Archive of Our Own

(Prologue)

At the beginning of 769 AD in the Sogdian city of Bukhara (Sogdian: βuxārak), a new ruler was crowned. Bunyat has recently abdicated the throne of Bukhara to a young woman named Roxana. This was an unprecedented move by Bunyat as he chose the successor rather than the traditional elective form of succession which is at times not stable, and the people could influence who would become the new ruler. But this isn't the era of the Sogdian city-states as it were a century ago. The people of Bukhara has to accept Roxana as the new Xātūn (Lady) of Bukhara. Behind Roxana's smile as she has addressed the crowd as the new Lady of Bukhara, she is quite nervous. Not only because of her youthful inexperience in ruling a small realm of Bukhara, also the wealthy entrepot of Paykand, it is due to the fact that she bears a lot of responsibility. But she cannot portray herself as weak in the eyes of the public as it was taught by her tutor who is the elderly Herbad named Shafnoshak, and Bunyat who taught her Statecraft and Administration. Roxana is mainly familiar with the Martial form of education, so most of her early reign was spend on training to be a warrior like the rest of her Sarþangēt (Commanders). She often lets her council vote on certain desicions that she will take that affects Bukhara. And of course, she would also have to answer to her liege, Emir Jibril of the Bajanid Emirate of Sogdia. When Roxana is away on business or other matters, she has her Father named Vishtasb to run the realm as Regent. Roxana made her Father Regent in order to keep him pleased, but it's also in Roxana's mind that her Father should've been the one to rule Bukhara, but Bunyat and the people have already accepted Roxana and it's not going to change any time soon. In Roxana's Council, she names her Father to be the Chancellor of the realm in addition to being Regent, her brother Artivan becomes the Steward of the realm, one of her Sarþangēt named Urak retains the position as the Spāðbað (Army Chief) of the Bukharan Army which is basically a Territorial Defense Force at this time. The Spymaster of the realm named Nanaidhat retains the position as she was the Spymaster during Bunyat's rule. Roxana wanted to name Shafnoshak as the Herbad in her Council, but he politely declines, instead the position which to a man named Viyus. And finally, one of Roxana's friends and Sarþangēt named Tishvandak was appointed as the Court Physician as he has prior knowledge in Medicine.

(One Month Later)

(The Oxus/Amu Darya River. Sogdia/Khwarezmia Border)

(At the Sogdian side of the river, two different military encampments were set up there, one representing the detachment from the Army of the Bajanid Emirate which has a mixed Arab and Sogdian personnel there. The other camp represents Bukhara which contains the Sarþangēt led by Roxana which she is at her tent as she is reading a letter from Parvin, her Best Friend and potential Lover)

(The Arab and Sogdian soldiers are looking at the Khwarezmian military encampment on the other side of the river on their land)

(The Arab Officer speaks in Arabic to the Sogdian soldier which he understands, he was ordered to keep watch as the Arab Officer leaves to go to his tent)

(All the military personnel are equipped with Lamellar Armour which is the type of Armour that is commonly seen in Central Asia)

(At Roxana's tent, she reads the letter from Parvin which it says "Roxana, my quick-witted friend. Congratulations on being the Lady of Bukhara, it is so extraordinary for you to rise up in the ranks so fast. I wish I could be there for you, and you only, but I must soon return to Khotan on my second journey there, as I will attend the Procession of Buddhist images, It's something that I must witness as it will occur later in the Spring months. Expect my return to come later this year, if not, next year. Please be patient for me, your best friend and confidant, Parvin.")

(Roxana sighs as she misses Parvin, Urak comes in the tent which makes her hide the letter. Roxana has dark brown hair and brown eyes, her hairstyle is two long braids from the back of her head as she is also wearing a blueish Silk Kaftan with decorated animal motifs on it. She is also wearing Trousers which is common for both men and women in Central Asia. Urak has the a large dark brown curly hair which he has a red Sogdian headband on. Also has brown eyes, and a short beard. Due to his position as the Army Chief of Bukhara, he is wearing Lamellar Armor like everyone else)

Urak: My Lady.

Roxana: Urak.

Urak: The rest of the men have arrived.

Roxana: Good. Now, remind me. What exactly is going on out there?

Urak: There's a minor tension between here and Khwarezm, the Emir tasked his forces to be here to keep watch, we followed them because your realm borders them, Roxana.

Roxana: Right. I don't know anything about their land, I never traversed there personally. But I hope that they'll leave us alone for a time, because I don't want to miss the Fair at Bukhara that's coming up soon.

Urak: Don't we all.

(Rostam Comes in the tent, he has much darker hair, his hair is medium length flowing hair which he also wears a Sogdian headband with decorations on the headband. He has very little facial hair at the moment which indicates that he shaved it a couple of days ago. He too is also wearing Armor, but bronze-colored)

Rostam: I saw the Arab Commander left his camp, he's that man in charge, I don't know where he is going, but it's none of our business, but I already told the others to leave the Sogdians at the other camp alone, some of them are new recruits that aren't well-trained, we'll get in trouble if we fraternize with them.

Urak: Of course, most of the Arabs do not like the idea that we have our own Army, they think that one day, we'll rise up against them, but I strictly tell them every time that it's for our own protection of this realm. Mainly from bandits and Turkic raiders if any at all.

Roxana: Keep on a lookout Rostam, and see if there's anything unusual coming from the Khwarezmian side.

Rostam: Yes, My Lady. (He leaves)

Urak: What do you look forward to the most in the upcoming Fair in Bukhara?

Roxana: Oh, a lot of things. Especially the different types of food from different countries to be served here. I can't wait to try them. Remember, this year's Fair will be the Max Fair which is where religious idols are sold, and merchants of different religions exchange in an environment of tolerance.

Urak: I wouldn't mind spending some of my coin to get any rare Christian relics, and I would gladly give them to the local church.

Roxana: Well, you are a devoted Christian layman. You'll set a good example to the community there.

(Outside)

(Rostam, Tishvandak, and a few others notice something on the Oxus River. They see a boat, a few men are rowing the boat towards the Sogdian side of the river, a man stands up on the boat)

Rostam: By Zurvan, what are they doing?

(Tishvandak looks on as he thinks. the Armor-wearing Sogdian Sarþang has a light-brown short curly hair, but no facial hair as he's clean shaven, and like some of the others, he also has brown eyes but darker)

Tishvandak: I don't think they're here for an attack, if it was, we would've seen more than one boat, and the nearest ford is further upriver.

Kurush: Maybe he's come for a visit, whatever he wants.

(Kurush is another of the Bukharan Sarþangēt. And not surprisingly, his appearance is similar to his fellow soldiers as far as hair and eye color is concerned, but he also has long flowing hair)

Rostam: (Looks at the other camp which the Sogdians over there notices this, but they are not doing anything) I hope they don't do anything stupid. (Looks at the boat) I don't suppose any of you speak their language.

Tishvandak: I do not know it, I only know Sogdian.

(The boat soon comes ashore and the mustachioed Khwarezmian Commander jumps out of the boat which he is walking towards Roxana's tent)

Rostam: Hey, do you speak Sogdian?

Khwarezmian Commander: Yes, now I demand to see your new Commander.

(Roxana's Tent)

(The Khwarezmian Commander comes in the tent, Roxana and Urak looks at him)

Khwarezmian Commander: I demand to see your new Commander.

(Urak looks at Roxana, and Roxana steps forward instinctively)

Khwarezmian Commander: (Smiles with a grin) So, you're the new Commander?

Roxana: Yes, who are you and what do you want?

Varzakk: I am Varzakk of Khwarzem, Commander of my Army. And you are?

Roxana: Roxana.

Varzakk: Very well, pick a challenge, the loser pays for the other camp's drinks tonight!

Roxana: Who do you think that I am? I'm not a mere military leader, I am Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara. And since you asked for a challenge, let's settle this with a friendly match, a duel, you and me, outside.

Varzakk: I fought many men, but never a woman before. Very well, let's fight, and we'll decide who will pay for the drinks afterwards.

Urak: The fight is not to be to the death.

Varzakk: Of course, it will be until first blood. We don't want to cause an incident around here.

(Varzakk leaves the tent as he awaits outside for Roxana)

(A couple of minutes later as Roxana has her own suit of Lamellar Armor on, she grabs her personal weapon which is her Scimitar, a Curved Sword that is currently sheathed in the Scabbard)

Urak: Are you ready?

Roxana: Yes. I've had some training with my Sword for months, I do know how to use other weapons since I was younger a few years ago.

Urak: Such as?

Roxana: Spear, Mace, and a Bow on occasion for Hunting. Shafnoshak taught me to use these weapons, but the Bow part, that came from Parvin as she taught me to hunt.

Urak: Let's hope your training pays off.

(Roxana nods her head as she and Urak leaves the tent. Roxana's Sarþangēt begins to gather around, and the Sogdians from the other camp are noticing this as their Arab Commander still hasn't returned yet)

(Roxana looks at Varzakk, she unsheathes her Sword. Varzakk brings out his Battle Axe)

(Roxana and Varzakk stalk around each other, each weighing their options as they grip their weapons tightly)

Roxana: Who's first?

Varzakk: Your move.

(Roxana nods her head a bit. She believes that her sword is a better protector than any shield, she is parrying, countering, and guarding against Varzakk's every move. Wherever he moves his axe, Roxana's sword is there, waiting. Roxana focused entirely on fending off Varzakk. Spotting an opportunity, Varzakk lunges forward and headbutts Roxana, hard, in the face. She reels backwards, wrong-footed. Both are bit stunned at the moment after the headbutt)

(The Sarþangēt watches on)

(Roxana shakes her head a bit at Varzakk, she leaps into action, launching a flurry of quick slashes, driving herself hard against Varzakk's guard, wearing him down with each expertly-timed strike. Unexpectedly, Varzakk manages to swing a vicious kick to Roxana's right shin, it causes her to momentarily hobbling as she tries to resist her pain)

Roxana: I'll show you how I heft a sword!

(Roxana's sword flows around Varzakk like water, each strike chaining fluidly into the next, a series of perfectly timed attacks. Again, Varzakk kicks Roxana in the shin which she hobbles again)

Roxana: Damn you! Stop kicking me!

Varzakk: (Laughs) Then do something about it.

(Roxana makes a gesture that seems to offend Varzakk which he tries to lunge to her with his axe, but he misses her)

Roxana: That the best you've got? You can't even hit me!

(She will try to play defensively for time, she'll attempt to make Varzakk to tire himself while keeping herself fresh. Roxana baiting her opponent into exhausting himself seems to work well. Varzakk hits her with a ferociously powerful cleave from his axe to her armor, following up the successful blow by attempting to kick her, Roxana dodges sideways, slamming in a quick slash on his back as he passes, and her opponent tumbles to the ground. Varzakk tries to stagger up, but a swift blow from Roxana's sword keeps him down. Roxana lets loose an audible sneer to let Varzakk know that his time is up, and he lets out a muffled yield for her troubles)

Roxana: Good fight, looks like you'll be paying for the drinks.

(Roxana's Sarþangēt cheers in her victory, and the Sogdians from the other camp are amazed. The Arab Commander returns which he hears the noise from Roxana's camp, he asks what's going on over there in Arabic, and the Sogdian who speaks Arabic tells him on what just happened and the Arab Commander is surprised)

Varzakk: (Gets up and dusts himself off) You'll get your drinks, let me get my coin purse from the boat.

Tishvandak: You fought well Roxana, was that your very first duel?

Roxana: Yes. I guess my training has paid off. (She winces at the pain on her shin) But damn that man for hitting me in the shin twice.

Tishvandak: You're going to have your bruises for a while, not just your shin, but your head as well since he hit you the face once.

Roxana: I wonder what my Father has to say about it, he thinks that I got into a drunken brawl.

Tishvandak: I believe he will listen to every word you said, you know that Honesty is highly valued in your religion.

Roxana: That's true.

(Roxana and her men soon celebrate by drinking which they were paid by Varzakk of Khwarzem. He joins in on the drinking as a sign of respect for the Lady of Bukhara)

(Bukhara, Sogdia, Bajanid Emirate)

(A few days later at the Palace at Varakhsha which is in the town of Varakhsha, which is 39 kilometers or 24 miles northwest of Bukhara. Located on the northwestern periphery of the Bukhara oasis. Set within the citadel above the town. The Palace is the current residence of the ruling Kayani Dehqān noble family. Vishtasb, the Father of Roxana has been walking back and forth as he is the Designated Regent of Bukhara which he rules the realm while Roxana has been away)

(Vishtasb has curly hair that is brushed/aligned in a uniform, straight, horizontal fashion which makes his hair look similar to the Persian kings of long ago. He also has a short pointed beard, and wears a fancy Silk Robe with decorations which is due to his background as a land-owning noble family. Vishtasb hears the door open, and it's Roxana and her Companions)

Vishtasb: (Smiles) Welcome home my Daughter!

(Vishtasb walks to Roxana and hugs her while Roxana has a tired look on her face)

Roxana: It was a long travel for me.

(Vishtasb looks at Roxana, and he notices something on her face)

Vishtasb: What is that on your face?

Roxana: What is what?

Vishtasb: That bruise, did you get into a fight with someone?

Rostam: Not just a fight with a someone, but a Commander from the Khwarezmian Army who challenged her to a fight, and he was defeated by her.

Kurush: And he paid us for the drinks.

Vishtasb: What? I need to talk with my Daughter in private, you're dismissed all of you.

(They begin to leave, as Vishtasb motions Roxana to come with him to another room. Vishtasb and Roxana enters the council meeting room)

Vishtasb: You had a fight with a Khwarezmian Commander?

Roxana: Yes, he'll challenged me to a fight, and I accepted.

Vishtasb: Where did you get your bruise?

Roxana: During Single Combat, he headbutted me in the face. He was trying to get an edge on the fight.

Vishtasb: By Ohrmazd, Roxana.

Roxana: I was victorious in that fight, Father. I'm all right.

Vishtasb: If you weren't the ruler of Bukhara, I would've punished you. But I cannot. I can only warn you about the dangers of combat, trust me, I know. I'll admit that I was a bit like you at your age, I was reckless and my father reprimanded me for it.

Roxana. I recall you told me about your war story once, which was three years before I was born.

Vishtasb: That's correct, you remember well. Now, I only wish that you won't become a reckless fighter if your life is in danger.

Roxana: Do not worry, Father. I trust my abilities and my wit to overcome any hardships. Now, I must retire to my quarters.

Vishtasb: Farewell.

(Roxana leaves the room, she says "Hello" to any of her servants that passed her by. She goes to her room and looks around as she figures out on what to do next. Roxana has Parvin in her mind, and she would like to write something so she can send a letter to Parvin before she gets further away from Sogdiana as Parvin heads for Khotan. Roxana goes to her writing desk, and she sits down on her chair, she brings out a sheet of paper, an inkwell, and a quill. Roxana writes on how she is doing, and she writes about how much she misses Parvin. Then she finishes the writing with a Love Poem that she came up with from her mind which she writes:

"Your caress is the balm for my weary soul
I would be blessed if I could have you close
that I may know true joy
My darling Parvin")

(Roxana rolls the paper up and ties it up with a rope string. She goes out of her room and she gives it to one of her Servants and tells the Servant to take it to a Courier and to make haste to make sure that the message reaches to Parvin during her travel on the Silk Road on her way to Khotan. The Servant complies and walks away, Roxana smiles)

(Kish, The Capital of the Bajanid Emirate of Sogdia)

(In the Kasbah of Emir Jibril ibn Yahya al-Bajali)

(Emir Jibril and his newly married wife who is of Sogdian origin named Touran enters the Kasbah, Jibril is all smiles and he greets the Arabian and Sogdian nobility, however Jibril only speaks Arabic, and his wife does the translation of the Sogdian language to him as she knows Arabic)

(Emir Jibril has the typical appearance of an Arabian noble, he is dressed in a fanciful Kaftan and Turban. He has dark brown hair and eyes, but however he doesn't have facial hair as he is incapable of growing it unlike his Father, and his Brother)

(Emira Touran is dressed in the typical Sogdian style Kaftan, and she has a Gilded Headwrap which shows her beauty as one of the many reasons why the Emir chose her as his wife even though she has the typical brown hair and eyes)

(Jibril's gray-haired Father Yahya comes out, dressed in modest clothing. He comes out of a room along with his wife Layla who wears a green headscarf along with a green tunic, and his other son named Maslama who is wearing Armor along with a mail coif with Turban as he is one of the Fursān (Knights). They are looking at Jibril with wonder due to the fact that he married a Sogdian woman, but she is not wearing a veil which indicates that Touran is not a Muslim, but a Zoroastrian)

(Jibril notices his parents and his brother there, he tells Touran to socialize with the nobles for a while as he goes to his family as they speak in Arabic language)

Layla, Mother of Jibril: Who is that woman of yours?

Jibril: That is my first wife, Touran. I will have two more wives in the future, do not worry.

Yahya: Why isn't she wearing a veil? Has she not converted to Islam?

Jibril: Not yet, I tried to convince her, but she's too strong-willed. I actually value that, she can keep her faith, and she has the knowledge and care for her people. She'll make a good Emira. I married her because it's a political move, I speak for the Arabs, and Touran speaks for the local Sogdians to assure their loyalty to me, even if many of them aren't Muslims yet.

Maslama: It is your decision my brother. I'll respect it.

Jibril: This conversion talk reminds me. Father, I have recently made a decision to appoint you as the Head Missionary as you will lead Maslama and a few others to go out and spread the faith not just here, but in other lands as well.

Yahya: (He has a bit of a surprised look on his face) Why me, Son?

Jibril: Because I've known you for a long time that you have been a pious Muslim. So I figured naming you in that position would prove your worth. After all, there's a reason why the Caliph named me as the Governor of Al-Sughd last year. He knew that I was qualified to rule and govern here.

Yahya: I understand, Son. As you wish.

(Jibril looks at Maslama as he nods his head)

Jibril: I also have plans that I must perform the Hajj Pilgrimage in the future as I have not yet done so.

Maslama: Who will be in charge of the realm when you are away?

Jibril: That I haven't decided yet, I will ask the others in the council about that as soon as tonight.

Maslama: Very well.

Jibril: Do not worry little brother. One day, you'll be a Governor, whether if it's here, or some other place. You'll have your own realm in the future.

(Touran comes in and stands by Jibril)

Jibril: My wife, Touran.

(Touran greets them, and they greet her back as they have to be nice to her despite the cultural and religious differences)

(Later at night in a council meeting)

(Emir Jibril and 61 year old Vizier Hasan are speaking in Arabic)

Jibril: So, what is the latest news in the realm?

Vizier Hasan: Tomorrow, there's going to be a Fair in Bukhara, people from all over world will gather there and bring all kinds of wares and merchandise there. This will have a lot of economic activity there.

Jibril: Interesting, I recall that Bukhara, has had a new ruler for some time.

Hasan: Yes, and it's a female ruler named Roxana. Have you met her yet?

Jibril: No, not yet. I only heard rumors and exploits of her. I know that she is the daughter of Vishtasb.

(Tarkhun raises his hand, he is the Spāðbað (Army Chief) of the Army of the Bajanid Emirate of Al-Sughd, and the only Sogdian Zoroastrian in the council. And he is also wearing his Lamellar Armor to reflect his role despite that he is 64 years old)

Jibril: Yes, Tarkhun, what is it?

Tarkhun: (Speaking Arabic) I recently heard from one of the Arab Commanders that was at the Sogdian side of the Amu Darya river that his Sogdian soldiers saw a woman, likely Roxana, fighting and defeating a Khwarezmian Commander in Single Combat.

Jibril: How do they know that it was her?

Tarkhun: They were next to the camp that belongs to the Bukharan Army.

Jibril: Well then, Roxana is apparently a Woman Warrior. I can see why Bunyat named her to rule Bukhara and why we haven't heard from him since. That man fled Bukhara thinking that I was going to send assassins to kill him, I have no intentions in doing so. I have other priorities.

Hasan: What do you have in mind?

Jibril: I will soon go on a Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca. I know that I will be gone for long, and the realm must be ruled under the care of a Regent. Vizier Hasan, you will be that Regent.

Hasan: I am honored to be the Regent of the realm.

Jibril: I hope our borders will be secured during the entire time that I'm away.

Tarkhun: (Speaking Arabic) Do not worry, we haven't heard any activities from Al-Muqanna. He is not a threat to Sogdian interests. I have sent our Sarþang, Kundakk to keep watch towards the east with his men. You can count on my Sogdians to remain loyal to the Emirate, as do I.

Jibril: I appreciate your confidence. After all, you have been in the military for a very long time. You know better than anyone else around here. That is why you're in my council.

(Tarkhun nods his head)

Jibril: I shall go to the Hajj as soon as tomorrow, on the same day as the Sogdian Fair in Bukhara.

(Bukhara Oasis. One day later)

(In the Palace of Varakhsha. Vishtasb and Nanai are meeting together. Nanai has brown eyes, but she has blonde hair as that hair color is uncommon amongst the Sogdians. She is also wearing a fanciful Silk Robe to reflect on her noble background)

Vishtasb: Nanai.

Nanai, Mother of Roxana: Yes, dear Vishtasb?

Vishtasb: Where's Roxana?

Nanai: She told me that she is attending the Fair.

Vishtasb: Without telling me?

Nanai: She must've forgot. After all, she is a public figure, she believes that she has to attend.

Vishtasb: Doesn't she know that she has an important meeting with the local Dehqāns? And it would take up a lot of time to find her in a crowded place, now I have to be the one to have this meeting as the Regent of Bukhara. I've recently sent a couple of servants to Paykand on official business just to get ahead of time.

(Artivan is coming in, he has brown hair and eyes like his Father, but no facial hair, and his hair is of a medium length wavy type of hair. And wears a Kaftan, decorated with animal motifs)

Artivan, Brother of Roxana: Our guests are at the door, shall I let them in?

Vishtasb: Yes, yes. Let's not keep them waiting.

(Artivan walks away to go meet with the local Dehqāns nobility)

Vishtasb: Shirin!

(Shirin, Sister of Roxana comes in. Like her Mother, she too has blonde hair. She has longer hair, and she has a jeweled hair wrap on the top of her head. She wears a yellow and green Kaftan)

Shirin: Yes, Father?

Vishtasb: Prepare the drinks, who knows how long the meeting will take.

Shirin: Do I have to?

Vishtasb: Yes, most of the servants aren't here right now.

(Shirin goes to the kitchen, and a door is open as Vishtasb sees the Dehqāns of Bukhara coming in)

Vishtasb: Ah, good morning to all of you. Now come, this way to the room and we'll begin our meeting.

(The Fair in Bukhara)

Roxana: The Fair is officially under way! Merchants from all over the Silk Road come to peddle their wares, trade their goods, and exchange contacts and information. Even those who are not merchants, be they commoners or nobles, can do some shopping, or enjoy some of the festivities. Let's get going!

(Roxana walks into the Fair as she is accompanied by three others, Urak, the Army Chief of Bukhara, Sagharak, one of the Sarþangēt. Sagharak is at the same age as Roxana, he is not wearing Armor as he is off duty at this time which he is currently wearing a blue and yellow tunic. He has brown eyes like most of the Sogdians, and he has blonde hair with a similar hairstyle to Vishtasb, he has a dark green headband on)

(Also traveling with the others is Sarah, the young Jewish woman who is the daughter of a traveling Radhanite Jewish merchant and a friend of Roxana's. Sarah has long brown hair, but has green eyes, and she is wearing a grey robe as she doesn't want to stand out to the crowd too much which would indicate that she is from a notable Mercantile background through her Father)

Sarah: So Roxana, what are you looking to get first?

Roxana: I was so excited to be here, I forget to have my breakfast. In fact my friend, the best part of these fairs is obviously the food! Since people come from all across the Silk Road, there are a lot of different cuisines. There's local boiled meats and vegetables, as well as flat breads, pilaf, and nutty syrupy sweets of course, but also more exotic dishes like Chinese noodles, Indian curries, and Greek baklava. I have plenty of time to try them all.

Urak: In this case, what do you plan to have for breakfast?

Roxana: (Thinks as she looks at the vendors) Hmm, I'll first try some... Indian Naan flatbread.

(She goes to purchase some of the Naan flatbread, and soon afterwards she begins to eat it)

Sarah: That's a good choice.

Sagharak: It's a healthy choice, you know she's training to be a fighter like us.

Sarah: I'm aware.

(A couple of minutes later after Roxana finishes her breakfast, she motions the others to follow her. Roxana goes to a vendor who is selling Persian rugs, she is considering buying them)

Roxana: What do you think?

Sarah: I think it'll look good to decorate in your palace.

Sagharak: But you've never been to her palace.

Sarah: I'll pay a visit to it soon.

(Roxana proceeds to buy some Persian rugs, and she gives the rugs to Urak)

Roxana: Take them to there.

Urak: Yes, My Lady.

Roxana: And return with haste!

(Urak leaves with the Persian rugs as he'll take them to the Palace as he will get on his Horse, and travel fast)

(Several minutes later, and Roxana has been interacting with many different peoples)

Roxana: (To Sarah) Isn't this amazing? The Silk Road is like a glue that binds people of different faiths and cultures. At this fair, I'm meeting Manicheans, Christians, Muslims, Nature-worshippers, Buddhists, Hindus from places as far away as Iran, China, Egypt, Greece... There are people from every corner of the world!

Sarah: It is, I'm glad that I am with you as I know many languages. You need me as your translator.

Sagharak: How many languages do you know Roxana?

Roxana: Only Sogdian, and some Sakan. I'm learning! (She smiles) Still learning, bit by bit.

Sagharak: How about you Sarah? How many do you know?

Sarah: Besides my native tongue. I know Sogdian as we are speaking, I also know Sakan, Kuchean, Chinese, Arabic, Persian, some Turkic, and Khwarezmian.

Sagharak: How do you know all that?

Roxana: She's the smartest person I know of.

Sarah: I just happen to born with an excellent intellect. I got that from my Father, who also knows many languages for his travels.

(Roxana sees another merchant with certain wares that she is interested in. Roxana goes to him as Sarah and Sagharak follows her)

(A Khotanese Saka Merchant motions Roxana to come and have a look at his wares)

(The merchant has come here all the way from Khotan, bringing with him luxurious Jade and Silk manufactured in that city, the Khotanese are in fact one of the few peoples outside of China who can make these products on a large scale)

Roxana in her thoughts: I better hurry before they're sold out at this fair.

Sagharak: What do you think? Jade, or Silk?

Roxana: Why not both, Jade and Silk.

(Roxana brings out a lot of coins and gives it to the merchant as she asks for both Jade and Silk)

Sarah: Wow, you're spending a lot.

Sagharak: That's why she's the Lady of Bukhara.

(Roxana gives a bundle of Silk to Sarah, and she gives Sagharak a sculpture made of Khotanese Jade)

Roxana: By the love of Ahura Mazda, don't drop it.

Sagharak: I won't.

(Roxana goes on to talk with some of the other merchants who have traveled from far-away lands to the fair which has proven to Roxana to be quite fascinating to her. Many of these men have seen so many in their travels, and Roxana sometimes wonders if she'll ever get to see locations like the massive Buddha statues of Bamiyan, the Cave of a Thousand Buddhas in Mogao, the Great Wall of China, and the highest peaks of the Himalayas. She is dreaming of the Silk Road in her mind)

(Roxana, Sagharak, and Sarah goes to the area where a crowd has gathered, and they see Sogdian Musicians and Dancers performing on a stage. Sogdian music and dance is popular in many lands, in places as away as China and Japan. During these fairs, both foreigners and natives have come to watch the Musicians and Dancers perform their art)

(Roxana, Sagharak, and Sarah are watching them)

Roxana: Wow, look at how that Dancer moves! She's amazing.

Sagharak: And charming too.

(Roxana is highly amused by the Dancer, but soon afterwards as Roxana gets into the music and watching the Female Dancer due to the way she moves. Roxana starts to feel tempted by her, as if she was in a spell. Sarah notices this, but she doesn't know that Roxana has a different feeling)

Sarah: Roxana, hey.

(Roxana snaps out of it and she turns to Sarah)

Sarah: You look like you're really into it.

Roxana: Um, yes. Yes I was.

Sarah: If you like the dance so much, why don't you perform it?

Roxana: (Surprised) Perform?

Sagharak: Yes, I wouldn't mind you performing the dance, I think you'll be good at it.

Roxana: I'm not sure about this.

Sarah: Come on, it'll be fun. I've seen you perform other forms of athletics, what would make dancing any different?

Roxana: I know how to dance, but not in public.

Sarah: Just put on some make up and wear a different outfit, nobody will recognize you.

(Sagharak raises his eyebrows with interest)

Roxana: All right fine, Sarah. I'll go meet with the Dancers, and I got to convince them to let me perform.

Sarah: That's the spirit!

(Roxana goes around the crowd to go meet with the Dancers, Musicians, and the people who work on the outfits and make up for the Female Dancers)

(Sarah and Sagharak are all smiles as they succeeded in convincing Roxana: The Lady of Bukhara to perform her dance in public)

(At the Palace at Varakhsha)

(Urak enters the Palace while carrying the Persian rugs)

(Artivan is walking around and he sees Urak with the rugs)

Artivan: Urak?

Urak: Ah, Artivan, son of Vishtasb.

Artivan: What are you doing with those rugs?

Urak: Roxana bought these at the Fair, help me with these.

(Artivan grabs one of the rugs which eases the burden of Urak)

Artivan: Roxana bought them? At least they'll look nice in the Court. I hope Father doesn't mind.

Urak: Knowing him, I don't think he is too much into luxuries.

Artivan: Oh.

(Artivan gently places the Persian rug on the floor, and Urak places the rug in another part of the room)

Artivan: Is Roxana still at the Fair?

Urak: Yes. I'll go to her right now.

(Urak leaves in a hurry)

Artivan: I hope she isn't doing anything irregular.

(At the Sogdian Fair, several minutes have passed)

Roxana: (Takes a breath) (To herself) What I'm about to do is irregular.

(Roxana is now wearing her Dancer costume which is mostly Indian-influenced as she wears a blue colored sleeveless shirt which exposes her abdomen, she also has pearl and gold bracelets on her wrists, she has a long blue and yellow skirt on, but her legs are exposed underneath, she is barefoot, she has golden anklets on her ankles which is of course Indian-influenced)

(Roxana's hairstyle is very different, instead of her usual two long braids on the back of her head, now she has the distinctive Sogdian woman's hairstyle of having six braids, two in front of the ears, the other two behind the ears, and the last two on the back of her head. Her makeup has been applied to beautify herself more, and enough to cover her bruise that she got from a headbutt attack by Varzakk a couple of days ago. Roxana grabs a few necklaces of pearls and gold to wear as she begins to walk up the stairs to go to a stage for the crowd to see her as a Sogdian Dancer, but they do not know that it's the Lady of Bukhara herself performing, except Sarah and Sagharak which they know that it's her)

(Roxana puts on a smile for the crowd, she briefly looks up to the sky and says to herself "Wherever you are Parvin, I dedicate this dance to you.")

(The Musicians begins to play the music which is distinctively Sogdian. Roxana gets into the sound of music and she begins to move by standing on her toes and moving her arms up to the air. She moves her arms down elegantly as she puts on a smile to the crowd, and she sees Sarah and Sagharak as they're watching on with interest. Then Roxana begins to spin slowly, and soon afterwards as the music begins to pick up in speed, Roxana spins herself faster and faster which causes her long skirt to move up which slowly shows more and more of her legs which the mostly male crowd reacts positively to her, especially to the Chinese men in the crowd which they especially love the Sogdian Whirl Dance performed by a Western woman. Roxana spins so fast that amazingly, she isn't dizzy, her skirt was lifted up so much during the spin, the crowd would catch the sight of Roxana's undergarments before she begins to slow down to go along with the music as it slows down)

(Sarah is amused by Roxana performing the dance as if she practiced this in private, Sagharak has conflicted feelings for Roxana, he is a bit aroused by her, but he reminds himself that she is not only the ruling Lady of Bukhara, but also the Commander-in-Chief of the Bukharan Army and he doesn't want to get into trouble knowing his Father is also in the same Army as part of the retinue)

(Roxana continues her dance as she moves her arms elegantly, and she lifts her leg to take a long step, and she performs a brief spin and stops herself as she smiles for the crowd. In Roxana's mind, she feels that she is really into it and surprises herself that she didn't know that she had a Dancer in her even though she's done a similar dance in private for herself only so she doesn't embarrass herself to her family, but she dances for the crowd because she feels confident and it's her way of expressing to the world that "She is no longer a little girl, but a young independant woman.")

(Roxana lifts her right leg up fast to take a step, and she does the same with her left leg, each time she does this, her skirt is lifted up for the crowd to see her legs. She then performs another fast twirl which she spins around numerous times, and again her skirt is being lifted up due to the momentum of the spin. She stops herself and she gets down one knee to strike a pose with right arm lifted up and puts her hand on the back of her head as she looks at the crowd with a smile)

Sarah: She's amazing.

Sagharak: Yes, really amazing...

(Roxana performs a slower spin of multiple rotations so the crowd can see the golden anklets on her ankles. She feels like she's dancing like a professional, as if she's been blessed by the ability to dance so elegantly and not get dizzy. She does another fast spin before she stops, gets down on one knee, strikes a pose by putting her arms in front of her face, and she slowly moves the arms out of the way to let out a smile on her face to the crowd as she gets up and sways her hips briefly. Then she performs a spin in one direction, and a spin to the other direction. She stops and lifts her left leg up while she still stands with her right leg, she slowly puts her left leg down, and then she whirls fast again with multiple rotations and the skirt is being lifted up by the momentum again)

(Sarah continues to be amazed and amused by Roxana's dancing, Sagharak still feels quite tempted by Roxana, but he notices that he isn't the only one as sees some of the men of various origins are into it as well)

(Roxana spins around fast one more time as her skirt is lifted up enough for the crowd to see her undergarments briefly before she stops herself and strikes a pose, she smiles as she slowly places her left arm onto the back of herself as part of a pose, and she lifts her right arm a bit to move her fingers which is telling the crowd "Goodbye" as she lets out her smile once more as she gets down on one knee and closes her eyes slowly as she looks up to the sky while the music ends)

(The crowd applauds for Roxana even though they all do not know that the Sogdian Dancer is in fact Roxana of Bukhara. Sarah and Sagharak are clapping their hands for her. Roxana gets up and she bows to the crowd before she takes her leave)

Sarah: Wow, Roxana is likely blessed by her God with her dancing abilities.

Sagharak: I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but I really enjoyed it. I'm not the only one who REALLY enjoyed the dance.

Sarah: Now, come on. Let's go find her.

(Several minutes later)

(Roxana comes out wearing her regular clothing, most of her makeup removed except her eyeliner, and she has her long hair down as they didn't have time to get it all braided up back to her normal hairstyle. And she feels a little tired)

Sarah: There you are!

(Roxana looks up as Sarah hugs her, and Sagharak puts on a smile for her as he will try his best to keep his thoughts to himself about her dancing)

Roxana: So, what did you think of the dance?

Sarah: It was wonderful!

Roxana: Sagharak, what did you think of it?

Sagharak: It was... beautiful, great. (He smiles a bit nervously)

Roxana: Well, anyways. I need a drink. Something refreshing. I'm very thirsty.

(All three of them walk towards the food and drink vendors, they hear one of the vendors cry out "Get your Pomegranate Juice here! Fresh, authentic Pomegranate Juice from Khudjend!")

(They go to the vendor)

Roxana: I would like to have some, but I like to know a little more about it.

Sogdian Merchant from Fergana: I make mine from a recipe my mother taught me years ago. It's a secret, though.

Roxana: Sounds good, sounds good, now I'll have some please.

(She gives him a coin from her coin purse, and she takes the drink and drinks the Pomegranate Juice which she feels refreshed and energized)

Roxana: Mmm, wow. You got to try this.

(Sarah takes a drink from it and she has a similar reaction, and then Sagharak drinks it as well which he also reacts positively)

Roxana: (To the Sogdian Merchant) (She gives him two more coins) Give me two more drinks for my friends.

(At a distance, Urak sees them, and as he was about to go to them, but he is stopped by Rostam who just returned from scouting, he tells him that he must speak to him privately. They went to an alleyway as Roxana, Sarah, and Sagharak continues to spend their time in the Sogdian Fair)

(The Fair in Bukhara continues)

(Roxana is browsing another one of a merchant's merchandise, she came across some rather fine haircloth - that is, a stiff fabric typically made from horse or camel hair. Though hardy and practical, haircloth tends to be ugly, but to Roxana, she sees one that doesn't look too bad to her)

Kuchean Merchant: This cloth comes from Baluka, a kingdom renowned for it's haircloth. Would you like to buy it?

(Roxana thinks, and she looks at Sagharak)

Sagharak: I would buy it.

Roxana: Of course you would, you live a soldier's life. (To the Merchant) Yes, it will do. Can't be wearing fine silks all the time.

(She spends three gold coins and she carefully grabs the haircloth and gives it to Sagharak)

(Sarah giggles a bit in amusement)

Urak: Roxana!

(Roxana turns and sees Urak and Rostam as they have a concerned look on their faces)

Roxana: Urak, Rostam. (She notices the look on their faces) What's the matter?

Urak: I need to speak with you and Sagharak.

Roxana: All right. (To Sarah) Wait here.

(Sarah nods her head as Roxana and Sagharak goes with Urak and Rostam to talk in a less crowded and noisy area)

Roxana: What's going on?

Urak: You know that your Father sent your servants to Paykand on official business?

Roxana: I'm aware that he was going to do that before I came to the Fair.

Rostam: I was out on the road between Bukhara and Paykand. I wasn't able to witness it, but they were attacked. Likely Bandits.

Roxana: What?

Rostam: The guards were killed, but the servants have been kidnapped. In one of the carriages, I found a note they left. It's a ransom, they demand a sum of 200 gold, and they'll let your servants free. You have a week to decide.

Roxana: Those bastards...

Rostam: Our scouts are looking for them, they can't be far. Once we find them, they'll notify us.

Roxana: You know, my servants are mere peasants, so it wouldn't reflect too badly in the eyes of some of my courtiers if I simply leave my servants to their fate. That's not to mention there is no guarantee that the Bandits will even honor the deal if I do pay the ransom. On the other hand, these are my loyal servants, so we'll need a daring plan should we rescue them.

Sagharak: Are there any servants that you know of personally?

Roxana: Not really, but they're still people, and they need to be rescued.

Urak: As the scouts are searching for their location, we still have time to prepare. And to assemble the other Sarþangēt to come with us.

Roxana: I'll tell my Father about this, and I'll send him to Emir Jibril as my Envoy to request for help.

Rostam: Again, we have a week. There's time for training and preparation.

(Roxana nods her head)

Sagharak: I'll go to my Father, he needs to know about this.

Urak: As do the rest.

Roxana: I'll go to my friend.

(Roxana leaves to go to Sarah)

Rostam: I hope Roxana will know what she's gotten herself into. Once we find the Bandits, it'll be her first serious conflict with them.

(The Palace at Varakhsha. Two days later)

(Roxana is sitting on her throne as she is thinking, she notices that due to the lack of servants in the Palace, it's some of her Sarþangēt, and her siblings doing most of the work. Sarah comes in)

Sarah: Roxana, can I help around here?

Roxana: Sure, since my servants are still missing, you can take some of their duties, use your talent. You're a very smart person.

Sarah: Thanks Roxana!

(Roxana clears her throat)

Sarah: Oh, I mean.. Yes, My Lady.

(Sarah walks away as Nanai comes in)

Nanai: Roxana, who was that young woman?

Roxana: That's my friend, Sarah. Don't worry about her, she's harmless and very smart. She'll be a valuable courtier here. She knows a lot of languages as well, including our own.

Nanai: Oh. That's good.

Roxana: Mother. Did you know any of the servants personally?

Nanai: Not really, except one.

Roxana: Who?

Nanai: She's about your age. I believe her name is Lahun. She is not from around here, she mentioned once that she came from Tokharistan. She's a Hephtal.

Roxana: Interesting, I heard those people from there once had an empire that ruled over us a long time ago. Does Lahun speak our language?

Nanai: Yes, but she mostly speaks in her native language.

Roxana: How come I haven't met her yet, Mother?

Nanai: Because you're often busy training alongside with the Sarþangēt.

Roxana: I hope she's still alive along the others.

(Tishvandak comes in as he overheard the conversation)

Tishvandak: Don't worry, we'll find them. (To Nanai) Hello Nanai.

Nanai: Tishvandak, how are you?

Tishvandak: I'm healthy. I have to be, Roxana recently named me as Court Physician. I will tend to the sick and wounded not just here in Court, but also with the Sarþangēt.

Roxana: Yes, Mother. He will be with us during combat and he will help those who were wounded to get them back into the fight.

Nanai: Oh, don't say such things. Your Father and I would not like to see the sight you getting hurt again.

Tishvandak: Do not worry, Nanai. Once we find the Bandits and rescue the servants, I hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully.

Nanai: You are a Buddhist, you have to think of the peaceful way.

Tishvandak: Yes, and as a soldier, violence should only be for last resort if all other options have failed. At least that's what my old teacher told me since I told him that I was going to serve in the Bukharan Army.

Roxana: I thought it was Shafnoshak that would say something like that since you were tutored by him for a while.

Tishvandak: Maybe that was him, it's been a while since I last remembered it.

Roxana: (Nods her head) I hope that tomorrow, my Father will succeed in convincing the Emir to send us some Cavalry to deal with the Bandits.

(Samarkand, the Traditional Capital of Sogdia. One day later)

(Vishtasb and his entourage arrives at the Palace of Afrasiab, near Samarkand)

(Vishtasb enters the Palace and sees Vizier Hasan and Spāðbað Tarkhun which they are in a middle of an conversation as their speaking in the Sogdian language and they stop as soon as they see Vishtasb)

Vishtasb: (He notices something) Where's the Emir? I need to speak with him.

Hasan: The Emir is not here.

Vishtasb: Well, where is he?

Hasan: He is on a Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. He won't be back here until later this year. I am the Regent of the Emirate now, is there something you wish to address?

Vishtasb: I've been sent by Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara for a request.

Hasan: What request?

Vishtasb: (Looks at Tarkhun) A military request. She wants some of your Cavalry to assist her in dealing with a large group of Bandits that abducted our servants.

(Hasan looks at Tarkhun)

Tarkhun: (Slowly walks towards Vishtasb) That's her request? Is that all?

Vishtasb: Yes.

Tarkhun: I cannot accept her request for two reasons. First, our hands are full regarding that I have recently sent most of the Army to the eastern border to guard against any possible attack from that cult leader Al-Muqanna. I can't afford to send her our Cavalry. And second, the Bandit issue happened in her realm, so therefore, it is her problem, not ours.

Hasan: I am sorry that you came all this way for nothing.

Vishtasb: On the contrary, I actually expected you to not fulfill her request. I am aware of the situation you are currently having in the east. When I return to Bukhara, to tell her that she's not going to get help from you. It will motivate her to fight alongside with her companions against the Bandits. Maybe one day, you'll see her in action in either leading her army, or sparring with one of the soldiers. I think you'll be impressed.

Tarkhun: We'll see, give your Daughter my regards and I wish her all the best.

Vishtasb: I'll tell her. And Tarkhun.

Tarkhun: Yes?

Vishtasb: When this issue is all over, I like to invite you to Bukhara for a feast with my family. (Looks at Hasan) You can come too as you currently represent all of Sogdiana. You'll be guests of honor, we're a hospitable family.

(Tarkhun looks at Hasan)

Hasan: That's nice of you. If time allows as long as nothing eventful happening in the realm, we'll go to your feast.

Tarkhun: (Looks at Vishtasb) If you still have your servants to serve all the food and drink, otherwise, you'll have to find some new ones.

Vishtasb: She'll rescue them, she wouldn't back away from anything. Even when she was little I tried to discourage her from doing certain things, but she's committed.

Tarkhun: One more question, and it's a curious question. What does your Daughter do for a living besides ruling Bukhara and training to be a warrior?

Vishtasb: (Sighs) She likes to write Poetry.

Tarkhun: (Smirks) A female poet?

Vishtasb: I'm still trying to discourage her from doing that, I keep telling her that it's a waste of time, and no one would read them.

Tarkhun: At least you have been telling me with honesty.

Vishtasb: We're both Zoroastrians you and I, it is a virtue to be honest.

Tarkhun: Of course.

Hasan: You can leave now Vishtasb, we'll consider coming to Bukhara in the future on an official visit.

Vishtasb: Thank you, may you have continued prosperity for the country.

(Vishtasb leaves the Palace to begin his travel back to Bukhara)

(Bukhara. In the Afternoon)

(Roxana walks down the city streets as she is accompanied by her sister Shirin, her brother Artivan, their mother Nanai, and some of Roxana's Sarþangēt such as Urak, Rostam, Tishvandak, and Sagharak)

Shirin: So, Roxana. What are you looking forward to get? Besides food of course.

Roxana: I need to get my own Horse, rather than the one that they've provided me whenever I go with the Bukharan Army.

Shirin: You are the Lady of Bukhara, I'm sure you'll find your steed that will make the people turn heads.

Artivan: And perhaps impress our Father since he used to serve in the Bukharan Army as part of the Cavalry almost 20 years ago.

Roxana: He can still fight you know, if he wants to. But only if Bukhara is threatened by a significant force, like the raiders from the Steppes up north.

Artivan: I did some sword training the other day. Every noble has to learn to protect themselves.

Roxana: That's fine, but it's better for you to protect our home when I'm not around. I don't want you to join the Bukharan Army because you're important to me, you're unofficially the Heir to Bukhara and Paykand should anything bad happen to me.

Artivan: Why am I the Heir?

Roxana: I would say because I said so, but I know the prominent Dehqān and Merchant families of Bukhara would rather vote for you to be the next Lord of Bukhara. That's part of tradition.

Artivan: But Bunyat broke that tradition when he chose you as he planned to abdicate.

Roxana: He had to do some convincing, but I don't think he was being honest. He might've used some trickery. I heard that he wasn't a kind person, but he was nice to me.

Artivan: Because he knew of your potential, and he wanted to get out of Bukhara to get away from those who may want to kill him. Even though, there's no evidence that supports his claim.

Roxana: Well, wherever he is now. I'm sure he's enjoying his retirement somewhere, or traveling the world.

Shirin: Roxana, look at this.

(Roxana looks at the Stables)

(She inspects the Stables, and she gazes at a Black Coated Stallion kept away from all the others. The Stallion throws his head and stomps his hooves, displaying his powerful hindquarters and well-arched neck. To Roxana, this Horse has the best conformations and the worst of tempers. The breed of Horse is an Arabian, which was imported to Central Asia)

Roxana: Wow. I have never seen such a Warhorse before. I want that Horse.

Nanai: (Concerned look) Roxana, my Daughter. That Horse look dangerous.

Roxana: You worry for me too much on certain things.

Stablemaster: My Lady, this Stallion is impossible to train. Many of them have tried to tame this beast, but they all failed.

Roxana: I am not one to back away from a challenge! (She brings out her coin purse and gives it to Shirin) Once that Horse is tamed by me, I'll be willing to pay at a full price for it.

Shirin: Roxana...

(Roxana enters the corral)

Rostam: That Horse will kill her, Urak. He'll break her in two.

Urak: What makes you think so? Have you tried taming it before?

Rostam: Once, he gave me a swift kick in the chest. I was wearing armor, it left me a big bruise.

Urak: Well, I'm glad you're still with us.

(Nanai looks on with worry)

(Roxana slowly approaches the Stallion, she has a serious look on her face. The Stallion pins his ears back as Roxana approaches, his disregard for her crystal clear. The first meeting between the two is important to earn the trust and respect for the Horse, and Roxana needs to decide how to go about it)

(Roxana thinks quickly)

Roxana in her thoughts: A steady hand is required to tame this beast.

(Roxana keeps her hand steady as she calms the Horse down. The Stallion throws his head up once which Roxana didn't flinch.

Roxana: (She realizes something about the Stallion) I know what's wrong with you. You do not like your own shadow.

Shirin: Is she talking to the Horse?

Artivan: Shh!

Roxana: (Whispers to the Stallion) Herbad Shafnoshak taught me that the Shadow is evil. It has no source, it's entirely negative. The Shadow cannot exist without the Light, it is entirely dependent on it.

(The Stallion looks at Roxana)

Roxana: (Nods her head as she continues to whisper) The Shadow seems attached to you, an inseparable part of it. Just as evil often has a vice-like grip on all our lives. I can tell you how to part from it. Follow the path of Mithra, he is the Yazata of the Sun, Light, and Justice. He will lead you closer to the Light.

(The Stallion lifts it's right front leg up)

Roxana: You see, when you lift your leg up the Light, or the sun in this case, the Shadow has become separated from you, it lost it's hold on you. When you get closer to the Light, the Shadow becomes weaker and more powerless. It's an illusion, and itself, lacking the strength to attack us. If all of us chose to go further towards the Light and Truth, then Evil like Darkness would be vanquished.

(After a couple of seconds later, Roxana slowly gets up on the Stallion and sits on it's back as it doesn't have a saddle yet)

(The Stallion doesn't buckle Roxana off)

(Shirin, Artivan, and Nanai looks surprised)

Roxana: You may be strong and stubborn. Well, so am I. Let's ride together you and I.

(Roxana looks at Tishvandak and Sagharak and nods her head to them to tell them to open the gate. Tishvandak and Sagharak opens the gate of the corral, Roxana holds on to the reins on the Stallion. The Horse trots and then picks up the speed as it leaves the corral and travels down the street towards the city gate as Roxana holds on with confidence)

(The others look on with both wonder and concern as Roxana rides out of Bukhara into the open countryside. The Stallion continues to gallop into the dryland steppes outside of the Bukhara Oasis)

(Roxana tells the Horse to slow down a bit which it does, and soon afterwards it stops moving and slowly turns around towards Bukhara)

Roxana: All right, way to go. Now, let's return to Bukhara. Show my family and friends that we are working together.

(Roxana commands the Stallion to gallop back to Bukhara and the Horse gallops back into Bukhara, into the streets and eventually back into the corral)

(Nanai is smiling and overjoyed at Roxana, Shirin and Artivan claps their hands in applause. Urak, Rostam, Tishvandak are impressed, and Sagharak has a look of amazement towards Roxana, the other day he saw her dance, and now he saw her tame a Horse)

(The Stallion slows down as it calms down)

Roxana in her thoughts: It is a mighty feeling; the powerful Horse follows my every whim. Now that I have earned his trust he seems almost fond of me.

(Roxana motions Shirin to throw the coin purse back to her. Shirin throws the purse to Roxana which she catches it)

Roxana: (Opens up the coin purse as she walks towards the Stablemaster) I'll buy it, now that I've tamed it. I will keep him as my personal Warhorse. (Roxana gives him several gold coins to pay for the Horse) I'll ride with it a little while longer so I can bond with him. (To the Stallion) I'll figure out what to call you sooner or later.

(Roxana mounts up on the Horse again)

Roxana: I'll meet all of you back home soon.

(She rides off again with her Stallion)

Nanai: If Vishtasb were here to witness this, I think he'll be so proud of Roxana.

Tishvandak: I agree.

(The Palace at Varakhsha. Sunset)

(Roxana has been riding her Warhorse for most of the afternoon, and now she finally dismounts and orders one of her Sarþangēt named Kurush to take the Stallion to the Royal Stables)

Roxana: Don't worry, I'll come up with a name for you! (She looks up at the Fortress of Varakhsha)

(A couple of minutes later, Roxana enters the Palace. She looks around and she sees her friend Sarah who has been in the kitchen with Shirin)

Roxana: Sarah!

Sarah: Roxana! Where have you been?

Roxana: Riding my personal Warhorse, did they tell you about that?

Sarah: Yes. That's amazing of you.

Roxana: It's down at the Royal Stables if you want to see it. But right now, I'm hungry.

Sarah: I bought some food for you earlier while you were away.

Roxana: What is it?

Sarah: Chinese Noodles.

Roxana: Ah, excellent!

(Roxana would go on to have Chinese Noodles for dinner, and drinking water from a ceramic cup)

(Later that night, Roxana is in her personal quarters)

(She is reading a manuscript of military tactics. While she is studying the tactics of ancient generals, Roxana was astonished to learn about the exploits of Alexander the Great during his conquest of Mesopotamia as it reads "During the Siege of Tyre, Alexander assaulted an island fortress by demolishing a nearby town and then using the rubble to build a causeway stretching from the mainland to the city's walls. This allowed his siege engines to attack the enemy fortress directly, though it was his navy which ultimately created a breach.")

Roxana: Simply amazing. (She thinks of which of his tactics she would adopt as one of her strategies as a Commander) No amount of water will stop my armies! I'll find ways to get around the rivers in order to attack the Bandits if they're near any rivers like the Amu Darya.

(Roxana continues to read more about Alexander, then she reads about Alexander's personal Warhorse that is mentioned a few times, Bucephalus. This gives Roxana the idea for the name for her Horse, she gets up and looks outside)

Roxana: I know what to call my Horse now, he shall be Bucephalus, just as Alexander the Great's Horse!

(Roxana nods her head, then she looks to her right as she now gets a sheet of paper, and writes another letter at her desk to write about her recent events, everything from the Sogdian Whirl Dance she performed, to the taming of her Warhorse. Once she finishes writing it, she will call for a Courier to send the letter to Parvin again)

(The Next Day)

(Roxana is eating breakfast with Artivan, Shirin, and Nanai)

Shirin: Father should return to Bukhara later today. I'll be the first one to tell him about how you tamed your Horse.

Roxana: The Horse has a name now.

Shirin: Oh, what's his name?

Roxana: Bucephalus. Named after the Steed of Alexander the Great.

Artivan: Alexander?

Roxana: Yes. Is there a problem with that?

Artivan: Not really, just don't let the Persians hear you about Alexander.

Roxana: What do you mean?

Artivan: Back in the days when the Sassanids were ruling the Empire of Ērānšahr. They called him "The Accursed" Alexander the Accursed.

Roxana: So what? That was Anti-Roman propaganda when they fought against them off and on for centuries.

Shirin: Will I get to ride your Horse when the Bandit situation is dealt with?

Roxana: Sure, I haven't fully bonded with him just yet. He'll get used to it.

(Rostam runs into the room)

Rostam: My Lady!

Roxana: Yes Rostam, what is it?

Rostam: There's someone that wants to speak with you. I think he's one of the servants that escaped.

Roxana: Where is he? And did you provide him food and water beforehand?

Rostam: Yes, he's waiting for you at court.

(Roxana gets up as she hasn't finished her breakfast)

(Roxana and Rostam goes to the Throne Room of the Palace, Roxana sits down on her Throne as she now has a serious look on her face)

(Rostam escorts the escaped servant towards Roxana)

Roxana: You have requested to speak with me. Before you tell me everything you know, I would like to know your name first.

Yazdegerd: I am Yazdegerd.

(Yazdegerd is dark-haired with no facial hair, but he has a ponytail-like hairstyle which is an unusual sight. He is dressed in a brown-colored Kaftan with no decorations, not to mention somewhat dirty since he escaped)

Roxana: Yazdegerd, like the last King of Kings of Ērānšahr?

Yazdegerd: Yes. But I'm not related to the Royal House of Sasan. The last descendants went to China.

Roxana: Of course. So, you're one of the servants that managed to escape from the Kidnappers?

Yazdegerd: I wouldn't say that I'm a servant, I'm more of a Hunter. I travel around the countryside, and I bring the game back to Bukhara, and I hunted down a dangerous Tiger once as Bunyat wanted it gone. He hired me to be servant, I haven't really served you as I've been busy.

Roxana: How did you get abducted along with the others?

Yazdegerd: I was hired to be the guide as many of them never left the city before. And later that day, we were attacked, and we were captured by them. It was wrong place, wrong time on my end.

Roxana: How many of my servants are still in captivity and how many Bandits are there?

Yazdegerd: There's about at least 15 servants, and as for the Bandits. About 30 of them. It's a large group. You need a small army to take care of them.

Roxana: How did you escape?

Yazdegerd: I waited until one night, and I snuck out of there despite being in chains. The others didn't come with me as they're too timid, but I told them that "I'll be bringing some friends, so be patient." When I got far away, I broke off the chains by a large stone I found. I spent a cold night in a abandoned farmhouse, and eventually made it back to Bukhara on foot.

Roxana: You know where they are?

Yazdegerd: Yes, and I can take you to them. It's many miles north and west of Paykand, across the Zarafshan River into the open drylands.

Roxana: Excellent. We'll provide you armor, and a weapon of your own choosing. Urak!

(Urak comes in)

Roxana: Prepare the Sarþangēt. We'll depart later today.

Urak: As you command.

(He bows and leaves)

Roxana: Rostam, ride out to Paykand and see if you can get us some volunteers to come with us.

Rostam: Yes, My Lady.

(He leaves as well)

(Roxana looks at her Siblings and their Mother as they heard everything)

Roxana: There's one thing I must attend before I go with them.

(Fire Temple in Bukhara. Mid-Afternoon)

(Roxana partakes in a worship ritual which she will choose which of the Yazatas that she will worship as her Patron Yazata. Roxana has decided to worship Weshparkar, the Yazata of the Wind)

(One of the Mobeds recites one of the hymns that's from the Gathas which is the Zoroastrian scripture that is said to be composed by Prophet Zarathushtra more than a thousand years ago. The Mobed recites this verse in the Avestan language:

sraotâ gêushâish vahishtâ
avaênatâ sûcâ mananghâ
âvarenå vîcithahyâ
narêm narem xvaxyâi tanuyê
parâ mazê ýånghô
ahmâi nê sazdyâi baodañtô paitî.

"Hear the best with your ears
and ponder with a bright mind.
Then each man and woman, for his or her self,
select either of the [following] two.
Awaken to this Doctrine of ours
before the Great Event of Choice ushers in.")

(Roxana hears this as she looks at the Fire in the Altar as she prays to Ahura Mazda and Weshparkar)

(Roxana's Family are watching on, including her Father Vishtasb which he has just returned as he looks at his Daughter)

(The Ritual continues for some time, and then the Mobed concludes with this important prayer which is also the main motto of Zoroastrianism:

Ashem vohû vahishtem astî.
Ushtâ astî Ushtâ ahmâi
hyat ashâi vahishtâi ashem.

"Righteousness is the best good. It is radiant happiness.
Radiant happiness comes to the person to whom
righteousness is for the sake of the best righteousness alone.")

(After the ceremony has been concluded, Roxana thanks the Mobeds for their hard work in ensuring that everything went smoothly. She feels greatly inspired and she hopes that her worship of the Yazatas along with good thoughts, good words, and good deeds will prove fruitful to her)

Roxana: Praise Ahura Mazda and the Yazatas!

(She turns around and sees her Siblings and her Parents, she sees her Father who has returned recently)

(They leave the Fire Temple together)

Vishtasb: Roxana, I have some bad news.

Roxana: And I have good news in case you haven't heard. Let's hear yours first.

Vishtasb: The Emir isn't here right now, he's on a Pilgrimage. So the Emirate is currently ruled by a Regent named Hasan.

Roxana: And the Cavalry?

Vishtasb: Tarkhun, who is the man in charge of the Army of the Emirate of Al-Sughd isn't going to provide you with their Cavalry. He said his hands are full and that the Bandit issue happened in your realm, not theirs.

Roxana: Of course he would say that. Happened in my land and not his.

Vishtasb: What is the good news?

Roxana: We know where they are. A Persian man named Yazdegerd escaped from captivity from the Bandits. He'll show us their location where we'll fight against them, and rescue the servants.

Vishtasb: So, that means I've returned just in time to be the Regent of Bukhara again.

Roxana: Yes, but only for a day or two. We hope that the issue will be resolved quickly.

Shirin: There's another good news.

Vishtasb: What is it?

Shirin: Yesterday, Roxana tamed the meanest Stallion of Bukhara, and she made it her own personal Warhorse.

Vishtasb: Really?

Shirin: Yes. She named it Bucephalus. Named after the Horse of Alexander the Great.

Vishtasb: Is that so?

Roxana: I'll show you.

(Royal Stables at Varakhsha)

(Sarah leads Roxana's Horse Bucephalus out of the Stable as the Warhorse now has a Saddle)

Roxana: So, Father. What do you think of my Warhorse?

Vishtasb: (He takes a good look at it) You have said that the Horse was considered untamable until you tamed it.

Roxana: Yes.

Vishtasb: How did you do it?

Roxana: With a firm hand, and talking to him.

Vishtasb: You talk to horses?

Roxana: It's just one of the ways for him to calm down, he was afraid of his own shadow.

Vishtasb: If I was here and witnessed all of this, I would have been very proud of you.

Roxana: Really?

Vishtasb: Yes, but I know you will ride off with the Sarþangēt of the Bukharan Army to fight against the Bandits. I hope you'll return swiftly once that situation is dealt with.

Roxana: Don't worry Father, I hope my years of weapon training will be enough to defeat the Bandits and return home alive along with the servants. That one fight with the Khwarezmian Commander was my very first duel, even though he was a bit rough by headbutting me and getting kicked in the shin twice.

Vishtasb: I hope you don't get involved in close combat too much.

Roxana: Again, not to worry. I have been reading some military strategy since I'm going to be leading the men. There's a first time for everything.

(Roxana puts her left foot on the stirrup as she mounts up and is seated on the Saddle as she now rides her Warhorse)

Vishtasb: Farewell, Xātūn Roxana. May you be victorious over the wrongdoers and free the innocent servants. I shall be the Regent of Bukhara while you are away.

Roxana: I'll see you in a day or two.

(Roxana commands her Warhorse to ride out to meet up with the Sarþangēt whom she would go on to call them "Companions", inspired by the Companion Cavalry of Alexander the Great)

(Sarah and Vishtasb watches Roxana leave, and soon the rest of Roxana's family sees her leaving as well as they bid their farewells and best wishes)

(Roxana meets up with her men, including the Persian Hunter Yazdegerd who knows the location of the Bandit Camp where the Servants of Xātūn Roxana are in captivity)

(They're all on their Horses, Yazdegerd leads the way as he knows the way. They leave Varakhsha through the city gates one at a time in the following order of the named indivduals: Yazdegerd, Roxana, Urak, Tishvandak, Kurush, Shapur, Sagharak, Amr bin Maquil who is the Father of Sagharak, and Chuzakk. Rostam isn't with them because he already went to Paykand earlier today in attempt to recruit volenteers to assist Roxana)

(The Drylands of Western Sogdia)

(Roxana and her Companions are crossing the Zarafshan River as they're currently north and west of Paykand as Yazdegerd have said earlier today regarding the location of the Bandit Camp)

Yazdegerd: It's getting dark. You should stop and camp here, it'll be far enough for them not to see us. Further away to the north and west, there's a large hill. Beyond that hill is where they are.

Roxana: (Nods her head) That's good. Yazdegerd, head back to the road that leads to Paykand, meet up with Rostam and the men that decided to come with him and guide them to here.

Yazdegerd: Yes, My Lady.

(He rides away)

Roxana: Men, we'll camp here for the night, wait for Rostam and the others. Tomorrow, we'll fight the Kidnappers and rescue the captives.

(Later that night)

(At the Camp, Roxana is at her tent as she is slowly walking back and forth while she thinks about tomorrow. Tishvandak, Urak, and Amr bin Maquil comes in)

Roxana: What is it?

Urak: Rostam has returned. And he's brought at least 50 men to support us.

Tishvandak: They're mainly Archers and lightly armed levies that are brave enough to join us.

(Rostam comes in)

Rostam: Roxana! I brought you some help.

(They come outside and sees their reinforcements that have arrived and beginning to set up camp)

Rostam: Some of those Archers are said to be so skilled that the Arabs call them "Archers who pierce the pupils of the eyes."

Roxana: Really? Sounds like they'll be a great help to us.

Rostam: And those levies are the ones with the varied weaponry that they bring with them. Mostly axes and maces.

(Yazdegerd returns and goes to Roxana and the others)

Yazdegerd: I think it would be best to attack the Bandits in the morning. Based on my time in captivity, the morning hours are when they are least active. I'm very sure that they're more active at night now since they know that I escaped, they would hate it to lose another captive on their watch.

(Amr bin Maquil who is another of one Roxana's Companions, he is the Father of Sagharak. He has short blonde hair and a mustache)

Amr bin Maquil: So, we should get up really early tomorrow, have breakfast. And then we attack them while they're having their breakfast.

Yazdegerd: That would be the best approach.

Roxana: I'll take your suggestion.

Urak: Roxana, what if they're not there tomorrow?

Roxana: Then we'll find them, we'll follow their tracks if we have to.

Tishvandak: What are the chances if one of the servants have already been executed in retaliation for Yazdegerd's escape?

Roxana: All the more reasons why we have to find them quickly, and attack them swiftly before they consider executing the captives. And thanks to Yazdegerd, we know their location. Now, I need someone to go with Yazdegerd to scout ahead, and make sure that they're still there. Any volunteers?

(Chuzakk raises his hand. He is another short-haired blonde Sogdian soldier)

Chuzakk: I'll go. I stood up late last night, I'll be willing to watch over all night.

Roxana: Good. Show Chuzakk the way to the Bandit Camp, Yazdegerd "The Hunter".

Yazdegerd: Follow me.

(Yazdegerd and Chuzakk leaves together)

Rostam: Out of all the men that I know, Chuzakk is the crazy one, but brave. Perhaps more brave than he knows.

Roxana: It would be wise for all of us to prepare to go to sleep, we'll be well-rested tomorrow. Have a good breakfast, and then the rescue attempt.

(About less than an hour later, Roxana goes to her bed in her tent. Roxana is thinking about Parvin, and her family, and then she falls asleep)

(The Next Morning)

(Sometime after sunrise, Roxana, her Companions, and the detachment of Archers and Levies from Paykand have had their breakfasts. Yazdegerd confirms to Roxana that the Bandits have not moved out, they're still at the camp along with the captives that haven't been harmed yet. Roxana then orders the men to move out with haste as everyone puts on their armor and grabs their weapons of choice. And soon afterwards, they moved out of the camp and are headed to the Bandit Camp as Yazdegerd guides them)

(At the Bandit Camp. Few of them are awake, but most of them are either still asleep or guarding the captives as they're sleeping as well but will soon wake up)

(At the hill that overlooks the Bandit Camp. Roxana and her men gathers quietly. Roxana sees the Camp as she thinks of a plan)

Roxana: Yazdegerd, where are the servants residing?

Yazdegerd: (Points) That large tent to the left, that's where they are. The one on the right is where most of the Bandits reside, the smaller one next to it is where the Leader is.

Roxana: Do you know his name?

Yazdegerd: That I do not know, but what I do know is that he's a mean bastard.

Roxana: Aren't they all?

Urak: What is the plan?

Roxana: Now that we have a good look at the Camp, and seeing that most of them are not yet awake, but will be very soon. I have a possibly bad idea, but it might work.

Urak: What is it?

Roxana: Tishvandak and I will come down the hill, we'll be talking to them and ask them to speak with their Leader. They will know that they're speaking to the Lady of Bukhara, and I will carry my coin purse just to prove to them that I'm willing to give them money that they demanded in order to release the servants. Rostam, Shapur, Sagharak, and Yazdegerd will sneak around the Camp. Take out the guards, and free all the servants while we distract them. Urak, you command the rest which you'll attack them in case things break down.

Urak: That actually sounds like a good plan, but risky.

Roxana: We all have to take risks. Any questions?

Shapur: No, I'm ready.

(Shapur like Rostam, he is of the Manichean faith. He has short brown hair and the typical brown-colored eyes, and he also has a dark green headband on his head)

Rostam: The rest of us are ready.

Roxana: All right men, let's go, and whichever God or Spirit you worship may grant you courage.

(They move out, Urak goes with the Archers, the lightly armed levies, and the remaining Sarþangēt such as Kurush, Chuzakk, and Amr bin Maquil. Rostam, Shapur, Sagharak, and Yazdegerd moves out to go to another direction to go around the camp in order to sneak into the tent where the servants are being held. Roxana and Tishvandak stands up and goes downhill together in plain sight)

Tishvandak: (Quietly) I hope your plan will work, what makes you think that they wouldn't kill us on sight?

Roxana: (Quietly) Trust me. It'll work, act like you're my bodyguard.

(One of the Bandits sees Roxana and Tishvandak coming)

Roxana: Don't attack us! We're here to negotiate. (Bring out her coin purse) I wish to speak with your Leader, it's regarding the money that he wants for ransom.

Bandit: Who are you?

Roxana: I am Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara. And he will most definitely want to speak with me.

Bandit: Wait right here.

(The Bandit goes to the smaller tent to meet with the Bandit Leader)

(Roxana and Tishvandak looks at each other, and they look off to the left as they barely see the others close to the tent where the servants are held captive there. Rostam, Shapur, Sagharak, and Yazdegerd take their positions near the tent. Shapur brings out a small Chinese Crossbow which is for close range use as he loads a Bolt onto it)

Rostam: Yazdegerd, how many guards are typically in there?

Yazdegerd: Three. Two by the entrance, one in the back.

Shapur: I'll take the one in the back.

Yazdegerd: Then Rostam and I will have to come in quickly and take out the other two silently.

Sagharak: What about me?

Rostam: You'll follow us, just watch out for anyone that might see us.

(Rostam brings out his sword, Yazdegerd brings out his spear, and Sagharak brings out his sword)

(Roxana and Tishvandak looks at the small tent as the Bandit guard comes out, the Bandit Leader, and his personal bodyguard of Persian origin comes out and walks towards Roxana and Tishvandak)

(Roxana has a look of confidence while Tishvandak has a stoic look in order to play the role of Roxana's bodyguard)

(The Bandit leader is of Turkic and Sogdian origin has a short black hair with a short beard, and wearing armor)

Bandit Leader: So, you're Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara, yes?

Roxana: Correct. And you are?

Ot-tegin: I am Ot-tegin. My bodyguard is Morteza.

(Tishvandak keeps his eye on Morteza)

Roxana: I heard that you demanded a ransom, I have some money in my coin purse. But some more will be on their way to here, not just coins. But other valuables that will be have to be transported by camel. They'll be here soon enough.

Ot-tegin: Why the long delay?

Roxana: I'm a busy young woman who is trying to get used to ruling the realm. (She smiles a bit) As well as gathering valuables that will be given to you.

(Ot-tegin continues to talk to Roxana. At the large tent, male and female servants of various origins but mostly Sogdians are sitting there doing nothing as the guards watching over them)

(Shapur comes in first and he shoots the Crossbow, the Bolt hits the first guard in the throat which he is killed, Rostam and Yazdegerd comes into dispatches the other two guards quickly and quietly so they don't yell out)

(The servants are surprised, as Yazdegerd tells them to be quiet)

Yazdegerd: (Whispers) I told you that I would be back with friends. Now we're here to set all of you free.

(Rostam, Shapur, and Yazdegerd begins to free the servants by getting the iron manacles with chains off of them which will take some time, and Sagharak is watching the entrance to make sure nobody goes or looks at the tent that they're in)

(Roxana continues to talk with Ot-tegin in order to stall for time)

(Near by, Urak along with many others are on standby until things escalate)

(At the other large tent, many other Bandits are coming out as they've been hearing the conversation between Ot-tegin and Roxana which they mostly look at them. However, one of them actually went around behind the tents as he's headed to the large tent where the servants are currently being freed. Tishvandak notices it, but he doesn't react because he has to continue to play as the bodyguard of Roxana)

(The young male Bandit has a bit of a smirk on his face as he plans on taking a peek by lifting up the cover of the tent from behind a bit in order to look at the female captives which is something that he does. He lifts the cover, and he notices that the servants are being freed by Rostam, Shapur, and Yazdegerd as they don't notice him yet. The young Bandit has a horrified look on his face as he slowly walks away and then he runs off to go to Ot-tegin)

Young Bandit: Ot-tegin! Ot-tegin!

Ot-tegin: Silence! I'm speaking with the Lady of Bukhara, you will speak when I'm finished.

(The Bandit has to stand there and waits as he looks back)

(Tishvandak sees him and looks at the tent briefly)

(Roxana has no idea of what's going on as she has to maintain her eye contact to Ot-tegin)

(In the tent, Yazdegerd tells the freed servants to leave, but quietly)

(They begin to leave the tent one at a time, as they'll have to look to the left with caution in case they've been spotted)

(Eventually, a young woman of Turco-Hephthalite origin stumbles which she yelps, her brother gets her up which they realized that they made a sound)

(The young Bandit turns and sees this, he yells out "Look!" All the others turns to look at that direction. Ot-tegin realizes that this whole arrangement is a ruse. Roxana reacts quickly as Morteza the Persian bodyguard of Ot-tegin's is looking at the escaping servants by grabbing his Spear and kicks him in the chest for him to back away and Roxana is now holding a Spear. Tishvandak draws his Sword, Morteza draws his own Sword, Ot-tegin draws his own Sword as well as he shouts orders to his men to go after Roxana and go after the men that are freeing the servants)

(The large group of Bandits storms out of their tent with their varied weaponry, some of them don't have the armor on as they didn't have time to put them on. They split up into two different groups. Urak, seeing all this orders the Archers to shoot at the ones that are after the servants and the four Sarþangēt that are protecting them. Urak, Kurush, Chuzakk, and Amr bin Maquil along with the levies charges down the hill to fight against those that are after Roxana and Tishvandak)

(Soon, it became a large fight. With most of the combat centered in the Bandit Camp. The Sogdian Archers of Paykand shoots at the group of Bandits that are charging towards Rostam, Shapur, Sagharak, and Yazdegerd along with the escaped servants. The Archers manages to hit most of them with their arrows, the few that didn't get hit begins their fight with four men as the escaped servants continues to run away and hide into safety somewhere in the drylands)

(During the large melee in the middle of the Bandit Camp, Tishvandak who is supposed to stay with Roxana becomes separated from her as he fights one of the armed men. Roxana fends off at least two armed Bandits, Morteza sees Roxana and he goes after her. Roxana sees the Bodyguard of Ot-tegin going after her as they get out of the large fight and it becomes a duel between the two.

(Roxana couches her Spear which once belonged to Morteza, ready to defend herself, while he clutches his Sword firmly to hand. With a sudden twitch, their duel begins. Morteza attacks Roxana first with a fierce hail of quick slashes, almost running her through repeatedly)

Roxana: Come on, better men than you have died trying to break my guard!

(Roxana tries her best to parry, counter, and guard against his every move. Morteza pulls back from every of Roxana's attempted blows with her Spear, letting her attack without getting another solid hit in, Roxana begins to feel herself tire as she couldn't manage to get a hit in. She shakes her head at him, she looks down at her coin purse which made her come up with an idea)

Roxana: (Snatches her heavy coin purse of money from her waist) Take this, you spawn of hell!

(Roxana throws her purse at Morteza, it hits him right in the face which gives her a brief opening for a thrusting jab with her Spear. Morteza suddenly shirts direction, throwing himself sideways and into a powerful cleave that she's barely able to dodge)

Roxana: (Growls) Taste the wroth of Weshparkar!

(Roxana with Spear in hand, she rains thrusting jabs down on Morteza, leaving him no quarter between blows. Morteza is actually known for his abilities with a Sword, and he reminds Roxana of this with a perfect flowing chain of quick slashes, punctuated by the occasion terrifying powerful cleave)

(Roxana has nothing to say this time as she's focused on fending off more blows from him until he tires, she now sees an opening and hits Morteza with a fatal jab that penetrates through the armor and hits him in the abdomen, he falls down to the ground and dying)

Morteza: I yield, I yield!

(Roxana has her Spear pointed at his face, she takes a step back in hesitation, Morteza suddenly lunges at her, she reacts barely in time and she finishes him off with one more thrust with her Spear)

Roxana: (Sighs) If you surrendered, I would've spared you... what a fool.

(Roxana looks up at the current situation. The Bandits are on the losing end of the fight due to them being not only outnumbered, but also outwitted by the Sogdians of Bukhara and Paykand. Ot-tegin sees this deteriorating situation, and decides to escape by running out of the Camp and head for his Horse, a few others follow him. Roxana sees Ot-tegin attempting to escape, and she decides to give chase as she sprints with her Spear still on her right hand, bypassing the melee which is almost over as the Sogdian victory is now certain)

(Meanwhile, the two Turco-Hephthalites who are escaped servants got separated from the rest of the group. These two are siblings that have been running, and now they hide behind a large rock)

Lahun: (Breathing heavily) Bozan. I think we're safe now.

Bozan: (Breathing heavily) We did it, Sister. We're free.

(They hug)

Lahun: We should go back and meet our heroes that will take us home. (She hears a Horse galloping towards their direction) I guess we'll meet one now.

(Bozan and Lahun stands up and what they see that the Horse Rider is not one of the heroes, but it's Ot-tegin which he sees them. He brings out his Sword and he charges towards them and he slashes Bozan which kills him as he falls to the ground)

Lahun: No!

(Ot-tegin stops his Horse and slowly turns around as he now looks at Lahun)

(Lahun was looking at her fallen brother, then she looks at Ot-tegin as she has a terrified look on her face. She's expected to get killed next as Ot-tegin keeps his gaze at Lahun as his Horse is moving towards her)

(Then, a Spear was flying through the air and grazes Ot-tegin in the left shoulder which was not protected by armor but enough to force his Horse to change direction and ride away as the Spear is on the ground. It was Roxana who threw that Spear as she draws her Sword and stands by Lahun)

Roxana: Get away from her!

(Ot-tegin rides away to another direction, and a few of his men follows him which they passed Roxana by without any attempt to hitting her as Roxana is in her defensive stance)

(Lahun hugs Roxana)

Roxana: Whoa, careful. I have a Sword in hand. They're gone now.

Lahun: Thank you so much, I owe you my life...

Roxana: I'm Roxana. The Lady of Bukhara.

Lahun: Roxana. Thank you. (She looks at her dead brother, Bozan) Oh Bozan...

(Lahun begins to mourn for him)

(Roxana sees this and she looks back at where Ot-tegin and his remaining men are riding off to)

(The small battle at the Bandit Camp is now over, The Bandits suffered 24 dead, one surrendered, four escaped including Ot-tegin the Bandit Leader. The Sogdian forces suffered 10 dead, which they were all of the lightly armed and armored levies, 15 more were wounded to varying degrees. Only Shapur of Roxana's Companions/Sarþangēt (Commanders) was the one that got wounded, but with only light wounds)

(The Palace at Varakhsha. The Day after the Rescue of the Kidnapped Servants)

(Vishtasb, the Father of Roxana has finished with addressing to the petitioners for the day)

Vishtasb: (He looks to the right) Artivan.

Artivan: (He approaches to his Father) Yes, Father?

Vishtasb: I want you to wait outside for a while, we're expecting a Physician to come here, and I want you to be the one to welcome him or her.

Artivan: Yes, Father. Just one little question.

Vishtasb: What is it?

Artivan: Why a Physician?

Vishtasb: Because Roxana took the Court Physician with her. And it's absurd that the Physician also serves as a soldier.

Artivan: Oh, you mean Tishvandak.

Vishtasb: I sometimes forget his name.

(Artivan begins to leave to go outside and await for the arrival of the new Court Physician)

(Sarah comes in with a roll of paper)

Sarah: Regent, a message from Xātūn Roxana.

(Sarah gives Vishtasb the message)

Vishtasb: Artivan, wait a moment!

(Artivan stops and goes back. Nanai, and Shirin comes out as they heard about a message from Roxana)

Vishtasb: (Unrolls the paper and begins to read the message) Listen everyone. (He reads aloud) "My dear family, I would like to let you know that I'm doing all right. We've rescued the servants, with only light casualties. I am currently at Paykand to rest for the day, and we will soon decide on regarding the Bandit Leader by the name of Ot-tegin as he fled westwards. Expect another message from me later today or tomorrow. Signed, Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara."

Nanai: Oh, thank the Yazatas that she's still alive.

Vishtasb: So, we know the Bandit Leader's name now.

Shirin: Does this mean that Roxana is coming home soon?

Vishtasb: We don't know yet. She said that she'll make the decision with her Sarþangēt. If she doesn't return soon, I'll have to be the Regent for a while longer.

Sarah: And I will continue to serve you until the servants have returned.

Vishtasb: That's nice of you, as you are a friend of Roxana.

(Sarah bows as she leaves the room)

Vishtasb: (Looks at Artivan) Artivan, go wait outside for the arrival of our guest.

Artivan: Yes, Father.

(Artivan walks to the door, he opens and he screams briefly in surprise as he steps back)

(It's a Nestorian Christian Missionary of Persian origin named Reza which he didn't get startled by Artivan as he comes in and walks towards Vishtasb. Vishtasb has an uncertain look towards Reza)

Vishtasb: Do you speak our language?

Reza: Yes.

Vishtasb: Who are you?

Reza: I am Reza. I'm a Missionary which I have returned from a Mission to far-away China. I heard you're looking for a new Court Physician.

Vishtasb: That's correct.

Reza: During my travels, I know many remedies. I treated many sick people, as well as the injured. I wouldn't claim myself to be a miracle worker. But I do what I can with the best of my knowledge and abilities.

Vishtasb: Excellent. I shall pay you in gold. You will now be the Court Physician.

Reza: Thank you, it'll be an honor to serve you and your family here. Despite our religious differences, I will not interfere with your worship to your God.

Vishtasb: Glad that you're mindful. Nanai.

Nanai: (She walks to him) Yes, my Husband and Regent?

Vishtasb: Show him to the room where Roxana's Physician once worked there. At least you know Persian.

Nanai: Yes, I've learned Persian when a Gardener used to live here, and he passed his knowledge of Gardening to me.

(Nanai goes to Reza to show him the way)

(Vishtasb then goes to sit down on the Throne as he thinks, Shirin goes to Sarah in another room to assist her with something. Artivan goes to Vishtasb and stands next to him)

(Paykand. 30 kilometers or 19 miles south of Bukhara)

(In a camp just outside of Paykand, most of the rescued Servants are awaiting for transport to be taken back to Bukhara, but this time with a heavily armed escort. Lahun is sitting down all by herself away from the others. While she has mourned for the death of her Brother, Bozan. Now she is thinking about the man who killed her Brother, Ot-tegin the Bandit Leader who got away. Lahun is considering getting revenge in some way, then she gets up and leaves)

(Lahun now currently wears a green commoner Kaftan, brown eyes, and brown hair with two braids up front that is pigtails-like)

(Lahun enters Paykand as she walks down the streets and then she enters an Army Barracks which houses the members of the Army of the Bajanid Emirate in the city as part of the Paykand Garrison and Border Guard that patrols parts of their side of Oxus/Amu Darya River)

(She looks around and sees the personnel of Arab and Sogdian origin are interacting with one another. They don't see her as an Arab Officer who came in on the other side of the building shouts orders in both Arabic and Sogdian languages to tell the men to fall in line)

(Lahun goes upstairs to their sleeping quarters, she sees some silver coins on the table. Lahun finds a coin purse and she begins to steal most of the silver coins as quickly as she can as she hears Arabic and Sogdian voices downstairs which doesn't sound like they're getting closer)

(She finishes stealing most of the coins that the coin purse can carry, and she quietly goes downstairs as she looks to her left as the Arab and Sogdian soldiers are still listening to their commanding officer. Lahun leaves the building quietly and she looks back once to make sure that she doesn't get caught while leaving the Army Barracks)

(Lahun enters the Market District, and she goes to the food vendor which she purchases some Persian naan flatbread)

(Soon afterwards, she's been eating the flatbread as she thinks about what to do next. She sees a Sogdian guard as he is part of the City Guard, she takes one more bite of the flatbread before she gets up and walks to the guard)

Lahun: Excuse me.

(The Sogdian City Guardsman looks at Lahun)

Lahun: I'm looking for Roxana.

Guard: Which one? There's three women named Roxana in the city.

Lahun: (Sighs) Let me rephrase it for you, I'm looking for Roxana of Bukhara.

Guard: Lady Roxana?

(Lahun's face lights up as she's ready to hear the answer)

Guard: She is at a small lake further east of here with her Sarþangēt.

(Lahun changes her expression from happy to slightly disappointed)

Guard: But don't worry, she is expected to return to here soon.

Lahun: Thank you.

(She walks away)

(Lahun thinks about what to do next until she notices something ahead further down the street, it's the Arabian and Sogdian soldiers that are moving towards her direction, but they are turning to different directions to ask questions to anybody that would listen)

(She slowly turns to her left and goes to the alley to go to another street just to get out of sight of the soldiers. Lahun grips the coin purse tightly as she knows that they're looking for the coin purse that she stole)

(Lahun goes outside of the city and gets some distance away from Paykand, and she kicks the dirt with her boot, and then she gets down and starts digging a hole with her hands. She puts the purse into the hole, and she fills the hole, and places a large rock over it for her to remember the location)

(She goes to a nearby creek which she washes the dirt off of her hands to get rid of the evidence that she was digging a hole to hide the money. Now Lahun goes back into Paykand as she decides to go hide in a small local Manichean Temple to take up sanctuary. A Manichean Priest welcomes Lahun in the Temple as Lahun was raised as a Manichean in her youth by her parents many years ago)

(An hour later, Lahun leaves the Manichean Temple as she feels inspired by the sermons of the day. She looks around as sees no soldiers on the streets looking for the Sogdian soldier's stolen coin purse and his silver coins)

(Lahun goes back to the Army Barracks, not to steal, but to ask one of the Sogdian soldiers stationed there. She knocks the door, and a Sogdian soldier opens the door and sticks his head out as he sees Lahun)

Lahun: Excuse me Sir.

Sogdian Soldier: I'm sorry, I cannot speak to you right now, go away.

Lahun: Can any of your Officers speak to me?

Sogdian Soldier: I'm telling you, they can't. I'm ordered to not let anyone in, now go!

Lahun: How about the Commanding Officer?

Sogdian Soldier: Can't, I must not leave my post. Now flee from here, someone might attack you and shoot you with arrows. Move!

Lahun: They wouldn't do that, you're bluffing. I'm here to speak with the Officer in charge, and tell him about the whereabouts of Ot-tegin. I'd like to see him.

Sogdian Soldier: You can't, negotiations are ongoing.

Lahun: What negotiations? I didn't see an envoy enter the city. Let me speak with him, it's only for a moment.

Sogdian Soldier: Are you deaf? You must not go near here! If the Commander comes, we'll be in trouble, you, me. All of us! Now go on, get out of here!

(He closes the door, Lahun has a slight smirk on her face because she knows what's going on in the Barracks, which is their continuing search for the missing coin purse and the silver coins that Lahun stole and buried it outside of the city)

(The mustachioed Sogdian Commander of the Paykand Detachment of the Army of the Bajanid Emirate named Khurshid comes out after he heard the commotion)

Khurshid: Hey! What's going on out there?

Sogdian Soldier: Nothing much, sir. Just some girl pestering me that she wants to speak to an Officer about someone named Ot-tegin. She was hard to get rid of her.

Khurshid: Bring her in, let me speak with her.

(The Sogdian Soldier opens the door and tells Lahun to come in, Lahun enters and she goes to meet with Commander Khurshid)

Lahun: You must be the Commander.

Khurshid: I am Commander Khurshid. Now what is it that you want?

Lahun: I'm sure you heard about Ot-tegin, the Bandit Leader that took many servants hostage, myself included.

Khurshid: What about him?

Lahun: We were all rescued by Roxana which I'm sure you know the news of that. But Ot-tegin escaped to the west. I hope your men or the Border Guards have him captured by now.

Khurshid: No, we have not captured him, he likely got away and entered into Khwarezm.

Lahun: Why don't you go after him there?

Khurshid: In case you don't know this, Khwarezm is another country, a Kingdom in fact. We have no right to be there unless we're at war, but we're not.

Lahun: (Thinks briefly) What if I were to hire someone to pursue him into Khwarezm?

Khurshid: (Laughs) Did you meet Bounty Hunters or trained killers to go after criminals before?

Lahun: That's a foolish question, Commander. My Brother was killed by Ot-tegin during the rescue. I am here to avenge my Brother.

Khurshid: You're going to do that alone?

Lahun: I may have to if all the other options have been exhausted. He's going to return to Sogdia either a dead man, or alive, who is going to be later dead anyway by execution in public view.

Khurshid: Well, if you manage to find someone that is willing to go into Khwarezm with you. All I can say is good luck to you and may Bahram grant you victory should you finally track him down.

Lahun: That's encouraging.

Khurshid: Just one advice to you, if you're going to hire someone, you better pay up a lot of silver coins, or a few gold coins.

Lahun: Don't worry, I already got the money that I've been saving up.

Khurshid: Farewell, miss.

(Lahun nods her head, and she walks away as she knows that the Arab and Sogdian Soldiers in the Barracks are still preoccupied with their fruitless search for the missing purse which gives Lahun more open time to use the money for other means besides food and drink)

(At a small Lake East of Paykand)

(Roxana is swimming underwater in the lake for a short period of time. She is swimming with her clothes on, which are clothing worn by commoners as she doesn't want her fancier clothing to get wet)

(She surfaces to breathe for air and she swims to the shore)

(Roxana is walking towards her Sarþangēt as she adjusts her wet hair)

(The Companions of Roxana are present as it follows: Urak, Rostam, Shapur, Tishvandak, Amr bin Maquil, Sagharak, Kurush, Chuzakk, and two new ones that joined up with them after they fought well during the rescue of the servants a day prior. One is an 18 year old young man named Divashtich, and the other one is 28 year old man named Zartosht)

Roxana: (She looks back at the lake briefly) Men, I'm sure you noticed that there's a small Buddhist Wayside Shrine down at the bottom. To me, it's starting to become an eyesore if anyone decides to bathe or swim here. And seeing that little Buddha statue on that Shrine just makes me feel that I got to do something about it.

Rostam: Who do you think put that there?

Roxana: Arabs, Türgesh, maybe zealous Persians that weren't too fond of them. It can't be Bandits, otherwise they would've looted it. That Shrine has been down there for who knows how long, as if somebody picked it up and just dump it there.

Urak: It would be best to bring it back up, and restore it to it's former glory.

(Some of the men are nodding in agreement)

Roxana: Now come with me.

(They all get up and goes with Roxana until they stop walking right next to the shore)

Roxana: I need a couple of volunteers, we're going to move some items off the Shrine, so we can put them into the shore. And then we'll pick up the Shrine itself and move it to shore. I hope it isn't too heavy. If it is heavy, we'll need some rope and pull the Shrine up.

Chuzakk: Count me in.

Rostam: I'm with you.

Tishvandak: I'm going as well, but be careful with the Buddhist items, they're going to mean a lot to many a people that come here.

Roxana: All right then, follow me. The rest of you stay there, you're backup. Until you are needed, just do whatever you like.

(Roxana, Chuzakk, Rostam, and Tishvandak goes into the water, and then they dive down to begin their work)

Urak: If any of you are called for, try to enjoy yourselves.

(The rest of Roxana's Companions begins to do whatever they like as some of them wade on the water)

(At the bottom of the lake, Roxana, Chuzakk, Rostam, and Tishvandak are gathering some of the items, and among other things that were dumped or placed by the sunken Shrine)

(Back up at the shore as Urak oversees, Shapur, and Kurush are in the water swimming for a while and they are calling for Amr bin Maquil to get in the water with them)

Sagharak: Don't do it Father, you'll drown.

Amr bin Maquil: Don't worry about me, Son. Nothing to worry about.

(Divashtich and Zartosht comes over to Amr bin Maquil)

(Divashtich has messy brown hair with mud brown eyes, and no facial hair. While Zartosht is bald and has very short facial hair, he is wearing a fur-lined cap of Sogdian origin to cover his bald head. However, his eyes are actually blue which is uncommon amongst the Sogdians)

Zartosht: How are you at swimming?

Amr bin Maquil: Well, I'm not like one of those sailors from faraway Persia that trade with the Indians.

Zartosht: We'll throw you into the water.

Amr bin Maquil: Damn it men, no.

Divashtich: We will.

(Divashtich and Zartosht grabs Amr bin Maquil as he tries to break out of their grip, and then they throw him into the water which he is struggling to keep afloat)

Sagharak: Oh no.

Urak: Help him out!

(They get in the water to get Amr bin Maquil out of the lake)

(Nearby, an elderly Sogdian Farmer comes over as he heard the commotion. He goes to Urak)

Farmer: Excuse me.

(Urak turns to look at the Farmer)

Farmer: What's going on over there?

Urak: We're working.

(Chuzakk, Rostam, and Tishvandak emerges out of the lake, and they all place the Buddhist-related items from the submerged Shrine gently to the ground)

Farmer: What the?

(Roxana emerges out of the lake as well as she is carrying a small Buddha Statue made of gold, and places it next to the other items)

Farmer: Oh my, a lovely woman from the lake.

Rostam: Hey, that's no woman of the lake, that's Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara. She rules over Bukhara and Paykand, address her with respect.

Farmer: Really? (He looks at Roxana as she is adjusting her wet hair again) Oh, my apologies, My Lady. I thought you were someone else. (He bows down in respect)

Roxana: It's all right, you can get up now.

(The others notice Roxana over there talking to a Farmer, Sagharak is calming his Father down after they got him out of the water)

Roxana: What's your name, Farmer?

Shaw: My name is Shaw. (He looks at the Buddhist objects on the ground) Where did you find these?

Roxana: There's an Buddhist Shrine down at the bottom, we're trying to get it back up to land.

Shaw: I wasn't aware of this. And I often get the water from the lake. Is the Shrine heavy? I have some tools, and some rope that might be useful to you.

Roxana: And help would be appreciated.

Shaw: Let me go get them.

Roxana: Chuzakk, Rostam. Go with him.

(They complied as Roxana watches them leave as her other Companions gather next to her)

(Many minutes later)

(Some of Roxana's Companions including herself are back in the water to begin moving the Shrine which parts of it are wrapped around it by rope, and the rope is being pulled by two oxen that belongs to Shaw the Farmer, and the other Companions who are not in the water also pull the rope in order to move the Shrine back up to land)

(Nearby, a group of four Buddhist Monks of Sogdian origin, and a Buddhist layperson of Turco-Hephthalite origin as he is carrying a blanket that is wrapped with something inside. The other Monks are carrying walking sticks with their right hand, and holding their alms bowls with their left arm. They are walking towards the area and they stopped to observe what's going on)

(The Wayside Shrine is being moved as it's beginning to reveal itself as it surfaces. Roxana and some of the others surfaces as they continue to push the Shrine up to the ground while assisted by the other Sarþangēt, and the oxen as well)

(The Buddhist Monks who were watching this all unfold, they realize that the Wayside Shrine is a Buddhist Shrine which they react with surprise and then happiness)

(Soon afterwards, the Buddhist Wayside Shrine is now far away from the lake, and it's close to Shaw's Farmhouse next to a road. They all stopped moving it as this is where Shaw would like to have it as it's new location)

Roxana: (Catches her breath after all the work) Well done men, now all we have to do now is to... (She sees the Buddhist Monks)

(Everybody else turns to see them)

(The Monks approach as Roxana and her Sarþangēt all gather together. Roxana signals Sagharak and Tishvandak to stand next to her as they're both Buddhists, serving in the Bukharan Army)

Roxana: Welcome, I am Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara and Paykand. I may not look like that I'm dressed as a proper Noble Lady, but believe me, I am one as my predecessor chose me to be the ruler of the lands of Western Sogdia.

Tishvandak: We have been working on restoring this Shrine for some time now, but we plan on finishing the last part of the task and that's to get these objects back into place. (He points to the Buddhist objects on the ground and the Monks turn to their right to see them) Will you help us?

(The Monks are in agreement, and they begin to help with the restoration)

Shaw: Let me help out, I'm a Buddhist as well.

(Tishvandak walks with the Monks, Roxana watches them and then she turns to Sagharak while she adjusts her wet hair once again. Sagharak looks at Roxana and he stares at her, Roxana looks at him and she signals him to go help them and he goes to them)

(Some time later)

(The Buddhist Wayside Shrine has been fully restored and cleaned, as well as all the Buddhist objects placed in their correct places, including the golden statue of The Buddha)

(Roxana nods her head in approval)

Roxana: Now it's back to the way it was many years ago.

(The Monks approach the Shrine and they begin to chant The Three Refuges, also known as The Three Jewels as they recite in Pali Language:

Buddham saranam gacchami.
Dhammam saranam gacchami.
Sangham saranam gacchami.

"I take refuge in the Buddha."
"I take refuge in the Dharma."
"I take refuge in the Sangha.")

(Shaw and Tishvandak join in as well, Shapur and Rostam bows in respect due to them both being Manicheans as Gautama Buddha is revered in Manichaeism)

(Sagharak doesn't join in as he is a young man as he doesn't know every single thing about Buddhism yet, but to observe and learn from it such as the rituals despite that he was raised by a Vajrayana Buddhist Mother which his Sunni Muslim Father, Amr bin Maquil allowed it)

(Roxana and her Non-Buddhist Companions such as the Zoroastrians and Nestorian Christians just stand and watch in respect)

(After all this is finished, Shaw tells the Monks to wait as he goes back to his farmhouse, and he gathers some food which he puts the food into his large bowl. He goes back outside and he gives the food to the Monks by placing them on their Alms Bowls)

Shaw: For your efforts.

(Roxana walks towards the Monks)

Roxana: Excuse me.

(The Monks turn to Roxana)

Roxana: Which one of you is the leader of the group? And where are you headed during your travels?

(The lead Monk steps forward toward her)

Dharmarakshita: I am Dharmarakshita. We came from Balkh, and we are going to Bukhara, because we heard the Buddhist Community there has been neglected for some time.

Roxana: Well, you are speaking to the Lady of Bukhara herself. Even though I'm not at my throne as you can see. My Father, Vishtasb is currently the Regent in my absence. And yes, the Buddhists in Bukhara have seen better days. I actually planned on ordering the construction of a Buddhist Monastery outside of the Bukhara Oasis before I came here.

Dharmarakshita: You are wise beyond your years, young one.

Roxana: Well, my best friend is a Buddhist, but that person is traveling to another country in a pilgrimage, to Khotan.

Dharmarakshita: I hope your friend will walk in a auspicious path to Khotan.

Roxana: Yes. Now, we are about to return to Paykand, we're going to rest for the night. You can come with us to rest there before you go to Bukhara.

Dharmarakshita: We'll follow you.

Roxana: Good. I will write a message to my Father for him to carry out my order and fund the construction of the Monastery for all of you, and the Buddhist Community of Bukhara.

(Roxana smiles and bows in respect to the Monks even though she is a Zoroastrian, but she has been taught to respect all the different faiths within the Sogdian culture)

(Paykand, Evening)

(In the Palace of Paykand. Roxana and her Sarþangēt are eating dinner and holding conversations between one and another)

Kurush: Is there nothing better than the struggles of earnest love? (He leans over the table) It is exhilarating and virtuous to do your utmost to suffer for love.

Shapur: (Laughs) What tripe. Have you read too many stories of chivalrous romance as of late, I wonder? There is nothing noble about struggling for love. After all the pain of yearning, before you know it, your struggles are for nothing because your beloved marries a buffoon or changes their mind.

(Roxana looks to her right briefly due to hearing the conversation as she is trying to focus on eating her dinner)

Kurush: You must have been rejected before, and didn't struggle hard enough to earn true love.

Shapur: I'm being realistic. Don't confuse pain for genuine love. Isn't that right, Xātūn Roxana?

(Roxana swallows her food as she turns to look at Kurush and Shapur who are now looking at her. Roxana looks at the other way which a few more would like to hear her answer, with Sagharak being the most curious of course)

(Roxana finds this awkward for her as her only romantic experience that she ever had was with her Best Friend, Parvin. She thinks of a response to pick a side on the debate)

Roxana: Well. I say that the more struggle and pain, the more rewarding love is.

(Some of the men are nodding in agreement, others disagree, but only a few ignore it as they continue to eat. In Roxana's mind, she thinks that Love is a wonderful struggle as she may have heard one too many romance stories about how true love will be won through arduous struggle, so they romanticize the notion and project these fanciful tales onto reality)

Urak: Roxana, have you thought about going after the Bandit Leader, Ot-tegin? It's now known that he and a few of his men have fled into Khwarezm.

Roxana: I have thought about that for some time. But we can't bring an Army to go in and get him, if the Khwarezmian Army sees us like that, they're going to think that we are raiding or invading their land, and the Khwarezmian Shah won't like it. We'll have to reduce the numbers before we go over there.

Tishvandak: How many of us should go with you?

Roxana: Just all of us. No additional reinforcements needed, and there's only Ot-tegin and a few followers, I doubt any Khwarezmians would want to join him to be part of Banditry.

Rostam: What if the Shah or one of his Vassals are harboring those criminals?

Roxana: Then I'll resort to negotiations to hand them over.

Rostam: And if they don't?

Roxana: Maybe I'll threaten them by telling them that I will send a message to the Regent of the Emirate and he'll possibly send a message to Caliph Al-Mansur in Baghdad to send an army to invade Khwarezm, It's my way of trying to bluff them into handing Ot-tegin over. If, they have him.

Urak: I think they would likely surrender if you tell them about that, they don't like Arabs, but they fear their military might, it was long ago that the Umayyad Commander Qutayba ibn Muslim that conquered Khwarezm and devastated their land. They've never forgotten about that.

Roxana: I'm willing to go west, how about the rest of you? Are you coming with me?

(They're all in agreement, only because they feel that it might be an easy task)

Roxana: Good.

Divashtich: One concern though. It's regarding the old man here.

Amr bin Maquil: I'm not that old, I'm 38 years old.

Divashtich: When we are in Khwarezm, we can't call you with that name out in public. They're going to think you're Arabian rather than Sogdian.

Zartosht: Yes, that name starts with the word that sounds like Amir, like Emir Jibril.

Divashtich: That's what we'll call him, Amir!

Amir: All right then, I'll adopt that as my name. I will only use my real name to my family.

Rostam: Maybe one day, we'll make you the next "Amir" of Al-Sughd.

(Most of the men are laughing)

Roxana: Well, Amir. As your liege, I'm going to promote you.

Amir: Really?

Roxana: Yes. You will be the Overseer-of-Stores, in other words, Quartermaster.

(The men are applauding to him)

Roxana: We need you to keep us well-supplied with whatever we need for this expedition to Khwarezm. We'll leave to there tomorrow.

Lahun: Roxana!

(Lahun comes in as the Sarþangēt are surprised)

Roxana: Lahun? What are you doing here, how did you get in here?

Lahun: Your guards were nice enough to let me in.

Roxana: Blasted amateurs. Lahun, what do you need?

Lahun: I don't need anything. I want to go with you.

Roxana: To Khwarezm? For what purpose?

Lahun: Ot-tegin. He killed my Brother. I want him captured alive or dead.

Roxana: We'll do that, but not with you.

Lahun: Why?

Roxana: Because I can't let you to come with us, you'll be a liability to us.

Lahun: But I won't, I could be a great help to you. I can be one of your camp followers.

Roxana: No, Lahun. You're not coming with us. And that's an order from the Lady of Bukhara.

(Lahun is a bit upset)

Roxana: Listen, I saved your life, and you should be very grateful. We'll avenge the death of your Brother, we'll get Ot-tegin. You need to go back to Bukhara and serve my family. Tishvandak, give Lahun some of your silver coins.

(Tishvandak stands up and gives Lahun ten silver coins)

Roxana: I want you to rent a room at a Tavern for the night, and then you must return to Bukhara tomorrow.

(Lahun has the coins on her right hand, and she looks disappointed as she walks away)

(Roxana nods her head a bit as she knows that Lahun got the message)

(Lahun goes outside and she walks down the streets to go to a Tavern)

(A couple of minutes later in the Tavern)

(Lahun is eating her dinner all by herself away from other people)

(An Buddhist Layman of Turco-Hephthalite origin comes in and he is holding a wrapped blanket. He looks around and then he sees someone he recognizes, Lahun. He didn't expect her to be here as he thought that she is in Bukhara. And then he walks towards her)

(Lahun looks at him as he takes his seat in front of her)

Lahun: If you're here to give me words of compassion, I'm not interested. (Looks at the wrapped blanket) What's this?

Narendraditya: (Speaking Bactrian) It's a gift for you. I am Narendraditya.

Lahun: (Speaking Bactrian) I do not know you. And why are you giving me a gift?

Narendraditya: It's not from me. It's from your Mother, Zbayana.

Lahun: Mother?

Narendraditya: Yes. Originally, it was meant for your Brother, but I saw you first. I thought you're in Bukhara, I didn't expect to find you here.

Lahun: My brother is dead. He was killed yesterday, by the Bandit Leader named Ot-tegin.

Narendraditya: Sorry to hear about that.

(Lahun is about to open the blanket)

Narendraditya: Don't.

(Lahun stops)

Narendraditya: Is there somewhere private so you can open your gift?

Lahun: Upstairs, I already have a room rented for the night.

(Lahun and Narendraditya goes to the stairs and goes up and enters the room that Lahun will be staying in)

(Narendraditya places the blanket onto the bed, and he tells Lahun to open it. Lahun opens the wrapped blanket and it reveals a few items such as a Waterskin which is for drinking water, a couple of Apples, and a Sword with a Scabbard)

(Lahun grabs the Scabbard and she unsheathes the Sword which is actually a Chinese-made double-edged straight Sword called Jian)

Lahun: This Sword was meant to be given to my Brother?

Narendraditya: Yes, your Mother wanted him to have this when he is old enough. That Sword was originally belonged to a Chinese Soldier stationed at a Garrison in Kucha at least 60 years ago, he was killed during a battle against the Türgesh, and the Sword was lost in the desert, until a few years later. A Sogdian Merchant found it and picked it up out of the sand and made it his personal weapon, then eventually the Sword was sold to your Grandfather, then passed down to your Father, and now. It is yours. It's still sharp.

Lahun: (Feels a little more confident now that she has a Sword) Thank you. (She sheathes the Sword back into the Scabbard) I'll be sure to write a message to my Mother. You don't need to be the courier, wherever you are going, continue on your travels.

Narendraditya: I'm actually going to Bukhara. A Buddhist Monastery will be constructed by the order of Roxana of Bukhara.

Lahun: Really? Well then, I guess we'll meet again if we ever cross paths.

Narendraditya: Farewell, Lahun.

Lahun: You too.

(Narendraditya leaves, as Lahun looks at the Sword again, she's never used a weapon in her life before. But she feels encouraged)

(The Next Morning)

(Roxana and her Companions have already left Paykand to travel westward, and then turn towards the northwest along the Oxus River, also known as the Amu Darya River. Lahun wakes up, and a few minutes later, she goes outside to the streets of Paykand as she thinking about what to do next)

(Lahun walks to one of the City Guards)

Lahun: (Speaking Sogdian) Good morning Sir, Is Xātūn Roxana still here?

Guard: No, she left earlier this morning.

Lahun: Without me?

Guard: What?

Lahun: Never mind, it's nothing.

(Lahun walks away as she feels upset briefly at the news of Roxana's departure, and she decides to do something. But first, she goes outside of Paykand, goes to a rock that she remembers where she buried the coin purse)

(She moves the rock, and digs the dirt away and gets the purse out of the dirt. She checks her surroundings to make sure nobody was watching)

(Lahun returns to Paykand as she goes to the food vendor in the local Market to buy herself some Persian Naan Flatbread for breakfast)

(A couple of minutes later back in the Tavern, Lahun is eating her Flatbread at her rented room)

(She thinks again, she looks at her Sword. She has thought of an idea, and she wraps the blanket that has the Waterskin, Apples, and the Jian Sword)

(Lahun leaves the room while carrying the wrapped blanket, goes downstairs and she walks towards the Tavern Owner)

Lahun: Excuse me, do you know anyone around here that is a Sword for Hire?

(The Tavern Owner points to the direction of a man seated in a corner which he doesn't noticed them)

Tavern Owner: Young Lady, that man there is a Legendary Blademaster, you better have a lot of coin to hire someone like him.

(Lahun nods her head as she goes to him)

(The seated man looks at Lahun)

(Lahun doesn't seem to be afraid of him as she smiles slightly)

Lahun: Hello there, I heard that your skill with your Blade is legendary in these parts.

Man in the corner: I hear that pretty often by many others, from Merchants to Farmers. I've been paid very well during the last few years. What's your business, little girl?

Lahun: That accent. Are you an Ebodalo?

Man in the corner: Yes.

(Ebodalo is the native name of Hephthalite in the Bactrian Language)

Lahun: (Speaking Bactrian) I would like to hire you. What is your name?

Spitamanah: (Speaking Bactrian) I am Spitamanah.

(Spitamanah is in his early 40s, typically brown-eyed and brown-haired which he has a medium flowing hairstyle and a straight medium goatee. He is wearing Armor, and a Turkic-style fur-lined cap)

Spitamanah: What do you need to hire me for? (He notices the wrapped blanket that Lahun is carrying) What do you have in there?

(Lahun opens the blanket a bit which the Scabbard of the Jian Sword is revealed, Spitamanah grabs it, and he unsheathes the Sword to examine it)

Spitamanah: (Surprised) ...By the Father of Greatness! This is a Chinese Sword! Where did you get it and what is your intent with that weapon?

Lahun: I was Kidnapped by Bandits, my Brother Bozan was killed by the Bandit Leader named Ot-tegin. I was rescued by Roxana of Bukhara. This Sword was a gift from my Mother, it was originally going to be given to my Brother. But now I'm the owner of the Sword, and I intend to kill Ot-tegin if all other options fail.

Spitamanah: It's a good weapon. But you shouldn't risk your life to avenge your Brother. I guess you want to hire me to go find this Ot-tegin and kill him.

Lahun: That would be ideal.

Spitamanah: Do you know where he is?

Lahun: He escaped to Khwarezm after Roxana and her men rescued me and the servants.

Spitamanah: That's far from here.

Lahun: (Brings out the coin purse and opens it to show him many silver coins in there) Nothing is too far, I want to hire you so you can come with me to Khwarezm, and hunt Ot-tegin down.

(Spitamanah is considering the offer)

(The door is opened, An Arab Officer comes in along with a Sogdian Officer, and two Sogdian Soldiers. Lahun and Spitamanah sees them, and the other patrons of the Tavern sees them as well)

(The Arab Officer is speaking in Arabic)

Sogdian Officer: We are looking for a coin purse that belonged to one of our Soldiers, does anyone know where it is or who has it?

(Spitamanah grabs the coin purse out of Lahun's hand which Lahun smiles a bit which means he's hired. Spitamanah grabs the coins out of the purse and puts them in his pocket)

Spitamanah: (Whispering) Is this the stolen coin purse?

(Lahun nods her head)

(Arab Officer speaks Arabic)

Sogdian Officer: We are not fooling around.

(Arab Officer speaks once more)

Sogdian Officer: And we will not injure anybody.

(The Arab Officer nods his head)

(Spitamanah stands up as Lahun moves out of his way. They turn to their left to look at Spitamanah)

Spitamanah: (Speaking Sogdian) Are you looking for this?

(He brings out the coin purse with with left hand)

Sogdian Officer: That belongs to one of our Soldiers. Hand it over.

Spitamanah: Why don't you come over here and take it?

Sogdian Officer: Seize it from him.

(The two Sogdian Soldiers approaches Spitamanah)

(One of the Sogdian Soldiers was about to take the coin purse, but Spitamanah quickly draws his Scimitar Sword with his right hand and has the Sword pointed by the Soldier's neck as the Soldier puts his hands up. The other Sogdian Soldier was about to draw his Sword, but he is stopped by Lahun who drew her Jian Sword and pointed at his neck as well which he also puts his hands up)

(The Sogdian Officer was about to draw his Sword out but he is stopped by the Arab Officer which he tells him to put it back as he doesn't want to escalate the situation)

Spitamanah: (Briefly looks at Lahun with her Sword out, and then he looks at the Arab Officer) I don't want any bloodshed in this fine place.

(The Sogdian Officer translates to the Arab Officer on everything Spitamanah says)

Spitamanah: Since you're the man in charge, I want one request. The Girl, and myself will leave Paykand unharmed. I expect you to honor the deal once I give you the purse back.

(The Arab Officer speaks in Arabic)

Sogdian Officer: He says that you won't be harmed, he promises. He is a man of integrity.

Spitamanah: I suppose that I can trust you. Now, I'm about to hand it over.

(Spitamanah extends his left hand with the coin purse as the Soldier in front of him extends his hand to receive it. Spitamanah recoils back and he throws the coin purse over the Soldier, and the Sogdian Officer catches it)

(The Officer feels the coin purse to check the weight)

Sogdian Officer: This feels light, it's supposed to have a lot of coins in there.

Spitamanah: I'm afraid it's already been spent, I've been hired.

Sogdian Officer: By who?

(Spitamanah looks at Lahun, the Arab and Sogdian Officers looks at Lahun which she has a slight smirk on her face)

Sogdian Officer: You little thief.

Lahun: (Speaking Sogdian) Now, are you going to honor the deal or not? You got your purse back, are you going to let us leave the city?

(The Arab Officer listens to the translation, and then he shouts an order in Arabic)

Sogdian Officer: Soldiers, withdraw.

(The two Soldiers back away, and they all leave. Lahun and Spitamanah leaves the Tavern as they walk down the city street while they sheath their Swords)

Lahun: So, where are we going now?

Spitamanah: Well, since you caused quite a stir in the city. I know a place a further away from here, I have a little hideout where we'll stay for the night. I have two Horses there.

Lahun: One for you, and one for me. Excellent. And tomorrow, to Khwarezm!

(Lahun and Spitamanah leaves Paykand)

(The Palace at Varakhsha. One Day Later)

(Vishtasb is seated on the Throne as he continues to rule Bukhara as the Regent. His Son and Steward Artivan comes in)

Artivan: Father, the Servants have returned.

Vishtasb: Excellent, bring them in.

(Artivan opens the doors as the Servants file in, and amongst them are the group of Buddhist Monks)

(Artivan greets all of them, as Nanai, Shirin, and Sarah comes out to greet them as well)

(Dharmarakshita, the leader of the group of Monks approaches Vishtasb as he is carrying a message)

Dharmarakshita: Vishtasb, Father of Roxana. I am Dharmarakshita. Your Daughter has sent a message for you.

(He gives Vishtasb a written message, Vishtasb reads the message)

(Vishtasb reads the portion of the message which changes his expression. He looks up as he sees the Court being noisy with greetings)

Vishtasb: Silence everyone! Listen to this message from Xātūn Roxana.

(Everyone is quiet as they listen to Vishtasb)

Vishtasb: "Greetings my Father, the Wise and Honorable Regent, I am doing well. I have made two important decisions, the first decision is that I order the construction of a Buddhist Monastery outside of the Bukhara Oasis for the Buddhist Community in Bukhara which I expect you to comply." (He looks at the Buddhist Monks briefly as he nods his head in approval for the sake of his Daughter as she supports Buddhism) "The second decision I made is that I along with my men will be heading to Khwarezm which is where the Bandit Leader Ot-tegin has fled, we will find him and bring him back to Bukhara either dead or alive."

(Nanai, Artivan, and Shirin have a concerned look on their faces upon hearing this)

Vishtasb: "I hope to Weshparkar that we'll find him and capture him as quickly as we can, so we can return to Bukhara in triumph. Wish all of us luck, and keep us in your thoughts. Your loving Daughter, Xātūn Roxana of Bukhara."

Shirin: So, is my Sister not coming back?

Vishtasb: I'm afraid not anytime soon. That means I'll have to continue my duties as the Regent.

Nanai: I hope she doesn't get hurt.

Vishtasb: Do not worry, she is with some of the finest warriors that Bukhara has to offer.

Dharmarakshita: Will you honor your Daughter's order to build a Monastery for us?

Vishtasb: Ah, yes. You'll get your Monastery, I'll send you some of our best builders, with more on the way. I know they take about a year to build a structure like that. Artivan!

(Artivan approaches him)

Vishtasb: I want you to survey, and oversee the beginning of the construction of the Monastery.

Artivan: Yes, Father. It'll be an honor.

Vishtasb: You can go now.

(Artivan, and the Monks leave. The Servants are still here)

Vishtasb: As for you people, I would like to apologize to all of you for sending you into danger. I'm glad Roxana has rescued all of you. If any of you would like to continue to serve us, you can stay. If you don't want to serve us, you can return to your homes.

Yazdegerd: Actually, Vishtasb. (He approaches him) While I was escorting the Servants, I noticed that there's one person missing.

Vishtasb: Who?

Yazdegerd: The young Hephtal woman named Lahun. I have heard of talk that she wants to go to Khwarezm to avenge her Brother who was killed by Ot-tegin. It's likely she went to go after him there.

Nanai: By Ohrmazd, why are those girls going after that man?

Yazdegerd: Roxana is going after him in the name of Justice, while Lahun is going after him in the name of Revenge.

(Vishtasb sighs and shakes his head)

(Oxus/Amu Darya River, Sogdian/Khwarezmian Border. One Day Later)

(Roxana and her Sarþangēt which she at times calls them "Companions" after Alexander the Great's Companion cavalry are on horseback on their horses)

Roxana: Take a good look, men. To the left, it's the Amu Darya River. Also known by peoples from the West as the Oxus River. To the right, it's the Desert that the Turks call it as Kyzylkum. Further down river is all Khwarezmian territory. This part of the river here is fordable, so let's cross it.

Urak: Divashtich, Chuzakk. You two cross ahead, we'll follow you afterwards.

Divashtich: Roxana, are we being sent into enemy territory alone?

Roxana: I wouldn't call it that.

(She lets out a reassuring smile)

Chuzakk: Let's get moving, Divashtich. They hunted our people to capture them, now it's our turn to hunt those Bandits down.

(Chuzakk commands his horse to gallop towards the river to ford across)

Divashtich: I'm supposed to go with that maniac...?

(Divashtich follows Chuzakk to cross the river)

(Soon afterwards, Roxana and the rest cross the river as well)

(They all made it across the Oxus without incident)

Roxana: Well men, we are in Khwarezm now. If you see anyone at a distance, keep away from them. They must not mistaken us as raiders or invaders. We'll ask for directions whenever it's needed. But stay close to the river, either side further downriver is all Khwarezmian.

(Shapur looks back, and he sees something)

Shapur: Hey, we're being followed from the Sogdian side.

(A few of the Sarþangēt brings out their weapons. Roxana moves ahead to have a look at them)

(The two individuals on horseback stopped for a moment, and they decide to cross the river)

Roxana: It's Lahun! And someone else is with her. What in the name of the Weshparkar is she doing?

(Urak makes the Sign of the cross to himself in amazement of Lahun disobeying Roxana's order)

(Lahun and her hired Mercenary Spitamanah crosses the river which they also made it without incident)

(Roxana is not amused that Lahun has disobeyed her order back in Paykand two days ago)

(Spitamanah is wearing his armor, Lahun is still wearing her same clothing, and she is wearing a Fur-lined hat which is to keep her warm)

Lahun: You men are not going after Ot-tegin without me. I wish to see him captured dead or alive personally.

Roxana: Lahun, I told you once. Go back to Bukhara!

Lahun: If you have an issue with me, you have to go through Spitamanah first. I hired him to be my Bodyguard. It would be a bad idea to go against him, his skill with the blade is legendary.

(Spitamanah nods his head)

Lahun: I owed you my life, Roxana. And this is what I get? You tell me to go back, but I want Ot-tegin just as badly as you do.

Roxana: I guess I have little choice.

(Spitamanah has his hand on his Sword which doesn't unsheathe it just yet)

Roxana: You two can come along with us, but keep your distance away from us. So that way, the Khwarezmian people don't see us as a possible threat and mistaken us as Türgesh raiders. When we camp during nightfall, we'll keep a close eye on you two in case you don't go ahead of us in attempting to find Ot-tegin before us.

Lahun: Don't worry, we'll start following your orders. Just don't tell us to go home until the matter is done.

Roxana: Fine. Let's move out!

(Chuzakk and Divashtich rides out first, Roxana and the rest follows them at a distance, and then Lahun and Spitamanah sticks together as they follow them at a distance as well as everyone travels deep into the Oxus Borderlands known as Khwarezmia)

(Somewhere in the Khwarezmian countryside along with the Oxus/Amu Darya River. One Hour Later)

(Everyone is traveling on horseback, Tishvandak rides close to Roxana)

Tishvandak: Roxana. Can I tell you something interesting about Khwarezm? I've only been here once a couple of years ago.

Roxana: Do tell my friend.

Tishvandak: I may not know the language, but I know this one word, "Akhtarvenik". It means Astronomer. They are renowned since ancient times for their skills in Astronomy, Calendry, and Mathematics.

Roxana: Hmm, I wish we would bring one of those Akhtarveniks into our Court and enlighten us on what they know. But we're not here for that.

(She looks what's ahead of them and she notices that Chuzakk and Divashtich have dismounted from their steeds because they saw something ahead. Roxana puts her hand up to signify her Companions to stop moving and hold positions)

(Chuzakk and Divashtich walks slowly and cautiously as Chuzakk brings out his Chinese Crossbow while Divashtich brings out his Battle Ax)

(Roxana sees this, she turns around to look at the rest of her men as they're just as curious as she is)

(Further back, Lahun and Spitamanah have told their horses to stop moving and keep quiet)

(Roxana dismounts from her personal Warhorse, Bucephalus. She grabs her Sword and she approaches Chuzakk and Divashtich which they continue to stare at what's ahead. Roxana finally sees what they're seeing, it turns out to be a wooden road sign next to a wooden boat that is in damaged condition)

(A couple of minutes later, Rostam attempts to read aloud at the sign which is written in Khwarezmian Language, but however he struggles with it despite that Khwarezmian is closely related to the Sogdian Language)

Rostam: (Continues to read aloud) Ugh. I have no idea what some of this means. But I assume that there would be a village up ahead. But I don't see it over the horizon yet, just only the river.

Urak: The best option would be just to keep moving.

Roxana: (To Amir) You're third in command. What do you suggest?

Amir: There's little choice, we'll keep going.

Roxana: Feed the horses first, so they don't get noisy on our way downriver.

Amir: I'll see to it. (He turns to Sagharak and Zartosht) Sagharak, Zartosht, you're up front. We'll follow you soon.

Zartosht: Get a move on.

(Sagharak and Zartosht mounts up onto their horses as they gallop away, and Sagharak looks back to see his Father, and Roxana)

Roxana: There was no need to put your Son up ahead first.

Amir: There are no sons here, Roxana. Only Sogdian soldiers.

Roxana: (Smiles a bit) If you say so.

(The men begin to feed their horses before they follow Sagharak and Zartosht)

Lahun: Well, Spitamanah. Each step we take, the closer we get to Ot-tegin.

Spitamanah: Don't get too excited, we don't know what this land has to offer. All except one have been never been here before.

Lahun: Have you traveled to other countries?

Spitamanah: Yes, from Khorasan to Fergana. Never been to Khwarezm before.

Lahun: I'm not much of a traveler, only left my home to go to Bukhara with my Brother.

(Lahun and Spitamanah hears Roxana shouting an order at a distance)

Spitamanah: Let's get moving.

(They get back onto their horses)

(An hour later, they came across a village by the river. Roxana dismounts from her horse and orders a couple of her men to come with her to enter the village which it looks abandoned to her. The rest of the others will stay back until needed)

(Roxana, Urak, Tishvandak, Divashtich, Chuzakk, and Zartosht walks towards the village on foot to investigate. Lahun and Spitamanah watches on)

(Roxana and some of the Companions that went with her enters the village as they approach cautiously. But this would be short-lived as they begin to hear voices at a distance, but soon one of them realizes that the voice they're hearing doesn't sound like Khwarezmian Language, but rather in Avestan. Soon, they now see the villagers praying to the Oxus River along with a Mobed (Zoroastrian Priest) which he prays to Ahura Mazda regarding the river)

(Roxana and the others approaches him, as the Mobed hears the footsteps approaching and turns around which his eyes open as sees them which he doesn't react with surprise)

Roxana: Do you speak Sogdian?

Mobed: Yes.

Roxana: What's all this that you're doing?

Mobed: We are praying to the Amu Darya. We are praying to not only Ahura Mazda, but also to Wakhsh, the Yazata of the River itself. We are asking to ensure that the river flows smoothly this year. Spring will be coming next month, and what we're doing here is a local tradition that we pray to the river every now and then.

Urak: But why?

Mobed: Since you are Sogdians where you don't have this issue in your homeland. Here, the Amu Darya is as beneficial as it is treacherous. We Khwarezmians call it "The Mad River".

Roxana: "The Mad River"?

Mobed: Yes. We call it that at times due to the fact that this River tends to overflood or change it's course unpredictably. We had a terrible flood last year, not just here. But every other settlement further downriver, from the humblest of villages, to the grandest of cities. It doesn't always overflood every year, sometimes we get a manageable flood which would be good for the soil for the farmlands.

Roxana: I understand now.

Mobed: Would you like to participate in this ceremony? I assume you're Zoroastrians.

Roxana: Only myself, and two others with me are of that faith, we're mainly Khurmazta.

Mobed: Ah, so am I as with most of the Khwarezmian population. But mind you that there other Mobeds in this land that decry these rituals as contrary to the Mazdayan doctrine. Our Shah and his Vassals are of the Orthodox Zoroastrians, the old religion that used to be the State Religion of the fallen Sassanid Empire. So there's some issues between us and them. But nothing to concern you travelers. You are Sogdians, renowned traders.

Roxana: I guess you can say that. (She smiles a bit) We'll join in on your ceremony.

(A few minutes later, Roxana, Divashtich, and Zartosht joins with the Mobed and the Khwarezmian villagers in prayer. Roxana prays in Avestan to Ahura Mazda, and Wakhsh, the Yazata of the Oxus River. All the other Non-Zoroastrian members of Roxana's Retinue are not involved in the ceremony)

(Continuing the travel further downriver)

(Sagharak and Zartosht are ahead as they are going to cross the river again as there's a ford)

(Roxana and all the others are watching over them to provide security)

(Sagharak and Zartosht dismount from their horses, and they grab hold of their reins to lead the horses across the river)

(Lahun and Spitamanah walks to Roxana)

Lahun: Roxana.

Roxana: Yes, Lahun, what is it?

Lahun: Why are we crossing the river to the other side again?

Roxana: Because we might encounter someone that we don't want to draw attention to.

Spitamanah: You don't want to scare someone to turn to the other direction to warn a village, and then warn the whole country.

Roxana: Exactly.

(Sagharak and Zartosht are crossing the river while leading their horses. Sagharak trips on a rock and he goes down and splashes down onto the water, and he stands back up as Zartosht looks back and tells him to quit fooling around)

Amir: Damn, he tripped.

(Sagharak and Zartosht managed to cross the river and tells their horses to stay put. They go up a small hill to take a look on the other side. They don't see anything other than desert and snow in some areas. Zartosht looks back and signals them that the way is clear)

Roxana: Let's move out, follow their example.

(Roxana and all the others begins to lead their horses to ford across the river. A couple of minutes later, they made it through without incident. Amir approaches his Son, Sagharak)

Amir: Watch where you stick your feet. I've got other things to do besides looking after you.

Kurush: Let the kid be.

Amir: Don't you lecture me how to raise my son, you reprobate.

Kurush: I beg your pardon. My father raised me differently, before your kind executed him.

Roxana: (Walks to Amir, Sagharak, and Kurush) What's going on here?

Amir: Nothing, old grudges from Chaghaniyan during my time as the Lord of Chaghaniyan before we left to Bukhara a few years ago.

Roxana: This is no time for infighting right now. We'll rest here for a while, eat, drink, sleep.

(Roxana walks away along with Amir, Sagharak looks at Kurush, and Kurush looks at Sagharak as he doesn't think much)

(Half an hour later as everybody is resting, a Camel Bell is ringing at a distance)

(Some of them get up as they hear the noise which they bring out their weapons because they are not sure who is out there. Roxana gets up and sees that It's a Khwarezmian traveler with his Camel, but appears to be unarmed)

Roxana: Put your weapons away, it's not one of the Bandits. Tishvandak, with me.

(Roxana and Tishvandak approaches the traveler)

Roxana: You there! Don't be afraid. We're here to talk to you. Who are you, and do you speak Sogdian?

Anushtegin: I am Anushtegin. I'm a famous traveler in these parts.

Roxana: Is that so?

Anushtegin: Yes. I know many languages.

Tishvandak: What can you tell us more about Khwarezm? We are all travelers as you can see back there. We're all Sogdians.

Anushtegin: Since you all look like you've never been here before. I can tell you some of the things about my homeland. There's plenty of good things about Khwarezm, such as the quality of the artwork produced by the Artisans, and the great devotions of some of the people to Ahura Mazda.

Roxana: We noticed, we encountered some of them along the way.

Anushtegin: But, I do have one major problem with this land, regarding the settlements near the Lower Amu Darya region here.

Roxana: And what's that?

Anushtegin: If I had to be honest, those towns are full of horrible filth! The stench is unbearable! I know it's no one's fault, as it was caused by the constant flooding of the river, but I don't know how people live with that! That's why I travel often. In fact, the locals frequently relocate entire settlements to get away from the flood prone areas.

Roxana: Oh. But the flooding season hasn't come yet.

Anushtegin: I hope not. We have about a month before the snows melt up in the mountains from where the river originated.

Tishvandak: Since it's only a month away, we don't need to rush things, right?

Anushtegin: Yes.

Roxana: Let me ask you one important question. Have you seen four Sogdian men that were on horses? One of them is named Ot-tegin, he is the leader of a group of Bandits. He is a wanted man.

Anushtegin: Four men? I think I've seen four uncouth men at an abandoned village the other day. There were attempting to break in a building.

Roxana: Where's the village?

Anushtegin: Not far from here, actually. It's further down river, and then you turn right which is further away from the river, and you'll find it. The village was abandoned recently before they came there. I do not know if they are still there, I didn't go in and take a look.

Roxana: All right, thanks for all the information.

Tishvandak: Farewell, and safe travels.

Anushtegin: You too.

(Roxana and Tishvandak returns to the others)

Roxana: Everybody, get up. Get back to your horses. We know where they are now, and it's not far from here. They're hiding out in an abandoned village.

(They get up from their rest and they begin to pack up and mount back up to their steeds)

Lahun: Did you hear that, Spitamanah? We have a lead on Ot-tegin. We're on their trail.

Spitamanah: Excellent. I guess they didn't get too far as this is still only the first day of the search for them in this land.

Lahun: Based on the numbers we have together, we'll surround the village and get them.

Spitamanah: I better get a reward for this.

Lahun: Maybe we'll find whatever they stole along the way and I'll give some of them to you as payment. I don't think they're here for treasures or anything of that nature.

Spitamanah: Of course not, they're soldiers. Unless the Lady of Bukhara is kind enough to pay me afterwards once it's all set and done.

(Everyone begins to move out, but at a faster galloping pace of their horses)

(Abandoned Khwarezmian Village)

(Roxana and her Retinue lead their horses onto the outskirts of the Village and hitch them onto some trees. They bring out their weapons, some of them bring Shields for their protection)

(They group up together by the cover of bushes, and they peek out to look at the Abandoned Village)

Kurush: I doubt there's anyone there.

Roxana: Kurush, go with Zartosht. Search the area.

Zartosht: With that Christian, you'll end up in a Khwarezmian prison if found out knowing them.

Roxana: Get going.

(Kurush and Zartosht enters the Village)

Roxana: You two stay here and cover us.

(Roxana and the others move out to get a better view at a distance while Rostam and Shapur stays here as Rostam has a Bow, while Shapur has his Crossbow)

(Lahun and Spitamanah follows Roxana, against her advice)

(Kurush is armed with a Sword and Shield as he searches the Village along with Zartosht who is armed with a Mace and Shield)

(Roxana and the rest of her men now has a good view to watch over Kurush and Zartosht. Then, Kurush and Zartosht gets into an argument about this building they were about to enter)

Zartosht: If I decide I'm going in, I'm going in.

Kurush: No, you won't! You can damn well be sure...

Zartosht: (Brushes Kurush's shield arm out of the way) Don't make me hit you.

Kurush: You're not going in! We wait for the others, before one of us has to go in!

(Moments later. Roxana and the others enters the Village as they surround the building which is an abandoned Inn)

Roxana: What's the problem?

Kurush: Nothing, except that. (He points at an old Spear that is partially blocking the front door) It's a trap that's been set.

Zartosht: How? Kurush, how is it set?

(Chuzakk walks towards it, and Zartosht follows him)

Kurush: I sensed a trap, I know it's set.

(Shapur tries to look through the windows but he doesn't see anyone inside yet. Chuzakk and Zartosht takes a closer look at the Spear)

Chuzakk: I don't see any ropes or strings connected to it.

Divashtich: The whole Village could be crawling with traps.

Lahun: How can it be? Do you really think that Ot-tegin really thought all of this up with such little time?

Divashtich: Check the Spear again, there might be a Line that runs to the back of the Spear.

(Chuzakk looks at the Spear again and then he looks at Divashtich. Divashtich walks towards the Spear as Chuzakk was about to pick it up, but Divashtich restrains him briefly)

Divashtich: Don't touch it!

Chuzakk: (Mockingly) Don't touch it!

Zartosht: Fetch some sticks, boys. We'll get it from a safe distance.

Chuzakk: We don't need sticks.

(Chuzakk shoves Divashtich out of the way, Roxana and the others back away as Chuzakk is going to pick up the Spear)

Kurush: Jesus, Chuzakk!

(Chuzakk picks up the Spear and nothing happens)

Chuzakk: (He examines the weapon) This Spear is in terrible condition. The design of it looks like it's of Kuchean origin, but the Bandits took bad care of it.

(Divashtich looks at Chuzakk with surprise)

Zartosht: So much for your trap, Kurush.

Kurush: I guess I was too paranoid.

Chuzakk: I consider this evidence of the warped sense of humor that Ot-tegin has.

(Chuzakk starts pointing the Spear at Divashtich in a playful manner)

Divashtich: You damned lunatic.

Chuzakk: (The Spearpoint touches Divashtich's Armor, but doesn't apply force to thrust through) Lay off it.

(Chuzakk chuckles a bit and then he starts dancing comedically with the Spear. Roxana and some of her men starts laughing, with the exception of Zartosht due to his stoic demeanor, and Divashtich who is on a receving end of a joke. Lahun and Spitamanah aren't laughing as they're concerned with the whereabouts of Ot-tegin. The laughter calms down a bit)

Divashtich: That's enough.

(The laughter springs up again)

Divashtich: (Sighs) Go ahead and laugh.

(He walks away)

Lahun: Ot-tegin could be watching us or hearing the laughter. They should not let their guard down like that.

Spitamanah: Let's keep searching then.

(They walk away to resume their search)

(The laughter calms down again as Roxana signals Chuzakk to go check out the Inn as he complies as he carries the old Spear with him)

(Roxana orders the rest to get back to search around the Village, but with caution)

(Chuzakk enters the Inn which he notices of a pungent smell inside, he goes towards the counter which he also notices that the drinks are neatly placed for some reason. Chuzakk steps on a wooden board on the floor that makes a loud squeak, he opens the loose floorboard and he sees a massive pit of manure below, before he could react, the manure catches fire which it's highly flammable to the point that half of building explodes)

(Outside, everyone drops to the ground in reaction to the explosion, no one was near the explosion, and no one else was harmed except Shapur got hit in the back of the leg from a piece of a building which doesn't injure him. When the dust mixed with snow clears, Roxana gets up and calls for Chuzakk, no response. She calls again, and still no response, Chuzakk was killed in the explosion)

(An hour or so later, the remains of Chuzakk has been buried in a Christian manner as he was a Nestorian Christian, next to the grave is the makeshift crucifix to mark the grave. Urak says a prayer as he reads from his personal Bible that is in the Sogdian Language, Urak and Kurush are the two remaining members of Roxana's Retinue who are Christians. Roxana and the rest still pay their respects as they are of different faiths)

(At near sunset, Roxana and her men along with Lahun and Spitamanah all have dinner together at one of the abandoned houses which they all have dinner silently as they're not in a mood to speak at this time)

(Later that night as the men are sleeping in the houses as it's the only shelter for them, it's light snowing outside. Roxana stands on guard next to Chuzakk's grave with her Sword and Shield equipped. Lahun and Spitamanah goes to Roxana)

Roxana: (She looks at them with a serious look on her face) If they have ears at all, they would've heard the noise from afar. They're out there somewhere, but they won't surprise us. I'll make sure of it. I'll let the men sleep for the night. If they come back here, they'll be up against more than gullible soldiers. Spitamanah, when I get tired. You'll take over.

Spitamanah: Yes. I'll be willing to stand guard.

Lahun: I'll try to get some rest.

(Roxana nods her head)

(Two Days Later)

(Roxana and her Companions have been riding across the Khwarezmian countryside for two days in their search for Ot-tegin. Eventually they see something at a distance which Roxana signals to everyone stop moving as they command their horses to slow down and they all stopped)

(What they see up ahead is an old Kala Settlement which is partially damaged in the past, and abandoned for many years. The Kalas are a hybrid between a Settlement and a Fortress which are found in many different places throughout the Khwarezmian Oasis)

(Roxana orders her Companions to dismount from their horses, and they bring out their weapons)

Tishvandak: I've seen these structures before. They look very old.

Roxana: Tell me more.

(Roxana and her Men approach the Fortress on foot slowly)

Tishvandak: According to legend, the original kings of Khwarezm along the Lower Amu Darya region were descended from the legendary Kay Khosrow, son of the even more legendary Siyavash, more than millennia before the era of Alexander the Great.

(Roxana looks at Tishvandak as she is very interesting in hearing this)

Tishvandak: It was said that in those days, these so-called Siyavushid dynasty extended their reach into the steppes, subjugated many tribes there, developed a prosperous land, and built many great cities and castles.

Roxana: This is fascinating.

Tishvandak: Of course, there are those who are unsure about the veracity of these tales. The era before Alexander is a long, long time ago, and while we certainly find plenty of ruins of these ancient fortresses throughout this land along the Amu Darya, who can say whether these citadels were originally built by the descendants of Siyavash or not?

Roxana: Who knows such things, but I do know this. Siyavash is the Yazata of Death of Rebirth. And there is a Major Cult Center in Bukhara dedicated to him.

Divashtich: Really?

Roxana: Yes, have you never been to Bukhara before?

Divashtich: Not yet. I lived in Paykand my whole life.

Roxana: You'll like it there.

(Suddenly, and Arrow hits Divashtich in a torso which he screams in pain as he goes down)

Roxana: Shields up!

(Roxana, and some of her men with Shields gets together and forms a Shieldwall next to Divashtich as those without Shields grabs him to bring him away from the range of the Arrows. Rostam and Shapur brings out their Bow and Crossbow respectively and aims up at the Fortress)

Roxana: Tishvandak, go to Divashtich. You're the Physician.

(Tishvandak backs away to go to Divashtich quickly)

Roxana: Whoever's up there, show yourself!!

(They see a man up on the wall of the Fortress. Rostam and Shapur aims their weapons)

Ot-tegin: What took you so long to find us?

Roxana: Is that you up there, Ot-tegin?

Ot-tegin: Yes. I'm surprised at your determination in coming after me.

Roxana: We're here to bring you back to Bukhara so you can face justice for the crimes you have committed against the people of Bukhara.

Ot-tegin: Well, that's going to be hard for you. Because this old Fortress here is my new home. I like it here.

Roxana: There's only four of you, and a dozen of us. You're outnumbered.

Ot-tegin: True, but we have the high ground. You're going to have to come and get us if you dare. Sorry about shooting your friend there. The Arrow was meant for you. (Three of his men comes out as their bring out their Bows and they are aiming at Roxana and the others) This time, we'll make sure of it.

Roxana: You bastard!

(They begin to shoot at Roxana and her men, the Arrows are deflected by their Shields as Roxana orders to retreat to get away from the range of the Arrows, they run back while keeping their Shields up. Rostam and Shapur shoots back with their ranged weapons, but they couldn't hit them and then they retreat back as well. None of them got hit during their retreat as they take shelter at a large tree)

Roxana: Damn that man. (She looks at Tishvandak and Lahun who have been tending to Divashtich) How is he?

Tishvandak: I managed to get the Arrow out of him. It's flesh wound, none of his vital organs got him. He'll manage.

Lahun: Roxana, was that Ot-tegin up there?

Roxana: Yes, that was him. He still has loyal followers, and he has taken the old Fortress as shelter.

Urak: How are we going to get them? We don't have an Army, we don't have weapons to bring their walls down.

Amir: What if we send word to one of the Khwarezmian cities and send us an Army to assist us?

Roxana: No. That will take too long, and Ot-tegin would run away by then.

Rostam: And we don't owe anything to anyone, this is a Sogdian issue, and it should remain as such. It's just that it happens to be in Khwarezmian land.

Zartosht: I have prior experience with siege engineering, I can build a Catapult out of these nearby trees. We'll attack them tomorrow.

Roxana: I have little choice, I'll go with your suggestion.

Zartosht: I need a couple of volunteers to help me with that, cut down some trees, get some wood, and we'll build the Catapult.

Spitamanah: I'll help you with that.

Rostam: Shapur and I will help you.

Sagharak: Same here.

Roxana: And somebody's going to have to collect some rocks.

Kurush: I'll do it, but I hate to do it alone.

Amir: I'll help you.

Roxana: All right then.

(Up in the walls of the Fortress)

(Ot-tegin watches Roxana and her men at a distance. A wind is blowing a breeze, it is to the direction of Roxana and her Retinue, Ot-tegin comes up with an idea)

Ot-tegin: Give me your Bow.

(One of his men gives him a Bow and Arrow)

(Ot-tegin wraps a Tow just below the arrowhead, and one of the others soaks the Tow on the arrowhead with oil. Ot-tegin lights the Tow on fire with a torch which creates a Flaming Arrow. He places the Arrow on the Bow and pulls the bowstring as he aims high, he releases the Arrow which is now flying high as it's being picked up by the wind. The Arrow after a few seconds of flight hits the tree where Roxana, Lahun, Urak, Tishvandak, and Divashtich are hiding below, and the tree catches fire)

Roxana: (Notices the tree is catching fire) Fire! Get out of here!

(Roxana and Lahun runs away briefly to get to a safe distance, while Urak and Tishvandak picks up Divashtich and goes to Roxana and Lahun as the tree is in flames)

Roxana: Damn that man.

Lahun: He must pay, he killed my Brother.

Roxana: Wait until tomorrow, we'll get him. Be patient, Lahun.

(Lahun looks at the Fortress at a distance and she shakes her head with an angry look on her face)

(Up on the Fortress walls, Ot-tegin has a smirk on his face as he's convinced that he sent them running)

(Couple of hours later, evening)

(Roxana and her Companions have set up a couple of campfires, and the saddle blankets on the ground which are to be used as beds. Roxana, Urak, Amir, and Tishvandak are having a discussion regarding the approach in assaulting the Fortress for tomorrow. Lahun is sitting there at a distance from them as she looks at the Fortress and thinks of something. All the others are sleeping)

Roxana: So here's the plan for tomorrow. We'll split up, we don't have enough manpower to surround the Fortress. Urak, you will lead Kurush, Divashtich, and Spitamanah to the north side of the Fortress to get their attention. Amir, you will lead your son, Sagharak, and Zartosht with his Catapult in attempt to break their walls down on the opposite side of the structure. I will lead with Tishvandak, Rostam, and Shapur to go to the front door and see if we can break it open, if not, We'll figure out.

Amir: That seems a good enough plan.

Urak: Well, Roxana. Where did you learn such strategies?

Roxana: I've been doing some reading in my spare time before we left.

Tishvandak: What if Ot-tegin gets away again?

Roxana: We'll chase him to the ends of the earth. Don't care if he ends up in either the Roman Empire, or even the Tang Empire. He needs to be captured alive or dead.

Urak: Why don't we try a night attack?

Roxana: No, that would give Ot-tegin a much better chance to escape under the cover of darkness.

Tishvandak: We'll settle this matter against him tomorrow morning.

Amir: This time, we'll be wearing armor.

Roxana: Let's go to sleep, we'll want to get up very early in the morning, when they wake up. They'll be in for a surprise.

(Roxana's men are going to sleep as many others already have. Lahun gets up and goes to Roxana)

Lahun: Roxana. Can I stay up all night? I'll guard all of you.

Roxana: Sure, you have a Sword. If anyone comes, wake me up.

Lahun: I will. Good night, My Lady.

Roxana: Good night.

(Roxana goes to lay down at her sleeping spot next to one of the campfires, she places a few sticks onto the campfire to keep it lit. She looks up to the stars of the night sky as she thinks about Parvin, and soon afterwards she falls asleep)

(An hour later)

(Lahun is looking around and she sees that everyone is asleep)

(Lahun quietly walks around, and she goes to Shapur. Shapur is sleeping, Lahun slowly and quietly grabs his Crossbow, and the Crossbow Bolts. Lahun walks away from the Camp, and she is walking towards the Khwarezmian Fortress that is occupied by Ot-tegin and his men)

(Outside of the Fortress)

(Lahun, who despite the cold temperatures at night, she isn't really cold which is due to her fur-lined hat that she wears to keep warm. She is thinking about a way to get in as she intends to kill Ot-tegin)

(She loads the Bolt onto the Crossbow as she hears two men on horseback approaching, Lahun hides behind a tree)

(Lahun peeks out as she sees the two men which are likely Ot-tegin's men as they pass by as they do not see her. She aims the Crossbow which she probably knows how to use it based on observing how it works in the past)

(Lahun pulls the trigger which launches the Crossbow Bolt, the Bolt hits one of them at the back of the neck which he made a sound as the other man looks back and tells him if he is all right. Then, the man who was shot from behind by Lahun falls off of the horse and hits the ground. He is dead as the other man gets off of his horse to check on him which he looks around, Lahun is keeping herself hidden and moving towards the entrance of the Fortress)

(She knocks the door to the entrance, and then she hides. The door is opened as one of the Ot-tegin's men looks around and then sees the dead man on the ground as the other calls for help, he runs to him, and Lahun sneaks into the Fortress while the door is still open)

(Lahun quietly reloads the Crossbow as she sneaks around the courtyard without making too much noise as she searches for Ot-tegin)

(She looks at one of the Barracks through a window, but she soon realizes that there isn't four men that occupies the Fortress, but rather a dozen more as she sees more Bandits that are affiliated with Ot-tegin, a mix of Sogdian and Khwarezmian Bandits)

(Lahun steps away from it and she goes somewhere to hide because it's become apparent to her that Ot-tegin isn't here at this time, but he will be back. She hides inside a storage room upstairs, she goes behind one of the crates and she sits down on the corner and soon she will go to sleep in order to get ready for tomorrow which will be the day that Lahun will catch Ot-tegin when he is caught unaware)

(The Next Morning)

(Roxana and her Companions wakes up from their sleep as they want to be up as early as possible so Ot-tegin's men will be in for a surprise)

(Roxana looks around and she notices something that isn't right to her)

Roxana: Where's Lahun?

(Everyone else looks around, but they do not see her)

Spitamanah: Lahun!

(Roxana shushes him)

Roxana: We don't want to wake up Ot-tegin and his cohorts.

Sagharak: Do you think Lahun was abducted by them again?

Shapur: Hey, I have a better question. Where's my Crossbow?

Roxana: (Thinks quickly) I think Lahun went to the Fortress on her own last night during our sleep. And she took the Crossbow with her.

Zartosht: Is she insane? Taking them on all by herself? She's probably been captured or even dead by now.

Roxana: If she is killed, we'll avenge her.

Urak: Get your Armor on, men. We have no time for breakfast, we shall eat when this fight is over.

(Everybody gets up, they grab their Armor to put them all on which takes a while for them, and then they gather their weapons. Finally, they put on their Helmets as they are expecting an assault against the old Khwarezmian Fortress, currently occupied by Ot-tegin and his Band of Bandits of Sogdian and Khwarezmian origin)

(Soon after they assemble, Roxana who is now wearing her Armor as she grabs her Helmet, looks at her Companions)

Roxana: Remember what we planned yesterday, take your positions, surround much of the Fortress as we can. We'll try to either breach the old walls down, or break through the entrance so we can get in. Find Ot-tegin, he must be captured or killed. And find Lahun if she is even alive. I don't need to give out a heroic speech, we got to act fast. So, let's get going!

(They all get moving a little fast in order to rush it before Ot-tegin's men have a chance to strike first)

(Later on, Urak, Kurush, Divashtich, and Spitamanah are in position looking towards the north side of the Fortress. Amir, Sagharak, and Zartosht with his Catapult that he built are in their position looking towards the south side of the Fortress. Roxana, Tishvandak, Rostam, and Shapur are also in position looking towards the entrance of the Fortress)

(Roxana notices ahead of her is dried blood on the ground which she doesn't know that it was Lahun that took out one of Ot-tegin's men during last night)

Roxana: Remember, there's only the Bandit Leader, and his few remaining followers, this should be easy.

Tishvandak: If this turns into a battle, we need to finish it quick, otherwise, it may get the attention of Khwarezmian Army patrols that may attack us for mistaken identity.

Roxana: Now, all we have to is to..

(Roxana receives an arrow-shot in the face but she was saved by her Helmet's nose-guard, Roxana takes a step back after taking a hit while Tishvandak and Shapur brings out their Shields to protect themselves and Roxana while Rostam brings out his Bow and Arrow)

(Her other Companions saw this which they thought she's been hit, begins their attack)

(Zartosht pulls the lever to launch a boulder from the Catapult to hit the wall which wakes up most of the other Bandits inside)

(Zartosht shouts to Amir and Sagharak to help him reload quickly)

(Roxana regains her composure after being shot at by an Arrow from an Archer, she realizes that it was the nose-guard of her Helmet that saved her)

Roxana: Rostam, if you see that Archer who hit me, kill him please.

Rostam: As you command.

Roxana: Let's move forward before the others inside get up on the walls and look down at us, we need the others to keep them distracted for a while.

(Roxana, Tishvandak, Rostam, and Shapur moves forward, but with caution)

(North side)

(Urak shouts orders to tell Kurush, Divashtich, and Spitamanah to move forward with him. Spitamanah is carrying his own Bow which he has not used up until this point as that Bow was kept in his cargo on his Horse during the travels)

(One of the Archers on the wall sees them, Spitamanah quickly brings out an Arrow to place it on his Bow. He aims his Bow up to the wall and releases the Arrow and hits the Archer above which the Archer goes down and falls off the wall which he lands on the floor outside and then due to the imbalance, he falls down another part of the wall and hits the ground next to Urak and the others as they take cover by the wall)

Spitamanah: Hey, does anybody else know how to use a Bow? (Brings out another Arrow) The dead man is still holding on to his Bow, and the Quiver is still on him, the Arrows are still there.

Divashtich: I once hunted a Tiger with my Father, so I might still know how to use it.

Spitamanah: Pick it up then, I'll cover you.

(Spitamanah aims high up the wall while Divashtich picks up the Bow from the dead Bandit Archer, and picks up the Quiver which still has some Arrows in them)

Urak: Stay put, we have to keep their eye on us.

(South side)

(Zartosht pulls the lever to launch another boulder from the Catapult to hit the wall again, which the cracks of the wall is beginning to show)

Zartosht: Get me another one!

(Amir and Sagharak grabs another boulder to reload the Catapult)

(Two Bandit Archers appears on the wall and they begin to shoot at them)

(Zartosht grabs his Shield with both hands and raises it quickly before an Arrow hits him in the head, Amir and Sagharak raises their Shields to deflect incoming Arrows)

Amir: We need some support here!

(Rostam appears as he sprints to them, he gets down and then he brings out his Bow, places an Arrow onto his Bow, and shoots to attempt to hit one of them, which they both dodge an incoming Arrow)

Zartosht: Get behind my Shield!

(Rostam moves to go behind Zartosht, and then Amir and Sagharak gets together with Zartosht to form a Shieldwall. The two Archers releases another two Arrows which they are deflected by the Shields, then the Shields lower as Rostam stands up to release his Arrow which managed to kill one of them. But soon afterwards, it becomes a back and forth pattern with the last Archer and Rostam trying to hit each other, but neither could manage to get a hit with their Arrows)

(Entrance to the Fortress)

Roxana: Tishvandak, Shapur. Are you ready? Ot-tegin is inside, his men are being taken care of.

Shapur: I'm ready, I'm not afraid to fight the enemies of Light.

Roxana: Right, sometimes I forget you're Manichean. Tishvandak?

Tishvandak: I'm prepared.

(Roxana and Tishvandak unsheathes their Swords, while Shapur unsheathes his Mace)

Roxana: Let's get in there.

(Shapur opens the door as Roxana and Tishvandak comes in, they soon stopped moving because they see at least a dozen more Bandits of Sogdian and Khwarezmian origin which they turn to look at them)

Roxana: Uh-oh.

(The Bandits who are armed with melee weapons of various types begins to charge towards them)

(Roxana, Tishvandak, and Shapur backs away as Shapur closes the door)

Roxana: Urak! Get over here!

(Urak, Kurush, Divashtich, and Spitamanah goes to Roxana, Tishvandak, and Shapur)

Roxana: Form a line! They're going to open the door and charge at us. There's a lot in there.

(They form a battle line, Divashtich and Spitamanah are aiming at the door with their Bows)

Spitamanah: Stay calm kid, imagine that you're hunting a Tiger, but a host of Tigers.

Divashtich: That sounds encouraging.

Kurush: Any moment now.

(As they await for the door to open which they expect a melee fight out here, but instead, they hear noises behind the door)

Shapur: What are they doing?

(They listen to the sounds)

Urak: They are blocking the door, they weren't going to attack us. And they do not plan on escaping at the moment, they are willing to fight to the death perhaps.

Roxana: (Sighs) There's only one way in now, we got to breach the walls. Let's go to the others.

(Roxana and her Companions to reunite with Zartosht, Amir, Sagharak, and Rostam who is aiming up with his Bow)

Zartosht: Nice for you to join us, we've been kept busy by that one stubborn Archer.

Rostam: I took out one.

Spitamanah: I took one out as well, but apparently there's a lot more inside.

Amir: Is that so?

Roxana: Yes, myself, Tishvandak, and Shapur saw them with our own eyes. There's about at least ten more men in there.

Sagharak: And now, they expect us once we bring the walls down.

Roxana: Well, let's get to it then..

(Roxana gets hit with a gash across the left side of her face by the tip of an Arrow from the Archer that hit her. The men raise their Shields to cover themselves, Roxana steps back and stumbles upon the Catapult that is loaded with smaller rocks. Roxana pushes the lever with her right boot as she watches the Catapult wildly launches a ball of rocks towards the Archer that hit her, the rocks manage to hit the Archer and falls down to the floor of the courtyard of the Fortress. Roxana has a smirk on her face for a second before wincing in pain from the movement of the cut on her face)

Roxana: (Puts her left hand on her left cheek and she sees some blood on her hand from the cut on her face) Oh, my Father is not going to like it if he were to see me like this.

Tishvandak: Let me treat your wound.

(Roxana nods her head as Tishvandak takes a look at Roxana's cut)

Zartosht: Come on, help me load this big boulder, one more shot and the wall shall be breached.

(Zartosht, Amir, and Sagharak works together to reload the Catapult as Rostam, Divashtich, and Spitamanah aims their Bows up in case there's more Archers. The Catapult is loaded, Zartosht pulls the lever which the Catapult launches the boulder which hits the wall, and the wall begins to crumble down, creating a breach)

Roxana: The wall has been breached! Let's get going!

(Roxana and her Companions are heading inside the Fortress through the breached wall as they bring out their weapons)

(Inside the Fortress)

(Roxana and her Companions have entered the Fortress. Not long after that, a Band of Bandits are charging towards them. Most of the Companions get themselves involved in the melee fight with the Bandits. Rostam, Divashtich, and Spitamanah stayed back as they provide ranged support for them as they use their Bows)

(Kurush takes down one of the Bandits with his Shield, before he lands the finishing blow with his Sword, the downed Bandit who now lays half-dead, crumpled, on the ground)

Khwarezmian Bandit: (He grins) Kill me now, I shall join with my ancestors.

(Kurush kills him with a finishing blow without giving a second thought as the chaos of the fighting continues)

(Another Bandit thrusts at Tishvandak with a Spear, but Tishvandak manages to dodge the attack. It is now a perfect time for Tishvandak to strike, which he did by stabbing the Bandit in the chest with his Sword)

Tishvandak: Haha, take that!

(He finishes the Bandit off with his weapon, as Tishvandak felt that he got lucky)

(Shapur swings his Mace against the Bandits which sends him deeper into the fray, before he knows it, Shapur is surrounded. With a burst of energy, he roars loudly which causes a few of them to hesitate and one unfortunate Bandit staggers backwards which he trips over a dead body of his fellow comrade, Shapur notices that the Bandit dropped his Sword on the floor)

Shapur: (He picks up the Sword from the floor) I'll take that blade and send you back to The King of Darkness with it!

(Shapur finishes him off with a killing blow)

(Roxana looks around and he looks up on the wall, she sees Ot-tegin standing there as he is watching the battle in the Courtyard)

Roxana: Ot-tegin!!

(Roxana slashes two Bandits out of the way, and she is running towards the stairs which she'll go upstairs to meet with Ot-tegin as he brings out his Sword)

Urak: Roxana is going after Ot-tegin! Keep fighting, men! Don't let any of them break off and go after her!

(Roxana is up on the wall, and she is in front of Ot-tegin now)

Ot-tegin: What took you so long?

Roxana: It seems you made some new friends to keep us company, but now I'm here to bring you back to Bukhara, dead or alive.

Ot-tegin: We shall see.

(Roxana hefts her Sword ready to defend herself while Ot-tegin clutches his Sword firmly to hand)

Roxana: Only one of us is walking away from here today, and I intend it to be me.

(Ot-tegin cracks his neck, then starts raining blows against Roxana's guard, a marathon of powerful cleaves that almost breaks her with his relentless ferocity. Roxana takes a step back and puts her hand on her coin purse)

Roxana: Taste silver, swine!

(She throws the heavy purse filled with silver coins and hits Ot-tegin in the face with it which gives her a brief opening for a quick slash at him with her Sword. Ot-tegin lets out a roar as a battle cry as he charges at Roxana by whirling his Sword furiously at, around, and near her. Roxana parries, counters, and guarding against his every move. After all that, Ot-tegin steps back and he stays still waiting for Roxana's next move. She steps forward as she is about to slash him, Ot-tegin kicks Roxana in the shin which she feels some pain from that as she hobbles due to her hurt shin. Ot-tegin shoulder charges Roxana which he pushes her off of the wall and falls down towards the Courtyard which she lands and breaks through a wooden table with ceramic plates. After that landing, Roxana's left shoulder hurts)

(Ot-tegin runs off to the another part of the wall)

(Roxana grabs her left shoulder to feel how bad it hurts, one of the Bandits is about to land a finishing blow on Roxana, but the blade of his Sword gets broken by Rostam's Sword, and Rostam kills him. Roxana is surprised)

Rostam: Get back to the fight, My Lady. Your Ancestors are watching over you.

(Roxana gets up as she needs to go after Ot-tegin again as she feels that the fight is not over)

Sagharak: (He is defending himself against multiple Bandits) Help, they're everywhere!

(Spitamanah hears the Sagharak's call for help, and he goes to him)

Urak: What are you doing, get back here!

Spitamanah: Step aside, boy. I will handle this.

(Spitamanah charges into the fray against multiple Bandits. He raises his Sword, and he beheads one of the larger Bandits with one swing, a few of the other attackers stop, stunned, as he pushes Sagharak aside and he readies his blade for the others)

(A few of the Bandits steps towards Spitamanah, and he instantly churns into action. One of them drops, abdomen slashed opened by Spitamanah's blade. Another stumbles towards him nervously, Spitamanah smashes the hilt of his Sword into the second Bandit's head, and then he lunges his blade into the Bandit's chest. One more charges at him which he takes him down to the floor, but as the third Bandit dives down with his War Hammer in attempt to crush Spitamanah, but he rolls aside and slashes the third Bandit's arm off)

(The armless Bandit screams in agony, writhing on the floor. As Spitamanah stands back up, and he throws a fearsome gaze at the other attackers who now stand terrified at and look at each other in discomfort. Spitamanah places his boot on the armless screaming Bandit's chest, he holds him still whilst driving the end of his Sword through Bandit's neck. Spitamanah drags his Sword from the corpse, he twirls the weapon in his hand, and he steps towards the watching Bandits that remain, they scurry away in fear, which they will eventually get caught by the others of Roxana's Companions)

Sagharak: Spitamanah, I owe you my life.

(He stands up with a stunned look on his face due to the performance of Spitamanah, as he looks back at Sagharak)

Sagharak: I thank you.

(Spitamanah nods his head while maintain an intimidating look on his face)

(Ot-tegin continues to run)

(Ot-tegin enters a building within the Fortress and he closes the door and he locks the door in order to hide from Roxana and the others)

(Behind Ot-tegin, Lahun slowly comes up behind one of the crates and she aims with Shapur's Crossbow that is loaded with a Bolt and it's ready to shoot)

Lahun: I got you now, Ot-tegin!

(Ot-tegin turns around in surprise as he looks at Lahun who is aiming the Crossbow at him)

Lahun: You killed my Brother, I'm here to avenge him. This will end in two ways for you, either Surrender and you will be hanged in Bukhara, or if you choose to resist, you'll get this.

Ot-tegin: You're that little servant girl that I abducted, You don't have the guts to use that weapon at me.

(Ot-tegin steps forward, Lahun pulls the trigger of the Crossbow which shoots a Bolt which goes through his Armor and hits him in the chest and he hits himself against the wall. Lahun brings out her Chinese Jian Sword and stabs Ot-tegin in another part of his chest with it that goes through the Armor with ease)

Lahun: This is for my Brother, Bozan.

(Lahun steps back after she has killed Ot-tegin. The locked door breaks open which it's Roxana coming in with an injured left shoulder, and her Sword on her right hand, Lahun and Roxana looks at each other as they were about to fight but they realized who they are and they calm themselves down)

Roxana: Lahun. (She looks at Ot-tegin who is now dead) Did you kill him?

Lahun: Yes, I've avenged my Brother. Just like I promised.

Roxana: (Sighs) I would've preferred to capture him alive, but you had to defend yourself against him. So, you have every right to kill him. I hope you'll find relief, now that you have avenged your Brother.

(Lahun sheathes her Sword back into the Scabbard, Roxana does the same)

Roxana: Were you captured by them last night?

Lahun: No, I sneaked in. I wasn't harmed at all. I was hiding and waiting for the right time to strike against him.

Roxana: Sometimes, I wish you stop being as stubborn as I am. But what you did was rather smart, but risky.

Lahun: So, what are we going to do with Ot-tegin's body?

Roxana: Take him back to Bukhara as proof that we have stopped the Bandit Leader, and it's also to prove to the Nobles that I am a capable ruler who would be willing to travel far in order to take care a certain issue that is a threat to Bukhara's interests.

Lahun: Great. Does this mean that once we return to Bukhara, I'm going to be your Servant again?

Roxana: Actually, no. You're a free woman now. You can make your own choices now. In fact, you can choose to remain in my Palace as a Courtier if you wish to.

Lahun: Oh, thank you Roxana. You're kind.

(Lahun hugs Roxana)

Roxana: Hey, careful. My shoulder hurts, not to mention we're all hungry as we didn't have breakfast.

Lahun: Then let's celebrate with a great breakfast!

(Epilogue)

Xātūn Roxana and her Sarþangēt whom she calls her Companions have won a great victory over Ot-tegin and his Band of Bandits that occupied an abandoned Khwarezmian Fortress. They all have a hearty breakfast after the battle. The body of Ot-tegin is wrapped in a fabric that would prevent the foul smell of death from coming out as the body will be taken back to Bukhara. Roxana and her Companions then make haste on their return to Bukhara before the Khwarezmians find out what occurred here, the journey home took a couple of days as they traveled by horseback. Days later, on their return to Bukhara. They returned in triumph. Roxana now has real support from the people, the Merchant class, and the Nobility as they now view Roxana as a legitimate ruler of Bukhara as they now accept her, even though they are used to the Regency of her Father, Vishtasb. As Roxana and her Companions return to the Palace at Varakhsha, Roxana was embraced by her Family, and as well by her friend Sarah. Lahun chose to stay with Roxana as a Courtier, and soon befriended her. Spitamanah who is not of the Sarþangēt as he is a Mercenary hired by Lahun, returns to Paykand to remain a Sword for Hire despite that he was greatly rewarded by Roxana for his bravery in combat. And he would remind them that if he is needed, they'll know where to find him. Later that night, Roxana would then write another letter to Parvin on the recent events and deeds of her life. Roxana will only look forward to two things in her life, one is to wait for the return of her Best Friend, Parvin. And the other is whatever challenges that may come as the ruling Lady of Bukhara.