Zobayer

"The tower of Cyrus was a marvel, a city built within the walls of a single structure. Over a million people lived within its walls, protected from the dangers of the outside world, the harsh arid lands of the Parsana plateau that birthed the greatest people in the sassan heaven.

"But it was not just a city, it was a monument to the power of Cyrus, the sassan who had risen to godhood and brought the Parsana people to the height of their power. And at its heart, within its innermost walls, is the true son of Cyrus, Zobayer. Sealed in, for Cyrus wished to protect his firstborn son at all cost."

The mention of Zobayer seemed to bring a change over the old man. His eyes took on a distant, faraway look, and his voice became softer, almost reverent.

"Is it possible maybe this guy Zobayer should NOT be released, as he was sealed inside a such structure by his own father?" Yosef asked.

"Impossible," the old man of the mountain said angrily, "Zobayer was the friend of all, beloved by his people and his father alike. He was a gentle soul, with a kind heart and a sharp mind. The records of Bubu speak of him with such affection, such warmth, that it is clear he was no ordinary prince. Cyrus loved him deeply, and it was for his sake that the tower was built. To protect him, to keep him safe from harm."

"What has become of him?" Rufus inquired.

"I cannot say for certain. The records are cryptic, and Cyrus was reticent to divulge more information. However, he is being lauded for his actions, and Zobayer is mentioned by Bubu only in glowing terms. It is evident that he was a beloved figure and even the original people of the tower of Cyrus knew of him, but never said to outsiders, for they all loved him," replied the old man of the mountain, his eyes glinting with a hint of suspicion.

Rufus nodded thoughtfully. "But how can we locate him? And, more importantly, how can we set him free?"

"It's a delicate matter. The tower was sealed by the first old man of the mountain, who imbued it with the divinity of both Xerxes and Arslan to contain Antigonus, the rot eye. They had no idea that they also sealed their older brother in further. To break the seal, an amulet was created to serve as a seal breaker. However, the amulet was split into two pieces, one given to Xerxes and the other to Arslan."

"Great, going to pickpocketing gods.....sounds awesome," Yosef said humanistically.

"Aren't your assassins better for this kind of job?" Satfia questioned.

"Yes, but by far they are not enough to succeed. I have created plans to receive each piece of the seal breaker and I need all your help. Especially yours Rufus."

"My help?" Rufus asked, surprised.

"The one half of the seal breaker, given to Arslan. It has been placed on a stone tree, somewhere in the lands and steppes of the Gokurkhan tribes. The strongest and most faithful to Arslan. This tree has been made from such hard material, that for it to be released, the stone tree must be destroyed. And I believe this is perfect for Rufus and his divine powers," the old man of the mountain said.

"And the other one. Dangling on the private parts of Xerxes," Yosef said, thinking the entire mission was going to become even more suicidal.

"No, it was gifted to Lak Ahm, the daughter of Xerxes. She resides with her people, the Lakhmids. She is a beautiful goddess, and best yet, she knows it. She loves to be surrounded by other beautiful beings, regardless of race. And every year, she wishes new people to join her, "garden of beauty". I think you, queen satifa of the green solo moon world, are perfect for this job."

"To be some garden flower to some goddess," Satifa said, not too fond of the plan for her to be a trojan horse.

"Well, these women are her slaves mostly. Slaves were sold by sassans wishing to gain favor with the goddess.

"Just got better.....," Satifa said, her face twisted in disgust.

"Yes, but it is also an opportunity. You can use your status as a queen to gain access to Lak Ahm and retrieve the other half of the seal breaker. With both pieces in our possession, we can break the seal and enter the tower of Cyrus," the old man of the mountain explained.

Satifa thought for a moment before nodding her head in agreement. "Alright, I'll do it."

"Excellent," the old man of the mountain said, clapping his hands together,"You all will depart in few days."