"Of course. It's just fun to see how much I can get the goat of someone like your sister who thinks she's open-minded." 

He takes a drink of his wine and leans in against the bar. "So what is going on that you need poor little old me?"

"Gnolls," Rana says. "Lots of them. They attacked us on the way in and we had a narrow escape. We simply thought that someone who had the ability to cast a few Fireballs would come in handy on our way up to Sothis."

She smiles. "And I know you can sling those with the best." 

"It's true, it's true. And how do you plan to pay me for this service?"

"In kind, primarily. We have money, of course, but I know that's not what you adventure for. I can promise you a fight worthy of your talents with little risk, a comfortable journey north to Sothis, and plenty of company on the way."

She wiggles her eyebrows.

Layla doesn't know how Rana manages to keep a straight face through such a blantant proposal, but then, she's not her.

She just sits at the bar and listens.

"You think that's enough, huh?" 

He tilts his head. "Yeah, maybe it is. If you're speaking for your sister, that is."

He's based his willingness to do this on being able to screw her, hasn't he? 

"Yes," she says. "Rana speaks for me." 

That... can be dealt with later. She'll take the chance. It is a very good deal.

"Then I'll do it for free. Payment in kind and keep only. There are some things you just can't buy, you know?" 

He rolls his shoulder. "I'll get my things together. When are you leaving for Sothis?"

"Thank you, Baqir." Rana raises her glass. "A toast to our new venture." 

"Yeah, sure, whatever." Baqir clinks his glass against Rana's. 

"Let's get this done."

This one is definitely going to be trouble. Hopefully not more trouble than he's worth. 

Still, the graceful thing is to nod. "Let's get this done."

Rana tosses back her glass of wine and stands. "We'll be leaving day after tomorrow, Baqir. We'll call on you when we're ready to depart."

"Finally, an answer to my question. Alright. See you then."

Rana gets up, and with a small glance sideways at Layla, sweeps from the inn.

And she'll follow. 

She's not sure she likes this deal, but it's the best shot they've got. 

And time rolls on. 

Layla and Rana take a brief lesson together at the Great Library to try and train their newfound sorcerer abilities, but it proves less than helpful. Their wild talents don't fit into the regimented program of study, and in any case they only have a day in the city to train and many preparations to make for leaving. The one-hour lesson is enough for both of them to successfully cast Prestidigitation from the instructor's model, but that's all they have to show for it.

It's going to be a long journey - almost a month long, though there will be a few small towns along the way. They'll be traveling mostly in the Sphinx Basin, after all. The midpoint waystop is the small town of Kalit, which keeps the oral history of many travelers back and forth between the grander cities. The larger town of Djefet used to be the main waystop, but its people are now afflicted by a wasting curse: no wise traveler rests there anymore.

Layla and Rana prepare as best they can. They buy a cargo of papyrus to bring upriver to Sothis, and lay in feed for the camels and for the travelers themselves. Lost gear is replaced: worn gear is mended. Given that Baqir is essentially working for free, they should be able to make a tidy profit on this leg of the journey as well. 

Of course, all this assumes that they don't end up deeply regretting spending thirty-odd days mostly out in trackless desert with Baqir as their primary bodyguard.

It's a serious risk, but it's the one they've chosen. She's just got to hope that Rana knows what she's doing.

The morning of their departure comes.

Baqir is right on time, still in his heavy fur coat. He's got an ornamental rapier by his side and sparkling jewels in his ears. 

His gaze sweeps the camp. 

Fayruz is making final preparations with Hayat: her hands hold a camel still as Hayat loads it.

She gives Baqir a cool look. She knows his type.

Batul stands guard, ready to leap to the defense of the caravan if need be. 

She's always been an early riser. It's part of her Way.

She assesses Baqir in turn. His reputation precedes him.

Fahim simply nods to Baqir as he resettles a load on one of the other camels. He's here on duty for the job they paid for; that's all that needs to be said.

When Baqir comes into view, Layla's ready. She's already told Yasmin and Munir to stay out of sight further down the column. Zamir keeps his own company anyway, so he's not a factor. She just needs to maneuver this brash man so he sticks to his duty and causes no further trouble for her. 

"Baqir." Her tone is cordial. "Welcome to the caravan."

"Layla! It's good to see you. And I see you've brought out a few fine specimens for me to peruse as well. Very good of you." He nods to Batul, Fayruz and Hayat each in turn. "You'll want me at the head of the column, I assume?"

He stretches his arms out, then interweaves his hands behind his head. "Much as I'd like to look at these fine ladies all day, I do have a job to do."

"Yes. You'll be wanted by my right hand at the head of the column. The first into any danger, and the last out. I know you prefer it that way." 

And if this too-pretty man dies of a gnoll attack, she will perhaps not mourn him overlong.

"Lead on, then, fearless leader." He winks with his good eye. "And Rana will be joining us there, and Naila?"