Back to Al Areth.

The Akkadian awoke early the next morning. Wrapped in the arms of Cassie and Honey as he had fallen asleep the three handmaidens all rose as one. After a quick wash in the baths the assassin and Honey donned fresh loincloths whilst Cassie now dressed herself in the multicoloured robes of a Shemite moneylender.

Outside of the tower the courtyard was a hive of activity with the Sorceress's Orcish guards saddling horses and camels for the journey back to Al Areth. Cassie would part company with them at the city, heading for Shem with a caravan of goods and a contingent of the Orc warriors as guards. Though he had known Cassie only a very short while the Akkadian presented her with one of the nomads horses he had taken.

As the sun rose over the bleak desert surrounding the witch's citadel the caravan started it's journey. Horses and camels alike were loaded up with goods to trade. Above the caravan a pair of griffons with Orc riders kept watch for raiders although the Akkadian doubted any would attempt to **** such a well armed party.

The journey back to Al Areth was uneventful, the few nomads or raiders that were spotted kept their distance respectfully. With such a large and heavily laden caravan the journey took two full days to reach the walls of Al Areth, but at last they now stood not far from the stables from which the Akkadian had retrieved Hanna. The assassin handed his white camel over to an Orc guard who was with the party that was to return to the tower.

As they passed the stable a tall youth waved and shouted, pointing excitedly towards the Akkadian as he spoke to the other stable workers. The Akkadian at first tried to ignore the youth but finally waved back when it was clear the young man would not cease.

"A friend of yours?" The Sorceress asked the Akkadian, raising an eyebrow.

"We did chance to meet when I collected Hanna, Mistress." The Akkadian admitted, blushing furiously.

"Tell me Mistress." The Akkadian asked, raising a point which had been troubling him. "What of the real Minaja? Will I not have her guild searching for me when we enter the city?"

"I doubt that." The witch replied. "She is no doubt back plying her trade with the guild. Her memories of that evening I erased before she was released. The sight of you might attract some interest, but you will probably be assumed to simply be a slut who bears close resemblance to that esteemed whore."

The two parties seperated and the Sorceress, the Akkadian and Honey with a small party of guards and baggage mules entered the city on foot and made their way to the docks. There a ship awaited riding at anchor in the harbour. The Akkadian was no sailor, but had travelled on more than a few ships in his time and recognised the origin of the vessal immediately.

It was one of the largest ships in the harbour, lanteen rigged with black sails. Bolt throwers were mounted on it's bows and it's sleek lines indicated that it was a swift and manouvreable warship.

"That is a Tortagean ship Mistress." The Akkadian commented as a smaller rowboat headed to the dock from the ship.