Fall of Shasarazade: Vol. 4

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These poor people were so clumped together that Tyllia and her parents were trapped, confined to remain within the walls until the exit cleared. They were at the mercy of the crowd, unless they trample them under hoof.

"We should..." Her father started to say, but stopped.

"No." Eliss replied, "We'll just have to wait our turn." She

opened up the reigns and lightly pulled, the horse turned as Tyllia and her mother positioned themselves within the line. Her father, however, did not.

Looking grim and talking low, "I'll stand guard with the men, till I've seen you both through. I'll catch up shortly after.", Aarin waited for a response.

Eliss, looking pained, only nodded. At that, Aarin trotted off to join the men at the gates. Her mother whispering, "Your father is brave, little flower, but I would rather him live than remain with these men.", squeezed Tyllia even tighter.

In Shasarazade, any man that would tend to his own needs over that of someone less fortunate was not worthy of being called a man. Tyllia wasn't sure if her father was willing to forsake his honor, but she had never known him not to keep his word.

Slowly but surely, Tyllia and her mother made their way

through the throng. Everyone was clearly panicked. Trying to move in an orderly fashion, being directed as they were by the men protecting them, some still pushed and shoved. As more and more people flocked to the gate, trying to leave with all that they could carry, the crowd became more condensed.

Suddenly, from deep within Shasarazade, bellows of For Mahn- Zaar! were echoing throughout the town. The crowd surged forward, pressing in on each other, as the bestial roars drew nearer. Eliss held on to her daughter as tight as she could. Should they mean to pull her from the saddle, she would trample whomever stood between her and her families departure.

These people were known to her and she could see several among them that she cared a great deal about, but no one came before her family. No one. Eliss looked over to her husband, Aarin, they both stared into each others eyes from afar. He knew what she would do, if she had to, and he would help her do it.

continued in Fall of Shasarazade: Vol. 5

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