Muhmad, meanwhile, sat alone and contemplated the dancing flames of the Adaran fire. His life had been long and full, and each day brought with it new pains and new fatigues. But there was yet one more important duty he must perform for his lord Oromasd, one last vision he must impart. Once that was done, Muhmad could rest in peace, knowing that the great plan was proceeding exactly as Oromasd had intended it.
***
When the duel in the desert between Aeshma and Akar ended so abruptly, sending Aeshma and Hakem Rafi fleeing southward into Fricaz to begin their new plans of conquest, the blind sorceror Akar had existed in the form of a tower of black flame standing amid the burning ruins of Hakem Rafi’s palatial home. Though the wizard’s manifestation was glowing brightly, his strength and p
