IMS Archive

Copyright & Credit: Suse Hammond-Pears (Ilena, Taseh)

The sun was low in the west; its rays red and fiery, staining the sand a blood colour. The riders approached the city of Ah-Gharad at a gentle pace; neither rushed nor leisurely. The mounts were tough desert horses, lean and muscular - the riders suited to their mounts. Both were clad in the loose billowing robes favoured by some desert nomads, with long scarves wound about their faces so that only the eyes showed; those eyes squinted against sand and sun both.

They rode in easy, companionable silence most of the time; the silence interspersed with brief comments. As the sun began to sink below the horizon, a male voice intoned respectfully: ^Fare thee well, Father Sun.^ The other rider spared no word but a respectful nod towards the west was made.

They reined in their horses briefly as the city of Ah-Gharad came within sight, the sun's dying splendour throwing the settlement into stark relief in their vision.

=> Read more!

Copyright & Credit: Suse Hammond-Pears (Ilena, Taseh)

(Medina - Ah-Gharad)

There was no one of interest in the tavern that Ilena recognised: the faces of a few traders were known to her but she had outstanding business with none of them. They finished their drinks waiting for their meal, which duly arrived with little ceremony.

There was nothing remarkable about the meal, it would have won no acclaim in any establishment. But the rice was freshly cooked, the grains light and fluffy, and the meat in the accompanying sauce was tender, not stringy and tough. Best of all, there was plenty of it. Ilena and Taseh dug into it with the relish of two grown adults who have spent the day riding, sparing little time for eating save some dried meat chewed while in the saddle.

Neither of them paused to make religious gestures over their food. Their tribe was one that knew food was a gift from the gods more often than not, and none would wish to offend by pausing before eating. Afterwards they arranged for rooms for the night, and then the pair settled down to some serious drinking. The clear spirit that tasted a little of aniseed was harsh on their palates after months of fermented milk alchohol; both of them made a bitter face as they tossed back the first mouthful.

=> Read more!

Copyright & Credit: Suse Hammond-Pears (Ilena, Taseh)

(From Al-Gharad to the Cave of Frozen Dreams)

The morning was clear and cool when Ilena awoke. She readjusted the stained bandage over her left wrist after dressing.

~ we'll both need to get our wounds tended this morning.~ she thought to herself, though a small smile played about her lips as she recalled the honour that had been accorded to her last night under Mother Moon.

Tapping on Taseh's door, she found him awake and dressed, finishing the last of his stretches. He was wearing a loose jerkin in place of his tunic, and as they made their way out into the street, the early morning sun woke the life of the tattoo on his upper arm; gold gleaming on gold.

=> Read more!

Copyright & Credit: Suse Hammond-Pears (Ilena, Taseh)

(The Cave of Frozen Dreams)

Ilena slept as they waited for the woman to wake. They feared not to stand watch in case her health deteriorated, or in case she woke and caused an accident in the dimly lit gher that would be unfamiliar to her. The felt tent housed few dangers but the primary one was the tiny metal stove in the centre that gave off heat.

She took the first watch, letting Taseh sleep that first night they found her. At dawn she woke him and for an hour or so stayed awake together: giving both of them a chance to greet Father Sun while one of them still watched. Then she shed her boots and both 'del', laying the inner and outer coat aside; curling up under the blanket in her undershirt, breeches and socks.

=> Read more!

Copyright & Credit: Suse Hammond-Pears (Ilena)

(The Cave of Frozen Dreams)

Ilena rolled over a little in her sleep, muttering something unintelligible under her breath before settling down again.

=> Read more!