Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

A humble scholar such as myself has little cause to visit the magnificent court of the Sultan, but the tales of the grandeur, glamour and vicious politics of the court of Al Shir-Ma are legendary. Here I present you with the merest glimpse into the great personalities and practices of the court.

The Court

The Sultan of Al Shir-Ma is a lucky man. His fortune, as the town’s, has been great. His wife, the wise and graceful Zafirha has born to him two children, each endowed with the very best of their parents, Prince Kasim Akhir is a strong and courageous leader, while Princess Mumtaz bint Gahzi is well loved by the people of the town.

The court of Al Shir-Ma is a busy and bustling place. The wise Vizier Riyadh bin Sohail assists with the running of the court while Akhmad Al-Zubana, a brave and powerful warrior, commands the palace guard. The princess is usually attended by her handmaidens, while other courtiers, slaves and petitioners throng the audience chamber, all eager for some small attention or the blessing of the Sultan himself. Even the Grand Caliph himself has been reported to speak admiringly of the open and just court of Al Shir-Ma.