Biding my time
The Black Void - Episode 2176
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I need to think this through carefully. Trying to escape now will most
likely lead to a
quick recapture. And who knows what the punishment is for those who
attempt escape? No, If
I'm going to escape, I need to plan it out. I need to learn the layout of
the palace, earn
the trust of Munaf and the other guards, and have some idea of where to
go once I'm free of
the harem itself. It will take time to devise this plan, but It may be my
only way out of
here. The friends I've made on the outside, Zal and Don, may be looking
for me, but I can't
count on a rescue from the imperial palace itself. I'll have to help
myself If I want out of
this situation.
But do I really want out at this point? I'm a modern, college educated American woman, and the idea of being a harem girl is offensive to my 21st century sensibilities. Things could be far worse for me, though, as Maris was fond of pointing out. I could, right now, be toiling in a coal mine or being forced to do the unthinkable at a brothel. In my current position, I'm well fed, clothed (scantily, but still), clean, and will likely live a lifestyle of safety and luxury. There are a million things I'd rather do, back home, in my own time. But that seems so far off now, I'm starting to wonder if I'll be stuck in this alternate-past reality (or whatever it is) forever. If so, I have to do the best I can for myself, start a new life, here in this reality. Staying where I am, as disgusted as it makes me feel, may be my best option. I decide to begin formulating an escape plan, but I'm going to have to play along for a while. I can keep the plan in the backgound, and use it when the right situation comes along, or maybe never use it, If I decide to stay. Keeping my options open seems the most reasonable course of action. Munaf stops at the end of the hallway. "Beyond this door are the Sultan's private quarters. You may enter. His Majesty is just finishing a meeting with his council, and will join you shortly. I suggest you sit and wait quietly." I enter, and he shuts and locks the door behind me. I glance around the huge room, almost as large as the harem itself. There are ornate furnishings, plush couches and chairs. Statues of gold and bronze line the walls. In the far corner of the room is a large private bath. A tall window at the back of the room lets sunlight in. Outside is a small garden, with high walls on all sides (likely to allow the Sultan some privacy, and protection against attack) Towards the main doorway, which is shut, there is a large desk, with several scrolls strewn across it. I'm curious, but not sure if I should be reading the Sultan's documents. I walk over to the desk and steal a glance downward.
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6/4/2006 9:11:33 PM
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