Chapter 10: The Road to Damascus
Imran sat sorrowfully in one of the palace hallways. He still hadn't awakened his magical ability, while everyone else had. As he sat there in silence, he overheard a conversation between Rami and Abdul Rahim.
Rami: "How did you train the youth, Abdu?"
Abdul Rahim: "We used the traditional methods that have been followed for a long time. We didn't change anything. We trained them in combat and swordsmanship. As for magic, we taught them incantations to awaken the magic within. We pressured them to reach a breaking point by reminding them of a painful past or triggering anger — based on what we know."
Rami: "What about the boy who failed to awaken his magical ability?"
Abdul Rahim: "Imran? I don't think he's ready yet. But eventually, he'll get there."
Imran felt a flicker of hope after hearing Abdul Rahim's words. He stood and continued walking through the palace halls. As he passed by, he saw the other students laughing and chatting, proud of their newly awakened powers — while he still hadn't succeeded.
He reached the door of his uncle's room and opened it.
Samir: "Imran, pack your things. You, Absi, and Elias will come with me."
Imran: "What? Why, uncle? What about Nazek?"
Samir: "We're heading to Damascus with Riyad. The mission might be too dangerous for Nazek to join. She'll stay here with Lady Asma."
Imran: "Now? Damascus?"
Samir: "The Umayyad Caliph's son is getting married in a few days, and an invitation has been sent for a delegation from the Banu Malik clan. Sheikh Ali said this is an opportunity we must seize. We're leaving immediately."
Imran: (sadly) "But I haven't mastered magic yet, uncle…"
Samir: "Don't be impatient. Be patient. All life asks of you, my nephew, is patience."
They began preparing for their journey to Damascus. The road ahead was filled with dust, scattered oases, and groves of palm and olive trees. This was the land of Mesopotamia — a land where desert, green plains, sweet rivers, and calm springs existed side by side.
On their way, they stopped briefly near the region of Karbala to let the horses rest.
Riyad looked toward Karbala, his eyes filled with tears, haunted by the betrayal of Hussein. He stood still, his body tense, and said:
Riyad: "It was here that I stood still. It was here that I failed my master Hussein…"
Imran and Absi were deeply moved, saddened by Riyad's pain. Elias, meanwhile, was lost in his own world — unaffected and detached.
Samir placed a firm hand on Riyad's shoulder, grounding him:
Samir: "Come on, Riyad."
They continued their journey and reached Damascus without major trouble.
They entered Damascus on the 22nd of Muharram, in the year 61 Hijri — 680 CE.
End of Chapter.