The Torturer's Apprentice
Part II
In Which A Funny Thing Happens To the Heroes On The Way To The Haremfor GURPS
by Matt Riggsby
And so our story continues . . .
For the past several months, the Emir has been carrying on negotiations with the fierce desert chieftain, Sheik Yabutti. The sheik and the emir exchanged hostages, one of Khudseen's brothers for one of the Sheik's sons (Rakhim al-Nayat al-'Ang, his sixth and youngest). Now, a long-term treaty has tentatively been concluded. Sheik Yabutti is on his way to Amanapur and, after a lavish feast, the treaty is to be formalized by Yabutti's son, the hostage, being engaged to Yasmin. Yasmin, however, will refuse the marriage.
To this, Yusif adds what he calls "the bad news." Since the sheik's son was, technically, a prisoner, he ended up in the dungeons of the Emir's palace with no ceremony or fanfare. Not knowing who the prisoner was, Yusif sent him along for Festus Magister's magical experiments. Not only is an engagement standing between Yusif and Yasmin's happiness (and between the PCs and the door), Rakhim's confinement could lead to a serious diplomatic incident.
Yusif again appeals to the PCs for assistance. Without their assistance, he says, Yasmin will not know happiness and the city will be threatened (not so much a problem if the heroes aren't from the area, but a considerable issue if they are). He won't be so crass as to mention that if Yasmin is exposed, there will be no one . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: February 16, 2007
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