Post by Sabriyah bint Qasim al-Khalid on Jan 16, 2017 15:35:31 GMT -5
Considerable discussion finally persuaded Bashir of the wisdom of Sabriyah's idea, requiring her to use their father's floundering health as the hammer to drive her point home. If Qasim was to make any progress towards improvement, he needed to be in the dry heat of their homeland, not this increasingly cool, wet climate. In Sabriyah's opinion, the climate of Bordelaix contributed to the undermining of the Caliph's health. Staying might well kill him, considering that there was little the local physicians could do for him, and there were plenty of people to convey their father home safely, and in easy stages.
Once agreement was accomplished, Sabriyah took up the responsibility to apprise her brother and sisters of the decision and determine who wished to join in the journey back to Zahran. It was understood that Bashir and Sabriyah would remain in Bordelaix in the pursuit of the Caliph's agenda, along with a contingent of the Caliph's guardsmen while the rest would travel with the Caliph himself and most of the hostages. The choice was also being extended to Inayla and Zara to decide whether to stay or go, though Sabriyah felt certain what their decisions would be.
The morning dawned bright, clear and cool, a light breeze carrying the dry scent of autumn through the building that housed the Rohari in Bordelaix. Deciding to broach the topic at breakfast in the hopes of avoiding a scene, Sabriyah waited until her sisters, brother and the al-Faris women were gathered before she made her appearance. Settling at the table, she offered a quiet greeting while the meal's dishes were placed on the table, then sent the servants on their way before she looked to each face in turn.
"Arrangements are being made so that the Caliph can travel back to Zahran for the good of his health," her voice was low and calm, "and Bashir asked me to present the question to each of you - do you wish to travel with him back to Zahran, or remain here in Bordelaix? The journey will be slow as he is not well, but the choice is yours to make without consequence or cost."
Her eyes touched on each sibling in turn, then her friend and friend's sister, waiting to hear their thoughts and feelings.
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Leilah bint Qasim al-Khalid , @amirah , Bashir ibn Qasim al-Khalid, @nabir