109 The Storm II

At first he had refused to say anything of worth, mostly just insults and taunts he refused to fall for. After he realized his goading was useless he began to let little things slip. While it was not information he had originally been looking for, it still got his attention.

He even began to boast of a coming "revolution." One that would change the power structure of the Republic of Lahat.

Liang Jian Amal that after the man said that night aa held Chang in his arms as she slept, he was feeling restless and unsettled.

The man's boasting, and his Jid's warnings kept resounding in his head. He would need to look further into his uncles complete withdrawal from contact, as well as their amplified.

'If I can, I would like to keep their words from coming true.'

In the morning grim news arrived at the palace.

Jari Maan al-Hassan's entire household far to the west was brought to ruins, and the town under his prefecture was destroyed as well. No survivors were found.

From the few witnesses that saw the destruction and fled with the news, all said that it seemed to be a large army that did the destruction.

Liang Jian Amal supported his Jid to a seated position as the older man gripped his heart in pain at the news.

"Ah my Jari and alsighar alqalilun1. I pray that they all still live. Ah this news brings great sorrow to an old man's heart."

"Sir at the gate, there's a man who just rode in covered in blood! He says he brings information regarding the forces that captured the western town." A guard announced at the door.

"Quickly take us to to him!" Hakim al- Hassan pulled himself up straight and gestured at the man.

"Rest here, I will take care of this Jid."

"No, I want to hear it myself, just who murdered my blood and all those innocent people. I will personally see to the justice for my youngest abn2 and my precious alhafidat3." His fierce, sorrowful gaze gave no room for argument as he quickly followed the guard.

The guard led him to the medical building, as he told them the man was heavily injured with a blade in his side. Yet he had rode hard all through the night, worsening the injury. He had been almost dead by the time he had reached the palace gates.

On a hospital bed, lay a wearied middle-aged, with a short neatly trimmed beard. Liang Jian Amal recognized the man as his youngest uncle, Jari Maan al- Hassan, even with his ghostly pallor and haunted demeanor.

"Ya Ab4. Nephew." His tone was clipped and somber as he looked at them.

Jari Maan al-Hassan's eyes grew red at that. "Ya Ab, they were murdered by Farouk last night.

"Farouk came into my home last night and butchered Tali and Yahra before my eyes after stabbing Fajr. He intended to silence us all last night.

"Him and Mamud are plotting great destruction for this country. They have been monetizing a private army for a while, preparing for this day.