last four letters as well. Everyone stared in shock and confusion at the constructed sentence: "We swear by vengeance and the sweetness of blood; we will reclaim our land. Owner of the land, Dream!" These words made no sense. Esfandiyar ordered the last words to be rearranged, changing the sentence to: "Dream, Owner of the land!" He turned to Ashkbos and said, "The savages probably aren¡¯t well-educated. They likely meant to say that owning our land will be a dream to us. a warning to our Realm. They intend to attack us, and we must prepare..." A murmur spread among the soldiers and commanders. A great war was coming, and no one was ready for it. Sophia, still standing in her place, glanced once more at the words and the numbers on the severed heads¡ªand suddenly, her face turned pale. She motioned for Ashkbos to come closer and whispered something in his ear. Ashkbos returned to the corpses, rearranged the sentence to its original form, and adjusted the placement of the two headless bodies based on his own deduction. The older commanders, including Esfandiyar, froze when they saw the new sentence: "We swear by vengeance and the sweetness of blood; we will reclaim our land. The owner of the land, Mared!" The name was familiar to them¡ªbut only as part of legends and tales. In their childhood, whenever mothers wanted to scare their children, they would say, "Mared will come for you." They had heard many times that creatures called Jinn existed, born of fire, with red eyes and hooves instead of hands and feet. And at the highest rank of these beings, their great chieftain, Mared, ruled. This message clarified everything. The tales of sailors who spoke of terrifying shadows in the water, the letter received during last year¡¯s ship attack¡ªwhere the sole surviving captain kept screaming, "This is the blood price of Jean Luc!" Everyone knew Jean Luc, the leader of the Farsa, was versed in the occult, and many claimed he had risen to power through black magic. Now, with Mared¡¯s name appearing, they realized the Jinn had allied with him and had been planning an attack on the Azharian Realm for years. All the old myths had now become undeniable truths. An unimaginable threat loomed, and no one had expected anything like this. Everyone began voicing their concerns, talking among themselves. Ashkbos said to Esfandiyar, "We must return to the Fortress of the Sun without delay. Our investigation is over¡ªKing Bahram needs to hear the truth." Esfandiyar summoned all his soldiers and, ignoring the darkness of night, gathered their supplies and set off toward the Fortress of the Sun. The commanders of Zar City did the same. Sophia rode behind Ashkbos, and out of respect for his privacy, no one questioned her identity. A long journey lay ahead, and the exhaustion of Ashkbos and Sophia meant nothing now... City of Zar The Supreme King, Nima, along with a powerful and well-equipped army, was marching toward the Fortress of the Sun. Only a few days remained until they reached their destination, where the Supreme King, in his mind, would reclaim his only daughter, Sophia. Contrary to all the information and reports he had received, he still harbored his greatest suspicion toward King Bahram and would stop at nothing to take back his beloved daughter. Not just out of paternal love, but also because of the promise he had made to Shaikh and his guarantee of the Realm''s security. Thus, he ordered his army to take the quicker route through the Valley of Shadows. After passing through a terrifying narrow path between towering cliffs, they entered a winding valley. The valley walls were so high that even light barely reached the bottom. Fear permeated the air, and the soldiers anxiously awaited passage through this eerie place. A little further ahead, the horses stopped. It seemed some force ruled there that none dared to challenge. Some of the soldiers from the City of Zar dismounted to proceed on foot, clearing any potential dangers so the riders could continue. The Supreme King and the other commanders remained in place. An entire hour passed, but none of the scouts returned. Unease spread through the army, and suddenly, the horses neighed wildly. They had gone berserk, and no amount of whipping could tame them. No matter how hard the soldiers tried to restrain them, they failed, and in the end, the horses bolted, throwing off their riders and fleeing back the way they had come. A moment later, gigantic shadows appeared on the valley walls. Everyone held their breath as they were confronted with the most brutal scene of their lives. Before the army of the City of Zar stood several demons, each fifty times the size of an ordinary human. They emerged from the twists of the valley and charged toward the soldiers. The commanders of the City of Zar ordered an attack, but the soldiers only sought escape. Even the Supreme King, now horseless, ran toward the exit while his commanders cleared his path. The demons reached the army, smashing soldiers against the valley walls with their massive clubs and scattering their remains. However, some soldiers managed to launch stones from their catapults at one of the demons, knocking it to the ground. Its weight was so immense that the valley shook upon its fall. A massive boulder broke loose, crushing the demon''s head and killing it. The remaining demons grew even angrier. In less than a few minutes, they destroyed all the equipment of the City of Zar''s army. The Supreme King and his commanders finally reached the rear exit, but before they could escape, another colossal creature blocked their path. Its grotesque face and sharp teeth multiplied King Nima''s terror. Kiyadiv, recognizing the Supreme King''s status from his attire, bent down and struck the surrounding commanders aside, leaving them as food for the other demons. With two fingers, he lifted the king. One surviving commander, unaware of the consequences, drew his spear and shouted: "I order you to put the Supreme King down! You have disrespected the ruler of the Azharian Realm, and this will not go unpunished¡ª" A demon hurled a boulder at him, crushing his body beneath it. The king was speechless, unsure of what to do. Kiyadiv grinned horrifically and screeched: "I didn¡¯t expect to catch you so easily! I have thousands of plans for you¡ªprepare to wish for death every day!" Then, holding the king like a pebble in his hand, he strode toward their hideout in the heart of the Valley of Shadows. Many thoughts raced through Kiyadiv''s mind. Now that he had captured the Supreme King, he could extract all the necessary information about the Azharian Realm and human life. And that meant he was one step closer to his sinister goal¡ªthe conquest of the Azharian Realm.