The Akkadian reaches the tower.

The Akkadian kept a lookout behind him as he looted the warriors he and Hanna had slain. It appeared as if the other nomads had abandoned the pursuit entirely as no more appeared in the time it took to thoroughly search both bodies. Neither man had much coin on him, their wealth was presumably back in their camp. A handful of coppers and a single silver was all the assassin could find. Each man had a curved scimitar and dagger, lighter weapons than the Akkadian was used to, but ideal with his reduced strength.

The clothes of the nomad the Akkadian had killed with the scimitar were ruined beyond use. The shirt was soaked in blood and cut, the pants were soiled when the nomads **** throes had loosened his bowels. The clothing of the warrior killed by Hanna's kick to the head were still servicable though and the Akkadian stripped his body completely. The desert clothing was loose and dyed black, a pair of baggy pants, a shirt and felt boots.

Dressing himself in the looted clothing the Akkadian was pleased at his change in fortunes. The loose nondescript clothing offerred protection from the sun and at a distance hid his identity. Close up his womanly form beneath the thin cotton would be noticable, but the Akkadian hoped no-one would have opportunity to get that close. Around his head he wound a desert headwrap to disguise his long black hair.

The horses of the nomads had stayed close and the Akkadian caught them easily. In addition to the pair of scimitars he had taken from the warriors each horse had a shortbow sheathed on the saddle and a quiver of arrows. Trained as he was to use all manner of weapons the bows were a useful addition to his assets.

Tying long ropes to the bridles of the horses the assassin secured them to Hanna's saddle. They were fine steeds and together with the saddles would sell for good coin. The Akkadian mounted Hanna and leading the horses set off once more for the Sorceress's tower. Twice more he spotted desert nomads, but keeping his distance and disguised as one of their own no attempt at pursuit was made.

At length the Akkadian reached the Sorceress's citadel. It was situated on a rocky outcrop, the tall central tower of the witch surrounded by a smaller walled fort in which her minions dwelt. Since he was expected the Akkadian attempted no subterfuge and trotted Hanna towards the main gate of the perimeter fort. Activity on the gatehouse battlements showed that he had been spotted and a party of the witch's Orcish lackeys gathered on the gate's towers.

"Halt!" A rough voice shouted as soon as the Akkadian was within bowshot of the gatehouse. "If you have no business here turn away now. Our mistress admits none of you desert scum without good cause."

The Akkadian halted Hanna and unwound the head wrap that disguised his features. Shaking his fine raven hair loose to cascade over his shoulders he allowed the sentries to see his face. He doubted that such a notoriously lecherous race as the Orcs would want to kill a beautiful woman.

"I have business with your Mistress." The Akkadian called back. "Tell her that the Akk....that Minaja of Al Areth is at the gates."

The Akkadian waited patiently for several minutes whilst a runner could be sent to the tower with a message. Then the great iron bound gates of the fort opened and an Orc shouted from the gatehouse that he had leave to enter. He urged Hanna into a trot and entered the Sorceress's lair.