Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 07 - A Dangerous Proposition

Fae looked at him skeptically, but didn't press the matter further. The Basharite on the other hand called over one of the guards and instructed him to release half of the prisoners as a sign of good faith. The guard looked hesitant at first, but a stern look from the Basharite quickly silenced his objections. He apologized and went to prepare for the release. Fae watched with relief as the guard left the room, but she knew that their freedom was only temporary.

The Basharite got up from his seat and motioned for Fae to follow him. As they walked through the hallway, Fae couldn't help but notice the beautiful designs surrounding her. The walls were painted with a mixture of deep reds, golds, and greens, and the designs were composed with patterns of swirls, diamonds, and interlocking shapes.

They entered a grand dining room with a large rectangular table in the center. The table was made of dark wood and was surrounded by intricately designed chairs with plush cushions. The room was illuminated by a beautiful chandelier made of glass and metal, casting a warm glow across the room. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of battles and victories, all in the same design as the rest of the palace.

On her left side, a beautiful and large balcony, from there, she could see the whole city. She was being drawn towards it when a voice brought her back to this majestic room. "Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair. Fae cautiously took a seat, eyeing the room warily. She knew that this was all a show, a way for the Basharite to try to win her over. But she wouldn't let her guard down so easily.

The Basharite took a seat across from Fae and signaled for the servants to bring in the food. They brought in large platters of roasted lamb, stuffed grape leaves, and bowls of hummus and pita bread. The aroma of the food filled the room, making Fae's stomach growl. She realized that she hadn't eaten anything since she was captured.

"Please, help yourself," the Basharite said, gesturing towards the food. "I assure you, there is no poison… And it's all prepared according to the Unmar dietary laws."

Fae hesitated for a moment before reaching for a piece of lamb. She couldn't help but savor the flavor, even as she reminded herself that this was all a ploy. She needed to stay focused on her mission and not let herself be swayed by this lavish display.

As they ate, Fae couldn't help but admire yet again the exquisite decor of the room. The designs on the walls and tableware were unlike anything she had ever seen before.

The Basharite noticed her gaze and said, "Our design is based on the teachings of the Unmar. We believe in beauty and elegance in all aspects of life."

Fae nodded politely but couldn't help but feel uneasy about the underlying message in his words. "But don't you think it's a bit restrictive to only believe in one way of living and loving?" she asked.

The Basharite raised an eyebrow. "On the contrary, we believe in the sacredness of the union between a man and a woman. Coitus is a sacred act that must only be shared between man and wife. We believe in upholding the moral standards set by the Unmar."

"But what about freedom to be with anyone we desire?" Fae countered. "Love and attraction aren't always limited by gender or social norms. Shouldn't we be allowed to follow our hearts and express ourselves freely?"

The Basharite shook his head. "Such desires only lead to chaos and moral decay. Unmar's teachings are based on preserving order and virtue in society."

Fae sighed, realizing they were at an impasse. "I see your point, but I believe in personal freedom and choice. I think it's important for individuals to be true to themselves and express their love in their own way."

The Basharite frowned. "But where do you draw the line? What if someone desires to commit immoral acts such as adultery or incest? Should we just let them do as they please?"

Fae paused, realizing the complexity of the issue. "Of course not, but I believe in allowing people to live their lives as they see fit as long as they're not hurting anyone else. It's about finding a balance between personal freedom and societal responsibility."

The Basharite nodded slowly, considering her words. "Perhaps there is some truth in what you say. However, the teachings of Unmar have served us well for centuries, and I believe in upholding them to maintain our way of life."

Fae smiled understandingly. "I can respect that, and I appreciate your willingness to listen and understand my perspective."

The rest of the dinner was spent in polite conversation, each trying to understand the other's beliefs and finding common ground where possible. While they may not have agreed on everything, they both left with a newfound respect for each other's way of life.

The Basharite guided Fae to a balcony that offered a breathtaking view of the city. The sight was awe-inspiring, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a radiant orange hue across the sky. Yet, rather than feeling regal, Fae couldn't escape the stark realization of the gaping divide between the commoners and the royal elite. As she looked down at the bustling city, the people seemed minuscule, mere dots on the ground, while kings and queens occupied lofty thrones, almost touching the heavens like Gods. Maybe it's their high position that makes it easy for them to take lives or treat commoners as if they don't matter; from up here, they seem as small and insignificant as ants. And just like how we walk over ants every day without a second thought, the royals seem to do the same to us.

Suddenly, the Basharite asked her to come closer. He pointed to a device, made of bronze and glass, which resembled a telescope. "Look through here," he said, gesturing towards the object.

Fae peered into the device, which magnified the view of the city below. As she adjusted the lens, she saw a group of her people leaving the city, walking towards the desert. She gasped at the sight, feeling both relieved and sad at the same time.

The atmosphere was tense as they both knew it was time for Fae to fulfill her end of the bargain.

The Basharite spoke first. "I have upheld my promise and released your people. Now it's your turn, tell me what you know."

In that very moment, Fae sensed her destiny had been sealed; there was no escape. Lying was not an option, for the Basharite could command his guards to execute the prisoners he had just set free and those still yearning for freedom. Once she spoke those words to him, her life course would be forever changed.

But she also feared. Fearing what might come after. Would more life perish once she spoke ? Wouldn’t it be better to lose the life of a few over the many ? In perfect words, no one would have to die. But for now, Fae chose to save those she can and hope for a future without fire and blood.

Fae took a deep breath and began. "I was born and raised in an oasis in the desert with white sand," she said.

He leaned in closer. "White sand, you say?”

He was well aware of her origin. From the moment those daggers were presented to him, he knew her identity and what he had gained. Despite this knowledge, he maintained his composure and listened intently as she carried on speaking.

"I grew up among the Siwanarun priestesses. As a priestess, I am expected to uphold their strict customs and beliefs, but I also have my own ideas about how to interpret and comprehend them. I am dedicated to furthering my education and developing my spirituality." revealed Fae

The revelation made by Fae piqued the Basharite's interest, and he listened carefully. He was aware of the Siwanarun Priests and their talent for prophecy, but he had never had the pleasure of meeting one. He questioned how such a talented person could coexist with the sinners. From the moment he knew there was one of them in this unrighteous place, his sole goal was to find her.

The young woman knew that from the moment she said those words she was doomed. The priestesses of Siwanarun are very revered because of their gift of foresight. For that reason, kings and tyrants all over the world hunt for them in hope to get them by their side. Fae was no exception, having been born with the ability to see into the future. She had been trained by the priestesses since a young age, honing her gift to perfection.

Even the most powerful of monarchs seek to find a priestess with the purpose to abuse their gift.

It is also said that being in bed with a priestess is a divine feeling. And their children are said to have the same powers, they are born gifted. For that reason, the priestesses are forbidden to have children or to have any sort of s****l relationship outside of the oasis.

Fae knew that by revealing her secret, she was giving power to the enemy. She knew that the Basharite would exploit her powers and use her to impose his beliefs on the world.

The Basharite questioned, "So you have the gift of foreseeing?"

Fae initially hesitated, but ultimately replied "Yes."

"Show me that all of this is not a lie," he demanded.

Fae exhaled and stood up. She then turned around and approached the Basharite. She revealed her neck by pulling her braids back. When Fae stroked her neck, a glowing tattoo appeared there. It bore the Siwanarun seal and is carried by all priestesses.

Fascinated, the Basharite touched Fae's neck, making the young woman shiver. After admiring this beautiful and mesmerizing mark for a couple of minutes, Fae releases her braids to cover her neck, then turns to face the Basharite, only to see a scary vision of him. Even though he was not smiling, she saw in his eyes the joy of having Fae by his side, and her powers for his own good.

"Please, release the rest of my people"

"I will," he simply said. For a brief moment, the Basharite locked his gaze on Fae. "Your life is worth more than all of theirs." As she waited for him to continue, Fae felt a lump form in her throat. "You understand that… I cannot, and will not, let you go," he said, caressing Fae's cheek.