Post by Kamenwati on Nov 11, 2011 10:21:41 GMT -6
Unbeknownst to Kamenwati and Briseis, in the deserts of the Tamazgha, several bands of Abu Said sympathizers continue to raid and battle against Abu Said rebels… people who are now declared free… These hotspots across north Africa grow with each passing day. While people die and the blood stains the sands, Amir Abdullah ibn Tumart and the al-Jama’a al-Ashar (Council of Ten) argue politics while their people are attacked again and again.
Meanwhile, Alai Karzi, a former territorial warlord, ultra-loyal to Abu Said Uthmann, remains a powerful force to the south, one the Council of Ten can not remove. For the last few years, a little known, yet affective, force had raided Amir Abu Said Uthmann’s caravans and now continues to raid any caravan that crosses the sands, for they knew little of who to give a strained loyalty.
Secundus, the Emperor of Carnia, had secretly left two Carnian Cohorts of Varangian Guard to quell territorial disputes. In the months after Abu Said’s deposement, the Guard had failed to return home. With funding from unknown sources, two forts had been built near the Moroccan side of the Gibraltar Strait. It seems that one threat had been replaced by another.
Besides the usual bickering of the Senate over aquaduct repair, increasing slave costs, road resurfacing, and taxes, there is disloyalty amongst the members... some are looking to subjugate the people of the Tamazgha... then to move into Spain to secure the Strait... while others argue conservatism, longing to preserve the old ways.
Thought is something that can't be avoided. Even when one tries not to think too much, on any matter, they generally do. Kalima's habit was always to overthink matters. It was one reason that Nazli and Kadir liked to see her taken along on raids. Raids went smoothly, more often than not, with her presence. Some became impatient with how long Kali would sit upon horseback, silence her only companion, staring at the target below. Whether a compound or a caravan, they deserved the same degree of thought. She never liked to rush in since that would cause loss of life, either of her comrades or those below, on a level that couldn't be avoided.
"Kalima, how can we surround them?" Nazli sat on a dark stallion, its white star showing clearly, that contrasted next to the cream colored one Kalima called her own. They both were women that held similar life stories. They'd grown close over the years, practically sisters, due to their personal stories. They raided together on many occasions. Yet neither wanted to see any fellow companions or innocents lose their lives. They weren't in this to spill needless blood. The main purpose was to raid for supplies, when needed, or to free those enslaved. The caravan below was obviously that of someone wealthy, consisting of many large wagons and a well-armed guard, and in a couple of those wagons... were slaves. Some of those in the Aswad knew the people below and one in particular was a relation to Kadir and Nazli- another sister. They'd been following it for days. Only one thing was unsettling...
Kadir wouldn't tell either of them whose caravan it was, even though he knew. "They are well-guarded. I count over three-thousand armed men on horseback. We don't know how many of those in the wagons are armed." Kalima paused a moment, gaze slowly scanning the wagons until stopping upon the two in the middle, "They have at least double that in slaves though. This has to be someone very important, but I don't see anyone fitting that..."
Was the caravan just of belongings and guards to protect them? It was possible. They've seen it multiple times, but this had everyone, they'd brought along, tense. There were three-thousand armed men, that they could see, down below. They'd only brought about two-thousand men along for this run. One hand tugged on the braid hanging over one shoulder in agitation before Kalima finally muttered, "There." Hand lifted to point one finger in the direction of an oasis just a few miles ahead, "We can reach it before them. Their horses are looking tired and are probably in need of water."
Nazli's lips curved in a smile of satisfaction before both of them tugged the hoods of their cloaks up to shield faces and rode back away from the ledge to where the others waited. Orders were given swiftly and soon hooves kicked up sand as they all rode at breakneck pace to reach the shelter of the oasis for their attack.
Alai Karzi rode the big red stallion, a pure bred Arabian. 'Truly is that horse prized by them above all else in the world...You may hear them remark: "Children of mine may hunger and thirst, but never my steed..." Developed in a desert climate, the horse was prized by the people of the Tamazgha, and was often brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection. This close relationship with humans helped to develop a horse that was good natured and quick to learn. It also developed the high spirit and alertness that was essential in a horse used for raiding and war.
Alai had mostly camels upon this event, but enough horses to circumvent any attack. This was one of the largest caravans he had attempted, with over 5000 slaves for open market. With Abus Said Uthmann deposed as Amir, the lofty intentions of his warlords were left to fend for themselves. And as such, Alai Karzi took upon himself to continue the slave trade that brought him those lofty attributes. At the same time, Alai desired to rid himself of the pest-infestation of the southern raiders. Hence such a tempting target was placed upon the desert floor to lure flies to honey.
As he rode his red and black steed, the white robes of Alai fluttered in the slight breeze. In the distance, he caught sight of a small dust cloud… one would not know it was from a thousand riders over the miles of dunes… but the experienced warrior knew it was not the wind… and he smirked as he continued the caravan toward the next oasis.
There was enough about this raid to be particularly unsettling. Never had an order been questioned when it came to those given by Kadir. If not for them, Kalima knew she'd have been dead long ago. However, it didn't mean that sometimes gut feelings didn't bring about the urge for extra caution. She stared off into the distance, at the oasis glittering in the waning sunlight, and sighed softly. This brought about a glance from Nazli, a question in the mere lift of brow, and Kalima adjusted her horse closer, "This feels... not right. I cannot put my finger upon what, but I feel it here." One hand moved to press against a stomach covered by layers of cloth. "Why would Kadir not tell us whose caravan it is we attack? I can tell by the size that it is someone of importance. I would not wish to question an order by our esteemed leader, as he is wise and kind, yet it leaves me nervous. The outcome could not be in our favor..."
Kalima gave another glance off in the distance and Nazli raised a hand to halt those riding behind them. "What do you think we should do, sister? Speak and we shall listen."
Carefully to think first, Kalima sat in silence a few moments before murmuring, "Send a handful of riders ahead. Have them take position. It... it may be a risk of casualties. Only send those willing and let them know they may not come back. I will follow at a distance, by foot the closer I get, and scout the camp. If I do not return within a few hours then ride fast for the kazbah. You may be followed..."
She saw that Nazli wanted to debate such a plan, but within a moment the woman's horse turned to thread through the line. Within a few moments she returned with a handful of volunteers, older riders who were skilled warriors, who'd been told the plan. Soon they rode out and Kalima began to follow. "Be careful, sister. If trouble seems imminent then I want you to run. We will wait for you at the rendezvous."
Smiling gently, Kalima nodded though did not speak. None would speak the location of their rendezvous. Words were limited though their eyes spoke volumes. Digging knees gently into the side of her horse, Kalima rode off toward the oasis. She'd have to leave her horse a good walking distance from the sight in case trouble should arise though...
A flick of his wrist and four riders broke off from the massive caravan… then another 4 moments later… then another four… and this continued until riders were going in all directions… The sands of the southern Tamazgha had slight puffs of dust all around. It was as if a storm was brewing.
More than five hundred warriors of Alai’s caravan had broken off and were moving toward the oasis. As he sat upon his horse atop a dune, he could survey the situation. Thru the valley of dunes, the massive caravan moved… while the five hundred paralleled their path from all directions. If the raiders were attempting such a feat this time, they would be ensnared in a iron-clad trap… Alai knew the sparse few of each group were being offered as warning signals, their fighting with ANY raider attack, would provide enough time and counsel to send reinforcements; of which he had plenty. In the middle of the desert, the slaves would have no where to go in such an environment, so minimal security was sufficient.
His hand reached for the man who sat next to him, being placed upon his back. “Abdullah, take 30 men and ride straight for the oasis… see that it is ready for our arrival… sentries in all the right places my brother…” The man nodded, the cloth upon his head barely moving in the breeze… “Yes MiLord… do yu think it is Kadir and the Aswad again?” Alai smiled… “If Allah deems it so… we shall be victorious… but I think Allah desires us to endeavor our best, no?” offering his warrior a smile. “One day, Kadir will be ours… and his sisters shall grace my harem…” Abdullah smiled. “MiLord… with Abu Said deposed… and Kamenwati out of the country, yu now have a path to be Amir… and I shall serve yu until Allah takes me home…”
Alai just smiled an eerie smile… those haunting eyes seemed to sparkle with intensity… “Ahhh, what pleasure it would be to sit in the palace with Kalima and Nazli at my feet…” He pointed toward the oasis… “Go my brother… see you at the oasis…” and the man rode off, a loud shrill yell… and the 30 men behind him all rode toward the oasis at a dead run… No time for secrecy, it was a race to water… and the control of it…
Kamenwati, now the Tamazgha Ambassador to Carnia, resided within the manor of the Lady of Lycia… his room next to hers. In private, was a life within a life. They shared, loved, and danced together. Publically, it was politics as usual; though many would guess or suppose to their relationship, but none would inquire upon the man with the curved sword at his hip; for none knew nothing about him, but the fact of a great warrior.
Secundus, the Emperor of Carnia, was the only man to be receiving reports of his Varangian Guard. Several cohorts were roving the desert, conquering, instead of relieving, the people of the Tamazgha… Power was an illusion… and Secundus knew whilst Abu Said Uthmann was in power, he dare not move against the man… but now that the Tamazgha was free, he could instill his own reign… if nothing else to stir up bad blood between the various peoples to make them weaker than his own Carnia..
The Varangian Guard was a powerful force in their style of war… but in the desert, life was different… wars were fought differently… In the battle of Fez, the Guard was effective… in the desert, their deaths in battle are nothing upon the wind… Even their shields and armour are swallowed by the sand storms. It was people like Alai Karzi… and the Aswad that truly ruled the Tamazgha… Secundus would see this in his reports… the more soldiers he would send to the desert, the smaller the force at home became… the higher the death rolls in the desert were. Now other countries, countries foreign to the desert, desired to claim the rich and fertile lands of Carnia as their own… They were pulling their own emissaries from the troubled former Roman territory.
Through the summer, Kam spent most of his time with Briseis… and still she had not confessed her ordeal. And upon this day, one of Lady of Lycia’s allies in the Senate brought word... and communiqués stolen from Emperor Secundus’ quarters… All this would inform her of current situations in the desert… Situations that would be the downfall of Carnia… and the exchange of power in the desert…
Meanwhile, Alai Karzi, a former territorial warlord, ultra-loyal to Abu Said Uthmann, remains a powerful force to the south, one the Council of Ten can not remove. For the last few years, a little known, yet affective, force had raided Amir Abu Said Uthmann’s caravans and now continues to raid any caravan that crosses the sands, for they knew little of who to give a strained loyalty.
**************
Secundus, the Emperor of Carnia, had secretly left two Carnian Cohorts of Varangian Guard to quell territorial disputes. In the months after Abu Said’s deposement, the Guard had failed to return home. With funding from unknown sources, two forts had been built near the Moroccan side of the Gibraltar Strait. It seems that one threat had been replaced by another.
Besides the usual bickering of the Senate over aquaduct repair, increasing slave costs, road resurfacing, and taxes, there is disloyalty amongst the members... some are looking to subjugate the people of the Tamazgha... then to move into Spain to secure the Strait... while others argue conservatism, longing to preserve the old ways.
**************
Thought is something that can't be avoided. Even when one tries not to think too much, on any matter, they generally do. Kalima's habit was always to overthink matters. It was one reason that Nazli and Kadir liked to see her taken along on raids. Raids went smoothly, more often than not, with her presence. Some became impatient with how long Kali would sit upon horseback, silence her only companion, staring at the target below. Whether a compound or a caravan, they deserved the same degree of thought. She never liked to rush in since that would cause loss of life, either of her comrades or those below, on a level that couldn't be avoided.
"Kalima, how can we surround them?" Nazli sat on a dark stallion, its white star showing clearly, that contrasted next to the cream colored one Kalima called her own. They both were women that held similar life stories. They'd grown close over the years, practically sisters, due to their personal stories. They raided together on many occasions. Yet neither wanted to see any fellow companions or innocents lose their lives. They weren't in this to spill needless blood. The main purpose was to raid for supplies, when needed, or to free those enslaved. The caravan below was obviously that of someone wealthy, consisting of many large wagons and a well-armed guard, and in a couple of those wagons... were slaves. Some of those in the Aswad knew the people below and one in particular was a relation to Kadir and Nazli- another sister. They'd been following it for days. Only one thing was unsettling...
Kadir wouldn't tell either of them whose caravan it was, even though he knew. "They are well-guarded. I count over three-thousand armed men on horseback. We don't know how many of those in the wagons are armed." Kalima paused a moment, gaze slowly scanning the wagons until stopping upon the two in the middle, "They have at least double that in slaves though. This has to be someone very important, but I don't see anyone fitting that..."
Was the caravan just of belongings and guards to protect them? It was possible. They've seen it multiple times, but this had everyone, they'd brought along, tense. There were three-thousand armed men, that they could see, down below. They'd only brought about two-thousand men along for this run. One hand tugged on the braid hanging over one shoulder in agitation before Kalima finally muttered, "There." Hand lifted to point one finger in the direction of an oasis just a few miles ahead, "We can reach it before them. Their horses are looking tired and are probably in need of water."
Nazli's lips curved in a smile of satisfaction before both of them tugged the hoods of their cloaks up to shield faces and rode back away from the ledge to where the others waited. Orders were given swiftly and soon hooves kicked up sand as they all rode at breakneck pace to reach the shelter of the oasis for their attack.
Alai Karzi rode the big red stallion, a pure bred Arabian. 'Truly is that horse prized by them above all else in the world...You may hear them remark: "Children of mine may hunger and thirst, but never my steed..." Developed in a desert climate, the horse was prized by the people of the Tamazgha, and was often brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection. This close relationship with humans helped to develop a horse that was good natured and quick to learn. It also developed the high spirit and alertness that was essential in a horse used for raiding and war.
Alai had mostly camels upon this event, but enough horses to circumvent any attack. This was one of the largest caravans he had attempted, with over 5000 slaves for open market. With Abus Said Uthmann deposed as Amir, the lofty intentions of his warlords were left to fend for themselves. And as such, Alai Karzi took upon himself to continue the slave trade that brought him those lofty attributes. At the same time, Alai desired to rid himself of the pest-infestation of the southern raiders. Hence such a tempting target was placed upon the desert floor to lure flies to honey.
As he rode his red and black steed, the white robes of Alai fluttered in the slight breeze. In the distance, he caught sight of a small dust cloud… one would not know it was from a thousand riders over the miles of dunes… but the experienced warrior knew it was not the wind… and he smirked as he continued the caravan toward the next oasis.
There was enough about this raid to be particularly unsettling. Never had an order been questioned when it came to those given by Kadir. If not for them, Kalima knew she'd have been dead long ago. However, it didn't mean that sometimes gut feelings didn't bring about the urge for extra caution. She stared off into the distance, at the oasis glittering in the waning sunlight, and sighed softly. This brought about a glance from Nazli, a question in the mere lift of brow, and Kalima adjusted her horse closer, "This feels... not right. I cannot put my finger upon what, but I feel it here." One hand moved to press against a stomach covered by layers of cloth. "Why would Kadir not tell us whose caravan it is we attack? I can tell by the size that it is someone of importance. I would not wish to question an order by our esteemed leader, as he is wise and kind, yet it leaves me nervous. The outcome could not be in our favor..."
Kalima gave another glance off in the distance and Nazli raised a hand to halt those riding behind them. "What do you think we should do, sister? Speak and we shall listen."
Carefully to think first, Kalima sat in silence a few moments before murmuring, "Send a handful of riders ahead. Have them take position. It... it may be a risk of casualties. Only send those willing and let them know they may not come back. I will follow at a distance, by foot the closer I get, and scout the camp. If I do not return within a few hours then ride fast for the kazbah. You may be followed..."
She saw that Nazli wanted to debate such a plan, but within a moment the woman's horse turned to thread through the line. Within a few moments she returned with a handful of volunteers, older riders who were skilled warriors, who'd been told the plan. Soon they rode out and Kalima began to follow. "Be careful, sister. If trouble seems imminent then I want you to run. We will wait for you at the rendezvous."
Smiling gently, Kalima nodded though did not speak. None would speak the location of their rendezvous. Words were limited though their eyes spoke volumes. Digging knees gently into the side of her horse, Kalima rode off toward the oasis. She'd have to leave her horse a good walking distance from the sight in case trouble should arise though...
A flick of his wrist and four riders broke off from the massive caravan… then another 4 moments later… then another four… and this continued until riders were going in all directions… The sands of the southern Tamazgha had slight puffs of dust all around. It was as if a storm was brewing.
More than five hundred warriors of Alai’s caravan had broken off and were moving toward the oasis. As he sat upon his horse atop a dune, he could survey the situation. Thru the valley of dunes, the massive caravan moved… while the five hundred paralleled their path from all directions. If the raiders were attempting such a feat this time, they would be ensnared in a iron-clad trap… Alai knew the sparse few of each group were being offered as warning signals, their fighting with ANY raider attack, would provide enough time and counsel to send reinforcements; of which he had plenty. In the middle of the desert, the slaves would have no where to go in such an environment, so minimal security was sufficient.
His hand reached for the man who sat next to him, being placed upon his back. “Abdullah, take 30 men and ride straight for the oasis… see that it is ready for our arrival… sentries in all the right places my brother…” The man nodded, the cloth upon his head barely moving in the breeze… “Yes MiLord… do yu think it is Kadir and the Aswad again?” Alai smiled… “If Allah deems it so… we shall be victorious… but I think Allah desires us to endeavor our best, no?” offering his warrior a smile. “One day, Kadir will be ours… and his sisters shall grace my harem…” Abdullah smiled. “MiLord… with Abu Said deposed… and Kamenwati out of the country, yu now have a path to be Amir… and I shall serve yu until Allah takes me home…”
Alai just smiled an eerie smile… those haunting eyes seemed to sparkle with intensity… “Ahhh, what pleasure it would be to sit in the palace with Kalima and Nazli at my feet…” He pointed toward the oasis… “Go my brother… see you at the oasis…” and the man rode off, a loud shrill yell… and the 30 men behind him all rode toward the oasis at a dead run… No time for secrecy, it was a race to water… and the control of it…
**************
Kamenwati, now the Tamazgha Ambassador to Carnia, resided within the manor of the Lady of Lycia… his room next to hers. In private, was a life within a life. They shared, loved, and danced together. Publically, it was politics as usual; though many would guess or suppose to their relationship, but none would inquire upon the man with the curved sword at his hip; for none knew nothing about him, but the fact of a great warrior.
Secundus, the Emperor of Carnia, was the only man to be receiving reports of his Varangian Guard. Several cohorts were roving the desert, conquering, instead of relieving, the people of the Tamazgha… Power was an illusion… and Secundus knew whilst Abu Said Uthmann was in power, he dare not move against the man… but now that the Tamazgha was free, he could instill his own reign… if nothing else to stir up bad blood between the various peoples to make them weaker than his own Carnia..
((Note: this situation between the Tamazgha and Carnia is similar to President Tito of former Yugoslavia… when he was president, he held the country together thru brute force… defying the USSR and USA both… and after he died, the country imploded… dividing into Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Macedonia… all eventually at war with one another… for more info, see the history books.))
The Varangian Guard was a powerful force in their style of war… but in the desert, life was different… wars were fought differently… In the battle of Fez, the Guard was effective… in the desert, their deaths in battle are nothing upon the wind… Even their shields and armour are swallowed by the sand storms. It was people like Alai Karzi… and the Aswad that truly ruled the Tamazgha… Secundus would see this in his reports… the more soldiers he would send to the desert, the smaller the force at home became… the higher the death rolls in the desert were. Now other countries, countries foreign to the desert, desired to claim the rich and fertile lands of Carnia as their own… They were pulling their own emissaries from the troubled former Roman territory.
Through the summer, Kam spent most of his time with Briseis… and still she had not confessed her ordeal. And upon this day, one of Lady of Lycia’s allies in the Senate brought word... and communiqués stolen from Emperor Secundus’ quarters… All this would inform her of current situations in the desert… Situations that would be the downfall of Carnia… and the exchange of power in the desert…
