![]() The stench of slavers from Khawarism was drowned in the wafted scent of oranges from Ophir, of myrrh andcloves from Vendhya, of attar of roses from Khauran and subtle perfumes from Zingara. Emeralds and apes, ivory and peacocks, whatever people wanted could be found, no matter whence it came. The riches of another score found its way to the markets by caravan. ![]() Turanian triremes ruled the cerulean expanse of the Vilayet Sea, and into Aghrapur's broad harbor dromonds brought the wealth of a dozen nations. Every vice could be had within Aghrapur's lofty alabaster walls, from the dream-powders and passion-mists peddled by oily men from Iranistan to the specialized brothels of the Street of Doves. They, with a vast profusion of merchants in silks and perfumes, catered to hot-blooded, sloe-eyed noblewomen and sleek, sensuous courtesans who oft seemed more ennobled than their sisters of proper blood. One thousand and three goldsmiths were listed in the Guild Halls, twice so many smiths in silver, half again that number dealers in jewelry and rare gems. ![]() ![]() The city's wickedness and might were so well known that an appellation would have been gilt laid upon gold. Many cities bore appellations, 'the Mighty' or 'the Wicked,' but Aghrapur, that great city of ivory towers and golden domes, seat of the throne of Turan and center of her citizens' world, had no need of such. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |