Xámza

The Jackal

Deep within the heart of the Zahara, high in the Ahaggar Mountains, behind the mud brick walls of an ancient castle, another fire smoldered beneath a cauldron. Louar, the One-Eyed Jackal, chewed the knuckle of his left forefinger, then opened the vial of yellow liquid, given to him by the red-eyed djinn, and forced himself to drink. Immediately, he dropped the vial, shattering it into a thousand pieces. His face contorted.

Holding his abdomen, he collapsed onto the stone floor, twisting and writhing in pain. Meanwhile, a strange scurrying sound echoed against the castle walls. Untold numbers of scorpions were clawing their way along darkened passageways. A wave of delight coursed through the suffering Jackal. "Hurry! The end is in sight!" exhorted the djinn, as he intoned a secret incantation.

The creatures continued to clamber over each other, fighting their way out of the clammy dark toward the unforgiving heat of the desert above.