Leaving the Palace

None of us sleep that night. We're all awake in nervous anticipation. I keep sneaking glances at the clock. Midnight seems so far away, and anything could happen in that time. What if something unexpected happens, and Usman and Munaf don't come for us?

We're relying on Munaf and Usman to get us food and more practical clothes, as unless the Sultan calls for one of us, we can't leave the harem. Instead, we sit around and talk about the journey. None of the other concubines know much about the Vale.

Luckily, all happens as planned, and at the stroke of midnight, Usman and Munaf enter the harem. Both of them are toting knapsacks, one for each of us, and Munaf is carrying a rolled-up bundle of clothes. "You can't very well travel in those flimsy silk things. Besides practical considerations, they'll give you away instantly. Put these on instead. They're man's clothes, so you might find them a bit large, but they'll do for now." I do as he says, and pull on a roughspun woolen shirt and breeches, and a pair of heavy leather boots. Aisha, one of the other concubines, complains about the scratchy wool, but she's silenced by a filthy glare from Sefira.

"Food might be a bit sparse, if you look in there, but we can hunt and forage on the journey. So I don't want to hear complaints of dull food. You won't get fed rare fruits and meats like in here, you know."

Usman puts in, "We thought of safety on the journey. If it should come to a fight, we will probably be outmatched in our present condition. I have my sword, and Munaf has his... abilities..." he shoots a gaze at Munaf in distaste, "...but Arif is sure to send his guards after us when he finds us missing. That's why I've hired a mercenary to help us along the way. His name's Teran [2329], and he's a trustworthy man. Besides which, he knows a thing or two about survival. With him along, we'll do just fine."

"He won't wake up," Munaf says bluntly. "Arif's a heavy sleeper, and we won't pass by his chamber on the way out of the palace. As for the guards, I spiked their wine at dinner with sleeping herbs. They ought to be asleep for most of tomorrow."

And with that, we all leave the harem. "Keep your feet bare," Usman whispers. "Those boots could make a lot of noise in the corridor."

1. We all get out of the palace and find Teran waiting at the gate.
2. We run into Arif himself, out on a late-night stroll.
3. We run into a palace guard. It seems Munaf's sleeping powder wasn't as effective as he thought...
4. Something unexpected happens.

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