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In
front of him sat a pool of his own creation. He could sit and bathe until he felt settled enough to return. This was his private spot.
Often you could find natural water here, but during the drought
season it had dried up. It was a man dug hole that he and Hadad had
dug when they were younger. During the hot rainy season it would fill
with water and they could swim. Hantili had learned the water
spell so they could bathe together even when the rains had not
fallen. He quickly removed his furs and sank into the cool water.
"Good
morning." A voice called to him from nearby. How had he not
noticed someone else was here. It wasn't like him to be unaware of
his surroundings. His hand reached instinctively toward his sword
which remained near him at all times. "No need to be alarmed."
Now he could hear the sound of hoof beats trotting forward. Coming
out from beyond the trees was a creature with the body of horse with
the chest and head of a man. Han had spent many hours in this forest
yet he had never come across an animal quite like this before.
"Good
morning." His hand had gripped his swords handle. "I would
stand to shake your hand, but I'm afraid you may view more than you
were hoping for. I hope you'll forgive me for not rising."
"Yes,
that's quite alright. I appreciate the thought. I am sorry for
startling you, however, you came and sat down in the pool I usually
drink out of."
"I
apologize, I did not realize anyone else used this pool."
"It's
of little consequence." The man's features were sharp, but his
voice was calming. It seemed to Han that the man's skin, fur, and
hair were all the same color of light tan. His black eyes were eerie
to look into and gave Han a chill. His body looked strong though he
appeared to have no weapons. There was little Han feared, but
something told him to remain on guard. The creature gracefully placed
his legs behind himself and sat by the edge of the pool. "In
truth I followed the party that arrived last night. I was curious
about the girl who rode on the black winged horse."
"Forgive
me, many women arrived last night, but I do not remember seeing one
astride a winged horse." Han knew he was speaking of the
Princess. He had not lied though. When the gates had opened she had
no longer been on her horse. What had she done to get this creatures
attention? "Perhaps you could be more specific."
"The
one with the long, black hair and violet eyes. Her skin looks soft
and glows as the sun." The creature smiled. "It seems I
have struck a cord in you." Could his face have given him away?
Hantili
stood holding his sword. He walked backwards out of the pool and
reached slowly for his furs. He wrapped them back across his body
without ever taking his eyes off his enemy. The creature remained
seated as he dressed. Without a weapon it would be unlikely this
animal could beat him. "Yes, there is no mistaking whom you are
speaking of. She will be the next Queen, Tawannanna. What is the
nature of your query? Do you have some relationship with her?"
"Ah,
I came to see the girl who has a friend smitten. The Queen you say. I
had heard previously that the djinn's Princess was lovely, but it
seems none of the rumors did her justice.” He kept his eyes on Han
as he slowly rose to his feet. “I did not come here to fight. Relax
your sword. I shall take my leave of you. Enjoy the morning." He
bowed low on his legs before disappearing into the forest. Perhaps
Han would journey behind the group. Their Princess was attracting the
attention of many people. Something big was coming and he now
believed he would see it if he followed her.
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