Guardian Goes to the Holy Land

[Wadden]

To the Most Esteemed King Heydar of Royal Seleucid.

Following my Sultan's desire to bring our nation into the global arena I have contacted him regarding me and my family being given permission to visit Royal Seleucid to attend the Shrine in Ipsus which is the centre of our shared faith. Additionally I have a 16 year old daughter who as tradition of our family dictates is to become a Priestess in the Anahitaism faith. It would be a great honour for our family and our tribe if she could be granted permission to train in Ipsus alongside the leaders of the Anahitaism religion. With this in mind I would beg Your Majesty for an audience and permission to visit the Shrine which I believe has access from the Palace your family reside in.

May the Goddess Bless You

Chief Tarik Karimi of the Banu Lakhm
Guardian of the Goddess

[DaveIronside]

To:- Chief Karimi, Guardian of the Goddess

Our people would be thrilled to welcome someone responsible for helping maintain the faith we share outside of Royal Seleucid. I am more than happy to agree to meet you and your daughter and hope you will accept the hospitality of my family and the Palace. I look forward to meeting you in the coming days.

May the Goddess Bless You
King Heydar of Royal Seleucid

[DaveIronside]

Strangely for such a visit Heydar knew very little about the person coming other than their position within Waddanite society. With the man being a Chief and not an actual head of state the King didn't personally go and meet the man but instead sent his Step-Mother Whilom Queen Katerina. He assumed she was of significantly high rank as to make a good impression yet he avoided the situation of if he later meet the Sultan giving him the exact same meeting as a Chief of his. Katerina had brought with her Prince Shahin, Heydar's step-brother, and the seven year old stood smartly by gripping his mothers hand fascinated by the aircraft taking off and landing at the Ipsus Military Base. He had a model of one of the nations new fighters in the car that waited for them, a gift from the men of the squadron based here. "Will they be long Mother." Shahin asked patiently as he watched a jet fighter come in low along the runway before climbing steeply into the sky.

"Not long" Katerina watched how her son was transfixed by the plane and smiled, it seemed that he would take after his brother the King who was an aviation addict in some ways. Katerina wished Heydar would spend more time with Shahin, the youngest Prince looked up to his half-brother, he was a powerful man who had served his nation by flying planes, what wouldn't a 7 year old find enthralling about such a man. It was made slightly awkward that Heydar and Katerina were occasionally lovers, something known only to them, but since marrying Haniyah the liasons between the pair had become less and less. At least Heydar still valued her input as a useful member of the family and she was rather flattered that he had selected her for this task and not one of the other two Whilom Queens. "Look here they come." Shahin looked at the incoming plane and waited with his mother until the Chief and his daughter arrived.

"Good Morning Chief Karimi" Katerina said, "Welcome to Royal Seleucid my Step-Son is very much looking forward to meeting you and your daughter at the Palace. This here is my son Prince Shahin."

"Good morning sir." Shahin said politely with a rather stiff bow. "Ma'am" he bowed to the Chieftan's daughter.

[Wadden]

That morning this had been rather hectic for Chief Karimi and his daughter Arij. They had taken a ride down to the tribal capital at which point Karimi had given his favourite grey stallion into the keeping of the Sultan's stable-boy. He gave the young horse carer a purse with small golden coins in and told him about the things the horse liked and didn't like. "It will be fine Guardian" the boy said rubbing the horses nose gently. "By the time you are half way to see the Seleucid we will be good friends won't we boy?" he soothed the horse. It was clear the boy, who must have been aged no older than 16 was great with horses and the Chief had no qualms about leaving his beloved stallion in his care. Once the traditional formalities had been taken care of the Chief and his daughter made their way over to the highway which entered the capital. Traffic was not an issue as the one or two cars had been stopped by members of the Sultan's guard and then had sat by the side of the road waiting for the Chief. Now he had arrived the guards trotted their camels to the ends of the highway and stopped the traffic, in this case a single truck. Once safely inside the small four person plane it taxied onto the road surface and climbed away into the sunny sky. The aircraft gone the guardsman waved a thank you to the waiting truck driver before trotting his camel back to his patrol of the town.

It was a rather difficult journey, neither of the two had flown before and as they landed at the base in Seleucid they were amazed at the contrast between the dusty highway and the professional airbase. Karimi was thankful to be back on solid ground meanwhile Arij found herself placing her hand to her lips and then the ground marvelled at being in the country where her faith and her future had been shaped. She was nervous about the role ahead of her and excited about the chance to be the first Priestess in their nation trained at the Royal's place of worship, the most Holy of places. Her father had raised her devout in the faith ensuring that when the time came she would not hestitate in becomig a Priestess.

"Your Majesty" He said hesitatngly, he wasn't 100% sure what to call Whilhom Queen Katerina, Karim knew that she had once been the actual Queen of Royal Seleucid but exactly where in the hierachy did a Whilhom Queen sit. "We are very honoured to be in your nation, and very excited." he said humbly. "My daughter Arij has dreamt of this day since probably she was as old as the young Prince here. It is an honour to meet Your Highness." he bowed to the young Prince and his daughter who remained silent did likewise. "I am eager to meet your Step Son and see the Temple. Is that possible?" he asked.

[DaveIronside]

Katerina noticed the respect that Arij had given the Seleucid soil and was pleased with how passionate this pair seemed about their nation. "Chief Karimi we are the ones very excited. You and your people have helped our faith flourish in a desert. Do you have any idea how difficult that is? To show love and devotion to a faith about water when there is a lack of it. To try and eradicate hunger and thirst when your home contains very little resource to do this. We are very impressed by you and your people's devotion, especially when you would also not just give your hearts to the Goddess but you offer your daughter too." Katerina motioned for Arij to approach and embraced her warmly. "I am sure Arij that you dreams will be fulfilled and that you will be a great credit to our faith." Katerina kept hold of the girls hand as she lead them towards the waiting motorcade. "As for where you want to go we shall first go meet King Heydar, he is very eager to meet you. He would have come to meet you himself however it was rather a busy morning for him as he had several council meetings. I hope you understand. As for visiting the Temple it is just a short walk through the Palace grounds to reach the Temple and I am certain the King will want to personally arrange for you to meet the High Priestess."

Soon the car left the dusty streets of Old Ipsus and over the river that heralded the entrance to the Palace's district. It sat among a huge garden and once upon a time it would have dominated the East of the capital actually having the river seperate it from the city itself but since its initial construction some 600 years ago the city had expanded engulfing the area around the Palaces wall protecting the lush green garden before the urban sprawl continued along the coast. Now the towers of the Palace could be seen and the wide street a few hundred meters back from the coast road got gradually grander as the shop fronts went from local fruit stands, to major corporations and then the glorious townhouses of the rich before opening out into the Palace. The car naturally was waved inside with no stopping as smart white jacketed guardsman snapped an attentive salute to the Whilom Queen who simply nodded respectfully mid small talk. The car had only just come to a stop as the King descended the Palace steps and opened the car door. "Mother" he said respectfully to Katerina, it was rather ironic and perhaps awkward as he was five years older than her but such was the nature of the Seleucid royal families at time, "Little brother" he shook hands briefly with Shahin, he wasn't particularly close with the boy but he suspected when he was older he would be a useful member of the family.

As the guests exited the vehicle he first turned his attention to the Chief and extending a hand he engulfed the mans hand with both of his and shook them warmly. "Chief Karimi, Guardian....what is it we should call you?" Heydar asked with a smile on his face. "We're honoured to have you with us." He gave a wave and his 13 year old son Prince Golzar appeared. "A good Guardian needs a good weapon to fight of the threats. I hope you will accept this as a gift from our nation." He lifted the sword out of the hands of his son before turning and presenting it to Karimi. "I pray it is a blade that never be raised but I hope it is one that will serve you well" He waited for the man to accept it. Golzar had meanwhile headed off and then returned. "And for your lovely daughter we need to help her prepare for her future." Golzar this time returned with a wooden box which seemed rather heavy. "A Priestess must look the part, especially as you are to begin your education." Golzar stepped back and lifted the lid on the box, there were three sets of robes there, one white, one black and one with beautiful embroidary to be used at the most special ceremonies. "I hope they serve you well." Heydar was satisfied he'd shown his guests the required level of generiousity that Seleucid culture expected, "Now I am sure that you would like to rest a moment or two before we go and meet the High Priestess. Would you care for some mint tea?" Heydar lead the pair into the garden. It had neatly trimmed lawns and white marble tiled streams of water criss crossed the place and Heydar had to warn the guests to be careful to remember to step over them. At the centre of the huge greeness was a pool where you could swim and around it a mosaic patio. Servents poured drinks as Heydar waited for his guests to all take a seat. He picked up the small glass of mint tea its fragrence already filling his nostrils. "To the Goddess" he said raising his glass as though a toast before sitting down. "I am fascinated, how on Mundus do you manage to follow our ways yet maintain your nomadic way of life? Its rather incredible." Heydar asked.

[Wadden]

The Palace in Ipsus was perhaps the largest building either Karimi and his sin had ever seen in their lives. The capital of Waddan, Sabhā, only had a handful of buildings bigger than one or two floors in height and if he was honest they were shabby in comparison but that was no surprise as for only two months a year were they occupied. Even the nations most grand temple dedicated to Anahitaism was only capable of housing just over a hundred people where as this Palace would likely house thousands. In many ways it made Karimi a little jealous however he loved his life, everyday something new to see and challenges to face. Grand palaces like this probably made people soft and just how close to the people could you be living in a compound kept away from your people. Karimi was proud that almost any member of his tribe could just walk up to him and speak to him as he was about his business, this thought brought a smile to his face and he wondered how many times King Heydar had to deal with someone asking for advice about which of two camels to sell, or what a fair price was for a goat. "Thank you for the gift Your Majesty" the man said as he examined the sword. "If the goddess permits I pray that this is the only time I need ever unsheathe it." he bowed with thanks. He watched with joy at his daughters face as she saw the robes. While the Priestesses wore them back home they were plainer and simple devoid of gowns for different occasions. It was something they knew they should do differently but as the Priestesses travelled around with the tribe it was best to travel light and so a wardrobe full of garments was less important than the words and spiritual nourishment that the Priestess would give.

"They are beautiful Your Majesty" Arij said as her eyes widened with joy as she held up one of the garments imagining herself in the dress.

As they sat enjoying the King and his families hospitality Karimi did his best to answer the King's question, "I think it should be no surprise really that desert people like ourselves have a fascination with water. Our ancestors clearly saw the truth that the most valuable thing we can have is water and so embraced the Goddess... as one should. We are small in number but fiercly proud of our faith. As we move from place to place we give thanks to the Goddess before every drink and we do our best to not waste a drop our her life giving water. Each year we follow roughly the same route around our lands, moving as the scrub on the edge of the desert blooms and wains. There are places, many known just to our tribe, where for a week, or maybe two the desert itself blooms and we know when this is and ensure we are there with our livestock. While such places would probably be marked with grand beautiful temples in your lands we keep them secret so we tend to have portable shrines, small tables and item carried in our caravan. We have a special tent that is our desert temple moved from place to place. It is the only luxury as such we have for the tribe. Meanwhile back in the capital of Sabhā we have our Temple, it is a small building made of sandstone straddling the small stream that trickles through the capital.  The biggest crowd we can get inside numbers probably no more than 200 but it is seldom full as the majority of our tribes remain outside the capital all year. We are proud though that we have a group of twenty men  who all year round live nearby the Temple, their duty is to physically maintain the building and if need be guard it. My son Halzur is currently serving in that group, he will serve his two years and then rejoin us in the desert."

[DaveIronside]

Heydar was not a man who truly believed in religion as it seemed Karimi and his family did. Did he believe that the Goddess existed? He wasn't sure. Did he believe there was probably some higher spiritual power? Yes. Did he think religion was a useful tool for him in governing his families lands? Absolutely. And so with that in mind he was more than happy to act as a pious and dedicated member of the Anahatism faith. He would touch the feet of Priestesses, he would make offerings at the Temples and he would support their actions. The more he was seen to do this and be an example for the faith the stronger his control over Royal Seleucid would be. "Your son Halzur then is doing the Goddess a great service." He thought for a second or two, he'd read quiet a but about Waddan and their nations rather bizarre organisation. "Perhaps this is something we here should support" He began to explain, "Our family have always found ourselves as the family that ensures the safety of Anahitaism, however it now appears to me that your own tribe have helped shoulder this task for a long time with no recognition. I would like, if it is permissible, to help these men who would give their lives to defend the Goddesses home in your lands. I would like to extend to them the offer of the following, an annual stipend of $1,000 to be paid from our family direct to them, a new horse per year and if we can arrange it a six month training programme with our own military. I would also like if allowed and desirable to  provide any equipment that you need to ensure you can maintain the Temple."

He next turned to Arij, "I would also hope your father will accept us offering to support other young women such as yourself serve the Goddess. I hope that we can ensure you have sufficient Priestesses well versed in the faith, so should you ever have a young woman wishing to come here and study I shall stand any of the costs they incur in doing so."

"Perhaps now we should finish our drinks and head to the Temple." Heydar finished his drink and escorted the group towards the Temple walking beside Arij as his own wife Chyrssa, her belly just showing the first signs of her pregnancy, walked beside Karimi. "What would your life have involved if you hadn't been serving the Goddess?" Heydar asked interested about the lives of women in Waddan. In Seleucid women were expected to be wives and mothers and to organise the day to day life of the family leaving their men folk to bring in the money and protect the family from any difficulties. The walk to the Temple was a few hundred meters across the Palace lawn, the Temple straddled the Palace perimeter with a lockable and guarded gate on the Palace side. Spotting the King and his party coming two white uniformed guards snapped to attention and one then unlocked the gate as the other snapped a smart salute.  "Thank you Sergeant Rafeeza" Heydar nodded to the man who saluted, he made a point of knowing the names of the men on guard anytime he came over. "Corporal Masan" he nodded respectfully to the man who had unlocked the gate and was now standing to hold it open for the party. As the King waited for his companions to pass he thanked the men once more and followed them in.

The entrance went up six steps and at the top High Priestess Raniya Attar stood. She was a woman in her late 60's and beneath her head scarf a wisp of grey hair was visible. She was rather small but the wrinkles on her face indicated that she was a woman who spent much of her time smiling. She wore a plain white Priestesses gown and watched as Chyrssa began to bend to touch her feet. "Do not be silly Your Majesty" Raniya put her small hands on the Queen's shoulders and pulled her upright, "You're carrying a young Prince, do not be doing such silly things" instead Raniya embraced the Queen with genuine warmth. Heydar meanwhile had knelt in front of the Priestess and touched her feet with his hand. "Thank you Your Majesty" she waited for Heydar to stand before bowing to him and embracing him. Through the Temple you could see the faithful coming and saying prayers, making offerings and taking their small glass of water from the spring that bubbled in the centre of the Temple. "And you must be Chief Karimi, the Guardian of the Goddess in Waddan." the High Priestess embraced him before turning to the daughter, "and the dutiful Arij" the High Priestess held her arms open for an embrace and waved the young girl towards her, "I am very very happy to meet one from such a noble family willing to do this task." She took Arij by the hand and headed inside the Temple and to the spring. "This is why you are here" she addressed Arij directly, "not just spiritually, but physically. Had this water not bubbled its way up from beneath us thanks to the Goddess then mankind would never have been." She cupped her free hand and filled it with water before drizzling it on Arij's head, "I know the Goddess will bless you in your mission, she will give you faith beyond measure, compassion for all and wisdom far beyond your years......who knows when I am long gone perhaps I will smile as I sit with the Goddess and watch this Temple become yours. It will happen one day I am sure that someone from Waddan, Tamora, Abuqiya even will become the High Priestess for the Goddess recognises no borders."

Raniya waved the other three forward and this time took Karimi by the hand and cupped water onto his head, "The goddess thanks you for your work looking after the faith in your nation. I apologise we have been less than supportive but we shall ensure that is changed. I understand that His Majesty has offered some support but I would love to come and visit Sabhā and see your Temple for myself. Is that possible?" She asked.

Next she pulled Chyrssa forward and sprinkled the water on her head before taking a second handful and tenderly touching Chyrssa's belly. "We all know the Goddess will give you a Prince, strong and handsome. I am very much looking forward to meeting him." She said with genuine warmth. Next the King stepped forward and had to bend slightly to allow the High Priestess to bless him. "I know the Goddess will soon bless you and Queen Haniyah with children. The Soter's have always served the faith well and the next generation will do just as well." The blessings over she lead the group upstairs to a room that was clearly her own little office where she would carry out tasks required to ensure the faith ran smoothly. A young girl aged about 12 was waiting and bowed deeply to everyone, she was wearing a pale blue gown indicating she was an apprentice Priestess. She had just placed a jug of water on the desk. "Thank you Aminah" Raniya said cheerily as the young girl turned and headed for the door, "wait a moment for me please." the girl stopped wondering whether she had done something wrong. Raniyah turned her to face the group and while stood behind her placed hands on her shoulders, they were of a similar height despite the age difference. "This here is Aminah she is one of our Priestesses in training. She has just two weeks left, and should she pass her examination she will be sent to help preach to the faithful. She is a good girl, very hardworking and very very intelligent." Aminah blushed and looked at the floor. "King Heydar I would like you to make us a little deal." a slight smile of mischief spread across Raniyah's face, "Should the young lady pass her examination I would like you to appoint her as the first Holy Ambassador to Waddan." The girl's eyes widened with a sense of shock. "She will help us build the relationship between Waddan and Royal Seleucid in terms of the faith. A young girl to guide the young relationship." She knew Heydar would find it difficult to say no to such a request coming from the High Priestess who was supposed to help guide him in spiritual matters. Heydar also knew that she was fiercely loyal to the Soter family and so trusted her to have reasons for this.

Heydar leaned on the arm of his chair rubbing his chin in thought. "Do you want to go to Waddan and be our Holy Ambassador?" Heydar asked the girl who seemed nervous and unsure of what to say, she had thought she was just delivering holy water for the guests to drink.

"If the High Priestess wills it then I shall go wherever I am sent. To serve the Goddess is the greatest thing I can do." the girl finally said.

"But Waddan will have none of the comforts of Ipsus. Are you sure?" Heydar asked her.

The girl took a deep breath. "The Goddess set us the task of ending the five great evils. She did not set us the task of ending the Five Great evils only within our own lands. If Waddan will have me then I will go." She said rather more confidently than her first answer.

"Very well. Chief Karimi if you are happy with Aminah then if she passes her examination we shall send her to you." Heydar announced, "She seems to me like a very dedicated and wise girl."

[Wadden]

It was clear Heydar was being rather generious and while Karimi believed this may well be some motivation beyond helping the faith he was not one to turn it down as it would be of massive help to his people. "Your Majesty is extremely generous and on behalf of the Guardian's I give you their thanks. Might I make a suggestion however. Rather than have any of our guardians leave the Temple to come and train with your military perhaps once they are nominated they can come and train, therefore when they take up the role they are ready and primed to go." Normally the guardians were selected a year or so in advance of a post being avaliable and while they had never really fought in over 100 years they were people who would be expected to be ready to if they need to. "As for young women coming here I would accept with a condition that any group we send are accompanied by an older woman to advise them of the conduct a Waddanite would be expected to demonstrate within a guests home. Perhaps an older priestess of ours?" It wasn't that he didn't trust Heydar or the Seleucid however he didn't want any of his young women becoming used by their hosts in ways unbecoming.

Arij was still amazed at the way they were being treated. As a chief's daughter back home she was accustomed to being respected everywhere she went and given preferential treatment. She got some of the best cuts of game, she got to take her rations of water before others and her tent was one of the first pitched, closest to the fire that was always kept burning. She hadn't expected this though from a foreign ruler. "Your Majesty I think many girls will be deeply honoured to be able to come here. Thank you." She added in support of her father. As they walked towards the temple the young girl could feel her stomach bubble with excitement of seeing the birth-place of her all consuming faith. She was then surprised that Heydar spoke with her directly. "I do not really know" she shrugged, "I suspect father would be arranging a good marriage for me, one that would probably cement a friendship with another tribe, or perhaps elevate some young man in our tribe to a higher status and thus ensure loyalty. My days would have been filled with helping make food for the tribe and looking after the young. We occasionally have ill goat kids to care for, each is seen as important for the future and so are given great care. I would much rather serve the Goddess as I feel that I would be doing something useful."

"And helping your tribe increase in size and stature isn't useful?" Karimi asked his daughter who lowered her gaze.

"I did not mean in that manner father. I love my tribe, if you commanded it I would do it happily." She noticed his nod of approval and relaxed a little. As they reached the Temple the Chief and his daughter fell to their knees pressing their hand towards the Priestesses feet. The Priestess was not as stern as Arij had for some reason expected nor as tall. She seemed warm and welcoming which the more Arij thought about it the more it made sense. The High Preistess was supposed to be the mother of the faith and she was indeed acting as a mother towards the young girl. As the Priestess drizzled the water on her head Arij waited for it to dribble down her cheek and tasted it as it passed her lips, it was the sweetest water she had ever tasted and she wasn't sure whether that was just her mind willing it to be or a genuine thing.

As the Priestess blessed Karimi he kept his head bowed, "We would be more than happy to have you set foot within our Temple, it is a small thing but any time you wish you would be the most honoured guest." He wondered how he would arrange it, after all there would be little doubt the entire tribe would wish to be on hand and that would be chaos. He even doubted whether the Sultan would allow all the tribe into the capital of Sabhā at the same time.

As the High Priestess asked Heydar to allow this young girl called Aminah to be a Holy Ambassador Karimi wasn't sure how to take it. The girl was clearly about to become more officially qualified than any Priestess in Waddan, however she was still a child in the eyes of many. Perhaps that did not matter and he was supposed to follow the guidance of the High Priestess after all the Goddess had given her the task of guiding the faithful and that included him. "I wish you good luck in your exams Aminah. I am hopeful that you'll find life in Waddan interesting and exciting." He turned his attention back to the High Priestess, "I hope it would not be too forward of me but I would like to take back a significant amount of the water from the Temple, something to distribute among my people as a connection to our spiritual home. Do you think that is something that I could do?"

[DaveIronside]

Chyrssa believed that Karimi was a little harsh on his daughter. It was clear that she was a girl who was doing her best for her people and following her father's wishes. She however kept her mouth closed as it wasn't any of her business how Karimi ran his family.

Having been given approval to visit Sabhā the High Priestess was keen to make the arrangements "Perhaps I could travel with Aminah here when she passes her exams and takes up her new post. It would help her settle in and give me a chance to meet your tribe." She was rather looking forward to this journey as it was not often that she got to visit places outside Royal Seleucid and so the idea of visiting Waddan was exciting. "Then perhaps I could spend a few days travelling with your people and getting to know them a little." When Karimi asked about the water the High Priestess couldn't help but laugh, "You would be amazed at how many pilgrims a day take water, we sometimes even see people coming with 2 litre plastic bottles everyday because they live close. Rumour has it that one woman close by drank a litre of the water everyday and lived to be 110 years old. You naturally can take back as much of the water as possible. Perhaps if you would like we could arrange some regular shipments of the water?"

"I think that would be an excellent idea." Heydar interjected. "Perhaps when you have finished here we can discuss further trades between us and your people. Although is this something that you are in a position to discuss?"

[Wadden]

Karimi was thrilled that he could take gifts of the water back home to his people. He was sure that they would all give thanks in his name to the Goddess for his generosity and being spoken of well to the Goddess could only be a positive for him and his family. "Having regular supplies of the Holy Water would be fantastic if we can arrange it" the Chief replied excitedly. "I would be happy to discuss with Your Majesty any topic you think I am qualified to discuss with you. Trade can be one of them of course.....but up to a point. Please allow me to explain." He pulled his seat a little more round to face the King specifically as it was clearly going to be a waste of time discussing such matters with women. "The rules of Waddan are rather vague when it comes to trade, this is both a good and bad thing. While you as King I believe will own all the land in Royal Seleucid and can within your nations laws do as you wish with it things are a little different back home. Around 1/2 of the land in Waddan has no owner on a permanent basis. It is on a kind of rota basis established over hundreds of years to meet each tribes needs without damaging the land. The other 1/2 of the land is the equivalent of winter quarters. It is land that belongs to us all year round. I am free to sell the goods from these lands to whom ever I wish on whatever terms I wish however the Sultan will expect a cut of the proceeds as a form of tribute. Add to that the idea that should I wish for the goods to leave Waddan then I must have his blessing. We as a nation therefore currently have no such things as tariffs as we do not really import much. I however am always happy to hear the ideas of a man more experienced than myself in such affairs so what did Your Majesty have in mind."

[DaveIronside]

It sounded like Waddan was rather complex in terms of its trading arrangements but Heydar was hopeful that he could perhaps benefit and in doing so put Karimi's family and tribe in a favourable position. "Could we perhaps reach a deal where your tribe get some kind of preffered status in trading with us. That we essentially put you as some sort of middle man between our nations in terms of trade. Naturally this is only worth doing if this helps you make profit. Additionally you may be aware of our Blue project. We intend it to be a kind of networking hub between the nations of Midaranye. One of the buildings will be themed around Waddan, and 3/5 of the floor space will be given over directly to your nations government. I am hoping that you will accept 1/5 of the floor space for use as your tribe best see fit. That could be some kind of exhibition about your tribe, some economic outlet such as a restaurant, offices for businesses. The decision on what to put there will be your own and will I hope give you a foothold in the region. So do you think any of this will work?" Heydar asked.

[Wadden]

Karimi wasn't too sure exactly what this Blue project was. He did recall reading a little about it before he left the tribes land but he wasn't so sure about what in reality it would actually do. "The invitation is a generous one and naturally we would like to take what is being offered at the Blue Project. Our tribe makes a lot of woolen cloth and perhaps we could market a more luxury garment trade here." It was a question he would ask his wives upon his return home as while the men herded the sheep and goats it was the women who transformed their wool into many of he day to day items of clothing. He had heard that some breeds of animals they kept could see their wool trade hands for a great sum and the nation could perhaps benefit from that. "As for being a middle man I would be happy to be such a person and ake whatever we agree here to the Sultan and recommend it greatly. Perhaps we could look at a kind of "Waddan Blue" have some kind of building in the capital of our nation and our own tribal capital which Seleucid businesses could operate from?"

[DaveIronside]

Heydar nodded happily, "A Waddan Blue sounds a great idea. Perhaps we can be permitted to start building one as soon as these talks finish. Is that something you can agree upon yourself as it is on your tribal lands or would it be something that the Sultan would have to agree to. I'm sure I can find several companies who would be delighted to come and spend time helping establish it, that is assuming that we would have at least 50/50 determination over who could use the facility. As for the trade agreement I'd like you to take back to the Sultan the agreement that should he be willing to reciprocate we would charge no tariffs on goods entering our nation from the capital of your lands, nor would we charge tariffs on goods entering our lands from tribal territory of those who likewise would not impose restrictions on Seleucid business trading there. Additionally I think I would like to make the offer that anyone holding a Waddan passport would not require a visa to come here as long as their journey is arranged 48 hours in advance. Likewise I would hope to see such a measure reciprocated. I feel for now that is the best we can put in place between us, I hope however in the near future to get a chance to meet the Sultan face to face. Is there anything else we can do to help each other while we are here?"

[Wadden]

Karimi chuckled as Heydar spoke. "I apologise Your Highness. Its just talk of travel between our two lands is something that I think is perhaps a long way off. Not because of a lack of desire to have your people visit us or that our people would not wish to come here. The fact is that it is difficult for travel outside of Waddan for us and I know of no-one with a passport. Even I don't posses one." He shurgged, "I am happy to have such an arrangement, I think they call it futureproofing, but as I had to use a road for a runway then I don't see a day of international air travel being any time soon. As for anything else we can discuss I think that is a matter more fitting for yourself and the Sultan. I have enjoyed meeting you and I am eager for you now to meet our Sultan and bring our two nations even closer together. Perhaps once we complete this "Waddan Blue" project you would come and open it and I shall invite the Sultan? Would this be agreeable?"

[DaveIronside]

Heydar was pleased it had seemed the meeting had gone well and that they now had a foot in the door of contact with Waddan. "I'd always be happy to come and see the project and naturally any help we can supply we will. I also hope you will pass on to the Sultan my eagerness to meet with him face to face." Heydar racked his brains for a moment, "I understand you will be flying back to that roadway. As a pilot myself I know how much they'd like a nice smooth runway, my arse still vaguely recalls the bruises from landing on all those grass fields as a trainee. Perhaps we can help with this situation, I'd be interested in helping fund, or maybe totally funding an airport so you can at least access regional flights. "

[Wadden]

"Well Your Majesty I would welcome such a development. It would certainly help our nation. Theoretically the Sultan would have to give permission, however a back up plan may be that we can authorise its construction on our own private tribal land even if the Sultan does not give permission. But this is a matter that I must discuss upon our return." The Chief stood. "I shall be in touch shortly regarding how the projects we have discussed have been received by our Sultan but I am very confident that it will be extremely positively." The Chief extended a hand towards Heydar. "I hope our next meeting will be in Waddan soon and look forward to welcoming Aminah shortly to her new role." The Chief and his daughter embraced warmly, "I expect you daughter to make our tribe proud and forge a new path for us."

"I will father" the girl said with a trickle of tears down her cheek. She had no idea when next she would see the father whom she couldn't ever remember going a day without before. The Chief pulled himself away and headed towards the door proud of how his first meeting with a foreigner had gone. It would be a long trip back home but perhaps the last time a Chief from his tribe would have the same fear he had of that small light aircraft bouncing down on the dusty roadway. As Karimi exited the small light aircraft the Sultan's son Prince Jamshaid was waiting for them. He helped the Chief down the steps ensuring his robe didn't get stuck under his feat.

"Welcome home Chief Karimi" the pair shook hands before embracing. "First before you tell me how things went we have someone to see you." a young stable boy held a calm grey stallion which was now lead to him.

"Your Lordship. He has been a well behaved guest" the young stable boy warmly rubbed the horses nose and it was clear the horse liked the youngster. "I hope that if you ever leave the nation again I'd be honoured to have him stay with us again." He kissed the horse on the nose and then handed the reigns back to the Chief who was pleased to see that the horse was clearly in good health, it actually looked like its coat was neater than he'd seen it in many a while, perhaps he should recruit this boy to look after him full time.

"Excellent" the Chief extended a hand to the young stable boy. "You're clearly a skilled young man." The Chief said as he and the Prince headed back towards the city. "As for the talks I rather enjoyed them. I have many gifts for the people and I have some excellent news for your father. Will I be able to see him today."

"Of course." Jamshaid nodded, "He has eagerly been awaiting your return and that of Chief Yasin who is currently in Tamora. It stands to be a great few days for our nation." As they walked through the sandstone gate house of the capital city a few people peered out of buildings at the sound of the hooves clip clopping on the cobbled road. Most of the city was empty but at its centre surrounded by an earthern ditch was a small white building that served as the Sultan's residency in the the capital. The residency was surrounded by a few men dressed in black robes with silver cross belts indicating that they were members of the military guard, a few snapped to attention as the Prince and Chief entered and then a few moments later Karimi was sat in front of the Sultan telling him of his news.