Crimson Threads ♡Sinbad X Oc♡

Chapter sixteen: Knight King

Staring at the colossal city of stone, the adventurers couldn't help but gape at its magnificence. The sun was peeking out from behind the edge of the highest mountain illuminating the shimmering rooftops of the city at its base. It was as if the city was carved out of the mountains themselves. "It's... incredible." Yunalesca breathed into the cold mountain air, her smile full of wonder. "You said it." Sinbad agreed, his eyes sparkling. Glancing at Yunalesca, Sinbad felt a tug in his chest. The morning sun danced in her eyes as her face lit up with delight. A soft smile spread on his face as he reached for her hand.

Clasping his hand around hers, Sinbad bursts out in joyous laughter. "Yuna, let's go! The kingdom of Sasan awaits!" Sinbad exclaimed excitedly as he clapped his hand around hers and bolted down the stairs for the city. Yunalesca's laughter echoed through the mountains as they ran.
"Wait!" Ja'far called out after the two, while Hinahoho laughed at their shenanigans. "What are we going to do with them?" An exasperated sigh fell from Ja'fars lips as he watched Sinbad and Yunalesca, their laughter bouncing off the stairs. A small smile tugged at his lips as he turned to Hinahoho. "Guess we have to get a move on, too, before they leave us behind," Ja'far says, adjusting the strap over his shoulder.

"Amazing!" Sinbad breathed as he stood under the city's arched entryway. "Gold! There's gold everywhere I look!" Sinbad's eyes practically shone as he gawked at the people. "We have to get our hands on these mineral resources no matter what!" Ja'far chimed in, fist clenched, nose flaring. Eyeing the situation, Yunalesca took a step back. "This is going to leave a lasting impression..." Yunalesca winced as she watched Sinbad and Ja'far ogle the ornate jewellery the people were wearing.
"It's the pagans from the outside! We mustn't have anything to do with them." Hushed whispers filtered through the crowd. "Get your butts in line! You're scaring the locals!" Yunalesca hissed through a strained smile as she waved to a mother hurriedly ushering her child away from them. "Apart from a select few, most of Sasan's people have little exchange with outsiders, so please refrain from doing anything suspicious." A guard spoke up as he gestured for the group to follow him. "Great job at not being suspicious guys." Yunalesca cringed internally as she followed the guard, dragging Sinbad and Ja'far by their collars.

"Absolutely not. Sasan doesn't trade with the outside world, so I cannot allow any transaction with your company." Yunalesca blinked at the stout little man in front of her. He was scribbling something down on the scroll on his table, barely even glancing at Sinbad. "Excuse my rudeness, but aren't you already exchanging mineral resources with Reim? We're a company from Reim, so why won't you do business with us?" Ja'far spoke up, clearly frustrated. "Oh no... this doesn't look good." Yunalesca pressed her lips together.
The man just sighed as his scribbling stopped. "That's nothing more than proof of the friendship between Sasan and the Reim Empire. Sasans' resources are blessings from the gods. Reim taught us their beliefs, so we are comrades, so to speak." The man glared at Ja'far as he continued. "They're not something to sell to pagan merchants. Sasan won't approve of anyone who doesn't have... the proper spirit. Now if you understand, go home."
Yunalesca tensed as she stood in the crossfire between Ja'far and this seemingly unmoving little man.

"That's!" Ja'far started but Sinbad raised his hand, silencing his retort. His face was uncannily calm. Yunalesca remembered that face very well, the same one he pulled out when they met Harun. "If that's the case, I'd like for you to teach me." Yunalesca glanced between Hinahoho and Ja'far as Sinbad continued to speak.
"Not as a merchant, but rather what can I, as an individual, do to build a friendship with Sasan? What can I do for your country?" Sinbad's voice was smooth as he rested his one hand on the table. He didn't break eye contact for even a second and Yunalesca could see his blatant discomfort, eyes wide, sweat rolling down his forehead. "He doesn't stand a chance." She sighed.
"I want us to share our cultures, faith and my resolve to work together. If it's for the future of this country, I'll do anything." Sinbad said, a confidant smile plastered on his face as he stared the man down. A few seconds passed, and Yunalesca could see the man squirm under Sinbad's gaze.

"Well... Sasan welcomes like-mindedness, and we won't refuse devout followers. If you truly desire to build a friendship with Sasan, visit the Sasan Knights." The man finally gave way, beads of sweat rolling across his forehead. "Knights?" Hinahoho spoke up for the first time. "They are a group of high-ranking clergymen who synthesise the Sasanian doctrine and guide our citizens. Among them is the Secretary General of the Sasan Knights. The knight King Darius Leoxis. He's the protector of our kingdom as well as the most powerful person in Sasan. If you can get them to accept you, then Sasan will accept you as a comrade. However, they prize our doctrine above everything else, so it won't be easy." The man continued. "Now, if that's all, please leave, I'm busy." He hurriedly continued scribbling, trying his best to ignore the group at his table.

"I knew about Sasan's peculiar national policies, but this is.." Ja'far mumbled under his breath. "Knight huh? Sounds interesting!" Sinbad's eyes sparkled as he smiled like a child, his breath heavy from excitement. "I'll go have a chat with them right now!" Before anyone said another word Sinbad was out the door, dashing through the streets. "Wait! If we offend the Knights we won't be able to remain in this country!" Ja'far shrieked, his eyes wide with panic. "He can't hear you." Hinahoho sighed. Yunalesca watched Sinbad hone in on a woman shielding her child from the foreign madman dashing through the streets. "Excuse me miss, but where might I find the sasan Knights?" Sinbad oozed his usual charm and Yunalesca felt a sting in her chest. "The highest part of the city..." The poor woman croaked. With a kiss on her hand, Sinbad bid her farewell and took off running again. "SIN!" Ja'far called after him, already out the door as well as he followed his friend.

"That man." Hinahoho bellowed a laugh as he headed for the door. Stepping out, his eyes fell on Yunalesca, who hadn't moved from her spot since they arrived. "Yunalesca?" He turned, beckoning her to follow. "I'll catch up. I have some stuff I want to do." She waved, a smile on her face. "Oh..OK? We'll all meet up at the Inn later?" Hinahoho asked, watching Yunalesca closely.

"Yeah, I'll see you guys later." She nodded, waving him off. Hesitating for a moment, Hinahoho looks at Yunalesca, but Ja'fars' hoarse shrieking from further ahead had him sprinting down the road. After Hinahoho finally left, Yunalesca turned back to the man. Smoothing out her blouse and trousers, she took a small breath and stepped forward. "I'm really sorry to bother you again sir, but." Yunalesca said softly, lathering her voice with honey as the man looked up again. "Is there, by any chance, a place I can learn about Sasan's medical practices?"