Ibrahim of Tor

I am coming for you.



It was not talked about much, dirty deeds done by lowly men. Occasionally someone would request inquiries into certain unspeakable acts of nature. Predators who hunted the most delicate of treasures. Children were a beloved future for the men of the Deserts. However unimaginable these types of treacheries were, there were times when fact and proof were needed. Oman would be the Sister usually sent when discretion's were of utmost importance. States could not accuse without proof. Contracts could not be taken without fact. She had met Ibrahim of Tor while on one such mission. His first born son had been involved in such a case. For Ibrahim, she had become a vengeful wrath. An eye for an eye. Ibrahim's payment for a Killers service were more than adequate. Her silence on the matter had made trust between them. So when this merchant of the Kasbah had written telling her that he was in possession of the jeweled dagger of Josephus the First, she knew it to be true. He had offered to bring the dagger back to Ar, for a price.

Ibrahim had arranged to meet her at the Players den called the Golden Beetle. She was agreeable, for in truth she enjoyed the games. In exchange for all of the documents of his fulfilled contract, he had agreed to sell the Caste the name of the Merchant who had brought the Black Castes Icon to the Kasbah. The papers he requested would be, aside from Oman herself, the last link to the ugly truth. In the mind of the man Ibrahim, the whole sordid act would now be erased from history. Dust to dust.

In the den of men she might stand out, so Brother Basle had accompanied her. Basle had been set upon her for her own protection. He was young, New Black, but had a steady sword hand. She took a seat at the bar and ordered black tea. Talk of salt was heavy around Ar, and especially thick in this Den. The eyes upon her burned wholes in her back. A twitch of paranoia came over her.

Ibrahim of Tor had arrived to take away the bore of eyes. A giant of a man filling the entirety of the small alcove doorway. Carefully she rose from the bar as entered. Her gloved hand signaled him of the close watchers. Ibrahim, in a show of courtesy had allowed her to sit first at the Kaissa table. When he took his seat opposite her his hand rested on the hilt of a gleaming scimitar. " Tal Woman, " his voice had boomed over the din of the busy den, " set the pieces and we shall play."

As was custom she lay her wager to the left side of the board, nearest the wall. It was a small parcel kept with a hemp tie. Ibrahim too, had set his wager down, a folded slip of paper was placed under one of the pieces on his side. She would have to win it. He cocked a grin towards her, before his deep voice rung out, " Bring drink, for I fear this Woman will best me ! " , he was mocking her gender but not her person. A black slave girl brought a tray. She had a graceful gait and powerful lines. Though she was not blond or blue eyed, the man of Tor took an interest, for she was a beautiful creature, and he was a Gorean man, after all.

In the end, Ibrahim of Tor had allowed her to win. Oman had taken the piece of folded paper and opened it. The name on it had brought her concern, as well as inner elation. A smile pressed her lips against the veil, and for a moment she was lost in the revelation. The paper had been stamped with the name Arpaeus Bonnane Magisterial Accountant. This was the man Oman called the Peacock. So shall the Seas tides turn at the winters full moon. She hunts you, Peacock.

Ibrahim took from the table the parcel she had brought, tucking it in his sash. As they said there goodbyes he shook her forearm, leaving behind a letter in her palm. They exchanged the polite thanks of Free People, as Oman and Basle left the establishment. The great giant had outdone himself, they were now even.


She,


There is to be festivities at the home of Arpaeus Bonnane, two nights from now. I have been invited to attend. I have responded that I will most happily bring a gift of entertainment for the affair. Enclosed is the invitation you will need as securities will be high.


May you always have water,

Mechamet El' Ibrahim of Tor