Unveiling the Sorceress

Yoshi scowled. “The guard informed us we would only be able to serve you one at a time. Xerxes said it was an attempt to unnerve you, to separate us and break us down."

Elishiba nodded. It would take more than that to separate them in spirit.

Yoshi slid forward onto her elbows, her hands masking her face as she spoke. “Did you notice the pendant she wore?"

Elishiba moved into the same position. “The strange crystal with the shifting purple light within?"

Yoshi nodded. “Do you know what it is?"

She shook her head. “It is significant?"

"I cannot be sure, but there was a presence within, a malevolent force."

"Within the pendant?” It made sense, for it had caught her attention and it seemed an unearthly gem, the like of which she had never seen before. “What do you think it is?"

"Jinneyah." Yoshi hissed the word so low that Elishiba only just caught it.

She sat back in her chair, withholding her surprise, glancing around the room. If Mehmet owned the fearful power of a captured female jinn within that pendant, and could unleash it whenever she chose, it would take more than newfound sorcery to challenge her.

Did Amshazar know about the jinneyah? He must, if Yoshi had seen its presence. He was so much more powerful and all-seeing. Why hadn't he warned her of it? Surely it was important? But then, she reflected, their time together had been so harshly interrupted. Perhaps he had intended to tell her more, much more.

And make love to her again? Her body hummed with desire as the thought crossed her mind. The jeopardy she faced only seemed to make her passion rise like an unslakable thirst. She'd heard tell of such things, of warriors dying on the battlefield, desirous of one last kiss, weak but virile to the end. The human urge to be loved and to survive does curious things to us all, she mused.

"The jinneyah is bad news,” Yoshi whispered. “Mehmet will do anything to get her way."

"Yes,” Elishiba replied. “I think the battlefield might have been fairer."

"Don't say that, you don't believe that."

Silence rested heavily between them.

"Don't forget your ally in Amshazar,” Yoshi added.

"I haven't forgotten Amshazar.” Even if she wanted to, she doubted it would be possible to obliterate him from her mind and body. It was almost as if he had possessed her heart from the moment they had met. She knew it empowered her though, she recognized that it was a positive thing now. Clarity of mind was with her at last.

Yoshi smiled. “Good.” She had that twinkle in her eyes that indicated she was pleased her vision had come true.

Elishiba rolled her eyes and put her finger to her lips.

The serving woman returned. She looked even more afraid. “The Empress Mehmet said you will remain here until your marriage."

"I see,” Elishiba responded. Prisoners they were then. However, if Empress Mehmet wanted each and everything to be a battle, she was well prepared. “Please return to your mistress and say I understand her intentions. However, I suffer a malady which worsens if I am unable to get fresh air on a balcony."

Yoshi flashed Elishiba a grin.

Elishiba returned her smile, but then felt remorse because the serving woman looked so very afraid. She pitied the poor woman, who was trapped between her and Mehmet. It wasn't in her nature to treat her servants harshly or make them do things against their will. As she looked over, she noticed that the woman's robe had been torn on the back of her shoulder since she had passed the message to Mehmet.

"Wait.” She stood and halted the woman with a hand on her shoulder, drawing her back. “You are afraid, aren't you?"

The woman hesitated, her eyes searching Elishiba's for understanding. Then she nodded, her gaze dropping.

"I am sorry to put you in this difficult situation.” Elishiba slid her hand against the woman's back where the fabric was torn. Stepping behind her, she cautiously moved the woman's robe.

The woman gasped, but did not speak, her head lowered. Elishiba frowned at the marks and bruises upon the woman's beautiful shoulder blade, where she had been beaten.

"What is your name?” Elishiba asked.

"Folami,” the woman replied.