The Desert Dancer

Before she became the Empress of the Caizar Empire, Mahalia lived a difficult life under the stern guidance of her father, a hard man who sought power enough to raise his clan above all others. Encumbered by the strange powers passed on from her mother, she was outcast by many in the Nine clans. Until Emperor Mafar sought rest among their clan's shelter after a long campaign in the south. It was this single event that changed Mahalia's life forever.

Track: Princess of Persia ~ Faolan Music

Photo Manipulation by me. Used Texture from Sirius-sdz.

Wine flowed freely among the Emperor's men. Their journey had been a success despite the losses. Chieftain Bakir sat with the Emperor ensuring the best dishes were presented to him. He waved for a servant to refill the Emperor's empty wine glass.

"It is an honour to serve you after your campaign My Emperor."
"I thank you Chieftain Bakir for your hospitality. My men have been on the road for many moons and they will be glad of the fine food and drink you have given them."
"I have prepared something special for your entertainment My Emperor." at the Chieftain's signal, music filled the spacious tent. Seven dancers entered and fell into position. As their bodies began to move and sway to the notes of the song, six of them formed a circle around the dancer in the middle. Unlike the other dancers, this one's face was covered with a thin black veil highlighting the sparkling green eyes that gazed out at the audience.

The Emperor's eyes followed the lone dancer silently.
"Ah I see you have an eye for dance My Emperor. That one is my daughter, Mahalia. She is the pride of the clan. An accomplished dancer and our water seer."
"Your daughter has the eyes of a Queen in the making." The Emperor continued to watch her, his fingers tracing the curves of the wine glass in his hands.
"I am doubly honoured by your words My Emperor. If it pleases you, I will have her join us after the dance."
"It would please me greatly."

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This little snippet forms part of a collection of side stories that explores some of the side characters in a bit more depth. In the main story, Mahalia's capacity as a character is simply the mother of Ydros. Not too much time is spent on her or the Queen of Embra as these characters are not the focus of the main story which follows the children of these women and their journey. So I thought it would be neat to have side stories of the characters that don't really get too much time in the spotlight in Daughter of Fate.