>>6157675The possibilities were indeed great. Mahmud understood that Saddam did not think that he would slit his throat in the night to take such a wonder. He was too kind for it anyway. So he decided to nod, and assured Saddam that his secret would be kept. He ignored if these men with skulls and bones on their robes were sending someone after them but the further away this ring able to create fire was from these men the better it was. Plus they could then always sell it to other good Muslims in a bazaar. They could get several camels and many goods for it and begin a caravan business. Or buy goats for a farm...
Whatever, they continued, marching to the south by roads and ravines, fleeing sometimes from stray dogs and since they lacked money, sometimes helping to get a meal. Be it by collecting firewood or doing some chores. Salim got cold once but the magical ring kept him warm enough to recover. But after three weeks, a strange event completely changed the fate of their travels.
It was during one of these snowy days that Mahmud hated so much. Salim was shivering and trying to walk, covered in a heavy woolen cloak while Saddam led the way, cursing at the elements. Finally, when dusk came early in these northern lands, they finally saw some lights, an inn. Their tired bodies moved faster, motivated by the surge of wanting to be near a fire. Unfortunately they had no money left, but they were too tired to think about how to pay, they moved by instinct.
No sooner they were inside a young woman with chestnut hair and chestnut eyes fell to her knees. Imploring them, like in a pagan prayer she joined her hands and told.
-Please, brave adventurers, ugly rats have invaded my basement. I need help to clear them out.
They all looked at the tavern, there seemed to be at least ten good men there. Saddam did not know what to say and feared a trick, so Mahmud, who had three wives at home and so knew what a desperate woman looked like asked her.
-Us ? Of course but why these...
